Academy | Calculation | Framework | Threats | Example #3
Yes, White has the obvious threat 2. Qxg7#, but there is also a less obvious threat: 2. d4! Qh4 3. Bg5, attacking the queen and threatening 4… Bxf6.
If Black only noticed the 2. Qxg7# threat, they might play 1… g6, leading to 2. d4! Qh4 3. Bg5!, forking the black queen and knight.
If you see all the threats, you understand that your next move must be considered very carefully. You need either a very good defense or a strong counter-threat. The moves worth considering are:
- 1… Ng4 — threatening 2… Nxh2+.
- 1… Ne8 — defends g7 and removes the knight from danger, but is very passive.
- 1… Bg4! — threatening 2… Qxf3+.
As this example shows, threats aren’t always obvious. And finding one threat doesn’t mean it’s the only one! You really should pay as much attention to your opponent’s threats as to your own.