Develop your pieces quickly
Control the center
Move your king to safety
Bring your queen and rooks into play
Look for checks, captures, and threats
Coordinate your pieces against the enemy king
Open lines toward the king
Restrict the opponent’s king and defenders
Use tactical motifs like forks, pins, and skewers
Deliver a check that cannot be blocked, captured, or escaped
Support the mating piece with another piece
Force the king into a corner or edge
Watch for back-rank weaknesses
Avoid leaving your own king exposed