Academy | Calculation | Framework | Threats | Example #2
Yes, White has a threat, but it is not immediately obvious:
2. Rg5+ Kh6 (the only move) Rg8+, a discovered attack that wins the undefended rook on a8.
If Black doesn’t notice the danger, the game might continue:
1… Re8? (“threatening” 2. Re1#) 2. Rg5+ Kh6 3. Rg8+ (discovered check) Kh7 4. Rxe8, and White is ahead in material.
Dealing with the threat isn’t easy, but simply being aware of it helps us focus on finding a solution. Black has no active counter-threats, so they must try to save their rook on a8 from White’s plan.
The correct defense is:
1… Rh8! (any other move loses the rook) 2. Rg5+ Kh6 3. Rg8+ Kh7, and now the king is in time to defend the rook.
White had to find a creative defense here, but if they hadn’t even recognized the threat, they would have lost their rook.