Glossary of Chess - V

V

Vacating sacrifice

A sacrifice made for the purpose of clearing a square for a different piece of the same color.

Valve

A move which opens one line and closes another.

Variant

A chess-like game played using a different board, pieces, or rules than standard chess.

Variation

A sequence of moves or alternative line of play, often applied to the opening. A variation does not have to have been played in a game, it may also be a possibility that occurs only in analysis. The word Variation is also used to name specific sequences of moves within an opening. For an example, the Dragon Variation is part of the Sicilian Defence.