Lesson 10 of 20 · Tactics · 6 min

Counting Attackers and Defenders

Counting attackers and defenders before you capture stops you from losing exchanges, and the same count tells you when a mating attack is ready.

Count attackers and defenders before capturing on a square.
Start exchanges with your cheapest piece and keep the rook for last.
Bring one more attacker than defenders to mate in three.

Before capturing on a square, count. How many of your pieces attack it, and how many enemy pieces defend it? If you have more attackers, the exchanges usually end in your favor.

Pieces standing behind each other on a line all count. Here the rook backs up the pawn: once the pawn captures, the rook joins in.

🔒 2 more cards and 2 more practice positions continue in the app.

Try the first practice

Opponentno pieces in hand

Youno pieces in hand

Practice 1 of 1

Three of your pieces attack the silver on 5d; one gold defends it. Start the exchange correctly.

Remember: Count attackers and defenders before you capture. Line pieces behind others count too. Capture cheapest first, and bring one more attacker than there are defenders.