Deflection is lesson 4 of 9 in Real-game tactics 9: Master calculation, a tactics course suited to players rated around 2200 (advanced players). Force a defender to leave its post, often with a sacrifice it has to take. It has 6 interactive exercises: 6 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. (2 positions)
White to move: mate in 5.
White to move: deflect a defender and win.
Black to move: mate in 4.
Black to move: mate in 5.
Worked examples
Black to move: deflect a defender and win. 1...Rxf2 2.Qxf2 Ng4+ 3.Kg2 Nxf2. The rook sacrifice on f2 dragged the queen away from its duty. You come out 5 points ahead in material.
Black to move: deflect a defender and win. 1...Rb1+ 2.Nxb1 Qf1+ 3.Kd2 Nc4+. The rook sacrifice on b1 dragged the knight away from its duty. The position is winning.
chessGM