defence · recognise → explain → apply

Use an attacking move to gain defensive time

A strong enemy piece can be attacked while your own weaknesses remain under pressure.

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

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Choose an example

Nakamura,Hi – Gelfand,B

8th Tal Memorial · 2013.06.21 · 0-1

21... Rf6 · White to move

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What to notice at 21... Rf6

Black attacks Qd6 with the rook; Qf4 and ...Qe5 follow, leading to a queen trade and a later Black win.

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. Which queen does 21...Rf6 attack?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

Make it memorable

Make defence ask a question.

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 — Planning ↗