Skewer: a practical example
A rook checking a king on an open rank may attack an undefended queen farther along the same line. The king must escape the check, potentially leaving the queen exposed. Blockers, captures, and counterchecks can change the result.
How to use the idea in your games
Scan lines containing two enemy pieces, especially when the nearer one is the king. Confirm that the rear target cannot be protected or removed with tempo.
A useful study question
Can you explain skewer in your own words, identify it in a position, and describe when the idea does not apply? Test the explanation on a legal board before relying on it.
Connect the ideas
Pin, Open file, Check are useful next concepts. Follow the links to compare definitions and examples, then return to the complete chess glossary whenever an unfamiliar term appears.
Sources & further reading
References checked September 5, 2026. Linked services are independent of ChessRankings.com™.