Practical decisions and intuition
In short
Top players rely on intuition built from thousands of positions, and use calculation to check it. In unclear positions, decide quickly which candidate fits the position’s needs, then calculate only to rule out tactical refutations.
By the end you can
- Trust trained intuition
- Recognise when to calculate and when to judge
The lesson
Top players rely on intuition built from thousands of positions, and use calculation to check it. In unclear positions, decide quickly which candidate fits the position’s needs, then calculate only to rule out tactical refutations.
Reviewing your intuitive decisions against deep engine analysis keeps intuition calibrated.
Key points to remember
- Intuition first, calculation to verify
- Rule out refutations, not every line
- Calibrate intuition after games
Examples
Show the solution
38. Kf3 gxh4 39. gxh4 Kd4 40. h5 Ke5 41. h6
Practise it
Solve puzzles on this idea: quiet move puzzles.
Homework
Rapid intuition sessions: 20 positions, 30 seconds each, then check.
More thinking process lessons
- What did my opponent just do? (Foundation)
- The safety check before every move (Novice)
- Checks, captures, threats (CCT) (Class F)
- Candidate moves (Class E)
- A full thinking routine (Class D)
- Prophylaxis: what does my opponent want? (Class C)