Tactics and Positions Tutorial



1.
[{B:64}
{W:002_001}
This tutorial takes you from simple positions to more complex strategic situations in 10 levels.]

2.
[{W:002_002}
At each level, you demonstrate mastery of the concepts by answering a challenge question, where you make the move you think is the correct answer.]

3.
[{W:002_003}
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.]

4.
[{W:002_004}
You can also use Chess Tutor as a 'refresher course' over time, since the positions are interesting as well as instructional.]

5.
[{B:64}
{W:002_007}
What is checkmate? What is stalemate? What is zugzwang?]

6.
[{B:R3k3/8/4K3/32/1rr5}
{W:002_008}
Start with this most basic checkmate.]

7.
[
{S:b1b8}
{D:1500}
{S:a8b8}
{D:1500}
{S:c1c8}
{D:1500}
{S:b8c8}
{W:002_009}
The Rooks can only delay checkmate two more moves with Rb8 and Rc8.]

8.
[{B:R5k1/5ppp/8/b7/b7/8/6K1/1rr5}
{S:b1b8}
{D:1500}
{S:a8b8}
{D:1500}
{S:c1c8}
{D:1500}
{S:b8c8}
{D:1500}
{S:a5d8}
{D:1500}
{S:c8d8}
{D:1500}
{S:a4e8}
{D:1500}
{S:d8e8}
{W:002_010}
The Rooks and Bishops can only delay checkmate four more moves.]

9.
[{F:W}
{B:5k2/8/4K3/32/R7 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #1. What single move can White make to force mate on the following move? (Mate in two.);a1g1;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Look at the position carefully...}
{W:002_011}]

10.
[{D:2298}
{S:a1g1}
{D:1660}
{S:f8e8}
{D:2113}
{S:g1g8}
{W:002_012}
The correct move is 1. Rg1 Ke8 2. Rg8++]

11.
[{B:5K1k/6Pp/48}
{W:002_013}
A Pawn mate.]

12.
[{B:5K1k/5N1p/48}
{W:002_014}
A Knight mate.]

13.
[{B:5K1k/7p/40/2B3R1}
{A:Wc1b2}{A:Wg1g8}
{W:002_015}
Either Bishop or Rook can mate, 1. Bb2++ or 1. Rg8++]

14.
[{B:R3K2k/7p/48 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #2. How does White mate?;e8f7;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};White only has two pieces. Where can one move to achieve mate?}
{W:002_016}]

15.
[{S:e8f7}
{W:002_017}
A mate often depends on forcing the opponent to make a move.]

16.
[{B:4k3/R7/3K4/40}
{D:3808}
{S:a7b7}
{D:1532}
{S:e8f8}
{D:2321}
{S:d6e6}
{D:1416}
{S:f8g8}
{D:5921}
{S:e6f6}
{D:1509}
{S:g8h8}
{D:2507}
{S:f6g6}
{D:1277}
{S:h8g8}
{D:2531}
{S:b7b8}
{W:002_018}
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++]

17.
[{B:8/4k3/R7/3K4/32}
{D:5247}
{S:a6b6}
{D:1509}
{S:e7f7}
{D:2229}
{S:d5e5}
{W:002_019}
The same procedure lets White push the opponent back another rank. 1. Rb6! Kf7 2. Ke5, etc.]

18.
[{B:6k1/R7/40/7K WHITE}
{V:Challenge #3. What is the fastest mate for White?;h1g2;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Think carefully about the position. Where can the king move that would eventually result in mate?}
{W:002_020}]

19.
[{D:1500}
{S:h1g2}
{D:1500}
{S:g8f8}
{D:1500}
{S:g2f3}
{D:1500}
{S:f8e8}
{D:1500}
{S:f3e4}
{D:1500}
{S:e8d8}
{D:1500}
{S:e4d5}
{D:1500}
{S:d8c8}
{D:1500}
{S:d5c6}
{D:1500}
{S:c8b8}
{D:1500}
{S:a7e7}
{D:1500}
{S:b8a8}
{D:1500}
{S:c6b6}
{D:1500}
{S:a8b8}
{D:1500}
{S:e7e8} 
{W:002_021}
The correct sequence is to advance the King on the diagonal, since Black's best defense is to move toward b8.]

20.
[{B:3k4/R7/2K5/40}
{D:7616}
{S:a7h7}
{D:1462}
{S:d8e8}
{D:2066}
{S:h7b7}
{D:1323}
{S:e8d8}
{D:2229}
{S:b7a7}
{W:002_022}
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.]

21.
[{B:24/4N3/8/7p/8/5K1k}
{D:11122}
{S:e5g4}
{D:1253}
{S:h3h2}
{D:1811}
{S:g4f2}
{W:002_023}
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++]

22.
[
{B:24/5N2/8/7p/5K2/7k}
{D:4272}
{S:f5g3}
{D:1834}
{S:h1h2}
{D:2043}
{S:g3f1}
{D:1648}
{S:h2h1}
{W:002_024}
If White could 'wait' it could mate. But after 1. Ng3+ Kh2 2. Nf1+ Kh1, White has no 'waiting' move and Black draws.]

23.
[{B:4k3/4P3/8/4K3/32}
{D:4539}
{S:e5f6}
{D:2519}
{S:e8d7}
{W:002_025}
If it's Black's move, it's stalemate. If White moves, 1. Kf6(d6) Kd7(f7), Black loses.]

24.
[{B:64}
{W:002_026}
What is 'the opposition?' What are 'Pawn advantages?' What is 'the square?']

25.
[{B:4k3/16/4PK2/32}
{W:002_027}
In Pawn endings, move the King in front of the passed pawn.]

26.
[{D:545}
{S:f5e6}
{D:1462}
{S:e8d8}
{D:2751}
{S:e6f7}
{W:002_028}
1. Ke6! Kd8(f8) 2. Kf7(d7) and the Pawn has a paved road to a Queen.]

27.
[{B:4k3/8/4P3/5K2/32}
{D:6315}
{S:f5f6}
{D:1253}
{S:e8f8}
{D:2182}
{S:e6e7}
{D:1532}
{S:f8e8}
{W:002_029}
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.]

28.
[{B:24/2K1p3/4P1k1/24}
{W:002_030}
White must choose between d6 and d5 to attack the enemy Pawn.]

29.
[{D:615}
{S:c5d6}
{D:1207}
{S:g4f4}
{D:1857}
{S:d6d5}
{W:002_031}
1. Kd6! Kf4 2. Kd5 and Black must leave its Pawn.]

30.
[{B:16/3k4/1p3p2/1P3P2/3K4/16}
{D:6900}{S:d3d4}
{D:1500}{S:d6c6}
{D:3100}{S:d4e5}
{W:002_032}
The 'opposition' means being in a position to make the other King 'step aside.' 1. Kd4! Kc6(e6) 2. Ke5(c5), winning a Pawn.]

31.
[{B:8/p7/1p5k/1P6/4K3/24 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #4. How does White win?;e4d5;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Look at the king's placement...}
{W:002_033}]

32.
[{S:e4d5}
{W:002_034}
The right idea is to advance to b7 and win the two Black Pawns.]

33.
[{B:8/p7/1p2k3/1P6/4KP2/24}
{D:4295}{H1:f4}
{D:2902}{C}
{S:f4f5}
{D:2159}
{S:e6f6}
{D:2368}
{S:e4d5}
{W:002_035}
If the White King's path is blocked, an 'outside' passed Pawn (f4) can open it 1. f5+ Kf6 2. Kd5 and White wins.]

34.
[{B:8/p7/1p2k3/1P4p1/4K3/5PP1/16}
{D:2020}{H2:a7}
{D:1741}{H1:f3}
{D:6385}{C}{S:f3f4}
{D:1184}{S:g5f4}
{D:2809}{S:g3f4}
{W:002_036}
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]

35.
[{B:8/p7/1p6/1P6/4KPp1/6Pk/16}
{W:002_037}
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.]

36.
[{B:8/p7/1p6/1Pk5/4KPp1/6P1/16}
{D:1160}{H1:b5}
{D:7383}{C}{S:c5b5}
{D:2461}{S:f4f5}
{D:1021}{S:b5c6}
{W:002_038}
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.]

37.
[{B:8/p7/1p6/1Pk2P2/4K1p1/6P1/16}
{W:002_039}
But if Black had played 2. ... Kc5?, Black can stop the Pawn only if the Pawn advances alone.]

38.
[{D:1500}
{S:f5f6}
{D:1500}
{S:c5d6}
{D:1500}
{S:f6f7}
{D:1500}
{S:d6e7}
{W:002_040}
The White Pawn is lost.]

39.
[{B:8/p7/1p1k1P2/8/4K1p1/6P1/16}
{D:5120}
{S:e4f5}
{D:1637}
{S:d6d7}
{D:2182}
{S:f5g6}
{W:002_041}
The White King now supports the Pawn to the Queening square with 4. Kf5! Kd7 5.Kg6.]

40.
[{B:2PPPP2/p1PPPP2/1pPPPP2/1kPPPP2/4K1p1/6P1/16}
{G:WPc5}
{G:WPc6}
{G:WPc7}
{G:WPc8}
{G:WPd5}
{G:WPd6}
{G:WPd7}
{G:WPd8}
{G:WPe5}
{G:WPe6}
{G:WPe7}
{G:WPe8}
{G:WPf6}
{G:WPf7}
{G:WPf8}
{W:002_042}
The square formed by the diagonal c5-f8 is the area the Black King must get into to stop the Pawn at f5.]

41.
[{B:2PPPP2/p1PPPP2/1pPPPP2/1kPPPP2/4K1p1/6P1/16}
{G:WPc5}
{G:WPc6}
{G:WPc7}
{G:WPc8}
{G:WPd5}
{G:WPd6}
{G:WPd7}
{G:WPd8}
{G:WPe5}
{G:WPe6}
{G:WPe7}
{G:WPe8}
{G:WPf6}
{G:WPf7}
{G:WPf8}
{W:002_043}
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.]

42.
[{B:8/p7/1p6/1k3P2/4K1p1/6P1/16}
{D:1068}
{S:b5c6}
{D:2507}
{S:f5f6}
{D:928}
{S:c6d7}
{D:2136}
{S:e4f5}
{D:1091}
{S:d7e8}
{W:002_044}
If 1. ... Kc6 2. f6 Kd7! 3. Kf5 Ke8, the Black King gains the square f8.]

43.
[{B:16/4k3/p7/1p2KPp1/1P4P1/16}
{D:3761}{H1:b1c2d3}
{D:3459}{C}{S:f4f5}
{D:1718}{S:e6f6}
{D:2229}{S:e4f4}
{D:1277}{S:a5a4}
{D:1718}{S:b3a4}
{D:1509}{S:b4b3}
{W:002_045}
Here White must watch the 'square' formed by the diagonal b1-d3. If 1. f5+ Kf6 2. Kf4? a4! 3. bxa4 b3, then Black can Queen.]

44.
[{B:16/4k3/p7/1p2KPp1/1P4P1/16}
{D:1938}{S:a5a4}
{D:1451}{S:b3a4}
{D:1462}{S:b4b3}
{D:1729}{S:e4d3}
{W:002_046}
If it's Black's move 1. ... a4 2. bxa4 b3 3. Kd3 and White wins the Pawn.]

45.
[{B:24/p4k2/1p3Pp1/1P4P1/K7/8}
{W:002_047}
Can you identify the following? 1. Two isolated Pawns. 2. A protected passed Pawn. 3. A backward Pawn.]

46.
[{D:1811}{H1:b3}
{D:928}{H1:g4}
{W:002_048}
The 'isolated' Pawns are b3 and g4.]

47.
[{C}{D:2397}{N1:f4}
{W:002_049}
The 'protected passed Pawn' is f4.]

48.
[{C}{D:1985}{N1:a5}
{W:002_050}
The 'backward Pawn' is a5.]

49.
[{C}{B:64}
{W:002_051}
When both sides promote to Queen. Special King Positions. How the Rook attacks and defends.]

50.
[{B:24/p4k2/1p3Pp1/1P4P1/K7/8}
{D:5015}{S:f5e4}
{D:2136}{S:a2b2}
{D:1207}{S:e4f3}
{D:2368}{S:f4f5}
{D:905}{S:f3g3}
{D:2832}{S:f5f6}
{D:928}{S:g3h2}
{D:2554}{S:f6f7}
{D:719}{S:g4g3}
{D:2298}{S:f7f8}{P:WQf8}
{D:1323}{S:g3g2}
{W:002_052}
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?]

51.
[{B:5Q2/16/p7/1p6/1P6/1K4pk/8}
{D:696}{S:f8f2}
{D:1230}{S:h2h1}
{D:2530}{S:f2h4}
{D:1788}{S:h1g1}
{D:2507}{S:b2c2}
{W:002_053}
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.]

52.
[{B:4Q3/40/K4pk1/8}
{D:8266}{S:e8e2}
{D:1323}{S:g2h1}
{D:2484}{S:e2f2}
{W:002_054}
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.]

53.
[{B:48/K3Qp2/7k}
{D:4266}{S:a2b2}
{D:1161}{S:h1g1}
{D:6246}{S:e2g4}
{D:1741}{S:g1h1}
{D:2461}{S:g4h3}
{D:1811}{S:h1g1}
{D:2693}{S:h3g3}
{D:2136}{S:g1h1}
{W:002_055}
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.]

54.
[{B:8/7p/8/2K5/8/5k2/P7/8}
{D:8846}{S:h7h5}
{D:1764}{S:a2a4}
{D:812}{S:h5h4}
{D:2020}{S:a4a5}
{D:812}{S:h4h3}
{D:1927}{S:a5a6}
{D:743}{S:h3h2}
{D:1927}{S:a6a7}
{D:719}{S:h2h1}{P:BQh1}
{D:2670}{S:a7a8}{P:WQa8}
{D:}{S:f3f4}
{D:2983}{S:a8h1}
{W:002_056}
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.]

55.
[{B:K7/7p/24/5k2/1P6/8}
{D:6733}{S:b2b4}
{D:650}{S:h7h5}
{D:1811}{S:b4b5}
{D:789}{S:h5h4}
{D:1695}{S:b5b6}
{D:696}{S:h4h3}
{D:1718}{S:b6b7}
{D:719}{S:h3h2}
{D:1695}{S:b7b8}{P:WQb8}
{D:1370}{S:h2h1}{P:BQh1}
{D:2368}{S:b8b7}
{D:}{S:f3f4}
{D:2216}{S:b7h1}
{W:002_057}
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.]

56.
[{B:8/7p/8/4K1k1/16/1P6/8}
{D:5131}{S:b2b4}
{D:743}{S:h7h5}
{D:1857}{S:b4b5}
{D:812}{S:h5h4}
{D:1880}{S:b5b6}
{D:766}{S:h4h3}
{D:1787}{S:b6b7}
{D:766}{S:h3h2}
{D:1857}{S:b7b8}{P:WQb8}
{D:1439}{S:h2h1}{P:BQh1}
{D:2461}{S:b8g8}
{D:1857}{S:g5h4}
{D:2252}{S:g8h8}
{D:}{S:h4g4}
{D:3586}{S:h8h1}
{W:002_058}
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 7. Qh7(8)+ and 8. Qxh1.]

57.
[{B:24/5K2/16/Q1p5/3k4}
{D:9682}{S:f5e4}
{D:1439}{S:c2c1}{P:BQc1}
{D:2972}{S:e4d3}
{D:1346}{S:c1f4}
{D:2531}{S:a2c2}
{D:1927}{S:d1e1}
{D:2368}{S:c2e2}
{W:002_059}
In a few cases, the Black Pawn cannot be captured before queening, yet is thereafter defenseless to protect against mate 1. Ke4! c1(Q) 2. Kd3 Qf4 3. Qc2+ Ke1 4. Qe2++]

58.
[{F:B}{B:K7/2P5/8/2k5/16/2p5/8 BLACK}
{V:Challenge #5. How does Black draw?;c5b4;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Where can the king move to produce the desired result?}
{W:002_060}]

59.
[{D:789}{S:c5b4}
{D:12771}{S:c7c8}{P:WQc8}
{D:1532}{S:b4b3}
{W:002_061}
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.']

60.
[{F:W}{B:5rk1/1P6/24/6p1/8/1KR5}
{D:4969}{S:c1c8}
{D:928}{S:g3g2}
{D:2461}{S:c8f8}
{D:2089}{S:g8g7}
{D:2577}{S:f8g8}
{D:6176}{S:g7g8}
{D:2345}{S:b7b8}{P:WQb8}
{D:}{S:g8g7}
{D:2240}{S:b8g3}
{W:002_062}
How the Rook helps a Pawn to queen 1. Rc8 g2 2. Rxf8+ Kg7 3. Rg8+! Simplest, to end all opposition 3. ... Kxg8 4. b8(Q)+ and 5. Qg3+.]

61.
[{F:B}{B:8/7k/1P6/8/6r1/8/K2R4/8}
{D:6942}{S:g4b4}
{W:002_063}
For the defense, note how Black must get behind (not in front of) the Pawn 1. ... Rb4! (NOT 1. ... Rg7 2. Rc2! 3. Rc7.)]

62.
[{F:W}{B:8/6k1/4r3/1P6/8/K7/3R4/8}
{D:7987}{S:d2f2}
{D:1648}{S:e6e4}
{D:4620}{S:b5b6}
{D:859}{S:e4e6}
{D:2368}{S:f2b2}
{D:2800}{S:b2f2}{S:b6b7}
{D:1150}{S:e6a6}
{D:2700}{S:a3b3}{S:a6b6}
{W:002_064}
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.]

63.
[{B:1R6/1P3k2/32/1r6/4K3}
{D:9264}{S:b8h8}
{D:1532}{S:b2b7}
{D:2763}{S:h8h7}
{D:1000}{S:f7g6}
{D:2518}{S:h7b7}
{W:002_065}
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]

64.
[{B:1R6/1P1k2p1/8/6p1/6P1/1r5P/8/K7}
{D:4806}{S:b8g8}
{D:1346}{S:b3b7}
{D:2298}{S:g8g7}
{D:1000}{S:d7c8}
{D:2495}{S:g7g5}
{W:002_066}
Or the Rook can give up the Pawn to win additional material 1. Rg8! Rxb7 2. Rxg7+ and 3. Rxg5]

65.
[{B:5K2/2k2P2/32/4r3/5R2}
{D:4841}{S:f8g7}
{D:1404}{S:e2g2}
{D:2890}{S:g7f6}
{W:002_067}
If the King can avoid checks, the Pawn will queen 1. Kg7 Rg2+ 2. Kf6]

66.
[{B:3k1K2/5P2/32/6r1/4R3}
{D:8498}{S:e1e4}
{D:1184}{S:d8d7}
{D:2252}{S:e4d4}
{D:1904}{S:d7c6}
{D:2577}{S:f8e7}
{D:1439}{S:g2e2}
{D:2856}{S:e7f6}
{D:1393}{S:e2f2}
{D:3041}{S:f6g6}
{D:1044}{S:f2g2}
{D:2925}{S:g6f5}
{D:1137}{S:g2f2}
{D:2740}{S:d4f4}
{W:002_068}
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.]

67.
[{B:K7/P4k2/32/1r6/4R3 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #6. How does White win?;e1c1;Correct{W:cor}!;That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Study the position. Which white piece could end the game?}
{W:002_069}]

68.
[{D:3808}{S:e1c1}
{D:1207}{S:f7e7}
{D:4783}{S:c1c8}
{D:1207}{S:e7d7}
{D:2832}{S:c8b8}
{W:002_070}
The Rook must get to b8. 1. Rc1 (or h1) Ke7 2. Rc8 Kd7 3. Rb8 After a number of checks, the King will escape to c5 (NOT 2. Rc7+? Kd6 3. Rb7 Rh2! and 4. Kb8? Rh8++)]

69.
[{B:4r1k1/2P5/16/7B/16/1K6}
{D:150}{S:h4d8}
{W:002_071}
l. Bd8 wins, as the Bishop cuts off the Rook from the queening square.]

70.
[{B:6rk/2P5/3N4/32/1K6}
{D:510}{S:d6f7}
{D:1671}{S:h8g7}
{D:1927}{S:f7d8}
{W:002_072}
1. Nf7+ Kg7 2. Nd8 wins. Whereas, 1. c8(Q) wins the Rook, but only draws.]

71.
[{F:B}{B:8/2P4k/16/K7/4n3/16}
{D:6548}{S:e3d5}
{D:2461}{S:c7c8}{X:c8}{P:WQc8}
{D:2600}{S:d5b6}
{D:1000}{S:a4b5}
{D:3122}{S:b6c8}
{W:002_073}
The Knight is a surprisingly good defender against a Pawn about to queen 1. ... Nd5! 2. c8(Q) Nb6+ and 3. ... Nxc8]

72.
[{F:W}{B:7k/3P1n2/4N3/3K4/32}
{D:6176}{S:d5c5}
{D:1253}{S:h8g8}
{D:2136}{S:c5b6}
{D:1439}{S:g8h8}
{D:2461}{S:b6c7}
{D:1253}{S:h8g8}
{D:2136}{S:e6d8}
{D:1300}{S:f7e5}
{D:500}{S:d8c6}
{D:2100}{S:e5d7}
{W:002_074}
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]

73.
[{F:B}{B:8/4PK1k/24/2n5/16}
{W:002_075}
The Knight alone can prevent King and Pawn from queening safely]

74.
[{D:510}{S:c3b5}
{D:2414}{S:b5e4}
{D:2089}{S:f7e6}
{D:2507}{S:e6e5}
{D:3157}{S:e4b5}{S:e5e6}
{D:5247}{S:b5c7}
{D:2832}{S:e6d6}
{D:8916}{S:c7e8}
{D:2368}{S:d6d7}
{D:1346}{S:e8f6}
{W:002_076}
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.]

75.
[{W:002_077}
This strategy will not work with an enemy Rook Pawn, because the Knight cannot move on both sides of the Pawn.]

76.
[{B:2b5/2P1K1k1/24/1B6/16}
{F:W}
{D:5433}{S:b3e6}
{D:1207}{S:c8a6}
{D:2089}{S:e7d8}
{D:1300}{S:g7f8}
{D:1950}{S:e6c8}
{D:1207}{S:a6e2}
{D:2043}{S:c8b7}
{D:1486}{S:e2g4}
{D:2600}{S:b7c6}
{W:002_078}
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.]

77.
[{B:2n5/4k3/1P6/16/2b1K3/2b1P3/8}
{D:4133}{S:b6b7}
{D:789}{S:c3d4}
{D:2693}{S:f3d2}
{W:002_079}
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.]

78.
[{F:B}{B:6k1/6b1/P4p2/4p3/24/6K1 BLACK}
{V:Challenge #7. Can Black, on the move, stop the Pawn? Show how.;g7f8;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca}}
{W:002_080}]

79.
[{S:g7f8}
{D:4713}{S:a6a7}
{D:998}{S:f8c5}
{W:002_081}
The Bishop can stop the Pawn, with 1. ... Bf8 2. a7 Bc5+. But not 1. ... Bh6 2. Kf2!]

80.
[{F:W}{B:3n4/16/p7/P7/8/5KBk/8}
{D:4887}{S:g2d5}
{W:002_082}
The Bishop is a dominating force against an inactive Knight 1. Bd5! The Knight is trapped and will be won by the King.]

81.
[{B:2k5/16/p7/P6n/7n/2BB4/3K4}
{D:4179}{S:d2e1}
{D:1184}{S:h4f3}
{D:2205}{S:c2f5}
{W:002_083}
The two Bishops are deadly on an open board 1. Be1 Nf3 2. Bf5+, winning a piece. ]

82.
[{B:8/4b3/2k2p1p/2p2Pp1/2K1N1P1/8/2P5/8}
{D:9800}{S:c2c3}
{W:002_084}
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.]

83.
[{B:8/4b3/2k2p1p/2p2Pp1/2K1N1P1/2P5/8/8}
{F:B}
{D:13026}{S:c6b6}
{D:2159}{S:c4d5}
{D:1277}{S:b6b5}
{D:2066}{S:d5e6}
{W:002_085}
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.]

84.
[{B:8/6Pk/2P2n2/8/K5pp/8/4B3/8 WHITE}
{F:W}
{V:Challenge #8. How does White win?;c6c7;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Look at the pawn structure...}
{W:002_086}]

85.
[{D:1346}{S:c6c7}
{D:789}{S:f6d5}
{D:2554}
{D:1764}
{D:2879}{S:g7g8}{P:WQg8}
{D:2322}{S:h7g8}
{D:2368}{S:e2c4}
{W:002_088}
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.]

86.
[{B:64}
{F:W}
{W:002_089}
Major piece mates, Minor piece mates, With pins and double-checks.]

87.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppppp2p/8/5ppQ/24/4K3}
{W:002_090}
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!]

88.
[{B:3qk3/5Q2/16/2B5/16/4K3}
{W:002_091}
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.]

89.
[{B:5rk1/7Q/24/3B4/8/4K3}
{W:002_092}
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.]

90.
[{F:W}{B:5rk1/3n3Q/8/6N1/24/4K3}
{W:002_093}
A White Knight at g5 also supports the same checkmate.]

91.
[{D:5851}{S:h7h5}
{D:2089}{A:Wh5h7}{N1:h7}
{D:3343}{C}{R}{S:d7f6}
{D:4133}{S:f6d7}{S:f8f6}{N1:f8}
{D:6083}{C}{S:f6f8}{S:f8d8}
{D:3297}{S:h5f7}
{D:500}{S:g8h8}
{D:2286}{S:f7h7}
{W:002_094}
Note that Black has two common defenses to this type of mate, if the Queen is 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++]

92.
[{F:W}{B:5r1k/6p1/4Q1P1/32/4K3}
{D:7476}{S:e6h3}
{D:2716}{S:h8g8}
{D:1625}{S:h3h7}
{W:002_095}
Advancing the g Pawn creates many threats against the castled King, especially if it reaches g6, 1. Qh3+ Kg8 2. Qh7++]

93.
[{F:B}{B:3r1rk1/3n1pp1/24/3B3Q/8/6K1 BLACK}
{V:Challenge #9. There are five ways to prevent the threatened checkmate at h7. You are Black. What move also attacks a White piece?;d7f6;Correct{W:cor}!;That is incorrect;Look for the daring move.}
{W:002_096}]

94.
[{S:d7f6}
{W:002_097}
The correct move is 1. ... Nf6, which attacks the Bishop at d3.]

95.
[{F:W}{B:3q2k1/6Q1/3b4/24/1B6/4K3}
{W:002_098}
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.]

96.
[{B:6rk/8/7Q/32/4K3}
{W:002_099}
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.]

97.
[{B:Q1k5/2pb4/40/4K3}
{W:002_100}
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.]

98.
[{B:6kR/5pp1/40/4K2R}
{W:002_101}
Doubled Rooks are more than twice as powerful as two Rooks operating independently.]

99.
[{B:5rk1/6RR/40/4K3}
{W:002_102}
On rank 7, their natural home because that's where the enemy Pawns are, Rooks that are doubled often threaten this mate.]

100.
[{B:7k/40/7R/4K1R1}
{W:002_103}
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.]

101.
[{B:4k3/5R1R/16/r7/r7/p7/K7 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #10. Can you find a winning move for White?;f7b7;Correct{W:cor}!;That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Remember, doubled rooks are powerful...}
{W:002_104}]

102.
[{S:f7b7}
{D:1500}{S:a4a8}
{D:1500}{S:h7h8}
{W:002_105}
Full points for 1. Rb7, which mates next move 1. ... Ra8 2. Rh8++]

103.
[{B:4k3/5R1R/16/r7/r7/p7/K7}
{D:696}{A:Wf7c7}{A:Wf7g7}{N1:c7f7}
{D:5270}{A:Be8d8}{A:Be8f8}{N1:d8f8}
{W:002_106}
Moves like 1. Rc7 or 1. Rfg7 are answered by 1. ... Kd8 or Kf8.]

104.
[{B:5rk1/7p/8/5N2/16/1B6/4K3}
{D:6942}{S:f5h6}
{W:002_107}
Control of the 'long diagonal' by a Bishop leads to many types of mates. This one is elegant 1. Nh6++ (NOT 1. Ne7+ Kf7)]

105.
[{B:6rk/5Npp/40/4K3}
{W:002_108}
A famous Knight mate, the 'smothered.']

106.
[{B:3qkb2/3pp3/16/4N3/8/4Q3/4K3}
{D:3366}{A:We2h5}{N1:h5}
{D:5201}{R}{C}{S:e4d6}
{W:002_109}
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.]

107.
[{B:2kr4/3b4/B7/8/5B2/16/4K3}
{W:002_110}
Another example of a splashy mate on a Queenside castled King. Bishops multiply in value with the extra space of the a-file.]

108.
[{B:7k/7p/16/2B5/8/1B6/4K3}
{W:002_111}
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.]

109.
[{B:3qkb2/8/3p4/4N3/2B5/2N5/8/4K3 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #11. Bishops and Knights sometimes perform heroically together. What would you do as White?;c4f7;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Watch the bishops...}
{W:002_112}]

110.
[{D:14394}{S:c4f7}
{D:2832}{S:e8e7}
{D:1625}{S:c3d5}
{W:002_113}
In schematic form, this is the famous 'Legal's Mate.' It emphasizes the vulnerability of f7 (or f2 for White). With a White Knight at c3, it's a spectacular mate 1. Bf7+ Ke7 2. Nd5++]

111.
[{B:7k/7R/5N2/32/4K3}
{W:002_114}
Rook and minor pieces collaborate frequently in mates. The Knight's 'magic square' is f6 (or f3, c6, c3).]

112.
[{B:6kR/5p2/32/1B6/4K3}
{W:002_115}
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.]

113.
[{B:2bkn3/2p5/32/3B4/3RK3}
{D:11563}{S:d2g5}
{W:002_116}
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++]

114.
[{B:6bk/4p1Np/32/1B6/4K3}
{D:10402}{S:g7e6}
{W:002_117}
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++]

115.
[{B:6nb/R4P1k/7q/32/4K3}
{W:002_118}
How does White use a discovered check to win (or mate)?]

116.
[{D:2182}
{S:f7f8}{P:WNf8}
{W:002_119}
The correct promotion is 1. f8(N)++ A double check!]

117.
[{B:8/4kPQ1/4q3/32/6K1}{F:W}
{D:4458}{S:f7f8}{P:WQf8}
{W:002_120}
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.']

118.
[{B:5rk1/5p2/6p1/8/2B5/8/2Q5/6K1}{F:W}
{D:4411}{S:c2g6}
{W:002_121}
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).]

119.
[{B:7k/5Q1n/6P1/8/7q/16/6K1}
{D:5294}{S:g6g7}
{W:002_122}
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.]

120.
[{B:24/6k1/4Q3/3B4/5B2/1K6}
{D:13606}{S:e4h4}
{W:002_123}
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++]

121.
[{B:24/6k1/4Q3/3B4/5B2/1K6}
{D:1160}{S:e4f5}{N1:h6}
{D:4899}{S:f5g6}{N1:f4}
{W:002_124}
The Queen check at f5 leaves h6 unguarded. The Queen check at g6 leaves f4 unguarded.]

122.
[{B:24/4k3/1Q6/4N3/4N3/1K6 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #13. What's the fastest way to checkmate?;b4e7;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Watch the queen...}
{W:002_125}]

123.
[{D:6130}{S:b4e7}
{W:002_126}
The Black King seems to have many escapes, but a single move mates him in the open board 1. Qe7++]

124.
[{B:64}
{W:002_127}
Forks and skewers, Double attacks, Pseudo combinations.]

125.
[{B:24/3r1k2/8/5K2/4P3/8}
{W:002_128}
The basic combinations all involve a double attack as the payoff. They often start with a double threat.]

126.
[{D:3343}{S:e2e4}
{W:002_129}
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.]

127.
[{B:24/1q3k2/16/4N2R/6K1}
{D:12492}{S:e2d4}
{W:002_130}
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+]

128.
[{B:24/1q3k2/16/4N2R/6K1}
{D:638}{S:h2h5}
{W:002_131}
or 1. Rh5+ winning the Queen.]

129.
[{B:6k1/1rn5/8/2K5/32}
{D:5247}{S:c5c6}
{D:2113}{S:b7a7}
{D:1764}{S:c6b6}
{W:002_132}
The King is a fighting piece in the ending because it double-attacks well 1.Kc6 Ra7 2.Kb6.]

130.
[{B:7K/8/k1P5/7p/32}
{W:002_133}
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.]

131.
[{S:h8g7}
{D:1625}{S:h5h4}
{D:1207}{S:g7f6}
{D:5294}{S:h4h3}
{D:696}{S:f6e6}
{W:002_134}
1. Kg7 h4 2. Kf6... First threat: If the Pawn moves again, then 3. Ke6(7) forces the White Pawn to Queen.]

132.
[{B:16/k1P2K2/8/7p/24}
{S:a6b6}
{D:1904}{S:f6e5}
{D:4300}{A:Be5d6}
{R}{D:2065}{S:b6c6}
{D:3761}{S:e5f4}
{W:002_135}
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.]

133.
[{B:6k1/3p2p1/4pn2/8/2B1P3/2N5/8/6K1}
{W:002_136}
Pawn forks are common in the opening as a way of exchanging center Pawns or reducing pressure.]

134.
[{S:f6e4}
{D:3854}{S:c3e4}
{D:2322}{S:d7d5}
{W:002_137}
Black's move, 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.]

135.
[{B:6k1/16/q2N4/B2P4/8/1PP5/3QK3}
{W:002_138}
The Black Queen has just checked at a5, apparently forking both the Bishop at a4 and the Knight at d5.]

136.
[{D:2205}{S:c2c3}
{W:002_139}
These are 'pseudo' forks, since 1. c3 is a 'double defense' against the check and loss of the Bishop and...]

137.
[{B:6k1/16/q2N4/B2P4/8/1PP5/3QK3}
{S:d5c3}
{W:002_140}
...1. Nc3! is a triple defense Blocking the check, removing the Knight from capture and guarding the Bishop.]

138.
[{B:6k1/16/2r5/2pK4/4r3/16}
{D:7662}{A:Bc5e5}{A:Be3e5}{N1:e5}
{W:002_141}
Another pseudo fork, 1. Kd4 apparently forks the Rooks, but the defense is easy 1. ... R (either) e5.]

139.
[{F:B}{B:6k1/8/6n1/8/4B3/5r2/7K/8}
{D:4760}{S:g6e5}
{W:002_142}
The White Bishop has apparently forked Knight and Rook. Black could play 1. ... Ne5, defending the Rook,...]

140.
[{B:6k1/8/6n1/8/4B3/5r2/7K/8}
{D:5549}{S:f3f6}
{W:002_143}
...but even better, so as not to lose the exchange (Rook for minor piece), is 1. ... Rf6.]

141.
[{B:6k1/24/2r1n1P1/3P3K/16}
{D:4969}{S:e4g5}
{D:3297}{S:h3h4}
{D:2089}{S:g5f3}
{D:2322}{S:h4g3}
{W:002_144}
Some forks are very fragile indeed. First, Black might try 1. ... Ng5+ 2. Kh4! Nf3+ 3. Kg3 and the fork holds. ]

142.
[{B:6k1/24/2r1n1P1/3P3K/16}
{D:383}{S:e4f2}
{W:002_145}
But 1. ... Nf2+ in turn forks the King and Pawn,...]

143.
[{B:6k1/24/2r1n1P1/3P3K/16}
{S:c4c3}
{W:002_146}
...or 1. ... Rc3 pins and wins the poor Pawn.]

144.
[{B:8/k1q3r1/1p2N3/p7/8/Q7/6P1/6K1 BLACK}
{V:Challenge #14. Black's Queen and Rook are forked. How does Black defend?;c7g3;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};What piece could be moved that would effectively prevent a capture?}
{W:002_147}]

145.
[{D:1137}{S:c7g3}
{D:4760}{S:a3g3}
{D:1811}{S:g7g3}
{W:002_148}
The right idea is 1. ... Qg3!, which is both attack and defense, if 2. Qxg3 Rxg3 removes everything from attack.]

146.
[{B:8/k1q3r1/1p2N3/p7/8/Q7/6P1/6K1}
{D:487}{S:g7g3}
{D:4156}{S:e6c7}
{D:1579}{S:g3a3}
{D:1834}{S:c7b5}
{W:002_149}
But not 1. ... Rg3 because of another White fork 2. Nxc7 Rxa3 3. Nb5+.]

147.
[{B:6K1/8/k1b1n2R/8/PP3P2/24}
{W:002_150}
All good moves contain more than one element: immediate threats, immediate defenses, or threats of either.]

148.
[
{S:b4b5}
{D:11517}{S:a6b7}
{D:2089}{S:h6e6}
{D:2275}{S:c6d5}
{W:002_151}
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. Now White is pinned!]

149.
[{F:W}{B:6K1/8/k1b1n2R/8/PP3P2/24}
{W:002_152}
Note that 1. ... Bd5 at once loses to a further attack on the Knight, 2. f5.]

150.
[{B:5k2/N3n3/6RP/3K4/8/5r2/16}
{W:002_153}
Sharp tactics require experience, or a computer-like search of all 3-4 move variations!]

151.
[{D:4365}{S:d5e4}
{D:2043}{S:f3a3}
{D:4551}{S:g6f6}
{D:2786}{S:f8g8}
{D:5665}{S:h6h7}
{D:2229}{S:g8h8}
{D:4365}{S:f6f8}
{D:2000}{S:h8h7}
{D:1811}{S:f8f7}
{W:002_154}
Here White is forked, but holds on with short threats 1. Ke4 Ra3 (1...Nxg6 draws) 2. Rf6+ Kg8 (NOT 2. Nb5 Ra4+) 3. h7+ Kh8 4. Rf8+ forces him to take at h7 and lose the Knight to the fork 5. Rf7+.]

152.
[{B:rn2k1nr/pp1qbppp/8/1p1Np3/3P4/5P2/PPP2P1P/R1BQKB1R}
{D:2136}{S:f1b5}
{D:9288}{S:d7b5}
{D:2507}{S:d5c7}
{W:002_155}
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, King and Rook are all somewhere in the Knight's wheel.]

153.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pP3/4P3/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}
{D:6130}{S:d8h4}
{D:2670}{S:e1e2}
{D:1927}{S:h4e4}
{W:002_156}
After two moves in the opening (King's Gambit), White is the victim of a typical fork 3. ... Qh4+ 4. Ke2 Qxe4+, or,]

154.
[{B:rnb1kbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pP3/4P2q/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}
{D:278}{S:g2g3}
{D:1277}{S:h4e4}
{W:002_157}
if 4. g3 Qxe4+, Black wins the Rook.]

155.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp3pp/8/3pN3/3Pp3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKB1R WHITE}
{V:Challenge #15. A common opening situation, How should White play?;d1h5;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Think about the pieces on the queenside...}
{W:002_158}]

156.
[{S:d1h5}
{D:4458}{S:g7g6}
{D:3297}{S:e5g6}
{D:5015}{S:h7g6}
{D:2461}{S:h5h8}
{W:002_159}
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.]

157.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp4p/6N1/3p3Q/3Pp3/8/PPP2PPP/RNB1KB1R WHITE}
{D:893}{S:g8f6}
{D:7455}{S:h5e5}
{W:002_160}
If 2. ... Nf6, the Queen can either retreat to h4, keeping the pin, or gain a move with 3. Qe5+, after which White wins the Rook.]

158.
[{B:64}
{W:002_161}
Pinned pieces, Overworked pieces, Restricted mobility.]

159.
[{B:3qk2r/4bppp/32/4QPPP/2B1R1K1}
{D:6873}{S:c1g5}
{D:2902}{S:f7f6}
{W:002_162}
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 to win the pinned piece.]

160.
[{B:1n2kb1r/3b1ppp/16/B7/8/5PPP/3R1RK1}
{D:4411}{S:d1d3}
{D:2589}{A:Wf1d1}
{D:2000}{R}
{D:1800}{S:e8e7}
{D:1857}{B:1n2kb1r/3b1ppp/16/B7/8/5PPP/3R1RK1}
{S:f1e1}
{D:2740}{S:e8d8}
{D:4040}{B:1n2kb1r/3b1ppp/16/B7/8/5PPP/3R1RK1}
{S:d1d7}
{D:1718}{S:b8d7}
{D:1718}{S:f1d1}
{W:002_163}
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 lets Black get unpinned. But 1. Rxd7! Nxd7 2. Rd1 gets the piece.]

161.
[{B:3qk2r/3p1ppp/16/4n3/8/5PPP/3Q1RK1}
{D:8916}{S:d1e2}
{D:2275}{S:d8e7}
{D:3668}{S:f1e1}
{D:1625}{S:d7d5}
{D:1068}{S:f2f3}
{W:002_164}
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.]

162.
[{B:4k2r/3pqppp/8/4N3/5n2/8/5PPP/3QK2R}
{D:3622}{S:e1g1}{S:h1f1}
{D:2229}{S:e7e5}
{D:1950}{S:f1e1}
{W:002_165}
Sometimes the pinning piece gets pinned! 1. O-O Qxe5 2. Re1]

163.
[{B:r3k2r/pppqbppp/1n6/16/5Q2/PPP2PPP/RNB1R1K1 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #16. How does White take advantage of the pinned Bishop at e7?;c1g5;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Look at the position carefully...}
{W:002_166}]

164.
[{D:4133}{S:c1g5}
{D:1718}{S:f7f6}
{D:1253}{S:g5f4}
{W:002_167}
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.]

165.
[{B:r3k2r/pppqbppp/1n6/16/5Q2/PPP2PPP/RNB1R1K1}
{D:3343}{S:f3e2}
{D:3204}{S:e8g8}{S:h8f8}
{D:2229}{S:e2e7}
{D:2182}{S:a8e8}
{D:5758}{S:e7d7}
{D:2136}{S:e8e1}
{W:002_168}
The idea of keeping the Black King in the center with 1. Qe2 backfires after 1. ... O-O! 2. Qxe7 Rae8. Now the Queen is pinned by the mate that would occur after 3. Qxd7 Rxe1++.]

166.
[{B:r1b1k2r/ppq2ppp/2p5/4P3/8/2N5/PP3PPP/2RQ1RK1}
{W:002_169}
Ideally, the Rooks are developed on the central files where they pose threats to the opposing Queen and King.]

167.
[{D:2232}{S:c3b5}
{D:5105}{S:c7e5}
{D:2666}{S:f1e1}
{W:002_170}
White's lead in development allows 1. Nb5!, since the c6 Pawn is pinned. 1. ... Qxe5 is out, because of the common pin 2. Re1. White's Knight will check at d6, keeping the King from castling.]

168.
[{B:5rk1/1b2qppp/8/1Ppp4/Q2P4/2N5/5PPP/5RK1}
{D:3343}{S:a4a3}
{D:1718}{S:f8a8}
{D:1346}{S:c3a4}
{D:1579}{S:h7h6}
{D:1393}{S:a3c5}
{D:5201}{S:e7c5}
{D:2275}{S:a4c5}
{W:002_171}
White pins and wins the c5 Pawn with 1. Qa3 Ra8 2. Na4 h6. 3. Qxc5 both attacks and defends. On 3. ... Qxc5 4. Nxc5 (NOT dxc5).]

169.
[{B:5rk1/5p2/6p1/7n/16/1B4P1/2K4R}
{D:3227}{S:g2g4}
{D:3692}{S:h5f4}
{D:2066}{S:h1h8}
{W:002_172}
A schematic of a typical Kingside pin 1. g4 appears to win the Knight, because of 1. ... Nf4 2. Rh8++.]

170.
[{B:5rk1/5p2/6p1/7n/16/1B4P1/2K4R}
{S:g3g4}
{D:1439}{S:h5g7}
{D:3065}{S:b2f6}
{W:002_173}
But the Knight can defend with 1. ... Ng7. After 2. Bf6, the Knight is pinned along the diagonal and the Kingside is immobilized.]

171.
[{B:8/P7/8/5p2/4b2k/K1R4p/16}
{D:3000}{S:c3c8}
{D:3100}{S:h3h2}
{W:002_174}
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.]

172.
[{B:8/P7/8/5p2/4b2k/K1R4p/16}
{S:c3c4}
{D:2043}{S:h3h2}
{D:1114}{S:c4e4}
{D:2740}{S:f5e4}
{D:1834}{S:a7a8}{P:WQa8}
{D:2670}{S:h2h1}{P:BQh1}
{D:2159}{S:a8h8}
{W:002_175}
1. Rc4 h2 2. Rxe4+ fxe4 3. a8(Q) h1(Q) 4. Qh8+ wins.]

173.
[{B:4kn2/3p1p2/3P4/5P2/2P5/2n5/7K/7R}
{D:5620}{S:h1c1}
{W:002_176}
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, due to the direct pin on the e file and the threat of mate if the Knight moves off the a file.]

174.
[{F:B}{B:r4rk1/ppp1bppp/5n2/3P2B1/4p3/2N5/PPP2PPP/R4RK1 BLACK}
{V:Challenge #17. Does White win the e4 Pawn by pinning the defending Knight with 1. Bg5? How would you respond for Black?;f6d5;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Evaluate the position on the f-file}
{W:002_177}]

175.
[{D:3691}{S:f6d5}
{W:002_178}
The pin is illusory 1. Bg5 Nxd5, attacking and defending at the same time.]

176.
[{B:r4rk1/ppp1bppp/8/3n2B1/4p3/2N5/PPP2PPP/R4RK1}
{S:c3d5}
{D:1973}{S:e7g5}
{D:1973}{S:d5c7}
{D:2298}{S:a8c8}
{W:002_179}
2. Nxd5 Bxg5 3. Nxc7 Rac8, where the Rook skewers the Knight and c2 Pawn.]

177.
[{B:r4rk1/ppp1bppp/8/3n2B1/4p3/2N5/PPP2PPP/R4RK1}
{D:975}{S:g5e7}
{D:2205}{S:d5e7}
{D:1787}{S:c3e4}
{W:002_180}
Best is 2. Bxe7 Nxe7 3. Nxe4, with an even game.]

178.
[{B:6k1/8/1n6/3p4/2r5/2NK4/16}
{D:7383}{S:c3d5}
{W:002_181}
Obviously, a pinned piece is immobilized. Indirectly, an overworked piece is also hobbled, 1. Nxd5! The Knight at b6 cannot defend both c4 and d5 in this schematic.]

179.
[{B:3r2k1/2q2ppp/2n5/3Q4/16/3R1PPP/6K1}
{D:5247}{S:d5c6}
{D:7012}{S:c7c6}
{D:2275}{S:d2d8}
{W:002_182}
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++.]

180.
[{B:3r2k1/2q2ppp/2n5/3Q4/16/3R1PPP/6K1}
{S:d5c6}
{D:3065}{S:d8d2}
{D:3041}{S:c6e8}
{W:002_183}
Note that White must avoid the Black Queen after 1. ... Rxd2 and mate with 2. Qe8++ or be mated!]

181.
[{B:5bk1/2q2ppp/2pN1n2/6N1/7Q/8/5PPP/6K1}
{D:5990}{S:d6e8}
{D:2414}{S:f6e8}
{D:2089}{S:h4h7}
{W:002_184}
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.]

182.
[{B:2r3k1/b2q1ppp/6b1/16/1Q2P3/5PPP/2R2BK1}
{D:8266}{S:b3a4}
{W:002_185}
A weak back rank must be defended along its length. Hence, the number of combinations based on pieces overworked in its defense 1. Qa4!]

183.
[{B:2r3k1/b2q1ppp/6b1/8/Q7/4P3/5PPP/2R2BK1}
{D:9380}{S:g6f5}
{D:2507}{S:c1c8}
{D:2600}{S:d7c8}
{D:928}{S:a4a7}
{W:002_186}
White chooses this square carefully, since White now threatens 2. Qxa7 (in response, for example, to 1. ... Qb7). 1. ... Bf5 allows 2. Rxc8+, followed by 3. Qxa7.]

184.
[{F:W}{B:6k1/3q1ppp/8/Q3pb2/8/4P3/3rNPPP/5RK1 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #18. Black has an overworked piece. Show how White can take advantage of it.;e2d4;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Which piece can you take or attack?}{W:002_187}]

185.
[{D:510}{S:e2d4}
{W:002_188}
After 1. Nd4, the Black Queen must guard both the Bishop at f5 and the mate at d8. The Rook must move to avoid 2. Qxd2.]

186.
[{W:002_189}
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).]

187.
[{B:1r4k1/5p1p/6pQ/7N/8/1r1PP3/1q6/5R1K}
{D:4783}{S:d3d4}
{D:4644}{S:g6h5}
{D:3297}{S:f1g1}
{W:002_190}
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.]

188.
[{B:7k/1P3pp1/7p/7R/P7/8/6PK/1r6}
{D:11702}{S:h5b5}
{W:002_191}
The Rook, Knight, or Bishop can cut a line along the back rank to help a Pawn to Queen (see Tutorial Level 4). Here the Rook cuts a file with 1. Rb5, a common theme in the endgame.]

189.
[{B:4k3/1p6/pP5p/P1PR4/r7/16/6K1}
{D:3065}{S:c5c6}
{D:1486}{S:b7c6}
{D:1950}{S:d5b5}
{D:2275}{S:a6b5}
{D:1718}{S:b6b7}
{W:002_192}
Here White cuts a 'potential' line, 1. c6 bxc6 2. Rb5! axb5 3. b7 and nothing can stop the Pawn from Queening.]

190.
[ {B:rn1q2r1/ppp4k/3p2p1/8/3Q4/1PB5/P4PPP/4R1K1 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #19. White controls the long diagonal. But how does White take advantage of Black's stretched defenses?;e1e8;Correct!{W:cor};That is incorrect;Watch the rooks carefully...}{W:002_193}]

191.
[{W:002_194}
Both the Queen and the Rook are guarding e8, but are also trying to guard h4 and g7, respectively.]

192.
[{D:510}{S:e1e8}
{D:1579}{S:d8g5}
{D:11424}{S:d4h8}
{D:2229}{S:g8h8}
{D:1904}{S:e8h8}
{W:002_195}
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!]

193.
[{B:64}
{W:002_196}
Discovered checks, Forcing threats, Destroying defenders.]

194.
[{B:3qk3/3p1p2/8/4N3/4n3/8/3P1P2/3QK3}
{D:8939}{S:d1e2}
{D:1741}{S:e4f6}
{D:2948}{S:e5c6}
{W:002_197}
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.]

195.
[{B:3qk3/3p1p2/8/4N3/4n3/8/3P1P2/3QK3}
{S:d1e2}
{D:3552}{S:f7f5}
{D:5607}{S:f2f3}
{W:002_198}
But if Black tries to hold the Knight at e4, with 1. ... f5 (d5), White wins at least a Pawn with 2. f3.]

196.
[{B:1q3rk1/5p1p/6p1/8/4N3/2Q5/8/6K1}
{D:6269}{S:e4f6}
{D:2554}{S:g8h8}
{D:1648}{S:f6d7}
{D:2252}{S:h8g8}
{D:510}{S:d7b8}
{W:002_199}
The 'hole' at f6 is an invitation to mayhem on the Black squares 1. Nf6+ Kh8 2. Nd7+ wins the Queen.]

197.
[{B:1q3r1k/5p1p/5Np1/16/2Q5/8/6K1}
{D:510}{S:f6e8}
{D:9102}{S:f7f6}
{W:002_200}
Note that 2. Ne8+ guarding g7 does not lead to mate at g7, because Black simply interposes the Pawn 2. ... f6.]

198.
[{B:5rk1/6pp/8/6N1/8/7K/7Q/8}
{W:002_201}
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.]

199.
[{D:6037}{S:h2a2}
{D:2322}{S:g8h8}
{D:1578}{S:g5f7}
{D:2043}{S:h8g8}
{D:1207}{S:f7h6}
{D:2461}{S:g8h8}
{D:1300}{S:a2g8}
{D:2507}{S:f8g8}
{D:1811}{S:h6f7}
{W:002_202}
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++.]

200.
[{B:7k/5p1B/7Q/32/6K1}
{D:7616}{S:h7g6}
{D:2414}{S:h8g8}
{D:1764}{S:h6h7}
{D:2275}{S:g8f8}
{D:1718}{S:h7f7}
{W:002_203}
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?]

201.
[{B:3qk2r/5ppp/8/2b5/2Bp2b1/5N2/5PPP/3Q1RK1} 
{W:002_204}
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.)]

202.
[{S:c4f7}
{D:2739}{S:e8f7}
{D:1625}{S:f3e5}
{D:3343}{A:We5g4}{A:Wd1g4}{N1:g4}
{W:002_205}
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).]

203.
[{B:5rk1/3rpppp/16/3p4/3B1N2/8/3Q2K1/8 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #20. How does White move immediately against the enemy King?;d3h7;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Which white piece can take one of black's pieces and still attack?}{W:002_206}]

204.
[{S:d3h7}
{D:7058}{S:g8h7}
{D:2740}{S:f3g5}
{D:2275}{S:h7g8}
{D:1393}{S:d1h5}
{W:002_207}
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.]

205.
[{B:3q1k2/r7/3p4/4p3/4P3/8/1PR5/1K5Q}
{D:8126}{S:c2c8}
{D:2043}{S:d8c8}
{D:2089}{S:h1h8}
{D:2229}{S:f8e7}
{D:1811}{S:h8c8}
{W:002_208}
The second stage in tactics is going beyond responding to setting up combinations. Here White sets up a skewer 1. Rc8! Qxc8 2. Qh8+ Ke7 3. Qxc8.]

206.
[{B:1r1q2k1/1bpp1p1p/6p1/8/4N3/1Q6/3R1PPP/6K1}
{W:002_209}
White seems to have run out of attacking ideas and is two Pawns down. A simple forking combination sets things right.]

207.
[{S:d2d7}
{D:1950}{S:d8f8}
{D:6919}{S:e4f6}
{D:10309}{S:g8g7}
{D:9984}{S:b3c3}
{W:002_210}
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 ... ]

208.
[{W:002_211}
The potential discovered checks give White a lasting initiative.]

209.
[{B:64}
{W:002_212}
Queen sacrifices, The exchange sacrifice, Pawns, minor pieces.]

210.
[{B:8/1bq2pkp/5pp1/16/Q3B2K/2r5/4R3}
{D:7337}{S:a3f8}
{D:2600}{S:g7f8}
{D:2182}{S:e3h6}
{D:2368}{S:f8g8}
{D:2043}{S:e1e8}
{W:002_213}
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!]

211.
[{B:2k2brr/1ppbq3/2np4/1B6/Q7/4B3/6P1/1R3RK1}
{D:11052}{S:a4a8}
{D:2600}{S:c6b8}
{D:1857}{S:a8b7}
{D:2740}{S:c8b7}
{D:2414}{S:b5d7}
{D:3297}{S:b7a6}
{D:1904}{S:d7c8}
{D:2600}{S:a6a5}
{D:1950}{S:e3d2}
{D:2322}{S:a5a4}
{D:1950}{S:b1b4}
{D:2693}{S:a4a3}
{D:510}{S:f1a1}
{W:002_214}
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++]

212.
[{B:1r2k1r1/pbppnp1p/1bn2P2/8/Q7/B1PB1q2/P4PPP/3RR1K1}
{W:002_215}
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.]

213.
[{S:e1e7}
{D:2414}{S:c6e7}
{D:1671}{S:a4d7}
{D:2414}{S:e8d7}
{D:1811}{S:d3f5}
{D:2368}{S:d7e8}
{D:1532}{S:f5d7}
{D:1950}{S:e8d8}
{D:2275}{S:a3e7}
{W:002_216}
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++.]

214.
[{B:r2qkbnr/ppp2p1p/3p2p1/4n3/2B1P1b1/2N2N2/PPPP1PPP/R1BQK2R WHITE}
{V:Challenge #21. The Knight at f3 is pinned and the Bishop at c4 attacked. What's White's best move?;f3e5;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};Look at the position of the knight...}{W:002_217}]

215.
[{S:f3e5}
{D:4992}{S:g4d1}
{D:2089}{S:c4f7}
{D:2809}{S:e8e7}
{D:1695}{S:c3d5}
{W:002_218}
White wins a piece or checkmates with 1. Nxe5! Bxd1 2. Bxf7+ Ke7 3. Nd5++. Legal played this first in the 18th century.]

216.
[{B:2kr3r/pp5p/2p2p2/3n2pb/1P2N3/P7/5PPP/2BRR1K1}
{D:9241}{S:d1d5}
{D:2275}{S:c6d5}
{D:2136}{S:e4f6}
{D:2229}{S:h5g6}
{D:2043}{S:c1g5}
{W:002_219}
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.]

217.
[{B:2rq1rk1/1p2ppbp/p5p1/3Pp2n/5P1Q/2N2N2/PPP3P1/2KR3R}
{W:002_220}
The exchange sacrifice (Rook for minor piece) often occurs at h5 against a Kingside castled King, or at c3 against a Queenside castled King.]

218.
[{D:1950}{S:c8c3}
{D:2647}{S:b2c3}
{D:2507}{S:d8a5}
{D:9055}{S:c1b2}
{D:2275}{S:e5e4}
{W:002_221}
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.]

219.
[{B:r2q1rk1/1p1n1p1p/p2p2p1/2pP4/2Pb4/2N5/PP2Q1PP/R1BR3K}
{D:9566}{S:d1d4}
{D:2414}{S:c5d4}
{D:1811}{S:c3e4}
{D:4226}{S:d7e5}
{D:1764}{S:c1h6}
{D:2507}{S:f8e8}
{D:464}{S:a1f1}
{W:002_222}
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.]

220.
[{B:rn3k1r/p4ppp/3p4/1p6/1n1P4/8/PPP2PPP/R1B1KB1R}
{W:002_223}
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.]

221.
[{D:6176}{S:c1f4}
{D:1625}{S:b4c2}
{D:8312}{S:e1d2}
{D:1625}{S:c2a1}
{D:1857}{S:f4d6}
{D:2647}{S:f8g8}
{D:1532}{S:f1b5}
{W:002_224}
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.]

222.
[{B:r4rk1/ppqn1p2/2p2p1p/4n2Q/2P5/1P4P1/PB4BP/3R1RK1 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #22. White has the two Bishops. Does White have a better move than 1. Qxh6, regaining a Pawn and threatening 2. Rf5?;d1d7;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca}}{W:002_225}]

223.
[{D:2507}{S:d1d7}
{D:2136}{S:e5d7}
{D:2043}{S:f1f6}
{D:6780}{S:d7f6}
{D:2136}{S:b2f6}
{D:2182}{S:c7d7}
{D:1532}{S:h5h6}
{W:002_226}
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.]

224.
[{B:r1b1k2r/1p1nbppp/pq1ppn2/6B1/2BNP3/2N5/PPPQ1PPP/R3K2R}
{W:002_227}
The b and g Pawns are the most vulnerable in the opening and are commonly sacrificed to gain time.]

225.
[{D:12445}{S:e1g1}{S:h1f1}
{D:1950}{S:b6b2}
{D:1904}{S:a1b1}
{D:2368}{S:b2a3}
{W:002_228}
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.]

226.
[{B:rnbqk1nr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/1b1PP3/2N5/PPP2PPP/R1BQKBNR}
{D:6269}{S:d1g4}
{D:1811}{S:g8f6}
{D:1671}{S:g4g7}
{D:2182}{S:h8g8}
{D:1764}{S:g7h6}
{D:1904}{S:g8g6}
{D:1996}{S:h6h4}
{D:1857}{S:f6e4}
{W:002_229}
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.]

227.
[{B:3qkb2/3npp2/3p4/4P3/8/5N2/8/3QK3}
{D:6594}{S:e5e6}
{D:1602}{S:f7e6}
{D:1927}{S:f3g5}
{W:002_230}
Here is a schematic depiction of a frequent Pawn sacrifice on rank 6 or 3. 1. e6 fxe6 2. Ng5]

228.
[{W:002_231}
The idea in such positions is to delay the development of the Bishop and establish weaknesses at e6 and f7.]

229.
[{B:5bk1/8/3rpp2/8/4P3/2N2P2/8/5RK1}
{D:6339}{S:e4e5}
{D:1787}{S:f6e5}
{D:1950}{S:c3e4}
{W:002_232}
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.]

230.
[{B:8/7R/2r5/8/P3n3/8/3nk1PP/R5K1}
{W:002_233}
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.]

231.
[{D:5317}{S:d2f3}
{D:2275}{S:g2f3}
{D:2205}{S:c6g6}
{D:2205}{S:g1h1}
{D:1602}{S:e4f2}
{W:002_234}
Here the attack comes out of the blue, a famous Karpov mate in three 1. Nf3+! gxf3 2. Rg6+ Kh1 3. Nf2++]

232.
[{B:6k1/7p/4p3/1p1n1pp1/8/7K/Pr5P/3Q4}
{D:9613}{S:b2g2}
{D:2159}{S:h3g2}
{D:2298}{S:d5e3}
{D:2066}{S:g2g1}
{D:603}{S:e3d1}
{W:002_235}
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]

233.
[{B:r5rk/5Q1p/p4P2/qp1p4/3B4/1P5P/P4P2/R3b2K}
{W:002_236}
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.]

234.
[{S:f7e8}
{D:1787}{S:a8e8}
{D:2182}{S:f6f7}
{D:1811}{S:g8g7}
{D:1718}{S:f7e8}{P:WQe8}
{W:002_237}
1. Qe8! Raxe8 2. f7+ Rg7 3. fxe8 (Q)++. The Queen move prevents Raf8, which is why 1. Qf8 is wrong.]

235.
[{B:6k1/40/4B3/2Q2nK1}
{W:002_238}
Now start from the elements of a famous combination. See how a World Champion visualizes a winning sequence of moves 1. ... Ng3 extricates the Knight from danger and threatens the fork 2. ... Nxe2+.]

236.
[{B:4r1k1/4qppp/3P4/16/4P1P1/4BP2/2Q2nK1}
{D:5990}{S:f1g3}
{W:002_239}
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.']

237.
[{B:1rb1r1k1/p1p1qppp/2pb4/2P5/8/4P1P1/PB2BP1n/R1QN1RK1}
{D:7058}{S:h2f1}
{D:2623}{S:c5d6}
{D:2113}{S:f1g3}
{W:002_240}
Two moves further back, this is how Karpov viewed his game against Timman. Black can play 1. ... Nxf1! c5xd6 2. Nxg3!]

238.
[{B:1rb1r1k1/p1p1qppp/2pb4/2P5/8/4P1P1/PB2BP1n/R1QN1RK1}
{D:1857}{S:d6c5}
{D:8382}{S:g1h2}
{W:002_241}
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.]

239.
[{B:1rb1r1k1/p1p1qppp/2pb4/8/2P3n1/4P1P1/PB2BP1P/R1QN1RK1}
{D:13374}{S:g4h2}
{D:2368}{S:g1h2}
{W:002_242}
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.]

240.
[{D:5201}{S:e7h4}
{D:1787}{S:h2g1}
{D:1509}{S:d6g3}
{D:1950}{S:f2g3}
{D:2113}{S:h4g3}
{D:2089}{S:g1h1}
{D:1648}{S:e8e6}
{W:002_243}
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.]

241.
[{B:1rb1r1k1/p1p1qppp/2pb4/8/2P3n1/4P1P1/PB2BP1P/R1QN1RK1}
{D:2607}{S:g4h2}
{D:2461}{S:c4c5}
{D:1323}{S:h2f1}
{D:1787}{S:c5d6}
{D:2275}{S:f1g3}
{W:002_244}
The Karpov - Timman game went as follows 1. ... Nxh2 2. c5 Nxf1 3. cxd6 Nxg3]

242.
[{B:r1b2rk1/pp1p1pbp/6p1/8/2PBq3/8/PP2BPPP/R2QK2R}
{D:7383}{S:d4g7}
{D:2414}{S:e4g2}
{D:9473}{S:d1d4}
{D:2136}{S:g2h1}
{D:2322}{S:e1d2}
{D:1857}{S:h1a1}
{D:1718}{S:d4f6}
{W:002_245}
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!]

243.
[{W:002_246}
Now there's nothing to do about 5. Bh6 and mate to follow.]

244.
[{W:002_247}
A famous 'double Rook' sacrifice by the former Women's World Champion, Nona Gaprindashvili.]

245.
[{B:r4rk1/1b2bppp/ppq1p3/2ppB2n/5P2/1P1BP3/P1PPQ1PP/R4RK1}
{W:002_248}
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.]

246.
[{S:d3h7}
{D:9752}{S:g8h7}
{D:2786}{S:e2h5}
{D:2647}{S:h7g8}
{D:1764}{S:e5g7}
{D:2368}{S:g8g7}
{D:1996}{S:h5g4}
{D:2461}{S:g7h7}
{D:1579}{S:f1f3}
{W:002_249}
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.]

247.
[{B:8/p3q1kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/1nP3N1/1B4PP/6K1}
{V:Challenge #23. White has an advanced Pawn. How does White dislodge the Black Queen?;b2a3;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca}}{W:002_250}]

248.
[{S:b2a3}
{D:1973}{S:e7a3}
{W:002_251}
1. Ba3! Qxa3 White's pieces have few other moves!]

249.
[{B:8/p5kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/qnP3N1/6PP/6K1 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #24. How does White move the Pawn to the queening square?;g3h5;Correct!{W:cor};
That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};If you think a queen move does the trick, you're wrong.}{W:002_252}]

250.
[{B:8/p5kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/qnP3N1/6PP/6K1 WHITE}
{D:2000}{S:e5c7}
{D:4900}{A:Bg7f8}
{D:3850}{R}{S:g7h6}
{D:2900}{B:8/p5kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/qnP3N1/6PP/6K1 WHITE}
{A:We6e7}{D:100}{R}{S:e6e7}
{D:2900}{S:g7f7}
{D:3000}{B:8/p5kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/qnP3N1/6PP/6K1 WHITE}
{A:Wg3h5}{D:100}{R}{S:g3h5}
{D:2686}{S:g6h5}
{D:2136}{S:e5g5}
{D:2229}{S:g7f8}
{D:1393}{S:g5f6}
{D:2600}{S:f8g8}
{D:1253}{S:e6e7}
{W:002_253}
If you tried 2. Qc7+, you would be rewarded with a mate after 2. ... Kf8. 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.]

251.
[{W:002_254}
After several checks, the White King was safe and Black, Capablanca, resigned to Botwinnik (see Classic Game 82).]

252.
[{B:64}
{W:002_255}
Pawns and Strong Points, Development and Control, Transitions.]

253.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/32/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{D:200}{S:e2e4}
{D:200}{S:e7e5}
{W:002_256}
Chess strategy begins with the initial moves of the game. Here both sides play to open the lines for their Bishops and Queens. By playing the double move instead of e3 or e6, they keep the potential line of the Queens' Bishops also open.]

254.
[{D:200}{S:g1f3}
{D:200}{S:b8c6}
{W:002_257}
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!]

255.
[{S:c6b8}{S:f7f6}
{D:3065}{S:f3e5}
{D:2461}{S:d8e7}
{D:9659}{S:e5f3}
{D:2043}{S:e7e4}
{D:2554}{S:f1e2}
{W:002_258}
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.]

256.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{D:1000}{S:f8d6}{W:002_259}
2. ... Bd6 would also have restricted Black's development, blocking the d Pawn and impeding the Queen's Bishop.]

257.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}
{D:10800}{S:f1b5}
{D:1625}{S:a7a6}
{D:1700}{S:b5c6}
{D:1800}{S:d7c6}
{D:2500}{S:f3e5}
{D:1700}{S:d8e7}
{W:002_260}
White threatens to undermine the Knight's defense of the e Pawn. However, it is immune as long as White's e Pawn is also vulnerable. For example, 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. Nxe5 Qe7, regaining the Pawn.]

258.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/1ppp1ppp/p1n5/1B2p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK2R}
{D:500}{S:b5a4}
{D:500}{S:g8f6}
{D:4500}{H:d4}
{D:680}{H:d5}
{D:1000}{H:e4}
{D:900}{H:e5}{W:002_261}
By continuing to develop normally, Black keeps the balance in the center (the squares d4, d5, e4, e5).]

259.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/1B2p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK2R}
{D:2000}{S:d8f6}
{D:7000}{S:b1c3}
{W:002_262}
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. ]

260.
[{B:r1bqkb1r/1ppp1ppp/p1n2n2/4p3/B3P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK2R}
{D:4435}{S:e1g1}{S:h1f1}
{D:2400}{S:f6e4}
{D:2400}{S:f1e1}
{D:1200}{S:f7f5}
{D:1600}{S:d2d3}
{W:002_263}
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.]

261.
[{B:r1bqkb1r/1ppp1ppp/p1n5/4p3/B3n3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQ1RK1}
{D:1300}{S:d2d4}
{D:5224}{S:e5d4}
{W:002_264}
White usually plays 6. d4 here, because the Knight will be pinned on the e-file if 6. ... exd4.]

262.
[{B:r2qkb1r/1pp2ppp/p1np1n2/4p3/B2PP1b1/5N2/PPP2PPP/RNBQ1RK1 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #25. How does White get a better Pawn position?;a4c6;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca}}{W:002_265}]

263.
[{D:1149}{S:a4c6}
{W:002_266}
The idea is 7. Bxc6+.]

264.
[{S:b7c6}
{D:2554}{S:d4e5}
{D:6083}{S:g4f3}
{D:3157}{S:d1f3}
{D:2507}{S:d6e5}
{D:11006}{S:f1d1}
{D:2739}{S:f8d6}
{D:2043}{S:c1g5}
{D:2414}{S:a8b8}
{W:002_267}
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]

265.
[{B:1r1qk2r/2p2ppp/p1pb1n2/4p1B1/4P3/5Q2/PPP2PPP/RN1R2K1 WHITE}
{V:Challenge #26. White controls more space and has a better Pawn structure. How should White guard b2?;b1d2;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca}}{W:002_268}]

266.
[{D:900}{S:b1d2}
{D:3000}{S:b8b2}
{D:3200}{S:d2c4}
{D:1200}{S:b2c2}
{D:2300}{S:f3d3}
{D:6200}{S:d3f3}{S:c2b2}{S:b2b5}
{D:2400}{S:a2a4}
{D:750}{S:b5c5}
{D:2400}{S:f3d3}
{W:002_269}
12. Nd2. If 12. ... Rxb2, then 13. Nc4 Rxc2 14. Qd3 would win the exchange. The Rook is badly placed after 13. ... Rb5 14. a4 Rc5. 15. Qd3, followed by 16. Be3.]

267.
[{B:1r1qk2r/2p2ppp/p1pb1n2/4p1B1/4P3/5Q2/PPPN1PPP/R2R2K1 WHITE}
{D:9613}{S:e8g8}{S:h8f8}
{D:2252}{S:d2c4}
{D:1927}{S:f8e8}
{W:002_270}
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]

268.
[{W:002_271}
The most difficult challenge of chess is to work out a plan of action in a fairly level position.]

269.
[
{W:002_272}
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?]

270.
[{B:1r1qr1k1/2p2ppp/p1pb1n2/4p1B1/2N1P3/5Q2/PPP2PPP/R2R2K1}
{S:d1d3}
{D:11000}{S:d3d1}{S:f3c3}
{D:5880}{S:f6e4}
{W:002_273}
14. Rd3 ... Here is a good example of keeping options open. This move threatens to double the Rooks on the d file. 14. Qc3 shows that the Knight is not always pinned 14... Nxe4!]

271.
[{B:1r1qr1k1/2p2ppp/p1pb1n2/4p1B1/2N1P3/3R1Q2/PPP2PPP/R5K1 BLACK}
{V:Challenge #27. How does Black defend against 15. Rad1?;e8e6;Correct!{W:cor};That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca}}{W:002_274}]

272.
[
{D:2800}{S:a1d1}
{D:5200}{S:h7h6}
{W:002_275}
14... Re6 15. Rad1. Now Black threatens to get free, finally, with 15. ... h6.]

273.
[{W:002_276}
Rapid development, open lines and early castling are often rewarded in bright combinations.]

274.
[{B:3rkb1r/p2nqppp/5n2/1B2p1B1/4P3/1Q6/PPP2PPP/2KR3R}
{W:002_277}
Here, White has sacrificed a piece to trap the Black King in the center, in a state of cramped but apparent solidity.]

275.
[{D:6083}{S:d1d7}
{D:2182}{S:d8d7}
{D:1904}{S:h1d1}
{D:1718}{S:e7e6}
{D:1625}{S:b5d7}
{D:2600}{S:f6d7}
{D:1996}{S:b3b8}
{D:2554}{S:d7b8}
{D:1811}{S:d1d8}
{W:002_278}
(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.]