A tip on solving chess problems

Here is a tip on how to solve a chess problem, specifically for beginners who are engaged in self-study.

I got this advice from the chess material “Comprehensive Chess Course Vol.1: Learn Chess in 12 Lessons” by GM Lev Alburt, which was described by GM Garry Kasparov as a “once-secret Russian method of chess training.”

By the way, the chess material was generously given to me by a friend who, I think, has one of the largest collections of chess literature in the Philippines.

The tip reads:

“When asked to solve problems or to answer various
questions, we recommend
that players spend no more than five to 10
minutes on most positions; the
point is not so much to test yourself as to
understand the chess meaning of
the answers given elsewhere and to
acquire needed knowledge.”

I used to spend a day or three in solving a certain chess problem or position. What a folly of me!

So remember, when solving a certain chess problem, do not spend more than 10 minutes for it. If you can’t solve it, look for the provided answer and UNDERSTAND how the solution was arrived at and ACQUIRE the KNOWLEDGE.