Rooks to open files
Any phase · tier 3
A rook does nothing behind a pawn. Put it where the file is clear.
In the next game: When a file opens, ask which rook can get there — it is usually worth a move.
Scorecard habit
Piece activity: give every piece a job
On your Scorecard this row is called Give every piece a job — rooks to open files, knights to outposts. It grades 2 principles, each on the positions where it actually applied, and reads as tests passed out of tests taken.
Why accuracy misses this
Accuracy is one number: how often you matched the engine. It cannot tell you the pattern behind the misses. This row names the habit — Give every piece a job — and only counts a miss when Stockfish’s own line shows the principled move was better.
The principles
Knight to an outpost
Any phase · tier 4
A knight on a square no pawn can attack is worth more than a bishop.
In the next game: Look for a square in their half that your pawn defends and none of their pawns can reach.
Frequently asked questions
A rook does nothing behind a pawn. Put it where the file is clear. When a file opens, ask which rook can get there — it is usually worth a move.
A knight on a square no pawn can attack is worth more than a bishop. Look for a square in their half that your pawn defends and none of their pawns can reach.
The board defines the opportunity — a position where the principle applies — and Stockfish is the referee: a miss is counted only when the engine’s own line at that move embodies the principle, so the row never blames you for a rule the position did not ask for. The row reads as tests passed out of tests taken.
See how your own games score on this habit — every analyzed game ends with its Scorecard, free, no account.
Analyze your games freeThe other habits
Is it safe?
before you let go of a piece
Checks, captures, threats
theirs and yours, every move
Develop and castle
a new piece every move, king safe by 10
Know your line
stay in theory; punish when they leave
Trade with a purpose
swap when ahead; don’t wake their pieces
March the king, push the passer
in the endgame