A Study Process based on using a chess database program (Chess
Base).
By Mark Kaprielian
05-21-98
Prior to my creating a document about my process, I had already formulated over an
extended period of time, most of the steps outlined below, but did not make use of them in
any particular fashion. I would start by doing one kind of thing and then move to another
and so on and so on. By the end of my study session, I found that I had certainly done a
lot of things but not necessarily the thing I had intended to do. Once I organized and
documented the different tasks, I found it much easier to accomplish what I set out to do
at the beginning of a study session. Now, when I sit down to do some study, I decide just
category of task I am going to do at the outset. This allows me to stay focused. For me,
it also makes studying less stressful. Before I used to have an uneasy urgency to do many
of the individual tasks because there were so many different things that needed doing.
Now, I can consciously choose which tasks to perform and which to put off. I know exactly
what to do to make progress in the area I feel most in need of at the time.
Its taken me a long time to find a way to study effectively, efficiently and most
importantly, comfortably. I hope that by sharing my process with you that you will be able
to develop your own optimal approach to study in a much shorter time than it took me.
- Notes about the Process
- You will create and maintain several databases collectively referred to as your
Repertoire. These contain the ideal lines you would play if you could have a cheat sheet
in front of you during a game.
- Since the database is essentially the "book", lines that are derived from
Fritz (or some other analysis engine) should be noted at the end of the line as Fritz with
its revision. Lines that you select that are not offered by the analysis engine should be
clearly indicated so that you will realize that it may have non-optimal results and have
not been proposed by an engine. I select to start such lines with "What
if
"
- As a general rule of thumb, do not spend time transcribing from a book, especially
a master level game that most likely is available somewhere for importing. Even endgame
studies are generally available. Of course, special information that you are not likely to
locate elsewhere but desire to have readily available for review are worth entering. In
short, Books are to be read. Get the games from somewhere else for computer use.
The different types of tasks that make up the Process
Post Game Analysis
- Enter Game into Personal USCF rated games database
- Analyze Tactics, alternatives and Play
- Make note if opening is not covered in the repertoire and add to Research list.
Weekly Review
- Go through all prepared lines
- Note any lines that need to be examined more closely and add to Research list
Research List
- Open the game file which contains the line to be examined
- Search all games for similar lines (Shift F6) and/or Exact position (Shift F7)
- Sort games by move
- Filter so only your color wins
- Save clipboard to a research file. This file will later be deleted
- Examine the games in the research file and copy those that most closely fit your
style and that cover all the major variations you think are probable
- Organize the games into one or more files and place into appropriate Database or
insert lines into appropriate file.
Exercises
- Review specialized databases as exercises. I.e. K&P endgames, Mates.
Target Study
- Based on who you are likely to be paired with, find all games played against that
player in your Personal database
- Play through the games to see what happened before in the game and which Repertoire
lines were played
- If a game is not covered by repertoire, add to Research list
- Do the Research process on above noted lines
- Go through weekly review process with emphasis on applicable lines for the
projected opponent