Counting attackers and defenders
More attackers than defenders? You can take. And always start with the cheapest piece.
When a square has more attackers than defenders, there is material to be won there. Count the marks: the black pawn on d5 is attacked by TWO (the pawn on e4 and the knight on c3) and defended by ONE (the pawn on c6). Two against one — you can take. But the ORDER matters, and that is where nearly everyone slips.
Capture the pawn on d5 — with the right piece.
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