CALCULATING MULTIPLE MOVES
Chess is a beautiful game that teaches us valuable qualities.
Today, I want to share my experience with one of the aspects: Calculation.
When I first discovered chess, this proved to be a difficult hurdle for me. Calculating multiple moves ahead just felt impossible. Mistake after mistake, blunder after blunder, it seemed like I just couldn't get it right.
One day, I had the opportunity to play against a skilled chess player. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't defeat him in any of the games we played.
I still remember a game I lost very quickly. it looked like this.
(This is called the Fool's Mate, and I definitely felt like one)
Game after game, I struggled to secure a victory against him. Impressed by his remarkable abilities, I mustered up the courage to ask, "How do you calculate so many moves ahead?"
"Everyone can do it; they just don't realise when they're doing it," he replied.
"I never calculate ahead," I said, "just one thing at a time." These words triggered uncontrollable laughter from him. Hearing the laughter, his friend approached us to inquire about the amusement. "He can only calculate one thing at a time!" the chess player exclaimed, pointing at me. They both burst into laughter. I patiently waited for them to regain their composure, then asked if he could explain why this was so funny.
(Please note GM Garry Kasparov was not my opponent!)
He explained that we all plan and calculate multiple moves ahead naturally on a day-to-day basis. For example, when you cross a road, the plan is to get across safely. We need to calculate the timing and distance of oncoming vehicles, consider the traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and other factors. Chess is similar; it's just strategic thinking, planning, and calculating potential outcomes.
I nodded, understanding this logical explanation. How come I never thought of this before!
"How do I get better at doing it?" I asked.
"For me, it was chess puzzles and experience. The puzzles help with seeing the patterns, and experience helped with calculating deeper," he said, grinning. "But I'm not sure about you, as you can only think of one thing at a time!"
PUZZLES
Here are a few checkmate puzzles.
Take your time to calculate the checkmate. The trick to this exercise is to calculate the checkmate before you play it. Don't move the piece until you feel you have the correct answer. This will help you to improve your calculation skills. Good luck!
Scroll to the bottom for hint.
Puzzle 1
Hint: All the puzzles are all checkmate in 3
