Patience is the most valuable trait of the endgame player.

Patience is the most valuable trait of the endgame player.

Errors have nothing to do with luck; they are caused by time pressure, discomfort or unfamiliarilty with a position, distractions, feelings of intimidation, nervous tension, overambition, excessive caution, and dozens of other psychological factors.

Typically, in the last round of open tournaments the level of play is markedly lower, the number of blunders higher.

According to such great attacking players as Bronstein and Tal, most combinations are inspired by the player's memories of earlier games.

When you defend, try not to worry or become upset. Keep your cool and trust your position - it's all you've got.

There is nothing wrong with trying to exploit the natural human tendency to become impatient when forced to play a boring position.