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X-ray (chess)

This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

In chess, an x-ray or x-ray attack is a tactic where a ranged piece supports a friendly piece "through" an enemy piece. It is different from a skewer, pin, or line clearance, with each of which it is often confounded.

In the diagram on the right, White's major pieces (queen and rook) have taken control of the h-file, but Qh7+ allows the king to escape to f8. Instead, White wins with 1. Qh6+! Bxh6 2. Bxh6+ Kh7 3. Bf8+ Qh4 4. Rxh4#. Here (after 1. Qh6+), the white bishop on f4 supports White's queen on h6 "through" the Black bishop on g5.

The x-ray is also used for defensive purposes. In the second diagram, White has just given check with 1. Rc8+ and Black is in danger of being checkmated on the back rank. If Black responds 1. ... Rxc8??, play continues 2. Rxc8+ Rd8 (forced) 3. Rxd8#. Instead, Black's only saving move is to interpose immediately with 1. ... Rd8. After this play, Black's rooks on a8 and d8 guard one another by x-ray through the white rook on c8. If the white rook captures one of the black rooks, the remaining black rook responds by recapturing on the same square, and Black is safe from checkmate.

See also

• Chess tactics

References