What can we learn from chess players thinking models?

During many years of playing chess, I've got a little idea about the ways chess players think about the game. I have identified two great schools. Let's call them now-to-future thinkers and future-to-now thinkers.

In the first school, often amateurs, the players start from a current situation, trying to explore different possibilities in the hope of finding the best move. The future of the game is built starting from the present and moving forward step by step.

This more comfortable approach gives the impression of thinking, taking the lead and being in control of your game without having to learn the hundreds of thousands of combinations, openings or positions.

The second school that I assimilate to more established players start from a desired future situation. A favorable position which will make it possible to destabilize the opponent.

Often this situation is hidden in the present moment. Starting from this clear and precise future goal, the players then begin to build the path which leads from the present position to the future one.

Unlike the now-to-future approach, this approach is not so comfortable. It requires mental effort and a much more substantial memory. It also requires a lot more empathy since the success of building the path is also based on the opponent's reaction to our movements. However, it offers more stability in the game, more solidity in the movements and more control of the future and therefore of the games.

Less boring than the now-to-future, this reflection is often a source of innovation and achievement. While the now-to-future is a tactical approach, the future-to-now is a strategic one.

In the course of our life, we need clear goals, to draw the next steps, not starting from the present moment, but from what we want to achieve in the future...