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Tactics by rating

Intermediate tactics from 1400 to 1599

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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
  1. What this rating band tests
  2. The mistake to watch for
  3. Common themes in this set
  4. Three positions to calculate
  5. A focused training routine
  6. When to move up
  7. Common questions
  8. Keep learning

What this rating band tests

From 1400 to 1599, combinations frequently join two motifs: a pin enables a fork, or a sacrifice exposes the king. Candidate selection matters as much as calculation depth.

This local band contains 194 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

Rejecting a sacrifice because the material is not recovered immediately. Evaluate the full return — king exposure, trapped queen, promotion or a technically won ending — while still demanding a concrete line.

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.

Crushing (70)Advantage (60)Mate in 3 (27)Mate in 2 (22)Attraction (17)Fork (17)

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 1400

♜♜♚♟♟♝♟♟♟♛♟♟♟♜♟♟♟♝♟♛♟♟♜♚
Black to move. Calculate before touching the board.
Solution: 19... Qxf5 20. exf5 20... Rxe2

Position rated 1477

♜♜♚♝♟♟♟♛♟♛♟♟♝♟♜♟♟♟♜♚
Black to move. Calculate before touching the board.
Solution: 24... Qxf2+ 25. Rxf2 25... Rb1+ 26. Rf1 26... Rxf1#

Position rated 1599

♜♚♝♟♟♟♟♟♝♛♞♛♟♞♟♝♟♟♟♟♚♜♝
Black to move. Calculate before touching the board.
Solution: 17... Nd3+ 18. Rxd3 18... Qxg5+

A focused training routine

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.

Common questions

Is my puzzle rating the same as my chess rating?No. Puzzle ratings describe performance in isolated tactical positions; game ratings also include openings, strategy, time management and endgames.
Should I solve against a clock?Build accuracy without a clock first. Add a modest limit only after you consistently calculate complete lines rather than guess.
What should I do with a failed puzzle?Name the cause — missed candidate, defensive reply, visualisation or evaluation — then retry the position later without looking at the answer.

Train at your levelBrowse motif guides

Keep learning