Hanging piece puzzles

Something on the board is undefended, or defended too few times. Take it - or set up the move that wins it next.

It sounds basic, but most games below master level are decided by a piece left hanging. Training your eye to see every loose piece, yours and theirs, wins more games than any opening.

How to spot it

• After every move, ask what is no longer defended.
• Count attackers and defenders on each piece.
• Check that taking does not walk into a fork or a mate.