How to use Anki to improve your chess skills?

♟️ Anki Method for Chess Tactical Training
📖 Method Introduction
Hello chess players! 👋
I'd like to share a method for tactical study using the Anki system (spaced repetition 🔁), based on positions from Susan Polgar’s book "Chess Tactics for Champions". This method was born from frustrations I observed with traditional tactical training platforms.

🚫 The Problem with Traditional Platforms
Many of us use Chess.com, Lichess, and other platforms to train tactics, but I noticed several limitations:

🖱️ The ease of virtually moving pieces discourages complete mental visualization
✅❌ Immediate feedback ("correct/incorrect") promotes superficial analysis
⏩ The quick transition to the next exercise doesn’t allow for deeper understanding
💡 The Solution: Anki + Pure Visualization
The deck I created presents tactical positions without allowing piece movement. Only after complete mental analysis do you check the answer, which contains the main line and critical variations.

🔍 Method Characteristics:
👁️ Forced visualization: Without moving pieces, you develop the "chess vision" crucial for strong players
🤔 Productive doubt: Answers that don’t explain all possibilities create cognitive tension that motivates additional exploration
🔄 Intelligent repetition: The Anki algorithm brings difficult positions back more frequently
🏊 Progressive deepening: With each review, you explore deeper layers of the position
🧪 Scientific Basis
This method is supported by research in cognitive psychology:

🧩 Chunks and Templates: Recognition of tactical patterns forms "chunks" (Chase & Simon, 1973) and eventually more complex "templates" (Gobet & Simon, 1996)
🧠 Elaborative encoding: Active questioning and mental exploration reinforce long-term memory
♟️ Skill transfer: Systematically trained mental visualization transfers to real games
📲 How to Install and Use Anki
To start using this method:

Step 1: Install Anki
💻 For computers: Download at (Windows/Mac/Linux)
📱 For Android: Download "AnkiDroid" (Google Play Store)
🍎 For iOS: Download "AnkiMobile" (paid app) or use the free web version at
Step 2: Set Up
🔗 Create an Anki account to sync progress: account/register
📥 Import the deck using the link below ("Import file" in Anki).
 
🗂️ Deck Usage Guide
⚙️ Initial Setup:
Download the Anki deck "Chess Tactics - Susan Polgar" (link below)
⚖️ Adjust settings to start with 10-15 new cards/day.
🔎 For Each Position:
⏳ Set a time limit: 3-5 minutes for complex positions
🧠 Calculate mentally: Visualize the main line and opponent’s defenses
📝 Record your answer: Mentally before checking
✔️ Honest evaluation:

🟠 "Hard": Only initial move found
🟢 "Good": Correct main line + defenses
🔴 "Again": Missed the solution
📊 Strategic Review:
🔄 After each session, analyze 1-2 difficult positions with a physical board
📅 Monthly: Review statistics to identify weak tactical themes
 
🏆 Method Advantages
The major advantage of this approach is that it develops not just pattern recognition, but also:
✅ Calculation discipline
✅ Deep visualization ability
✅ Critical thinking about positions
✅ Conceptual understanding of tactical themes

 
📥 Download the Deck
🔗  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zA1cLA0l0N1a4Zs1fgdLeNCngbAMHocS/view?usp=sharing

🎯 I invite everyone to try this method and share your results!

## 📣 Join the Community!  
I invite you to:  
1. Try this for **2 weeks**  
2. Suggest improvements 🛠️  

Hello,

do you have other Anki Chess usages ?

Hi, i wrote a Python script that creates Anki decks from PGN files with tactical positions. It handles everything: extracts the positions, generates board images, and builds a ready-to-import .apkg package.

The same workflow can be used to create decks on other chess topics — such as endgames or positional concepts — just by using PGNs focused on those themes.

And if you're interested in learning other subjects beyond chess, there are plenty of free shared decks available here:

GM Alex Yermolisky improved Kotov Calculation method Tree You chose 2 moves and calculate the 4 best responses your opponent has (2 for the First move) and (2 best ones for the second move) In most positions in chess there are only 2 good moves, to find those moves you need to look for active moves This method is much better to improve than this anki method

I use anki for language learning, but using it for chess seems interesting too!

I think the 2 moves method I learned from GM Alex Yermolisky is much better, I was 1600 and after learning to calculate with this method I went all the way to 2230 online on Lichess

do you have any link to share ?