Skewer Tactics

A skewer is a tactic where a valuable piece is attacked and forced to move, exposing a less valuable piece behind it to capture. It's essentially a reverse pin.

Types of Skewers

Absolute Skewer

When the king is in check and must move, exposing a piece behind it.

Relative Skewer

When a valuable piece (like a queen or rook) is attacked and moving it exposes a less valuable piece.

Diagonal Skewer

Bishops and queens create skewers along diagonals.

Straight Skewer

Rooks and queens create skewers along ranks and files.

How to Create Skewers

1. Align two enemy pieces on the same line
2. Attack the more valuable front piece
3. Force it to move
4. Capture the piece behind it

Defending Against Skewers

• Keep valuable pieces on different lines
• Block the attacking piece
• Counter-attack
• Move pieces to safety before the skewer happens

Practice Tips

• Look for pieces aligned on the same rank, file, or diagonal
• Calculate if the front piece must move
• Check if the skewer wins material
• Practice recognizing skewer patterns

Skewers are powerful tactical weapons that can win material or even the game.

Related tactics: pin-tactics, x-ray-attack, fork-tactics