Something Strange
Part of the Playing Real Games section of Coddy's Chess journey. Lesson 11 of 40.
Sooner or later they play a move that is in no book. Do not panic and do not laugh: the principles were written for exactly this. Take whatever centre they gave you, develop as usual, and ask one extra question - what did that strange move weaken? Often it is their king, and the punishment is only a check away.
Try it yourselfBeginner
Position 1 of 8
WatchDamiano's defence, 1512. The pawn on f6 weakens the king. Watch.
The starting position.
0 / 7
All 8 positions
All lessons in Playing Real Games
1Think Before You Move
What Did That Move Change?Checks, Captures, ThreatsThe Landing SquareThe Blunder CheckTwo Candidates, Not OneRecap: Think Before You Move2Opening Principles
Centre, Pieces, KingDon't Move It TwiceThe Early QueenConnect the RooksSomething StrangeRecap: Opening Principles