The X-Ray Attack

The X-Ray Attack is somewhat underrated as it is not necessarily the first idea that comes to mind when considering tactics … I for one, don’t think I’ve ever posted an article on the X-Ray since this blogs been running … ?!  

I’ve created a simple scenario here, where White may not even consider the Queen sacrifice, but as with all back rank weakness … all levers and devious tactics need to be considered !!!  As you can see, Qe8+ is a classic X-Ray.

The Queen effectively completes the X-Ray  pattern by sandwiching the enemy Rook between the White Queen and the White Rook … Because it is check, the Black Rook has no option but to capture the White Queen, whereafter the White Rook can now capture the Black Rook resulting in a checkmate!