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TacticsLast Updated: 2026-01-19

Skewer

"A tactical attack on two pieces in a line, similar to a pin, but the more valuable piece is in front."

Interactive Demonstration

8
bk
7
6
5
4
3
2
1awr
b
c
d
ewk
f
g
h

Visualizing the Concept

Use the interactive board to explore this position. Understanding Skewer is much easier when you can visualize the pieces in action.

Current FEN
4k3/8/8/8/8/8/8/R3K3 w - - 0 1
Open in Analyze Lab

In-Depth Explanation

A skewer is often described as a 'reversed pin'. In a skewer, the attacking piece attacks a high-value piece (like the King or Queen) which is forced to move, exposing a lower-value piece behind it to be captured. It is a powerful way to win material or gain a positional advantage.

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