Are Chess Players Good At Math?

A great skill to have as a chess players is the ability to calculate lines in complicated positions. Calculation in chess is slightly different when compared to mathematics. Calculating in chess is a decision making process which involves a thorough investigation of the different alternatives a player could opt for.

A player begins to calculate when there is a certain degree of tension on the board (contact of the chess pieces). Calculating can be very difficult. However, with a good system of calculating, you are bound to avoid making mistakes in your games.

In mathematics, one could simply use a calculator to do the calculation for them. In chess, however, that is completely different. There are no numbers to work with; only the number of possible combinations to investigate. And, at the end you must choose the one that is most promising for your position.

Calculation can begin as early in the opening stage of the game where pawns come in contact with each other. Even in this early stage of the game, it’s critical that you carefully investigate the different alternatives and choose the one that best favors your position. A well played opening can put you far ahead over your opponent, thereby helping you to create more winning opportunities. Hence, it’s essential that you take the time to find the best line of play for your opening choice.

The degree to which a player calculates varies in the stages of the game. We talked about how calculation can present itself as early as in the opening. However, the intensity of calculation begins to rise after transitioning into the middlegame.

The middlegame is filled with surprises, drama, and attacks. It’s where calculation reaches its optimum level. At the elite class of chess, grandmasters sometimes spend up to a hour trying to calculate the best move in the middle game position. Not only do they have to calculate properly, but they have to construct a feasible plan that will direct the rest of the course of the game.

As tension rises, players have to be smart in their decisions. After calculating all the possible combinations, players must deduce the right course of action by evaluating the position. 

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