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Intermediate · 4/20
Remove the defender
Win a target by eliminating the piece that protects it.
Learn this chess concept step by step, then practise it on the interactive ChessRivo board.
Open interactive lessonAbout this lesson
Many tactical combinations work only after one key defender is captured, exchanged or driven away.
Key ideas
- Count attackers and defenders before starting the combination.
- Look for a defender that is overloaded or poorly protected.
- After removing it, recalculate the target before capturing.
Coach tip: Ask “what is the only thing holding this position together?”
Test yourself
What is the main idea of removing the defender?
- Eliminate protection of a target
- Trade every piece
- Move the king toward the center
Show answer
Correct answer: Eliminate protection of a target
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.