Hi there! I was solving some tactics and I solved it incorrectly but still got a +1 for it. I mean, I do like getting positive scores but I'm curious why would I get that without actually solving a puzzle correctly? Also, I was incorrect at the very first step so it can't be partial scoring.
Similarly, I have got negative scores even on solving half the puzzle correctly. Confusing.
It's possible some puzzles are set up incorrectly.
Did you report them?
I've noticed rare aberrations where I am given partial credit, usually +1 or 2 for choosing a solid answer, but not "The" answer on the 1st or 2nd move. This is usually a move that forces mate, or wins equal material, but is less efficient than the "correct" answer. But this is rare. Usually it's a loss of points, even if the first moves were correct.
Some tactics award you for making at least some of the moves correctly, even if you don't get the whole line.
This happens because when you make (for example) 3 out of 4 of the moves correct - it's like you scored 75% against the problem (if you did it fast enough).
If the problem is also rated highly (let's say, around your own rating) - you should receive points... the scoring system pretends that you are playing a "game" against the problem - you have your rating, the problem has its rating, and your (and the problem's) rating change is a function of how well you "scored against" the problem.
Some tactics award you for making at least some of the moves correctly, even if you don't get the whole line.
The OP said he didn't even get the first move so he was confused as to how he could get partial credit.
If Kingshorseman is correct, there may be some problems with partial credit for a viable alternative first move.
Some tactics award you for making at least some of the moves correctly, even if you don't get the whole line.
The OP said he didn't even get the first move so he was confused as to how he could get partial credit.
Perhaps by 'incorrectly', he meant that he did not complete the puzzle all the way to the end; I have not heard of a case so far where getting even the first move incorrect would earn partial credit.
I've noticed rare aberrations where I am given partial credit, usually +1 or 2 for choosing a solid answer, but not "The" answer on the 1st or 2nd move. This is usually a move that forces mate, or wins equal material, but is less efficient than the "correct" answer. But this is rare. Usually it's a loss of points, even if the first moves were correct.
Sadly I have not witnessed one such case yet in my thousands of puzzles solved on Chess.com.
I've been furious when getting penalized after missing, for example. the 4th move in a mate in 5 where my move was a mate in 6, after being awards more points than it was worth for a previous easy problem. I don't know if they've changed that algorithm again - otherwise it would surprise me to get + points for the "wrong" first move.
happened to me yesterday. I got 0 out of 4 moves correct and it still gave me a +1 score.
happened to me yesterday. I got 0 out of 4 moves correct and it still gave me a +1 score.
Wow, looks like a bug 
It would help if people could post the puzzle numbers and whether or not they have used the report puzzle link.
It's puzzle #0485254 and has been reported.
My guess is it isn't necessarily related to specific puzzles, but is likely a bug with the rating algorithm.
The OP's tactic was https://www.chess.com/puzzles/problem/526676
In my experience it seems to happen on puzzles with a very low number of attempts, usually <1,000
Well, staff has responded already... but I'll still say what I intended on saying. The tactics were fine - challenging (even frustrating) - but that was good. Then there were complaints... players who wanted to 'get' points, so things changed. Who knows - maybe what you experienced was a point awarded for a rather good move, even though not entirely accurate.
It looks like #526676 is a simple puzzle with a forced win of equal material with either of two moves. Capture with the queen, however forces a queen exchange and (imo) is the stronger move.
The last time I received partial credit was months ago so there's no hope of finding which puzzle it was. But it looks similar in scoring to the 2-3 I've seen.
I've done over 1000 tactics puzzles on this site and I have never gained rating for getting the first move incorrect.
I have, however, gained rating for getting the first move correct and the second move incorrect, when there's multiple moves that need to be played.
I just found a new problem with the +1 credit for the first wrong move.
In this instance the wrong move receives a merciless checkmate in 5! So I'm sure the score is in error.
https://www.chess.com/puzzles/problem/546524/practice?autostart=1
After 1 ...Rg8?? you score +1 (for attempting to remove the queen from the g-file for a mate on g2?) But you get mated by 2. Rxh7+!! Kxh7 3. Rf7+ Kh6 4. Qh4+ Kf6 5. Qf7+ Kg5 6 Rf5#
The puzzle is rated 800 but I think this is also incorrect. An 800 rated player might find the correct answer (forcing a Queen trade on g6 to eliminate immediate mate threats and maintain a 3-point advantage for the end-game), but I don't think an 800 rated player would think that deeply about the move other than a knee-jerk "let's get rid of the queens and see what happens." I'm not even sure an 800 player would understand the trade is forced because of the pressure applied to g2.
The whole puzzle, which is a good one, is scored entirely incorrectly imho.
Anyone encounter any others?
Hi there! I was solving some tactics and I solved it incorrectly but still got a +1 for it. I mean, I do like getting positive scores but I'm curious why would I get that without actually solving a puzzle correctly? Also, I was incorrect at the very first step so it can't be partial scoring.
Similarly, I have got negative scores even on solving half the puzzle correctly. Confusing.