What it means
Distraction (sometimes called deflection) involves forcing the opponent to move a piece that was previously guarding important squares or pieces. This motif comes in two sub-varieties, attacking the defender, and luring the defender.
Why it matters
Mastering tactical motifs helps you convert initiative into concrete gains and avoid common calculation errors.
How to apply it
- 1Check forcing moves first and compare candidate responses.
- 2Identify defenders, overloaded pieces and tactical alignments.
- 3Validate the final position before committing to the sequence.