How is a skewer different from a pin?

In a skewer the more valuable piece is in front and must move, exposing a lesser piece behind. A pin usually freezes the front piece.

Which pieces deliver skewers?

Bishops, rooks, and queens — long-range line pieces. Train the geometry on open files and diagonals.

Tactics theme

Opposite of a pin: the VIP stands in front. Force it to step aside and collect the piece behind.

Check the king (or attack the queen) along a file, rank, or diagonal so it must move and reveal a lesser piece. Geometry first, flash second.

Open files after trades, long diagonals when kings castled opposite, and back-rank lines when someone grabbed a pawn too greedily.

Intermediate players converting open lines into concrete wins.