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The Push-Up System is a program designed to improve your board visualization and move calculation skills in chess. Originally suggested by IM Ivo Donev (trainer of the Austrian national team, former trainer of Dunav Rousse Chess Club /GM Topalov/ and manager of GM Kiril Georgiev, author for New In Chess and ChessBase) and written by Peter Dove /Kortex Limited/, the Push-Up System comes with five (5) modules for five levels of difficulty, each containing 200 practical positions.
Here is how the Push-Up System works: The interface displays a position of certain complexity (the number of pieces depends on the chosen difficulty level). You are asked to memorize the position as quickly as possible (see screenshot below). The built-in timer starts to count down, say, 120 seconds and clears the board (optionally, you can press "Solve!" if you don't need the remaining seconds). By picturing the position in your head, you begin restoration to the best of your ability. As you "Compare!" positions, you will be either congratulated for being correct, or the original position will begin flashing in the background, pointing out the differences. The suggested startup level is 120 seconds, for positions containing 8 to 12 pieces (counting kings and all pawns). Upon solving each position, the interface will automatically subtract 2 seconds from the timer for the next position (of similar complexity). As you reach the suggested speed of 30 seconds or under (and believe me, in time it becomes much easier than you would think!) you are advised to move onto the second difficulty level (13-17 pieces) and back to 120 seconds per puzzle. When the Visualization Booster is checked, instead of restoring the displayed position you are asked to restore the position arising after the suggested line (displayed at the bottom of the board) -- calculation simulations for the more experienced players. Naturally, the harder the level the deeper you'll be asked to see. It is recommended that you use the Push-Up System every or every other day for 5 minutes. Most users notice improvement within the month!
It goes without saying, the purpose is not to memorize hundreds of positions, but train your photographic memory to easily picture positions and therefore increase your ability in depth calculation. Because, perfect board visualization means you never have to see more than one move deep at a time (this is especially true for forced, straight line move sequences). When Alekhine was asked "How many moves do you see ahead?" his answer was "Just one move deeper than my opponent!". Certainly, good board visualization plays a major role in evaluation as well. To sum up, the Push-Up System is designed to improve graphical visualization, which:
- eliminates the problem of the retained image, and therefore eliminates surface blunders.
- improves depth calculation, which benefits all parts of the game, mostly tactics.
- improves evaluation and planning judgment.
- compliments Kotov's candidates-moves system of calculation.
Practice makes perfect! Just as you would start with 10 (real!) push-ups in the morning and in time reach a level of 60, similarly you can increase your speed and accuracy in chess calculation & board visualization. For years my coach, my teammates, and myself practiced using diagrammed positions from various books/magazines, timing ourselves as accurately as we could, but as you can imagine the Push-Up System makes it much easier, effective and enjoyable. |
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