Attraction

Attraction (also called decoy) is a tactic where you force an enemy piece to move to a specific square where it becomes vulnerable to a tactical blow.

Key Concepts

Luring the King

Force the king to a square where it can be checkmated or attacked.

Luring a Piece

Force a piece to a square where it can be captured or becomes ineffective.

Sacrificial Attraction

Often involves sacrificing material to lure a piece.

Common Patterns

1. King Attraction: Lure the king into a mating net
2. Piece Attraction: Force a piece to a bad square
3. Attraction to Pin: Lure a piece where it can be pinned
4. Attraction to Fork: Force pieces to squares where they can be forked

Methods of Attraction

Sacrifice

Offer material that must be captured.

Check

Force the king to a specific square.

Threat

Create a threat that forces a piece to move.

Capture

Force a recapture on a specific square.

Combining with Other Tactics

Attraction often sets up:

• Checkmate patterns
• Forks and pins
• Discovered attacks
• Back rank mates

Defending Against Attraction

• Calculate forced sequences
• Don't capture automatically
• Look for the follow-up
• Consider declining sacrifices

Practice Tips

• Study attraction puzzles
• Calculate forcing sequences
• Look for vulnerable squares
• Practice recognizing patterns

Attraction is a powerful tool for creating winning tactical combinations.