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Skewer

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The Skewer: A Reverse Pin

What is it?
A tactic where an attacking piece threatens a valuable enemy piece, which must move to safety, thereby exposing a less valuable piece behind it on the same line of attack.
How to Identify
Look for two enemy pieces on the same rank, file, or diagonal. The *more* valuable piece must be in front of the *less* valuable piece.
Why is it Important?
Skewers are a fantastic tool for converting an advantage or punishing poorly placed pieces. They are particularly powerful in open endgames with rooks and queens.

How to Execute Devastating X-Ray Attacks

From Good to Great: Pro-Level Tips

The King is the Ultimate Target

The most powerful skewers are those that start by checking the king. This forces the king to move, guaranteeing that you will be able to capture the piece that was behind it. Always look for checks that create a skewer.

Rooks and Queens Rule the Skewer

Because skewers operate on straight lines, the long-range power of rooks and queens makes them the perfect pieces for this tactic. Bishops can also deliver skewers, but they are less common.

A Move That Made History: Sultan Khan vs. Capablanca, 1930

This simple theoretical position perfectly illustrates the power of a skewer. If it were Black's move and they played Ke3, White would respond with Re2+, checking the king. The king is forced to move off the e-file, and White captures the rook that was on e8. It's a textbook example of how a check can lead to a devastating skewer, a common theme in rook endgames like the one played by these legends.

[Interactive Chess Board Placeholder for FEN: 8/8/8/8/4k3/8/5R2/4K3 b - - 0 1]
The Winning Combination: This is a theoretical position demonstrating the concept.

Advanced Tactical Weapons

Next Level Challenge

Apply skewers in complex Rook Endgame puzzles.

Train Now

X-Ray-Attack

A skewer is the most common and powerful type of X-Ray attack.

Train X-Ray-Attack

Back-Rank-Mate

The threat of a skewer can sometimes be used to force a back-rank mate.

Train Back-Rank-Mate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a skewer in chess?

A skewer, also called an X-ray attack, is a tactic where an attacking piece threatens a valuable enemy piece. When the valuable piece moves away, a less valuable piece behind it is exposed and can be captured.

What is the difference between a pin and a skewer?

They are inverse tactics. In a pin, a less valuable piece is in front of a more valuable piece, and cannot move. In a skewer, a more valuable piece is in front of a less valuable piece, and is forced to move.

Which pieces can perform a skewer?

Only long-range pieces that move in straight lines can perform a skewer: the queen, rook, and bishop.