The 7-Skills Training Model provides a simple roadmap for developing the seven skills that have the greatest impact on practical play.
Free Download: The Chessfox 7-Skills Training Model
Choose what to train next:
Tactics
Develop your tactical pattern recognition.
To develop this skill, study tactical patterns through exercises grouped by theme.
Learn Tactical Patterns Faster with Grouped Exercises →
Visualization
See future positions clearly in your mind.
To develop this skill, practice visualizing moves and positions without moving the pieces.
See Future Positions More Clearly →
Calculation
Calculate forcing variations accurately.
To develop this skill, solve challenging puzzles using the TRC method.
Learn the TRC Chess Calculation Method →
Strategy
Improve your position when there is no immediate tactic.
To develop this skill, learn common strategic ideas and positional principles.
Evaluation
Understand what matters most in a position.
To develop this skill, learn how to evaluate a position and choose between candidate moves.
Openings
Reach positions you understand and enjoy playing.
To develop this skill, build a simple opening repertoire based on ideas rather than memorization.
Endgames
Convert winning positions and save difficult ones.
To develop this skill, play out common endgame positions against an engine or training partner.
Which Skill Should You Train First?
If you often miss simple tactics:
Start with Tactics →
If you struggle to see moves ahead:
Start with Visualization →
If you don’t know how to calculate variations:
Start with Calculation →
If you don’t know what to do when there is no immediate tactic:
Start with Strategy →
If several moves look good and you’re not sure which one to play:
Start with Evaluation →
If your openings feel confusing or difficult to remember:
Start with Openings →
If you struggle to convert winning positions or save difficult ones:
Start with Endgames →