Free pieces is lesson 2 of 2 in Piece values and good trades, a basics course suited to players rated around 450 (complete beginners). A piece that nobody protects can be taken for free. Look for them every move, on both sides. 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 you practise
One black piece is not protected by anything. Take it!
Black's rook is protected by nothing but faces two of your rooks. Win it!
One black piece stands where your pawn can capture it, with nobody to protect it. Take it!
Worked examples
Black's rook is protected by nothing but faces two of your rooks. Win it! Rook takes rook with check, and Black cannot take back.
One black piece stands where your pawn can capture it, with nobody to protect it. Take it! A free knight. Before every move ask: what can I take, and what is left unprotected?
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