Tactical Motif IX: Clearance

Clearance is the tactic motif where one makes space for a different piece to join the action.

Illustration: Smejkal-Popov 1970

1.? White to play and win

White played 1 d5! clearing the a2-g8 diagonal. Because the double threat is to promote the pawn, Black has to play 1..cd5. Then 2.Bd5! wins the game as the Bishop attacks the rook as well as the knight in g8: 3.Re8 will win the knight on g8 ( double attack). Black resigned after 2.Bd5!









Exercise: Mikhalcissin- Chekhov 1977


1.? White to play and win