The Dilworth Attack is lesson 2 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 5: master sacrifices, an opening course suited to players rated around 2100 (strong club players). Ruy Lopez, Open Variation, Dilworth Attack, C82. Black gives a knight on f2 for the f-file. 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 Open Ruy Lopez. Black's knight on e4 and bishop on c5 both aim at f2. White's last move, Bc2, hits the knight. Black does not retreat it. About 14,000 rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
Nxf2! The knight takes on f2. After Rxf2, f6 opens the f-file, and the bishop on c5 pins the rook.
After Rxf2 and f6, exf6, Bxf2 check and Kxf2 Qxf6 follow. Black has a rook and a pawn for two minor pieces, and the f-file points at White's king. The engines call it equal.
Recap.
In the Open Ruy, Nxf2 is the Dilworth idea.
Rxf2, then f6 opens the f-file.
Black gets a rook and a pawn for two pieces.
The f-file points at White's king.
What you practise
First play the line. You are Black: play the moves of the Open Ruy Lopez, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. You are Black. The bishop on c2 hits your knight on e4. Do not retreat. Take on f2.
White does not take on f6. The knight goes to f1 to guard the king. Take the rook on f2.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are Black: play the moves of the Open Ruy Lopez, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. White answers Bc2. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. You are Black. The bishop on c2 hits your knight on e4. Do not retreat. Take on f2. That is the Dilworth Attack. The f-file opens, and White's king feels the pressure.
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