Chess thinking
How to Stop Blundering in Chess: A Simple Thinking Method
By IM Adarsh Tripathi
Published on this site · 5 min read
This is a beginner-friendly, no-nonsense guide to avoiding blunders and starting to think more systematically in rapid and blitz games.
The advice is not unique, and I do not claim that it is. I have, however, found it useful for students who do not yet have a simple way to organise their thinking. The aim is to make better decisions and blunder less.
First, this will not magically add 500 points to your rating. Remember the three Ps of chess training: practice, playing and patience. Practise tactics, strategy and openings. Play with the intention of applying what you have learned, and be patient with the results.
Why start with a simple thinking method?
There are many approaches to thinking in chess, including those associated with Kotov and Dorfman. For a beginner or intermediate player, a more elaborate method can feel overwhelming, particularly in a short game.
If one large step is too much, take two smaller ones. That is the purpose of this article: to offer the first steps towards a thinking method, rather than a complete system.
In classical chess you have more time to work through a position. But many players mainly enjoy rapid or blitz, online or over the board. If your immediate goal is to enjoy a game without blundering every few moves, a basic routine can be a useful place to begin.
1. Survey the board for pieces in danger
Before making a move, take a moment to look across the whole board. Are any of your pieces hanging or unsupported? Noticing them helps you identify potential problems before you continue with your own ideas.
As you become stronger, much of this check becomes more intuitive. For now, make a deliberate effort to look. An unsupported piece is not necessarily under attack, but it is worth noticing.
2. Deal with the immediate problem
If a piece is hanging, your first priority will usually be to save or defend it. If that is not possible, or it is not a real concern, look at whether you can capture something of your opponent's instead.
There are positions where ignoring a threat has its benefits. I am talking about a general starting habit here, not a rule without exceptions. The important thing is to notice the problem before deciding whether you can afford to ignore it.
3. Consider your first instinctive move
If there are no immediate problems with hanging pieces, consider the move that first comes to mind. I find the familiar advice to look for a better move whenever you find a good one difficult to apply consistently in online rapid games.
For this deliberately simple method, begin with your instinctive choice. That does not mean playing it immediately. The next step is to test it.
4. Anticipate your opponent's response
Imagine playing your intended move. What might your opponent do, and how would you respond in turn? Try to see beyond your own move rather than assuming your opponent will let you carry out your idea.
The more you practise, and the stronger your calculation and visualisation become, the easier this will feel. Go as far as you can, while recognising your limits and keeping an eye on the clock.
You cannot spend all your time on one decision. If the position feels critical, though, spending longer than usual can be worthwhile.
5. If you find no immediate problem, play the move
Once you feel confident in the move and have found no immediate issue with it, go ahead and play it. The purpose of this routine is to give you a manageable check, not to leave you paralysed by every decision.
With practice, looking for threats and considering the response should become a more natural part of how you play.
The clock matters
One concern I have with detailed thinking methods is that they are often presented with classical chess in mind, while many chess fans mostly play rapid games. Time management matters, and overthinking can become a problem of its own.
This is not a criticism of the authors' work. I use more developed methods myself in over-the-board games. I simply want to offer something manageable for a player who needs a starting point.
What this method deliberately leaves out
Let me be clear about the limitations. This is a very basic method. It does not properly account for the nature or evaluation of the position, and it does not ask you to generate and compare several candidate moves. As a result, you will miss good alternatives.
It is less complete than the more developed methods available. But if you are frequently confused or just want to begin with something simple, I think it makes sense to start here before moving on to a more advanced approach.
I have seen genuine improvement in students who use this routine, which is why I wanted to share it. Find what works for you, stay focused and remember that your opponent has a say in the position too.
The takeaway
Start with a routine you can actually use: look for pieces in danger, test your instinctive move and consider the reply. Practise it, play, and be patient. Best of luck and happy chessing!