Chess is a tactic on the 99%. Sometimes this statement is an exaggeration, but usually it is. The great power of computers lies in the quick and deep calculation of options. To become a strong chess player, one must be able to count moves in advance.
For many, the calculation is very difficult, but with the help of theoretical knowledge and regular training, you can learn to do it at a professional level.
Step 1. Preparation
First you need to prepare auxiliary factors - memory, logic and concentration.
- Eat right. A healthy diet improves brain function. Add fatty fish (salmon, herring, sardines), green vegetables, berries, and whole grain bread to your diet. Tomatoes are especially useful for concentration. You should not eat fried, salty and sweet. It suppresses the cognitive functions of the brain.
- Get some sleep. You need to sleep 7-9 hours a day. So the brain will get enough rest.
- Exercise. During physical activity, not only our muscles are excited, but also our brains. All elite chess players keep their bodies in good shape. World chess vice-champion Fabiano Caruano devotes 3 hours a day to the sport. Yoga, swimming, running are good ways to keep your body and mind in good shape.
- Solving mathematical problems. Chess is partly mathematics. The 2nd world champion Emanuel Lasker was a teacher as well as a doctor of mathematical sciences. Recall your school knowledge to solve complex problems. This will develop your logic and critical thinking.
- Psychological factor. A very important detail. Set yourself up for victory. Tell yourself that everything will work out for you.
Step 2. Theory
To count ahead is to imagine what will happen next. The key word is "imagine". You will need imagination. Find a place for yourself where you will see the new positions of the pieces. It can be a chessboard itself, a wall or a ceiling, as in the movie "The Queen's Move".
A chess player does not go through 1 option - he goes through several. 2 or more. To ensure your safety, you need to check all options. This is the only way to consistently find the best moves.
Over time, the player acquires a "chess instinct", which helps to see a good move without thinking. This is the difference between a computer and a person. The computer goes through all possible options, and the person immediately rejects 80% options. There is no other way to get it than by playing, gaining experience.
Step 3. Practice
You can practice in two ways: solving tactical problems or playing.
There are many collections of problems on the Internet. They can be bought in electronic or paper format. On different sites, you can find millions of different tasks on any topic (debut, endgame, sacrifice, etc.).
The final part is the game. During the game, we can use all our acquired knowledge. And the main thing is to gain invaluable experience.
Nowadays, it is very important to "turn on your mind" on 100%. Chess can help with this by developing thinking and increasing IQ. It is important to get things done and never stop.
Calculating moves is only a small part of the necessary chess skills. For a professional level, you need to learn endgame, debut, midgame, and more. But it is best for a beginner to learn the endgame.