CombinationsThere are two kinds of elementary attack. One when a single piece attacks two
or more hostile pieces at the same time; the other when more pieces are brought up to
attack an opposing piece than can be mustered for defense. The beginner, as a
rule, makes attacks with the sole aim of driving away a hostile piece; it is
clear that these attempts will in most cases be futile as they generally allow
the attacked piece to move to another square just as or perhaps more favorable.
The advantage of attacking two pieces at once is evident in that probably only one
of them can be saved. The advantage of bringing up more pieces for attack than can
be gathered for defense is not less obvious, but will be found more difficult
to carry out. Using both methods of attack in conjunction is the secret of the
successful cooperation of the pieces .
In the pages of this section, simple illustrations are shown of elementary
cases of such attacks. These positions often occur in games of beginners
on account of their placing the pieces on unfavorable squares. In studying
these situtations, you will become accustomed to dangerous formations
of the pieces and become able to foresee similar threats in your own games.
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