Calculation and defence

Capture without neglecting defence

Four two-move decisions: king safety, intermediate checks, pins and responding to counterplay.

Intermediate · 1400–1600

4 lessons · 32 min estimated practice

Free · No game imports needed

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Black to move

Try the first position

As Black, capture the rook with the king; after Qxb6, recapture the queen with the a-pawn.

The king can capture too
Intermediate · 8 min
Your king is checked by the d6 rook. Check whether d6 is really defended: some lines are blocked.
Gain a tempo before recapturing
Intermediate · 8 min
White has captured on g6. Before recapturing, your g5 bishop can capture another piece with check.
A capture protected by a pin
Intermediate · 8 min
The c2 pawn seems to defend the b3 knight, but it shields the king from Black’s c8 rook.
Calculate the opponent’s check too
Intermediate · 8 min
The knight can capture d5 and attack the e7 queen. Black can insert a check instead of immediately moving the queen.

These references accompany the teaching material. Explore explanations and exercises in the training room.

Free · No game imports needed

Calculation

Deflection, intermediate moves and defenders: follow the line until material is recovered.

Intermediate · 1400–1600Toward 1800 · 1600–1800

Defence

Escape check, protect passed pawns and find drawing resources in difficult positions.

Club foundations · 1000–1400Intermediate · 1400–1600Toward 1800 · 1600–1800

Endgames

King routes, passed pawns and active rooks: calculate your opponent’s counterplay too.

Intermediate · 1400–1600Toward 1800 · 1600–1800