I have been taking chess classes for the last 3 years. I have always wondered why chess coaches suggest using puzzle books over solving chess puzzles online.
It's one thing to admire and use technology to your advantage, but we also need to understand its limits and effect on us. There are multiple factors involved in this negation of using online portals to solve puzzles. Let's see these one by one.
Online puzzles are usually assisted
Usually, all online portals provide a puzzle interface that is assisted, which means the best move of the opponent is played by the computer which doesn't happen in the actual game. While every position has most likely one best move (typically in the case of puzzles), the opponent has multiple logical replies, if not on just the next move then on the next to next move. They are called “Variations”, and while solving puzzles online we miss them and that makes us ill-prepared. Although we gained high ELO in puzzle solving we couldn't perform similarly in our games. We have tried to simulate similar behaviour in our Solve Chess position tool
Enhanced Focus and Deep Thinking
Online puzzles are often solved in a fast-paced environment, leading to a superficial approach where players guess moves rather than deeply calculating. With a book, you slow down, analyze the position carefully, and engage in a deep thought process, similar to real over-the-board (OTB) games.
No Distractions, No Engine Assistance
Online platforms often display hints, ratings, and instant feedback, making it tempting to rely on external aids. Books eliminate distractions, forcing you to rely on your own calculation and evaluation skills, which strengthens your independent thinking.
Better Visualization Skills
When solving from a book, you do not have the luxury of dragging pieces on a board to test variations. This forces you to visualize moves and calculate mentally, an essential skill for OTB play, especially in time-trouble situations.
Improved Retention and Pattern Recognition
Studies show that handwritten notes and reading printed material help in better retention. When you write down variations and solve puzzles from a book, your brain absorbs patterns more effectively, leading to stronger tactical intuition in your games. Also, in tournaments, you are likely to play overboard. You see pieces on an actual board in 3D. Solving from the book by setting pieces on a physical board mimics the same. It aids to your visual pattern recognition more as its almost the same scenario as in your tournaments
Structured Learning and Thematic Understanding
Books are often curated with puzzles arranged by theme (pins, forks, discovered attacks, etc.) and difficulty level, ensuring a progressive learning curve. Online platforms often randomize puzzles, which may not be as effective for building a solid tactical foundation.
Mimicking Tournament Conditions
Chess books allow you to simulate tournament play by setting up the position on a physical board. This mirrors real game situations, where you don’t have move suggestions or ratings, making your practice more realistic.
Avoiding the “Solve and Forget” Syndrome
Online puzzle solvers often rush through problems, instantly moving on after seeing the solution. With books, you take your time, write down your thoughts, and analyze deeply, reinforcing long-term learning rather than just quick pattern recognition.
More Discipline, Less Addiction
Online puzzle platforms can be addictive, encouraging users to solve quickly for points rather than quality thinking. Books encourage a disciplined, methodical approach that mirrors how strong players train.
Conclusion
Both books and online portals have their place in chess training, but if you aim for deep tactical understanding, disciplined thought processes, and real-game application, solving puzzles from books is an invaluable habit. Combine both methods for the best results—use books for structured, distraction-free learning and online portals for quick pattern recognition and fun!
Would you like recommendations for the best chess puzzle books?
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