ChessAnalyzerSkewers: chess tactics explained, with 7 puzzles
A skewer is a pin in reverse: the valuable piece stands in front. When it steps aside, the piece behind it is captured. Rooks, bishops and queens skewer along lines, and a check makes it forcing.
Every puzzle below comes from a real game position, and every solution was verified with Stockfish 18: each move you need to find is the only good move — the second-best alternative is at least two pawns worse. Try to solve each one before opening the solution.
Puzzle 1 Beginner
Black to move. Attack along the line and win what is behind.
Hint
Attack the most valuable piece along a line — what stands behind it?
Solution
20… Qxc1+
Qxc1+ attacks a valuable piece standing in front of another. When the front piece moves away, the one behind it is captured. 20… Qxc1+. Black wins the queen.
Puzzle 2 Beginner
Black to move. Attack along the line and win what is behind.
Hint
Attack the most valuable piece along a line — what stands behind it?
Solution
29… Rxd1+
Rxd1+ attacks a valuable piece standing in front of another. When the front piece moves away, the one behind it is captured. 29… Rxd1+. Black wins the queen.
Puzzle 3 Beginner
Black to move. Attack along the line and win what is behind.
Hint
Attack the most valuable piece along a line — what stands behind it?
Solution
22… Rxh1+
Rxh1+ attacks a valuable piece standing in front of another. When the front piece moves away, the one behind it is captured. 22… Rxh1+. Black wins a rook.
Puzzle 4 Beginner
White to move. Attack along the line and win what is behind.
Hint
Attack the most valuable piece along a line — what stands behind it?
Solution
18. Qxa8+
Qxa8+ attacks a valuable piece standing in front of another. When the front piece moves away, the one behind it is captured. 18. Qxa8+. White wins a piece.
Puzzle 5 Beginner
White to move. Attack along the line and win what is behind.
Hint
Attack the most valuable piece along a line — what stands behind it?
Solution
29. Rxb8+
Rxb8+ attacks a valuable piece standing in front of another. When the front piece moves away, the one behind it is captured. 29. Rxb8+. White wins a piece.
Puzzle 6 Intermediate
White to move. Attack along the line and win what is behind.
Hint
Attack the most valuable piece along a line — what stands behind it?
Solution
1. Rd1+ Kc4 2. Rxd8
Rd1+ attacks a valuable piece standing in front of another. When the front piece moves away, the one behind it is captured. 1. Rd1+ Kc4 2. Rxd8. White wins the queen.
Puzzle 7 Intermediate
White to move. Attack along the line and win what is behind.
Hint
Attack the most valuable piece along a line — what stands behind it?
Solution
1. Qh2+ Ke4 2. Qxc7
Qh2+ attacks a valuable piece standing in front of another. When the front piece moves away, the one behind it is captured. 1. Qh2+ Ke4 2. Qxc7. White wins the queen.
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Trapped pieces
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