Not an easy question, it depends so much on how complicated the position is and what kind of moves you're doing.
Many moves don't require deep calculation, they're strategic in nature; I want to pin his knight, I want to force a favorable exchange, et cetera... When I have to calculate, I'd say I can calculate easily 3-4 moves deep in most situations, but it can easily be much more if there's few possibilities (in late middlegames/endgames) or with the help of the "analyze board".
Your question is really interesting, I have an ICC game tomorrow against a strong player, I'll write how deep I've calculated for each move.
rating- 1714 (a little too high, IMHO).
I don't see very many moves ahead. I try to get an idea of possibilities and keep general principles in mind, but don't do too much calculating. I use the analysis board periodically-- mostly to create 'fantasy' positions.
Now that I think about it, I guess I do calculate a bit to see if the fantasy positions are feasible, but I'm a little lazy. Occassionally, I'll find a 4 or 5 move sequence and pat myself on the back.
Lately, I've realized the importance of studying endgames. There are certain situations that I'd like to avoid in the future, so I will plan a little more in the earlies phases.
It really depends on the situation. You can't always calculate positional sacrifices, so you might be making a move you think is good now, but won't bear any fruits for another 10 moves. And the same thing with endgame's, I might make a move now expecting that an endgame will be favorable to me 10-15 moves from now. If I am purely calculating, I'd say my max is the number of forced moves in a sequence plus 2-3.
Originally posted by kmac27well I ain't 1700 yet but I am close...the most moves I have ever calculated would be about 14...never had to calculate further than that. I prolly calculate about 4-6 moves on average.
So I want to know from the people 1700 and above what your rating is and how many moves you think ahead when in the middle game, average, minimum and maximum.
Originally posted by kmac27skeeter / 2100 : against 1200-1700 out of book and end game database its 4 ply. min. 1700 - to my level its usually 6/7 ply analysis. Over 2300's? I try to avoid as they are clearly able to ply deeper than me . 😉
So I want to know from the people 1700 and above what your rating is and how many moves you think ahead when in the middle game, average, minimum and maximum.
skeeter
Originally posted by tomtom23214 moves!
well I ain't 1700 yet but I am close...the most moves I have ever calculated would be about 14...never had to calculate further than that. I prolly calculate about 4-6 moves on average.
LMAO
The only way you could do that with any accuracy is in the most forcing situation; ie # in 14.
I tip my hat to you, sir, if that is the case.
Edit:
Do you mean 14 ply? # in 7 is still very impressive.
The best I've done is # in 5 I think.
As to all this "how many moves" concept - it's largely irrelevant unless you have a very forcing line. If you're in the usual middlegame position with things roughly equal there's no way you should waste time looking more than my best move/his best move/my best response, as the accuracy of your analysis would diminish exponentially the more ply you go.
Originally posted by SquelchbelchVery true. And it doesn't matter how much you're thinking ahead if the analysis is faulty.
As to all this "how many moves" concept - it's largely irrelevant unless you have a very forcing line.
OTB I recently calculated (accurately) a 15 ply (8 move variation) in a forcing line. All well and good except that what I'd predicted would be h ...[text shortened]... ely predict the position on the board at the end of my variation was of no use whatsoever.
Originally posted by Squelchbelchthe opponents king could only go back and forth 😛
14 moves!
LMAO
The only way you could do that with any accuracy is in the most forcing situation; ie # in 14.
I tip my hat to you, sir, if that is the case.
Edit:
Do you mean 14 ply? # in 7 is still very impressive.
The best I've done is # in 5 I think.
As to all this "how many moves" concept - it's largely irrelevant unless you h sponse, as the accuracy of your analysis would diminish exponentially the more ply you go.
and yes I meant ply
Originally posted by kmac27When I'm analyzing heavily tactical positions I'd go about 7-10 moves (14-20 ply) ahead at times...
So I want to know from the people 1700 and above what your rating is and how many moves you think ahead when in the middle game, average, minimum and maximum.
Most of the time though I try to think about 5 moves ahead...
okay actually I usually only think about 0.5 move ahead... explaining why that flippin dumdum232 can beat me 😛.
oh and my rating is just under 1900 though I'm terribly overrated at the moment.. my geniuine strength MIGHT be 1800..