Day 71: Hanging piece
Target rating: 696
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 g3 (h2·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c4 (d3·9)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to g2 (g1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f4 (e3·10)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to d5 (a5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e4 (f3·8)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to c4 (e2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (d4·30)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to e4 (c5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to e4 (d3·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to g5 (h3·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to e4 (f3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Winning blow: queen to f4 (g3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c4 (d3·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f4 (g3·10)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Winning blow: pawn to e4 (d3·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f4 (g3·21)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c4 (d3·10)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f4 (e3·11)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Winning blow: knight to g4Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to b8 (b1·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to f4 (g3·23)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Winning blow: pawn to c3 (b2·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (c4·38)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to f5 (b1·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 72 →