Spot pieces that are attacked more than they're defended
A piece with one defender isn't automatically safe. If it's attacked twice, or attacked by something cheaper, you lose material anyway. This drill trains the counting habit: attackers versus defenders, and what each one is worth.
What it trains
- Counting attackers and defenders on a square
- Seeing when a cheaper attacker makes a defended piece unsafe
- Judging whether a capture sequence actually wins material
How it works
- 01
A position appears with several pieces in contact.
- 02
Right-click every piece that would lose material if the opponent started capturing on it.
- 03
Compare your answer with the engine-free solution and update your rating.
Why it stops blunders
Plenty of blunders at 1000–1400 aren't hanging pieces — they're "defended" pieces that lose the exchange count. Once counting attackers and defenders is automatic, a whole category of lost material disappears from your games.
FAQ
- How is this different from the undefended pieces drill?
- Undefended means zero defenders. Under-defended means there is a defender, but not enough of them — or the attacker is worth less than the piece it's hitting.
- Do I need to calculate long sequences?
- No. The drill is about counting and piece values, not deep calculation. Most answers come from a quick look at the square.
- Is there a timed version?
- Yes. Signed-in players can run it in Storm or Time Trial mode.
Five minutes. One habit. No signup.