Practical vs Perfect Chess
Chess engines find the objectively best move in every position. But humans aren't engines, we have limited time, energy, and calculation ability. "Practical chess" means choosing moves that are strong and difficult for the opponent to handle, even if they're not objectively the absolute best. This approach wins more games against human opponents.
The practical approach
- Choose positions you understand. Play openings and middlegames where you know the plans, even if they're not objectively the "best."
- Create problems for the opponent. A slightly inferior move that poses practical problems can be better than the engine's top choice that gives the opponent a clear plan.
- Play to your strengths. If you're a strong endgame player, steer toward endgames. If you're tactical, seek complications.
When "imperfect" is better
- Time pressure situations. A clear, understandable plan is better than a complex, objectively superior one when your opponent has 5 minutes.
- Against weaker opponents. Positions that require precise defence are more practical than objectively equal ones.
- In team events. Sometimes a safe draw is the "best" move, even if it's not exciting.
Carlsen's practical approach
Magnus Carlsen is the ultimate practical player. He doesn't always play the "best" move, he plays moves that create maximum difficulty for the opponent. He avoids drawish lines, maintains complexity, and trusts his ability to outplay opponents in unclear positions. This practical approach explains why he wins so many "equal" positions.
Balancing both skills
The goal isn't to abandon correct chess, it's to add a practical dimension to your decision-making. First, find the correct moves. Then, among the correct options, choose the one that's most difficult for the opponent. This combination of correctness and practicality is the hallmark of elite play. See GM Decision-Making.