Deflection in
chess
Chess is a board game for two players. It is an abstract strategy game that involves Perfect information, no hidden information and no elements of game of chance, chance. It is played on a square chessboard, board consisting of 64 squares arran ...
is a tactic that forces an opposing piece to leave the square, rank or file it occupies, thus exposing the king or a valuable piece. It is typically used in the context of a combination or attack, where the deflected piece is critical to the defence. Deflection may be used as a
gambit to cause an opponent's piece to move to a less suitable square.
Deflections are often used as part of a
combination
In mathematics, a combination is a selection of items from a set that has distinct members, such that the order of selection does not matter (unlike permutations). For example, given three fruits, say an apple, an orange and a pear, there are ...
which may involve other types of
chess tactics
In chess, a tactic is a sequence of moves that each makes one or more immediate threats – a check, a threat, a checkmating sequence threat, or the threat of another tactic or otherwise forcing moves – that culminates in the opponent's being ...
as well.
If the deflected piece happens to be an
overworked piece then the opponent's defense instantly crumbles, making victory imminent to the one who employed the deflection.
The Hook & Ladder Trick
''Chess Life'' Dana Mackenzie
See also
* Overloading
* Sacrifice
Sacrifice is an act or offering made to a deity. A sacrifice can serve as propitiation, or a sacrifice can be an offering of praise and thanksgiving.
Evidence of ritual animal sacrifice has been seen at least since ancient Hebrews and Gree ...
References
External links
101 Chess Tips - Deflection
- Relates deflection to an overworked piece
Chess Guru - Learn how to use deflection in chess
- A tutorial in the use of deflection to win games
- Shows several chess problems involving deflection
{{chess
Chess tactics
Chess terminology