defence · recognise → explain → apply

Interpose while developing

A sliding piece checks your king, and a useful piece can enter the checking line.

Explanation styleChoose any style. Age is not playing strength; no birth date is needed.

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Choose an example

Carlsen,M – Caruana,F

4th GRENKE Chess Classic · 2017.04.19 · 1/2-1/2

8... Be6 · White to move

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What to notice at 8... Be6

Black interposes the c8 bishop against Qe2+. The game was drawn; this is a legal developing defence, not a claim that every later position was equal.

A legally replayed historical example, not a claim that every move is best. A game’s result does not prove every defensive position was lost or drawn.

Game source ↗

Your thinking first

Name the signal, choose a plan, and test the opponent’s most challenging response.

What do you notice?What is your plan, and why?How could the opponent resist?

Recall and explain

1. What does 8...Be6 achieve besides stopping check?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

Make it memorable

Close the door; bring a helper.

Teach this to a friend in one minute. Then return to a different example and look for the same signal without being told its name.

Reflect and revisit

This is your self-assessment, not an engine grade or a promise of mastery.

Connect the ideas

Practise pawn transformations →

Sources and further reading

Original LumaChess teaching and game analysis. Topic references are credited below; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Exeter Chess Club — Junior Club Posters ↗