Count it through
Also called Calculation, Exchange counting.
Follow a sequence of moves to its end before you start it, counting what each side wins.
In a series of captures on one square, count attackers and defenders, then add up what is taken in order. Stop counting only when no capture is left that either side would want.
The common error is stopping one move early, at the moment that looks good for you.
Why it matters
Starting a sequence you have not finished counting is a gamble. Counting to the end turns it into a decision.
Away from the game
Work out every step of a plan you can foresee, with its costs, before committing the first resource. Where you cannot foresee the steps, commit in stages and count again as you learn.
New to chess? The examples here use it. Play your first moves (five minutes), then learn chess from the beginning, one short lesson at a time.
Try it yourself
White can take on d5 with the knight. The pawn is attacked twice and defended twice. Count it through: is taking good?
One question, a minute or two. Nothing to finish first.
Want more? Practise Calculate.
Play it out: the Nim lab, about five minutes against bots.
Learn and practise it
- Lesson: Count it through
- Skill: Calculate