Dealing with threats

Before looking at your attacking opportunities, always wonder what is your opponent threatening. If you find a strong threat in the position, then ask yourself “Can I play a move that is stronger than this threat ?”
- If yes, play it
- If no, you should look for a move that is removing the opponent’s threat   pawnbreak.com

Diagram - Black is threatening ... Nxb3
Should White capture the knight with his bishop or is there a better move ?

In this 2013 World Championship Candidates game White chose to exchange

An alternative line of play where he keeps the bishop

👍 Explore threats further on this interactive site