The Opposition

In the endgame, one king is stronger than the other by “having the opposition.” Offensively, this means the ability to push the opposing king aside. Defensively, this means the ability to prevent the opposing king from reaching advantageous squares. The black king can prevent the white king from entering key squares (a6, b6, c6) required to promote the white pawn. Continue Reading

King on the 6th, Pawn on 5th Wins

In a king and pawn endgame… King on the 6th rank, pawn on the 5th rank (not on the a or h file) wins regardless of whose turn it is to move. The king on the 6th rank uses the opposition to push the opposing king aside. The white pawn will promote. The black king can stop the white pawn if the pawn is on the a or h file. Continue Reading