The Lichess Game of the Month for May 2026 delivered an instructive tactical clinic on the classic 'Greek Gift' sacrifice (Bxh7+), performed against a 2600-rated opponent in the French Defense Tarrasch Variation.
\nWhile the Greek Gift is a staple of beginner tactics training, executing the sacrifice against a master requires deep calculation to avoid defensive counter-traps. White spent 18 minutes calculating all king escape routes before detonating 15.Bxh7+!
\nBlack accepted the bishop with 15...Kxh7, leading into 16.Ng5+ Kg8 17.Qh5 Re8 18.Qxf7+ Kh8 19.Rd3! White's introduction of the rook lift via the third rank slammed the door shut on any defensive king flight.
\nBy move 26, facing heavy material loss and impending checkmate, Black tipped their king. The game has already been added to multiple instructional tactics collections for its purity and precision.
\n'This game demonstrates that classic tactical motifs never go out of style,' noted Lichess grandmaster commentators. 'When combined with modern move orders, the classical sacrifices remain lethal.'
⚡ Key Takeaways
- May 2026 Game of the Month won by a pristine 15.Bxh7+ Greek Gift sacrifice.
- Instructive rook-lift maneuver (19.Rd3!) demonstrated against grandmaster defense.
- Highly acclaimed instructional resource for classical attacking play.