In chess composition, a motif is basic element of a move in the consideration why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfillment of a stipulation.
A composition where a maximum number of a certain motif occurrences is shown is called a task, even if the term task is more general.
In the usual twomovers they might be: Similar classification is valid for all directmates, selfmates, reflexmates and other problems with antagonistic aims of sides, while for helpmates and other help-problems only positive/negative level is applicable.
Any of the above-listed motifs may be presented in various forms.
In orthodox chess problems these forms include: In the fairy chess, other forms of motifs are possible, e.g., allowing the move by a grasshopper by providing the hurdle or allowing the capture by a piece by patrolling in Patrol chess.