Simple Chess – The Capablanca Way

Simple Chess – The Capablanca Way
By FIDE Trainer Darko Polimac

Many players believe that reaching 1800 rating on Chess.com requires deep opening theory or memorizing endless variations. In reality, the fastest way to progress is by mastering the simplest and most fundamental rule in chess: never hang a piece.

What does this mean? Always check if your pieces are defended. Never leave them en prise. And most importantly—always look at your opponent’s last move and ask yourself: what is the threat? If you consistently do this, you will avoid the majority of blunders that hold players back.

One of the greatest world champions, José Raúl Capablanca, was famous for this. He was perhaps the player with the fewest blunders in history. His style was simple, clear, and efficient. Capablanca didn’t rely on complications or tricks. Instead, he played straightforward chess, always keeping his pieces defended, coordinating them harmoniously, and gradually improving his position.

Capablanca’s approach is the perfect model for beginners and intermediate players. His games show us that you don’t need fireworks to win—you need clarity. Avoiding blunders and playing moves that strengthen your position is enough to consistently beat players who are careless.

This is exactly what I try to instill in my students. I use the 20-40-40 training rule:

• 20% on openings,

• 40% on middlegames,

• 40% on endgames.

This balanced method ensures that my students develop real chess understanding, not just memorization. Before calculating fancy variations, before dreaming of brilliant sacrifices, we must first master the discipline of checking the opponent’s threats and never hanging pieces. Once this habit becomes second nature, improvement follows quickly and naturally.

If you want to reach 1800 on Chess.com, start with Capablanca’s rule: play simple chess, respect your pieces, always check the opponent’s threats, and stop giving material away for free. Master this, and you’ll be surprised how far you can go.

📌 I am now accepting new students for my October training group. If you’re ready to build your game on solid foundations, this is the right time to join. Contact me at dpolimac@gmail.com