In-between move (zwischenzug) puzzles
Instead of the expected reply, such as taking back, play a stronger forcing move first.
Before you recapture, check whether you have a check or a bigger threat. The recapture usually waits; the in-between move might win more.
8 real puzzles from games on Lichess, easiest first, rated 787 to 2668. The course has 320 in-between moves puzzles in all.
Puzzle 1 · rated 787
Black just played Qxd4. White to move.
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10. Bxc6+ bxc6 11. Qxd4
Puzzle 2 · rated 1122
White just played Nxd4. Black to move.
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8... Bb4+ 9. Bd2 Qxd4
Puzzle 3 · rated 1402
Black just played Bxf5. White to move.
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13. Qd5+ Kh8 14. Bxf5
Puzzle 4 · rated 1700
White just played Rxb8. Black to move.
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29... Rxg6+ 30. Kf2 Qxb8 31. Qxb8 Bxb8
Puzzle 5 · rated 1935
Black just played h6. White to move.
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26. Qxg6+ fxg6 27. Rg7+ Kh8 28. Nxg6#
Puzzle 6 · rated 2206
White just played Nxg6. Black to move.
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30... Qxd1+ 31. Ka2 Bxg6 32. Qxb7+ Ke6
Puzzle 7 · rated 2409
Black just played axb5. White to move.
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43. Ra8+ Kh7 44. axb5 Rxc5+ 45. Bxc5
Puzzle 8 · rated 2668
Black just played Rxc2. White to move.
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38. e6+ fxe6 39. Rd1+ Bd5 40. Qxe6+ Kc7 41. Qxd5
Free, no sign-up. Puzzles come in order of difficulty and the ladder adjusts to how you solve.
Puzzles from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Every line was replayed move by move by the course's rules engine. Part of Chess Path, a free chess course. Free coach for your Chess.com and Lichess games.