Overloading
Overloading is something that can be exploited by either you or your opponent. So what is it and how can you exploit? Overloading is where a piece is defending more that it can handle. In other words, the piece is being overworked. So now that we know what it is, how can it be exploited?
Let’s start be looking at this example. It is white’s turn to move.
If you look at back’s position, you will notice that the black king it defending both the knight and the bishop. At the same time, the white knight is attacking the black knight and the white king is attacking to black bishop. Based on this information, I want you to take a second to think about what the best move for white would be in this situation before looking at the answer below.
If you said Nxc5 (white knight taking black knight), then you are correct.
So, why Nxc5? Some of you may have thought that once the white knight takes the black knight, black can take the white knight and it will be an even trade. However, notice that once the black king takes the white knight, the black bishop is unprotected and is attacked by the white king. This allows white to take the bishop with the king.
In the end, white won an extra three points. Now it is a king vs king and rook making the checkmate for white much easier.
Now, let’s move on to another example. Before you go down and read my analysis, I want you to try to think about where the overload it. It is white’s turn to move.
If you thought that the black king was the piece that was overloading, then you are correct. The black king is defending both the black knight and black bishop. At the same time, the white king is attacking the black knight and the white rook is attacking the black bishop. So now that we know that, what is he best move?
The best move is Rxc6 (white rook takes black bishop).
The move may not look spectacular at first glance, as the black king will take the rook and now you have given up 5 points for 3 points. However, once black takes the rook with the king, the black knight will be undefended. The white king can thus take it for free.
In the end, you traded a rook for a knight and a bishop and are left in a position that is to your favor.
Now for one last example. Once again, it is white’s turn to move.
The piece this time is the pawn. The pawn is protecting both the black knight and rook. At the same time, the white rook is attacking the black knight and the white bishop is attacking the black rook.
So, what it the best move for white here?
The best move is Bxe4 (white bishop takes black rook). Once you take the rook with the bishop, black has two options: take the bishop or ignore it.
Most of you will probably take the knight without a second thought, however not taking might be better. This is because if black decides to take the bishop with the pawn, then the black knight will be undefended. White will take advantage of this and take the knight with the rook. This will make the situation king and pawn vs king and rook, and unless white messes up badly, it will be close to impossible for black to promote the pawn. So even though white will still have their bishop, black will have a knight, and with the knight, black will have a better chance of turning the game around.
Author: Bhavesh Kotta
