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Tactic

Battery

Stacking two or more major or minor pieces along a single rank, file, or diagonal to multiply pressure and force a breakthrough.

Starting position

The Setup

White has stacked two rooks on the d-file (d1 and d2), forming a powerful battery. Black has a similar battery on the d-file (d8 and d7). Since White is to move, the battery will decide the game.

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Move sequences and interactive tour paths for Battery

Starting Position (FEN): 3r2k1/3r1ppp/8/8/8/8/3R1PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1

Stacking the Rooks

  • The Setup - White has stacked two rooks on the d-file (d1 and d2), forming a powerful battery. Black has a similar battery on the d-file (d8 and d7). Since White is to move, the battery will decide the game.
  • Rxd7: The Breakthrough Capture - White plays Rxd7, capturing the advanced black rook. The stacked rook on d1 backs up this capture. Black must recapture.
  • Rxd7: Black Recaptures - Black recaptures the rook. However, Black's rook is now isolated and must face White's remaining rook on d1.
  • Rxd7: Winning the Battery Trade - White captures the final rook on d7. The battery allowed White to overwhelm Black's defenses, winning a full rook.
For experienced players

Stacking pieces of matching movement geometry (like two rooks, or a queen and a bishop) along a shared file or diagonal allows you to double your attacking power. Look for opportunities to align major pieces to overload enemy blocking units.

See also:Skewer·Pin

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