Deflection is lesson 5 of 9 in Real-game tactics 10: Grandmaster calculation, a tactics course suited to players rated around 2400 (advanced players). Force a defender to leave its post, often with a sacrifice it has to take. It has 7 interactive exercises: 7 calculated lines from real positions. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What you practise
Black to move: deflect a defender and win. (3 positions)
White to move: mate in 4. (2 positions)
White to move: deflect a defender and win.
White to move: mate in 5.
Worked examples
Black to move: deflect a defender and win. 1...Bxd4 2.Bxd4 Bc2 3.Qxc2 Nxd4 4.Qd3 Nxe2. Taking the knight on d4 removed the defender of e2. You win the knight on d4 and come out 3 points ahead.
White to move: mate in 4. 1.Ng5+ hxg5 2.Qh5+ Kg8 3.Rb8+ Qd8 4.Rxd8#. The king was trapped on the back rank behind its own pawns. Mate in 4.
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