Tactical Course Deflection

A deflection in chess is a tactical idea that forces or draws an opposing piece away from an important defensive duty. The piece may be protecting another piece, guarding a critical square or preventing a decisive attack.

A deflection works by giving the defender another task that it cannot ignore. Once the defending piece has been forced away, the position it was protecting becomes vulnerable. This may allow the attacker to win material, deliver checkmate or begin another tactical combination.

Sacrifices frequently play an important role in deflection tactics. A piece may be offered specifically to attract a defender away from its position. Although material is initially given up, the sacrifice may only be temporary if the resulting combination wins back greater material or leads to a decisive advantage.

The king and queen are common targets of combinations involving deflection. A piece defending against checkmate may be forced away, leaving the king exposed. Similarly, a defender protecting the queen or another valuable piece may be distracted, allowing that piece to be captured.

Deflection can appear at any stage of a game, including the opening. Gambits and other forcing sequences can contain deflection ideas where a pawn or piece is drawn away from an important square, weakening the opponent’s position and creating opportunities for further tactical play.

The essential tactical idea is:

Deflection forces an opposing piece away from an important defensive duty so that something it was protecting can be attacked.

When solving the positions below, look particularly for which opposing piece is holding the defence together, what it is protecting and whether a forcing move or sacrifice can make that defender leave its post. ♟️🎯

Solutions in Chess Board