Lichess puzzles are free tactical exercises on the Lichess site, and they work best as a short daily routine rather than a long marathon. Choose a difficulty that you can solve most of the time, take your time on each position and study the ones you miss. The site changes from time to time, so check the current menus for exact names and options.
The Main Ways to Practice
- Standard puzzles: one position at a time, with the site adjusting what it shows you based on your results.
- Puzzle themes: practice a single pattern, such as forks, pins, back rank mates or discovered attacks.
- Puzzle Streak: you continue until your first mistake, which rewards care over speed.
- Puzzle Storm: a timed mode that rewards quick pattern recognition.
- Puzzle Racer: a timed race where speed matters, often used for fun with friends.
A Simple Routine
- Choose the difficulty setting that fits you. If you fail most puzzles, move down a step; if you solve nearly all instantly, move up.
- Before touching a piece, look at the position for a full minute if needed. Notice loose pieces, checks and captures.
- Calculate your whole line, including the opponent’s best replies, before you play the first move.
- After each puzzle, read the solution even when you were right, in case you found it by luck.
- Keep a short list of the themes that keep beating you and pick one for a focused session.
- Set a time limit, perhaps fifteen to thirty minutes, as a first guide, and stop when concentration drops.
Slow Puzzles Versus Fast Puzzles
| Mode | Trains | Best used for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Careful calculation | Daily practice |
| Streak | Accuracy under pressure | Building discipline |
| Storm | Speed of pattern recognition | Warming up for games |
| Themes | One pattern at a time | Fixing a weak spot |
Getting the Most From Each Puzzle
Treat every puzzle as a small question: what is the opponent threatening, and what forcing moves do I have? Checks, captures and threats come first. If you cannot see the answer, do not guess at once. Try each forcing move in turn and see where it leads.
When you miss a puzzle, look for the reason. Did you overlook a defensive resource, miss a long move such as a quiet retreat, or give up too early? Naming the reason turns a failure into a lesson.
Try to mix in some games too. Puzzles tell you that a tactic exists, while real games make you find out when to look for one. Whenever your own game turns sharp, tell yourself that this feels like a puzzle and look for the forcing line.
FAQ
Do I need an account to use Lichess puzzles?
You can try puzzles without one, but an account lets the site track your progress and offer puzzles that match your results. Check the site for the current details.
How many puzzles should I solve each day?
There is no magic number. A handful of carefully solved puzzles beats many rushed ones, so choose an amount you can do with full focus.
The Short Version
Use Lichess puzzles daily in a calm routine: choose a fitting difficulty, calculate the full line and study the ones you miss. Mix standard puzzles for depth, Storm for speed and themes for weak spots.
