That's a good one. Maybe start with king and pawn and gradually add more pieces...
Exercises to calculate more deeply?
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Tisdall suggets one in his book. After calculating as far as you can, take some time to memorize the position, then begin anew. If you get fuzzy and lose track you can start from what he calls that "stepping stone" (the memorized position). Of course you can do this several times and really extend your reach.
This can be while trying to solve a long tactical puzzle or looking at an analysis line in a book or playing through the mainline too.
What it really comes down to is practicing visualization in any way is what makes you better at it. So Pelilik's suggestion is good too, as long as it's at least tolerable (if not enjoyable) if you're doing the visualization you're slowly getting better at it.
I have two suggestions.
1) I've heard that memorizing the color of each square, so that you can name a square and instantly know whether that square is light or dark, really helps your board vision. I haven't taken the time to really memorize them all, but in getting better at it I noticed improvements in board vision, being more able to visualize the board (even without pieces) in your head independent of eyesight. You could maybe make a set of 64 flashcards, or a grid-type chessboard without light and dark squares to quiz yourself with. It sounds silly, but it provides a foundation for mental visualization.
2) Memorize classic games so you can see them in your head. Start with flashy miniatures. Impress your friends!
Vandarringa wrote:
1) I've heard that memorizing the color of each square, so that you can name a square and instantly know whether that square is light or dark, really helps your board vision.
If you're memorizing using algebraic notation, I highly doubt that, because you can calculate it without having to visualize at all.
Dec 26, 2012
0
#6
LOL. Impress my friends. I'll let you know how that goes. 
As far as using notation, that's a work in progress. When I listen to Rensch rattle off squares in his videos, it seems like he knows the board so well that each square has it's own unique personality in his mind. I'm sure notation will sink in with time. Mostly I have problems with notation as black. I get really mixed up.
Actually I'd emphasize memorizing classic games, especially miniatures. This is actually an enjoyable approach to training yourself to play games in your head. Play the game on a board a few times, then get rid of the board and use a move list to visualize each move. It won't take long to wean yourself off the move list, and you'll be able to play the game in your head, and replay it on a board easily.
Dec 27, 2012
0
#8
waffllemaster wrote:
Tisdall suggets one in his book. After calculating as far as you can, take some time to memorize the position, then begin anew. If you get fuzzy and lose track you can start from what he calls that "stepping stone" (the memorized position). Of course you can do this several times and really extend your reach.
This can be while trying to solve a long tactical puzzle or looking at an analysis line in a book or playing through the mainline too.
What it really comes down to is practicing visualization in any way is what makes you better at it. So Pelilik's suggestion is good too, as long as it's at least tolerable (if not enjoyable) if you're doing the visualization you're slowly getting better at it.
I don't like that, since the calculation becomes less accurate, and it is time-consuming. Whenever I do that, I always remember that he has another option down the road, and this makes the position even fuzzier. I just calculate 5 moves or so, and try to find plans and familiar positions that result.
If you are interested in calculating, try "Think like a Grandmaster" by Kotov, or "Calculate like a Grandmaster" by Gormally.
Dec 27, 2012
0
#10
Calculate Like a Grandmaster by Gormally is an extremely in depth work and I wouldn't personally recommend it for someone who has a hard time with notation.
I would recommend pretty much every other method mentioned though. Especially playing blindfold games with a friend. At first you won't make it very far, but just keep trying and you'll get there. It's a work in progress but it will be worth it as you see yourself improving over time.
DaBigOne wrote:
waffllemaster wrote:
Tisdall suggets one in his book. After calculating as far as you can, take some time to memorize the position, then begin anew. If you get fuzzy and lose track you can start from what he calls that "stepping stone" (the memorized position). Of course you can do this several times and really extend your reach.
This can be while trying to solve a long tactical puzzle or looking at an analysis line in a book or playing through the mainline too.
What it really comes down to is practicing visualization in any way is what makes you better at it. So Pelilik's suggestion is good too, as long as it's at least tolerable (if not enjoyable) if you're doing the visualization you're slowly getting better at it.
I don't like that, since the calculation becomes less accurate, and it is time-consuming. Whenever I do that, I always remember that he has another option down the road, and this makes the position even fuzzier. I just calculate 5 moves or so, and try to find plans and familiar positions that result.
If you are interested in calculating, try "Think like a Grandmaster" by Kotov, or "Calculate like a Grandmaster" by Gormally.
It's just an exercise, not something you necessarily do in a game... although I have done this in games before, but of course the sequences are very forcing. Usually it's if I need to see if there's a stinger in the tail so I have to repeatedly go to that position and check his options... easiest to just memorize the future position and explore from there.
Although it also helps me limp along when I'm feeling fuzzy headed. I may only get 2-3 moves deep before I find myself ingraining the position (you stay in there dang it!) and then only go 1 or 2 more moves heh.
One of the most difficult things for me in chess is to get a good mental picture of a position more than a few moves down the line (especially when most of the pieces are still on the board).
Does anyone have any good exercises or techniques to help improve this skill that they'd be willing to share?