Recently I reached a puzzles rating of 3000 and I would like to share some thoughts I have with you…
Doing puzzles taught me two things:
1.Different patterns, so Ι know what Ι am looking for, during my game
2.Calculation
About calculation that is the reason that I never liked puzzle rush 3-5min. I mean, in a real game when I believe that there is a tactic I may spending 3-5 minutes to calculate to see if I can find this winning move. That is why I always take my time during puzzles, never be in a hurry.
I have also realized that the strategy for finding the solution to a puzzle no matter how difficult is, is the following:
First I am looking for checks, then for captures and last for threats.
At the 3000 rating though, probably it is a combination of all these and with different patterns.
Now something important, that I really believe that made the difference to me and got me from 2800 to 3000. I have noticed that when I play a game if I don’t feel confident or I am in bad mood probably I am going to loose, the same happens for puzzles too. I always try to feel certain that I will find the solution even if at first it seems like impossible, and looking for weaknesses, or undefended pieces and I try to combine ideas.
I agree with others that said that consistency is important. I don’t feel bad if I am not solving many puzzles per session, I think what I should aim is to take my time to calculate the position, even if that means only one or two puzzles per session. Of course, when I review my mistakes I also analyze the lines that I calculated before, to see how accurate I was and why my ideas were wrong.
I don’t know if any, maybe stronger than me at puzzles, would like to add or correct something to my ideas.
My advice would be to:
1. Train Every Day (Even 10–15 Minutes Helps)
Consistency is more important than long sessions. Solve a few puzzles daily to keep your tactical vision sharp.
Sites like Chess.com or Lichess offer good puzzle modes and difficulty scaling.
2. Focus on Patterns, Not Just Solving
Instead of just finding the right move, try to recognize why it works.
Look for recurring ideas: forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, back-rank mates, removal of the defender, etc.
3. Do Thematic Sets
Group your puzzles by theme: mate in 2, forks, pins, etc. You can do it by going into Puzzles > Custom Puzzles.
4. Review Mistakes Deeply
When you get a tactic wrong, take time to fully understand the idea.
Ask: What did I miss? What should I have seen? This turns errors into learning gold.
5. Use Visualization Training
Try to solve puzzles without moving pieces (in your head). This builds board vision - crucial for OTB play.
6. Mix Easy and Hard Puzzles
Easy puzzles help you see patterns quickly.
Harder puzzles stretch your calculation skills and help with real-game complexity.