calculation ability

I'm interested in hearing from strong players (e.g. 1600+) how they improved calculation/tactical ability. My thinking is that I will need to solve a lot of diagrammed positions, mostly WITHOUT using a board to help visualize. What are your thoughts on the best method to improve visualization/calculation ability?

Yes, solving chess problems in your head, is an easy way to improve your visualisation (and your tactical and combinational abilities). It's also great fun.

The next stage, which is much harder, is to play through games without the use of a board. Most chess books have diagrams every few moves in a game, so you don't need to visualise everything at once.

Finally you should try playing blindfold games with someone, calling out your moves to each other. The first few games will probably be a shambles as one (or both) of you forgets the position, but if you perservere you should eventually be able to get through a whole game.

-Dave

My friend who is going off to college but is an NM can beat me blindfolded while playing video games(also beating anyone he's playing there), and eating/drinking, and he can still talk and really doesn't have to concentrate. Says something about both of our chess abilities doesn't it! 😀

Now THAT is a good trick, playing video games blindfolded!

I have played a fair bit against a few opponents with no board (we just call out the moves). Trouble is, I'm just a bad chess player with a very good memory, so it hasn't helped much. But I'd take any chess advice that David Tebb is handing out...

I can play about 10-15 moves without looking that I am sure of. After that I start to lose things and it becomes embarrassing! 🙄

What about using books like Pandolfini's Chessercizes where he gives 'Mate in X' type positions?

I seems to be good practice, specially when you get up to mate in 8 etc.

I disagree. Anyone who thinks that they can play a game with atleast 40 moves by just calling out the moves needs to be in the movies. That is the only place it happens. "Searching for Bobby Fisher"/ Hopefully I spelled that right.

Grandmasters have entire tourneys blindfolded! 😀

Originally posted by lionel
I disagree. Anyone who thinks that they can play a game with atleast 40 moves by just calling out the moves needs to be in the movies. That is the only place it happens. "Searching for Bobby Fisher"/ Hopefully I spelled that right.

Originally posted by royalchicken
I'm not saying it's the highest quality play-not that my game is good anyway. However, I have played about 25-30 moves in this manner, and won because my opponent forgot first. I have also played against a kid, a NM I believe, who played blindfolded and beat me in 52 moves. Hardcore chess masters have been known to play 15 blindfold games simultaneously.

I think Najdorf has the record, which is in the 40's. His record was amazing too, around 3 loses, and a couple draws and then rest wins. Or something like that! 😀

Originally posted by !~TONY~!
I think Najdorf has the record, which is in the 40's. His record was amazing too, around 3 loses, and a couple draws and then rest wins. Or something like that! 😀

Originally posted by bbarr
Out of 45 simultaneous blindfolded games, Najdorf won 39, lost 4, and drew 2. Interestingly, he claimed that the simultaneous display was not intended as a stunt. Most of his family died in the holocaust, and Najdorf hoped that this simul would be reported throughout Germany, Russia and Poland, allowing any unknown remaining family to know his whereabouts.

This is a well-kept secret:

I'VE BEEN PLAYING ALL MY RHP GAMES BLINDFOLDED FOR 3 MONTHS NOW.

Please don't tell this to all my opponents!
Can you promise that? 😀😀😀😀😀