I was wondering about this for a long time. I have heard some people say that Puzzle Rush is similar to Bullet, which is bad, so don't do it, but I've also heard people say it's very good for improving tactical patterns.
What do you think? Is it good for improvement, or just a fun distraction like Bullet?
#1: 'Is it good for improvement' ~ Puzzles are better. To improve at making good moves quickly, you must first improve at making good moves. The opposite does not work.
'or just a fun distraction like Bullet?' ~ You do not find improving---by playing slower games---to be fun? Why are you asking this question, then?
I would guess that those kinds of puzzles rushes are the least productive use of your time. While I cannot rule out that some people will get some benefit out them, you must be very careful what you train here.
You probably don't train accurate calculation with those, but might be getting good at "guessing the solution" (under the premise that there is a tactical shot in the position).
Typically, to get good at things fast, you need to train them slow. GM Jacob Aagaard often mentions how to learn a music instrument: you don't do that cool riff on your guitar going full speed. You start by doing it very very slowly, but accurately.
I mean it would be improve your Bullet and Blitz skills, but Bullet and Blitz skills also improve your "normal" chess skills.
@LeChuchel said in #4:
> but Bullet and Blitz skills also improve your "normal" chess skills.
Actually, playing Blitz (and especially Bullet) may rather harm your chess skills. You train yourself not to think but to move on intuition alone. You go for cheapos, you become too lazy or inable to calculate properly.
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