Master Calculation by Aagard

In the world of chess, opinions among top players may vary widely, but there is a consensus among World Champions, Grandmasters, and other experts on one crucial point: the art of chess calculation is the key to a player's success. Mastering this skill can dramatically improve your results. Despite its importance, few chess authors have tackled this complex topic in depth, likely due to its inherent difficulty. Jacob Aagaard addresses this challenge head-on, revealing the secrets behind effective chess calculation and providing readers with the tools they need to calculate accurately at the board.
Aagaard focuses on practical questions such as "When should you calculate?", "How can you identify candidate moves?", and "How long should you spend on critical moves?". Alexander Kotov was the first to introduce the concept of candidate moves, though his book is more famous for the 'tree of analysis'. Many authors have critiqued the 'tree of analysis' method—John Tisdall’s 'Improve Your Chess Now!' offers a direct critique—yet they acknowledge the significance of candidate moves. Tisdall, for instance, initially agrees with Mark Dvoretsky that selecting candidates is essential, though not necessarily immediately, but later expresses reservations about the concept.
Kotov aimed to teach players to think like machines, focusing on moves. However, humans think in ideas rather than just moves. Moves are steps, but ideas are pockets of meaning that guide our decisions.

Advice for Improving Chess Calculation:

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice of calculation exercises helps reinforce the habit of deep thinking and precise calculation.
2. Break Down Complex Positions: Analyze positions by breaking them into smaller, more manageable parts. Focus on understanding the key ideas and threats.
3. Use Candidate Moves: Always identify a set of potential moves (candidate moves) before delving into deep calculations. This helps in organizing your thought process and avoiding missed opportunities.
4. Visualize Moves: Develop your ability to visualize moves and their consequences several steps ahead. This skill is crucial for accurate calculation and anticipating your opponent's responses.
5. Manage Your Time: Learn to allocate your thinking time wisely. Spend more time on critical positions and less on straightforward ones. Time management is key to maintaining focus throughout the game.
6. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your calculations as new information arises. Rigidity can lead to errors, while flexibility allows for adaptation to changing positions.
7. Analyze Your Games: After each game, review your calculations and identify where you went wrong. Understanding your mistakes is vital for improvement.

By incorporating these strategies and regularly practicing calculation, you can enhance your chess skills and perform more effectively at the board. Remember, while moves are important, it is the underlying ideas that truly drive successful play.