I know what you mean kobe, don't sweat it.

 

I like that line of thought trooper. The only consideration I might make beyond/in addition to: plan my next four moves, but also plot the four worst (for me)  moves my opponent can make for my current situation and the four worst as relatest to the progression of my strategy.

 

I am also considering efficiency of moves. I have reveiwed my first few games, and I realize that I throw away far to many moves. I need to move with more purpose. Part of the problem is that I exist in a state of reaction. I have very little progressive tactic/strategy of my own, but rather seek to respond to my opponent's strategy. This works against a weaker player, but when I play anyone with a developed sense of strategy, my constant state of reaction leaves me at a disadvantage. I need to develop a thinking pattern/ general strategy to fix this.

 

I find it ironic that after playing so many strategy games this should turn out to be the game that I have difficulty with. When considering scope and sheer number of factors to be considered, this game is not nearly as complex as some of my standbys. That being said, I have always had trouble with chess. Go figure.

With all due respect, I did not understand anything of the point you were trying to get across.."kobe-bryant". That really did not make any sense.

Wow, that sounds oddly similar in my own string of consciousness when I consider and ponder the same problem. Well, getting back to your blog question. When I (like you said "....look four moves ahead.." ) try to anticipate the moves ahead. After I consider my own and move on to my opponents, I try not to look at the moves that are most likely (because as you mentioned that leaves yourself subject to bias. Because while you are considering the "likely" you are subconsciously only considering what will be best for yourself in play. The "likely" moves of your opponent that will leave you to proceed with the most fruitful string of moves afterwards. ) Rather, I find it better to look for the move that would not be best to make in response to the postion. But, the ultimate. Trying your hardest through deduction to find the move that would ultimately lead to your own demise. Lets say that rather than seeing four moves ahead. Select the four moves that would ultimately lead to your loss, and decifer at least a four move string four each circumstance.Leaving you prepared either to take advantage of your opponents short-comings, or to defend against your own short-comings and thwart off your oppenent's most skillful reply. Well that is how I see it. Just responding to your blog. Good topic.