discovered check: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical (Chess)
Quick answer
What does “discovered check” mean?
A chess move in which a piece moves to reveal a check from another piece behind it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chess move in which a piece moves to reveal a check from another piece behind it.
In chess, a tactical move where moving one piece uncovers an attack on the opponent's king by a rook, bishop, or queen that was previously blocked. The term is exclusively used in chess terminology and has no metaphorical meaning in general English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of 'check' is consistent (not 'cheque').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both chess communities.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language, but standard within chess discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “discovered check” in a Sentence
[Player/Subject] + [verb: delivers/plays/executes] + a discovered check + [preposition: with/by moving] + [piece].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discovered check” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The discovered check tactic won him the game.
- She fell for a discovered check combination.
American English
- The discovered check maneuver decided the match.
- He set up a discovered check possibility.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in texts or discussions about chess theory or game analysis.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of chess contexts.
Technical
Core term in chess commentary, literature, and instruction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discovered check”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discovered check”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discovered check”
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'He discovered check the king').
- Confusing it with 'double check' (which is a specific type of discovered check).
- Capitalising the term as if it were a proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A double check is a specific, powerful type of discovered check where the moving piece *also* gives check. In a standard discovered check, only the revealed piece gives check.
No, it is exclusively a compound noun. You 'deliver', 'play', or 'execute' a discovered check. You do not 'discovered check' your opponent.
Almost never. It is highly specialised chess terminology and is not used metaphorically in business, politics, or everyday language.
The queen, rook, and bishop are the pieces that can deliver the revealed check, as they move in straight lines. The queen, being the most powerful, is a very common participant.
A chess move in which a piece moves to reveal a check from another piece behind it.
Discovered check is usually technical (chess) in register.
Discovered check: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈskʌvəd tʃɛk/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈskʌvərd tʃɛk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a knight moving aside like a curtain, DISCOVERING a queen pointing directly at the king, shouting 'CHECK!'
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/TRUTH IS LIGHT; A HIDDEN THREAT IS COVERED. Moving the piece is 'shedding light' or 'removing a cover' to reveal the threat.
Practice
Quiz
What is essential for a 'discovered check' to occur?