Calculation Training

No doubt that calculation ability is a great asset to have for a chess player. What better way to improve than practice? @ZionPureinHeart inspired me to create a place where we can train this ability and this forum is that place! These two forums pushed me to create this one, so if it interests you: make sure to check out and support these threads as well

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/game-analysis/trying-to-improve-accountability 

https://www.chess.com/clubs/forum/view/zions-bobby-fischer-training-chapter-1-its-time-to-start-cmon-zion 

The goal of this forum is for me to post new positions every now and then (or if anyone else has a position in mind that they want added to this forum, then they can message me) @KeSetoKaiba. When a position is posted: make sure to take your time (at least 10-15 minutes preferably). Then you can post all of your calculations and analysis thoughts. The plan is that you will see how other chess players analyze and approach the same position and perhaps they can also be inspired from your ideas; we can all train our chess calculation ability together! Make sure to discuss, in your analysis, the candidate lines as well as your chosen line and your logic behind your decision-making.

We might make subtle changes to the format along the way if a better idea comes up, but here is what I was thinking: I at first considered making the position in puzzle format, but I feel like too many people would be tempted to prematurely check for the game solution. I liked the way that @ZionPureinHeart posted only the game position in his forum (so you would be more inclined to think it through yourself), but it doesn't offer more clues/insight for those who want to know the "answer" prematurely. Here is what I think I'll do. I'll post the position, but below it in white text (so it would be hidden) I'll give the game details, so anyone can check them (by highlighting the text to reveal it) if they are stuck or curious. After a while, (maybe a few days after posting the position depending on how many people respond) I could post the game solution (the game details in white text would be primarily for those who don't want to wait that long for the solution; the game details would make it easy to research the game "solution" for those eager to know how it played out).

I'll mix up the kind of positions I post. Some might be famous endgames studies, some might be critical positions of lesser known GM games, some might be mate in x moves and so on. Of course, just like in a "real game" - I won't reveal clues by giving away what to look for. The key theme that will link them all together will be that there is a lot of room for calculation.

I'll post an example position below for those still unsure about the format. Normally the positions posted will offer way more room for calculation than this example, but I just want everyone to get a feel for what I am trying to accomplish. If this example was a "real" position for this forum, then you should spend at least 10-15 minutes calculating lines yourself before posting your own analysis. *Reminder: make sure to check the hidden white text below the position diagram to view the game details or extra information. White to move.

Game Details: This is Paul Morphy's famous "Opera House Game" from 1858 Paris, France, against Duke Karl and Count Isouard. Normally, I wouldn't post the "solution" here in this hidden text (so it wouldn't spoil it for the analysis of others), but I'll post it in this example because it is a short calculation. Solution: Qb8+! ...Nxb8 Rd8#

I'll post the first "real position." This is a famous position, but it is a good one to begin with for calculation practice - especially if you've never seen this one before. Spend at least 10-15 minutes thinking before you check the hidden text below for the game details, but only the game details will be there; I won't post the "solution" until perhaps a few days from now. For those too eager to wait for the solution, then you can use the game details to find the game on your own, or use an engine to point out the best line. White to move.

Game details: Edward Lasker v George Alan Thomas, London England, 29 Oct. 1912, Casual Game 1-0

Thanks for the participation and the question.  Whenever you finish your calculations, you can post them. Of course, others would be able to read your notes, but the idea is that they will attempt the position before they look at the other comments below. Obviously, the ultimate goal is to get better at calculation skill and to learn from others. The analysis from others (and yours) is meant to inspire and teach, so if someone "cheats" then they are only cheating themselves. Feel free to post what calculation(s) you've come up with in your calculating  Be as in-depth as possible for your lines and why you chose them or chose against them; a key to this exercise is the thought process along the way too. Besides, the calculations you came up with may or may not be the "solution line" (unless you've seen this position before). Of course, then again: perhaps you've invented a new novelty idea!

This one is quite easy. You need to calculate "forcing moves". To be honest, when you calculate in any real games, it's the best if you check "forcing moves" first. Im not sure, I should give away the solution already?

As 2015 pointed out.  Always start with Forcing Moves: Checks, Captures, Threats.

Calculate out each line as far as you can.  You calculate out all forced lines.  Even the bad ones, as this forces you to see the entire board.

The reason you start with Forcing Moves?  Well...they are forcing.  You limit your opponents responses.

 Yes, the moves are quite forcing. Feel free to post the "solution" is you think you know it (you probably do), but don't forget to also discuss your analysis and reasoning. I wanted this to be the first "real" position because it has a few elements going for it:

a) it is a long calculation, so you get different insights based on how far some people can calculate

b) beginners are often taught to look at forcing moves and checks first, so this position highlights those ideas

c) I discovered this position (and game) and long time ago and I thought it was one of the coolest things ever when I first discovered the solution. Additionally, there is a lot of debate on the move that delivers checkmate; which of the two checkmates is "best?" If you know what I mean, then you probably have seen this line/game. 

Like I mentioned before though, the positions I post will vary in nature. Maybe I'll have some endgames, perhaps some games of my own, I might even have GM games with modifications to the position; I want to give a variety of positions and levels of the players if possible. The hope is that the one solving the problem will have the chance to think through the position for themselves and then be able to scroll further down the page to view the game details (in hidden white text below) and the comments/analysis/solution other members came up with when they attempted this problem. 

Feel free to post your analysis: don't worry about "spoiler alerts" because if the solver is scrolling this far down the page, then they are certainly not busy solving the position

Well, the first giveaway was the fact, that too many white pieces gathering around the castled black king. 2 knights, a bishop, and the queen, they all point to the black king, it's bound to have some nice tactics there. The bishop lurking behind one of the knights, ready to jump on a discovered attack if needed. If the knight jumps, it can be a capture with check, which greatly limits black responses (forcing moves). I quickly checked 1: Nxf6+ which met with gxf6, and the black queen is defending the important h7 square, so i didnt spent much energy on it after that. Another very strong forcing tactics is double check. After the queen sac on h7, (it's a check, and also attraction tactics) Nxf6+ works (the bishop also attacking the king, so the move must be a king move. It's not hard to see, the black king cannot go back to h8 (it's mate in 1) so he tries moving forward, and his deathmarch begins. with 2 knights and a bishop you can surely force the black king to run to the "white camp" which is always a bad sign for black. More white pieces around him, more chance to mate. Im not giving away the exact lines, only the idea. With forcing moves (checks) you keep attract the black king to your side until he cant move anymore. I didnt even see the exact mate when I sacrificed the queen (maybe on a calculation training thats not a good idea ) but I knew, the black king will "come closer to my web" so many pieces, there must be a mate. And there is. Well that was my thinking process, (forcing moves, and get as many pieces around the opponent king as possible). Thats it.

Good insight @2015sakk. That is a logical approach to the position that a lot of players (especially beginners) could benefit learning from. My line of thinking was similar to yours the first time I came across this position a long time ago.

Sometimes with chess calculation: a lot of the brilliancy is simply knowing what to look for and what to calculate. That is another reason that pattern recognition is so helpful; it gives you more potential ideas to look for and so I sometimes feel like the solutions find me xD

I give this to my students...

How do you find tactics?

Whenever you are doing tactics, you will notice that the side with the tactical shot will generally always have one or more of the following advantages:

1. Advantage in space.
2. Advantage in material.
3. Weaknesses in the opponent’s position. Such as weakened pawn structure.

How do you calculate tactics?

Look for Forcing Moves:

Checks

Captures

Threats

You look for these 3 things in the order given. 

Checks are the most forcing, as the King is being threatened.

Captures are next, as you are threatening to win material.

Threats are last, since they are the least forcing of the three.

Forcing Moves are easier to calculate out, as they are forced lines of continuation.

Start by looking for any Checks you may have.  Calculate them out as far as you can. 

Then calculate out any Captures you may have.  Calculate them out as far as you can.

Then calculate out any Threats you may have.  Calculate them out as far as you can.

Once you have found the Forcing Move you think is correct.  Play it!  Right or wrong, go with what you think is the correct move.

After each tactic, whether you got it right or wrong.  Make sure you understand the tactical motif, and why you had the correct, or incorrect answer.

1. Qxh7+   Kxh7

2. Nxf6+    If Kh8

3. Ng6#

2. ...            If Kh6

3. Neg4+   Kg5

4. h4+        Kf4

5. g3+        Kf3

6. Kf1         Any

7. Nh2#

I think you have a good idea for a subject.  My only suggestion is that you not do studies, but stick to actually games, which are hard enough.  The game has two mate variations and two separate forcing lines. 

One   forcing line was discovered  by a strong amateur after many players saw the game, actually overlooked by many.  Did not see that "shorter" line.  Also I thought it was the most briliant game I ever saw and played it over and over.

  2015sakk demonstrated really good calculation skills.  This is a king hunt theme, used the theme once in a tournament.  One of my favorite games.

I use Chess King Training "combinations" module for calculation training. It's quite invigorating actually.

They have 3 modules actually, and if you get past those, you can get the Chess Informant versions of combination training modules, Those target 2000, 2200, and 2400 FIDE level players.

Not exactly sure what the range is for the regular combination modules, but I think the first one is about 1800 I think.

I think, Caesar, that the idea of sharing thoughts online is very helpful for these developing players.  It is interesting to see their thoughts.  I really see them learning from each other.  Korchnoi said that he got stronger when he started going to a chess club, made friends and shared ideas with other chess players.  I think that is an essential element.

I was just pointing out a resource for players that want combination problems outside of this thread. 

I would think other players might want to post other resources also. Besides, all Chess King problems come from games played over the board, and in the case of the combination problems, many would be suitable to post on this thread for people to discuss.

I like what they are doing, discussing their thinking about positions, extremely helpful.  It is in chess thinking that we  all can improve.  Let's all share our thoughts.

Here's my thought: I get stuck on combination problems when I lose sight of the basic premise of combinations: Attacking a weakness on one part of the board, in order to create a weakness on another part of the board.

Although spelling it out here, you would thing I get better for it... and I hope I do, but truthfully, some of the problems are pretty difficult. Considering I'm about 1800 FIDE, and the problems are about the same level, I'm happy I get over half the problems correct.

The suk of the issue is that I need to get at least 75 to 80% correct just to maintain my rating on Chess King Training. 🙃

The first position is from a famous Paul Morphy game isn't it?

I am glad to see that a lot of people find this forum helpful  I would like to wait a few more days before I post the "solution" line(s) for the first position; that way a lot of players have the leisure to attempt the position on their own schedule. Of course, once we get several puzzles in (over time), then anyone is still free to attempt and comment on previous positions (but of course, the "solutions" would already be posted). 

I have seen some great attempts so far (maybe missing something small) and I've also seen some nice insights (even if the calculation they come up with isn't sound; I still like to see the ideas). I like to think that sometimes chess ideas that spark your learning may not need to be 100% sound - just enough to make sense; if this wasn't true, then we wouldn't learn anything from Tal  "There are sound sacrifices and then there are mine." - Mikhail Tal 

Rating is not important o n  those tactic trainers; learning patterns and understanding why they work are. Analysis is an important part of combinations.  That is why what the op is doing is very important.

Very good. Pawnstorm. Lasker would be proud of you.  Nice piece of analysis.  Notice all the forcing moves. Helps with analysis.