# Count before you grab

- Link: https://coffeefordessert.com/2026/11/02/count-before-you-grab/
- Published: 2026-11-02T09:15:00-06:00
- Author: Chad Ambrose

Black took the rook in the corner. It was the wrong thing to count.

![1.e4 g5 — the Borg](https://i0.wp.com/coffeefordessert.com/wp-content/uploads/
2026/10/6115-b1.png?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1)

**The Borg.** 1.e4 g5. Black’s bishop lands on g7 and the long diagonal points at
a1.

![8...Qb4+](https://i0.wp.com/coffeefordessert.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/6115-
b2.png?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1)

**The check.** 8…Qb4+. Looks active.

![9.Bd2 — block + attack b4](https://i0.wp.com/coffeefordessert.com/wp-content/uploads/
2026/10/6115-b3.png?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1)

**The block that bites.** 9.Bd2 stops the check and hits the queen. a1 is now loose
too.

![9...Bxa1 (+5 for Black)](https://i0.wp.com/coffeefordessert.com/wp-content/uploads/
2026/10/6115-b4.png?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1)

**The grab.** 9…Bxa1. Rook in the bag, five points up.

![10.Bxb4 cxb4 — White +1](https://i0.wp.com/coffeefordessert.com/wp-content/uploads/
2026/10/6115-b5.png?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1)

**The bill.** 10.Bxb4 cxb4. Queen for rook and bishop. White comes out a point ahead.

![0-1 on time · 2+1 bullet](https://i0.wp.com/coffeefordessert.com/wp-content/uploads/
2026/10/6115-b6.png?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1)

**Postscript.** Black still won this one on the clock. The trade was still a loss.

**Lesson:** Before you take, ask what your opponent’s last move attacked.

[https://www.chess.com/game/141186065210](https://www.chess.com/game/141186065210)