Personal Mistake Database
Most players lose rating points in the same ways again and again. The fastest path to improvement is not “studying more” — it’s stopping repeat mistakes.
A lightweight database (a simple log) where you record your recurring mistake patterns, so your training becomes targeted instead of random.
The 10-Minute Post-Game ReviewWhy This Works (And Why Most Training Doesn’t)
- It creates feedback. Every game becomes training data.
- It reveals patterns. You stop guessing what to study.
- It prevents “topic-hopping”. Your training targets your real leak.
- It’s sustainable. 2 minutes per game is enough.
If you feel stuck: Rating Plateaus • Why You Are Losing at Chess
The Only Goal
Your database should answer one question: “What do I keep doing wrong?”
The Minimum Version (2 Minutes Per Game)
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1) Pick ONE critical moment
One blunder, one missed tactic, one wrong plan, one time trouble decision. Don’t try to record everything.
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2) Classify the mistake (label it)
Use a small set of tags (examples below). The tag is the “database power”.
Tag guide: Blunder Taxonomy
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3) Write ONE corrective rule
A single sentence: “Next time I will _______.”
Suggested Mistake Tags (Practical Categories)
- Tactics: missed fork / missed pin / missed mate / overlooked defender
- Blunders: hung piece / back rank / forgot opponent threat
- Calculation: stopped too early / ignored forcing moves / wrong candidate move
- Evaluation: attacked when worse / simplified when worse / didn’t convert advantage
- Strategy: wrong plan / created weaknesses / passive piece placement
- Endgame: king activity / pawn race / rook activity / technique
- Time: rushed critical moment / panic / played too fast early
- Psychology: tilt / greed / fear / “hope chess”
If tactics are the main leak: Why You Miss Tactics • If time trouble is the leak: Time Trouble Mistakes
How to Use the Database Each Week
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Step 1: Count your tags
Which 1–2 categories show up most? Those are your training priorities.
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Step 2: Choose one “weakest link” for next week
Train just one major leak for 7 days. This creates measurable change.
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Step 3: Add one simple habit
Example: a 5-second blunder check before every move. Or “forcing moves first” when calculating.
Weekly framework: Weekly Training Template • Minimal version: Minimum Effective Routine
What to Record (A Simple Template)
Copy/paste format:
- Date: ______
- Game link / opponent: ______
- Critical moment move number: ______
- Mistake tag: ______
- What I missed: ______
- Fix / rule: “Next time I will ______.”
Common Mistake Database Traps
- Over-recording: Too much detail → you stop doing it.
- No tags: If nothing is classified, nothing can be measured.
- No weekly use: The database must drive your next training focus.
- Using only engine labels: “-3.2” doesn’t tell you what you did wrong.
Tie It to Loss Processing
This database turns emotional losses into calm improvement data.
Build your routine, diagnose weaknesses, then fix the biggest leak first.
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