Intermezzo puzzles
Instead of the expected reply, you insert another move with a bigger threat first, often a check, and the opponent must answer..
About intermezzo puzzles
Instead of the expected reply, you insert another move with a bigger threat first, often a check, and the opponent must answer.
How to spot it
- Before you recapture, ask if a check or a bigger threat comes first.
- Play the in-between move and make sure it does not lose to the recapture you delayed.
- Intermezzos often win a piece because the opponent's capture is delayed.
A common mistake
Making the in-between move without checking it does not lose to the recapture.
A worked example
K
R
N
R
BR
KRBlack to move. White has just played Bxb6. Find the best move.
Solution: 30... Rxd1+ 31. Kg2 Rxb6 32. Ra8+ Kg7
Rxd1+ checks the king, so your opponent has to answer the check. The idea: Instead of the expected reply, you insert another move with a bigger threat first, often a check, and the opponent must answer..
The highlighted squares show White's last move. This position is a different puzzle from the ones you start with above (1096 rating).
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Questions
What is an in-between move?
A move you make in the middle of a sequence, usually a check or a strong threat, before you play the move your opponent expects.
Where do these puzzles come from?
They are real puzzles from the Lichess puzzle database, which is free to use under the CC0 license. Each one was built from a real game and tested by many players. We picked well-rated ones with good popularity scores.
Are the puzzles free?
Yes. There is no signup, no limit and no ads on the puzzles. Your progress on this page is not saved after you leave.
What do the difficulty levels mean?
Beginner puzzles are rated under 1250, intermediate 1250 to 1749 and advanced 1750 and up, using the rating Lichess players earned on each puzzle.