Cure for Blunderitis?

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24th January 2009, 11:58am
#1
by merepawn40
Boston, MA United States
Member Since: Dec 2008
Member Points: 115

Any cure for not committing blunders during a game? Seems like the main reason I loose, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

24th January 2009, 12:05pm
#2
by shootfilm
Atlanta, Chicago, New York City United States
Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 302

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.

24th January 2009, 12:20pm
#3
by merepawn40
Boston, MA United States
Member Since: Dec 2008
Member Points: 115

Thanks. I think you're right about lack concentration. I'll give that a try.

24th January 2009, 12:25pm
#4
by goldendog
beertopia United States
Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 2373

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.

24th January 2009, 12:28pm
#5
by Ray_Brooks
Heart of Darkness England
Member Since: Aug 2007
Member Points: 2166

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

24th January 2009, 01:04pm
#6
by merepawn40
Boston, MA United States
Member Since: Dec 2008
Member Points: 115

Excellent advice. Thanks.

 

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