An Exchange Sacrifice is a deliberate move where you sacrifice a Rook for a minor piece. The first diagram above shows a tactical exchange sacrifice (calculation-based, risk-free): 1.Rxf6 leads to mate in a few moves.
The second diagram above (Sokolov vs. Kramnik, 2004) shows a positional exchange sacrifice: 1.Rxc7 Qxc7 2.Rxf6 sacrifices the Exchange to gain two powerful connected passed pawns on d5 and e4.
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When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on Exchange Sacrifices. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this type of sacrifice.
This video is another very interesting chess.com lesson by GM Larry Kaufman. Here you’ll learn when it is good to go for the Exchange sacrifice and when not.
A very well-thought-out book by Yasser Seirawan that works perfectly as a general introduction to tactics and combinations for beginners. Many precise definitions and clear examples. Follow all the moves with ease thanks to the interactive e-book reader.
A very well-curated selection of tactical exercises by Franco Masetti & Roberto Messa. Perfect for beginners who already know the basics and want to get better in a “guided” way. Follow all the moves with ease thanks to the interactive e-book reader.
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