The knight fork
One knight, two targets. Learn to spot squares where a knight attacks the king and a valuable piece at once.
How a knight attacks
A knight in the middle of the board attacks eight squares, all of them in an L-shape. Its attacks cannot be blocked, and no other piece moves like it, so a knight can attack a queen or rook without being attacked back. A fork is a single move that attacks two pieces at once.
Fork king and queen
Your turn
Win Black's queen with a knight fork.
Show the answer
Ne7+ checks the king and attacks the queen. Black must deal with the check, and the queen falls.
Fork king and rook
Your turn
The c7 square is undefended. Use it to win a rook.
Show the answer
Nc7+ forks king and rook. You win a whole rook for nothing.
Why check helps
Question
Why is a fork that gives check especially strong?
Show the answer
The opponent must answer the check, so the other piece cannot be saved
Check takes away your opponent's choice. They have no time to move, defend or counterattack with the second piece.
More in Tactics
Pins
A pinned piece cannot move without exposing something behind it. Learn to pin, and to win the pinned piece.
Skewers
Attack a valuable piece so that when it steps aside, the piece behind it falls. A pin turned inside out.
Discovered attacks
Move one piece out of the way and unleash the one behind it. When the hidden piece gives check, it is a discovered check.