Hanging pieces

Chess tactics

What is a hanging piece?

A hanging piece is one that is not protected, or that is attacked more times than it is defended. Spotting hanging pieces, yours and your opponent's, is the most important habit in chess below master level.

How to spot it
  • Before every move, scan the whole board and ask "what can be captured for free?"
  • After your opponent moves, ask what changed: did the move leave something loose, or attack one of your pieces?
  • Remember pieces that are defended only by a piece that is itself attacked.
A common mistake

Looking only at your own plan. Check what your opponent's last move attacks before you start yours.

Try it: real puzzles
Example 1: White to move
Show the solution

31. Bxc3 Rxc2 32. Bxe5

Example 2: White to move
Show the solution

14. Nxe7+ Kh8 15. Rxd1

Example 3: White to move
Show the solution

12. Nxd5 Nxb3 13. Nxe7+

Example 4: Black to move
Show the solution

17... Qxh1#

Train hanging piece puzzles in ChessPeak

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