Encyclopedia of Chess Tactics
This is the master index of every tactical theme in chess. Each entry links to detailed guides, practical examples, and training puzzles. Use this as your tactical reference library.
Basic motifs
- Forks, one piece attacks two targets.
- Pins, piece can't move without exposing a more valuable piece.
- Skewers, reverse pin.
- Discovered attacks, move one piece, reveal another.
- Double check, two pieces check simultaneously.
Intermediate motifs
- Deflection, force a defender away.
- Decoy, lure to a vulnerable square.
- Attraction, pull into danger.
- Clearance, remove a blocking piece.
- Interference, block a defensive line.
- X-ray, attack through pieces.
- Zwischenzug, intermediate move.
Advanced patterns
- Windmill, repeated discovered checks.
- Smothered mate, knight mates trapped king.
- Anastasia's mate, rook + knight on the h-file.
- Arabian mate, rook + knight in the corner.
- Boden's mate, criss-crossing bishops. Greek Gift, Bxh7+ sacrifice.