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Tactics

Windmill

A repeating see-saw of discovered checks that harvests enemy material.

A rook and bishop combine so that the rook gives check, the king is forced to a square, a discovered check by moving the rook back scoops a piece, and the pattern repeats — round and round like a windmill — until the enemy position is stripped bare.

The most famous example is Torre–Lasker, Moscow 1925, which every attacking player learns.

Why it matters

It is a spectacular and thoroughly forcing pattern worth recognising both to use and to avoid.

The mistake everyone makes

Allowing the geometry — an exposed king lined up with your own pieces on a discovered-check battery.

Related terms

Discovered attack
Moving one piece to unveil an attack from a piece behind it.
Double check
Two pieces give check at the same time; the king must move.
Tactic
A short, forcing sequence of moves that wins material or delivers mate.
Sacrifice
Giving up material on purpose for a larger gain — mate, more material, or a winning attack.

See Windmill in your own games

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