6

I am currently re-doing a book of tactical exercises. I have not seen some of the exercises for longer than a year, and when I look at the position at first it seems new and I see nothing, until it clicks and I remember the solution. It is not through calculation, I just stumble upon it and remember it. I of course verify my "guess" by calculation, but once one know it works it is not hard.

I was wondering whether it is even worth going through a book if this is how I solve about 95% of the exercises, it feels a little like cheating and I should do new exercises. But then I think: Is this not how it is supposed to work? If a motif appears in my game, I will get the same feeling that something is there, and that is what the point of my training was, and by going through the book again I will reinforce the patterns.

3 Answers 3

6

I think it is a sign of greater awareness of certain patterns and positions. So my answer is Yes, I do think it is a sign of improvement.

I doubt that there is anything wrong with going back through an old chess book, even if you remember everything -- rather I think it is good; it is something that I have done quite often as well. It will certainly reinforce what you already know. I would advance and get more exercises to work on, but you will find that all the previous exercises that you have done will help a great deal with your new exercises.

0

I think that's a best case, not having to think about a combination, but 'knowing' it.

It's not a sign of improvement, but it's a definite plank in the platform.

3
  • How much more do you expect from answers to yes/no questions, dude. Was I unclear about 'no'? Sep 18, 2020 at 0:42
  • Are you the sole judge of sufficient depth, or is there a panel of judges for artistic impression and technical merit? Sep 18, 2020 at 1:12
  • @friscodelrosario Yes, there is a panel of judges, actually. It consists of every member of the site, and they can click the up or down arrow.
    – D M
    Sep 19, 2020 at 23:05
0

memorize? no!!

intuitively understand and execute without thinking then yes.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.