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Core SkillsChapter 8 · Pattern recognition

Spot the geometry.
Calculate the finish.

Patterns tell you where to look; calculation proves the move works.

ConceptUnderstand before you move

Build instant recognition of forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, deflections, overloads, interference, clearance, zwischenzugs, and mating motifs.

  • Name the pattern only after finding the forcing move.
  • Look for loose pieces, aligned pieces, trapped defenders, and overloaded protectors.
  • Repeat missed patterns until the trigger becomes automatic.
Last moveh6h7 → h6White to move
FEN & PGNTap any move above for its position+
FEN · current
rnbqkb1r/ppp1ppp1/5n1p/6N1/8/3B4/PPP2PPP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 0 6
PGN · through this move
1. e4 d5 2. Nf3 dxe4 3. Ng5 Nf6 4. d3 exd3 5. Bxd3 h6
♘
Your move

Find the fork on Black’s queen and rook.