Double Attack in chess: how it works
One move creates two threats that your opponent cannot both stop.
A double attack means one move creates two threats at once. Your opponent only gets one move in response, so at least one threat will land. The fork is the most famous form of double attack, but any move that threatens two things simultaneously counts.
Double attacks can come from a single piece (like a fork) or from two pieces working together (like a discovered attack). The common thread: your opponent cannot handle both problems in one move.
Thinking about double attacks is how strong players plan. Before playing a move, ask: does this create two threats? If yes, your opponent is in trouble.
Double Attack examples
White queen threatens checkmate on f7 AND captures the pawn on e5
The white queen on h5 creates two simultaneous threats: Qxf7# (checkmate because f7 is only guarded by the king) and Qxe5 (taking the e5 pawn). Black cannot block both in one move. This famous beginner trap is called a double attack: one piece threatening two things at once. If black ignores one, white executes the other.
Knight on f5 attacks both d6 and e7 simultaneously
The white knight on f5 attacks both d6 (where there is a bishop) and e7 (another target) at the same time. Black must deal with both threats in a single move - which is impossible. This is a pure double attack from one piece. The well-placed knight forces black to give up material.
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