"Capturing the Defender" Puzzle Generator

Master a fundamental building block of chess combinations: Capturing the Defender. Create PDF worksheets focused on this key tactic, also known as "removing the guard," where you eliminate a key defensive piece to make a previously protected square or piece vulnerable.

How to Create Your Worksheet

1. Select Difficulty

Choose a level. Beginner puzzles have a single, obvious defender to capture. Advanced puzzles may involve a sequence of moves to get to the defender.

2. Choose Quantity

Select how many of these essential puzzles you want for your tactical training.

3. Generate & Preview

Instantly see your unique set of puzzles that teach you to identify the most important defensive piece in a position.

4. Download PDF

Download your worksheet to drill this critical first step of many winning combinations.

"Capturing the Defender" Worksheet Features

The First Step in a Combination

Learn to see "removing the guard" as the key that unlocks a more powerful tactic like a fork, pin, or checkmate.

Identify Key Defenders

Train your brain to ask, "What piece is preventing my attack from working?" and then find a way to capture it.

Improve Your Tactical Setup

These puzzles teach you how to prepare your attacks by first eliminating the pieces that are holding your opponent's position together.

A Universal Tactical Idea

This concept applies in the opening, middlegame, and endgame. Mastering it will improve your play in all phases of the game.

"Capturing the Defender" Puzzle FAQs

What does "capturing the defender" mean?

It means capturing an opponent's piece whose main job is to defend another piece or an important square. Once the defender is gone, the piece or square it was guarding becomes weak.

How do I spot this tactic?

Look for one of your pieces that is attacking an enemy piece, but the attack doesn't work because the enemy piece is protected. Then, ask yourself: "Can I capture the protector?"