If I ask you to solve 14+18, what do you do? Do you picture 14 apples and then 18 more apples and see a complete picture of the total apples? Or do you just do calculations?
My answer changes depending on the math problem. Give me something easy, like 2+2, and I just know it. There’s isn’t any calculation, or if there is, it is so instantaneous I’m not consciously aware of it. Give me bigger numbers and I need more time. Give me a quadratic equation and now I need pencil and paper, as well as a refresher on high school math.
Much is the same with chess. If it’s a mate in one, it’s neither calculation now visualization; it just is. Give me something more complex and the thinking becomes more complex. Give me a very difficult position with many candidate moves and potential variations and I need to use every tool I have.
My visualization skills are worse than many other players of my rating, at least judging by various comments I’ve read. I find it very difficult to visualize the board in my head. In complex positions, if I’m thinking about moving my Knight to d5, say, then I will stare hard at d5, trying to will it into my mind. Then I’ll do the next few moves and do something similar. Is this visualizing? I don’t know.
Your question is interesting, and I’m curious what other people say. That said, I think it will be similar to “What do you think / see when you do math?” Or “What do you see when recite the alphabet?” I don’t see anything; I just do it. I may have needed visual aids before, but now I don’t. I just do it. It’s not very helpful, but how else do you answer the question?
I am trying to get better at chess (aren't we all
). I realized something yesterday that seems pretty obvious, but I never really thought to try it.
Does a good chess player visualize the moves before making them?
What I mean is, does a good chess player actually see moves, then the resulting picture in their mind of what it will look like (missing a piece for example), then the next move, etc?
OR
Does the good chess player simply calculate and think about positioning from experience or through a process of moves without the resulting picture in their head.
I realized yesterday I really do more of the latter. I have a hard time picturing what the board will actually look like after more than say two moves! I mean a good picture. I think this causes me to lose a lot of games (this among many reasons
).
I was hoping that some of the good players on here would let me know what they think about this topic and how crucial it is. Also, how do you improve in this area, blindfold chess perhaps?
Thanks gang,
Oregonbigred