One of the most common flaws in intermediate chess play is tunnel vision. A player spots an appealing move, immediately begins calculating variations 4 or 5 moves deep, gets excited about the tactical possibilities, and plays it—completely ignoring an obvious winning sacrifice or defensive resource sitting right next to it.

In his seminal book Think Like a Grandmaster, Soviet Grandmaster Alexander Kotov introduced a structured analytical technique to fix this exact habit: The Candidate Moves Method. In this guide, we will explore Kotov’s framework, adapt it for modern players, and explain how applying candidate move selection on LocalChess will instantly upgrade your tactical vision.

What Are Candidate Moves?

Candidate moves are a pre-screened list of plausible options available to you at any turn before you calculate a single variation deep into the game tree.

Instead of jumping into calculation head-first:

  1. Stop and scan the board.
  2. Brainstorm 2 to 4 logical moves that meet the strategic demands of the position.
  3. List them mentally as candidate move A, candidate move B, and candidate move C.
  4. Calculate each option systematically without re-calculating lines you have already cleared.
Linear Thinking (Amateur Flaw):
See Move A -> Calculate Line A -> Get Confused -> Re-calculate Line A -> Play Move A -> Realize Move B won instantly.

Structured Thinking (Kotov Method):
Identify Move A, B, C -> Calculate Line A once -> Calculate Line B once -> Calculate Line C once -> Compare Results -> Choose Best Move.

How to Brainstorm Candidate Moves

Brainstorming candidate moves requires looking beyond initial visual impulses. When reviewing a critical position, force yourself to include candidates across three distinct categories:

1. Forcing Tactical Candidate Moves

Always include forcing moves (checks, captures, direct attacks), even if they look slightly absurd or risky at first glance. Brilliant sacrifices often start with forcing candidate moves that casual players dismiss without calculation.

2. Strategic and Positional Candidate Moves

Look for moves that improve your worst-placed piece, claim central space, execute Castling, or strengthen pawn structures.

3. Defensive and Prophylactic Candidate Moves

Ask yourself: "What is my opponent planning to play next turn?" Include candidates that neutralize enemy threats or reinforce vulnerable squares.

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 b5

In sharp openings like the Sicilian Svezhnikov above, White must select candidate moves with extreme care: calculate 9. Bxf6 (forcing trade), 9. Nd5 (positional knight outpost), and 9. Na3-b1 (quiet retreat). Selecting candidate moves early prevents missing key opening breaks.

The Step-by-Step Kotov Calculation Process

To apply the Candidate Moves Method effectively during live games on LocalChess, follow this structured workflow:

Step 1: Initial Assessment (10-15 seconds)

Assess the positional features: material, king safety, active pieces, and pawn structure.

Step 2: Formulate Candidate List (15-30 seconds)

Select 2 to 4 candidate moves. Write or lock them mentally in your mind. Do not start deep calculation until your list of candidate options is finalized.

Step 3: Sequential Calculation (1 to 3 minutes)

Calculate candidate move A to its logical evaluation point. Record your evaluation (e.g., +0.5 advantage for White). Next, reset your mental board and calculate candidate move B. Do not return to re-calculate move A unless a new branch is discovered.

Step 4: Comparison and Decision

Compare the final evaluations of all calculated candidate lines. Select the move that delivers the highest objective advantage with the least tactical risk.

Adapting Kotov's Method for Modern Competitive Play

While Kotov's strict rule—never return to re-evaluate a calculated line—works well in classical time controls, modern grandmasters recommend a more flexible approach in faster time controls like rapid and blitz.

The Flexible Modern Adjustment

  • In fast time controls, limit candidate lists to 2 moves in tactical positions to avoid clock pressure.
  • If calculation reveals an unexpected counter-tactic in Move A, quickly check if Move B avoids that specific trap.
  • Use pattern recognition and tactical intuition honed through tactical exercises on LocalChess to filter bad candidate moves instantly.

Common Mistakes When Selecting Candidate Moves

Avoid these pitfalls when implementing the candidate moves methodology:

  • The Shallow Selection Trap: Listing candidate moves that are all minor variations of the same piece movement (e.g., checking 3 different knight moves while ignoring central pawn breaks).
  • Evaluating Before Calculating: Dismissing a candidate move like a queen sacrifice because it "looks scary" before calculating whether it delivers checkmate.
  • Over-calculating Obvious Moves: Creating a candidate list when there is only one legal recapture or direct response required.

By disciplining your mind to stop, list candidate options, and calculate each line sequentially, you will eliminate costly tunnel vision and make superior decisions in every game you play on LocalChess.