Tempo dynamics

 

The components of a combination are glued together by tempo moves. What are we talking about?

White to move

r2qrk2/pb2nnpQ/1p2B2p/8/3P3N/P1P5/5PPP/R1B3K1 w - - 0 1

Tal, M. vs. Myagmarsuren, L.

Backward thinking:

• What is it that we want?
• We want to give mate with Ng6#
• What prevents that?
• The knight on e7
• How can we lure away Ne7?
• By giving a check with Qh8
• What prevents that?
• The knight on f7
• How can we lure away that knight?
• With Bxh6 threatening mate (the tempo move)
• Why can't pawn g7 take Bh6?
• Pawn g7 is pinned and prevents Qxf7 mate

Forward thinking:

• 1. Bxh6 threatening mate in one (tempo move)
• 1. ... Nxh6 giving up the defense of h8
• 2. Qh8+ (tempo move)
• 2. ... Nhg8
• 3. Qxg8+ (with tempo)
• 3. ... Nxg8 giving up the defense of g6
• 4. Ng6#

You see a mix of ordinary tactical themes (pin, luring, overload, mate in 1) which are combined with subtle tempo moves. The only thread that holds the combination together is the logical narrative.