Counterattack

A counterattack is an offensive action launched while the opponent is attacking or applying serious pressure. Instead of defending passively, the player creates a concrete threat elsewhere in the opponent's position. The target may be the center, the king, a loose piece, or the opposite wing.

Before counterattacking, identify the original threat precisely. If the opponent can force checkmate or win a queen, a slow action on the other side of the board is irrelevant. A counterattack works when it creates an equal or greater emergency, removes the source of the attack, or gains enough time to stabilize.

The mating threat changes hands

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Start

Qf8+

Kh7

Qg7#

g2 is the mating point: the queen can capture there, and the bishop on c6 prevents the king from taking the attacker.

White is under direct pressure

The black queen and bishop are ready for Qxg2#. A slow move would let Black end the game.

1. g2 is the mating point: the queen can capture there, and the bishop on c6 prevents the king from taking the attacker.

A practical test

• Can the opponent execute the original threat immediately?
• Does your move force a reply, or can the opponent ignore it?
• Is your own king safe after the most forcing continuation?
• Are the attacking pieces overextended, undefended, or far from the area you now threaten?

A counterthreat can be one immediate answering threat; a counterattack usually describes a more developed offensive operation. Counterplay is broader still, covering any useful activity that prevents the opponent from acting without resistance. A defensive move can also begin a counterattack when it meets the danger and creates pressure at the same time.