Lasker Simul Special Skewer in Chess
The “lasker simul special skewer” is a tactical motif where one side uses a single line piece to skewer a more valuable piece to a king or decisive back-rank target. In the Lasker Simul Special family, the defining feature is that the tactical shot is enabled by the specific piece placement and open lines created by the opening’s characteristic development and pawn structure. For an intermediate player, it’s about recognizing when your attacking piece can “pin through” and win material immediately or force a winning sequence.
To spot the lasker simul special skewer, look for a direct line (file, rank, or diagonal) where your attacker can move with tempo so the front piece can’t move without exposing the king or losing a critical piece behind it. In this concept, the skewer typically works because the pinned piece is forced to remain on the line while the back target (often the king or a high-value piece) cannot be protected in time. When you have the chance, calculate the skewer’s immediate payoff (piece win, mate threats, or decisive gain of tempo) and check whether the opponent can break the line with an interposition or capture of the skewer piece.
Frequently Asked Questions: lasker simul special skewer
- What exactly makes it a “lasker simul special skewer” instead of a normal skewer?
- It’s tied to the Lasker Simul Special setup: the opening’s specific piece placement and line access make the skewer move possible with tempo, so the attacker’s line pins the front piece to a king or decisive back target in a concrete, tactical way.
- Which pieces usually perform the skewer in this motif?
- Most often it’s a long-range piece—typically a rook on an open file/rank or a bishop/queen on a diagonal—because the concept relies on a clear line to pin the front piece to the back target.
- How can I recognize the skewer threat before it happens?
- Watch for a potential line move that would attack two pieces at once: the nearer piece becomes pinned, and behind it is the king or a higher-value target. If the line is open and the pinned piece has limited legal moves, the skewer is likely available.
- What should I calculate after playing the skewer move?
- Confirm the immediate consequence: can the opponent capture the skewer piece, interpose a piece to block the line, or force a counter-tactic? Then verify the follow-up—whether you win material outright, gain a decisive tempo, or create a direct threat against the king/back target.