defence · recognise → explain → apply

Secure a retreat square before a piece is trapped

A bishop near the edge can be chased by an advancing pawn.

Explanation styleChoose any style. Age is not playing strength; no birth date is needed.

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So,W – Carlsen,M

San Fermin Masters Final · 2021.07.11 · 1/2-1/2

6... h6 · White to move

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What to notice at 6... h6

Black later plays ...Bh7. The pawn move creates a concrete bishop retreat rather than simply gaining space.

A legally replayed historical example, not a claim that every move is best. A game’s result does not prove every defensive position was lost or drawn.

Game source ↗

Your thinking first

Name the signal, choose a plan, and test the opponent’s most challenging response.

What do you notice?What is your plan, and why?How could the opponent resist?

Recall and explain

1. Which retreat becomes available after ...h6 in this Caro-Kann structure?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

Make it memorable

Every visitor needs a way home.

Teach this to a friend in one minute. Then return to a different example and look for the same signal without being told its name.

Reflect and revisit

This is your self-assessment, not an engine grade or a promise of mastery.

Connect the ideas

Sources and further reading

Original GolgiChess teaching and game analysis. Topic references are credited below; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

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