---
title: "Attacking the castled king: chess lesson · Chess Goat"
description: "Count attackers against defenders. When you have more, open lines, even at a price. 11-minute lesson with puzzles at your level."
canonical: "https://trychessgoat.com/learn/lesson/attack-the-king/"
last_updated: 2026-10-09
---

Level 3 · Plan, don't just react · 1100–1400 · 11 min

# Attacking the castled king

Count attackers against defenders. When you have more, open lines, even at a price.

## The rule to take into your games

**Attack the king only when your attackers outnumber its defenders.**

Part of Goat Pass: 4 steps on the board, 3 guided examples, then puzzles at your level, and the ones you miss come back until they stick. The first 3 lessons are free.

[Open this lesson →](https://trychessgoat.com/learn/#/lesson/attack-the-king)

Not sure this is your leak? Your free [Goat Card](https://trychessgoat.com/u/) reads your chess.com games and puts the lessons that fix your biggest mistakes first. Next lesson: [Defending well: trade attackers, give back material](https://trychessgoat.com/learn/lesson/defending/).