What is a Discovered Check?

A Discovered Check occurs when a player moves a piece out of the way, revealing a check from a long-range piece (Rook, Bishop, or Queen) standing behind it. The opponent must respond to the check, often leaving the moving piece free to capture material.

What happens in the Evergreen Game?

In Anderssen vs. Dufresne (1852), White plays 22. Bf5+, a famous Double Check. The Bishop moves to check the King while unmasking the Rook on d1. This forces the King to move and leads to checkmate.

Discovered Check Chess Tactics

A Discovered Check is a specific and deadly type of discovered attack. It happens when you move a piece to reveal a line of fire from a piece behind it that checks the opponent's King. Because the King is under immediate fire, your opponent must save their King, leaving your moving piece free to capture material or create havoc elsewhere.

Famous Historical Examples

1. The "Evergreen Game"

Anderssen vs. Dufresne (1852)

White to move (22. Bf5+!)
One of the most famous moves in chess history. White plays 22. Bf5+. This is a Double Check. The Bishop moves to f5 to check, while simultaneously discovering a check from the Rook on d1. The Black King is forced to e8, leading to mate.

2. The "Windmill"

Torre vs. Lasker (1925)

White to move (26. Rxg7+!)
White plays 26. Rxg7+. After the King moves to h8, White plays Rxf7+. The Rook moves aside, discovering check from the Bishop on f6. This pattern repeats, allowing the Rook to capture multiple pieces while the King is helpless.

3. Double Check Classic

Reti vs. Tartakower (1910)

White to move (10. Bg5+!)
A Double Check is the most powerful form of discovered check. White plays 10. Bg5+. The King is checked by the Bishop and the revealed Rook on d1. The King must move; it cannot block two pieces at once.

Common Tactical Patterns

4. Winning the Queen

The "Royal Fork" Discovery

White to move (1. Nb3+!)
The White Knight blocks the Rook's line to the King. White plays 1. Nb3+. This Discovered Check forces the King to move. Meanwhile, the Knight lands on b3, directly attacking the Black Queen on a5. Next move: Nxa5.

5. The French Defense Trap

Opening Pitfall

White to move (9. Bb5+!)
Black captured a pawn on d4. White plays 9. Bb5+!. The Bishop moves with check, clearing the d-file. After the King moves or blocks, the White Queen captures the Black Queen on d4.

6. Decoy into Discovered Check

Philidor's Legacy Setup

White to move (1. Nh6+!)
White plays 1. Nh6+ (Double Check). The King is checked by both Knight and Queen. If Kh8, White has a forced mate sequence. This double check is the setup for the famous "Smothered Mate".

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a Discovered Check different from a normal Discovered Attack?

In a normal discovered attack, the revealed piece might attack a Queen, Rook, or Pawn. In a Discovered Check, the revealed piece attacks the King. This is far more restrictive for the opponent because they must deal with the check immediately.

What is a Double Check?

A Double Check happens when the piece that moves also gives check (along with the revealed piece). It is incredibly powerful because the opponent cannot capture the checking piece or block the line—they must move the King.

Can I capture during a Discovered Check?

Yes! This is the main point. The piece that moves out of the way is often "immune" for one turn. You can use it to capture a defended piece (like a Queen) because the opponent is too busy saving their King to recapture your piece.

Discovered Check: The Ultimate "Free Move"