Chess and maths

Do you think in terms of pictures (ie)  patterns..?

Or mathermatics.?.some people apparently think in terms of maths..?

Can someone explaine how they think in terms of mathermatics please...?

apparently there are two ways of thinking..?

I think in terms of mathematics.  The way I play is by using a system of evaluatiion by points, therefore giving all moves numeric values based on how good they are.  The main problem is, this does not work in live chess as it takes a very long time to calculate.

Apparently the best players think in patterns, unfortunately i just add up the numbers...even in thought chess patterns are better..but it takes a patterned mind..

numbers are patterns though, so the categories coincide, hence this is a flawed topic to discuss.  All patterns actually have to do with math, even though all math does not have to do with patterns.  So then all people who think in patterns are actually thinking in math.  Just a thought.

no idea! :)

I think it is unclear what you are asking....  But I'll answer both questions because I think this is interesting.

1) Do you think in patterns or math? 

- I think that anyone who thinks in patterns is using the logical (or mathematical) portion of their brain.  However, people who think numerically may not have the ability to visualize the patterns.  It's more about whether you are visualizing the patterns or making moves based on numerical points and tempos (and maybe general rules that you know).

2) Do you think mathematically or emotionally?

I think that the "Two ways of thinking" are these.  Thinking mathematically is thinking logically.  With sound logic you can achieve an expected outcome.  Thinking emotionally is more like thinking with "your gut" or instinct.  Thinking emotionally allows you to prioritize your thoughts according to what's most important to you.  This kind of thinking is often better in highly stressful situations and in matters of love.  The answers you achieve may not be logical but are more satisfying. 

I'm not educated in these sorts of things so I could be very wrong.  But I feel very comfortable in saying that you should try to visualize and use logic as much as possible in chess.  Emotional decisions on the chess board are almost always bad ones.

Anthony

well in all reality Mathematics is truly the study of patterns and unapparent similarities. 

I think to be a good chess player you need practice and determination

I have a degree in mathematics and can tell you that there certainly an element of mathmatics. Indeed, computers play chess almost purely by mathmatics (it dosen't care how beautiful the sacrifice is, only that it gains "points").

Isaac

very true- someone who understands how chess really is!

 you are right and that is the biggest weakness of computers

Garry Kasparov was able to draw the last match with computer while being able to calculate much less then 0,01% of postitions calculated by computer

I think the question is interesting.  Maths, at least as far as we humans are capable of can only find the best move in very simple endgames, or forced mates.  So to simply think mathematically will result in poor overall play.  Or at least set a limit on a players strength, dictated by their ability to calculate.  A pawn's value changes, as do all pieces as the game progresses.   The points are just a guide to evaluate a position.  We judge  - based on experience, learning.  When is the bishop a better piece to have than a knight etc.  I know that it is concievable that a computer one day might solve the problem of chess, announce mate in 53 against any defence -  to that extent the game is mathematical, but it's judgement we humans use in evaluating positions.

However we do calculate.  I believe there are so many moves available that somehow good players have learned to identify the key features, select just a few possible moves, and so have a lot less effort than lesser palyers in comming to a good decision. To that extent it's patterns, these pieces in these postions suggest this combination --- then calculate, is it possible,,,,, oh damn... wait if I sacrifice this to deflect the knight from defence.... yes!  That's the way it goes.

Of course in openings some people know moves a long way in.  One day it dawned on me, I'd played the same game several times, won because my opponents had made the same -  seemingly reasonable moves.  Then I wondered -  after a satisfying bit of conciet - had I played the same lost game over and over again?  Seeing the same patterns, making the same calculations....I am not sure, in a way I don't care, I enjoy playing, and I win often enough.  To really challenge I'd have to face the fact that I'd loose against strong players, I am not a genius, not a GM, so That's it ... I like playing.

..... O that is except against players who take forever to move, who don't move even when they are on line, etc, they are .....!*%$.... the only reason I end up in this forum.

I understand your frustration - however, don't be so sure your opponents are actually online.  My computer is logged on the 'net all day, with a tab permanently open to chess.com - but I'm not always sitting there ready to make a move!

Mathematics is used widely in many things and I dont really like it. Im getting a B in Algebra1 but I only know little.