Analysis

An examination of the possibilities latent in a position, and an evaluation of the resulting positions. Analysis includes the calculation of variations, the comparison of arising positions, and the conclusion — the decision to choose one continuation or another.

Kinds of analysis

Botvinnik divides analysis into two kinds.

The first is analysis at the board, without moving the pieces. Such analysis requires the chess player to be able to picture various positions in their imagination and evaluate them.

The second kind of analysis is home analysis. In it, the chess player is not limited by time and can move the pieces.

Warning

A further distinction between home analysis and a practical game is the following: while during play analysis is critically tested by the opponent, in home analysis it is easy to be unobjective.

Analysis for improvement

To improve the quality of analysis, it is useful to publish individual analytical works. This makes it possible to hear criticism. Published analysis is the surest means of a chess player's improvement. It should be added that in correspondence play, the practical game is combined with the possibility of analyzing at home.

The calculation of variations and the evaluation of a position — this is the art of analysis. It is no coincidence that all outstanding chess players were also excellent analysts.