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Discovered Attack: The Art of the "Ambush"
A Discovered Attack is a tactical ambush. It occurs when moving a piece uncovers a line of fire from a friendly piece behind it, creating two threats simultaneously. This guide explains the mechanics of this deadly motif, showing you how to set up "batteries" that can win material or deliver checkmate against an unsuspecting opponent.
👻 Surprise insight: Discovered attacks are deadly because the threat comes from nowhere. One move creates two problems. Learn to set up these tactical ambushes to win material instantly.
Key Concepts
- The Reveal: The power lies in creating two threats at once: the piece that moves makes a threat, and the piece behind it makes another.
- Discovered Check: If the revealed piece attacks the King, it is a Discovered Check. These are extremely dangerous.
- Double Check: If both the moving piece and the revealed piece check the King, the King must move.
- The Windmill: A devastating pattern of repeated discovered checks that allows a single piece to gobble up multiple enemy units.
Discovered Attack Examples
The following positions demonstrate discovered attacks, where moving one piece unleashes the power of another. Watch how a simple move creates a sudden threat by revealing a hidden line of attack.
1. The "Windmill"
Torre vs. Lasker, 1925
1. Rxg7+! Kh8 2. Rxf7+
The Rook captures on g7 with check. After the King moves to h8, the Rook moves to f7, discovering check from the Bishop on f6.
The Rook captures on g7 with check. After the King moves to h8, the Rook moves to f7, discovering check from the Bishop on f6.
2. The Double Check
Reti vs. Tartakower, 1910
1. Qd8+! Kxd8 2. Bg5+!!
Double check! The King is attacked by the Bishop on g5 and the Rook on d1 simultaneously.
Double check! The King is attacked by the Bishop on g5 and the Rook on d1 simultaneously.
3. The Sham Sacrifice
Petrosian vs. Matanovic
1. Nb6!
The Knight jumps to b6, clearing the c-file. This discovers an attack from the Rook on c1 against the Black Queen on c6.
The Knight jumps to b6, clearing the c-file. This discovers an attack from the Rook on c1 against the Black Queen on c6.
4. Bludgeoning Through
Polgar, J vs. Pliester
1. Rxf7 Nxf7 2. Rxf7 Kxf7 3. Nb6+!
White sacrifices two Rooks to expose the King. Finally, the Knight jumps to b6, discovering a lethal check from the Queen on b3.
White sacrifices two Rooks to expose the King. Finally, the Knight jumps to b6, discovering a lethal check from the Queen on b3.
5. Overloaded Defender
Keres vs. Spassky
1. Qxg7+ Kxg7 2. Nxd7+!
The Knight on e5 moves to d7. This discovers a check from the Bishop on b2 against the King on g7.
The Knight on e5 moves to d7. This discovers a check from the Bishop on b2 against the King on g7.
6. Just in Time
Vidmar vs. Euwe
1. Re8+ Bf8 2. Rxf8+ Kxf8 3. Nf5+!
The King is forced to f8. The Knight on d6 jumps to f5, discovering a check from the Queen on a3.
The King is forced to f8. The Knight on d6 jumps to f5, discovering a check from the Queen on a3.
7. King Hunt
Norwood vs. Marsh
1. Qxc6+ Kxc6 2. Nxd4+!
After the Queen sacrifice, the Knight on f3 moves to d4. This discovers a check from the Rook on b1.
After the Queen sacrifice, the Knight on f3 moves to d4. This discovers a check from the Rook on b1.
8. Sysoenko vs. Demkovic
Tactical finish
1. Rxf7+ Kg8 2. Ne6+!
Discovered check! The Knight on g5 moves to e6, unmasking the Rook on g3 which attacks the King on the g-file.
Discovered check! The Knight on g5 moves to e6, unmasking the Rook on g3 which attacks the King on the g-file.
9. The French Trap
Opening Pitfall
1. Bb5+!
The Bishop on d3 moves to b5 with check. This reveals the White Queen on d1 attacking the Black Queen on d4.
The Bishop on d3 moves to b5 with check. This reveals the White Queen on d1 attacking the Black Queen on d4.
10. Pawn Discovery
Duras vs. Cohn
1. c4+!
The Pawn on c3 advances to c4 with check. This opens the diagonal for the Queen on f6 to attack the Rook on b2.
The Pawn on c3 advances to c4 with check. This opens the diagonal for the Queen on f6 to attack the Rook on b2.
⚡ Chess Tactics Guide
This page is part of the Chess Tactics Guide — Learn chess tactics through core patterns and practical training — from forks, pins, and skewers to discovered attacks, deflection, and mating ideas.
📖 Essential Chess Glossary
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