Openings
The Scotch Game
A first White repertoire: the centre, recapturing and two common replies.
Beginner · 500–1000Club foundations · 1000–1400
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4 lessonsTactics
Forks and pins: win without giving pieces away
Six short positions to attack two targets or exploit a pin, with both colours.
Beginner · 500–1000
6 lessons · 24 min estimated practice
Practise this courseFree · No game imports needed
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White to move
Try the first position
Check and rook at once
Find the knight fork; after the king moves, capture the rook.
Practise this courseWhat you will learn
Check and rook at once
Beginner · 4 minA knight can attack two targets. If one is the king, your opponent must answer the check.
A fork as Black
Beginner · 4 minThe c1 king and f2 rook share a square a knight can attack from.
One pawn against two pieces
Beginner · 4 minA pawn push can attack a knight and a bishop. This fork is not check.
A pawn fork toward the first rank
Beginner · 4 minBlack pawns capture toward lower ranks: d5 attacks c4 and e4.
Capture a pinned piece
Beginner · 4 minThe c6 knight blocks the file between your rook and the black king. It cannot jump without exposing its king.
Use the open file
Beginner · 4 minYour f8 rook pins the f3 knight to the f1 king.
Course references
These references accompany the teaching material. Explore explanations and exercises in the training room.
- Chess.com · Fork
Conceptual reference. This exercise diagram and explanations are original RookHabit material.
- Chess.com · Pin
Conceptual reference. This exercise diagram and explanations are original RookHabit material.
Free · No game imports needed
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Spot forcing moves
Two introductory patterns: a knight fork and back-rank mate.
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Activate the king, take the opposition and check a promotion.
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