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Tactic

Deflection

Forcing an enemy piece to move away from the square it is supposed to be defending.

Starting position

The Setup

The white queen is eyeing Black's knight on d7, but it is currently safely defended by the black rook on d8.

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Move sequences and interactive tour paths for Deflection

Starting Position (FEN): 3r2k1/3n1ppp/8/8/3Q4/8/8/4R1K1 w - - 0 1

The Deflection

  • The Setup - The white queen is eyeing Black's knight on d7, but it is currently safely defended by the black rook on d8.
  • Re8+: Deflecting the Defender - White's rook delivers a back-rank check. This immediately attacks the king and forces a response, completely ignoring the knight.
  • Rxe8: The Defender is Lured Away - Black's rook is absolutely forced to capture the checking piece, permanently abandoning its defense of the knight.
  • Qxd7: The Unprotected Target - With the defender deflected away, White simply captures the newly-undefended knight. Deflection is all about forcing an overworked piece to look the other way.
For experienced players

Deflection is the tactical sibling of the “Decoy.” While a decoy forces an enemy piece ONTO a bad square (often into a fork or pin), deflection forces an enemy piece AWAY from a critical defensive post.

See also:Overloading·Sacrifice

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