How to Properly Analyze?
"You learn from your mistakes". It's a quote that many of us have heard. The unfortunate truth is... It's true. Analysis is the best way to improve your chess skills. But this can also be incorporated into other aspects of life. In this blog, I'm going to explain how I analyze my games and how you can come up with your routine for analyzing games.
One of the most important things about analysis is what you analyze. I know the feeling of just wanting to forget about that horrible performance at the tournament you just finished. However, this is an example of some that you should analyze. Even if you know that you blundered. Think about what your thought process was leading up to the move you made. I know you want to analyze only your best games. I know you want to show off your brilliant moves (I've been there). At the end of the day, you are the one who benefits from good analysis. You must realize that you need to be humble and go over the mistakes and blunders you made. Anyways, let's talk about how I analyze my games.
Analyzing the Game
When analyzing a game, the first thing you should do is to look over the game WITHOUT the engine. This helps you refresh your mind of the game, especially if it is the day after the game was played. But there is another reason for this. If yourself a chance to spot your mistake BEFORE using the engine. This is important because when you use your brain to find the answer/solution to something, you are more likely to remember that answer or solution, as your brain had to work to achieve this answer or solution. How you go about doing your self-analysis is up for you to decide. Everyone is different, and there isn't really a correct way to go about it. However, it is good to have a consistent routine.
Once you have finished going through the game without the engine turn on the engine. Don't just look at the best move, but also look at the lines that follow up with the move. If you are overwhelmed by the long lines, try and look at the second or third engine move. Most people don't play the top engine move every time, so don't hang on to the top engine move as the top 3 moves are most likely decent moves that won't damage your position (please note this is a case-by-case basis, as different positions may have only one good move). When you get to the mistakes, something I find helpful is playing an engine move, then playing with a bot from that position. One of the best ways to learn is the physically play the moves. Why? Because, as I mentioned earlier, it forces your brain to think about the position.
Once you have finished analysis I suggest that you go over the game one more time stopping at your mistakes (and brilliant moves for that matter) and briefly review them.
Create Your Routine
As you may see, the outlines that I am giving are very vague. As I mentioned previously, everyone is different, and I want to highlight the importance of coming up with an analysis routine catered to you. You know yourself the best, and you know what is effective for you. This is similar to your school. Teachers will give suggestions about how to take notes and organize your notes learning but at the end of the day, the decision is up to you.
But that's all there is to it. Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this blog, you can follow me to be notified when I post a new one. Additionally, you can join my club. It's a great community over there, and I think you would make a great addition. Until next time!
