Cross-Check
If someone is being mean to you, the smart thing to do is take the high road and not do the same thing to them. Unless we're talking about your opponent checking your king, of course! If that's the case, it's time for you to look for a cross-check to show them who's boss.Here's what you need to know about the cross-check:
What Is A Cross-Check?
A cross-check happens in chess when a player gets out of check by making a move that delivers a check to the opponent.
In the example above, White checks the black king with their queen. Black blocks the check with their queen while also attacking the white king on b8, delivering the first cross-check. White then cross-checks Black back, attacking the black king with their knight, which also stands in the black queen's way to the white king.
Why Does The Cross-Check Matter?
Although not that common, cross-checks can help you get out of a defensive role to put you on the offensive. They are especially important in some common endgames, such as the queen and pawn versus queen endgame.
Take a look at the position below. White is a pawn up and needs to promote it to win the game. The white king is in check, and Black will keep trying to draw the game by repetition by checking White for as long as they can.
If White remembers the concept of cross-checking, they can win on the spot by moving their king to c5. Now, no matter where the black queen goes to check the white king, White can use a cross-check to exchange queens and promote the pawn!
Wrapping Up
You now know what a cross-check is and how it can help you go on the offensive to win more games. Head to our Lessons page to learn other concepts that will turn you into an even better chess player!