Keep trying or look?

Keep trying or look?

Only Chess

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😏

Joined
22 Sep 20
Moves
2987
18 Nov 20
5 edits

So all of us that want to improve know we have to study.

My chosen method is "play through master games and figure out the next move"
(Unless it is a Pachman book, the dude is a beast at teaching, try him)

So...if I can't figure out the next move which the author clearly says is tactical should I look at the answer or focus on my board for days or even weeks until I solve the small tactic that the author is presenting to me?

The dilemma is figure it out no matter how long it takes and you will always know it or look at the answer and learn it and maybe remember it?

😏

Joined
22 Sep 20
Moves
2987
19 Nov 20

I looked...

Alas, only 1600 🙁

New Braunfels, Texas

Joined
22 Aug 07
Moves
72295
19 Nov 20

When I try problems, I give myself 5 minutes, then check the answer. If I find myself checking every answer, then I consider trying easier problems.

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Joined
22 Sep 20
Moves
2987
19 Nov 20

@MontyMoose

Probably best.

D

Joined
08 Jun 07
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2120
19 Nov 20

Dave

S.Yorks.England

Joined
18 Apr 10
Moves
83827
19 Nov 20

@cheesemaster said
So all of us that want to improve know we have to study.

My chosen method is "play through master games and figure out the next move"
(Unless it is a Pachman book, the dude is a beast at teaching, try him)

So...if I can't figure out the next move which the author clearly says is tactical should I look at the answer or focus on my board for days or even weeks until ...[text shortened]... long it takes and you will always know it or look at the answer and learn it and maybe remember it?
One danger with focusing on tactics is that you miss the obvious.
Also you need to try and work out your opponents tactics
Often have I looked at my game,decided on a great "tactical" move ,played it and not noticed one of my pieces was hanging!!
A good habit to get into is making a final check on the position before pressing the "submit" button
I wish I always followed my own advice!!

Cryptic

Behind the scenes

Joined
27 Jun 16
Moves
3093
19 Nov 20
2 edits

@cheesemaster said
So all of us that want to improve know we have to study.

My chosen method is "play through master games and figure out the next move"
(Unless it is a Pachman book, the dude is a beast at teaching, try him)

So...if I can't figure out the next move which the author clearly says is tactical should I look at the answer or focus on my board for days or even weeks until ...[text shortened]... long it takes and you will always know it or look at the answer and learn it and maybe remember it?
I think Monty Moose is correct. Give yourself a set amount of time to solve, then look. The only thing I would add is if you had to look up the answer, set the position up on your board and play through the correct sequence of moves to the end several times, using your own board and pieces. Doing this will enable you to remember the solution much longer. This method works with tactics and endgame exercises as well.

😏

Joined
22 Sep 20
Moves
2987
19 Nov 20
1 edit

I use my board and pieces about 80% of the time but I think I'm going to use it all the time.
It was a game by Petrosian I was playing through on my board.
I'll go over it again and solve the tactics in my head because now I know the answer 😉

😏

Joined
22 Sep 20
Moves
2987
19 Nov 20

The post that was quoted here has been removed
No doubt about that.

His books on strategy are great for intermediates though 🤔