How do the masters and grandmasters outplay others with such ease? Well, this is a mystery for most of chess players, especially beginners. Few of chess players assume that the elite players must be having some special abilities and inbuilt tactics, to calculate the variations of the ahead moves. Well, one can’t call it an inbuilt talent always because there are skills that every strong chess player should possess. And these skills come through regular training and matches.

1. Skill # 1- Ability to calculate

A strong chess player should know what lines to calculate. A weak player may not know what lines to calculate, and will eventually attempt to calculate everything. This may result in calculating nothing. On the other hand, a strong player will look at all positions, and will selectively calculate 2-3 promising variations. It might not be a deep analysis, but just a swift evaluation, wherein he will throw away 1-2 lines and keep only the most promising ones to calculate further.

The difference between an amateur and a grandmaster is the ability to know what lines to calculate. A strong player requires only few seconds of analysis to understand what is going on, on each position. He might not be able to calculate all the variations, but he will surely get a clear picture about what is going on, on each side and which side is better.

2. Skill # 2- Ability to play simple positions

The ability to precisely play simple positions in chess, is another important skill that a strong player should have. This one aspect separates a strong player, from a weak player. A strong player should know to handle positions that involve an isolated pawn, doubled pawns, opposite side castling, rook endgames, etc.

Strong players, play the moves automatically, in simple positions. The reason being, they know the theory of endgames. Grandmasters and masters have a lot of experience playing middle games and endgames. This gives them a huge edge against amateur players, who do not have much experience. A strong player has a clear plan in mind. He knows where to place his pieces and, how and when to attack.

3. Skill # 3- Ability to play under pressure

Playing under pressure is the most difficult skill and an important one too. One cannot become a high-rated chess player without having the ability to play under pressure. Chess is a mind game, which is not only always about winning, but also quite often about not losing. You may or may not know your opponent that well. But when you know that your opponent is stronger, then the pressure while playing, may often end you in bad positions. This is absolutely normal.

A strong player will keep his mind calm and be capable of playing under pressure. Which would lead to saving many games. On the other hand, a weak player would resign at the start itself. A strong player will win a losing game by staying calm and thus become a high-rated player.

4. Skill # 4- Ability to know whether to play for a win or a draw

One always plays a game for winning. But, is it possible to play attacking chess always? If you are two pawns down in rook and king ending you, then should you push for a win or play for a draw? Well, in such a scenario it is better to defend as precisely as possible. Hence, advisable to play for a draw.

The ability to realize, when you should play for a win or play for a draw is a very important skill. Many games were lost by players who failed to realize that they should play for a draw instead of trying for a win. A strong player must have the ability to know where the game is leading. Thus, deciding on, whether to continue pushing for a win or play defense for a draw.

Masters and grandmasters have not achieved their titles by playing once or twice. It is their rigorous training, regular practices, and matches that have helped them to gain experience. They have not won games, because of their superior memory but, because of their skills. Their strong skills make them better than amateur players. If you build the above skills, then you would lead to many won games.

Imperial Chess offers training programmes that will help you build skills, and prepare you for all future battles.