X-ray (chess)

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

In chess, an x-ray or x-ray attack is a tactic that involves the action of a piece being felt "through" a piece of the opposite color. It is different from the skewer, the pin and line clearance, with each of which it is often confounded.

In the diagram on the right, White's heavy pieces (queen and rook) have taken control of the h-file, but Qh7+ allows the king to escape to f8 (see algebraic chess notation). Instead, White wins with 1. Qh6+! Bxh6 2. Bxh6+ Kh7 3. Bf8+ and mate next move. Here, the action of the White bishop on f4 is felt "through" the Black bishop on g5.

[edit] See also

• Chess tactics