Day 53: Hanging piece
Target rating: 667
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 d5 (c4·17)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (f4·9)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to d7 (a4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d6 (c5·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e6 (d5·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c4 (d3·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to h4 (g3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f5 (e4·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to a8 (e4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to b5Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to g2 (e1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Winning blow: queen to e5 (c3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to b6 (c5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to a8 (a4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (e4·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to a5 (b4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Winning blow: queen to d3 (f1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (f4·10)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (c4·18)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to e3 (d2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c5 (d4·6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to h8 (e5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to b7 (c5·12)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to a5 (c3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (d4·14)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 54 →