Tactics · Lesson 4 of 7 · 2 min read
What Is a Discovered Attack in Chess?
By James Dulay · Updated 14 November 2026
A discovered attack happens when you move one piece out of the way and reveal an attack by a piece standing behind it. The piece that moves gets a free move, so it can create a second threat at the same time.
Try it in 3DDiscovered check
The knight on e5 blocks the rook's line to the black king. When the knight jumps to c6, the rook gives check, and the knight also attacks the queen on b8. Black must deal with the check, so the queen is lost.
When the revealed attack is a check, it is called a discovered check. It is one of the most powerful tactics because the opponent has to answer the check first.
Sacrificing the moving piece
The moving piece can even be given away. Here the bishop moves to h7 with check, uncovering the rook's attack on the queen. Black can capture the bishop, but White then takes the queen: a 3-point piece for a 9-point piece.
Double check
If the moving piece also gives check, the king is attacked twice at once. This is called double check, and the only escape is to move the king, because no single move can block or capture two attackers. Practise in the interactive lesson.
Interactive lesson
Practise discovered attack on a 3D board
Pawnorama walks you through this lesson step by step. You make every move yourself, with hints when you need them. Free, no account needed.
Start the lessonCommon questions
What is a double check?
A discovered check where the moving piece also gives check. The king must move.
How do I defend against discovered attacks?
Watch for your king or queen standing on a line with an enemy rook, bishop or queen, with only one enemy piece in between.