Advanced tactics
Defensive move
The precise move that saves the game instead of winning it.
What is the defensive move?
A defensive-move puzzle asks you to find the one accurate move (or sequence) that avoids losing — parrying a mate threat, holding material together, or escaping a combination — rather than landing a blow of your own.
Why the defensive move matters
Tactics are not only about attacking. Half of all results come from defence, and the skill of finding the only move under pressure is what saves lost-looking positions. Training it makes you far harder to beat.
How to use it to win
When you are under fire, look for forcing defences first: a counter-check, a trade that kills the attack, or the one square that holds everything. Calculate the opponent's threat to the end so you defend against the real one, not the obvious one.
Try an example puzzle
A real defensive move puzzle from the app. White to move — find the idea, then reveal the line.
5 
Show solution
1. Kxh5 Kf6 2. Kg4
Drill the defensive move on thousands of real puzzles, matched to your rating.