In this lesson I’ll reveal a simple calculation technique that can significantly reduce the occurrence of blunders in your games.
The technique consist of two questions that you must answer on every move:
- What is my opponent threatening?
- What are the downsides of my intended move?
The following example illustrates how you can use this technique to avoid blunders:
Diagram above: It is white’s turn to move. White hopes to win the black pawn on d4 with either 1.Nxd4… or 1.Bxd4…
Question #1 What is my opponent threatening?
In chess, you must at all times understand what your opponent is threatening, or potentially threatening.
If white didn’t have a knight on f3, defending the h2-pawn, then Qxh2# would be checkmate.
#2 What are the downsides of my intended move, Nxd4?
Diagram above: 1.Nxd4? Qxh2#
Failing to notice the downsides of an intended move is a very common cause of blunders in chess.
Then what about 1.Bxd4 instead of 1.Nxd4?
Diagram above: 1.Bxd4? would also be a blunder because the knight on f3 is overloaded: 1.Bxd4? Nxd4 2.Nxd4?? Qxh2#
You can clearly see how this technique, if made a habit, can help you avoid blunders.
Blunder Alert! Exercises
I created a few more exercises that can help you practice it. This will not only help you reduce blunders, but it will also boost your confidence and make the game more enjoyable. I’ve named the set Blunder Alert! and it’s only $5.
- 20 Blunder Alert! Exercises
- PDF format (compatible with all PCs, Tablets and Phones)
- Price $5
- Instant Download after Purchase