The discovered attack

Chess tactics

What is a discovered attack in chess?

A discovered attack happens when one piece moves out of the way and uncovers an attack from another piece behind it. The moved piece can make its own threat at the same time, so the opponent faces two problems at once.

How to spot it
  • Look for a bishop, rook or queen with one of your own pieces standing in its way.
  • Moving the blocking piece with check is especially strong: the opponent must answer the check, and the uncovered attack wins material.
  • A discovered check from a knight or pawn can capture almost anything for free.
A common mistake

Moving the front piece to a square where it just gets captured. Make sure its move creates a threat too.

Try it: real puzzles
Example 1: Black to move
Show the solution

17... Nf4+ 18. gxf4 Qxd3

Example 2: Black to move
Show the solution

28... Rxd3+ 29. Bxd3 Qxe7

Example 3: White to move
Show the solution

28. Rxf7 Rxf7 29. Qxe6

Example 4: White to move
Show the solution

28. Re8+ Rxe8 29. Qxf5

Train discovered attack puzzles in ChessPeak

← All tactics guides · Opening guides