Say your doing interactive internet chess puzzles... something like chess.emrald.net or whatever.

What is your thought process after failing to solve a problem? I mean, how do you try to link the different aspects together sothat you can "remember" or "see" this type of idea in the future.

I am just curious.

Probably would be better if you post a puzzle that you either got wrong or right and just explain your thought process.

I would find this kinda interesting to see how people try to improve their chess. I know some ppl never get any good at chess and some do, obviously. What are the difference in their thoughts?

Thanks guys, lol I know this is weird

The best strategy is to be 7 years old and do it three hours a day. I guarantee you that you'll retain the information quite well.

/bitterness at getting a late start

I take the problems I didn't get correct. Play through the solution carefully or visualize it if you have/need just the book. What is the theme of the tactic? i.e. pin, skewer, fork, weakened king, backrank weakness, etc. What elements in the initial position should have led you to the solution? i.e. undefended piece(s), weakened pawn structure - especially around the king, pieces lined up on particular diagonals/ranks/files, weak color complexes or squares, etc. Then make sure you re-test yourself on that problem at a later date. Ideally you should be re-testing every problem you do, but the ones you miss are the bare minimum.

1. Play through solution
2. What's the theme?
3. What in the initial position should have led you to the solution?

Repetition. People aren't magically good at chess. They put in the time. For kids it's definitely easier, as their brains are in full learning mode.

But people are chessicly good at magic.

FYP