Chess is a game of strategies and if you can stay far enough ahead of you opponent you are more likely to win the game. Millions of people all over the world have taken to chess, all with their own strategies. Some have learned them over the years that they have been playing, and others have just begun to figure out what their best strategies are. Since staying even one step ahead of your opponent can increases your chances of winning, here are some chess strategies for thinking ahead.
1. Practice makes perfect. Well, maybe not in this game, but it sure will increase your chances of wining. It’s easy to practice this game and implement some of your best and worst strategies. Find a partner, someone who knows the game and have them run through some test tries with you. You can’t expect to play a game well that you never practice. And you can’t expect to know how to think ahead of your opponent if you don’t practice it. Continuous practice is a strategy that can give you the confidence you need and the experience of knowing your opponent.
2. Study your strengths and weaknesses. The best way to improve on any game especially chess is to study your strengths and weaknesses and the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent. Look back on games that you have won and lost and determine what it was the kept you ahead of your opponent; what it was that kept you behind them. Review notes, statistics, and anything else that helped or hindered you to keep on your toes and thinking ahead. History can always help improve your game and offer helpful insight into how to stay ahead of your opponent.
3. Ask yourself “What if? ” This is an important question in the game of chess because there are so many different possibilities. What if you make this move, what will your opponent do? Where will the move next? What if your opponent moves this piece to this square, how will you react to their move? Asking what if will always keep you thinking ahead of your opponent; you are preparing yourself for any and every possible scenario. For each move you make you should think of at least three possible moves your opponent could make. And for each outcome to your possible move, you should think of at least three possible causes. Always try and use the rule of three to expand your what if thinking strategy.
4. Think, think, and think! It will come as no surprise to you that if you want to stay ahead of your opponent and out wit them, you will have to use your brain and think about everything. It has done no good to any competitor to go into a game without thinking about what they will do ahead of time. Think actively; think continuously; and you will find yourself just going through the motions. You will be (as sports therapists call it) in the zone. Chess is a thinker’s game, and in order to stay ahead of your opponent your have to use your brain; in every move; and in every move your opponent makes. It’s really that simple.
It’s no secret that chess is a game of strategy and indeed, the player with the best strategy will most often win. These chess strategies for thinking ahead are quite simple but will help you stay a step ahead of your opponent and increase your chances of winning. Thinking ahead is a learned skill and it takes time and practice.
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