Expert positions: four-move combinations, quiet moves in the middle of a line and precise defence. This is a tactics course with 9 lessons and 60 interactive exercises, suited to players rated around 2000 (strong club players). Every exercise is played on a real board with feedback after each move, there is nothing to install, and it is free.
Lessons in Real-game tactics 8: Deep combinations
Calculation: long lines – Forcing sequences of four moves or more. Picture the board after every move.
Quiet moves – Not every winning move is a check or a capture. A quiet move can create a threat that cannot be met.
Sacrifices that win – Giving material is fine when you get more back. Calculate the line to the end before you let the piece go.
Deflection – Force a defender to leave its post, often with a sacrifice it has to take.
Calculation: three moves deep – Combinations of three moves or more. See the whole line, with the opponent's best replies, before you play.
Saving defence – Sometimes the best result is a draw. Find the only move that holds; the natural moves lose.
Rooks and queens on the 7th – A rook or queen on the 7th rank eats pawns and traps the king on the back rank.
Mate in three or more – Longer mating combinations: keep checking, keep the king boxed in, and count every reply.
Discovered attacks – Move one piece out of the way and the piece behind it attacks, while the moving piece makes its own threat.
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