Start here · Essential guide
Best Tactics for Chess: Core Patterns Every Player Should Know
Learn the core chess tactics, from forks, pins and skewers to discovered attacks and back-rank mates, plus a simple routine for spotting them in your games.
Openings, Strategy & Tactics
5 guides, starting with Best Tactics for Chess: Core Patterns Every Player Should Know.
Start here · Essential guide
Learn the core chess tactics, from forks, pins and skewers to discovered attacks and back-rank mates, plus a simple routine for spotting them in your games.
A hanging piece is one you can lose for nothing. Learn how to recognise loose pieces, count attackers and defenders, and build a check that stops free losses.
Quick chess wins like Scholar's mate rely on opponent mistakes. See a few five-move traps, how to defend against them, and what to learn instead.
An intermezzo, or zwischenzug, is an in-between move that interrupts an expected sequence with a forcing threat. Learn how it works and how to spot one.
Blunders usually come from attention lapses, not lack of knowledge. Learn the common causes and a simple pre-move check that helps you stop giving away material.
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