Defend Against A Discovered Attack Chess Puzzles
To defend against a discovered attack, you must respond when a moving piece uncovers an attack from a rook, bishop, or queen behind it. The key is to address both threats: the revealed attack on your king, queen, or another piece, and the attacking piece that moved away.
Spot the possibility by checking whether an enemy piece is aligned behind another piece, especially on an open file, rank, or diagonal. After the discovered attack appears, look for a move that captures or attacks the moving piece, blocks the line, moves the attacked piece, or gives check to gain time.
Frequently Asked Questions: defend against a discovered attack
- What is a discovered attack in chess?
- A discovered attack occurs when one piece moves away and reveals an attack by a second piece behind it. The revealed attacker may target a queen, king, or another valuable piece.
- How do you defend against a discovered attack?
- First identify the piece now under attack and the piece that moved. Depending on the position, capture the moving piece, block the revealed line, move the attacked piece, or create a stronger counterthreat.
- Is a discovered attack always a check?
- No. A discovered attack can target any valuable piece. When the revealed line attacks the king, it is specifically called discovered check and must be answered immediately.
- What is the best way to avoid discovered attacks?
- Before allowing an opponent's piece to move, inspect the lines behind it. Keep important pieces away from exposed files and diagonals, and consider whether the moving piece is shielding a rook, bishop, or queen.