Application of novel training method for advanced chess junior players
I.V. Mikhailova, WGM, Ph.D. in Pedagogics
Introduction. According to the patriarch of Soviet chess, Mikhail Botvinnik [1], four basic principles that form a chess player's strength are chess talent, a strong character, health and special training. However, in recent years some new methods for chess player trainingalong with traditional approacheshave emerged. The special preparation of young chess players is being modified nowadays due to additional opportunities appearing with applications of computer technologies.
Methods. An exceptionally powerful tool has appeared in the chess players' toolkit, the personal computer (PC).
It accomplishes many functions such as collecting, systematizing and storing of various chess data (games, fragments, positions for analysis), as well as high level tactical analysis of selected chess positions. The intensity of the exercises in the training and control tests has been much increased. The method of presenting educating material is also broadened; its structural organization has been deepened in level of complicity and thematic orientation.Moreover, anyPCswithinstalled chesssoftware, Internetandelectronicchessbasescanbeconsideredasan “artificial” assistant(AA) ofachesstrainer. ThenumberofAA’s could not be restricted during the chess course. OptimalAA numberisequaltothenumberofpupils.
Moreover, AA can operate both in parallel and consecutive regimes realizing interactive interaction with a pupil. Obviously, anAAsupportstoincreasemotordensityofchesstraining. The scheme of novel and traditional methods of chess education is presented in fig. 1. However, applicationof a computer in chess–player training is not as simple a task as it might first appear. Therefore the significance and responsibility of a trainer are now supplemented with introducing the new study course, because it is a trainer who plans and organizes all the stages of the training process [2].
Results. Recentlytwenty four students have undergone the training course with application of chess software and zones of Internet. Eight pupils are on the preparatory stage and thirteen are on various stages of the twin-years training cycle. Three of them: Vladimir Yevelev, Arthur Gabrielian and Nikolai Kurenkov, have completed the course and have got the International Chess Master(IM) title. The time growth of their ELO rating of FIDE is presented in fig. 2. As can be seen most increase of the rating is on the second year of education. During twenty four months of education the ELO income was about 200 points. This helps one of the pupils won junior chess championship of Russian Federation. Two of the pupils became the members of the national chess junior team of Russia.
Discussion.The following tendency has been detected: there is no sharp improvement of tournament results during the 1st year of training; the 2nd year produces sharp improvement of tournament results and a consequential increase of ELO rating. It may be concluded that the 1st year is used for the accumulation of knowledge and perfection of the acquired skills, while the greatest growth in tournament results takes place in the 2nd year of training.The success formula has been approved: 2200 ELO + 2 year training period with novel method = IM.
Conclusion and resume.The experimental results show that novel method is effective in advanced junior chess-player training.Artificial assistant of the chess trainer is introduced to help a trainer to educate pupils.New technologies develop sweepingly. Chess Assistance company has produced more new programs (Chess Tactics for intermediate players and Modern Chess Openings, Kings Indian Defense). Obviously, while attempting to perfect the already existing structure of the training course, the newest auxiliary learning programs must be taken into account. However, implementation of computers becomes most efficient when combined with traditional basic methods of training.A complex approach to chess teaching is the best solution, as past practice in the T.V. Petrosian Club confirms.Whether we want it or not, teaching chess will soon acquire a completely new formsthat we may only imagine. A lone figure of a teacher beside the chessboard passes away.
References.
- Botvinnik M.M., Methods of training for competitions (in Russian), M.: M.Botvinnik’s fund, 1996.- p.78.
- I.V. Umanskaya, G.O Sobolev, Specific training technique of elite young chess players // Quarterly scientific-methodical journal of RussianAcademy of education, Russian state Academy of Physical culture, 2002.-№4.-p.35-38.