Relevant Course with discount code link: The Complete Guide to Chess Tactics (0–1600)
A single piece attacks two or more enemy pieces at once. Knights are especially famous for forking kings and queens.
One piece is immobilized because moving it would expose a more valuable piece behind it. Bishops and rooks are common attackers in pins.
Similar to a pin, but the more valuable piece is in front. When it moves, the less valuable piece behind it is captured.
One piece moves to reveal an attack from another. If it results in check, it's a discovered check—a powerful tactic.
A special form of discovered check where both pieces deliver check simultaneously. The only legal response is to move the king.
If a piece is protecting another or guarding a square, you can sometimes remove it with a capture or threat to win material.
If a king is trapped behind its own pawns on the back rank, a rook or queen can deliver checkmate on the last rank.
When one piece is trying to defend multiple threats, you can force it to abandon one of its duties.
A situation where any move a player makes weakens their position. It’s rare in beginner games but worth knowing.
Learn 2-3 move tactical ideas that combine threats, often ending in winning material or delivering checkmate.
Practicing tactics regularly is the fastest way to improve. Use the ChessWorld.net puzzles and analyze games to spot these patterns in real play.