Go back
Computers and tactics

Computers and tactics

Only Chess

R

Joined
30 Mar 09
Moves
2000
Clock
09 Jun 09
Vote Up
Vote Down

Here's a tidbit that might interest people here.

In Chapter 1 in 'Sharpen your tactics in 7 days' Gary Lane mentions 'computers and tactics'.Over to Mr Lane:
"There is a generation of new players who use their computers to improve at chess.However the computer should be used as a tool and not as an answer to everything.Take the advice of Fabiano Caruana who in 2007 at the age of 14 became a GM.He holds dual nationaity,so although he was born in Florida he is not only the youngest ever American GM but also the youngest ever Italian GM thanks to his family ties.In a radio interview the new world record holder had this to say about learning tactics: "...avoid using the computer too much since it dulls your tactical ability - during the game you are forced to think on your own without the computer to help you."

FL

Joined
21 Feb 06
Moves
6830
Clock
09 Jun 09
Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by Romanticus
Here's a tidbit that might interest people here.

In Chapter 1 in 'Sharpen your tactics in 7 days' Gary Lane mentions 'computers and tactics'.Over to Mr Lane:
"There is a generation of new players who use their computers to improve at chess.However the computer should be used as a tool and not as an answer to everything.Take the advice of Fabiano Carua ...[text shortened]... ring the game you are forced to think on your own without the computer to help you."
[/b]
Excellent advice.

When you are analysing a game it is best to do it on your own first and see if you can work out how you or your opponent could have improved before letting Mr. Fritz loose on it. If Fritz finds that either you or your opponent missed any really strong moves then see if you can determine why you missed or rejected the better move. Reasons might include:

a) You saw the move, but decided the position was too unclear and you thought you might have missed a strong reply by your opponent.

b) You'd never seen that particular mating pattern / winning tactic before (Great! hopefully you'll remember it next time).

c) The tactics were just too deep for your tactical ability.

d) You don't agree with Fritz's assessment of the position.

It's surprising how often I disagree with Fritz's assessment as I am much happier with closed and semi-closed positions than open ones.

R

Joined
30 Mar 09
Moves
2000
Clock
09 Jun 09
Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by Fat Lady
Excellent advice.

When you are analysing a game it is best to do it on your own first and see if you can work out how you or your opponent could have improved before letting Mr. Fritz loose on it. If Fritz finds that either you or your opponent missed any really strong moves then see if you can determine why you missed or rejected the better move. Reason ...[text shortened]... tz's assessment as I am much happier with closed and semi-closed positions than open ones.
"It's surprising how often I disagree with Fritz's assessment as I am much happier with closed and semi-closed positions than open ones."

I almost invariably disagree with Fritz.But for a different reason 😳

I have to include this funny bit from the same book.Gary Lane on openings:
"I remember having some success with the Advance French,and was asked wether I chose it for its tactical possibilities or it's extended pawn formation which promoted kingside attacking chances.However,in fact my sole reason for playing this anti-french variation was because it was the shortest line published in Modern Chess Openings."

Good stuff 😀

Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.