The Importance of Your Thought Process in Chess – NM Dan Heisman

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Mar 1, 2022

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INSIGHT

Thought Process vs Content

The thought process differs from content; thought process is the sequence and prioritization of steps in thinking.
Content is the chess information processed, like why a pawn threatens a queen or a knight's legality.

INSIGHT

Two Critical Move Questions

Ask two key questions: Is the opponent's last move safe and what are all the things it does?
Missing any factor in the move's effects can lead to losing, e.g., missing a mating threat while focusing on one purpose of the move.

ANECDOTE

Master Loses Due to Wrong Calculation

Dan lost a game despite having a good thought process because his content—calculation—was wrong.
He learned that even masters make mistakes, highlighting that good process cannot compensate for incorrect analysis.

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007 Are you studying chess like crazy but not improving? You may be missing a critical component to your potential chess improvement: A well-developed thought process.

Sure, this topic may lack the allure of studying the Sicilian Dragon or becoming a tactical wizard who shreds your opponents in minutes. But as my guest, NM Dan Heisman, says, “Chess is a thinking game.”

So, you must - at some point - focus on your thought process, or you’ll limit your development as a chess player.

Dan is the ultimate coach for adult improvers and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on the show. He’s written over a dozen chess books, has a popular YouTube channel with over 200 videos, and is well-recognized in the chess world as one of the premier coaches for amateurs.

Here, you’ll learn:

The most common mistakes players under 1500 USCF make in their thought process - and how to fix them.
2 questions to almost always ask when it’s your move and you’re out of book.
How do you choose among different candidate moves?

Resources Referenced In This Episode

BOOK: A Guide to Chess Improvement - Dan Heisman
BOOK: The Improving Chess Thinker - Dan Heisman
VIDEO: Thought Process Playlist - Dan Heisman
VIDEO: Basic Material Playlist - Dan Heisman
ARTICLES: Dan Heisman’s Article Library on Chess.com

More Resources From Dan Heisman

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