Discovered Attack After Check

A discovered attack after check focuses on what is gained after the opponent responds to a forced check. The check itself is only the trigger — the material win is the goal.

Key Concept

The sequence works like this:

1. A discovered check is played
2. The king is forced to move
3. A piece becomes loose, pinned, or undefended
4. Material is won on the next move

This separates tactical calculation from “check-only thinking.”

Why This Is an Advanced Skill

Many players stop calculating once they see a check. Stronger players ask:

• What changes after the king moves?
• Which defenders disappear?
• Which captures become possible?

This mindset shift is critical for improvement.

Common Outcomes

Discovered attacks after check often lead to:

• Winning a pinned piece
• Capturing an overloaded defender
• Trading into a favorable endgame
• Gaining decisive material advantage

The check forces the position to cooperate.

Typical Mistakes

• Playing the check without a follow-up
• Missing an intermediate defense
• Assuming material wins without counting defenders

Always calculate one move deeper than the check.

Practical Tips

• Identify the target before giving check
• Visualize the king’s forced squares
• Recalculate after every forced reply
• Treat the check as a means, not the end

Strong tactics begin where the check ends.

Prerequisite: discovered-check
Related: exchange-sacrifice-for-net-material-gain