How far ahead do you really calculate?
Honest question: in a normal game, how many moves ahead do you actually calculate?
Most strong players say they don't calculate "deep" all the time — they calculate forcing moves first: checks, captures and threats. Then they stop when the position is quiet and evaluate.
A simple routine that helps a lot of players:
- What did my opponent's last move change? What does it threaten?
- List my checks, captures and threats.
- Calculate the most forcing line first, until the position is quiet.
- Blunder-check before you touch the piece: is anything hanging after my move?
What is your thinking routine? Any tricks that cut down your blunders? 🧠