The 10-Minute Post-Game Review
Post-game analysis is the engine of improvement, yet most players skip it or get lost in engine lines. The 10-Minute Post-Game Review is a structured system designed to extract maximum learning value without burnout. This guide teaches you how to quickly identify key turning points and blunders, ensuring you never make the same mistake twice while keeping your study time efficient.
The goal is not perfect analysis. The goal is to extract one useful lesson per game.
Why Most Game Analysis Fails
Many players waste time on analysis that is too deep or dependent on engines, missing the practical lessons.
- Jumping straight to the engine
- Trying to analyse every move
- Getting lost in opening theory
- No written takeaway
A short, repeatable review beats a deep analysis you never finish.
When to Do This Review
- Immediately after the game (best)
- Later the same day
- Before your next session
Even reviewing one game per week consistently is enough to drive improvement.
The 10-Minute Breakdown
-
Minute 1 – Game Snapshot
Answer quickly (no board yet if possible):
- Opening played
- Result
- Where did it feel like the game turned?
-
Minutes 2–4 – The Critical Moment
Find the single position where the game changed: a blunder, missed tactic, bad plan, or time scramble.
-
Minutes 5–6 – Why Did It Happen?
Ask:
- Did I miss a threat?
- Did I mis-evaluate the position?
- Was I short on time?
- Did I assume instead of calculate?
-
Minutes 7–8 – One Better Alternative
Find one reasonable alternative you could have played. This is not about finding the best engine move — just something more solid or practical.
-
Minutes 9–10 – The Takeaway
Write one sentence:
“Next time I will ________.”
Examples: check forcing moves first, castle before attacking, simplify when ahead.
Should You Use an Engine?
Yes — but only after this review.
- Use engines to confirm your conclusion
- Check only the critical moment
- Ignore long tactical lines you wouldn’t find in a game
This Review Is Especially Useful If You…
- Blunder in winning positions
- Feel stuck at the same rating
- Play a lot but don’t improve
- Don’t know what to study next
How This Fits Your Training
- Daily or weekly review habit
- Feeds your weakest-link training
- Prevents random study