Discovered check into checkmate (2 moves)
Master this and many more motifs
systematically with
Puzzle Academy
Explanation
When you play a discovered check, your opponent has to parry the check first, and often cannot deal with the discovering piece at the same time. This gives the discovering piece a "free" move, where it can go to squares where it could otherwise be captured. You can use the free move with the discovering piece to attack and win material. The free move can also be used in a direct attack on the king to force checkmate! For example:
- To guard an escape square,
- To attack a square where checkmate can be delivered,
- Or to block a defender.
Examples
Black can force a checkmate with the discovered check 1...Be2+, guarding the escape square f1 so the king is forced into the corner: 2.Kh1 Bf3#.
White can win with the discovered check 1.Ne6+. Black has to defend against the check first, and cannot capture the knight. White uses the free move with the knight to attack g7. If Black replies 1...Kh7, White can checkmate with 2.Qxg7#. Black could also sacrifice the queen with 1...Qg5, but that wouldn't change anything, as the same mate would follow after 2.Qxg5+ Kh7 3.Qxg7#.