This tactic involves placing an opponent in a situation where psychological pressure influences their decision-making process, particularly when a piece is under direct threat. For instance, a player might create multiple threats simultaneously, forcing the opponent to prioritize defense while experiencing heightened stress due to potential material loss. This duress can lead to errors or suboptimal choices that would not occur under normal circumstances.
The strategic application of psychological manipulation, especially when a piece is targeted, offers a significant advantage by disrupting focus and inducing miscalculations. Historically, masters of strategy have leveraged this approach to unnerve their adversaries, creating openings where none physically existed. Its effectiveness lies in the exploitation of human fallibility under pressure, turning seemingly equal positions into advantageous ones.
