Material count

Why count material

Before every trade or sacrifice a player estimates the material on both sides. Counting quickly helps you see who is winning and not give pieces away.

The trainer shows a position from Stepchess puzzles and you say who is ahead and by how many pawns. After the answer you see the material of each side.

How to play

1. Piece values: pawn 1, knight and bishop 3, rook 5, queen 9. The king does not count.
2. Choose a level: the more pieces, the harder to count.
3. Press White or Black and the number of pawns, or Equal.
4. At the end: correct answers, accuracy and best streak.

Questions and answers

Why are a bishop and a knight worth the same?

They are roughly equal, 3 pawns each. In a given position one can be stronger, but for counting they are the same.

Why does the king not count?

The king cannot be traded or lost: the game ends without it, so it is not part of the material count.

Is it free?

Yes, the trainer is free and works without sign-up.