Chess Tactics: Forks, Pins, Skewers and Mating Patterns
A tactic is a short, forcing sequence that wins material or delivers checkmate. Learn each pattern, see it in a verified position, then practice it on real puzzles.
01
Chess Fork
One piece attacks two targets at once, and your opponent can only save one.
Open lesson ↗02Chess Pin
A piece cannot move without exposing the king or a bigger piece behind it.
Open lesson ↗03Chess Skewer
Attack the big piece in front, and take the one hiding behind it.
Open lesson ↗04Discovered Attack in Chess
Move one piece out of the way and the piece behind it attacks, so you make two threats with one move.
Open lesson ↗05Back Rank Mate
A rook or queen mates on the last rank while the king's own pawns block every escape.
Open lesson ↗06Checkmate Patterns
Learn the piece setups that keep producing mate, and you will spot them in one glance.
Open lesson ↗How to study tactics
- Learn one pattern at a time from its lesson and example positions.
- Solve that theme’s puzzles until you spot it without hints.
- Mix themes in the full puzzle trainer, where you don’t know which tactic is coming.
- Review your own games in Game Review to find the tactics you missed.