Menu
CoddyChess
Start learning

Skewer Through the King

Part of the Core Motifs section of Coddy's Tactics & Checkmates journey. Lesson 11 of 35.

A skewer is a pin turned around: the valuable piece in front, the prize behind. Against a king it is a check, so the front piece must move and cannot argue. Two rules: attack along the whole line from the far end, because a check next to the king is eaten, and always look at what stands behind him.

Try it yourselfMedium
Position 1 of 7
WatchKing in front, rook behind, one rank. Watch.
8a7b6c5d4e3f2g1h
The starting position.
0 / 3
All 7 positions

All lessons in Core Motifs

1The Fork

Forks with CheckThe Knight's Fork SquaresPawn and King ForksPuzzles: ForksRecap: The Fork

4Discovered Attack

The Loaded GunDiscovered CheckLoading the GunPuzzles: DiscoveriesRecap: Discovered Attack

7Tactic or Not?

Looks Free, Isn'tThe Tactic That Isn'tTactic or Not?Puzzles: Mixed MotifsRecap: Core Motifs

2The Pin

Pile Up on the PinThe Pinned DefenderUnpinning with TempoPuzzles: PinsRecap: The Pin

5Double Check

Two Checks at OnceDouble Check MatesBuilding the Double CheckPuzzles: Double ChecksRecap: Double Check

3The Skewer

Skewer Through the KingSkewering the QueenDrive Him onto the LinePuzzles: SkewersRecap: The Skewer

6Trapped Pieces

No Way HomeClosing the NetThe Greedy PiecePuzzles: Trapped PiecesRecap: Trapped Pieces