How to make a time-efficient thinking system? It is said that given enough time even an average player can play the "best" move in any given position.

Thus the real question in chess is that of time control. It has been argued by several chess tutors/authors (e.g Dan Heisman) that differences in a player's "thinking system" is what differentiates a patzer from a master. Because both players have the same amount of time in which to make moves, the one with superior time management (which, in this sense, is used to mean "how long it takes to make a good move/the best move") will win. 

If we give the patzer unlimited time, but the master normal time controls, in theory the patzer should win (or at the very least draw).  

So, how does one create an algorithm (aka a thinking system) that allows the player to make good moves (but not necessarily the "best" moves, since that would be impossible) while still being time-conscious? How do the masters do it?

Things to consider:

How would such a system operate?

Would it be hierarchical or web-like?

Would it consider each position a separate case with its own algorithm or be totally universal?

How much should memory (of openings and games) be involved?
There is some truth in what you say, time management obviously plays a role. I often feel that I can compete with IMs if I have twice the time. (Incidentally in my last game against an IM this theory was put to the test, he spent half of his time smoking and I managed to win the game).

But, if the difference in playing strength between you and your opponent is too big, no amount of thinking time will help you overcome it. Chess is first and foremost a game of understanding and intuition. If you haven't acquired this understanding before the game, no amount of thinking will lead you to conclusions that might just be obvious for a GM.

In that sense playing a game of chess is similar to writing a poem. Say, you and Shakespeare have a sonnet competition going on. He will have ten minutes, you will get ten hours. No amount of thinking will give you his vocabulary and feel for the english language.

There are super GMs who have an atrocious time management (Grischuk comes to mind). So it isn't a factor that totally cripples your chess strength. But, to finally come up with some actual advice:


Be confident.
Avoid perfectionism.


Everything else is experience and common sense. There is no mechanical "algorithm" that is applicable for a human being.
Recommended reading: The seven deadly chess sins, by Jonathan Rowson.