“When you see a good move, look for a better one.” -Emanuel Lasker This is one of those quotes that I wish had not been put so memorably, because the sentiment underlying it is not that helpful. Taken literally, it would lead to paralysis: see a good move, look for a better one, find it, look for a better one than that, and so on, to infinity. This might seem like a ridiculously pedantic objection, except that it does in fact describe what many players do: they fritter over an insignificant decision for far too long, and end up losing on time or blundering in time pressure later on.
I think in essence this quote implies that the good move you see is not the absolute best move in the position, which as you explained perfectly means you must already know the end result. I always thought this quote needed an extension like: When you see a good move, look for a better one, if you have unlimited time and/or it is a forced move or a forcing checkmating sequence, etc.
When To Stop Thinking
I think in essence this quote implies that the good move you see is not the absolute best move in the position, which as you explained perfectly means you must already know the end result. I always thought this quote needed an extension like: When you see a good move, look for a better one, if you have unlimited time and/or it is a forced move or a forcing checkmating sequence, etc.
Nice elaboration of the dilemma.