Tactics - for fun and to improve

by Mattis Trätmar
7/19/2021 – Solving tactical exercises regularly keeps you in shape, helps you to play better and helps you to score more points but it can also make you happy. After all, solving a puzzle usually leads to a little dopamine rush. Mattis Traetmar is a great fan of solving tactical exercises and has selected eight nice examples for you - some of them well-known, some of them rather simple and some of them more difficult.

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Eight tactical exercises for you

In the following diagrams you can move the pieces and try to work out the tactics. At the bottom of the page there is a JavaScript replay window where you can start an engine and find the solutions, testing lines against the computer's defence.

In the first position not a single one of the white pieces has dared to cross the fourth rank to enter Black's territory. However, White still has a devastating attack.

 
Tactics 01
White to play

In the second task White uses a similar idea. However, this exercise is somewhat difficult - and surprising.

 
Tactics 02
White to play

Diagram 3 shows a crucial position from one of the most famous games of Bobby Fischer.

 
Tactics 03
White to play

In the position below Black's king is obviously in danger. But how can White mate it?

 
Tactics 04
White to play

In position number five White seems to attack. However, it is Black who mates - or at least wins material by threatening to mate. Do you see Black's two powerful counterpunches?

 
Tactics 05
Black to play

Something easy for a change - Black to move and win.

 
Tactics 06
Black to play

Tactics in the endgame are always pleasing. How did Black exploit the precarious position of White's king?

 
Tactics 07
Black to play

Finally, another classic and another easy task. What would play with Black?

 
Tactics 08
Black to play

And here are all the positions on boards where you can start an engine (fan icon) to assist you in your analysis.

 
New ...
Open...
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Layout...
Flip Board
Settings
MoveNResultEloPlayers
Replay and check the LiveBook here
  • Start an analysis engine:
  • Try maximizing the board:
  • Use the four cursor keys to replay the game. Make moves to analyse yourself.
  • Press Ctrl-B to rotate the board.
  • Drag the split bars between window panes.
  • Download&Clip PGN/GIF/FEN/QR Codes. Share the game.
  • Games viewed here will automatically be stored in your cloud clipboard (if you are logged in). Use the cloud clipboard also in ChessBase.
  • Create an account to access the games cloud.
WhiteEloWBlackEloBResYearECOEventRnd
Tactics 01-White to play-2020Wijk aan Zee3
Tactics 02-White to play-2020Wijk aan Zee3
Tactics 03-White to play-2020Wijk aan Zee3
Tactics 04-White to play-2020Wijk aan Zee3
Tactics 05-Black to play-2020Wijk aan Zee3
Tactics 06-Black to play-2020Wijk aan Zee3
Tactics 07-Black to play-2020Wijk aan Zee3
Tactics 08-Black to play-2020Wijk aan Zee3

Well, hopefully, you enjoyed these tasks.

If you want to solve more tactical puzzles to improve your chess and if you have a Premium Account the ChessBase Training App offers you thousands of tactical exercises. Another great source for new tactical exercises is the ChessBase Magazine that also offers lots of ideas for your opening repertoire and helps you to improve your endgame play.

Links


I am a biological-technical assistant by profession, which is why I am deeply interested in natural sciences, apart from chess and writing articles on various topics. I hope that you like my articles and I look forward to feedback, both positive and constructive negative!

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