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Deflection

Deflection draws a defender away from the piece it defends. The defender must answer the new threat, and the old target falls.

Deflecting a queen with a bishop sacrifice

The bishop on a5 captures the rook on d8. The queen on d7 must recapture on d8. The white queen then captures the queen on d8, defended by the bishop on f6.

FEN: 3rk3/3q4/5B2/B7/8/8/8/3Q2K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . r k . . . 8
7 . . . q . . . . 7
6 . . . . . B . . 6
5 B . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . Q . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Deflecting a defender by capturing it

The bishop on c5 defends the rook on a7. The pawn on b4 captures the bishop. The rook on a7 is now undefended and can be captured next.

FEN: r3k3/8/8/2b5/1P6/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 r . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . b . . . . . 5
4 . P . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A defender guards an important piece.
  • The attacker creates a threat the defender must answer.
  • The defender moves away to meet the new threat.
  • The old target is then undefended.
  • Giving up a piece is a common deflection, because it must be answered.
  • A check is a strong deflection, because it must be answered.
  • After the defender leaves, capture the undefended piece.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which move draws the queen on d7 away so the white queen can capture it?