PRINCIPLE
In order to select the decisive movement in a given situation it is necessary first to determine both the object and the objective, not merely of the required movement, but also of that series of movements, which collectively constitute the projected line of movement; together with the object and the objective of every movement contained therein.
The mathematician readily will perceive, and the student doubtless will permit himself to be informed, that:
Before the true object and the true objective of any movement can be determined it first is necessary to deduce the common object of all movement.
As is well known, the combined movements of the Chess-pieces over the surface of the Chess-board during a game at Chess are infinite.
These calculations are so complex that human perception accurately can forecast ultimate and even immediate results only in comparatively few and simple situations. Such calculable outcomes are limited to the earlier stages of the opening, to the concluding phases of a game; and to situations in the mid-game wherein the presence of but few adverse pieces minimizes the volume of effort possible to the opponent.
Consequently, it is self-evident, that:
PRINCIPLE
Situations on the Chess-board require for their demonstration a degree of skill which decreases as the hostile power of resistance decreases.