How to Calculate Moves in Chess

Learn openings. Opening moves are vital in any chess match as they set the stage for the rest of the game. Players' options are increased or limited by their choice of opening moves. Entire books have been written on the subject of chess openings and gaining a firm grasp of the more popular ones will enable you to recognize them quickly. If you notice an opponent is embarking on a particular opening, you will be able to predict his next few moves and take them into account when forming your own strategy.

Beware of gambits. A gambit occurs when a player offers a piece in exchange for greater tactical gains even if the precise nature of these gains are not obvious to an opponent. Many gambits are traps. If your opponent presents you with an unexpected opportunity to capture a high-value piece, take a few minutes to think about the possible repercussions.

Ask yourself "What does my opponent have to gain from his latest move?" By considering your opponent's moves as part of a larger strategy, you can train yourself to spot potential weaknesses in your own defenses. When you spot a weakness and your opponent's latest move appears to put him in a better position to exploit it, you can assume his next few moves will aim to attack your weak point.You can then preempt his attack and place him on the defensive.

Solve chess puzzles. You can find chess puzzles in newspapers and in compilation books. Chess problems typically present the solver with an unusual arrangement of chess pieces and prescribe the number of moves necessary to resolve the position in a checkmate. These puzzles force solvers to consider all the ramifications of every possible move. An enormous archive of chess puzzles is available free on Gameknot.