Deflection (chess)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Deflection in chess 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.[1] 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.[2] Deflections are often used as part of a combination which may involve other types of chess tactics 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.[3]

Solid white.svg a b c d e f g h Solid white.svg
8 black rook black knight black bishop black queen black king black bishop black rook 8
7 black pawn black pawn black pawn white bishop black pawn 7
6 black knight black pawn 6
5 white pawn 5
4 4
3 white knight 3
2 white pawn white pawn white pawn white pawn white pawn white pawn 2
1 white rook white bishop white queen white king white knight white rook 1
Solid white.svg a b c d e f g h Solid white.svg
In this position, White's bishop has captured the pawn at f7, forcing Black's king to recapture the bishop, thereby leaving Black's queen undefended and lost on the next move.

See also [edit]

References [edit]

  1. ^ Hooper, David; Whyld, Kenneth (1992), The Oxford Companion to Chess (second ed.), Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-866164-9 
  2. ^ Golombek, Harry (1977), Golombek's Encyclopedia of Chess, Crown Publishing, ISBN 0-517-53146-1 
  3. ^ The Hook & Ladder Trick Chess Life Dana Mackenzie

External links [edit]