Pieces & Activity
What is a cross-check in chess?
- Pieces
- Activity
- Coordination
Cross-check is a piece-play concept: a cross-check is a check played in reply to a check, especially when the original check is blocked by a piece that itself either delivers check or reveals a discovered check from another piece. Ask whether the piece is active, coordinated, and serving a real plan.
What to look for on the board
- Your least active piece.
- Open lines and strong squares.
- Whether pieces coordinate on the same target.
Related terms
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