How do I train my calculation, other than puzzles.

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masterius77
I really suck at calculating my opponents moves for some reason. is there anything I can do to train my brain to calculate positions better, other than puzzles which I already do, "even though I'm horrible at them". it's frustrating that I really can't calculate more than a move ahead, and can't see what my opponent is threatening. it's like that part of my brain just doesn't work a lot of the time.
Alramech
masterius77 wrote:
I really suck at calculating my opponents moves for some reason. is there anything I can do to train my brain to calculate positions better, other than puzzles which I already do, "even though I'm horrible at them". it's frustrating that I really can't calculate more than a move ahead, and can't see what my opponent is threatening. it's like that part of my brain just doesn't work a lot of the time.

Check out the Visualize series by Benedictine on Chessable (https://www.chessable.com/visualise-1/course/25695/)

The point of the course is that you solve puzzles, but you are not given the position immediately - you have to visualize a sequence of moves played before the puzzle position. If you are not interested in spending a few $ for the courses, there are other online resources which generate puzzles in the same way. (check out ChessVis, for example)

masterius77

Thanks... I'll check it out.

bidyutjorhat

Read the concept clearing book (calculation concept) must know chess concepts to become a strong player

zone_chess

Study all these tactics until you're familiar with them all:
https://www.chess.com/article/view/chess-tacticsThe chess board is like an electric circuit, you use certain mechanisms to open up the enemy king or create strong attacks. Studying these basic tactics forces you to look ahead and see the combinations in one's mind. It's all about visualization. Getting more familiar with chess notation helps, too.

masterius77

Thanks for the advice everyone.. I realize that I just don't have the capacity yet to see the opponent's plan which won't allow me to improve.. even playing bots (which I know that playing bots isn't a good measure of my play) but I'm only able to beat Antonio, any other bot completely crushes me because I always get down in material. I'll start doing some chessable courses, and work on tactics.. I just find it difficult being so inconsistent in my play..

masterius77

Edit: I'm only Able to beat up to Antonio, I can beat all the bots rated lower than 1500 but it seems that's my max for some reason.

jg2648

Have you tried the knight exercise? It’s where you place the knight on a square, pick a square it needs to go to, then visualize the move sequence to get to that square. Over time you can add pawns and avoiding the squares the pawns are on and the squares they attack while routing your knight to its destination square. Eventually you work up so that none of the pieces are on the board and you do it all “blindfolded”.

Once more comfortable you can the read chess books and follow along from diagram to diagram visualizing the moves and alternative lines in your mind, then seeing if the next diagram matches what is in your mind.

As your visualization gets better I recommend blindfold chess for further visualization work.

masterius77

I'll try it. Thanks. :)

ChessMasteryOfficial

Engage in calculation exercises where you analyze variations without moving the pieces physically. Use positions from your games or studies.