Analyzing your game for growth

I have utilized all types of tools, software, websites, videos, books and coaches over the years.

Each aspect of growth has it's pluses and minuses. If I had to point to one area that has had the largest rating point influence on my chess game, it has to be objective game analysis.

I am not talking about running the engine on the game and letting it tell you how terrible you are. I am talking about reviewing the game and remembering those moments when I felt like I didn't have enough time to fully exhaust an idea.  When I do post game analysis, I look for a few key things which I will outline below:

• Moments when my opponent played a move that I didn't see. 
• Moments when my opponent played a move that I didn't understand.
• Moments when I wanted to try another plan but didn't have time or courage.
• Moments when my fully executed plan broke.
• Moments when my opponent didn't choose the best continuation.

These are just some of the things that I look for.  I also make notes on how I was feeling during the game and during specific moments. For example, if I am streaming and playing a game and I blunder. If that blunder was a "distraction" blunder, I will note it as well as what the distraction was.  Same thing goes for over the board games. If anything happens during the game that causes me to lose my concentration or focus, I will make a note of it in my post game analysis.

My experience has been, awareness is a step towards prevention. If you know certain behaviors or antics will distract you, you can train yourself to refocus once you recognize your triggers.

Sharing is caring. 

Let me know in the comments what your experience has been.