@TLansman said in #1:
> I'm someone who basically never does puzzles, and I think doing them more would improve my game but I'm not sure how to approach them.
>
> What's the best choice for puzzle difficulty level, -600, -300, normal, +300 or +600?
-600 will punish your mistakes disproportionately, it is very useful to find your weak spots. If you have some especially weak area, it will keep the difficulty too low in the rest.
> Should I be trying to do puzzles quick or spend a lot of time calculating?
I think second option is better. Calculate until you understand every candidate move and opponent's replies.
Two ideas you could find useful:
* Solve a few checkmate themed puzzles every day. Quite often, the solution of a puzzle depends on knowing a checkmate threat. It will improve your game winning chances, too!
* Review your failed puzzles so you understand not only how you failed, but why (you missed an opponent's defensive move, an unexpected threat, etc.). Use that information to fill the gaps in your solving method.
Good luck and have fun!
> I'm someone who basically never does puzzles, and I think doing them more would improve my game but I'm not sure how to approach them.
>
> What's the best choice for puzzle difficulty level, -600, -300, normal, +300 or +600?
-600 will punish your mistakes disproportionately, it is very useful to find your weak spots. If you have some especially weak area, it will keep the difficulty too low in the rest.
> Should I be trying to do puzzles quick or spend a lot of time calculating?
I think second option is better. Calculate until you understand every candidate move and opponent's replies.
Two ideas you could find useful:
* Solve a few checkmate themed puzzles every day. Quite often, the solution of a puzzle depends on knowing a checkmate threat. It will improve your game winning chances, too!
* Review your failed puzzles so you understand not only how you failed, but why (you missed an opponent's defensive move, an unexpected threat, etc.). Use that information to fill the gaps in your solving method.
Good luck and have fun!