Weiss ChessTrain matesTrain tactics

Pawn Fork

A fork or double attack creates two threats at the same time, so the opponent cannot answer both.

What to look for

Look for checks or attacks that hit the king, queen, rook, loose pieces, or mate threats at once.

Recognize the mechanism

Read the pawn’s two diagonal capture squares in the correct direction for its color. A pawn advance may create attacks on both, while a capture changes the pawn’s file and therefore its next targets.

Common practical mistake

Pawns do not attack straight ahead. Distinguish the legal move destination from the two squares the pawn attacks afterward.

Training goal

Train your eye to find moves with two purposes.