Chess Patterns ❯ Signals and Clues ❯ Problematic Defenders
Problematic Defenders
Problematic Defenders
A Problematic Defender is a piece that is either too far from where its defenses are required or is overburdened by having to defend multiple weaknesses simultaneously. It is a signal of tactical possibilities. In the diagram above, the e6-pawn is overloaded: it has to defend both the d5-Knight and the f5-Rook. This allows White to win material by the simple: 1.Nxd5 exd5 2.Rxf5.
Ideas for when your opponent has a Problematic Defender: (1) Look for tactics that exploit its vulnerable condition, (2) Prevent your opponent from reinforcing it, (3) Increase pressure to gain positional advantages. Ideas for when you have a Problematic Defender: (1) Support it with additional pieces or pawns, (2) Look for piece trades that may alleviate the pressure on it.
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Designed with Love in Italy
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Master the Problematic Defenders
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 Problematic Defenders. 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 tactical signal.
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Overworked Pieces - GM Ben Finegold
A very fun lesson for kids and beginners by Ben Finegold at the Saint Louis Chess Club on how to spot weak defenders.
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10 Levels of Tactics: Overloading
In this upbeat video, The Chess Nerd gives you very actionable advice on how to exploit problematic defenders. From a 0 to 2500 Elo rating.
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Stop Counting 'Attackers' vs 'Defenders'!
A very interesting take by ChessCoach Andras on why “counting” is bad when facing problematic defenders. Highly recommended viewing.
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A very well thought-out book by Yasser Seirawan that works perfectly as a general introduction to tactics and combinations for beginners. With many precise definitions and clear examples.
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Tune Your Chess Tactics Antenna*
Get this highly popular book by Emmanuel Neiman and make better use of your time and energy by recognizing the presence or absence of tactics in the positions in front of you.