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Tactics

Double check

Two pieces give check at the same time; the king must move.

A double check happens when a piece moves to give check and, in doing so, unveils a second checking piece behind it. You cannot block two checks at once, and you cannot capture two checkers at once, so the king is forced to move.

That forcing quality makes double check the engine of many combinations and smothered-mate patterns.

Why it matters

Because it forces a king move, a double check can herd the enemy king onto a mating square regardless of how much material is defending it.

The mistake everyone makes

Trying to block or capture out of a double check — it is impossible. Only the king can move.

Related terms

Discovered attack
Moving one piece to unveil an attack from a piece behind it.
Checkmate
The king is in check and there is no legal way out — the game is over.
Tactic
A short, forcing sequence of moves that wins material or delivers mate.
Smothered mate
A knight delivers mate to a king trapped by its own pieces.

See Double check in your own games

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