Tactics

Tactics is the part of chess that solves concrete problems in the current position through a calculable sequence of moves. It commonly produces checkmate, an attack on the king with no legal answer, material gain, pawn promotion upon reaching the last rank and becoming another piece, or a draw the opponent cannot avoid. Material means the pieces and pawns considered by their quantity and relative value.

Tactics exploit immediate relationships: an undefended piece, an exposed king, several pieces aligned on a horizontal row, vertical column, or diagonal, or the chance to attack multiple targets. Motifs such as a fork, in which one piece attacks multiple targets, a pin, which restricts a piece because moving it would expose a more important target, or a trapped piece are recognizable patterns. A combination is a sequence in which several such resources cooperate toward one result.

Tactics does not replace strategy. Strategy organizes longer-term objectives, while tactics determines what works now, move by move. A strategically favorable position may create tactical opportunities, but any plan fails if it overlooks a threat, concrete harm the opponent intends to cause on the next move.