Maybe I'm just upset that I got the checkmate in two moves instead of one, but in this case it failed me on the entire puzzle because I added an extra move that wasn't needed.
http://en.lichess.org/U1OsjuhQETE2The last move before checkmate triggered a failure, it was looking for [Qc1#], not [Qc3+ Kb1, Qb2#].
Is this how training is designed to work? If you go take any longer than the shortest checkmate sequence, you fail?
___ Been there.... Although I play a game of trying to move all my scores up to the next 25pt threshold, I don't let it bother me w/ training.... The main benefit is that you learn to think in sequence:
1) assess the ENTIRE board and all possibiltities...
2) examine the King's position and potential attacks upon him 3) look for checks
4) look for a 1-move mate among those checks
5) look for the SHORTEST mating sequence
6) if no mating sequence, look for attacks/ traps of the queen
7) find unguarded / free pieces
8) look for exchange/move sequences that win material
9) remember that a check/ queen attack may lead to material gaiN
____ ULTIMATELY, the puzzles do more GOOD than HARM --> one just has to ignore 'hardwired judgements' at times: 1) if I don't see the style mate, then it's part of a learning curve... 2) if I 'fail' because I see a good, building assault on the King rather than a material gain I may NOT be wrong but, still, it reminds me to see the WHOLE board...