Do not blunder! (or, Check for threats!)
I have recently found that when I loudly (in my head) remind myself 'Do not blunder!' after my opponent moves, and right before I move, it seems to actually work. I seem to make fewer blunders when I do this, as the admonition forcefully reminds me to look for tactical possibilities before worrying about subtle strategery, and to blundercheck before making my own move.
Note added 2/25: for those who prefer to put things positively, 'Check for threats!' is a good one. I've switched to that.
Note added 2/25: for those who prefer to put things positively, 'Check for threats!' is a good one. I've switched to that.
posted by Blue Devil Knight at 2/21/2007 02:31:00 PM
6 Comments:
You know, I never thought about that technique, but there is an old verse in the Bible that says "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Ok, so. . ."I am not a blunderer, I am not a blunderer, I am not a blunderer. . ." [grin]
Seriously, I gotta try your technique and see if I can do better in blitz games with my blunders.
Be careful with that technique. I said to myself "I'm going to be a grandmaster, I'm going to be a grandmaster". And look what happens, I can't stop with chess anymore. Since I have no talent, this is going to be a looong walk:)
I found that in almost any position you can blunder. If you ever stalemated your opponent in a K+q vs K endgame, you know what I mean.
I think this is a valuable technique to find resolve. I also use "stay focused" when it is clear that I am winning and counteract narrative thinking like "I am the better player, therefore I should win" by a big "So what? I still have to win".
Tempo: thank goodness avoiding blunders is a more reasonable goal.
Before the game, you could ask your opponent to let you write "Do not blunder!" on his forehead. You'll never forget it...
Dang... I have to change my name
Post a Comment
<< Home