Chess concept reference

Deflection

A defender is lured or forced away from an important duty.

The idea

Deflection works when one piece is doing too much. Remove it from its job, and the tactic behind it appears.

Why it matters

Deflection teaches you to ask what every defender is responsible for.

Recognize it

  • One defender protects mate and material.
  • A capture forces the defender away.
  • The back rank is weak.

Common mistakes

  • Deflecting the wrong defender.
  • Missing the follow-up after the lure.
  • Sacrificing without a forcing sequence.