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Checks, captures, threats (CCT)

Level: Class F (800–1000)Topic: Thinking process30 minutes

In short

Forcing moves give the opponent the fewest choices, so they are the easiest to calculate and the most likely to win material. Every move, list them in order: all Checks, then all Captures, then all Threats (moves that attack something or threaten mate).

By the end you can

The lesson

Forcing moves give the opponent the fewest choices, so they are the easiest to calculate and the most likely to win material. Every move, list them in order: all Checks, then all Captures, then all Threats (moves that attack something or threaten mate).

Do it for your opponent too. If you see their best check, capture or threat before they play it, you will not be surprised. Most blunders at this level happen because a player only looked at their own plans.

CCT is not a rule to always play a forcing move — it is a checklist so that you never miss one. If no forcing move works, you play a quiet improving move with a clear conscience.

Key points to remember

Examples

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Example 1 (White to move). Run through checks and captures — one of them wins material. (Lichess puzzle 0IMUT, rated 926)
Show the solution

30. Ne7+ Kf7 31. Nxc8+

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Example 2 (Black to move). Start with checks. (Lichess puzzle 07W5q, rated 927)
Show the solution

47... g6+ 48. Kh6 Rxh4#

Practise it

Solve puzzles on this idea: fork puzzles, discovered attack puzzles, mate in 2 puzzles.

Homework

In three games, write C/C/T on your scoresheet every 5 moves as a reminder.

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