Chess is already challenging, and overcomplicating your thinking process only adds to the difficulty. On the other hand, if your approach is too simplistic, you will limit your growth as a player.
The answer lies in a balanced approach that is clear, focused, and flexible enough to suit the needs of any situation.
In this lesson, you will finally learn how to develop a clear, effective thinking process. If you follow through to the end, you’ll likely find that it’s simpler than you expected!
But before we proceed, let’s look at why an overly methodical way of thinking doesn’t work in real-world chess scenarios.
Why a Rigid Thinking Method Isn’t Practical in Chess
A strict, step-by-step thinking method doesn’t work in chess because every position is unique and requires a different approach. What works in one situation may not work in another, so staying flexible is key.
Just to clarify, I’m not talking about specific techniques such as your calculation method (which can be improved with a methodical approach). I’m referring instead to your overall way of thinking during the game.
Don’t Try to Think Like a Grandmaster Yet
Grandmasters have years of experience and a deep understanding of chess, allowing them to think in ways that lower-rated players simply cannot. A far more practical approach, for most people, is to focus on developing your own thinking process over time.
To that end, let’s dive into the 7 fundamentals of a practical thinking process—one that you can actually apply in your games.
1. Recognize the Needs of the Position
Each position in chess is unique, and your thinking should be focused on what the position needs most. In the opening, your focus might be on developing pieces, while in the endgame, promoting a pawn could take priority. Or, if your opponent is threatening checkmate, worrying about pawn structure is irrelevant—you need to handle the threat immediately.
Recognizing the needs of the position is an ability that relies on your current level of positional understanding. For a beginner, it might be as simple as realizing they need to defend their undefended piece. For a higher-rated player, it could mean anticipating a critical pawn-break in the center. Either way, identifying the needs of the position helps you focus on what truly matters in the moment.
With experience and by developing your positional understanding, you’ll naturally become better at recognizing the needs of the position.
2. Every Move Should Have a Purpose
Every move in chess is an opportunity to improve your position—wasting it on a passive or aimless move is a missed chance. Strong players strive to make purposeful moves, while a weaker player might settle for a ‘waiting move’ that lack impact.
In many positions your strategic objective will be to maximize the firepower of your pieces (also known as development or piece-activity). To find moves that serve this purpose, ask yourself:
- How can I maximize the activity of my pieces? Or, in other words,
- Where are the best squares for my pieces and how can I get them there?
3. Prioritize Checks, Captures, and Threats
The game of chess is challenging enough on its own—adding unnecessary complexity to your thinking will only make things even harder.
It’s tempting to try consider every possibility on the board, but that’s simply just not practical. Even advanced chess engines, with their immense calculation power, focus only on moves selected by their algorithm.
Prioritizing checks, captures, and threats, helps you gain a measure of control over your thought process and helps you stay within the limits of what you can calculate.
4. Think About What Your Opponent Wants
Your opponent also has plans, and their moves are just as important as yours. Consider their potential threats—what are they trying to do?
By carefully observing your opponent’s moves, you can prepare and avoid surprises, staying one step ahead. If you determine that their plan must be stopped, make it a priority. This is called prophylaxis, and it’s just as crucial as advancing your own plans.
5. Spend More Time on Complex Moves, Less on Simple Ones
An important skill in chess is knowing when to spend more time on a move and when not to. In complex positions with numerous tactical opportunities, it’s crucial to take extra time calculating variations and evaluating potential threats.
On the other hand, for simpler moves, where your objectives—such as developing a piece—are clear, you can make quicker decisions without overthinking.
Mastering this balance helps you manage your time effectively, ensuring you focus your energy on critical moments while conserving time in simpler situations.
6. Stay Calm; Don’t Panic
Staying calm in chess is crucial because it enables clearer, more rational thinking. When you panic, your mind races, making it difficult to calculate accurately or assess the position properly. This often leads to blunders or missed opportunities.
That said, staying calm is easier said than done, especially when the game isn’t going your way. A helpful approach is to focus on the quality of your moves and enjoy the game itself. Don’t dwell on the result—it will only add to your stress.
It also helps to play chess frequently; exposing yourself to the pressures of the game will improve your ability to handle stress over time. The more you practice, the more resilient you’ll become, enabling you to stay calm even in the most challenging positions.
I saved the best one for last:
7. Evolve Your Thinking as You Become a Stronger Player
Accept that your thinking process will naturally evolve over time as you gain experience. Reflect on your games and allow your new insights to shape your thinking as you progress.
Trying to enforce a rigid method on your thinking can be counterproductive. Instead, allow your thinking process to evolve naturally, focusing .
Conclusion: The Way Forward
To sum up, the key to an effective chess thinking process is flexibility, not rigidity. Each position is unique, and a flexible approach allows you to adapt and respond to the specific needs of the situation.
Rather than chasing a “perfect method,” focus on the practical principles shared in this lesson. Trust that, over time, your thinking process will naturally evolve as you gain experience and deepen your understanding of the game.