6 Tips to Stop Throwing Won Positions in Chess

Helloooo!!!!

Sorry! Lately I’ve been a bit lost because I signed up for the Madrid League and, coincidentally, the strongest players from my team left this year... so I ended up playing against people with only 300 rating points more than me.

So yeah as you imagine... my chess life has been tough lately!

However, playing against stronger opponents has definitely brought some good stuff... I’ve had some decent results and, most importantly, it’s helping me improve my repertoire and the way I think about positions. And of course, I have less free time to spend on my paddle hobby, more savings for traveling, and more time to digest that losing (My face after losing a lot lately!) is just part of the process to get better at chess.

On the other hand, I also started to organize a chess social meetup with some friends. So if you’re in Madrid, like chess, and want to play in a relaxed environment, write to me and I’ll give you the details or check the last video of our meetup here:

Last meetup video

No matter your level... the idea is to play, meet new people, and have a good time. We meet every 15 days and the vibe is great....So just come and check it out

And now... back to the blog topic

Today I want to share some practical tips to convert won positions, or at least keep in mind when you’re better in a game
Heads up! Losing won positions happens to everyone, no matter the level. A game isn’t won until your opponent resigns or gets checkmated.

In fact, when you’re better is when you have to be most alert, because you already have something to lose: your advantage. Letting your guard down at this stage is usually the first step to disaster.

So... who hasn’t lost a clearly better position, or let half a point slip away with a big advantage?

Well... everyone!!!!

That’s why I want to give a few recommendations through simple examples. Here are 6 key points to help convert won positions:

1- Avoid “easy” or single-purpose threats

Try to make moves with multiple purposes, the kind that bother your opponent more and limit their options. So now, let’s look at the first example:

2- Keep all your pieces active

Play with all your pieces, this means you basically have to invite everyone to the end-of-year party! Check out the puzzle below:

3- Simplify when you’re ahead

You already know this... but you don’t always do it. So please: do it!!! (Trade pieces, not pawns.)

4- Protect your defense

Don’t get reckless, seriously! Staying out partying until 3 a.m. on a Monday when you’ve got work Tuesday is not the move,.... be ‘juicioso’ bro! don’t risk that much bro

5- Have a clear plan to win

Basically, this translates to: stay focused!

6- Sometimes, stepping back is progress

Because I didn’t understand this, I’ve missed key moves more than once. A famous player (don’t ask me who, but they were famous ) once said: “The hardest moves to see are often the ones where you have to step back.” And I definitely get it.

Here’s an example from a game I recently played against a 2400-rated player. It ended in a draw, but it had a nice move I missed:

I hope these tips help you win more of your won positions!

And if you’ve ever lost one (I’m sure you have ), leave a comment telling me how it went, or share this blog with someone who might find it useful.

And if you’re in Madrid... come to the chess meetups I’m hosting!

It’s a great way to practice OTB chess, meet new people, and especially if you’re new in town!

See you soon!