Using chess problem-solving as a model to investigate cognitive expertise and occuring errors could reveal the nature of using mental representations by chess players. The research goal was to determine the influence of perceptual and functional background distraction on solving tactical chess problems between stronger and weaker players. Two groups of 24 participants each, with a national rating in the average of 1756 and 2046 points, were solving 24 chess tactical problems. The experimental design contained four possible problem types balanced among participants. Every problem consists check-mate pattern (white mates in two) in two equivalent pair. Equivalent pairs include the same check-mate pattern, but different background pattern that varied across levels of independent variables. The equivalent pair of the independent variable named perceptual distraction represents the presence of randomized chess-pieces background arrangement or its absence – typical chess-pieces background arrangement. Another equivalent pair of the second independent variable named functional distraction represents the presence or the absence of the added candidate move (the added piece with functional relations). Recorded measures were accuracy, time of solving (for correct and incorrect problems separate) and estimates of the problem difficulty. In conducted research, perceptual distraction decreases accuracy, increases total time and time for correct solutions. Functional distraction decreases accuracy and increases time for correct solutions. Error analysis revealed that functional distraction, rather than perceptual, has more distinguished influence on produced errors in problem-solving. On the other hand, perceptual distraction reflected more on total solving time. Lastly, group differences present that stronger players are more effective in problem-solving, as well as they were under less influence by distractions than weaker players.