The two chess puzzles below are quite simple–but they can be surprisingly hard to solve if you are not familiar with the pattern. Give it a try!
Easy Tactic #1

Diagram above: Black to move. What would you do? Keep in mind that white’s bishop on c3 is threatening to capture your queen!
Scroll down to see the solution.
.
.
The Solution
Tactical Pattern: X-Ray

Diagram above: 1… Qb2+ 2.Bxb2 Bxb2#
Black uses a tactical pattern known as X-Ray. The point is that black’s bishop on g7 indirectly supports the b2-square through X-Ray.
The X-Ray tactic can surprise your opponent because it’s easily overlooked that your pieces can defend one another even though an enemy piece obstructs their line-of-sight.
Note: If you enjoyed these tactics, you will also enjoy my collection of 100 STUDY TACTICS.
Easy Tactic #2

Diagram above: White to move. You could play 1.Nxd6, but there is something much better. Can you find it?
Scroll down to see the solution.
.
.
The Solution
Tactical Pattern: Overloading a Defender

Diagram above: 1.Rxb5 Qxb5 2.Qa8+ Kg7 3.Qxb7 wins the black bishop in the process.
Black’s queen is overloaded because she can’t defend the bishop on b5 and the a8-square at the same time.
The point here is that if black’s queen takes your rook, then white can play Qa8+, followed by Qxb7, and capture the undefended rook on b7. This tactical idea is known as overloading a defender.
If you enjoyed these tactics, you will also enjoy my collection of 100 STUDY TACTICS.