How to improve your calculation skills

Calculation is a core aspect of GOOD chess.

Average chess players don't know how to calculate well because they don't get it right.

It's one of the most misunderstood concepts in chess.

Most people think that good calculation means seeing more moves in the future or watching pieces move along the board in their minds.

And that's not the point of calculating.

Calculation is a tool.

A tool that allows you to be more certain about your moves and trust them.

So you can predict what will happen if you make the next moves.

Yes, you will need to visualize the board, but no 4-5 moves ahead. Most of the time, you'll only need to "calculate" a sequence of 1-2 moves. To predict what can happen if you make a move and if that will be good for you or not.

We use a calculation to predict and be certain -> confidence in our game.

So here I am gonna give you some REAL tips to improve your CERTAINTY. 

Trust me, you don't want to learn how to calculate more for the sake of calculating more you WANT to be sure of your moves and trust them. That's a real trait of a strong chess player.

I can speak for hours about improving your calculation, but I'll give you a simple framework that will make you improve it.

So here we go:

1. Calculation is everywhere. Whether playing or studying, you'll always seek the best move or plan. So, the only way to make sure you are going the right way is to be certain about it. Otherwise, your moves are based on anything but good chess.

2. When it comes to making a decision, and you've identified a possible way to continue, you want to anticipate what's gonna happen.

3. Try to put yourself in your opponent's shoes. See the position through his eyes and try to find a move, but not a lame move. You have to find THE BEST reply to your move. By the way, by doing this, you'll prevent 99% of the blunders you make.

By doing this, you'll be able to convert more games, prevent blunders, and develop more confidence in your moves.

I've spoken with many chess players who have followed the average advice on improving their chess, and they agree on one thing: they feel their skills are not enough and don't trust their abilities. 

When you understand how calculation works, you become more confident, and you play without thinking your position is gonna crumble anytime.

Use calculation as a tool.

Play with confidence.

Don't be an average player.

See you on the winning side.

-Coach Diego