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Vacating a Square

Vacating a square means leaving it so another piece can use it. The piece that leaves often makes a threat as it goes.

A pawn vacates a square for a rook

The pawn on a2 stands on the square the rook wants. The pawn captures the pawn on b3 and vacates a2. The king moves to e7, and the rook moves from a1 to a2.

FEN: r3k3/8/8/8/8/1p6/P7/R5K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 r . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . p . . . . . . 3
2 P . . . . . . . 2
1 R . . . . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

A queen vacates a square for a rook

The queen on d1 stands on the square the rook wants. The queen moves to e2 and vacates d1. The king moves to f8, and the rook moves from a1 to d1.

FEN: 4k3/8/8/8/8/8/8/R2Q2K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 R . . Q . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A piece can block a square its own side needs.
  • The blocking piece moves away to free the square.
  • The second piece then moves to the freed square.
  • The vacating move often captures or gives check.
  • Vacating is common with queens and rooks sharing a file.
  • Vacating is common when a knight needs a pawn's square.
  • Ask which square a move frees, not just where the piece goes.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which move vacates the square a2 for the rook on a1?