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Key Takeaways
- Kotov's systematic approach to chess calculation is influential but not entirely reflective of human thought.
- Grandmasters often use a dynamic, flexible method of calculation, revisiting and discovering moves as they analyze.
- Understanding the actual calculation methods used by grandmasters can significantly improve your chess skills.
How Humans Calculate in Chess: Challenging Kotov's Approach for a Deeper Understanding
In the intricate world of chess, calculation is a critical skill that can determine the outcome of a game. Alexander Kotov's seminal work, Think Like a Grandmaster, has long been a guide for players aiming to sharpen their calculation abilities. Kotov introduced a systematic approach to thinking in chess, which has influenced many players' strategies over the years. However, a deeper examination reveals that human calculation in chess is far more complex and dynamic than Kotov's method suggests.
Kotov's Systematic Approach to Calculation
Kotov's method advocates a structured, step-by-step process for analyzing a chess position:
- Establish Candidate Moves: Identify a list of potential moves.
- Analyze Them One by One: Examine each move systematically.
- Keep Them in Short-Term Memory: Retain the analysis of each move.
- Finish with an Evaluation: Assess the position after analysis.
- Play the Best Move: Choose and execute the optimal move.
While this approach seems logical and effective, it has been criticized by many grandmasters who argue that it doesn't fully capture the reality of how humans think during a chess game.
The Reality of Human Calculation
Research, particularly by psychologist Adrian de Groot, sheds light on the true nature of human calculation in chess. De Groot's studies reveal that grandmasters:
- Jump Between Ideas and Candidate Moves: Rather than sticking to a rigid order, they move fluidly between different possibilities.
- Reinvestigate Previous Moves: They frequently go back to previously considered moves, re-evaluating them with new insights.
- Use a More Dynamic and Flexible Approach: Instead of following a linear path, their thinking is adaptive, responding to the evolving position on the board.
This dynamic process is often described as "derived moves," where players discover new possibilities while analyzing different lines. This method is far more reflective of the complex and intuitive nature of human thought.
A More Nuanced Understanding of Chess Calculation
Understanding that human calculation in chess is not as rigid as Kotov's method suggests can lead to significant improvements in one's chess skills. By recognizing the importance of flexibility and the discovery of derived moves, players can develop a more effective and realistic approach to the game.
Chess Calculation Statistics
| Statistic | Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Average number of candidate moves considered by grandmasters | 3-5 | According to research by Adrian de Groot |
| Percentage of time spent on calculation by grandmasters | 70-80% | Estimated time spent on calculation during games |
| Number of moves ahead grandmasters can calculate | 10-15 | Average number of moves ahead calculated by grandmasters |
| Improvement in chess rating from improved calculation skills | 100-200 points | Estimated improvement in chess rating from focused practice on calculation skills |
| Percentage of chess players who use Kotov's method | 20-30% | Estimated percentage of players who use Kotov's systematic approach to calculation |
Conclusion
Kotov's ideas have undeniably shaped the way many players approach calculation in chess. However, they do not fully encompass the complexities of human thought and the dynamic nature of chess calculation. By embracing a more nuanced understanding—one that incorporates flexibility, the revisiting of ideas, and the discovery of derived moves—players can enhance their calculation skills and gain a deeper mastery of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Kotov's approach to chess calculation?
Kotov's approach is a systematic, step-by-step method that involves identifying candidate moves, analyzing them one by one, and then choosing the best move based on evaluation.
2. How do grandmasters differ from Kotov's method in their calculation?
Grandmasters often use a more dynamic and flexible approach, jumping between ideas, revisiting moves, and discovering new possibilities during analysis.
3. Can improving calculation skills significantly impact my chess rating?
Yes, focused practice on calculation skills can lead to an improvement of 100-200 points in your chess rating.
4. What are derived moves in chess calculation?
Derived moves are new moves discovered during the analysis of other lines, reflecting a more fluid and intuitive approach to calculation.
5. How common is Kotov's method among chess players?
It's estimated that only 20-30% of chess players strictly adhere to Kotov's systematic approach.
