How to Cook a Combination in Chess

Chess is a battlefield where tactics blend like ingredients in a vegetable curry. A combination—a sequence of moves exploiting weaknesses—is your recipe for victory.
In Hindi, we say, “Chess mein combination ek swadisht tadka hai!” (A combination in chess is a flavorful spice!) In Sanskrit: “युद्धं बुद्ध्या संनादति, संयोजनम् च” (The battle resounds with intellect, and so does a combination).
Just as a fan needs blades, motor, and base, a chess combination requires raw materials—opportunities on the board. Time on the clock is critical; in fast games, you must spot and execute tactics swiftly.

Some chess players are like gods of crazy combinations..!!!making moves that shock everyone.

1] Adolf Anderssen, played games like the “Immortal” and “Evergreen” that had wild sacrifices and epic checkmates.
2] Mikhail Tal, the Soviet guy, loved throwing pieces into chaos to mess up his opponents with slick attacks. And
3]Garry Kasparov? He smashed defenses with super smart, killer combinations.
These dudes didn’t just play—they made chess look like a wild, awesome show!

Ingredients / Raw material for a Chess Combination

To cook a winning combination, gather these key ingredients:

1. Hanging Pieces: Undefended pieces, like overripe tomatoes, are ripe for tactics like forks or pins. A stray knight on c3 begs to be attacked.
2. Reserved Checks: Potential checks, like chili in a curry, force reactions. A rook sliding to the seventh rank can spark a combination.
3. Exposed King: A king without pawn cover, like a creamy curry base, invites checkmate. Sacrifices often target this weakness.
4. Bad Pawn Structure: Weak pawns—isolated or doubled—are like stale spices, creating targets for your pieces to exploit.
5. Tactical Patterns: Pins, forks, and skewers are your recipes. Recognizing a knight fork attacking queen and rook is key.
6. Overloaded Pieces: Pieces with too many duties, like a chef juggling dishes, can’t defend everything. Attack one target, and another falls.
7. Space and Activity: Open files or diagonals, like a well-stocked pantry, let your pieces coordinate for a powerful combination.
8. Intermediate Moves: Quiet moves, like stirring a curry, set up bigger threats. A subtle pawn push can open lines.
9. Temporary Sacrifices: Offer a piece, like tossing in a spice, to gain a bigger advantage. A bishop sac can expose a king.

Time on the Clock

In blitz or rapid games, time is your sous-chef. With minutes or seconds ticking:

• Quick Scans: Spot hanging pieces or checks in 10-15 seconds to save time.
• Simple Tactics: Focus on one- or two-move combinations, like a quick fork, to avoid time trouble.
• Trust Intuition: When the clock’s low, rely on pattern recognition to act fast.

Try to Cook a Combination !

Talented Alireza was playing against One of my favourite players Badur Jobava here: Black just played Bd1 and its White to play ?

1. Check forcing moves first Like 1. moves with check 2. moves with captures and 3. moves with Threats!
2. What is your move you can share in comments
3. Set 10 min and start ! Hope you will get it :)

This combination, like a quick curry, uses fresh ingredients and precise timing.

** I played against Alireza Firouzja in Dubai Open 2017 ! Game Link: Pawan Dodeja vs Alireza Firouzja 2017 Dubai Open

Tips to Master Combinations

• Practice Patterns: Study pins and forks like a chef memorizes recipes.
• Calculate Efficiently: Focus on promising moves to save time.
• Stay Flexible: If one ingredient’s missing, pivot, like swapping veggies in a dish.
• Use All Pieces: Coordinate your army, like assembling a fan for maximum effect.

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Try to find a combination ? White to play!

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Sometimes you have to defend your King with accurate calculation ! White to paly >> Your time start now :

Conclusion

Cooking a chess combination is an art, blending calculation and creativity. As the Hindi proverb goes, “Sabr ka phal meetha hota hai” (Patience yields sweet results). In Sanskrit: “संयमेन विजयः संनादति” (With discipline, victory resounds).

Spot your ingredients, mind the clock, and whip up a tactical masterpiece to checkmate your opponent!

Learn chess from FIDE Candidate Master Pawan Dodeja !
Visit our website: dpawn chess academy
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