Combining two tactics
One tactic sets up the next: a deflection clears the way for a fork, a pin or a promotion.
The idea
One tactic pulls a defender away, and a second one wins.
- Qg7+ makes the rook leave e7 to take the queen.
- Then e7+ is a discovered check from the bishop on c4.
- The pawn promotes on e8, and the new queen pins the defender.
In a game: When a tactic fails to one defender, look for a check or capture that drags it away first.
How the lesson begins
Strong players rarely win with one trick alone. More often one tactic sets up the next. A deflection pulls a defender away, and then a fork, a pin or a promotion finishes the job. Players call a forcing series of moves like this a combination.
This is Serafino Dubois against Augustus Mongredien, London 1862. White to move. The rook on e7 blocks the pawn on e6, and the pawn on e6 stands between the bishop on c4 and the black king.
Find the move
White to move. Give up the queen to clear the way for the e-pawn, then keep checking until it is mate.
A hint
The rook on e7 guards g7. Give it something to take there.
Show the answer
26. Qg7+ Rxg7 27. e7+ Rf7 28. e8=Q+ Qf8 29. Bxf7#
Qg7+ deflects the rook: Rxg7 is the only legal move, and the e-file is free. e7+ is a discovered check from the bishop on c4. If the black queen takes the bishop or blocks on d5, e8=Q# is mate at once. In the game Black blocked with Rf7, and e8=Q+ makes a new queen with check. After Qf8, Bxf7# is mate.