Tactical Course Double Attack
A double attack in chess is a tactical idea in which two threats are created at the same time. Because the opponent can often respond to only one threat with a single move, the other may result in material gain, checkmate or another decisive advantage.
The most familiar form of double attack is the fork, where one piece attacks two opposing pieces simultaneously. Knights are particularly well known for forks, but pawns, bishops, rooks, queens and even kings can create them.
A double attack can also involve more than one attacking piece. Two friendly pieces may create separate threats against different targets or combine their attacks against the same critical piece or square. The important feature is that the opponent is confronted with more than one problem at once.
One of the strongest forms combines an attack with check. Because the opponent must respond to the check, the second threat may be impossible to prevent. This frequently allows an attacking piece to capture valuable material on the following move.
The principle can extend beyond two threats. A triple or multiple attack may target several pieces or squares simultaneously, making an adequate defence even more difficult.
Double attacks occur in every phase of the game and at every level of chess. They can arise from simple one-move tactics or form part of a longer combination in which the opponent is first forced into a position where the decisive double attack becomes possible.
The essential tactical idea is:
A double attack creates two or more threats at the same time, making it difficult or impossible for the opponent to answer them all.
When solving the positions below, look particularly for which opposing pieces or squares are vulnerable, whether a forcing move can create two threats at once and which threat the opponent will be unable to meet. ♟️🎯
Solutions are in the Chess Board.