|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | ^R | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 17.

The beginner might think that inasmuch as the loss of a Pawn in
most cases means the loss of the game on account of the final
promotion of the Pawn to the Queen, it may be advisable to
sacrifice a piece if thereby the loss of a Pawn can be avoided.
However, this idea, which is frequently met, is altogether wrong
as the additional piece will easily enable the opponent to gain
as many Pawns as he likes within the further course of the game.
The position of Diagram 18 may serve as an example.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | | | #P | #K |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | #B | | | | | ^K | ^P | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | ^Kt| | | | |