Tactics · regime

Instrumental

The Instrumental regime groups tactical motifs that describe the causal role of a move or mechanism in achieving a goal distinct from the means employed. This role is not necessarily unique. Establishing it requires establishing both the goal and its causal connection to the means, under the conditions specific to the motif. It characterizes the means used in the combination.

Example: a deflection forces a defender away, which allows a later capture on the square it guarded.

Motifs: 5
Variants: 12

Taxonomic identity

Position in the grammar

Grammar: Tactics
Regime: Instrumental
Stable identifier: cg:tactics/instrumental@1

5 motifs in this regime

12 documented variants

AttractionA forcing move that draws a piece onto a square where a tactic becomes possible.
Deflection6 variantsA forcing move that drives a defending piece away from a duty it was performing.
Self-Interference1 variantA defender is forced to interpose, and the interposition cuts one of its own defensive lines.
SacrificeA move gives up material, judged by the full sequence of exchanges on the square it touches.
Double Check5 variantsTwo pieces give check at once, so the king must move, because nothing else can answer both checks.

Understand the regimes