Lesson No 1 : How to Study Chess (high level)

Like Algebra , Geometry and Athletics there is no way  to get better at whatever without consistent practice and implementation of what you practice.

Think back to how we learn mathematics.

First we were taught about the numbers, the very basics.

Thereafter we learned how to add and subtract numbers.

Multiplication/division --> square root stuff --> trigonometry --> volumes/weight/time/Area/circumference --> solve for x, y & z --> statistics --> probabilities --> --> human behavior.

At the very very end the professional basically find meaning in the number(s), before that he maybe did some Addition/ subtraction/Multiplication/Division...

Why was it necessary to learn many years of solve for x, statistics and probabilities, when at the end of the day we just do simple maths my 6 year old could do!?

Of course we understand the result alot better.

Similar is Chess.

Like the analogy above, a game of chess starts with the opening stage --> middle game --> end game. So many players think that study chess should happen in the same order, but I would disagree and motivate my argument with the fact that you need to know how to checkmate. No Beginner chess book would first start off with teaching you openings and go into depth into the opening stage. 

From a high level perspective, I'd say that the game would need to be studied backward from ending to beginning.

Endgame:

Obviously will consist of learning about checkmates and when you are being checkmated, moving the different pieces and how to eat and be eaten. And knowing about draws and stalemates.

Middle game:

This part of the game will usually consist of Forks, double attacks, discovered attacks, pins etc. MIddle game skills is what we need to take us to the end game.

Opening Game:

I think there's way too much books written on openings.

Here we learn about the recommended initial moves to play to have a certain general outcome in the middle game & maybe end game.

OK, so now that we have it, lets go make ourselves a chess study plan...

Till next we blog...