Setting Up Discovered Attacks

One of the most powerful tactics in chess is the discovered attack. When it is used, it can cause huge material losses of the opponent. But it can be hard to set up one of these. So today, I'll be showing you how to do this.

First, let me show you a basic discovered attack.

Now how may you set this up? First let me show you the basic parts of a discovered attack.

There are two pieces of different color on either side of the middle piece. How do you set this up? Well, Mikhail Tal did it with a check.

Sometimes, there is a discovered attack threat, but its not very useful. An example of this is a common discovered attack in the Scandinavian Defense. 

The bishop on d2 has a potential discovered attack against the black queen, but this is not a real threat, since the middle piece, the knight on c3, cannot attack any piece/important square. It is helpful to know when a discovered attack is a threat.

Puzzles:

How can you set up a discovered attack? Hint: Start with a check (Highlight with your mouse)

How can you win a powerful piece with a discovered attack? Hint: Check, and then get rid of the bishop. (Highlight with your mouse)

I hope you enjoyed this blog! Make sure to comment below what you think.