Lasker Simul Special Other Variations Skewer in Chess
“Lasker Simul Special Other Variations Skewer” is a tactical motif from the Lasker Simul Special family where a skewer forces a line piece to move, exposing a more valuable target behind it. In these positions, the defining feature is that the skewer is aligned along a file, rank, or diagonal so the front piece must move (or be captured) while the back piece is hit immediately.
To spot it, look for moments when your opponent’s piece on the “front” square is pinned to a more valuable piece behind it, and your attacker can maintain the same line after the forced move. In practice, you use the skewer by choosing the move that keeps the line intact—so after the forced displacement, the back piece (often a queen, rook, or king) is captured or wins decisive material.
Frequently Asked Questions: lasker simul special other variations skewer
- What exactly makes this a “skewer” rather than a pin or fork?
- A skewer involves a forced move of the front piece so the attack continues onto a more valuable piece behind it. Unlike a pin, the front piece is typically compelled to move (or is immediately lost), and unlike a fork, the same line attack targets the back piece after the forced displacement.
- Where do I usually find the “Lasker Simul Special Other Variations” skewer in games?
- It appears in the Lasker Simul Special Other Variations positions where pieces line up for a direct attack—often with a rook/queen/diagonal attacker able to strike through a vulnerable “front” piece toward a higher-value target behind.
- How do I calculate the skewer correctly in this motif?
- Identify the back target first (what piece is behind), then list the forced responses to the skewer: what can the front piece do, what captures are legal, and whether the attacker’s line remains open after the move. The key is confirming that the skewer still hits the back piece on the next position.
- What’s the most common mistake when trying to use this skewer?
- Playing the skewer without checking whether the opponent can break the line (by interposing, capturing the attacker, or moving the back piece away). Another frequent error is choosing a move that looks like a skewer but actually allows the front piece to escape without exposing the intended back target.