Course: Intermezzo

This course teaches students the tactical power and practical impact of intermezzos, those surprising in-between moves that change the course of a position. Designed for players rated 1100 to 1400 USCF, it is also highly beneficial for stronger improvers up to 1700 who want to sharpen their calculation and tactical awareness.

Students will explore a wide range of intermezzo themes through focused chapters such as:

• Checks as Intermezzos: 15 puzzles
• Mating Threat: 15 puzzles
• Attacking a More Valuable Piece: 15 puzzles
• Defensive Intermezzo: 15 puzzles
• Test 1: 20 puzzles
• Test 2: 20 puzzles

Each chapter is designed to build pattern recognition, strengthen calculation skills, and help students understand when an unexpected intermediate move can turn the tables.

In total, the course offers 100 puzzles, giving students a complete tactical toolkit for recognizing and executing intermezzos in practical play.

Goals:

  • Look for forcing moves before recapturing or defending.
  • Spot mating ideas that make the opponent abandon their original plan.
  • Learn how attacking something more valuable can transform the position, win material, or create tactical chaos in their favor.
  • Master defensive intermezzos that can break your opponents plan and completely change the evaluation of the position.

Intermezzo: 5 chapters

Authors:

Dean Hicks