Protected pieces is lesson 3 of 3 in Capturing pieces, a basics course suited to players rated around 200 (complete beginners). A piece is protected when one of its friends could capture back. 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
The pawn on d5 is protected by the pawn on e6. If your queen takes on d5, the e6 pawn takes your queen: you would give your best piece for a pawn.
What you practise
One pawn is protected, the other is free. Take the free pawn with your queen.
You want to capture on d5. Your queen and your pawn can both do it. Which one should?
Worked examples
You want to capture on d5. Your queen and your pawn can both do it. Which one should? Right: pawn for pawn is a fair trade. The queen stays safe.
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