How to Keep Pace with the Evolution of Chess?

Chess has grown at an accelerated pace—not only in terms of popularity and logistics, but also in the depth of understanding of the game itself. Many are amazed by the remarkable level shown by today’s young chess players, who are capable of defeating seasoned opponents four times their age. Witnessing this rise in chess knowledge invites us to reflect: How do we adapt to modern chess? What should I do to keep improving my level of play?

The answer may lie in striking a balance between the essential use of technology and the traditional hard work over the board—practicing regularly and making the most of the learning tools available. But beyond that, it’s about keeping an open mind, learning from every game, and enjoying the process of growth. Adapting to modern chess means evolving with the game, embracing its challenges, and celebrating every breakthrough.

Now, let’s highlight more specifically what a balanced training regimen looks like:

Bullet Chess

Bullet chess is fun, isn’t it? In fact, even top elite players participate in bullet events and online tournaments. Without demonizing this format, it’s important to understand that bullet is more of a recreational pastime than a form of serious training. Sure, one could argue that it helps develop quick reflexes and sharp tactical vision—and there’s some truth to that.

However, the key lies in maintaining balance. If we make bullet our main focus and habitual form of practice, we risk becoming shallow players—strong in short time controls, but unable to calculate deeply or think strategically in longer games. It’s crucial not to neglect classical time controls, where deeper strategic skills and a more comprehensive understanding of the game are cultivated.

So, enjoying a few bullet games now and then is great—so long as we also devote time to serious practice and the slow, thoughtful reflection that chess demands. Ultimately, it's about enjoying the game in all its forms, while keeping sight of our holistic development as chess players.

Let’s take a look at the quality of games played in bullet time controls:

In 2017, Magnus Carlsen reached the following position with White against Alexander Grischuk in a 1+1 time control game. Carlsen, without a doubt, is one of the greatest chess players in history. Now, can you imagine Magnus capturing the b7 pawn on move 16 in a classical time control? That’s precisely what happened—the world number one played 16.Qxb7 Rb8 17.Qa7 Qc8, and the queen was trapped.

In conclusion, rather than centering our chess around the fastest forms of practice the internet offers, we should aim for dedicated training and the proper use of technology.

Thematic Practice

A highly effective way to train properly is by using directed games to gain experience in specific types of positions or openings. Let’s run a simulation. Suppose we want to learn how to face the French Defense, and we’re currently studying the typical ideas of the Tarrasch Variation.

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5 6. c3 Nc6 7. Ne2 cxd4 8. cxd4 f6 9. exf6 Nxf6 10. Nf3 Bd6 11. O-O Qc7 12. Bg5 O-O 13. Rc1

Surely, our study has led us to understand that Black’s pawn structure is quite fragile, and the bishop on c8 is awkward—likely to maneuver via d7 to e8. However, Black relies heavily on piece activity, the h2–b8 diagonal, the f-file, and a potential break with ...e5.

As White, we know we must handle each of these threats carefully, develop prophylactic thinking, and look to neutralize Black’s powerful bishop on d6.

Once all of this is clear, the question becomes: How do we move from theory to practice?

Playing Against the Engine

While we know that defeating an analysis engine like Stockfish or Fritz is nearly impossible, we can take a different approach. Instead of aiming for victory, we can play multiple games from a studied position—using both colors—and learn from the mistakes made and the ideas that emerge.

For example, ChessBase 17 offers a feature that allows you to play any position against Fritz within seconds. Simply input the desired opening moves on the board, click on the “Training” tab, and then “Play against Fritz.” Once inside the playing interface, you can customize the engine’s level. Since our goal is to obtain high-quality games and extract useful ideas for tournament play, it makes sense to choose the highest level available.

In this way, we’ve turned the silicon engine into our training ally. Want to now test your newly acquired knowledge against human opponents? It’s time to head to playing platforms like Lichess or Chess.com and play games at the highest classical time control available. You might also arrange a training match with a fellow competitive player who’s interested in being part of your improvement process.

As you can see, evolving with modern chess means using today’s innovative tools wisely. Extremist views won’t help—claiming that technology is useless only distances you from the most important evolutionary leap available. On the other hand, believing that every technological tool is inherently useful while neglecting traditional training and analysis will rob you of independent thinking and isolate you in a virtual world, far from the reality of over-the-board competition—where success belongs to those who train rigorously, creatively, and with balance.

Progress is in your hands!