Learning to Learn: Some Helpful Tools

My procrastination and lack of self discipline is requiring inspirational motivation to overcome this rut.  It's easy to play lots of speed chess and put aside sessions of fundamental learning.  In order to reach my goals, learning to learn has become crucial.  The inspirational motivation is emanating through the discovery of specific tools, and from my own evolving concepts in building a personal regiment/system. 

Note: Money is also a noteworthy factor.  If I spend any, I want a lot of bang for the buck.

Tool #1: SCID Database

If you can't afford Chessbase, or if you have an incompatible computer (Mac), then SCID is a fantastic resource!  It is incredibly powerful, and totally free.  Essential are adding 2 million + free games with Kingbase, and the newly crowned chess engine champion, Stockfish 9 (also free).

Additionally, I have created a comprehensive database, which includes all of my personal games from the many platforms I've used over the years, and all of my retrievable over the board games.  Then there is a separate file, which is 100% specific to all of my over the board games.  After I come home with a fresh score sheet, I enter the moves, fill out the game details and add it to My OTB file.  I then copy the pgn, and head on over to Lichess.org. 

Tool #2: LiChess 

With my account on Lichess, I can import a game (paste in the pgn), add computer analysis and select the "Learn from your mistakes button".  The machine tells me the incorrect move played, and then prompts me to find the better move.  Once I get the correct answer, I can look up to the top to see the evaluation and continuation(s).  This process can be done for both sides.

The exercise is extremely helpful in seeking out key moments in the game.  When I unearth those gem moments, I like to categorize them singularly as a problem of the Opening, Tactics, Strategy, Mates or Endgame.  I then do a screen grab of the position and make a flashcard!

Tool #3 Spaced Repetition: Anki Flashcards

Here is a great video about learning through spaced repetition with flashcards. I initially got the idea of chess flashcards from Stacia Pugh's blog, and from her insightful interview on the Perpetual Chess Podcast.  Since I am primarily a Mac user (like Stacia), I incorporate "Stickies" to denote White/Black to move, grab the screenshot, name the file appropriately, put it in the correct folder, and write down the answer I'm prompting for in a text file.  In Anki I have created Flashcard Decks based on Openings, Tactics, Strategies, Mates and Endgames.  To add a new flashcard into the appropriate Anki deck, I drag my screenshot to the Frontside, and then copy/paste the text answer onto the Backside.

Front Card Example from my Mates Deck in Anki

Back Card Example from my Mates Deck in Anki

If I get the wrong answer, I simply select "Again", and the card will reappear within 10 minutes of the current session.

Tool #4: Online Resources

Here I will merely give brief mentions for you to explore further:

Chess.com - Tactics, Drills, Lessons, Videos, Analysis...

Lichess.org - Analysis, Studies, Tactics, Basics

Chessbase - Opening Database

Chess Tempo - Opening Database

Chessable - Spaced Repetition Learning! Some courses are free.

ELO Meter - A difficult test that is very insightful.

* I'm starting to use Mac's new screen grab software (Shift/Command-5) in order to video record certain online sessions for later review.  These also provide excellent fodder for new Anki flashcards!

Tool #5: Chess Books

Being a slow reader has perpetually zapped my motivation to harness this essential resource.  The one book I truly devoured in the 1990's was Best Lessons of a Chess Coach by Sunil Weeramantry, which is still recognizable in my playing style today.  As a new incentive, I recently procured a tablet in order to start reading next to my physical chess board.

Not only should I make flashcards from book ideas, but create databases of key illustrative games.

In Conclusion

This is an evolving personal journey, which ultimately seeks to reach a better understanding of the multiple facets in chess.  In turn, the knowledge gained will hopefully be reflected in my rating point goals. 

Please feel free to share your own processes and ideas in the comments below.  And thanks for reading!