Not All Chess Knowledge Is Created Equal

I love chess books. I continue to buy more without finishing the old ones.

Unfortunately, not all chess knowledge has equal practical value in a game. I’m sure all of you can relate to putting in one or two intense study sessions, only to go on a losing streak. There are many reasons for this, I want to talk about some of the more common ones.

A winning advantage doesn’t decide the game. You have to close it out.

All of the opening prep in the world won’t help you win if you can’t checkmate your opponent. Chess comes down to who can get the job done. It’s easy to get so caught up in the emotion of winning a game, only to relax and lose. Don’t let your focus slip just because you’re ahead two pawns or even a minor piece. When you have the advantage, it's often prudent to make sure you can’t lose before you finish the game off.

Tactics are most of chess, not all of it.

Bobby Fischer once said “Tactics flow from a superior position”. There’s always a move you can play to improve your position. Tactics do not appear out of thin air, and can not be forced. The superior activity of your pieces controlling a greater number of squares in one or more areas of the board will create tactics. Allow the tactics to reveal themselves to you

through playing sound improving moves.

Be flexible with your plans.

Sparta was a military giant in ancient Greece. After the Peloponnesian War, Sparta was on top of the world. However, Sparta was filled with rigid thinkers intent on sticking to their old ways despite evolving technologies and ideas. Sparta's resistance to change and innovation left it unprepared to adapt to new threats. The best empires adapt to new circumstances.

We can learn from the Spartans' mistakes to win more chess games. During each new game, look at the board with a fresh set of eyes. Even in similar situations, the best plans often differ based on concrete move to move considerations. Be ready to change your plans when the position calls for it.

Just because you're losing games, doesn't mean you aren't improving.

While it’s necessary to improve our understanding in all three phases of the game, putting it into practice effectively takes time. Often while you are learning new information, your fundamentals slip. It’s important to keep your sights on the big picture. The journey to greater understanding in chess is a winding road.

However once it all clicks, your skills will take you to brand new heights.