Indian Defense Wade Tartakower Defense X Ray Attack in Chess
In the Indian Defense Wade Tartakower Defense, the X Ray Attack is a tactical motif where a bishop (often after developing to the long diagonal) attacks a piece indirectly through another target. The defining feature is a line piece on the bishop’s diagonal that “blocks” the real victim—so when the front piece moves or is removed, the attack suddenly becomes direct. This creates pressure that can win material or force concessions.
To spot the Indian Defense Wade Tartakower Defense X Ray Attack, look for a bishop on an open diagonal aimed at a key defender (commonly a piece guarding a central square or the queen). If a pinned or “screening” piece sits between the bishop and its true target, check whether you can provoke a move (or capture) that reveals the attack. Use it by timing exchanges or pawn breaks so the x-ray line opens on a moment when the revealed piece can’t respond effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions: Indian Defense Wade Tartakower Defense X Ray Attack
- What exactly makes it an “X Ray Attack” in the Wade Tartakower Defense?
- It’s when the bishop attacks a piece behind another piece on the same diagonal. The front piece blocks the direct attack, but once it moves or is captured, the bishop’s line reveals a new, immediate threat.
- Which pieces are usually involved as the “screen” and the “real target”?
- Typically, the screen is a minor piece or pawn sitting on the bishop’s diagonal, while the real target is a more valuable defender or tactical point behind it—often a piece that protects the center or the queen.
- How can I create the x-ray in my games—do I need a specific move order?
- You need the bishop to get onto the relevant diagonal and a screening piece to land between bishop and target. In practice, you create the motif by developing the bishop to the long line and then using captures or pawn breaks that force the screen to move or come off the diagonal.
- How should I respond if my opponent threatens an X Ray Attack in this opening?
- Identify the revealed target and ask whether it’s pinned, overloaded, or about to be won. Defend by moving the target, interposing a new piece on the diagonal, or trading the attacking bishop before the screen can be removed.