IDEA OF THE WEEK #14: Capablanca – Fonaroff

Capablanca – Fonaroff is a great example of how to bring all your pieces into play. Capablanca slowly builds up pressure, then finishes the game with a clean combination.

Want to get more lessons like this? Sign up for my newsletter!
Every Friday, I’ll send you useful links, tips, insights, and advice — all about chess and growing as a chess player — straight to your inbox.

13. Nf5

Two pieces aren’t enough - Capablanca brings all of them into play, targeting both the d6-pawn and the g7-square.

13... Bf6

14. Qg3 Ne5

15. Bf4 Qc7

16. Rad1 Rad8

With many active pieces, there's a big chance something will happen.

17. Rxd6! Rxd6

18. Bxe5 Rd1

19. Rxd1 Bxe5

20. Nh6+ Kh8

21. Qxe5 Qxe5

22. Nxf7+ 1–0

Get a free 10-week course!
Each week, you’ll receive one lesson where you’ll learn exactly what to do. You’ll explore 10 crucial topics, such as tactics, active pieces, and evaluating positions.

LESSONS TO REMEMBER

• Don’t just move pieces for the sake of moving—use them to create threats. When you start threatening things, your opponent is more likely to go wrong. One or two threats they might handle. But five in a row? That’s when mistakes happen. The more pressure you put, the better your chances.
  
  
• If you want to attack, bring more pieces to the area. The more pieces you have there, the faster and stronger your attack will be. Two pieces won’t do much—but five can be deadly.
  
  
• If you’re not sure what to do, look for your least active piece and bring it into the game. That way, all your pieces get more active, and you’ll have more options later.