Forks
Attack two or more targets with one move, especially with knights and pawns, while checking whether either target can move with tempo.
Pins
Exploit a piece that cannot move without exposing a more valuable piece or king, while recognizing when the pin is only apparent.
Skewers
Attack a valuable piece first so that its retreat exposes a second target behind it.
Discovered Attacks
Move one piece to reveal an attack from another, often combining the revealed threat with a new threat from the moving piece.
Double Attacks
Create two independent threats in one move so the defender cannot answer both adequately.
Deflection
Force a defender away from a critical square, file or piece it must protect.
Decoy
Lure a piece onto a square where a tactic becomes possible, often by sacrifice or forcing capture.
Interference
Insert a piece or pawn between a defender and the object it protects, cutting a line of communication.
Removal of the Defender
Capture, trade or distract the piece that makes the opponent's position tactically stable.
Clearance
Vacate a square, file or diagonal so another piece can use it, sometimes by sacrifice.