Chess Basics: Forks

Chess players use strategic maneuvers called tactics to make it easier to score victories. Tactics are special moves that give a player an advantage of some sort, be it the ability to win material, improve their overall position, or open the door for a checkmate. In this lesson, we’ll discuss a tactic called the fork. 

What is a Fork?

A fork occurs when one piece attacks two or more pieces at the same time. This is often referred to as a "double attack."

Since Black’s king is in check in the example above, they’ll have to use their turn to move the king to safety, leaving the queen open for White to capture on the next move. This is the main benefit of forks: they help players win material. 

Knights are commonly viewed as the best piece to create forks with. Thanks to its unique movement pattern, the knight can often strike at two other pieces without having to worry about being attacked back.

Different Pieces, Different Forks

Forks that attack a king are especially powerful, but a fork doesn’t have to include a king—any type of piece can create a fork, and any type of piece can be placed in one. 

In this example, a pawn launches a double attack:

Black will have to decide which piece they want to save: the rook or the bishop. White will capture whichever piece they don't move out of harm's way.