Tactics · Lesson 62 of 92
Luft — Air for the King
Why do strong players play a quiet move like h3 in the middlegame?
Choose the right answer
- To waste a move
- To create an escape square and prevent back-rank mates
- To attack the queen
- It's a rule requirement
Show the answer
To create an escape square and prevent back-rank mates
Making "luft" (air) gives the castled king an escape hatch — cheap insurance against the #1 mating pattern.
The complete guide
This drill is one step. The full write-up — every rule, every pattern, every common mistake — is in the complete guide.
Practise this on a live board
This lesson is one of 92 in the Grandmaster Academy — every one playable, with the pieces moving under your hand.
♔ Practise this lesson free