Analysing with engines the right way
In short
Use the engine after your own analysis. Look at the evaluation graph for the turning points, then explore those positions with several lines (multi-PV) and ask why the engine prefers its move.
By the end you can
- Use engines to verify, not replace, thinking
- Explore alternative plans with multi-PV
The lesson
Use the engine after your own analysis. Look at the evaluation graph for the turning points, then explore those positions with several lines (multi-PV) and ask why the engine prefers its move. If you cannot explain the engine’s move, play it out against the engine until you understand.
Beware of engine evaluations in closed or fortress-like positions; a +1.5 can be a dead draw. Practical understanding remains your responsibility.
Key points to remember
- Your analysis first
- Explore with multi-PV
- Understand why, not just what
- Don’t trust evaluations blindly in closed positions
Examples
Show the solution
15. Ne7+ Kb8 16. Nf5 Qg5 17. Rg1
Homework
Deep-analyse one game per week with the engine and write three “why” explanations.
More game analysis lessons
- Your first game review (Novice)
- Annotate first, engine second (Class F)
- Tracking your mistakes (Class E)
- Learning from model games (Class D)
- Critical moments in your games (Class C)
- Full annotation of a tournament game (Class B)