Drills - Randomize starting position? Add timer?

Hi

I have been working through some of the "Drills" and wondering if it is possible to randomize the start position of the pieces. For example, practicing the K+R vs K mate, the drill's starting position of the three pieces is always the same; this is good when first learning the technique, but after that it would be good to practice with the same pieces but starting in different positions.

Also, it would be nice to see how much clock time it takes to solve; often one ends up in these positions with very little time left on the clock, and it would be good to know how much time is needed.

Thanks!

You could set up a board in https://www.chess.com/analysis and click play vs ai

a custom position

Thanks Kadenstarr , that's a good idea -- I can setup a position and then hit "Finish With Computer". 

I still think it would be a nice addition to Drills to be able to randomize the start position (and optionally add a timer), but this is better than nothing.

Yeah it would be a nice addition to drills but sadly isnt possible atm. Best to just set up your own drills in an engine if you want to practice.

Totally agree with @zoulong. The drills section of chess.com could be a real gem if it functioned more the way puzzles do. Keep the static scenarios as they currently are, as a way to initially learn each situation, but allow the user to also add a learnt position to a "drill me list" that supports:

• Spaced repetition
• Some randomizing of the start positions
• Optional time control, to simulate end of game conditions
• Some kind of performance score to make the drills into a "game", same as in Vision Test and Puzzle Rush

I believe that would greatly add to membership value - as well as help acquire and retain new membership. I love the tactical drills here (i.e. puzzles) but I have to go elsewhere for end game practice.

However, I'm guessing this might be a bridge too far. Chess.com's resources are most likely all taken up by other, more visible aspects of the site and would require a high level team member to champion and drive such an effort. 

I did propose a simple "Custom Drills List" feature a few years ago, that would not be such a heavy lift, but no joy as yet. 

@havelock3 that all sounds great! Is there a "Feature Suggestion Box" someplace?

Yeh, its, hover over on the question mark on the bottom and click on "make a suggestion"

I agree, improving and randomising the Drills section would be a massive benefit to Chess.com. Endgame technique is so important, but the Drills are so overlooked compared to Puzzles/tactics which chess.com pushes massively. (Drills are so overlooked that they aren't even limited by membership bracket!) I agree with all bullet point suggestions from @havelock3

Obviously I can't mention any competitors of Chess.com here on the forums, but you can find what you're looking for elsewhere if you search for it. I use both a mobile app (Android) and a particular website, both of which allow you to play through many random variations of different configurations (eg many different versions of K/pawn vs K/three pawns etc).

If not contacting the staff directly, this would probably be better posted in the "Site Feedback" forum.