Buddhist monks engage in a form of meditation known as visualization, where they focus on a single mental image that serves as a focal point for their practice. This mental exercise not only enhances their mindfulness but also deepens their clarity of focus. I use a similar technique to focus on solving chess puzzles while away from a chessboard.
For years, I have practiced carrying chess positions in my mind so that I can take advantage of quiet moments during the day to focus on solving the puzzle. Whether in a waiting room or on public transit, I take a moment to remind myself of the puzzle setup and then close my eyes and start calculating. The process is relaxing and the sense of achievement from solving a chess puzzle in your mind’s eye is profound.
The source for this afternoon’s chess meditation is a tricky Mate in 2 by Ole Balslev. My wife had a long doctors appointment and I was able to pass the time visualizing the position below and successfully solve the puzzle after some effort. If you are not quite up to blindly visualizing a chess position with clarity, this chess problem is a good challenge even with your eyes open. In fact, I betcha can’t solve this chess puzzle!
White to move and mate in 2 (by Ole Balslev, source: Skakbladet).