Double Attack and Fork

Double attack is by far the most common tactical method. It is the backbone of the vast majority of combinations. A double attack occurs when one side generates two threats at the same time against the opponent,. For example, a knight may give check and attack an enemy queen at the same time. Or a bishop may simultaneously attack two rooks. Very often, a double attack is also called a “fork”, especially when the same piece delivers the two threats (e.g. “Forking the king and queen”).

Here is an example:

Hernandez Onna (2349) – Alvarez Pedraza (2420)

Black to move, Beginner puzzle from KEBU Chess Tactics Software 2009

Here Black played 24…Ng3+! after which White resigned. The reason was that after 25.hxg3 (if 25.Kg1 Qe3 # is mate) 25…Qh5+! White has delivered a “fork” or “double attack”. The queen simultaneously attacks the king on h1 and the rook on d1 leading to the loss of the rook in return for the knight, which is a better deal for Black.

Here’s another example of double attack:

Clery(2379) – Le Roy(2301)

France Top 16, 2008

Black to move, Beginner puzzle from KEBU Chess Tactics Software 2009

Here Black played 23…Qxf4! 24.gxf4 Ne3+! forking the king and queen. After this operation, Black has won a knight.

These examples were taken from games played very recently (last year) directly from KEBU Chess Tactics Software. You can download a free version here for more puzzles like these.