tactics
TAK-tiks
/ˈtæk.tɪks/
Short-term, immediate actions or maneuvers performed to achieve a specific, localized objective in response to current conditions.
Tactics are highly reactive and focus on the immediate turn or board state, rather than the grand, long-term plan.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'taktika', meaning 'matters of arrangement', which comes from 'tassein' (to arrange, marshal, or put in order). It originally referred to the physical arrangement of soldiers on a battlefield to win an immediate clash.
Word relationships
- maneuvers: Maneuvers are physical or structural movements, while tactics can refer to any short-term decision or play.
- procedures: Procedures are fixed, routine steps, whereas tactics are highly adaptive and creative.
- strategy: Strategy is the long-term, big-picture plan, whereas tactics are the short-term, immediate actions.
Commonly confused with
- strategy: Strategy is planning for the war; tactics are fighting the immediate battle.
Word family
- tactical (adjective): Relating to short-term, immediate decisions and maneuvers.
- tactically (adverb): In a tactical manner.
- tactician (noun): A person who is skilled at planning short-term tactics.
Collocations
- immediate tactics
- tactical maneuver
- brilliant tactics
Example sentences
- "Although his long-term strategy was weak, his brilliant tactics on the board allowed him to capture his opponent's queen." A tactical analysis of a chess match.
Memory hook
Think of 'tacks' holding down a poster. Tactics are the small, sharp, immediate points you use to handle a situation right now. Small, sharp moves for the immediate moment.
When not to use
Do not use when discussing your overall, game-long vision; use 'strategy' instead.
Fun facts
- Many abstract games, like Tic-Tac-Toe or Connect Four, have no room for deep strategy and are purely tactical, decided by immediate moves and counter-moves.
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