For players rated 600–1400

Chess drills that stop the blunders.

Most games below 1400 aren't lost to deep combinations. They're lost to a piece left hanging or a check nobody looked at. Each drill below trains one scanning habit, keeps its own rating, and takes a few minutes. No engine whispering hints, and no signup needed to try.

Part I

Defense

What of mine is at risk before I move?

Mark undefended piecesAny piece with no friendly defender — your side and the opponent's.
Mark under-defended piecesPieces that lose material if traded down — under-defended targets.
Find your hanging pieceOne of yours is about to be lost. Spot it first.
Reverse CCTMark the opponent's checks, captures, and threats — see their plan before you play yours.

Part II

Offense

What can I actually do here, if I bother to look?

CCTArrows for every check, then capture, then threat. Three stages.
CCT · Checks onlyFind every check available. One stage, focused practice.
CCT · Captures onlyFind every capture worth making. One stage.
CCT · Threats onlyFind every move that wins material or mates next turn.

Part III

Calculation

Real positions. Real tactics. No frills.

Punish the blunderYour opponent just hung something. Find the punishment.
Find the blunderPlay through a short sequence and call out the blunder when you spot it.
Make a reasonable moveRandom position. Play any move within ~50cp of best. The engine grades — gently.