Double Check Chess Worksheet Generator
Train the most powerful tactical device in chess. Create printable Double Check worksheets that teach students how to force the King to move using simultaneous threats.
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Double Check – Worksheet Overview
Aaron Nimzowitsch famously called the Double Check 'the laziest move in chess' because the King has no choice but to flee. It is a specific type of Discovered Check where the piece moving and the piece discovered BOTH attack the King. Because it is impossible to block two attacks at once or capture two pieces at once, the King MUST move. This absolute forcing nature makes Double Check the ultimate weapon for breaking open a fortress or delivering a sudden mate. These customizable worksheets focus on identifying, setting up, and executing double checks, transforming students' tactical vision from simple attacks to irresistible forcing sequences.
How to Create Double Check Worksheets
1. Select Difficulty
Choose "Tactical Win" (wins material) or "Checkmate" (forces game end).
2. Layout
Standard grid. These puzzles are explosive and fun to solve.
3. Preview
Look for the batteries. Ensure the solution involves the simultaneous check.
4. Download
Get the PDF. Essential for teaching the concept of "Forcing Moves."
Worksheet Features
The Most Powerful Tactic
Focuses exclusively on the move that breaks all standard rules of defense (blocking/capturing).
Battery Identification
Trains students to recognize alignments of pieces that make discoveries possible.
Game-Ending Sequences
Most puzzles result in immediate mate or heavy material gain.
Clear Solutions
Notation provided to help students follow the forcing line.
Teacher & Coach Notes
- The "Laziest Move": Quote Nimzowitsch. It sticks in students' heads. "Why run when you can make the King move?"
- Rule Breaking: Emphasize that Double Check breaks the normal rules of defense. 1. Capture? No. 2. Block? No. 3. Run? YES (Only option).
- Setup Drills: Put a Rook behind a Bishop. Ask students to move the Bishop to the best square. They will quickly find the double check.
- Psychological Impact: Explain that double checks often shock the opponent. It is a huge momentum shifter.
- Homework: A must-do category. Every student needs to master this.
- Safety Check: Remind students: "Always look at who is BEHIND your piece before you move it."
- Combo with Smothered Mate: Use this to lead into Smothered Mate lessons, as they often rely on a double check to corner the King.
- Fun Factor: Students love these because they feel powerful playing them.
Printing Instructions
- For best results, print the worksheet in portrait orientation on A4 or Letter-size paper.
- Use the “Fit to Page” or “Shrink to Printable Area” setting if your printer has narrow margins.
- Select high-quality or standard print mode to ensure chess diagrams remain clear and easy to read.
- If printing multiple copies for a class or club, use the grayscale option to save ink while keeping diagrams sharp.
- Ensure the solution page is included at the end of the worksheet—this helps students review and self-correct their work.
- For laminated or reusable worksheets, print on thicker stock or laminate the pages so students can solve using markers.
- When printing double-sided, place puzzles on the front and solutions on the back for efficient classroom use.
Double Check FAQs
Can I block a double check? ⌄
No. You cannot block two lines of attack with one move. You also cannot capture both attackers.
Is a double check always checkmate? ⌄
No, but it is very dangerous. The King must move. If he has no safe squares to move to, THEN it is checkmate.
What pieces can create a double check? ⌄
It requires a "battery." Common pairs are Rook+Bishop, Queen+Knight, or Rook+Knight. A King can never be part of a double check battery.
How do I note it in chess notation? ⌄
Standard notation uses "+". Some older books use "++" for double check, but nowadays "++" usually means checkmate or is just a style choice. "+" is sufficient.