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Tactics.
In chess, tactics are mathematical or logical patterns. They are generally geared around the relative material value of the different pieces.
At any level, a strong tactical move can win a game instantly, but it is much less likely to be overlooked by strong players. A tactical blunder is when an opponent's tactic is overlooked.
A combination is an unexpected tactical sequence starting with a sacrifice and leading to an advantage, (or advantageous change in evaluation). Tactics can also be strung together without starting with a sacrifice.
Examples.
Example 1 - Bishop Trap. After Bd2, black traps the f5 bishop with g6; if Bg4 h5.
Example 2 - Back Rank Mate. Black has played Nd3. Now Re8# since the Nf5 covers the g7 square.
Example 3 - Double Attack. White grabs a pawn with Qxf5. However ..Qh6+ forks the king and bishop, winning the undefended bishop on h1.
Example 4 - Rook Trap. Rooks may be strong but they are not the most maneuverable piece. Now after Ke3, the rook is trapped, thanks largely to his own pawn.
Example 5 - Knight Trap. When moving a knight up the board, it's a good idea to make sure it can come back again so that it doesn't get stuck like a cat up a tree. After g6, black has taken away all retreat squares for his knight so after h3 the knight is lost.
Example 6 - Pawn Fork. d4 attacks two pieces with the pawn; a common tactic. d4 Bxc6+ bc and the fork still stands.
Example 7 - Knight Fork. Nf2.
Example 8 - Pin. Black has just grabbed the g6 pawn. However, since his queen is undefended, the g4 knight is pinned, and white now played f3 winning the knight. g4 Nxe5 doesn't help as Rxe5 wins the knight.
Example 9 - King Trap. Bc5+ Kf6 (after RxB white should easily win the endgame) g5+ Ke5 f4#.
Example 10 - Countercheck. An example of why checking is not always a safe move - Qc3+ d4+ forcing the trade of queens and leaving white with a lost endgame Qb3 Qxb3.
