Winning a Won Position

The hardest thing in chess

In this lesson you will learn

Why players spoil winning positions
Safety first when you are ahead
Finding the only winning move

Every board on this page is live. Move the pieces by tapping or dragging, click any move in the lines to see that position, and press ↺ to start again.

7.1 “The hardest thing in chess is to win a won game”

This old saying is true at every level. When we are winning we relax, play quickly and stop looking at our opponent’s chances. That is exactly when the defender finds a trick.

7.2 Rules for the winning side

Keep the routine. Ask what your opponent wants every move, especially now.
Remove counterplay first. Before you grab more material, stop your opponent’s checks and threats.
Trade pieces, not pawns. Each exchange of pieces makes your extra material count more.
Do not hurry. There is no prize for winning quickly. Use your time.
Watch for stalemate when the opponent has only a king left.

Diagram 7.1White to move

Diagram 7.1 · Only one move wins

You are winning, but the position contains a trap. Most moves let the opponent escape with a draw.

Find the only winning move.

Remember

Do not relax when you are winning.
Stop counterplay before you grab more.
Trade pieces when you are ahead.
Take your time and watch for stalemate.

Exercises · Lesson 7

You are winning, but only one move keeps the win. Find it.

Solve these 12 exercises on the boardCreate a free account to check your moves, open hints and solutions, and save your progress.

Join free Sign in