Deflection

Deflection (sometimes called DISTRACTION) in chess is a tactic that forces an opposing piece to leave the square, rank or file it occupies, thus exposing the king or a valuable piece. It is typically used in the context of a combination or attack, where the deflected piece is critical to the defence. Deflection may be used as a gambit to cause an opponent's piece to move to a less suitable square. Deflections are often used as part of a combination which may involve other types of chess tactics as well. If the deflected piece happens to be an overworked piece then the opponent's defense instantly crumbles, making victory imminent to the one who employed the deflection.

Knowing the difference between deflection and decoy is important. They are both tactics that can win material or the game.  But deflection usually means a piece goes AWAY from a square, and decoy means it is lured TOWARD a square.

The following example is a basic rook deflection.

The following puzzles are about rook deflections. Enjoy!