Getting started
Select or add a puzzle database
Choose a puzzle database from the dropdown menu, or click + Add New to import a new database.
Start solving
The app loads a random puzzle from your selected rating range. The opponent’s first move is already played.
Find the best move
Analyze the position and make the winning move. Continue the sequence until the puzzle is complete.
Puzzle database
En Croissant uses SQLite databases to store puzzles:Database format
Puzzle databases include:- Puzzle ID: Unique identifier for each puzzle
- FEN position: Starting position after opponent’s move
- Solution moves: Sequence of moves in UCI format
- Rating: Difficulty rating (typically 600-2800)
- Themes: Tactical motifs (fork, pin, discovered attack, etc.)
Adding databases
Click the + Add New option in the database selector to:- Import
.db3puzzle database files - Download from compatible sources
- Create custom puzzle collections
The puzzle database shows total count and storage size in the database information.
Puzzle settings
Customize your puzzle experience in the settings panel:Rating range
Adjust the difficulty slider to filter puzzles:- Range: 600 to 2800
- Default: Your preferred rating range
- Progressive mode: Automatically adjusts based on success
- Fixed range
- Progressive mode
Set a static rating range for consistent difficulty. All puzzles come from this range.
Puzzle themes
Filter puzzles by tactical theme:- Available themes: Displayed if your database supports themes
- Theme filter: Select specific tactical patterns to practice
- Common themes: Fork, pin, skewer, discovered attack, mate in 2, endgame, etc.
Theme support requires an updated puzzle database format. Older databases show a warning if themes are unavailable.
Display options
- Hide rating
- Track time
- Auto-advance
Enable Hide rating to solve puzzles without seeing the difficulty. The rating reveals after completion.
Solving puzzles
Puzzle interface
The puzzle board shows:- Side to move: Displayed at the bottom (“White to move” or “Black to move”)
- Puzzle rating: Difficulty level (or ”?” if hidden)
- Board position: With opponent’s last move already played
Making moves
- Click your piece: Select the piece to move
- Click destination: Complete the move
- Computer response: Opponent plays their move automatically
- Continue sequence: Keep making moves until puzzle completes
Feedback
- Correct
- Incorrect
- Complete
✓ Green checkmark appears. Continue making moves until the full sequence is complete.
Progress tracking
Monitor your performance with detailed statistics:Session statistics
- Accuracy: Percentage of puzzles solved correctly
- Streak: Current consecutive correct puzzles (with flame icon 🔥)
- Average time: Mean solving time for completed puzzles (when time tracking enabled)
Puzzle history
The history bar at the bottom shows:- All puzzles attempted in the current session
- Color-coded by result (green = correct, red = incorrect, gray = incomplete)
- Puzzle ratings as labels
- Click any puzzle to revisit it
Additional features
View solution
Click View Solution to:- Automatically play through the correct move sequence
- See the full tactical pattern
- Mark the puzzle as incorrect (if unsolved)
- Computer plays moves with delays to show the combination
Analyze position
Click the magnifying glass icon to:- Open the current puzzle in a new analysis tab
- Use engine analysis to understand the position
- Explore alternative moves and variations
- Learn why the puzzle solution works
Generate new puzzle
Click the + icon to:- Skip the current puzzle
- Load a fresh random puzzle from the database
- Keep practicing without completing the current puzzle
Clear session
Click the X icon to:- Reset all session statistics
- Clear puzzle history
- Start a fresh practice session
Adding custom puzzles
Create custom puzzle databases:- Use the Add Puzzle feature (if available)
- Import puzzle sets in compatible formats
- Build custom tactical training databases
Database management
From the puzzle interface:- Select database: Switch between multiple puzzle collections
- Delete database: Remove databases you no longer need
- Database info: View puzzle count and storage size
Keyboard shortcuts
- Arrow keys: Navigate through puzzle history
- Space: Skip to next position (when incorrect)
- Escape: Exit puzzle mode
Tips for improvement
- Focus on themes: Practice specific tactical patterns to strengthen weaknesses
- Take your time: Accuracy matters more than speed initially
- Learn from mistakes: Use View Solution to understand missed puzzles
- Progressive difficulty: Enable progressive mode to gradually increase challenge
- Regular practice: Solve puzzles daily for consistent improvement
- Analyze deeply: Use the analysis feature to understand complex positions