Day 98: 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: queen to e8 (e1·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
2. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to c6 (a5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
3. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (f4·36)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
4. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (d4·16)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
5. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d6 (c5·19)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
6. Attack on the uncastled king: rook to g6Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
7. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to g5 (f4·18)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
8. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c5 (b4·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
9. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (f4·37)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
10. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e5 (d4·17)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Core set
11. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to h2 (f3)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
12. Attack on the uncastled king: king to c1 (d1)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
13. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to c5 (e4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
14. Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to a6 (f1·5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
15. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to h4 (f2)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
16. Winning blow: pawn to c3 (b2·6)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
17. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to c5 (b4·15)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
18. Winning blow: knight to b7Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
19. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to b5 (a4·16)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
20. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e4 (f3·15)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
21. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to e6 (d5·20)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
22. Attack on the uncastled king: queen to h8 (h7)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
23. Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d5 (e4·55)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
24. Attack on the uncastled king: knight to e4 (g3·4)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
25. Winning blow: knight to d4 (b5)Analysis
White to move — find the best continuation
Challenge
Review
Day complete — every puzzle solved. See you tomorrow!
Day 99 →