Optimal Chess Game Analysis: A Method to Improve Your Performance

Perhaps you have faced difficulties in analyzing your chess games, or even world champions' games. Like many others, myself included, we make several mistakes when watching or analyzing any game. After extensive research, I have finally, by the grace of God, found the optimal solution, and I would like you to share with me how beneficial it is for you, or any additions I might have overlooked.

Let's begin, with God’s blessing.

**1.** Do not start analyzing the game while the engine or Stockfish is running. Simply turn it off and look at the board as if you are the one playing.

**2.** Start analyzing from move number 3 onwards, as moves before that are just openings, but from move 3, variations begin to take shape.

**3.** The thinking process should go as follows: 
   - First: What does my opponent want? You need to look at this from two perspectives. Are there any direct threats? If not, are there any maneuvers that could lead to future threats? Then anticipate what the opponent wants to achieve.
   
**4.** Once you understand your opponent's intentions, check for weaknesses that either exist or might emerge, and based on that, start considering your candidate moves.

**5.** When selecting candidate moves, follow this sequence: Is there a useful check? Are there beneficial exchanges? Are there valuable threats?

**6.** After deciding on your move, do not rush to play it. First, anticipate your opponent's response to it, and only then play it.

**7.** Align the board according to who is to move. If it’s White's turn, keep the board oriented for White and think deeply about your move as mentioned earlier. If it’s Black’s turn, flip the board and think deeply in the same way.

**8.** After making your move, observe what move the player you are analyzing played. Start analyzing their move and compare it to yours. Which one is stronger?

**9.** Now, turn on the engine and see if your move was indeed the best one or if there was a better move. If it was the best move, turn off the engine and proceed to the next move using the same method. If there was a better move, analyze the difference between it and your move, and examine the depth of each.

This method takes a lot of time but builds the proper way of thinking in your mind to become a real chess champion, God willing.

Unfortunately, I discovered this method recently, and I wish I had found it earlier. I've been playing chess for a long time but haven't improved much. However, with this method, I noticed a significant improvement in my performance in classical games in a very short time, and I will continue, God willing.

Lastly, do not over-analyze your blitz or bullet games, and sometimes even rapid games. The thinking in those games is not deep enough to focus on real chess thinking.

I hope I have shared a useful insight that I was personally unaware of, and that it will save you years of playing without progress. May God grant us and you success, and we ask for your prayers.