Intermediate tactic · 2 of 12
The discovered check
One piece moves away and the piece behind it gives check. The piece that moved gets a free move.
- Learn how it worksThree examples with Capra. You play each one yourself.Three examples with CapraStart the lesson
- Practise on real puzzlesPractise on puzzles80 discovered check puzzles, from easy to very hard.0 of 80 solvedGo to the puzzlesGo to the puzzles
Any piece can step aside
The piece behind gives the check. The piece in front uses its free move to attack or capture.
A knight steps aside
The rook gives check, and the knight attacks the queen from a square the pawn guards.
A rook steps aside
The bishop gives check, and the rook takes a queen that looked defended.
A pawn steps aside
The queen gives check, and the pawn attacks the bishop.
Discovered checks in numbers
Counted from the 1,482 discovered checks in our puzzle library, all taken from real games- 1 in 200
of our puzzles has a discovered check in it.
- 26%
of them end in checkmate.
- 54%
of them come in the endgame.
Which piece makes the first move
- Pawn35%
- Knight24%
- Rook16%
- Bishop12%
- Queen7%
What it wins
- Checkmate26%
- Queen25%
- Rook24%
- Bishop8%
- Knight3%
Good to know
Discovered checks: common questions
What is a discovered check in chess?
A discovered check happens when one of your pieces moves out of the way and a rook, bishop or queen behind it gives check. The check has to be answered, so the piece that moved can capture or attack almost anything.
What is the difference between a discovered check and a discovered attack?
A discovered check is a discovered attack where the uncovered piece attacks the king. Your opponent cannot ignore a check, which makes it the strongest kind of discovered attack.
What is the difference between a discovered check and a double check?
In a discovered check only the piece behind gives check. In a double check the piece that moves gives check as well, so the king is attacked twice and has to move.
How do I spot a discovered check?
Look for a rook, bishop or queen of yours on the same line as the enemy king, with exactly one of your own pieces in between. Then ask where that piece can do the most damage with its free move.