Calculate like Fischer!
In this post, we’ll look at one of the most important chess skills: calculation. To keep it simple, I’ll leave you with one key idea - always compare at least two moves before you decide.
That position comes from the game Robert Byrne - Fischer, 1963 (don’t mix it up with the famous Game of the Century from 1956, which Fischer played against Donald Byrne).
Black sacrificed material for the attack - but now comes the key question: what should Black play here? You have to calculate; without calculation, it’s impossible to know how to continue.
I’m going to show you this game and how Black could calculate here (the plan, of course, is to attack the weak king).
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In this position, there are two candidate moves for Black - both are captures: Nxd1 and Nxg2.
- 1... Nxd1 2. Raxd1 Rc8 leads to a more or less equal position (rook + 2 pawns vs. 2 knights)
- 1... Nxg2 2. Kxg2 d4 gives Black a very strong attack
After such a calculation, the choice is clear:
1... Nxg2
2. Kxg2
Now the candidate moves are: d4 (a threat) or Bxe2 (a capture).
- 2... d4 3. Nxd4 Bb7 – with a very strong attack.
- 2... Bxe2 3. Nxe2 Bxa1 4. Rxa1 Rc8 – more or less equal.
So we go with:
2... d4
3. Nxd4
Now the candidates are: Bb7 and Rc8.
- 3... Bb7 4. Kg1 Bxd4 5. Qxd4 Re1 – and Black is winning.
- 3... Rc8 4. Rc1 Bb7 – still a strong attack, but not as clear.
It’s better to go for a winning position rather than just a strong attack:
3... Bb7
4. Kf1 – this move wasn’t calculated earlier.
Now Black's candidate moves are: Qd7 and Rc8.
- 4... Qd7 5. Qf2 Qh3+ 6. Kg1 Re1+ 7. Rxe1 Bxd4 – with checkmate next move.
- 4... Rc8 5. Nbd5 Qxd2 6. Rxd2 Bxc3 – big advantage for Black.
We go with:
4... Qd7
And White realized it's too late – they resigned.
You can see the whole game below:
Steps to follow when calculating (after every move):
1. Find candidate moves
Choose at least two moves that come to mind. They must fit your plan. For example, if you want to attack the kingside, focus only on moves that help with that.
2. Calculate candidate moves
Go through the moves one by one. Don’t switch between them - that’s a common mistake. Stay organized. At the end of each line, ask yourself: Do I like this position?
3. Notice any new ideas?
While calculating, new ideas might appear. That’s normal. After you finish the first options, check these new ones too.
4. Make your final decision
Pick the move that leads to the position you like the most.
Important hint #1:
Always calculate at least 1.5 moves ahead - that means your move, opponent’s reply, and your next move. Never less. Try to finish the line with your move, not your opponent’s.
Important hint #2:
Always look for your opponent’s best moves. Don’t count on them making mistakes - that’s one of the biggest beginner errors.
And small desert for the end:
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