Attacking the King with a Strong Knight

Discover how a knight planted near the enemy king becomes a constant source of mating threats, attacking ideas, and decisive initiative.

Example 1:

White's knight on d6 is superb - it's controlling the f7 square preventing Rf8 as well as Black's king's escape. 1.Rxh7! White's sacrificing the rook to blow up Black king's shelter! 1.Qh3 was too slow due to 1...Nc8!

1...Kxh7 2.Qh3+

2...Kg7 3.Qh6+ and Black can't escape to f7 due to White's dominant knight on d6.

3...Kh8 4.Rh1

Checkmate on h8 is now inevitable. Black has to resign.

Example 2:

White's knight on d6 is very nice, but it's not easy to get to Black's king. 1.Nf5! Sometimes you need to sacrifice your strongest piece to open up the king!

Do you see what White could play if Black were to take the knight?

Black decides against taking it after all and plays 1...Ree8 2.Nh6+

2...Kg7 (2...Kh8 3.Qf6+ Ng7 4.Nxf7+-) 3.Qf6+!

White is willing to part with the knight once again - Black has no choice now:

3...Kxh6 4.Rh3 mate