Yes, you can become a chess master, here's how: part 3

Continuing from part 2 of this series, we left off with the following position, where Black is threatening mate in one in two ways on g2, with both the Queen and the Bishop.

First, let me explain a thinking deficiency with an example. A few days ago I was playing an 11 year old Giveaway Chess. He may be 200 rating strength at real chess. I kept making moves which placed this chessman of mine en prise, and he kept reacting to my move by taking it, and not looking at other captures he might have which in turn could force me to start taking some of his pieces. In short, each of my moves directed his attention to take the pice I just moved. I managed to give all my pieces away in 17 moves as a result of his choice of captures.

Now, let's relate this story to the postion in question. White recognizes Black has a mate threat and reacts to it in the easiest way, by shuffling the Rook over to g1. She doesn't stop to think she may have a different, and perhaps better move at her disposal. She may not consider 15. Nd6+ winning the Bishop because in her mind, that Knight on f7 is going to win a Rook. The problem with 15. Rg1 isn't only that it's not the best move, it's that this move takes the Rook out of play. You all need to know if you consider a move which deactivates a piece, it's time to hunker down and find a better move, and play it. 15. Rg1 must be a last resort, and you must build up this instinct to look further at other positions in your game to improve. Her passive play is allowing Black back in the game.

This is what happened next.

After 17. Qh5+ was played, I saw a pattern, one in which I will quiz you on in a moment. I'm not a huge advocate of overdoing tactics solving, you can only work so many before you are exposed to all the tactical motifs. This part of my blog will teach some of you this tactic, and allow all of you to either repeat, or avoid this tactic  in your games.

Suppose now Black plays 17...Kd8 and White plays 18. Qxe5. Black to play, and here is your quiz. Give it a try, and learn. Black didn't play 17..Kd8, I'll pick up the game with the actual move next time. There are still plenty of things to say about this game, and I'll continue that next time!