The Theory of Steinitz

1. At the beginning of the game the forces stand in

equilibrium.
2. Correct play on both sides maintains this equilibrium and
leads to a drawn game.
3. Therefore a player can win only as a consequence of an
error made by the opponent. (There is no such thing as a
winning move.)
4. As long as the equilibrium is maintained, an attack, however
skilful, cannot succeed against correct defence. Such a
defence will eventually necessitate the withdrawal and
regrouping of the attacking pieces and te attacker will then
inevitably suffer disadvantage.
5. Therefore a player should not attack until he already has an
advantage, caused by the opponent's error, that justifies the
decision to attack.
6. At the beginning of the game a player should not at once
seek to attack. Instead, a player should seek to disturb the
equilibrium in his favour by inducing the opponent to make
an error - a preliminary before attacking.
7. When a sufficient advantage has been obtained, a player
must attack or the advantage will be dissipated."