how to fix this deficiency

I’m 52 and relearning how to play in an effort to teach my kids to play. I remembered the basic rules from my youth (never played much, probably less then 20 games ever and not since the early 80’s).

I’m reading Bobby Fisher Teaches Chess and am dumbfounded that I can’t find the mate move in the puzzles (pages 85-90). I simply am missing tons of move opportunities.

How does one improve the skill to see what’s right in front of you?

Frustrated as I’m of at least Ave intelligence, and when I see the correct “move” in these puzzles I can’t believe I didn’t see the move after several minutes of looking at the board.

Looking for recommendations on what to study, practice , etc. to improve this weakness.

Thanks in advances

Just keep on! And make sure to have fun.

I can assure you that even when/if you will become relatively strong, You will still often miss something right in front of you! That is the curse/bless of chess - and maybe life.

But practise make you 'feel' the pieces and their movements better. And you will se more.

If you need another recommendations it will be: Study endgames! Start with the 'simple' mates. that will give your the best idea of what the pieces can do. But remember: you need to have fun to learn!

Practice makes perfect.
It is like a golf novice who cannot put the ball into the hole.

Improving Your Chess - Resources for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/improving-your-chess-resources-for-beginners-and-beyond

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell

Hi! My name is Lauren Goodkind and I’m a respected  chess coach and chess YouTuber who helps beginners out : 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5SPSG_sWSYPjqJYMNwL_Q

 

Send me one of your games and I'll be happy to analyze the game for free on my YouTube channel on Sunday livestream from 1-2PM PST.  Ask me questions in real time!  

 

 This is a great way to improve!

 

Here’s more  ideas to help you get better.  

-I recommend two books for you: “50 Poison Pieces”   and “Queen For A Day: The Girl’s Guide To Chess Mastery.”  Both books are available on Amazon.com.  Both books are endorsed by chess masters!  

-If you are serious about chess, I highly recommend you hiring a chess coach to help you.  

-Also consider all checks and captures on your side and also your opponent’s side. Always as, “If I move here, where is my opponent going to move?”. Do this for every single move!  

-Play with a slow time control, such as G/30 so you have plenty of time to think before every move.