How to Read Your Opponent?!

Hey Guys!

I believe every chess player wants to know what happens in his opponent’s mind: what plans he has, what ideas he wants to realize and, of course, what lines he calculates. If only we know the lines that our opponents calculate, we can put all efforts to find how to improve these lines to our favor or just to avoid them and go through the variations and combinations we want.

When I play a game, I always predict my opponent to play this or that move and the move I expect, usually is played on the board. It’s very rare when I blunder. Of course, I don’t blunder pawns or pieces, but sometimes usually 2-3 times in a game I don’t predict the move that my opponent plays. If it’s a weak move, it’s ok, but I’m talking about strong moves that you (or me) don’t see, but your opponent sees and plays.

However, 2-3 moves blunders per game won’t cost you a game. That’s why my results are quite good! Do you want to learn how to read your opponent and predict his future moves in the game? Watch this video and I’ll teach you what to expect from your opponent in a chess game!

Ok, this is FM Viktor Neustroev and “How to “read” your opponent in chess (and gain an advantage)”!

There are 2 ways or 2 approaches to how to predict your opponent’s next moves. The most common is to try to understand the logic behind the moves and make a forecast what may happen then! We can call a traditional approach.

The second approach is a psychological approach when you feel your opponent and understand his reaction and even his style of playing chess.

Traditional Approach

Of course, sometimes there is no logic behind your opponent’s moves, but some other times your lack of knowledges doesn't afford you to understand his moves or see the whole combination.

However, every time your opponent plays a move, ask yourself. What is the idea behind this move?

What is my opponent threatening with his last chess move? Or with a series of his last moves? Chess is a game which involves opposition. Due to the fact that you’re not the only one who is making plans to win the game, it is likely that your opponent wants to trick you or that he sets traps for you. In order to become better at chess, it is essential to not only focus on your own plans but also watch out for your opponent’s plans and threats.

I’ll show you an example

If you can’t answer the question what your opponent’s plan is then ask yourself: What would I do, if I were him (or if I were playing this position for opposite side)? Then the answer will be clearer.

The more you play and the more you use this technique, the better you will get at it.

Psychological Approach

Now the second approach when your task is to understand or to feel your opponent’s style of playing chess. Of course, it’s difficult, but sometimes it can bring you even more benefits. I’ll show you an example to make it clear.

In this video you how to read your opponent and predict his future moves. Thank you for watching and make sure to like this video, subscribe to my channel and share it with your friends - chess players.

Now I want you to play a few games online, but every time you make a move, ask yourself what you expect your opponent to play after this move! After the game make the analysis and calculate how many times your opponent played a strong move that you didn’t notice. Please, share your games and analysis into the comment section below this video!

Keep playing with the same approach and in a few weeks, you’ll realize that the number of such moves blunders decreases.

Best Regards,

FM Viktor Neustroev