After a Mistake

The second mistake is worse than the first

In this lesson you will learn

Why mistakes come in pairs
How to reset after a mistake
Finding the best defence when things go wrong

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5.1 Mistakes come in pairs

When a player makes a mistake, the next one often follows within a few moves. The first mistake causes shock and anger; the player wants to win back the lost material at once, plays too fast, and makes the second, bigger mistake.

5.2 The reset

Stop. Take a deep breath. The game is not over.
Accept the new position. The old position is gone. Ask: what is the best move now?
Look for the most stubborn defence, not for a quick trick.
Make it difficult. Your opponent can still go wrong, especially if he now relaxes.

RememberThe world’s best players also make mistakes. What makes them strong is how they react to them.

Diagram 5.1Black to move

Diagram 5.1 · Do not make the second mistake

Things have gone wrong and your opponent now has a dangerous threat. A shocked player plays the first move he sees.

Stop, breathe, and find the only defence.

Remember

After a mistake, stop and breathe.
Accept the new position.
Find the most stubborn defence.
Make your opponent work for the win.

Exercises · Lesson 5

Things have gone wrong. Find the best defence instead of giving up.

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Find the best defence

Exercise 5.1Find the move

Black to move

Black to move. You have just made a mistake and your opponent threatens to win material. Find the only defence.

Exercise 5.2Find the move

White to move