Any cure for not committing blunders during a game? Seems like the main reason I loose, so any advice is greatly appreciated.
It sounds like you may have a concentration issue. Most blunders are caused by simply not paying attention. It happens to players of all levels, even Grandmasters.
What I personally do to achieve better concentration is game drills. I practice analyzing lines with many variations. I try to steer away from the 1-2 move puzzles because they make me move quick without deep considerations.
Thanks. I think you're right about lack concentration. I'll give that a try.
Before you move you must check to see if you left anything hanging, and check for little 2-movers as well. It's a mechanical exercise that will keep the level of your game up.
Blumenfeld's rule:
"It often happens that a player carries out a deep and complicated calculation, but fails to spot something elementary right at the first move. In order to avoid such gross blunders, the Soviet master B. Blumenfeld made this recommendation:-When you have finished your calculations, write down the move you have decided upon on the score sheet. Then examine the position for a short time 'through the eyes of a patzer'. Ask whether you have left a mate in one on, or left a piece or a pawn to be taken. Only when you have convinced yourself that there is no immediate catastrophe for you should you make the planned move."
-- KOTOV
Excellent advice. Thanks.
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