Candidate moves

Level: Class E (1000–1200)Topic: Thinking process30 minutes

In short

The first move that comes to mind is often not the best. Train yourself to name two or three candidate moves before you calculate any of them deeply.

By the end you can

List 2–3 candidate moves before calculating
Compare candidates instead of playing the first idea

The lesson

The first move that comes to mind is often not the best. Train yourself to name two or three candidate moves before you calculate any of them deeply. Include the forcing moves from CCT, the move your plan suggests, and a defensive move if the opponent has a threat.

Then calculate each candidate briefly and compare the resulting positions. This prevents “tunnel vision”, where you spend ten minutes on one idea and then play it even though a simpler move was better.

Candidate moves also save time: you know what you are calculating and why, so you don’t wander between ideas.

Key points to remember

Name 2–3 candidates first
Include forcing, planning and defensive moves
Compare final positions
Avoid tunnel vision

Examples

Example 1 (White to move). The obvious capture is not best — list your candidates. (Lichess puzzle 0isYY, rated 1051)

Show the solution

15. Qxf7+ Kh8 16. Qf8+ Rxf8 17. Rxf8#

Example 2 (Black to move). The best move here is quiet. Did it make your list? (Lichess puzzle 01nyk, rated 1156)

Show the solution

48... d4 49. Kxe6 d3

Practise it

Solve puzzles on this idea: sacrifice puzzles, quiet move puzzles.

Homework

For 10 puzzles, write your candidates before solving.

More thinking process lessons

What did my opponent just do? (Foundation)
The safety check before every move (Novice)
Checks, captures, threats (CCT) (Class F)
A full thinking routine (Class D)
Prophylaxis: what does my opponent want? (Class C)
Recognising critical moments at the board (Class A)