Loose Pieces Drop Off (LPDO)
A loose piece is traditionally defined as one that is completely undefended. In practical play, a piece is also considered "loose" if it is insufficiently defended—meaning it is attacked more times than it is protected.
Skilled tacticians scan the board for these undefended or under-defended pieces constantly, as they are a primary "tactical signal" and the root cause of most material loss.
Examples with Loose Pieces
The examples in this section highlight positions where one or more pieces are loose — undefended or only indirectly protected — making them vulnerable to tactics like double attacks, pins, and discovered threats. By studying these positions, you’ll learn how loose pieces quietly accumulate risk and how strong players exploit them with simple, forcing moves. Spotting loose pieces early is one of the fastest ways to improve tactical awareness.
1. Maric vs. Gligoric
Maric vs. Gligoric1...Rxc3 2.Rxf5 Rb3!! {and white resigned due to e.g.} 3.Qd1 Rxb1 4.Qxb1 Qxf5
2. Short vs. Timman
Short, N (2655) vs. Timman, J (2562)1.Nd6! cxd6 2.Nxc6 Kd7 3.Nxb8 Kd8 4.Qxe6 {Nd6 would have won immediately}
3. Marzolo vs. Langrock
Marzolo, C (2476) vs. Langrock, H (2395)1.a3 wins a piece as 1...Ba5 is answered by 2.Qb3+ forking K and B.
4. Adams vs. Whiteley
Adams, M vs. Whiteley, A1.Nxd5 exd5 2.Qxe7 Rxe7 3.Rxf6 wins the exchange
5. Conrady vs. Angos
Conrady vs. Angos1...Nxd4 2.Nxd4 (2.Rxc1 Nxf3+) 2...a5 wins material against any white reply
6. Flohr vs. Thomas
Flohr, S vs. Thomas, AG1.Qf5 {threatens both Qxc5 and Qc8 mate} Rc7 2.Qf8+ {black resigned} Bxf8 3.Rxf8+