A graduate of Stuyvesant High School in New York, Loren Weiss has dedicated considerable time to improving his chess strategy. Last year, the United States Chess Federation ranked Loren Weiss 26th in the nation for his age group (18). Below, he has outlined some of the most helpful tips for chess players.

2. A graduate of Stuyvesant High School in
New York, Loren Weiss has dedicated
considerable time to improving his chess
strategy. Last year, the United States
Chess Federation ranked Loren Weiss
26th in the nation for his age group (18).
Below, he has outlined some of the most
helpful tips for chess players.

3. 1. Create a plan and stick to it. When you constantly change
your attack strategy, your opponent will have an easy time
defending his or her pieces. Instead, follow a plan and let your
pieces work together to accomplish it.
2. Analyze your opponent’s moves and attempt to decipher the
general strategy. When you understand your opponent’s plan,
you can make preemptive moves to protect your own pieces
and exploit potential weaknesses.
3. Attempt to control the center of the board. Pieces located in
the center have more options for movement and the player
who controls the center can more easily launch an assault on his
or her opponent.
4. Never let your guard down. Even if you think that you have the
winning strategy, refrain from relaxing and giving your opponent
the opportunity to turn the tables. Always think defensively.