X-ray (chess)

In chess, an X-ray or X-ray attack is a tactic where a piece indirectly controls a square from the other side of an intervening piece. Generally, a piece performing an X-ray either:

  • effects a skewer,[1][2][3]
  • indirectly attacks an enemy piece through another piece or pieces, or
  • defends a friendly piece through an enemy piece.
This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.
  1. ^ Edward R. Brace, An Illustrated Dictionary of Chess, David McKay, 1977, p. 310. ISBN 0-679-50814-7.
  2. ^ Edward Winter, Chess Note 4245. Retrieved on 2009-03-17.
  3. ^ Byrne J. Horton, Dictionary of Modern Chess, Philosophical Library, 1959, p. 220.