What I learnt from my mistake log

One hundred days of Adult Chess Improvement #43

Attached below is the last version of my mistake log. The data was compiled almost exclusively from tactical puzzles that I (try to) solve. Obviously I need to translate this experience into the more critical area of actual games. But first I will need to start playing more!

The divisions and how I attributed my errors are, of course, arbitrary. Another set of criteria would lead to completely different conclusions. However, the underlying purpose of the exercise is to identify a small, manageable subset of things to actively look out for in games and improve/correct in training.

First a few observations on the distribution across broad categories:

Chess based errors:

Knowledge 3

Skill 6

Mind related errors:

Thinking 20

Psychology 9

It seems clear to me that my mistakes are generally due to how I am thinking rather than what I know. I am not suggesting that I do not need to learn more. That would be ridiculous. However, I believe that I can make significant improvements in my performance if I correct certain systemic errors in how I think. A closer examination of the specific errors also suggests that these are as likely to limit my performance in real games as in the artificial world of puzzle-solving.

The most frequent sources of errors were:

• I miscalculated a pawn ending 6
• I didn't calculate through to the end 6
• I didn't consider all the attacking options - fixated on one tactical idea 6
• I played a move too quickly without checking all available replies  8

So, I need to study pawn endings and work on my calculation. I also need to develop thinking protocols. Force myself to rigidly consider all options until this becomes a habit. Dare I say it...sit on my hands (it is wonderful to be 10 years old again)!

On balance the exercise was a success, but it will be pointless if I don't act on it.

In the next post I am going to elaborate on what this means in practical terms. 

The updated mistakes log:

A Chess Mistakes

A1 Knowledge 

I missed a clever quiet move at the end of a forcing line**

I missed the point of the puzzle*

A2 Skill  

Miscalculated a pawn ending ******

B Mental Errors

B1 Thinking 

I treated a capture as if it were a forced move *

I didn't calculate through to the end ******

Difficulty in visualising a position during analysis**

I didn't consider all the attacking options - fixated on one tactical idea******

I didn't determine all the candidate moves *

I didn't look for my opponent's threat

I didn't consider all the defensive responses - I missed interposing a piece***

I didn't consider all the defensive responses - I didn't analyse all escape squares*

B2 Psychology 

I played a move too quickly without checking all available replies ********

I got carried away with my "solution" *