Chess tactics
What Is a Discovered Check in Chess?
A discovered check is a move that uncovers a check from a bishop, rook, or queen by moving another piece out of its way. The opponent must answer the check, so the piece that moved is free to capture or attack almost anything.
Example
1. Nc6+ Qe7 2. Nxe7
The knight on e5 shields the black king from the rook on e1. Nc6+ uncovers check from the rook and attacks the queen on d8 at the same time. Black blocks with Qe7, and Nxe7 wins the queen for a knight.
Why discovered check is so strong
The check comes from the piece that did not move, so the piece that did move is not the problem the opponent has to solve. It can land on a square where it is attacked, take a defended piece, or attack the queen, and the opponent still has to spend the move on the check.
If the moving piece also gives check, the result is a double check, which only a king move can answer.
How to set it up
Line up a rook, bishop, or queen with the enemy king and put one of your own pieces in between. Knights and bishops make the best front pieces because they leave the line with every move and can reach many squares from one spot.
Before you cash in, look at every square the front piece can reach. Pick the one that captures the most or attacks the most valuable piece, and remember that the opponent may block the check with a piece that is itself attacked.
How to defend
Do not leave your king on a file or diagonal where an enemy long-range piece sits behind one of its own pieces. Moving the king off the line early, or castling, removes the danger before it can be used.
Common questions
Can a pawn give a discovered check?
Yes. A pawn that moves or captures off a line can uncover check from a bishop, rook, or queen behind it, just like any other piece.
Can you block a discovered check?
Yes, if a piece can move between the king and the checking piece. You can also capture the checking piece or move the king. Only a double check cannot be blocked.
Keep learning
Find these moments in your own games.
Paste a game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained in plain English. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.
Analyze a game free →Practice with a coach beside you.
Play a human-like opponent at your level while the coach explains your moves as you go. The first coached game is free.
Play a free coached game →