The Unstoppable Discovered Double Check
In chess, a Double Check is a rare but powerful tactical motif that occurs when a player’s king is simultaneously attacked by two different pieces.
The key characteristic of this tactical motif is that both attacking pieces deliver the check at the same time. This creates a unique situation where the player in check must move their king, as capturing the checking pieces or interposing a piece is not possible.
Double checks can be defended only by moving the King
The significance of a double check lies in the limited options available to the player in response. When a king is in double check, the only legal moves are king moves. The king must move to a safe square, as it is not possible to capture both checking pieces or interpose a piece to block both checks.
Discovered Double Check
A Discovered Double Check in chess occurs when a player makes a move that uncovers an attack by another piece, putting the opponent’s king in check. The key feature of a discovered double check is that the piece moving doesn’t directly deliver the check; instead, it reveals an attack from another piece, and both pieces put the opponent’s king in check simultaneously.
Below I show you some brilliant examples taken from real chess practice.
In the given example, Grandmaster Richard Reti displays tactical brilliance against Grandmaster Tartakower, who adopts a somewhat careless approach to the opening. Reti effectively exploits this tactical motif in his play, showcasing strategic awareness and seizing the opportunity presented by Tartakower’s less precise opening moves.
Certainly, these two chess games are undeniably exquisite chess miniature masterpieces.
Double checks often lead to decisive tactical opportunities, as the exposed king is forced to move, and the player delivering the double check gains a tempo. This tempo advantage can be used to launch further attacks or initiate a combination leading to a favorable position or checkmate. Players need to be vigilant about double checks, both in delivering them and defending against them, as they can quickly change the dynamics of a game.
