Analyzing Your Own Games: Do's and Don'ts

Hey everyone! 🎉

I wanted to discuss how we can best analyze our chess games. We all know this is crucial for improvement, but it can be tricky to do effectively.

Here are some tips I’ve learned (and a few mistakes I’ve made along the way):

Do’s

1. Review your games without using an engine first.
   • It helps develop your own understanding. Engines can tell you the best move, but they won't teach you why.
2. Focus on key moments.
   • Look at where you made mistakes or missed opportunities. What was your thought process?
3. Write down your insights.
   • Keeping a journal or notes helps you remember patterns and avoid repeating mistakes. 

Don’ts

1. Don’t rely solely on engines.
   • While helpful, they can make you dependent on computer suggestions without understanding the reasoning.
2. Don’t skip your losses.
   • Losing hurts, but it’s where you’ll learn the most!
3. Don’t rush through the analysis.
   • Take your time to understand each move and alternative truly.

What about you? What’s your process for analyzing your games? Do you have any specific tools, techniques, or tips you’d recommend?

Let’s share and learn from each other! 😊