When I started my Goldchess adventure I wondered how the problem solving will influence my practical chess playing abilities. I confess that I had several concerns because solving consists in playing a sort of game against CEEC engine which is set to a relatively weak 5th level. Actually it always meant playing against a much weaker rival. Of course, I cannot say that I played “normal” games, because in Goldchess you start from a given position and look for solution “upon request” (taking into account specific requirements, such as checkmate in 30 moves after sacrificing the queen), which means solutions that are far from being standard and that enrich the chess player’s imagination.
I also believe that solving Goldchess problems enhances the player’s creative powers and sharpens his or her tactical skills which constitute basic chess competence that all the players should possess.
Since the moment I started to solve Goldchess problems, almost 2 months ago, I have played 15 tournament games, of which I won 7 and tied 8 without suffering any defeat. Maybe it is much too early to jump to some definite conclusions but I can certainly say that solving had no negative impact on my playing skills. Moreover, I get the impression that all this makes me play better. Particularly when it comes to counting variants.
If anyone still has any doubt I can say that the tests performed on myself brought forth some positive results 🙂
GM Artur Jakubiec