Check before capturing

What you will learn

1. 01

   Two knights, one safe capture

   First steps · 3 min

   Two knights are within the bishop’s reach. One is protected by the king: check its one-square steps.

2. 02

   Do not give a rook for a pawn

   First steps · 3 min

   You play Black. Your rook reaches two pawns, but a knight can punish one capture.

3. 03

   The pawn chooses a diagonal

   First steps · 3 min

   Your pawn can capture in two directions. Check whether either knight is protected.

4. 04

   The knight jumps to the rook

   First steps · 3 min

   White pawns protect diagonally towards rank 8. A pawn beside a rook does not always defend it.

5. 05

   Answer check first

   First steps · 3 min

   Your king is in check from a rook. Before any other plan, you must make it safe.

6. 06

   The bishop finds a loose rook

   First steps · 3 min

   A major piece can also be undefended. Trace your black bishop’s diagonals.