One of the frequent questions/comments that I get from readers is on the subject of "defensive tactics".

   For example one reader, Anthony, recently wrote:

   "what do you recommend for learning not to have tactics being done to your position?  Ie. learning tactics from a defensive perspective.  Do you have any material on this?  I have Dan Heisman’s book Is it Safe? but I was just wanting to know if you had anything on this as well so I don’t have someone implementing tactics on me."


   Here was my response:

   I think that "defensive tactics" and "offensive tactics" are really two sides of the same coin.  Chess isn't like baseball or football where one side is on offense and the other is on defense.  You have to be aware of both at all time.  Tactical shots that you have, and your opponent has.  So it is really a matter of being able to see both sides of the board.

   The problem with "defensive problems" is that there are often many ways to stop a threat.  Like if the game goes 1. g4 e5 - as long as white does not play 2. f3?? allowing 2...Qh4# they are ok.  But you have to see that f3 would be a huge blunder, allowing mate in one.  You would have to make the problem "White to play and not allow mate in one", which is kind of awkward.  It is easier to show the position for black after 1. g4 e5 2. f3 with black to play and win.  Then you learn the pattern that way.

   I haven't seen "Is it Safe", but I know Dan Heisman has written some columns on this subject in the past.  I really love his work, and I think he really "gets it" for class players. 

   You also want to get in the habit of asking yourself questions like "what is my opponent threatening", or "if it was my opponent's turn right now, what would be his best move".  

   I think the main thing is to try and learn as many patterns as you can, and then repeat them until the point where you are not making any gross tactical blunders in your game (1 to 2 move tactics).  If you can do this, you can probably get to the 1600 level pretty quick.  Don't be afraid to work on tactics that are "too easy".  It is like multiplication tables and simple math problems - you want to be able to just know the answer, not have to calculate it.

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