ChessRanger
Tactics

Combination

A forcing sequence of moves — usually with a sacrifice — that wins by force.

A combination is a calculated series of forcing moves (checks, captures, threats) that ends in a concrete gain: mate, material, or a decisive advantage. The sacrifice is what makes it a combination rather than a simple tactic.

Combinations are built from the basic tactical motifs — fork, pin, deflection, decoy — stitched together and made to work by force.

Why it matters

Spotting combinations is where tactics turn into wins. Recognising the motifs is what lets you calculate the sequence.

The mistake everyone makes

Starting a flashy sacrifice without calculating to the end, and finding the follow-up simply isn't there.

Related terms

Sacrifice
Giving up material on purpose for a larger gain — mate, more material, or a winning attack.
Deflection
Forcing an enemy piece away from an important duty so something it was guarding falls.
Decoy
Luring an enemy piece — often the king — onto a square where it can be hit by a follow-up tactic.
Tactic
A short, forcing sequence of moves that wins material or delivers mate.

See Combination in your own games

Play the engine, train tactics, and analyse your games — ChessRanger points out these patterns as they come up so the word turns into a skill. Free to start.

Start playing