Day 217: Hanging piece
Target rating: 731
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: pawn to c6 (d5·22)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to e2 (g3·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to g5 (f4·22)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to a6 (f1·7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Winning blow: bishop to d6 (a3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Winning blow: king to d1 (e1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d4 (e3·23)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Winning blow: rook to a8Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to e4 (b1·11)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to g5 (c1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to g2 (g1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (c4·67)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f3 (e2·7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to d4 (d1·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Winning blow: knight to h7Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to b8 (g3·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Winning blow: king to a1Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Winning blow: bishop to g6 (b1·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (c4·70)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to d4 (d1·7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (c4·71)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to c6 (g2·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to h8 (d4·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to a3 (b2·24)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to f2 (d1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 218 →