Deflection is lesson 4 of 9 in Real-game tactics 8: Deep combinations, a tactics course suited to players rated around 2000 (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
White to move: deflect a defender and win. (5 positions)
Black to move: deflect a defender and win. (2 positions)
Worked examples
White to move: deflect a defender and win. 1.Rxc7 Rxc7 2.Bxe5. The rook sacrifice on c7 dragged the rook away from its duty. The position is winning.
White to move: deflect a defender and win. 1.Qe4+ Kd7 2.Rh7 Qxh7 3.Rxh7+. The rook sacrifice on h7 dragged the queen away from its duty. You come out 4 points ahead in material.
chessGM