Chess Exam and Training Guide: Tactics – Rate Yourself and Learn How to Improve

Introduction

For every chess enthusiast in India who dreams of sharpening their tactical vision, Chess Exam and Training Guide: Tactics: Rate Yourself and Learn How to Improve by Igor Khmelnitsky is an indispensable companion. This hardbound volume, published by Iamcoach Publishing, is not just another chess book—it is a structured self-assessment tool designed to help you measure your tactical strength, pinpoint weaknesses, and receive targeted training advice. Whether you are a beginner taking your first steps or a seasoned master looking to refine your instincts, this book offers a systematic path to improvement.

Book Overview

This sequel to the award-winning original Chess Exam and Training Guide focuses exclusively on tactics—the heart of chess combat. The book presents 60 carefully selected diagrams accompanied by 120 multiple-choice questions of varying difficulty. Each question is designed to test your ability to spot combinations, forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, and other tactical motifs. After you attempt the questions, you can evaluate your results against detailed statistical reports that assign ratings both overall and across 29 distinct sub-categories. The comprehensive answers include annotated diagrams, making review intuitive and effective. This is a book that turns self-study into a structured exam, helping you understand exactly where you stand and what to work on next.

Key Highlights

• Award-winning methodology: The original book won the prestigious Cramer Best Book Award from the Chess Journalists of America and has been translated into French and Russian, affirming its global credibility.
• Exclusive tactical focus: Unlike general chess guides, this volume zeroes in on tactics, offering deep, targeted training.
• 120 multiple-choice questions: Each question is crafted to challenge your calculation and pattern recognition, with answers that reveal common mistakes and winning ideas.
• 29 sub-categories: Your performance is broken down into granular areas such as forks, pins, sacrifices, endgame tactics, and more, giving you a precise diagnostic of your strengths and weaknesses.
• Rating-based evaluation: After completing the exam, you receive an overall tactical rating and separate ratings for each sub-category, allowing you to track progress over time.

Inside the Book

The book is organized into a clear, exam-style format. It begins with an introduction explaining how to use the material effectively. Then comes the core: 60 diagrams, each accompanied by two multiple-choice questions. After the exam section, you will find detailed answer explanations that not only reveal the correct move but also discuss alternative lines and common pitfalls. The statistical section provides distributions of answers by rating level, so you can compare your performance with players of similar strength. Finally, the training recommendations chapter offers specific advice for each sub-category, including suggested study materials and practice routines. Every page is designed for clarity, with diagrams placed strategically to aid visual learning.

Key Topics

• Basic and advanced tactical motifs: forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, double checks
• Sacrifices for material gain or checkmate
• Defensive tactics and counterplay
• Endgame tactical patterns
• Calculation techniques and visualization
• Common tactical errors and how to avoid them
• Time management during tactical calculations

Reader Benefits

• Self-assessment made easy: You don't need a coach to evaluate your tactical level—this book does it for you.
• Targeted improvement: Instead of random practice, you focus on your weakest areas as identified by the exam.
• Confidence building: By understanding your rating and seeing progress, you gain the motivation to keep studying.
• Practical training: The multiple-choice format mimics real-game decision-making, sharpening your instinct under pressure.
• Comprehensive feedback: Detailed answers and statistical reports turn every mistake into a learning opportunity.

Learning Outcomes

By working through this book, you will be able to accurately assess your current tactical rating, identify specific tactical themes where you need improvement, and apply targeted training methods to raise your game. You will develop a sharper eye for combinations, faster calculation skills, and a deeper understanding of tactical patterns that appear frequently in competitive play. The structured approach ensures that you move from passive reading to active learning, with measurable results after each session.

Who Should Read

• Beginner to intermediate players (rated under 1800) who want to build a solid tactical foundation.
• Advanced players (rated 1800–2200) seeking to refine their tactical vision and eliminate blind spots.
• Tournament players looking for a systematic way to prepare for competitions.
• Chess coaches and trainers who need a reliable diagnostic tool for their students.
• Self-taught enthusiasts who enjoy structured challenges and data-driven learning.

About the Author

Igor Khmelnitsky is a highly respected chess author, coach, and former champion. A FIDE Master and USCF Life Master, he has won numerous tournaments and has extensive experience teaching players of all levels. His innovative approach to chess training—combining rigorous testing with practical advice—has earned him international acclaim. The original Chess Exam and Training Guide received the Cramer Best Book Award, and his works have been translated into multiple languages, reflecting his ability to connect with chess players worldwide. Khmelnitsky's clear, methodical style makes complex tactical concepts accessible to Indian readers and students alike.

About the Publisher

Iamcoach Publishing is dedicated to producing high-quality chess literature that blends education with entertainment. Known for its focus on practical training materials, the publisher collaborates with experienced authors and coaches to create books that are both rigorous and user-friendly. Iamcoach's titles are widely used by chess clubs, academies, and individual learners across India and around the world. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the detailed production values of this hardcover edition, from the clear diagrams to the durable binding that withstands repeated use.

Conclusion

Chess Exam and Training Guide: Tactics is more than a book—it is a personal trainer for your tactical mind. By combining self-assessment with targeted training, Igor Khmelnitsky has created a resource that empowers every chess player to take control of their improvement. Whether you are preparing for a tournament, coaching a student, or simply passionate about getting better, this hardbound volume will become a trusted reference on your shelf. Order your copy from Bookshops.in today and start your journey toward sharper tactics and higher ratings.