Skewer in chess: the attack through the king
A skewer is a pin turned inside out. A bishop, rook or queen attacks a valuable piece, usually the king, and when that piece steps aside, takes the one standing behind it on the same line.
In a pin the more valuable piece hides behind; in a skewer it stands in front and has to move.
How a skewer works
The black king and rook stand on the same long diagonal. A check along it forces the king to move and opens the way to the rook.
Where to look for skewers
- King and piece on one line. When the enemy king and an undefended piece share a rank, file or diagonal, look for a check along it.
- Rook endgames. With few pieces left, kings and rooks often stand on open lines: a check from afar can win a whole rook.
- An attack on the queen works too: if the queen has to move away, the piece behind it falls.
Exercise: win the rook
ExerciseWhite to move
White to move and win the rook.
Make the move on the board: drag a piece, or click it and then a square.
Solved!
Ra6+ gives check along the sixth rank. The king must leave the rank, and then Rxh6 takes the rook, which nothing defends.
Key points
- A skewer attacks a valuable piece in front in order to take a piece behind it.
- It works best with check: the king must step away.
- Keep your king and your pieces off the same open line.