Tactics by rating
Intermediate tactics from 1200 to 1399
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Use this band as a training level, not a label for the player. The guide explains what the positions demand, how to solve them deliberately, and when you are ready for the next step.
On this page
What this rating band tests
Intermediate positions hide the first move behind move-order details. Deflection, discovered attacks and sacrifices appear more often, and the best defence is less cooperative.
This local band contains 210 positions. Puzzle ratings measure how often solvers find a position, not your over-the-board strength, and numbers do not transfer exactly between sites. Use the band as a difficulty dial: aim for positions that make you calculate but still let you explain the solution afterwards.
The mistake to watch for
Calculating only the reply you hope to see. Ask what the defender would play if they knew your idea, especially an in-between check, counter-capture or queen trade.
Common themes in this set
These are the most frequent authored motif guides represented in the band. Learn a pattern first, then return to the mixed trainer so the label is no longer given away.
Three positions to calculate
Do not move immediately. List candidates, calculate the best defence, and state the final result before trying your move on the board.
Position rated 1200
37... Qxf3+ 38. Qg2 38... Qd1+ 39. Qf1 39... Qxf1#Position rated 1282
30... Bf3+ 31. Kg1 31... Rc1+ 32. Re1 32... Rxe1#Position rated 1399
18... Ng4+ 19. Kg1 19... Qh6A focused training routine
- Spend up to three minutes before moving.
- List the defender’s checks after each candidate.
- Visualise the final square of every exchanged piece.
- Save one failed position for a next-day retry.
When to move up
Move to the next band when you regularly find the first move, can explain the opponent’s best defence, and can reconstruct the final position without guessing. If accuracy collapses, step back for a session and fix the process rather than chasing a larger number.