What Is a Discovered Attack in Chess? Explained for Kids

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A discovered attack happens when one piece moves out of the way and uncovers an attack by another piece standing behind it. Two pieces attack with a single move, which is why it is one of the strongest tricks in chess.

How it works

You need two of your pieces on one line: a long-range piece behind (a bishop, rook or queen) and another piece in front of it, blocking the line. When the front piece moves, the line opens.

In the diagram above, the white knight on d4 is blocking the bishop on b2. If the knight jumps to c6, it gives check to the king on d8, and at the same moment the bishop's diagonal opens towards the queen on h8. Black must answer the check, and White captures the queen.

Discovered check

When the uncovered piece attacks the king, it is called a discovered check. It is especially strong because the piece that moved can go almost anywhere, even to a square where it attacks something else or can be captured, since the opponent must deal with the check first.

If the moving piece also gives check, the king is attacked twice: that is a double check.

How to find discovered attacks

• Look for your long-range pieces that are blocked by one of your own pieces.
• Ask: "What would this line attack if the front piece moved away?"
• Then look for the best square for the front piece: one that attacks something too, or gives check.

How to defend against them

Watch the lines that lead to your king and queen. If an enemy rook or bishop is pointing at them through one of the opponent's own pieces, be careful: that piece can move at any moment.

For parents

Use two coloured pencils on a printed board: draw the line of the piece behind, then move the front piece away together. Children grasp the idea of the "hidden attacker" very quickly once they see the line.