Check, Capture, Attack

A classic example demonstrating the CCA Check-list: Check, Capture, Attack. In any position, look for EVERY possible move in these categories. And I mean every. These moves force the opponent to respond in a predictable way, and 98% of the time a check you COULD play is useless. But always consider it. A lot of brilliant moves are the result of considering each and every possible check, even if it first appears to be a blunder.

In this example, if white plays Qe8+, black must respond with Rxe8. Now, if the black king started on g8, white can play Rxe8#. However, in this example black will simply respond with Kxe8, and will be up three pawns and go on to win the game.

So what's the solution? Use CCA. There is only one other check. The correct response is not Qe8+, but Qe7+! The difference is that black can no longer take with the rook, so they are forced to play Kg8. At this point, with Qe8+, Rxe8, Rxe8#, this is a back-rank mate with a trade.