Queen vs Pawn on the Seventh
EndgameCheckmate TechniqueGoal: checkmate
The position
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White to move and win by checkmate. This is a technique you need to know cold: once you have the method, it works every time.
The idea
A queen usually beats a pawn on the seventh rank, because the queen can stop it and bring her king up. The method is to use checks to force the enemy king in front of his own pawn, so you gain time to approach with your king.
How to do it
- Check the enemy king so that he has to step in front of his pawn.
- The king in front of the pawn blocks it. Meanwhile your king takes a step closer.
- Repeat: check, force him in front of the pawn again, and bring your king closer each time.
- When your king is close enough, win the pawn, or give checkmate.
Common mistakes
- Giving checks that do not force the king onto the pawn's file.
- Stalemating the enemy king.
- Trying this with a rook pawn or bishop pawn when your king is far away, which is often a draw.
Remember
Force the king in front of the pawn with checks, and bring your king closer each time.