LaviChess

Discovered attack and discovered check

A discovered attack is when one piece moves and opens the way for another piece behind it. That makes two threats at once, and the more dangerous one isn't seen until it is too late.

Two pieces, one move

A discovered attack needs two pieces on the same line: a long-range piece behind, a rook, a bishop or a queen, and a piece of your own in front that blocks it. When the front piece moves, the way opens, and the piece behind suddenly attacks something. At the same time, the piece that moved can make a threat of its own.

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The knight on e5 stands between the rook and the queen. When it moves, the rook attacks the queen on e8, and the knight can make a threat of its own at the same time.

That is what makes discovered attacks so dangerous: two threats in the same move, from two different pieces. Your opponent rarely has time to meet both.

Move with a threat

The trick is to let the front piece move with a threat of its own that your opponent has to answer, preferably a check. While your opponent is saving the king, the piece behind takes what it attacks.

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White to move. The bishop is in the way of the rook on e1. Move it with a threat that Black has to deal with first.

Discovered check

If what is uncovered is a check, it is called a discovered check. It is one of the strongest motifs in chess. Your opponent has to deal with the check, and meanwhile the piece that moved can capture almost anything. Often your opponent doesn't even get the chance to take back.

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White to move. A discovered check: when the bishop moves, the rook gives check. What should the bishop take with it?

If the moving piece also gives check, it becomes a double check, and then your opponent can only move the king.

How to spot discovered attacks

  • Look at your own lines. Does a piece of yours stand between your rook, your bishop or your queen and something of your opponent's?
  • And your opponent's. Does your king or queen stand on a line where an enemy piece is just waiting to move?
  • Look for threats for the front piece. A discovered attack is at its strongest when the front piece can move with check or capture something.

The motif is closely related to the pin: the same line, but the other way around. In a pin your opponent's piece is in the way. In a discovered attack it is your own. Practice with discovered attack puzzles.

Frequently asked questions

What is a discovered attack?

A move where one piece gets out of the way so that another piece behind it, a rook, a bishop or a queen, suddenly attacks something. The piece that moves can make a threat of its own at the same time.

What is a discovered check?

A discovered attack where what is uncovered is a check. Your opponent has to deal with the check, and meanwhile the piece that moved can capture almost anything it likes.

Updated October 31, 2026