Absorption

 

In May 2023 I formulated the way how knowledge could be transformed into skill, based on theoretical grounds. After 1.5 years it has become clear that the method works. I have tested the method in practice, and refined it based on the feedback I got. Let me summarize the findings.

I found the right problem sets:

• The Checkmate Patterns Manual
• 1001 Chess Exercises For Club Players
• 1001 Chess Exercises for Advanced Club Players

I found the right method:

• Formulate a logical narrative which describes the tactic
• Go every repetition a bit further, until the narrative is completed for every variation
• Repeat until the total solution is logically quite clear
• Speed of any kind is taboo
• Repeat until you have absorbed the whole solution
• Limit the quantity in favor of the quality

You know that you have absorbed the solution when:

• You see the solution immediately with great clarity
• You become too lazy to verbalize the logic since you already know what the position is about
• You know where the pieces must be without seeing them
• You know when you have absorbed the position because the feel totally differs from just remembering the logic

Within the set with mates, the following two types of mate are special:

• dovetail mate
• swallow's tail mate

These two mates are paramount for chasing the king into a mate net. Pay special attention to:

• pawns that serve as a base for the queen when driving the opponent's king
• plugging the killbox by trading

These to mates are often used when the king is in the middle of the board.

Where am I currently standing

So far I have absorbed 280 problems while there are 221 still in the pipeline. This might already be measurable during the next tournament in december.

280 problems absorbed in 1.5 year might not sound as very much. But I have been experimenting with different problem sets and various approaches. Furthermore, I made tremendous progress in positional middlegame play.

There are two glaring holes in my bucket:

• opening play
• endgames

I hope that the upcoming tournament will shed some light on positional opening play.

Endgames are not in the planning yet. First I must fix the tactics and the opening to an acceptable level.