Windmill Tactic

The windmill is a powerful tactical pattern where a piece gives a series of discovered checks, capturing material on each move while the opponent is forced to respond to the checks.

How It Works

Discovered Check Pattern

One piece moves, revealing check from another piece behind it.

Repeated Checks

After the opponent moves the king, the piece returns, giving discovered check again.

Material Collection

On each cycle, the moving piece captures enemy material.

Classic Example

A rook and bishop work together:

1. Rook moves with discovered check from bishop
2. Rook captures material
3. King moves to escape check
4. Rook returns with discovered check
5. Repeat until no more material to capture

Requirements

1. Two Pieces Aligned: One gives check, one moves
2. Enemy King Position: Limited escape squares
3. Material to Capture: Pieces within reach
4. Forcing Sequence: Each check forces king movement

Famous Game: Torre vs Lasker

Carlos Torre executed a famous windmill against Emanuel Lasker in 1925, winning multiple pieces through repeated discovered checks.

Creating Windmills

• Position pieces for discovered checks
• Ensure the king has limited mobility
• Calculate the full sequence
• Verify material gain exceeds any sacrifice

Defending Against Windmills

• Avoid positions with discovered check potential
• Keep king mobile
• Block the checking piece
• Counter-attack if possible

Practice Tips

• Study the Torre vs Lasker game
• Practice recognizing discovered check patterns
• Calculate complete sequences
• Look for windmill opportunities in your games

The windmill is one of the most spectacular tactical patterns in chess.

Related tactics: discovered-attack, x-ray-attack, skewer-tactics