Eljanov's Algorithm
Most of the players want to understand the decision-making process of top-level grandmasters. The vast majority of the learning resources present different elements of chess knowledge. When you play a practical game, however, you should be able to connect the points in order to make the optimal decision.
In this course, the former World number 5 GM Pavel Eljanov explains his thinking system.
In the introduction to this course, Eljanov says, "Before Covid times, it was hard to imagine that I will be doing this because sharing this knowledge might have a negative impact on my results. Quite obviously, knowing your thinking system, the opponents might exploit some of the inner secrets that I will provide here. Since my priorities have changed, I decided to share my algorithm with you. I hope that after watching the course, you will be able to bring some new elements to your decision-making algorithm."
Eljanov starts by presenting the learning sources he has used throughout his career. At this stage, he explains what exactly he has learned from renowned authors such as Kotov, Dvoretsky, and Nunn. It's quite remarkable to follow how a top-level chess player was gradually building his knowledge base.
The course is highly interactive. On many occasions, in critical positions, you will be asked to pause the video and think on your own. Such kind of exercises is the perfect simulation since you have the opportunity to compare your thinking to top-level decision making.
The scheme below illustrates the main logic of the course:
Decision-Making Algorithm
1. Evaluation of the position (before starting the calculation)
1a. Indirect near-game factors
1b. What am I playing for? What does my opponent want?
2. Determination of the candidate moves
2a "Scanning opportunities" (quick scan approach according to John Nunn)
2b Choosing a priority direction
3. Calculation of options
3a1. Comparison of options
3a2. Additional verification
3b. The final choice of move
Useful Methods When Making Decisions
1. "Goal-seeking" approach (Nunn)
2. Method of elimination (Dvoretsky)
3. DAUT (Nunn - Don't Analyze Unnecessary Tactics)
4. Safety net (Nunn) or emergency exit (Dvoretsky)
5. LPDO (Nunn - Loose Pieces Drop Off)
6. Avoid impulsive decisions (Eljanov)
7. Don't forget about quiet/intermediate/backward moves (Eljanov)
8. Valuation of far advanced pawns (Eljanov)
FREE VIDEO CHAPTER