In lesson #2 we saw some training positions where it was either possible to make your move immdediately or where more examination was needed. Again: the measure in which you can make you move “immediately” depends on your playing strength.
In this lesson I want to focus on positions that are tactical in nature and therefore require an analytical approach (see also lesson #1 and #2).
In the video I do some assumptions:
- the positions were decided to be all tactical in nature
- we can’t make the move “immediately”, they need closer examination
- we therefore need the analytical approach:
- tactical breakdown
- candidate moves
- calculation of lines
- position judgement
- choice of move
Happy training!
This is a great website. I’m enjoying it very much so far. Thanks!
The training positions provide good illustration of various tactical ideas, but more importantly lend themselves to the 5 step process of the lesson. It was helpful for me to see that my examination of each position follwed the process even though I wasn’t referring back to the five steps. With two of the ten I became a bit “stuck” in the tactical breakdown, which tells me that I need to learn more motifs so that I can more readily notice them.
Gentlemen,
I have read your comments and just wanted to say that I feel glad you’re enjoying the site.
Although I felt confident that I have something substantial to offer when launching the site, it’s good to see that feeling confirmed by members such as yourselves!
Cheers,
Waldemar
Your sense of the value of this material was very much correct, at least for someone with a USCF rating of 1609. 🙂 For the past three years I have felt frustrated because I have performed quite poorly since returning to tournament chess. I will be playing in a weekend Swiss in late July and have gleaned confidence as well as knowledge from the lessons so far.
My calculation in training position No. 8 was funny.
1. Ka2 axb4 2. Bb6 (threatens b3#)
a) 2. … b3+ 3. Rxb3 ~ 4. R(x)b4#
b) 2. … bxa3 3. Rxa3+ Kb4 4. Rc1 and there is no
defence against 5. Ba5# or Bc5#.
I didn’t spot the simple 1. a3+ Kxa3 2. Nc2# ;-).
It seems I have a complicated mind. I have already
made this experience in my chess career quite frequently.
I think one faults of my thinking is that I don’t take
enough time to look for suitable candidate moves.
Nice lessons and well done!
Alex
Hi Alex,
What you observe is VERY IMPORTANT!
I am going to pay more attention to this in later videos.
More often than not it is important to calculate broad and NOT deep!
Broad calculation has indeed to do with spotting candidate moves.
Waldemar
Position’s No. 9 final motif is “Philidor’s Mate” rather than “Lucena’s”.
Nice Lesson..
Pablo.
Hi Pablo,
Both names are current 😉
Glad you enjoy the lessons!
Greetings,
Waldemar
Position # 6 got me. I got comfortable and decide not to follow the steps correctly, I probably could have solved the position. For me position #9 is a smothered mate. Thanks for the exercises.
Waldemar,
What do you mean by calculating broad and NOT deep?
I’m loving your site. You have a very great way of teaching!