Untracking
Advance and Retreat
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Depends on the board position, but yes, probing is an apt term. If a board is even and a player can waste a tempo, they might try a line that looks favorable.
MOTIVES
1. Even if they have to retreat their piece the next move, it can give insight about the opponent.
2. If the opponent moves a pawn to force the retreat, it dynamically alters the board.
3. Even if the opponent didn't move a pawn, he moved some piece that altered the board position. If the opponent moves a different piece on his next move, the board has also been changed dynamically.
4. If both players repeat the moves 3 times, the game can be declared a draw.
I have noticed when watching some on line games, that stronger players, once the game as developed,quite often advance a piece, typically a bishop or knight, then on the very next move retreat it back to its original square, even if it is not under threat. Is this because they do not have a strong move to play? Are they probing the opponent? Time wasting/saving? Or part of a bigger strategy? I was always under the impression it is best to advance. Opinions/advice please.