Deflection

Deflection refers to the tactical device of removing a piece from its defensive task by enticing it to move. In combinations, this is usually done by some sacrifice.

Girya(2342) - Vasilkova(2359)

Russia Championship, Girls u20, 2008

Black to move, Beginner puzzle, KEBU Chess Tactics Software 2009

If White’s queen were off the board, Black would deliver mate with …Qxf3+, …Rg6+, …Qh1#. Of course removing the queen for the board is a tall order, but deflecting the queen from defense of f3 is not so hard. Black played 42…Re1+! And White resigned because of: 43.Qxe1 Qxf3+ 44.Kg1 Rg6+ 45.Kf1 Qh1#

Here’s another example of deflection:

Safin(2510) – Sargissian(2642)

1^st Asian Clubs, 2008

White to move, Beginner puzzle from KEBU Chess Tactics Software 2009

Here Black’s queen and king are ripe for a double attack via Nf5+, but Black’s bishop defends against this possibility. Therefore 32.Bf3! was decisive. Now Black cannot help but lose material.

These examples were taken from games played very recently (last year) directly from KEBU Chess Tactics Software. You can download a free version here for more puzzles like these.