Why am i good at puzzles but bad at regular chess • page 1/2 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

LeFroggo

#1

What should i do in order to improve at regular chess given that im decent at puzzles

kaissa44

#2

@LeFroggo said in #1:

What should i do in order to improve at regular chess given that im decent at puzzles

In puzzles, you can tell that a tactic is there but you need to develop that intuition in real games. Analyze them yourself and with a coach or training buddy and find mistakes.

@LeFroggo said in #1: > What should i do in order to improve at regular chess given that im decent at puzzles In puzzles, you can tell that a tactic is there but you need to develop that intuition in real games. Analyze them yourself and with a coach or training buddy and find mistakes.

#3

sadandscared

#4

TheKingClash and Kaissa44 bring up good points.

As someone with a highly inflated puzzle rating, here is another observation:

When practicing puzzles, you (the solver), are playing for the side with the idea/plan/initiative.

(Un)Fortunately, when playing chess, you have an opponent! At least for me, I often-times tunnel vision by neglecting my opponent's plans/ideas and have trouble framing things from the opposite side of the board. I'm pretty sure the best remedy is simply playing more/playing slower games. :)

TheKingClash and Kaissa44 bring up good points. As someone with a highly inflated puzzle rating, here is another observation: When practicing puzzles, you (the solver), are playing for the side with the idea/plan/initiative. (Un)Fortunately, when playing chess, you have an opponent! At least for me, I often-times tunnel vision by neglecting my opponent's plans/ideas and have trouble framing things from the opposite side of the board. I'm pretty sure the best remedy is simply playing more/playing slower games. :)

Sylenzo

#5

Use what you know creates tactics (passed pawns, pins, poorly defended pieces, good activity), if you can get these common ideas to not just get on the board (making one move threats or overextending pieces, but to STAY on the board, then you are much more likely to find a killing blow

NM ThunderClap edited

#6

There are so many ways of Improving/Studying & Puzzles/Studies/Problams are but One ... Chess Videos Chess Books & Studying your own COMPLETE GAMES that u have played & COMPLETE games in collections are other ways . STUDY PLAY PLAY STUDY ... Double down on puzzles as well the more u do the better . BTW I watched one game of yours & the guy played Bxh3 as expected which of course was an error Kh2! attacked the Rook on g3 & the Bishop on h3 so the book I would recommend for you is an obscure one by A Soltis called The Art Of Defence In Chess @LeFroggo

Alientcp

#7

Tactics are good for pattern recognition, you just are not recognizing the patterns yet.

Once you understand the patterns, in your games, there will be partial patterns. Say, you understand the windmill. You already have the pin, you just need to put the other piece into position right? Well, make moves that attempt to put that last piece into the position. Very rarely you will have a totally set up tactic by accident. Most of the time you will only have a partial and you will need to actively seek to complete the position to execute it after.

Tactics are good for pattern recognition, you just are not recognizing the patterns yet. Once you understand the patterns, in your games, there will be partial patterns. Say, you understand the windmill. You already have the pin, you just need to put the other piece into position right? Well, make moves that attempt to put that last piece into the position. Very rarely you will have a totally set up tactic by accident. Most of the time you will only have a partial and you will need to actively seek to complete the position to execute it after.

LeFroggo

#8

Thanks to all the tips i think im going to start reading the art of defence thanks for tbe suggestions guys!

Javan727

#9

You need to play more rated games

RoundMoundOfUnsound

#10

@LeFroggo said in #1:

What should i do in order to improve at regular chess given that im decent at puzzles

Because with a puzzle you know the win is there. In a regular game you have to build up a winning edge and recognize it as such. Also when you study you're usually rested and focused while games are played ready or not.

@LeFroggo said in #1: > What should i do in order to improve at regular chess given that im decent at puzzles Because with a puzzle you know the win is there. In a regular game you have to build up a winning edge and recognize it as such. Also when you study you're usually rested and focused while games are played ready or not.