Puzzle theme

Defensive Move Puzzles

1,800+ free defensive move puzzles in the library

The best response to save a difficult position.

Every puzzle below comes from a real game where this exact idea decided the outcome. Solve them right here in your browser — hints and full solutions included, no account needed.

Why it works

Sometimes the best move is to defend rather than attack.

What to look for

Find the resource that saves your position or minimizes losses.

See the pattern

Chess diagram: Black's queen and rook doubled on the e-file threaten back-rank mate; White must find the defense
White to move. Black threatens ...Re1+ followed by ...Qxe1 mate; 1.h3! calmly gives the king air and the whole battery fires blanks.

Solve defensive move puzzles now

Real positions from the library, filtered to this theme. Pick a difficulty and find the best move.

Defensive Move puzzles: frequently asked questions

What are Defensive Move puzzles?

The best response to save a difficult position. Every puzzle on this page is a position from a real game where exactly this idea decides the outcome.

Why does this pattern work?

Sometimes the best move is to defend rather than attack.

What should I look for in Defensive Move puzzles?

Find the resource that saves your position or minimizes losses.

Are these Defensive Move puzzles free?

Yes — the trainer on this page pulls from 1,800+ defensive move positions in the Blunders library and is free to use in your browser, no account or download required. A free account adds progress tracking and puzzles built from your own games.

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