Day 145: Hanging piece
Target rating: 792
Lesson of the day
A hanging piece is simply an unprotected piece you can take for free. It sounds primitive, yet most amateur games are decided exactly this way. Build the habit: before every move, sweep the board and note every undefended piece, yours and theirs. The classic mistake is hunting for a brilliant combination when all you need to do is bend down and pick up the gift.
Warm-up
1. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to c5 (d3·6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (d4·33)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to d5 (g2·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to b6 (b2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f5 (e4·60)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to f6 (b2·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to c6 (e5·6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Winning blow: bishop to g7 (b2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to d6 (e4·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to h3 (g2·16)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to f4 (c1·9)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to b4 (c3·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to h3 (f1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f4 (g3·26)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to h3 (g2·17)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f6 (e5·21)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to b4 (c3·10)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to c7 (h2·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f3 (g2·26)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d6 (e5·18)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f4 (e3·43)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to h4 (h1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f5 (e4·61)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to b8 (b1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f4 (g3·51)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 146 →