A tactic that lures an opponent's piece to a specific square. The strategy aims to guide the king or important pieces to disadvantageous squares to set up subsequent attacks. Nearly synonymous with Decoy

A configuration where two or more pieces are aligned in a straight line (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) to apply attacking pressure in the same direction. Common examples include rook+queen, bishop+queen, and rook+rook combinations

A tactic involving moving a piece to make use of the piece or square behind it. Used to set up checkmates or powerful tactics. Often involves a sacrifice

A sequence of moves combined to win material or achieve checkmate. Not just a single move, but a planned flow of multiple moves connected to corner the opponent

A tactic that intentionally lures an opponent's piece to an unfavorable or dangerous square. The purpose is to use the lured piece to set up subsequent tactics (forks, pins, mate, etc.)

A tactic that draws an opponent's piece away from a specific defensive position. While Attraction (Decoy) aims to lure to a specific place, Deflection aims to draw away from a specific place

Spanish for "desperado" or "outlaw." A tactic where a piece that will be captured anyway inflicts maximum damage before being taken. A move where a piece with no escape tries to gain something before being captured for free

A tactic that completely restricts and contains the movement of opponent's pieces. A technique that creates situations where opponent's pieces lose escape squares and are eventually captured, or positions where pieces cannot function effectively

A continuous sequence where one side is forced to play specific moves in a position. A series of moves where there is only one response due to checks or direct threats from the opponent

A move that forces the opponent to make a specific response. The three main types are Checks, Captures, and Threats. Often remembered as CCT

An undefended piece. Also expressed as a "hanging piece," it refers to a piece that is attacked but not defended, meaning it can be captured for free

A move that intentionally blocks the coordination, defense, or lines of movement of opponent's pieces. Gaining a tactical advantage by interposing your piece to disrupt the connection between two enemy pieces

A technique of placing a piece in between to block an attack. Also called Intermezzo. Has the same meaning as Zwischenzug, which is more commonly used in English-speaking circles

Similar to "tsumero" in shogi. A situation where checkmate can be delivered on the next move. If ignored, checkmate follows on the next turn

A tactic of burdening one piece with multiple defensive duties or roles, ultimately making it unable to defend everything. A technique of overworking a piece to break through its defense. Overload

An aggressive technique of advancing pawns continuously to pressure the opponent's king or pieces. The aim is to advance pawns together on either the kingside or queenside to break down the opponent's defense

A pawn that appears capturable but leads to an opponent's attack or trap when taken

While the word means provocation or inducement, in chess it refers to moves that lure the opponent into playing specific moves. The purpose is to induce mistakes or worsen the opponent's position

A move or way of playing that proves the opponent's move is an error. Particularly refers to strong responses that show the opponent's strategy or combination doesn't work. Includes not only tactical mistakes but also moves that prove opening novelties are unsound

Short-term piece exchanges and combinations

A move that threatens to capture an opponent's piece or deliver checkmate on the next move. Creating a situation that would lead to significant loss or defeat if the opponent doesn't respond

Refers to a state where a piece attacks or defends through another piece. Named for the positional relationship where pieces work as if seeing through with X-rays

A German tactical term meaning "in-between move." An unexpected move that temporarily interrupts the normal flow of moves to disrupt the opponent's plans. A technique that creates favorable developments by deliberately inserting a different move