For example if one has a passed pawn, there may be a tactical combination to forcefully queen it. If the opponents king safety is suspect, there may be a combination to checkmate. Tactical ability and the ability to spot combinations thus helps to convert positional advantages into more concrete gains. Tactical awareness in implementing positional plans Even strongly positional players should be aware of the tactical resources hidden in the position. Even if combinations are not played, it is very important to have tactical awareness when trying to carry out positional plans.
Positional plans can fail tactically even though their concept is very good.
If they improved their tactical awareness and still sticking to their fundamental plans, they would be even more effective players. They would not Fall for silly tactical traps set by their opponent. Beat around the bush excessively with positional play- when there is a clean kill tactically they can play that instead. It is not enough to judge positions based on how good they look, and superficial judgements. Tactical variations provide reassuring evidence for one side being better or worse.