Day 43: Hanging piece
Target rating: 664
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: queen to e7 (e1·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to f7 (b3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to e7 (c5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to d7 (g7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to e7 (e4·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (c4·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d4 (e3·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to c5 (c1·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to e7 (e2·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to b5Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to a1Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to c8Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to a8Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to a4Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to d4Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Winning blow: pawn to d6Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to c7 (c1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to c8 (b7·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to a5Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to h8 (a1·12)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to d7 (d3·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d6 (c5·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to c7 (c1·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to f7 (a2·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (d4·8)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 44 →