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by Antonio Gude (Author)
THEMATIC CHESS TRAINING
BOOK 7 - CALCULATION PROBLEMSAll chess is steeped in analysis and calculation. In particular, combinations and tactical play require a high degree of calculation. We're talking about those positions in which, given the acute nature of the struggle, the value of each tempo is crucial or very high.
Calculation was specifically studied in chapter 6 of Chess School 2, Reading the position, and more specifically in its section 4, Calculating variants.
The student should bear in mind that, when solving the exercises, they are not asked to decipher each and every move in the game (which are sometimes included until the end, for documentary purposes), but only those that, say, lead to a decisive advantage for one side (+ -, - +), or forced draws (=) when appropriate. There are exceptions (and in this sense the guidance of an instructor, or the reader's own common sense, is important), because if the first move or two produce such a judgment, the solver is expected to provide additional concrete lines that enrich the solution. Chess is not a mathematical science and allows for various interpretations.
Only one formula is known for progressing in chess: play as many games as possible, together with theoretical study and analysis of the games themselves. The ideal complement to this formula is, as many great masters recommend, for the player to develop and perfect their tactical and strategic skills by solving numerous exercises, specially selected for their usefulness. Like the ones we offer here
