The goal is to take away squares (weave a mating net as it were) not to merely check the king. So when you see it get away, which squares is it getting away on? Now look at moves that take away those escape squares. If you spend your move on that instead of check can you still play the check on the next move? Yes? Then save the check for latter, and weave your net now :p
You can also ask yourself if you give check from a different square does it cover additional escape squares? What's the best square to give check from?
Finding the mates is easier once you become more familiar with patterns. Try looking at those games a few weeks / months later and see if you can't find the forced mates (don't write down the move number or anything, just try to find them later). This way you're memorizing those new patterns.
I also calculate by thinking "he goes there, I go here" heh. But I may do it faster or see the future position more accurately. That comes with practice. Practice calculation to get better at it. A few methods that may be entertaining include playing games with long time controls, solving untimed tactics, playing blindfold games (until you forget the position) or going over analysis lines in a book without a board (until you forget the position).
The more you push how far you're able to calculate, and the more practice you get, the better you'll become.
Hi all! I have a bit of a problem.
I am now getting into some tournaments and OTB play. After I play, I try to spend time analyzing my games with an engine. In the past 2 games I have played (OTB that is) I have missed 3 forced mates (3+ moves). Also, they aren't themed mates (morphy's, back rank etc). Once my computer says it's mate in 3, I try to find it with a board just trying the positions. Obviously I can't do this during a real game.
Is this just a matter of board vision? or am I limited as somewhat of a beginner by my calculation ability? and finally, how do I improve calculating lines? It seems the problem is because I say in my head "okay check and king there and check and king there. Oh no the king's escaping!". I eventually chew up a lot of time with this and play an inferior move.