Expert tactic · 3 of 9
The defensive move
The one move that meets the threat: a block, a king step or a guard that keeps you ahead.
- Learn how it worksThree examples with Capra. You play each one yourself.Three examples with CapraStart the lesson
- Practise on real puzzlesPractise on puzzles80 defensive move puzzles, from easy to very hard.0 of 80 solvedGo to the puzzlesGo to the puzzles
Three ways to defend
Block the line, step the king aside or guard the square. In each position only one of them works.
The block
The bishop blocks the check and pins the queen to her king.
The king step
The king steps into the corner, and the rook is never pinned.
The guard
The queen drops back to cover g2 and offers a trade.
Defensive moves in numbers
Counted from the 4,878 defensive moves in our puzzle library, all taken from real games- 1 in 60
of our puzzles has a defensive move in it.
- 34%
of them start with a king move.
- 82%
of them come in the endgame.
Which piece makes the first move
- King34%
- Pawn23%
- Rook20%
- Queen9%
- Bishop8%
What it wins
- Rook14%
- Queen12%
- Bishop4%
- Knight4%
- Checkmate0%
Good to know
Defensive moves: common questions
What is a defensive move in chess?
A defensive move is the precise move that meets a threat: a check, a mate threat or an attack on a piece. In a defensive move puzzle only one move holds, and every other move loses something.
What are the ways to answer a check?
There are three. Move the king, block the line between the checking piece and the king, or capture the checking piece. A knight check and a double check cannot be blocked.
How do I find the right defence?
Work out exactly what the threat is, then list every move that stops it. Follow each one a move further. The right defence leaves you with nothing pinned, nothing loose and no second threat to meet.
Can a defensive move win the game?
Often. Many attacks cost material. If you find the one move that stops the threat, you keep the extra material and the attack is over.