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By TheWanderingPen On June 9, 2009
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Alright! Finally, I got my chess tactics training going today…following the method outlined by M. De la Maza in “Rapid Chess Imrpovement”.
The first 35 problems from Killer Moves by George Renko are very easy. However, I still managed to make 2 mistakes (duh!). It just shows how rusty I got through the years.
But hey, that’s the idea of tactical training! To sharpen my rusty tactical vision. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.
TheWanderingPen
By TheWanderingPen On June 9, 2009
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Oh well…yesterday was the first day of my 7 Circles Of Tactics Training, and guess what - I missed it!
Thanks to the myriads of clients that flocked to me yesterday. I’m now $105 richer. Hahaha. But I definitely need to find a way to go through these tactical exercises no matter what happens.
“Whether you’re sick or on a tournament, you should practice tactics everyday.” Easier said than done Mr. De La Maza (Author Of Rapid Chess Improvement).
But that’s something I need to carve at the back of my head if I’m going to succeed at finishing these dreaded and intense 7 Circles Of Chess Tactics.
TheWanderingPen
By TheWanderingPen On June 7, 2009
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Alright folks, it’s about time I start training in Tactics. After all, what is the point of seeing and being so aware of all the positional nuances and subtleties in a chess position if you can’t see chess tactics and combinations that often decides a game between players especially in the club or amateur level?
I decided to give the 7 Circles Of Tactics Training another shot. Hopefully, I get to finish it all the way to seventh Cycle this time. Here’s the schedule for the first 64-day cycle…
First Cycle Of The 7 Circles Of Chess Tactics Training
Week 1 - June 08 to June 14
Week 2 - June 15 to June 21
Week 3 - June 22 to June 28
Week 4 - June 29 to July 05
Week 5 - July 06 to July 12
Week 6 - July 13 to July 19
Week 7 - July 20 to July 26
Week 8 - July 27 to August 2
Week 9 - August 3 to August 10 – to complete the 64 days
Number Of Chess Tactics Exercises To Complete
Week 1 – 235 Exercises
Week 2 – 210 Exercises
Week 3 – 175 Exercises
Week 4 – 145 Exercises
Week 5 – 116 Exercises
Week 6 – 110 Exercises
Week 7 – 095 Exercises
Week 8 – 075 Exercises
Week 9 – 060 Exercises
That’s a whopping total of 1221 chess tactics exercises! Just imagine trying to do that in one day…Well, that’s still about 5 months away, but that’s definitely something I should gear up for. That would take me 8 grueling hours to finish.
However, I’m pretty sure that combining this with regularly training with the Silman Thinking Technique PLUS playing long games on a consistent basis will lead not just to enlarged tactical muscles BUT to greater chess playing strength in general…having the ability to know what EXACTLY to do whether the board is on fire with myriads of tactical possibilities for both sides or if the position requires a lot of maneuvering and positional play.
Will I reach the 2100 ELO mark within 5 months? I don’t think so. But I’d bet that I’d be strong enough to whoop the asses of the local chess hustlers and players here in our area whether in blitz games or slower and longer games.
May the goddess Caissa help me!
Materials To Use –
Alright, after checking my tactics databases, which are created mostly by the famous George Renko, I finally settled for Killer Moves. It has a total of 9 databases and the tactical exercises in it are increasing in difficulty.
However, since I’m only going to take on 1221 tactics exercises, I will only use – 3 intermediate-level databases, 2 of the 4 advanced-level databases, and 2 master level databases. I’ve taken a peek at the master level exercises, and dang! They really are difficult. They’re not called master-level exercises for nothing heh!
What’s After The 7 Circles Of Chess Tactics Exercises?
Well, I’m not so sure, BUT I definitely don’t want to go through another 7 cycles just yet! Maybe I’ll learn an opening or two? Study games of Alekhine, Tal, and other great chess tacticians? Play more long games? Take a week rest?
Well, there are a lot of attractive options but I definitely want to test how far my chess-playing skills have gone after this intense training that I’ll start tomorrow. Well, if I have the money for it, I’ll put it against the acid test at the World Chess Open! Hehehe.
By TheWanderingPen On June 6, 2009
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After days of pondering about Silman’s thinking method, I slowly remembered important bits and pieces of it. But before anything else, let’s take a look at what a chess player is called to do when thinking the Silman way…
Take Note Of All The Imbalances – In a chess game, there are different major imbalances that exist at the same time. When formulating a plan, you should take note of all the imbalances…not just for your camp but for your opponent’s as well.
Determine Which Side Of The Board You Want To Play On – Queenside, center, or kingside – which side of the board are you going to play on? You should play on the side where a favorable imbalance exists.
Find The All Candidate Moves – Your chosen candidate moves should make use of the favorable imbalance you set your sights on or gives the possibility of creating one. You should make use of your position’s positive imbalances unless you’re forced to play a purely defensive move.
Calculate All The Moves – Yes, fellas! Calculation should come at the end of the thinking process. Not before you’ve found the plan to adopt.
A Little Correction To My Previous Posts…
I think I’ve made some mistakes in my previous post concerning the imbalances involved in IM Jeremy Silman’s thinking technique. Anyway, here’s a brief introduction to them and I’ll be taking on them in greater detail on the next posts on this series…
Superior Minor Piece – This pertains to the battle and interplay between the Bishops and Knights…how are you going to make your minor piece superior to the opponent’s?
Pawn Structure – This is one broad subject. Heck! Books have been written about pawn structures. But we’ll keep it simple and just take note of the important and most common pawn structures seen in play. They would be backward pawns, doubled pawns, isolated pawns, passed pawns, and that’s just to name a few.
Space – This pertains to your territory on the chess board. How far have your pieces and pawns gone from the chess equator? The same question should be asked concerning your opponent’s position.
Material – This means owning pieces that are valued greater than the other side. For example, having more pawns, having a Rook for a Knight, and the like.
Control Of A Key File And Square – Files, ranks, and diagonals – these act as pathways for your pieces. It’s not uncommon for masters and strong chess players to build plans that center on taking advantage of weak squares in the opponent’s camp or force to create one.
Development – This gives you more pieces…more firepower in a certain section of the board. This is a temporary imbalance and you should try to take advantage of it as the opponent will eventually catch up.
Initiative – This means dictating the tempo of the game. This is another temporary imbalance that you should take advantage of right away.
I guess that’s all for now. Hopefully, I’ll remember the details and principles about each imbalance correctly.
By TheWanderingPen On June 6, 2009
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Ok, just to give you an idea of how much I suck as a chess player after years of no practice whatsoever, here’s a recent 5-minute game of mine…provided with some annotations. I was playing as Black and although I won, this game revealed my deficiencies as a chess player.
1. d4 b6
Well, I’m not a big student of the opening phase of chess. This defense, referred to as the English Defense and sometimes the Owen’s Defense, is one that I know a bit about. I’ve played it exclusively as Black no matter what White plays a couple of years back.
2. f4 Bb7
I’m not sure if White’s second move is a good one…but my instincts are telling me that it isn’t. I’m sure this guy knew right from the onset that I’m going to fianchetto my Bishop. Yet he intentionally kept the diagonal – h1-a8 open. The e4-square is especially weak since it can no longer be controlled by a pawn.
After this move, I developed my pieces and pawns to take advantage of this hole.
3. e3 f5
Another pawn move from White, which I don’t think contributes anything positive to his position. Why not a simple developing move that at least exerts some influence on the whole at e4…perhaps 3.Nc3? My pawn move on the other hand makes sure that the e4-square belongs to me. At the back of my head, however, I think it’s too committal.
The opening of the g8-a2 diagonal is my source of problems later on.
4. Qh5+ g6
Another useless move from White. He even gave my f8-Bishop a good square to develop on. What move would I recommend? Well, why not c4? This helps him advance his pawn to d5…blocking the b7-Bishop. And he can work on getting in e3-e4.
Again, I’m no expert. I’m not sure if this is the right plan.
5. Qd1 Nf6
Now, I’m ahead in development. And my pieces – Nf6 and Bb7, along with my f5-pawn concentrate on the hole left at e4.
6. Nf3 d6
White’s move is just as good as anything else. But I would prefer Nc3 instead…lending some control on the e4-square. My move on the other hand prepares to shift the Knight on d7 – making a c5 or e5 break possible. Opening the position is in my favor since I’m better developed.
7. b3 Nbd7
Yet another pawn move from White. As for me, I just made the expected developing move for my b8-Knight.
8. Bb5 Bg7
White pins my Knight – this makes the e5-break impossible. However, I think better would’ve been Bc4, which helps keep my king in the center for some time. On my turn, I just prepared castling and developed my f8-Bishop to the only sensible square.
9. a4 O-O
Yet another pawn move which doesn’t help his position.
10. Bc4+?! Kh8?
Better would’ve been castling for White. As you’ll see later, he never got the chance to get his King to safety. My move loses material! Saying that this is a 5-minute game is not a good excuse…the right move would’ve been …d5.
11. Ng5 d5
It’s just now that I can see the threat of …Ne6. My move is a little too late. White nets material no matter what happens.
12. Bd3 Qc8
White goes for safety first. However, better would’ve been Ne6 right away. Now, I have a chance to prepare the opening of lines. He may net material but I’m still ahead in development. There’s gotta be a way I can make my advantage count.
13. h4 c5
I’m not sure what’s with h4. Well, there are threats of h4-h5…attempting to bring the Rook in h1 to life. He has some developed pieces pointing on the Kingside but I think I can defend. And let’s keep this rule in mind – only attack on the flanks when you have the center under control. I have 2 pawn breaks that can open the position…that’s what I’m counting on. I was thinking of …Ng4 preparing …e5.
But it’s a 5 minute game!
14. c3 e5!?
White maintains the tension, but of course, here comes my second pawn break. This sacs a pawn with the hopes that somehow, the position will break open, giving my 2 developed Bishops some targets. I think it makes sense since I’m ahead in development.
15. dxe5 Ng4 16. Ne6 Ndxe5!?
This is what I had in mind when I played e5. I don’t think this is correct, but at least, I have 2 imbalances favoring me although I’m down in material – I have the bishop pair and a lead in development which calls for an open position.
17. Nxf8 Nxd3+ 18. Qxd3 Qxf8 19. Rg1?
Another error I believe. I think he should’ve gone for h5…his previous plan of attacking on the Kingside.
19…Re8 20. Ra2
I think better would’ve been the immediate …d4. I was looking for a wide open position…why didn’t I do it? Well, tactical deficiency I guess. However, I think my move would do just as well. White, on his turn, prepares Re2.
20…d4 21. cxd4 cxd4? 22. Re2 Nxe3?
On both occasions, I missed the simple win with …Be4! I was fixated with attacking and mating the King that I completely forgot to look for other options that would secure the victory far more easily.
23. Bxe3 dxe3 24. Rxe3 Rd8 25. Qe2 Bd4 26. Kf2? Re8 27. Kf1 Rxe3 28. Qd2 Ba6+ 0-1
It’s mate in 5 fellas! How? That’s up for you to find out.
By TheWanderingPen On June 2, 2009
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What exactly is your job during the opening phase of a chess game?
Is it to start a quick attack against the enemy king? Is it to extract a theoretical advantage by playing a memorized 20-move variation of the ‘this-and-that’ opening? Is it to bring out your pieces as fast as you can?
I believe it was Grandmaster Suetin who gave a satisfactory answer to the question above – “Your duty in the opening phase is to achieve a playable middlegame.”
But here’s the bigger question – how’re you going to achieve a playable middlegame from the opening?
Assuming that, like me, you also have a table to bring food to and bills to pay, spending long hours memorizing the latest innovations in the Ruy Lopez, Sicilian Defense, French Defense, etc. is out of question. I don’t know about you but I’d rather spend my spare time on other aspects of chess – the middlegame, endgame, tactics, etc. rather than the opening.
IMHO, to achieve a playable middlegame from the opening, one must start creating major differences in both positions to give each side something to play for and develop their pieces to right from the first move.
Let’s take a look at the Sicilian Defense – 1.e4 c5, White claims his share of the center by moving his King-pawn while Black prevents his opponent from establishing the central pawn duo by preventing d2-d4. Let’s look a little deeper – 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4. It doesn’t take a master to see that the development of both Knights is aimed at the d4-square.
White prepares d2-d4 with his second move while Black adds more influence to the d4-square by moving his Knight to c6.
On his third move, White challenges Black’s control of the d4-square by pushing his Queen Pawn 2 squares up.
Note though that he could’ve chosen other moves that prepare d2-d4 or challenge Black’s control of that square like Bb5 followed with Bxc6. However, this move would give Black the Bishop Pair. It would be favorable for Black to open the position since the two Bishops can cut across it. That’s another major difference between the White and Black camp.
On the other hand, after Bxc6, Black would have doubled-pawns no matter which way he takes. This means he’ll have an extra open file for his Rooks, more control on central squares…especially d5, but that also means White has a target – the c5-pawn.
White could also opt for 3.c3 to prepare d2-d4. But since that doesn’t threaten anything, Black can start central action right away with 3…d7-d5. If White takes with 4.exd5, Black follows up with 4…Qxd5 and White can be saddled with an isolated d-pawn, another major imbalance, after 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4.
Both camps would then play to control the square in front of the isolated d-pawn. White have greater mobility for his pieces and he can use that to start an attack while
Black is still bringing his pieces to optimal squares. On the other hand, Black will try to subject the isolated d-pawn to pressure with his heavy pieces while trying to exchange minor pieces to reduce the pawns defenders in an effort to win it.
OK, I’m not an opening expert, and I don’t know if that rant about chess opening made sense to you.
But I do hope you get the part that during the opening phase of the game, you don’t just bring your pieces out and make moves for the sake of developing them…you must develop your pieces in accordance to the imbalances present on the board.
By TheWanderingPen On June 2, 2009
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A glance through my posts will surely reveal that I’m a huge fan of Jeremy Silman, his books, and especially his imbalanced-based chess thinking process.
Come to think of it – chess is not a game of memorization, although it’s still needed. It’s not a game of hand-speed. Chess is a THINKING GAME.
If you know how to think right and judge the position in front of you, you can almost always come up with the right move. If you don’t, then cross your fingers and pray that your opponent doesn’t know how to think right, too.
Silman’s imbalanced-based thinking teaches the serious and improving player how to think in chess by taking good note of the major differences in the black and white camp…looking at the trumps and disadvantages in both positions.
This makes it easier for one to form a concrete plan.
What Are Chess Imbalances?
Imbalances, according to Silman, are the major differences in both camps. They’re not advantages or disadvantages…they’re just that differences. In his books, Jeremy identified 7 imbalances namely…
1. Pawn Structures
2. Superior Minor Piece
3. Squares and Square Complexes
4. Rooks and Files
5. Space
6. Development
7. Initiative
The Structure
Here’s how Silman’s imbalanced based thinking works…
1. Find and take note of the imbalances on both sides.
2. Form a plan how to emphasize your imbalances…turning them into advantages while neutralizing the opponent’s efforts to do the same.
3. Form a list of candidate moves.
4. And only after you have completed the steps above should you start to calculate.
For example, Black has a backward pawn on d-file…specifically on d6 – that’s one of the imbalances on his camp. On the other hand, you have a semi-open d-file. What would you do?
Simple! Pile up your major pieces on the d-file…put that d6-pawn under immense pressure since you know that it cannot be supported by a fellow pawn. You may even opt to exchange minor pieces since that will reduce the defenders of that pawn. Alternatively, you may choose to station a minor piece, preferably a knight.
You can now pick candidate moves – Rd1 and perhaps follow it up with Qd2, you can also go for Nc3, or eliminate that f6-Knight with Bg5 followed with Bxf6…and so on.
In a nutshell, that’s how Silman’s chess. I’m struggling to recall the in-depth details relating to each and every imbalance. But I will post what I can remember.
By TheWanderingPen On June 2, 2009
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Hmmm…so what do I have in my hard-drive that I could use for chess improvement and training?
- 83 heavily annotated games analyzed by FMs and IMs.
- George Renko’s famous tactics training ChessBase databases
a. Intensive Tactics Course 1
b. Intensive Tactics Course 2
c. Killer Moves
d. Deadly Threats
So how am I going to train with these? How do I get the most out of them? Here’s the plan that I came up with –
a. On All Days Of The Week – Exercise my tactical eye using Renko’s tactics training databases. However, I’m planning to study in a certain way…I would use Michael De La Maza’s “7 Circles Of Chess Tactics” method.
To those of you who are familiar with it, I’m sure you’ve noticed chess masters trashing this method of training tactics. But I think, coupled with a good chess training and improvement plan, it can bring tremendous benefits. Although, this method of training is really I-N-T-E-N-S-E! A lot of motivation is needed to complete the 7 Circles.
If you’re not familiar with it, the “7 Circles Of Tactics” involves going through about 1000 tactical exercises 7 times. The first cycle would take about 32 days, the second cycle would take 16 days, for the third one – 8 days…and all the way down to the seventh cycle where you MUST answer all 1000+ exercises in one day!
I’ve given this system for training tactics a shot a couple of years back, but I never got to finish all 7 cycles. Thanks to my J-O-B. I believe I was able to finish only the first 3-4 circles. However, I have noticed a significant leap in my ability to spot tactics over the board.
But now that I’m working as a freelance writer, which gives me more spare time, I’m confident I can finish all 7 cycles.
b. Study A Master Game From Monday – Friday – IMHO, just playing games and reading the annotations isn’t enough. I think it’s too passive to help you increase your playing strength in a short period of time.
In light of that, here’s what I’ll do with the annotated master games – First, find the raw game scores. Predict the moves after the opening phase and write my own analysis and notes to the game. Only then will I consult and read the in-depth annotations provided by the IMs and FMs who analyzed the game.
I think the benefits from this method of studying master games are enormous – first, it helps me exercise my chess thinking strategy, not to mention it gives me a sneak peek to how master’s think.
c. During Weekends Play 3-4 Games Against Stronger Players On G/60 Time Controls – Alright, this facet of my chess improvement plan will put the things I’ve learned throughout the week to the acid test – bringing them all together in an over-the-board game.
Of course, these games should be analyzed right after they are played and my thoughts during the game should also be noted.
And I think that’s about it. Not a lot, but I think, coupled with playing games with stronger chess players at G/60 at least, these should be enough for now. I’m planning to get IM Silman’s books –
- Re-Asses Your Chess Workbook
- How To Re-Asses Your Chess
- Inside The Amateur’s Mind
…when I have enough dough.
Yeah, I’m a huge fan of Silman and many other club players are. And when you give his books a try, I’m sure you will be, too! As for the opening phase, which is my ‘Achilles Heels’, I’m planning to grab 3 ChessBase trainers authored by another favorite chess writer and trainer of mine – GM Nigel Davies.
The King’s Indian Attack – I’m not the one to memorize reams and reams of theory! The White setup – e4, d3, Nf3, Nd2, g3, and Bg2, has been successfully used both by masters and amateurs. It’s a very good weapon especially against the French Defense.
This will give me more time to spend on other aspects of chess training and improvement.
1.e4 For The Creative Attacker – Another White opening CD. Well, sadly, the King’s Indian Attack can’t be used against 1…e5 and the Scandinavian Defense. This should be covered by this ChessBase trainer. And I think it’s a good idea to have a backup opening repertoire just in case I grow tired and bored with the KIA.
1…d6 Universal - I’m yet to read a review of this ChessBase trainer. But as I’ve said, I want something that’s universal and can be relied on almost all the time in the opening phase. I have a hunch that this is going a great CD. After all, GM Davies is one of England’s leading exponents of 1…d6 and other related openings like the Pirc and Modern Defense.
By TheWanderingPen On June 1, 2009
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Bad news – as mentioned in my earlier post, I’ve lost all of my chess books that I’ve held close to my heart. I was clueless how to start a chess improvement plan. I’ve relied on these books for honing my skills – thinking method, tactical eye, strategic thinking, etc.
The good news is that I’ve got it all figured out now!
I just remembered that I was once a member of a chess membership site where they offer games annotated by Romanian FIDE Masters, International Masters, and Grandmasters. Fortunately, I can still remember my log-in information.
And after keying in my username and password…VIOLA! I now have 83 heavily annotated and analyzed master games, with quizzes in between the moves, at my disposal. The only question to be answered now is how I am going to use them…what chess improvement and training plan will I use that will get the most out of these annotated games?
I’m yet to figure out, but discovering these annotated games is definitely a good start!
By TheWanderingPen On June 1, 2009
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“Your first name is tactics, your middlename is tactics, and your last name is tactics!”
- FM Ken Smith
There’s no doubt about it – if you’re a class level player, you’re better off studying different tactical motifs and combinations rather than reading through reams of opening and endgame theory.
Now I’m not saying that these facets of chess are not important…they are! It’s just that in club level chess - he who sees tactics and combinations better has the upper hand. The question is – how do you train your tactical eye?
I think there are 3 effective methods for training tactics –
Method 1
First on our list is the conventional way of training tactics – going through tactical exercises repetitively and constantly. But there is another question that branches out of this – what type of tactical exercises should one study?
Are we looking at simple 3-4 movers? Or should one focus on complex tactical exercises that span 10 or even a dozen moves?
Unfortunately, there’s no unified answer. Some like NM Dan Heisman stresses the importance of focusing on basic and simple tactical patterns, which are the building blocks of more complex tactics.
On the other hand, there are some like Michael De La Maza, the originator of ‘7 Circles Of Tactics’…a method for studying tactics, thinks that covering and studying both simple and complex tactical exercises.
Method 2
If you don’t know how to incorporate your newly acquired tactical knowledge and skill into your chess games, then it’s useless. The next method is more of like an extension of the first one…allowing you to exercise and use your tactical vision in real over-the-board games.
Play moves and openings that create tactical opportunities!
Matter of fact, it’s advocated that amateurs and club-level players play gambits. This definitely helps in creating tactical situations on the board where one should be alert all the time. Of course, you should analyze your games afterwards to get the most out of it.
Method 3
Last but not the least; one needs to study games of great attacking and tactical masters like Tal, Kasparov, Alekhine, etc. Personally, I love looking at games of old masters like Anderssen, Morphy, Steinitz, Spielmann, and others.
True, the defensive technique back then may not be as good as it is today, and these games may be riddled with errors. However, what I like about studying these games of old masters is that the strategy and tactics they employ are clearly seen.
How should one go about studying these tactical gems?
In my opinion, just playing through the games and reading the annotations isn’t enough. Instead, I gather the raw game scores, cover and predict the moves…think how I would think in a real game, and write down my analysis.
Only after going through the game with the steps outlined above will I consult the master’s annotations and notes.
