Line Clearing Tactics to Win!

Hiya chessers! Today we will be practicing tactical puzzles called "line clearance." We've done square and line clearance before, so click on the links if you need a refresher. The idea is to move one of your guys out of your way, so you can use the line for another piece. By, Mrs Jessica E Prescott (aka BoundingOwl).

For line clearance you especially need to look at the whole board. Do you see a battery here for Black? Who is in the way?

If you move the knight in a forcing way (check!) then the queen can pounce on g2. Checkmate!  

Now try the same position with White to move. White would like to make a pin on the queen and the king, but the knight is in his way. Don't just plunk him anywhere; make a forcing move!

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Great work! Now it's time for Black to clear the line again. It's mate in two. Note that 1...Bh2+ is NOT mate. What would you rather have on h2?
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White to move and make a fork. But first, clear the path by making another fork!
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I'm glad you didn't choose Ne7+ for the last puzzle. Capturing is not always the best choice. Nf6+ creates a fork and doesn't allow the queen to escape (1. Ne7+ Qxe7!).
Finally, Black to move and mate in two again. There are two checks, but only one of them is correct.
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Awesome! Clear some space on your desk now, so you can do your homework. Or have a dance party.
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RELATED STUDY MATERIAL

  • Read another article by BoundingOwl in which a world champion uses an awesome clearance move;
  • Watch five different videos in which clearance sacrifices help decide the winner!