Motif (chess composition)

In chess composition, a motif is basic element of a move in the consideration why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfillment of a stipulation. Any move may and often does contain multiple motifs. Some composition schools put specific emphasis on motivation in chess problems, especially strategical school and Slovak school.
A composition where a maximum number of a certain motif occurrences is shown is called a task, even if the term task is more general.
Classification of motifs.
Motifs may be classified according to various viewpoints. In the usual twomovers they might be:
Similar classification is valid for all directmates, selfmates, reflexmates and other problems with antagonistic aims of sides, while for helpmates and other help-problems only positive/negative level is applicable.
Contents of motifs.
The basic orthodox motifs are:
In fairy chess some other motifs are possible.
Forms of motifs.
Any of the above-listed motifs may be presented in various forms. In orthodox chess problems these forms include:
In the fairy chess, other forms of motifs are possible, e.g., allowing the move by a grasshopper by providing the hurdle or allowing the capture by a piece by patrolling in Patrol chess.
While studies also may contain problem motifs, they often contain usual tactical motifs.