Todays article is part 2 of 2 in my mini-lesson series on the X-ray motif. This follows up on my previous article which you can find in my blog here on Lichess or in the link for the original article: X-Ray Attacks: Hidden Pressure, Sudden Impact. If you haven’t seen that one yet be sure to check it out, as it introduces the theme and covers attacking patterns and puzzles involving the X-ray motif.
While in the first article we explored the offensive potential of the X-ray, in this lesson we flip the board and explore X-rays as a defensive motif. This is far less charted but equally important to grasp. As we defined in the previous lesson, X-rays involve a piece eyeing a square through the body of another piece. Even though the contact in indirect, the influence is still exerted within the line of sight of our piece. We’ve seen how is utilised in attacking themes, but this can work to your favour defensively too! This is demonstrated by the below example:
Defensive X-ray – Introductory Example:
We have to guard Black’s checkmate threat on g2. Rg1 is not available, but there is another defence:
https://lichess.org/study/kWe6Ipj6/rRKXjK1f#0
Rb2 indirectly defends g2 via an X-ray through Blacks Qf2. White’s will survive Blacks attack and will win by material.
In general, defensive tactics and puzzles are underrepresented in chess literature and resources. Probably because brilliant attacks are more satisfying to execute and solve, and defence generally does not attract attention. But learning to spot defensive resources is just as important to our chess development. Every player will be attacked and learning how to survive will save many points.
In the following six examples of gradual difficulty, we’ll explore how an X-ray defence holds the position together when the position looked gloom otherwise. Just like in the introductory example, in each case the defender seems to be in trouble, but a hidden lifeline lurks if you can identify the X-ray motif. Hopefully these examples show that defensive puzzles are just as interesting as attacking ones!
Position 1: Black to move
Black is up a pawn but hadn’t castled and looks to be in a deadly pin. Is it all over or can you find the resource to save the position?
https://lichess.org/study/kWe6Ipj6/8uPj5Ztl#0
Yes!, defensive moves can be pleasing too! Ba4 is the only move to save black, and it is via an X-ray defence of Nc6 through Whites Bishop. The key is to see that Ba4 has indirect contact with Nc6 which becomes direct contact as soon as Whites Bishop takes, and therefore Ba4 does in fact defend Nc6.
Position 2: Black to play
Now Black seems to be in trouble on the back rank. Can Black save the Rook and thereby his King?
https://lichess.org/study/kWe6Ipj6/bgNTDUOs#0
Black could not directly defend his rook but an X-ray defence by Qa8 through Whites Queen saves the day. Note the X-ray defence is mutual, as Re8 also defends Qa8 if White takes the Queen.
The move Qa8 is particularly difficult to spot as it is both X-ray and backwards move, both of which can be blind spots in our tactical visions. If you want more examples of these types of counterintuitive retreating moves, be sure to check out my previous lesson “Don’t forget about backward moves!“
Position 3: Black to play
White has sacrificed a piece and is threatening a menacing checkmate on h7. Can it be defended at all?
https://lichess.org/study/kWe6Ipj6/XG7pnvnV#0
Again the only move that holds Blacks position is an X-ray, unconventionally defending h7 via Bd3 through Whites Queen. White’s attack is over and this again shows the importance of indirect line of sight. The next example combines defence and counterattack:
Position 4: White to play
Black has White in check thinking it forces a Queen trade leading to a winning endgame. Do you have a resource in the position?
https://lichess.org/study/kWe6Ipj6/KYPFvZ0L#0
Hopefully the not-so-obvious yet powerful move was not so difficult to find. If this was the case, well done! This is pattern recognition kicking in and your tactical radar gained another weapon to use in your games!
For the final 2 examples I have ramped up the difficulty. There will be more moves to calculate but your tactical visions should be strong and you know what to look for.
Position 5: White to play
This was from my very own game playing White against a 2100+. Black has gone all in with the not-so-subtle plan of Qf3-g2, even leaving their Bd6 to be taken. Can we take it or are we falling into Blacks plan if we do? Or should we look to guard f3 instead?
https://lichess.org/study/kWe6Ipj6/swjFiKlb#0
Yet another incredible save, an X-ray defence of g2 via a8. This example shows that defensive ideas can even win us games if we spot them before our opponent, as it meant we could safely grab Blacks Bishop on d6 for a decisive material advantage. For the final example we again combine attack and defence (and precise calculation):
Position 6: Black to move
In this position White has just played the sneaky Nd3-e1, which temporarily guards against his own back rank and also threatens blacks by opening up the d-file for a Rd8 invasion (with check!). Any slow move by Black and White will probably take on f3 and Black will have no more attack.
https://lichess.org/study/kWe6Ipj6/TOqcUiDp#0
Did you spot the defensive idea Kh7 allowing the X-ray defence on h8 by Rc8 from afar and calculate the variation til the end? Well done! And also who said defensive tactics aren’t fun? Did you enjoy the puzzles and how did you do on them? Let me know in the comments!
Seeing through the X-ray – Final thoughts
X-rays don’t only attack. They also appear defensively in ways you might not expect. A piece that seems out of play might contribute from surprising angles. Always consider a piece’s line of sight, even if there are objects in the way. As we’ve seen, indirect contact can carry hidden influence, and it could result in a hidden tactic or lifeline.
I encourage you to go through this lesson more than once and revisit part 1: X-Ray Attacks: Hidden Pressure, Sudden Impact as well. The more you expose yourself to the motif, the more likely it is you will find them in your own games. These ideas could save you win many games and save you just as many half points.
I hope you enjoyed this article! If you’d like to explore many more chess lessons just like this, do visit my personal blog at www.chessinprogress.com, where I’m writing a collection of 100 tactical and strategic articles. While some are posted here on Lichess, the majority—along with insights into chess psychology and my own chess journey—can be found exclusively on my blog. I hope to see you there!
www.chessinprogress.com
