Open eyal282 opened 2 years ago
kraktus
commented
2 years ago I think it makes sense not to show it, because these puzzles are used for broader training that just for Lichess games (OTB mostly), and in that case you don't see the material advantage.
benediktwerner
commented
2 years ago In your own games you're generally well aware of the material count though.
Training without it probably still helps with quickly evaluating unfamiliar positions which certainly has it's uses e.g. maybe when reading books, forum posts, or watching streams or tournaments but when training for your own games showing the material count seems quite reasonable.
colinmenzies
commented
2 years ago I support this. Take for example a random puzzle with a lot of pieces https://lichess.org/training/gzp77. Before I start the puzzle I have to work out, is material equal (in which case it may be enough to win a piece... Nf6+ and Nxh5 perhaps?) or do I have to look for something more. On first glance I'd actually missed that white is a rook down so must play for more, the players would never lose track of that though.
I will always support playing an easier combination that simplifies into an obviously won position versus a flashy but tricky mating combination. Knowing the current material situation is crucial to that so why not show it?
Puzzles are the only place you get a board that doesn't belong to you, so calculating material difference is forced for every puzzle, something that is easier with a real game because you can just remember material loss.
Like in a real Lichess game, you should be able to see your material advantage or disadvantage, so if you are losing by too much material, you won't take a rook for a knight.