Day 77: Hanging piece
Target rating: 600
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 e4 (f3·11)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Winning blow: pawn to e5 (f4·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Winning blow: queen to d3Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to h6 (g5·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e4 (d3·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (c4·40)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to a2Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (c4·41)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Winning blow: queen to e7 (h4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to h4 (g3·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to g3 (h2·2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to g5 (c1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c5 (d4·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to h4 (f3·3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (d4·12)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Winning blow: pawn to g4 (h3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to d6 (f5·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e4 (d3·20)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (e4·35)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Winning blow: knight to e6 (g7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to h2Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Winning blow: knight to d5 (e7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Winning blow: pawn to f3 (g2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to g5 (h4·7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to g8Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 78 →