Scribd
Upload
112 views10 pages

Chess Module Intermediate - Calculation A

For modular chess learning.

Uploaded by

Alexis E
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
112 views10 pages

Chess Module Intermediate - Calculation A

For modular chess learning.

Uploaded by

Alexis E
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/ 10

CHESS CALCULATION TRAINING FOR INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS

By Coach Alexis Enage - PCTAP License Instructor

Lesson Duration: 2 hours

Objective: Enhance calculation skills, improve visualization abilities, and develop systematic
thinking in complex positions.

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)


2. Tactical Patterns and Themes (20 minutes)
3. Calculation Techniques (20 minutes)
4. Visualization Exercises (30 minutes)
5. Practical Calculation Practice (30 minutes)
6. Review and Q&A (10 minutes)

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Objective: Set the context for the lesson and explain the importance of calculation in chess.

Introduction to Calculation

In chess, calculation refers to the ability to foresee and evaluate potential moves and their
consequences. It involves:

- Identifying Candidate Moves: Recognizing possible moves in a given position.


- Visualizing Sequences: Mentally moving pieces to understand how positions change.
- Evaluating Outcomes: Assessing the resulting positions to determine which moves are
favorable.

Calculation is critical in chess because it allows players to:


- Avoid Blunders: By carefully considering moves and their repercussions.
- Exploit Opportunities: Recognize and capitalize on tactical and strategic possibilities.
- Create Plans: Develop coherent strategies by understanding the implications of moves.

The Role of Calculation in Different Phases of the Game

Opening:

- Purpose: Develop pieces, control the center, ensure king safety.


- Calculation Focus: Short sequences to avoid traps and blunders, ensuring sound
development.
- Example: Recognizing potential tactics like forks or pins that may arise after a few moves.

Middlegame:

- Purpose: Execute plans, attack or defend, create imbalances.


- Calculation Focus: Longer sequences, including tactical combinations and strategic
decisions.
- Example: Calculating a series of exchanges to gain material advantage or launch a
successful attack.

Endgame:

- Purpose: Convert advantages into victory, often with fewer pieces on the board.
- Calculation Focus: Precise sequences to promote pawns, avoid stalemates, and achieve
checkmate.
- Example: Calculating pawn races or key king moves to achieve a winning position.

2. Tactical Patterns and Themes (20 minutes)

Objective: Recognize key tactical motifs that aid in calculation.

- Common Tactical Themes: Pin, Fork, Skewer, Discovered Attack, Double Attack, Removal
of the Defender, etc.
- Examples and Diagrams:
Diagram 1: Pin

White to move and win.


1. Bb3 (Pins the Queen to the King)

Diagram 2: Fork

White to move and win.


1. Qd5 (Forking the knight and the g7 pawn)
Diagram 3: Skewer

White to move and win.


1. Bc4 (Skewers the queen to the rook)

3. Calculation Techniques (20 minutes)

Objective: Introduce systematic methods for effective calculation.

- Candidate Moves: Identifying potential moves in a given position.


- Calculation Trees: Visualizing multiple move sequences and branching possibilities.
- Visualization: Mental practice of moving pieces without physically touching the board.
Example Position for Calculation:

Diagram 4:

White to move. Identify candidate moves and calculate.

Candidate Moves:
1.Qxb2 Rxb2 2.Rxe6 Rxa2 and it is unclear which side, if any, is better.
1.Rc8+ Rxc8 2.Qxb2 and white won material
1.Rc8+ Kh7 2.Qxb2 Rxb2 3.Rxa8 and white won material.
1.Rc8+ Kh7 2.Qxb2 Rxc8 and white still won material
4. Visualization Exercises (30 minutes)

Objective: Strengthen mental visualization skills.

- Blindfold Exercises: Try to visualize moves without looking at the board.

- Reverse Calculation: Start from a known end position and calculate moves backwards.

Exercise Example: Visualize the sequence of moves for White to deliver checkmate in 3
moves from the following position:

Diagram 5:
White Pieces: a2, e2, e7, f2, g3, h2, Qc4, Rd7, Ng5
Black Pieces: a5, c7, c6 f5, g7, h7, Qa3, Re8, Ng4

White to move and mate in 4 moves.


1. Nf7+ Kg8
2. Nh6+ Kh8
3. Qg8+ Rxg8
4. Nf7#
5. Practical Calculation Practice (30 minutes)

Objective: Apply learned calculation skills in practice.

- Solve Complex Puzzles: Focus on multi-move combinations.


- Simulated Games: Play out positions requiring deep calculation.

Example Complex Puzzle:

Diagram 6:

1. h4 gxh3
2. Kh1 h2
3. g4 fxg4
4. Kxh2 g3+
5. Kg1 g2
6. f5 exf5
7. Kxg2 f4
This is the critical position. Every other move is forced, if White is to play to win. Now he must
choose his next step carefully.
8. Kf1 !!
Giving himself the much-needed tempo
8... f3
9. a4 f2
10. e6 dxe6
11. a5 Bd7
12. Kxf2 Bc6
13. Ke3 Ba4
14. Kd4 Bb5
15. Ke5 Bd7
16. Kf6 Bc8
17. Ke7 !
Now the pawn race begins. But White has worked out everything.
17... e5
18. d7 Bxd7
19. Kxd7 e4
20. Kc7 e3
21. a6 ±
6. Review and Q&A (10 minutes)

Objective: Reinforce key concepts and address any questions.

- Summary of Key Points: Review the techniques and exercises.


- Q&A Session: Address any questions or doubts.
- Homework Assignment: Provide additional exercises for practice.

Homework Example:
- Find 3 puzzles involving different tactical motifs and solve them.
- Practice visualization by setting up complex positions and trying to calculate without moving
pieces.

Homework Puzzles:

Puzzle 1:

White to move and win.


Puzzle 2:

White to move and win.

Puzzle 3:

White to move and win.

By following this modular lesson plan, you'll significantly improve your calculation skills,
making you a stronger and more confident chess player.

End/

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy