Editing Chess (section)

===Tactics===
{{Main|Chess tactics}}
In chess, tactics generally refer to short-term maneuvers&nbsp;– so short-term that they can be calculated in advance by a human player. The possible depth of calculation depends on the player's ability. In {{chessgloss|quiet move|quiet}} positions with many possibilities on both sides, a deep calculation is more difficult and may not be practical, while in positions with a limited number of {{chessgloss|forced move|forced}} variations, strong players can calculate long sequences of moves.

Theoreticians describe many elementary tactical methods and typical maneuvers, for example: [[Pin (chess)|pins]], [[Fork (chess)|forks]], [[Skewer (chess)|skewers]], [[Battery (chess)|batteries]], [[discovered attack]]s (especially discovered checks), [[zwischenzug]]s, [[Deflection (chess)|deflections]], [[Decoy (chess)|decoys]], [[Sacrifice (chess)|sacrifices]], [[Undermining (chess)|underminings]], [[Overloading (chess)|overloadings]], and [[Interference (chess)|interferences]].<ref>{{harvp|Harding|2003|pp=8ff}}</ref> Simple one-move or two-move tactical actions&nbsp;– threats, exchanges of {{chessgloss|material}}, and double attacks&nbsp;– can be combined into longer sequences of tactical maneuvers that are often forced from the point of view of one or both players. A forced variation that involves a sacrifice and usually results in a tangible gain is called a ''[[Combination (chess)|combination]]''.<ref>{{harvp|Harding|2003|pp=70ff}}</ref> Brilliant combinations&nbsp;– such as those in the [[Immortal Game]]&nbsp;– are considered beautiful and are admired by chess lovers.

A [[Chess puzzle#Tactical puzzles|common type of chess exercise]], aimed at developing players' tactical skills, is a position where a combination is available and the challenge is to find it. Such positions are usually taken from actual games or from analysis of actual games. Solutions usually result in checkmate, decisive advantage, or successful defense. Tactical exercises are commonly found in instructional books, chess magazines, newspaper chess columns, and internet chess sites.<ref>{{harvp|Burgess|Nunn|Emms|2004|pp=14–15}}</ref>