Interference Tactic

In this week's tactic we explore the chess tactic of interference. Interference occurs when the line between an attacked piece and its defender is interrupted by sacrificially interposing (blocking) a piece - typically on a protected square.

In the above position, it is white to move. White can employ the interference tactic. Notice white's c2  is under attack by black's two aligned rooks  on c3 and c8. Now obviously white can play his rook  to f2 to defend the c2 . However white has a beautiful tactic by way of the interference tactic resulting in white winning black's c3 . Can you guess white's tactical move? White can play his  to c6 resulting in a check to black's  +. Black will either have to retreat with his  resulting in white capturing black's c3  as white's  is interfering or blocking black's c8  enabling white to capture. Should black decide to capture the white  withe either of his c file rooks, white will be at a further material disadvantage as white has three defenders  vs. black's two attackers . Besides, at last check, rooks    are power pieces and are more  valuable than the minor pieces of  . 

What is the numerical value of two rooks vs. a knight & bishop?

Let's take a look at another position to see if you can figure out how white can employ the interference tactic to gain a winning position in 3 moves! By winning position, I simply mean a tactical or material advantage that should in theory result in white winning the game. There is a saying in chess that, "10% of chess is strategy and the the other 90% is tactics!" Please feel free to click on the analysis icon at the bottom left of the board to come up with your tactical plan. Remember interference is simply placing a piece in between two attacking pieces. Best wishes and always remember to think 1st, move later!