Advanced tactics
Clearance
Vacate a square or line so another piece can use it — fast.
What is the clearance?
A clearance sacrifice gets one of your own pieces out of the way — often by giving it up — so a square, file or diagonal opens for a more important piece or pawn. The move that clears usually comes with a threat, to buy the tempo.
Why the clearance matters
It is the theme behind countless "impossible" combinations: the winning move only works if a particular square is empty, and clearance empties it with gain of time. Recognising it reveals resources hidden behind your own pieces.
How to use it to win
When a brilliant move is one square short of working — your own piece is in the way — ask whether you can remove that piece with check or threat. Pawn clearances that open a bishop's diagonal toward the king are especially common.
Try an example puzzle
A real clearance puzzle from the app. White to move — find the idea, then reveal the line.
7 
2 Show solution
1. Qxf7+ Rxf7 2. Rd8#
Drill the clearance on thousands of real puzzles, matched to your rating.