Day 168: Hanging piece
Target rating: 669
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: rook to e2 (e1·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to a4 (c3·9)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to b5 (e2·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c3 (d2·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to f6 (g7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to c4 (d2·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to h1 (g1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Winning blow: king to h2Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to e4 (h1·6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Winning blow: bishop to h6Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to f3 (e2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to d5 (f3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to b3 (c2·7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to e4 (c2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to h8 (f7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to g5 (f4·16)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to f4 (c1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to f6 (a1·6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to g2 (f1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to b1 (a1·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d4 (e3·15)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to e6Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d4 (c3·15)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to g3 (h2·9)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Winning blow: knight to a8 (b6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 169 →