Decoy

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

Key Concepts

Forced Movement

The enemy piece is forced to a specific square.

Vulnerability

The piece becomes vulnerable on the new square.

Sacrificial Nature

Often involves sacrificing material to lure the piece.

Types of Decoys

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

Common Patterns

Sacrifice to Lure King

Sacrifice material to force the king to a mating square.

Capture to Lure Piece

Force a recapture on a disadvantageous square.

Check to Lure King

Use checks to force the king to a specific square.

Creating Decoys

• Identify vulnerable squares
• Calculate forcing sequences
• Determine what to sacrifice
• Verify the follow-up works

Combining with Other Tactics

Decoys often set up:

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

Defending Against Decoys

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

Famous Examples

Many brilliant combinations feature decoys:

• Sacrifices to lure the king
• Forcing pieces to bad squares
• Setting up devastating tactics

Practice Tips

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

Decoys are essential for creating winning tactical combinations.

Related tactics: attraction, deflection, sacrifice, greek-gift-sacrifice