Oleksandr_Bortnyk vs fabianocaruana

Black played Re8, sliding the rook from c8 to e8. This is a passive move that does nothing to address the tactical shot available on the board. The white knight on e6 remains alive and unchallenged.

Engine analysis shows Bxe6 as the winning continuation: the bishop on d7 captures the undefended white knight on e6, gaining a piece and removing a strong attacker. By playing Re8, Black missed this free capture, allowing White to keep material equality. The bishop capture also opens lines for Black's pieces, improving the position.

Never ignore free pieces: Before making a quiet move, always scan the board for captures of undefended enemy pieces. Grabbing a free piece can swing the game in your favor.

Black chose Be3+, moving the bishop from g1 to e3 and delivering a check. The check is relatively weak; White can block easily and the bishop ends up on a less active square.

The engine recommends Bd4+ instead. From g1 to d4 the bishop gives a more forcing check, attacks the white pawn on c6, and coordinates with the rook on c1. This line puts the white king under greater pressure and creates additional material threats. Be3+ wastes a tempo and allows White to neutralize the attack.

Maximize the power of checks: When delivering a check, choose the line that creates the most threats and coordinates your pieces, rather than a superficial check that can be easily parried.

Black captured on e6 with the king (Kxe6), removing White's bishop that was occupying e6. This exchange wins a piece and eliminates a key attacker from White's camp.

The engine also rates Kxe6 as the best move. It not only wins material but also improves the king's centralization and reduces White's attacking chances. Any alternative king move would leave the bishop alive, allowing White to keep pressure on Black's position.

Activate the king in the endgame: When safe, the king can capture enemy pieces and become an active participant. Don’t hesitate to use the king to win material.

Black delivered a checking move with Bg1+, moving the bishop to g1 and forcing the white king onto h1. The check confines the white king and keeps the bishop on a strong diagonal.

Engine agreement shows Bg1+ as the optimal continuation. The check drives the white king into the corner, limiting its mobility and coordinating with Black's rook on c1 and pawn on g4. Any other move would allow the white king to stay more active and give White chances to consolidate.

Use checks to restrict the opponent's king: Forcing the king into a corner or limited space amplifies your positional advantage and can pave the way for decisive material gains.