Attacking f7/f2 and the uncastled king
In short
A king that stays in the centre while the position opens is a target. Sacrifices on f7 (or e6) rip away its cover; open files then bring rooks into the attack.
By the end you can
- Exploit a king left in the centre
- Use sacrifices on f7/e6
The lesson
A king that stays in the centre while the position opens is a target. Sacrifices on f7 (or e6) rip away its cover; open files then bring rooks into the attack.
Before attacking, check that you have more pieces in the attacking zone than the opponent has defenders. If so, sacrifices often work; if not, keep developing and open lines first.
Key points to remember
- King in the centre + open position = attack
- Count attackers vs defenders
- Open files for rooks
Examples
Show the solution
22. Qxb7+ Ke8 23. Qxf7#
Practise it
Solve puzzles on this idea: attacking f2/f7 puzzles, exposed king puzzles.
Homework
15 puzzles on attacking the king.
More tactics lessons
- Hanging pieces: take them and don’t leave them (Novice)
- Double attacks and forks (Novice)
- Pins: pieces that cannot move (Novice)
- Forks with every piece (Class F)
- Using and breaking pins (Class F)
- Skewers and x-rays (Class F)