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Discovered Check

A discovered check is a discovered attack on the king. The king is in check, so the opponent must answer the check first.

A pawn uncovers a queen check

The pawn on d2 blocks the queen on d1. The pawn captures the knight on c3 and leaves the file. The queen now gives check to the king on d8 along the open file.

FEN: 3k4/8/8/8/8/2n5/3P4/3Q2K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . k . . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . n . . . . . 3
2 . . . P . . . . 2
1 . . . Q . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

A knight uncovers a bishop check

The knight on c6 blocks the bishop on b5. The knight jumps to d4. The bishop now gives check to the king on e8 along the open diagonal.

FEN: 4k3/8/2N5/1B6/8/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . N . . . . . 6
5 . B . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A discovered check uncovers a line attack on the king.
  • The king must move, block, or capture.
  • The moving piece often captures something for free.
  • The opponent cannot ignore the check to save the other target.
  • Discovered checks are strong because the check forces a reply.
  • A discovered check can give check from two pieces at once.
  • Look for a line piece aimed at the king through one piece in the way.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which move gives a discovered check from the rook on e1?