3 ms·

> In general, defensive tactics and puzzles are underrepresented in chess literature and resources. I play a lot of puzzles (Storm) on Lichess, and this hits h

> In general, defensive tactics and puzzles are underrepresented in chess literature and resources. I play a lot of puzzles (Storm) on Lichess, and this hits hard. I can spot good attacks, but not good defences because it’s vastly underrepresented in my training.

GistNoesis 2y ago
https://lichess.org/training/defensiveMove https://lichess.org/training/defensiveMove For training more related to this article : https://lichess.org/training/xRayAttack https://lichess.org/training/xRayAttack You can find the list of specific training themes here : https://lichess.org/training/themes https://lichess.org/training/themes
- captn3m0 2y ago
  Storm doesn't seem to have a defensive mode.
  - GistNoesis 2y ago
    I have not tried it, but lichess is open-source : so you can probably customize it for your specific use case. More specifically modify line that allow to pick the theme https://github.com/lichess-org/lila/blob/64b6f7966c8ed48dc904a47d842625b0533e6d31/modules/storm/src/main/StormSelector.scala#L20C15-L20C20 https://github.com/lichess-org/lila/blob/64b6f7966c8ed48dc90... With one of the value given here : https://github.com/lichess-org/lila/blob/64b6f7966c8ed48dc904a47d842625b0533e6d31/modules/puzzle/src/main/PuzzleTheme.scala#L18-L86 https://github.com/lichess-org/lila/blob/64b6f7966c8ed48dc90... ie : replace in stomSelector lila.puzzle.PuzzleTheme.mix.key by lila.puzzle.PuzzleTheme.defensiveMove.key and run a custom lichess as explained in the ReadMe
ConspiracyFact 2y ago
I wonder if this is a subconscious reaction to the drawishness of the game. There are certainly very many beautiful defensive motifs, but strong players might be biased against training on them because they constantly encounter strong defense leading to drawish positions. (Source: naked speculation from a USCF Expert.)
toolslive 2y ago
In chess, as in most sports, defending is more difficult than attacking. When you're attacking, and you're attack is running out of steam, you can always "throw some extra wood on the fire". When you're defending, one slip and you're lost. One should not underestimate the psychological impact of the above. Most players crumble under prolonged pressure. This not only applies to me (a mere 2000 FIDE rated player), but also to the (2700+) elite.

GistNoesis 2y ago

https://lichess.org/training/defensiveMove https://lichess.org/training/defensiveMove For training more related to this article : https://lichess.org/training/xRayAttack https://lichess.org/training/xRayAttack You can find the list of specific training themes here : https://lichess.org/training/themes https://lichess.org/training/themes

captn3m0 2y ago
Storm doesn't seem to have a defensive mode.
- GistNoesis 2y ago
  I have not tried it, but lichess is open-source : so you can probably customize it for your specific use case. More specifically modify line that allow to pick the theme https://github.com/lichess-org/lila/blob/64b6f7966c8ed48dc904a47d842625b0533e6d31/modules/storm/src/main/StormSelector.scala#L20C15-L20C20 https://github.com/lichess-org/lila/blob/64b6f7966c8ed48dc90... With one of the value given here : https://github.com/lichess-org/lila/blob/64b6f7966c8ed48dc904a47d842625b0533e6d31/modules/puzzle/src/main/PuzzleTheme.scala#L18-L86 https://github.com/lichess-org/lila/blob/64b6f7966c8ed48dc90... ie : replace in stomSelector lila.puzzle.PuzzleTheme.mix.key by lila.puzzle.PuzzleTheme.defensiveMove.key and run a custom lichess as explained in the ReadMe

ConspiracyFact 2y ago

I wonder if this is a subconscious reaction to the drawishness of the game. There are certainly very many beautiful defensive motifs, but strong players might be biased against training on them because they constantly encounter strong defense leading to drawish positions. (Source: naked speculation from a USCF Expert.)

toolslive 2y ago

In chess, as in most sports, defending is more difficult than attacking. When you're attacking, and you're attack is running out of steam, you can always "throw some extra wood on the fire". When you're defending, one slip and you're lost. One should not underestimate the psychological impact of the above. Most players crumble under prolonged pressure. This not only applies to me (a mere 2000 FIDE rated player), but also to the (2700+) elite.