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Applying the 80/20 Rule to Chess for Maximum Improvement

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MarcoZapien

I have decided to combine my business knowledge with chess. Here I explore the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) which tells us that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. In chess, this means focusing on the few things that will bring the biggest improvement. In fact, 20% of your moves will often give you 80% of your success.

Check out my video with examples from three games, including a Magnu's game. 

Here’s how to use the 80/20 rule in your chess practice:

  1. Master Key Openings: Stick to a couple of openings you know well instead of studying them all.
  2. Prioritize Core Tactics: Focus on common tactics like forks, pins, and skewers.
  3. Learn Essential Endgames: Study fundamental endgames like king and pawn vs. king or basic rook endgames.
  4. Spot Critical Moments: Review just the key turning points of each game rather than every move.
  5. Trust Your Intuition: Aim to be 80% confident in your moves and avoid overthinking every calculation.

By focusing on what really matters, you can improve your chess faster and more efficiently. Quality over quantity! Remember, 20% of your moves will give you 80% of your success on the board.