Academy | Calculation | Counting
The counting technique is a quick way to calculate a series of captures without visualizing every move. You simply count the attackers and defenders. To capture first and last, you need at least one more attacker than the opponent has defenders. Piece values matter too—high-value attackers are less effective against low-value defenders, like pawns.
You still need to be careful, though. Always watch for unexpected tactics, such as in-between moves or changes in move order.
Examples of The Counting Technique
The Takeaway
The counting technique is a valuable tool for quickly assessing whether a sequence of captures might work and whether it warrants a more detailed calculation.