7 Types of Discovered Checks That Can Turn the Tide in a Chess Match
In chess, a discovered attack represents a significant tactical strategy wherein one piece shifts position, thereby unveiling an attack from another piece that was previously obstructed. This tactic gains additional strength when it is coupled with a discovered check.
A notable game on discovered checks
Donald Byrne vs Robert James Fischer
"The Game of the Century" (game of the day Mar-09-2013)
Third Rosenwald Trophy (1956), New York, NY USA, rd 8, Oct-17
Gruenfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation. Hungarian Attack (D92) · 0-1
Below is an analysis of various forms of discovered attacks that incorporate discovered checks:
1. Fundamental Discovered Attack with Check
Overview:
This variant is the simplest form of discovered attack. A piece relocates to expose an attack from another piece, which simultaneously results in a check.
Illustration:
Although the pawn on c2 is protected by White's Bishop, the Black Knight can capture it without consequence, as White is obligated to address the discovered check. Subsequently, Black can secure an additional exchange, trading a Knight for a Rook, once White's King retreats.
2. Double Discovered Check
Overview:
In the event of a discovered check, when a piece that moves independently delivers a check, it is referred to as a double check. A double check frequently determines the outcome of the game.
Typically, the king has three potential responses to a check:
i) to move to a different square,
ii) to capture the attacking piece,
iii) to place one of its own pieces in the way.
However, in the case of a double check, two pieces are simultaneously threatening the king, leaving the king with no option but to move away to evade capture.
Illustration:
In this scenario, White has executed a double check that results in checkmate on h7.
3. Discovered Check with Subsequent Tactical Advantage
Overview:
In this scenario, the discovered check is part of a more intricate tactical sequence. The initial discovered check may pave the way for a follow-up move that captures material or delivers a decisive advantage.
Discovered attack - 19
UNED chess school (Lucas chess)
Illustration:
By moving a piece to reveal a check from a queen, the opponent is forced to respond to the check, which may allow you to gain material advantage or potentially achieve checkmate if the opponent's options are restricted.
4. Discovered Check Leading to a Fork
Overview:
The discovered check might lead to a situation where the opponent’s pieces are forked (attacked simultaneously) because their king is forced to move, allowing for a subsequent attack on another piece.
Josef Kourek vs Pavel Chrz
Pardubice op2 (1994), Pardubice CZE
King's Indian Defense: Pomar System (E72) · 0-1
Illustration:
In this position, Pavel Chrz opts to sacrifice his queen in order to create a fork with his knight. This maneuver results in simultaneous discovered checks from Be5, allowing him to capture a rook (Rf1), a pawn (e4), and ultimately checkmate his opponent. Additionally, had his opponent not been in checkmate, he would have had the opportunity to capture Josef Kourek's queen (Qd3).
5. Discovered Check to Gain Material Advantage
Overview:
In this case, the discovered check forces the opponent’s king to move or make a defensive move, allowing the player to capture a piece or gain a positional advantage.
Discovered attack - 23
UNED chess school
Illustration:
Moving a knight to uncover a check from a rook. While the opponent is busy responding to the check, you might be able to capture an unprotected piece or gain a significant positional edge.
6. Discovered Check with a Pin
Overview:
This form of discovered check entails immobilizing an opponent's piece in relation to their king. When the obstructing piece shifts position, the discovered check simultaneously uncovers that the piece positioned behind is constraining another piece in proximity to the king.
Illustration:
In this position, White delivers a check with Bb5, which simultaneously reveals a pin on the bishop on e7 by the rook on e1, resulting in the imminent loss of Black's dark-squared bishop in the subsequent move.
7. Discovered Check with a Skewer
Overview:
A discovered check where the attacking piece also skewers the opponent’s pieces. The check forces the king to move, and the skewered piece (which was in line behind the king) can be captured or threatened.
Illustration:
Moving a piece that uncovers a check from a queen or rook, which also happens to be in a position where the opponent’s king is in line with another valuable piece.
In this position, the white bishop effectively attacks the black king, simultaneously revealing a check from the rook on d1.
7 Types of Discovered Checks That Can Turn the Tide in a Chess Match are versatile tools in a chess player’s arsenal, each with unique strategic and tactical implications.
How to deal with discovered checks
It is crucial to remain alert for the following situations:
i) Whenever you have the chance to make a move that creates a discovered check, it is vital to carefully assess all such options. In these cases, the piece being moved can usually advance without the threat of capture. This scenario presents an opportunity to threaten or capture a valuable piece, potentially without any means of defense, or to set up a checkmate.
ii) Whenever you can position a piece to reveal an attack on your opponent's queen. If your opponent has placed their queen in a way that makes it susceptible to a discovered attack, you can take advantage of this to gain a significant advantage, possibly winning a piece or trapping the queen.
iii) Whenever a piece is unprotected and at risk of a discovered attack. Pieces that are not defended are inherently more vulnerable than those that are protected.
