Removal of the guard is a straightforward but powerful tactical concept. When a critical target (such as the king or a valuable piece) is defended by only one piece, the attacker focuses on eliminating that defender. Once the guard is removed, the target becomes indefensible.
This tactic differs from deflection in that the defending piece is actually captured or exchanged rather than lured away. The attacker may sacrifice material to remove the guard, knowing that the resulting gain from the undefended target will compensate for the investment.
Removal of the guard is especially effective when the defender is performing a unique role that no other piece can take over. Before executing a combination, ask yourself: what is defending the target? Can I eliminate that defender? This simple question reveals many tactical opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.