Chess Tactics 101

The Skewer
What is a skewer?
A skewer is an a ack upon two pieces in a line and is similar to a pin. In fact, a
skewer is somemes described as a "reverse pin"; the difference is that in a
skewer, the more valuable piece is in front of the piece of lesser or equal value.
The opponent is compelled to move the more valuable piece to avoid its
capture, thereby exposing the less valuable piece which can then be captured
The long-range pieces (queen, rook, and bishop) can skewer.

Examples

Rook skewering Bishop skewering

Clearly, since a queen possesses the power of both bishop and rook, she is the
most powerful when it comes to the skewer!