The Woodpecker Method is the name given by Axel Smith to a training system developed by his compatriot and co-author Hans Tikkanen. After training with his method in 2010, Tikkanen achieved three GM norms within a seven-week period.
Sharpen your tactical vision and make fewer blunders
The quick explanation of the Woodpecker Method is that you need to solve a large number of puzzles in a row; then solve the same puzzles again and again, only faster. It’s not a lazy shortcut to success – hard work is required. But the reward can be re-programming your unconscious mind. Benefits include sharper tactical vision, fewer blunders, better play when in time trouble and improved intuition.
This being a book that advocates repetition, it made it the perfect candidate for a Chessable course. And that's why today you can now master it with Chessable's MoveTrainer™.
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Stretch Goal
We added a new accuracy tracking feature (over a single study session, not for cycles) just for training with this course, and if the course reaches 1,000 students in the first month, we promise to add yet another feature: custom spaced-repetition intervals (Stretch goal!). If we can get there, it means this book can override Chessable's default recommendation of spaced review intervals and set it to exactly what the authors recommend. For the time being, we recommend you either follow our review interval or ignore the review button to follow the interval recommended by the authors. If you need help with this, just e-mail us hello@chessable.com
This course contains everything you need to carry out your own Woodpecker training. Smith and Tikkanen explain how to get the maximum benefit from the method, before presenting over 1100 puzzles and solutions, all of which have been checked and double-checked for accuracy and suitability, and now triple-checked as a Chessable course!
GM Axel Smith is the award-winning author of Pump Up Your Rating and e3 Poison, both of which were enthusiastically received by readers and reviewers. Using the Woodpecker as part of his training, as an adult he improved from a rating of 2100 to becoming a Grandmaster.
GM Hans Tikkanen is a four-time Swedish Champion whose live rating peaked over 2600. His interest in chess-improvement methods, and how they work, led him to study for a degree in psychology.
