19 Mar 08
2 edits
Originally posted by Reverbin games, I just get carried away, for puzzles however, I might give some advice: remember to keep track of the "ranges" of pieces (even if they are blocked), and try to visualize what each move you calculate changes in these. Because of this necessity, I actually do a range search before starting to calculate anything in difficult problems.
What's the best way to deal with extremely complicated tactical situations? Do you write out your analysis in some way to keep track of what you've already considered?
it's also important to remember "null moves", and then back tracking. I mean, when you calculate, you need to ask yourself "what would I do if I had another move?", find it out, and then come back and try to find out how the opponent could stop it. if he cannot, there you go 🙂
if he could stop it, try to eliminate his stopping idea beforehand.
also if you get stuck, always remember to change the move orders in your calculation, I've seen many problems where that does the trick.
and also try to calculate systematically, using the "candidate move" technique.
and by the way, writing down your analysis in compliacted positions for tactical training is something that both Kotov and Silman strongly recommends.
22 Mar 08
Originally posted by ReverbYeah, I keep a move by move log in a gmail note to myself of my thinking at each position.
What's the best way to deal with extremely complicated tactical situations? Do you write out your analysis in some way to keep track of what you've already considered?
Another tool I find very useful for the complicated situations is DBSchess, a shareware PGN reader designed for email chess back in the pre-broadband days. The user interface is a little crude, but it keeps track of all the variations you try from any particular game position. I'd be lost without it.
Good luck! :-)