Question 1

What's the difference between Spot It and Play It?

Accepted Answer

Spot It trains recognition: solve tactics or click 'No Tactic' for quiet positions. Play It trains decision-making: always play a move—solve the tactic or choose any solid continuation in quiet positions.

Question 2

What makes a position 'tactical'?

Accepted Answer

A tactical position is one where a specific forcing sequence is required to either gain a decisive advantage or avoid a loss.

Question 3

What makes a position 'quiet' (no tactics)?

Accepted Answer

A quiet position has multiple good moves with no single best choice. Technically: at least 2 moves within ±30 centipawns, validated at depth 18 with Stockfish.

Question 4

What counts as an 'acceptable move' in Play It?

Accepted Answer

Any move that isn't an inaccuracy or worse (> -50 centipawns). You don't need to find the best continuation, just keep the position solid.

Question 5

What's the puzzle mix?

Accepted Answer

50% tactical positions and 50% quiet positions. This trains you to recognize when tactics exist—not just calculate when you know there's something there.

Question 6

How does the rating system work?

Accepted Answer

We use Glicko-2 ratings. Your rating adjusts based on puzzle difficulty and whether you solve it correctly. Puzzle difficulty range widens when your rating is uncertain and narrows as it stabilizes.

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How It
Works

Train the missing skill

Tactic or Not - Chess Pattern Recognition Trainer