The Woodpecker Method, de Axel Smith y Hans Tikkanen (tapa dura)

The Woodpecker Method by Axel Smith and Hans Tikkanen is an English-language hardcover chess book built around a structured tactical training system that asks you to solve the same positions repeatedly, each time a little faster. That simple routine is the point: it is designed to sharpen pattern recognition, improve intuition and help you work more efficiently under time pressure.

What this book covers

The Woodpecker Method was developed by Hans Tikkanen and presented by Axel Smith as a complete training approach for players who want to improve systematically. Rather than offering a random collection of puzzles, it gives you an organised plan based on repetition and pace.

The book also explains how to run your own training cycle so you can get the most from the method. Inside, you will find more than 1,100 exercises and solutions, checked for correctness and training value.

Why players value it

The strength of this book lies in its practical focus. Returning to the same positions helps you recognise patterns more quickly, which can lead to better decisions over the board. It is a particularly useful choice for tournament players, ambitious club players and anyone who wants focused tactical practice rather than general reading about chess tactics.

The method’s impact is illustrated by Hans Tikkanen’s results after working with it in 2010, when he achieved three grandmaster norms in seven weeks. Axel Smith also used the Woodpecker approach as part of his own development and went on to improve from a 2100 rating as an adult to the grandmaster title.

Authors

GM Axel Smith is the author of Pump Up Your Rating and e3 Poison.

GM Hans Tikkanen is a four-time Swedish champion whose live rating passed 2600.

Edition details

• Language: English
• Binding: hardcover
• Page count: 392
• Publication date: 25 July 2018
• ISBN: 978-1-78483-055-7