The Novotny (also often spelled as Nowotny, even in non-German sources) is a device found in chess problems named after its discoverer AntonÃn Novotný. A white piece is sacrificed on a square where it could be taken by two different black pieces - whichever black piece makes the capture, it interferes with the other. It is essentially a Grimshaw brought about by a white sacrifice on the critical square.
This pattern can arise as part of a combination in an actual game, but it is extremely rare (see games below). Most chess players would not use the term "Novotny" to describe such a move, since that term is almost exclusively used in the context of chess problems.
Famous quotes containing the word novotny:
“One internationally known twin researcher sees similarities between twins’ relationships and those of couple who have been married a long time. Fifteen-year-old twins, as well as spouses approaching their fortieth anniversary, each know their partners’ likes, dislikes, habits, and idiosyncracies as well as they know their own.”
—Pamela Patrick Novotny (20th century)