Saving defence is lesson 7 of 9 in Real-game tactics 9: Master calculation, a tactics course suited to players rated around 2200 (advanced players). Sometimes the best result is a draw. Find the only move that holds; the natural moves lose. It has 7 interactive exercises: 7 calculated lines from real positions. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What you practise
Black to move: hold the draw. (4 positions)
White to move: hold the draw. (3 positions)
Worked examples
Black to move: hold the draw. 1...Qb2+ 2.Ke3 d4+ 3.Ke4 Qg2+ 4.Kxd4 Qd5+ 5.Qxd5 exd5. Qb2+ was the only move that holds. The game is saved. After Rc2+ the position would be lost.
Black to move: hold the draw. 1...Rxg3+ 2.fxg3 Qe3+ 3.Kg2 Qe2+. Rxg3+ was the only move that holds. The game is saved. After b4 the position would be lost.
chessGM