Checks, Captures, and Threats
Before every move, scan the board for checks, captures, and threats ("CCT") - the three most forcing kinds of moves.
Why This Matters
- "CCT" is a simple scan you can do before every move: are there any checks, captures, or threats available?
- Checks and captures are easy to spot. Threats are trickier - they attack something without taking it yet.
- Strong players use this scan on every move, for both sides, before deciding what to play.
Objectives
- Explain what a check, a capture, and a threat are.
- Scan a position for all three before choosing a move.
- Tell the difference between a real threat and a move that does nothing.
Guided Interactive Lesson
Step 0 of 8
Try to play move 1:(Expected idea from lesson line)
Lesson Line
- e4
- c5
- Nf3
- Nc6
- d4
- cxd4
- Nxd4
- Nf6
Practice Positions
Find the move yourself — the answer stays hidden until you solve it or reveal it.
Practice 1 of 3
Find the move that gives check.
Practice 2 of 3
Find the safe capture.
Practice 3 of 3
This move does not check or capture anything, but it still forces a response. Find the threatening move.
Mini-Game
Play this position with a partner. On each turn, say out loud whether your move is a check, a capture, a threat, or none of those.
Printable Move-by-Move Boards
Print one board per step to review the full sequence offline.
Open printable version