Draughts for a beginner can be unforgiving when playing against a more seasoned player. The seasoned player has more experience and more knowledge from previous games and if he studied a few positions and some technical info he will know what the plans are in what positions. It leaves the beginner open for bad positions and combinations. In some cases it can be very demotivating to keep losing, but you need to see this as a necessary learning curve that every player needs to go through. Even the best players in the world started somewhere as a beginner.
Many times I get asked what I am considering before I make a move, what is my thinking process. Well here it is.
What are the steps to make your next move :
Why did he play that last move? You have to assume that he plays with a plan, even if you suspect he is playing random. Try to understand his move. - Find out what his plan is and what his following move will likely be. - Is he looking for a combination ?
Is there a combination for you? - Especially important when he created a hole somewhere. - If there is a combination, count the pieces, and check after the combination - if there is no combination, move to 3.
Check what is going to be your plan. Check what move comes to your mind as the best to your plan. This is mainly about position. What do you want to achieve. Each move must have a reason! Reasons : - I want this development, position or formation. - I am playing for a combination. - I want to annoy the opposition. - I want to eliminate his next possible move.
Before you make the next move : You need to check for combinations against you before you do the move. If there is combination, back to 3. Otherwise proceed. Not every step is needed at each move, sometimes it can be very clear but if it is not clear, go through the steps. Some experience will guide you as well when to go over what step. But as a beginner you will need to be thorough.
Obviously time will play a role as well, and so the thinking process as outlined need to be ingrained. Seasoned players can also benefit from this, as sometimes steps are skipped and disaster happens shortly after. Of course the steps can only be used once you are a decent level where you can actually see a few moves in advance. As a real beginner you need to focus on the easy combinations for you and against you. You need to start seeing these coming as well before they hit you. It takes time to learn this game, and every person will have a different learning curve. But with hard work anything is possible.
Comments