Training tactics

From single themes to mixed sets, timed solving and repetition of the same sets.

Tactics decide the large majority of games below master level. The goal is pattern recognition (seeing ideas instantly) plus calculation (checking that they work). Both grow with volume and repetition, not with reading.

Progression

1. Themed sets: one motif at a time (forks, pins, back rank…). The student knows what to look for, so they learn the pattern.
2. Mixed sets: the motif is unknown, as in a real game. Accuracy drops at first; that is the point.
3. Timed solving: once accuracy is high, add a time limit to build speed.
4. Calculation puzzles: longer, quieter solutions solved without moving the pieces.
5. Own mistakes: positions from the student’s games, reviewed with spaced repetition until solved quickly.

Practical rules

• Puzzles should be solved correctly about 60–80% of the time. Easier wastes time; harder discourages.
• Repeat the same set several times; the second and third pass are where patterns stick.
• Little and often beats a weekly marathon: 15–20 minutes a day.
• Insist on finding the full solution, including the opponent’s best defence, before moving.
• Review failures: why was it missed? Not seen, mis-calculated, or rushed?

In this app the Puzzles trainer serves level-rated Lichess puzzles by theme, the Own mistakes deck uses spaced repetition, and the classic combination collection gives longer, calculation-heavy exercises.