Hi everyone, Like many of you, I spend a lot of time in the Lichess puzzles section. While this site is the gold standard for ad-free chess, I found myself wanting a very specific, lightweight tool for my daily commute - so I decided to build it. I call it Tactiq, and I wanted to share it here because I think it aligns with the "no-nonsense" philosophy we all appreciate on this site.
Why build another puzzle app?
True Offline Training: I spend a lot of time on the subway or in areas with spotty signal. Most apps struggle without a constant connection. I built Tactiq to be offline-first: you download a high-quality set of puzzles once and can train anywhere without worrying about pings or data.
Curation Over Quantity: There are millions of puzzles out there, but many are "noisy" or have confusing engine-only solutions. I’ve been working on an algorithm to filter and curate a database that focuses on high-quality, instructive tactical patterns.
A Clean, Modern Interface: I wanted an experience that felt like a modern productivity tool - minimalist, fast, and focused entirely on the board.
Zero Ads/Distractions: Taking a page out of the Lichess book: no banners and no pop-ups. Just chess.
Seeking Feedback
The app is in its first version, and while it covers the basics (adaptive difficulty, progress tracking, offline mode), I’m a developer looking to learn from people who take their tactical training seriously. You can check out the first version here: Tactiq on Google Play I’d love to hear your thoughts on:
The Difficulty Algorithm: After the initial rating calibration, how does the puzzle selection feel? Are they well-matched to your level, or do you find them too easy/hard?
Accessibility: Are there any users here who rely on assistive technologies (screen readers, high-contrast modes, etc.)? I’d love to know what specific tools you use so I can ensure the app is fully accessible for everyone.
Feature Requests: What’s missing from your current tactical routine? Would things like spaced repetition or specific theme filtering be a "must-have" for you?
If you have a moment to try it out, I’d genuinely appreciate your honest critique.
