Skewer (chess)

In chess, a skewer is an attack upon two pieces in a line and is similar to a pin. A skewer is the opposite of a pin; the difference is that in a skewer, the more valuable piece is the one under direct attack and the less valuable piece is behind it.[1] The opponent is compelled to move the more valuable piece to avoid its capture, thereby exposing the less valuable piece which can then be captured (see chess piece relative value).[2] Only line pieces (i.e. bishops, rooks, and queens) can skewer; kings, knights, and pawns cannot.

This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.
  1. ^ Brace, Edward R. (1977), An Illustrated Dictionary of Chess, Hamlyn Publishing Group, p. 261, ISBN 1-55521-394-4
  2. ^ Reinfeld, Fred (1955). 1001 Winning Chess Sacrifices and Combinations. Wilshire Book Company. p. 151. ISBN 0-87980-111-5.