Something that I realized quite recently is that there are many positions in which the best engine move makes no sense whatsoever, at least not to me. They're based on pure calculation, and what they calculate just happens to work. With other positions I can understand why the engine suggests what it does, there's a certain logic to what it's doing. Does this anomaly fit a particular pattern? I think that it does. In main lines, which feature lots of standard plans and ideas, the engine moves make sense to me. It's in non-standard positions where I'm often completely baffled.
This accords with Adrian De Groot's discovery that strong chess players excel in pattern recognition whilst we know that engines excel in brute force calculation. In turn that means that experienced players might be better off sticking to standard openings whereas great calculators might want to mix things up. It might be less clearcut if an experienced player is also a good calculator, and in this case the require position may also depend on the relative strengths of the opponent.
What can we learn from this from improvement purposes? It goes without saying that it's a good idea to improve your calculation skills, but there's often an upper limit about how far we can go with this. On the other hand the sky's the limit with mastering typical positions, the main limitation being the amount of time you're willing to devote to it.
Video Discounts
This week's discount is 40% off Mastering Key Pawn Structures: Carlsbad Formations using the code 'may15to23'. This video series will consider the Carlsbad formation, an ideal structure for learning planning and positional play.
Last week's discount was 40% off buying Learning from the Greats: Anatoly Karpov using the code 'may8to16', and this is still valid until tomorrow. Anatoly Karpov is widely acknowledged as having been one of the greatest players in history. In this series of videos Nigel examines Karpov's style and strengths, showing what can be learned from him.
Upcoming Events
This is how things look right now having withdrawn my availability for the European Senior Team Championships. I might get invited to the English Senior Championships in October, in which case I will play:
May 24: Warrington Rapidplay
This one is local and I need the practice. Details can be found here.
July 7-12: South Wales International, Bridgend, Wales
I've accepted an invitation to this event and look forward to playing!
August 1-9: British Championships, Coventry, UK
I've accepted an invitation to this one (the Championship itself) and look forward to playing.
September 25-27: Hull 4NCL
The 4NCL Congresses are always well run, so I'll be playing in this one. Details can be found here.
October 23-25: Scarborough Congress
I'm intending to play in this one if I can. Details are here.
October 26-31: English Senior Championships, Peterborough
This is also up in the air unless and until I get invited. Details can be found here.
Tiger Chess Themed Training Tournaments are organized on a weekly basis at Lichess, featuring selected opening variations. You can check out what's coming up here.
Have a good weekend.
Nigel
