ChessWorld.net, founded in 2000, is an online chess site. Play relaxed, friendly correspondence-style chess — with online daily, turn-based games — at your own pace.
Chess Tactics Technical Suite
"We think in generalities, but we live in details."
— Alfred North WhiteheadBlow up your opponent's position tactically!
This technical paper looks at tactics from a number of perspectives, ranging from fundamental concepts to specific concrete ideas. It concludes with a warning: tactics must exist within the context of positional play and planning.
The paper uses excellent examples from three of the greatest tacticians of the last century.
Garry Kasparov
Bobby Fischer
Mikhail Tal
Course Index
Importance of Tactics
How critical is tactical ability in modern chess?
Can Tactics be Learned?
Nature vs. Nurture in calculation training.
1. Positional Assessment
Identifying the seeds of tactical opportunity.
2. Tactical Motifs
Recognizing pins, forks, skewers, and sacrifices.
3. Calculation
How to calculate variations accurately and efficiently.
4. The Combination
Developing and executing a winning sequence.
5. Soundness Check
Making sure your combination doesn't backfire.
Summary & Conclusions
A review of the theoretical thought process model.
Tactics in Context
Understanding tactics within positional play.