The machine as a training partner

About a year ago, I was reading through an old chess magazine and found a half forgotten idea that has helped me a lot. I set up my board and turn on my Chessmaster program to a high competitive level. As we move past the book openings and into the middlegame the machine begins to gain the upper hand, I then use the take back move feature, going back 3-4 moves, then try another line of play, then another, etc. until I find a move strong enough to keep the machine and I roughly level, and writing down these lines as I go. This "learn as you play" method has sharpened my tactical skill and forced me to consider things I've not seen before. Some would argue that the machine doesn't play like a human, so this exercise is flawed, however I cannot argue with the results, after doing this 9 months for a few hours a week, I'm now solidly in 1600 - 1700 territory, after 3 years in the low 1400's! Used correctly, the machine can be your friend. 🙂

Originally posted by @mchill
About a year ago, I was reading through an old chess magazine and found a half forgotten idea that has helped me a lot. I set up my board and turn on my Chessmaster program to a high competitive level. As we move past the book openings and into the middlegame the machine begins to gain the upper hand, I then use the take back move feature, going back 3-4 mov ...[text shortened]... 0 territory, after 3 years in the low 1400's! Used correctly, the machine can be your friend. 🙂

That's how you get better, you play better players. If you can't convince a better human, you can always use a better program.

I've done exactly the same thing, and seen similar results to my rating.

That being said, I also don't make as many blunders as I used to.

So many blunders...........😞

Originally posted by @weststigersbob
I've done exactly the same thing, and seen similar results to my rating.

That being said, I also don't make as many blunders as I used to.

So many blunders...........😞

Growth can be a painful process. If you are not making blunders, then you are not making an effort. Keep up the good work! 🙂

One thing playing against a machine will teach you is to not give away material. Machines are very efficient at exploiting lines which lead to immediate material gain.