tactics trainer

my question is this.how am I learning anything from tactics training if taking the time to figure it out causes me to lose points? so I'm a slow thinker isn't getting it right the whole idea of training?

What is your goal?

a) A higher rating?

b) Getting better in tactics, calculation and visualization?

For (a) - you can boost your rating higher than you "deserve" by guessing promising feeling moves without calculating them to the end. Failing quick is better than slow.

For (b) - calculate the tactics to the end, regardless of how long it takes. Move only when you are sure it is right and works. Let the rating end up where it ends up.

And as a bonus, doing (b) for extended amount of time (months) your rating will go up as well! Because your ability to calcualte and recongize patterns gets better. 

Difference between noticing tactical patterns and calculating variations.

You can view past problems recently done under Performance at the bottom. When you have time look through the ones you struggled to solve. Either failed or could improve on time.

Learning to notice tactical patterns will help you see potential lines for calculation. Allowing you to know quicker which moves to check and seeing other possible tactical patterns through your calculation.

As for getting into the habit of choosing candidate moves and doing calculations. I think daily puzzles on here would be better than Tactics Trainer. But I think you can turn the time off on Tactics Trainer. Not sure if you need a premium account for it.

Yep, and finally after a veritable chorus of protesting posts such as your own, Chess.com has taken action.  There's a whole new tactics trainer over at V3.  Now we just have to wait until Erik releases it to you guys.

So what's so great?  First, you no longer lose points for a correct answer no matter how long it takes.  You may not gain any if you take too long but no more negative scores for positive results!  There's also a great new Custom mode where you can do unrated problems based on motif or rating range or even just problems you missed.  Good stuff!

baddogno: 

does the new trainer also have alternative moves?

Often there can be several winning moves, and currently picking the wrong winning move loses points. 

No, it's still based on the shortest route is the best route.  A rigorous and perhaps unduly harsh standard, but at least reasonably consistent.

The neat thing about being able to review missed tactics is that you can quickly identify real problem areas.  This is the kind of focused feedback that you pay coaches big bucks for.  It is a little embarassing to miss the same problem again, but if you turn it around into a chance to eliminate a blindspot...I mean that's a useful learning tool.

I had one about a week ago where if I moved the bishop one square to the left or one to the right ,both checkmated,both one move.I chose the left move and lost points because it was looking for the right,pun intended,move

Never seen one like that myself, although others have posted a similar experience.  I usually get the ones where after cursing a blue streak I discover my way doesn't work.   . Next time save the problem and report it.

Tactics Trainer is awesome.