A discovered check is a move that uncovers a check from a different piece. The piece that moved is free to do anything, because the opponent must deal with the check first.
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The moving piece can capture, threaten or even give mate while the opponent is busy with the check. It is one of the strongest kinds of double attack.
How to do it
- 1Line up a rook, bishop or queen with the enemy king, with one of your pieces in between.
- 2Move the piece in between to a square where it does damage of its own.
- 3Look for the move that makes the uncovered check into mate.
For your level
Move a piece out of the way. Now another piece gives check. The moved piece is free.
Common mistakes
- Leaving your king on a line with an enemy rook or bishop and one piece between.
- Moving the front piece to a quiet square when it could have captured something.
Questions
- What is the difference between a discovered check and a double check?
- In a discovered check only the uncovered piece gives check. In a double check the piece that moves gives check too, so the king must move.