Basic Tactics: Set Five

Sharpen up your mental reflexes with these basic yet juicy tactical tests.

1) Material is even, White’s Bishop is attacked (…Rxd2 is threatened), and White’s Queen is about to be taken. What can the first player do?

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WHITE TO MOVE

2) White is a pawn up and he threatens more gains by Bxd6 (winning the Queen) or Qxa7 (picking up another pawn). What can Black do?

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BLACK TO MOVE

3) Material is even but Black has the option of winning the white pawn on b3 by 1…Nxb3. Is this playable? If not, what do you think Black should do?

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BLACK TO MOVE

4) White is staring at the target on c6 which appears to be adequately protected. Is this true? What is White’s best move?

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WHITE TO MOVE

5) This position occurred in a grandmaster game. It’s clear that Black’s Knight is far superior to White’s pathetic Bishop, but how did that translate into a win?

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BLACK TO MOVE

6) An ugly position, to be sure. However, does White have a strong shot?

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WHITE TO MOVE

7) White appears to be lost. Is this so, or can he save the game?

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WHITE TO MOVE

8) White has been waiting for his opponent to give up for quite a while. True, Black can turn his a-pawn into a Queen and give check, but after White’s King moves to safety it seems that the many White mate threats should do the trick. Is it finally time for Black to lay down his arms?

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BLACK TO MOVE

9) White has sacrificed a piece for a monster attack down the g-file. However, it seems that Black’s defenses are holding since …Bxg1, winning the g1-Rook, is threatened, and …Bg5, closing off the g-file, is also very annoying. Also note how the e5-Knight is keeping White’s pieces out of g6. Is White doomed?

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WHITE TO MOVE

10) White has a lovely attacking position, but how can he break through?

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WHITE TO MOVE

To see the answers, click HERE!