6. Look for threats against you

What you will learn

1. 01

   Your queen is threatened

   First steps · 3 min

   The black knight attacks your queen. A legal square is not always safe: also check the knight’s next jump.

2. 02

   A pawn threatens your bishop

   First steps · 3 min

   You play Black. The white pawn on c3 attacks d4 and is protected by the king on b2. Do not confuse the square in front of a pawn with the diagonals it attacks.

3. 03

   You can capture the threat

   First steps · 3 min

   The black rook attacks your queen along row 4. Before retreating, check whether you can capture the threatening piece.

4. 04

   Your black king is in check

   First steps · 3 min

   You play Black and are in check. You must deal with it now. Kings can capture, but must never enter an attacked square.

5. 05

   Check again, without a queen

   First steps · 3 min

   The white pawn threatens your black knight. Identify the attack first, then find a retreat; knights do not slide along diagonals.