What does my move allow? is lesson 2 of 2 in The blunder check, a basics course suited to players rated around 720 (beginners). Every move changes the board. Before you play it, look at the new board with your opponent's eyes. It has 2 interactive exercises: 2 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
Question two: what does my move allow? Picture the board after your move. Then look for your opponent's checks, captures and threats. A move can win a piece and still open the door to your king.
Recap.
Before every move, ask two questions.
Is anything hanging, mine or my opponent's?
What does my move allow: a check, a capture, a threat?
If you are not sure, pick a safer move. It takes a minute and saves the game.
What you practise
Black's bishop on c6 is hanging. You can take it with the rook or with the bishop. Ask question two before you choose. What does each capture allow?
The pawn on e5 looks free for your knight. Do the check first. Your knight on f3 stands between the bishop on g4 and your queen. What happens if the knight moves? Play a safe move instead.
Worked examples
Black's bishop on c6 is hanging. You can take it with the rook or with the bishop. Ask question two before you choose. What does each capture allow? Well done. The bishop takes, and your rook still guards the first rank. Rxc6 would have lost: Re1 is checkmate, because your own pawns box in your king.
The pawn on e5 looks free for your knight. Do the check first. Your knight on f3 stands between the bishop on g4 and your queen. What happens if the knight moves? Play a safe move instead. Good. Your knight stays where it shields the queen. A knight that shields a bigger piece like this is not really guarding e5 or anything else.
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