I like the analogy, but wouldn't you say the middle game is the 30-day trial already (the hardest part of the game). Once you near the end of the 30-day trial you have a fairly good idea if you are going to make it. If not, your opponent might still be too strong for you. Your opponent being the habit to beat of course. Once you are through the trial and you do not fall back into the habit, there is your check mate.
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