GM Andy Soltis had this to say: “A popular view among amateurs is that GM’s are GM’s because they routinely see 10 moves ahead. There are, of course, examples of this by GM’s, but they are relatively rare. Much more common is the kind of calculation that calls for seeing not more than two moves into the future. And most of the time these two move variations lead only to minor improvements in the position.”
I read something similar written by former world CC champion Purdy. I also remember reading in 100 Selected Games that Botvinnik (at the height of his power) came to the conclusion that he needed to work on his ability to see two move combinations.
GM’s have a very quick eye for whether a move is leading to something favorable. When they spot a move that looks promising, only then will they will look as far ahead as they need to so as to determine if the resulting position is good or not. Two moves are usually good enough for them to determine if a line is worth pursuing further. I once sat in on a PM with Tony Miles and another GM where we were the only three present. The other GM was somewhat intimidated by Miles and every time he suggested a move, Miles would almost instantly tell him why it wasn’t any good and they were firing off variations, going 2-3 moves then say something like, “Yeah, that’s no good.” I’ve seen a local IM analyzing for the masses say a move was no good then shoot off 10 moves at the speed of light to prove it then shove everything back where it was and go through another variation. Nobody could keep up with him and I think he was pulling our leg.
I once watched GM Miguel Quinteros take one minute to a local master’s 5 min. at $10 a game. The master didn’t win a game out of the half dozen or so I saw. Quinteros wasn’t even a top GM and I don’t think he did a lot of deep calculating.
My mom handed me an article today titled The Expert Mind. She said I would find it interesting. This is how it starts...
A man walks along the inside of a circle of chess tables, glancing at each for two or three seconds before making his move. On the outer rim, dozens of amateurs sit pondering their replies until he completes the circuit. The year is 1909, the man is Jose Raul Capablance of Cuba, and the result is a whitewash: 28 wins in as many games. The exhibition was part of a tour in which Capablanca won 168 games in a row.
How did he play so well, so quickly? And how far ahead could he calculate under such constraints? "I see only one move ahead," Capablanca is said to have answered, "but it is always the correct one."
Originally posted by gaychessplayerreally? not even a king and pawn endgame? i guess you wouldn't take the time to calculate it out because you would already know how to play it....so i suppose its already calculated out subconsciously?
I'm rated 1804 USCF and I can assure you that I have never, EVER had a position in which I could see even ten moves ahead! Not even if every move was forced!
eh. who cares anyway?
Originally posted by masscatin his book "how to choose a chess move" he makes some very good points, looking at a branch of moves - if it doesn't go anywhere good after 2 moves, try another. Calculating 10 moves is a complete waste of time in my opinion, but maybe that's why i'll never be a GM. 😀
GM Andy Soltis had this to say: “A popular view among amateurs is that GM’s are GM’s because they routinely see 10 moves ahead. There are, of course, examples of this by GM’s, but they are relatively rare. Much more common is the kind of calculation that calls for seeing not more than two moves into the future. And most of the time these two move variations lead only to minor improvements in the position.”