Calculation > Feelings
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Proud Teacher Moment: When Students Take Initiative in Studying Instructive Games
One of the things I find most rewarding as a chess teacher is seeing my students go out of their way to study relevant and instructive games. Recently, one of my students, who plays the Caro-Kann Defense, brought an insightful article to my attention: 17-Move Disaster For Paehtz As Tan Survives Scare Vs. Humpy: Shymkent Women's Grand Prix Round 2 - Chess.com. We went over the game together and this really brought some teaching points to the forefront. Especially cold calculation vs. feelings (intuition).
Puzzle #1
It’s essential to recognize that having a strong intuition is a valuable asset in chess. Intuition allows you to navigate complex positions, guiding you toward moves that might feel "right" or "safe." However, while intuition serves as a useful guide, it shouldn’t be your only tool. This game illuminated a lesson I often emphasize with my students: sometimes, a move that feels "too risky" may actually be the best, most active option. When intuition suggests caution, it’s important to follow up with concrete calculations—especially in critical positions. That feeling of danger may just be a mirage, or as I call it, a “ghost.” By analyzing the position further, you can often “de-spook” these imagined threats and make bolder, more effective moves.
Puzzle #2
For players looking to dive deeper into the idea of objectively assessing threats, I recommend checking out my recent blog on this very topic: De-Spookify Your Opponent’s Threats. The blog explores practical steps for distinguishing real threats from imaginary ones and discusses how to apply calculated risk in your games. It’s especially useful for players who want to harness their intuition effectively without letting it cloud objective judgment.
Puzzle #3
By learning to balance intuition with calculation, you can become a more confident and resilient player—one capable of playing impressive chess!
NM Craig C.
Bonus Puzzle Courtesy of @liuser22
