I've just returned to Substack after a long time. This was one of the first posts I read, and I enjoyed it!
Much of this rings true, and I find the connection to Kahneman's "System 1 and 2 thinking" particularly important. I think many players aren't aware of this distinction, even though chess is basically the perfect example for it (though of course, there is overlap; instinct helps out a lot in deep calculation as well, e.g. when it comes to considering the right moves first rather than going about things in a purely algorithmic manner).
I've thought for a long time that ChessTempo is an interesting resource precisely because both System 1 and 2 are required (in traditional solving, it'd be mostly System 2). That's why I'd always go with some mix of Lichess puzzles (now, with ChessMint of course :D) for deep calculation and ChessTempo for faster-paced calculation, where instinct plays a greater role. Much to think about. Cheers!
Hi Jakob, hope you've been well - how's your chess going?
ChessTempo is a good one. Just had a look at your post on ChessMint, looks awesome! Back in the day I used to manually copy diagrams from ChessBase onto a Word document but this looks really clean, and the ability to have solutions in there too, I think I'll give it a try.
I was interested to see your general guidelines for the ratings at which people tend to transition into needing different kinds of training. I'm now at 1100 Chess.com Rapid and 1600 Lichess Rapid, but it's clear to me that I still need to do A LOT of the simple 1-move tactics. Even at the -600 (Easiest) level on Lichess, I still get a lot of puzzles wrong. I wonder if this kind of thing tends to vary with learners' ages?
Thanks for the interesting comment and question Rick - the guidelines were general so there'll be some variation, and even as you go from 1000 to 1500 and beyond, definitely still want to keep working on the 1-move tactics so you're spotting them more.
It could also be a sign that your tactics still need a lot of work but you're doing other things better than other players at your level!
I've just returned to Substack after a long time. This was one of the first posts I read, and I enjoyed it!
Much of this rings true, and I find the connection to Kahneman's "System 1 and 2 thinking" particularly important. I think many players aren't aware of this distinction, even though chess is basically the perfect example for it (though of course, there is overlap; instinct helps out a lot in deep calculation as well, e.g. when it comes to considering the right moves first rather than going about things in a purely algorithmic manner).
I've thought for a long time that ChessTempo is an interesting resource precisely because both System 1 and 2 are required (in traditional solving, it'd be mostly System 2). That's why I'd always go with some mix of Lichess puzzles (now, with ChessMint of course :D) for deep calculation and ChessTempo for faster-paced calculation, where instinct plays a greater role. Much to think about. Cheers!
Hi Jakob, hope you've been well - how's your chess going?
ChessTempo is a good one. Just had a look at your post on ChessMint, looks awesome! Back in the day I used to manually copy diagrams from ChessBase onto a Word document but this looks really clean, and the ability to have solutions in there too, I think I'll give it a try.
Just came to your Substack. Great post. Very helpful. TY.
Thanks for reading Paul, glad it was helpful.
I was interested to see your general guidelines for the ratings at which people tend to transition into needing different kinds of training. I'm now at 1100 Chess.com Rapid and 1600 Lichess Rapid, but it's clear to me that I still need to do A LOT of the simple 1-move tactics. Even at the -600 (Easiest) level on Lichess, I still get a lot of puzzles wrong. I wonder if this kind of thing tends to vary with learners' ages?
Thanks for the interesting comment and question Rick - the guidelines were general so there'll be some variation, and even as you go from 1000 to 1500 and beyond, definitely still want to keep working on the 1-move tactics so you're spotting them more.
It could also be a sign that your tactics still need a lot of work but you're doing other things better than other players at your level!
great👍
Thanks for reading Navin.
Thanks for the excellent article, Junta! Now comes the hard part: Actually putting your wise advice into daily practice.
Thanks for reading Santo, hope you can find a good approach for tactics for you.
On the position you gave from your game, Ne6 seems right. That's a hard move to find even knowing there's a tactic. lol
Yup! A tricky one that the grandmaster playing Black also missed.
Boom I am now a grandmaster… that’s how this works right? 🤣🤣
Last time I checked, yes 😉
Very nice post with great information and resources
Thanks for reading Southernrun, hope it helps.