Removing the Defenders

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10.1 Every King Has a Bodyguard

A castled king is usually protected by three pawns and one or two pieces. The most important defender is often the knight on f6: it covers h7, h5, g8, e8 and d7, blocks the f-file and keeps the queen away from h5. A bishop on e7 or g7 and a rook on f8 also play their part.

When you attack, find the piece that holds the defence together and ask how to remove it. There are three ways:

1. Capture it, even at the cost of material: ♗xf6 or ♖xf6 is a typical

exchange sacrifice.

2. Exchange it for one of your less important pieces.

3. Deflect it: give it a target elsewhere, so that it leaves its post.

10.2 Destroying the Pawn Shelter

Pawns are defenders too. A sacrifice on h7, g7 or g6 can rip open the king's position: ♗xh7+ (Chapter 8), ♗xg7 or ♖xg6+. After the sacrifice the king stands naked, and the attacker's remaining pieces arrive with gain of time.

The idea is the same as with pieces: the defender loses a guard, and the count of attackers against defenders tips decisively in the attacker's favour.

10.3 Worked Examples

In every example one defender holds Black's (or White's) position together. Identify it before reading the solution.