Guess The MoveAuthor: FM Vidar Grahn
Throughout my time attending chess camps worldwide and learning from elite trainers, one specific training method has been consistently recommended by almost every top coach.
You probably know it as Guess the Move.
Guess the move is pretty much what the name suggests. You look at a high level game and guess the next move! However, I like to follow a certain structure that I'll discuss in this page.
Setting Up the Exercise
Before you dive into a game, you need to set up the parameters correctly to get the most out of your training session.
1. Choose a Model Player
Pick a world-class player whose style aligns with yours (or the style you actively want to develop). If you're unsure what player fits your style, feel free to check out this "Which kind of chess player are you?" quiz.
2. Flip the Board
Choose a game where your model player won, and set up the board (physical or digital) from their perspective.
3. Skip the Opening
Don't waste time guessing opening theory. Skip the first 4–5 moves before you start the exercise.
The Move-by-Move Protocol
For every single turn, do not just guess a move instantly based on intuition. Instead, walk through this four-step loop that will train your brain on how to think in real games:
1. Deconstruct the Opponent's Move:
Before looking at your own pieces, ask: Why did my opponent just play that? Force yourself to name 3 potential ideas, threats, or positional goals behind their move. This actively trains your prophylaxis.
2. Examine the Flaws:
Every pawn push or piece mandatory relocation leaves something behind. Look at the square they just vacated or the diagonals they just opened. Did their move create a tactical or positional weakness you can exploit?
3. Formulate 3 Candidate Moves:
Find 3 plausible moves for your side. Briefly calculate the forcing lines for each, compare them, and rank them from worst to best. Pick your absolute favorite.
4. Reveal and Reflect:
Uncover the actual move played in the game. If you got it right, excellent. If you missed it, analyze why. Was your move a mistake, or just an alternative? If the Grandmaster's move wasn't even on your radar, pause and figure out the positional concept you missed.
5. Repeat
Do not guess the opponent's move, play it out and then return back to step number 1.
Resources
Sources & Credits
I based this "Guess the Move" framework on the teachings of world-class coach and author GM Ramesh R.B. During a chess camp in December 2022, I took notes on his methods. I’ve since digitalized those notes into a comprehensive mind map. It covers this exact exercise, along with several other key chess improvement strategies.