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Beginner lesson 9/20
Basic tactics
Recognize forks, pins, skewers and hanging pieces.
Learn this chess concept step by step, then practise it on the interactive ChessRivo board.
Open interactive lessonAbout this lesson
Tactics are short forcing sequences that win material or create mate.
Key ideas
- A fork attacks two targets at once.
- A pin restricts a piece because moving it exposes something more valuable.
- Checks, captures and threats are the forcing moves to examine first.
Coach tip: On every turn, scan for checks, captures and threats — for both sides.
Test yourself
What should you examine first in a tactical position?
- Checks, captures and threats
- Only pawn moves
- Only castling
Show answer
Correct answer: Checks, captures and threats
Practise this lesson interactively
Open the ChessRivo Academy board exercise for this exact lesson. Your progress is saved when you are signed in.
Open interactive lessonHow to use this lesson in a real game
Turn the idea into a repeatable decision process.
- Before moving, name the position feature this lesson is about.
- Find one candidate move that follows the lesson idea and one alternative.
- After the game, return to the critical position and compare your choice with the lesson.