Academy | Calculation
In chess, calculation is the ability to accurately analyze critical move sequences. It is a skill that improves with dedicated practice. Through training, your brain adapts to meet the challenges you give it.
However, improving your calculation ability takes time, and overloading your brain with too much at once won’t speed progress—in fact, it can become overwhelming and demotivating. Just 20 minutes a day of focused, challenging calculation training is enough to achieve steady improvement.
The lessons and insights below will give you the tools you need to help you develop a your calculation skill.
The Secret to Improving Calculation
Your calculation skill is one of your most important assets as a chess player, but it is also fragile and easily affected by bad habits. Treat it with care and respect, and protect it through disciplined practice and good playing habits.
When you practice the calculation techniques you’ve learned in this section, always be thorough, careful, and precise in applying it. Avoid mental shortcuts, and never rely on intuition without confirming your ideas through proper calculation.
Consistent, disciplined thinking—never lazy thinking—builds reliable calculation and sharp tactical awareness. Protect this skill by avoiding common pitfalls, such as excessive blitz or playing when tired.