Exercise 10.1Find the move
White to move
White to move. Black has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
10
Tactics Essentials · Kapilash Chess Academy
Defending against Tactics
Find the only move
In this lesson you will learn
- How to spot your opponent's threat
- The four defences: move, protect, block, counterattack
- Finding the only move under pressure
- Why counterattack is often the best defence
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.
10.1 What Is the Threat?
Every tactic you learn is also a tactic that can be played against you. After every opponent move, ask: what does this move threaten? Then choose a defence: move the attacked piece, protect it, block the attack, or create a bigger threat of your own.
- Move the attacked piece to a safe square.
- Protect it with another piece.
- Block the line of attack.
- Counterattack: make a threat that is bigger than your opponent's.
Diagram 10.1White to move
Example 10.1 · Capture the attacker
Black's knight on g3 attacks White's queen on e2 and rook on h1 at the same time.
10.fxg3! removes the forking knight. Moving the queen would lose the rook on h1. When an enemy piece makes two threats, first check whether you can simply capture it.
Diagram 10.2Black to move
Example 10.2 · Counterattack
White threatens dxc6, winning the knight that is pinned by the bishop on b5.
9...a6! attacks the bishop that creates the pin. If White takes on c6, Black takes the bishop on b5, and material stays level. When you cannot defend directly, attack the piece that is attacking you.
ExercisesIn this lesson every exercise has exactly one move that keeps the balance. All other moves lose material. Look at your opponent's threat before you look at your own ideas.
Remember
- After every opponent move, ask: what does it threaten?
- Defend by moving, protecting, blocking or counterattacking.
- Under pressure, find the only move — calmly.
- A bigger threat is often the best defence.
Exercises · Lesson 10
Every exercise comes from real opening play and has been checked with a chess engine. Find the strongest move and play it on the board.
Exercise 10.2Find the move
White to move
White to move. Black has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.3Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. White has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.4Find the move
White to move
White to move. Black has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.5Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. White has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.6Find the move
White to move
White to move. Black has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.7Find the move
White to move
White to move. Black has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.8Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. White has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.9Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. White has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.10Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. White has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.11Find the move
White to move
White to move. Black has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.12Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. White has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.13Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. White has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.14Find the move
White to move
White to move. Black has a threat. Find the only move that holds.
Exercise 10.15Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. White has a threat. Find the only move that holds.