ChessRanger
Tactics

Discovered check

A check delivered by moving a piece out of the way of a rook, bishop, or queen behind it.

When you move a piece and the piece behind it gives check, the moving piece is free to do almost anything — capture, threaten, even move to a square it 'shouldn't' — because the opponent must answer the check first. That makes discovered checks devastating.

The ultimate form is the double check (both the moving piece and the unmasked piece give check at once): the king simply must move, nothing else is legal.

Why it matters

A discovered check lets the front piece grab material with impunity — it's one of the most forcing and profitable tactical weapons.

The mistake everyone makes

Lining your king up on a file or diagonal with only one piece screening an enemy rook or bishop — one move and the discovery hits.

Related terms

Double check
Two pieces give check at the same time; the king must move.
Fork
One piece attacking two or more enemy pieces at the same time.
Combination
A forcing sequence of moves — usually with a sacrifice — that wins by force.
Check
An attack on the king that must be answered immediately.

See Discovered check in your own games

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