Watching the Best

Ji-Soo Woo Asked 16 years ago

Hi Alois

I was just watching the youtube of one of my favourite matches (Maze versus Wang Hao in 2005) and a question popped in my head.

For the average weekend hack like myself, what can we learn from watching the world's best players compete that could help our own game?

Cheers

Ji-Soo

Alois Rosario Answered 16 years ago

Hi Ji-Soo,

The main thing to learn from them is the total package.  YOu benefit greatly from just seeing them play.  The brain records some good images of how the game should be played and is a very effective method of learning.  you don't even have to analyse what is happening too much just take it in.

One of the reasons that players in countries such as Australia have difficulty reaching higher levels is that these images are not so easily attainable.  The young kids don't see enough of the best players and sometimes don't take opportunities to watch even the best Australian players play.

Recently at the Victorian Open Junior tournament it was interesting to observe the juniors when William Henzell and Brett Clarke (both Australian Olympians) played some games on the adjacent tables during the day. Only 2 of the juniors went and watched them playing, the others may not have even known they were in the hall.