Result connectors (así que, por lo tanto)

Stating consequences: así que, por lo tanto

In any strategic game, every move has a consequence. When you want to state a result or draw a logical conclusion in Spanish, you can use consecutive connectors like así que (so) and por lo tanto (therefore).

Así que is incredibly common in everyday conversation. It connects a situation directly to its result, just like "so" in English.

The opponent threw the die, so it is your turn.
El oponente tiró el dado, así que es tu turno.
The game is complicated, so we would have to think carefully about the move.
El juego es complicado, así que tendríamos que pensar bien la jugada.

Por lo tanto translates to "therefore" or "consequently." It is slightly more formal than así que and is perfect for emphasizing a logical deduction or a direct consequence of a specific strategy.

Pieces are missing on the board, therefore we cannot start.
Faltan fichas en el tablero, por lo tanto, no podemos empezar.
I would not risk my piece, therefore I would have an advantage.
Yo no arriesgaría mi ficha, por lo tanto, tendría una ventaja.

Notice in writing that while así que usually just follows a single comma, por lo tanto is frequently framed by commas on both sides when it links two parts of a sentence.

You are very clever, therefore you could win on this board.
Eres muy astuto, por lo tanto, podrías ganar en este tablero.