What is the discovered attack chess tactic?
The chess tactic known as “discovered attack” is a powerful strategy that involves attacking an opponent’s piece by moving a piece out of the way, revealing another piece that can then attack the opponent’s piece. The idea behind discovered attack is to use the movement of one piece to reveal another piece that can then attack the opponent’s piece.
What is the history of the discovered attack chess tactic?
One of the earliest examples of the use of the “discovered attack” tactic can be traced back to the games of the great chess player and chess theorist, Philidor. Philidor was known for his emphasis on the importance of piece mobility and his ability to use discovered attacks to gain an advantage.
The tactic was later developed and refined by other chess greats such as Paul Morphy and José Raul Capablanca, who used it to great effect in their own games.
What are the benefits of the discovered attack chess tactic?
-
It can be used to gain a material advantage. By attacking an opponent’s piece with a discovered attack, the player can force the opponent to lose material in order to protect their piece.
-
It can be used to create a threat on the opponent’s position. By moving a piece out of the way, the player can reveal another piece that can then attack the opponent’s position, forcing them to defend themselves.