About
ChessTactics.org brings Ward Farnsworth's landmark work 'Predator at the Chessboard' to the web as a free, fully navigable learning resource. The site is structured in two complementary parts: a detailed instructional book and an interactive puzzle trainer. The book spans 20 chapters and over 200 topics, covering foundational concepts like the double attack, knight forks, queen forks, pins, mating patterns, and much more. Every concept is explained progressively in plain English, making it accessible to beginners while remaining deep enough for intermediate players seeking to sharpen their tactical vision. Over 1,000 chess positions are discussed with clear, thorough analysis. The Chess Quizzer trainer lets users practice what they've learned by presenting puzzles without solutions. Players can request hints when stuck or reveal answers when ready, reinforcing pattern recognition and calculation skills. Puzzles can be drawn randomly or filtered by specific tactical topic. The site is fully mobile-friendly and supports keyboard navigation for a smooth reading and studying experience. Physical book versions (two volumes, 700+ pages total) are also available for purchase. For an enhanced interactive experience—including moveable pieces and additional quiz modes—the content is also available as 'A Field Guide to Chess Tactics' on Chessable. Ideal for self-taught beginners, club-level players, coaches building curriculum, and anyone seeking a structured, text-rich approach to understanding chess tactics.
Key Features
- 20-Chapter Tactics Book: A structured, progressively written book covering 200+ tactical topics from basic double attacks to advanced mating patterns—all explained in plain English.
- Interactive Puzzle Trainer: Practice over 1,000 chess positions with a quiz mode that supports random or topic-specific puzzles, hints, and answer reveals.
- No Prior Knowledge Required: The curriculum starts from the ground up, making it suitable for beginners while offering enough depth for intermediate players.
- Mobile-Friendly & Keyboard Navigation: Fully optimized for mobile devices and supports keyboard arrow navigation for a seamless reading and studying experience.
- Physical Book Available: The full content is available as a two-volume printed book set (700+ pages) for offline study.
Use Cases
- Beginners learning chess tactics from scratch using structured, plain-English lessons
- Intermediate club players systematically drilling tactical patterns to reduce blunders
- Chess coaches building a free, text-rich curriculum for students
- Self-studying players practicing with 1,000+ puzzles organized by tactical theme
- Readers supplementing a physical copy of 'Predator at the Chessboard' with interactive online positions
Pros
- Completely Free: The entire book and puzzle trainer are accessible at no cost, making it one of the most generous chess learning resources online.
- Exceptionally Comprehensive: With 200+ topics and 1,000+ analyzed positions, the depth of coverage rivals or exceeds most paid chess courses.
- Plain English Explanations: Tactical concepts are explained in clear, jargon-free prose, making complex ideas accessible to learners of all backgrounds.
Cons
- Limited Interactivity: Unlike modern platforms, pieces cannot be moved on the board directly on this site; the Chessable version offers a more interactive experience.
- No Progress Tracking: The site does not offer user accounts, meaning there is no way to save progress, track completed topics, or review performance over time.
- Site May Eventually Retire: The author has noted the site may eventually be taken down in favor of the Chessable version, creating some uncertainty for long-term users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ChessTactics.org free to use?
Yes, the entire site—including the full book and puzzle trainer—is completely free to access. A paid, enhanced version is also available on Chessable under the title 'A Field Guide to Chess Tactics.'
Do I need prior chess knowledge to use this site?
No prior knowledge of chess tactics is required. The book is designed to be self-contained and teaches everything progressively from introductory concepts onward.
What tactical topics does the site cover?
The site covers a wide range of tactics including knight forks, queen forks, pins, discovered attacks, mating patterns, double threats, and much more—spanning 20 chapters and over 200 individual topics.
Can I use ChessTactics.org on my phone or tablet?
Yes, the site is fully optimized for mobile devices. You can also use keyboard arrow keys to navigate through positions and explanations.
Is there a physical book version available?
Yes, the content is available as a two-volume printed book set totaling over 700 pages. Links to both volumes are provided on the site.
