Chess tactics
What Is a Skewer in Chess?
A skewer is an attack on a valuable piece that has a less valuable piece behind it on the same line. When the front piece moves out of the way, the attacker captures the piece behind it. It is a pin in reverse.
Example
1. Bb3+ Kd4 2. Bxg8
Bb3+ checks the king on d5, and the rook on g8 stands behind it on the same diagonal. The king has to step off the line, and the bishop takes the rook.
How a skewer works
Only bishops, rooks, and queens can skewer, because the attack runs along a rank, file, or diagonal. The attacker hits the front piece, the front piece is forced or tempted to move, and the line opens to the piece behind.
The strongest skewers come with check. A king in check must move, so the piece behind it is lost unless it is defended. When the front piece is a queen, the opponent can sometimes save it by trading it for the attacker, so check the trade before you commit.
How to spot a skewer
Look for the enemy king or queen on the same rank, file, or diagonal as an undefended rook or minor piece. Then ask whether one of your long-range pieces can land on that line safely, especially with check.
Skewers are common in the endgame, where kings and rooks stand on open lines. A rook check along a rank that hits a king and then a rook, or a new queen, decides many rook endings.
How to avoid being skewered
Do not leave your king on the same open line as an undefended piece, and keep your rooks protected. In the endgame, watch the ranks and diagonals around your king before you push a pawn to promote, because the new queen can be skewered right away.
Common questions
What is the difference between a skewer and a pin?
In a pin the front piece is worth less and stays put to protect what is behind it. In a skewer the front piece is worth more and has to move, so the attacker wins the piece behind.
Can a knight skewer?
No. A skewer needs a line, so only bishops, rooks, and queens can make one. A knight that attacks two pieces at once is making a fork.
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