Chess concept reference

Desperado

A doomed piece sells itself dearly before being captured.

The idea

A desperado tactic uses a trapped or attacked piece to capture something valuable before it falls.

Why it matters

Desperado tactics turn bad news into compensation.

Recognize it

  • A piece is lost no matter what.
  • It can capture with check or tempo.
  • Both sides have hanging pieces.

Common mistakes

  • Saving a piece that cannot be saved.
  • Missing the strongest final capture.
  • Letting the opponent use a desperado first.