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The Exchange Sacrifice

An exchange sacrifice gives a rook for a bishop or knight. The rook is worth five points, and a minor piece is worth three.

A rook for a bishop and a pawn

The rook on a1 captures the bishop on a5. The pawn on b6 recaptures. The queen captures the pawn on b6. White gave a rook for a bishop and a pawn, and Black's queenside pawns are broken.

FEN: 5k2/8/1p6/b7/8/4Q3/8/R5K1 w - - 0 1

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

A rook for two pawns and an attack

The rook on f1 captures the pawn on f6. The pawn on g7 recaptures. The queen captures the pawn on f6 and stands close to the enemy king. White gave a rook for two pawns and a strong attack.

FEN: 4k3/6p1/5p2/8/3Q4/8/8/5R1K w - - 0 1

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

Key points

  • An exchange sacrifice trades a rook for a minor piece.
  • The sacrifice loses two points of material.
  • The compensation is usually a strong pawn structure or attack.
  • An exchange sacrifice can open a file for the remaining rook.
  • An exchange sacrifice can destroy the pawns guarding the enemy king.
  • An exchange sacrifice can win a strong outpost for a knight.
  • Calculate whether the remaining pieces are worth more than the rook.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which rook move is an exchange sacrifice against the bishop on a5?