In this article, I would like to share my thoughts on the topic that is, for sure, extremely important for every chess player. That is how to calculate variations. Unfortunately, this highly interesting and crucial topic had never been covered in a great detail. The only decent source I know is the book of a Soviet Grandmaster Alexander Kotov “How to became a grandmaster”. However, it is quite evident that since it was written half a century ago, some ideas are not relevant anymore, the main reasons are that 1. time controls have been decreased 2. computers have changed chess world drastically.

Many chess players complain that they don’t have enough time to work on chess and play chess because of their other responsibilities such as school, work, family, relationship and so on. In fact, the time constraint is the number one factor that prevents most adult players from improving their game. Is it possible to work on chess more efficiently and to get the results you want by spending less time? If you want to know how this article is for you.

Every chess player wants to improve their game. There are some players, for which improving is extremely difficult. And we’re not talking about those players who hit their rating ceiling, plateaued or physically (or should I say theoretically) are not capable of playing better chess. No, these players cannot improve for completely different reasons. Curious? Read on.