Explanation

Explanation

Sometimes you can capture an opponent's piece, but capturing it comes with a disadvantage, for example, your opponent may have other threats, or the piece that can make the capture may currently be pinned. In those cases, instead of capturing immediately, you can sometimes play an intermediate check - a move that gives check and changes the situation so that you can make the capture later without that disadvantage.

In these levels we are looking at intermediate checks to avoid checkmates.

In level 1, we make two moves, and avoid a checkmate in one.
In level 2, we either make three moves to avoid a checkmate in one, or we make two moves to avoid a checkmate in two.

Examples

Capturing the rook with 1...Rxb2? would not be a good idea, because of 2.Qxd8#.
But black can win with the intermediate check 1...Rd1+. After the forced 2.Kh2, Black can now capture with the other rook 2...Rxb2, while the rook on d1 is still protecting the knight on d8.

Sometimes the intermediate check can be a sacrifice:

It would be a mistake to capture the queen immediately with 1...Qxg4, because Nb6# would be checkmate. Instead, Black can win with the intermediate check 1...Rd1+!, sacrificing the rook to deflect the rook from c1. After the forced recapture 2.Rxd1 Black can capture the queen without being checkmated.

Capturing the queen immediately with 1.Qxa7? fails to 1...Rxc1#.
However, White can play the intermediate check 1.Rd8+!.
If Black captures the rook with 1...Rxd8!, then after 2.Qxa7 there is no checkmate.
And if Black defends with 1...Nf8, White wins with 2.Rxc8.

How to spot an intermediate check

When you can capture an opponent's piece, don't just grab it. Instead:

1. Look for existing threats from your opponent.
2. Consider whether your intended move might create tactical opportunities for your opponent.

If either of these exist, consider an intermediate check or move.

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