Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • iChess
    • ChessTeacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman`s Chess Lab
    • Foxy Series
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

Top 10 Mistakes Club Chess Players Make

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
11.16.2018
Category: General Information
Tags: calculation, chess, chess mistakes, chess players, club players, piece exchange, problems, solve tactics, tactics,
Top 10 Mistakes Club Chess Players Make

Mistakes are something you certainly want to avoid in your play. One of the best ways to improve at chess is by recognizing your own shortcomings and limitations. It is no secret that the analysis of your own games is a great source of improvement, a fountain of chess knowledge. Even though this praxis has been recommended for centuries by every world champion and other notorious players, to this day we can say it is not that popular.

With the introduction of chess engines, one would think that this process has become easier, but in fact, it’s totally the opposite. Club players turn on the engine and see their mistakes explained as numbers (evaluation) and moves, without understanding the cause of them or the nature of the positions they are analyzing.

For example, “white is better because the computer says plus 1”; totally useless if we turn the engine off and there is plenty of game ahead. In this article we are going to talk about mistakes; what are the most common mistakes among club players? It is not the same for everybody, of course, but there is a pattern and we can summarize a list.

Here is what we consider to be the top 10 mistakes among aficionados.

1. Oversights in the calculation

Calculation is one of the most difficult skills to develop for every chess player.

No matter the level, it takes constant training and practice. An oversight when calculating long variations is a common mistake among club players.

One remedy could be to avoid calculating long variations; keep it simple and be practical. Support your moves with the sound positional basis and only engage in complicated variations if there is no other way out.

2. Mistakes: Wrong piece exchange

This one is basic. It is very common to see the bad exchanges of pieces in an aficionado’s games. The lack of correct judgment in the resulting positions is what needs to be improved. Pay attention if your trades help your opponent, by a positive modification of the pawn structure or the activation of his pieces for example. Pay attention, not to the pieces that leave the board, but the ones that remain.

3. Poor time management

Club players can present a stubborn fight against stronger players but the moment of collapse comes when the time starts running out.

Manage your time better.

If you are thinking moves for more than 15 minutes you probably are going to make a mistake, and even if you don’t then it won’t matter because the game goes on you will have a considerable lack of time for deep thinking at the most crucial moments.

The clock matters.

4. Mistakes: Over concern

One would think that the most common mistake for a club player is the lack of sense of danger or not paying attention to the opponent’s threats. To some point this is correct; however, in my experience, I have found that the opposite is more common and possibly more damaging to their play.

Club players often get too scared (in the best sense of the word) when facing a threat – on the king or elsewhere, it doesn’t matter. As a result, they panic and try to stop the opponent’s plans at all cost and more often than not the price they pay is too high. For example, unnecessary weakening the position, executing a bad trade, adopting a defensive position. The more experienced players easily profit from these mistakes. Before you fear a threat and panic, make sure that this threat is real.

Then look for ways to prevent it or deal with it, but do not surrender other elements of your position.

5. Play dubious openings

In the desire for less study and quick results club players are most prompted to play offbeat openings to “trick the opponent”. Reality shows that usually they get tricked themselves and give simple advantages to the opponent. Our advice is that you don’t necessarily need to follow the main lines of the day, but stay within the classic healthy chess.

Dubious openings are for strong players who can make it work by profiting a chance (tactically, let’s say) in the middlegame.

6. Mistakes: Loose pieces

It happens. John Nunn was so right when he wrote the famous L.P.D.O which stands for “loose pieces drop off”. Pay attention to your unprotected pieces and don’t leave anything exposed. They can become a target of tactical blows.

7. Premature attacks

Attacking needs building up and reasons for it. If your opponent hasn’t done anything terribly wrong like keeping the king in the center, playing too many pawns moves, etc., then it is highly possible that a direct attack is not the way to proceed. You have to wait for weaknesses to appear or create them. In other words, your attack must be justified.

8. Mistakes: Releasing the tension too soon

In most games, there is tension between pawns. The pawn captures (and moves!) are of major significance. They can literally change the character of the game.

The guide says that when there is tension on the board you should maneuver with your pieces, find the best squares and define the tension whenever this is favorable to you. Club players don’t normally keep the tension for too long, they like to have things clear as soon as possible, but the problem with this is that very often releasing the central tension too early benefits the adversary.

9. Failure to include all the pieces

This one sounds basic but it’s highly important. People often forget to include all the pieces in the attack, even where it’s simple. Before taking any active actions, see if you can bring as many forces as possible.

10. Mistakes: Pawn moves

At early levels, one does not really realize the importance of pawn moves. It’s not something to take lightly, it is the most permanent decision since pawns can’t move back. A wrong pawn advance can create weaknesses and have a negative impact on your position.

We hope you have enjoyed reading our list. Thank you and don’t forget to give us some feedback with your thoughts.

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Tactics and Calculation TrainingTactics and Calculation Training
  • This should NOT be played…This should NOT be played…
  • Losing a Game: 7 Things Chess Players Say After ThatLosing a Game: 7 Things Chess Players Say After That
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz