LibreChessChess, explained simply

Tactics by rating

Advanced tactics from 1800 to 1999

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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

Positions near 1900 demand accurate comparison between several plausible lines. The solution may be a quiet restriction or transition rather than the most spectacular move.

This local band contains 175 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

Spending all the time proving one attractive candidate. Set a candidate budget, compare the critical position each line reaches, and be willing to abandon the first idea.

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 (74)Advantage (67)Fork (20)Attraction (15)Discovered Attack (13)Defensive Move (12)

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 1800

♚♟♜♟♟♟♞♟♟♟♚♟♟♟♛
Black to move. Calculate before touching the board.
Solution: 39... Qe5+ 40. Kf3 40... Qf4+ 41. Kg2 41... Qe4+

Position rated 1874

♜♟♟♟♚♝♟♟♞♟♜♟♝♚♜♜
White to move. Calculate before touching the board.
Solution: 36. Rd6+ 36... Ke7 37. Rxb7+ 37... Kf8 38. Rb8+

Position rated 1997

♜♚♜♟♟♝♟♝♟♟♛♝♛♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♜♜♚
White to move. Calculate before touching the board.
Solution: 18. Rad1 18... Qxf5 19. Rxf5 19... Bxf5 20. Qxf5

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

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