How to analyse your chess games
A repeatable post-game analysis method: reconstruct your thinking, identify critical moments, check with Stockfish and turn mistakes into training.
Analysis is most useful when it explains why a decision failed, not only which move the engine preferred. The goal is to build a lesson you can recognise in a future game.
What you will learn
1. Write down your own thoughts first
Before using the engine, remember where you felt confident, confused or short of time. Record the plan you were considering and what you expected the opponent to do.
2. Find the critical moments
Not every inaccurate move deserves equal attention. Focus on moments where the evaluation changes sharply, where you missed a tactical resource, or where you chose a plan with long-term consequences.
3. Use the engine as a verifier
Compare your candidates with Stockfish and ask why the top move works. If the engine suggests a surprising move, follow the main reply until the idea becomes understandable.
4. Classify the mistake
Was it tactical blindness, calculation, opening knowledge, strategy, endgame technique or time management? Classification turns a single error into a useful training theme.
5. Create one action item
Finish with a small task: solve similar tactics, review one opening structure, practise a specific endgame or use a new thinking routine in the next game.
Put it into practice
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