Sacrifices around the king, part 5 is lesson 7 of 7 in Sacrifices on the king, a tactics course suited to players rated around 1200 (improving players). When the king's shelter is thin, a piece sacrifice next to it can decide the game. Count the attackers that follow up before you let the piece go. More positions, a little harder. It has 10 interactive exercises: 10 calculated lines from real positions. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What you practise
White to move: mate in 3.
White to move: sacrifice to break into the king's shelter. (3 positions)
Black to move: sacrifice to break into the king's shelter. (4 positions)
Black to move: mate in 5.
White to move: mate in 4.
Worked examples
White to move: mate in 3. 1.Bxg7+ Kxg7 2.Qg6+ Kh8 3.Qxh6#. The bishop sacrifice on g7 broke the king's cover. Mate in 3.
White to move: sacrifice to break into the king's shelter. 1.Qxd8+ Kxd8 2.Ne6+ Ke7 3.Nxf4. The queen sacrifice on d8 broke the king's cover. You come out 5 points ahead in material.
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