How to Solve Chess Puzzles for Kids

Before moving, read which side goes first and look for an undefended piece. In this original position, White moves first. The white knight can capture the black bishop, which has no defender.

Find the hanging bishop

White's knight starts on c3. A knight jumps in an L shape: two files across and one rank up takes it to e4, where Black's bishop sits. Which piece should White move?

Starting board: White to move, knight on c3 and bishop on e4

After the capture: white knight on e4, black bishop removed

Move the white knight from c3 to e4 and capture the bishop: Nxe4. The black king is too far away to recapture, so White wins the bishop. This is a hanging-piece tactic: spot a piece left unprotected.

Try a chess puzzle

Read whose turn it is and the puzzle prompt. Select your piece on the board, then choose the square where it should move.
Reveal answer shows the solution and Why It Works explanation. Reset returns to the starting position. Some puzzles also offer Need a hint? before you solve or reveal; the button appears only when that puzzle includes a clue.
Print opens a separate page with the starting position and prompt, followed by an Answer Key with the solution moves and explanation.

Try Knight Takes the Hanging Rook or browse Hanging Piece puzzles.