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Recap: defend like a pro
Don't panic — work the checklist.
Under fire, run the checklist: answer a check by move/block/capture, ask what the opponent threatens before every move, keep your king's pawn shield intact, and trade off attackers to reach calm water. When only one move holds, trust it and play it.
Defense is sharpened the same way attack is — by playing. Test your nerve against a live opponent and practice finding the move that holds.
- Check? Move, block, or capture — never castle out of it.
- Find the threat first; keep the king's pawns intact.
- Trade attackers and steer for a quiet, holdable position.