Schematic Thinking in Chess : A Rare Technique Used By Champions

Lets Start with our 1st Example : Capablanca - Blanco

As we can see in this game, how Capablanca used schematic thinking, playing simple moves and then finally using tactics to break the barricade.

2nd Example : Alekhine - Teichmann

In this game, Alekhine demonstrated the power of improving the pieces using schemes (dream positions for eg., the bishop on g3) and by which he achieved the upper hand in the nevertheless dominating position.

3rd Example : Euwe - Vidmar

Euwe uses forced moves to improve his pieces using threats at every move. And when it is time for the final blow, tactics help him.

4th Example : Botvinnik - Keres

The 6th World Champion shows his prowess by implementing the monstrous knight on d6. After which the game played on its own. The Black pieces fumbled and couldn't find good squares.

5th Example : Smyslov - Keres

Smyslov shows how to handle typical QGD positions by using schematic thinking. Step by step , he gains space on the queenside, trades his bad bishop and when the moment comes, he is not stereotyped by the common beliefs and exchanges the Light square bishop for the key d5-square. The rest of the endgame shows his endgame technique skill.

Conclusion

I hope you understood from the examples above about the power of schematic thinking. Even though it would not lead to forced win or checkmate but by using this technique you will understand the real beauty of chess by going in deep inside the positions. You will understand the balance of the chess game and how a move which looks simple is embedded with deep beauty and artistic traits which you failed to notice earlier. Schematic thinking gives an idea about what we want in a position, instead of just playing random moves.

I hope you liked this blog. Please share your opinions and let me know if you want a Second Part on this topic covering the game sof the rest of the World Champions. Thank you for reading the blog!