Count & capture (2)
This is another lesson about counting attackers and defenders and about winning material if there are more attackers than defenders.
Start by finding the attacked piece. Then, count the number of attackers and defenders. Do the attackers outnumber the defenders? Then you can gain the piece.
You must be very careful about which piece to capture with first. If you make a mistake you pay the price: in this lesson, one of your pieces is under attack as well!
What do you have to do?
Capture a piece that is insufficiently defended and gain material. Think closely about which piece you capture with first, or you will lose a piece that is under attack.
The black bishop has two attackers and one defender. Does it matter in which order White takes?
Suppose that White’s bishop takes the black bishop. Black knight will take back. After that, White’s knight will recapture the black knight.
Now, we need to do the math: White has as knight (3) and a bishop (3): a total gain of 6 points. Black has only won a bishop: 3 points. So, White has won 3 points.
But what if White were to use the knight for the first capture? Black recaptures and White’s bishop takes the black knight.
This does not change the calculation: again, White gains 3 points.
But still it is better to capture with the knight first.
Do you see why?
Black’s rook is attacking White’s knight! If White uses his bishop to take the black knight, Black will not recapture with the knight, but will take the knight with his rook.
3 points for White and 3 points for Black: an equal trade.
In this position, it is much better for White to take the bishop with the knight. He moves the attacked piece and wins points by doing so.
