Seeing how there's been a few threads about amazing sacrifices, I though I would post a game where the sacrifice just can't be backed up (I've been facing more of these lately). Now, I'll admit this would have been intimidating to face in a live game, but this was online. The start position was with the Benoni, and white launched a premature attack on my h7 square but just ended up losing material. A nice mate follows (ironically letting him take a free bishop) at the end.

wow. i would never think to do any of those, except maybe # 8!

I do premature sacs on h7 all the time as White, whenever I get the chance. There are a few "must have" conditions before attempting it though.

1) Must have a pawn on e5 guarding the all important f6 square (and sequentially kicking off the knight that guards h7).

2) Must have the dark squared bishop on c1 to protect the knight. (Not an actual requirement unless Black's Queen has eyes on g5).

3) Black's dark squared bishop must be off the board, or at least not on e7 (preferably traded for White's queenside knight, which usually takes no part in the sacrifice).

3) Black's e pawn must be stuck on e6 (blocking any attackers on the g4 square, where White's Queen will perch should Black's king decide to move foward, which he must do if he is to avoid checkmate without saccing his Queen).

I have had this happen quite often in my games as White.