Advanced tactics
X-ray attack
A long-range piece acts through an enemy piece on the same line.
What is the x-ray attack?
An x-ray is when a rook, bishop or queen exerts pressure through an enemy piece to something behind it — either to win the piece behind, or to defend its own piece "through" the opponent's. The line matters more than the piece sitting on it.
Why the x-ray attack matters
X-ray vision separates players who see squares from players who see lines. It explains tactics that feel illegal at first glance — defending a piece your opponent is already attacking — and it is the backbone of many rook endgames.
How to use it to win
Train yourself to look all the way down a file or diagonal, past the first piece you meet. Ask what your rook or bishop "sees" beyond the obstruction, for both attack and defence.
Try an example puzzle
A real x-ray attack puzzle from the app. Black to move — find the idea, then reveal the line.
2 
6 
h 
f c Show solution
1. ... Qxc1+ 2. Rxc1 Rxc1+
Drill the x-ray attack on thousands of real puzzles, matched to your rating.