Scribd
Upload
274 views

Analytical Thinking Method Chess University 2020

The document describes the analytical thinking method for chess players to help reduce mistakes. It recommends players ask questions at each turn to thoroughly analyze threats, piece protection, king safety, opponent's responses, piece development, rook placement, weaknesses to attack, and potential mistakes before selecting a move. It also provides an overview of the Chess University Prodigy Program which offers live online coaching to help players improve through training, review of games, and personalized feedback.

Uploaded by

Giorgio Mazza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
274 views

Analytical Thinking Method Chess University 2020

The document describes the analytical thinking method for chess players to help reduce mistakes. It recommends players ask questions at each turn to thoroughly analyze threats, piece protection, king safety, opponent's responses, piece development, rook placement, weaknesses to attack, and potential mistakes before selecting a move. It also provides an overview of the Chess University Prodigy Program which offers live online coaching to help players improve through training, review of games, and personalized feedback.

Uploaded by

Giorgio Mazza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Analytical Thinking Method

1
Analytical Thinking Method
The analytical thinking method aims to help you organize your thought process and
reduce the number of mistakes you make during a chess game.

As you consider your next move, be sure to perform a reality check. Look at the whole
board and analyze forcing moves (checks, captures, and threats) for both sides. Also
analyze your opponent's key responses to the move(s) you are considering.

Ask yourself the following questions each turn to prevent simple mistakes:

1. Did my opponent's last move contain a threat? If so, is this threat real? Why did my
opponent play this move? Can I simply proceed with my plan or do I need to play in
response to my opponent's move?
2. Do my pieces have sufficient protection? Do I have a piece that is hanging? Does
my opponent have pieces that aren't sufficiently protected?
3. Is my king safe? What about the opponent's king? Can I take advantage of my
opponent's king by, for example, preventing him from castling?
4. Did my opponent prevent the threat posed by my previous move?
5. Do I still need to develop my pieces? Are my knights and bishops active?
6. Can I bring my rooks to an open file or in general, make them useful? Do I need to
still open files for my rooks?
7. Does my opponent have any weaknesses? What are some targets I can attack
(undefended pieces, under-protected pieces/squares, open king, etc.)?
8. How can I attack the target(s)? Are there any other weaknesses I can exploit?
What's my short-term and long-term plan? Which moves go well together?
9. Now, before you decide upon a move, look away for a few seconds and revisit the
position with a fresh, unbiased mindset. Is it possible that I'm about to make a
mistake? Am I hanging a piece or falling for a forced checkmate? Did I analyze all
forcing moves (checks, captures, and threats) for myself and my opponent? Are my
thoughts consistent with what I am calculating? If so, go ahead and play the move!
10. Can't decide upon a move or can't find any good moves? Simply choose a move
that doesn't make your position worse. What's the least-worst move available?

By analyzing forcing moves and applying the analytical thinking method, you will be
able to find better moves and make fewer mistakes in your own games.

ChessUniversity.com 2 Prodigy Program


How To Improve At Chess
Contrary to what savvy marketers may promise you, there is no "secret" that enables
substantial chess improvement. There's no single "method" or "technique" that will turn
a beginner into an expert or master.

However, proper study and guidance from top coaches can help you improve faster if
you put in the effort. If you're serious about improving, here's how you can do it:

1. Play chess at slower time controls (not faster than 15 minutes per person)
2. Review your games, especially losses, to see what you could've done better
3. Learn tactical patterns, endgame strategies, positional ideas, and openings
4. Get training and personalized feedback from qualified chess coaches

How Chess University Can Help You


Chess University was founded by Kairav Joshi, the #1-selling Chess.com coach. He along
with numerous masters and grandmasters (including world champions like GM Vishy
Anand) combined their successful methodologies and created a world-class curriculum
for improving at chess which we teach through the Chess University Prodigy Program.

The Prodigy Program is Chess University’s comprehensive live online coaching


program for players serious about improving at chess. Each month the Prodigy
Program offers 12+ hours of interactive live classes and a core curriculum package
(choose from 900+, 1200+, 1500+, or 1750+ level) that contains 6+ hours of video lessons,
study guide, puzzle pack, and curated learning resources. Students can also submit one
of their games for analysis each month for personalized feedback. If you're serious
about improving at chess, consider joining the Prodigy Program. The tuition is $150.

Learn more: https://join.chessuniversity.com

Enroll here: https://chessorders.com/products/prodigy-program

If you're new to Chess University, be sure to check out sample lessons and training
materials from our academy on the next page.

ChessUniversity.com 3 Prodigy Program


Free Lessons + Sample Materials
Prodigy Program Sample Lessons + Study Materials:
https://www.courses.chessuniversity.com/p/prodigy-program-sample-materials-2020

Not ready for Prodigy Program? Chess University also offers live seminars, online
camps, and other courses. Create an account at https://courses.chessuniversity.com to
stay updated.

Here's a recorded class from October 2020 on Evaluating Threats With Forcing Moves:
https://courses.chessuniversity.com/p/free-prodigy-program-live-lesson-october-2020

Other Services + Contact Us


At times, Chess University offers personalized learning services such as game analysis
packages, small group coaching, and private lessons. These are presently offered on a
case by case basis. If you represent an organization such as a school or corporation, we
do offer custom training programs that may interest you.

If you are interested in improving at chess and would like to study with Chess
University, send us an email and we'll help you improve your chess skills and rating.

For general inquiries, email [email protected]

For Prodigy Program placement or enrollment, email [email protected]

We hope you found this guide useful and look forward to seeing you in a Chess
University class in the future!

ChessUniversity.com 4 Prodigy Program

You might also like