Overall Score: 7/10
Rating Range: 1500 and below
Video: Yes
Platform: Chessable
Chapters:
- The Burger Technique
- Reciprocal Thinking
- Pattern Internalisation Essentials
- Essential Theoretical Endgames
- Endgame Ideas
- Typical Mistakes
This course is short and easy to digest. The purpose of the course is to provide a formula to solve tactical puzzles/positions. Is it going to make a drastic difference in your game, probably not. However, I have found the techniques introduced in the course useful when looking at a position where I can smell tactics but cannot find them. I definitely recommend this course for players looking for a process and structure to evaluate positions for tactics.
The central theme of the course is CM Azel Chua’s “Burger Technique.” The Burger Technique is to: 1. Count Material/Imbalances, 2. Identify Tactical Motifs on the Board, and 3. Identify and Calculate Candidate Moves. It sounds simple, and to a certain degree it is, but there is more to it than three simple steps. CM Chua explains the nuances of the technique that I think are adequate and assist with conceptualizing the process. If you’re the type of person that struggles with tactical puzzles or feel lost looking at a position, you will find this course and Burger Technique helpful. As mentioned above, when I find myself lost in a position or when I sense tactics, I will work through the second and third steps of the technique.
But wait there’s more! Included with the course is a compact theoretical endgames lesson. I was not expecting an endgames lesson in the course, but I found it to be a nice bonus. As the title of the chapter suggests it’s only the essential endgames though. Like many people, I struggle listening to endgame lectures for extended periods, but CM Chua kept my attention. The endgame presentation is succinct and does not go into countless variations that cause the reader to start daydreaming in the woods.
Pro’s
- Short and succinct
- Easy to understand process
- Cheap
- Bonus Endgame Course
Con’s
- Counting material as a step seems like it would be inherent in evaluating a position in an actual game. In other words, I should know the material balance in a game, I don’t need to count it. That said, I understand the author’s point to check the material in a tactical puzzle because it will lead you to the theme.
- I would have liked more examples and puzzles to work through the technique with the author.
- Without the video, I’m not sure I would have got as much out of the course.
Bottomline:
I recommend this course for anyone under 1500 who’s looking for structure in solving tactics. I have on more than one occasion looked at the board and said to myself lets Burger Technique this when I was lost. For the cost, it’s a steal and worth the cost. If you’re going to purchase this course, make sure you include the videos. It’s probably not worth it without the videos.