Spotting Tactics
📋 What it is
Tactics hide behind loose (undefended) pieces, exposed kings, and pieces on the same line. Trained eyes scan for them every move.
🗣️ Coach says
This is the habit that turns knowledge into wins: every turn, scan for checks, captures, and threats — yours AND your opponent’s. Removing a defender is a favourite way to unlock a tactic.
🧠 Memory hook
CCT scan: “Checks, Captures, Threats?” — every single move.
😂 Giggle
Why did "removing the defender" work so well?
Because once the guard is gone, the treasure is undefended!
😲 Whoa!
Strong players look at forcing moves FIRST (checks and captures) because those narrow the position down fastest — that’s efficient calculation.
✅ Quick check: Before you move, which three things should you always scan the board for?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
Checks, Captures, and Threats — for both you and your opponent.
Forcing moves (checks/captures) reveal most tactics; scanning them first is how strong players calculate quickly.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
In your next game, before EVERY move say “checks, captures, threats?” out loud (or in your head) and look for each.