There are two kinds of elementary attack. One when a single man
attacks two or more hostile men at the same time; the other when
more men are brought up to attack an opposing man than can be
mustered for defense. The beginner, as a rule, makes attacks with
the sole aim of driving away a hostile piece; it is clear that
these attempts will in most cases be futile as they generally
allow the attacked piece to move to another square just as or
perhaps more favorable. The advantage of attacking two men at
once is evident in that probably only one of them can be saved.
The advantage of bringing up more men for attack than can be
gathered for defense is not less obvious, but will be found more
difficult to carry out. Using both methods of attack in
conjunction is the secret of the successful cooperation of the
men.

In the following diagrams simple illustrations are shown of
elementary cases of such attacks. These positions often occur in
games of beginners on account of their placing the men on
unfavorable squares. In studying them the eye of the beginner
will become accustomed to dangerous formations of the pieces and
he will be able to foresee similar threats in his games.

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8 | #R | | | | #K | | #Kt| #R |
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7 | #P | #B | #P | | #B | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | | #P | #Kt| #P | | #Q | | |