Pieces & Activity

What is a hanging in chess?

  • Pieces
  • Activity
  • Coordination

Hanging is a piece-play concept: unprotected and exposed to capture. A hanging piece may also be said to be en prise. Ask whether the piece is active, coordinated, and serving a real plan.

What to look for on the board

  • Your least active piece.
  • Open lines and strong squares.
  • Whether pieces coordinate on the same target.

Related terms

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