Removing the Guard.
>> Capturing the Guard.>>
Introduction to the Section; Simple Cases.>> To repeat the key introductory point: before thinking about what move to make, consider what points you currently attack in the enemy camp and whether any of the possibilities can be made profitable. Here White has two captures to consider: QxQ and BxN. What prevents QxQ from succeeding? The protection Black’s queen enjoys from his knight. So White eliminates the defender with BxN+. After Black replies b7xBc6, White takes Black’s queen for free. Notice the check White’s bishop gave when it captured the knight. The check is critical, as otherwise Black replies QxQ+, and then after his queen is retaken plays b7xBc6—a wash. Giving check with the capture denies Black the time to make mischief with the piece that has just been stripped of its guard. [This explanation is taken from the book, and might sound a bit strange without context; for example, it may refer to earlier explanations you haven't seen because this position was selected at random. Don't be alarmed. If you would like to leave the quiz and read more about positions like this one, use the underlined links that appear above the explanation. Or use the links below to continue with the quiz.] Hint | Reveal Solution | Next Position: Same Topic / Random Topic |