Lasker Simul Special Deflection in Chess
“Lasker simul special deflection” is a tactical motif where you force a key defender to leave its post by offering or attacking something it must protect. In the Lasker Simul Special family, the defining feature is a forcing move (often a capture or check) that simultaneously attacks the defender and creates a direct follow-up threat. The result is that the opponent’s best defense is “deflected,” letting you win a piece, pawn, or decisive tempo.
To spot it, look for a defender that guards both a tactical target and a critical square—then ask whether you can make that defender move with a forcing move. In practice, you typically play the deflecting move first, then immediately convert the gap: the moment the defender is displaced, your second threat (often a capture, discovered attack, or mate threat) becomes unstoppable. When calculating, verify that after the deflection, the original target is no longer protected and that your follow-up is not met by an intermediate counter-capture or check.
Frequently Asked Questions: lasker simul special deflection
- What exactly makes it “special” in the Lasker Simul Special motif?
- It’s special because the deflection is tied to a specific tactical structure: a key defender is overloaded, and a forcing move (commonly a capture/check) both attacks the defender and opens the line for the immediate follow-up win.
- How do I recognize the defender that should be deflected?
- Look for the piece that protects the tactical target and also controls the key square your follow-up relies on. If that piece can be forced to move with tempo, it’s usually the right deflection target.
- What should I calculate after the deflecting move?
- Calculate the opponent’s only realistic replies to the deflection, then confirm your conversion: (1) the target is truly unprotected, (2) your follow-up threat is immediate, and (3) there’s no counter-check or counter-capture that regains the lost material.
- Is this motif only for winning material, or can it be positional too?
- It’s primarily tactical—meant to win material or decisive tempo by breaking defense. However, even when the immediate gain isn’t a full piece, the deflection often creates a lasting advantage by removing the defender from a critical square.