A sacrifice is giving up material on purpose to gain something worth more, such as a mating attack or more material back. A sound sacrifice is calculated, not hoped for.
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Material counts only until the king is in danger. A rook given up to force mate is the best trade on the board.
How to do it
- 1Look for forcing moves first: checks, captures and threats.
- 2Count the line to the end, for both sides, before you give anything up.
- 3If you cannot see the payoff, do not sacrifice.
For your level
A sacrifice gives up a piece to get more back. Check every reply before you play it.
Common mistakes
- Sacrificing because a position looks promising, without checking the replies.
- Missing the defender's best reply, often a check of their own.
Questions
- What is the difference between a sacrifice and a blunder?
- Intention and calculation. A sacrifice gives up material for something you have worked out. A blunder loses it by accident.