Basic Chess Tactics
Learn fundamental chess tactics.
Fork
A fork is when one piece attacks two or more enemy pieces simultaneously. Knight forks are the most common, but any piece can execute a fork. The opponent can only save one piece, so you win material.
Pin
A pin occurs when an attacking piece threatens a piece that cannot move without exposing a more valuable piece behind it. Absolute pins (against the king) mean the pinned piece literally cannot move.
Skewer
A skewer is like a reverse pin — you attack a valuable piece, and when it moves, you capture the less valuable piece behind it. Bishops and rooks are the best skewering pieces.
Discovered Attack
A discovered attack happens when you move one piece to reveal an attack from another piece behind it. If the revealed attack is a check, it's a discovered check — one of the most powerful tactical weapons.
Double Check
When both the moving piece and the revealed piece give check simultaneously. The only defense against double check is moving the king — no blocking or capturing is possible.
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