100 Chess Habits: GM vs Club Player

1. GMs always check for opponent checks, captures, and threats before moving, the "CCT scan."
2. They generate at least three candidate moves in critical positions.
3. They calculate forcing lines to completion, never stopping in the middle.
4. They ask "What does my opponent want to do?" before executing their own plan (prophylaxis).
5. They evaluate positions structurally, not just materially.

1. GMs think about the endgame during the middlegame.
2. They never assume a move is "obviously good", they verify it.
3. They invest time proportionally: routine moves get 30 seconds, critical positions get 10 minutes.
4. They consider the opponent's strongest reply, not their weakest.
5. They actively look for moves they would normally reject ("ugly moves").

11-15. They evaluate pawn structures as strategic blueprints. They assign functions to pieces. They plan ahead 3-5 moves. They re-evaluate after every opponent move. They compare positions to known patterns.

16-25. They use concrete calculation in tactical positions and pattern recognition in quiet ones. They avoid "hope chess." They maintain objectivity about their own position. They recognize critical moments. They adapt plans to the position, not force a predetermined plan.

1. GMs solve puzzles daily, but for deep understanding, not speed.
2. They review every game with an engine, and write down what they learned.
3. They study master games for pattern absorption.
4. They focus training on their weakest area, not their strongest.
5. They maintain a chess diary tracking recurring mistakes.

31-40. They study endgames as seriously as openings. They read chess books (not just watch videos). They train visualization deliberately. They practice with a training partner. They play slow games for learning and fast games for fun, never confusing the two.

41-50. They build an opening repertoire with understanding, not memorisation (repertoire guide). They study pawn structures independently of specific openings. They set specific training goals. They track their puzzle accuracy over time. They rest after two losses (anti-tilt rule).

1. GMs manage their clock deliberately (time management).
2. They maintain physical fitness for cognitive endurance.
3. They prepare specifically for their opponent's repertoire.
4. They never play "autopilot" moves.
5. They create open files and diagonals for their pieces.

56-65. They exploit outposts. They maintain piece coordination. They avoid unnecessary pawn moves in the opening. They castle early. They connect rooks. They fight for the initiative. They simplify when winning. They complicate when losing.

66-75. They know when to trade pieces and when to avoid trades. They create two weaknesses, not one (principle of two weaknesses). They activate the king in the endgame. They push passed pawns. They use rooks actively in rook endgames.

1. GMs view losses as data, not personal failure.
2. They maintain focus for 4+ hours.
3. They don't celebrate too early when winning.
4. They stay fighting when losing.
5. They control their emotional response to blunders.

81-90. They trust their preparation. They avoid comparing themselves to others. They enjoy the process. They set realistic goals. They study their own games more than other people's games. They avoid excuses. They seek critical feedback. They play in tournaments regularly. They warm up before important games. They sleep well before competitions.

91-100. They maintain a growth mindset. They learn from every opponent, including weaker ones. They respect time controls. They practice mental visualization. They treat chess as a long-term investment, not a short-term gamble. They read broadly, not just chess, but psychology, decision theory, and cognitive science. They teach others (teaching reinforces understanding). They stay curious. They ask "why?" constantly. They never stop learning.