defence · recognise → explain → apply

Exchange the piece that can exploit your weak square

You cannot repair a pawn hole, but can remove the enemy piece best suited to occupy it.

Explanation styleChoose any style. Age is not playing strength; no birth date is needed.

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Notes and replay positions are saved. Practice games are temporary; export their PGN to keep them.

Choose an example

Giri,A – Carlsen,M

3rd Sinquefield Cup 2015 · 2015.08.26 · 1/2-1/2

25... Bxd5 · White to move

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What to notice at 25... Bxd5

Black removes Nd5 and follows with ...Rxc3. The resulting position is not evaluated solely by the damaged pawn structure.

A legally replayed historical example, not a claim that every move is best. A game’s result does not prove every defensive position was lost or drawn.

Game source ↗

Your thinking first

Name the signal, choose a plan, and test the opponent’s most challenging response.

What do you notice?What is your plan, and why?How could the opponent resist?

Recall and explain

1. Which outpost occupant is removed by ...Bxd5?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

Make it memorable

A hole without an intruder is less frightening.

Teach this to a friend in one minute. Then return to a different example and look for the same signal without being told its name.

Reflect and revisit

This is your self-assessment, not an engine grade or a promise of mastery.

Connect the ideas

Sources and further reading

Original GolgiChess teaching and game analysis. Topic references are credited below; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Exeter Chess Club — Knight outposts ↗