The Greek gift in the Colle is lesson 5 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 3: king hunts, an opening course suited to players rated around 1500 (club players). Colle System, D05. The classic bishop sacrifice on h7, set up by e4 and e5. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
This is the Colle System. White pushed e4 and e5, and Black's knight left f6 for d7. Now no knight guards h7. Your bishop on d3 and knight on f3 are ready. This exact position is rare on Lichess, but the idea comes up again and again.
Bxh7 check! The bishop gives itself on h7. After Kxh7, Ng5 check brings the knight and opens the way for the queen.
After Kxh7 and Ng5 check, the king goes to g6, the bravest square. Then b4 chases the bishop on c5 before the queen comes in. The attack is dangerous, but the engines say Black can hold with exact defence.
Recap.
The Greek gift needs a bishop on d3 and a knight that can reach g5.
No black knight on f6 is the key sign.
Bxh7 check, Ng5 check, then Qh5.
If the king steps to g6, the attack needs exact play.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Colle System, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. The knight left f6, so h7 is weak. Give your bishop there, with check.
After Ng5 check, the king goes back to g8. Bring the queen to h5.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Colle System, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. Black answers Nd7. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. The knight left f6, so h7 is weak. Give your bishop there, with check. That is the Greek gift: bishop to h7, knight to g5, then the queen.
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