visualization

Hi everyone,

I have trouble visualizing a chess board (and calculating a moves). For those who can, what does your minds board look like: 2D or 3D, big or small, the whole board at once or just sections etc?

and how did you learn it? was the abilitiy just there one day, because of many games you played or many positions you saw or did you train it systematically?

thats what I'd like to know

thanks

You need to practice. Try solving deep complex tactics regularly. Thats what did it for me.

That'll develop with practice. Play a thousand standard length games and it'll come easier.  The tactics trainer is probably the best way to practice, either here or at chesstempo.  Your vision of the board will also expand with practice instead of having to focus on sections of the board at a time.

Yeah, chesstempo is the best place to pratice tactics.

 +1

Interesting.

The tactics I have most trouble with are lenghty moves (like a queen from h8 to a8), because when I look for tactics I mostly zoom into the position near the enemy king, or an other weak piece. - and consequently overlook lenghty moves.

When visualising, I also make imaginary little sounds in my head whenever I or my opponent makes a move. In addition, I often breath out shortly through my nose at each move.

Curious if others have other visualising "rituals"

Most tactics I have trouble with are either retreating moves, or moves where the board is cluttered with pieces all in the center, where it is hard to predict any of my opponents following moves. Also, in complex positions where confusing sacrifices are common.

Yes! Damned bishops! THEY CAN GO BACK!!! Argh. Cost me many a game, thinking I had a working combination.

Funny is that this only occurs when im on the attacking side that i miss defending retreating moves. When I am defending I have no trouble finding them.

I like pawns more  they only go forward.

The other tactics I miss are move order usually, for example, I will have mate if I play the sac Rxh7 followed by Qh3#, and instead I'll play Qh3 threatening Rxh7#, which is defensable. Thank goodness these sacrifices don't occur in games as much as they do in puzzles.

thanks!

I'm glad that solving tactics might get me the ability naturally some day, since I do it regularly.

and I'll try this method with the book diagrams - since I'm still at the beginning it's fine for me, if I improve slowly. it sounds like a good way.

btw: my biggest problem atm is doing endgame tactics. I like it more when the board is cluttered with pieces. I can calculate better this way. In the endgame I lose track easily, and end up with "what field was the king again"...