Sacrifice
Sacrifice: Deliberately giving up material to gain time, activity, attack, structure, or another advantage.
In-Depth Explanation
A sacrifice exchanges measurable material for compensation that may be tactical or positional. Sound sacrifices can be calculated to a favorable result; speculative sacrifices rely on practical pressure. Evaluate king safety, development, forcing moves, and whether the opponent can return material to neutralize the attack.
Related Tactics Terms
Fork
A tactical maneuver where a single piece attacks two or more of the opponent's pieces simultaneously.
Pin
A tactic where a defending piece is restricted from moving because doing so would expose a more valuable piece to capture.
Skewer
A tactical attack on two pieces in a line, similar to a pin, but the more valuable piece is in front.
Recommended Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Deliberately giving up material to gain time, activity, attack, structure, or another advantage.
Look for sacrifice in themed puzzles, then review missed patterns in the analysis board without moving the pieces first.
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