The fork
One piece attacks two at once
Try this lesson in Chess40Step 1
A fork attacks two pieces at once, and the opponent can save only one. Here the knight checks the king and attacks the rook.
Step 2
White to play: fork the king and the rook, then take the rook.
White to move.
Show the answer
Solution: 1. Nc7+ Kd7 2. Nxa8
Step 3
Pawns fork too. White to play: attack two pieces with one pawn.
White to move.
Show the answer
Solution: 1. d5
Step 4
The queen is a great forker. White to play: check the king and attack the rook.
White to move.
Show the answer
Solution: 1. Qe4+ Kd8 2. Qxb1
Step 5
Which piece is famous for its forks?
- The knight: its L-jump attacks squares no other piece covers
- The king
- No piece can fork
Show the answer
Answer: The knight: its L-jump attacks squares no other piece covers