A well-timed check can interrupt your opponent’s plan, force a specific reply, and give you control of the position. In this chapter, you will learn to look for forcing moves before recapturing or defending.
Example 1: In the position below, White is doing quite well, he has very active queen and knight. On top of that, Black's knight is hanging.
The problem is that if White takes the knight on d4, he will lose his h5 knight. White realizes that he can give his knight up for a pawn and then take the knight on d4. 1.Nxf6 doesn't work due to 1...Qxf6 defending the knight on d4.
1.Nxg7?
What did White blunder? The fact that Black doesn't have to take the knight immediately!
1...Ne2+!
2.Kh1 Qxg7
And Black is a piece up! What a turn of events - in a blink of an eye White went from a better position to being down a piece.
Example 2:
1.Nd5!
Black has to trade on b3, but he doesn't mind it as everything is going according to plan.
White has to recapture the queen as it's an extremely valuable piece, right?
Wrong! 2.Nxe7+!
2...Kh7 3.ab
and White is a clear piece up.
It's time to proceed to the exercises and keep in mind that Checks as Intermezzos are extremely effective!