Pruning the tree of analysis

 System 2 must guide system 1. How do I know that so for sure? My good friend GM Bent Larsen learned me that the hard way.

We must be very careful with the deployment of system 2 during a game. For the very reason that its activities are very slow, cost much mental energy and are error prone.

We must prune the tree of analysis as much as possible. Furthermore we must delegate as much tasks as possible to system 1. The latter is what we want to accomplish in the study room.

System 2 is not good in the parallel processing of tasks. Not to mention that it is totally unsuited for that. We must adjust our approach in a game situation accordingly. Find a beginning, work out a sequential line from there. Only when we bump into a refutation we switch to another line of thought. This way, there are no branches on our side of the board. There can only be branches created by the opponents moves. But even so, if you follow the logic, there is only just one line at the time that needs investigation.

If we could systematize the deployment of system 2, we would make a quantum leap forward.

Let's give it a try. How would that look like in practice? In order to find time related tactics we start for looking at the two only ways a time based tactic can begin:

• Look for BAD pieces or multi function moves

Black to move

q1r2bk1/r2n1ppp/5n2/P1pb4/3p3N/BN4P1/4PPBP/R1R1Q1K1 b - - 0 1

Have you found the undefended piece Nb3? Look no further!

• Can you take Nb3?

Not at the moment, since white would take your queen with Bxa8.

• Can you take Bg2?

No, because it is defended by Nh4.

• Can you eliminate Nh4?

Yes, by g4.

This is a simple sequential logical line, ideally suited for system 2. And exactly how my line of thought was. Only after 1.g4, you need to consider alternative answers (branches) from white.

• Can Nh4 be saved together with Bg2?

No.

• Can bishop Bg2 make a desperado move?

Yes, Bxd5

• Can Bx5 be answered while maintaining the pressure?

Yes, by Qxd5, maintaining the pressure on both Nh4 and Nb3.

• Can Nb3 make a desperado move?

Yes it can by Nxc5 or Nxd4. But either of these can be refuted without averting the threat to take Nh4.

• Are there other counter attacks?

Yes, Bxc5 or Rxc5. Each line can be handled without influencing the threat gxh4.

Can you see what is happening here? The whole position is formatted in one sequential line, just as is ideally suited for system 2 to process. Every parallel processing which might overload system 2 is omitted. Every relevant option is contemplated, while no redundant options are considered.