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BJJ techniques: moves vs. principles?
I always thought about jiu-jitsu as a bunch of the moves, kind of in chess game.
But today after rolling with somebody (higher belt) I have high respect for, for first time I have heard concept of principles in jiu-jitsu and ever since then can not stop thinking about it. He showed me same move in 5 different variations (and I can tell he came up with at least 3 of them right on the spot). He said that: "It does not meter where move is as long as principals are same it will work". I nodded, but after rewinding it, I realized how eye opening that is and how applying it can open so many opportunities. Anybody heard of it?
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Ah the principles 
Where to start? Jiu-jitsu is on very basic level simple, different moves are just practical application of few main principles. Principles are way chess figures can move, and what is value of each figure. Think of it this way.
1. Hyperextension of the joints = bar/lock
Every "bar" or "lock" is just hyper extension of your joints. Joints are made to bend in certain way and only so far, bend them beyond point they are designed to bend and you will have submission. Also make sure you isolate twisting movement (say armbar - by grabbing finger), as that prevents most common escape wiggling out and you will have checkmate
2. Stop blood to brain by applying pressure to neck arterias = choke
Regardless of the way you manage to do this, you will stop blood that carries oxigene to the brain, which will in turn make person pass out (if they don't tap). People (especially white belts) sometimes work front of the neck (adam apple) in say guillotine - I suppose this can work for somebody and person might submit out of pain (or fear), but he will not pass out. Make sure you are applying pressure to both arterias at once and you will checkmate
3. Strength - bigger is stronger then smaller, two is stronger then one
Arm is stronger then fingers grip, 2 arms are stronger then one arm. Leg is stronger then arm, two legs are stronger then one. Body is stronger then everything else. Two guys of your size will often kick your ass
Arms and legs close to body are stronger then those that are extended.
How this apply to practical jiu-jitsu? Say you have armbar and guy grabs his arm. You can fight him with two arms and get all out of balance or you can grep your gi (or behind neck no-gi), bring your arm close to body and pull with your whole body. - checkmate
4. Balance - everybody is always out of the balance, they just need little help
To explain this imagine that you can freeze any fight and have unlimited time to find angle in which you can push guy where he is not covered, I bet you would find one. But what if he posts arm or leg in that direction? But what if you make sure that leg or arm is not available at the time your push? You mention chess, so you have heard phrase "thinking 3 steps ahead" - this is exactly what you need to do here.
1. Find directions in which he is not balanced against
2. Figure out what he can do to counter it
3. Prevent that before he even tries
4. Push - checkmate
There is more, but that should get you going.
etc. etc.
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