Chess tactics
What Is a Double Attack in Chess?
A double attack is a move that creates two threats at once, such as attacking two pieces or threatening mate while attacking a piece. The opponent can usually answer only one threat, so the attacker carries out the other.
Example
1. Qe4 g6 2. Qxb4
Qe4 makes two threats: Qxh7 mate, backed by the bishop on b1, and Qxb4, winning the loose knight. Black has to stop the mate with g6, and the queen takes the knight.
Kinds of double attack
A fork is a double attack by one piece on two targets. A discovered attack is a double attack by two pieces, the one that moves and the one it uncovers. The threats do not have to be captures: a mate threat combined with an attack on a piece is one of the most common forms.
Queens are the best double attackers because they move in every direction. A centralized queen often hits a loose piece on one side of the board while threatening mate on the other.
How to find double attacks
First list the targets: undefended pieces, the enemy king, and weak squares near it such as h7 or f7. Then look for one move that hits two of them. Forcing moves come first, because a threat combined with a check or a mate threat leaves no time to save the second target.
Loose pieces are the raw material for almost every double attack. A useful habit is to note every undefended piece on the board, yours and your opponent's, before choosing a move.
How to avoid them
Keep your pieces protected and your king safe. One undefended piece plus one weak square near the king is often all an opponent needs. If you see a double attack coming, find a single move that answers both threats, such as a defended block or a counter-threat.
Common questions
Is a double attack the same as a fork?
A fork is one kind of double attack, made by a single piece. Double attack is the broader term and also covers two pieces attacking at once, as in a discovered attack.
How do you defend against a double attack?
Look for one move that meets both threats, such as protecting one piece while moving the other, blocking with a defended piece, or making a bigger threat of your own. If none exists, save the more valuable target.
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