Chess ReviewHow to learn from every puzzle
A simple routine for hints, mistakes and analysis that makes puzzle practice useful beyond a rating.
Chess editorial teamPractical guides to understanding your games and making the most of your training.
Read the position before calculating
First check whose turn it is, whether a king is in check, and which pieces are undefended. Then look for forcing moves. Calculate the opponent’s strongest response rather than assuming a cooperative reply.
Use a hint to restart your thinking
If you are stuck, reveal the relevant piece and inspect its forcing moves. Try to explain the destination before asking for the move. An assisted result is a study opportunity, not evidence that you independently solved the position.
Review the whole variation
After seeing an answer, move backward through the line and ask why a tempting alternative fails. Use analysis to try that alternative on the board. Engine lines are most useful after you have made your own prediction.
Keep a short practice rhythm
Solve a few positions carefully, review one mistake, and then continue. If you enable automatic continuation, pause deliberately after an unfamiliar motif. Record the idea you missed rather than only the rating change.
Try a classic puzzle and finish by explaining the final position to yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does using a hint count as an independent solve?
No. Assisted attempts are useful practice, but they should be kept separate from independent first-attempt results.
Put it into practice
Take the next step on the board.
