What Is a Fork in Chess? Explained for Kids

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A fork is a move in which one piece attacks two (or more) enemy pieces at the same time. The opponent can usually save only one of them, so the other is lost. It is one of the most common tricks in chess, and one of the first every child should learn.

How a fork works

Picture a fork with two prongs: one piece, pointing at two targets. Forks are strongest when one of the targets is the king, because a check must be answered first, and the other piece falls next move.

In the diagram above, the white knight on c7 attacks the black king on e8 and the black queen on a8 at once. Black must move the king, and White then captures the queen.

Which pieces can fork?

Every piece can, but some are famous for it:

• The knight is the fork champion. Its L-shaped jump attacks squares that other pieces don't, so its forks are hard to see coming.
• The pawn can attack two pieces diagonally at once, and since a pawn is worth only one point, any fork with it is a good deal.
• The queen attacks in eight directions, so she often finds forks, but be careful: she is valuable herself.

How to find forks

• Look for two enemy pieces that are not protected, or a piece standing near the king.
• Ask: "Is there one square from which a single piece of mine attacks both?"
• Check that your forking piece is safe on that square.

How to avoid being forked

Keep your pieces protected, and watch out for the enemy knight getting close to your king and queen.

For parents

Set up a knight and two enemy pieces on an empty board and ask your child to find the square that attacks both. Five of these a day and forks start appearing in their games.