Why Puzzle Accuracy Matters More Than Speed — and How Endgame Focus Makes Beginners Better

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Why Puzzle Accuracy Matters More Than Speed — and How Endgame Focus Makes Beginners Better

For many beginners, chess training emphasizes fast solving and opening memorization. But what truly builds a strong foundation is accuracy in tactics and meaningful study of midgame and endgame positions—exactly what FIDE Trainer Darko Polimac advocates in his program.

🎯 Accuracy Over Speed in Puzzle Solving

Accuracy is far more important than speed. Avoid guessing or playing “hope” moves. Instead, focus on finding the correct solution all the way. Poor habits of rushing lead to guesswork, which doesn’t translate into real-game improvement. Taking time to calculate deeply—even if slower—builds reliable pattern recognition and real tactical depth.

The Case for Endgames (Over Opening Memorization)

Grandmasters and coaches often stress: “In order to improve your game you must study the endgame before everything else.”

This isn’t mysticism—endgames are simpler structurally and can be understood precisely. They develop analytical thinking and create better intuition for the midgame. When you know basic winning or drawing endings, you can steer midgame decisions toward favorable simplifications.

Meanwhile, openings for beginners often change frequently and rely too much on memorization. Most amateur games are decided in the middle game and endgame—not deep opening theory.

Midgame Tactics: Training the Core of Chess

Midgame is where tactics happen—forks, pins, skewers, sacrifices—scenarios perfect for puzzle trainers like Chess.com and Lichess. Puzzles help you see tactical patterns unfold. But to benefit, focus on solving them with full calculation, accuracy, and post-puzzle review instead of rushing.

Kyle’s Success Story

One of my students, Kyle, recently delivered an outstanding over-the-board tournament performance. His chess.com puzzle rating soared to over 3200, thanks to the daily training program I designed: focusing primarily on midgame and endgame puzzles, with minimal time spent on opening theory.

Kyle didn’t chase speed. He solved puzzles slowly, calculated deeply, reviewed mistakes, and steadily built precision. His result? Consistent improvement, better decision-making, and more wins in real games—even when the opening was rough.

How Beginners Should Train

Here’s a recommended approach for new players on Chess.com and Lichess:

Solve puzzles with accuracy first: do not rush. Aim to fully calculate each variation—even if you take twice as long.
Prioritize endgame puzzles and studies: king-and-pawn endings, basic queen vs. pawn endings, rook endgames—understand logic, not just moves.
Include midgame tactics: use puzzle sets focused on forks, pins, discovered attacks.
Minimize opening theory time: learn opening principles, not deep lines. Use your playing experience and analysis to understand common middlegame plans.

Sample Beginner Routine

Spend 60–80% of study time on endgame and midgame tactical puzzles, emphasizing accuracy.
Spend brief time on opening principles—development, king safety, pawn structure—but no rote memorization.
After each solved puzzle, review: Why was that move correct? Could you have improved your calculation?
After each played game, analyze critical moments—especially tactical oversights and endgame decisions.

In Summary

Accuracy matters more than speed when solving puzzles. Deep calculation builds lasting pattern recognition.
Endgames are essential for beginners, giving structure, clarity, and insight into tactical and strategic thinking.
Midgame tactics are the battlefield where games are won, so train extensively here with full focus.
Openings should be simple and principled, not memorized lines.
Kyle’s example shows that with consistency, accuracy-focused training on midgame and endgame puzzles, beginners can rise quickly—even to 3200+ puzzle rating with real competitive success.

Stick to this method. Train deeply. Be accurate. Your real chess strength will grow.

— Darko Polimac, FIDE Trainer dpolimac@gmail.com