Academy | Tactics | How to Train Tactics
Since tactical training is mostly about learning to find targets and recognize which patterns can exploit them, we will use two training methods that help us focus on exactly this:
- Studying easy puzzles
- Repeating the same puzzles over time
Study Easy Puzzles
Many players make the mistake of training tactics with puzzles that are too difficult.
Why Easy Puzzles?
Simpler puzzles are better for learning tactics because they show the core idea more clearly. When a tactic is buried under too much calculation, it becomes harder to understand how it works.
Repeat the Same Puzzles
Repetition is also an important part of training your tactical skill. Studying the same puzzles again, after some time has passed, helps you internalize the tactical ideas (themes or patterns) they represent.
Another Useful Idea
Analyzing missed tactics from your own games is a great opportunity to learn more about tactics.
This is especially helpful because positions from your own games feel more meaningful. Your mind is often more interested in understanding a tactic when it came from a game you actually played.
Developing Your Tactical Awareness
Studying the solutions to fairly simple tactical puzzles is one of the best ways to improve your tactical skills. But before you do that, it helps to first understand the main tactical themes.
In the next Chessfox Academy lessons, the focus will be on developing your awareness of the most important tactical themes and checkmate patterns.