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| | Most games, particularly in [[blitz chess]], are lost through blunders: a move which results in the capture of one's queen or other valuable piece, or an immediate [[checkmate]]. A rapid mental algorithm after choosing a move but before finalizing it can sharply reduce the blunders and resultant losses. | | Most games, particularly in [[blitz chess]], are lost through blunders: a move which results in the capture of one's queen or other valuable piece, or an immediate [[checkmate]]. A rapid mental algorithm after choosing a move but before finalizing it can sharply reduce the blunders and resultant losses. |
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| | + | A common blunder, particularly in [[blitz chess]], is to recognize a minor attack (such as a threat to a pawn) while not seeing a larger simultaneous attack (such as a threat to the queen or even [[checkmate]]. |
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| | ==Forking== | | ==Forking== |
| − | An effective way to capture valuable pieces is through the use of "forks", which is putting two pieces on the other side in jeopardy with one move. Forks by knights ("knight fork") are often difficult for an opponent to anticipate or defend against, since the knight is not in a straight line of its targets. In blitz chess, it is important in particular to be vigilant against knight forks. | + | An effective way to capture valuable pieces is through the use of "forks", which is putting two pieces on the other side in jeopardy with one move. Forks by knights ("knight fork") are often difficult for an opponent to anticipate or defend against, since the knight is not in a straight line of its targets. In blitz chess, it is important in particular to be vigilant against knight forks, and one way to avoid this is by making sure the spacings between the rook, queen and king are not vulnerable to a knight fork. |
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| | A fork which places the opponent in check is particularly effective, as the only possible response (other than capture) is for the opponent king to move out of check and thereby give up the other jeopardized piece. Forks that jeopardize the opponent queen are likewise effective. | | A fork which places the opponent in check is particularly effective, as the only possible response (other than capture) is for the opponent king to move out of check and thereby give up the other jeopardized piece. Forks that jeopardize the opponent queen are likewise effective. |
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| − | A fork by an advancing, protect pawn is often overlooked by beginners, and should become part of the repertoire of every player. | + | A fork by an advancing, protected pawn is often overlooked by beginners, and should become part of the repertoire of every player. |
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| | ==Stacking== | | ==Stacking== |