During a game of chess, there are many moves and variations you could calculate. But you cannot calculate everything. That is why you need a simple method to help you focus on the moves that matter most.
A well-known method for this is the CCT Calculation Method:
C — Checks
C — Captures
T — Threats
These are called forcing moves because they often limit your opponent’s choices. When your opponent has fewer good replies, the position becomes easier to calculate.
Checks
A check is the most forcing move in chess because your opponent must respond to it. This is why you look at checks first. In many tactical positions, a check can even start a forcing sequence that leads to a winning combination.
Captures
Captures are also forcing because your opponent often needs to recapture. But you must still check them carefully, because your opponent may have an in-between move, such as a check, capture, or threat of their own.
Threats
A threat creates an immediate problem for your opponent, such as checkmate or winning material. But threats must also be checked carefully, because your opponent may be able to ignore your threat and create an even stronger counter-threat.
Practice the CCT Method
An ideal opportunity to practice the CCT Calculation Method is while solving tactical puzzles. Later on in the academy, when we get to tactics and visualization, I will give you specific puzzles and exercises where you can apply this method in practice.