Tactics

1. You play the side to move after the opponent's first move.
2. Find the move that starts the winning line. The opponent replies automatically.
3. Any move that gives checkmate solves the puzzle.
4. A legal move that is not the solution counts as a mistake and the position stays.
5. The puzzle is solved when the line is complete.

1. Your side. The opponent has just moved. You play the other side, shown at the bottom.
2. Find the idea. Look for checks, captures and threats first. One move wins.

• Click a piece, then its target square, or drag it
• Arrow keys move on the board, Enter picks and moves, Esc cancels
• Flip turns the board around; the piece style can be changed
• H for a hint (which piece to move)

Puzzles come from the open Lichess database (CC0) and are grouped by their Lichess puzzle rating: easy below 1200, medium to 1600, hard to 2000, expert to 2400 and master above. Every move of every line is checked before it ships.

Is Tactics free to play?

Yes. Tactics is free in the browser with no account needed, no download and no ads. Your progress is saved on your device.

How do you play Tactics?

You play the side to move after the opponent's first move. Find the move that starts the winning line. The opponent replies automatically. Any move that gives checkmate solves the puzzle. A legal move that is not the solution counts as a mistake and the position stays. The puzzle is solved when the line is complete.

How do the levels and difficulty work in Tactics?

Puzzles come from the open Lichess database (CC0) and are grouped by their Lichess puzzle rating: easy below 1200, medium to 1600, hard to 2000, expert to 2400 and master above. Every move of every line is checked before it ships.

Can I play Tactics on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Tactics works in any modern browser on phones, tablets and computers, with touch, mouse and keyboard controls.

Is there a daily Tactics puzzle?

Yes. Every day there is a new daily puzzle, the same for every player, alongside unlimited numbered levels.