Day 59: Hanging piece
Target rating: 676
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: knight to h3 (f2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c6 (d5·6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to g6 (f5·6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c5 (d4·8)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to a5 (b4·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d6 (e5·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to h1Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d4 (c3·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c5 (d4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e6 (d5·6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to f4 (d3·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to a6Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to b4 (d3·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to h6Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to d6Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to e6 (f5·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c6 (d5·7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to b4 (c3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to e2 (d4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (e4·15)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (d4·9)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to e4 (f3·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to d2Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to g6 (f5·7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Winning blow: knight to f7Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 60 →