King & Pawn vs King (center)
EndgamePawn EndgamesGoal: promote a pawn
The position
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White to move and queen a pawn. Count the squares and the moves: endgames like this are decided by a single tempo.
The idea
King and pawn against king is the most important endgame of all. Most other endgames come down to it. The key is not to push the pawn straight away, but to lead with your king.
How to do it
- Put your king in front of your pawn, not behind it. The pawn needs the king to clear the way.
- Aim to gain the opposition: your king facing the enemy king with one square between, with the enemy to move.
- When your king reaches the sixth rank in front of the pawn, it wins, whoever has the move.
- Only then push the pawn forward to promote, taking care not to stalemate the enemy king.
Common mistakes
- Pushing the pawn too early, so the king is left behind and the defender takes the opposition.
- Putting the king beside the pawn instead of in front of it.
- Missing the stalemate trap when the enemy king is trapped on the edge.
Remember
King first, pawn second. If you have the opposition, you win; if not, it is often a draw.