Try (chess term)
Try
Definition
In chess composition and problem-solving, a “try” is a tempting first move that appears to solve the stipulation (for example, mate in two) by creating a clear threat, but is refuted by a single precise defense. Unlike the correct first move, known as the Key, a try fails to a unique resource and is included by the composer to highlight thematic ideas, paradoxes, or subtle defenses.
In over-the-board (OTB) play and opening commentary, “try” is also used informally to describe a critical attempt or promising line (e.g., “Black’s best try is 15…g5!”). In that sense, a “try” means a practical or theoretical attempt to improve evaluation, not necessarily a refuted idea.
How “Try” is used in chess
Usage in Problems
Composers deliberately craft tries to guide solvers down attractive but ultimately refuted paths. Good problem statements and solutions often list several tries with their refutations to show thematic depth. A typical solution record might read: “Try: 1. X? (threat Y), 1…a! refutes; Key: 1. Z! (threat W).” Tries are central to advanced themes such as Novotny, Grimshaw, Lacny, and Zagoruiko, and are analyzed alongside Threat, Continuation, and Variation play. They contrast with Set play, Virtual play, and Post-key play.
Usage in OTB/Analysis
Commentators say “the main try” or “a sharp try” to denote the most critical practical attempt. Engines help rank options by Engine eval (in CP), so the “try” is often the Best move or a creative Second best idea that maximizes Practical chances.
Strategic and historical significance
Why tries matter
- They enrich problem artistry by pairing plausible ideas with precise refutations, avoiding Duals and Cooks when well-constructed.
- They showcase themes: e.g., a Novotny “double-interference” may feature two elegant tries before the paradoxical key.
- They educate solvers to look beyond the first flashy idea—“try” play is a practical antidote to “Patzer sees a check; Patzer gives a check.”
- Historically, masters like Sam Loyd and the Bohemian school popularized try-play, while modern Chess composers and Problemists refine it to illustrate deep thematic content.
Examples
Example 1: Schematic Novotny with tries (mate in two)
Imagine a position where Black’s rook controls the 5th rank and Black’s bishop controls the diagonal crossing the same square d5. White has a pawn that can advance to d5, plus candidate interference moves on d5 and e5:
- Try: 1. Bd5? (threat 2. Qf3#). Refuted by 1…exd5!, restoring a critical line.
- Try: 1. Be5? (threat 2. Qf3#). Refuted by 1…Rxe5!, again reopening a line.
- Key: 1. d5!! creating a true Novotny interference on the critical point. Now 1…exd5 allows 2. Qf3#, and 1…Rxd5 allows 2. Qf3# by closing both defenses at once.
This illustrates how tries are near-misses that help the solver understand why the key is uniquely correct.
Example 2: “Try” in opening commentary
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4, the provocative 3…Nd4?! is a tactical try that aims to ambush 4. Nxe5? with 4…Qg5, but White can instead calmly maintain an edge with c3 or Nxd4, turning the tables if Black overreaches. Here is a lightweight viewer to illustrate the idea:
OTB, such tries are evaluated by risk/reward, engine confirmation, and the opponent’s time and nerves—classic Practical chances territory.
Example 3: Famous-game analysis anecdote
In high-level battles, commentators often list “defensive tries” or “winning tries.” For instance, in Kasparov vs. Deep Blue, 1997, analysts discussed practical tries in critical positions where one tempo changed the evaluation dramatically—showcasing how even elite lines contain “tries” that look strong until a hidden resource appears.
Tips for solvers and players
For problem solvers
- Identify the threat after a candidate first move. If Black has exactly one clean defense, it might be a try, not the key.
- Probe the refutation’s mechanism: Is it Interference, Deflection, or Overload? Many themes encode their idea through try-refutation pairs.
- Beware of “obvious” checking moves—classical advice: “Patzer sees a check; Patzer gives a check.” The key is often quieter.
For OTB players
- Use “tries” to increase complexity and your Practical chances—especially in Zeitnot/Time trouble.
- Vet speculative tries for tactical soundness—watch for LPDO (Loose pieces drop off) and basic checks, captures, and threats.
- Balance creativity with objectivity: compare your try’s Engine eval to the main line and look for robust plans, not just traps.
Interesting notes
Engaging facts and anecdotes
- Some two-movers are built almost entirely around try-play; the “pleasure” for solvers is recognizing why each beautiful idea fails until the key reveals the theme.
- Cycles like Lacny and Zagoruiko can reorganize threats and defenses between tries and the key, creating elegant permutations across lines.
- Advanced problems distinguish meticulously between correct tries and accidental duals or cooks; rigorous checking avoids unintended solutions.
Quick check
Mini-quiz
Q: In a mate-in-two composition, White’s 1. Bb5? threatens 2. Qd7#, but 1…c6! spoils everything. What is 1. Bb5? called, and what is the term for the correct first move?
A: 1. Bb5? is a try, and the correct first move is the Key.
Related terms
See also
Extras
Practice and progress
Track how studying composition and try-play affects your rapid decision-making over time: • Personal best: .
Want to see strong practical “tries” analyzed live? Check a streamer’s profile: Levy Rozman