Forks, Pins and Skewers: A Tactical Pattern Guide
Recognise the three patterns that decide thousands of club games—and learn how to create them.
Three related patterns
A fork attacks two targets at once. A pin prevents a piece from moving because something more valuable is behind it. A skewer attacks the valuable piece first and wins the piece behind after it moves.
How to train
Scan every position for checks, captures and threats. Notice undefended pieces and aligned kings, queens and rooks. Repeated puzzle practice turns these shapes into fast recognition.