Hanging piece
Also called En prise, Undefended piece.
A piece that can be taken for free: nothing defends it, or it is attacked more times than it is defended.
Most games between beginners are decided by a hanging piece. Before every move, check that you are not leaving one, and look for one the other side has left.
Taking a defended piece with a cheaper one is a different idea: a good trade, not a hanging piece. Count it with the piece values.
Practise it here: ten puzzles on this idea, at a level you choose, counted in your progress.
Want more? Puzzles on this from real games, on Lichess, free and with no account. They are not counted in your progress here.
Learn and practise it
- Lesson: Take what is hanging