5 Essential Tactics Every Beginner Must Know

Tactics are the "short-term" weapons of chess. For beginners, nearly 90% of games are decided by simple tactical mistakes. Mastering these five patterns will help you win more pieces and save games that look lost.

1. The Fork

A fork occurs when one piece attacks two or more of the opponent's pieces simultaneously. Knights are famous for their forks, but every piece, including the king and pawn, can deliver one.

2. The Pin

A pin happens when an attacking piece threatens a valuable piece that cannot move without exposing a more valuable piece behind it. Remember the saying: "The pin is mightier than the sword!"

3. The Skewer

A skewer is like a reverse pin. You attack a valuable piece (like the King), and when it moves, you capture a less valuable piece behind it.

4. Discovered Attack

This is a powerful move where moving one piece reveals an attack from another piece behind it. It's often devastating because it's hard for the opponent to see it coming.

5. Double Check

Perhaps the most powerful tactic in chess. When two pieces check the king at the same time, the king must move. It is impossible to block or capture two pieces in a single move.

Practice these patterns daily using puzzles, and you'll soon start seeing them in your own games!