A Fork occurs when any piece directly attacks two or more targets.

The defender has only one move to protect both targets. This is always difficult and usually impossible.

Of course, a Fork can also target an empty square perhaps threatening mate.

• Knight Fork

  The most effective piece for forking is the Knight. Knight Forks are easily overlooked by beginners or if a player is in time trouble, largely becasue of the difficulty in visualising Knight moves. See KnightVision? for tips on improving your skill in this area.

  Tip for a Knight Fork, both targets must be on the same coloured square which will be the opposite of the Knight's square

• Defending against a Fork

  One common method of getting out of a fork is to counter-attack with one of the targets forcing a wasted move and giving time to rescue the second target