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Level Up Your Chess: The Secret "FATPIGS" Method to Crushing Puzzles!

 Hey there, future Grandmasters!

Have you ever looked at a chess puzzle, stared at the screen for five minutes, and then just... clicked a random move because you had no idea what to do?

We’ve all been there. It’s called "Guess-Chess," and while it’s tempting, it’s not how you get that shiny high rating. The secret to solving puzzles like a pro isn't just being a genius—it’s having a system.

Based on a legendary Lichess discussion, I’m going to teach you the two-step checklist that will turn you into a puzzle-solving machine.

Phase 1: The Quick Scan (CCT)

Before you do anything, always run the CCT check. These are the "forcing moves" because they force your opponent to react!

  1. C – Checks: Can I put the King in danger? Always look at every check first, even the "crazy" ones where you lose a piece. Sometimes they lead to checkmate!

  2. C – Captures: Can I take anything for free? Or trade a small piece for a big one?

  3. T – Threats: Can I move a piece to a spot where it’s threatening to win something huge on the next turn?

If CCT doesn’t find the answer, don't panic! It’s time for the "Super Detective" kit.

Phase 2: The Secret Weapon (FATPIGS) 🐷

This is the part that makes puzzles fun. If you’re stuck, just remember FATPIGS. It’s a funny name, but it covers almost every trick in the book!

  • F – Forks: One of your pieces attacks TWO of theirs at the same time. Knights are the kings of forks, but don't forget pawns and bishops!

  • A – Attack Discovery: This is like a "surprise party" attack. You move one piece out of the way to reveal a hidden attack from a piece behind it.

  • T – Trapped Piece: Look for a piece (especially the Queen or a Rook) that has almost no squares to move to. Can you surround it?

  • P – Pins & Skewers: Think of this as the "Shish Kebab."

    • Pin: A piece is stuck because if it moves, something more valuable behind it dies.

    • Skewer: The more valuable piece is in front and has to move, leaving the piece behind it to be eaten!

  • I – Imbalance: Count the defenders! If your opponent has a piece defended by two people, but you can attack it with three, you win!

  • G – Guard Removal: Find the "bodyguard." If a piece is being defended, can you capture the defender or scare them away?

  • S – Sacrifices: The "Hero Move." Can you give up your Queen or Rook to open up the King for a checkmate?




How to use this like a Boss

You don’t have to go through every single letter every time. Your "Chess Intuition" (your brain's natural talent) will often see the move first.

The Rule:

  1. Try to find the move naturally for 1-2 minutes.

  2. If you're stuck, pull out the CCT + FATPIGS checklist.

  3. Go through them one by one. "Is there a Fork? No. Is there a Trapped piece? Wait... yes!"

Your Challenge 🏆

Next time you're on Lichess or Chess.com, don't guess! Use the FATPIGS method. You’ll find that the "impossible" puzzles suddenly start looking easy.

Happy hunting, and remember: Don't just play the move—solve the mystery! 🕵️‍♂️♟️


#chess #chesspuzzles #chesstactics #chessforkids #juniorchess #levelupyourgame #learntoplaychess #checkmate #chessstrategy #grandmasterinthemaking #chesstips #brainpower #chessclub

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Location: Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia

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