Make the Enemy Work While You Wait at Leisure -- when you are in a weak position, delay the confrontation.

Watch the Fire Burning Across the River -- Exercise patience and allow favorable events to progress.

The Plum Tree Sacrifices for the Peach Tree -- this is an ancient stress tactic. Sacrifice a piece for the greater good of your game.

Walk the Sheep Home Just Because It Is There -- take advantage of all opportunities to gain an advantage.

Trade Your Brick for a Piece of Jade -- if you want to trade pieces to your advantage, convince your opponent your brick is worth more than their piece of jade.

Pretend to Be a Pig to Eat the Tiger -- make your enemy believe you are weak so they will attack and fall into your trap.

Be Wise But Play the Fool -- make your enemy underestimate you.

Provoke Strong Emotion -- upsetting or angering your opponent can encourage them to make mistakes. You must learn to remain calm so that you don't fall into this trap.

The Empty City -- when you are in a weak position, emphasize your vulnerability, to confuse your opponent.

Chain Links -- this simply refers to using a chain of interlinked strategies to attain your goal.

Of course, real chess masters apply tactics against their enemies away from as well as on the chess board. Boris Spassky was reportedly a master at keeping a poker face during games, so that his opponents didn't know whether he was feeling good or bad about his moves, his position or his plans. However, Bobby Fischer made so many demands during their famous tournament that he was able to Provoke Strong Emotion.

<< Previous    1  [2]  3    Next >>