Remove the Defender of the King: a middlegame course

Identify the piece defending a useful square near the king, then calculate how to remove it.

5 lessons, each followed by its own puzzle drill, then 10 themed puzzle packs.

• Identify the Key Defender — Find the piece protecting your intended attacking square.
• Trade or Chase the Guard — Exchange or attack the defender before using its square.
• Sacrifice to Remove the Guard — Calculate the follow-up before sacrificing to remove the defender.
• The Attack Lands — Use the exposed square while checking every defensive reply.
• Overload the Guard — Create a second threat against the important defender.