apex64 Coach
X-Ray Tactic
What it is
An X-ray (or skewer-like alignment) is when a long-range piece exerts influence through an enemy piece to the square or piece beyond it — attacking, defending, or winning material along that hidden line.
When to use it
Use it when a rook, bishop or queen and an enemy piece share a line with something valuable behind it, or when you can defend one of your own pieces 'through' an enemy unit.
How to use it
Look along the ranks, files and diagonals of your line pieces. If capturing the front enemy piece exposes a bigger one behind, or if your defense operates through an enemy piece, the X-ray wins material or holds the position.
Worked examples
Watch the coach play the tactic from real master games.