Tactics by rating
Tactics rated 2200+
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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.
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What this rating band tests
The hardest set is less about named patterns than disciplined analysis. Solutions can begin with prophylaxis, a counterintuitive retreat or a sacrifice whose payoff appears many moves later.
This local band contains 51 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
Equating depth with progress. If the position in your head is inaccurate, calculating farther only compounds the error; rebuild the board and verify every changed line and defender.
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 2200
49... h3 50. b5 50... Kb7 51. a6+ 51... Kb6 52. c5+ 52... Ka7 53. c6 53... Kb6 54. c7 54... Kxc7 55. a7 55... Kb7 56. b6 56... Ka8 57. Kh2 57... f2Position rated 2273
39... a5 40. bxa5 40... bxa5 41. Be4 41... Nb6Position rated 2735
25... Rxb3 26. axb3 26... Qa5 27. Rd5 27... Qa1+ 28. Kd2 28... Qxh1 29. Qh3 29... Qxh3A focused training routine
- Treat each puzzle like a serious-game critical moment.
- Write a candidate tree, not one narrow line.
- Stop periodically to reconstruct the full position.
- Analyse errors by process and create a shorter corrective exercise.
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.