Why repeating the same puzzles works
In a game, tactics aren’t calculated from scratch: they’re recognized. A strong player sees Anastasia’s mate because they’ve seen it dozens of times. The method devised by grandmasters Axel Smith and Hans Tikkanen trains exactly this: instead of always solving new puzzles, you repeat the same set until the solution comes before the calculation.
The three rounds, step by step
Round 1 · about 3 weeks
10 puzzles a day
Solve the 200 puzzles of the set calmly, calculating every line. Mistakes are expected: they’re what you’ll review.
Rest · a few days
no puzzles
Resting between rounds makes the next one real recall from memory, not short-term repetition.
Round 2 · about 10 days
20 puzzles a day
Same set, twice the pace. Many solutions come back by themselves: recognition starts taking the place of calculation.
Round 3 · about 5 days
40 puzzles a day
The whole set in a few days. This is where you see the result: much shorter times and tactical patterns you spot without thinking.
Random puzzles or training in rounds?
| Random puzzles | Chess Hammer | |
|---|---|---|
| You see each position | once | three times, further apart |
| Goal | solving | recognizing without calculating |
| Pace | random | daily quota and rests between rounds |
| Progress | rating goes up and down | times and mistakes compared round by round |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Woodpecker Method?
A tactical training method devised by grandmasters Axel Smith and Hans Tikkanen: you solve the same set of puzzles several times, faster each time, until tactical patterns become automatic. Chess Hammer applies it but is not affiliated with the authors.
Is Chess Hammer free?
Yes: sign-up, training, Stockfish analysis and stats are free and ad-free. The code is open source (GPLv3).
Where do the puzzles come from?
From the public Lichess database: over 200,000 positions from real games, picked for your level and the themes you prefer. Chess Hammer is not affiliated with Lichess.
How much time does it take each day?
You set the pace. Usually 10 puzzles a day in the first round, 20 in the second and 40 in the third, with a few rest days in between: about two months for a 200-puzzle set.
Do I need to install anything?
No: Chess Hammer runs in the browser, on desktop and mobile. All you need is an account with email or Google.