Forks: one move, two attacks

Once your child knows how the pieces move and can spot a check, they are ready for their first real trick. It is called a fork, and it is one of the most common ways games are won at every level.

A fork is a single move that attacks two enemy pieces at the same time. Your opponent can usually only save one of them, so you get to capture the other. Children often grasp it instantly when you compare it to a real fork: one handle, two prongs, two things caught at once.

The knight fork

The knight is the champion of forks. Because it jumps in an L and lands on the opposite colour, its attacks are easy to miss, even for grown-ups. The best knight fork of all gives check to the king and attacks another piece, such as the queen or a rook, in the same move.

Why is that so strong? A king in check must get out of check straight away, so your opponent has no time to rescue the other piece. They move the king, and next turn you capture. The one thing to watch for: if the enemy can simply capture your knight, the fork does not work, so check that the square is safe first.

The pawn fork

Even the smallest piece can fork. A pawn captures one square diagonally forward, so a pawn that steps forward can attack two pieces at once, one on each diagonal. It is a lovely lesson for children who think pawns are boring. Losing a pawn to win a knight or a bishop is a great trade.

Other forks

• The queen can fork along lines and diagonals at the same time, which makes her very good at it.
• Rooks and bishops can fork too, attacking two pieces along different lines.
• Even the king can fork two undefended pieces standing next to it.

Fork hunt: set up a knight in the middle of the board and place two of your child's toys on squares the knight can reach. Ask them to find the one square where the knight attacks both. Then swap roles and let them hide the toys for you.

How to practise without frustration

Forks are a step up from checkmate in one, so they suit children who already move all the pieces confidently, often around six to eight. Younger children may need you to point to the attacking piece first and ask, "What can this piece reach?"

• Ask the two-target question. "Is there a move that attacks two things?" Asking before every move builds the habit.
• Start with the knight. Its forks are the most common and the easiest to recognise once seen a few times.
• Celebrate the spot, not just the win. Finding a fork is the achievement, even if the game goes on.

In ChessMons, Practice has 20 puzzles for each piece and skill, and coach Tock offers step-by-step hints when a child gets stuck, so they can find the answer themselves instead of being told.

Once forks click, your child will start seeing double attacks everywhere, and they may well start using them against you.