Chess Style Quiz - What's Your Archetype?
This quick quiz helps you identify your natural chess style. Choose the answers that match your real games (not what you wish you played). Most players have a dominant style, but the strongest improvement comes from learning to play what the position demands.
Questions
Answer these questions honestly to discover your natural chess archetype.
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When you play a game, what excites you most?
- A. Launching an early kingside attack
- B. Slowly improving the position to outplay the opponent
- C. Calculating combinations and tactical shots
- D. Trying creative ideas that surprise the opponent
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What kind of opening do you prefer?
- A. Sharp gambits and initiative-driven openings
- B. Solid systems and stable structures
- C. Dynamic lines with tactical possibilities
- D. Offbeat setups that lead to unfamiliar positions
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In the middlegame, you usually...
- A. Look for sacrifices and keep the initiative
- B. Improve piece placement and restrict the opponent
- C. Hunt for forks, pins, skewers, and forcing lines
- D. Aim for original positions where you can improvise
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When defending a worse position...
- A. You look for counterattacks and practical chances
- B. You defend patiently and reduce risk
- C. You look for tactical tricks to escape
- D. You try unconventional resources and complications
Scoring
Count which letter you chose most often (A, B, C, or D). If it’s close, that’s normal - you may have a mixed style.
- Mostly A: Aggressive Attacker - You thrive on initiative, pressure, and direct plans.
- Mostly B: Positional Player - You prefer structure, maneuvering, and long-term advantages.
- Mostly C: Tactical Player - You excel in calculation, forcing moves, and combinations.
- Mostly D: Creative / Unorthodox - You enjoy originality, surprise value, and unusual ideas.
Tip: Your “style” can change as your strengths grow. Many players start tactical, then learn positional technique - or vice versa.