The art of defence
In short
Good defence starts with calm calculation: what exactly is the threat, and what are all possible answers? Look for counter-attack first (a threat of your own), then for exchanges that reduce the attacking force, and only then for passive defence.
By the end you can
- Find defensive resources
- Choose between passive and active defence
The lesson
Good defence starts with calm calculation: what exactly is the threat, and what are all possible answers? Look for counter-attack first (a threat of your own), then for exchanges that reduce the attacking force, and only then for passive defence.
Material can be returned to stop an attack. A defender who gives back a pawn to trade queens often reaches a holdable endgame. Never resign a position before checking for perpetual check, stalemate tricks or a fortress.
Key points to remember
- Identify the threat precisely
- Counter-attack > exchange > passive defence
- Give material back to kill an attack
- Look for perpetuals and fortresses
Examples
Show the solution
26... gxh5 27. Rg3+ Kh6
Show the solution
47. e7+ Ke8 48. f7+ Rxf7 49. gxf7+ Kxf7 50. Kd7
Practise it
Solve puzzles on this idea: defensive move puzzles.
Homework
15 defensive puzzles; play the defend-the-rook-ending practice.
More calculation lessons
- Calculating without moving the pieces (Class D)
- Calculating trees of variations (Class B)
- A calculation method for hard positions (Class A)
- Endgame studies for imagination (Class A)
- Calculation under pressure (Expert)
- Finding the opponent’s resources (Master)