Chesscampeona on the Move: How to Analyze a Game

 

It is important to study, whether it's for your next English test or for a chess tournament.

One of the best ways to learn is by studying your games and other chess players' games. This allows you to see your mistakes and gives you ideas to incorporate in your game.

When I first learned how to play chess, I loved playing speed chess, but I never liked studying. My coach taught me that playing was good, but if I didn't study then I would keep making the same mistakes and lose.

It is just like an English test. If you do not study, you decrease your chances of acing it! It's best to sit down at the chessboard prepared to win, even in the games you play here on ChessKid! 

But how do you properly study a chess game?

Here are three steps to help you get the most out of studying a chess game:

 

 

Take an overview. 

The first time you go over the game, familiarize yourself with it. If you are studying someone else's game, you should review the things you want to focus on, whether it is the opening, middlegame, tactics, strategy, or endgame.

Take a look at this game I played on ChessKid.com vs. TestedSheep. Keep your eyes open for all things I mentioned, and try to see how they come together in my game.

If you are analyzing your own game, try to remember what you were thinking about during the game, and go over the parts where you thought you could have done better.

 

 

Ask questions.

The second time you go over the game, ask yourself questions. This will help you understand the game and its positions. If you are analyzing someone else's game, ask questions like "what is his or her plan?" 

If you are reviewing your own game, ask questions like "why did I do this?" or "what could I have done better?"

Ask questions on moves, plans, or strategy you don't understand. You will answer the questions in the next step.

 

 

Answer the questions. 

The third time you go over the game, answer the questions. First, try to answer the questions by yourself. Try to understand the position.

Try to answer some of your own questions about my game below vs. ChangeableBeast.

If you want to study a position more in depth, or just want to check your analysis, use a chess engine.

Chess databases are also good to use, especially if you want to explore more ideas in your opening and middlegame. 

 

These three steps are a simple guideline you can go by. I encourage you to add or change these steps to better fit your learning and study habits.