How to use Anki to improve your chess skills?

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herstein2325

β™ŸοΈ Anki Method for Chess Tactical Training
πŸ“– Method Introduction
Hello chess players! πŸ‘‹
I'd like to share a method for tactical study using the Anki system (spaced repetition πŸ”), 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:

πŸ–±οΈ The ease of virtually moving pieces discourages complete mental visualization
βœ…βŒ Immediate feedback ("correct/incorrect") promotes superficial analysis
⏩ The quick transition to the next exercise doesn’t allow for deeper understanding
πŸ’‘ 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.

πŸ” Method Characteristics:
πŸ‘οΈ Forced visualization: Without moving pieces, you develop the "chess vision" crucial for strong players
πŸ€” Productive doubt: Answers that don’t explain all possibilities create cognitive tension that motivates additional exploration
πŸ”„ Intelligent repetition: The Anki algorithm brings difficult positions back more frequently
🏊 Progressive deepening: With each review, you explore deeper layers of the position
πŸ§ͺ 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
β™ŸοΈ Skill transfer: Systematically trained mental visualization transfers to real games
πŸ“² How to Install and Use Anki
To start using this method:

Step 1: Install Anki
πŸ’» For computers: Download at (Windows/Mac/Linux)
πŸ“± For Android: Download "AnkiDroid" (Google Play Store)
🍎 For iOS: Download "AnkiMobile" (paid app) or use the free web version at
Step 2: Set Up
πŸ”— Create an Anki account to sync progress: account/register
πŸ“₯ Import the deck using the link below ("Import file" in Anki).
 
πŸ—‚οΈ Deck Usage Guide
βš™οΈ Initial Setup:
Download the Anki deck "Chess Tactics - Susan Polgar" (link below)
βš–οΈ Adjust settings to start with 10-15 new cards/day.
πŸ”Ž For Each Position:
⏳ Set a time limit: 3-5 minutes for complex positions
🧠 Calculate mentally: Visualize the main line and opponent’s defenses
πŸ“ Record your answer: Mentally before checking
βœ”οΈ Honest evaluation:

🟠 "Hard": Only initial move found
🟒 "Good": Correct main line + defenses
πŸ”΄ "Again": Missed the solution
πŸ“Š Strategic Review:
πŸ”„ After each session, analyze 1-2 difficult positions with a physical board
πŸ“… Monthly: Review statistics to identify weak tactical themes
 
πŸ† Method Advantages
The major advantage of this approach is that it develops not just pattern recognition, but also:
βœ… Calculation discipline
βœ… Deep visualization ability
βœ… Critical thinking about positions
βœ… Conceptual understanding of tactical themes

 
πŸ“₯ Download the Deck
πŸ”—  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zA1cLA0l0N1a4Zs1fgdLeNCngbAMHocS/view?usp=sharing

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

## πŸ“£ Join the Community!  
I invite you to:  
1. Try this for **2 weeks**  
2. Suggest improvements πŸ› οΈ  

OuiOuiZNotDead

Hello,

do you have other Anki Chess usages ?