Chess tactics

Chess tactics are short-term sequences of forcing moves that exploit checks, captures, and threats to win material, deliver checkmate, or secure another concrete advantage.

Check: An attack on the opposing king that must be answered immediately under chess rules. Checks constrain the opponent’s replies and often begin or sustain a combination.
Fork (chess): An attack in which one piece threatens two or more targets at the same time. The opponent usually cannot save every attacked target from a single move.
Chess combination: A calculated sequence of moves that uses tactical features to achieve a definite advantage. Combinations connect individual motifs into a forced sequence with a concrete result.
Chess strategy: Longer-term planning that improves a position or exploits enduring advantages in chess. Strategy builds lasting advantages, while tactics rely on immediate forcing opportunities.
Pin (chess): A restriction in which moving a piece would expose a more valuable piece or the king to attack. Pins can immobilize defenders and make otherwise protected targets vulnerable.
Discovered attack: An attack revealed when a piece moves out of the line between an attacking piece and its target. Moving the obstructing piece can create a second threat alongside its own move.
Chess puzzle: A chess position presented as a problem, usually asking for a winning move or forced sequence. Puzzle solving trains recognition of tactical patterns and candidate forcing moves.
Positional play: Chess play focused on improving piece activity, pawn structure, space, and long-term coordination. Positional gains may accumulate without a forced sequence or immediate material win.
Deflection (chess): A tactic that lures or forces a defending piece away from a duty or square. Removing a defender can expose a king, piece, or mating square to attack.
Skewer (chess): An attack on a valuable piece that forces it to move, exposing a less valuable piece behind it. The more valuable front piece must yield, allowing the rear target to be taken.

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