What is deflection in chess?

Deflection is a chess tactic that forces a defending piece away from protecting an important square, piece, or king. Once the defender is displaced, the attacker can win material or create a decisive threat.

How do I spot a deflection tactic in a middlegame?

Look for defenders protecting multiple targets, especially when one of them is pinned or overloaded. Calculate forcing checks and captures first, then ask what becomes vulnerable after the defender moves.

What is the French Defense Advance Variation?

The French Defense Advance Variation begins with White advancing the e-pawn into the center. It commonly leads to a closed pawn structure, strategic tension, and tactical opportunities based on piece activity and breaks.

How does a pin work in chess tactics?

A pin restricts a piece because moving it would expose a more valuable piece behind it, often the king. An absolute pin involves the king and means the pinned piece cannot legally move if that would expose check.

What is a skewer in chess?

A skewer attacks a valuable piece first, forcing it to move and exposing a less valuable piece behind it. Unlike a pin, the more valuable target is usually in front and must respond to the attack.

French Defense Advance Variation Puzzle (Rated 1032)

French Defense Advance Variation Puzzle (Rated 1032): Deflect — Tactic

Deflection is a powerful tactical idea: force a defending piece away from its duty, then exploit the newly opened attack. In this French Defense Advance Variation puzzle, Black’s bishop is under pressure, but White’s knight is pinned to the king and cannot safely move. The bishop can capture that knight with check, forcing a recapture that exposes the queen’s route toward the queenside. The result is a winning combination based on a skewer, discovered attack, and direct material gain.