Deflection is lesson 6 of 9 in Real-game tactics 7: Calculation and defence, a tactics course suited to players rated around 1800 (strong club 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. (4 positions)
White to move: deflect a defender and win.
White to move: mate in 4.
White to move: mate in 3.
Worked examples
Black to move: deflect a defender and win. 1...Rxd6 2.Bxd6 Qxd6. The rook sacrifice on d6 dragged the bishop away from its duty. The position is winning.
White to move: deflect a defender and win. 1.Qg7+ Qf7 2.Rxe5+ dxe5 3.d6+ Kxd6 4.Qxf7. The rook sacrifice on e5 dragged the pawn away from its duty. You come out 4 points ahead in material.
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