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Hastings · 1895

The Magic Rook

Wilhelm Steinitz vs. Curt von Bardeleben — Steinitz builds pressure one quiet move at a time, then plays 22.Rxe7+!! — a rook that checks forever and can never be taken.

LevelAdvanced JuniorElo1000–1200ThemeRecognizing threats before they become unstoppableMoves25
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Moves · tap to jump

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Starting position

Ready

Press Auto-play to watch the game, or step move by move.

Main lesson

Building pressure before tactics

What your student should learn

  • Pressure first, tactics second.
  • Recognise the moment your opponent's last defence disappears.
  • A piece that cannot be captured is worth more than a piece.
  • Calculate forcing checks all the way to mate.

Mini tournament checklist

  • ✓ Are all my pieces pointing at the same target?
  • ✓ Which square is defended only once?
  • ✓ Do I have a forcing check to start with?
  • ✓ Can my opponent defend at all after it?

Run through this list before you start an attack in a real game. Mostly yes means look for tactics; otherwise improve one more piece first.

Full move list

Natural Development

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King Safety First

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Improving Every Piece

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The Breakthrough

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The Last Chance to Defend

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The Magic Rook

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Note: Student exercise: find the last move where Black could still have organised a defence — that habit builds real foresight.

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