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Top 50 Chess Tactics Questions
Tactical blindness often comes from not knowing what to look for. This checklist of the top 50 chess tactics questions helps you scan the board for opportunities, such as "Is the King safe?" or "Are there hanging pieces?" Use this list to build a consistent mental routine that highlights tactical patterns and winning threats instantly.
🔥 Checklist insight: Asking the right questions finds the right moves. "Is there a fork?" is a money question. Master the answers to these questions with a complete tactics guide.
1. Are any pieces hanging (undefended)?
2. Can I capture something for free?
3. What is my opponent threatening?
4. Are there any forks available?
5. Are there any pins I can use or must avoid?
6. Are any of my pieces overloaded?
7. Can I use a skewer tactic?
8. Can I set up a discovered attack or discovered check?
9. Is there a piece I can deflect?
10. Can I trap one of my opponent’s pieces?
11. Can I create a double attack?
12. Is there a back rank mate possibility?
13. Can I sacrifice something for a bigger gain?
14. Is my king safe from any tactics?
15. Can I deflect a defender from a critical square?
16. What happens if I push this pawn?
17. Can I deliver a check that wins material?
18. Is there a tactical shot my opponent is preparing?
19. Can I overload one of my opponent’s defenders?
20. Is there a quiet move that sets up a tactic?
21. Can I force a trade that benefits me tactically?
22. Am I falling for a trap?
23. Can I initiate a forcing sequence of moves?
24. Is there a pawn break that creates tactical opportunities?
25. Can I gain tempo by attacking a piece?
26. Is a piece guarding two things at once?
27. Can I clear a file, rank, or diagonal for a tactic?
28. What is the tactical downside of my opponent’s last move?
29. Can I use a battery to apply pressure?
30. Can I coordinate an attack on f7/f2 or h7/h2?
31. Can I use a zwischenzug (intermediate move)?
32. Can I use a pawn push to trap a piece?
33. Is there a vulnerable square I can jump into?
34. What is my opponent hoping I overlook?
35. Can I force an open line toward the enemy king?
36. Am I missing a diagonal tactic with my bishop or queen?
37. Can I sacrifice to open lines?
38. Can I create threats that lead to winning material?
39. Are any pieces vulnerable to forks or skewers?
40. Can I disrupt the opponent’s coordination?
41. Can I play a move that forces a favorable exchange?
42. Can I shift my queen or rook to attack from another angle?
43. Am I calculating deeply enough or stopping too soon?
44. Can I use my king as a tactical piece in simplified positions?
45. Can I pin a piece to win it later?
46. Can I distract the opponent with a decoy?
47. Is a promotion tactic (or underpromotion) available?
48. Can I create a mating net?
49. Can I reach a winning endgame by simplifying with tactics?
50. What would I play if I were in my opponent’s shoes?
These questions train your mind to look for tactics before it's too late or before you miss a winning shot.
⚡ Chess Tactics Guide – Tactical Motifs, Patterns & Winning Combinations (0–1600)
This page is part of the Chess Tactics Guide – Tactical Motifs, Patterns & Winning Combinations (0–1600) — Most games under 1600 are decided by simple tactical patterns. Learn to recognise forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, deflections, and mating threats quickly and confidently — and convert advantages without missing opportunities.