This page explains how to score your answers in T-Y-T [Test Your Tactics]. The same scoring applies to both Level 1and Level 2 versions of the test. There are four test positions which are based upon real games or possible variations. Your task is simply to identify the key move. You can list up to three candidate moves in each position but - in terms of scoring - the fewer moves you list, the better. List your candidates in an A - B - C fashion -but bear in mind that you do not have to make three selections: You could make a short-list of just two moves [A -B]; or even just a single candidate - [A]..
Your score is decided by two factors: The accuracy of your choice[s] and the number of selections you made. While the total number of candidates for the entire set could therefore be as many as twelve selections; a perfect score would involve the listing of just the key move in each of the four positions.It should be noted however that there may be occasions in which it is more prudent to avoid listing just a single move in a given position.
Scoring:
The solution will always give three candidate moves; a 'key' move together with two less accurate minor alternatives referred to as M1 and M2 in descending order of accuracy.
The key move will always be worth a minimum of 5 points. This is its value if placed anywhere on a three-move list. However, if placed on a short list, its value increases and depends upon where you placed it on your short list and how few moves there were on that list.
Short-lists: A short-list has only one or two candidates moves instead of three. A short-list increases the scoring values of any move [s] correctly identified:
If the key move is named first on either a two or three move list then the value of at once increases to 15 points. If listed in second place then it is worth 10 points. The maximum value of the key move is 25 points. This is its value.if given on a one move list. Consequently, if you are totally confident that you know the key move - then list that move alone - and add no others.
The best minor move [M1] is worth a minimum of 3 points..Its value also increases if it given in a shortened list: It doubles if mentioned anywhere on a two move list and trebles on a one-move list. The same doubling and trebling applies to the remaining minor move [M2] except that its base value is 2 points.
A one move Short- list: f you listed the key move then you score 25 points. If you only listed M1 then score it as a treble; 3 x 3 = 9 points. If M2 was selected then that is likewise trebled; 3 x 2 = 6 points.
A two move Short-list: If you named the key move and one of the minor move then work out your score as follows: The value of the key move will be either 10 or 15 points according to position on the list. Add on double the value of the minor move which you had also selected. Remember that it does not matter where you placed the minor move on your list - it still scores double.
If you missed the key move entirely - but short- listed both minor moves [M1 and M2] then each is doubled and you score a total of ten points [i.e. (2 x 3) + (2 x 2)]. Again, the actual order in which they appeared on the list is not important in terms of your total score for that position.
General considerations: The relative merits between M1 and M2 is sometimes a very close call. The solutions given are based upon analysis by Fritz - usually after 15 minutes 'thinking' time - but longer in the case of a 'close call'.
Sometimes two moves are equally viable and the difference between them is virtually irrelevant. If so, then both moves will appear bracketed together in the solution. This will affect your score if you listed both.
In these cases you do not score the two moves equally: One must be assigned to the next lowest lower scoring level - or ignored altogether if the bracketed moves were both M2. This also means that if the two bracketed moves were key moves - and you named both - then your score will actually drop from 25 points to 21 points [15 + (2 x 3)] because you used two 'lives' instead of one. Your policy should therefore always be to name just a single move - if you can.
Level 2 of T-Y-T sometimes includes positions in which there is no major tactical finesse available whatsoever - just as in ordinary game positions.
What is needed in such a case is the ability to realize this; and to instead consider the range of strategic possibilities. The number of candidate moves listed in such a position could therefore be of some importance and - in the perceived absence of any major tactical solution - it may be preferable to 'spread the risk' by selecting more than just a single move.
Scoring examples in T-Y-T:
Take a look at this simple position below in order to see how sample lists are scored.
The solution will always give the key move and two minor move alternatives [M1 and M2].
The solution: (Key move) (M 1) (M 2)
Qh5 d4 d3
Examples of how to score an answer list.
Here are five players' answers: In the first example, Player A has used all three 'lives' while Players B and C went for a shortened list of two candidate moves. The last two players were extremely confident and went for a single move list.
Player A's Answers list = d4; Qh5; Bc4. A full list of three candidate moves
Score: Key move correct but placed second [10] + M1 [3] Total = 13 points
Player B's Answers list = Qh5 d3 -- A short list of two moves.
Score: Key placed first [15] + M2 in short list [2 x 2] Total = 19 points
Score: Key move correct but placed second [10] + M1 [3] Total = 13 points
Player B's Answers list = Qh5 d3 -- A short list of two moves.
Score: Key placed first [15] + M2 in short list [2 x 2] Total = 19 points
Player C's Answers list: = d3 d4 -- A short list of two moves.
Score: M1+ M2 both correct in short list [(2 x 3) + (2 x 2)] Total = 10 points
Player D's Answers: list = d4 -- -- A short list of one move.
Score M1 correct in a single short list [3 x 3] Total = 9 points
Score: M1+ M2 both correct in short list [(2 x 3) + (2 x 2)] Total = 10 points
Player D's Answers: list = d4 -- -- A short list of one move.
Score M1 correct in a single short list [3 x 3] Total = 9 points
Player E's Answers list = Qh5 -- -- A short list of one move.
Score Key move correct in single list Total = 25 points
Score Key move correct in single list Total = 25 points
Give yourself as much time as you like. Do not presume that a "mate in X moves" is possible. This may sometimes occur but usually isn't the case - and especially in the Level 2 version of T-Y-T.
The key move might simply gain equality; draw; confer a positional advantage or win as little as a pawn. Sometimes much more is possible of course; but there are no hints.
If you are an improving player then you would be better to try the "Level 1" version of T-Y-T. This level always contains at least one slightly more difficult position. If you happen to score 70 points or above in two consecutive months then try your hand at Level 2 as well as Level 1
If you are a more experienced player then try the Level 2 version. Some of the positions are quite difficult at any standard.
Click here to go to the Level 1 version of T-Y-T
Click here to go to the Level 2 version of T-Y-T
If there are any suggestions for positions or rule-changes then I'll be glad to hear from you. Some changes may be made to the Level 1 version in due course.
