Finding and storing novelties
In short
A novelty is a new move in a known position. Look for them where theory is uncomfortable for your side, where the engine’s second or third choice leads to fresh but sound positions, or where top games ended quickly due to a mistake.
By the end you can
- Search for improvements in critical lines
- Verify novelties deeply
The lesson
A novelty is a new move in a known position. Look for them where theory is uncomfortable for your side, where the engine’s second or third choice leads to fresh but sound positions, or where top games ended quickly due to a mistake.
Verify a novelty thoroughly: let the engine run deeply, then play the resulting positions against it from both sides. Store it in your file with the reasoning, and save it for a game where it matters.
Key points to remember
- Search where theory is uncomfortable
- Engine’s alternatives can be fresh
- Verify by play, not just evaluation
- Save it for the right game
Examples
Homework
Find one candidate novelty in your repertoire and test it in training games.
More openings lessons
- Three golden opening rules (Novice)
- Scholar’s mate and how to stop it (Novice)
- Italian Game: plans, not just moves (Class F)
- Answering 1.d4: the Queen’s Gambit Declined (Class F)
- Meeting the Sicilian with 2.c3 (Class E)
- From moves to structures (Class D)