Catch the Pawn
EndgamePawn EndgamesGoal: draw
The position
| ♔ | |||||||
| ♙ | |||||||
| ♚ |
Black to move and hold the draw. A draw is a good result here, and knowing the defensive method saves half points.
The idea
When a passed pawn runs for the last rank, a king far away can still catch it if it is inside the pawn's square. This position is a drill in counting that square and in racing the pawn to a draw.
How to do it
- Check whether your king is inside the square of the pawn. If it is, you can catch it by moving straight towards the pawn's path.
- Move the king diagonally towards the pawn's file, to cut the distance in both directions at once.
- Do not follow the pawn from behind. Go to the square in front of it.
- If the pawn is already out of reach, look for a draw by stalemate or by chasing the king.
Common mistakes
- Moving the king straight along the rank instead of diagonally.
- Waiting to see what the pawn does.
- Miscounting by one move.
Remember
Move diagonally towards the promotion square. That is the fastest way to catch a pawn.