Chess sacrifices

Chess tactics

When should you sacrifice a piece in chess?

A sacrifice gives up material to gain something bigger: a checkmate, a stronger position, or more material back a few moves later. The best sacrifices are calculated, not hopeful. You should be able to say exactly what you get in return.

How to spot it
  • Look for a king in the open or short of defenders: sacrifices that open lines against the king often pay off.
  • Count forcing moves: checks, captures and threats. If every reply is forced, you can calculate to the end.
  • Compare the final position with the material you gave up, not the position after one move.
A common mistake

Sacrificing because it looks exciting. If you cannot see the win, keep the piece.

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

23... Qxf2+ 24. Kh1 Qf1+ 25. Rxf1 Rxf1+ 26. Rxf1 Rxf1#

Example 2: Black to move
Show the solution

27... Rb1+ 28. Bxb1 Qxb1#

Example 3: White to move
Show the solution

29. Rxh7+ Kxh7 30. Qh5#

Example 4: Black to move
Show the solution

26... Qe1+ 27. Rxe1 Rxe1#

Train sacrifice puzzles in ChessPeak

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