Hey there, future Grandmasters! Have you ever looked at a chess puzzle, stared at the screen for five minutes, and then just... clicked a random move because you had no idea what to do? We’ve all been there. It’s called "Guess-Chess," and while it’s tempting, it’s not how you get that shiny high rating. The secret to solving puzzles like a pro isn't just being a genius—it’s having a system . Based on a legendary Lichess discussion , I’m going to teach you the two-step checklist that will turn you into a puzzle-solving machine. Phase 1: The Quick Scan (CCT) Before you do anything, always run the CCT check. These are the "forcing moves" because they force your opponent to react! C – Checks: Can I put the King in danger? Always look at every check first, even the "crazy" ones where you lose a piece. Sometimes they lead to checkmate! C – Captures: Can I take anything for free? Or trade a small piece for a big one? T – Threats: Can I move a piece to a ...
“Only the player with the initiative has the right to attack”(Wilhelm Steinitz)