Forks by Pawns, Queens, and Kings
Almost any piece can fork. Pawns, queens, and kings each fork in their own way.
A queen fork of king and rook
The queen moves from d1 to e2. It gives check to the king on e8 and attacks the rook on a2 along the second rank. The king must move, and the rook is lost.
FEN: 4k3/8/8/8/8/8/r7/3Q3K w - - 0 1
a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 r . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . Q . . . K 1
a b c d e f g hA pawn fork of knight and bishop
The pawn moves from e4 to e5. It attacks the knight on d6 and the bishop on f6. Both pieces are worth three points, and only one can move away.
FEN: 4k3/8/3n1b2/8/4P3/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1
a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . n . b . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . P . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . K . 1
a b c d e f g hKey points
- A pawn forks by moving to a square attacking two pieces diagonally.
- Pawn forks are cheap because a pawn is worth only one point.
- A queen forks along ranks, files, and diagonals.
- A queen fork often gives check and attacks a loose piece.
- A king forks in the endgame when it attacks two pieces at once.
- A king fork works when the enemy pieces cannot both run.
- Every fork follows the same rule: one move, two targets.
Try it Yourself
Edit the code, then press Run.
Running is simulated · Rust Playground
Exercise
White to move. Which pawn move forks the knight on d6 and the bishop on f6?