tactical

Everyday

1. To do with the plans and moves used to win a game, battle or contest. tree →
2. Done carefully to get an advantage later: a tactical decision. tree →

In the lessons

In sport and PE «tactical» describes plans: a tactical substitution, tactical fouls. In games like chess you make tactical moves. In history lessons armies make tactical retreats. In everyday life a tactical choice is a clever, planned choice.

Examples

• Bringing on a fast player was a tactical change. tree →
• She made a tactical move to trap my queen. tree →
• The army made a tactical retreat. tree →
• Sitting near the door was a tactical choice — first out for lunch! tree →
• The coach gave a tactical talk at half-time. tree →
• A tactical foul stops a quick attack. tree →

Note

Noun: tactic (one move), tactics (the planning). Tactics are short-term moves; strategy is the big overall plan. Adverb: tactically.