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Calculation: Candidate Moves

Candidate moves are the short list of moves worth calculating. List them before you calculate any one of them.

Candidate moves in a fork position

The candidates here are Nf6, Ng5, and Nd5. Nf6 forks the king on e8 and the queen on d7. The other candidates attack nothing at once, so Nf6 is best.

FEN: 4k3/3q4/8/8/4N3/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . q . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . N . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Candidate moves in a pin position

The candidates here are Bxc6, Bb4, and Ba4. Bxc6 captures the pinned knight on c6. The other candidates move the bishop away from the pin, so Bxc6 is best.

FEN: 4k3/3q4/2n5/1B6/8/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . q . . . . 7
6 . . n . . . . . 6
5 . B . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A candidate move is a move worth serious calculation.
  • List checks, captures, and threats first.
  • List moves that attack a loose piece next.
  • List moves that improve your worst piece next.
  • A short list of three or four candidates is enough.
  • Calculate each candidate to the end before you choose.
  • Choose the candidate with the best result, not the first one you saw.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which candidate move is best?