How does one improve from analysis when there are so many possibilities?

Hi. I am a little confused over analysis of ones games. If for example you go through your game after you played, and spot moves that you could have played better, or perhaps mistakes, you then study other moves that would have been better, however, this leads me to the following questions.

1. As there would be so many possibilities how would one remember or use what was learnt in new games?

2. Why would you learn more about a very specific position in your game if no two games are the same, and the same position is not likely to present itself again?

I may be completely missing the point and I am a beginner but analysis of games after play fascinates me, however, I don’t fully understand how you can apply what you learn from this in the same way as, for example, studying and spotting tactics.

Thanks

Well, first of all welcome. The thing is this, the better you get, more you will see analyzing your games. For instance in the beginning you will only understand if you've missed some hanging piece or a simple tactic when turning the engine on eventually. Several tactical patterns will repeat - such as back rank mate, pin etc. You will start noticing these in games the more you see missing them previously. Other example, you will have pawn tensions in your games. At first you will not know what to do. But after many games (and studying chess of course) you will know in most cases if you should take, push or leave it as it is. Short answer - experience is the key and repetition.

By the way, if you need a guide on how to improve, check this out if you have the time:

https://www.chess.com/blog/nklristic/the-beginners-tale-first-steps-to-chess-improvement

Thanks :)

Ok that makes sense. Obviously a lot to learn. I will check out the link you provided as well.

I have always played chess on and off but never got into this seriously.

Thanks again for your explanation.

Regards

No problem.

It’s about recognizing the same patterns. If you played a game with certain patterns that you learned from that game, there are four benefits
1)You will practically never miss the same pattern from this identical/almost identical position
2)You will considerably increase your chance of spotting that pattern in slightly similar positions
3)You will get microscopically better at chess in general
4)spotting all of the above will speed up

Makes sense. Thanks again for the tips. Just ordered ChessBase 16 on pre order. I know overkill but I really wanted it :)

Just to elaborate, I understand the purpose of analysis but still don’t get how to actually learn from. Hopefully that will come.

For example. I finish a game so I analyse, looking for errors made, missed opportunities etc and take notes, write down new lines etc.

Is it then a case of reviewing this over and over until bits “stick” in your mind, or is there a specific way of doing this?

When I watch analysis videos they can last over an hour going through a game and I don’t see how you can remember it all each and every time?

I think I get it now though.

Thanks again all

You will not remember everything. You will go through the game once without an engine and write down your thoughts in pgn file, after the move is played. When you go through the game without an engine, you turn the engine on and see what have you missed. Don't bother yourself on every engine line, just the bits you understand. In time you will understand more then just simple blunders. With experience you will remember more and more, some mistakes you will make mu7ltiple times, but if you study chess after a while you will stop making some mistakes and so on...

In the link I provided, you have enough about analysis to get you started.

Thanks again. Understood and much appreciated

Yes I do play, I just have not played on this site, I am new to the site and mainly play my off line computers, DGT Centaur and my partner

1250 but that is just an estimation. The last 3 games were against “Nelson” computer on this app. Apparently it plays at 1300 and I won one game, lost one and drew the other. Also the last computer offline I won one and drew one at 1300. So it is just an estimate as to be honest I have never really gotten caught up on rating numbers. Well not yet anyway. I have only just gotten back into the hobby after suffering a detached retina and being off work. I sold some music equipment and treat myself to the DGT board, the DGT Centaur and chess base as I thought it was money I wouldn’t have had and there are no other hobby interests so thought what the hell. I am never going to make it in the real rating world but I have fun taking it as a serious hobby at least.

Thanks again

Yes that makes sense. I see what you mean about castling. Also for me, I try to follow the advice to concentrate on opening principles rather than openings, however, I normally fall into traps that way by concentrating on development, not moving same piece twice, castle early etc, so I am trying to go through that or I am hoping to with chessbase when it arrives. Still watching a lot of videos and just started daily tactics as that’s something I never bothered with. Lots to learn but having fun.

Any way you look at it, you have many different options to improve. So as long as you want it and work on it, it will happen. It is just a matter of time.

Exactly!! Thanks again all. No doubt I will be back with questions to lean on your expertise :)

Our conversation from several days ago is one of the reasons I've decided to write an article on how to systematically analyze your games. If you are interested, you may find it here:

https://www.chess.com/blog/nklristic/how-to-analyze-your-games-first-steps-to-chess-improvement

The key is that, over time, you will begin to see patterns in the kind of mistakes you are making.  Maybe you always miss knight forks, or maybe you don't understand how to use pawn structure, or maybe you have certain blindspots - like always forgetting pieces can move backwards.  After many games and many, many moves, you will get an idea of where the weak spots in your game are, and you can focus your study and tactics training on those areas.

Of course, once you do that and get a little better, you will notice other, more subtle mistakes and weak spots, and the process continues.

Excellent. Thanks again all