Puzzle theme

Deflection Puzzles

3,300+ free deflection puzzles in the library

Forcing a defensive piece away from its protective duty.

Every puzzle below comes from a real game where this exact idea decided the outcome. Solve them right here in your browser — hints and full solutions included, no account needed.

Why it works

Once the defender is deflected, the piece it was guarding becomes vulnerable.

What to look for

Identify overloaded defenders guarding critical squares or pieces.

See the pattern

Chess diagram: a black rook on a8 blockades White's a7-pawn while the white rook prepares Rb8
White to move. 1.Rb8+! deflects the blockader — after Rxb8 axb8=Q+ the pawn promotes with check, and 1...Kh7 2.Rxa8 wins the rook instead.

Solve deflection puzzles now

Real positions from the library, filtered to this theme. Pick a difficulty and find the best move.

Deflection puzzles: frequently asked questions

What are Deflection puzzles?

Forcing a defensive piece away from its protective duty. Every puzzle on this page is a position from a real game where exactly this idea decides the outcome.

Why does this pattern work?

Once the defender is deflected, the piece it was guarding becomes vulnerable.

What should I look for in Deflection puzzles?

Identify overloaded defenders guarding critical squares or pieces.

Are these Deflection puzzles free?

Yes — the trainer on this page pulls from 3,300+ deflection positions in the Blunders library and is free to use in your browser, no account or download required. A free account adds progress tracking and puzzles built from your own games.

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