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.

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

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

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

Patience is the most valuable trait of the endgame player.

Patience is the most valuable trait of the endgame player. In the endgame, the most common errors, besides those resulting from ignorance of theory, are caused by either impatience, complacency, exhaustion, or all of the above.

Agreeing to draws in the middlegame, equal or otherwise, deprives you of the opportunity to practice playing endgames, and the endgame is probably where you need the most practice.