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Tactic

Desperado

A doomed piece that is bound to be captured sacrifices itself to capture an enemy unit first, maximizing material balance.

Starting position

The Setup

White's bishop on g5 is attacked by Black's pawn on h6. Black's bishop on e4 is attacked by White's pawn on f3. Since both pieces are doomed, White has a desperado resource.

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Move sequences and interactive tour paths for Desperado

Starting Position (FEN): r2qkb1r/ppp1ppp1/2n4p/3p2B1/3Pb3/4PP1P/PPP3P1/RNBQK1NR w KQkq - 0 1

Doomed Piece Trade

  • The Setup - White's bishop on g5 is attacked by Black's pawn on h6. Black's bishop on e4 is attacked by White's pawn on f3. Since both pieces are doomed, White has a desperado resource.
  • Bxh6: The Desperado Capture - Instead of saving the bishop, White plays Bxh6. Since the bishop was going to be captured anyway, it takes a pawn with it, ensuring it inflicts maximum damage.
  • gxh6: Black Recaptures - Black recaptures the desperado bishop with the g-pawn. Now it is White's turn to capture Black's doomed bishop on e4.
  • fxe4: Capturing the Bishop - White captures the black bishop on e4. Thanks to the desperado capture, White has emerged one pawn ahead in the exchange sequence.
For experienced players

When you calculate a sequence and realize one of your pieces cannot be saved, look for what it can capture before it dies. A desperado move ensures you maintain material balance in complex trade races.

See also:Sacrifice·Zwischenzug·Undermining

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