Win the Opposition
EndgamePawn EndgamesGoal: promote a pawn
The position
| ♚ | |||||||
| ♔ | |||||||
| ♙ | |||||||
White to move and queen a pawn. Count the squares and the moves: endgames like this are decided by a single tempo.
The idea
The opposition is the most important idea in king-and-pawn endings. Two kings are in opposition when they face each other with one square between them. The player who does NOT have to move has the opposition, and that player controls the position.
How to do it
- Look at the squares between the two kings. If an odd number is between them and it is your opponent's move, you have the opposition.
- With the opposition, advance your king step by step. The enemy king has to give way sideways or backwards.
- When the enemy king has to retreat, your king moves forward to a key square.
- Then walk the pawn to promotion with your king in front of it.
Common mistakes
- Not counting whose turn it is. The same position is a win or a draw depending on who has to move.
- Rushing the pawn forward and losing the opposition.
- Forgetting that the opposition can also be taken sideways (a distant opposition on the same rank or file).
Remember
Win the opposition, and the other king has to give way.