A calculation method for hard positions
In short
For hard positions, use a fixed method: identify all candidates (including surprising ones), order them from most forcing, calculate each to a quiet position, evaluate, and then double-check the chosen line for the opponent’s best defence — including quiet defensive moves and in-between checks.
By the end you can
- Use candidate moves, forcing order and blunder-checks
- Solve complex positions with written lines
The lesson
For hard positions, use a fixed method: identify all candidates (including surprising ones), order them from most forcing, calculate each to a quiet position, evaluate, and then double-check the chosen line for the opponent’s best defence — including quiet defensive moves and in-between checks.
Train with difficult puzzles under a time limit, writing the lines before checking. Then compare: did you miss a candidate, a defence, or misjudge the final position? Each error type needs different practice.
Key points to remember
- Find surprising candidates too
- Calculate to a quiet position
- Double-check the opponent’s best defence
- Classify your calculation errors
Examples
Show the solution
41. Qxf4 Rxf4 42. h5 Rg4 43. h6 Rxg5 44. h7 Rxg3 45. h8=Q
Show the solution
37... g5 38. f4 gxf4 39. a6 bxa6
Practise it
Solve puzzles on this idea: quiet move puzzles.
Homework
Five hard puzzles a day with written lines and a 10-minute limit each.
More calculation lessons
- Calculating without moving the pieces (Class D)
- The art of defence (Class B)
- Calculating trees of variations (Class B)
- Endgame studies for imagination (Class A)
- Calculation under pressure (Expert)
- Finding the opponent’s resources (Master)