I've been told to do puzzles everyday a week or 2 ago.
I started playing chess regularly at work since I have time to kill so at least 5 times a week I do puzzles and a sometimes games, or puzzles on my phone as well !
Now I've been told that doing them often is good on the long run, which I agree. But, I've had some trouble doing them.
Like, I do some, and it's straightforward, it's for ways to check then eat pieces, or some kind of super plays. I think like that because some of them were like that, you just yeet in, check some random pieces, then yeet the queen.
But that kind of puzzle happened so often that it's the first thing I look for. And sometimes it comes to backstab, like, I expect to be expected to kind of just ninja into the king or something, and I hate it, because while most of the time that's what I need to do, sometimes I just need to move a piece not even to check or take anything ? but everytime I do I'm wondering if I'm not missing a play on the king
So yeah, wondering what mindset you guys have when doing puzzles, or what checklist you go through ? like, how do I determine what the best move actually is ?
Sorry for the noob question
:edit: I think the checkmate thing is not with lichess's puzzles thing tbh I just did some maybe I mixed up with the app on my phone, as the puzzles were kind of random, but still, wondering what's the kind of checklist people have
Well, while puzzles are really great to see what you can do in some positions to grab a free piece or get some kind of advantage, the way I see them is just keeping you sharp. Take it as a warm-up before your first game of a day. Puzzle can get really monotone if you play a lot of them, not to mention it can only help you that much in your progress as a player. Playing games is crucial, to make mistakes, to fail. Making a mistake and right after it going "oh sh** I can't do that because *insert reason why*" is what makes you truly a better player. Also, try playing with friends, people that don't play chess usually or players that play chess and are far better than you. That helps a lot! Just seeing how people move and why that people think!
Also, for some real good knowldge, check out Agadmator on youtube! Great guy with plenty of great analysis.
Wish you all the best stranger!
Oh ! Thanks, will try playing more games than puzzles ! I kind of went for the other way around thinking it was best to do puzzles
Doing chess puzzles is akin to doing math puzzles. As a beginner, you have to practice simple puzzles to obtain the knowledge. As you progress, the puzzles require more knowledge.
As in a real game, the first move I search are checks, captures, and threats. These forcing moves are the strongest and should be evaluated first. Since forcing moves are the natural solution to puzzles, this method will solve most of the problem presented. Another element to look for is loose pieces (under-defended also). Then trapped (restricted mobility) pieces; the Noah's Ark Trap is a classic example. Of course, a mating attack is always considered.
The checkmates, basics and intermediate tactics lessons are a great way to learn what to look for
It’s here:
lichess.org/practiceYou should only make a move if u (think) u know the answer. I usually follow these steps:
- Check the material
- Checks, Captures and Threats (CCT) for me and my opponent.
This should be enough to find the solution, however since you are a beginner your brain is not trained on chess yet, so it will take quite some time to find every CCT. That is totally fine, it is better to spend some time and get the puzzle right, than just rushing some moves.
I can also recommed to watch 'John bartholomew chess fundamentals'. Tactics are important in chess, but we humans are quite bad at calculating, however awesome at applying principles. Thats why learning some chess principles helps a lot.
Playing longer time controls helps also with learning, because it allows your brain to think about the position and discover good moves (=learning new patterns).
You shoud also practice in game to look for undefended pieces after every move your opponent and verfiy that your move does not hang a piece. If you go over your games you will see, that you and your opponent hang multiple pieces a game (sometimes without the other one noticing).
Oh thanks a lot guys ! Got good advice, glad I came on this forum again c:
1. Forced checkmate sequence, at all costs
2. Defense against forced checkmate (it doesn't matter if you go up a queen if you're checkmated on the next move)
3. Winning material... Q > R > B > N
I very highly recommend making a commitment to tactics training, especially at your level. At first it may be tough to get it correct, if you've never seen what is considered correct in the first place. It is like a student being asked 1+2=? in an exam without being taught it first. Always take advantage of the incredible analysis board after the problem, to see why it is correct and answer your "what if" questions. The problems below 1600 are generally simple and straightforward (above that, they get weirder and more difficult). Take your time, as you would during an exam and don't rush... It is far more important to deeply consider the dynamics at play, than to hurry up and finish the problem. It is all about learning! With time you will understand the game dramatically differently and can easily incorporate the concepts into your live games with ease.
One thing to add: the checkmate sequence must be made in the least possible number of moves. For example, going for a mate in 3 would be considered incorrect, if there is a mate in 2 available.
There is the Lasker rule from the former world champion:
1. Look at all checks.
2. Look at all forced moves.
3. Look at threats (of your opponent! and then yours)
On your level hanging pieces are the first source of deciding a game. So search unprotected pieces if you don't find the solution with steps 1 - 3.
Play blitz for fun spending time and/or checking your opening knowledge.
Play rapid and classical to check your mistakes.
This will raise at your level the rating and skill measurable in one year.
P.S.: Please check your syntax before posting!