Clearance is moving your own piece off a square or line so that another of your pieces can use it, usually with a check or threat so the opponent has no time to respond.
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Sometimes the move you want is blocked by your own piece. Move that piece with check, and the square or line is free on your next move.
How to do it
- 1Find the move you want, and the piece of yours in the way.
- 2Move that piece with a check or a threat.
- 3Play the move you wanted.
For your level
When a move would be perfect but your own piece is in the way, see whether that piece can leave with check.
Check you have it
Pitch it for:
Question 1 of 2
Play the moves through and count. How much material has the attacker won?
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Question 2 of 2
Find the strongest move in this position and play it.
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Play your move on the board.
Common mistakes
- Clearing the square with a quiet move, so the opponent covers it in time.
- Clearing a line that a defender can block again.
Questions
- How is clearance different from a discovered attack?
- A discovered attack uncovers an attack on the same move. Clearance frees a square or line so that another piece can use it on the next move.