A little-known series of books by Charushin highlights a number of attacking motifs typically discovered and used by a specific player: Alekhine's Block, The Steeplechase, Combination Cross, Mitrofanov's Deflection and Lasker's Combination.

These motifs tend to be at the nexus of tactics and strategy. They are not as simple as a pin or double attack; relying more on specific and enduring positional characteristics.

In going over Spassky's games some years back I discovered what I call the Spassky Battery. The Spassky Battery involves having two or (usually) three or four pieces occupying the central squares for one, two or three moves. Such a setup radiates a tremendous and often conclusive amount of force on the opponents position. Thus, the Spassky Battery is - like a pin, double fork or passed pawn - something to strive for in certain positions.

The Primary SB squares are of course e4, d4, e5, d5. The Secondary squares are e3, d3, e6, d6. The Tertiary SB squares are c4, c5, f4, f5. Divisions may also be made based on whether the central squares are occupied with minor or major pieces. For a true Spassky Battery at least one piece must be on a Primary square.