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.