Chess Board Visualization Exercises

While many claim that improved board visualization leading to the ability to play blindfold chess is the result of playing chess over a period of time, some people need to work on this ability through a board visualization exercise regimen.

Board visualization training will improve your ability to calculate long variations. Training should take place 3-4 times per week in 5-10 minute sessions.

Board Visualization Exercise #1

Arrange the pieces on a board and look at the normal developing move for all the pieces. The White knights develop to c3 and f3, while the Black knights develop to c6 and f6. The light squared bishop develops to e2,d3,c4,b5, etc. Once you have studied the knights, bishops (regular and fianchetto positions) the castled King and rook and the four central squares (e4,d4,e5,d5) you remove all of the pieces and point and name out loud all of the normal developing squares for the pieces.

2 Responses to “Chess Board Visualization Exercises”

1. Danel says:

   November 23, 2009 at 10:31 pm

   Blindfold Chess, out of my league.
2. michael says:

   September 6, 2011 at 8:24 pm

   For us beginners, please show us a board and where the positions are (e2,d3,c4,b5, etc.)