@8@
@341@
@1259@
@3531@
@6932@
@11301@
@14276@
@20539@
@25440@
@31882@
@34768@
@43731@
@47613@
*12101
@Review All Levels@
@Introduction@
@Level 1:  The Basics@
@Level 2:  Kings and Pawns@
@Level 3:  Queens and Rooks@
@Level 4:  Minor Piece Endings@
@Level 5:  Mating Configurations@
@Level 6:  Basic Combinations@
@Level 7:  Roots of Combinations@
@Level 8:  Double Attacks@
@Level 9:  Sacrifices@
@Level 10: Strategy@
*
|
@This tutorial takes you from simple positions to
more complex strategic situations in 10 levels.
@
@At each level, you demonstrate mastery of the concepts by
answering a challenge position.
@
@There are more than 200 positions in
all.  Use this building-block method at your
own pace.  As a beginner, you can learn basics.  As you advance, you can
learn multi-move combinations.
@
@You can also use Chess Tutor as a "refresher course" over time, since
the positions are interesting as well as instructional.
@
@When the "Move" button is active, you can view a sequence of moves.  Click the Move button to see the next move.  After you view all moves in the sequence, the Move button is inactive (ghosted).
@
^W
rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/32/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR
5
Se2e4
Se7e5
Kg1g3f3
Kb8b6c6
Sf1b5
@Try clicking the Move button a few times and watch the first moves
of the Ruy Lopez opening.
@
Z
@The Basics
@
@What is checkmate?\What is stalemate?\What is zugzwang?
@
^W
R3k3/8/4K3/40
@Start with this most basic checkmate.
@
^B
R3k3/8/4K3/32/1rr5
4
Sb1b8
Sa8b8
Sc1c8
Sb8c8
@The Rooks can only delay checkmate two more moves with Rb8 and Rc8.
@
^B
R5k1/5ppp/8/b7/b7/8/6K1/1rr5
8
Sb1b8
Sa8b8
Sc1c8
Sb8c8
Sa5d8
Sc8d8
Sa4e8
Sd8e8
@The Rooks and Bishops can only delay checkmate four more moves.
@
2
Sf8e8
Sg1g8
^W
5k2/8/4K3/32/R7
%W
Rg1
@Challenge #1:\What single move can White make to force mate on the
following move?  (Mate in 2).
@
Sa1g1
@The correct move is 1. Rg1 Ke8   2. Rg8++
@
^W
5K1k/6Pp/48
@A Pawn mate.
@
^W
5K1k/5N1p/48
@A Knight mate.
@
^W
5K1k/7p/40/2B3R1
@Either Bishop or Rook can mate:  1. Bb2++ or  1. Rg8++
@
^W
R3K2k/7p/48
%W
Kf7
@Challenge #2:\How does White mate?
@
Se8f7
@The correct move is 1. Kf7.
@
^W
4k3/R7/3K4/40
@A mate often depends on forcing the opponent to make a move.
@
9
Sa7b7
Se8f8
Sd6e6
Sf8g8
Se6f6
Sg8h8
Sf6g6
Sh8g8
Sb7b8
@Sometimes you simply wait:  1. Rb7! Kf8   2. Ke6 Kg8
The Black King can no longer run away.  3. Kf6 Kh8   4. Kg6 Kg8   5. Rb8++
@
^W
8/4k3/R7/3K4/32
@The same procedure lets White push the opponent back another rank.
1. Rb6! Kf7   2. Ke5, etc.
@
14
Sg8f8
Sg2f3
Sf8e8
Sf3e4
Se8d8
Se4d5
Sd8c8
Sd5c6
Sc8b8
Sa7e7
Sb8a8
Sc6b6
Sa8b8
Se7e8
^W
6k1/R7/40/7K
%W
Kg2
@Challenge #3:\
What is the fastest mate for White?
@
Sh1g2
@The correct sequence is to advance the King on the diagonal, since Black's
best defense is to move toward b8.
@
^W
3k4/R7/2K5/40
@Now, by losing a move, White can bring about the basic mating sequence
in the previous positions.  1. Rh7 Ke8  2. Rb7 Kd8  3. Ra7.
@
3
Ke5g5g4
Sh3h2
Kg4g2f2
^W
24/4N3/8/7p/8/5K1k
@Being forced to move when you would rather not is called "zugzwang."
Here, White forces Black to move a Pawn when Black would be safe without moving.
1. Ng4 h2   2. Nf2++
@
^W
24/5N2/8/7p/5K2/7k
@If White could "wait" it could mate.  But after:  1. Ng3+ Kh2   2. Nf1+ Kh1
White has no "waiting" move and Black draws.
@
^W
4k3/4P3/4K3/40
@If it's Black's move, it's stalemate.  If White moves, 1. Kf6(d6)   Kd7(f7),
Black loses.
@
Z
|
@Kings and Pawns
@
@What is "the opposition?"  \
What are "Pawn advantages?" \
What is "the square?"
@
^W
4k3/16/4PK2/32
@In Pawn endings, move the King in front of the passed pawn.
@
3
Sf5e6
Se8d8
Se6f7
@
1. Ke6!  Kd8(f8)   2. Kf7(d7) and the
Pawn has a paved road to a Queen.
@
4
Sf5f6
Se8f8
Se6e7
Sf8e8
^W
4k3/8/4P3/5K2/32
@No matter who moves first, it's a draw.  If it is White's move:
1. Kf6  Kf8   2. e7+ Ke8
Draw as shown already.  Black to move would play 1. ... Ke7.
White must either stalemate the King or lose the Pawn.
@
^W
24/2K1p3/4P1k1/24
@White must choose between d6 and d5 to attack the enemy Pawn.
@
3
Sc5d6
Sg4f4
Sd6d5
@1. Kd6! Kf4   2. Kd5 and Black must leave its Pawn.
@
^W
16/3k4/1p3p2/1P3P2/3K4/16
@The "opposition" means being in a position to make the other King "step aside."
1. Kd4! Kc6(e6)   2. Ke5(c5), winning a Pawn.
@
^W
8/p7/1p5k/1P6/4K3/24
%W
Kd5
@Challenge #4:\How does White win?
@
Se4d5
@The right idea is to advance to b7 and win the two Black Pawns.
@
^W
8/p7/1p2k3/1P6/4KP2/24
@If the White King's path is blocked, an "outside" passed Pawn (f4)
can open it:  1. f5+ Kf6   2. Kd5 and White wins.
@
^W
8/p7/1p2k3/1P4p1/4K3/5PP1/16
@Unlike the "backward" Pawn at a7, White's f3 Pawn can move.  So you can
arrive at the preceding position:  1. f4! gxf4   2. gxf4
@
^W
8/p7/1p2k3/1P6/4KPp1/6P1/16
@
White gets a "protected passed Pawn" if Black played 1. ... g4 in the previous position.  If Black plays ... Kxg3, then White can play f5 and go on to Queen.
@
3
Sc5b5
Sf4f5
Sb5c6
^W
8/p7/1p6/1Pk5/4KPp1/6P1/16
@The White Pawn at b5 is "isolated" and can be won if not protected
by the White King. If:  1. ... Kxb5   2. f5 Kc6! stops the White Pawn.
@
^W
8/p7/1p6/2k2P2/4K1p1/6P1/16
@But if Black had played 2. ... Kc5?, Black can stop the Pawn only if the Pawn advances alone.
@
4
Sf5f6
Sc5d6
Sf6f7
Sd6e7
@The White Pawn is lost.
@
3
Se4f5
Sd6d7
Sf5g6
^W
8/p7/1p1k1P2/8/4K1p1/6P1/16
@The White King now supports the Pawn to the Queening square with:
4. Kf5! Kd7  5.Kg6.
@
^W
8/p7/1p6/1k3P2/6p1/6P1/8/6K1
GWPc5
GWPc6
GWPc7
GWPc8
GWPd5
GWPd6
GWPd7
GWPd8
GWPe5
GWPe6
GWPe7
GWPe8
GWPf6
GWPf7
GWPf8
@The square formed by the diagonal c5-f8 is the area the Black King
must get into to stop the Pawn at f5.
@
^W
8/p7/1p6/1k3P2/4K1p1/6P1/16
@Sometimes just "getting into the square" is not good enough.
In this position, because of the White King:
1. ... Kc6! is the right way;
1. ... Kc5? is wrong.
@
W
5
Sb5c6
Sf5f6
Sc6d7
Se4f5
Sd7e8
@If 1. ... Kc6  2. f6 Kd7!  3. Kf5 Ke8, the Black King gains the square f8.
@
7
Sf4f5
Se6f6
Se4f4
Sa5a4
Sb3a4
Sb4b3
Sf4e4
^W
16/4k3/p7/1p2KPp1/1P4P1/16
@Here White must watch the "square" formed by the diagonal b1-d3.
If 1. f5+ Kf6   2. Kf4? a4!   3. bxa4 b3, then White can Queen.
@
^B
16/4k3/p7/1p2KPp1/1P4P1/16
@If it's Black's move:
1. ... a4   2. bxa4 b3   3. Kd3
and White wins the Pawn.
@
^W
24/p4k2/1p3Pp1/1P4P1/K7/8
@Can you identify the following?\
1. Two isolated Pawns.
2. A protected passed Pawn.
3. A backward Pawn.
@
D--b3
D--g4
GWPb3
GBPg4
@
The "isolated" Pawns are b3 and g4.
@
E--b3
E--g4
DWPb3
DBPg4
D--f4
GWPf4
@
The "protected passed Pawn" is f4.
@
E--f4
DWPf4
D--a5
GBPa5
@The "backward Pawn" is a5.
@
E--a5
DBPa5
Z
|
@Queens and Rooks
@
@When both sides Queen\
Special King Positions\
How the Rook attacks and defends.
@
11
Xf5e4-
Xa2b2-
Xe4f3-
Xf4f5-
Xf3g3-
Xf5f6-
Xg3h2-
Xf6f7-
Xg4g3-
Xf7f8Q
Xg3g2-
^B
24/p4k2/1p3Pp1/1P4P1/K7/8
@Black's only chance is to attack the g3 Pawn:
1. ... Ke4.   2. Kb2 Kf3   3. f5 Kxg3   4. f6 Kh2   5. f7 g3   6. f8(Q) g2
Can White stop the Pawn?
@
5
Sf8f2
Sh2h1
Sf2h4
Sh1g1
Sb2c2
^W
5Q2/16/p7/1p6/1P6/1K4pk/8
@1. Qf2! Kh1   2. Qh4+ Kg1   3. Kc2.
White systematically drives the King in front of the Pawn
and the White King keeps moving closer.
@
^W
4Q3/40/K4pk1/8
@But what if it's a Black Pawn on the f (or c) file?  Black has a
"stalemate" defense:
1. Qe2 Kh1!   2. Qxf2 stalemate.
@
8
Sa2b2
Sh1g1
Se2g4
Sg1h1
Sg4h3
Sh1g1
Sh3g3
Sg1h1
^W
48/K3Qp2/7k
@What if the White King tries to approach?   2. Kb2 Kg1
Of course, this was possible on the first move, too.
3. Qg4+ Kh1   4. Qh3+ Kg1   5. Qg3+ Kh1
Black avoids Kf1, and White can make no progress.
@
10
Xh7h5
Xa2a4
Xh5h4
Xa4a5
Xh4h3
Xa5a6
Xh3h2
Xa6a7
Xh2h1Q
Xa7a8Q
^B
8/7p/8/2K5/8/5k2/P7/8
@Even if Black moves first and queens first, White queens with
check, "skewering" the King and Queen.
1. ... h5   2. a4 h4   3. a5 h3
4. a6 h2   5. a7 h1(Q)   6. a8(Q)+ and   7. Qxh1.
@
11
Xb2b4
Xh7h5
Xb4b5
Xh5h4
Xb5b6
Xh4h3
Xb6b7
Xh3h2
Xb7b8Q
Xh2h1Q
Xb8b7
^W
K7/7p/24/5k2/1P6/8
@White to move doesn't queen with check, but has a similar "skewer"
to follow.
1. b4 h5   2. b5 h4   3. b6 h3   4. b7 h2   5. b8(Q) h1(Q)
6. Qb7+ and 7. Qxh1.
@
13
Xb2b4
Xh7h5
Xb4b5
Xh5h4
Xb5b6
Xh4h3
Xb6b7
Xh3h2
Xb7b8Q
Xh2h1Q
Xb8g8
Xg5h4
Xg8h7
^W
8/7p/8/4K1k1/16/1P6/8
@Sometimes it takes another check to set up the skewer.
1. b4 h5   2. b5 h4   3. b6 h3   4. b7 h2   5. b8(Q) h1(Q)   6. Qg8+ Kh4
7Qh7(8)+ and 8. Qxh1.
@
7
Xf5e4
Xc2c1Q
Xe4d3
Xc1f4
Xa2c2
Xd1e1
Xc2e2
^W
24/5K2/16/Q1p5/3k4
@In a few cases, the Black Pawn cannot be captured, yet is
defenseless, after queening, to protect against mate:   1. Ke4! c1(Q)
2. Kd3 Qf4  3. Qc2+ Ke1   4. Qe2++
@
^B
K7/2P5/8/2k5/16/2p5/8
%B
Kb4
@Challenge #5:\
After 1. c7, How does Black draw?
@
Sc5b4
@1. ... Kb4. Black draws, not with 1. ... c1(Q)   2. c8 (Q)+, but with 1. ... Kb4 (c4)
2. c8(Q) Kb3 and the Black King can't be prevented from getting to
a1, with the "stalemate position."
@
7
Xc1c8
Xg3g2
Xc8f8
Xg8g7
Xf8g8
Xg7g8
Xb7b8Q
^W
5rk1/1P6/24/6p1/8/1KR5
@How the Rook helps a Pawn queen:
1. Rc8 g2   2. Rxf8+ Kg7   3. Rg8+!
Simplest, to end all opposition:
3. ... Kxg8   4. b8(Q)+ and 5. Qg3.
@
^W
8/6k1/1P6/8/6r1/8/K2R4/8
@The Rook forces a Pawn to the Queening square by getting behind it
in most cases:   1. Rb2!   (NOT 1. b7 Rb4! or 1. ... Ra4+ 2. Kb3!)
@
^W
8/7k/1P6/8/6r1/8/K2R4/8
@For the defense, note how Black must get behind, not in front of
the Pawn:  1. ... Rb4!   (NOT 1. ... Rg7   2. Rc2!   3. Rc7.)
@
^W
8/6k1/4r3/1P6/8/K7/3R4/8
@The Rook can also cut off the enemy King's approach.
The White King can support the Pawn's advance:   1. Rf2! Re4
(Trying to cut off the White King.)   2. b6 Re6   3. Rb2, but not
3. b7 Ra6+ and 4. Rb6+, winning the Pawn.
@
5
Sb8h8
Sb2b7
Sh8h7
Sf7g6
Sh7b7
^W
1R6/1P3k2/32/1r6/4K3
@The Rook sometimes can take advantage of being in front of the
Pawn if the Rook can check safely, or set up a skewer such as:
1. Rh8! Rxb7   2. Rh7+ and   3. Rxb7
@
^W
1R6/1P1k2p1/8/6p1/6P1/1r5P/8/K7
@Or the Rook can give up the Pawn to win additional material:
1. Rg8! Rxb7   2. Rxg7+ and   3. Rxg5
@
^W
5K2/2k2P2/32/4r3/5R2
@If the King can avoid checks, the Pawn will queen:
1. Kg7 Rg2+   2. Kf6
@
13
Se1e4
Sd8d7
Se4d4
Sd7c6
Sf8e7
Sg2e2
Se7f6
Se2f2
Sf6g6
Sf2g2
Sg6f5
Sg2f2
Sd4f4
^W
3k1K2/5P2/32/6r1/4R3
@The White Rook can also "build a bridge" to end checks when the Rook
can't get behind the Pawn:  1. Re4 Kd7   2. Rd4+ Kc6
3. Ke7 Re2+   4. Kf6 Rf2+   5. Kg6 Rg2+   6. Kf5 Rf2+
7. Rf4 wins. This is the "Lucena" position.
@
4
Sf7e7
Sc1c8
Se7d7
Sc8b8
^W
K7/P4k2/32/1r6/4R3
%W
Rc1
@Challenge #6:\How does White win?
@
Se1c1
@The Rook must get to b8   1. Rc1 (or h1) Ke7   2. Rc8 Kd7
3. Rb8 and after a number of checks the King will escape to c5.
(NOT 2. Rc7+? Kd6)
3. Rb7 Rh2! and   4. Kb8? Rh8++
@
Z
|
@Minor Piece Endings
@
^W
4r1k1/2P5/16/7B/16/1K6
@l.Bd8 wins, as the Bishop cuts off the Rook from the queening square.
@
^W
6rk/2P5/3N4/32/1K6
@1. Nf7+ Kg7  2. Nd8 wins.  Whereas, 1. c8(Q) wins the Rook,
but only draws.
@
5
Xe3d5
Xc7c8Q
Xd5b6
Xa4b5
Xb6c8
^B
8/2P4k/16/K7/4n3/16
@The Knight is a surprisingly good defender against a Pawn about
to queen:  1. ... Nd5!   2. c8(Q) Nb6+ and   3. ... Nxc8
@
8
Sd5c5
Sh8g8
Sc5b6
Sg8h8
Sb6c7
Sh8g8
Ke6e8d8
Kf7f5e5
^W
7k/3P1n2/4N3/3K4/32
@It's difficult to drive a Knight away from the queening square:
1. Kc5 Kg8   2. Kb6 Kh8
3. Kc7 Kg8   4. Nd8 Ne5 and   5. ... Nxd7
@
^W
8/4PK1k/24/2n5/16
@The Knight alone can prevent King and Pawn from
queening safely:
@
7
Kc3b3b5
Sf7e6
Kb5c5c7
Se6d6
Kc7e7e8
Sd6d7
Ke8e6f6
@1. ... Nb5! (NOT 1. ... Ne4   2. Ke6 followed by   3. Ke5, winning)   2. Ke6 ...
(Otherwise, Nd6+)   2. ... Nc7+   3. Kd6 ... (If 3. Kd7 Nd5 wins the Pawn
because of Nf6+)   3. ... Ne8+   4. Kd7 Nf6+ draw.
@
@This strategy will not work with an enemy Rook Pawn, because
the Knight cannot move on both sides of the Pawn.
@
9
Sb3e6
Sc8a6
Se7d8
Sg7f8
Se6c8
Sa6e2
Sc8b7
Se2g4
Sb7c6
^W
2b5/2P1K1k1/24/1B6/16
@The Bishop can be driven from the queening square, unlike
the Knight.
1. Be6 Ba6   2. Kd8 Kf8   3. Bc8 Be2   4. Bb7 Bg4
5. Bc6 followed by Bd7.
@
8
Sb6b7
Sc3d4
Se3d4
Sc8a7
Sd4c5
Sa7c6
Sc5c6
Sc2e4
^W
2n5/4k3/1P6/16/2b1K3/2b1P3/8
@But the Knight is sometimes vulnerable on the back rank:
1. b7! Bd4+   2. Kd2! ...
(NOT 2. Kxd4 Na7  3. Kc5 Nc6   4. Kxc6 Be4+.)
The Pawn has two queening squares after the correct move to Kd2.
@
^B
6k1/6b1/P4p2/4p3/24/6K1
%B
Bf8
@Challenge #7:\ Can Black, on the move, stop the Pawn?  Show how.
@
Sg7f8
@The Bishop can stop the Pawn, with 1. ... Bf8 2. a7 Bc5+
But not 1. ... Bh6 2. Kf2!
@
^W
3n4/16/p7/P7/8/5KBk/8
@The Bishop is a dominating force against an inactive Knight:
1. Bd5! The Knight is trapped and will be won by the King.
@
^W
2k5/16/p7/P6n/7n2BB4/3K4
@The two Bishops are deadly on an open board:  1. Be1 Nf3
2. Bf5+ winning a piece.
@
^W
8/4b3/2k2p1p/2p2Pp1/2K1N1P1/8/2P5/8
@In closed positions, with the Knight on a safe square and the
opposing Bishop on the same color as the Pawns, the Knight is
often dominant:  1. c3! waiting.
@
5
Sc2c3
Sc6b6
Sc4d5
Sb6b5
Sd5e6
@Even though Black is a Pawn up,
Black must now either lose a Pawn by moving the Bishop or allow the White King
to advance by moving the King.  A typical sequence might be 1. ... Kb6   2. Kd5 Kb5   3. Ke6, winning.
@
4
Xf6d5
Xg7g8Q
Xh7g8
Xe2c4
^W
8/6Pk/2P2n2/8/K5pp/8/4B3/8
%W
c7
@Challenge #8:\ How does White win?
@
Xc6c7
@1. c7.  That part is easy.  Did you get:  1. c7 Nd5 (NOT 1. ... Nd7   2. Kb5(a5))
2. g8(Q)+! Kxg8   3. Bc4!  The Knight has the power to fork; the Bishop to pin.
Note that  1. g8(Q)+ is wrong because of Nxg8   2. c7 Ne7.
@
Z
|
@Mating Configurations
@
@Major piece mates\Minor piece mates\With pins and double-checks
@
^W
rnbqkbnr/ppppp2p/8/5ppQ/24/4K3
@One of the basic checkmates in the opening, shown without the
rest of the White force.  The move Qh5+ (or Qh4+ by Black) is always
dangerous when the f Pawn is moved, even more so when the g Pawn
is also moved!
@
^W
3qk3/5Q2/16/2B5/16/4K3
@In schematic form, another basic checkmate in the opening.  Although
it's overly optimistic to aim for this mate in the first few moves,
it often occurs as a threat when 1. Qf3 or 1. Qh5 also attacks a
Black piece -- a double threat.
@
^W
5rk1/7Q/24/3B4/8/4K3
@Against the castled Black King, this is a similar common threat
(or checkmate, as here).  Note that if a Black Pawn were at g7 the
King would have a "flight" at f7.
@
^W
5rk1/3n3Q/8/6N1/24/4K3
@A White Knight at g5 also supports the same checkmate.
@
5
Sh7h5
Sf8d8
Sh5f7
Sg8h8
Sf7h7
@Note that Black has two common defenses to this type of mate, if the Queen
were at h5 threatening 2. Qh7++:   1. ... Nf6, guarding h7, or
1. ... Rf6, giving the King a "flight" at f8.  Note that
1. ... Rd8 fails because of   2. Qf7+ and   3. Qh7++
@
^W
5r1k/6p1/4Q1P1/32/4K3
@Advancing the g Pawn creates many threats against the castled
King, especially if it reaches g6:  1. Qh3+ Kg8   2. Qh7++
@
^B
3r1rk1/3n1pp1/24/3B3Q/8/6K1
%B
Nf6
@Challenge #9: \
There are five ways to prevent the threatened checkmate at h7.  You
are Black.  What move also attacks a White piece?
@
Sd7f6
@The correct move is 1. ... Nf6, which attacks the Bishop at d3.
@
^W
3q2k1/6Q1/3b4/24/1B6/4K3
@Another strong mating alliance is the Queen and Bishop teaming
up on the "long diagonal."  The typical defenses are moving
Bishop or Queen to f8.
@
^W
6rk/8/7Q/32/4K3
@The Queen performs many elegant checkmates because of her
ability to control "flight" squares.  This mate is called the
"epaulette" mate if it occurs toward the center of the board
with another Black Rook next to the King.
@
^W
Q1k5/2pb4/40/4K3
@This check occurs often, if only as a threat, when the
King castles on the Queenside.  Castling Queenside is
considered more risky than on the Kingside because of greater
territory to defend on the a file.
@
^W
6kR/5pp1/40/4K2R
@Doubled Rooks are more than twice as powerful as two Rooks
operating independently.
@
^W
5rk1/6RR/40/4K3
@On rank 7, their natural home because that's where
the enemy Pawns are, Rooks that are doubled often threaten
this mate.
@
^W
7k/40/7R/4K1R1
@
When the Rooks "undouble" they usually catch the King in this
clean mate.  Sacrifices clearing away the Pawns at g7 and h7
are aimed at this type of checkmate.
@
^W
4k3/5R1R/16/r7/r7/p7/K7
%W
Rb7
@Challenge #10: \
Can you find a winning move for White?
@
Sf7b7
@Full points for 1. Rb7, which mates next move:   1. ... Ra8   2. Rh8++
Moves like   1. Rc7 or   1. Rfg7 are answered by
1. ... Kd8 or Kf8.
@
^W
5rk1/7p/8/5N2/16/1B6/4K3
@Control of the "long diagonal" by a Bishop leads to many types
of mates.  This one is elegant:  1. Nh6++  (NOT 1. Ne7+ Kf7)
@
^W
6rk/5Npp/40/4K3
@A famous Knight mate, the "smothered."
@
^W
3qkb2/3pp3/16/4N3/8/4Q3/4K3
@White has a choice of mates here.  You already saw
1. Qh5++.
But isn't the smothered mate prettier?
1. Nd6++  Note the pin of the e Pawn.
@
^W
2/kr4/3b4/B7/8/5B2/16/4K3
@Another example of a splashy mate on a Queenside castled King.
Bishops multiply in value with the extra space of the a file.
@
^W
7k/7p/16/2B5/8/1B6/4K3
@A mate that's repeated in many areas of the board.  This
arrangement of the Bishops is the closest equivalent to the
doubling of the Rooks.
@
2
Se8e7
Sc3d5
^W
3qkb2/8/3p4/4N3/2B5/2N5/8/4K3
%W
Bf7
@Challenge #11: \
Bishops and Knights sometimes perform heroically together.
What would you do as White?
@
Sc4f7
@In schematic form, this is the famous "Legal's Mate."  It
emphasizes the vulnerability of f7 (or f2 for White).  And
with a White Knight at c3, it's a spectacular mate:
1. Bf7+ Ke7   2. Nd5++
@
^W
7k/7R/5N2/32/4K3
@Rook and minor pieces collaborate frequently in mates.  The
Knight's "magic square" is f6 (or f3, c6, c3).
@
^W
6kR/5p2/32/1B6/4K3
@Bishop and Rook are especially dangerous with the Bishop on
the famous "long diagonal."  The "fianchettoed Bishop" at b2,
b7, g7, or g2 is the easiest way for a Bishop to control this
diagonal.
@
^W
2bkn3/2p5/32/3B4/3RK3
@The minor pieces often collaborate with "double checks," a
chief feature of which is that no enemy piece can interpose.
If there are no King flights, it's mate, as here: 1. Bg5++
@
^W
6bk/4p1Np/32/1B6/4K3
@In a "discovered check," the leading piece (here the Knight)
can often perform other duties.  In this case the Knight "shuts off"
the Black Pawn:   1. Ne6++
@
^W
6nb/R4P1k/7q/32/4K3
%W
f8=N
@Challenge #12:\ How does White use a discovered check to win
(or mate)?
@
Xf7f8N
@The correct promotion is:   1. f8(N)++  A double check!
@
^W
8/4kPQ1/4q3/32/6K1
@The double check with promotion to a Queen is murderous:
1. f8(Q)++  Note that all double checks are the result of
line openings, or "discoveries."
@
^W
5rk1/5p2/6p1/8/2B5/8/2Q5/6K1
@The King's position is often fatally weakened by a pin:
1. Qxg6+  This idea occurs frequently because the Bishop
is often developed on the a2-g8 diagonal against a fianchettoed
Bishop (Bishop developed at g7, here, but then traded off).
@
^W
7k/5Q1n/6P1/8/7q/16/6K1
@Just when everything seems protected, a Pawn slips in to mate:
1. g7++\
Pawns often mate when the enemy King is driven to the other
side of the board.
@
^W
24/6k1/4Q3/3B4/5B2/1K6
@It seems there are many ways to checkmate, but note that when
the Queen checks adjacent to the enemy King only two additional
squares must be guarded -- two squares of the opposite color of
the mating square:   1. Qh4++
@
@The Queen check at f5 leaves h6 unguarded; the Queen check at
g6 leaves f4 unguarded.
@
^W
24/4k3/1Q6/4N3/4N3/1K6
%W
Qe7
@Challenge #13:\What's the fastest way to checkmate?
@
Sb4e7
@The Black King seems to have many escapes, but a single move
mates him in the open board: 1. Qe7++
@
Z
|
@Basic Combinations
@
@Forks and skewers\Double attacks\Pseudo combinations
@
^W
24/3r1k2/8/5K2/4P3/8
@The basic combinations all involve a double attack as the
payoff, and often start with a double threat.
@
Se2e4
@Here White is
saved with a simple fork:   1. e4+.  In simplest terms,
the King and the Rook can't both move at the same time.
@
^W
24/1q3k2/16/4N2R/6K1
@Here White has the luxury of two forks.  The Rook double-attack
is also called a "skewer," a name that's more vivid when a Bishop
catches two enemy pieces on a diagonal:   1. Nd4+ or
1. Rh5+ winning the Queen.
@
^W
6k1/1rn5/8/2K5/32
@The King is a fighting piece in the ending because it double-
attacks well:   1.Kc6 Ra7   2.Kb6.
@
^W
7K/8/k1P5/7p/32
@In this famous endgame study by Richard Reti,
the White King can't get "in the square" of the Black Pawn (formed
by the diagonal d5-h1), but he can simultaneously threaten to get
in the square and to support his own Pawn.
@
3
Sh8g7
Sh5h4
Sg7f6
@1. Kg7 h4   2. Kf6... First threat: if the Pawn moves again, then
3. Ke6(7) forces the White Pawn to Queen.
@
2
Sa6b6
Sf6e5
^B
16/k1P2K2/8/7p/24
@2. ... Kb6   3. Ke5 ... Second threat:  4. Kd6 again threatens to
mobilize the Pawn.   3. ... Kxc6, and now:
4. Kf4 and White is in the square.
@
^W
6k1/3p4/4pn2/8/2B1P3/2N5/8/6K1
@Pawn forks are common in the opening as a way of exchanging
center Pawns or reducing pressure.
@
3
Kf6f4e4
Kc3e3e4
Sd7d5
@1. ... Nxe4   2. Nxe4 d5, forking the pieces and winning one back.
Note that White can also give up a piece at once (with Bxe6+),
it's a question of which Pawn White wants to win back.
@
^W
6k1/16/q2N4/B2P4/8/1PP5/3QK3
@The Black Queen has just checked at a5, apparently forking
both the Bishop at a4 and the Knight at d5.
@
@These are
"pseudo" forks, since:   1. c3 is a "double defense" against the check
and loss of  the Bishop, and  1. Nc3! is a triple defense: blocking the
check, removing the Knight from capture, and guarding the Bishop.
@
^W
6k1/16/2r5/2p5/2K1r3/16
@Another pseudo fork:   1. Kd4 apparently forks the Rooks, but the
defense is easy:   1. ... R (either) e5.
@
^W
6k1/8/6n1/8/4B3/5r2/7K/8
@The White Bishop has apparently forked Knight and Rook.  Black
could play   1. ... Ne5, defending the Rook, but even better, so as not
to lose the exchange (Rook for minor piece) is   1. ... Rf6.
@
^W
6k1/24/2r1n1P1/3P3K/16
@Some forks are very fragile indeed.  First, Black might try
1. ... Ng5+   2. Kh4! Nf3+   3. Kg3, and the fork holds.  But   1. ... Nf2+
in turn forks the King and Pawn, or
1. ... Rc3 pins and wins the poor Pawn.
@
5
Sg3c7
Sg7g3
Se6c7
Sg3a3
Sc7b5
^B
8/k1q3r1/1p2N3/p7/8/Q7/6P1/6K1
%B
Qg3
@Challenge #14:\Black's Queen and Rook are forked.  How does
Black defend?
@
Sc7g3
@The right idea is   1. ... Qg3!, which is both attack and defense:
if   2. Qxg3 Rxg3 removes everything from attack.
But not   1. ... Rg3
because of another White fork:   2. Nxc7 Rxa3   3. Nb5+.
@
^W
6K1/8/k1b1n2R/8/PP3P2/24
@All good moves contain more than one element: immediate threats,
immediate defenses, or threats of either.
@
@Here, White threatens the half-pinned pieces
or forks with   2. b5+.  Black defends by a move
that unpins the Bishop and avoids the Pawn fork:
1. ... Kb7   2. Rxe6 Bd5, and now White is pinned!
@
@Note that   1. ... Bd5 at once loses to a further attack on the Knight:   2. f5.
@
^W
5k2/N3n3/6RP/3K4/8/5r2/16
@Sharp tactics require experience, or a computer-like search
of all 3-4 move variations!
@
9
Sd5e4
Sf3a3
Sg6f6
Sf8g8
Sh6h7
Sg8h8
Sf6f8
Sh8h7
Sf8f7
@Here White is forked, but holds on
with short threats:   1. Ke4 Ra3   2. Rf6+ Kg8 (NOT   2. Nb5 Ra4+)   3. h7+ Kh8
and wins because of Kh8.   4. Rf8+ forces him to take at h7 and lose the
Knight to the fork   5. Rf7+.
@
^W
rn2k1nr/pp1qbppp/8/1p1Np3/3P4/5P2/PPP2P1P/R1BQKB1R
@Put this all in a game situation:
1. Bxb5! happens all the time in positions like this:
the Black Queen is partially pinned and then forked after   1. ... Qxb5
2. Nc7+.  It's a "Royal" check if Queen, Knight, and
Rook are all somewhere in the Knight's wheel.
@
^W
rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pP3/4P3/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR
@After two moves in the opening (King's Gambit), White is
the victim of a typical fork:
3. ... Qh4+   4. Ke2 Qxe4+, or,   if   4. g3 Qxe4+, Black wins the Rook.
@
4
Sg7g6
Se5g6
Sg8f6
Sh5e5
^W
rnbqkbnr/ppp3pp/8/3pN3/3Pp3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKB1R
%W
Qh5
@Challenge #15:\A common opening situation: How should White play?
@
Sd1h5
@1. Qh5+ is the right start.
What about   1. ... g6?  You are right
if you saw   2. Nxg6.  The h Pawn is pinned, so that   2. ... hxg6   3. Qxh8.
And if   2. ... Nf6, then the Queen can either retreat to h4, keeping the pin, or gain a move with   3. Qe5+, after which White wins the Rook.
@
Z
|
@Roots of Combinations
@
@Pinned pieces\Overworked pieces\Restricted mobility
@
^W
3qk2r/4bppp/32/4QPPP/2B1R1K1
@This is the schematic of a common opening pin, designed to keep
the Black King from castling.   1. Bg5 is met by f6, but White may
be able to play   1. Ba3, as here, winning the pinned piece.
@
^W
1n2kb1r/3b1ppp/16/B7/8/5PPP/3R1RK1
@Act on a pinned piece quickly!  Here White could try to "double
up" with 1. Rd3, threatening Rfd1, but then Black escapes with Ke7.
1. Rfe1+ Kd8! also let Black get unpinned.  But:
1. Rxd7! Nxd7   2. Rd1 gets the piece.
@
^W
3qk2r/3p1ppp/16/4n3/8/5PPP/3Q1RK1
@Black has just taken at e4.  This schematic shows when a pin
wins and when it doesn't in this typical opening:
1. Qe2?  Qe7 defends successfully, but:
2. Re1 d5   3. f3 wins the piece for a Pawn.
@
^W
4k2r/3pqppp/8/4N3/5n2/8/5PPP/3QK2R
@Sometimes the pinning piece gets pinned!
1. O-O Qxe5   2. Re1
@
^W
r3k2r/pppqbppp/1n6/16/5Q2/PPP2PPP/RNB1R1K1
%W
Bg5
@Challenge #16:\How does White take advantage of the pinned
Bishop at e7?
@
Sc1g5
@At most White can disrupt the Kingside Pawns with:
1. Bg5 f6   2. Bf4 when White threatens two Queenside Pawns and can
check on the a2-g8 diagonal when Black castles.
@
^W
r3k2r/pppqbppp/1n6/16/5Q2/PPP2PPP/RNB1R1K1
6
Xf3e2
Xe8g8
Xe2e7
Xa8e8
Xe7d7
Xe8e1
@The idea of keeping the
Black King in the center with   1. Qe2 backfires after   1. ... O-O!
2. Qxe7 Rae8, and now the
Queen is pinned by the mate that would occur after   3. Qxd7 Rxe1++.
@
^W
r1b1k2r/ppq2ppp/2p5/4P3/8/2N5/PP3PPP/2RQ1RK1
@The Rooks are developed ideally on the central files where they
pose threats against the opposing Queen and King.  White's lead in
development allows   1. Nb5!, since the c6 Pawn is pinned.
And   1. ... Qxe5 is out because of the common pin   2. Re1.  White's Knight will
check at d6, keeping the King from castling.
@
5
Sa4a3
Sf8a8
Sc3a4
Sh7h6
Sa3c5
^W
5rk1/1b2qppp/8/1Ppp4/Q2P4/2N5/5PPP/5RK1
@White pins and wins the c5 Pawn with Qa3 Ra8   2. Na4 h6.
3. Qxc5 both attacks and defends.  On   3. ... Qxc5   4. Nxc5 (NOT dxc5).
@
^W
5rk1/5p2/6p1/7n/16/1B4P1/2K4R
@A schematic of a typical Kingside pin:
1. g4 appears to win the Knight, because of   1. ... Nf4   2. Rh8++.  But
the Knight can defend with  1. ... Ng7.  After   2. Bf6, the Knight is
pinned along the diagonal and the Kingside is immobilized.
@
^W
8/1R6/16/2K5/8/2p3/k1/8
@Pins are especially effective in the endgame, when there are
fewer pieces on the board to protect the pinned piece or create
a diversion:
1. Rb2... the only defense against the threat to queen the Pawn.
@
^W
8/P7/8/5p2/4b2k/K1R4p/16
@White wins a piece for the a Pawn with   1. Rc8, but loses the
game after   1. ... h2. A pin forces the Queening of a Pawn.
@
7
Xc3c4
Xh3h2
Xc4e4
Xf5e4
Xa7a8Q
Xh2h1Q
Xa8h8
@
1. Rc4 h2   2. Rxe4+ fxe4   3. a8(Q) h1(Q)   4. Qh8+ wins.
@
^W
4kn2/3p1p2/3P4/5P2/2P5/2n5/7K/7R
@The Rook is strong against two minor pieces when they have
limited safe haven in the endgame:   1. Rc1.  If the Knight
goes to the a or e file Ra1 or Re1 wins it, because of the
direct pin on the e file and the threat of mate if the
Knight moves off the a file.
@
4
Sc3d5
Se7g5
Sd5c7
Sa8c8
^B
r4rk1/ppp1bppp/5n2/3P2B1/4p3/2N5/PPP2PPP/R4RK1
%B
Nxd5
@Challenge #17:\Does White win the e4 Pawn by pinning the defending
Knight with   1. Bg5?  How would you respond for Black?
@
Sf6d5
@The pin is illusory:   1. Bg5 Nxd5, attacking and
defending at the same time.   2. Nxd5 Bxg5
3. Nxc7 Rac8, where the Rook skewers the Knight and
c2 Pawn.  Best is   2. Bxe7 Nxe7   3. Nxe4, with an even game.
@
^W
6k1/8/1n6/3p4/2r5/2NK4/16
@A pinned piece is obviously immobilized.  Indirectly, an
overworked piece is also hobbled:   1. Nxd5!  The Knight at b6 cannot
defend both c4 and d5 in this schematic.
@
^W
3r2k1/2q2ppp/2n5/3Q4/16/3R1PPP/6K1
@The Black pieces seem to be working together, but the Queen is
actually overworked:
1. Qxc6! and all of a sudden the twice-guarded Rook at d8
is unguarded after   1. ... Qxc6   2. Rxd8++.
Note that White must avoid the Black Queen after
1. ... Rxd2, and mate with   2. Qe8++ or be mated!
@
^W
5bk1/2q2ppp/2pN1n2/6N1/7Q/8/5PPP/6K1
@The Knight at f6 is the King's best defender, but is
overworked by the simple fork:
1. Ne8! Nxe8   2. Qxh7++ ...
As on other moves,   2. Nxf6+ mates next move.
@
^W
2r3k1/b2q1ppp/6b1/16/1Q6/5PPP/2R2B1K
@A weak back rank must be defended along its length; hence,
the number of combinations based on pieces overworked in its
defense:   1. Qa4!
@
5
Sb3a4
Sg6f5
Sc1c8
Sd7c8
Sa4a7
@White chooses this square carefully, since White
now threatens   2. Qxa7 (in response, for example, to
1. ... Qb7).
And   1. ... Bf5 allows   2. Rxc8+ followed by   3. Qxa7.
@
^W
6k1/3q1ppp/8/Q3pb2/8/4P3/3rNPPP/5RK1
%W
Nd4
@Challenge #18:\Black has an overworked piece.  Show how White can
take advantage of it.
@
Se2d4
@After   1. Nd4, the Black Queen must guard both the Bishop at f5
and the mate at d8, and the Rook must move to avoid   2. Qxd2
The key move introduces the idea of "cutting a line," the file
d7-d2.  For, if 1. ... exd4,   2. Qxd2 wins the exchange (Knight for
Rook).
@
^W
1r4k1/5p1p/6pQ/7N/8/1r1PP3/1q6/5R1K
@Pawns are great for cutting lines, since they are expendable!
Here   1. d4! shuts off the Black Queen and threatens two mates.
1. ... gxh5 allows   2. Rg1+ and mate next.
@
^W
7k/1P3pp1/7p/7R/P7/8/6PK/1r6
@The Rook, Knight, Bishop can cut a line along the back rank
to help a Pawn Queen (see Tutorial Level 4).  Here the Rook cuts a file
with   1. Rb5, a common theme in the endgame.
@
5
Sc5c6
Sb7c6
Sd5b5
Sa6b5
Sb6b7
^W
4k3/1p6/pP5p/P1PR4/r7/16/6K1
@Here White cuts a "potential" line:   1. c6 bxc6
2. Rb5! axb5   3. b7, and nothing can stop the Pawn from Queening.
@
4
Sd8g5
Sd4h8
Sg8h8
Se8h8
^W
rn1q2r1/ppp4k/3p2p1/8/3Q4/1PB5/P4PPP/4R1K1
%W
Re8
@Challenge #19:\White controls the long diagonal, but how does
White take advantage of Black's stretched defenses?
@
Se1e8
@Both the Queen and the Rook are guarding e8, but are also
trying to guard h4 and g7, respectively.  Hence:
1. Re8! Qg5 (After   1. ... Qxe8   2. Qh4++ or
1. ... Rxe8   2. Qg7++)
2. Qh8+! Rxh8   3. Rxh8 ++  Note that   2. Rxg8 is too slow,
in view of 2. ... Qc1+ with mate to follow!
@
Z
|
@Double Attacks
@
@Discovered checks\Forcing threats\Destroying defenders
@
3
Sd1e2
Se4f6
Se5c6
^W
3qk3/3p1p2/8/4N3/4n3/8/3P1P2/3QK3
@This schematic illustrates a familiar position in the Petroff
Defense.  Black has mistakenly played Nxe4:   1. Qe2 Nf6 (the worst idea)
2. Nc6+ winning the Queen.  But if Black tries to hold the Knight
at e4, with   1. ... f5 (d5), White wins a Pawn, at least, with   2. f3.
@
^W
1q3rk1/5p1p/6p1/8/4N3/2Q5/8/6K1
@The "hole" at f6 is an invitation to mayhem on the Black squares:
1. Nf6+ Kh8   2. Nd7+ wins the Queen.  Note that
2. Ne8+ guarding g7 does not lead to mate at g7,
because Black simply interposes the Pawn   2. ... f6.
@
9
Sh2a2
Sg8h8
Sg5f7
Sh8g8
Sf7h6
Sg8h8
Sa2g8
Sf8g8
Kh6f6f7
^W
5rk1/6pp/8/6N1/8/7K/7Q/8
@The best discovered check of all is a double check with a point:
Black cannot interpose on the checking line, or capture the
checking pieces.  Here is the famous smothered mate, which occurs
frequently in practice, mostly as a threat.
1. Qa2+ Kh8   2. Nf7+ Kg8   3. Nh6+ Kh8   4. Qg8+ Rxg8   5. Nf7++.
@
^W
7k/5p1B/7Q/32/6K1
@When the battery fires, the leading piece can choose artfully.
Here is a typical mating sequence:
1. Bg6+ Kg8   2. Qh7+ Kf8   3. Qxf7++.  See the point of choosing
g6 on the first move?
@
^W
3/qk2r/5ppp/8/2b5/2Bp2b1/5N2/5PPP/3Q1RK1
@Sometimes the battery is directed against a minor piece trying
to pin the leading piece in the battery. (See Level 6 for examples
of other "pseudo" pins.)
@
5
Sc4f7
Se8f7
Kf3e3e5
Sf7f8
Se5g4
@1. Bxf7+! Kxf7   2. Ne5+, followed by   3. N(Q)xg4.
Note that   2. Ng5+ is a mistake, even with a White Bishop at c1
guarding that Knight.   2. ... Qxg5! and both Queens are in take (can be captured).
@
4
Sg8h7
Sf3g5
Sh7g8
Sd1h5
^W
5rk1/3rpppp/16/3p4/3B1N2/8/3Q2K1
%W
Bxh7
@Challenge #20:\How does White move immediately against the
enemy King?
@
Sd3h7
@1. Bxh7+ is the start of many good mating attacks.  Nothing
else is fast enough.
If:  1. ... Kxh7    2.Ng5+ Kg8,
3. Qh5 is the idea.  Black can defend with   2. ... Kg6.
@
5
Sc2c8
Sd8c8
Sh1h8
Sf8f7
Sh8c8
^W
3q1k2/r7/3p4/4p3/4P3/8/1PR5/1K5Q
@The second stage in tactics is going beyond responding --
setting up combinations.  Here White sets up a skewer:
1. Rc8! Qxc8   2. Qh8+ Ke7   3. Qxc8.
@
^W
1r1q2k1/1bpp1p1p/6p1/8/4N3/1Q6/3R1PPP/6K1
@White seems to have run out of attacking ideas, and is two
Pawns down.  A simple forking combination sets thing right:
@
5
Sd2d7
Sd8f8
Se4f6
Sg8g7
Sb3c3
1. Rxd7! Qf8 (NOT 1. ... Qxd7, because of 2. Nf6+)
@2. Nf6+ ... (NOT   2. Ng5 Bd5!), and the weak back
rank will cost White a move and the game.   2. ... Kg7
(NOT   2. ... Kh8)   3. Qxf7! and White will mate at h7.  (See Level 5.)   3. Qc3 ... The potential discovered
checks give White a lasting initiative.
@
Z
|
@Sacrifices
@
@Queen sacrifices\The exchange sacrifice\Pawns, minor pieces
@
5
Sa3f8
Sg7f8
Se3h6
Sf8g8
Se1e8
^W
8/1bq2pkp/5pp1/16/Q3B2K/2r5/4R3
@Black's attack appears unanswerable, yet a Queen sacrifice
sets up a standard back-rank mate:
1. Qf8+! Kxf8   2. Bh6+ Kg8   3. Re8++.
It can't be said enough: watch out for a weak back rank!
@
13
Sa4a8
Sc6b8
Sa8b7
Sc8b7
Sb5d7
Sb7a6
Sd7c8
Sa6a5
Se3d2
Sa5a4
Sb1b4
Sa4a3
Sf1a1
^W
2k2brr/1ppbq3/2np4/1B6/Q7/4B3/6P1/1R3RK1
@The Queenside is notorious for spectacular attacks on a
castled King.  This is one of the prettiest: the idea is to
set up a discovered check.
1. Qa8+ Nb8   2. Qxb7+! Kxb7   3. Bxd7+ Ka6
4. Bc8+ Ka5   5. Bd2+ Ka4   6. Rb4+ and   7. Ra1++
@
^W
1r2k1r1/pbppnp1p/1bn2P2/8/Q7/B1PB1q2/P4PPP/3RR1K1
@One of the most famous positions in chess history is Anderssen's
"immortal" game against Dufresne, 1852.  Black threatens mate
so every move must be a check.
@
9
Se1e7
Sc6e7
Sa4d7
Se8d7
Sd3f5
Sd7e8
Sf5d7
Se8d8
Sa3e7
@1. Rxe7+! Nxe7   2. Qxd7+! Kxd7   3. Bf5+ Ke8   4. Bd7+ Kd8(f8)
5. Bxe7++.  Note also the interesting mate if   3. ... Kc6   4. Bd7++.
@
4
Sg4d1
Sc4f7
Se8e7
Sc3d5
^W
r2qkbnr/ppp2p1p/3p2p1/4n3/2B1P1b1/2N2N2/PPPP1PPP/R1BQK2R
%W
Nxe5
@Challenge #21:\The Knight at f3 is pinned and the Bishop at
c4 attacked.  What's White's best move?
@
Sf3e5
@White wins a piece or checkmates with:
1. Nxe5! Bxd1   2. Bxf7+ Ke7   3. Nd5++.  Legal played this first in the 18th
century.
@
5
Sd1d5
Sc6d5
Se4f6
Sh5g6
Sc1g5
^W
2kr3r/pp5p/2p2p2/3n2pb/1P2N3/P7/5PPP/2BRR1K1
@A well-posted Knight, such as the one at d5, is often
worth a Rook.  White takes the wheels off Black's position
with   1. Rxd5! cxd5
2. Nxf6 Bg6   3. Bxg5.  Note the winning
fork after   1. ... Rxd5   2. Nxf6.
@
^W
2rq1rk1/1p2ppbp/p5p1/3Pp2n/5P1Q/2N2N2/PPP3P1/2KR3R
@The exchange sacrifice (Rook for minor piece) often occurs
at h5 against a Kingside castled King, or at c3 against a
Queenside castled King.
@
3
Sc8c3
Sb2c3
Sd8a5
@Here Black comes first:   1. ... Rxc3
2. bxc3 Qa5. Note that there is no gain of material --
simply a weakening of the King position and the frightful
threat of   3. ...  e4 after   3. Kb2.
@
7
Sd1d4
Sc5d4
Sc3e4
Sd7e5
Sc1h6
Sf8e8
Sa1f1
^W
r2q1rk1/1p1n1p1p/p2p2p1/2pP4/2Pb4/2N5/PP2Q1PP/R1BR3K
@General positional considerations, such as control of dark
squares or better Knight placement, often cry out for the
exchange sacrifice:   1. Rxd4! cxd4   2. Ne4  with a complicated game:
if 2. ... Ne5, then   3. Bh6 and   4. Rf1.
@
^W
rn3k1r/p4ppp/3p4/1p6/1n1P4/8/PPP2PPP/R1B1KB1R
@The threat to win the exchange with a fork by the Black Knight
at b4 is a common theme in the early endgame -- especially with
Queens off the board.
@
7
Sc1f4
Kb4b2c2
Se1d2
Sc2a1
Sf4d6
Sf8g8
Sf1b5
@Here White can try for more than pedestrian defense   (1. Kd1):
1. Bf4?! Nxc2+ (White gains a move if   1. ... Ke7   2. Kd2.)
2. Kd2 Nxa1   3. Bxd6+ Kg8   4. Bxb5 regaining the piece with a great
lead in development.
@
6
Se5d7
Sf1f6
Sd7f6
Sb2f6
Sc7d7
Sh5h6
^W
r4rk1/ppqn1p2/2p2p1p/4n2Q/2P5/1P4P1/PB4BP/3R1RK1
%W
Rxd7
@Challenge #22:\White has the two Bishops.  Does White
have a better move than   1. Qxh6, regaining a Pawn and threatening   2. Rf5?
@
Sd1d7
@The forceful way to end matters is:
1. Rxd7 Nxd7   2. Rxf6!
The second exchange sacrifice denudes the King:
2. ... Nxf6   3. Bxf6 Qd7   4. Qxh6 with mate to follow.
@
^W
r1b1k2r/1p1nbppp/pq1ppn2/6B1/2BNP3/2N5/PPPQ1PPP/R3K2R
@The b and g Pawns are the most vulnerable in the opening,
and are commonly sacrificed to gain time.  Note that, typically,
a Knight must be available at c3, c6, f3, or f6 to support a
Rook at b1, b8, g1, g8.   1. O-O Qxb2   2. Rab1 Qa3 with a lead in
development.
@
8
Sd1g4
Kg8g6f6
Sg4g7
Sh8g8
Sg7h6
Sg8g6
Sh6h4
Kf6f4e4
^W
rnbqk1nr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/1b1PP3/2N5/PPP2PPP/R1BQKBNR
@A standard French Defense.  Is g7 weak because the Black Bishop
has moved?
1. Qg4 Nf6!   2. Qxg7 Rg8   3. Qh6 Rg6   4. Qh4 Nxe4,
with a good game for Black.
@
3
Se5e6
Sf7e6
Kf3f5g5
^W
3qkb2/3npp2/3p4/4P3/8/3B1N2/8/3QK3
@Here is a schematic depiction of a frequent Pawn sacrifice on
rank 6 or 3:   1. e6 fxe6   2. Ng5
@
@The idea in such positions is to delay the development of the
Bishop and establish weaknesses at e6 and f7.
@
^W
5bk1/8/3rpp2/8/4P3/2N2P2/8/5RK1
@This schematic illustrates a Pawn sacrifice to gain a strong
position for a minor piece:   1. e5! fxe5   2. Ne4, and the Knight
is strongly posted against the Black Bishop.
@
5
Kd2f2f3
Sg2f3
Sc6g6
Sg1h1
Ke4e2f2
^W
8/7R/2r5/8/P3n3/8/3nk1PP/R5K1
@Minor piece sacrifices (Knights and Bishops) open doors
to mating attacks.  Even if a mate is prevented, the
attacker can often recover 2-3 Pawns because of the exposed
position of the King.  Here the attack comes out of the blue;
a famous Karpov mate in three:
1. Nf3+! gxf3   2. Rg6+ Kh1   3. Nf2++
@
5
Sb2g2
Sh3g2
Kd5d3e3
Sg2g1
Ke3e1d1
^W
6k1/7p/4p3/1p1n1pp1/8/7K/Pr5P/3Q4
@A quiet Rook sacrifice threatens mate in a most unusual way,
and a deadly fork shows that it's really no sacrifice at all:
1. ... Rg2!   2. Kxg2  Ne3+   3. ... Nxd1
@
^W
r5rk/5Q1p/p4P2/qp1p4/3B4/1P5P/P4P2/R3b2K
@When a piece merely has to clear a line or a square to create
a strong threat, it becomes a "desperado" -- one who cares
nothing for its life, only for choosing the right square.
@
5
Xf7e8
Xa8e8
Xf6f7
Xg8g7
Xf7e8Q
@1. Qe8! Raxe8   2. f7+ Rg7   3. fxe8 (Q)++.  The Queen move prevents Raf8,
which is why   1. Qf8 is wrong.
@
^W
6k1/40/4B3/2Q2nK1
@Now start from the elements of a famous combination and observe
how a World Champion visualizes a winning sequence of moves:
1. ... Ng3 extricates the Knight from danger and threatens the
fork   2. ... Nxe7+.
@
^W
4r1k1/4qppp/3P4/16/4P1P1/4BP2/2Q2nK1
@As the position builds up in reverse slow motion, notice that
even though the Black Queen is in take   1. ... Nxg3! is an "in between"
move (zwischenzug) that says, "Pardon me, but I'll take a Pawn
first instead of dealing with my Queen."
@
^W
1rb1r1k1/p1p1qppp/2pb4/2P5/8/4P1P1/PB2BP1n/R1QN1RK1
@Two moves further back, this is how Karpov viewed his game
against Timman.  Black can play:   1. ... Nxf1! c5xd6
2. Nxg3!  Black could, of course, play   1. ... Bxc5, but then the pin is off
the g3 Pawn and White simply takes the Knight at h2.  The
zwischenzug is a suspension of reality that makes
combinations possible.
@
9
Sg4h2
Sg1h2
Se7h4
Sh2g1
Sd6g3
Sf2g3
Sh4g3
Sg1h1
Se8e6
^W
1rb1r1k1/p1p1qppp/2pb4/8/2P3n1/4P1P1/PB2BP1P/R1QN1RK1
@Here is the position after White's 15th move in this
Montreal, 1979 game (see Classic Game 131).  Black had
to visualize the previous position to play the piece sacrifice:
1. ... Nxh2!   2. Kxh2
@
@White makes a zwischenzug, instead of the prosaic   2. Kxh2
Qh4+   3. Kg1 Bxg3!   4. fxg3 Qxg3+   5. Kh1 Re6, when White will
soon be mated.
@
5
Kg4g2h2
Sc4c5
Kh2f2f1
Sc5d6
Kf1f3g3
^W
1rb1r1k1/p1p1qppp/2pb4/8/2P3n1/4P1P1/PB2BP1P/R1QN1RK1
@The Karpov - Timman game went as follows:
1. ... Nxh2   2. c5 Nxf1   3. cxd6 Nxg3
@
7
Sd4g7
Se4g2
Sd1d4
Sg2h1
Se1d2
Sh1a1
Sd4f6
^W
r1b2rk1/pp1p1pbp/6p1/8/2PBq3/8/PP2BPPP/R2QK2R
@White is ahead in development but appears to be about to lose a
Pawn -- the usual "poisoned" Pawn at g2.   1. Bxg7 Qxg2?
Black sees only   2. Bf3 Re8+, remaining a Pawn up.
2. Qd4! Qxh1+   3. Kd2 Qxa1
4. Qf6! Now there's nothing to do about   5.  Bh6
and mate to follow.  A famous "double Rook" sacrifice by the
former Women's World Champion, Nona Gaprindashvili.
@
^W
r4rk1/1b2bppp/ppq1p3/2ppB2n/5P2/1P1BP3/P1PPQ1PP/R4RK1
@The "double Bishop" sacrifice is always possible when the
King's natural defender, the Knight, is lured away and a Rook
can readily move to rank 3.
@
9
Sd3h7
Sg8h7
Se2h5
Sh7g8
Se5g7
Sg8g7
Sh5g4
Sg7h7
Sf1f3
@1. Bxh7+ ... (Instead of 1. Qxh5 g6), and Black can organize a defense.
1. ... Kxh7   2. Qxh5+ Kg8   3. Bxg7! Kxg7   4. Qg4+ Kh7
5. Rf3, with mate to follow.  This was Emanual Lasker's first
memorable victory, Amsterdam, 1889.
@
^W
8/p3q1kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/1nP3N1/1B4PP/6K1
%W
Ba3
@Challenge #23: White has an advanced Pawn.  How does
White dislodge the Black Queen?
@
Xb2a3
@1. Ba3! Qxa3 White's pieces have few other moves!
@
Xe7a3
6
Sg6h5
Se5g5
Sg7f8
Sg5f6
Sf8g8
Se6e7
%W
Nh5
@Challenge #24:\How does White move the Pawn to the queening square?
@
Kg3g5h5
@If you tried   2. Qc7+, you would be rewarded with a mate after
2. ... Kf1.  But Black escapes with   2. ... Kh6.  Also,   2. e7 is met immediately by   2. ... Kf7.  So:   2. Nh5+!
gxh5   3. Qg5+ Kf8   4. Qxf6+ Kg8
5. e7.  After several checks, the White King was safe
and Black, Capablanca, resigned to Botwinnik
(see Classic Game 82).
@
Z
|
^W
rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/32/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR
@Strategy
@
@Pawns and Strong Points\Development and Control\Transitions
@
Xe2e4
Xe7e5
@Chess strategy begins with the initial moves of the game.
Here both sides play to open the lines for their Bishops and
Queens.  And by playing the double move instead of e3 or e6,
they keep the potential line of the Queens' Bishops also open.
@
Xg1f3
Xb8c6
@Since the Knights have fewer options than Bishops, it's
generally better to develop them first.  In the opening or
middle game, the first rule is to keep all possible options
open!
@
@2. ... f6 would have been poor because of   3. Nxe5 Qe7
(NOT 3. ...  fxe5  4. Qh5+ and White soon wins material or checkmates)
4. Nf3 Qxe4+   5. Be2, and White has a big lead in development.
2. ... Bd6 would also have restricted Black's development, blocking
the d Pawn and impeding the Queen's Bishop.
@
Xf1b5
Xa7a6
@White threatens to undermine the Knight's defense of the e Pawn,
but it's immune as long as White's e Pawn is also vulnerable.  For
example:   3. Bxc6 dxc6   4. Nxe5 Qe7, regaining the Pawn.
@
Xb5a4
Xg8f6
@By continuing to develop normally, Black keeps the balance in
the center (the squares d4, d5, e4, e5).  A move like   3. ... Qf6 is
premature, because the Queen can do little damage this early in
the game and is easily harried by minor pieces:   4. Nc3,
threatening   5. Nd5.
@
Xe1g1
Xd7d6
@White's e4 Pawn is "protected" by the rapid mobilization of
the Rook, in castling.  If:   5. ... Nxe4   6. Re1 f5   7. d3 ...
and Black's e5 Pawn will fall.  White usually plays   6. d4 here,
because the Knight will be pinned on the e file if   6. ... exd4.
@
Xd2d4
Xc8g4
%W
Bxc6
@Challenge #25:\How does White get a better Pawn position?
@
Xa4c6
@The idea is   7. Bxc6+.
@
9
Xb7c6
Xd4e5
Xg4f3
Xd1f3
Xd6e5
Xf1d1
Xf8d6
Xc1g5
Xa8b8
@7. ... bxc6.   8. dxe5.  To avoid losing a Pawn,
Black must now play   8. ... Bxf3  9. Qxf3  dxe5.
Black's Queenside Pawns are now weak (the a Pawn isolated
and the c Pawns doubled).  White now mobilizes rapidly:
10. Rd1 Bd6   11. Bg5 Rb8
@
^W
1r1qk2r/2p2ppp/p1pb1n2/4p1B1/4P3/5Q2/PPP2PPP/RN1R2K1
%W
Nd2
@Challenge #26:\ White controls more space and has a better Pawn structure.
How should White guard b2?
@
Xb1d2
@12. Nd2  If   12. ... Rxb2, then   13. Nc4 Rxc2   14. Qd3
would win the exchange.  And the Rook is badly placed after
13. ... Rb5   14. a4 Rc5.   15. Qd3, followed by   16. Be3.
@
Xe8g8
@Black chooses to get the King to safety rather than take the
Pawn at b2.  But now the d6 square is seriously threatened:   12. ... O-O   13. Nc4 Re8
@
Xd2c4
Xf8e8
@The most difficult challenge of chess is to work out a plan
of action in a fairly level position.
@
@Is the Black King position weak enough that
14. Rd3, followed by   15. Qf5 and   16. Rg3
might succeed?  Or should White go after the weak a Pawn with
14. Qc3 and   15. Qa5?
@
Xd1d3
@14. Rd3 ... Here is a good example of keeping options
open.  This move threatens to double the Rooks on the d file.
And   14. Qc3 shows that the Knight is not always pinned:   14. Nxe4!
@
%B
Re6
@Challenge #27:\How does Black defend against   15. Rad1?
@
Se8e6
@Now Black threatens to get free, finally, with   15. ... h6.
@
@Rapid development, open lines, and early castling are often
rewarded in bright combinations.
@
^W
3rkb1r/p2nqppp/5n2/1B2p1B1/4P3/1Q6/PPP2PPP/2KR3R
@Here, White has sacrificed a piece to trap the Black King in the center,
in a state of cramped but apparent solidity.
@
9
Sd1d7
Sd8d7
Sh1d1
Se7e6
Sb5d7
Kf6d6d7
Sb3b8
Kd7b7b8
Sd1d8
@(For the full game, see Classic Game 4.)
White first reduces the defenders:   1. Rxd7! Rxd7   2. Rd1 Qe6
3. Bxd7+ Nxd7   4. Qb8+! Nxb8   5. Rd8++.
This brief instruction ends with an immortal
game of Paul Morphy.
@
&

