Calculation skills

Sort:
zizgz

I'm having some problems in calculating in critical positions. I get good positions from the opening; often I'm better, but then I fail in critical positions due to a fault in my calculations. I practice tactics everyday but it doesn't seem it's helping me. What do you suggest?

Thank you

MEXIMARTINI

unplug your computer...fight till it's completeley drained. then go outside and play chess with the first stranger you see at a park (where there is chess being played)  and destroy him/her

KevinTheSnipe

I have the same problem, hopefully someone has a solution. although I think the answer is probably just, "chess is hard."

kindaspongey

"... Most of the time you can find a good move - if not the best move - with a low level of calculation. How low? Two and a half moves into the future. ..." - GM Andrew Soltis (2010)

I guess an example would be the position after 1 d4 Nf6 2 Nd2 e5 3 dxe5 Ng4 4 h3, when Black perceives that 4...Ne3 can be played because of 5 fxe3 Qh4+ 6 g3 Qxg3#.

Jake-Green01
zizgz написал:

I'm having some problems in calculating in critical positions. I get good positions from the opening; often I'm better, but then I fail in critical positions due to a fault in my calculations. I practice tactics everyday but it doesn't seem it's helping me. What do you suggest?

Thank you

Gm A.Kotov in his book how to become a grandmaster deeply analyzed calculation in chess and gaves advices, you should read it. 

fieldsofforce
zizgz wrote:

I'm having some problems in calculating in critical positions. I get good positions from the opening; often I'm better, but then I fail in critical positions due to a fault in my calculations. I practice tactics everyday but it doesn't seem it's helping me. What do you suggest?

Thank you

                                                                       __________________

 

I get good positions from the opening; often I'm better, but then I fail in critical positions due to a fault in my calculations.

                                                                    __________________________

Think of this List as a set of pegs in the calculation tree.  The pegs in the list will be great climbing aids in climbing much higher in the calculation tree than you ever could before.  This list is your calculation tool.

Here is the list I have kept since I started playing chess:

Things to do before I  make a move

1. Am I sitting on my hands  now that I am seated at the chess board table?

2. Is my written list in my possession?

3. What is my opponent  threatening to do and what is my best move to stop his threat and  Kill as much of his counterplay as possible ( you will have to learn what killing counterplay is, and how to execute it on the chess board.)

4. What is the pawn structure  on the board and what are the pawn break points? 

     a. Remember pawn moves are permanent because they cannot move backwards.

     b. Are there any pawn majorities on either side of the board?

     c. Are there any open or half-open files on the board?  Who is in control of that file?

     d. Are there any pawn weaknesses on the board?  You will have to learn about (doubled pawns,

         isolated pawns, backward pawns, etc.) and how to exploit those weakenesses

     e. Is the center blocked.  Flank attacks succeed more often when the center is blocked

5. Are there any of  mine or enemy undefended Pieces and/or Pawns?

   a. Beware of pieces and or pawns that are defended indirectly. ( beware of tactics here!)

   b. Beware of pieces and or pawns that are defended backwards. (yes enemy pieces can defend their own backwards because pieces can move  forwards or backwards.  Pawns can only move  forward or  diagonally forward when capturing.

6. Are there any weak square complexes in the position?   Learn what these are and how to exploit.  

7. Have I checked all of these items above 2x before I make a move,