Roman

I am starting to get into the more complex puzzles and tactics section of the book. What Mr. Kitsis does is divide the chapters based on theme and type of tactic, so that a player will see similar positions and will begin to recognize a pattern to the positions. Gradually the player well begin to solve the puzzles more easily as they appear to become "formulaic" (Jeffphdry's words) to the solver. So far I have completed puzzles on "Pins", in which the piece is unable to move because it is the only protection for one's King. Thus, the other side may attack that piece at will because it is unable to move. I have also done "Forks" in which a piece attacks 2 enemy pieces, and as the opponent can only move one piece away, you end up capturing an enemy piece. Another important part is knowing when it is advantegous to make such tactics. Is it a good thing to capture an enemy Bishop while giving up a Rook? The answer is no, but the solver must realize this. Tactics should only be employed when helpful, not just whenever they can be utilized.