Double Attack

A double attack is a powerful chess tactic that can win you many games. With it, you can surprise your opponents and gain a significant advantage.

Here is what you will learn in this article.

What is a Double Attack in Chess?

A double attack happens when you make one move that creates two threats at the same time. These threats can be attacking your opponent’s pieces or setting up a big move like checkmate. It’s like catching your opponent off guard in two places at once—two for the price of one!

Double attacks are essential chess tactics and the basis for many winning combinations. They are hard to defend against because players can move just one piece at a time. Usually, just one of the threats can be eliminated, which often allows winning material.

How to Double Attack?

The name of this chess tactic is pretty easy to understand. Your goal is to attack two pieces or create two threats at the same time.

Let’s take a look at the following position:

double attack to find example position
What would you play here as White?

One thing we notice is that Black’s bishop, knight, and rook are all undefended. The king is also a little bit exposed. Do you see a move that attacks two pieces at the same time?

Here’s a little hint:

an example position with a hint to spot a double attack
The rook on b5 and king on h7 are not well protected. Can you take advantage of this?

Now it should be easier to find White’s strongest move: 1. Qd3+!

an example position with a queen delivering a double attack with a check
Delivering a double attack with the queen.

Black is in check, and at the same time, their rook is under attack. There is no way to defend both threats. Black can play 1…g6 (1…Rf5 doesn’t work because the rook is not protected on this square), and then White can simply take the rook on b5.

Here’s a useful tip: Double attacks are even stronger when they include a check!

Bonus question: Did you also spot another double attack in this position? 1. Rc7 is a great move too.

an example position with a queen delivering a double attack with a check
Here's another example of a double attack, this time delivered by the rook.

Since Black can save just one piece, White will win material.

You might be wondering: When I have a choice between two double attacks, which one should I play?

Good question! Now’s a great time to remember the chess piece value chart. A rook is worth five points, while a bishop or knight is worth just three. So, should we take a five-point piece or a three-point piece? That’s right! Winning Black’s rook is the better choice, so we should go for the first idea, 1. Qd3+.

Let’s look at another example.

An example of a double attack in the opening if White plays a normal-looking move that turns out to be a blunder.
Is 1. e3 a good move here?

In this position, many players automatically play 1.e3 for White. At first, it seems like a reasonable move: it develops a piece and looks solid. But wait! There’s a big problem with it.

Black plays 1…Qa5+! This is a crushing double attack on White’s king and bishop. White has to deal with the check first (2.Qd2 for, example), and after that, the bishop will be lost.

Another double attack with the queen, winning a bishop!
Black finds a way to punish White’s mistake.

Do you remember what we mentioned earlier about double attacks and checks? This is another perfect example of how double attacks become even stronger when they include a check. It makes your opponent’s life more difficult and often helps you gain a winning advantage.

Always look at your opponent’s undefended pieces when deciding your next move. You might find a double attack tactic that helps you win!

At the same time, always be careful with your own pieces. Try not to leave "loose" pieces that aren’t protected, or your opponent might find a double attack against you.

How to Defend Against a Double Attack?

Now that we've seen how powerful these chess tactics can be, let's check out the best ways to defend against them.

Move One of the Attacked Pieces to Defend the Other One

Here is another example.

At first glance, this position looks similar to the one we saw earlier. But wait—there’s a small difference! Can you spot it?

an example position featuring a double attack and a defensive idea.
A similar situation to the one discussed above but with one key difference.

You might notice the addition of the e6-pawn compared to the first example (plus the missing White pawn on g2). This might not look like a big deal, but it is!

Let’s say White goes again for the double attack with 1.Qd3+. This time, the pawn on e6 makes all the difference. Now Black can play 1…Rf5! This stops the check from White’s queen and moves the rook to a protected square. White can’t take the rook anymore because the e6-pawn is guarding it.

An example position showing how to defend against a double attack by blocking the check with the other attacked piece.
Black stops the check and moves the rook out of danger, saving both major threats with a single move.

Lesson learned: One effective way to defend against a double attack is to move one of the attacked pieces so that it also defends the other one.

Another Defensive Idea: Create a Bigger Threat

Let’s take a look at a different position.

Another example position featuring a double attack and a defensive idea.
Do you see a way to create a double attack as White?

White can play 1. Qd4+, attacking both Black’s king and rook—a double attack!

Another example of a double attack, with the queen threatening both the king and the rook
Another example of a double attack with a check.

Looks like White is winning, right? Once the king moves out of check, White can simply take the rook on b6.

Not so fast!

Black has a great defensive response: 1…Qe5! Instead of just saving the rook, this queen move creates a powerful counterattack! If White captures the rook on b6, they will get checkmated in one move.

Do you remember the main options to respond to a check? Let’s review them together:

Now, let’s go through these options one by one in our current position.

Blocking with the queen by playing 1... Qe5 not only stops the check but also creates a powerful counterattack!

an example chess position with a strong defensive idea against a double attack
Black defends with 1…Qe5 and threatens mate in one if White is not careful.

Now, do you see what happens if White gets greedy and takes the rook with 2.Qxb6? They will get checkmated in one move. Oops! That was a trap. Let’s check it.

GIF showing a chess position with an effective defense against a double attack by creating a stronger counterattack.

White must stop the checkmate first, and while they do that, we get a chance to save our rook! By making a stronger attack, we turned a tough situation into a great one.

So, if you find yourself in a position where two of your pieces are attacked, remember this smart defensive idea—creating a stronger counterattack!

Test Your Skills

Now it’s time to practice what you’ve learned. Head over to our Puzzles section, where you can test yourself in finding double attacks and forks.

Conclusion

Now you know what a double attack is and how to stay safe if your opponent tries one on you. This lesson can help you keep your pieces protected and find stronger moves in return.

And when you’re the one attacking, watch out for loose pieces in your opponent’s army—they might be perfect targets for a double attack!

Good luck, and have fun practicing.

Video

Check out the video below to learn even more about double attacks from FunMasterMike.