Discovered Attacks

A discovered attack uses two pieces: the rear piece already has the line, but a front piece blocks it. Moving the front piece reveals the attack. The best discovery moves do something useful themselves—capture, check, attack a queen, or create mate.

Because the moving piece can go many places, candidate quality matters. Ask not only 'where can I uncover the line?' but 'which uncovering move creates the strongest second threat?'

Training flow: 1. Hidden-line recognition. 2. Discovered check demonstration. 3. Choose-the-best-discovery exercise. 4. Double-purpose discovery set. 5. Defensive discovery-prevention position.

Common errors: Moving the blocker to a passive square. Missing that the discovered line is still blocked. Ignoring a capture of the rear piece. Stopping after 'check' without finding the second threat.

Mastery gate: 7/8 correct; on discovery positions student must name both threats.

Review: Review one discovery and write: moving piece threat + revealed piece threat.

Duration: 65–85 min