Defensive chess puzzles

You are under attack, and only one move keeps you alive. Everything else loses material or gets mated.

Defence is a skill most players never practise. These puzzles train you to see the opponent's threat first and find the one move that meets it.

How to spot it

• Name the threat before looking for a move.
• The best defence is often a counter-threat, not a retreat.
• Check every forcing move you have before settling for a passive one.