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Knight Forks

The knight is the best forking piece. Its jump cannot be blocked, and it attacks squares other pieces do not expect.

Knight forks king and rook

The knight jumps from b5 to d6. It gives check to the king on e8 and attacks the rook on f7. The king must move, and the rook is lost.

FEN: 4k3/5r2/8/1N6/8/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1

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

Knight forks queen and rook

The knight jumps from g4 to e5. It attacks the queen on d7 and the rook on c6. Neither target is the king, but both cannot be saved at once.

FEN: 4k3/3q4/2r5/8/6N1/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1

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

Key points

  • A knight attacks up to eight squares.
  • Its attack cannot be blocked by a piece in between.
  • Knights fork from squares near the enemy king.
  • A knight fork often gives check.
  • The king must move, so the second target is lost.
  • Look for a knight move that lands on a square attacking two pieces.
  • A knight fork of king and rook wins the exchange or more.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which move forks the king on e8 and the queen on d7?