LaviChess

Double check: two pieces give check at once

In a double check, two pieces attack the king at the same time. You can't capture both or block both, so the king has to move. Often it has nowhere to go.

Only the king can save itself

An ordinary check can be met in three ways: move the king, capture the checking piece, or put something in between. In a double check, two pieces attack the king at the same time, and then only the first works. No piece can capture two checking pieces in one move, and nothing can block two checks at once.

A double check comes from a discovered attack where both pieces give check: the piece that moves gives check itself, and at the same time it opens the way for a check from the piece behind.

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Double check: the knight has just gone to f6 and gives check, and at the same time the rook on e1 gives check. The pawn on g7 may not take the knight, because the king would still be in check from the rook. The only move is Kf8.

Find the double check

The position below comes from one of the most famous short games in chess, Richard Réti against Savielly Tartakower in Vienna, 1910. White has just sacrificed the queen on d8, and Black has taken her. Now it is time for the double check.

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White to move and mate in two. Start with a double check.

The whole game

This is how it happened. Black wins back a pawn and then takes a knight, but White's queenside castling puts the rook on the d-file, and after the queen sacrifice Black's king stands exactly where the rook is aiming.

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The starting position. Press ▶ or use the arrow keys.

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Open on the analysis board

Many books play out the mate, 10… Kc7 11. Bd8#. The earliest sources from 1910 instead have Black resigning after 10. Bg5+. Read about more famous games.

Why double check is so strong

  • Both pieces can be unprotected. Your opponent has no time to capture either of them, because the king has to move.
  • The king often has few squares. When it can't block or capture, mate comes easily, as in Réti's game.
  • It can be prepared with a sacrifice. A sacrifice that lures the king to the right square opens the way for the double check.

Practice with double check puzzles.

Frequently asked questions

What is a double check?

When two pieces give check at the same time. It happens when a piece moves and gives check, and at the same time uncovers a check from a piece behind it.

How do you get out of a double check?

Only by moving the king. You can't capture two pieces in one move, or block two checks at the same time.

Updated October 31, 2026