Frequently Asked Questions: skewer beginner

What is a skewer in chess?

A skewer is a tactic where you attack a valuable piece that is in front of another piece on the same line. When the front piece moves away, the piece behind it becomes vulnerable and can be won.

How is a skewer different from a pin?

In a pin, the front piece cannot move because it would expose a more valuable piece behind it. In a skewer, the front piece can move, but moving it leaves the more valuable piece behind it hanging.

Which pieces can create a skewer?

Bishops, rooks, and queens are the main skewer pieces because they attack along lines. Knights cannot skewer in the usual sense because they do not attack through a line.

What should I look for in a skewer beginner puzzle?

Look for two enemy pieces lined up with the more valuable one in front, such as a queen in front of a rook or bishop. Then check whether your bishop, rook, or queen can attack that line with a forcing move, often a check or capture.