Long Think ... Wrong Think • page 1/3 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

Why is it that Chess players who think a long time tend to whip out a real turd?

I've done it myself many times. But I see others do it too. Why?

Any theories on this?

Why is it that Chess players who think a long time tend to whip out a real turd? I've done it myself many times. But I see others do it too. Why? Any theories on this?

Himta

#2

I've seen this syndrom on Wikipedia, I can't find it know. But the chess player who thinks too long and makes calculations of all the best variants of moves tends to forget at some point about time and when he encounts a time pressure, he makes the worst move of his calculations.

Atomicas

#3

I once thought for 25 minutes on move 9. Couldn't find the +2.5 winning move.

CM Sarg0n

edited

#4

It depends. This phenomenon described is well-known (see „Think like a GM“ or John Nunn‘s rule).

On the other hand I found some of my most brilliant moves beyond 20 minutes of circulation.

Experience (the more chunks the better) helps you to decide when a deep thought is appropriate.

It depends. This phenomenon described is well-known (see „Think like a GM“ or John Nunn‘s rule). On the other hand I found some of my most brilliant moves beyond 20 minutes of circulation. Experience (the more chunks the better) helps you to decide when a deep thought is appropriate.

GMScuzzBall

#5

What got me thinking about this was my opponent thought for 5 minutes in a 15-0 game and whipped out a horrible move. It reminded me of some bad ones I have played in similar situations.

the_real_noname

#6

Happened to me last time I played a real life tournament (over a decade ago): opponent was thinking so hard for so long, which also gave me time to think and realize I had a losing position; after a long long think, he offered his hand over the board for a draw, which I immediately grabbed, smiling! :D

rebel23

#7

I think everyone has happened. In a decisive position I stop to think because I want to find the strongest move. Select two moves and neither of them convinces me. Time passes. Tic tac tic tac. In the end, I play a third move without analyzing

CM Sarg0n

edited

#8

Sometimes this happens, a blitz idea comes to one’s mind and one blunders instantly (textbook example given by Kotov).

But sometimes when analyzing there are synergistic effects, after a couple of iterations you‘ll find the right idea in the right sequence.

Chess would not be chess if it was easier. It‘s a tough game.

(I recommend reading the brilliant „Move First Think Later“. About 20 highly interesting topics, you’ll wonder how our brains work actually.)

Sometimes this happens, a blitz idea comes to one’s mind and one blunders instantly (textbook example given by Kotov). But sometimes when analyzing there are synergistic effects, after a couple of iterations you‘ll find the right idea in the right sequence. Chess would not be chess if it was easier. It‘s a tough game. (I recommend reading the brilliant „Move First Think Later“. About 20 highly interesting topics, you’ll wonder how our brains work actually.)

Demonolith

#9

Sometimes, I think it is the exact opposite of what is described in message #8. You have a blitz idea intuitively that is actually the best move. But if you are playing a classical game, you try to analyze several lines to see if it works, and at some point after a long time calculating, you make a mistake, discard the right move and try to play something else.

I think we can see that on some low ranked puzzles. Many people play them fast and will find the right move in puzzles where there are actually several complicated lines to consider in order to make sure that the move is correct. But since it is intuitive, people get it right without doing that.

Sometimes, I think it is the exact opposite of what is described in message #8. You have a blitz idea intuitively that is actually the best move. But if you are playing a classical game, you try to analyze several lines to see if it works, and at some point after a long time calculating, you make a mistake, discard the right move and try to play something else. I think we can see that on some low ranked puzzles. Many people play them fast and will find the right move in puzzles where there are actually several complicated lines to consider in order to make sure that the move is correct. But since it is intuitive, people get it right without doing that.

tpr

#10

If you have to think long, it may be that your concentration is already low. You are hungry or thirsty or you need a bathroom visit, but it is your move, so you think, but not efficiently.
Sometimes your thoughts wander off, your clock runs, but your mind wanders off to something else, not directly related to the game. Especially in won positions this is dangerous.
Also as said before a player cannot decide between 2 seemingly equal moves and then without any thought plays a 3rd, bad move. That is poor mental discipline.

If you have to think long, it may be that your concentration is already low. You are hungry or thirsty or you need a bathroom visit, but it is your move, so you think, but not efficiently. Sometimes your thoughts wander off, your clock runs, but your mind wanders off to something else, not directly related to the game. Especially in won positions this is dangerous. Also as said before a player cannot decide between 2 seemingly equal moves and then without any thought plays a 3rd, bad move. That is poor mental discipline.