Attack and Defense In Chess - Part Three

By Grandmaster Alex Yermolinsky

Attacks and Defenses

Count Your Attackers and Defenders

When the attack outnumbers the defense (which means there is more attackers then defenders) it becomes possible to capture the piece that is being attacked. We always need to count the number of attackers vs. the number of defenders before we capture a piece...

 

What is also important is the value of the pieces and pawns involved in attacking and defending the target. Sometimes, one side can have more attackers than the opponent’s defenses, but in the process of capturing he would give up more value.

 

This example teaches us that pawns are the best defenders for each other. The front pawn of the e6-d5 chain is always protected from the white pieces. If you were White, here I hope you would think of switching the point of your attack to the base of Black's pawn chain, the e6-pawn, because it's not protected by another pawn.

In situations with multiple attackers and defenders, the right way is to start capturing with the less important pieces first! Don't give up too much value. Remember, your opponent doesn’t have to keep on capturing – he or she will stop once they see that they are ahead in material.
 


Obviously, having the queen ahead of the rooks was not the best setup for White's ambitious plans. The great World Champion, Alexander Alekhine, showed in his games that for maximum power on an open file, the queen (your MVP) has to stay behind the rooks. This setup became known as Alekhine's Gun. In the following example, White uses it's power very effectively.

 



In the opening stage of the game, the key to the Black king's safety is the f7-pawn. Its only protector is the king himself, while other pieces have a hard time getting involved in the defense. Let's look at a popular opening known as the Two Knights Game.

The defensive play that began with 4...Qe7? was doomed Frown. Was Black in trouble after 4.Ng5? Not so much. It was discovered many years ago that Black achieves a good position by counterattack, beginning with 4...d5.

As an experienced player and coach, I encourage my students to pay close attention to the issue of attacks and defenses, and I hope this three-part article will be helpful in your journey to understand this important chess concept...