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Quiet Move

What it is

A quiet move is a move that gives no check and captures nothing, yet completely wins the position by creating a threat the opponent cannot meet. Because it isn't forcing, it is famously the most difficult kind of move to spot in a calculation.

When to use it

Use a quiet move at the end of a combination, when you have set everything up and a slow, precise blow finishes the job — a mating threat, a decisive capture next move, or a piece that suddenly cannot be saved.

How to use it

After you have exhausted the forcing checks and captures, ask 'what is my ideal move if I had a free tempo?' Look for a square that prepares an unstoppable threat, then verify the opponent has no defense and no forcing counter.

Worked examples

Watch the coach play the tactic from real master games.