Author: Christopher R. Dorr
Date: 17:00:06 06/08/99
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Actually, it's not too off topic...I extensively used computers in my training. :) For training on basic blunder-avoidence, I used several techniques. One focused on the precursor of blundering, i.e. developing a sense of jeopardy. I used flash-cards with positions where something was in danger, and presented them to students at decreasing periods of observation. While it may have taken, say 20 seconds on average for a student to find 80% of the the hanging and threatening pieces at the start, over time, this would decrease to a couple of seconds, as their tactical acuity developed. I'd prompt them with "Go!", then they'd reply "Bishop being attacked on g5...attacking pioece is a pawn on h6!' I assigned blocks of problems from the huge Polgar book, as well. One technique that also worked was having students play a computer at a fixed depth (say 4 ply), and then having the computer give odds until the student could beat it say 25% of the time. This way, the student could still make a few tactical blunders in the game, yet still have a realistic chance of winning (just as he would against another USCF 1000). As he progressed to beating the computer 75% of the time at that handicap, I'd add material back to the computer, to restore the original 25% (or 50%, depending on the student). I'd also have the student play *lots* of blitz (usually not too hard with a kid), as I feel that blitz id great for developing tactical awareness. Overall, until somebody's about USCF 1200 strength, I'd focus almost exclusively on tactics (with some very basic opening theory, and strategical ideas tossed in). Until they have the hang of material combat, it's real hard to go much further. I got some good results...several of my kids won state championships for their age group, and on finished second in the Nation Junior High championship a couple of years ago. Chris On June 08, 1999 at 12:53:14, Walter Koroljow wrote: >This is off topic, but what did you find effective in teaching children not to >make tactical blunders? Any help would be appreciated. > >Thank you, > >Walter
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