Rooky
The Duolingo for chess tactics

Master Chess
Patterns

Build real chess intuition through pattern recognition, not random puzzles. Train your brain to spot tactics instantly.

10 tactical patterns
4-phase learning system
Start Training Free
No credit card requiredFree forever5-min daily sessions

White to move...

Live Demo

Our Approach

Built on how experts actually learn

Pattern recognition training based on cognitive science research

Recognition First
See patterns before calculating
4 Phases
Intro → Recognize → Calculate → Understand
Focused Practice
One pattern at a time
5 min/day
Short, consistent sessions

Sound familiar?

You're not alone in this struggle

Every improving player hits the same walls. The good news? There's a science-backed way through.

"I see the tactic... after I miss it"

You know the patterns exist. You've studied them. But in actual games, they fly by unnoticed until your opponent points them out.

The problem isn't knowledge — it's recognition speed.

"My rating is stuck"

You solve hundreds of puzzles, watch videos, read books. Your rating goes up 50 points, then back down. The plateau feels permanent.

Random practice doesn't build systematic pattern recognition.

"I don't know what I don't know"

There's no roadmap. You're not sure which tactics to focus on, which patterns are most important for your level, or how to practice effectively.

You need structured, progressive pattern training.

What if there was a method designed specifically for building pattern recognition?

The Method

Four phases. Complete mastery.

Every tactical pattern goes through our science-backed learning cycle

Phase 1

Introduce

See it clearly

See the pattern in a clear example with specific recognition cues. Build the mental model.

Phase 2

Recognize

Spot it fast

Quick yes/no decisions: "Is the pattern here?" Train your eye to detect it instantly.

Phase 3

Calculate

Execute it

Find the winning move. Apply your recognition skills to execute the tactic correctly.

Phase 4

Understand

Know why

Understand why it works. Solidify the pattern so it sticks in long-term memory.

Complete learning loop

Key Features

Everything you need to level up

Built specifically for players rated 400–1200 who want to break through plateaus

Pattern Recognition Training

Learn to instantly spot forks, pins, skewers, and discovered attacks. Our unique yes/no drills train your brain to recognize patterns before calculating.

  • Build quick pattern recognition
  • Train subconscious pattern recall
  • Based on expert learning research

4-Phase Learning System

Every pattern goes through Introduce → Recognize → Calculate → Understand. This complete loop ensures patterns actually stick in long-term memory.

  • Science-backed methodology
  • Complete understanding
  • Spaced repetition

Progress Tracking

See exactly which patterns you've mastered and which need work. Our spaced repetition system automatically schedules reviews at optimal intervals.

  • Visual progress dashboard
  • Spaced repetition
  • Weakness identification

5-Minute Daily Sessions

No hour-long study sessions required. Quick, focused drills fit into any schedule. Consistency beats intensity for building pattern recognition.

  • Train during lunch break
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Daily streak motivation
Spaced Repetition
Works Offline (PWA)
No Ads, Ever
Detailed Statistics
Research-Backed

Built on cognitive science

Decades of research reveal how chess masters actually think and learn

50K+

50,000 Pattern Chunks

de Groot & Chase/Simon

Chess masters store roughly 50,000 pattern "chunks" in long-term memory — visual snapshots of piece relationships they recognize instantly without conscious thought.

System 1 & 2

Two Systems of Thinking

Daniel Kahneman

Masters use fast, intuitive System 1 thinking to instantly spot patterns, then slow, analytical System 2 to verify. Traditional tactics apps only train System 2.

4-Step Loop

Deliberate Practice

Anders Ericsson

Expertise requires structured, targeted practice with immediate feedback. Each pattern must be introduced, recognized, applied, and understood — not just solved once.

Rooky combines these proven principles into a single training system designed specifically for rapid pattern acquisition.

The Difference

Not just another puzzle app

See how Rooky's approach differs from traditional tactics trainers

Learning Method

Typical Apps

Jump straight to solving puzzles

Rooky

4-phase learning loop for each pattern

Recognition Training

Typical Apps

Not trained at all

Rooky

Core of every single drill

Understanding

Typical Apps

Shows answer, moves on

Rooky

Explains why patterns work

Target Audience

Typical Apps

Generic, all skill levels

Rooky

Focused on 400–1200 rated players

Session Length

Typical Apps

Open-ended, easy to overdo

Rooky

5–10 minute focused sessions

Progress Tracking

Typical Apps

Basic puzzle rating only

Rooky

Per-pattern mastery tracking

Ready to try a different approach? It's free to start.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know about Rooky

Yes, Rooky is completely free with no hidden costs or premium tiers. We believe effective chess training should be accessible to everyone. No credit card required, no ads, no paywalls.
Rooky is specifically designed for players rated 400–1200 (or equivalent on Lichess/Chess.com). This is the range where building strong pattern recognition foundations has the biggest impact on improvement.
Traditional puzzle apps skip straight to 'find the winning move.' Rooky starts with recognition training — can you even spot that a tactic exists? This trains your brain to see patterns automatically, like how grandmasters play.
Just 5–10 minutes per day is ideal. Our sessions are designed to be short but focused. Consistency beats intensity for building pattern recognition — it's better to train 5 minutes daily than 1 hour weekly.
We cover all essential patterns for your level: forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, double attacks, back rank mates, and more. Each pattern is broken down into the 4-phase learning system to ensure mastery.
Yes! Rooky is a Progressive Web App (PWA). Install it on your phone or desktop and train anywhere — no internet required. Perfect for commutes, waiting rooms, or anywhere you have a few minutes.
Improvement depends on consistent practice. The 4-phase learning system is designed to build lasting pattern recognition through repetition. Focus on daily 5-minute sessions rather than occasional cramming.
Absolutely! Rooky complements other training methods perfectly. Use it to build pattern recognition, then apply those skills in your regular games, puzzles, and lessons. Many users combine Rooky with their existing Chess.com or Lichess practice.

Still have questions?

Reach out on GitHub or start training and see for yourself!

Start Training Today

Ready to see chess
differently?

Build real tactical intuition through focused pattern recognition training.

Free forever
5-min daily sessions
No ads
No credit card
Start Training Free

Designed for players rated 400–1200 who want to build real tactical intuition, not just solve random puzzles.