The discovered attack
A piece steps aside and unmasks another
Try this lesson in Chess40Step 1
A piece moves out of the way and uncovers an attack by the piece behind it. If the moving piece attacks something too, two threats arrive at once.
Step 2
White to play: uncover the rook's check and win the queen in the same move.
White to move.
Show the answer
Solution: 1. Bxb7+
Step 3
White to play: give check with the knight, and let the queen behind it do the rest.
White to move.
Show the answer
Solution: 1. Nf5+ Kh7 2. Qxd8
Step 4
When the uncovered attack is a check, it is a discovered check. If the moving piece gives check as well, it is a double check, and the only answer is a king move.
Step 5
What makes a discovered attack so strong?
- Two attacks arrive with a single move
- It can never be answered
- Only queens can do it
Show the answer
Answer: Two attacks arrive with a single move