Encyclopedia of chess combinations doesn't have skewer and x-ray themes?

Hi all, The Encyclopedia of Chess Combinations (aka: ECC) on its 5th edition lists the following tactic themes. a. Annihilation of defence b. Blockade c. Clearance d. Deflection e. Discovered attack f. Pinning g. Demolition of paw structure h. Decoy i. Interferences j. Double attack Checking out other books and websites, you can read other tactic theme classifications. For instance, forks. But it is fine, because a fork falls in the double attack category of ECC. And that is exactly what happens with almost all the other theme collections out there. They will fall in one of the themes classified by ECC. But in my modest opinion, ECC is missing two essential tactic themes: skewers and x-rays. One could argue that a skewer is a pin reversed so it could falls on that category. But what about x-ray?. Why such a emblematic book (5 editions already) would leave out such an essential tactic themes?. It sounds odd?!. Do you think that x-ray would fit in one of the themes listed above. What do you think?. Thank you very much in advance

Given that skewers and x-rays typically are synonyms for the same feature (an attack on a less valuable piece through a more valuable piece), I'd suggest that 'Pinning' covers all three. In many other languages, no distinction is made between the two types. For instance, in Swedish, they're all called 'spik' (Eng. 'nail'), with no account taken of the value of the piece in front and the one behind.

 

That is actually a good point. Thank you very much.

 

Who is the author?

Depends whether you're a splitter or lumper.   ECC is apparently the latter.

What about overload ( my favorite tactical idea ), desperado or intermezzo  ? 

See http://chessskill.blogspot.com/2012/04/tactical-motifs-list.html for several lists in different books.

Not many mention the pendulum, which I read about in Smyslov's annotations to one of his games.