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Master Tactics

Master Tactics

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Chess.com Team
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Master your calculation with these tactics!

Have you ever missed a great tactic? Have you ever seen a tactical sequence from a master and not understood it? Then this is the course for you! They say that chess is 99% tactics - ultimately, tactics are the difference between a win, loss, or draw. In this course, we will be delving further into the realm of tactics and seeing some master-level patterns. Start using these master tactics today!

Here is what you will learn:

  • Practice tricky tactics!
  • Learn how to combine tactical motifs!
  • Learn how to checkmate a castled king!

Spotting Tactics 1 - Loose Pieces

A big part of being a great tactician is knowing when to look for tactics. There are clues in the position that tell an experienced player that the time is right for a combination to take place.
4 Challenges

Spotting Tactics 2: Exposing the Castled King

While castling is important, it doesn't make the king immune from danger, of course - particularly when the pawn cover has disappeared.
5 Challenges

Spotting Tactics 3: Weak Back Rank

Another indication that there is a combination brewing in the position is the presence of a weak back rank.
2 Challenges

Spotting Tactics 4 - Forkable Pieces

Another clue that a combination is imminent is when there are pieces that are in such a position that they could potentially be forked. This can be hard to spot and takes some creativity.
3 Challenges

Spotting Tactics 5: Heavy Pieces Overloaded

Another factor which leads to a combination is when a player has one of his most valuable pieces stuck defending a critical point.
3 Challenges

Combinations 1: Putting Together Motifs

You have already heard the term "combination" before. While definitions differ, a combination basically means a tactic which decisively changes the nature of the game.
3 Challenges

Combinations 2: Putting Together Motifs

Here we will see another example of using different tactical motifs. The weak back rank, forkable pieces, and overloaded heavy pieces are all represented in this clever combination.
4 Challenges

Combinations 3: Putting Together Motifs

Again we will solve a combination involving various motifs - removing the defender and double attack.
4 Challenges

Advanced Desperados: Positional Zwischenzug!

A 'desperado' is a tactic which can occur when pieces on both sides are under attack. One side "sells" the life of the attacked piece in order to make some kind of gain.
2 Challenges

Master Tactics

Tactics
9 Lessons
No Videos
30 Challenges
Released 5/18/2013

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