Hold the Draw: Side Step
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
The third way to take the opposition is the side step. When the kings are on the same rank with an even gap, or the attacker has moved diagonally, you can step sideways onto the file that faces his king, so that one square is between you.
How to do it
- Look at where the attacking king is, and which square would put your king directly facing it with one square between.
- Step sideways to that square.
- The attacker, to move, can no longer get past your king.
- Stay in front of the pawn and repeat as the attacker moves.
Common mistakes
- Stepping the wrong way and leaving a diagonal gap, which the attacker can use.
- Stepping back when a side step is needed.
- Letting the attacker's king pass beside yours.
Remember
A step back, a step forward or a step to the side: pick the one that leaves the kings facing each other with the attacker to move.