Chess puzzles

In order to increase my chess mating spotting abilities, I purchased a book by Polgar 5334 combinations, etc. I did a page per day of the mate in one's with relative ease. However, contrary to my expectations I'm having quite a challenge with the mate in 2's. Polgar states the first move is either a check, quiet move or sacrifice. There really is no formula to solving the puzzle. How do I increase mate in 2 or 3 or more solving ability. For now, it's "trial and error" which takes forever. For the mate in one, white to move, I never had to physically set up the pieces and attempt the solution. Now, with the mate 2, white to move, most times I have to set up the pieces on the board and still I either can't see the solution or find my solution incorrect after checking the correct solutions

Thanks

I'm guessing, don't know, that maybe you aren't familiar with the different types of tactics.  That would make multi-move checkmates or combinations difficult.  Here's a couple of links explaining the different types.

http://www.chesstactics.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_tactics

Also, a good tactics book for learning each type of tactic is Chess Tactics for Champions, by Susan Polgar.  I'm actually using this book along with the 5334 book you have to work on my tactics.

Good luck.

I have the Susan Polgar book too. But as far as I learned, having visited both of those sites and read numerous books on tactics, with pins, forks, skewers, etc. I thought those were for mostly middlegame strategies. Maybe I'll drop the 5334 book for a while and tackle the other one.

Well, in general, I guess most tactics do arise in the middle game while others can be in the opening and endgame.  However, you need to learn to recognize them and execute them.  (Just like I do!)  My decision for how to improve effectively has been to learn to recognize and execute tactics/combinations and then strengthen my openings and middle game so that, hopefully, I can create tactical opportunities.  Just my opinion on how to do it...

Webhead, take a look at puzzle 341 in the Polgar 5334 book. Can't the white king capture the pawn on b2 be a first move?

No, because the pawn is defended by the bishop on g7.  Besides, you should be looking for forecful moves that lead to checkmate!