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Sacrifice to Expose the King

A sacrifice can expose a king by stripping its pawn shield. Once the shield is gone, the king faces checks on open lines.

A rook sacrifice strips the pawn shield

The rook on h1 captures the pawn on h7. The king captures the rook. The queen gives check from h5. The king has lost its pawn shield and stands exposed.

FEN: 6k1/7p/8/8/8/8/8/3Q2KR w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . . . k . 8
7 . . . . . . . p 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . Q . . K R 1
  a b c d e f g h

A bishop sacrifice strips the pawn shield

The bishop on d4 captures the pawn on g7. The king captures the bishop. The queen gives check from g4 along the open file. The king is exposed.

FEN: 6k1/6p1/8/8/3B4/8/8/3Q2K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . . . k . 8
7 . . . . . . p . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . B . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . Q . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A king is safe behind its pawns.
  • A sacrifice can capture a shielding pawn.
  • The king must recapture and step into the open.
  • Open lines then give checks the king cannot escape.
  • A sacrifice to expose a king needs follow-up pieces ready.
  • A queen and a rook are the usual follow-up pieces.
  • Expose the king only when you can keep giving checks.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which sacrifice exposes the king on g8?