Are tactics really the way to go?

Is it true that tactics are the fastest way to get better and improve your chess game?

Tactics without a basic understanding of the principles of chess and at least a basic knowledge of a few openings, and the strategy behind them are, in my opinion, not much use.

Tactics are important, very. Just the fact that tactics is 90% of chess is wrong. Its more like 10%. What Fiveofswords said is true. Tactics can be useful however....

That is true but you must have a basic knowledge of tactics.

It all depends on the player and what knowledge he already has.

For some they need to improve their end game.

For some they need to improve their openings.

For some they need to improve their tactics.

For some--strategic principles.

For some a mixture.

A good coach could look at your games and tell you where you need to improve and how to improve faster.

I am still a novice player, but this much I have learned. Strategy is visualizing a target position. Tactics are movement of pieces in an attempt to achieve a desired position. One feeds the other. The best way I have found to learn both simultaneously is the watch Youtube videos that have good commentary. I have noticed some players, commenting on their own games, are purely tactical, though still high ranked, but the best have a strategy that guide the tactics. Visualizing a board pattern requires lots of study of all aspects of the game. I am on the very rudimentary stages of my learning process.

I can't tell if your post is satire or you're being serious.

The OP is rated about 1200.  This is horrible advice for a person at that skill level.  Strategy isn't worth a hoot if you drop a piece to a simple tactic.

Yes, Willy, studying tactics will pay off for you.

Study the entire game.  I dont understand this question?  Its asked repeatedly.  When you (I dont mean you personally) learned how to drive, did you only learn to turn left?  When you went to school, did you only learn addition, and subtraction, and ignore multiplication, and division?  Do you only wash the dirty plates, and leave the cups? 

Study the entire game. 

First, you must define tactics. Is it a tactic to capture an undefended piece? I'm talking about pieces left en prise, not pieces that can be won through a two- or three move sequence. The latter is clearly tactics.

Most beginners (everyone below 50 points above my current rating) leave pieces en prise in every game.

+1

Everyone below 2000 leaves pieces en prise every game? I need to play some tournaments in your area

-1

Fiveofswords might be looking at the bigger picture. If you want to become a good chess player, tactics won't suffice at all. You will never win a game against the big boys if you only train tactics because you will be training yourself in "creative" ideas wich might lead to a tactic against a lesser skilled player but will lead to a loss against 2000+. It are these creative ideas that hinders chess wisdom. And these creative ideas come from tactical desires.

Just my 2 cents.

After you know some basics like what a backward pawn is, rook on open file, how to mate a lone king, a few moves of a few different openings, how to play K+p vs K, Philidor, Lucena, (all the stuff I assume you know by now) Then I'd probably suggest getting a collection of ~1000 puzzles (I'm thinking of Reinfeld's book, because that's what I started with, but I guess this is possible online) and working through the whole thing twice. Don't just solve mindlessly, try to work the solution out to the end. I'd also start the day by reviewing a handful of puzzles you've missed in the past to work the ideas into your memory.

Which is one reason I think Reinfeld's combinations book is good when starting out, because it breaks up the tactics by theme, so it improves retention of the patterns.

And yes, everything else being equal, tactics will have the biggest short term impact on your results.

AFAIK you're not rated over 2000 so...

Are you talking about chess.com online chess?

They are an important part of your chess development.  If chess training were a food pyramid, tactics would be at the base.  It's not the only thing, but it should comprise a large portion of your training.

The people who think tactics training is about studying arcane, creative moves that only work against weak players are deluded or trolling.

If you really want to know what you need to learn buy "Chess exam and training guide" by Khmelnitsky.  Go and answer the 100 questions and you'll know where and what you need to study.  Don't just listen to people who like to see their name in print.

Actually, yes. Tactics and board vision. Under board vision i mean ability to see all pieces and what they attack. I don't agree that people under 2000 don't know general principles like center controlling and development. I know them and i see that other people also do. I think around your and my level games are decided by big mistakes and tactics overlooking mostly.

Many a 10-handicap golfer can improve their handicap by 3 to 5 strokes by practicing on the green. Putting, chipping, etc. Chess players who get stuck often need to focus down on one point like endgames or positional play, or maybe opening principles. You might see a drastic improvement. This doesn't mean you neglect your tactics, however. You need to stay in shape in the other areas, too.

I see your strategy depends on your opponent not developing.  This just sounds like nonsense.

If you don't have a grasp on tactics you will be swept of the board.

Unfortunately, my opponents like to develop their pieces.

Fiveofswords it's not serious. Everyone above 1100 knows that they need to develop and control center. People who 1400-1500 already have opening repertoire. I mean blitz games. In blitz you are not 2000 and nonetheless you know such principles.