Clearance

Clearance is a tactic where you move a piece away from a square to allow another piece to occupy that square with greater effect.

Types of Clearance

Square Clearance

Moving a piece to free up a square for another piece.

Line Clearance

Clearing a rank, file, or diagonal for another piece.

Sacrificial Clearance

Sacrificing a piece to clear a square or line.

Common Scenarios

1. Clearing for Checkmate: Move a piece to allow mate
2. Clearing for Attack: Free a square for a stronger attack
3. Clearing a File: Open a file for a rook
4. Clearing a Diagonal: Open a diagonal for a bishop or queen

Clearance with Tempo

Check Clearance

Clear a square while giving check.

Capture Clearance

Clear a square while capturing material.

Threat Clearance

Clear a square while creating a threat.

Calculation Steps

• Identify the ideal square for a piece
• Determine what's blocking it
• Calculate if moving the blocking piece helps
• Verify the clearance achieves your goal

Famous Examples

Many brilliant combinations involve clearance:

• Clearing squares for checkmate
• Clearing lines for devastating attacks
• Sacrificial clearance for tactical blows

Practice Tips

• Look for pieces blocking better placements
• Calculate if moving them creates threats
• Study clearance puzzles
• Practice recognizing the pattern

Clearance is often combined with other tactical themes for devastating effect.