Chess Double Attacks
One move, two threats — sometimes from two different pieces.
A double attack that is NOT a fork
White to move — find the double attack.
Hint
Two different white pieces can each threaten something after this move.
Tap a piece, then tap where it should go.
Discovered attacks are the other common way to create a double threat.
Learn discovered attacksA double attack is any single move that creates two threats at once. A fork is the most common kind — one piece attacking two targets — but it isn't the only kind.
The broader case is a move that creates two threats through two different mechanisms: for example, a piece that moves to attack one target while simultaneously uncovering an attack from a completely different piece behind it.
Fork: a double attack from one piece
When a single piece — most often a knight, but a queen, rook, or bishop just as easily — attacks two valuable pieces at once, that's a fork. See the dedicated Forks page for the full breakdown by piece type.
A double attack that isn't a fork
Two separate pieces can each create a threat as the result of one move: the piece that moves attacks something directly, while a piece behind it (now unblocked) attacks something else. No single piece is doing both jobs, so it isn't a fork — but the defender still faces two problems from one move.
Why the distinction matters
Recognizing a double attack as a category — not just watching for knight forks — widens what you look for: any move that improves a piece's position while also opening a line for another piece is worth a second look, fork or not.
Frequently asked questions
Is every fork a double attack?
Yes — a fork is the specific case of a double attack delivered by a single piece. Double attack is the broader category.
Can a double attack involve two different pieces?
Yes. A common pattern is a moving piece attacking one target directly while uncovering an attack from a different piece behind it — two threats, two pieces, one move.
Does Lichess tag 'double attack' as its own puzzle theme?
No — Lichess's puzzle themes include Fork and Double Check, but not a generic Double Attack tag, since most double attacks in practice are forks.
Is it free?
Yes. The board is read and analyzed right in your browser, there is no sign up, and you can do it as many times as you like.