Learn How to Spot an Intermezzo: Tactical Refutation
This middlegame puzzle is a classic example of an intermezzo, where a forcing move changes the order of captures and turns a seemingly equal position into a winning tactical refutation. The key idea is that one side can use a check to gain time, expose a loose piece, and then convert the resulting tactic into a large material gain. In practical classical chess, these moments often decide the game because the opponent’s last move has created a temporary weakness.