defence · recognise → explain → apply

Countercheck during an exposed-king chase

Both kings are exposed and a checking move can interrupt the opponent’s attack.

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

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Choose an example

Nakamura,Hi – Giri,A

9th Masters Final 2016 · 2016.07.16 · 1/2-1/2

42... Qe2+ · White to move

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What to notice at 42... Qe2+

The recorded continuation checks along several lines before settling into ...Qd1+ and ...Qh1+.

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 practical defensive route begins with ...Qe2+?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

Make it memorable

Do not only survive the attack; interrupt its clock.

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 ↗