Lesson 9 - Basic Chess Tactics: Exercises

Algebraic notation is used in this page. If you did not have the chance to complete lesson 6, I suggest you take some time to go though it in order to learn this notation.

If you have fun in working on the tactical puzzles included in the exercises, I recommend some books containing tactical exercises and evaluation tests to help you in improving your tactical play.

Questions

1.	Answer the questions below.

a)	What are the tactics that can make double attacks? Click here for the solution

b)	Which tactic allows to make a double attack on the same piece? Click here for the solution

c)	What effect has a double attack against the king? Click here for the solution

d)	What is the name of the tactic exploiting an overworked piece? Click here for the solution

e)	What are the pieces that can make discovered attacks? Click here for the solution

f)	What is the characteristic of an absolute pin? Click here for the solution

g)	What are the pieces that can make pins? Click here for the solution

h)	How do you call a fork attacking both the enemy king and queen at the same time? Click here for the solution

i)	What are the three different types of advantage a pin can bring to a player? Click here for the solution

j)	Which tactic is similar to the pin? What is the difference? Click here for the solution


2.	Identify the tactic used in the following diagrams.

a)	White to move and he plays Ra5+.	Click here for the solution

b)	White to move and he plays Qh5+. Why can't Black capture the white queen?	Click here for the solution

c)	White to move and he plays Be5+.	Click here for the solution

d)	White to move and the sequence is: 1. Rxh7+! Kxh7 2. Qxf7+! What is the second tactic used at the end of the sequence?	Click here for the solution

e)	White to move and he plays Ne4+!.	Click here for the solution

3.	In the following positions, the player on the move can use a tactic to get an advantage in the game. I will indicate the tactic but you must find the right move. In order to validate your answer, use the algebraic notation in the text box and clicks on the Validate button. If you are tired of looking for the answer, use the Solution button to see the answer.

a)	White can win the a5 knight with a fork.
	Your answer:	Click here for the solution

b)	White wins a pawn because of an overworked piece... (deflection tactic)
	Your answer:	Click here for the solution


c)	White can get a material advantage with a pin
	Your answer:	Click here for the solution

d)	White wins a piece with a discovered attack.
	Your answer:	Click here for the solution

e)	Black wins material with a skewer.
	Your answer:	Click here for the solution


4.	This time, find the best move in each of the following diagrams. If you are desperate in looking for the solution, you can use the clues I have prepared for you.

a)	White to move.
First clue Second clue		Click here for the solution

b)	White to move.
First clue Second clue Third clue		Click here for the solution

c)	White to move.
First clue Second clue Third clue		Click here for the solution

d)	Black to move and win a pawn.
First clue Second clue Third clue		Click here for the solution

e)	White to move.
Clue		Click here for the solution