Bad habits form not because we weak or immoral but because they are immediately rewarded. Just give yourself grace because adulting is hard, but then look at the reward loops and ask a simple question- is this making me a better version of myself?
I hit post too soon. LOL. My greatest inspiration to master thinking about my opponent’s moves came from IM Kostya’s recent interview on the New in Chess podcast. He discussed his time analyzing with Ivanchuck at the Reikiavik Open. (He also wrote a great post about it). He said that whenever Chucky was unsure what to do the first thing he asked himself was “What does he (the opponent) want?”
If one of the best to ever do it needs to do that,then obviously we mere mortals should follow suit.
Good stuff Kevin, this made me chuckle a couple of times. We have all been there (many times!). As for a remedy- as James Clear says- build systems, not habits. The plan you propose sounds like a good step in that direction, although I do worry that only playing every 3 days might be setting yourself up for wanting to tweak that system or bend the "rules." Whatever works for you though, of course!
Ha, yeah — the playing every three days idea is mainly that two out of three days, I prioritize something other than playing. But once I do my reading or puzzles, then fine to play!
Just wanna say that, besides the very useful chess tips, I really enjoy your writing. Your writing voice is very natural and effective. Precise, even. And engaging. I trust that it is rewarding for you, so I encourage you to keep it up -- and, whatever else you do in your daily life (besides being a dad and playing some chess), writing is definitely a thing for you. And thank you for sharing it!
Bad habits form not because we weak or immoral but because they are immediately rewarded. Just give yourself grace because adulting is hard, but then look at the reward loops and ask a simple question- is this making me a better version of myself?
Thanks for the mentions!
I hit post too soon. LOL. My greatest inspiration to master thinking about my opponent’s moves came from IM Kostya’s recent interview on the New in Chess podcast. He discussed his time analyzing with Ivanchuck at the Reikiavik Open. (He also wrote a great post about it). He said that whenever Chucky was unsure what to do the first thing he asked himself was “What does he (the opponent) want?”
If one of the best to ever do it needs to do that,then obviously we mere mortals should follow suit.
yes! what Kostya said about his time with Ivanchuk really resonated with me, too. the depth of their analysis seemed pretty amazing
Thanks for this honest and useful piece, Kevin. I really appreciate the lessons, perhaps more valuable than when you gained a bunch of elo quickly.
Good stuff Kevin, this made me chuckle a couple of times. We have all been there (many times!). As for a remedy- as James Clear says- build systems, not habits. The plan you propose sounds like a good step in that direction, although I do worry that only playing every 3 days might be setting yourself up for wanting to tweak that system or bend the "rules." Whatever works for you though, of course!
Ha, yeah — the playing every three days idea is mainly that two out of three days, I prioritize something other than playing. But once I do my reading or puzzles, then fine to play!
Think about what your opponent is going to play is my biggest nemesis. I really struggle with that one.
Just wanna say that, besides the very useful chess tips, I really enjoy your writing. Your writing voice is very natural and effective. Precise, even. And engaging. I trust that it is rewarding for you, so I encourage you to keep it up -- and, whatever else you do in your daily life (besides being a dad and playing some chess), writing is definitely a thing for you. And thank you for sharing it!
thank you!