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Tactics

X-ray

X-ray attack

A piece attacking through an enemy piece to something valuable behind it.

An x-ray (sometimes called a skewer's cousin) is when a long-range piece's influence passes through one piece to reach another. It can win material when the piece in front moves or is removed, revealing the attack on what stood behind it.

It also works defensively: a rook can 'x-ray defend' its own piece through an enemy piece on the same line.

Why it matters

Seeing along whole lines — not just to the first piece — is what separates players who spot combinations from those who miss them.

The mistake everyone makes

Only looking at the first piece on a rank, file or diagonal and missing that your queen or king sits, unprotected, further down the same line.

Related terms

Skewer
A pin in reverse — the valuable piece is in front and must move, exposing the piece behind.
Pin
A piece that cannot move without exposing a more valuable piece behind it.
Battery
Two pieces lined up on the same file, rank or diagonal so their power stacks.
Tactic
A short, forcing sequence of moves that wins material or delivers mate.

See X-ray in your own games

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