The Capablanca method · A complete game
A complete game, move by move
Here is the whole method in one short game — an illustrative model game (not a specific historical one), chosen so every move is either developing a piece or improving one. Step through it and watch a quiet position turn into a strong one, with no tactics forced and nothing left on the back rank.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
0/21
What to notice
- Every piece got a job first (O-1) — knights and bishops out before any plan.
- The king was tucked away early (O-4) — castling before the position opened.
- The worst piece was improved (M-1) — the d2-knight rerouted f1–g3, aiming at f5, instead of sitting passively.
- The payoff came last — only once every piece was active did White strike in the centre with d4. Patience, then the break.