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.

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.