How to make calculated chess moves?
1. Always start your calculations by observing the consequences of your opponent’s last move. Your opponent’s last move represents all the changes in the position. You need to identify those changes right away – by observing the consequences of your opponent’s last move.
2. Understand the difference between forcing moves and non-forcing moves . A forcing move makes a threat and forces the opponent to either defend against the threat or make a concession, i.e. to give up some material. A non-forcing move on the other hand, does not make any direct threats, which means the opponent is free to consider many options.There is no need to waste a lot of time calculating non-forcing moves.
3. Your chess tactics skill supports your calculation skill. Your tactical skill supports the accuracy and speed of your calculation skill
4. The ability to calculate deeper variations rely heavily on your visualization skill. Visualization is the ability to see in your mind the positions that would be reached if certain moves were to be made – without making the actual moves on the board – and seeing them so clearly that you can accurately consider the implications of each new position.
It’s important to learn chess tactics patterns because:
* Your knowledge of the important patterns will help you calculate variations more effectively.
* Your overall tactical awareness will improve and you will instinctively know when and where to look for tactical opportunities
* You will make fewer mistakes and be able to take advantage of your opponent’s mistakes.
* You can achieve strategic advantages by means of tactical combinations.
1. Identify the targets that were exploited by the motif. A motif is in essence a way to exploit targets. By studying how the targets were exploited, you will also get a better understanding of the motif.the more you understand why the more you will understand how.
Improve Your Chess Tactics Vocabulary
In any field of expertise, a good vocabulary on the topic reflects the depth of your understanding.
Expanding your vocabulary in the field of chess tactics is the foundation of an effective chess tactics training method.
A chess tactic is a move (or a forced combination of moves) whereby you achieve an objective.
Chess tactic vocabulary
1. Threat. A threat is a move that threatens to obtain an advantage on the next move, such as capturing a piece, threatening a tactical combination or even securing a positional advantage.
2. Counter-threat. A counter-threat is a move whereby you effectively ignore a threat against you but make an even stronger threat against your opponent. Counter-threats can be very effective, but there are risks involved and you should calculate the consequences carefully.
3. Winning a tempo. Winning a tempo refers to a useful move that improves your position and makes a threat at the same time – and forces your opponent to defend in a way that isn’t useful to them. In essence it means you get a “free move”. Making tempo-moves can often lead to the discovery of tactical opportunities you couldn’t foresee in the previous position. It implies making false threats.
4. Targets. A target is a piece or square that is vulnerable to a potential threat. Typical examples include an exposed king or undefended pieces.
5. Defenders. A defender is a piece that defends/supports other pieces or squares.
6. Exchanges. An exchange refers to the event where you capture an enemy piece and they recapture you in return. Exchanges bring about important changes to the position and can often be used to remove important defenders or to create new targets.
7. Tactical motifs. A motif is a tactical idea you can use to exploit targets. Pins, forks and discovered attacks are typical examples of tactical motifs.
Chess tactics should be studied in repeat-cycles. In martial arts, there is a famous quote by Bruce Lee: I fear not the man who has practiced 10000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10000 times.
Chess is 99% tactics – R Teichmann
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