Day 203: Hanging piece
Target rating: 709
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: bishop to a5 (e1·11)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to g5 (h4·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to f2 (d3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to e4 (c2·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to c5 (c1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to d2 (e1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: king to c1 (d1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to d7 (h3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to e6 (e4·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to b1 (a1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to c5 (c1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c5 (d4·26)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Winning blow: pawn to f4 (g3·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to h2 (g2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to d6 (h2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to b4 (e1·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to c5 (g1·7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to h3 (g2·32)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Winning blow: queen to e5 (e3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to d7 (a4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Winning blow: pawn to b3 (c2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c6 (d5·21)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to e4 (b1·9)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to e2 (d1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to h3 (g2·33)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 204 →