Roadmap > Tactics > Targets > Overloaded Defenders
Example of Targeting an Overloaded Defender
White to move. 1. Re8+ Rxe8 2. Qxd5 proves the Black rook is overloaded.
An overloaded defender is a piece that protects more than one important target, which makes it vulnerable to tactical ideas. In the example, the black rook on d8 defends the queen while also guarding the back rank.
The tactical idea shown here is known as the ladder trick. After 1. Re8+ Rxe8, the rook is pulled away from its defensive task, and the black queen loses its support.