[Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [Annotator "mycomputer"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/2KP4/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "2011.12.02"] [SourceDate "2017.09.19"] [SourceVersionDate "2017.09.19"] {It is natural that the defending side should try to prevent their seizure. Consider another simple position.} 1. d7 {and puts his opponent in zugzwang, and after the forced %05Here everything depends on who it is to move. If it is White, he plays} (1. Kd5 Kd7 2. Ke5 Kd8 3. Ke6 Ke8 (3... Kc8 4. Ke7 $18) 4. d7+ Kd8 5. Kd6 $11) 1... Ke7 2. Kc7 $18 {, seizing one of the key squares, White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [Annotator "mycomputer"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/2KP4/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "2011.12.02"] [SourceDate "2017.09.21"] [SourceVersionDate "2017.09.21"] 1... Kc8 {maintaining control over c7. Now %05It is quite different matter if it is Black's move. He, of course, plays} (1... Ke8 $2 2. d7+ $2 (2. Kc7 $1 Kf7 3. d7 Ke7 $18) 2... Kd8 3. Kd6 $11) 2. d7+ {no longer wins: after} (2. Kd5 Kd7 3. Ke5 Kd8 4. Ke6 Ke8 $11) 2... Kd8 {White himself is in zugzwang, and the forced} 3. Kd6 {leads to stalemate. ~2Second conclusion: in such situations the struggle for the achievement of the ultimate aim - the queening of the pawn - reduces to a struggle for the key squares. The player with the pawn will try to invade with his king on one of these squares; the defender, by manoeuvring with his king close to the key squares, will aim not to allow the opponent's king onto them.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [Annotator "mycomputer"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/3pK3/3P4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "2011.12.02"] [SourceDate "2017.09.21"] [SourceVersionDate "2017.09.21"] {Let us now turn to an elementary example, where there are blocked pawns.} 1. Ke7 $18 {It is easy to show that, compared with a passed pawn, the system of critical squares for a blocked pawn is expanded. In the given case the critical squares of the d6 pawn will be e6 and e7, the symmetric squares c6 and c7, and the intermediate square d7. %05White's plan consists of two stages. First he must win %05the opponent's pawn, and then try to queen his own. It is %05obvious that after winning the pawn his task will reduce %05to one considered earlier - to the struggle for the key %05squares.^013^010 %05 White's king has already penetrated onto one of the %05critical squares of the enemy pawn. It is not difficult to %05see that this factor is decisive: if it is Black's turn to %05move, he immediately loses his pawn. While if it is %05White's move, he maintains the zugzwang situation by As we have established, the occupation by the king of one of these critical squares must lead to the achieving of the intermediate goal - to the winning of the pawn, but this means, in turn, that (from White's point of view) the critical squares of the black pawn here can also be called the key squares. ~2Fourth conclusion: a pawn, be it passed or blocked, has a definite system of key squares, the seizure of which by the king plays an important role, since it normally leads to the achieving of a definite goal - the queening of the pawn, or to its loss. ~} Kc8 2. Kxd6 Kd8 3. Ke6 Ke8 4. d6 Kd8 5. d7 Kc7 6. Ke7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [Annotator "mycomputer"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p1K2/1k1P4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "2011.12.02"] [SourceDate "2017.09.21"] [SourceVersionDate "2017.09.21"] {We have considered an instance where one side attacked a pawn, and the other side was forced to defend it. But it is quite possible to have a situation where a king not only defends, but is also able in turn to attack the opponent's pawn.} 1. Ke7 {! %05White's king is threatening to attack the opponent's pawn, but its opposite number is intending to do exactly the same. What then should happen here? It is correct first to step onto the other critical square - e7. After} (1. Ke6 {? %05 It turns out that the direct invasion of the critical square %05is a terrible mistake. After} Kc5 $19 { we reach a position of mutual zugzwang, in which the side to play first (White) loses.}) 1... Kc5 (1... Kc4 2. Kxd6) 2. Ke6 $18 {it is Black who ends up in zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p1K2/1k1P4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Kc4 {! %05But if it is Black to move, he wins in similar fashion:} 2. Ke6 Kc5 $19 {, and it is White who is in zugzwang. ~2Fifth conclusion: critical squares do not always become key squares for the other side. This depends on the relative placing of the kings, and on the turn to move. In other words, to determinate whether a critical square is a key square, in certain cases a preliminary calculation is needed, in order to ascertain the resulting positions of mutual zugzwang.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/Pp4p1/6P1/K7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Kb4 {%05Therefore White plays} (1. Kb5 {? %05If White begins, he can immediately attack the opponent's pawn, but such activity is incorrect and leads to defeat. On} Ka7 {, when White ends up in zugzwang and loses his pawn. %05there follows}) 1... Kb8 {%05The correct continuation is} (1... Ka7 { ? %05Now it is Black who must not attack the pawn: after} 2. Kb5 {he himself ends up in zugzwang.}) 2. Kc4 Ka8 {! with a draw. Pawns such as those we have just been examining are picturesquely termed "untouchable" pawns: whoever is the first to attack such a pawn - he loses. As we will see later, in positions with "untouchable" pawns an exact calculation of the reserve moves is very important, since in the resulting position of mutual zugzwang every tempo counts. Our conclusions regarding key squares have been deduced from positions with a minimal number of pawns, but in principle these conclusions are also applicable to positions with a greater number. In each case, however the pawns are deployed, both the critical and the key squares can be established. At this point I should like to emphasize that these squares are not simply theoretical concepts. With their help it is easier to analyse many complex endings. They enable the correct plan of play to be quickly and faultlessly found. ~2 And another important conclusion. The basic device in the struggle for key or critical squares is the creation of a zugzwang position, in which one of the sides is forced to take unfavourable action. In double-edged situations the zugzwang may be mutual, and then everything will depend on whose turn it is to move ~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/5p2/5P1K/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {Now let us move the position two files to the left.} {Let us now examine in more detail how the struggle for the key squares proceeds.} 1... Kg7 {= , defending both key squares. %05We know that g6 is a key square, and therefore Black must not allow the opponent's king %05onto it. But it turns out that h6 will also be a key square: by reaching it, the white king also %05penetrates by force to g6. This means that Black has two moves which maintain the %05balance -} (1... Kh7 {= %05and}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/3p4/3P1K2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Kf7 {!= , standing opposite the opponent's king, so as not to let it onto any of the three squares e6, f6 and g6. Such a placing of the kings is called opposition. In the given instance it is vertical opposition. %05The correct method of defence is} (1... Ke7 {there follows %05Here, apart from the familiar squares e6 and f6, the g6 %05square also turns out to be a key one. In fact, if Black %05plays} 2. Kg6 Ke8 3. Kf6 Kd7 4. Kf7 Kd8 5. Ke6 Kc7 6. Ke7 $18 {, and White wins.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/7K/3p4/3Pp3/4P3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {The following example demonstrates horizontal opposition.} 1... Kf7 {, placing his king in horizontal opposition and then retaining it. E.g. %05Black maintains the balance by} 2. Kh6 Kf6 {! The opposition is a well known term in he theory of pawn^013^010 endings.^013^010 Here we should mention that ~2the opposition is the~^013^010 ~2only means of struggle for three adjoining key~^013^010 ~2squares, situated on a rank or on a file.~^013^010 Of course the kings can also be deployed opposite^013^010 each other along a diagonal, but it is important to^013^010 emphasize that such an opposition is a transitional one,^013^010 and it can always be transformed into horizontal or^013^010 vertical opposition.^013^010 In our example White can continue} 3. Kh5 Kf7 {! , standing in opposition along the diagonal. Then if %05In this case Black is saved by} (3... Kg7 {to have the decisive reply %05so as on} 4. Kg5 $18) 4. Kg5 (4. Kh6 {%05while if} Kf6 {, reverting to horizontal opposition.}) 4... Kg7 {, transposing into vertical opposition} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k3K1/8/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {So that for the moment we don't have to go carefully into the subtleties associated with a specific pawn arrangement, we will examine a schematic position, in which the struggle for three key squares along a file takes place on an empty board. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/ 4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf7 {%05In defending the key squares, Black's king must each time stand in opposition to the opponent's king: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XA3/4XA3/ 4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XA3/4XA3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XA3/4XA3/4XA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 3. Kf5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/4XI3/4XA3/4XA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) This is clear. It is important to note, however, that the main opposition will nevertheless be Kf6/Kd6. Why? Because only in this case, when the opponent concedes the opposition, can White's king break immediately onto one of the key squares by-pass manoeuvre.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k1K2/8/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Kd6 {%05E.g. if it is Black to move in the position Kf7/Kd7:} 2. Kf6 {!} ( 2. Ke8 {, since then Black maintains the balance by transposing into vertical opposition by %05but not} Ke6 {!}) 2... Kd5 (2... Kd7 {%05or} 3. Ke5) 3. Ke7 { , and the aim is achieved. ~2Conclusion: the main, decisive opposition will be that on the middle line.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k5K/8/8/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {Let us now move the kings to h8 and b8 respectively, and see how they approach each other in the struggle for the key squares. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kc7 {%05Suppose that it is Black to move: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg7 {! %15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kg6 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} ( 3... Kc7 {, there would have followed %05If on 3. Kg6 Black had replied %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/ 4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XA3/4XA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf6 {This distinctive king manoeuvre, making a "herring-bone pattern" in creating the threat of a by-pass, is typical of the struggle for three key squares, and will be frequently encountered. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XA3/4XA3/4XA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 4. Kf7 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf6 {, and the white king inevitably reaches one of the key squares. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/ 4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k5K/8/8/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kh7 {%05But if it is White to move, then, by maintaining a symmetric king position with respect to the e-file, Black succeeds in not allowing the penetration of the opponent's king onto the key squares. E.g. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1. Kg7 {%05or %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf7 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {etc. Such a placing is also essentially an opposition, only it is called distant opposition (but distant opposition can always be transformed into close opposition). %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/4XA3/4XA3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 1... Kb7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 2. Kg6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kg5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/ 4XI3/4XI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/4XI3/4XA3/4XA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) A broader concept than opposition is that of ~2corresponding squares.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5k2/2pP4/2P5/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {Let us begin by determining the key squares. The first of these is easily found - it is b3, the critical square of the black pawn. But here there are also two other key squares - e2 and f2. On reaching there, White easily drives back the opponent's king, advances his d-pawn, and wins the opponent's pawn. Black saves the game, only if he does not allow the white king onto any of these squares.} 1... Kf3 {! %05The correct continuation is} (1... Ke3 {, but it is precisely this move that is a mistake. After %05It is very tempting to stand in opposition by playing} 2. Kd1 Kf3 {(alas, control must be maintained over the e2 square)} 3. Kc1 Ke3 4. Kb1 Kd4 5. Ka2 Kc5 6. Kb3 $18 {White achieves his aim.}) 2. Kd1 (2. Kf1 Ke3 3. Kg2 {also achieves nothing due to} Kd2 4. d4 Kxc2 {, when the queens appear simultaneously.}) 2... Ke3 3. Kc1 Kd4 4. Kb1 Kc5 5. Ka2 Kb4 {= , and the black king arrives in time. Let us investigate what is happening. As the white king moves from e1 to a2, by a series of specific moves the black king succeeds in passing from f3 to b4 and in not allowing the seizure of the key squares. The routes of the kings are as though linked. To each move of the white king there is a single corresponding move of the black king. It can be said the square corresponding to e1 is f3, that to d1 is e3, c1-d4, b1-c5, and a2-b4. ~2 In the theory of pawn endings, such a mutual connections of squares is called correspondence, and the squares themselves have received the name of corresponding squares.~ So as not to allow White to seize any of the key squares, the black king must move precisely along the corresponding squares. ~2Conclusion: correspondence is the most general means of struggle for key squares.~ In the above example the black king managed to maintain the correspondence, and the ending was a draw. This is by no means always the result. The following example shows that, if the correspondence cannot be maintained, defeat is unavoidable.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/p1P5/P2K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {White has an extra pawn, and for it to be promoted to a queen, his king must break through to d7 - the key square of this pawn. There is also another way - to win the a6 pawn, for which he must take his king to b6 - the critical square of this pawn.} 1. Kd4 {%05It is not difficult to guess that we again have here a case of corresponding squares: c5-c7, d6-d8 and d5-c8.^013^010 We come to the conclusion that, on the approaches to the key squares. Black succeeds in maintaining the correspondence. Let us now try stepping back with the king, say to d4, exploiting the fact that the black king is restricted in its movements by the edge of the board.} (1. Kc5 {, with the threat of penetrating to b6, Black has a single but adequate reply in %05At first sight it appears impossible to win: on} Kc7) (1. Kd6 {%05while if} Kd8) 1... Kd8 { %05This means that he must play} (1... Kc7 {due to %05It is clear that he cannot play} 2. Kc5) (1... Kb8 {, i.e. corresponding to d4 there are two squares - b8 and d8. %05or}) 2. Kc4 {, is made? Corresponding to this square, which is adjacent to c5 and d5, are the same two squares - b8 and d8. But here is the trouble - the king cannot jump from one of these to the other. That means that in this case Black can no longer maintain the correspondence: %05But what if a further waiting move} Kc8 (2... Kc7 {%04by %05and} 3. Kc5 $18) 3. Kd5 {! %05is decisively met by} Kd8 4. Kd6 $18 {You have made the acquaintance of one of the simplest cases of corresponding squares, so-called triangulation (d5, c4, d4). By manoeuvring with his king in this triangle, White breaks the correspondence to his advantage. In order to make two steps forward, the white king first takes one step back.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p6/1P6/3P1k2/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {In this time this study was the first example in literature employing the method of corresponding squares to such endings. Since it is unfavourable to advance the pawn straight away, White must manoeuvre with his king. Let us try approaching this position from the viewpoint of the theory of key squares and corresponding squares. Suppose that the black king is at f4. Then White can win. This means that e2 will be the first key square. It is not hard to guess that the second key square is d4; if his king reaches there, White wins very simply. Now let us try to find the correspondence squares. If the white king moves to c3, Black has only one reply - 1... Kc3 This means that the square corresponding to c3 is e3, If the king goes to c2, Black again has only one reply which enables him to maintain the balance - 1... Kf4, so that the square corresponding to c2 is f4. Let us now consider the next adjacent squares - suppose that from c2 the king moves to b2. This square is adjacent to c2 and c3, hence the square corresponding to it will be f3. But what square corresponds to b3? It, like the previous one, borders upon c2 and c3, but Black has no such second square like f3. This means that, if the white king manoeuvres between b2 and b3, Black will inevitably lose the correspondence. Now White's plan is clear:} 1. Kc2 {!} (1. d4 {leads immediately to a draw: Black replies %05It is easy to see that} Ke4 2. Kc3 Kf5 {!} 3. Kd3 Kf4 { ! , and White has no way o strengthening his position.}) 1... Kf4 2. Kb2 (2. Kb3 {%05or}) 2... Kf3 3. Kb3 {!} Kf4 4. Kc2 {!} Ke5 (4... Kf3 {%05totally bad is} 5. Kd2 Kf4 6. Ke2 {%04etc.}) 5. Kd1 {!} (5. Kd2 {would be pointless because of %05The play still requires accuracy.} Kd4 {, when the king does best to retrace its steps, since after} 6. Ke2 {?} Kc3 {= Black breaks through to the critical squares of the b4 pawn, and the game ends in a draw.}) 5... Kd5 6. Ke2 Kd4 7. Kd2 {!} Ke5 8. Ke3 $18 {, and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 Doesn't it seem to you that the winning method employed in this study is in some way similar to that which we saw in the previous example ? Yes, it is that same "triangulation"! Only, it is turned through 90, and the squares which come into it are c2, b2 and b3. For all the lack of similarity between this and previous positions, the winning methods in them turn out to be identical.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p6/1P3k2/3P4/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] 1. Ke2 {%05Suppose that the black king is at f4. Then White can play} Ke5 2. Ke3 Kd5 3. d4 Kc4 4. Ke4 Kxb4 5. d5 Kc5 (5... Ka3 6. d6 b4 7. d7 b3 8. d8=Q $18 ) (5... Ka5 {%05or} 6. d6 Kb6 7. Ke5 b4 8. Ke6 b3 9. d7 $18 {, winning}) 6. Ke5 b4 7. d6 Kc6 8. Ke6 b3 9. d7 b2 10. d8=Q b1=Q {The queens have appeared simultaneously, but now comes} 11. Qc8+ Kb6 12. Qb8+ $18 {, and the black queen is lost.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/8/8/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N LI4(e1:b4) LI4(b4:b5) LI4(b5:e8) LI4(h5:e8) LI4(e8:h5) LI4(h5:h4) LI4(h4: e1) #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) We will meet more complex systems of corresponding squares in chapter 10, but now let us consider certain peculiarities of the geometry of the chess board. The squares e1 and a5 are situated on the same diagonal, and from e1 the king can reach a5 in 4 moves. It is easy to see that the diagonal path will be the shortest of all those possible. The squares e1 and e8 are situated on the same straight line - the e-file. Moving along this file, the king reaches e8 in 7 moves. It is clear that other routes are also possible, but the reader will undoubtedly be surprised to learn that, apart from the path indicated, there are a further 392(!) routes which enable the king to reach e8 in the same 7 moves. The king can move there, tracing out the most fantastic figures, provided only that they are within the area depicted in the diagram (which encloses the shortest distances along diagonals), and that each time the king moves from one rank onto the next. ~2Thus the movement of the king in a straight line (along a file or rank) can in case of necessity be replaced by movement in a broken line.~ A practical illustration of this rule is provided by the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p4K2/P7/8/8/8/1k6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {If White begins, he can win the a7 pawn. In order to save the game, Black must reach c7 with his king at the moment when White captures the pawn. White can approach the opponent's pawn in one and the same number of moves by various paths. E.g. Kf7-e7-d7-c7-b7, or Kf7-e6-d6-c6-b7, or Kf7-e6-d5-c6-b7, The following is also possible: Kf7-e8-d7-c8-b7.} 1. Ke6 {%05A legitimate question arises: can't the king, in heading for the pawn, simultaneously hinder the black king's movements towards the c7 square? It turns out that such a combination of tasks can be carried out. After} Kc3 2. Kd5 {! White's king as though pushes away the black king. The latter is forced to move aside, and can no longer reach c7 in time, e.g.} Kb4 3. Kc6 Ka5 4. Kb7 Kb5 5. Kxa7 Kc6 6. Kb8 $18 {, and the pawn queens. This king manoeuvre, which has received the name of ~2"shoulder-charging"~ is frequently employed in pawn endings.} * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yates Frederick D (ENG)"] [Black "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/pK6/8/5P2/1k6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {It is useful to make the acquaintance of another typical manoeuvre.} 1... Kb2 {! Black is apparently intending to support the advance of his pawn, and threatens 2... a3. Therefore White replies %05The first impression is that things are bad for Black: he cannot get to the white pawn, and the fate of his own pawn is settled. But nevertheless:} 2. Kxa4 {, but then comes} Kc3 3. f4 Kd4 {, and Black succeeds in stopping the pawn. By this "feint" - a deceptive movement of the king to the left, in order then to dart to the right - Black managed to gain the necessary tempo.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1P6/6k1/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {And in conclusion, a rule which enables one quickly and without calculation to determine whether or not a king can catch a pawn: "the rule of the square". } 1. b5 {The result depends on who it is to move. If White begins, he queens his pawn:} Kf4 2. b6 Ke5 3. b7 Kd6 4. b8=Q+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1P6/6k1/8/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I1I12/1I1I1I1I1I12/1I1I1I1I1I12/1I1I1I1I1I12/1I1I1I1I1I12/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kf4 { %05But if it is Black to move, he succeeds in stopping it: %15N #B (1I1I1I1I1I12/1I1I1I1I1I12/1I1I1I1I1I12/1I1I1I1I1I12/1I1I1I1I1I12/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. b5 {%15N #B (1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke5 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/ 1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. b6 {%15N #B(1I1I1I14/1I1I1I14/1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(1I1I1I14/ 1I1I1I14/1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 4. b7 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) = The dotted line on the diagram shows the "square" of the b4 pawn (b4-b8-f8-f4). Its sides are equal to the distance of the pawn to its queening square. ~2The "rule of the square" is as follows: if the king is inside the "square" of the pawn, or on its move can step into it, then it catches the pawn: if this is not so, it cannot catch the pawn.~ When calculating at the board it is simpler to draw mentally only one line - the diagonal of the "square". After all, in terms of number of individual squares, the diagonal of the "square" is equal to its side. It should also be borne in mind that, with a pawn in its original position, when it still has the right to advance two squares, the "square" should be constructed from the square in front of the pawn. And lastly: the presence on the board of other pawns can prevent the king from stepping into the "square" of a passed pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bianchetti R"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/4p3/8/3P4/5k2/P7/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. d5 {! %05Correct is first} (1. a4 {? %05White fails to win after %15N #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. a5 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. a6 {%15N #B(I1I1I15/ I1I1I15/I1I1I15/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%04etc. %15N #B(I1I1I15/I1I1I15/I1I1I15/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 1... exd5 2. a4 {%15 N #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. a5 $18 {, when the king is powerless to stop the pawn. %15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/4K3/3P4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Kd6 {%05But what will be the result with the king at e6? If its opponent is at d8, a by-pass manoeuvre is immediately decisive:} Kc8 (1... Ke8 {%05or} 2. Kc7 $18) 2. Ke7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/4K3/3P4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. d6 {%05while if it is at e8, the advance of the pawn is decisive:} Kd8 2. d7 Kc7 3. Ke7 $18 {Continuing the analysis, it is easily established that White also wins when his king reaches d6 or c6, irrespective of where the opponent's king is placed. This means that, along with e7, d7 and c7, the squares e6, d6 and c6 are also key squares of the d5 pawn: the occupation by the king of any one of these squares leads to the promotion of the pawn. Black can draw the ending if he succeeds in not allowing he white king is at e5, Black's king must defend the two squares in front of its opponent - e6 and d6, i.e. it must be at d7 or e7, wile when the white king is at c5 it must be at c7 or d7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/8/2KP4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {In the previous chapter, when we made the acquaintance of the concept of key squares, we examined an important final position of mutual zugzwang (cf. ~3( 2) ~ ). It serves as a direction finder in the following position.} 1. d6 { he must retreat his king so that after 2. Kc6 he can reply 2... Kc8. This condition is satisfied by only one move - %05Suppose Black's king is at d7. Then on} Kd8 $40 {! =} (1... Ke8 {%05whereas} 2. Kc6 Kd8 3. d7 $18 {leads to zugzwang and to Black's defeat .}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/3P4/8/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kf5 {%04But} Kf7 {also does not help:} (1... Ke8 {%05On 1. Kf5 Black loses immediately after} 2. Ke6 {, when White has obtained known position with Black^013^010 to move ~3($402)~}) 2. Ke5 Kf8 {Black is stubborn} 3. Kf6 { ! (the decisive move)} (3. Ke6 {, then %05if now} Ke8 {, and it is White to move}) 3... Ke8 4. Ke6 Kd8 5. d7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k4/8/3K4/3P4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {Another important position of mutual zugzwang. Let us check it. %15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kc5 {%05Suppose it is Black to move. He is forced to play %15N #B(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/2XAXAXD3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} ( 1... Ke5 {%05or %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 2XDXAXA3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2. Ke4 {(or correspondingly 2. Kc4) Now the pawn promotes automatically, e.g. %05, on which there follows %15N #B(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/2XAXAXD3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke5 {%15N #B (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/3XIXI3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XDXAXA3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc6 $18 {After several times carrying out a by-passing "herring-bone" manoeuvre, White has occupied one of the basic key squares of the pawn and can now advance it.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k4/8/3K4/3P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] 1. Kc3 {Black replies %05It is another matter if it is White to move. On} (1. Ke3 {%05or} Ke5) 1... Kc5 {, not allowing the opponent's king forward. After} 2. d4+ Kd5 3. Kd3 Kd6 (3... Kc6) (3... Ke6 {is also possible %05or}) 4. Ke4 Ke6 {(all other moves lose)} 5. d5+ Kd6 6. Kd4 Kd7 7. Kc5 Kc7 8. d6+ Kd7 9. Kd5 Kd8 {!= , as we already know, Black draws the ending. Thus, depending on which rank the pawn is situated, it has a definite system of key squares. As the pawn advances, the key squares move with it. Thus for a pawn at d3 the key squares will be c5, d5 and e5, and for a pawn at d4 they will now be c6, d6 an e6. Since the struggle is basically for three key squares in a row along a rank, it is natural that the vertical opposition of the kings acquires importance.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/8/8/8/4P3/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd2 {%05Here White immediately penetrates onto the key squares: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. e3 {! Here it is, the decisive move. In this way White puts his opponent in zugzwang, and gains the possibility of a by-pass. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XAXAXD2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf5 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/4XIXI2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/3XIXIXI2/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/3XDXAXA2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd6 $18 {%04etc. And now let us move the pawn forward one square.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/8/8/4P3/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke2 {%05The slight change in the position is immediately reflected in the result: White will no longer have a reserve pawn move, and so Black is able to maintain the balance. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd3 {The only correct reply now is %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke4 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XIXIXI2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {= , retaining control over the key squares. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/3XAXAXA2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/8/3PK3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kd8 {! , to answer %05Black is saved by %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} ( 1... Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) , then %05What should Black play? If} 2. Ke5 {%15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXAXA3/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd5 $18 {, and the battle for the key squares is lost %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) (1... Kd7 {White has the immediately decisive %05while on %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 2XIXIXI3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2. Ke5 {%04with %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/3XIXI3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2. Kd5 {%04with %05and %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/2XIXIXI3/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {= %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/2XAXAXA3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2... Ke7 {= %15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/3XAXA3/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/8/8/8/2P5/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {Let us try to find the solution, proceeding from the theory of key squares. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/1XIXIXI4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc2 {! %05If the white king reaches d4, Black's king must be able to stand at d6, if c4 - at c6, and if b4 - at b6. Only in this case will the key squares be fully defended against the penetration of the white king. All three squares - d4, c4 and b4 - can be reached by the white king in 3 moves, whereas to reach d6 the black king requires 2 moves, to reach c6 it requires 3, and to reach b6 it requires 4. It is clear that, if the white king immediately advances to b4, Black will be unable to reach b6 in time.^013^010 Thus the solution is as follows: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/1XIXIXI4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/1XIXIXI4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb3 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/1XIXIXI4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 1XIXAXA4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb4 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/1XIXIXI4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/1XIXIXI4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 4. Kc4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/1XIXIXI4/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb6 {(too late) %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/1XAXAXD4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd5 $18 {, and White wins. Let us examine a similar position, only with a knight's pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/8/8/1P6/8/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/XIXIXI5/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc2 {! %05From the previous example it is clear that the white king must advance to a5. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/XIXIXI5/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/XIXIXI5/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb3 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/XIXIXI5/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/XIXIXI5/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ka4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/XIXIXI5/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/XIXI6/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ka5 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/XIXI6/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/XIXIXI5/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kb5 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/XIXIXI5/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/XAXAXD5/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc6 Ka6 7. b5+ Ka7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/2K5/1P6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 8"] [PlyCount "9"] 8. Kc7 {! %05The correct continuation is} (8. b6+ {?? leads to a draw after %05White has penetrated onto the basic key squares, but the struggle is not yet over, since due to the proximity of the edge of the board he has to be careful - there is the possibility of stalemate. Thus} Ka8 {! %04on} 9. Kc7 { Black has no move.}) 8... Ka8 9. Kb6 {(driving the king out of the corner)} Kb8 10. Ka6 Ka8 11. b6 Kb8 12. b7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/k5p1/8/8/8/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb2 {! %05The battle for the key squares begins at the very distant approaches: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1. Ka3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %05Bad is} Ka5 $19 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)}) (1. Kb3 {%05or %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb5 {, when Black seizes the key squares. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 1... Kb6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Kb5 {%05If now %15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 2. Kb3 {! , and White maintains the balance. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2. Kc2 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd2 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke2 { ! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf2 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kg2 {! Draw. By moving along a "narrow road", White's king has gained control of the key squares. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/5XIXIXI/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/6K1/7P/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Kg8 {, when his king cannot be evicted from the corner, e.g. %05Black to move plays} 2. h6 Kh8 3. h7 {- stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/6K1/7P/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Kh7 {%05If it is White to move, he can play} Kf7 2. h6 {, but after} Kf8 { he can make no progress, e.g.} (2... Kf6 {?} 3. Kg8 $18) 3. Kh8 (3. Kg6 {%05or} Kg8 4. h7+ Kh8 {=}) 3... Kf7 4. h7 Kf8 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7K/5k2/7P/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {An exception to the rule is provided by the following position.} 1. Kg8 { , but in doing so he leaves his pawn undefended, and Black is saved by %05White can penetrate to g8} Kg5 {Therefore in this case g8 will not be a key square. How the struggle develops for the key squares when there is a rook's pawn is shown in the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1k6/7K/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Kg4 Kc5 2. Kg5 Kd6 3. Kg6 Ke7 4. Kg7 {, and the struggle is over: the king cannot prevent the advance of the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1k6/7K/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1... Kc5 {%05It is a different picture with Black to move:} 2. Kg4 Kd6 3. Kf5 Ke7 4. Kg6 Kf8 5. Kh7 Kf7 {= , and by controlling g7 and g8, Black draws ~3 ($4142)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k1P5/2K5/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {In conclusion we should mention those very rare cases, where to avoid stalemate the pawn must be promoted to a rook.} 1. c8=R {! wins. %05but} (1. c8=Q {? gives stalemate}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Pk6/1P6/2K5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {~13. KING AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST KING~ An advantage of two pawns normally ensures an easy win. A draw is possible only in exceptional cases, when both pawns are lost, or one is lost and the second proves insufficient for a win, or finally, with rook's pawns or far-advanced pawns, when there is a possibility of stalemate. ~2 Connected pawns, if they are defending each other, always win.~} 1... Ka8 2. Kd6 Kb7 3. a8=Q+ {!} Kxa8 4. Kc6 Kb8 5. b7 $18 { and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/1P6/8/1P1K4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {With doubled pawns, the second can always be used to gain a tempo.} 1. Kc5 Kb7 2. Kb5 (2. b5 {?? , when White can no longer win. %05A bad blunder, making the second pawn worthless, would be}) 2... Kb8 3. Ka6 {!} (3. Kc6 {%05This is stronger than} Kc8 4. b7+ Kb8 5. b5 Ka7 {, when the only way to win is by} 6. b8=Q+ {!} Kxb8 7. Kb6 {%04etc.}) 3... Ka8 4. b5 Kb8 5. b7 Kc7 6. Ka7 $18 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k1P1/8/8/6P1/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {When there is a possible attack from the side on one of a pair of doubled pawns, the second pawn may be able to defend the critical squares of the first against invasion by the opponent's king.} 1. g4 {! , covering the f5 square against the opponent's king. After %05There is only one way to win -} Ke6 2. Kd2 Kf7 3. Ke3 Kg7 4. Ke4 {!} Kg6 5. Kf4 $18 {White succeeds in defending his pawn, and wins ~3($4048)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1961.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pogosyants E"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3P4/1k6/1P3K2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1961.??.??"] {~2If the pawns are isolated, a typical winning procedure is the sacrifice of one pawn so as to queen the other.~} 1... Kc7 {%05After} 2. Ke6 Kd8 {White must play} 3. Kd5 {!} Kxd7 4. b6 $18 {, reaching the winning example ~3($4030) ~. But if the position is moved one file to the left, this plan no longer succeeds due to the rook's pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k1K/5P1P/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. Kh8 {%05Here the white king cannot get out from in front of the pawn, e.g.} Kf8 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k1K/5P1P/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Kxf6 {%05But if it is Black to move, he loses after both} (1... Kf8 2. Kg6 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kg8 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/8/P1P5/8/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {Isolated pawns can usually defend each other indirectly: in capturing one, the king moves out of the "square" of the other.} 1... Ka5 {comes %05The king can attack either of the pawns, but this does not bring Black any relief. On} ( 1... Kc5 {%04- %05and on} 2. a5 $18) 2. c5 $18 {By advancing one step, the critical square of the first pawn is covered against attack from the side by the second pawn. This allows White to gain time for the approach of his king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Skuja Aivars (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/8/3p1p2/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {The following position is truly unique.} 1. Ke4 {!! , and depending on where the opponent's king moves, White captures the pawn on that side, e.g. %05White achieves his aim by the splendid move} d3 2. Kxd3 Kf5 3. Ke2 Kg4 4. Kf2 { = Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k3/8/3p1p2/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. Ke3 {%05But if the previous position is moved one rank down the %05board, after} d2 {(or 1. ... f2) wins, since a position of type ~3($4130)~ arises. ^013^010 ^013^010 %05 the sacrifice of either pawn} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/8/P2P4/8/8/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Ka5 2. d5 (2. Kb2 {%05The sacrifice of the pawn is pointless:} Kxa4 3. Kc3 Kb5 4. Kd3 Kc6 5. Ke4 Kd6 {= with a draw.}) 2... Kb6 3. Kb2 Kc5 {= , with a draw. From the solution it becomes clear why the defensive possibilities of the pawns are poorer here than in example ~3( 53)~ , where the critical square of one pawn was defended by the other.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/8/P2P4/8/8/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. d6 {%05Suppose, for example, that in the diagram position the black king is at b7. With White to move there follows} Kc6 2. a6 Kxd6 3. a7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/8/P2P4/8/8/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Ka6 {is met by %05While with Black to move} 2. d6 Kb7 3. a6+ {%04etc. Of course, the rule of the "wandering square" is applicable only when the opponent's king has not yet invaded the critical squares of either of the pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1860.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Durand Philippe A (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k1K1/8/8/3p4/3P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1860.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/ CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ~14. PAWN AGAINST PAWN~ Material equality gives reason to suppose that the ending of pawn against pawn should normally end in a draw, and in many cases this is indeed so. But in fact the decisive role is played not by the material equality, but by the presence or absence of a positional advantage to one of the sides. The forms of this advantage are varied: if the pawns are not passed - activity of the kings; if they are passed - the greater degree of advancement of one of them, and the ability of the kings to battle against pawns. It will be expedient to divide the endings under consideration into three main groups: 4.1 Pawns on the same file. 4.2 Pawns on adjacent files. 4. 3 Both pawns passed. ~14.1 PAWNS ON THE SAME FILE~ In the first chapter we have already considered several positions with blocked pawns (4, 5, 7, 8). It was established that alongside a blocked pawn there are several critical squares, which must be defended against invasion by the enemy king. At the time we did not try to determine the entire system of critical squares, and it will be useful to do this now.} 1. Kg7 {%05We will consider various relative placing of the kings. First, a case where one king attacks, and the other defends, the critical squares of the pawn:^013^010 %05 g8/e8. In this position White's king inevitably enters the zone of critical squares of the black pawn, and therefore he wins it both with and without the move. E.g., with White to move: %15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+7/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+7/ A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg6 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+7/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+7/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kg5 {! As we see, in order to achieve success White had to take his king onto one of the main critical squares of the pawn, which for white are key squares. The remainder is simple: %15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+2/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+2/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf6 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf5 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+1A+1/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+1A+1/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke6 {%15N #B(8/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/ A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B (8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/ A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Ke5 { You will no doubt have noticed how the white king gradually, one after another, won back the key squares, which in the end led to the loss o the pawn, although, as we know, in giving it up defending the key squares of the d4 pawn against invasion by the white king. Black can still gain a draw: %15N #B(8/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/ A+A+A+2A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 8. Kxd5 Kd7 {%04etc. =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K1k5/8/8/3p4/3P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka7 {%05a8/c8. Events develop similarly in this position: %15 N #B(8/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/6A+1/A+5A+1/ A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B (8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/6A+1/A+5A+1/ A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ka6 { %15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/ 6A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 { %15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/ 6A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ka5 { ! %15 N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+5A+1/1A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+5A+1/1A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb6 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S (8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S (8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 5. Kb5 {%04etc. = %15 N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+1A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/3p4/3P3K/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/ CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg4 {%05h4/f6. Here the pawn cannot be won: %15 N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1. Kh5 {%15 N #B(8/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/ CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ? %05By contrast, it would be fatal to play} Kf5 {, since Black's king not only keeps the opponent's king out of the critical squares of the d5 pawn, but itself aims for the critical squares of the opponent's pawn. %15N #B(8/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+1A+1/ CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 1... Kg6 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+7/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+7/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {= %15 N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/8/3k4/3p4/3P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/ CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc8 {%05This is a position by Leick (1948). White's king is too far cut off from his pawn, and if it is his move he even loses: %15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/ CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1. Ke8 {%05or %15 N #B(8/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/ CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { ! %15 N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/ CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 1... Kc6 {! , and the black king picks up the d4 pawn. %15 N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/ CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/8/3p4/3P4/5K2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kf7 {! %05Here Black keeps the opponent's king off the critical squares of his pawn only by %15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p2K1/k2P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+2/ 1CDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf5 {%05Here we have a double-edged position - both kings are already on critical squares of the pawns. The question is - who is it to move? The side that begins, win a pawn. E.g., with White to move: %15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+1A+1/1CDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/ CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb5 {! %15 N #B(8/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+1A+1A+1A+1/ CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Kb4 {%15 N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/ A+A+A+1A+1A+1/1CDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) %05Before it is too late, Black must switch to defence - the %05attempt to counter-attack leads to defeat:} 2. Ke6 {%15 N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/CD1CD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/ CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc4 {%15N #B(8/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/ CDCD2CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke5 $18 {etc.^013^010 With Black to move, it is the other way round: 1... Kb4 2. Kf4 Kc4 3. Ke3 Kc3 etc.}) 2. Ke6 {%15 N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/8) #S(8/ A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+1A+1A+A+A+1/CDCDCD1CDCDCD1/CD5CD1/CD5CD1/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+1A+A+A+1/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke5 {%15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/A+5A+1/A+5A+1/A+A+A+2A+A+1/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 4. Kxd5 Kd7 {= , with a draw. Thus ideas about the critical squares of a blocked pawn are an important guide, determining the manoeuvring of the kings, and they allow one to establish in advance whether or not the pawn can be won.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/1p6/8/1P3K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. b5 {, and then seizes the critical squares of the n6 pawn and wins. If it is Black to move, he saves the draw by 1... b5. %05If White begins, he plays} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/4p3/4K3/8/8/8/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. e4 {%05In this position White is unable to win, e.g.} (1. e3 Kd8 2. e4 Ke8 3. e5 Kd8 4. Kf7 Kd7 5. Kf8 (5. e6+ {even loses ?}) 5... Ke6 6. Ke8 {=}) 1... Kf8 2. Kd7 e5 {!= Draw.} * [Event "Bad Homburg (Germany)"] [Site "Bad Homburg (Germany)"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yates Frederick D (ENG)"] [Black "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p1k4/1P6/1p6/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. Kb2 {%05Black thought that he would win here, but in reply to} Kc4 2. Ka3 {! } b2 {came the unforeseen} 3. Ka2 {!= , when White won the battle for the key squares of the b5 pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/4p3/8/1K2P3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. e5 {!} Kf7 (1... Kd7 2. Kb5) 2. Kc5 Kg6 3. Kc6 {! In breaking through with his king onto the critical squares of the pawn, White takes account of the imminent position of mutual zugzwang.} Kg5 4. Kd7 Kf5 5. Kd6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p4/8/5K2/k2P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kf4 {!} (1. d4 {? %05after} Kb3 {White has to think in terms of drawing}) 1... Kb3 2. Ke5 Kc4 3. d4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1P6/8/7K/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {Unusual king manoeuvring in the struggle for the critical and key squares is well expressed in the following study by Grigoriev. The attempt to break through to c7 - a critical square of the b7 pawn - does not prove successful: in the same 5 moves the black king reaches a6, and White loses his pawn. But if this is so, the route of the white king must change: in reply to the capture of the b6 pawn White must be able to reach b4 - in this case Black will be unable to penetrate to the key squares of his pawns, and White will draw.} 1. Kg3 {! %05White saves the game by a subtle manoeuvre, enabling him to avoid an unpleasant %05encounter with the opponent's king:} (1. Kg4 { %05But moving directly towards the b4 square leads to defeat:} Kc2 2. Kf4 Kd3 { ! , and Black's king pushes aside its opponent.}) 1... Kc2 2. Kf2 {!} Kd3 3. Ke1 {!} Kc4 4. Kd2 Kb5 5. Kc3 Kxb6 6. Kb4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1P6/8/7K/8/8/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {To study the ~2 "shoulder-charging"~ mechanism and ways of avoiding it, it is useful to consider also other placings of the kings in example ~3( 71)~.} 1. Kg3 {%05Thus, for example, with the black king at c1 the same^013^010 %05saving manoeuvre is still possible:} Kd2 2. Kf2 Kd3 3. Ke1 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1P6/8/7K/8/8/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. Kg3 {%05But if the king is at d1, e1 or f1, White is unable to avoid defeat: } Ke2 {!$19 , and he path to e1 is closed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1P6/8/7K/8/8/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Kg3 $40 {%05With Black's king at g1 or h1, he is unable to reach the^013^010 %05opponent's pawn in time, and so here it is White who^013^010 %05wins. Thus in position ~3 ( 71)~ if the black king is at a1,b1, or c1 White draws., if it is at d1, e1 or f1 he loses, and if it is at g1 or h1 he wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1P6/7K/8/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Kg4 {%05Let us now consider various positions of the white king on the rook's file. With his king at h1, h2 or h3 it is even easier for White to avoid the "shoulder-charge", but with his king at h5 (as well as h6, h7 or h8) he loses:} Kc2 2. Kf3 Kd3 {!$19 , and the king reaches b4 too late.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1P6/7K/8/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kg4 {%05But if we move the black king from b1 to a1, White is again able to avoid being pushed away:} Kb2 2. Kf3 Kc3 3. Ke2 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1P5K/8/8/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {The following is perhaps an even more expressive example, showing how to avoid being pushed away.} 1. Kg5 Kb2 2. Kf4 Kc3 3. Ke3 {!} Kc4 4. Kd2 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p5K/1P6/8/8/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Kg6 {%05But if White king is at h7, he is unable to avoid being pushed away: } Kb2 2. Kf5 Kc3 3. Ke4 Kc4 {!$19 %04etc. In all the examples considered, Black was able to win if he managed to "shoulder-charge" the opponent's king. And, on the contrary, a draw was possible only when White managed to avoid being pushed away, when bringing back his king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P7/3K4/5k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {We will make a similar analysis of the position with rook's pawns, with which we dealt briefly in ~3( 21)~. We will now examine it more thoroughly, for various positions of the kings. %15N T2(a3:h3)clBlack Lossing zone #B(6I1I1/ 6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1/I1I1I1I1I11I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) White wins if the black king is inside the zone This position is to a certain extent a critical one. Black will draw if, after the capture of his pawn, his king can reach c7, controlling the key squares b7 and b8. To be able to do this when it is the opponent to move, it is essential for black's king to be within the marked zone. Note that, in the lower half of the board, there is only one square (f4) from which his king, stepping behind its opponent and thus avoiding being pushed away, can reach c7 in time. The white king can approach d5 via two diagonals - from a2 or g8, and from g2. We will consider all three routes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P7/8/8/8/K7/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {However far away Black's king is, he gains a draw in this position, since the white king is not able to push aside his king and prevent it moving to the cherished f4 square.} 1. Kb3 {%05E.g., with the black king at h1:} Kg2 2. Kc4 Kf3 3. Kd5 Kf4 {%04etc. ! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P7/8/8/8/K7/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Kb3 {%05Or, finally, with the king at c1:} Kd2 2. Kc4 Ke3 3. Kd5 Kf4 { = %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/p7/P7/8/8/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {The situation is slightly different with the white king at g8. %15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/I1I16) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf7 {%05Black gains a draw if his king is on the 1st rank between h1 and c1: in this case his king is able to reach f4 at the moment when the opponent's king is at d5. But if Black's king is at a1 or b1, he loses, since he is not able to avoid being pushed away. E.g. with the king at b1:} Kc2 2. Ke6 Kd3 3. Kd5 {!$18 , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P7/8/8/8/6K1/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {The most favourable position for the white king is at g2, which is quite natural, since in moving to d5 it can take control both of f4, and of the squares adjoining it. %15N T1(d1:h1)clBlack Lossing zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf3 {%05Here the losing zone includes the entire 1st rank. E.g., with the king at c1:} Kd2 2. Ke4 Kc3 3. Kd5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P7/8/8/5K2/7k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {It is useful to consider also the position with the white king at f3. %15N T2 (a1:h1)clBlack Lossing zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke4 {%05The losing zone now includes all the back two ranks, with the exception of the h2 square. Indeed, if his king is at h2, Black saves the draw:} Kg3 2. Kd5 Kf4 { = %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sackmann"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/8/6k1/8/8/p7/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Kh8 {! %05Since we are familiar with the previous example, the solution does not cause any difficulty:} Kf6 2. Kh7 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/8/2P5/8/6K1/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {If the pawns are not yet blocked, in calculations one has to take into account the reserve tempi, which may be used to achieve a position of zugzwang. } 1. Kf2 {%05Correct is} (1. Kf1 {loses after %05 White cannot defend his pawn, therefore he must bring his king behind the opponent's king, in order to avoid being pushed away. But the straightforward} c5 {!} 2. Kf2 Kd2) 1... Kd2 (1... c5 {%05or} 2. Ke3 Kc2 3. Ke2 {!} Kc3 4. Kd1 {!= %04etc.}) 2. c5 {!} Kd3 3. Ke1 {! with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/p7/8/8/2k5/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {After our very thorough analysis of examples with blocked rook's pawns, the solution of the following two studies will not cause any difficulty. One must merely count the tempi correctly.} 1. Kb7 {! %05When the black king arrives at a3, the white king must reach e4. Therefore:} a5 2. Kc6 {!} a4 3. Kd5 a3 (3... Kb2 {%05or} 4. Kc4 Kxa2 5. Kc3 {= etc. ~3($4043)~}) 4. Ke4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/2K5/8/8/8/P4k2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kb7 a5 (1... Ke3 {does not help after} 2. Kxa7 Kd4 3. Kb6 {!}) 2. Kb6 a4 3. Kb5 a3 4. Kb4 Ke3 5. Kxa3 Kd4 6. Kb4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/2K5/8/6k1/8/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Kb5 {! , not allowing the pawn to advance, e.g. %05Correct is} (1. Kb7 { would be a mistake, leading to a draw: %05If the black king were at g4, the natural} a5 2. Kb6 a4 3. Kb5 Kf5 4. Kxa4 Ke6 5. Kb5 Kd7 {=}) 1... Kf5 2. Ka6 Ke6 3. Kxa7 Kd7 4. Kb7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/8/8/7K/5k2/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {If the pawns are at a significant distance from each other, and the kings are fairly remote from the pawns, the assessment of such positions becomes a difficult matter, demanding precise calculation.} 1. Kg5 {%05Black is threatening to attack the b2 pawn, so that extreme measures must be taken.} Ke4 2. Kf6 Kd5 (2... Kd3 {, then %05if} 3. Ke5 Kc2 4. Kd4 Kxb2 5. Kc5) 3. Ke7 Kc6 ( 3... b5 {White embarks on a distant by-pass: %05In reply to} 4. Kd7 b4 5. Kc7 Kc5 6. Kb7 b3 (6... Kb5 {, then %05If after 6. Kb7 Black plays} 7. Kc7 { ? loses after} (7. b3 {! , when it is Black who has to think in terms of drawing. %05Correct is} Ka5 8. Kc6 Ka6 9. Kc5 Kb7 10. Kxb4 Kb6 {=}) 7... b3 8. Kd6 Kc4 $19) 7. Ka6 Kb4 8. Kb6 Kc4 9. Ka5 {, and it is now Black who must force a draw by giving up his pawn.}) 4. Ke6 {!} (4. Kd8 {? %05Here the attempt at a by-pass leads to a fiasco:} b5 5. Kc8 b4 6. Kb8 b3 7. Ka7 Kb5 { !$19 , and White's king is too late in reaching a3 to defend his pawn.}) 4... b6 (4... b5 {, then %05If} 5. Ke5 Kc5 6. Ke4 Kc4 7. Ke3 Kb3 (7... b4 8. Kd2 Kb3 9. Kc1 Ka2 10. Kc2 {with a draw.}) 8. Kd4 {!= with a draw. Therefore Black tries to preserve the tempo.}) 5. Ke5 {!} Kc5 6. Ke4 Kc4 7. Ke3 b5 8. Kd2 Kb3 9. Kc1 Ka2 10. b4 {! Draw. Grigoriev also examined a similar situation with certain other king positions. If, for example, in the previous example the kings are replaced at h3 and f2 respectively, the draw is achieved even more quickly - analogous fashion given in the note to Black's 3rd move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/8/7K/5k2/8/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {But if the kings are placed at h5 and f4, White is no longer able to save the draw.} 1. Kg6 Ke5 2. Kf7 Kd6 3. Ke8 b5 4. Kd8 b4 5. Kc8 Kc6 {!} 6. Kb8 b3 7. Ka7 Kb5 {!$19 , and the white king is too late.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/8/8/8/8/1P6/K6k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Kb1 {! %05 White's task is not allow the black king to occupy the important e4 square, from which it can both defend its own pawn and the white pawn. Therefore correct is} (1. Ka2 {%05The immediate advance of the king towards the opponent's pawn leads only to a draw:} Kg2 2. Kb3 Kf3 3. Kc4 Ke4 {!} 4. b4 Ke5 5. Kc5 Ke6 {%04etc.}) 1... Kg2 2. Kc2 Kf3 3. Kd3 {!} Kf4 4. Kd4 Kf5 5. Kd5 Kf6 6. Kd6 Kf7 7. b4 Ke8 8. Kc7 b5 9. Kb6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/8/k7/7K/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {White wins in similar fashion in the following study. %15N T1(a1:b2)clBlack Lossing zone #B(I17/I17/I17/I17/I17/I17/I1I16/I1I16) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg4 {! %05The composer has the black king at a7, but a simple analysis shows that White wins irrespectively of which square on the a-file the enemy king occupies. E.g., with the king at a4:} Kb5 2. Kf5 {!} (2. Kg5 {?} Kc5 3. Kg6 Kd5 4. Kxg7 Ke5 {= with a draw}) 2... Kc6 (2... Kc5 {%05or} 3. Ke5 {!} Kc6 4. Ke6 {!$18}) 3. Ke6 {!} Kc7 4. g4 $18 { In all cases White succeeds in pushing aside the opponent's king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/8/8/7K/1k4P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kg4 {%05Moreover, White also wins when the black king is at b1 or b2. E.g., with the king at b2:} Kc3 2. Kf5 Kd4 3. g4 Ke3 4. g5 Kf3 5. g6 $18 {, and white wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/8/8/1k5K/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Kg4 {%05Having his king on any of the remaining squares of the b-file guarantees Black a draw. E.g., with the king at b3:} Kc4 2. Kf5 Kd5 3. g4 Kd6 4. g5 (4. Kg6 Ke5) 4... Ke7 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/8/8/7K/6P1/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1. Kg4 {%05The position of the king at c1 also leads to a draw:} Kd2 2. Kf5 (2. Kf3 Kd3 {etc. ~3($4190)~}) 2... Ke3 3. g4 Kf3 4. g5 Kg3 5. g6 Kh4 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Duclos Samuel (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/8/1k1P4/8/K7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] {~14.2 PAWNS ON ADJACENT FILES~ With pawns on adjacent files, the only positions of interest to us those where one side has a certain positional advantage. For the given balance of forces this advantage consists of a superior (more active) king position. We will first consider cases where the pawns are as close as possible, and there are no reserve moves. Here a typical defensive procedure is the sacrifice of the pawn with the aim of transposing into a drawn ending.} 1. d6 {! %05Black is threatening to win the white pawn, while retaining control over the key squares of his own pawn. But by sacrificing his pawn, White forces a favourable displacement of the key squares:} cxd6 2. Kb3 Kc5 3. Kc3 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/8/5p2/3K4/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] 1... f4 {! %05Here the goal is achieved by} 2. gxf4 Ke8 {!} 3. Ke4 Kf8 { != %04Draw} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k2p1/8/5P2/8/8/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kc2 {%05Correct is} (1. f6 {? %05It would be a mistake to play} gxf6 2. Kc2 Ke6 3. Kd2 Kf5 4. Ke3 Kg4 {, when Black wins.}) 1... Kd6 2. f6 {!} gxf6 3. Kd2 {! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/p1K5/8/1P6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] 1. Kc7 {%05Here Black gains a draw, only because his pawn is a rook's pawn. After} Ka8 2. Kb6 {he has the reply} a5 {with an immediate draw. E.g.} 3. Kxa5 (3. b5 Kb8 {!=}) 3... Ka7 {= With the pawns on other files, this sacrifice would not have worked, due to the capture with the pawn. Let us now move this position one rank up the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1890.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/p1K5/8/1P6/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1890.??.??"] 1... a5 {%05 The composer shows that after 1. Kc8 a5 2. b6 White wins, or, more precisely, gives mate in 4 moves. However, as was pointed out by Zinar (1974), in the diagram position it must be Black to play, since he has no previous move. Therefore the solution becomes:} 2. b6 $18 {etc. This is thus an example in retro-analysis, although it is unlikely that its composer suspected this.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tattersall"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/8/p7/8/1PK5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] {The composer of this position is incorrectly thought by some to be Dedrle, who published it, without indicating its source, in one of his articles (1921). However, as was established by Maizelis, the position (Kc2, pawns b2,e5/ Kd5, pawn a4) arose in a practical game. A certain Dr Cassidy (1884) pointed out the winning path, beginning with 1. Kb1. In the same year the well-known study composer Horwitz used this finish in one of his studies, after devising only in the Tattersall collection differs from the original position only in a reduction of the material.} 1. Kb1 {! %05The correct continuation is} (1. Kc3 { is wrong because of %05In order to win, White must capture the black pawn and at the same time seize the key %05squares of his own pawn (a4, b4 and c4). But the plausible} a3 {!} 2. b3 (2. b4 {is also useless.}) 2... Ke5 {, when the draw is obvious.}) 1... a3 (1... Ke5 {%05or} 2. Ka2 Kd4 3. Ka3 Kc5 4. Kxa4 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. b3 {!} Ke5 3. Ka2 Kd5 4. Kxa3 Kc5 5. Ka4 Kb6 6. Kb4 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/8/7p/8/8/6P1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {! (threatening 2. Kg3)} h4 2. Kg1 {! , and the rest is already familiar.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/k6p/8/2K3P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kd3 {%05The black pawn is doomed, but, in moving towards it, White has to reckon with the threat of ... h3:} Kb4 2. Ke4 Kc5 3. Kf5 (3. Kf4 {%05of course, not} h3 {with a draw}) (3. Ke5 {is possible %05but}) 3... Kd6 (3... h3 4. gxh3 Kd6 5. Kf6 $18 {, and wins.}) 4. Kg4 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p3k/8/1K6/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {If the pawns have not converged, the play is considerably complicated by the existence of reserve tempi. It is essential to take them into account, since positions of mutual zugzwang often arise.} 1. Kb4 {! %05He wins by attacking the pawn from the side:} (1. Kc3 {%05The direct} Kg5 2. Kd4 {does not succeed, since after} Kf4 {it is White who ends up in zugzwang.}) 1... Kg5 2. Kc5 Kf4 3. Kd4 {!$18 , and it is Black who is in zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dobias Richard (SVK)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/1k6/4K3/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {As in other situations, an important role here is played by "shoulder-charging".} 1. Kd4 {! White not only suppresses the attack on his own pawn from the rear, but also occupies the long diagonal, along which his king will then approach the opponent's pawn. Black has no satisfactory reply: if %05By} Kb4 (1... Kc6 {%05or} 2. Ke5 Kc5 3. f4 {, and White wins.}) 2. f4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1915.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Adamson"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/k7/7p/8/8/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1915.??.??"] {In the following example White does not let the opponent's king off the rook's file, until he has improved the position of his own king and prepared a zugzwang position.} 1. Kc7 {%05White first aims to eliminate the attack of his pawn from the rear.} (1. g4 {is even more premature. %05 The immediate approach of the king to the pawn does not succeed: when the king captures on h6, Black will have the reply Kf4. And}) 1... Ka6 (1... Ka8 {is decisively met by} 2. g4 Ka7 3. Kd6 {, when Black is too late}) 2. Kc6 Ka5 3. Kc5 Ka4 4. Kc4 Ka3 5. Kc3 Ka2 6. Kc2 Ka3 (6... Ka1 {is bad because of} 7. g4) (6... h5 { is met by %05while} 7. Kd3) 7. g3 {! Only this modest advance of the pawn ensures a win.} (7. g4 {%05If} Kb4 8. Kd3 Kc5 9. Ke4 Kd6 10. Kf5 {, then} h5 {! } 11. gxh5 Ke7 {, and the king reaches the saving f8 square just in time.}) 7... Ka4 {The most tenacious defence.} (7... Ka2 {%05If} 8. g4 {!}) (7... h5 { %05while after} 8. Kd3 Kb4 9. Ke4 Kc5 10. Kf5 {! White wins as in example 71.}) 8. Kc3 {! A necessary finesse. The opponent's king must still be kept at the side of the board.} (8. Kd3 {%05A draw results from} Kb4 9. Ke4 Kc5 10. Kf5 Kd4 {!}) 8... Kb5 9. Kd4 Kc6 10. Ke5 {!} (10. Ke4 {%05not} Kc5 {!} 11. g4 Kd6 12. Kf5 h5 {! with a draw.}) 10... Kc5 11. g4 $18 {, and White wins. Grigoriev, who published this splendid study in the chess column of Izvestiya (1925), pointed out that, with the white pawn at g3, it would not have been possible to win. Let us change the position of the white king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/7p/8/8/8/6P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {%05As in the previous example, it is pointless to approach the pawn directly: in this case the opponent's king reaches f4 in time. The correct plan is play for a convergence of the kings.} Kb6 2. Ke3 Kc5 3. Ke4 {In moving to meet its opponent, the white king simultaneously approaches the opponent's pawn.} Kd6 (3... Kc4 4. g4) 4. Kf5 Kd5 5. g4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leick"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7p/8/8/k5P1/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%15N T1(d5:h5)clRed WINNING ZONE #B(3D1D1D1D1D1/3D1D1D1D1D1/3D1D1D1D1D1/ 3D1D1D1D1D1/3D1D1D1D1D1/2D1D1D1D1D1D1/2D1D1D1D1D1D1/1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) This position, without the white king, was put forward by the composer with the question: where should White's king be placed, so that he can win? The extent of the white king's winning zone is shown in the diagram. It is clear that from d8,d7, d6, d5, d4, d3, e3, e2, f2, g2, or h2 the king can eliminate the black pawn in 4 moves, while Black is not able to capture the white pawn.} 1. Kc2 {! , when ~3($40107) ~ Adamson's study is reached.^013^010 However, as will be seen, the c2 square does not come^013^010 into the zone, since in this case it is White who is in^013^010 zugzwang. %05With his king at c3, b1, c1, or d2 White wins by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/8/1K6/7p/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kc6 {! %05Correct is} (1. Kc5 {%05 Here approaching the pawn with the king does not succeed: Black's king aims for f8, and by a timely ... h3 he saves the game. E.g.} Kb7 2. Kd6 Kc8 3. Ke7 Kc7 4. Kf6 Kd6 5. Kg5 h3 {%04etc.}) 1... Kb8 2. Kd7 {! (in this way White wins an extremely important tempo)} Kb7 3. Ke6 Kc8 4. Kf5 h3 5. gxh3 Kd8 6. Kf6 Ke8 7. Kg7 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1K6/7p/k7/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kc4 {%05To reach the black pawn, White's king requires the same number of moves as its opponent requires to reach the white pawn. The problem is to force the black king, if only once, to mark time on the same file:} Kb2 2. Kd3 Kc1 3. Ke2 Kc2 {(here it is, the required tempo)} 4. Kf3 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k1K/8/8/2p5/8/3P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kh8 {! , e.g. %05To save the game, White must manage to reach d5 at the moment when the black king is at d3. The only way to do this is by} Kf6 2. Kg8 Ke5 3. Kf7 Kd4 4. Ke6 Kd3 5. Kd5 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1905.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Duras Oldrich (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/7k/8/1K6/8/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1905.??.??"] {~14.3 BOTH PAWNS PASSED~ If the pawns of both sides are passed, the result depends on who is the first to queen a pawn. Cases are also possible where the queens appear simultaneously, but either the new-born queen can be won, or mate given. If neither of the pawns can be queened, the ending, naturally, ends in a draw. Apart from the advance of the pawns, a big role is played here by the manoeuvring of the kings. The aims of this manoeuvring can be very varied: the gaining of a tempo, pushing away the opponent's king, or luring it onto an unfavourable square, so that, for example, one's pawn can then be promoted with check or the enemy queen can be won by a double attack, and so on. All these features will be explained in more detail in the analysis of examples.} 1. Kc5 {! Black has two possibilities: %05 The pawns are at an identical distance from the promotion squares, but White's king is more active. It can simultaneously stop the opponent's pawn and support its own, and this proves decisive.} g5 (1... Kg6 2. b4 Kf7 (2... Kf6 {%05if} 3. Kd6 {!}) 3. b5 Ke7 4. Kc6 {!} Kd8 5. Kb7 g5 6. b6 g4 7. Ka7 {, and White wins by queening with check.}) 2. b4 g4 3. Kd4 Kg5 4. b5 g3 (4... Kf4 {%05after} 5. b6 {the pawn queens with check}) 5. Ke3 Kg4 6. b6 Kh3 7. b7 g2 8. Kf2 {, and Black cannot reply} Kh2 {because of} 9. b8=Q+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/8/2K5/5k2/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {! , maintaining control over the black pawn and "shoulder-charging" the opponent's king. %05Correct is} (1. Kb5 {suggests itself, but after %05Were should the king make for, in order to clear the way %05for its pawn?} Ke4 2. c4 Kd4 3. c5 Kd5 4. c6 Kd6 {Black avoids danger. =}) (1. Kb4 {, after %05Had White played} Ke4 {!} 2. c4 Ke5 {!} 3. c5 Ke6 {the draw would have been obvious.}) 1... Kf4 (1... a5 {%05If now} 2. c4 a4 3. c5 a3 4. Kc3 $18 {and game is over, so Black tries to bring his king into play.}) 2. c4 Kf5 3. Kd5 Kf6 (3... a5 {is not dangerous, since after} 4. c5 {the pawn queens with check} ) 4. Kd6 Kf7 (4... a5 {dos not help, since after a check at h8 the new-born queen is immediately lost. %05Here too}) 5. c5 Ke8 6. Kc7 {!} a5 7. c6 a4 8. Kb7 a3 9. c7 a2 10. c8=Q+ {, and White wins. But White has interesting possibilities after 1. Kb4 Ke3, when the following position is reached.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/8/1K6/4k3/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. c4 {%05White succeeds in putting the opponent in zugzwang:} Kd4 2. c5 Ke5 { ! The strongest.} (2... a5+ {, then %05If} 3. Kb5 {!} a4 4. c6 a3 5. c7 a2 6. c8=Q a1=Q 7. Qh8+ {, winning the queen}) (2... Kd5 {%05while after} 3. Kb5 { Black is in zugzwang.}) 3. Ka5 {!} (3. Kb5 {%05But now} Kd5 {leaves White in zugzwang.}) 3... Ke6 4. Ka6 {! , and White wins, e.g.} Kd5 5. Kb5 Ke6 6. Kc6 a5 7. Kb7 {, and the pawn queens with check. This same idea - queening with check - is the basis of the play in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7p/1PK2k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. b5 Ke5 2. b6 Kd6 3. Kb5 h4 4. Ka6 h3 5. b7 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/8/8/6P1/k1K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kc3 {!} (1. g4 {%05The immediate advance of the pawn does not succeed, %05since Black queens a move earlier:} b5 2. g5 b4 3. g6 b3+ 4. Kc3 b2 5. g7 b1=Q 6. g8=Q+ Ka1 {= By skilful manoeuvring White overcomes this difficulty.}) 1... Ka3 2. Kc4 {!} Ka4 3. g4 b5+ 4. Kd3 {! This subtle move is the whole point: in this way White regains his lost tempo} Ka3 (4... b4 {he has the immediately decisive %05since on} 5. Kc2) 5. g5 b4 6. g6 b3 7. g7 b2 8. Kc2 {!} Ka2 {The kings have returned, but the situation has change significantly. After } 9. g8=Q+ {White gives mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/8/k7/3K4/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {The following example shows the winning of the new-born queen by a vertical check.} 1. Kd4 {! Now Black has two possibilities:} (1. f4 {is met by} Kb5 { , when Black's king is able either to stop the opponent's pawn, or to queen his own.}) 1... Kb5 (1... b5 2. f4 b4 3. f5 b3 4. Kc3 Ka3 5. f6 b2 6. f7 b1=Q 7. f8=Q+ {, and White either wins the queen or gives mate.}) 2. Kd5 {!} Ka6 3. f4 Kb7 4. f5 Kc7 5. Ke6 Kd8 6. Kf7 {!} b5 7. f6 b4 8. Kg7 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pK5/8/8/8/8/k4P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Kd6 {!} (1. Kxb7 {%05After} Kb3 {Black succeeds in eliminating the white pawn. =}) 1... Ka3 {!} (1... b5 {, then %05if} 2. Kc5 {!} Kb3 3. Kxb5 Kc3 4. Kc5 Kd3 5. Kd5 $18 {, and the king manages to defend the pawn}) 2. Kc5 {!} Ka4 3. f4 b5 4. f5 b4 5. Kc4 {! (now White lures the king to a3)} b3 6. Kc3 Ka3 7. f6 b2 8. f7 $18 {, and White wins ~3 ($40118)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/3k4/p7/8/8/8/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {Some of the unexpected finesses which are possible in this ending are shown by the following study.} 1. Kf7 Kd6 2. Kf6 Kd5 3. Kf5 a5 4. e4+ Kc6 {!} 5. e5 a4 6. e6 a3 7. Kg6 {! %05But White's play can be improved:} (7. Kf6 {%05Black appears to have won the battle - after} a2 $19 {his pawn queens with check.}) 7... a2 8. e7 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Iriarte"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k4K1/1p6/8/8/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] {The Argentinian chess composer Iriarte has composed several studies, which essentially demonstrate one and the same procedure: how to avoid the enemy pawn queening with check.} 1. Kf5 {!} Kc5 2. Kf4 {! Only in this way can the king safely leave the dangerous diagonal.} (2. Ke4 {? %05After} Kc4 3. Ke3 Kc3 4. Kf2 b4 5. e4 Kd4 6. Kf3 b3 {Black wins.}) 2... b4 3. Ke3 Kc4 4. Kd2 Kb3 5. e4 Ka2 6. e5 b3 {, and the queens appear simultaneously. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k4K1/1p6/8/8/3P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Kf5 {%05Had the white pawn been at d2, the draw would have been achieved differently:} Kc5 2. Ke5 (2. Ke4 {%05or} Kc4 3. Ke3 b4 4. Ke2 {!} (4. d4 {?} b3 5. Kd2 Kxd4 $19) 4... b3 (4... Kb3 5. d4 {=}) 5. Kd1 {=}) 2... b4 3. d4+ Kc4 4. d5 b3 {%04etc. =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Iriarte"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k4K1/1p6/8/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] 1. Kf5 {!} Kc5 2. Ke4 {!} Kc4 3. Ke3 Kc3 {, and now the pawn can be advanced:} 4. g4 b4 {etc. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1943.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/3K1k2/8/3P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1943.??.??"] {In the following examples too, White manages to avoid stepping on a "mined" square.} 1. Kd4 {!} (1. Kc5 {%05The natural} h5 2. d4 h4 3. d5 h3 4. d6 { loses after} Ke6 {, since the king is forced onto the fatal c6 square. The draw is achieved by subtle manoeuvring, with the aim of diverting the black king from e6.}) 1... Kf4 {(otherwise 2. Ke3)} 2. Kc5 h5 3. d4 h4 4. d5 Ke5 5. d6 Ke6 6. Kc6 {(White has managed to gain a tempo, and now this move has become possible)} h3 7. d7 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/8/8/1K1k4/8/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Kb3 {! %05An original king manoeuvre saves the draw:} (1. Ka5 {? %05If White immediately leads his pawn forward, this ends catastrophically for him:} f5 2. b4 f4 3. b5 Kc5 {!} 4. b6 Kc6 5. Ka6 f3 6. b7 f2 7. b8=Q f1=Q+ 8. Ka5 Qa1+ {, and Black wins the queen.}) 1... Kd3 2. Ka2 {!!} f5 3. b4 Kc4 4. b5 {!} (4. Kb2 {?} Kxb4 5. Kc2 Kc4 {leads to a loss}) 4... Kxb5 5. Kb3 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1K1pk3/8/8/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kb4 {! %05The draw is achieved by} (1. b4 {%05After} d4 2. Kc4 Ke4 3. b5 d3 {White loses his queen.}) 1... Ke4 (1... Kd4 {, then %05If instead Black replies} 2. Ka5 {! followed by the advance of the pawn becomes possible.}) 2. Kc3 Ke3 3. Kc2 Ke2 4. Kc3 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/k1P5/7p/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {In conclusion we give a group of positions, in which the theme of the play is king manoeuvring with a double aim. We have already met a number of such manoeuvring comprises the entire strategy of the play. We will begin with a famous study, in which this idea was the first expressed in striking form.} 1. Kg7 {For the moment the king does not appear to be threatening anything, so Black has a choice: %05White's king is hopelessly behind the opponent's pawn, whereas its black opponent is ready to eliminate the white pawn. At first sight the task seems impracticable, but nevertheless...} Kb6 (1... h4 2. Kf6 h3 {(the pawn has escaped, but...)} 3. Ke7 h2 4. c7 Kb7 5. Kd7 {with a draw.}) 2. Kf6 h4 3. Ke5 {(threatening 4. Kf4)} h3 4. Kd6 {(the king has unexpectedly ended up beside the pawn)} h2 5. c7 Kb7 6. Kd7 {, and the draw is obvious. Reti's original idea, which later the chess Composer Gurvich picturesquely called "chasing two birds", made a strong impression in its time, stimulated a search for similar positions, and considerably enriched chess theory. Reti himself returned several times to this theme.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/k6p/2P5/K7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1. c6 (1. Kb4 h5 2. c6 {is also possible.}) 1... h5 (1... Kb6 {, then %05if} 2. Kb4 h5 3. Kc4 Kxc6 4. Kd4 {=}) 2. Kb4 Kb6 (2... h4 {%05or} 3. Kc5 {!} h3 4. Kd6 {=}) 3. Kc4 {!} h4 4. Kd5 {!} Kc7 5. Ke4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/k1P2p1p/7K/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kg6 {Black has three possibilities, but they all lead to a draw: %05Here the draw seems even more improbable. After} Kb6 (1... h5 2. Kxg7 h4 3. Kxf6 {=} ) (1... f5 2. Kxg7 f4 3. Kf6 f3 4. Ke7 {=}) 2. Kxg7 h5 (2... f5 3. Kf6 f4 4. Ke5 f3 5. Kd6 {=}) 3. Kxf6 {, and then as in example ~3 ($40127)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/P4p2/k6K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1. a4 {%05Thanks to the fortunate position of his king, White is able to refute Black's plan:} Kb3 2. a5 Kc3 (2... Kc4 3. a6 Kd3 4. a7 f2 5. a8=Q f1=Q 6. Qa6+ {leads to the loss of the queen.}) 3. Kg1 {! The only move to win.} (3. a6 {? %05If} Kd2 {!}) (3. Kg3 {%05or} Kd4 {!} 4. a6 Ke3 {with a draw.}) 3... Kd4 4. a6 Ke3 5. Kf1 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Adamson"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7K/k1P5/p7/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1. Kg6 a4 2. Kf5 a3 (2... Kb6 {%05or} 3. Ke5 {!} a3 (3... Kxc6 4. Kd4) 4. Kd6 { =}) 3. Ke6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/8/p7/8/7k/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1. Kf7 {%05Correct is} (1. f4 {? is wrong:} Kg4 2. Kf7 Kf5 $19) 1... a5 2. f4 { !} (2. Ke6 {? %05but not} a4 3. f4 a3 4. f5 a2 5. f6 a1=Q 6. f7 Qa3 $19 { , when Black wins}) 2... a4 (2... Kg4 {%05or} 3. Ke6 a4 4. f5 {with a draw}) 3. f5 a3 4. f6 a2 5. Kg8 {!} (5. Ke7 {? , then after %05Had White played} a1=Q 6. f7 Qe5+ 7. Kf8 Kg5 $19 {Black would have won.}) 5... a1=Q 6. f7 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/8/8/k7/7K/3P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kg4 {%05Here the play is more complicated, since it involves pawn advances:} b5 (1... Kb3 {, then %05There is nothing better. If} 2. Kf5 Kc4 3. Ke5 Kd3 ( 3... b5 4. d4 {, and the queens appear simultaneously}) 4. Kd5 {with a draw.}) 2. d4 b4 3. d5 {!} Kb5 4. d6 {!} Kc6 5. Kf5 b3 6. Ke6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leick"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/8/8/4k3/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {The composer analyzed this position for the most varied positions of the white king. He established that, wherever his king stands, White cannot win, but he loses only if his king is on one of the following 6 squares: a8, b8, c8, g3, h1 or h8.} 1. g4 {%05In all other cases the game ends in a draw. E.g., with the king at h2:} Kf4 2. g5 {! (the standard pawn sacrifice)} Kxg5 3. Kg3 { =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/8/1p6/8/8/4k3/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. g4 {%05And with king at d8 the draw is achieved by "chasing two birds":} Kf4 2. Ke7 b5 3. Kf6 {!} Kxg4 4. Ke5 {= , and the king enters the "square" of the pawn. A study with similar king manoeuvres, combined with a pawn sacrifice, was earlier created by the Dutch study composer Feijter.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Feijter"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/p7/1k6/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. Kb7 a5 2. Kc7 Kc5 3. Kd7 Kd5 4. Ke7 Ke4 {(White's resources appear to be exhausted, but...)} 5. Ke6 {!} Kxf4 6. Kd5 {Draw. This idea of a deceptive king move was first employed in practice by Emanuel Lasker in a game against Tarrasch (St. Petersburg, 1914). It was first expressed in a study in 1930 by Grigoriev.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/7p/3k4/P7/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {Among the numerous studies on this theme with the given balance of forces the following is perhaps the most successful.} 1. Kc8 Kc6 2. Kb8 Kb5 3. Kb7 {!} Kxa5 4. Kc6 {= , and the king has entered the "square" of the pawn.} * [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6K1/8/ppp2k2/8/1P6/1P5P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ329 %212045826630=4HLJ335} 1. h4 {! %05The continuation was} Kg4 2. Kg6 {!} Kxh4 3. Kf5 {= , and it was now Black who had to fight for a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5kP1/4p2P/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {~15. TWO PAWNS AGAINST ONE~ Practice has shown that, the more pawns there are on the board, the greater the importance of one side being a pawn up. Therefore with two pawns against one the material advantage must be considered minimal. As a rule, it is nevertheless sufficient for a win, although there are numerous exceptions. The most favourable positions for the stronger side are those where his pawns stand at some greater or lesser distance from the enemy pawn, and his king is in front of the pawns. Therefore one should as far as possible avoid the premature advance of the pawns, and in particular their maximum convergence (blocking). As the basis for arranging the material we have taken the pawn structure in combination with the presence or absence of a passed pawn for the stronger side. It has therefore been divided into the following three main groups: 5.1 Connected pawns. 5.2 Isolated pawns. 5.3 Doubled pawns. In each of these groups the task is to differentiate between those cases where the possibility of a draw is caused by the position itself, and those where a draw is gained (or eliminated) by the employment of certain methods. ~15.1 CONNECTED PAWNS~ ~15.11 All pawns passed~ If all the pawns are passed, the question is whether or not the stronger side's king can stop the enemy passed pawn. If it can, play reduces to a straightforward ending of king and two connected pawns against king. But if the pawn cannot be stopped, the material advantage of course loses its significance, and everything depends on who is the first to obtain a queen. The following examples illustrate both the normal course of play, and also certain exceptions, caused in the main by the proximity of the edge of the board.} 1... Ke5 {%05Black is faced with an impossible task - that of restraining the enemy pawns and defending his own. If it is Black to play, he loses immediately:} 2. g6 Kf6 3. h5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5kP1/4p2P/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kf2 {%05If White begins, he must give his opponent the move. He achieves this by a familiar procedure - "triangulation":} Kg6 2. Ke2 (2. Kg2 { %05However,} Kf5 3. Kg3 {is also possible.}) 2... Kf5 3. Ke3 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/5KPP/8/8/4p3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1... e2 {%05Here White carries out a mating attack. For example, with Black to move:} 2. h7+ Kh8 3. Kf7 e1=Q 4. g7+ Kxh7 5. g8=Q+ Kh6 6. Qg6# {mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/5KPP/8/8/4p3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. g7 {%05If White begins, he can also give mate in a different way:} e2 2. Kg6 e1=Q 3. h7# {mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/5KPP/8/8/1p6/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1... b2 {%05Had the black pawn been at b3, with Black to move White would have been unable to win:} 2. h7+ Kh8 3. Kf7 b1=Q 4. g7+ Kxh7 5. g8=Q+ Kh6 {, and there is no mate, since g6 is controlled by the queen. =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p4K/8/7k/8/8/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {Now we consider a case where, due to the unfortunate position of his king, it is the stronger side that has to aim for a draw. The procedure used here is that of sacrificing a pawn with the aim of entering the "square" of the opponent's passed pawn.} 1. g4+ {!} Kxg4 (1... Kg5 {%05Declining the pawn sacrifice does not help:} 2. Kg7 {!} (2. h4+ {? %05but not} Kxh4 3. Kg6 Kxg4 4. Kf6 Kf4 $19 {and wins}) 2... c5 3. h4+ {! and now either} Kxh4 (3... Kxg4 { %05or} 4. Kg6 Kxh4 5. Kf5 {with a draw.}) 4. Kf6 c4 5. g5 {=}) 2. Kg6 c5 { (otherwise 3. Kf6)} 3. h4 {! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/1p6/8/8/3Pk3/4P3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. Ke7 {(threatening 2. Ke6)} Kd5 2. Kd7 {!} b5 3. e4+ Kxd4 (3... Kxe4 4. Kc6 b4 5. d5) 4. Kd6 Kxe4 5. Kc5 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/pP6/P7/2K5/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] {If only one of the two connected pawns is passed, two types of pawn formation are possible: (a) an immobile formation, where the weaker side's pawn is blocked; (b) a mobile formation, where all the pawns retain the possibility of moving. ~15.12 One passed pawn, pawns blocked~ In this group of endings the stronger side has a protected passed pawn, restricting the mobility of the enemy king, as a result of which a positional advantage is added to the material one. Nevertheless, here too draw positions are possible, in particular with pawns at the side of the board. We will first consider the pawn formation where the protected passed pawn is closer to the centre, and the immobile pawn supporting it is closer to the side of the board. In these positions the stronger side's king supports the passed pawn, which normally ensures an easy win. Exceptions occur mainly with wing pawns which are too far advanced, or, on the contrary, with pawns which are therefore the most important practical positions with wing pawns, remembering that the features caused by the proximity of the pawns to the side of the board will disappear as the pawns approach the central files.} 1... Kc5 {%05White wins by occupying c5 with his king. Black can create only a temporary hindrance.} 2. Kd3 Kd5 3. Ke3 Ke5 4. Kf3 Kd5 {(the king must of course remain within the "square" of the b5 pawn)} 5. Kf4 Kd6 6. Ke4 Ke6 7. Kd4 Kd6 8. Kc4 Kc7 9. Kd5 {!} (9. Kc5 { , in view of %05Not immediately} Kb7 10. b6 {?} Ka6 {with a draw. The c5 square must be occupied when black king is at b7. Of course, in an analogous position moved to the right there will be no stalemate, and the necessity for such manoeuvring will not arise.}) 9... Kb6 (9... Kd7 10. b6 Kc8 11. Kc6 $18) 10. Kd6 Kb7 11. Kc5 Kc7 12. b6+ Kb7 13. Kb5 $18 {, and White wins. From the finish it will be apparent that a win is not possible in the position moved one rank up the board, since the concluding moves lead to stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4K1k1/6Pp/7P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {The king manoeuvring in such situations may also prove to be rather more complicated.} 1. Kd6 {!} Kf7 2. Kd7 Kf8 (2... Kg7 3. Ke7 Kg6 4. Ke6) 3. Ke6 Kg7 4. Kf5 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/1p6/8/P3k3/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {The stalemate shown in the note to White's 9th move in example ~3( 146)~ can be achieved by force in certain positions.} 1. a5 {!} b5 2. a6 Kd5 3. Kb4 Kc6 4. Ka5 Kc5 {Stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/1pP5/1P6/3K4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kd5 {%05White wins easily by sacrificing his passed pawn at the appropriate moment, and penetrating into the critical zone of the black pawn:} Kc8 2. Kd6 ( 2. Ke6 Kc7 3. Ke7 Kc8 4. c7 $18) 2... Kd8 3. c7+ Kc8 4. Ke6 Kxc7 5. Ke7 $18 { %04etc. If the position is moved a further file to the right, another solution becomes possible: White transfers his king to a5, and in reply to ... Kb7 continues d6-d7. With a protected passed pawn on the 6th rank, such a sacrifice is a typical procedure.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/1pP5/1P6/3K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {An obvious draw results in positions of type ~3( 149)~ , moved as far up the board as possible. But if this position is moved one file to the right, it will no longer be a draw, since the white king acquires the possibility of a by-pass to the left.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2k5/1pP5/1P6/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {In the position in question is moved as afar down the board as possible, White to play can no longer win, since if his king moves away Black has time to win the rear pawn and to queen his own. But if this position is moved one file to the right, White acquires the additional possibility of a by-pass to the left and can win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3k4/2pP4/2P5/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Ke3 {%05For example:} 2. Kd1 {, and if} Kd4 (2... Kf3 {%05or} 3. Kc1 $18 { etc. ~3($4016)~}) 3. Ke2 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k4/2pP4/2P5/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {Some peculiar features are displayed by the following position - with the same pawn formation, but moved one rank up the board.} 1. Kc1 {leads to a win. Indeed, in this case White remains at the same distance from the d2 and a3 squares, whereas Black is forced to move away from one of the corresponding squares - e4 or b5. E.g., %05Euwe (1940) showed that} (1. Kd2 Ke4 2. Ke2 Kf4 3. Kf2 Ke4 4. Kg3 Kd3 5. d5 Kxc3 6. d6 Kb2 7. d7 c3 8. d8=R c2 {= with a draw (Black has a bishop's pawn, and the white king is far away).}) (1. Kd1 { is also possible, e.g. %05 Cheron (1952) repeated Euwe's indication, and other authors declared 1. Kc1 to be the only move to win.^013^010 But in fact any move by the white king wins. 1. Kc1! is simplest, but} Ke4 2. Kd2 Kd5 (2... Kf4 {%05or} 3. Kc2 $18) 3. Ke3 $18) 1... Ke4 {(otherwise 2. Kd2 and 3. Ke3)} 2. Kb2 $40 {%04etc. That which has been stated in examples ~3( 146) - ( 152)~ shows that, the further the pawns are from the side of the board, the fewer the drawing chances for the weaker side; and for central pawns (on the d- and e-files) there are altogether none.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/8/8/Pp6/1P6/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {If the protected passed pawn is closer to the side of the board, and the immobile pawn is closer to the centre, the stronger side's king can no longer give its passed pawn direct support, and the manoeuvring of the kings takes on a quite different character. The essence of this manoeuvring is disclosed in the following examples. The manoeuvrability of the black king is restricted by the a4 pawn: it must remain within its "square", and at the same time defend the critical squares of the b4 pawn. The squares along the lines c4-e4 and e4-e8 are the boundary of Black's critical zone, the main line of his defence. %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/2XAXAXA3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf3 { and 2. Ke4, occupying one of the critical squares. %05 For the play in such positions, old books give the following recipe: "Assume the opposition and then retain it on each move". But in the given position this rule does not work. If it is White to move, assuming the opposition (1. Kg3) does in fact win, but it is much simpler to play %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 2XAXAXA3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/8/8/Pp6/1P6/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/2XAXAXA3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kd6 { %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! (rejecting the opposition!) gives a draw. vivid example of how ruinous a mechanical use^013^010 of the opposition can be!^013^010 Black merely has to defend the invasion squares, and if it is him to move he is perfectly^013^010 capable of doing this. ^013^010 In 1922 Grigoriev showed that, as long as the white king is moving along the 2nd rank, it^013^010 is sufficient for Black to move his king between d6 and e6, but as soon as the white king^013^010 steps onto the 3rd rank a precise choice of corresponding square becomes essential.^013^010 To Ke3 or Kg3 Black must answer ... Ke5!, while to Kd3, Kf3 orKh3 his only reply is^013^010 ... Kd5! Therefore Black must aim to occupy d6 or e6 as soon as possible, regardless^013^010 of opposition considerations.^013^010 Now it becomes clear why, if it is Black to move, he must play 1... Kd6! The white king^013^010 is ready to step onto the 3r rank, so that Black's relies must be extremely precise. E.g. %05The situation is even more striking with Black to move:} (1... Kc6 {? (taking the opposition) loses. %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg3 {! %05After the incorrect 1... Kc6? White continues so as to prevent Black from taking the close opposition: %15N #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2. Kf3 {? %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2... Kc5 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2... Kd6 { , then %05if %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf4 {! %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf5 {invading the critical zone %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303IXA03D04D03D/302IXA02D01D02D/2XA03IXA03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 3. Kg4 {! exploiting the fact that c4 is inaccessible to Black %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (3. Kf4 {? is met by %05But now %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {= %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 3... Kc6 { %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf4 {! %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03IXA03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf5 $18 {and wins. White has gained the opposition on one of the main ranks (here there are three: 5th, 6th and 7th). %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03IXA03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2. Kg3 {%15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2. Kh3 {%05If after %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {! White moves his king up the h-file, Black should keep his king on the d-file, retaining the possibility of taking the close opposition. E.g. %15N #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kh4 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {! %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kg4 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {! %15 N #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kh5 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {! %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kh6 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {! %15 N #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kg6 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {!= %04etc. %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2... Ke5 {! %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf3 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03IXA03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {! %15 N #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03IXA03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf4 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03IXA03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {! %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03IXA03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf5 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03IXA03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {! The fact that, at the main line of defence, the corresponding squares fully coincide here with the concept of opposition is merely a feature of the given position. %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03IXA03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (5... Kc3 {? %05of course, not} 6. a5 $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/Pp2k3/1P6/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {We now give four examples by Dedrle (1925) with the same pawn formation, but with the same different king positions, illustrating the possibility or otherwise of taking the opposition on the main ranks: %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I16/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/503D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kd4 {! %05Draw, whoever it is to move: %15 N #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/503D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf2 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {! %04etc. %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k3/Pp6/1P4K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {White wins only if it is Black to move. %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/8/Pp4K1/1P6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {White wins whoever it is to move (in this example the critical square is e4). %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k3K1/8/Pp6/1P6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/201I02I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg5 {%05White wins whoever it is to move: %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/ 201I02I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg4 {! The close opposition (Kg6-Ke6) would assure Black of a draw, but the distant opposition loses due to the presence of the "crucial" c4 square. ^013^010 %15 N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/302I01I02D01D02D/2XA03I04I03D04D03D/ 302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/Pp6/1P6/8/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/2XAXAXA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kd5 {%05If the protected passed pawn has reached the 5th rank, i.e. it has crossed the middle of the board, one o the critical squares of the enemy pawn (in this case e5) ends up outside the "square" within which Black must keep his king, and this immediately shows that his position is indefensible, wherever his king stands and whoever it is to move. E.g. %15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/2XAXAXA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg2 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/2XAXAXA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 { %15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/2XAXAXA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf3 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/2XAXAXA3/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/2XAXAXA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke3 $18 {%15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/2XAXAXA3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) , and wins. In positions ~3( 154) - ( 160)~ it is easily established that neither the character of the play nor the result changes, if they are moved one file to the right. In positions ~3 ( 154) - ( 159)~ where the protected passed pawn has not reached the 5th rank, the result, as we have seen, depends on the placing of the kings. If an invasion of the critical zone is not possible, a draw is inevitable.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2k5/Pp6/1P6/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Kd2 {%05After} Kd4 2. Ke2 Ke4 3. Kf2 {Black continue either} Kf4 {=} (3... Kd3 {followed by capturing on b2. %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2k5/Pp6/1P6/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1C1C1C13/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I03D04D03D/201I02I01I02D01D02D/ 2XA03I04I03D04D03D/302D01D02D01D02D/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Here the pawns stand one rank further up, and the latter possibility no longer works (Black defends as in example ~3( 1540)~ . The attack on the pawn also does not work when the position is moved one file to the right.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k4/1Pp5/2P5/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {If the kings are replaced at g3 and e5 respectively, Black does not lose even if it is him to move.} 1... Ke4 2. Ke2 Kf4 3. Kf2 Ke4 4. Kg3 Ke5 {!= gives a draw %05only} (4... Kd3 {?} 5. b5 Kxc3 6. b6 Kd2 7. b7 c3 8. b8=Q c2 9. Qb2 Kd1 10. Kf2 {, and if} c1=Q {%04then} 11. Qe2# {mate. This finish proved possible, because the white king was sufficiently close.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k3/1Pp5/2P3K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1... Ke4 {! %05Exploiting the fact that he has a bishop's pawn, black can play} 2. Kg4 Ke5 {!} 3. Kg5 Ke4 {!} 4. Kf6 Kd3 {! , with a draw since the white king has moved away from f3.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1k1p4/1P6/2P5/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {~15.13 One passed pawn, pawns mobile~ In this group of endings the stronger side has a passed pawn, but the pawns are not blocked. This mobile structure, in which all the pawns retain the possibility of advancing, possesses certain features which were discovered by Grigoriev.} 1. Kd2 {and 2. Kd3 etc. %05White to move wins simply by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1k1p4/1P6/2P5/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Kc3 {! %05But if it is Black to move he can draw by} (1... d3 {? fails to %05The attempt to undermine the pawn chain immediately %05by} 2. c4 $18 {!}) 2. Kd1 (2. Kb1 {%05or} d3 3. cxd3 Kxb3 {=}) 2... d3 3. cxd3 Kxd3 {! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1k1p4/1P6/2P5/2K5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... d4 {%04Now %05 But if the position is moved one rank up the board, the c-pawn no longer has the right to advance two squares, and along with 1... Kc4 Black can play} 2. cxd4 {is met by} Kc4 {! , when White is in zugzwang; ^013^010 But if in this position it were Black to move, he who would be in zugzwang, and he would lose after 3... Kd4 (3... Kb4 4. Kd3!) 4. Kb3! Kd5 5. Ka4$18 etc.} 3. Kd2 (3. Kb2 {%05or} Kxb4 {! =}) 3... Kxd4 {! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/4p3/5p2/5K2/8/8/3P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] 1. Ke6 {! %05From the notes to example ~3($40167)~ it is clear that %05after} Ke8 {White must advance his d-pawn in such a way as to be able to play d6-d5 only when the black king is at d8 or f8 (but not at e8). Therefore:} 2. d3 {!} Kd8 3. d4 Ke8 4. d5 Kd8 5. d6 exd6 6. Kxd6 {= Draw. Such calculations of advances by a pawn (or pawns) are typical, and to facilitate them it is useful to be guided by the following idea. ~2If the black king is at e8, it will end up at d8 or f8 in an odd number of moves, therefore the white pawn should complete its path to d6 in an even number. But if Black had started, then before the advance of the pawn his king would have already been at d8 or f8, and would have ended up on these squares within an even number of moves, and therefore White would have had to play 1. d4, in order to reach d6 in an odd number. ~ This is a general rule, also providing for cases where White has to advance two pawns. But in the given example, where only one has to be moved, the calculation is simpler: if it is White to move, the black king is not yet on the necessary square of the same colour as that occupied at the given moment by the enemy king. Having explained the basic idea of these endings, it will be easy to understand the manoeuvres of the two sides in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p4/1k6/1P6/K1P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] 1. Ka1 {!} (1. Kb2 {? %05An unusual way to win, but both} d4 2. Kc1 Kc3 {=}) ( 1. Kb1 {%05and ?} Kc3 {!} 2. Kc1 (2. Ka2 Kxc2) 2... d4 {lead only to a draw.}) 1... Kc3 (1... d4 2. Kb2) 2. Kb1 Kb4 (2... d4 3. Kc1) 3. Kc1 Kc3 4. Kd1 d4 5. Kc1 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/8/1k6/1P6/2P5/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] 1... Kc4 {roughly the same situation is reached as in the previous example after White's 4th move, but the advance of the d-pawn by one or two squares has to be reckoned with. %05Here after} 2. Kd1 (2. Kc1 {%05or}) (2. Kc2 { %05but not ?} d5 {! - draw}) 2... Kb5 3. Kc2 {!} Kc4 {(the king must not be allowed in at d3)} 4. Kd2 {(using "triangulation", White gains a tempo, by giving his opponent the move)} d6 (4... d5 {White wins immediately by %05on} 5. Kc2 {, whereas now he has to gain a second tempo)}) 5. Kd1 Kb5 6. Kc2 Kc4 7. Kd2 d5 8. Kc2 $18 {, and White wins. The concluding zugzwang position may lose its obligatories (even if only partially) if there are other pawns on the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p2p4/P3kP2/4P3/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {(from a correspondence game)} 1. Ke1 $18 {(the only move) and the threat of .. . d4 is parried. !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k2p2/8/3P4/4P3/8/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {As an addendum to example ~3( 170)~, it remains to consider the case where the white pawns are one rank further up the board.} 1. Ke2 Kd6 2. Kf3 Ke5 3. Kg4 {!} f6 4. Kh5 {!} f5 5. d6 Kxd6 6. exf5 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6k1/8/5P2/6P1/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Kd2 {!} (1. g4 {? %05not} h5) 1... Kf5 2. Ke3 (2. Ke2 {? in view of %05Not} Ke4 {and 3... h5}) (2. Kd3 {? %05or} h5 3. Ke3 Kg4 4. Ke4 Kxg3) 2... h6 (2... h5 {%05Black loses immediately after} 3. Kf3) (2... Kg4 {%05or} 3. Ke4 $18) 3. Kf2 {!} (3. Kf3 {is not possible due to %05but now} h5 {=}) 3... Kg4 {But how is White to play now? The situation is quite^013^010 different from that in examples ~3 ($41168)~ and^013^010 ~3($41169)~ obviously doesn't work to obtain the position with the white king at g2 and black pawn at h5, even with Black to move, since he can play ... h4, exploiting the fact that after gxh4 the pawn becomes a rook's pawn and ...Kxf4 is possible. It is evident that White must play^013^010 to realize his f-pawn, especially since his king is^013^010 manoeuvring on the other side of the passed pawn.^013^010 He can only play} ( 3... Ke4 {, then %05If} 4. Kg2 h5 5. Kh3 Kf5 6. Kh4 Kg6 7. f5+ $18 {, and for the f-pawn White obtains the h-pawn, at the same time controlling the critical squares of the g3 pawn.}) 4. Ke2 {!} (4. Ke3 {%05Since after} h5 {White is in zugzwang}) 4... h5 (4... Kf5 {%05or} 5. Ke3 Kg4 6. Ke4 $18 {Now it is Black who ends up in zugzwang.}) 5. Ke3 {!} Kxg3 {, and after} 6. f5 h4 7. f6 h3 8. f7 h2 9. f8=Q h1=Q $18 {White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leick"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/8/3k4/1K1P4/4P3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {With the pawns on the central files, the win involves fewer subtleties.} 1. Kc3 f6 (1... Ke4 {?} 2. Kc4) 2. Kd2 (2. Kc2 {is also possible %05in contrast to example ~3($40170)~, here}) 2... Ke4 3. Ke1 (3. Kd1 {is also possible}) 3... Kd5 4. Ke2 Ke4 5. Kf2 f5 6. Ke2 $18 {, and wins} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herberg"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/8/7k/7P/8/5KP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Although the idea of giving up the passed pawn for the enemy pawn has already been shown in position ~3( 173)~ (the note to Black's 3rd move), for greater clarity we will give some separate examples.} 1. Kg3 {!} (1. g3 {in view of %05not} Kg4 {and ... f5-f4}) 1... f5 (1... f6 {, then %05if} 2. Kh3 f5 3. g3) 2. Kf3 {!} Kxh4 3. Kf4 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herberg"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/8/5k2/5P2/8/3KP3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. e3 {, e.g. %05 Originally the composer had the position moved 2 files to the left. It is clear that in this case, apart from 1. Ke3, White also wins by} Ke4 2. Ke1 (2. Kd1 {%05or}) 2... Kf5 3. Ke2 Ke4 4. Kd2 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2p5/2k5/P3K3/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. a4 Kb4 2. Kd3 Ka5 {!} 3. Kc3 {!} Kxa4 4. Kc4 Ka5 5. Kxc5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1k4/1P6/2PK4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {Up till now we have been examining positions with two connected pawns against one, with the stronger side having a passed pawn. We will now cover cases where there is no passed pawn. Here two types of pawn. Here two types of pawn formation are again possible: (a) an immobile structure with a pair of blocked pawns; (b) a mobile structure. ~15.14 No passed pawn, pawns blocked~ Endings with blocked pawns and no passed pawn are of course less favourable for the stronger side. He normally wins, irrespective of who it is to move, if one of the connected pawns has reached the 6th rank - in other words, if the enemy pawn is still on its initial square. In remaining cases the result is determined by the placing of the kings and on whose turn it is to move. In positions with wing pawns the manoeuvring is often of the same character as that in position of type ~3 ( 154)~. But if the pawns are situated between the c- and f-files, the character of the manoeuvring becomes different, in view of the appearance of invasion points on both wings. We will first consider positions where the stronger side's backward pawn is closer to the central files.} 1... Kc8 {%05The black pawn is still on its initial square, and White wins^013^010 %05irrespective of who it is to move. E.g.} (1... Ke7 {%05if} 2. c6 $18) 2. Ke6 {!} (2. c6 {? %05but not} Kb8 {!= - draw}) 2... Kd8 3. Kd6 Kc8 4. Ke7 Kb8 5. Kd7 Ka8 6. c6 {!} bxc6 7. Kc7 $18 {, and mate in 3 moves.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1k4/1P6/2PK4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Ke5 {%05If it is White to play, he uses "triangulation" to give his opponent the move:} (1. c6+ {? %05but not} Kc8 {!} 2. Kd6 Kb8 {!= with a draw.} ) 1... Kc6 2. Kd4 Kd7 3. Kd5 $18 {and wins} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p1k3/2P5/3PK3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {If the position is moved to the right, the result does not change: White wins, whoever it is to move.} 1. Kf5 {%05If it is White's move, apart from} (1. d6+ { ! also becomes possible %05the simpler}) 1... Kd6 2. Ke4 Ke7 3. Ke5 Kd8 4. Kf6 Ke8 5. Ke6 Kd8 6. Kf7 Kc8 7. Ke7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1k5/P7/1PK5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Kb8 {%05Rook's pawns cause the usual exceptions. After} (1... Kd7 {?} 2. b6 {!$18}) 2. Kd6 Ka8 {the draw is obvious. Let us move both positions one rank down the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1k4/1P6/2PK4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {The result is also unchanged if the position is moved to the right: White wins only if it is Black to move.} 1. Ke4 {%05If it is White to move, he cannot win:} Ke6 (1... Kc5 {? , which would allow White to use "triangulation"; here Black does not have to fear the 2. c5 break %05of course, not}) 2. Kf4 Kd6 {!} 3. Ke4 Ke6 4. Ke3 Ke7 {= with a draw.} (4... Kd7 {= %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1k4/1P6/2PK4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Ke6 {%05But if it is Black to move, he again loses:} (1... Ke7 {%05or} 2. Ke5 (2. c5 {is also possible}) 2... Kd7 3. Kd5 {(seizing the critical squares of the b6 pawn)}) (1... Kc7 {%05or} 2. Ke5 {!$18}) 2. c5 $18 {It is clear that the result will not change if the position is moved further down the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p1k5/P7/1PK5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Kd6 {it is pointless for White to play %05Here (or in positions moved further down the board) a draw is inevitable: on} 2. b5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p1k5/P7/1PK5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. Kd4 {can be met by %05While if it is his move} Kd6 (1... Kb5 {%05or even} 2. Kc3 Kc6 {, since the loss of the opposition is not dangerous for Black. =}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/p7/P7/1PK5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Kd8 {! %05If it is Black to move, to defend the critical squares b6, c6 and d6 he must play} 2. Kc5 (2. Kd5 {%05or} Kd7 {=}) 2... Kc7 {= But here it is important that in the position in question the kings have already taken up front-line positions. If this has not yet occurred, the result is determined by the position of the kings and their respective manoeuvring, as is shown by the following examples.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/2p5/2P5/3P4/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1... Kf7 {! %05 While manoeuvring in the rear, Black need not worry about the opposition: only, on Ke4 or Kf4 he must reply ... Ke6 or ... Kf6 respectively. The attempt to by-pass on the right is hopeless: on Kg4 Black replies ... Ke6 with the threat of ... Kd5. If he tries a by-pass on the left, White requires 4 moves to reach a5; it follows that, for the black king to reach b7 in time it can even be on the f-file. In this lies the whole idea of Black's defence.} (1... Kd7 {? in view of %05Not} 2. Kf4 {!} Ke8 {(there is nothing else)} 3. Ke4 {!} Kd8 (3... Kf8 {%05or} 4. d5 {and wins.}) 4. Kf5 $18) 2. Kf3 Ke7 {! , and the draw is obvious:} 3. Kg4 Ke6 {!} 4. Kf4 Kf6 {!} 5. Ke3 Kf7 (5... Ke7 { = %05or}) 6. Kd3 Ke7 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p1k2/8/2p5/2P3K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {! (in the given instance this defence only accidentally takes the form of opposition) %05Correct is} (1. Kf4 {? %05White cannot immediately bring his king into the front line:} d5 2. Kf3 (2. Kg4 d4) 2... Kf5 3. Ke3 Ke5) (1. Kg4 { ? %05or} d5 2. Kf4 Ke6 3. Kf3 Kf5 {and Black wins.}) (1. Kf3 {? is met by} Ke5) (1. Kg2 {? %04by %05and} Kf5 2. Kf3 d5 {, winning.}) 1... Ke6 2. Ke2 {(it is of crucial and practical importance that, apart from the composer's solution, 2. Ke3 is also possible)} Kf5 3. Ke3 Ke5 4. Kf3 Kd5 5. Kf4 (5. Ke3 {can also be played}) 5... Kc6 6. Ke4 Kc5 7. Ke3 d5 (7... Kb5 8. Kd4) 8. Kd2 Kb5 9. Kc2 Ka4 10. Kb2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3p4/3P4/4P3/5K2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {How can the change in result be explained here in comparison with position ~3 ( 187)~ ? Since the weaker side's pawn is a central one, on the Q-side Black has to defend a wider front: no longer 2, but 3 squares. With the white king at b5 it is now insufficient to reply ... Kc7 in view of Ka6; on Kb5 it is essential to play ... Kb7. Hence the black king cannot move onto the g-file, since from there to b7 it requires 5 moves, whereas to reach b5 the white king as before requires 4 moves.} 1... Ke7 {%05If it is Black to move, he loses:} ( 1... Kg7 {%05or} 2. Ke3 {!} Kf7 3. Kd3 {!} Ke7 (3... Kf6 {%04with %05so as to meet} 4. Kd4 Kg5 5. e5 $18) 4. Kc4 $18) 2. Kg4 {!$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3p4/3P4/4P3/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1. Kg3 {%05With White to move there is no win. Black is saved by maintaining the opposition (on the main f- and b-files);} Kg7 {!} 2. Kh3 Kf6 {!} 3. Kg3 Kg7 {!} (3... Kg5 {? , since after %05but not} 4. Kf3 {the f5 square is inaccessible to Black}) 4. Kf2 Kf6 5. Ke3 Ke7 6. Kd3 Kd7 7. Kd4 Kd8 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1k4/1P6/P2K4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {Let us now turn to positions in which the rear pawn is closer to the side of the board. This pawn structure is to a certain extent even less favourable for the stronger side. This is mainly explained by the fact that the king is not alongside its extra (rear) pawn, and therefore the advance of the latter (a breakthrough), which is sometimes possible, loses its effectiveness.} 1... Kc8 {%05The black king cannot be driven out of the corner:} 2. Kd6 Kb8 3. Kd7 Ka8 4. a6 Kb8 {! Draw. If the position is moved one or more ranks down the board, the result remains the same.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1k4/1P6/P2K4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Ke6 {!} 2. Ke4 Kd6 {! with a draw} 3. Z0 (3. Kf5 {%05After} Kc5 {it is now White who has to worry about forcing a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p2k3/1P6/3K4/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Kc4 {%05Even the existence of an extra tempo for White does not change the result:} Kd6 2. Kb4 {Now Black can play} Kd7 {, to answer} (2... Kc7 {%05but the immediate} 3. a4 Kb7 {is also possible, since after} 4. Kc4 Kc7 5. Kd5 Kd7 {Black defends the critical squares in time, and White's reserve tempo has already been used up.}) 3. a4 {%04with} Kc7 {= There is a different result, however, in the position moved one rank down the board. This is because the rear pawn, which is at a2, still retains the right to move two squares.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1848.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling Josef (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p2k3/1P6/3K4/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1848.??.??"] 1. Kc3 (1. Kc2 {! %05 The solution offered established, for methodological aims, the correspondence of the three main squares (the "front line"). Knowing this, one can shorten the solution by one move (by immediately using the "triangle"):} Kd6 (1... Kd4 2. Kb3) (1... Kd5 2. Kc3) 2. Kb2 {!} Kd5 3. Kc3 Kc6 4. Kb3 {%04etc.}) 1... Kd5 2. Kb3 Kc6 {Black's moves are forced: he cannot allow either the position Kd4/Kd6 because of^013^010 a2-a3, nor the position Kb3/Kd6 in view of a2-a4. The squares d3, c3 and b3 strictly^013^010 correspond to e5, d5 and c6.^013^010 In the resulting position White wins easily if he is able to give his opponent the move.^013^010 The usual method for this is "triangulation", which in the given instance means using the^013^010 rear squares b2 and c2. To maintain the balance, Black must use an analogous "triangle".^013^010 But it transpires that, in reply to 3. Kc2 or 3. Kb2, Black cannot use the rear squares^013^010 c7 and d7 because of Kc3 and Kd4, winning, while the triangle c6-c5-d6 is altogether^013^010 ruled out in view of the fact that c5 is inaccessible. It follows that the only triangle^013^010 remaining for Black is d6-d5-c6, but, in placing his king at d5 or c6, he allows the white^013^010 king to occupy the corresponding square c3 or b3, and thus is bound to lose.} 3. Kc2 {, and Black is helpless:} (3. Kb2 {%05or} Kd6 4. Kc2 Kc6 (4... Kd5 5. Kc3) 5. Kb3 {, and wins.}) 3... Kd6 (3... Kd5 4. Kc3 {, and if} Ke5 {, then} (4... Kd6 {%05or} 5. Kd4) (4... Kc6 { can be met by %05while} 5. Kd4 (5. Kb3 {%05or})) 5. Kb3 {and 6. a4}) 4. Kb2 Kc6 5. Kb3 Kb6 6. Kc3 Kc6 7. Kd4 Kd6 8. a3 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p1k3/2P5/1P2K3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {If position ~3( 191)~ is moved one or more files to the right, White wins irrespectively of who it is to move.} 1. Kd5 {! %05For example, with White to move:} (1. Kf5 {?} Kd6) 1... Kd8 2. Ke6 Ke8 3. b6 {and wins. But if this position is moved one or more ranks down the board (so that the black pawn is no longer on its initial square!), there is no win, irrespective of who it is to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p1k3/2P5/1P2K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {In the analogous position with blocked bishop's pawns, but with the pawn at d4 instead of b4, White won if it was Black to move, 1... Kf6 being decisively met by 2. d5. But here the 2. b5 break is ineffective: 2... cb 3. c6 Ke6, or 3. Kd5 b4. White also achieves nothing by 2. Kf4 Ke6 3. Ke4 Kf6 4. Kd4 Ke6 5. Kc4 (with the threat of 6. b5) 5... Kd7 etc.} 1. Kd4 {%05If it is White to move, he succeeds in driving the enemy king back one rank due to the %05fact that the d6 square is inaccessible to it, but the result is nevertheless a draw:} Kd7 {!} (1... Ke7 {?} 2. Ke5) (1... Kf7 {? %05or} 2. Kc4 Ke7 3. b5) 2. Ke5 Ke7 3. Kf5 Kf7 {=} 4. Z0 (4. Kg5 Ke6) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/2p5/2P5/8/8/1P6/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {If position ~3( 194)~ is moved one file to the right (after which blocked bishop's pawns result), neither the result nor the character of the play change. By slightly varying this position, Grigoriev enriched theory with an interesting and original idea.} 1. Ke2 {%05White has two tempi in reserve, but how is he to make %05use of them? At any rate, it is clear that a direct attack %05on the critical squares d6, e6 and f6 does not hold any %05promise: the black king will move between e6 and f6, %05and the play will revert to the previous position.^013^010 %05 White wins by a clever plan. Manoeuvring with the %05stated aim of seizing the centre, White transfers his king %05to a5, provoking the reply ... Kb7. After this he uses %05one of his tempi on b2-b3, forcing the diversion of the %05black king to a7. But this allows him to occupy e5, with %05the tempo needed for the win still in reserve. In carrying %05out this plan White has to overcome certain technical %05difficulties.} Kd7 (1... Kb7 2. Kd3 Ka6 {is unsatisfactory in view of} 3. b4 Kb5 4. Kc3 Ka6 5. Kc4 {!} Kb7 6. Kd4 {, winning.}) 2. Kd3 Ke7 {! A critical point.} 3. Kc3 {!} (3. Kc4 {, then %05If now} Ke6 {! , and White is in zugzwang:} 4. Kd4 (4. Kb4 Kd5) 4... Kf6 {!} 5. Kc3 Ke5 {!} 6. Kc4 Ke6 {! - draw. But there is another road open to White.}) 3... Ke6 (3... Kd7 {%05Or} 4. Kb4 {But now Black ends up in zugzwang. The whole point of these tactical manoeuvres lies in the decisive correspondence of the c4 and e6 squares.}) 4. Kc4 {!} Kd7 (4... Ke5 {is decisively met by} 5. b4 {and 6. b5.}) 5. Kb4 {%05Now the rest is simple:} Kc7 6. Ka5 Kb7 7. b3 {!} Ka7 8. Kb4 Kb7 (8... Ka6 {%05or} 9. Kc3 {, and if} Kb5 ( 9... Ka5 {%05or} 10. Kc4 Ka6 11. b4) 10. b4) 9. Kc4 Kc7 10. Kd4 Kd7 11. Ke5 Ke7 12. b4 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p1k2/3P4/2P2K2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {If one of the connected pawns is a central one, then in positions of type ~3( 195) ~ a win can always be achieved, irrespective of who it is to move. But if such a position is moved down the board, the stronger side wins only if it is the opponent to move.} 1... Kg6 {the black king is too far from a7 (6 moves), and White reaches a5 more quickly (5 moves). %05After} (1... Ke7 {%05or} 2. Kg5 Kf7 3. Kf5) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3p4/3P4/2P5/8/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] 1. Kg2 {! %05This position is a classic example on the theme of the by-pass. White has to obtain the previous position with Black to move:} (1. Kg1 { is also possible}) (1. Ke2 {would have been an irreparable mistake. By replying %05It should be mentioned that the routine taking of the opposition - ?} Ke8 {! Black gains a draw.}) (1. Ke1 {?} Ke8 {!}) 1... Kf6 {If Black passively keeps his king at e7 and e8, the white king goes to g5.} (1... Kf7 { there would have followed %05On} 2. Kf3 {!}) 2. Kf2 {!} Ke7 (2... Ke5 {he decides matters by taking his king to the Q-side: %05Now White chooses his move, depending on where the black king goes to. For example, on} 3. Ke3 {!} Kf6 4. Kd4 Ke7 5. Kc3 Kd7 6. Kb4 Kc7 7. Ka5 Kb7 8. Kb5 $18 {, and White wins.}) 3. Kg3 {!} Kf7 4. Kf3 {!} (4. Kf4 Kf8 {!}) 4... Ke7 5. Kg4 {!} Kf6 6. Kf4 $18 { , and White has achieved his aim.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3p4/3P4/2P5/8/8/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] 1... Kf7 {! , e.g. %05If it is Black to move, he maintains the balance after} 2. Kg2 Kg6 3. Kh3 Kf7 (3... Kh7 {%05of course, not} 4. c5 $18) 4. Kg4 Kg6 5. Kf4 Kf6 6. Ke4 Ke7 7. Ke3 Ke8 {!} 8. Kd4 Kd7 9. Kc3 Kc7 10. Kb4 Kb6 11. Ka4 Ka6 {Draw. We will now turn to an examination of mobile pawn structures with no passed pawn, i.e. cases where the pawns are not blocked.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/4p3/8/3PP3/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {~15.15 No passed pawn, pawns mobile~ If there is a direct convergence of the pawns, these can transpose into positions with blocked pawns. A basic feature of this pawn structure is that one of the connected pawns has opposite it an enemy pawn on the same file, while the other, having no direct barrier, has a greater ability to advance. It is clear that, if the stronger side's king is on the side of the more mobile pawn, this increases the pawn's significance, and this is more favourable than having the king on the opposite side. Also of considerable significance is the fact that the stronger side has a reserve tempo when transposing into a blocked position. Earlier we first examined positions with wing pawns, and then with central pawns. Here it will be expedient to do things in reverse order, since central positions are comparatively simple, while the flank positions, which are more important in practice, are not only more complicated, but also reveal a greater number of special features. If the weaker side's pawn is on one of the central files (d- or e-), the game can be saved only in exceptional cases, e.g. when the king is so far away that it is unable to give the connected pawns the necessary support. The stronger side normally wins.} 1. Kd3 {(supporting the more mobile pawn!) %05The simplest is} (1. Kf4 {%05But he also wins by} Kf6 2. Kg4 (2. e5+ {?} Kf7 {! - Draw}) 2... Kg7 (2... Kg6 {? White has the decisive %05on} 3. e5 { , since after} Kh6 {Black is too late to defend his Q-side}) 3. Kg5 Kf7 4. Kh6 Kf6 5. e5+ $18) 1... Kd6 2. Kc4 Kc6 3. e5 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/4p3/8/3PP3/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Kf6 {%05If Black begins and plays} 2. Kf3 $18 {is correct} (2. Kd3 {%05or} ) (2. Kf4 {? because of %05White must not play} e5+ 3. dxe5+ Ke6 {= with a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/4p3/8/3PP3/4K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Kf5 {%05It is clear that White also wins if the position is moved up or down the board. With the black pawn at e7 (white pawns at d5 and e5) after} Kf7 {he also wins by} 2. e6+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4p3/4k3/8/4K3/8/3PP3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {The stronger side should not, without necessity, bring the pawns so close together that he has only one tempo in reserve. It is easier to win if the tempi are preserved.} 1. e3 {%05White's immediate task is to occupy e6 with his king:} Kd6 2. Kf5 Kd5 3. d3 Kd6 4. e4 Kd7 5. Ke5 Kd8 6. Ke6 Ke8 {(now the king must go to d7 or f7)} 7. e5 (7. d4 {%05or}) 7... Kf8 8. Kd7 Kf7 {(it only remains to win the e7 pawn)} 9. d4 Kf8 10. Ke6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/8/3pp3/8/3P1K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {In certain positions the manoeuvring of the kings is more complicated.} 1. Kg3 Kf6 2. Kf4 e3 {!} 3. Kf3 {%05Correct is} (3. dxe3 {? loses to %05Now} d3 4. Kf3 Ke5 {!} 5. Kf2 (5. e4 {%05or} Kd4 6. e5 Kc3 {! , winning}) 5... Ke4 6. Kf1 Kf3 {!} 7. Ke1 Kxe3 $19) 3... Ke5 4. Ke2 {! - Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leick"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4p3/8/8/3kP3/3P4/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Kc2 {!} (1. Ke2 {?} Kc3 2. Ke3 e5 {!}) 1... Kc5 2. Kd1 {!} (2. Kc1 {, since after %05not ?} e5 {Black has the opposition on the main file, e.g.} 3. Kd1 Kd6 {!} 4. Kd2 Kd7 {!} 5. Kc3 {White has won back the rank, but not the opposition} Kc7 {! , with a draw}) (2. Kc3 {%05or ?}) 2... Kd4 (2... e5 3. Ke2 {!}) (2... Kb4 3. Kd2 {!} e5 4. Ke2 {!} Kc3 5. Ke3) 3. Kd2 e6 (3... Kc5 4. Ke3) 4. Kc2 Kc5 5. Kd1 Kd4 6. Kd2 Kc5 7. Ke3 e5 8. Ke2 Kd4 (8... Kd6 9. Kf3) (8... Kb4 9. Kf3 Kc3 10. Ke3 Kb4 11. d4 $18) 9. Kd2 Kc5 10. Kc3 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3pp3/8/8/2K5/8/4P3/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {The following position has a solution of typical "Grigoriev" difficulty.} 1. Kb3 {!} (1. e4 {in view of %05Nothing is given by the plausible} Ka2 {!} (1... Kb2 {?} 2. e5 {!} e6 3. Kb4 {with a draw}) 2. e5 e6 3. Kc3 {(the attempt to win the d-pawn is hopeless, since the black king occupies d5 in time)} Ka3 4. Kc4 Ka4 5. Kc5 Kb3 $19 {, and wins.}) (1. Kc5 {also fails to save the game after} Kb2 2. Kb6 Kc3 3. Kc7 e5 (3... d5 {%05or})) (1. Kc3 {? does not work, since it leaves Black the reply %05The only defensive possibility lies in exploiting the poor position of the black king. To this end} Ka2) 1... e6 (1... Kb1 {, then %05If} 2. e4 Kc1 (2... e6 {%05after} 3. e5 {the king cannot move off the 1st rank}) 3. Kc3 Kd1 4. Kd3 Ke1 5. e5 {!} (5. Ke3 {?} e5 {!}) 5... Kf2 (5... e6 {%05or} 6. Ke3) 6. e6 d6 7. Ke4 Kg3 8. Kf5 {with a draw..}) 2. e4 {!} d6 (2... Kb1 {%04or} 3. e5 {- draw}) 3. e5 {! This forces the draw. After} d5 4. Ka3 {the black king remains shut in, and the advance of the d-pawn is not any use.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5p1k/8/4PP1K/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {If the weaker side has a bishop's pawn, a factor of considerable importance is whether or not one of he connected pawns is a central one, and also, in certain cases, on which side of the pawns is the king supporting them, and who it is to move.} 1. Kg4 {%05Due to the lack of space, a breakthrough by the king on the right is not possible. But as before White wins by} Kg6 2. Kf3 (2. f5+ {?} Kf7 {with a draw} (2... Kg7 {%05or})) 2... Kf7 3. Ke3 Ke7 4. Kd4 Kd6 5. f5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5p1k/8/4PP1K/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1... Kg6 {%05With Black to move:} 2. Kg3 {!} Kf7 3. Kf3 Ke7 4. Ke3 Kd7 5. Kd4 Kc6 (5... Kd6 6. f5) 6. Kc4 Kd6 7. Kb5 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5p1k/8/5PPK/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Here White does not have a central pawn, and therefore it is a draw irrespective of the turn to move. On reaching the position Kd4/Kd6 White can agree a draw after 1. f5 Kc6 or 1. Kc4 Kc6; he can win only if it is Black to move (1... Kc6 2. Ke4, or 1... Ke6 2. Kc5), but it is not possible to achieve such a situation. If the position is moved up the board, White wins, while if it is moved down the result is a draw. But if the kings are moved to the d-file, as before White wins only if it is his opponent to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p1k/8/4PP1K/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {If position ~3( 208)~ is moved up the board, the win becomes even simpler. But if it is moved one or two ranks down the board, Black acquires an amazing drawing possibility, but only if it is his move.} 1... Kg5 {! %05The secret of the defence is that Black must always be %05able to answer Kh4 with ... Kg6, Kg2 with ... Kf6, and %05Kg3 with ... Kf7. His king must be one file closer to the %05centre than White's. Why this is necessary will now %05become clear.} 2. Kg2 (2. Kg3 f4+ {=}) (2. Kh2 Kg6 {=}) 2... Kf6 {!} 3. Kg3 {, and we reach Dedrle's study (see the next example).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/5p2/8/4PPK1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {If it is White to move in this position, he wins by Kg3-f4 etc.} 1... Kf7 { ! (retaining the possibility of answering 2. Kh4 with 2... Kg6, and 2. Kg2 or 2. Kf4 with 2... Kf6)} 2. Kf2 Ke6 3. Ke2 Kd5 4. Kd3 (4. Kd2 Kd6 {!} (4... Kc6 { %05or !})) 4... Kc5 {!} 5. Kc3 (5. e4 Kd6 {!}) 5... Kd5 6. Kb4 f4 {!} 7. e4+ ( 7. exf4 {, then %05this the whole point; if} Ke6 {, and if the pawn is not captured, it is sufficiently close to^013^010 the queening square; this was not the case in example ~3($41208)~}) 7... Kd4 8. Kb3 Ke3 9. e5 Kxf3 10. e6 Kg2 11. e7 f3 12. e8=Q f2 {= Draw. If it is White to move in position ~3( 211)~ , he wins by Kg3-f2 etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5p1k/8/4PP1K/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1... Kg4 {!} 2. Kg1 f3 {! , and after} 3. e3 Kf5 4. Kf1 (4. Kh2 Kg4) (4. Kh1 Kg5) 4... Ke4 {we reach Grigoriev's study ~3($4116)~:} 5. Ke1 Kd3 6. Kd1 Kc3 7. Kc1 Kd3 {= Draw. White to move wins by 1. Kg2(g1) etc. If the kings are replaced at d2 and d4 respectively, Black is no longer saved by the turn to move: 1... Kc4 2. e4!, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1943.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5pk1/8/4PP2/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1943.??.??"] 1. Kh2 {!} Kf5 2. Kg2 {!} Kf6 3. Kf1 Ke5 4. Ke1 Kd4 5. Kd2 Kc4 6. e4 {!} Kd4 7. f3 Kc4 8. Ke2 Kd4 9. Kf2 Ke5 10. Kf1 $18 {, and White wins as in example ~3 ($40153).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1890.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4kp2/8/4KP2/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1890.??.??"] {The existence of reserve tempi naturally makes the win more probable, although sometimes there may there may be certain difficulties.} 1. Kd4 { %05With White to move the win is simple:} Kd6 (1... Kf5 {%05or} 2. Kd5 Kg4 3. Ke6 Kxg3 4. f5 $18) 2. g4 Ke6 (2... Kc6 3. Ke4 $18) 3. Kc5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4kp2/8/4KP2/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... f5+ {%05With Black to move he immediately forces a draw by} 2. Kd4 Kd6 { From this Berger drew the simple conclusion that if the pawn had been at g2, then 3. g3 would have been possible, and hence there would have been a win irrespective of the turn to move. But he did not show how in this case the win is achieved with White to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1890.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4kp2/8/4KP2/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1890.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {%05Fine (1941) suggested the following solution:} (1. f5+ {! %05But in initial position the win is achieved much more simply "a la Grigoriev" by} Kd6 2. Kf4 {! etc. ~3($40197)~.}) 1... Kf5 (1... Kd6 2. g4) 2. Ke3 Kg4 (2... Ke6 3. Ke4) 3. Ke4 Kh4 {!} (3... Kg3 {?} 4. Kf5) 4. Kf3 {!} (4. Kf5 {?} Kg3 {=}) 4... f5 (4... Kh5 5. g3 f5 6. Kf2 {!} Kg6 (6... Kg4 {%05or} 7. Kg2 Kh5 8. Kf3 Kg6 9. Ke3) 7. Ke3) 5. Kf2 {!} (5. g3+ {?} Kh3 6. Kf2 Kh2 {! =}) 5... Kg4 6. g3 Kh5 ( 6... Kh3 7. Kf3 Kh2 8. g4) 7. Kf3 {!} Kg6 8. Ke3 $18 {, and wins. This winning method retains its significance, if, or example, the position Ke3/Kf5 or Ke4/ Kg4 arises with Black to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leick"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5p2/7k/5P2/6PK/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] {This position arose in a game Ed. Lasker - Ward (1913), in which 1. g4 led to a win as a result of a mistake by the opponent, but the position is of course drawn ~3( 210).~ The opinion was expressed that there was nevertheless a win, but that it was achieved by 1. Kh2} 1. Kh2 {Black can immediately force a draw by %05Leick showed that after} (1. Kg2 {, but against accurate defence it too is ineffective: %05A stronger try is} Kg4 {!} (1... f5 {%05all other moves lose:} 2. Kf3) (1... Kg6 2. Kf2 Kf7 (2... Kf5 {%05or} 3. Kf3 Kg6 (3... Ke6 4. Kg4 $18) 4. Ke4 $18) 3. Ke3 {!} (3. Kf3 {?} f5 {=}) 3... Ke6 4. Kd4 Kd6 5. g4 Ke6 6. Kc5 $18) 2. Kh2 (2. Kf2 {, then %05if} Kh3 3. Kf3 f5 {=}) 2... Kf5 { ! the only move} (2... Kf3 3. Kh3 $18) (2... Kh5 3. Kg1 $18) 3. Kg1 (3. Kg2 Kg4 ) (3. Kh3 Kg6 4. Kg4 f5+ {=}) 3... Ke6 {! Again the only move, but now Black threatens 4... f5, and after 4. g4 the draw is also obvious.}) 1... f5 {=} ( 1... Kh6 {?} 2. Kg2 Kg6 3. Kf2 {etc., transposing to position ~3($40215)~.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1918.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/8/6Pk/5P2/8/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1918.??.??"] 1. g6 {! %05The pawns are doomed, but White sacrifices them, forcing a favourable shift of the critical squares:} fxg6 (1... Kxg6 {White succeeds in defending his f-pawn %05after}) 2. f5 gxf5 3. Kg1 {! - draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2p5/8/7K/1PP2k2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kg4 {! %05It is clear that the white king must avoid "imprisonment" and come into play.} (1. c3 {does not work in view of %05 White's pawns are under threat, and sooner or later he will have to play c2-c3, so as to parry the attack ... Kc2 with b2-b4. The reply ... c4 is not be feared, since after Kg4 the king reaches d4 in time. But even so the immediate} Kf3 {!} 2. Kh4 (2. Kh2 {? even loses after} c4) 2... Kf4 {with a draw.}) 1... Ke3 2. c3 {!} (2. Kf5 { ? But Black is already threatening %05Should White now continue} Kd2 {, on which there follows} 3. c3 Kc2 4. b4 {, and here a new defensive resource appears:} c4 {! , i.e. the threat of drawing thanks to a bishop's pawn^013^010 against a queen. To prevent this, the white king must be^013^010 sufficiently close (at f3 - ~3 ($41163)~). Therefore, for the^013^010 moment it cannot be moved off the 4th rank. The pawn^013^010 must nevertheless be advanced.}) 2... Ke4 {(an attempt to save the game in a different way)} 3. Kg5 Ke5 (3... Kd3 { , then of course %05If} 4. Kf4 {! The following king "walk' is to White's advantage: the danger to his pawns is reduced, and it only remains for him to attack the black pawn from the rear. To do this he must go round the enemy king (standing a knight's move away from it), and in this he is helped by the existence of reserve tempi (b2-b3 or c3-c4).^013^010 The subsequent play is now understandable, although in each variation a precise concrete calculation is involved.}) 4. Kg6 Ke6 5. Kg7 {!} (5. b3 {in view of %05It is early as yet for} Ke5 6. Kf7 c4 {!}) 5... Ke7 {%05Now there three possibilities:} (5... c4 6. Kg6 (6. Kf8 {?} Kf6 {- draw}) 6... Ke5 7. Kg5 Ke4 8. Kf6 {!} Kd3 9. Ke5 Kc2 10. Kd4 $18 {and wins.}) (5... Kf5 6. Kf8 {!! the only move} (6. Kf7 c4) (6. c4 Ke4) (6. Kg8 Kf6 {!}) 6... c4 (6... Ke6 {%05or} 7. c4) 7. Kf7 {!} Ke5 8. Ke7 $18 {, and White wins.}) 6. c4 {!} Ke6 7. Kf8 Ke5 (7... Kf6 8. b3) 8. Ke7 {!} Kd4 9. b3 Kc3 10. Kd6 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1p1/8/4KPP1/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {When the defender has a knight's pawn, it is also of great importance whether or not the opponent's "semi-passed" pawn is closer to the centre. This position is similar to example ~3 ( 178)~ , but, of course, it is even more favourable for White.} 1... Kd7 {, apart from the "normal" %05 After} 2. Kd5 $18 (2. f6 {%05he can even play} Ke8 3. fxg7 Kf7 4. g8=Q+ Kxg8 5. Kf6 $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4k1p1/8/4KPP1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Kd4 {White has the decisive %05 The result does not change if the position is moved any number of ranks down the board. There are no exceptions here, such as occurred when Black had a bishop's pawn. With the pawns at f2, g2 and g4, after} 2. f4 $18 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1p1/8/4K1PP/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Kd5 {, Black plays the identical %05An interesting position. It is of no importance who begins, since both on his own move, and in reply to} Kf7 {After} 2. Kd6 Kf8 3. Ke6 {the draw is attained by} Ke8 {!} (3... Kg8 {? %05But it would be wrong, in apparent analogy with %05example~3($41191)~, to hide the king in the corner %05before g5-g6 is played. E.g.} 4. Ke7 Kh7 (4... Kh8 { is no better:} 5. Kf7 Kh7 6. h6 {!} (6. g6+ $18 {%05or})) 5. Kf8 (5. Kf7 { %05Also possible is} Kh8 6. Kg6 {! %05but} (6. h6 {? %05and now not} Kh7 {! =}) 6... Kg8 7. h6 Kh8 8. hxg7+ {!} Kg8 9. Kh6 {, and wins.}) 5... Kh8 6. h6 $18 { , and White wins.}) 4. Kf5 Kf7 {! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pk/8/6PP/6K1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Kg8 {!= %05If White's king is replaced at g4 and Black's at h7, then Black to play can draw by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pk/8/6PP/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kf5 {%05But if it is the opponent to move he loses:} Kg8 (1... g6+ {does not force a draw, since there follows %05here} 2. Kf6 gxh5 3. Kf7 $18) 2. Kg6 Kh8 3. Kf7 {!} (3. h6 {?} Kg8 {! - draw}) 3... Kh7 4. h6 g6 5. Kf6 $18 {%04etc. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pospisil Dusan (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/4k1PP/8/6K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1. Kh4 {%05White cannot win:} (1. Kg4 {%05or} Ke6 2. g6 Kf6 {!} 3. Kf4 Ke7 4. Kg5 Kf8 5. h6 Kg8 {- draw. The point is that, after g5-g6, the squares g4/f5 and h4/f5 are mutually corresponding (in view of the threat of h5-h6).}) 1... Ke6 {!} (1... Kf5 {? %05not} 2. g6 Kf6 3. Kg4 {%04etc.}) 2. g6 Kf5 {! = Maintaining the opposition also saves Black in positions moved one or more ranks down the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k1p1/8/4K1PP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Kd4 {%05Due to the existence of a reserve tempo for White (g4-g5), the squares d5 and e5 are critical. (therefore analogous positions with the white king at d5 or e5 and the black king on the 7th rank are won.) Black must maintain the opposition on the e- and d-files:} (1. Kf4 {, then %05If} Kf6 { , guarding the g5 and e5 squares against invasion. But how should Black play in reply to} 2. Kf3 {The only move is} (2. Ke3 {%05When Black is threatened with the loss of the opposition, his king finds a shelter on the f-file. E.g.} Ke5 (2... Ke7 {%05or}) 3. Kf3 Kf6 {!}) 2... Kf7 {! %04Now} (2... Ke6 {? %05He cannot play} 3. Ke4) (2... Ke7 {? %05or} 3. Ke3 {! , when White has the opposition.}) 3. Kg3 {can be met by} Kf6 {, since} 4. Kf4 {achieves nothing due to} g5+) 1... Kd6 2. Kc4 Ke5 {Now this has been explained, it will be easy to understand the play in the following example. Incidentally, here a new defensive resource for the weaker side is revealed, when the white pawns are on the 3rd, and also the 2nd rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/8/6p1/8/6PP/8/1K6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1... Kc7 {In view of the threat of h3-h4, Black must step into the "square" of the h-pawn, i.e. it must move onto the c-file, but in any case the opposition remains with White. Salvation must be sought on the f-file!} 2. Kc1 (2. Kc2 { %05after} Kc6 {! the opposition passes to Black}) 2... Kd7 {!} 3. Kd1 Ke7 4. Ke1 (4. Kc2 {%05White still cannot begin a by-pass:} Ke6 {!} 5. Kc3 Ke5 6. Kd3 Kd5 {= - draw}) 4... Kf6 5. Kd2 {(Black seems to have reached an impasse: all king moves lose)} (5. Kf2 {%05Now} Kf5 {would lead to an obvious draw, so it is here that White begins a dangerous by-pass.}) 5... g4 {!! Here it is, the saving move! After} 6. h4 Ke6 {! Black attains position~3($41154)~ (the h-pawn has not^013^010 crossed the middle of the board!), and for a draw it is sufficient for his king to move between d6 and e6, as long as White's king remains on the 2nd rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/3k4/8/3K1PP1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Curiously, in the 1st edition of his Chess Fundamentals, Capablanca asserted (he cater corrected this) that 1. f5 also id not win in view of 1... g6 (he left the analysis of the variation to the reader).} 1. Ke4 {%05Capablanca gave the solution} (1. f5 {! that White wins more quickly. If %05But it is precisely by} g6 {, then} 2. fxg6 {%04By} Ke7 (2... Ke6 {%05or} 3. g5 {!} Ke7 4. Ke5 Ke8 5. Ke6 Kf8 6. Kf6 Kg8 7. g7 Kh7 8. g8=Q+ $18) 3. Ke5 {! , and White wins.} (3. g5 {? %05Black provokes his opponent into a premature advance %05of his rear pawn:} Kf8 4. Ke5 Kg7 5. Kf5 Kg8 6. Kf6 Kf8 {= Draw.} (6... Kh8 {%05or }))) (1. g5 {? in view of %05Here the only move not to win is} g6 {=}) 1... Ke6 2. f5+ Kf6 3. Kf4 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Novikov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7p/8/8/6p1/8/6P1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {In the following two examples the pawns are weakened by the lack of support from their own king.} 1. Kf2 Kg7 2. Kg3 h5 3. Kh4 Kg6 4. g3 {! and now} Kh6 { leads to stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/6p1/7p/8/8/6P1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {This position is of great theoretical significance.} 1. Kf2 Kh6 (1... Kg7 2. g4 h4 3. g5 {=}) (1... g5 2. g3 {=}) 2. Kg3 Kg5 3. Kh3 {!} Kf5 (3... Kf4 4. Kh4 Kf5 5. g3 {!} Kf6 6. g4 {= with a draw}) 4. Kh4 {!} Kf4 5. g4 {!} hxg4 { Stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1843.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Der Lasa Thassilo (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/5k2/8/8/5KPP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1843.??.??"] {This position - the object of numerous discussions in the past - received a correct evaluation only 80 years after its publication! Contrary to the opinions of Von der Las (who suggested this position), Berger and Fine, White cannot win if it is the opponent to move. The demonstration of a win with White to move has also contained mistakes, and requires correcting.} 1. Kg3 { %05Cheron gave a more precise solution:} (1. Kf3 {%05An instructive, although more lengthy solution, is that given by Sacconi:} Kg5 (1... g6 2. h4) (1... g5 2. g4+ {, transposing to example ($40194)} (2. Kg3 {and 3. h4 is of course simpler %05but})) 2. Ke4 Kg4 3. Ke5 Kg5 4. Ke6 Kg6 5. Ke7 Kh7 6. Kf7 Kh6 7. g4 Kh7 8. g5 Kh8 9. Kg6 $18 {etc. (cf. the notes to position ~3($40168)~ ) In the given^013^010 case after} Kg8 {the king stands on the requires square for h5-h6, therefore the pawn must move to a square of the opposite colour:} 10. h4 $18 {!}) 1... Kg5 2. h4+ {!} (2. h3 {%05Berger incorrectly gave a win by} Kh5 3. Kf3 Kh4 (3... Kg5 {%05or first} 4. Ke4 Kh4) 4. Kf4 g6 {! ensures a draw. %05But as shown by Sacconi,} (4... g5+ {?$18 , which does indeed lose. %05continuing now}) (4... Kh5 {?$18 %05or})) 2... Kh5 (2... Kf5 3. Kf3 g6 4. g3 ) 3. Kh3 g6 4. g3 {!} g5 5. g4+ $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/5k2/8/8/5KPP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] 1... Kf4 {! (now the white king is unable to stand in front of its pawns) %05With Black to move the play is more complicated. The main variation of the solution given below is based on an unpublished analysis by Grigoriev (This variation, without any comments, was written by Grigoriev in 1925 in the margin of a copy of Berger's book (refuting the latter's conclusions). The correct solution was also shown by Cheron (1952), quoting Sacconi; however, the analysis of the latter, beginning with the 6th move, is incorrect, and leads to the erroneous conclusion that White wins.)} 2. Ke2 (2. g3+ {, any move by the king onto a white square is sufficient to draw: %05If} Kf5 (2... Kg4 {%05Simplest of all is ! =}) 3. Kf3 (3. h4 g5 4. h5 g4 {=}) (3. h3 g5 4. Ke3 Ke5 {Draw.} (4... g4 {%05or} 5. h4 Ke5 {-~3($41154)~})) 3... Kg5 {, as in the main variation;}) 2... Ke4 {!} 3. g3 Kf5 {!} (3... g5 {? , which loses immediately to %05Berger and Fine continue} 4. h3 $18) (3... g6 {? %05Black also loses after} 4. h4 Ke5 (4... Kf5 5. Kf3 g5 (5... Ke5 {and 7. h5 %05or}) 6. g4+) 5. Ke3 g5 6. h5 Kf5 (6... g4 7. h6) 7. g4+ Ke5 8. Kd3 (8. Kf3 {%05this is simpler than} Kf6)) 4. Kf3 (4. h4 Kg4 5. Kf2 {is obviously weak in view of} g5 {=}) (4. h3 {transposes into the main variation after %05while} Ke4 (4... Ke6 { %05or =}) (4... g5 {?} 5. Kd3 {!}) (4... g6 {?} 5. Ke3 {!}) 5. Kf2 (5. h4 { %05or} Kf5 6. Kf3 g6 {!} 7. g4+ Kf6 {! -~3($41227)~}) 5... Kf5 6. Ke3 (6. Kf3 g5 {!}) 6... Ke5 7. Kf3 Kf5 8. g4+ Kg5 {! =}) 4... Kg5 {!} (4... g6 {? %05but not} 5. h4) (4... g5 {? %05or} 5. g4+ {~3- ($40194)~}) 5. h3 (5. h4+ {, then %05if} Kh5 6. Kf4 g6 {~3- ($41231)~}) (5. g4 {there follows %05while on} Kh4 {! }) 5... Kf5 {!} 6. Ke3 {%05Grigoriev analysis sets Black one further small test.} (6. h4 {%05Cheron continues here} g6 {!} (6... Kg6 {? %05Sacconi considers only}) (6... g5 {%05and}) 7. g4+ Kf6 {! draw ~3($41227)~}) (6. g4+ { %05The same finish results from} Kg5 7. Kg3 g6 {!}) 6... Ke5 7. Kd3 Kd5 { ! How should one interpret this exclamation mark, attached without any explanation?} (7... g5 {White wins by %05It is natural that on} 8. Ke3) (7... g6 {, White achieves the same by the subtle %05but if Black keeps a tempo in reserve by playing} 8. Ke2 {!! with the following continuations:} Ke4 (8... Kf5 9. Ke3) (8... Ke6 9. Kf3) (8... Kf6 9. Kf3 $18 {, and wins.}) 9. h4) 8. h4 Ke5 9. Ke3 Kf5 10. Kf3 g6 {!} 11. g4+ Kf6 {! , with a draw as in example ~3($41227) ~.} * [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sarkozy"] [Black "Zinner"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/4k3/8/5K2/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ337 %212045826630=4HLJ339 %212045826630=4HLJ349 White's active king position enables him to win easily in the following example.} 1. Kg4 {!} Kf6 2. h4 (2. Kh5 {%05Also possible is} Kf5 3. g3 Kf6 4. g4 $18 {gradually driving back the king.}) 2... Kg6 3. h5+ Kh6 4. Kh4 Kh7 (4... g6 {, then %05if} 5. hxg6 Kxg6 6. Kg4 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Kg5 Kg8 6. Kg6 Kh8 7. h6 Kg8 8. g4 $18 {, and White won.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5pp1/7k/4K3/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Kd5 {%05White is saved by an attack on the pawns from the side and from the rear:} Kg4 (1... Kg5 {%05 Nothing changes if after 1. Kd5 Black plays more reservedly, and tries to dislodge the white king from the corresponding squares:} 2. Ke6 f5 3. Kf7 f4 (3... Kh5 4. Kf6 Kh6 5. Ke6 {!} Kg5 6. Ke5 Kg4 7. Kf6 Kh5 (7... g5 8. Ke5 {=}) 8. g3 {!= with a draw}) 4. Ke6 {!} Kg4 5. Kf6 Kh5 6. Ke6 {!} (6. Ke5 {?} g5 {!}) 6... Kg4 7. Kf6 g5 8. Kg6 {!} Kh4 9. Kf5 {! =}) (1... Kh6 2. Ke6 f5 (2... Kg7 {%05or} 3. g4 {!}) 3. g3 {!}) (1... f5 2. Ke6 f4 3. Kf6 g5 4. Ke5 {!}) 2. Ke6 {!} f5 (2... Kg5 3. g3 {!} (3. Kf7 {?} Kf5 {!}) 3... f5 4. Kf7 {!} Kh5 5. Kf6 {!} Kh6 6. Ke6 {!}) 3. Kf6 g5 4. Ke5 {!} f4 { Black has advanced his pawns as far as he can, but that is the limit of his success: he can neither win the g2 pawn without losing both his pawns, nor exchange pawns without losing his g-pawn.} 5. Kf6 {!} Kh4 6. Kf5 {! A characteristic position for the kings: the side that achieves it by his move places the opponent in zugzwang.} Kh5 7. Ke5 {! Again the only move.} (7. Ke4 { ? , then %05If} Kg4 {and 8... f3.}) 7... Kg6 (7... Kg4 {there follows %05But now on} 8. Kf6 {=}) 8. Ke4 {!} Kh5 {(9. g3 was threatened)} 9. Ke5 {! Draw. It should nevertheless be clearly understood that, although Black cannot win here, this is only because for free manoeuvring he does not have at his disposal another file (to the right of the h-file). This is explained in the following examples.} * [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5pK1/4k3/6p1/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ337 %212045826630=4HLJ339 %212045826630=4HLJ349} 1. Kh6 {! %05In this position White resigned. Rabinovich (1938) gave the following possible variation:} f5 2. Kh5 {!} Kd4 {!! here is the move, the equivalent of which Black did not have in example ~3($41235)~} 3. Kh4 (3. Kg5 {%05or} Ke4 {!$19}) 3... Kd3 {!} 4. Kg3 (4. Kg5 {%05or}) 4... Ke4 $19 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p2K1/8/2P5/8/1k1P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Kf6 Kb4 (1... Kc3 2. Ke7 Kd4 3. Kd6 $18) 2. d4 Kb5 (2... Kc4 3. Ke5 {!}) 3. Kf5 {!} (3. Ke5 {?} Kc6 4. Ke4 (4. Kf6 {%05or} Kd5 {!}) 4... d6) (3. Ke7 { ? %05or}) 3... Kb4 4. Ke4 {!} Kc4 5. Ke5 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/8/8/6PK/5P2/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Kg2 {! %05To win, White must exploit the distant position of the black king. } (1. f4 {cannot achieve anything after %05Here} Kf2 {(this is clear from example ~3($41235)~ ).}) (1. f3 {= %05or}) 1... Ke2 2. g4 {!} (2. f4 {? %05Now the king must not be granted the e3 square, e.g.} Ke3 3. Kh3 g6 {!}) (2. f3 { ? %05or} Ke3 3. g4 g6 {!} 4. Kg3 g5 {- draw.}) 2... Kd3 3. Kf3 {!} (3. Kh3 { %05Other moves lead to a draw:} Ke4 4. Kg3 g5) (3. f4 Ke4 4. Kg3 g6 {!}) (3. Kg3 Ke4 {!} 4. f3+ Ke5 5. f4+ Ke4 6. g5 (6. f5 {, then %05if} Ke5 7. Kh4 Ke4 {! }) 6... Kf5 7. Kf3 Ke6 {%04etc.}) 3... g5 4. Kg2 {!} (4. Kg3 {?} Ke4 5. f3+ Ke3 ) 4... Kd4 (4... Ke4 {, then %05If} 5. Kg3 Ke5 {(otherwise 6. f4)} 6. Kf3 Kd4 7. Ke2 Ke4 8. f3+ Kd4 9. Kd2 Kd5 10. Kd3 $18 {, and wins.}) 5. Kf1 {!} (5. Kf3 {%05But now nothing is achieved by either} Kd3) (5. Kg3 {%05or} Ke4) (5. Kh3 { %05or} Ke5 6. Kg3 Ke4) 5... Ke5 (5... Kd3 {there follows %05on} 6. f4) 6. Ke2 Ke4 (6... Kf4 {, then %05if} 7. f3) (6... Kd4 {%05or} 7. f3) 7. f3+ $18 { , and White wins. An analytical gem!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/1k6/1p6/8/2P5/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. b3 {!} (1. b4 {? does not work because of %05the threat of ... b4 must be averted, but} Ka6 {! with a draw}) 1... Ka5 (1... Ka6 2. b4 Kb6 3. Kb8 $18 { , and wins}) 2. Kb8 {!} (2. b4+ {?} Ka6) (2. Kb7 {?} b4 3. c4 {- stalemate}) 2... b4 (2... Kb6 3. b4) 3. c4 Kb6 4. Kc8 Kc6 5. Kd8 Kd6 6. Ke8 Ke6 7. Kf8 Kf6 8. Kg8 Kg6 9. Kh8 Kf6 (9... Kh6 10. c5) 10. Kh7 Kf7 11. Kh6 Kf6 12. Kh5 Kf5 13. Kh4 Kf4 14. Kh3 Kf5 (14... Kf3 15. c5) 15. Kg3 Kg5 16. Kf3 Kf5 17. Ke3 Ke5 18. Kd3 $18 {, and White wins. This amusing king march provoked a number of imitative studies.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k1p/8/5KPP/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {If the weaker side has a rook's pawn, the number of drawn positions increases considerably. These endings occur very often in practice, and therefore deserve special attention.} 1... Kg7 {%05but he can also continue} (1... h6 { %05It is of no importance whether the king is at f7 or g7. If it is Black to move he plays} 2. g6+ Kg7 {=}) 2. Ke6 Kh8 (2... Kg8 {%05or} 3. Kf6 Kh8 4. g6 Kg8 {!= , with a draw.}) 3. Kf7 h6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k1p/8/5KPP/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. h6 {leads to position ~3($40181)~. %05If it is White to move,} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k1p/8/5KPP/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... h5 {%05Black is no longer saved by} (1... Ke6 {%05or by} 2. Ke4 Kf6 3. Kd5 Kg6 4. Ke5 Kg7 5. Kf5 Kf7 6. h5 $18) 2. g5+ {~3($40146)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k1p/8/5KPP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. h5 {leads to a draw ~3($40184)~. %05With White to move,} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6kp/8/6PP/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {If the kings have not approached as near as possible, the manoeuvring takes place on the basis of the normal opposition.} 1... Kg6 {! %05After a move by the white king onto the f-file, Black draws by taking the opposition on it. If it is Black's move, he draws by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5k1p/8/6PP/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Kf1 {! %05The win is achieved by Black to move draws by 1... Kg5(g6) or 1... Ke5(e6).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5k1p/8/5KPP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {The result clearly does not change if position~3 ( 243)~ is moved one rank down, but if it is moved two ranks down the result will again be a draw, irrespective of the turn to move.} 1... Ke4 (1... h3 {?} 2. g3+ Kg4 3. Ke3 Kg5 4. Kd4 {!$18}) 2. Ke2 Kf4 3. Kd3 h3 {!} 4. g3+ Kf3 {%04etc. Thus in the examples considered ~3( 241) - ( 246)~ a draw is inevitable if the black pawn or the white pawns are on their initial squares; in intermediate positions the possession of the opposition is the decisive factor. If the kings differently placed, the result may change. For example, if in example ~3( 246)~ the black king stands at g4, White to play can win} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7p/7K/6PP/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {An interesting situation is illustrated by the following example.} 1. g6 { leads to a draw, but with Black to move (after 1... Kh8)^013^010 2. g6 wins. We have here a zugzwang position, in which the turn to move is unfavourable for either side. There is a similar zugzwang in the position with the black king at h8 and the pawn at g4. ~2It follows that, when the connected pawns stand on squares of different colour, the kings too should occupy squares of different colour: while if the connected pawns are on squares of the same colour.~ This observation (Bahr, 1936) simplifies preliminary calculations.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/8/6K1/6P1/7P/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Kg8 {! %05The connected pawns stand on squares of the same colour, therefore a draw is given by} 2. Kh6 Kh8 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/8/6K1/6P1/7P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. h4 {Black must play %05If} Kh8 {!} 2. Kh6 Kg8 {! Having free control over g8 and h8, Black cannot lose, whatever more order White resorts to.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7p/7K/7P/8/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. g4 $40 {! while if his opponent begins he answers 1... Kg8 with^013^010 2. g3! %05But here, where the g-pawn has not yet moved,^013^010 %05White can always tip the scales in his favour. If he^013^010 %05begins, he plays, This ~2"colour rule"~ provides a quick evaluation of a position. Exceptions are provided by positions~3 ( 251)~ and ~3( 252)~ , in which White cannot win, in spite of the fact that one of his pawns has not yet moved.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/8/6KP/8/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kf5 {Black draws by any king move, except %05 White cannot place his king at h6, without making a preliminary move with his g-pawn, but in advancing it he loses all his advantage, and the result is a draw. After} Kh6 {? in view of} 2. Kg4 Kg7 3. Kg5 $18 {, when it is Black to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/8/6K1/6P1/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. Kh5 {, then %05One of the pawns has advanced too far, and White does not have a tempo in reserve. If} h6 {! with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Black "Schlechter Carl (AUT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/7p/5k2/8/4K2P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] 1... Kg4 {%05It is easy to see that after} (1... Ke4 {? %05Instead of this the game continued} 2. Kf2 Kd3 {(this by-pass is ineffective here)} 3. Kf3 g5 4. Kf2 Ke4 5. Ke2 Kf4 6. Kf2 Kg4 7. Kg2 h4 8. h3+ {Drawn.}) 2. Kf2 Kh3 3. Kg1 { White is unable to occupy the corresponding (by colour) h1 square and is bound to lose.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6pp/5k2/8/5K1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {Thus here the stronger side is not even helped by the fact that his king is in front of his pawns.} 1. Kg2 {%05As we have seen, Black to move cannot win, but even with White to move there is no win:} Kg4 2. Kh1 (2. Kf2 {is also possible}) (2. Kf1 {%05or}) 2... Kf3 (2... Kh3 3. Kg1 {-~3($40249)~}) 3. Kg1 g4 (3... h4 {%05or}) 4. Kf1 {!} (4. Kh1 {?} Kf2 5. h3 (5. h4 {%05or} Kg3 $19) 5... g3 $19) 4... h4 5. Kg1 (5. h3 {%05or}) 5... g3 6. hxg3 {Draw.} (6. h3 {= %05or} ) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/7p/8/7K/6PP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {A comment should be added to Grigoriev's analysis. Black does not lose because his pawn has been weakened by its advance to h6, as might seem to be the case at first sight. The reason for his defeat lies in the unfavourable position of his king at h7. With his king at g7 it would be a draw, e.g. 1. Kh5 Kh7 2. h4 Kg7 3. Kg4 Kf6! (this is the whole point; 3... Kg6? loses to 4. Kf3!). Now on 4. Kf3 there follows 4... Kg6!, while 4. Kf4 can be met by 4... Ke6 or 4... h5. Thus if it is Black to play in our example, he draws by 1... Kg7! The same idea, but in a different situation, provides the main interest in following example.} {The following examples show the manoeuvring of the kings in positions with various features.} 1. Kh5 {!} (1. g4 {? %05 In this position, which is a very important one for theory, White wins only if it is his move.^013^010 It should first he mentioned that the black king should not be allowed to go to g6 earlier than necessary:}) 1... Kg7 2. h4 {!} Kh7 { (White's preparations are complete)} 3. Kg4 {!} Kg6 4. Kf3 {!!} (4. Kf4 {%05Now } Kf6 (4... Kh5 {! , and %05but in fact on 4. Kf4? there follows} 5. Kf5 { is not possible due to stalemate} (5. Kf3 {, then %05while if} Kg6 6. Ke4 Kf6 7. g4 Ke6 {- draw. This zugzwang position arising after 4... Kh5! is the reason for the subsequent play.})) 5. g4 {appears to win,}) 4... Kf5 (4... Kh5 {%05Other moves do not help:} 5. Kf4 {(now it is Black who is in zugzwang!)} Kg6 6. Ke5 {!} Kh5 7. Kf6 {!}) (4... h5 5. Ke4) (4... Kf6 {%05or} 5. Ke4) (4... Kf7 5. g4 Ke7 6. Ke3 Kf7 7. Kd4) (4... Kg7 5. Kf4 {!} (5. g4 {?} Kf7 {!}) (5. Ke4 {?} Kf6 {!}) 5... Kf6 6. g4 Ke6 7. Ke4 {, and wins.}) 5. g4+ Ke5 6. Ke3 { , and White wins, e.g.} Kd5 7. Kf4 Ke6 8. Ke4 Kf6 9. Kd5 Ke7 10. Ke5 Kf7 11. Kf5 Kg7 12. Ke6 {But the position for which he was aiming can be achieved by force by a simple transposition of moves:} h5 {!} (12... Kg6 {(with the intention of 13. Ke7 h5), overlooking %05Here Grigoriev, wishing to take play into a theoretically interesting position with the %05maximum difficulties for White, committed an inaccuracy:} 13. h5+ Kg5 14. Kf7) 13. g5 Kg6 14. Kd6 { !! , since the moves necessary for retaining the^013^010 opposition,^013^010 14... Kf6 or 14... Kh6, are not possible ~3($40146)~. %05Correct is} (14. Ke7 { %05Now} Kg7) (14. Ke5 {%05and} Kf7 {!} 15. Kf5 Kg7 16. Ke6 {!} Kg6 {lead only to a loss of time.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/7p/5k2/7K/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. Kh5 {!} (1. h3 {? because of %05Of course, not} Kf4) (1. Kh3 {? Black also wins by %05It is important for the theory of these endings that on} Kg5 2. Kg3 h5 {! , e.g.} 3. Kf3 (3. Kh3 h4 4. Kg2 Kg4) (3. h3 Kf5 4. Kh4 (4. Kf3 g5) 4... g6 {(the same zugzwang as in example ~3($41255)~ )} 5. Kg3 Ke4 {%04etc.}) 3... Kh4) (1. Kg3 {? in view of %05nor} Kg5 2. Kf3 Kh4 {, transporting into position ~3($41250).~}) 1... Kf6 (1... Kf4 2. Kg6 Kf3 3. Kxg7 h5 {does not give a win in view of the by-passing manoeuvre^013^010 Kf6-e5-d4-e3 ~3($4187).~ }) 2. h4 {!} Kf7 (2... Ke7 {%05In contrast to example ~3($41255),~ here it is the %05weaker^013^010 %05side that uses zugzwang to his advantage. A draw^013^010 %05results both from} 3. Kg6 Kf8 4. h5) (2... Ke5 {%05and from} 3. Kg6 Kf4 4. Kxg7 h5 5. Kf6 {!}) 3. Kg4 Ke6 (3... g6 4. Kf3 {!}) 4. Kf4 (4. Kh5 { ?} Kf6 {!} 5. Kg4 Ke5 {, and wins}) 4... g6 5. Ke4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1763.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lolli"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/5k2/8/8/5KPP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1763.??.??"] 1... Kf4 {%05This position initially provoked conflicting assessments. With Black to move the draw is simple:} 2. g3+ (2. h3 h6 {!} 3. g3+ Kf5 4. Kf3 h5) 2... Kg4 3. Kg2 h5 4. h3+ Kg5 {!} 5. Kf3 Kf5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/5k2/8/8/5KPP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Kf3 {%05It wasn't immediately that the correct defence was found with White to play:} (1. Kg3 Kg5 2. h4+ (2. h3 {%05or} h6 {!}) 2... Kf5) 1... h5 {! (Reichhelm, 1873)} 2. Ke3 (2. Kg3 Kg5) (2. h3 h4) (2. h4 Ke5 3. g3 Kf5) 2... Ke5 3. g3 Kf5 4. h3 Ke5 {%04etc. =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/4K1k1/8/8/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {This position arose from the previous one at the time when (under the influence of Lolli and Walker) it was thought that Black did best not to move his pawn from h7 (1. Kf3 Kg5 2. Ke4 Kg4 3. Ke5 Kg5). Analysis by White in 1873 showed a win here.} 1. Ke6 Kg6 {if the king moves anywhere other than g6, then 2. Kf6} (1... h5 {, then %05Cheron (1952) observes that if} 2. Ke5 {!} (2. Kf7 {?} h4 {! with the threat of 3... h3} 3. h3 Kf5 {! with a draw}) 2... Kg4 3. Kf6 {and 4. h3}) (1... h6 {%05while if} 2. Kf7 h5 3. h3 h4 4. Kg7) 2. h3 Kg7 ( 2... h6 {%05Other moves also fail to draw:} 3. g3) (2... h5 3. h4) (2... Kg5 3. Kf7 Kh6 (3... h5 4. g3 Kf5 5. h4 Kg4 6. Kg6 $18) 4. Kf6 Kh5 5. Kg7 h6 6. g3 Kg5 7. h4+ Kh5 8. Kh7 $18) 3. Kf5 {, and White wins, e.g.} Kf7 4. Kg5 Kg7 5. h4 Kf7 6. Kh6 {etc. ~3 ($40250)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/5k2/8/5K2/8/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {The winning path here is not the only one, but accurate play is required, taking account of the positions examined earlier. With reserve pawn moves at his disposal, White should leave at least one pawn in its place, and move it only in definitely won positions.} 1. Kg4 {%05With White to play:} Kg6 2. h3 h6 3. g3 Kf6 4. Kf4 Kg6 (4... Ke6 5. h4 Kf6 6. g4 $18) 5. Ke5 (5. g4 {also wins}) (5. h4 {? %05but not} Kh5 {! ~3- ($41256)~}) 5... Kh5 6. Ke6 Kg5 7. Kf7 h5 8. h4+ Kf5 9. Kg7 Kg4 10. Kg6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/5k2/8/5K2/8/6PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1... Kg6 {%05With Black to play:} (1... h6 {, any pawn move wins. E.g. %05In the event of} 2. h3 (2. h4 Kg6 3. Kg4 {!! (~3($40256)~, cf. the note to White's 1st move)} Kf6 4. g3 Kg6 5. Kf3 {~3($40255)~.}) 2... Kg6 3. h4 {!} Kh5 4. g3 {~3($40256)~}) 2. Kg4 (2. Ke5 {is also possible, transposing into example ~3 ($40259)~}) 2... Kh6 3. Kf5 Kh5 4. Kf6 Kh6 5. h4 (5. Kf7 Kg5 6. Kg7 {?} h5 {! %04draw}) 5... Kh5 6. g3 Kg4 (6... Kh6 7. Kf7 $18) 7. Kg7 Kxg3 8. h5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/3K1k2/8/8/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Kd6 {%05This example combines many of the ideas presented earlier, with the black king having rather greater freedom of manoeuvre (in comparison with previous positions).} (1. Kd4 {?} Kf4) (1. h3 {?} Kf4 2. Ke6 Kg3 3. Kf6 Kxg2 4. h4 Kf3 {! , with a by-pass}) 1... h6 (1... Kf6 2. Kd7 Kf7 {is futile in view of } 3. h3 Kf8 (3... Kf6 4. Ke8 h5 5. g3) 4. Ke6) (1... h5 {,then not %05while if} 2. Ke7 {?} (2. Kd5 {%05but !} h4 3. h3 Kf4 4. Ke6 {, and wins.}) 2... h4 { (with the threat of ... h3)} 3. h3 Ke5 {! , when the white king is shut out}) 2. h3 {!} Kf6 {!} (2... h5 {there follows %05On} 3. Ke7 h4 4. Kf7) (2... Kf4 { , then %05if instead} 3. Ke6 Kg3 4. Kf5 {!} Kxg2 5. h4 {etc., the} Kf3 { by-pass does not succeed due to the king at f5.}) 3. Kd7 {!} (3. g3 {? fails to win after} Kf5 4. Kd5 (4. Ke7 {%05or} Ke4 5. Kf6 Kf3 6. h4 Kxg3 7. h5 Kf4 { ! (the white king has not managed to occupy f5).}) 4... Kf6 5. Ke4 Ke6 { ~3($41253)~} 6. g4 Kf6 7. Kf4 Kg6 8. h4 Kf6) 3... Kf7 4. g3 {!} Kf6 (4... h5 { %05Or} 5. h4 Kf6 6. Kd6 {!} Kf5 7. Ke7 {! ~3($40260).~}) 5. Ke8 {!} (5. Kd6 { ? %05 Now White only has to avoid} Kf5 {with a draw (cf. the note to White's 3rd move).}) 5... Kf5 6. Kf7 Ke4 7. Kg6 $40 {, and wins. It will be expedient in conclusion to return to the Grigoriev positions of type ~3 ( 255)~ and ~3 ( 256)~ (some of the most complicated in this kind of ending), and make the acquaintance of certain earlier positions, and also of some later analyses.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti & Mandler"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6p1/7p/8/7P/7K/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/ 402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Black has a tempo in reserve (... g6). Therefore White must avoid taking the vertical opposition, since after ... g6 he will be in zugzwang (and the opposition will pass to Black). This reveals the following correspondence of the front-line squares (the critical squares being e5 and f5, onto which the black king must not be allowed): ... Ke6 or ... Kg6 corresponds to Kf4, and ... Kf6 to Ke4 (at the distance of a knight's move!). But on ... Kf6 White cannot reply Kg4 (because of ... Ke5, winning). This disturbance of the correspondence harmony is explained by that tactical feature, characteristic of the given pawn structure, which was shown in position ~3( 256)~ (on ... Kf6 White can play Kh5, since ... Kf5, which would ensure a win in the position moved to the left, does not work because of stalemate). Hence the following corresponding squares are additionally defined: ... Kf6/Kh5 and ... Kf7/Kg4.} 1. Kg3 {! The establishment of these features is sufficient for the playing procedure to be perfectly understandable: %15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/ 402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} (1... Kf7 {%04with %05to answer %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg4 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/ 4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2... Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf4 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/ 402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) (2... Kg6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/ 401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh5 {%15N #B(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kg3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) - ($40)}) 3. Kh5 {Draw. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/ 401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2. Kf3 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/ 402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 3. Ke4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/503I2/ 401I02I01I1/4XAXA102D/402D01D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %04Draw} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/7p/8/6P1/7P/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/401I02I01I1/8/402D01D2/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Here too White has a reserve tempo, and it is clear in advance that Black will place his king at a knight's move from White's One position of mutual zugzwang is Kf4/Kg6 (in the event of h3-h4 there follows ... Kf6; if instead of h3-h4 the king moves, then ... h5, and vice versa: if ... h5, then g4-g5, while on ... Kf6 there follows h3-h4). But Kf4/Ke6 is also a zugzwang position, and thus the frontline corresponding squares are determined. } 1. Kd2 {! Therefore the play develops as follows: %05Black is ruined by the fact that, until h3-h4 is played, he cannot take the opposition. The win is achieved by %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/401I02I01I1/8/ 402D01D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/401I02I01I1/8/402D01D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Kf7 { , then %05If now %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 401I02I01I1/8/402D01D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. h4 {! , and a winning position is reached where White begins a by-pass with the aim of transforming the distant opposition into close opposition. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/401I02I01I1/8/402D01D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) (1... Kd7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/401I02I01I1/8/ 402D01D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke3 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/401I02I01I1/8/402D01D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2. Kd3 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/401I02I01I1/8/402D01D2/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/401I02I01I1/8/301D02D01D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd4 {! , and White wins, since on %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 401I02I01I1/8/402D01D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/401I02I01I1/8/402D01D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } (3... Kf6 {%05or}) 4. h4 {!$18 ~3($40243)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/6pp/8/8/7P/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {White has one reserve tempo at his disposal, and Black has two. The advance of any one of the pawns leads to situations already considered - each with its own features, i.e. its own system of critical and corresponding squares. Since the black king cannot be prevented from occupying e5 or f5, the most important thing for White is to defend the critical squares e4 and f4. With the king at f5 this can apparently be achieved by Kf3 or Ke3.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pp/5k2/8/4K2P/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Black in both cases occupying the necessary correspondence with his king.} { But Ke3? in reply to ... Kf5 does not work} 1... h5 {Black can make a favourable transposition into positions^013^010 of type ~3($41263)~ %05 since by} (1... g5 {can transpose into position ~3 ($41264)~ %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pp/5k2/8/5K1P/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Therefore the only correct defence to ... Kf5 is Kf3 (the opposition!)} 1... g5 {%05If %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... h5 {%05if} 2. h4 {%05then} ( 2. Ke3 {%05or})) 2. Kg3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 501I2/8/501D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) = %05then} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/6pp/8/8/7P/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Obviously a draw is also inevitable when it is Black to move.} {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/404I03I2/402I01I2/8/402D01D2/404D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) The other front-line corresponding squares will be e3/e5 and hence also the adjacent rear squares f2/f6 and e2/e6 (for the remaining rear squares further away, the opposition is no longer demanded)} 1. Ke1 { ! %05It is clear that the draw is given by %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/404I03I2/402I01I2/8/402D01D2/404D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/404I03I2/402I01I2/8/ 402D01D2/404D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf1 {! (retaining the possibility of taking the opposition at e2 or f2 when Black moves to e6 or f6) %15N #B(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/404I03I2/402I01I2/8/402D01D2/404D03D2/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/404I03I2/402I01I2/8/402D01D2/404D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf2 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/404I03I2/402I01I2/8/ 402D01D2/404D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/404I03I2/402I01I2/8/402D01D2/404D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 4. Kg3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/404I03I2/ 402I01I2/8/402D01D2/404D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh5 {Now the simplest is %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/404I03I2/402I01I2/8/ 402D01D2/404D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. h4 {!} (5. Kg2 {also does not lose %05but}) (5. Kh2 {? ~3- ($40255)~ %05but not}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/7p/8/8/7P/6P1/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Here White's possibilities are wider: he can bring about either the necessity for knight's opposition by g2-g4, or the necessity for opposition play by g2-g3. But this latter move can be neutralized by ... h5. Therefore Black should play for the opposition, so that in reply to g2-g4 he can switch to knight's correspondence.} 1... Kf7 {%05E.g., with Black to move:} 2. Kf1 Ke7 { (manoeuvring deep in the rear, Black waits)} 3. Ke2 Ke6 {!} 4. Kf3 Kf5 5. g3 ( 5. g4+ {%05or} Kg5) 5... h5 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/7p/8/8/7P/6P1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1. Ke2 {! (with the critical squares being e4, f4 and g4, and the main file the f-file, White begins a by-pass) %05But if White begins, he himself seizes the opposition, forcing Black either to be the first to move a pawn, or to make way for the white king, or to allow White to switch to a favourable system of corresponding squares.} Kf6 2. Kf2 {!} Kg5 3. Ke3 {!} Kf5 4. Kf3 Ke5 (4... h5 5. g3) (4... Kg5 5. Ke4) 5. Kg4 Kf6 6. Kf4 {!} (6. Kh5 {is pointless -~3 ($40255)~, but now White controls the critical squares}) 6... Kg6 (6... Ke6 {%05or}) 7. g4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4p3/2p5/2K5/8/8/P4k2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {~15.2 ISOLATED PAWNS~ If there is no threat of the weaker side's pawn queening, two pawns usually win easily against one, when both pawns are passed or they stand sufficiently far apart. In the latter case the weaker side's king will be unable simultaneously to defend its own pawn and to prevent the advance of the enemy pawn. But if the exchange of one of the pawns is inevitable, the outcome will naturally be decided only by the possibilities afforded in the ending of king and pawn against king. The material will be grouped according to whether or not the stronger side has a passed pawn. ~15. 21 All pawns passed~ These cases are on the whole straightforward, provided they do not transpose into queen endings, or that the material advantage is not countered by significant positional defects. The latter may complicate the play, and at times lead to an unexpected result.} 1. Kd4 {! %05 Black's defeat results from the close placing of his pawns and the unfavourable position of his king. At the basis of the study is the ending of pawn against pawn.} (1. Kxc6 {? %05a draw follows after} Kf3 2. Kd5 Kf4 {%04etc.}) 1... c5+ (1... Kf3 { is inadequate in view of %05But now} 2. a4 {!} Kf4 3. a5 e5+ 4. Kc3) (1... e5+ {, then %05while if} 2. Kxe5 (2. Ke4 {?} Ke2 3. a4 c5 4. Kxe5 Kd3 {- draw}) 2... Ke3 3. a4 (3. Kd6 {?} Kd4) 3... Kd3 {!} 4. a5 c5 5. a6 c4 6. a7 c3 7. a8=Q c2 8. Qd5+ {! and wins.}) 2. Kxc5 Kg3 {!} (2... e5 {is hopeless:} 3. Kd5 Ke3 4. Kxe5 Kd3 5. Kd5 Kc3 6. Kc5) 3. a4 (3. Kd4 {? is not possible, due to %05But now } Kf4 4. a4 e5+ 5. Kc3 e4 {(with the threat of 6... Ke5)} 6. a5 e3 {!} 7. a6 Kg3 {! , with a draw.}) 3... e5 4. a5 e4 5. Kd4 {! , and White wins:} Kf4 6. a6 e3 7. Kd3 Kf3 8. a7 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p1p3/8/8/4K1P1/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {!} e5+ (1... Kb3 {%05or} 2. g4 e5+ 3. Ke3 {!}) 2. Kc3 {! and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herberg"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7P/8/7p/4P3/6K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Kh4 Kg7 2. Kg5 Kxh7 3. Kxh5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guy"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/5p2/2P5/2p5/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. Kf2 Kd7 2. Ke3 Kc6 3. Kd4 c3 {!} 4. Kd3 {!} Kd5 5. Kc2 {!} Kc6 6. Kd3 c2 7. Kxc2 Kxc5 8. Kc3 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gulyaev Alexander P (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K1k5/7p/P7/8/8/8/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. a7 h5 (1... h6 {%05or} 2. c4 {!}) 2. c3 {!= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sevitov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K6k/7p/5P2/8/8/8/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1. Kb7 h5 2. Kc6 Kg8 3. Kd5 Kf7 4. a4 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3pk3/8/2P2P2/3K4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {~15.22 One passed pawn~ When the stronger side has only one passed pawn, his second pawn is usually on the same file as the enemy pawn: in this case they are frequently blocking each other. Of course, formations also occur where the pawns are not on the same, but on adjacent files. In this case the result is quickly determined by the possibility and expediency of an exchange. Theory has devoted hardly any attention to these endings, and here are virtually the only examples to be found in theoretical literature.} 1... d5 {is countered by %05The exchanging attempt} 2. c5 $18 * [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/8/7P/1p4K1/8/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1... Kg7 {, and if White tries to win the b-pawn, Black picks up the h-pawn and then reaches c8 in time.^013^010 With pawns at a3/b5 (instead of a2/b4) White wins, while with pawns at a4/b6, apart from approaching the b-pawn, White can also win by stalemating the black king in the h8 corner and answering ... b5 with a4-a5 etc. This last example brings us by analogy to the practically important cases with blocked rook's pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/8/p4KP1/P7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N LI4(a4:d6) LD4(a3:d5) LA4(a2:d4) #B(8/8/3I14/3D1I13/3A1D1I12/3A1A1D1I11/ 3A1A1A1D1I1/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) The plan here is extremely simple: using his passed pawn to divert the enemy king, White heads for the rook's pawn with his king, and everything is decided in the ending with rook's pawn against king. In 1936 Bahr established a rule for determining the result in such endings. Depicted in the diagram are three triangles, which show the winning zone of the passed pawn. With blocked pawns at a4/5 the triangle is d2-d6-h2, with pawns at a3-a4 it is d2-d5-g2, and with pawns at a2-a3 it is d2-d4-f2. Note that this rule assumes only the placing of the kings as in the diagram: the stronger side's king is at the side of the pawn, and does not have the possibility of advancing. ~2Bahr's rule states that, with the kings placed as shown, the stronger side wins if his pawn has not yet moved out of the indicated zone.~ Let us examine a few positions, to become acquainted with the employment of this rule.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/p7/P4KP1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%15N #B(8/8/3I14/3I1I13/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I1I1/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke4 Kg5 2. Kd5 Kxg4 3. Kc5 Kf5 4. Kb5 Ke6 5. Kxa5 Kd7 {%04etc. =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/p7/P3KP2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%15N #B(8/8/3I14/3I1I13/3I11I12/3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I1I1/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd4 Kf5 2. Kc4 Kxf4 3. Kb5 Ke5 4. Kxa5 Kd6 5. Kb6 Kd7 6. Kb7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p7/P2k4/8/3KP3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {Black can eliminate the a4 pawn, but White nevertheless wins by transposing into Lolli's ancient position. %15N #B(8/8/3I14/3I1I13/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I1I11/ 3I1I1I1I1I1/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. e3+ Kc4 2. Kc2 Kb4 3. Kd3 {!} Kxa4 4. Kc4 {!} Ka3 5. e4 Kb2 6. e5 {!} (6. Kb5 { ?} Kb3 {!} 7. Kxa5 Kc4 {with a draw}) 6... a4 7. e6 a3 8. e7 a2 9. e8=Q a1=Q { , and White easily sets up a mating net:} 10. Qe2+ Ka3 11. Qd3+ Kb2 12. Qd2+ Kb1 13. Kb3 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k3p/7P/7K/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) An exception to Bahr's rule was found by Grigoriev.} 1. Kg3 {! %05In manoeuvring with his king, White must avoid the opposition of the kings at f2/f4 when it is him to move: %15N #B(8/8/ 4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {%15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/ 1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg2 {! %15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D02D1/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Ke3 {%15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2... Kf4 { , then %05If %15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf2 { ! %15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg4 4. Ke3 Kxh4 5. Kf4 {!} Kh3 6. e4 h4 7. e5 Kg2 8. e6 {, and White wins as in example~3 ($40282).~}) 3. Kf1 {%15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {%15 N #B(8/8/4I13/ 3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/ 8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke1 {! %15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/ 1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke3 {%15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd1 {%15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf4 {%15 N #B(8/8/4I13/ 3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/ 8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd2 {%15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/ 1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {%15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. e3 { %15 N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I13/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/501I2/8/501D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf3 8. Kd3 Kg3 9. Ke4 {!} Kg4 10. Ke5 Kxh4 11. Kf4 $18 {%04etc. !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/7p/P1k4P/8/1K6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {In the following example White uses Bahr's rule to draw the ending.} 1. Kc2 { ! %05Correct is} (1. Ka3 {? %05It is clear that} Kc3 2. a5 Kc4 3. Ka4 Kc5 4. a6 Kb6 5. Kb4 Kxa6 6. Kc5 Kb7 7. Kb5 {loses, since the black pawn is inside the zone. %15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/3I1I13/4I13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 1... Kb4 2. Kd3 {!} Kxa4 3. Kc4 {, pressing the opponent's king to the edge of the board and creating a zugzwang position. After} a6 4. Kc5 {!} Ka5 5. Kc4 Kb6 6. Kb4 {the draw becomes obvious. %15N #B(8/I1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/3I1I13/4I13/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K1pk/p7/P7/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) The triangles shown in diagram ~3 ( 279)~ are an important guide, and a skilful use of them enables the correct plan to be found in the most varied positions.} 1. Kd6 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I12/ 3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05Here White is saved by the active position of his king. %05His problem is to lure the pawn out of the winning zone %05(the triangle d7-d4-g7). This is achieved as follows:} g5 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc5 {! %15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} g4 {With the king threatening the a6 pawn, the g-pawn is forced to advance. But the king's manoeuvre has a dual aim: while threatening the pawn, it is simultaneously leading for g2.} 3. Kd4 {! %15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kg6 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf2 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kh4 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kg2 {Draw. %15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p4p1k/8/P7/8/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {Subtle play arises in the following study.} 1. Kd3 {!} (1. a6 {does not succeed: the f7 pawn is inside the winning triangle, and the problem is again how to lure it out of there. %05The primitive %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 1... Kg6 2. Ke4 {!} (2. Kc4 {? %05The straightforward} f5 {!} 3. Kd4 Kg5 4. Ke3 Kg4 5. Kf2 a6 {!} 6. Kg2 Kf4 {leads to a loss}) 2... Kf6 {!} (2... Kg5 {%05This is stronger than} 3. a6 {!} f5+ 4. Kf3 {with a draw %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/ 3I14/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) ( 2... a6 {would have allowed a false attack: %05while} 3. Kd4 {!} f5 4. Ke3 { %15N #B(8/3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) != %04etc.}) 3. Kd5 {!} Ke7 4. Kc6 {!} (4. a6 {? } Kd7 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/3I14/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 4... f5 5. Kd5 {This return king is the whole point!} (5. Kb7 {%05White loses after} f4 6. Kxa7 f3 7. a6 f2 8. Kb7 f1=Q 9. a7 Kd7 10. a8=Q Qb5+ 11. Ka7 Kc7 {%04etc.}) 5... Kf6 6. a6 {, and Black is in unusual form of zugzwang: if} Kg5 {, then} (6... f4 {%05while if} 7. Ke4 Kg5 8. Kf3 {, and the black pawn is outside the winning zone.}) 7. Kc6 {since} f4 { now leads only to a draw The manoeuvring of the kings in such situations is of a fairly complex nature, but the problem is normally always the same - to create a zugzwang position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/p1k5/5P2/P7/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {Here are two further typical examples.} 1. Kd2 {%05Correct is} (1. Ke2 {%05If} Kc3 {!} 2. f4 {, then, as in the previous position, Black is saved by} Kd4 {!} 3. Kf3 a3 {! , when White is in zugzwang. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/3I14/3I1I13/3I1I1I12/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) (1. Kd1 { %05White is also unsuccessful with} Kd3 2. Kc1 a3) 1... Kd4 (1... Kb4 {%05After } 2. Kc2 Ka3 3. Kb1 Kb4 4. Kb2 a3+ 5. Kc2 Kc4 6. f4 Kd4 7. Kb3 Ke4 8. Kxa3 Kxf4 9. Kb4 {White wins.}) 2. Kc1 {!} Kc5 (2... Ke3 {, then %05There is nothing better. If} 3. Kb2 Kxf3 4. Ka3 Ke4 5. Kxa4 Kd5 6. Kb5) (2... Kc3 {, then %05while if} 3. f4 Kd4 4. Kb2 Ke4 5. Ka3 Kxf4 6. Kxa4 Ke5 7. Kb5) 3. Kd1 {!} ( 3. Kb2 Kb4 4. f4 {? is incorrect due to} a3+ {!} 5. Kc1 Kc5 6. Kc2 Kc4 7. f5 Kd5 8. Kb3 Ke5 9. Kxa3 Kxf5 {with a draw.}) 3... Kd5 4. Ke2 {!} Kc4 (4... Kd4 5. a3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/3I14/3I1I13/3I1I13/3I11I1I11/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 5. Ke3 {!} a3 6. Kd2 {!} Kd4 7. Kc2 Kc4 8. f4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/p4k2/P7/5P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/3I14/3I1I13/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I1I11/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf1 {! , which sets Black a difficult choice. %05The correct move is} (1. Kg2 {there follows %05On} Ke4 2. Kg3 Kd5 { ! , attacking the a3 pawn in order to lure the second pawn out of the winning zone:} 3. f4 {(forced)} Ke6 {!} 4. Kg4 Kf6 {with a draw. %15N #B(8/8/8/3I14/ 3I1I13/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I1I11/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)}) 1... Ke5 (1... Kf3 {%05If, for example} 2. Ke1 Kf4 {, then} (2... Ke4 {, then %05If instead} 3. Ke2 Kd4 4. f3 {!} Kc4 5. f4 {! (the pawn has moved out of the zone, but White has the more active king, and this is decisive)} Kd5 (5... Kd4 6. Kf3 Kd5 7. Kg4 Ke6 8. Kg5 Kf7 9. Kf5 Ke7 10. Kg6 { , and wins.}) 6. Kd3 {!} Ke6 7. Kc4 Kf5 8. Kb4 Kxf4 9. Kxa4 Ke5 10. Kb5 Kd6 11. Kb6 {, and wins.}) 3. Kd2 {, and White wins by picking up the a4 pawn.}) 2. Ke1 {!} Kd5 3. Kd1 {! The positions of mutual zugzwang are: c2/c4, d2/d4 and e2/e4. Black is no longer able to maintain the distant opposition. %15N #B(8/8/8/3I14/ 3I14/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I1I11/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/201I02I03I3/8/ 201D02D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/3I14/3I14/3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I1I11/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd2 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/3I14/3I14/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I1I11/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc4 5. f3 {!} Kd4 6. Ke2 Kc4 7. f4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/6K1/p5P1/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {If the stronger side's king is in front of the pawn, the chances of success are naturally improved. %15N #B(8/8/8/7I1/6I1I1/7I1/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf5 {%05Here the drawing zone includes only 4 squares: h3, h4, h5 and g4.^013^010 We have already considered the position with the pawn at f4 in the analysis of the previous example. But here, with the pawn at g4, it is a draw:} Kf7 2. Ke5 Kg6 3. Kd5 Kg5 4. Kc4 Kxg4 5. Kb5 Kf5 6. Kxa4 Ke6 7. Kb5 Kd7 8. Kb6 Kc8 {%04etc. =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/8/5K2/5P2/p7/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/7I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/7I1/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke5 {%05Here a further 3 squares enter the drawing zone: f4, g3 and h2. E.g., with the pawn at f4:} Ke7 2. Kd4 Kf6 3. Kc4 Kf5 4. Kb4 Kxf4 5. Kxa3 Ke5 6. Kb4 Kd6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P7/8/2k5/8/2KP4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {If the stronger side's rook pawn has crossed the demarcation line, Bahr established that the material advantage can usually be realized. These are the only exceptions to Bahr's rule: Draw, whoever it is to move} 1. Z0 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p7/P1k5/8/2KP4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {Draw only with White to move.} 1. Z0 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p7/P7/3k4/8/3KP3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Draw only with White to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P7/8/3k4/8/3KP3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {Draw, whoever it is to move} 1. Z0 {On the basis of this position the following study was composed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Crum"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P7/8/4k3/8/4P3/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] 1. Ke1 {!} Ke3 2. Kf1 {!} Kd4 3. Kf2 Kc5 4. e4 {!} Kb6 5. e5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/8/k7/8/p3K3/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {With a blocked pawn on the 6th rank, positions with a d-pawn turn out to be drawn, but here too positions of mutual zugzwang are possible.} 1. Ke4 { ! %05Situations of mutual zugzwang develop on the squares d4/b4 and d5/b5. Correct is} (1. Kd4 {? would be a mistake because of} Kb4 2. Kd3 Kc5 3. Kc3 d6 4. Kb3 Kd4 5. Kxa3 Kc3 {! , when Black wins.}) 1... Ka4 2. Ke5 {!} Ka5 3. Ke4 { !} Kb6 4. Kd4 {!} Kb5 5. Kd5 Kb4 6. Kd4 d6 7. Kd3 Kc5 8. Kc3 Kd5 9. Kd3 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5k1p/7P/5K2/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {Let us now turn to an examination of examples where the blocked pawns are rook's pawns, and the passed pawn in on the bishop's file.} 1. Ke3 {%05White wins easily, by the typical manoeuvre of %05~2"shoulder-charging"~ the opponent's king:} (1. Kg3 {%05But White can also win by} Ke4 {!} 2. f3+ (2. f4 {%05Not} Kd5 {!} 3. Kf3 Kd4 {with a draw}) (2. Kg2 {is perfectly possible: %05but} Kf4 3. f3 Ke5 4. Kf1 Kf4 5. Kf2 Ke5 6. Ke3 Kf5 7. f4 Kg4 8. Ke4 Kxh4 9. Kf3 {%04etc.} (9. f5 {also wins after %05Incidentally,} Kg5 10. Ke5 h4 11. f6 h3 12. f7 h2 13. f8=Q h1=Q 14. Qg8+ {and 15. Qh7, winning the queen.})) 2... Ke3 {! The strongest reply.} (2... Ke5 {%05After} 3. Kg2 {play reduces to the variation just considered.}) 3. Kg2 Kd4 4. Kh3 {!} (4. Kf2 {would be pointless: } Kd3 {!}) 4... Kd3 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 302I4/303I01I101D03D/503D02D1/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kh2 {! The decisive move! The corresponding squares are g3/e3, g2/d4, h3 and f2/d3, but there is no square corresponding to h2! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/8/8/302I4/303I01I101D03D/503D02D1/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {%15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/302I4/303I01I101D03D/503D02D1/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kg2 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/8/8/302I4/303I01I101D03D/503D02D1/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd3 {%15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/302I4/303I01I101D03D/503D02D1/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kf2 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/8/8/302I4/303I01I101D03D/503D02D1/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {%15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/302I4/303I01I101D03D/503D02D1/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Ke2 $18 {, and White wins. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/302I4/303I01I101D03D/503D02D1/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)}) 1... Kg4 2. f4 Kxh4 3. Kf3 {!} Kh3 4. f5 h4 5. f6 Kh2 6. f7 h3 7. f8=Q $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/p7/P1PK4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. c6 {%05The win after} Kc8 {is attained by the triangulation ~3($4117)~. Draw if the position is moved up the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p7/2pk4/8/P1K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kd2 {%05This example is taken from a practical game (1884). After} c3+ 2. Kc2 Kc4 {White, taking account of the pawn's position at a5, saved the draw by} (2... a4 {, White would have been saved by %05Had Black played} 3. Kd1 (3. Kb1 {%05or})) 3. Kc1 {! Evidently unaware of this game, a few years later Horwitz and Kling suggested the following study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/8/P7/2pk4/P7/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] 1. a5 {%05Here is the composers' solution:} (1. Kd1 {%05Neustadtl also showed that White is by no means obliged to begin with 1. a5 (possible is} c2+ 2. Kc1 Kc3 3. a5 {with a draw) and that if the a4 pawn is removed and the b6 pawn replaced at b7, then Black wins, whoever it is to move.}) 1... bxa5 2. Kd1 a4 ( 2... c2+ {, all the same it is a draw: %05If Black plays} 3. Kc1 Kc3 4. a3 {!} Kb3 5. a4 {=}) 3. Kc1 Kd4 4. Kc2 Kc4 5. Kd1 {%05Correct here (Neustadtl, 1899) is} (5. Kc1 {? , then %05if} Kd3 6. Kd1 c2+ 7. Kc1 Kc3 8. a3 Kb3 {, winning}) ( 5. a3 {?? , with a draw(!?-Horwitz & Kling). But 5.a3 in fact loses ~3($40299) ~.}) 5... Kd3 (5... a3 {%05it is also obvious draw after}) 6. Kc1 c2 7. a3 { = Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/p1P5/p2K4/8/1P6/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {In the previous position it was of no significance whether the king stood at c1 or d1, since the a2 pawn, depending on circumstances, could move either to a3 or a4. But in Grigoriev's position the pawn stands not at a7, but at a6, and no longer has the right to move two squares. Therefore the black king has only one good retreat square: 1... Kd8!} 1... Kd8 {! comes %05 But the position of the pawn at a6 makes the b6 square available to the white king, and White wins by giving his opponent the move: on} 2. Kc4 (2. Kd6 {%05and if now} Kc8 3. c7 {? , then} a4 4. bxa4 a5 {with a draw.}) 2... Kc8 3. Kd4 {!} Kd8 4. Ke5 $18 {%04etc. The remarks to this position are illustrated in the next example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bauer"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/2k5/8/2P5/2K5/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] 1. Kd4 Kd6 2. c5+ Kc6 3. Kc4 Kc7 4. Kd5 Kd7 5. c6+ Kc7 6. Kc5 Kc8 7. Kd6 Kd8 8. c7+ (8. a4 {%05as shown by Chekhover,} Kc8 9. a5 {!} Kd8 10. c7+ Kc8 11. Kc6 a6 12. Kb6 $18 {is also possible}) 8... Kc8 9. Kc6 {, and now either} a5 (9... a6 {%05or} 10. a4 {!} a5 11. Kb6 $18 {, winning.}) 10. a3 {!} a4 11. Kb6 $18 { But what happens if the white pawn is at a3 or a4? If the bishop's pawn has already reached the 6th rank, the answer is clear: a win is not possible. This is illustrated by the following study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/8/8/5p1k/7P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] 1. Kf2 Kg4 2. Ke3 {! (this king manoeuvre is the idea of the defence - White forces the advance of the h7 pawn)} h6 3. Kf2 Kf4 4. Ke1 {If the pawn were at h5, then 4. Kf1! would be^013^010 necessary ~3($40300)~. The king stand on a square of the^013^010 same colour as the enemy rook's pawn.} Ke3 5. Kf1 h5 ( 5... f2 {, then %05if} 6. h3 {!} Kf3 7. h4 Kg3 8. h5) 6. Ke1 f2+ 7. Kf1 Kf3 8. h3 Kg3 9. h4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1k5/8/2K5/P1P5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {If the passed pawn is on the 4th rank, a win is possible under certain circumstances, and the procedure is extremely instructive.} 1. Kd5 Kd7 2. a5 {! } Kc7 3. Ke6 {! (White begins a lengthy by-passing manoeuvre, the aim of which is to attack the a7 pawn!)} Kc6 4. a6 {!} Kc7 (4... Kb6 {%05In the event of} 5. Kd6 Kxa6 6. c5 Kb7 7. Kd7 {White wins,}) (4... Kc5 {%05and things are not improved by chasing the other pawn:} 5. Kd7 Kxc4 6. Kc6 $18 {%04etc. !} (6. Kc7 {?} Kc5 7. Kb7 Kd6 {with a draw})) 5. Ke7 Kc6 (5... Kc8 6. Kd6 Kd8 7. Kc6 Kc8 8. c5 Kb8 9. Kd7 {%04etc.}) 6. Kd8 Kd6 7. Kc8 Kc6 8. Kb8 Kb6 9. c5+ Kc6 (9... Kxa6 10. c6 {%04etc.}) 10. Kxa7 Kc7 11. c6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1k5/8/2K5/P1P5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1... Kd7 {%05If Black begins, the by-pass proves unsuccessful:} 2. Kd5 Kc7 3. a5 Kd7 4. a6 Kc7 5. Ke6 Kc6 6. Ke7 Kc7 {!} 7. Ke8 Kc8 {! Draw. This same idea was expressed somewhat earlier in the following study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wallace"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/2k5/8/PKP5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. a5 Kd7 2. Kb5 {!} (2. Kc5 {?} Kc7 3. Kd5 Kd7 {with a draw}) 2... Kc7 3. Kc5 {!} (3. Ka6 {?} Kb8 4. c5 Ka8 5. c6 Kb8 {leads only to a draw}) 3... Kd7 4. Kd5 Kc7 5. Ke6 {! , and then as in example ~3 ($40304).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/2k5/8/2P5/P1K5/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {To demonstrate the conclusion that, with a pawn at a3 and the second pawn on the 4th rank a win is also possible, Maizelis suggested the next position.} 1... Kc5 {%05With Black to move there no difficulties:} 2. Kb3 Kb6 {!} 3. Kb4 Kc6 4. a4 Kb6 5. a5+ Kc6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/2k5/8/2P5/P1K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] 1. Kb4 {%05The composer thought that, if it were White to move first, he could hope to win:} Kd7 {!! all White's winning attempts are in vain, e.g.: %05But, as was shown by a number of readers of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR, after} ( 1... Kb6 2. a4 Kc6 3. a5 $18 {, and so on as in the study just examined.}) 2. Kc5 (2. Kb5 Kd6 {!} (2... Kc7 3. Kc5 {! , winning}) 3. a4 Kc7 4. Kc5 Kd7 5. Kd5 Kc7 {, leading to a continuation already examined.}) (2. a4 Kd6 {!} 3. Kb5 Kc7 4. Kc5 (4. a5 Kb7 5. Kc5 Kc7) 4... Kd7 5. Kd5 Kc7 {%04etc.}) 2... Kc7 {!} 3. Kd5 Kd7 4. a4 Kc7 5. Ke6 (5. a5 {, then %05there appears to be nothing better; if} Kd7 {with a draw}) 5... Kc6 6. a5 Kc5 7. Kd7 Kxc4 8. Kc6 a6 9. Kb6 Kd5 { = with a draw. We thus conclude that in this position with his pawn at a3 or a4, White is unable to win against correct defence. And now two further interesting drawn endings with similar pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/8/8/5k2/5P1P/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Ke1 {%05Black is saved by the active position of his king:} (1. Kg1 {%05or}) 1... h5 2. Kf1 h4 3. Kg1 (3. Ke1 {%05no better is} Kg2) (3. h3 {%05or} Ke4 {!} 4. Ke2 Kf4 5. f3 Kg3 {%04etc.}) 3... Kg4 {!} (3... h3 {? %05not} 4. Kf1 { , when White wins}) 4. Kg2 h3+ 5. Kg1 Kf4 {!} 6. Kf1 Kf3 7. Ke1 Kg2 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Goldenov Boris"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/5K1P/8/6k1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] 1... Kf4 {%05The way to draw is as follows:} (1... Kh5 {%05Here, in spite of his extra pawn, it is Black who has to think in terms of saving the position. Bad, for example, is} 2. Kg7 f5 3. Kxh7 f4 4. Kg7 f3 5. h7 f2 6. h8=Q+ $18) 2. Kg7 f5 3. Kxh7 Ke3 {!} (3... Kg3 {? %05but not} 4. Kg6 f4 5. h7 f3 6. h8=Q f2 7. Qh1 $18 {, and White wins.}) 4. Kg6 f4 5. h7 f3 6. h8=Q f2 7. Qh1 Ke2 { = %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k3p2/3P1P2/8/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kd3 Kc5 2. Ke4 Kb6 3. d6 {!} Kc6 4. d7 Kxd7 (4... Kc7 {! %05or} 5. Kd4 Kd8 { !} 6. Kc5 Kc7 7. d8=Q+ {!} Kxd8 8. Kd6 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Kd5 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k2K1/4p3/2p5/8/2P5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] 1. Kf6 Kd6 2. c4 Kd7 3. Ke5 Ke7 4. Kf4 {!} Kf6 5. Ke4 e5 6. Kd5 Kf5 7. Kxc5 e4 8. Kb6 {! (the only move)} e3 9. c5 e2 10. c6 e1=Q 11. c7 {Draw. If the position moved one rank down the board, the pawn would be unable to reach c7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k1p2/5P2/3K4/8/3P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {If the position is moved to the right or left, it is still a draw. Only the position obtained by moving it three files to the left is won for White.} 1. d4 {(the advance of the pawn wins in the position moved^013^010 one rank down the board -~3($40317))~} (1. Ke5 {%05Also possible is} Kc6 2. d4 Kd7 3. Kf5 Kd6 4. Kg5 Ke6 5. d5+ Kxd5 6. Kh6 Ke5 (6... Kd6 {%05Salvioli continued} 7. Kh7 {?} Kd7 {with a draw} (7... Ke5 {! %05but on 7. Kh7? Black wins by})) 7. Kg5 {! Draw.} (7. Kg7 {?} Ke6 $19)) 1... Kc7 2. Kc5 Kd7 3. d5 Kc7 4. d6+ Kd7 5. Kd5 Kd8 { Draw.} (5... Kc8 {=}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k1p2/5P2/3K4/8/8/3P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1. Ke5 {%05Salvioli showed that with his pawn at d2 White would win by} Kc6 2. Kf5 Kd5 3. Kg5 Ke5 4. d3 {!} Ke6 5. d4 Kd5 6. Kh6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4pk2/8/8/2p5/2P5/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {A development of this analysis is provided by the following Grigoriev study, which shows, in particular, that in the previous example White cannot win even if it is Black to move.} 1. Kc1 Ke5 2. Kd1 Kd4 3. Ke2 Ke4 (3... Kc4 { %05Nothing is achieved by} 4. Ke3 Kb4 (4... Kb5 {%05or} 5. Kd3 (5. Ke4 {%05or}) (5. Kd4 {? %05but not} Kb4 6. Kd3 e5 {and wins})) 5. Kd4) 4. Kf2 Kf4 5. Ke2 Kg3 {!} 6. Kd3 {!} (6. Ke3 {? %05But not} e5 {!}) 6... e5 {%05while after} (6... Kf3 {there follows %05Now on} 7. Kxc3 {!} e5 8. Kd2 Kf2 9. Kd3 {!}) 7. Ke3 {!} (7. Kxc3 {is not possible because of} e4) 7... Kg2 8. Ke2 {!} e4 9. Ke1 {!} Kf3 10. Kf1 e3 11. Ke1 e2 {Stalemate. Guided by the study just examined, White gained a draw in the following position.} * [Event "Szolnok (Hungary)"] [Site "Szolnok (Hungary)"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Westerinen Heikki M J (FIN)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4pk2/8/6p1/1K4P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] 1. Kc3 Ke4 2. Kd2 Kd4 3. Ke2 Kc4 4. Kd2 {!} (4. Ke3 {%05Of course, not} Kc3 5. Ke4 (5. Ke2 {%05or} Kc2 6. Ke1 Kd3 {, when the black king breaks through to the enemy pawn.}) 5... Kd2 6. Kxe5 Ke3 $19) 4... Kd4 5. Ke2 Kc3 6. Ke3 Kc2 7. Ke2 {!} e4 8. Ke1 {!} (8. Ke3 {%05White loses after} Kd1 9. Kxe4 Ke2 $19 {!}) 8... Kd3 9. Kd1 e3 10. Ke1 e2 {Stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1890.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k1p2/5P2/3K4/8/3P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1890.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {%05In 1890 Berger mentioned only} (1. Kc4 {%05and mentioned two other solutions:} Ke5 2. d4+ Kxf5 3. d5 $18) (1. d3 {%05and (the equally simple)} Kc6 2. Kc4 Kd6 3. d4 {, which, however, no longer work in the following position, where the black pawn is closer to the queening square.}) 1... Kc5 2. d4+ Kd6 { , with the following manoeuvre of Horwitz and Kling:} (2... Kc4 {%05In 1922 he added the variation} 3. Ke3 Kb5 4. Kd3 Kb4 5. d5 {(this wins here because the f-pawn has crossed the middle of the board)} Kc5 6. Ke4 Kb6 7. d6 {%04etc.}) 3. Ke3 Kc6 4. Kd2 Kd6 5. Kc3 Kd5 6. Kd3 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2k1p3/4P3/2K5/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kd3 {his continuation %05 In his analysis of this position (in the 8th edition of Bilguer's Handbuch, 1916) Berger committed several instructive mistakes. After} Kb5 {(mechanically playing for the opposition!) is simply not the best defence, since White wins easily by} (1... Kb4 {with the sequel %05More tenacious, of course, is !} 2. c3+ {!} Kb3 3. Kd2 Ka4 {! , and now "a la Grigoriev"} 4. Ke2 {! , winning as in example ~3 ($4018).~}) 2. c3 (2. Ke3 { ? , and again recommends the opposition. And %05But this is not the main point. After 1. Kd3 Kb5 Berger %05considers} Kc5 {? does not lose in Berger's analysis, only because he^013^010 continues} (2... Kc4 {! is the only way to draw %05But in fact}) 3. Ke2 {?} (3. Kf2 {! %05As was shown by Dedrle in 1921, White should answer 2... Kc5? with} Kc4 4. Kg3 {!} Kd4 5. Kf3 Kc3 6. Kg4 $18 { , winning.}) 3... Kc4 4. Kf3 Kd4 {=}) 2... Kc5 3. Kd2 {etc. ~3($40317)~). In this example , where 1. Kd3 followed by the advance of the c-pawn wins, there is of course no necessity for such a by-pass, but it becomes necessary if the black pawn is a bishop's pawn. (Note, incidentally, that if initial position is moved one file to the right, White wins only if it is Black to move).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2p1k3/2P5/2K5/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Kb2 {! %05Correct is} (1. Kd3 {? %05According to analysis by Dedrle (1921), White fails to win here by} Kf5 {! (the variations are clear from preceding analysis)}) (1. e3 {? %05or} Ke4 {=}) (1. Kb3 {? %05or} Kd4 {in the event of} 2. e3+ {White loses both pawns}) 1... Ke4 2. Ka3 {!} Kd4 3. Kb3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/301I02I3/02D01D6/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Ke3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/301I02I3/ 02D01D6/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ka4 $18 {, and wins. The corresponding squares are determined here by the decisive position Kb3/Kd4 and Ka3/Ke4. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/301I02I3/02D01D6/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/k1p5/2P5/1K6/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka3 {%15N LD4(b3:a3) #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %05The critical position is Kd3/Kb4, and the solution is in^013^010 %05every way analogous to example~3 ($40319)~. But %05before^013^010 %05the winning manoeuvre is begun, the black king must be^013^010 %05forced to retreat to the 6th rank (otherwise it is too^013^010 %05close to the a2 pawn). To give Black the move, use is^013^010 %05made of the triangle a3-b2-b3.} Kb6 {%15N LD4(b3:a3) LD4(a3:b2) #B(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb2 {! %15N LD4(b3:a3) LD4(a3:b2) #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka5 {%15N LD4(b3:a3) LD4(a3: b2) #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb3 {! %15N LD4(b3:a3) LD4(a3:b2) LD4(b2:b3) #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb6 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(4AS3/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd2 {! pointed out by Kling; %15N LD4(c3:d2) LD4(d2:e3) LD4(e3:d3) #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (5. a3 { ? %05Walker continued} Ka4 6. Kd3 Kxa3 {- draw}) 5... Ka4 {%15N LD4(c3:d2) LD4 (d2:e3) LD4(e3:d3) #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/ 301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke3 {%15N LD4(c3:d2) LD4(d2:e3) LD4(e3:d3) #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kb4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/101I6/ 301D4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd3 Ka3 8. Ke4 Ka4 9. Kd5 Kb4 10. a3+ $18 { , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/1p6/1P2K2k/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {We will conclude our examination of cases with pawns on the same file with some examples of more complex manoeuvring.} 1. Kf5 {! is correct, creating a double-edged position, where in the event of inaccurate play Black even risks losing. %05Therefore} (1. Kd5 {? etc.) White is short of one tempo %05For promoting his b-pawn(}) (1. Kf6 {? also loses in view of %05while} Kg4 2. Kxf7 Kf5 $19) 1... Kh4 2. Kf4 Kh3 3. Kf3 Kh2 4. Kf2 {It is readily apparent that at no point can White go for the win of the f-pawn, since by a by-pass to the rear Black would reach the b5 pawn. But now Black attempts to free his king.} f6 {Black reckons as follows: while White is picking up the pawn, he will succeed (in the same 4 moves) in transferring his king to d4, winning.} 5. Kf3 Kg1 6. Ke4 {!!} Kf2 {!} (6... Kg2 {? , then %05With a dual aim: if} 7. Kf5 { winning, while after 6... Kf2 the path of the f-pawn is blocked, which grants White the tempo that he has been lacking from the very start.}) 7. Kd5 {!} f5 8. Kc6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/8/4k3/8/8/2p5/2P2P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Black's saving chances are based on two possibilities: (1) on the capture of the c2 pawn, so as to draw against the queen tanks to the bishop's pawn; (2) on the capture of the f-pawn, so as then to answer K:c3 with ... Kc5.} 1. Kg7 { ! %05From this the solution is clear:} (1. Kf8 {? %05For example:} Kf6 {!} 2. Ke8 Ke6 3. Kd8 Kd6 4. Kc8 Kc5 {! , and if} 5. Kc7 {, then} (5. f4 {, then %05while if} Kd4 6. f5 Ke5 7. Kc7 Kxf5 8. Kd6 Kf6 {!} 9. Kd5 Ke7 10. Kd4 Kd6 11. Kxc3 Kc5 {= (the second possibility).}) 5... Kb4 6. f4 Ka3 7. f5 Kb2 { = (the first possibility)}) (1. f3 {? %05A draw also follows from} Ke5 2. Kf7 Kf4 3. Ke6 Ke3 {!} 4. f4 Kd2 {etc.^013^010 From these variations it is apparent that White should not: (a) prematurely advance his f-pawn (the e3 square becomes accessible to the black king!), or (b) approach with his king along the 8th rank, since in this case the distance to the c3 pawn remains too great.}) 1... Ke5 2. Kf7 {! (it is sufficient to approach the c3 pawn along the 7th, rather than the 8th rank)} Kf5 (2... Kf4 3. Ke6 Kf3 4. Kd5 Ke2 5. Kc4 {and wins}) 3. Ke7 Ke5 4. Kd7 Kd5 5. Kc7 {!} (5. f3 {?} Kd4) (5. f4 {?} Ke4 6. Ke6 (6. f5 {%05or} Kxf5 7. Kd6 Kf6 {! =}) 6... Ke3 {!}) 5... Kc5 {(threatening 6... Kb4)} 6. f4 {!} Kd4 7. f5 {!} (7. Kd6 {?} Ke3) 7... Ke5 8. Kc6 {!} (8. f6 {?} Kxf6 9. Kd6 Kf7 {! =}) 8... Kxf5 9. Kd5 {! , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4K3/8/8/5p1k/5P1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {White parries the threat of the capture on h2 by the counter-threat of an attack on f3.} 1. Kd5 {! %05The only way to draw is by} (1. Kf5 {? %05It is clear that, had White played} Kg2 2. h4 Kxf2 3. h5 Kg2 4. h6 f2 5. h7 f1=Q+ $19 {would now have been decisive}) (1. Ke5 {? %05while in the event of} Kg2 2. h4 Kxf2 3. h5 Kg2 4. h6 f2 5. h7 f1=Q {Black would have been able to meet} 6. h8=Q {%04with} Qa1+ $19) 1... Kg2 {!} 2. h4 Kxf2 3. h5 Kg2 4. h6 f2 5. h7 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6K1/7p/4p3/4P3/8/2k5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Kf6 {!} Kd3 (1... Kc3) (1... Kb3) (1... h5 {are also possible %05and}) 2. Kxe5 Kc4 {!} 3. Kf4 (3. Kf5 {%05or} h5 {! =}) 3... Kc5 {! - draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/2p5/2K5/1P1P4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {~15.23 No passed pawn~ Here there is only one possible pawn structure: the stronger side's pawns are separated by one file, and it is on this file that the opponent's pawn is situated. A win is normally possible when the king can occupy a blockading position in front of the enemy pawn, and then attack it from the side or else carry out a favourable exchange of pawns. The existence of reserve tempi is often of decisive importance, and therefore much depends both on the distance between the pawns, and on the placing of the kings. We will first analyze several simple final positions, with the kings in vertical, and then in horizontal opposition.} 1... Kd7 {there follows %05On} (1... Kb7 2. b5 {!$18 With White to move the exchange is pointless, and there is no win.}) 2. d5 {! , winning} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Glazier"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/3pKp2/8/8/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. Ke6 {! %05Here there is the same idea:} Kd8 (1... Kf8 2. Kxf5 $18) (1... f4 2. Kxd5 $18) (1... d4 2. Kxf5 $18) 2. Kxd5 $18 {At the side of the board, where one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, the result is different.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/1p6/1K6/P1P5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Kc7 {! since White does not achieve anything by %05Black draws by} (1... Ka7 {? %05but, of course, loses to} 2. a5 $18) 2. c5 {=} (2. Ka6 {%05or} Kc6 {= }) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/2p5/2K5/1P1P4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {If positions ~3( 325)~ and ~3 ( 327)~ are moved up or down the board, the result remains the same, but if the black pawn is on its initial square, certain special features come to light.} 1... Kd8 {%05After} 2. Kb7 {! %05but White wins by} (2. d6 {? leads only to a draw in view of %05the immediate} Kc8 {!} 3. d7+ Kd8 {=}) 2... Kd7 3. Kb8 {(following Cheron, 1927, certain textbooks continue^013^010 here with the excessively subtle 3. Ka8!?, starting as^013^010 though to win "for the second time", but such^013^010 manoeuvring is appropriate in a completely different^013^010 group of endings, considered later ~3($40350)~ )} Kd8 (3... Kd6 4. Kc8 $18) 4. d6 {!} cxd6 5. b6 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1617.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Carrera"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1p6/1K6/P1P5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1617.??.??"] {This corner position was known by Carrera as long as 1617.} 1... Kc8 {%05A draw is given by ! =} (1... Ka8 {? %05but not} 2. Kc7 {!} (2. a6 {?} Kb8 {!=}) 2... Ka7 3. Kc8 Ka8 4. a6 {!$18 %04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pk5/8/P1PK4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Kd7 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pk5/8/P1PK4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Kc4 {%05or with White to move} Kc6 2. Kb4 Kc7 3. Kb5 Kc8 (3... Kb8 4. Kb6 Kc8 {!} 5. Ka7 Kc7 {= is also possible}) 4. Kb6 Kb8 {= Thus the position with the white king at b5 is also drawn, and it should be mentioned that this result holds on all ranks and files.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1kpK4/8/1P1P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kd7 {%05After} (1. Ke6 Ka6) 1... Kb7 2. Kd8 (2. Ke8 Ka8 {!} (2... Kc8 { ? since the c6 pawn prevents Black from retaining the opposition: %05but not} 3. Ke7 Kc7 4. Ke6 {and wins; study by Neustadtl, 1890})) 2... Kb8 3. b5 { no longer works as in example ~3($40328)~ (the black pawn is closer to the queening square).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1kpK4/8/1P1P4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Kb7 {%05But if it is Black to move, he is unable to retain the opposition: } 2. Kd7 Kb6 3. Kc8 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/kpK5/8/P1P5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Kd7 {! %05The black king has insufficient space to retain the opposition. White wins by} Ka7 (1... Kb7 2. a5 $18) 2. Kc7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1kpK4/8/1P1P4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Kd8 {%05With Black's pawn on its initial square, holding the^013^010 %05opposition no longer saves him. Play reduces to the^013^010 %05finish of example ~3($40328):~} Kb8 2. b6 {etc. An exception will be provided by the position where^013^010 the white king is at the side of the board (cf. the finish to^013^010 example ~3($40330)~ ). Positions where there is a greater distance between the pawns or the kings normally reduce to the concluding positions already examined.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2pk4/8/1PK5/3P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kd4 {%05This existence of a reserve tempo (pawn at d3 instead of d4) assures White of a win:} Kd7 (1... Kc7 {%05or} 2. Kc5 Kd7 3. Kb6 {!} Kd6 4. d4 $18 {~3($40331)~.}) 2. Kc5 Kc7 3. d4 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2pk4/8/2KP4/1P6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Kb4 {%05But here White to move is unable to win:} Kd5 2. Kc3 c5 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1kp5/8/8/1PKP4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Kc5 {! %05The only way to win is by} (1. Kb5 {? proves unsuccessful, since %05The attempt to take the opposition by} c6+ {allows Black to bring the pawns together while not giving the white king any good retreat square:} 2. Kc5 (2. Kc4 {%05or} Kb6 {=}) (2. Ka5 {%05or} Ka7 {=}) 2... Kc7 {= Draw.}) 1... c6 { (otherwise 2. Kc6)} 2. b5 $18 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1kp5/8/8/1PKP4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... c6 {! %05Therefore with Black to move the simplest continuation is} (1... Kc6 {, which in the event %05With Black to move in an analogous position, Fine (1941) %05suggested} 2. b5+ (2. Kc3 {creates some complications, e.g. %05But} Kb5 3. d5 {, and if Black plays the careless} Kb6 {?} (3... c6 {?} 4. d6 $18) ( 3... Ka6 {%05The way to save the game is by} 4. Kc4 Kb6 {=}) (3... c5 {= %05or} ) 4. Kc4 $18 {wins. %05, then}) 2... Kb6 {= does not indeed lead to a draw without any trouble.}) 2. Kc5 (2. b5 {%05or} Kb6 {! Draw.}) 2... Kc7 {= ~3 ($41325)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1843.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/8/1k6/8/8/1PKP4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1843.??.??"] {This is an ancient (1843) theoretical position, through the complex labyrinths of which it is easy to find one's way, knowing the preceding analysis. The basis of the play is the struggle for the c4 square.} 1. Kb3 { ! %05If it is White to move, he wins by taking the opposition:} (1. Kc3 { ? %05A draw results from} Kc5 {! , when even the existence of reserve tempi does not allow White to occupy c4, e.g.:} (1... c5 {?} 2. d3 (2. b3 {%05or})) ( 1... c6 {?} 2. d4) 2. b4+ (2. b3 Kb5 {!} (2... c6 {?} 3. b4+ {!} Kb5 (3... Kd5 {%05or} 4. Kd3 $18) 4. Kb3 $18) 3. d4 (3. b4 {%05or} c5) 3... c6 {=}) 2... Kb5 {!} (2... Kd5 {? , then %05the correct defence demands that the black king should %05step onto the file of the more advanced pawn; if} 3. Kd3 {!} c6 4. Kc3 {, and as before} c5 {is hopeless because of} 5. b5 $18) 3. Kb3 c6 { ! and on} 4. Kc3 {there follows} (4. d3 {%05or}) (4. d4 {also leads to a draw ~3($40330)~. %05while}) 4... c5) 1... Kc5 (1... c6 2. d4) (1... c5 {%05or} 2. Kc3 c4 3. b3 {fails to save the game}) 2. Kc3 c6 (2... Kd5 {, then %05From previous analysis it is clear that if} 3. b4 {!}) (2... Kb5 {, then %05while if } 3. d4 {! (symmetric variations will subsequently be omitted).}) 3. b4+ Kb5 4. Kb3 {, and White wins, e.g.} Ka6 5. Kc4 Kb6 6. d3 {!} Kc7 7. Kc5 Kd7 (7... Kb7 8. b5 $18) 8. Kb6 Kd6 9. Kb7 Kd7 10. d4 Kd6 11. Kc8 Ke6 12. Kc7 Kd5 13. Kd7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/8/1k6/8/8/1PKP4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Kb4 {%05With Black to move the draw is most easily secured by} (1... Kc4 { %05but also possible is} 2. b3+ Kb4 3. d4 {(otherwise 3... c5)} c6 4. Kb2 Ka5 { !} 5. Kc3 Kb5 {=}) 2. d3 (2. b3 {%05or}) 2... c5 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/3k4/8/3K4/8/2P1P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. e4 {%05With his king at d4 White wins simply by 1. e4 and 2. e5. %05Fine gives an interesting example of an incorrect attack:} Kc6 2. Ke5 Kc5 3. Kf6 {?} (3. c3 {%05He does not give a winning move instead of 3. Kf6, but in fact there isn't one} Kc4 {=}) (3. Kf5 Kd4 4. e5 Kd5 {!} 5. c3 (5. Kf6 {%05or} Kd4) 5... Kc4 {=}) 3... Kd4 4. e5 Kd5 {!} 5. c3 Ke4 {!} (5... Kc4 {? %05But not} 6. Ke7 Kd5 7. Kxd7 Kxe5 8. Kc6 $18 {, winning}) 6. c4 Kd4 7. Ke7 Kxe5 {= Hence after 2. Ke5? the game is already a draw, and 3. Kf6 is no better and no worse than other continuations. 4... Kd5! is also inaccurate in the analysis - 4... Ke4! is simpler.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/1K3p2/8/4P3/8/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {When the kings are at some distance from each other, and also from the pawns, the theoretical motifs considered appear in rather more complex form.} 1. Kc6 Ke7 2. Kd5 Kd7 {(in truing to bring his king to the blockading square f6, from the very start White prevents ... f6; now, with the same aim, it remains for him to avoid the position Ke4/Ke6 with him to move)} 3. Kd4 {!} Ke7 4. Ke3 Kd7 5. Kf4 Ke6 6. Ke4 Kd7 (6... f6 {is hopeless:} 7. exf6 Kxf6 8. Kf4 $18) 7. Kf5 Ke7 8. g4 Ke8 {!} 9. Kf6 {!} (9. e6 {?} Ke7 (9... Kf8 {%05or})) 9... Kf8 10. g5 {! and wins ~3($40328)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2kp4/8/4P3/2P5/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. Ke3 (1. Kd3 {?} Kc5 2. Kd2 Kc4 3. Kc2 Kb5 {! with a draw - ~3($41339)~}) 1... Kd7 (1... Kc5 2. Kd3) 2. Kd3 {!} (2. Kd4 {?} Ke6 {with a draw -~3($41337)~ }) 2... Ke7 3. Kc4 Ke6 4. Kd4 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k2p2/3p4/8/8/4P3/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Kf2 {! %05Correct is} (1. Kd2 {? %05White loses after} d4 {!} 2. e3 (2. e4 { %05or} Kb5 {!} 3. Kd3 Kc5) 2... Kd5 3. Kd3 dxe3 $19) (1. e3 {?} Kc5 2. Kd2 Kc4 3. Ke2 Kc3 4. Kf2 Kd3 5. Kf3 f5 {%04etc.}) 1... Kd6 (1... d4 {%05no better is}) (1... Kc5 {%05or} 2. Kf3 {etc. -~3 ($40341)~}) 2. Ke3 {!} (2. Kf3 {?} Ke5 3. e3 (3. Ke3 {%05or} f5 4. Kf3 d4 $19) 3... Kf5) 2... Ke5 3. Kd3 {!} d4 4. e3 {Draw. } (4. e4 {= %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1pk1K3/8/8/P1P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Ke6 {! %05Correct is} (1. a3 {? is premature:} Kc6 2. Ke6 (2. Kd4 Kd6 3. c3 Kc6 {=}) 2... Kc5 3. Kd7 b4 4. a4 Kb6 {=}) 1... Kc6 2. Ke7 {!} Kc7 3. a3 Kc6 4. Kd8 $18 {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/5p2/2k5/4PK2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {Black, with a tempo in reserve, does not himself take the opposition, but waits for White to take it, after which he will seize it by ... d6. Therefore White too avoids taking the opposition.} 1... Kc4 {! %05With Black to move there would follow:} (1... Kd4 {?} 2. Kf5 Ke3 (2... d6 {%05or} 3. Kf4 {- draw}) 3. e5 {=}) 2. Ke3 (2. Kg4 d6 {!}) (2. Kf5 {%05or} Kd4 3. Kf4 d6) 2... d6 {!} 3. Ke2 Kd4 4. Kf3 Kd3 5. Kf4 Ke2 $19 {, and by seizing the critical squares of the e4 pawn, Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/5p2/2k5/4PK2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/203I201D2/ 202I01I102D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) The play is determined here by the following crucial positions: Kf5/Kd4, Kf4/Kc4 and Kg4/Kc5. In other words, the squares corresponding to f5, f4 and g4 (g5 being inaccessible) are d4, c4 and c5 (d5 being accessible). On these corresponding squares White is saved from taking the opposition, which in this case would be fatal (and Black is unable to manoeuvre on the adjoining squares to the rear - his f6 pawn is under threat!).} 1. Kg4 {! %05From this the solution is clear: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/203I201D2/202I01I102D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} (1. Ke3 {?} Kd6 {!} 2. Kf4 Ke6 {=}) 1... Kc4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/203I201D2/202I01I102D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} (1... Kd6 2. Kf5 {=}) 2. Kf4 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/8/203I201D2/202I01I102D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {%15N #B (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/203I201D2/202I01I102D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2... d6 3. Kg4 {=}) (2... Kd3 3. e5 {=}) 3. Kf5 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/203I201D2/202I01I102D03D1/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d6 {(after this White now defends by the method of opposition)} 4. Kf4 Kd3 5. Kf3 Kc4 6. Kg4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/k2p4/8/2P4K/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/1I1I11D1D12/2I12D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Here there is the same idea, but with interesting manoeuvring on the rear squares adjoining the critical zone: b5, c5, c4 for Black, and f4, f5, e5 for White.} 1. Kg4 {! White attacks two squares of the main zone, forcing Black into the corresponding defence;} (1. Kg3 {? %05insufficient is} Ka4 2. Kf4 Kb5 {! - draw}) 1... Kb6 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/ 1I1I11D1D12/2I12D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} (1... Ka4 {%05weaker is} 2. Kf5 Kb3 3. Ke6 {!} Kc4 4. Ke5 {, winning} ) 2. Kg5 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/1I1I11D1D12/2I12D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2. Kf5 {?} Kc5) 2... Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 1I1I11D1D12/2I12D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf6 {! (threatening 4. Ke5, and Black is a long way from c4; he is forced to step into the main zone, and White soon seizes the decisive correspondence in it) %15N #B(8/8/8/1I1I11D1D12/2I12D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/1I1I11D1D12/ 2I12D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke6 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/1I1I11D1D12/2I12D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/1I1I11D1D12/2I12D12/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf5 {! (the end result is already clear, but the continuation is instructive) %15N #B(8/8/8/ 1I1I11D1D12/2I12D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kb5 6. e3 Kb6 7. Kf6 {(taking the opposition on the main file)} Kb5 8. Ke7 {(a by-pass!)} Kc6 9. Ke6 {(distant opposition has been transformed into close opposition)} Kc5 10. Kd7 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/k7/8/3p4/8/2P1P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {Certain features of manoeuvring on the ranks are demonstrated by the following examples. The basic solution expounded by Dedrle in 1925 was inaccurate. The white king cannot step immediately onto the 7th rank, since Black will take the distant opposition and it will be a draw. White's approach to the critical squares of the d4 pawn must be along the 8th rank, observing rectangular correspondence, which will soon be transformed into a decisive opposition.} 1. Kg8 {(the corners of the a6-a8-g8-g6 rectangle are all of the same colour!)} Kb6 2. Kf8 Kc6 3. Ke8 Kd6 4. Kf7 {Since the black king has stepped onto an unfavourable file, where the retention of the opposition is prevented by its own pawn, White can set about seizing the critical squares.} ( 4. Kd8 {does not win due to %05Dedrle made the incorrect assertion that} Kc6 5. Ke7 (5. Kc8 {! %05but instead of 5. Ke7?, correct is} Kd6 6. Kb7 {, when White wins as in the main variation.}) 5... Kc7) 4... Kd7 5. Kf6 Kd6 6. Kf5 Kd5 7. Kf4 Kd6 8. Ke4 Kc5 9. Ke5 Kc4 10. Kd6 {, and wins. The main rank in this example is the 5th, but no approach with his king White first had to win control of the 7th rank - by the same by-passing method. The decisive factor in this was the possession of rectangular correspondence, since it determined who would have the opposition with the white king at d8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/k7/8/3p4/8/2P1P3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1... Kb6 {%05The same position with Black to move may help to explain this:} 2. Kg8 Kc6 3. Kf8 Kb6 {!} (3... Kd6 {?} 4. Kf7) 4. Ke8 Kc6 5. Kd8 {Draw.} (5. Ke7 {%05or} Kc7 {=}) 5... Kd6 {(keeping the white king on the 8th rank)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/8/k7/8/3p4/8/2P1P3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {If in the initial position the white king were at g8, the result would again be decided by the turn to move: White wins only if it is the opponent's move.} 1... Ka5 {%05Let us now consider another defence after 1. Kg8, namely} 2. Kg7 { ! (in similar fashion White has to gain control of the 6th rank)} Ka4 {Black immediately gives up the hopeless task of trying to defend the 6th rank. In the first instance this "confused" the composer of the position, who asserted that only 3 Kf6 was correct now, whereas the mechanical taking of rectangular correspondence by 3. Kg6 would be an irreparable mistake.^013^010 But in fact both moves win: here the rectangular correspondence loses its significance, since the black king is on an unfavourable rank, where its own pawn is a hindrance} 3. Kg6 {a possible continuation is %05After} (3. Kf6 {%05e.g.} Kb4 4. Ke6 Kc4 5. Kd6 {, winning}) 3... Ka5 (3... Kb4 4. Kf6 {!} Kc3 5. Ke5) 4. Kg5 {! (on the main file it is essential to take the opposition), and now either} Ka6 (4... Ka4 5. Kf6 {! etc. From this it is clear that 3. Kf6 is simply stronger than 3. Kg6, since it takes the king more quickly to its goal - that of winning the critical squares.}) 5. Kf4 Kb5 6. Kf5 $18 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k3K1/8/8/2p5/8/1P1P4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Kc6 {! %05The black king is unfavourably placed, but White's too is a long way off:} (1... Kd6 {? , then %05If instead} 2. Kf6 Kd5 3. Kf5 Kd4 4. Ke6 {! , and wins.}) (1... Kb6 {?} 2. Kf6 Kb5 3. Kf5 Kb4 4. Ke6 $18 {!}) 2. Kg6 (2. Kf6 Kd6 (2... Kb6 {%05or})) 2... Kc5 3. Kg5 Kd4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/3p4/7K/2P1P3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. Kg6 Ka6 2. Kg7 {!} Ka7 3. Kg8 {!} Ka8 {(the king has been fatally lured onto the 8th rank, and at the same time further away from its own pawn)} 4. c5 {! (a combination which is possible only when the opponent's pawn is not far advanced)} dxc5 {(4... Kc7 is not possible)} 5. e5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herberg"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p1p2/7k/1K2P3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Kc2 {! %05This is another form of the previous position:} (1. Kb4 {?} Kg4 $19) (1. Kb2 {?} Kh3 2. Kb3 Kh2 3. Kb2 Kh1 4. Kb1 (4. Kb3 {%05or} Kg1 5. Kc3 Kf1 {, winning}) 4... d4 $19) 1... Kg4 2. Kd2 {!} Kh3 3. Kd3 Kg2 (3... Kg3 4. Kc3) 4. Kc2 {!} Kh1 5. Kd1 {!} Kg1 6. Kc1 d4 7. Kd2 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/2p5/8/P2k4/8/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {~15.3 DOUBLED PAWNS~ It stands to reason that doubled pawns are much weaker than connected or isolated pawns, but it would be wrong to exaggerate this, since their weakness often proves to be imaginary. Grigoriev wrote in 1935: "Doubled pawns, even when isolated, often constitute a great strength. At any rate, greater than is customarily thought. They can deprive the opponent of important squares, and they can also harbour reserve tempi... Even though they appear powerless, they provide many winning chances". For a long time this type of ending remained an unexplored area of theory, and it was only a number of analyses by Grigoriev (1931, 1932 and 1935) that laid a basis for the study of this ending. The character of the play changes, of course, depending on distinctions in the pawn structure: the pawns may be passed, and if this is not so the doubled pawns may be on the same file as the enemy pawn, or on an adjacent one. All these instances will be considered separately. ~15.31 All pawns passed~ These cases lend themselves well to a general evaluation, especially since here an ending with queen and pawn against queen can arise. But if play is decided in the pure pawn ending, the most typical features of doubled pawns are almost always revealed - reserve tempi and the fact that squares are inaccessible to the enemy king from the side.} 1. a5 {%05This example illustrates how doubled pawns are able to defend themselves:} Kc5 2. a4 Kd6 3. Kd8 c5 4. a6 {!} Kc6 5. a5 c4 6. Kc8 c3 7. a7 c2 8. a8=Q+ $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1k6/8/4p1P1/6P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kf1 {! %05Correct is} (1. g4 {? %05But not} Kc4 2. Kf1 Kd3 {!} 3. Ke1 Ke4 4. g3 Ke5 5. Ke2 Ke4 {!} 6. Kf1 Ke5 (6... Kd3 {? %05hoping for} 7. Ke1 {, winning} ) 7. Ke1 Kf6 {, with a draw.}) 1... Kc4 2. Ke2 Kd4 3. g4 Ke4 4. g3 $18 { etc. ~3($4048)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/1k6/2p1P3/8/8/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kd2 {! %05The idea of the defence is to force the black pawns to^013^010 %05advance to c3 and c4 ~3($4048)~:} Kc6 {!} 2. Ke3 Kd5 3. Kf4 Ke6 (3... c4 { %05Here or on the 7th move Black does better to go into a queen ending by} 4. Kf5 c3 5. e6 Kd6 6. Kf6 c2 7. e7 c1=Q 8. e8=Q Qf4+ 9. Kg6 Qe5 $19 {%16 ~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~., since the pawn ending does^013^010 not give him any winning chances.}) 4. Ke4 c6 5. Kf4 c4 6. Ke4 c5 7. Kf4 c3 {?} (7... Kd5 {!} 8. Kf5 c3 9. e6 c2 10. e7 c1=Q 11. e8=Q Qc2+ $19 {~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~}) 8. Ke3 c4 9. Ke2 Kxe5 10. Kd1 {!} (10. Ke3 {?} Kd5 (10... Kf5 {%05or} 11. Ke2 Ke4 {, winning})) 10... Ke4 11. Kc2 Kd4 12. Kc1 {!= %04Draw} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/3p4/1P6/1K6/8/8/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Ka6 {! %05 He must provoke the advance of the d-pawn, so as to give up his b6 pawn for it. But in doing so he must not advance his second pawn, since with the pawn at b3 it will not be possible to gain control of its key squares. } (1. Kc5 {%05White fails to win by} Kb7 2. b3 Ka6 (2... d5 {%05or}) 3. b4 Kb7 4. Kb5 d5 5. Kc5 d4 {=}) 1... d6 {! %05But after} (1... d5 {? %05Black loses without a struggle after} 2. Kb5 Kb7 3. Kc5) (1... Ka8 {? %05or} 2. b7+ Kb8 3. Kb6 d5 4. Kc5 $18) 2. Ka5 {! The start of a "triangulation".} (2. b7 {? %05the following continuations are insufficient:} d5 3. Kb5 Kxb7 4. Kc5 Ka6 {! =}) (2. b3 {?} d5 3. Kb5 Kb7 4. Kc5 d4 5. Kxd4 Kxb6 6. Kc4 Kc6 {=}) (2. Kb5 {?} Kb7 { (White is in zugzwang)} 3. Ka5 (3. b3 d5) 3... d5 4. Kb5 d4 {=}) 2... Ka8 (2... Kb7 {%05In the event of} 3. Kb5 {Black ends up in zugzwang. The rest is simple: }) 3. Kb4 Kb8 4. Ka4 Ka8 5. Ka5 Kb8 6. Ka6 {, and White wins as in the note to Black's 1st move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kramer"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/5K2/7P/6pP/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {In conclusion - an example of self-stalemating, which has served as the basis for a number of studies.} 1. Kf6 {!} g4 2. Kg6 g3 3. h7 g2 4. Kh6 g1=Q { - stalemate (c f~3($41421)~ and ~3 ($41422)~ ).} (4... g1=R {= %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1p6/8/2P5/8/2P5/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {~15.32 Pawns on adjacent files~ With the doubled pawn structure it is of course more favourable if the pawns are on a file adjacent to the enemy pawn, rather than the same file, since the stronger side and win with the remaining one. Therefore the king is best placed on the file of the enemy pawn, with the aim of occupying the blockading square. The main hindrance is usually the extreme vulnerability of doubled pawns to attack from the rear.} 1. Kc2 { ! (the shortest path to the b-file) %05Grigoriev thought that White wins by} ( 1. Kd2 {%05White fails to win by} Kc7 2. Kd3 Kd7 {!} (2... Kc6 {?} 3. Kc4) 3. Kd4 Kc7 4. Kc4 (4. Kd5 Kd7) 4... Kc6 5. Kb4 b6 (5... Kd5 {%05Grigoriev makes the interesting comment that, instead of 5... b6, there is also a draw by} 6. Kb5 Ke4 {!! (an important theoretical drawn position!).})) 1... Kc7 2. Kb3 Kd7 3. Kb4 {!} Ke6 {! %05Nevertheless, here too, Black saves the game:} (3... Kc6 { (the b5 square!) %05Grigoriev considered only} 4. Kc4 Kd7 5. Kb5 Kc7 {, and now the reserve tempo} 6. c4 {is decisive (7. Kb6 and 6. c6).}) 4. Kc4 (4. c4 Kd7 {=}) 4... Ke5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/1p6/8/2P5/2P5/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kc2 {!} Kb7 2. Kb3 Kc7 3. Ka4 {!} Kc6 4. Kb4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2Kp4/8/8/2k1P3/8/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. e3 Kd3 2. e5 Ke4 3. Kd6 Kf5 4. Kd5 Kg4 {! (Grigoriev's theoretical position ~3-($41361)~ ). Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Crum"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/5p2/8/4P3/2K1P3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] 1. e6 {!} fxe6 (1... f6 2. Kc5 $18) 2. e5 {!$18 , winning ~3($4069)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/8/6P1/8/8/6PK/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kg3 Ke2 2. Kf4 Kf2 3. Ke5 {!} (3. g4 {%05Now only a draw results from either } Kg2 4. g6 fxg6 5. g5 Kh3 {! =}) (3. Kf5 {%05or} Kg3 4. Kf6 Kf4 {!} 5. g3+ Kg4 {=}) 3... Kg3 {Forced in view of the threat of 4. Kf6, but now White puts his opponent in zugzwang, with unexpected results.} 4. Kf5 {!} Kh4 5. Kf4 {! In the rear the black king is causing too much trouble, so it is driven into a more acceptable position.} Kh5 6. g3 Kg6 7. Kg4 $40 {, and White wins as in example ~3($40361)~ (cf. also ~3($40554)~). This play for zugzwang is additionally explained by the comparatively simple examples ~3( 366)~ and ~3( 370)~ , which can be regarded as subsidiary to the more complicated positions ~3( 371)~ and ~3( 372)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/4K3/7P/4k2P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Ke6 {! %05But were it now Black to move, he would lose. To attain this, White must reach g6 not in two moves, but in three:} (1. Kf5 {? %05White fails to win by} Kf3 2. Kg6 Kg3 3. h5 Kh4 {=}) (1. h5 {? %05or (which leads to the same finish)} Kf3 2. Kf5 (2. Ke6 Kf4 {!}) 2... Kg3 3. Kg6 Kh4 {= , since he is in zugzwang.}) 1... Kf4 2. Kf7 Kg3 3. h5 Kh4 4. Kg6 $18 {, and it is Black who is now in zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/4K2P/7P/5k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] 1. Kf5 (1. h6 {?} gxh6 2. Kf5 h5 {!} 3. Kg5 Ke4 4. Kxh5 Kf5 {- draw}) 1... Kg3 2. h6 {!} gxh6 3. h5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jandera"] [Black "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p6p/P1k2K1p/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ337 %212045826630=4HLJ359 %212045826630=4HLJ363} 1. Ke4 {%05White lost after} (1. Kg5 {%05A more interesting variation is} h3 {! (the only move)} 2. gxh3 Kb4 3. Kxh5 Kxa4 $19 {, winning.}) 1... Kb4 2. Kd4 Kxa4 3. Kc4 h3 (3... Ka3 4. Kc3 a4 $19 {also have won}) 4. gxh3 h4 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/4K3/7P/2p4P/1k6/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Kd5 Kb4 {!} 2. Kc6 Ka4 3. Kc5 Kb3 4. Kb5 c3 {!} 5. bxc3 Kxc3 6. Kc5 Kd3 7. Kd5 Ke3 8. Ke5 Kf3 9. Kf5 Kg3 10. h6 {!} gxh6 11. h5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/6K1/8/7P/5k2/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {The win is achieved differently in the following position.} 1. Kf5 {! %05After } Kg2 2. h5 Kh3 3. Kg5 {!$18 , forcing the black king to make a fatal retreat. %05but first} (3. Kg6 {? because of %05White does not play} Kg4 {!}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/8/7K/7P/4k2P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Kg3 {!} (1. Kg5 {? %05Hopeless is} Kf3 2. h4 Kg2 3. h5 Kh3 4. Kg6 Kg4 {!} 5. h3+ Kh4 {=}) (1. Kg4 {? %05or} Kf2 2. h4 Kg2 3. h3 g6 {=}) 1... Ke3 {the win is also not difficult: %05After} (1... Kf1 {, an attempt to attack from the rear, was refuted by Grigoriev with the following combination:} 2. h4 g6 { (otherwise 3. h5 and 4. h4)} 3. Kf4 (3. h3 {, and if %05But White can also win without a combination - by} Kg1 {, then} (3... Ke2 {, then %05while if} 4. Kf4 Kf2 5. h5 gxh5 6. h4 $18) 4. h5 gxh5 5. h4 $18) 3... Kg2 4. h5 {!} gxh5 5. h4 $18 {etc. He also showed that, if the position was moved one file to the left, the combination would not even not work, but would even lose after 5... Kg3 6. Kf5 Kh4, and he concluded that the position of the study would not allow being moved.}) 2. h4 Ke4 3. Kg4 Ke5 4. Kg5 Ke4 5. h5 {!} Kf3 6. Kf5 $18 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/p7/8/3K4/1k6/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Kd5 {! gives a draw, e.g. %05Only} (1. Kc5 {? %05White is unsuccessful with} a5 2. Kb5 (2. Kc6 {%05or} Kc4 $19 {~3($41370).~}) 2... a4 3. Ka5 a6 $19) 1... Kb4 (1... Kxb2 2. Kc4 Ka3 3. Kc3 {=}) (1... a5 2. Kc5 {=}) 2. Kc6 a5 3. Kb7 a4 4. Ka6 {=} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Black "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/5K2/3k4/6P1/8/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ337 %212045826630=4HLJ359 %212045826630=4HLJ363} 1... Ke4 {%05Black defended impeccably:} 2. Kg5 Ke3 3. Kh6 Kf4 4. g5 Kf5 5. Kh5 Kf4 6. Kh4 Ke3 7. Kg3 Ke4 8. Kg4 Ke3 9. Kf5 Kf2 10. Kf6 Kg3 11. Kg7 Kg4 12. Kh6 Kh4 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/8/K3k3/8/1P6/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. Kb5 {! %05Correct is} (1. Ka6 {?} Kd4 {!} 2. Kb5 Kd3 {is insufficient}) (1. Kb4 {? %05or}) (1. b4 {? %05as is} Kd4 2. Kb5 Kd3) 1... Kd5 (1... Kd4 2. Kc6) 2. b4 c6+ (2... Kd4 3. Kc6 Kd3 {is now too late due to} 4. Kd5 {~3- ($40370)~}) 3. Ka5 {! , winning} (3. Ka4 {? would have led to a draw: %05but} Kc4 4. Ka3 Kd3 {!} (4... Kd5 {?} 5. Kb3 Kd4 6. b5 $18) 5. Kb3 Kd2 {!= %04etc.}) 3... Kc4 4. Ka4 {and 5. b5$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/5P2/5P2/K7/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. Kb3 (1. f6 {? %05The immediate} gxf6 2. Kb3 {does not work in view of} Kc1 3. Kc3 Kd1 4. Kd3 Ke1 5. Ke3 Kf1 6. Kf3 f5 {! with a draw.}) 1... Kc1 2. Kc3 Kd1 3. Kd3 Ke1 4. Ke3 Kf1 5. Kf3 Kg1 6. f6 gxf6 7. f5 Kh2 8. Kg4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5p2/3k1P2/5K2/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {~15.33 Pawns on the same file~ Here the play is more varied. Berger, who gave on this theme only one example, and that an untypical one, assumed that the stronger side wins only in the form of an exception. But analyses by Grigoriev showed that, if these are indeed exceptions there are a considerable number of them, and as a result it is even unclear whether a win in these endings should be regarded as an exception or the rule. The possibility of a win depends entirely on whether or not the enemy pawn can be won. Therefore the degree to which the pawns are converged is important (reserve tempi!), as is the placing of the kings. In endings with blocked pawns the idea of a by-pass from the side predominates; the struggle for control of the critical squares strongly resembles the ending of pawn against pawn. But if the pawns are not blocked, one of the most effective defensive measures (as in the ending with pawns on adjacent files) is an attack from the rear, creating numerous zugzwang positions. These endings are considerably more complicated, since with the advance of either pawn the system of critical squares changes; endings of the first type (with blocked pawns) enter into them as a potential possibility. White's chances are on the K-side (the invasion at h6). To the left of the f6 pawn White cannot achieve anything, if the black king is on the same rank as its pawn (e.g. in the position Kd4/Kd6 Black has the move... Kc6, neutralizing White's reserve tempi; but in the position Kd5/Kd7 the advance of the f2 pawn is decisive). White is two squares away from h5, whereas Black is four away from g7; therefore Black can only hope to save the game by a counter-attack on the f5 pawn.} 1. Kg4 {%05White to move is unable to win, e.g.:} (1. Kg3 Ke5 {!} 2. Kg4 Ke4 {=}) (1. f3 Kd6 {! , and nothing is achieved either by} 2. Kg4 (2. Kg3 {%05or by} Ke7 {! (the tempi lost by White have allowed the black king to approach g7)} 3. Kh4 Kf7 4. Kg4 Kf8 {(with a reserve square available, Black can successfully^013^010 defend both wings -~3 ($41377)~ ).} 5. Kh5 Kg7 {=}) 2... Ke5 {!}) 1... Ke4 {!} 2. f3+ (2. f4 {%05or} Ke3 {! =}) 2... Ke5 {! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5p2/3k1P2/5K2/8/5P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1... Kd4 {%05But if it is Black to move, he is unable to save the game:} (1... Kd6 {White has the immediately decisive %05on}) 2. f3 {!} Kd5 3. Kg3 {!} Kd6 4. Kh4 {!} Ke5 5. Kg4 {and 6. Kh5$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bianchetti"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/5p2/5P2/8/8/5P2/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Ke2 {%05By coincidence, position ~3($40376)~ served as the^013^010 %05basis^013^010 %05for studies by both Bianchetti (1924) and Grigoriev^013^010 %05(1932). In Bianchetti's position the kings were at^013^010 %05Kd1/Kb7, and the introductory play consisted of a^013^010 %05simple approach of the kings:} Kc6 2. Kf3 Kd5 3. Kf4 $18 (3. Kg4 {? %05not} Ke4) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k2p2/5P2/4K3/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Kf3 {! %05 Grigoriev's king placing Ke4/Kc6 creates a more intricate position, since it emphasizes the question of gaining the decisive correspondence:} Kd5 2. Kf4 $18 {(Grigoriev pointed out that with the black king at d6 or c5 a win would not be possible). !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/5P2/3k4/5K2/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] 1. Kf5 {!} Kd6 (1... Kd4 2. f4 Kd5 3. Kg4 {!}) 2. f4 Kd7 3. Kg4 Ke8 4. Kh5 {!} Kf8 5. Kg5 {Having no reserve square, Black loses:} Ke8 (5... Kg8 6. Kf5 Kf8 ( 6... Kh7 {%05or} 7. Ke4 Kh6 8. Kd5 Kg6 9. Ke5 {and 10. Kd6$18}) 7. Ke5 Ke8 8. Kd6 Kd8 9. f5 $18) 6. Kh6 $18 {If the position is moved to the left the win is easier, but if it is moved down or to the right there is no win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/3p4/8/3P4/3P4/3K4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1... d6 {!= followed by maintaining the opposition on the main files. %05If he begins, Black draws by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/3p4/8/3P4/3P4/3K4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {The result does not change if the position is moved down the board, but a win with White to move is possible only on the central files, otherwise the by-pass is unsuccessful. It is the same in the following position.} 1. d6 { ! %05White wins by} Ke8 2. Kc4 $18 {(the shortest path to a6)} (2. Ke4 { %05but he also succeeds with} Kf8 3. Kd5 Kf7 4. Kc4 {!}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/4p3/4P3/4P3/8/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Kd3 Kd8 2. Ke4 {!} (2. Kd4 {?} Kc7 {!}) (2. Ke3 {? %05or} Kc7 {!}) 2... Ke8 3. Ke3 {!} Kd8 (3... Kf8 {%05or} 4. Kd4 $18) 4. Kf4 $18 {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Kp1/8/4k3/8/6P1/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {This is a position by Grigoriev, in which an artificial lengthening of the solution has been removed (Ke8-f7 and Kd6-e5).} 1. Kg6 {the position takes on a natural appearance. %05After} (1. Kxg7 {?} Kf5 {=}) 1... Ke4 (1... Ke6 2. g4 Ke5 3. g3 {and 4. Kg7 is hopeless for Black, and so:}) 2. g4 Kf4 (2... Ke5 3. g3) (2... Ke3 3. Kf5 {! followed by the advance of the pawn to g6}) 3. g5 {!} Kg4 4. g3 $18 {%04etc. The position after 3. g5 is one of mutual zugzwang. Were it White to move, the result would be a draw: 1. g3 Kg4 or 1. Kh5 Kg3 (1.. . Kf5? 2. g3) 2. g6 Kf4 3. g4 Ke5. But if the position with knight's pawns is moved onto the bishop's file, White no longer gets into zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/5K2/5P2/4k3/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kg5 {! %05The premature advance of the king to f6 is easily corrected:} Kd5 (1... Kf3 2. f6 {and 3. Kh6$18}) 2. f6 {!} Ke5 3. f3 Ke6 4. f4 $18 {, and wins. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1p6/k7/8/8/1P6/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {%05Here the white king is unable to break through to the a1 corner, which would ensure a draw. The only chance is an attack on the doubled pawns from the rear:} Kb4 {A plausible move, but 1... Ka4 is stronger, and is considered later.} (1... Ka4 {(so that the king does not stand in the way of the pawn) %05As mentioned above, after 1. Kf2 a stronger try is} 2. Ke3 b5 3. Ke4 {!!} (3. Kd2 {? %05Now care is required of White. The following are equally %05bad:} Kb3 {!} 4. Kc1 Ka2 5. Kc2 b4 $19 {!}) (3. Kd3 {?} Kb3 {!} 4. Kd4 b6 $19) (3. Kd4 {?} Kb4 {!} 4. Kd5 Kb3 {!} 5. Kd6 (5. Kc5 b4) 5... Kc4 {!} 6. Kc7 b4 $19 {%04etc.}) 3... Kb4 (3... b4 {can be met by} 4. Kd5 (4. Kd4 { %05or})) (3... b6 {, then %05while if} 4. Kd5 {!}) (3... Kb3 {%05or} 4. Kd5 {!} ) 4. Kd4 {! , and} b6 {is met by} (4... Kb3 {%05or} 5. Kd5 {=}) 5. Kd5 { with a quick draw.}) 2. Ke3 Kb3 (2... Kc4 {, then %05if} 3. Kd2 {!} Kb3 4. Kc1 {!} (4. Kd3 {?} b5 {!} 5. Kd4 b6) 4... Ka2 5. Kc2 b5 {(to win Black would have needed ... b4)} 6. Kc3 {= , with a draw.}) (2... Ka4 {is a trappy move, when White can draw by either} 3. Kd2 (3. Kd3 {%05or}) (3. Kd4 {? %05but he loses after} Kb3 {~3($41384)~})) 3. Kd4 {, and in comparison with example ~3($40384) ~ all the^013^010 zugzwang positions are as though turned inside out. It is^013^010 now the turn of the stronger side to move, which^013^010 ensures a draw. The position after White's 3rd move is a^013^010 curious parallel to example ~3($40372)~, where the doubled^013^010 pawns were not on the knight's file, but the rook's file.} b5 (3... Kb4 {can be met by} 4. Kd5 (4. Kd3 { -the a1 corner! %05or})) 4. Kd5 {! E.g.:} b4 (4... b6 5. Kc6 {! =}) (4... Kb4 5. Kd4 {!} b6 6. Kd5 {= %04etc.}) 5. Kc5 {!} b6+ 6. Kb5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k4p1/8/8/6P1/6P1/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kg1 {! %05 With his pawn at g7 (instead of g6), Black would not advance it, but would sit it out with his king at h8. But here White wins. However, the straightforward advance up the h-file would be met by a rapid advance by Black along the b6-f2 diagonal. Although it loses time, White must approach with his king, such that it simultaneously prevents the advance of the enemy king.} Kc5 2. Kf2 Kd4 3. Kf3 Ke5 (3... Kd3 4. Kf4 {! and 5. g4}) 4. Kg4 Kf6 5. Kf4 g5+ { (otherwise 6. Kg5)} 6. Ke4 Ke6 7. g4 $18 {, and wins. This example suggests the necessity for a detailed analysis of those cases where the kings are in front of the pawns or alongside them.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/5p2/5P2/8/5PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {The following two positions, which illustrate certain variations from the Grigoriev studies given below, are at the same time of independent theoretical significance. With his pawns on one of the central files White wins.} 1. Kf3 { %05Here (the king can also stand at e7) Black must be able to answer Kh4 with . .. Kg6.^013^010 The black king must keep to the left of White's otherwise if it is at h6 the white king will seize control of d4 (Black will be unable to answer Ke3 with ... Kd5). The defence is simple, since on Kg3 either ... Kf6 or ... Kf7 is possible, and when the white king is at h3, Black's can be has "an excess of correspondence".^013^010 It is the same in the centre, e.g.} Kd5 2. Ke3 {This looks like zugzwang for Black, but in fact either} Kc4 {is possible, since on} (2... Kc5 {%05or}) 3. Kf3 Kd5 {!} 4. Kg3 {there follows} ( 4. Kg2 Ke6) 4... Ke4 {= It is clear that Black would be unable to defend the critical squares, if the position were moved onto one of the central files.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4kp2/8/4KP2/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {The reason for White being unable to win when it is him to move is again that his pawns are on the bishop's file, and not one of the central ones.} 1. f5+ { %05The attempt} (1. Kd4 {%05White also achieved nothing by} Kd6 (1... Kf5 {?} 2. Ke3 Ke6 3. Ke4 {, and it is Black to move}) 2. Ke3 (2. Kd3 Kd5 3. Ke3 f5 {!} ) 2... Kd5 (2... Ke7 {? %05not} 3. Kf3 {!} Kf7 4. f5 Ke7 5. Kf4 {! , winning - ~3($40390)~}) 3. Kf3 f5 {! , with a draw as in example ~3 ($41388)~.}) 1... Kd6 {quickly leads to position ~3($41376)~, e.g.} 2. Kd4 (2. Kf4 Kd5) 2... Kc6 3. Ke3 Kc5 (3... Kd6 4. Ke4 Kc5) 4. Kf3 Kd4 {!} 5. Kf4 Kd5 $40 {Draw. If the kings are moved to g4 and g6, White wins ~3( 390).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/5k2/8/5K2/5P2/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Kg4 {%05Correct is} (1. Ke4 {would lead only to a draw: %05 If the position were moved onto the g-file, there would be no win. On one of the central files White would win by moving his king to either right or left. But in the given case} Ke6 2. f4 f6 {! ~3($41389)~.}) (1. Kg3 {%05a win is also possible after}) 1... Kg6 2. f4 f6 (2... f5+ 3. Kf3) (2... Kf6 3. f5 Ke5 4. Kg5 Ke4 (4... Kd5 { %05or} 5. f6 {! ~3- ($40385)~}) 5. Kf6 $18) 3. f5+ Kf7 (3... Kh6 4. f3 { and 5. Kf4}) 4. Kh5 {%05and now White has two ways to win:} (4. Kf4 {%05or} Ke7 5. Kf3 {!} Kf7 (5... Kd6 6. Kg4) 6. Ke4 $18) 4... Kg7 5. f3 {!} Kh7 6. Kg4 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/5k2/8/5K2/5P2/5P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Ke6 {%05With Black to move:} 2. Kg5 Ke5 (2... f6+ 3. Kf4) 3. f4+ Ke4 (3... Ke6 4. f3 (4. f5+ {%05or})) 4. f5 {, winning as shown above.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/6k1/8/8/5P2/4KP2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. f4 {!} (1. Ke3 {?} Kf5 2. f4 Ke6 3. Kf3 (3. Ke4 f6 {~3- ($41389)~}) 3... f5 {%02~3-($41288)~}) 1... Kf6 2. Kf3 {!} Kf5 3. Kg3 {!} Kg6 4. Kg4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4kp2/8/8/8/5P2/5P2/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Kg2 {!} Ke6 (1... f5 {%05or} 2. Kg3 Kf7 3. Kh4 {!} Kg6 4. f4 $18 {, and wins.}) 2. Kg3 (2. f4 {?} f5 {!}) (2. Kh2 {?} Ke5 {!} 3. Kg3 f5 {! - draw}) 2... Kf5 3. f4 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p1k3/2p5/8/8/8/K1P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {This complicated position, which contains all the variations examined above, is now not difficult to analyze. With the white king at a3 a simple draw would be given by 1. Kb4 (1... Kd6 2. c4), while with the black king at d7 White would lose in view of ... c5 and ... Kc6 ~3 ( 392)~.} 1. Kb3 {%05White's main task is not to allow the opponent to place his king in front of his pawns. This is easily achieved:} Kd6 2. Kc4 {!} c5 {(forced)} 3. Kd3 {! with a draw, e.g.} Ke5 (3... Kc6 4. c4 {~3($40388)~.}) (3... Kd5 4. c3 {~3($40389)~.}) 4. Kc4 Kd6 5. Kd3 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp2k3/8/3PPK2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {~16. TWO PAWNS AGAINST TWO~ In endings with a minimal number of pawns the material has been as exhaustive as possible, but beginning with this chapter this will no longer be the aim. However, in view of the intermediate position of these endings between the simplest and those with many pawns, they will nevertheless be covered more fully than those in subsequent chapters. Increasing the number of pawns does not of course change the basic principles of play. Many of the ideas already considered will be met in these endings too - in a wider orchestration, so to speak. But at the same time, an increase in the material gives rise to a broadening of the range of strategic and tactical ideas, and certain ideas appear which simply could not occur with a smaller number of pawns. Endings with a certain material have their own specific features, and this means that they must be considered separately. An attempt to make a detailed classification of the material, depending on the pawn structure, in the given endings (to say nothing of those later in the book) runs into significant difficulties in view of the diversity of these structures. Therefore up till now the authors of endgame books have not made such a classification, but at best have limited themselves to picking out endings with passed pawns. The presence or absence of passed pawns undoubtedly gives the endings a fundamentally different nature, and this has led to a division of the material into two basic groups: 6.1 Endings with passed pawns. 6.2 Endings without passed pawns. But to restrict the division to this would be insufficient, and each of the basic groups has additional subdivisions, which are necessary for a more clear-cut separation of the types of endings possessing characteristic features. These internal divisions are: connected pawns against isolated pawns against isolated (including doubled pawns). ~16.1 ENDINGS WITH PASSED PAWNS~ It is expedient to divide these endings into two groups: ~ 6.11 Endings with two passed pawns.~ ~ 6.12 Endings with one passed pawn.~ ~16.11 Two passed pawns~ If in the given ending one side has two passed pawns, it stands to reason that the other side also has two passed pawns. These pawns can be connected or isolated, central or wing pawns - in various combinations and with differing of advancement. From this it is clear that any generalizing conclusions are possible only in endings reduced to even narrower groups. Practice has shown, for example, that in the majority of cases isolated wing pawns have the advantage over central connected pawns. The diversity of features forces us to turn to specific examples.} 1. Z0 $40 { Here the white king is lending powerful support to its pawns. The black a-pawn requires 5 moves to promote, but it can manage only 3-4 moves before White, gaining time thanks to checks, either obtains a queen or gives mate (~3 ( 141) - ( 142)~ ). From the 4th rank White would have required not less than 6 moves to obtain a queen (and as many as 9 from the 3rd rank). It follows that one can think in terms of a win in such positions, if the pawns are at least on the 4th rank and the relative placing of the kings is favourable, or else there is the possibility of halting the advance of the enemy pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1879.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/4Ppk1/3P4/5K2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1879.??.??"] 1... Kh6 (1... f4 2. d5 Kf5 3. d6 {%04etc.}) 2. Kf4 (2. d5 {%05or first}) 2... Kg7 3. d5 {!} (3. Kg5 {?} Kf8 {!} (3... Kf7 4. d5 Ke7 5. e6 Kd6 6. Kf6 $18 { , winning.}) 4. d5 (4. e6 Ke8 {!} 5. d5 Ke7 {=}) 4... Kf7 5. e6+ Ke7 {=}) 3... Kf7 4. Kg5 Ke7 (4... Ke8 5. d6 Kd7 6. Kf6 $18) 5. e6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1894.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Behting Carl"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p1Pk2/5P2/8/3p1K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1894.??.??"] {In this classic study the difficulty of the solution is caused by the position of the black king at f7. Were it at e8, White would win by 1. Ke5 with the threat of Ke6. This threat constitutes the basic motif of the position: with the black king at e8, White gains the possibility of moving onto the 5th rank, ignoring the advance of the d-pawn.} 1. Kf3 {! %05Correct is } (1. Ke4 {? leads to a draw: %05The straightforward} c5 2. Kd3 Ke8 3. Kc4 Kf7 {, and White is unable to gain a tempo.}) 1... c6 2. Kf4 {!} c5 {, and now White transfers his king to c4 in an odd number of moves:} 3. Ke4 Ke8 4. Kd5 ( 4. Kd3 {is also possible}) 4... Kd7 5. Kc4 Ke8 6. Kxc5 {!} d3 7. Kd6 Kf7 8. Kd7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2Pk1p2/3P4/8/4p3/8/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Ke3 {%05One textbook gives:} f5 2. Kd4 Kc8 3. Kc5 Kd7 (3... Kb7 {! , after which White has to continue %05But instead of 3... Kd7?, correct is} 4. Kd5 {!} e3 5. Ke6 e2 6. Kd7 e1=Q 7. c8=Q+ Kb6 8. Qc6+ Ka5 9. Qc5+ Ka4 10. Kc8 Qe6+ 11. Kc7 f4 12. d7 Qf7 13. Qd4+ Ka3 14. Kb8 Qb3+ 15. Ka8 Qf3+ 16. Ka7 $18 {, and wins.}) 4. Kb6 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herberg"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/2p1P3/5P2/8/1p3K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Ke5 Kf7 2. Kd4 c6 {!} 3. Kd3 {!} c5 4. Kc4 Ke8 5. Kxc5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p1kP1/5P2/8/4p1K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {This position arose in one of the games from a tournament in Barcelona (1932). Here White agreed to a draw.} 1. Kg3 {! %05Dedrle (1950) demonstrated a win:} d6 2. Kg4 {!} d5 3. Kf4 Kg8 4. Kg5 {!} Kh7 (4... Kf7 5. Kh6) 5. Kf5 {!} e3 6. Ke6 Kg8 (6... e2 7. Kf7) 7. Ke7 $18 {, and wins.} (7. f7+ $18 {%05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Karstedt"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5kP1/7P/4pp2/8/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] 1. Kf3 {%05Here the manoeuvring is rather more complicated:} Kg8 (1... e4+ 2. Kf4) (1... f4 2. Ke4) 2. Kf2 {!} Kf7 (2... e4 3. Ke3) (2... f4 3. Kf3 {%04etc.} ) 3. Kg3 Kg8 4. Kh4 Kf7 (4... f4 5. Kg5 {!} Kf7 6. Kg4) (4... e4 5. Kg5 Kf7 6. Kf4) 5. Kg5 f4 6. Kg4 $18 {, and White wins by transferring his king to e4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7k/3p4/1Kp5/5PP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {This complicated position clearly illustrates the boundary of the enemy king's approach that White can permit.} 1. f3 {! The only move: the black king is deprived of the e4 square.} (1. Kc2 {? %05White cannot get by without the advance of his pawns, %05since they do not present a barrier (the e4 square!), and %05are not threatening to promote. E. g.} Kg4 2. Kd3 Kf4 {(Grigoriev shows that this position is also won with Black to move)} 3. Kc2 Ke4 4. Kb3 (4. Kd1 { %05or} d3 5. Kc1 c2 (5... d2+ {is also possible}) 6. Kb2 (6. Kd2 {, then not now %05if} Kd4 {?} (6... Kf4 {! %05but} 7. Kc1 Kf5 {!} 8. Kd2 Ke4 $19 {%04etc.} )) 6... Kd4 7. g4 Ke4 8. g5 Kf3 9. g6 d2 $19 {, and wins.}) 4... Kd3 $19) (1. f4 {%05If} Kg4 2. g3) (1. g3 {%05or} Kg4 2. f4 {, then} Kf5 {and 3... Ke4.}) 1... Kh4 (1... Kg5 {? is bad in view of} 2. g3 {! with a draw} (2. Kc2 { ? %05but not} Kf4 3. Kd3 Kg3 4. Kc2 Kf2 {!} 5. Kd3 c2 $19 (5... Ke1 {%04etc. %05or}))) 2. g4 {!} Kg5 3. Kc2 Kf4 4. Kd3 {= , with a draw in view of zugzwang (Black cannot gain a tempo).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7k/3p4/1Kp5/5PP1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Kg4 {! Indeed, if this is regarded as the starting position, Black wins:} 2. Kc2 (2. f3+ Kg3) 2... Kf5 {!} 3. Kd3 (3. f3 Kf4) (3. g3 Ke4) 3... Kf4 $19 { , and it is White to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/2Pp3p/1P6/8/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {For isolated pawns on the same rank, the rule of the "wandering square" applies ~3( 57)~.} 1. Kf4 {! the advance of either of Black's pawns leads to its loss. Therefore he is forced to stick to waiting tactics, manoeuvring with his king between c7 and b6. %05Here after} Kb6 2. Ke4 {! %05But as Abloukov has correctly shown, there is a quicker and prettier win by} (2. Kf5 {%05The composers' idea was that White wins by penetrating his king to e6:} Kc7 3. Kf6 Kb6 4. Ke6 Kc7 5. Kd5 h5 6. b6+ Kxb6 7. Kxd6 $18 {%04etc.}) 2... h5 (2... Kc7 3. Kd5 h5 4. b6+ $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Kd5 h4 (3... Kc7 4. b6+ {, and then as in the composers' variation}) 4. Kxd6 h3 5. c7 h2 6. c8=Q h1=Q 7. Qa6# {mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2k3p1/P3P1Kp/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. a5 (1. e5 {%05or} Kd5 2. a5 $18) 1... Kb5 2. e5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2k3p1/6Kp/P3P3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Kh3 {! %05The same position, but with the pawns at a3 and e3, is a draw:} Kc4 2. Kg4 {= etc. (if the pawns are not forced to advance, they indirectly defend each other).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rauch Ferenc (HUN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3k3p/1P3PpP/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {The following study is instructive.} 1. Kf1 {%05If Black can be given the move, then after 1... Kd5 2. Ke3 the pawns will promote of their own accord. Therefore} Kd3 2. Kg1 Kd4 3. Kg2 Kd3 4. Kf1 Kd4 5. Ke2 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kP/6P1/2p5/p7/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Kc4 Kh8 2. Kc3 Kg7 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7P/2p3P1/p7/2K5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Kc5 Kg7 2. Kd6 a4 3. Ke7 a3 4. h8=Q+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/5k1P/7P/8/p1p5/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Both sides are in zugzwang, and therefore the turn to move is a disadvantage. But if the black c-pawn is moved to c4, and the white king to c3, then 1. Kc2 wins.} * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stoltz Gosta (SWE)"] [Black "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1P2kp2/P2p2p1/6P1/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ367 %212045826630=4HLJ369 %212045826630=4HLJ371} 1... f4 {!} 2. gxf4+ Kd6 { %02!!$19 , and the passed pawns ensure Black a win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1841.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Walker George (ENG)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/8/K6k/8/8/PP6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1841.??.??"] {A different idea illustrated by the following study.} 1. b4 {%05After the queening of the pawns and the exchange of queens by Qb8-b5+, White wins by a2-a4.} f5 2. b5 f4 3. b6 f3 4. b7 f2 5. b8=Q f1=Q 6. Qb5+ Qxb5+ 7. Kxb5 Kg4 8. a4 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p2p4/8/8/8/k7/5P1P/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. f4 {! %05The win is achieved by advancing the pawns in turn:} (1. Kg2 {?} Kb3 {%04draw} (1... d5 {%05or})) 1... Kb4 2. h4 {!} (2. Kg2 {?} a5 {! , winning }) 2... d5 3. f5 Kc5 4. h5 (4. Kg2 {?} Kd6 {! leads to a draw}) 4... d4 5. f6 ( 5. Kg2 {%05here there is an alternative win by} Kc4 6. f6 d3 7. f7 d2 8. f8=Q d1=Q 9. Qf1+ $18 {%04etc.}) 5... Kd6 6. h6 d3 7. f7 Ke7 8. h7 d2 9. f8=Q+ Kxf8 10. h8=Q+ $18 {, and wins. The second solution is not removed by the addition of a white pawn at g2, since on the 5th move the king can also go to g1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/2k2P1P/3p4/8/6P1/7K w - - 0 5"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 5. Kg1 {%05 e.g.} Kc4 6. Kf2 Kb3 7. f6 d3 8. f7 d2 9. f8=Q d1=Q 10. Qf3+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p2p4/8/8/8/k4P2/5P1P/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {The addition of a white pawn at f3, suggested by Halberstadt (1951), also does not help, since} 1. f4 Kb4 2. h4 d5 3. f5 Kc5 4. h5 d4 5. Kg2 {! is still possible, with a won queen ending after} Kc4 6. h6 $18 {Cheron managed to correct the study, but his position has a slightly different balance of forces. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2pp4/8/8/8/k4P1P/7p/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1. f4 {!} (1. h4 d5 {is unsuccessful}) 1... Kb4 2. h4 {The only way!} (2. f5 { , then %05If} Kc5 3. h4 Kd6 4. h5 Ke5 5. h6 Kf6 6. Kxh2 c5 7. Kg3 c4 8. Kf4 c3 9. Ke3 d5 10. Kd3 d4 {, with a draw.}) 2... d5 3. f5 {!} Kc5 4. h5 d4 5. f6 {!} Kd6 6. h6 d3 7. f7 Ke7 8. h7 d2 9. f8=Q+ Kxf8 10. h8=Q+ {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khachaturov Andrey Andreevich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p4/1k3PpP/8/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {And now yet another attempt to correct Grigoriev's study.} 1. f5 Kc5 2. h5 g3 3. Ke1 {!} d4 4. f6 Kd6 5. h6 g2 6. Kf2 d3 7. f7 Ke7 8. h7 g1=Q+ 9. Kxg1 d2 10. f8=Q+ Kxf8 11. h8=Q+ {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/8/8/5P1k/p7/7P/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {The black pawns do not have time to occupy the saving position on the same rank, and are bound to fall. But the play is complicated by Black's unexpected use of a curious defensive resource.} 1. h3 c5 2. Kb1 c4 3. Ka2 {Under normal circumstances this attack on the vulnerable leading pawn would immediately decide matters, but here Black's latent defensive resource comes into play.} c3 {!} 4. Kb3 {!} (4. Kxa3 {? %05if, then} Kg3 {!} 5. f5 Kf4 6. f6 Ke3 7. f7 c2 8. f8=Q c1=Q+ {, with a draw}) 4... a2 5. Kxa2 {(what White has achieved is that the c-pawn will queen without check)} Kg3 6. f5 Kf4 7. f6 Ke3 8. f7 c2 9. f8=Q c1=Q 10. Qh6+ $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1944.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jelinek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/5p2/1K6/5k2/8/3P3P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1944.??.??"] 1. d4 Ke4 (1... f5 {%05or} 2. d5 Ke5 3. Kc5 f4 4. d6 {etc., winning the queen by a "skewer"}) 2. Kc5 a5 (2... f5 {%05after} 3. d5 {etc., Qe8+ is again decisive}) 3. h4 f5 (3... a4 4. Kb4 f5 5. h5 f4 6. h6 f3 7. h7 f2 8. h8=Q f1=Q 9. Qe5+ $18 {%04etc.}) 4. h5 f4 5. h6 f3 6. h7 f2 7. h8=Q f1=Q 8. Qe8+ $18 { , winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1918.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3Pk1p1/8/1K3Pp1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1918.??.??"] 1. Kc6 Kd8 2. Kd5 Kxd7 3. Ke4 {!} (3. Ke5 {?} Ke7 4. Kd4 Kf6 5. Ke4 g4 6. Kf4 g3 7. Kxg3 Kxf5 $19 {, winning}) 3... Kd6 (3... Ke7 4. Kf3 Kf7 5. Kg3 Kf6 6. Kg4 {- draw}) 4. Kf3 Ke5 5. Kg4 Kf6 6. Kh5 Kxf5 {- stalemate. An instructive finish!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/3p4/P7/Pp6/8/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1. Kd4 d6 {!} 2. Kc3 {! (forcing Black's reply and obtaining the c5 square)} d5 3. Kd4 {!} b4 4. Kxd5 b3 5. Kc6 Kb8 {(otherwise 6. a7)} 6. Kb6 b2 7. a7+ Ka8 8. Ka6 b1=Q {- stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/5p2/7P/4K1pP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. h6 Kf8 2. h5 Kf7 {!} 3. Ke3 {!!} (3. Kf4 {?} f5 4. Kg3 Kg8 $19 {%04etc.}) 3... Kf8 {!} 4. Kf4 {!} f5 5. Kxf5 g3 6. Kf6 {!} Kg8 7. Kg6 g2 8. h7+ Kh8 9. Kh6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/2p4p/P1K5/8/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {~16.12 One passed pawn~ Here we must distinguish between the cases where both sides have a passed pawn, and where only one of them has. In the first case what is significant is which of the pawns is stronger (proximity to the queening square, whether it is an outside or a protected passed pawn, and so on). In the second case the possession of a passed pawn is normally a decisive advantage, but sometimes difficulties are involved in realizing it, and even drawn exceptions are possible.} 1. g4 {! , winning. %05Exploiting the fact that the black king is tied down, White can advance his pawn on the opposite wing -} (1. a6+ {? is premature: %05 In the textbook example White has an outside passed a-pawn, the advance of which will divert Black's king from the defence of his c-pawn. The blockade of the c-pawn with his king is also a favourable factor for White.^013^010 But the immediate} Kxa6 2. Kxc6 Ka5 { with a draw (cf. position ~3 ($41108)~; the pawn is at g3^013^010 rather than g2).}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k5p/2p5/P1K5/8/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. g4 {%05With the black pawn at h7, after} Ka6 {! it is a draw (Petersman, 1957)} * [Event "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Site "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Black "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/p4p2/5K2/7P/8/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ367 %212045826630=4HLJ369 %212045826630=4HLJ373} 1... a5 2. Ke4 f5+ {!! , and White resigned in view of} 3. Kd4 f4 {!$19 , after which both white pawns fall. } * [Event "Saratov (Russia)"] [Site "Saratov (Russia)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Shchelochilin"] [Black "Magergut"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/8/p4k2/8/P1PpK3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {An essential condition for realizing the outside passed f-pawn is not to allow c3-c4.} 1... Ke5 (1... d2 {! , suggested by Manteyfel, allowed Black to win. Even in this case, however, White saves the game. %05In the previous edition of this book it was written that} 2. Kxd2 Ke4 3. a4 (3. Ke2 {?} a4 4. Kd2 f5 5. Ke2 f4 $19 {%04etc.}) 3... f6 (3... f5 4. Ke2 f4 {^013^010} 5. c4 { = with a draw}) 4. Ke2 f5 5. Kd2 Kf3 {!} 6. c4 {!} (6. Kd3 f4 $19 {, and the game is decided by the pawn queening with check.}) 6... Ke4 7. Kc3 f4 8. c5 Kd5 9. c6 {!} Kxc6 10. Kd4 {=}) 2. a4 Kd5 3. Kxd3 Kc5 4. c4 f5 5. Kc3 f4 {(in the absence of other moves, the pawn has had to leave the winning zone - ~3($41279) ~} 6. Kd3 Kb4 7. Ke4 {= Drawn, since the white king reaches c1 in time. ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/3p4/p6K/P5P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {The key to the solution is given by the existence of two zugzwang positions. The first is Kg6/Ke7; if it is Black to move} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3p2K1/p7/P5P1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Ke6 {loses to} (1... d5 2. Kf5 Kd6 3. g5 $18) 2. g5 {(queening with check) , The second zugzwang position is Kf5/Kf7; if it is Black to move} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3p4/p4K2/P5P1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Ke7 {is met by} 2. Kg6 {when White wins as examined earlier.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/3p4/p6K/P5P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] 1. Kg5 {! , in order to occupy f5 or g6, depending on the opponent's move. Black does not have the waiting %04move %05 Thus the corresponding squares here are f5/f7 and %05g6/e7. Therefore the only correct move is} (1. Kh6 { ? %05The apparent simplicity of the position can easily lead to %05a mistake. ^013^010 %05 It is clear that a draw results from} Kf7 2. g5 (2. Kh7 Kf6) 2... Kg8 3. Kg6 d5 4. Kf5 Kg7 {=}) (1. Kg6 {? %05But it is less obvious that a draw also follows from} Ke7 2. Kf5 (2. g5 {%05or} d5 3. Kh7 d4 {, when the queens are obtained simultaneously (but if the black king were at e6, White would win by queening with check).}) 2... Kf7 3. Ke4 Kg6 {, when the pawns falls simultaneously (White would win if, in reply to Kd6, Black were to capture on g4 not immediately, but with a delay of one move, since then his king would not reach c8 in time)}) 1... Kf8 {because of} (1... Kf7 {there follows %05while on} 2. Kf5 Ke7 3. Kg6 {%04etc.}) 2. Kf6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ostropolsky"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/2pk4/6K1/1P6/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kf6 {! puts him in zugzwang: after %05Black's king is on the ill-fated a3-f8 diagonal.} c5 (1... h5 {, then %05while if} 2. Kg5 Ke5 (2... Ke6 3. f4) 3. f4+ Ke4 4. b5 {! (to clear the diagonal), winning. %05but} (4. f5 {? %05and now not} h4 {!})) 2. bxc5+ Kxc5 3. f4 {in certain variations the f-pawn queens with check} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4p3/4P3/pk1K4/8/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {! %05The white king has to work enormously hard, so as in the end to gain a draw thanks to the outside passed h-pawn.} Kb4 2. Kd3 Kb3 3. Kd2 Kc4 {!} (3... Kb2 {?} 4. h4) 4. Kc2 Kd5 5. Kb3 Kxe6 6. Ka4 Kf5 (6... Kd5 {, then %05if} 7. h4 e5 8. h5 Ke6 9. Kxa5 Kf5 10. Kb5 {- draw}) 7. Kxa5 e5 8. Kb4 {!} Kf4 ( 8... e4 9. Kc3 {%04etc.}) 9. Kc3 {!} (9. h4 {?} e4 {!} 10. h5 e3 11. Kc3 Kf3 { ! , winning}) 9... Kf3 10. Kd2 Kf2 11. Kd3 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/8/p4p2/k4P2/8/2P5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {In the following examples the outside passed pawn is easily neutralized.} 1. Kc7 Kb5 2. Kd6 a5 3. c4+ {! (getting rid of this pawn, which would cause a loss in the ending of queen against pawn)} Kxc4 {(otherwise 4. c5)} 4. Ke6 a4 5. Kxf6 a3 6. Ke7 {!} a2 7. f6 a1=Q 8. f7 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4K3/p4p2/5P2/3P4/8/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. Kd5 Kd2 2. Kc4 Ke3 3. d4 Kxf4 4. d5 Ke5 5. Kc5 a4 6. d6 Ke6 7. Kc6 a3 8. d7 a2 9. d8=Q a1=Q 10. Qe8+ Kf6 11. Qh8+ {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p4p1/4K1P1/4P3/4k3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {According to analysis by Grigoriev, an analogous position could have been reached in a game Capablanca - Dake (1931), but moved one file to the right, in which there would no longer have been a win.} 1. Kd4 Kf3 2. e4 Kxg4 3. e5 Kf5 4. Kd5 b4 {, and Black does not lose his queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k2p/8/4KPPp/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Kf4 Kd6 2. Kg3 Ke5 3. f6 Ke6 4. Kh4 h6 5. Kxh5 {!} hxg5 6. Kg6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k2p/8/4KPPp/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1... h4 {%05With Black to move:} 2. Kf4 Kd6 3. Kg4 Ke5 4. f6 h3 5. Kxh3 Ke6 6. Kh4 h6 7. Kh5 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1879.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/5pPp/5P2/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1879.??.??"] 1. Kf4 {%05The presence of the protected passed pawn ensures a win. By a by-pass to the left White either forces the advance of the h-pawn, after which it is lost, or else gives mate.} Ke7 2. Ke4 Ke8 3. Kd5 Ke7 4. Kc5 (4. Kc6 { %05The solution can be shortened by one move by} Ke8 5. Kd6 Kf8 6. Kd7 {!} Kg8 (6... h5 7. Ke6) 7. Ke7 Kg7 8. Ke6 {%04etc.}) 4... Ke8 5. Kc6 Ke7 (5... Kf8 6. Kd6) 6. Kd5 Kf8 7. Kd6 Kg8 8. Ke7 Kg7 (8... h5 9. Kxf6 h4 10. g7 h3 11. Kg6 h2 12. f6 h1=N 13. f7# {%04mate}) 9. Ke6 h5 10. Kd5 Kh6 11. Ke4 Kg7 12. Kf4 Kh6 13. Kg3 Kg7 14. Kh3 Kh6 15. Kh4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6p1/2pPp1P1/2P5/8/8/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] {Zinar suggested the following modification of Horwitz's study, to exclude the dual solutions.} 1. Kc3 {(White has to hurry: if the black king reaches b7 it will be a draw} Ke8 2. Kb4 Kd7 3. Ka5 Kd8 4. Ka6 Kc8 5. Ka7 {!} e5 (5... Kd8 6. Kb7 Kd7 7. Kb6 e5 8. Ka5) 6. Kb6 Kd7 7. Ka5 Ke6 8. Kb4 Kf6 9. Kc4 Ke6 10. Kd3 Kf6 11. Ke4 Ke6 12. Kf3 Kf6 13. Kg4 Ke6 14. Kg5 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1777.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Philidor Francois A D (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1pPk2p1/1P6/3K4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1777.??.??"] {The position illustrates a case where, in spite of the possession of a protected passed pawn, the stronger side is unable to win the isolated enemy pawn.} 1. Ke3 {%05The black king defends the g-pawn without stepping outside the "square" of the c5 pawn, e.g.} Ke5 2. Kf3 Kf5 3. Kg3 Ke5 {!} (3... Kf6 {?} 4. Kg4) 4. Kg4 Kf6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1pPk2p1/1P6/3K4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {The situation under consideration (with the isolated pawn on the bishop's file rather than the knight's, which does not essentially change matters) is encountered in the main variation of the following study.} 1... Ke5 {%05With Black to move, later analyses showed that a draw is given by} 2. Ke3 Kd5 {! =} (2... Kf5 {? %05but not} 3. Kd4 g4 4. Kd5 {!} (4. Ke3 {also wins (by the method shown in example~3($40442)~. From this it follows that in the position (Ke3,^013^010 pawns b4, c5/Ke5, pawns b5, g4) White wins^013^010 irrespective of who it is to move. %054. Kd5! succeeds most quickly, but it is of fundamental^013^010 %05importance that}) 4... g3 5. c6 {, when White wins the queen or exchanges it.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/8/p7/P4p2/8/1P1K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. b4 {!} Ke7 2. b5 {!} Kd6 3. Ke2 Ke6 4. Kf3 Ke5 5. Kg4 {!} Ke4 6. b6 f3 7. Kg3 {!} Ke3 8. b7 f2 9. b8=Q f1=Q 10. Qe5+ {!} Kd2 11. Qxa5+ Kd1 {(the exchange of queens is forced in all variations)} 12. Qd5+ Kc1 13. Qc5+ Kd1 14. Qd4+ $40 {%04etc. If in example ~3( 441)~ the g-pawn is moved to h5, or the position is moved one rank up the board, White wins without difficulty.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1pPk4/1P1p1K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1. Kg3 Ke5 2. Kf3 Kf5 3. Kg3 Ke5 4. Kg4 Ke6 (4... Ke4 {! is even better}) 5. Kf4 Kd5 {, with a draw. An analogous position, but with an extra pawn for White, is reached in the following interesting and complicated ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/6p1/4p3/6P1/6PK/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. f4 {! %051... g5 cannot be allowed, but 1. g5 does not win. Therefore:} g5 { !} 2. f5 e4 {This move is necessary either now or on the following move, since it is obvious that the defence of the e5 pawn from d6 is hopeless. The composer's solution gives 2... Kd7, but the transportation of moves is methodologically more convent for the final determination of the pawn configurations and for showing more clearly the manoeuvring of the kings.} 3. Kg2 {!} Kd7 {From zugzwang position Ke3/Ke5 the correspondence of the squares f2/d6 an e2/d5 is clear, and this explains the following play: White's aim is to reach the position Kc4/Ke5 with the opponent to move. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/302I4/303I01I3/8/401D3/403D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 4. Kf1 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/302I4/ 303I01I3/8/401D3/403D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/302I4/303I01I3/8/401D3/403D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 5. Ke1 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/302I4/ 303I01I3/8/401D3/403D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/302I4/303I01I3/8/401D3/403D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 6. Kd1 {! This manoeuvre takes account of the additional correspondence of the squares d2/d6 and c2/c6, and in addition c3/d5 and b3/c5, resulting from the zugzwang position Kc4/Ke5. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/204I02I4/205I03I01I3/201D5/105D03D101D3/204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I02I4/ 205I03I01I3/201D5/105D03D101D3/204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kc2 { ! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I02I4/205I03I01I3/ 201D5/105D03D101D3/204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I02I4/205I03I01I3/201D5/105D03D101D3/ 204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kb3 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I02I4/205I03I01I3/201D5/105D03D101D3/ 204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I02I4/205I03I01I3/102D01D5/105D03D101D3/204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kb4 {! (the decisive approach) %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I02I4/205I03I01I3/102D01D5/105D03D101D3/ 204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I02I4/205I03I01I3/102D01D5/105D03D101D3/204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Kc3 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I02I4/205I03I01I3/102D01D5/105D03D101D3/204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Ke5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I02I4/ 205I03I01I3/102D01D5/105D03D101D3/204D02D03D02D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) (in example ~3 ($41443)~ ... Kc5 was possible, but here^013^010 White has an extra pawn, and therefore f5-f6 wins)} 11. Kc4 {! , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marishko"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/4k2p/8/2KP4/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. d5+ Kd6 2. Kd4 g6 (2... g5 3. Ke4 h5 4. Kf5 h4 5. Kg4 {and 6. f4=}) (2... h5 3. Ke4 h4 4. Kf4 Kxd5 5. Kg4 Ke5 6. Kxh4 Kf4 7. Kh5 {=}) 3. Ke4 h5 4. Kf4 Kxd5 5. Kg5 Ke5 6. f4+ Ke4 (6... Ke6 {%05or}) 7. Kxg6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k1p4/8/P1P5/p7/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] 1. Kc2 {%05The basic content here is the struggle for the critical squares of the passed pawn:} Ka5 2. Kb3 a2 3. Kb2 {!} Kb4 4. Ka1 {!} Kxa4 (4... Kxc4 5. Kxa2 {- draw}) 5. c5 {!} dxc5 6. Kxa2 {= Draw ~3 ($4097)~. No less instructive is the next, more complicated position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k1P1/4p1p1/4K3/3P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] 1. g7 Kf7 2. Kf5 {!} (2. Kxe5 {?} Kxg7 3. Kf5 Kf7 {- draw}) 2... Kg8 {!} (2... Kxg7 3. Kxg5 {, and wins}) 3. Kg4 {!} (3. Kxg5 {? there follows %05on} e4 {!} 4. dxe4 Kxg7 {- draw}) 3... Kf7 (3... e4 4. dxe4 Kf7 5. Kf5 Kg8 6. Kf6 g4 7. e5 {%04etc.}) 4. Kxg5 {! with the king at f7 the capture is now possible:} e4 ( 4... Kxg7 {, then %05if} 5. Kf5 e4 6. Kxe4 {!}) 5. Kh6 {!!} Kg8 6. dxe4 $18 { , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/7p/3pP2P/8/1K6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {The following examples reflect the struggle for a zugzwang position.} 1. Kb4 { ! %05But he can reach d4 not in two moves, but in three:} (1. Kc3 {%05If} Kf7 { White cannot play} 2. Kd4 {?} (2. Kd3 {%05while after} Ke7 {the result is a draw.}) 2... Ke6 {!}) 1... Kf7 2. Kc5 Ke6 3. Kd4 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/4pP2/1p6/1P6/6K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {Against correct defence by the opponent, White is unable to attain a zugzwang position in the following example.} 1... Kd8 {! is correct, switching to play with "untouchable" pawns. White has two possible plans: he can go to the support of his f-pawn, or he can attack the b5 pawn.} (1... e5 {loses to} 2. Kg4 Ke6 3. Kg5 e4 (3... Kf7 4. Kf5 e4 5. Kxe4 Kxf6 6. Kd5 $18) 4. Kg6 {, when after the queening of the pawns White wins by a check at e8.}) 2. Kg4 (2. Kf4 Ke8 3. Ke4 Kf8 4. Kd4 Ke8 5. Kc5 Kf7 6. Kxb5 Kxf6 7. Kc5 e5 8. b5 e4 9. Kd4 Ke6 {= , with the same result.}) 2... Ke8 3. Kh5 Kf7 4. Kg5 Ke8 5. Kg6 Kf8 6. f7 e5 7. Kf5 Kxf7 8. Kxe5 Ke7 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7p/5Ppk/4KP2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {%05Here White has to overcome certain difficulties by accurate play. The analysis is by Shusterovich (Saratov).} Kh3 (1... g3+ {%05or} 2. Kg1 { , as in the main variation}) 2. Kg1 (2. f5 {?} Kh2) 2... Kh4 3. Kg2 (3. Kh2 {?} gxf3) 3... g3 4. Kg1 {!} (4. Kh1 {??} Kh3 {! , and Black gives mate with his h-pawn}) 4... g2 5. Kh2 {!} g1=Q+ 6. Kxg1 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/7p/5Pp1/6P1/8/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {We will now consider positions where only one of the sides has a passed pawn. As a rule, the stronger side wins by elementary means. Disregarding these cases, we will dwell on more complicated examples. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/501I2/8/401D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg2 { %05Black's only chance is to transfer his king to f6 and play ... h5, undermining his opponent's pawn chain. White must therefore defend his f-pawn from e4. Hence the zugzwang position Ke4/Kf6, which determines the immediate manoeuvres of the two sides.} Kg7 2. Kf3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/502I2/501I2/8/401D3/402D3/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/502I2/501I2/8/401D3/402D3/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 502I2/501I2/8/401D3/402D3/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/502I2/501I2/8/401D3/402D3/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/502I2/501I2/8/401D3/ 402D3/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {(otherwise 5. Ke5) %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/502I2/501I2/8/401D3/402D3/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/502I2/501I2/8/401D3/ 402D3/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 6. Ke5 Kf7 7. f6 h5 {(there is nothing else)} 8. gxh5 g4 9. h6 g3 (9... Kg6 10. Ke6 g3 11. f7 {%04etc.}) 10. h7 g2 11. h8=Q g1=Q 12. Qh7+ Kf8 13. Qe7+ Kg8 14. f7+ {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1k/6pP/6P1/8/8/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1. Ke3 {%05In this position too White is threatened with the undermining of his pawns, but in compensation he obtains a dangerous passed pawn:} f6 2. gxf6 Kxh6 {, and in the resulting ending of pawn against pawn White decides matters by} 3. Kf4 {!} Kh7 (3... g5+ 4. Kf5 g4 5. Ke6 g3 6. f7 $18) 4. Kg5 Kh8 5. Kh6 { !} Kg8 6. Kxg6 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pospisil Dusan (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5kp1/3P3p/7P/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {! %05And so:} (1. Kf4 {%05 The win appears straightforward, but in reality White encounters serious difficulties, associated with the fact that the distance between his pawns is insufficiently large, and also that one of them is a rook's pawn. He fails to win, for example, by} Kf7 2. Kg5 Kg7 3. d6 { , since after} (3. Kf4 {%05instead of 3. d6?, White must play 3. Kf4}) 3... Kf7 {the black king has time to take the passed pawn and then occupy f8}) (1. Kd4 { %05Another unpleasantness awaiting White is seen in the following variation:} Kf7 {!} (1... Ke7 {?} 2. Ke5 Kf7 (2... Kd7 {%05or} 3. Kf6 {with an easy win, which reveals the zugzwang position Ke5/Ke7, but Kd4/Kf7 is also a zugzwang position, as will now become clear}) 3. d6) 2. d6 {? this leads by force to a draw} (2. Kc5 {? %05as however does} g5 {; it was not yet too late to return to the initial position}) 2... Ke6 3. Kc5 Kd7 4. Kd5 g5 5. hxg5 h4 {, and the pawn queens with check. This means that the white king must avoid d5.^013^010 This variation gives the key to the solution: we now know the basic zugzwang positions, i.e., the correspondence of the squares e5/e7 and d4/f7. The third pair of squares comprising the "main zone" is, of course, e4/f6.}) 1... Kf7 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401I02I2/503D2/401D3/ 302D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... g5 {does not work due to} 2. hxg5+ Kxg5 3. Ke5) 2. Kd4 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 401I02I2/503D2/401D3/302D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401I02I2/503D2/401D3/302D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2... Ke7 {%05weaker is} 3. Ke5) (2... Kf6 {%05or} 3. Kc5 g5 4. hxg5+) 3. d6 {(Black cannot reply 3... Ke6)} Kd7 {White faces his last test: 4. Kd5 is of course bad, but to^013^010 which move should he give preference - 4. Kc5 or 4.^013^010 Ke5? Concrete calculation is required. After 4... g5 etc. a queen ending results, in which White, as in^013^010 example ~3 ($41451)~, will play Qf7. It follows that the^013^010 black king must be deprived of c6.} 4. Kc5 {!} g5 5. hxg5 h4 6. g6 h3 7. g7 h2 8. g8=Q h1=Q 9. Qf7+ {, and mate in 2 moves.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pospisil Dusan (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/7p/3p3P/6P1/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/3I1I13/4I13/5D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) This is the position ~3( 453)~ with colours reversed and the defender's king placed outside the critical zone (f3, f2, e2 for White, and e5, d5, e4 for Black). In the previous example the stronger side's king immediately seized the correspondence, but here it is altogether unable to do this.} 1. Kg2 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/3I1I13/4I13/5D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/3I1I13/4I13/5D12/ 4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Ke5 {%04with %05so as to answer} 2. Kf3) (1... Kd5 {%05or} 2. Kf2 {respectively }) 2. Kf1 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/3I1I13/4I13/5D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d3 (2... Kd5 3. Kf2) (2... Ke5 3. Ke1 {!}) 3. Kf2 Kd5 4. Ke3 Kc4 5. Kd2 Kd4 6. g4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/p7/8/2p2P2/8/1P6/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Kd2 {! %05Following the general rule, the c-pawn should be blockaded:} (1. Ke2 {? %05It is clear that the c- and f-pawns will be exchanged, and^013^010 %05 that an ending of pawn against pawn will arise (similar to^013^010 %05example ~3($40106)~. White does not win if Kc4 is^013^010 %05answered by ... Kf4. Therefore he is unsuccessful with} Kd6 2. Kf3 Kd5 3. Ke3 Ke6 {!} 4. Kd4 ( 4. Ke4 {%05or} Kf6 5. f5 c3 {!}) 4... Kf5) 1... Kd6 2. Kc3 Kd5 3. f5 (3. Kb4 {? } Ke4 {!}) 3... Ke5 4. Kxc4 (4. f6 {?} Kxf6 {- draw}) 4... Kxf5 5. Kd4 { ! etc.~3 ($40106)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1p6/2k5/8/2PP4/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "47"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] 1. Ke3 Kd5 (1... b5 2. Ke4 b4 {is weaker in view of} 3. d4+ {!} Kc4 4. cxb4 Kxb4 5. d5) 2. Kd2 {!} b5 3. Kc2 Kc5 (3... b4 {%05In the event of} 4. cxb4 Kd4 5. Kd2 b6 6. Kc2 Ke3 7. Kc3 b5 8. Kc2 Kf4 {White wins by} 9. Kb2 {~3($4018)~} ( 9. Kb3 {%05or})) 4. Kb3 b6 5. d4+ Kd5 6. Kb4 Kc6 7. Ka3 {! Having immobilized the enemy pawns, White transfers his king to the centre, manoeuvring such that he can meet ... Kd5 with Kb3, and later - Kd3.} (7. d5+ {?} Kxd5 8. Kxb5 Ke4 { ! would have led to a draw.}) 7... Kd6 8. Kb2 Kd5 9. Kb3 Kd6 {!} 10. Kc2 Ke6 11. Kd2 {!} Kd6 12. Ke3 Kd5 13. Kd3 Kd6 14. Ke4 Ke6 15. d5+ Kd6 16. Kd4 Kd7 17. Ke5 Ke7 18. d6+ Ke8 {!} 19. Kd4 (19. Ke6 {there would now follow %05On} Kd8 20. d7 b4 21. cxb4 b5 {with a draw. White has to give his opponent the move.}) 19... Kd8 20. Kd5 Ke8 21. Ke5 Kd8 22. Ke6 Ke8 23. d7+ Kd8 24. Kd6 $18 {, and wins. Grigoriev regarded the following position as a more complete expression of this study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/kp6/8/8/2P5/3P4/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%21 %212099681186=ZE5Y5 %212099681186=ZE5Y53 %212099681186=ZE5Y55 %212099681186=ZE5Y59 %212099681186=ZE5Y7} 1. Kf2 Kb5 {~5 (RR) This move is also sufficient for a draw.~} (1... b5 {! , when both %05But, as was shown by Kopayev (1953), 1. Kf2 is more strongly met by} 2. Ke3 (2. d4 {%05and} Kb6 {!} 3. Ke3 Kc6 4. Ke4 Kd6 5. d5 Kd7 6. Ke5 Ke7 7. d6+ Ke8 {lead to a draw. in contrast to the similar play in example ~3($41456)~, the c6 square remains inaccessible to White, since Black has refrained from playing ... b6.} (7... Kf7 {= %05or})) 2... b4 3. cxb4 Kb5 4. d4 Kxb4 5. Ke4 Kb5 {!} 6. Kd5 Ka4 {!} 7. Kc5 b5 {=}) 2. d3 Kc5 {~5 ? (RR) A decisive mistake.~} (2... Ka5 {! %05~5 (RR) Correct is~} 3. Ke3 (3. d4 b5 4. d5 Kb6 5. Ke3 Kc7 6. Kd4 Kd6 7. Ke4 Ke7 8. Ke5 Kd7 9. d6 Ke8 10. Ke6 Kd8 11. d7 b4 12. cxb4 b5 {=}) 3... b5 4. Ke4 b4 5. cxb4+ Kxb4 {=}) 3. Ke3 $18 {~3($40456)~.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/2p5/8/P1p5/2P5/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {In the following examples the black pawns are also deprived of their mobility. } 1. Ke2 (1. Kf2 {? does not work:} Kc6 {!} 2. Ke3 Kb5 3. Kd3 Ka4 4. Kxc3 Kxa3 5. Kc4 Kb2 {with a draw. White has to provoke ... c4.}) 1... c4 2. Kf3 {!} (2. Ke3 {? the a-pawn has to be prematurely advanced, e.g. %05In the event of} Ke5 3. a4 Kd5 4. a5 Kc5 5. a6 Kb6 6. Kd4 Kxa6 {Draw.}) 2... Kd5 3. Kf4 {!} Kd4 4. a4 Kd5 (4... Kc5 5. Ke4 Kb4 6. Kd4 Kxa4 7. Kxc4 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Ke3 Ke5 6. a5 Kd5 7. a6 Kc6 8. Kd4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/1p6/7P/8/8/1p2K3/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Kf4 {!} Kh7 2. Kg5 Kh8 3. Kg6 Kg8 4. h7+ Kh8 5. Kh6 b6 6. Kg6 b5 7. Kh6 b4 8. Kg5 Kxh7 9. Kf6 {!} Kg8 10. Ke7 {!} Kg7 11. Kd6 Kf6 12. Kc5 {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k1p/6pP/4K1P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {~16.2 ENDINGS WITHOUT PASSED PAWNS~ If in the ending of two pawns against two there are no passed pawns, it follows that the white and black pawns must stand in pairs opposite one another on the same or on adjacent files. In the event of the exchange of one pair of pawns, the familiar ending of pawn against pawn arises, while if one of the pawns is won, play reduces to the ending of two pawns against one. But although these simpler endings form the basis of the endings with two pawns against two, they have their own specific features, giving rise at times to complicated king manoeuvring. The examples given below are grouped according to the nature of the pawn structure: ~ 6.21 Connected pawns against connected.~ ~ 6.22 Connected pawns against isolated.~ ~ 6.23 Isolated pawns against isolated (where "isolated" can also mean doubled pawns).~ ~16.21 Connected pawns against connected~ If the pawns are completely or partially blocking one another, the decisive role is normally played by how deeply the king can penetrate into the enemy position, or more precisely - the possibility of seizing control of the critical squares of the more backward pawn by the methods of opposition or correspondence. In the majority of cases these endings are drawn, especially if only one pair of pawns is blocked and there is the possibility of an exchange. But exceptions occur, most often in cases where the pawns are not completely blocked.} 1. Kd5 {%04with %05In this text book example Black meets} Kf7 {!} 2. Kd6 (2. Ke5 {%05or} Ke7 {=}) 2... Kf6 {= Here the defence of the critical e6 square is simple, but Black loses, of course if in the position Ke5/Ke7 it is him to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/7p/4K1p1/6P1/7P/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {This last method is the only one, if the position is moved one file to the left.} 1... h5 {immediately with a draw %05 With this pawn structure (the set-up g3, h4/g6, h5 is even favourable for White) Black does not lose even if it is him to move. He can play} (1... Kf7 {%05but the preliminary} 2. Kf5 { is also possible, and now either} h5 (2... Kg7 {%05or simply} 3. Ke6 Kg6 {=}) 3. Kxg5 hxg4 4. hxg4 Kg7 {=}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1885.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Teed"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K2k/7p/6p1/6P1/7P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1885.??.??"] 1. Kf7 {! %05White, to play, wins by} h5 {(otherwise 2. Kg6)} 2. h4 {!} gxh4 ( 2... hxg4 3. hxg5) 3. g5 {, since Black loses a tempo after} h3 4. g6+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/4K1pp/8/8/6PP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. Kf6 {! %05Correct is} (1. Kf7 {? %05This is the conclusion of study ~3 ($40663)~. Mattison %05has^013^010 %05the king at e5. It was moved to e6 by Prokes (1944),^013^010 %05and it transpires that it is bad to play} Kh7 2. g4 g5 3. Kf6 h5) (1. g4 {? %05or} g5 2. Kf7 (2. Kf6 h5) 2... Kh7 {!} (2... h5 {?} 3. h4) 3. Kf6 h5) 1... Kh7 2. g4 g5 3. Kf7 {, and wins ~3($40462)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/6Pp/7P/8/5K1k/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {This position is a double exception: White would be unable to save the game, if the pawns were moved down the board, or if they were moved to the left. Nevertheless the example is of interest, as it illustrates a tactical device by which White approaches the g7 pawn with gain of tempo.} 1. Kf4 Kh4 2. Ke5 {! } Kxh5 3. Kf5 Kh4 4. Ke6 Kg3 5. Kf7 h5 6. Kxg7 h4 7. Kf6 h3 8. g7 h2 9. g8=Q+ Kf2 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1852.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K1pp/7k/8/8/6PP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1852.??.??"] 1. Kf7 {White can win a pawn, but not the game: %05After} g5 {!} 2. Kf6 g4 ( 2... Kh5 {also does not lose %05the simplest, but}) 3. h4 Kh5 4. Kf5 h6 { ~3($41474)~, and if} 5. Kf4 {, then} (5. Ke4 {%05while if} Kg6 6. Ke5 {, then} Kh5 {! with a draw.} (6... h5 {?} 7. Ke6)) 5... Kg6 6. Kxg4 h5+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4K2p/6p1/6P1/4k3/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {In the initial position of the study the kings stands at a6 and a2, and the pawn at g2. After 1. g4! the kings approach the pawns, with White all the time maintaining the opposition. The example illustrates the advantage of White's pawn formation (his pawns are less vulnerable).} 1. Ke5 {!} Kf2 2. Kf6 {!} Kf3 3. Kf5 Kg2 4. Kg6 Kh3 5. Kh5 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/7p/8/8/6pP/8/2k3P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {There is an unexpected conclusion to the play in the following example.} 1. Kd7 {%05Correct is} (1. h5 {?} Kd2 2. h6 Ke2 3. Kd7 Kf2 4. Ke7 Kxg2 5. Kf7 Kf3 6. Kg7 g3 7. Kxh7 g2 8. Kh8 g1=Q 9. h7 {loses to} Kg4 $19 {!}) 1... Kd2 (1... Kd3 {%05or} 2. Ke6 Ke4 3. Kf6 Kf4 4. h5 {with a draw, since Black has lost a tempo}) 2. Ke6 {!} Ke2 3. Kf5 g3 4. Kg4 Kf2 5. Kh3 h5 {- stalemate.} * [Event "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pachman Ludek (GER)"] [Black "Ilivitzki Georgi A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/8/8/8/8/PP2K1k1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ367 %212045826630=4HLJ375 %212045826630=4HLJ377} 1... Kg3 {%05Black looks to be in danger: his king is a long way from his pawns. But he turns out to have quite adequate defensive resources:} 2. Ke3 Kg2 {! A precise move! Black is not able to take his king to the support of his pawns, so he sets himself a different task: to attack the enemy pawns from the rear.} 3. a4 (3. Kd4 {, then %05If now, for example,} Kf3 4. Kd5 Ke3 5. Kd6 Kd3 6. Kc7 Kc2 7. Kxb7 (7. a4 b6 {!} ( 7... Kxb2 {? %05but not} 8. Kxb7 a5 9. Kb6 $18 {, winning})) 7... a5 8. a4 (8. Kb6 a4) 8... Kb3 {! , and the draw is obvious.}) (3. b4 {%05Equally little is promised by} Kf1 4. Kd2 Kf2 5. a4 b6 {!} 6. Kd3 Ke1 7. a5 bxa5 8. bxa5 Kf2 { ! %04etc.}) 3... b6 4. b4 (4. Kd4 Kf3 5. Kc4 Ke3 6. Kb5 Kd3 7. Ka6 Kc4 8. Kxa7 Kb4 {with a draw}) 4... Kf1 5. Ke4 Ke2 6. a5 bxa5 7. bxa5 Kf2 {!= Drawn.} * [Event "Triberg (Germany)"] [Site "Triberg (Germany)"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bogoljubow Efim D (UKR)"] [Black "Selezniev Alexei"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k1p2/6p1/6K1/7P/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ367 %212045826630=4HLJ375 %212045826630=4HLJ377} 1. Kf6 {! %05Here a by-pass from the rear is decisive:} Ke8 2. Kg7 Ke7 3. g3 {!} (3. g4 {?} f5 {=}) 3... Ke6 ( 3... Ke8 4. g4 {!$18}) 4. Kf8 Kf6 (4... f6 {%05if, then} 5. Kg7 Kf5 6. Kf7) 5. g4 Ke6 6. g5 {! and White wins, e.g.} f5 7. h5 f4 8. hxg6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/1k6/1pp5/8/3P4/2P5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {The following position has a natural appearance.} 1. Ke7 {!} (1. Kd7 {?} c5 2. d5 b5) 1... Ka7 (1... Kc7 2. c4) 2. Kd7 {!} c5 (2... Kb7 3. Kd6 b5 4. Kd7 Kb6 5. Kc8) 3. d5 b5 4. d6 b4 5. Kc8 {!} b3 6. d7 b2 7. d8=Q b1=Q 8. Qa5# {mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/6p1/8/2K2PP1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kd5 {%05This position is a valuable contribution to theory.} Kf8 {! The best defence.} (1... Kh6 {loses quickly to} 2. Ke5 Kg7 3. Kd6 Kf8 (3... Kh8 { , then %05If instead of 3... Kf8 Black plays} 4. Kd7 Kh7 5. Kd8 {! winning, e. g.} Kh8 (5... Kg7 6. Ke8) (5... Kg8 6. Ke7) 6. f5) 4. Kd7 Kg7 5. Ke8 Kg8 6. Ke7 Kg7 7. f5 g5 8. Ke8 $18) 2. Kd6 Ke8 3. f5 g5 4. Kc7 {!} (4. f6 {?} Kd8 5. Ke5 Kd7 6. Kf5 Kd6 7. Kxg5 Ke5 {- draw}) 4... Ke7 5. Kc8 {!} Kd6 (5... Ke8 6. f6 $18) 6. Kd8 Ke5 7. Ke7 f6 8. Kf7 Kf4 9. Kxf6 Kxg4 10. Kg6 $18 {%04etc. It should be noted that position of this example becomes drawn if it is moved to the right or down the board, but remains won if it is moved one or two files to the left.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Duras Oldrich (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K3p3/5p2/5P2/8/8/2k1P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {The decisive zugzwang position here is Ke6/Kf4. If it is White to move in this case, he cannot win: 1. e3 Ke4 2. Ke7 Kf5, whereas if it is Black to move he loses: 1... Ke4 2. e3 Ke3 3. Ke7. The second decisive position is Kd5/Ke3 (in the event of 1... Ke2 or 1... Kf4 White wins by 2. Ke6, but if it is his move the position is a draw.} 1. Kb6 {%05Now the manoeuvring of the kings will be readily understandable:} Kc3 {with the aim of penetrating via d4 to e5;} ( 1... Kd2 {? , then %05if} 2. Kc6 Kxe2 3. Kd7 Ke3 4. Kxe7 $18) 2. Kc5 Kd2 3. Kc6 {!} (3. Kd5 {?} Ke3 {=}) 3... Ke3 4. Kd5 {!} Kf4 5. Ke6 Ke4 6. e3 $18 {%16 , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/2p5/3p4/1P6/8/8/2P5/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I5/302I4/203D101I3/302D4/ 301D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Here White has to transfer his king to c6 and make the b5-b6 break. The struggle initial revolves around the d5 square (the zugzwang position is Kd4/Ke6). On achieving the position Kd5/Kd7, White will have to use a pawn tempo, in order to occupy c6. Then in the position Kc6/Kc8 he will have to use up his second and last pawn tempo, since the immediate b5-b6 does not work (in analogy with example ~3( 328~) ).} 1. Kf2 Kf7 2. Ke3 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I5/302I4/203D101I3/302D4/ 301D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(203I5/302I4/203D101I3/302D4/301D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2... Kf6 3. Ke4) 3. Ke4 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I5/302I4/ 203D101I3/302D4/301D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I5/302I4/203D101I3/302D4/301D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 4. Kd4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I5/302I4/ 203D101I3/302D4/301D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I5/302I4/203D101I3/302D4/301D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} (4... d5 5. Kc5 $18) 5. Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I5/302I4/203D101I3/302D4/301D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 6. c3 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I5/302I4/203D101I3/302D4/ 301D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/2XD5/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kc6 Kc8 8. c4 {!} (8. b6 {? } cxb6 9. Kxb6 (9. c4 {%05or} b5 10. cxb5 Kb8 {=}) 9... Kd7 {- draw}) 8... Kd8 9. b6 Kc8 (9... cxb6 {%05if} 10. Kxd6) 10. bxc7 d5 11. Kxd5 Kxc7 12. Kc5 { , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herberg"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/8/3K1k2/4pP2/4P3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {An analogous position occurred in one of the variations of example ~3( 465)~, where Black was saved by his king being at the side of the board (the possibility of stalemate). Here he does not have this resource} 1. Kd4 { ! (other moves are answered by 1... Kg4)} Ke6 {!} 2. Kc5 {!} (2. Kxe4 {%05but as before a draw result from} f5+ {To win, White has to give his opponent the move.}) 2... Kf6 3. Kd6 Kf5 4. Kd5 f6 5. Kd4 Ke6 6. Kc5 Kd7 7. Kd5 (7. f5 {?} Kc7 8. Kd5 Kd7 9. Kxe4 Kd6 10. Kd4 Kc6 11. Kc4 Kd6 {- draw}) 7... Ke7 8. Kxe4 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bianchetti"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p4K/1k6/8/8/2Pp4/3P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {Position ~3( 474)~ is the finish to the following study.} 1. Kg6 Kc5 2. Kf5 Kd5 3. Kf4 c6 4. Ke3 Kc4 5. Ke4 c5 6. Ke3 Kd5 7. Kf4 {! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/K5p1/7p/7P/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Kb7 {! %05White is saved by a by-passing advance from the rear:} (1. Kb5 { ? loses to} Kd6 {!} 2. Kc4 Ke5 3. Kd3 Kf4 4. Ke2 Kg3 5. Kf1 Kxh4 6. Kf2 Kg4 { and 7... Kg3$19}) 1... Kd7 (1... Kf6 2. Kc6 g5 3. hxg5+ Kxg5 {does not achieve anything due to} 4. Kd6 {%04etc.}) 2. Kb8 {!} (2. Kb6 {?} Kd6 3. Kb7 Ke5 { , and Black first picks up the g-pawn}) 2... Ke6 (2... Kd6 {is no better:} 3. Kc8 Ke5 4. Kd7 Kf4 5. Ke6 Kg3 6. Kf6) 3. Kc7 Kf5 4. Kd6 Kg4 5. Ke5 Kxh4 6. Kf6 g5 7. Kf5 g4 8. Kf4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pp5/5k2/P1P5/5K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {~16.22 Connected pawns against isolated~ Other things being equal, connected pawns are stronger than isolated or doubled pawns, but the decisive factor is nevertheless the existence of a positional advantage - the placing of the kings (their proximity to the invasion points), the possession of the opposition, and so on.} 1. c6 {breakthrough is decisive (the a-pawn becomes passed). %05If it is White to play, the} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pp5/5k2/P1P5/5K2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... c6 {%05If Black begins, after} 2. Ke4 Ke6 {he controls the critical squares of the c5 pawn. In the position Kf5/Kf7 the move 1... c6 would give only a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1853.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mayet Carl (GER)"] [Black "Von Der Lasa Thassilo (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/8/6k1/1p1p4/8/1P6/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1853.??.??"] 1. Kf8 {%05The players agreed a draw, although Black has an easy win thanks to the poor position of the white king:} Kf6 2. Ke8 Ke6 3. Kd8 Kd6 4. Kc8 Kc5 5. Kd7 Kb4 6. Kc6 d4 7. Kd5 Kc3 8. b4 Kxc2 9. Kxd4 Kb3 10. Kc5 Ka4 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/8/6k1/1p1p4/8/1P6/2P5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Kf6 {%05If it is Black to play, he wins by} (1... d4 {! is even simpler %05but}) (1... b4 {? - draw %05but not}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Duclos Samuel (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/kp6/3P4/PK6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] 1. Kb3 {!} Ka5 (1... b5 2. Kb4) 2. Ka3 b5 3. axb5 Kxb5 4. d6 {! Draw ~3 ($4097) ~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2kpp3/8/5P2/2P5/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. Ke2 {!} Kc4 (1... Kd4 {%05or} 2. Kd2 Kc4 3. c3) 2. f4 {!} exf4 3. Kf3 Kc3 4. Kxf4 Kxc2 5. Ke5 {Draw.} * [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Szabo Laszlo (HUN)"] [Black "Fuster Geza (CAN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/5p2/8/5K1p/8/6P1/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1... h4 {! %05Black should have played} (1... Kf8 {? White won by %05After} 2. Kg5 {%04etc.}) 2. g4 h3 {! with a draw:} 3. Kf4 f6 4. Kg3 Kf7 5. Kxh3 Kg6 6. Kh4 f5 7. g5 f4 8. Kg4 f3 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k2p3/2p4K/2P5/3P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. Kh6 {! %05White must seize the opposition on the 6th and 7th ranks, so as to carry out a by-pass along the 8th rank.} (1. Kg5 {? %05Nothing is achieved by} Kc7 {!} 2. Kf4 Kd6 3. Ke4 Kd7 4. Ke5 Ke7 {=}) (1. Kg6 {? %05or} Kc6) 1... Kb7 2. Kh7 {!} Kc6 (2... Kb8 3. Kg6 Kc7 4. Kg7) (2... Kb6 3. Kg8 Kc6 4. Kf8 Kd6 5. Ke8 {, and then as in the main variation}) 3. Kg6 {!} (3. Kg8 {?} Kd6 4. Kf8 {leads to a draw after} e5 5. Ke8 Ke6) 3... Kc7 4. Kg7 Kd6 5. Kf6 {!} Kd7 6. Kf7 Kd6 7. Ke8 {!} e5 8. Kd8 (8. Kf7 {?} e4) 8... e4 9. dxe4 Ke5 10. Kd7 Kd4 11. e5 Kxe5 12. Kc6 Kd4 13. Kb5 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7K/1k1p4/3p4/3P4/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {While in the previous example success demanded holding the opposition on two ranks, here it is necessary to do this on three (5th, 6th and 7th).} 1. Kg7 { ! , since Black cannot reply 1... Kc7 or 1... Ka7. The continuation might be %05White has to approach the d5 pawn, and he wins by} Kc6 2. Kg6 {(taking the opposition on one of the main ranks)} Kc7 3. Kf5 Kb6 4. Kf6 Kb5 5. Ke7 Kc6 6. Ke6 Kc5 7. Kd7 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/6k1/4K1p1/6P1/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {Some valuable analyses of endings with connected pawns against doubled pawns were put forward in 1932 by Grigoriev. Up till then only the following two elementary positions were known in literature.} 1. Ke6 {%05The kings were initially at c3 and h7, and the diagram position was reached after 1. Kd4 Kh6 2. Ke5 Kg6. The black king could not move onto the f-file, due to the loss of the g5 pawn. Since his king remains imprisoned, Black loses in view of White's reserve tempo.} Kh7 2. Kf5 Kh6 3. h3 g6+ 4. Kf6 Kh7 5. Kxg5 Kg7 6. h4 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hasek Vaclav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/4K2p/8/6Pp/7P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kf8 {! %05White wins by} (1. Kf7 {? would have led to a draw. %05It is easy to see what}) 1... h6 2. Kf7 $18 {By the examples given below, Grigoriev shoed that the presence of doubled pawns does not definitely lead to a loss. To win, the stronger side must also have an advantage in the position of his king, sometimes reserve pawn tempi, and most important - the possibility of placing the opponent in zugzwang. Thus the defensive resources remain considerable.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pk/4K3/6p1/6P1/5P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {It will be expedient first to examine several subsidiary positions, which are in fact the main theoretical positions.} 1... Kg5 {! %05If it is Black to move} (1... g5 {?} 2. Kf6 $18) (1... Kh5 {?} 2. Kf4 $18) 2. Ke4 Kh6 {!= with a draw} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pk/4K3/6p1/6P1/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Ke4 {%05If it is White to move, Black's position is impregnable:} Kg5 {!} 2. Ke5 Kh6 {!} 3. Kf6 (3. Ke6 {%05or} Kg5 {=}) 3... Kh5 4. Kg7 Kg5 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Kp1/6pk/8/6P1/8/5P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1... Kg5 {! %05Therefore:} (1... Kh7 {loses to %05Here Black is not in zugzwang (even with the move White is not able to win), but the defence requires accuracy. For example,} 2. g5) (1... g5 {, since White has a reserve tempo ~3 ($41486)~. Depriving^013^010 White of this tempo - that is Black's immediate task! %05as does}) 2. f3 Kh6 {!} 3. f4 g5 4. f5 Kh7 5. Ke7 Kg8 6. Ke8 Kh8 7. Kf8 Kh7 8. Kf7 Kh6 {!} 9. Kg8 g6 10. f6 {- stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/6pk/6p1/8/8/8/5PP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Kf7 {%05White has a big advantage, but even so he cannot win.} Kh6 2. Kg8 ( 2. g3 {, then %05if} Kh7 {!}) (2. g4 {, cf. position ~3($40490)~ %05while regarding}) 2... g5 3. g4 {(otherwise Black plays ... g4)} Kg6 4. Kf8 Kf6 {!} 5. f3 (5. Ke8 {%05or} Ke5 {Draw.}) 5... Kg6 {= ~3($41488)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/6p1/2K3p1/8/6P1/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. g4 {! , retaining the possibility of choosing a move, depending on where the black king goes to. If, for example, %05The correct move is} (1. Kd6 { does not succeed here. Black replies %05The straightforward} Kg7 {, and then plans his defence in accordance with White's moves. For example:} 2. g4 (2. Ke6 g4) (2. Ke5 Kf7) 2... Kf7 {! (with the king at d5 - 2... Kf6!)} 3. Kd7 Kf6 4. f3 Kf7) (1. Kc6 {, there follows %05Finally, if White begins with} g4 {! , creating the drawn position ~3($41488)~}) 1... Kg8 {, then} (1... Kg7 {is more tenacious, when the only way to win is by %05However,} 2. Kc6 {!} Kf6 3. Kd5 {! } Ke7 4. Ke5 Kf7 5. Kd6 Kf6 6. f3 $18 {, when White wins as already examined.}) 2. Kd5 {!} Kf7 3. Kd6 Kf6 4. f3 Kf7 5. Kd7 Kf6 6. Ke8 {! , winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/6p1/6p1/2K5/6P1/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {! (not allowing ... g4, and keeping g3-g4 in reserve) %05Correct is} ( 1. g4 {? would be an irreparable mistake, since the black king cannot be put in zugzwang. For example: %05Here} Ke7 {(the simplest: after g3-g4 Black must try to take the vertical opposition)} 2. Kd5 (2. Kd4 Kd6 {=}) (2. Kc5 Ke6 {=}) 2... Kd7 {=}) 1... Ke7 2. Kd5 {!} Kf7 (2... Kf6 {%05or} 3. g4 $18 {!}) 3. Ke5 { ! , winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/6p1/2K3p1/8/8/5PP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Kd5 {%05Regarding position ~3 ($40492)~, Grigoriev also showed^013^010 %05that, if the g3 pawn is replaced at g2, any move onto %05the d-file wins for White, thanks to his extra pawn %05tempo. E.g.} Kg7 2. Ke5 {!} Kf7 (2... Kh6 3. g4) 3. g3 {!} Ke7 (3... Kg7 {%05or}) 4. g4 $18 {%04etc. !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pk/8/6p1/K5P1/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {The following example unites a number of motifs from the preceding positions, and its solution is now much easier for us.} 1. Kb5 {! %05Here, in comparison with example ~3($40486)~, the %05black^013^010 %05king has greater freedom of movement, but White^013^010 %05paralyzes it using the horizontal opposition.} Kg6 (1... g6 {, then %05if} 2. Kc6 Kg7 3. f3 $18 (3. Kc5 $18 {%05or})) 2. Kc6 { !} Kf7 3. Kd7 Kf6 4. Kd6 Kf7 5. Ke5 {!} g6 (5... Kg6 {%05or} 6. Ke6 {~3($40486) ~.}) 6. Kd6 $40 {The reader's attention is also drawn to examples ~3( 300)~ and ~3( 301)~ in section 5.22.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P2p4/P2k4/8/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {This position is the finish to a study (Ka4, pawns a5, a6, d5/Ka1, pawns a7, c5, d6).} 1. Kb4 {!} Ke4 (1... Kc6 2. Kc4 d5+ {is hopeless due to} 3. Kd4) 2. Kb5 {!} Kd5 (2... d5 {is met by %05Black has to go back, since} 3. Kc6 { , when after} Ke5 (3... d4 {etc. leads to queen ending which is drawn due to the remoteness of the black king. %05while}) 4. Kb7 Kd6 {play concludes in stalemate at a8}) 3. Kb4 Ke5 4. Kc4 {!} (4. Kb5 {? loses to %05now} d5 5. Kc6 d4 6. Kb7 Kd6 7. Kxa7 Kc7 8. Ka8 d3 9. a7 d2 10. a6 Kb6 $19 {!}) 4... Ke4 (4... d5+ 5. Kd3) 5. Kb5 {! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/8/2p1p3/2P5/8/4P3/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {~16.23 Isolated pawns against isolated~ At the basis of the internal systemization of this group of endings is the concept of "closely" and "widely" separated pawns. Certain features, characterizing the closer and the wider pawn formations, become quite clearly apparent, and the more so, the greater the distance between the pawns (in those cases, for example, where positions with an interval of one file between the pawns are compared with positions where the interval reaches 5-6 files). But when the distance between the pawns is 2-4 files, the strategic and tactical content of the positions is so rich and diverse, that they no longer lend themselves to generalization. Therefore the examples are grouped, as far as possible, on the basis of the ideas connecting them, rather than in order of increasing number of files between the pawns - in the given case such a basis would be formal and untypical.} 1. Kd2 {%05The result in endings of this type is determined, as usual, by the superior king position, the existence of reserve pawn tempi, and, as a result, the possibility of seizing the critical squares (the invasion points).^013^010 At first both sides bring their kings into play:} Ke6 2. Ke3 Kf5 3. Kf3 e4+ {Forced, otherwise comes 4. Ke4, and White's reserve tempo (e2-e3) decides the game in his favour.} 4. Kg3 e3 {! the most tenacious} (4... Kg5 {loses to} 5. e3 Kf5 6. Kh4 {%04etc.}) 5. Kf3 Kf6 {! The charming point of the study!} 6. Kf4 {!} (6. Kxe3 {%05It transpires that after} Ke5 {!} 7. Kd3 Kf5 {!} 8. e3 (8. Kc3 Ke4 9. Kb2 (9. Kb3 {%05or} Kd4 {with a draw}) 9... Ke3 {= }) 8... Ke5 9. Kd2 Ke4 10. Ke2 Kf5 {!} 11. Kf3 Ke5 12. e4 Kd4 13. Kf4 Kxc4 14. e5 Kb3 15. e6 c4 16. e7 c3 17. e8=Q c2 {Black attains a draw.}) 6... Ke6 7. Ke4 Kd6 8. Kf5 $18 {, winning the c-pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3pkp2/8/8/3PK3/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Ke4 d5+ (1... f5+ {%05or} 2. Kd4 d5 3. f3 Kd6 4. f4 Ke6 5. Kc5 {, and wins.} ) 2. Kf4 {!} (2. Kd4 {?} Kd6 3. f3 Kc6 {- draw}) 2... Kd6 3. Kf5 Kc5 (3... Ke7 4. d4 Kf7 5. f4 $18) 4. Kxf6 Kd4 5. Ke6 Kxd3 6. Kxd5 {and 7. f4$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3pkp2/8/8/3PKP2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Ke4 {%05With the pawn at f3 it is a draw:} d5+ 2. Kf4 f5 3. Kg5 Ke5 4. f4+ Kd4 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4pk2/8/6p1/6P1/8/4PK2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] 1. Ke3 {! This gives White better chances of seizing the critical squares of the g5 pawn than does 1. Kf3. It is not a question here of the opposition.} Kf6 2. Kd4 Ke6 3. Ke4 Kf6 4. Kd5 e6+ 5. Kd6 Kf7 6. e4 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p1k3/2P2p2/3K1P2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/1xA204I3/01D3xA3/ ?A02D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc5 {%05A classic example of two invasion squares (e6 and b7). The basic correspondence squares are clear: a6/ b8, b5/c8, c5/d8 and d5/e7. But due to lack of space, Black has no square corresponding to a5. Therefore: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/1xA204I3/01D3xA3/?A02D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/1xA204I3/01D3xA3/ ?A02D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/1xA204I3/01D3xA3/?A02D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/ 1xA204I3/01D3xA3/?A02D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ka5 {! %15N #B (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/1xA204I3/01D3xA3/ ?A02D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/1xA204I3/01D3xA3/102D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} (3... Kd8 4. Ka6 Kc8 (4... Ke7 {%05or} 5. Ka7) 5. Ka7 $18) 4. Ka6 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/1xA204I3/01D3xA3/ 102D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka8 {(now the opponent's king is a long way from e6, and White heads for there) %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/1xA204I3/01D3xA3/102D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 5. Kb5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/ 1xA204I3/01D3xA3/102D03D04D4/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I03I4/1xA204I3/01D3xA3/102D03D04D4/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc5 Ka6 7. Kd5 Kb6 8. Ke6 Kxc6 9. Kxf6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leick"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/3p4/3P4/3K1p2/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {! , putting Black in zugzwang. %05Correct is} (1. Ke5 {%05White fails to win by the straightforward} Ke8 2. Kxf5 Kf7 {!} 3. Kg5 Kg7 {!} 4. f5 Kf7 { ~3($41315)~}) 1... Ke8 {, then %05 If now} (1... Kc8 {White has %05while on} 2. Ke5 Kd8 3. Kxf5 $18) 2. Kc5 Kf7 3. Kb6 Kf6 4. Kb7 {!} Kf7 5. Kc8 Ke6 6. Kc7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/6Kp/8/7P/p7/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. h5 {! %05Correct is} (1. Kxh6 {[%eval 522,0] is pointless, since the pawn is inside the drawing zone. %05As we know from section}) 1... Kg8 2. Kf6 {!} Kf8 3. Ke6 {!} Kg7 4. Ke7 {!} Kg8 5. Kd6 Kf7 6. Kc5 Kf6 7. Kb4 Kg5 8. Kxa3 Kxh5 9. Kb4 Kg5 10. a4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/p7/P6p/7P/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Relying on Bahr's rule ~3( 279)~, Black easily gains a draw in the following position.} 1. Ke3 {After this move, winning the battle for the critical squares, Black loses a pawn, and he has to decide which one to give up.} Kf7 {! } 2. Kd4 Kf6 {!} 3. Kc5 Ke6 4. Kb6 Kd6 5. Kxa6 Kc7 (5... Kc6 6. Ka7 Kc7 7. a6 Kc8 8. Kb6 Kb8 {= is also possible}) 6. Kb5 Kb7 {, and Black gains a draw: after capturing the a-pawn, his king reaches f8 in time.} * [Event "Reykjavik (Iceland)"] [Site "Reykjavik (Iceland)"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Drimer Dolfi (ROM)"] [Black "Sodeborg"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1p2k2/8/P7/2PK4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {In the following examples, with bishop's and rook's pawns, one of the sides inevitably loses material. His task is to obtain a theoretical ending ~3( 299) ~, in which the extra pawn on the bishop's file does not bring success. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ367 %212045826630=4HLJ375 %212045826630=4HLJ381} 1... Ke6 {%05Here White's superior king position proves insufficient for a win:} 2. Kc5 Kd7 3. Kb5 Kc8 4. Kc6 Kb8 5. Kd7 (5. a6 {!?} Kc8 6. c5 Kd8 {!} (6... Kb8 {?} 7. Kd7 Ka8 (7... c6 8. Kd6 $18) 8. Kc8 c6 9. Kd7 Kb8 10. Kd6 $18) 7. Kb5 (7. Kb7 c6 {!} 8. Kxc6 Kc8 9. Kd6 Kd8 {=}) 7... c6+ 8. Kxc6 Kc8 {=}) 5... c5 {!} 6. Kc6 Kc8 7. Kxc5 Kc7 8. Kd5 Kd7 {= , and White cannot win, since his pawn is already at a5,^013^010 and not a4 ~3($41306).~ It is the opposite picture in Hooper's study. Here, by subtle king manoeuvres, White succeeds in obtaining a favourable situation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1961.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hooper"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7p/8/5p2/2K2P1P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1961.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/ 304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) It is the opposite picture in Hooper's study. Here, by subtle king manoeuvres, White succeeds in obtaining a favourable situation.} 1. Kc5 {! %05It will be readily apparent that here there is a system of corresponding squares: e5/f7, e6/g6(e8), f6/f8 and d5/g7. With his greater freedom of manoeuvre, White wins the battle for the correspondence. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/ 501I04I1/402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1. Kd5 {%05The immediate attack on the pawn is unsuccessful: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kg7 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/501I04I1/ 402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kxf5 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/ 304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 4. Ke5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/ 501I04I1/402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. h5 Ke7 {, with a draw.}) (1. Kd4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 1... Kg8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/501I04I1/402D03D02I1/ 304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc6 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2. Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/ 303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {would be pointless %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2... Kg7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2... Kf7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/ 301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd7 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/ 303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 3. Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (3... Kh6 4. Ke5 Kg6 5. Ke6 {, winning}) 4. Kd6 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (4. Ke6 Ke8 {!} 5. Kxf5 Ke7 {!}) 4... Kg7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (4... Ke8 5. Ke6 Kf8 6. Kf6 Kg8 7. Kxf5 {, and then as in the main variation}) 5. Ke7 {! The decisive move. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D04D01I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (5. Ke5 {%05Nothing is achieved by} Kf7 6. Kxf5 Ke7 {!}) 5... Kg8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/ 301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (5... Kg6 6. Ke6 Kh5 7. Kxf5 Kxh4 8. Ke6 h6 9. f5 {, winning}) 6. Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} ( 6... Kg7 7. Kxf5 Kf7 8. h5 Ke7 9. Ke5 Kf7 10. Kd6 $18) 7. Kf6 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I02I1/301D101I04I1/303D02D03D02I1/ 304D01D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 8. Kxf5 Kf7 9. h5 Ke7 10. Ke5 Kf7 11. Kd6 {! , and White wins ~3($40306).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Antipov Vladimir (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/8/8/2K5/p1P5/P2k4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] 1. Kb4 {%05The way to draw is by} (1. Kb3 {? %05After} c5 2. c4 Kd3 3. Kxa3 Kc3 {!} 4. Ka4 Kxc4 {White loses due to the poor position of his king.}) 1... c5+ ( 1... Kc2 {%05or} 2. Kxa3 Kxc3 3. Ka4 c5 4. Kb5 c4 5. a4 {with a draw}) 2. Kb3 Kd3 3. c4 Kd2 (3... Kd4 4. Kc2 Kxc4 5. Kd2 Kd4 6. Kc2 Ke3 7. Kc3 Ke2 8. Kc2 Ke1 9. Kc1 {= leads to a well-known draw. But now White finds an unexpected resource.}) 4. Ka4 {!} Kc2 (4... Kc3 5. Kxa3 {!}) 5. Kb5 Kb2 6. Kxc5 Kxa2 7. Kd6 {!} Kb3 8. c5 a2 9. c6 a1=Q 10. c7 Qa8 11. Kd7 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k3p/4p2P/4P3/8/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {White must inevitably lose one of his pawns, and can draw only by capturing a black in return. If Black heads for the h6 pawn, White has time to take on e6; if instead he makes for the e5 pawn, White has to be able to meet ... Ke5 with Kg5, obtaining access to the h7 pawn. Thus the basic zugzwang position is Kg5/ Ke5. As the kings manoeuvre, particular importance is acquired by the squares adjacent to e5 and g5, namely d5, d4 and e4 for Black, and h5, h4 and g4 for White. With the black king at d5 or d4, White's can occupy either h5 or h4, but on ... Ke4 he must reply Kg4 (in other words, only the squares e5/g5 and e4/g4 strictly correspond). Why this is so, is shown by the following incorrect defensive try 1.Ke2? %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf2 {! %05It will now be clear that White's task is to reach the h-file by the shortest path (along the diagonal!): %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} ( 1. Ke2 {? %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/ 302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {! %15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/ 604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kd5 {(White has not managed to reach h4, and ends up in zugzwang) %15N #B (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/ 302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/ 302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kg4 {%15N #B (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/ 302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kh4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf4 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/ 302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kh5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/ 302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kh4 {%15N #B (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 {! By means of a by-pass Black won the "other" pawn.} (7... Kxe5 {?} 8. Kg5 {- draw})) 1... Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Ke7 {White uses the other diagonal: %05after} 2. Ke3 Kf7 3. Kd4 Kg6 4. Kc5 {, and if} Kxh6 (4... Kg5 {%05and if} 5. Kd6 Kf5 6. Ke7 {=}) 5. Kd6 {=}) 2. Kg3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/ 302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/ 604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kh4 {! (at just the right time) %15N #B(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/ 604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kh5 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/ 302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {%15N #B(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/ 604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kg4 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kxe5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/302I01I101D02D/ 302I03I103D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kg5 {Draw. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204I5/302I01I101D02D/302I03I103D02D/604D1/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) As often happens, this splendid study stimulated some imitations.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Isenegger"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/8/8/4p3/1p2P3/1P6/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Kg2 {%05The idea here (following Grigoriev) was to win the b3 pawn by a by-pass via the K-side (the direct attack on it does not work due to the counter-attack on the e3 pawn). After} Kd6 {! and 2... Kc5!= etc. (Grigoriev's manoeuvre) Black could attain a draw. %05but in the same year Leick showed that by} (1... Kf6 {?} 2. Kh3 {!$18 etc. White does succeeds in winning by seizing and maintaining the opposition}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zhigis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/3p4/1p6/1p2P3/1P2P3/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {A creative development of Grigoriev's idea has also been seen.} 1. Kg2 {!} Ke6 (1... Ke5 2. Kf3 Kf5 3. e4+ dxe4+ 4. Kg3 {~3- ($40689)~}) 2. e4 {!} dxe4 3. Kh3 {!} Kf5 4. Kg3 Kg5 5. e3 Kf5 6. Kh4 Ke5 7. Kg4 Kd5 8. Kf5 Kc5 {!} 9. Ke5 {!} ( 9. Kxe4 {?} Kc4) 9... Kb5 10. Kd4 Kb6 11. Kxe4 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k3K/8/8/8/7p/3p3P/3P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Kh7 {!} Kd7 (1... Ke7 {%05nothing is changed by} 2. Kg7 Ke6 3. Kg6 {%04etc.} ) 2. Kh6 Kd6 3. Kh5 Ke5 {(4. Kh4 was threatened)} 4. Kg5 {!} Ke4 5. Kg4 Ke5 6. Kf3 Kf5 7. Ke3 Ke5 8. Kxd3 {(White has carried out the idea of capturing the "other" pawn)} Kf4 9. Ke2 Kg3 10. d4 Kxh3 11. d5 Kg4 12. d6 h3 13. Kf2 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pallas"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p2pk2/1P6/8/4P3/8/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/ 402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) A rather complex position. It is clearly unfavourable for Black to advance his pawn, since this quickly leads to Grigoriev's position~3 ( 508)~. That only leaves manoeuvring with the kings. It is not difficult to establish the correspondence of the squares f4/f6, e3/ e5 and hence also f3/e6. The establishment of this main zone provides the necessary guide.} 1. Kg3 {! (waiting for the black king to step into the main zone) %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/ 402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1. Kf3 {? loses after %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/ 402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/ 501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. e5+ (3. Kf3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kg5 {! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/ 402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 3... Kg6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 4. Kg4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/ 402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} e6 5. Kf4 Kh5 6. Kf3 Kg5 7. Ke4 Kg4 8. Ke3 Kf5 9. Kd4 Kf4 10. Kc4 Ke4 11. Kb4 Kd4 12. Kb5 Kd5 13. Kb4 Kc6 14. Ka5 Kc5 {and 15... Kb6$19}) 1... Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf3 { ! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/ 402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke3 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/ 402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (3... Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/ 402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I01I2/402I3/501D2/402D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (4. Kd4 {%05or})) 4. Kf4 {!} (4. Kd4 {?} e5+ 5. Kd3 Kc5 6. Kc3 Kxb6 $19) 4... e6 5. Kg4 {!} (5. Kf3 {?} Kc5 6. Kf4 Kd4) 5... Kc5 (5... Ke5 6. Kf3 Kd4 7. Kf4) 6. Kg5 { ! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k1K/8/8/p7/8/4p3/P3P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Kh7 {, with two possibilities:} Kf7 (1... Ke7 2. Kg6 Kd6 3. Kf5 Kc5 4. Ke4 Kb4 5. Kxe3 Ka3 6. Kd2 {!} Kxa2 7. e4 {, and wins.}) 2. Kh6 Kf6 3. a4 {!} Kf5 4. Kh5 Kf4 5. Kh4 Ke4 6. Kg4 Kd4 7. Kf4 Kc4 8. Kxe3 Kb4 9. Kd4 Kxa4 10. Kc4 Ka3 11. e4 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p6/k4p2/2K2P2/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Kc2 {! %05White should avoid the hasty advance of his b-pawn:} Kb4 2. Kc1 {! } (2. Kd2 {? %05But not} Kb3 3. Kc1 Ka2 4. Kc2 b4 {%04etc.}) 2... Kc5 (2... Kb3 {there follows %05But now on} 3. Kb1 b4 4. Kc1 {, when} Ka2 {? is bad for Black in view of} 5. Kc2 Ka1 6. Kb3 {, winning.}) 3. Kd1 {(retaining the possibility of taking the opposition to defend the critical squares d3 and e3)} Kd5 4. Kc1 {! (the e4 square is inaccessible to Black)} Kd4 5. Kd2 Kc4 6. Kc2 Kb4 7. Kc1 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/2P1kpK1/8/6P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {In spite of certain squares being inaccessible to Black's king, which should lead to him losing the oppositions, he is saved by tactical threats.} 1. Kg7 ( 1. Kh7 {, then %05if} Kd6 (1... Kf7 {%05or})) (1. Kh6 {, then only %05while if} Kd6 {, when} 2. Kh7 {can be met by} Kxc6) 1... Ke7 2. Kg8 Ke8 3. Kh7 (3. Kh8 Kf8 {!}) 3... Kf7 {! (a position of mutual zugzwang)} 4. Kh6 f5 {! with a draw: } 5. g5 {!} Kg8 {!} 6. Kh5 Kg7 7. g6 f4 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/2P1kpK1/8/6P1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Ke7 {%05If it is Black to move, he loses:} 2. Kg7 Ke6 3. Kf8 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p1kpK1/2P5/6P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kh6 {would win, since the reply 1... Kd6 is not possible. For example: %05The composer erroneously thought that} Kd7 (1... Ke5 {= %05while 1. Kh6 can also be met by}) 2. Kh7 Ke8 {?} (2... Ke6 {!= %05but instead of 2... Ke8?, Black can draw by}) 3. Kg6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p1kpK1/2P5/6P1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Ke5 {%05Black to move draws by} 2. Kf7 f5 {= Such instances, where a conspicuous main idea hides other motifs, are typical cause of many mistakes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1843.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p4kp1/P7/3K4/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1843.??.??"] {The idea of this position is simple: the a7 pawn is doomed, on Ka7 there follows ... Kc7, and then comes f4-f5, after which the white king escapes to freedom.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hasek Vaclav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P4p2/3K1P2/5k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kc6 {%05Of interest here is the winning of a tempo, with the aim of hindering the approach of the black king:} (1. Ke6 {? %05of course, not} Kg5) 1... Ke5 {Since 1... Kf5, fails to save the game, Black aims to stalemate the enemy king in the corner. A position of zugzwang has been reached: 2. Kb7 does not win, but Black to move would lose. Therefore, to give his opponent the move, White carries out a triangulation manoeuvre.} 2. Kc7 {!} (2. Kd7 {?} Kxf5 ) 2... Kd5 3. Kd7 {!} Ke5 4. Kc6 {! , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/6p1/6P1/8/8/p5K1/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {Other ideas are contained in the following position.} 1. Kf4 Kg8 2. Ke5 Kf8 3. Kd6 {!} Ke8 4. Ke6 Kf8 5. Kd7 Kg8 6. Ke7 Kh8 {(only after this can the a3 pawn be picked up)} 7. Kd6 Kg8 8. Kc5 Kf8 9. Kb4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Adamson"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2pKp3/8/8/8/1k6/1P5P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Ke6 {! %05Correct is} (1. Kxe7 {%05The natural} Kxb2 2. Ke6 Kc3 3. Kd5 c5 { ! does not succeed.}) 1... c5 2. Kd5 c4 3. h4 e6+ 4. Kc5 {!} e5 5. h5 e4 6. Kd4 e3 7. Kxe3 Kxb2 8. h6 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weenink Henri G (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p4k1/1P3p2/5K2/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {The manoeuvring of the kings, which at first sight here is complicated, has been insufficiently well explained in literature, sometimes even by the methods of corresponding squares, whereas the solution becomes extremely simple if the method of opposition is correctly applied.} 1. Ke4 Kg4 2. Kd5 { %05It is clear that the key squares here are f4, f5 and f6, and that the 5th rank is the main one.} (2. Ke5 {there now follows %05On} Kg5 (2... Kg3 { ? but not} 3. Kf5 {%04etc.})) (2. Kd4 {is also pointless in view of} Kh4 {!} ( 2... Kg3 {? %05but again not} 3. Ke5 Kg4 4. Kf6 {, winning.})) 2... Kh5 {!} ( 2... Kf5 {? , since after %05But not} 3. Kd4 {Black is prevented from retaining the opposition by his own pawn.}) 3. Kc6 {! %05As we have already seen, White also achieves nothing by having his king on the 4th rank.} (3. Kc5 {is insufficient to do this, in view of %05Now White's problem is to gain the opposition on the main rank.} Kg5 {, when on} 4. Kxb5 {Black replies with the capture on g2} Kg4 5. Kc5 Kg3 6. b5 Kxg2 {- draw.}) 3... Kg5 (3... Kg6 { , because of %05It transpires that Black cannot make the necessary reply} 4. Kxb5 {!} Kg5 5. Kc5 Kg4 6. Kd4 {!} Kg3 7. Ke4 {etc. Black's king is forced to remain on the 5th rank, and hence he loses the opposition.}) 4. Kc5 {! The rest is a matter of technique: %05If 3... Kg4 or 3... Kh4, White immediately begins the by-pass: 4. Kd6 etc.} Kg4 5. Kd6 Kh5 6. Kd5 Kh4 7. Ke6 {!} (7. Kd4 Kh5 8. Kd5 {would be a loss of time}) 7... Kg5 8. Ke5 Kg4 9. Kf6 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/1p6/1P4k1/5p2/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Kc6 {!} (1. Kxb6 {?} Kg4) (1. Kd6 {?} Kh6 {!}) (1. Kd7 {?} Kh5 {! - rectangular correspondence -} 2. Kc6 Kg5 {! , with a draw since the c5 square is inaccessible}) 1... Kg4 (1... Kh5 2. Kd5 {!}) 2. Kd6 {! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/2p5/8/KP3p2/8/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {We will now consider endings with pawns on adjacent files.} 1. Ka6 (1. b6 Kb7 {is premature}) 1... Kb8 (1... f4 {, then %05If} 2. b6 c6 3. b7+ Kb8 4. Kb6 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. g3 {!} (2. b6 {? is again impossible due to %05But now} Kc8 { ! with a draw.}) 2... Ka8 (2... Kc8 {there would have followed %05On} 3. Ka7 Kd8 4. Kb8 {!} Kd7 5. Kb7 Kd8 (5... Kd6 {?} 6. Kc8) 6. Kc6 Kc8 7. Kd5 Kb7 8. Ke5 Kb6 9. Kxf5 Kxb5 10. g4 c5 {(had the pawn not been fixed in its time at f5, and the white king stood now at f4, Black would have achieved a draw by 10... Kc6)} 11. g5 c4 12. Ke4 {! and wins (the black king is lured into check at b3). }) 3. b6 Kb8 {!} 4. Kb5 {!} (4. b7 {?} c5 {!} 5. Kb5 Kxb7 6. Kxc5 f4 7. gxf4 Kc7 {- draw}) 4... Kb7 5. bxc7 Kxc7 6. Kc5 $18 {, and White wins. The trappy} Kd8 {is correctly met, of course by} 7. Kd6 {!} (7. Kd5 {? or 7. Kd4? because of %05but not} f4 {! -~3($4198)~.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/6p1/8/3P3P/7K/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. Kg3 (1. d4 {?} Kf2) 1... c5 (1... Ke2 {leads to a drawn queen ending after} 2. d4 {!!} Ke3 3. Kg4 {%04etc.}) 2. Kf3 Kf1 {! (retaining the possibility of attacking either of the pawns, but White has a reply ready)} 3. Ke4 {!} Kf2 { ! (a last attempt)} (3... Kg2 {, then %05if now} 4. Kf5) (3... Ke2 {%05or} 4. Kd5) 4. Ke5 {!} Kf3 5. Ke6 Kf4 6. Ke7 {!} (6. Kf6 {?} Ke3) 6... Ke5 (6... Kf5 7. Kd6) 7. Kd7 {!} Kf4 (7... Kd5 8. Kc7) 8. Ke6 {!} Kf3 9. Ke5 Kf2 10. Ke4 Kf1 11. Kf3 Ke1 (11... Kg1 12. Kg3 Kh1 13. Kg4) 12. Ke3 Kd1 13. Ke4 Ke2 14. Kd5 Kxd3 15. Kxc5 Ke4 16. Kd6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p4k/8/5p2/1P6/8/3K2P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {White must aim to exchange the K-side pawns, but only by a by-pass to the f5 pawn from the rear (allowing the black king to take the g-pawn).} 1. Ke3 Kg6 2. Kf4 Kf6 3. b5 {!} Kg6 (3... Ke6 {%05After} 4. Kg5 Ke5 5. g3 {! (... f4 must not be allowed, as is evident from the note^013^010 to Black's 2nd move in example ~3($40525)~ the black^013^010 pawn has to be fixed at f5)} Ke6 6. Kg6 Ke5 7. Kf7 {White wins.}) 4. Ke5 Kg5 5. g3 Kg6 6. Ke6 Kg5 7. Kf7 Kh5 {!} 8. Kf6 Kg4 {!} 9. Ke5 {!} (9. Kg6 {leads to a draw after %05A zugzwang position has been reached:} f4 {Black has to be given the move.}) 9... Kg5 10. Ke6 {, and White wins, since on} Kg4 {there follows} (10... Kg6 {, then %05while if} 11. Kd7 $18) 11. Kf6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/8/2PK4/5k1p/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Kc4 {!} Ke4 (1... Kg3 {is met by %05now} 2. Kb5 {with a draw}) 2. Kb4 {!} Kd4 3. Kb5 Kc3 4. Ka5 {!} Kc4 5. Kb6 Kb4 {(in contrast to the analogous position in example^013^010 ~3($41527)~, Black cannot gain a tempo, since the attack on the g-pawn requires too much time)} 6. c6 {!} bxc6 7. Kxc6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p4k1/8/P5p1/8/7P/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Ke2 {!} Kf5 2. Kd3 {!} Kf4 3. Kd4 {!} Kf5 (3... Kf3 4. Ke5) 4. Kd5 Kf4 5. Ke6 Kg5 6. Ke5 Kg6 7. Kf4 Kh5 8. Kf5 Kh4 9. Kg6 Kh3 10. Kg5 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pospisil Dusan (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/8/2p2p2/8/2Pk2P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Kf7 Ke5 2. Ke8 {!} (2. Ke7 {?} c5 {! - draw}) 2... Kd6 (2... Kf4 3. Ke7 Kg5 4. c5 Kg6 5. Kd6 $18) (2... Ke6 3. c5 Kd5 4. Kf7 Ke5 5. Ke7 $18) 3. Kd8 c5 4. Ke8 Ke6 5. Kf8 Kd6 6. Kf7 Ke5 7. Ke7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ivanova Antonia (BUL)"] [Black "Graf-Stevenson Sonja (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/1p3k2/p4p1P/P4K2/6P1/1P6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ367 %212045826630=4HLJ375 %212045826630=4HLJ381} 1... g5+ 2. hxg6 Kxg6 3. Ke5 Kg5 4. Ke6 Kg6 5. Kd5 Kh5 6. Ke6 Kg6 7. b3 {? (see below)} (7. Kd7 {! should have been played (keeping the b2-b3 tempo in reserve), when 7... Kh7 is not possible, since after 8. Kc6 etc. the b-pawn queens with check. As a result Black loses the opposition, e.g. %05Romanovsky showed that} Kh6 (7... Kf6 8. Kd6) (7... Kg5 8. Ke7 $18) 8. Kd6 Kh5 9. Ke7 {(a by-pass)} Kg6 10. Ke6 Kg5 11. Kf7 Kh5 12. Kf6 Kg4 13. b3 $18 {, and wins.}) 7... Kg5 8. Kf7 f4 {?} (8... Kh5 {!= with a draw %05correct is}) 9. gxf4+ Kxf4 10. Ke6 $18 {, and White won.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/1p5p/7P/8/1P6/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {In this study, Grigoriev's explanation of White's winning method perfectly illustrates the theory of corresponding squares. The following analysis, however, proves that that White is unable to win here... "The basic winning idea is the same as in example ~3( 519)~. But there the problem was simple, whereas here, with an interval of 2 squares between the b-pawns, it becomes complicated. The point is that, after Kh7 Kf7, White cannot release his king by b4-b5 due to ... b6. It follows that he must achieve an interval of only one square between the pawns (b5/b7 or b4/b6), when he will calmly be able to pick up the h-pawn. The solution to the study was never explained using the theory of corresponding squares, and therefore it seemed more complicated than in fact is. Let us find out which squares correspond to one another. The first zugzwang position is Kb6/Kb8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1p5p/1K5P/8/1P6/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {If it is Black to move, he loses:} 1... Ka8 2. Kc7 Ka7 3. b5 Ka8 4. Kd7 $18 { %04etc} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pk4p/7P/2K5/1P6/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {The second zugzwang position is Kc5/Kc7} 1... Kd7 {%05For example:} (1... Kd8 {%05or} 2. Kb6 $18) (1... Kb8 2. Kb6 $18) (1... Kc8 2. Kd6 Kd8 (2... Kb8 3. b5) 3. b5 $18) (1... b6+ 2. Kd5 Kd7 3. b5 $18) 2. Kb6 Kc8 3. Ka7 $18 {When the black pawn goes to b6, White seizes control of^013^010 its critical squares.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1k3p/7P/3K4/1P6/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {It should be noted, incidentally, that Kd5/Kd7 is also a decisive zugzwang position ~5 (RR) Contrary to the opinion of Grigoriev, who thought that Black is in zugzwang and loses, even here Black saves the game.~} 1... Ke7 (1... Kc7 2. Kc5 $18) 2. Kc5 Ke6 {!} (2... Kd7 {?} 3. Kb6 Kc8 4. Ka7 Kc7 5. b5 $18) 3. b5 (3. Kb6 Kd5 {!} 4. b5 Kc4 {=}) 3... Kd7 4. Kd5 b6 {= ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pk4p/7P/4K3/1P6/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {as is Ke5/Kc7} 1... Kd7 {there follows %05 since on} (1... Kc6 {? %04then %05 while if} 2. Ke6 b6 (2... b5 3. Ke5 $18) (2... Kc7 3. b5 Kd8 4. Kf7 b6 5. Ke6 $18) 3. Kf6 $18) 2. Kd5 Ke7 3. Kc5 Ke6 {!= with a draw ~3($41535)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/1p5p/7P/8/1P6/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {%15N #B(1I1I15/2I15/1D16/1D1D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I03I04I4/ 1XI02I5/101DXD5/103D02D5/204D03D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) The correspondence of the squares b6/b8 and c5/c7 also reveals the correspondence b5/c8. This completes the determination of the main zone: for White - b6, b5 and c5 (c6 is inaccessible), and for Black - b8, c8 and c7 (b7 is inaccessible) . These triangles are easy to remember. Let us now examine the nearest rear squares. The white king at c4 attacks the squares b5 and c5 of the main zone, and therefore Black's king must be at d8, so as to hold the c8 and c7 squares in his main zone. Hence the correspondence c4/d8. And what if the white king is at d4 (attacking c4 and c5)? Then the black king must stand at c8 (defending d8 and c7). Having revealed all the necessary correlations, we can embark on the solution, which is now fairly simple. First, however, two general remarks should be made: (1) the most natural path for White is to take his king to the centre as quickly as possible, so as to penetrate as deeply as possible into the opponent's position; (2) White should aim for there to be two files between the kings, since then Black will be unable to answer Kh7 with ... Kf7."} 1. Kd3 {! %15N #B(1I1I15/2I15/1D16/1D1D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(101I03I04I4/1XI02I5/101DXD5/103D02D5/204D03D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kb8 {%15N #B(1I1I15/2I15/1D16/1D1D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (101I03I04I4/1XI02I5/101DXD5/103D02D5/204D03D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} ( 1... Ka7 {is out of keeping with the character of the defence. Nevertheless, here too Black holds his ground. After} 2. Ke4 {!} Kb6 3. Kf5 {!} (3. Ke5 Kc7 4. Kd5 Kd7 5. b5 b6 {=}) 3... Kc7 {!! Only move.} (3... Kc6 {? Black loses due to %05After} 4. Ke6 {! (the only winning move)} (4. Kf6 {?} Kd7 5. Kg7 Ke7 {=}) (4. Ke5 {?} Kd7 {=}) 4... Kc7 5. b5 {!} Kd8 6. Kd6 Kc8 7. Ke7 Kc7 8. Kf8 $18) 4. Ke5 Kd7 5. Kd5 Ke7 6. b5 Kd7 7. b6 Ke7 8. Ke5 Kd7 9. Kf6 Kd6 10. Kg7 Ke7 11. Kxh7 Kf7 {=}) 2. Ke4 {%15 N #B(1I1I15/2I15/1D16/1D1D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(101I03I04I4/1XI02I5/101DXD5/103D02D5/204D03D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} (2. Kc4 {there would have followed %05On} Ka7 {! , with a counter-attack.}) 2... Kc8 {%15N #B(1I1I15/2I15/1D16/1D1D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (101I03I04I4/1XI02I5/101DXD5/103D02D5/204D03D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} ( 2... Kc7 {%05or} 3. Ke5 {This position too was considered won for White. After} Kd7 {! , however, the win cannot be found, for example:} 4. b5 Ke7 5. b6 Kd7 6. Kf6 Kd6 7. Kf7 Kd5 8. Ke7 Kc6 9. Kf7 Kd7 {=}) 3. Kd4 {%05now White begins approaching the main zone %15 N #B(1I1I15/2I15/1D16/1D1D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(101I03I04I4/1XI02I5/101DXD5/103D02D5/204D03D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(1I1I15/2I15/1D16/1D1D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (101I03I04I4/1XI02I5/101DXD5/103D02D5/204D03D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} ( 3... Kd7 {%05Nothing is changed by} 4. Kd5 Ke7 5. Kc5 Ke6 {= , and Black draws as in the main line}) (3... b6 {? %05but not} 4. Ke5 {, and if} Kd7 {, then} ( 4... Kc7 {%05or} 5. b5 $18) 5. Kf5 b5 6. Ke5 $18) 4. Kc4 {%15 N #B(1I1I15/2I15/ 1D16/1D1D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I03I04I4/1XI02I5/101DXD5/ 103D02D5/204D03D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 {? This mistake was unnoticed for many decades and revealed only by computer testing.} (4... Ke7 { ! %05Correct is} 5. Kc5 Ke6 6. b5 (6. Kb6 Kd5 7. Kxb7 Kc4 8. Kc6 Kxb4 9. Kd6 Kb5 {=}) 6... Kd7 7. Kd5 Ke7 8. b6 Kd7 9. Ke5 Ke7 {= , Draw !}) 5. Kb5 Kc7 6. Kc5 $18 {, and wins.^013^010 ^013^010 In endings of this type an important role is played by the positioning on the ranks (how far up the board they are), and also the distance between the pawns (in terms of files).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/1p5p/1P5P/8/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] {In endings of this type an important role is played by the positioning on the ranks (how far up the board they are), and also the distance between the pawns (in terms of files). Here the player to win is the one who seizes the opposition, since the distant opposition can always be transformed into close opposition.} 1. Ke2 {!} Kf8 2. Kd3 {! (a by-pass)} Ke7 3. Ke3 {!} Ke6 4. Ke4 Kd6 5. Kd4 {!} (5. Kf5 {?} Kd5 {, and the pawns queen simultaneously}) 5... Kc6 6. Ke5 {, and wins. The attempt after} Kc7 7. Kd5 Kd7 8. Kc5 Kc7 9. Kxb5 Kb7 { to reduce play to example ~3 ($41279)~ (a passed pawn with^013^010 blocked rook's pawns) does not succeed, since Black^013^010 cannot attain the "normal" position. After} 10. Kc5 {he is forced to play} (10. Kc4 {?? %05of course, not} Kb6 (10... Kc7 {%04or})) 10... Kc7 {, when after} (10... Ka6 11. Kc6) 11. Kd5 Kb6 {the black king can no longer reach f8 in time. If it is Black to move, he wins by 1... Kf7. The situation is radically changed if the b-pawns are moved onto the a-file.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/p6p/P6P/8/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] 1. Ke2 {White still wins the pawn, but not the game, e.g. %05After} Ke7 2. Ke3 Kd6 3. Kd4 Ke6 4. Kc5 Ke5 {!} 5. Kb5 Kd5 6. Kxa5 Kc5 7. Ka6 Kc6 8. a5 Kc7 9. Kb5 Kb7 {= with a draw, since the "normal" position has been attained. This factor neutralizes the possession of the opposition (whether distant or close). If the h-pawns are moved onto the g-file, an unusual situation arise, where the possession of the distant opposition does not play a part, and only the close opposition is of importance.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/1p4p1/1P4P1/8/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Ke2 {%05In reply to} Ke7 (1... Kd7 {is also possible}) 2. Ke3 {Black plays} Kd7 {forcing the enemy king up to the front line:} 3. Ke4 (3. Kd4 {%05or} Kd6 { =}) 3... Ke6 {with a draw, since White has no possibility of a by-pass.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p6p/P3k2P/8/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. Kc3 {! Black is not saved either by %05White's pawns have crossed the middle of the board, and this ensures a win, in spite of the black king's good position. After} (1. Kd3 {?} Kd5 {!}) 1... Kf5 (1... Kd5 {%05or} 2. Kd3 {!} Kc5 3. Ke4 {%04etc.}) 2. Kc4 {, since White queens first. The attempt to answer Ka5^013^010 with ... Kc6 is also hopeless, since the b5 pawn has^013^010 crossed the middle of the board ~3 ($40279)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p6p/P3k2P/8/8/2K5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {If the pawns stand further down the board or further up, with White to move too the result is a draw.} 1... Kf5 {with a counter-attack on the a6 pawn %05With Black to move it is a draw: White answers} (1... Kd4 {, winning the a5 pawn, the general rule ~3($41279)~ shows^013^010 that Black is unable to win. %05while if}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p3k2p/P6P/8/1K6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. Kc3 Kf4 2. Kd4 Kg4 3. Ke4 Kxh4 4. Kf4 {Draw ~3($40539)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p6p/P6P/4k3/8/8/1K6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. Kc3 {%05After} Kf5 2. Kd4 Kg5 3. Kc5 {Black is saved by} Kf6 {! etc. (Ka7 is met by ... Kc7, and the white king cannot escape from the corner).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k4/7p/p6P/P7/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Ke1 {%05White gives up his a-pawn, but protects the critical squares of the h3 pawn:} Ke5 2. Kf1 {!} Kd4 3. Kf2 Kd3 4. Kf3 Kd2 5. Kf2 (5. Kf4 {or 5. Ke4 is also possible}) (5. Kg4 {? %05, but not}) 5... Kc1 6. Ke1 Kb2 7. Kd2 Kxa2 8. Kc2 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K4/7p/p7/5k2/P6P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {This was the first study by Grigoriev to be published. It is by no means obvious that play here reduces to an ending with a passed pawn and blocked pawns~3 ( 279).~} 1. a4 {! %05After} Kg3 {White halts the passed black h-pawn in time, attaining the "normal" position:} 2. Ke6 Kxh3 3. Kf5 h5 4. Kf4 h4 5. Kf3 Kh2 6. Kf2 h3 7. Kf1 Kg3 8. Kg1 {Draw. Positions close to those considered, but nevertheless distinctive, are those in which each of the kings is in the enemy rear. Taking the opposition on the main files proves decisive.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/8/8/1p5p/1P5P/8/8/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Ke7 {!} Ke2 (1... Kd2 2. Kd6 {! and 3. Kg5}) 2. Ke6 {!} (2. Kd6 {?} Kf3) (2. Kf6 {?} Kd3 {!}) 2... Ke3 3. Ke5 Ke2 (3... Kd3 4. Kd5 {!}) 4. Ke4 {!} Ke1 5. Ke3 {and wins, since} Kd1 {is met by} (5... Kf1 {%04by %05and} 6. Kf4 {!}) 6. Kd4 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/8/8/1p5p/1P5P/8/8/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1... Ke2 2. Ke8 {!} Ke3 {(White parries an attack on either pawn by a counter-attack on the opposite wing)} 3. Ke7 Ke4 4. Ke6 Kd4 (4... Kf4 5. Kd5) ( 4... Ke3 {? %05but not} 5. Ke5) 5. Kf5 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/7p/P1k4P/8/1K6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kc2 {%05Correct is !} (1. Ka3 {? %05White fails to save the game by} Kc3 2. a5 Kc4 3. Ka4 Kc5 4. a6 Kb6 5. Kb4 Kxa6 6. Kc5 Kb7 7. Kb5 {, since the a7 pawn is inside the winning zone ~3($40279)~} Kc7 8. Ka6 Kd6 {%04etc.}) 1... Kb4 2. Kd3 Kxa4 3. Kc4 {!} Ka5 (3... Ka3 4. Kb5) (3... a6 {immediately, to attain the "normal" position White must continue %05If after 3. Kc4 Black plays not 3... Ka5, but} 4. Kc5 {!} (4. Kc3 {? %05but not} Kb5 {, winning})) 4. Kc5 a6 { There is no other way for the black king to free itself, but now the pawn is no longer inside the winning zone, and to draw White only needs to take the "normal" opposition.} 5. Kc4 Kb6 6. Kb4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/8/7p/8/p4K2/P6P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {%05The way to win is as follows:} (1. h4 {%05 For which pawn should the white king make? If for the h5 pawn, Black has time to reach the a2 pawn, while the following is a loss of time:} Kb7 2. Ke4 Kc6 3. Kd4 Kd6 4. Kc4 Ke5 5. Kb3 Kd4 6. Kxa3 Kc3 {, and we reach Bahr's drawn position ~3($41279)~.}) (1. h3 {%05No better is} Kb7 2. Ke4 Kc6 3. Kd4 Kd6 4. Kc4 Ke5 5. Kb3 Kf4 {!}) 1... h4 {! The best defence.} (1... Kb7 {Prokop gives %05If} 2. Kd5 Kb6 (2... Kc7 3. Kc5 {!}) 3. Kc4 Kc6 4. Kb3 Kd5 5. Kxa3 Kc4 6. Ka4 {! winning.}) 2. h3 { essential;} (2. Kd5 {, then %05if} h3 3. Kc4 Kb7 4. Kb3 Kb6 5. Kxa3 Kb5 { with a draw.}) 2... Kb7 3. Kd5 {!} Kb6 4. Kc4 Kc6 5. Kb3 Kd5 6. Kxa3 Kc4 7. Ka4 {!} Kc5 8. Kb3 Kb5 9. Kc3 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/1p6/k7/8/PKP5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {In conclusion, here a few examples with doubled pawns.} 1. c3 {%05This position was suggested by Horwitz, but with an incorrect analysis:} b4 { ! %05The correct solution was pointed out by Salvioli:} (1... Ka5 {(Horwitz)} 2. Kb3 Ka6 3. Kb4 Ka7 4. Kxb5 Kb7 5. a4 Kc7 6. Ka6 Kc6 {with a draw (??), although} 7. c4 $18 {wins easily.}) 2. c4 b3 {!!} 3. a3 (3. axb3+ {%04with %05to answer} Kb4 {and 4... b5}) 3... Ka5 4. Kxb3 Ka6 5. Kb4 Ka7 {!} 6. Kb5 Kb7 7. a4 Kc7 {!} (7... Ka7 {?} 8. a5) 8. Ka6 Kc6 {Draw ~3 ($41327).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/2p5/1k6/8/1PKP4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {The position obtained by moving example 438 one file to the right was at first inadequately analyzed.} 1. d3 {, Berger's 1... Ka4 is bad. A draw is given by %05Thus in reply to} c4 {!} (1... Ka4 {%05Berger restricted himself to the comment that it was a draw in view of} 2. Kc3 Kb5 3. b3 (3. Kb3 { ! , keeping b2-b3 in reserve. All that remains for Black is the try %05But this system of defence collapses if, instead of 3. b3?, White plays} c4+ 4. dxc4+ Ka5 {, but after} 5. Kc3 c5 (5... Ka4 6. b4) (5... Kb6 6. Kd4) 6. b3 { ! White wins.}) 3... Ka5 4. Kc4 Kb6) 2. d4 Ka4 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/1kp5/8/2K5/1P1P4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {The following position is simpler for White.} 1. d3 (1. b3 {, which in the event of %05Fine gives this example, and begins with} c4 {forces} 2. bxc4+ { He does not give any analysis, despite the fact that a whole set of new variations is revealed here. Therefore 1. b3 (although it does in fact win) must be considered less clear, in view of the absence of a detailed analysis.}) 1... Ka5 (1... c4 {the simplest is %05If} 2. d4 (2. dxc4+ {leads to complicated variations ~3 ($40217).~ %05whereas}) 2... c5 3. d5) 2. Kc4 Kb6 3. b3 {and wins. If it is Black to move, he draws by 1... c4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/5p2/8/5KP1/8/6P1/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] 1. Kf5 {%05After} Ke2 2. Kxf6 Ke3 3. Ke5 {!} Kf2 4. g5 Kg3 5. Kf5 $18 {the position reached has already been examined in^013^010 example ~3($40365)~ (after White's 4th move).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/Pp6/1P6/5ppp/8/8/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/4D13/4D13/4D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) By expanding ancient analyses we can compile the following table (we will suppose that the schematic position ~3 ( 556)~ exists on the Q-side). With reference to the pawn formations in the table: pawn formation king position 1. f5,g5,h5 e1-e3 2. f5,g6,h5 d1-d4 3. f6,g5,h5 d1-d4 4. f6,g6, h5 c1-c5 5. f7,g6,h6 c1-c5 6. f7,g7,h6(h7) d1-d6} 1. Z0 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/Pp6/1P3pp1/7p/8/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/2D15/2D15/2D15/2D15/2D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd4 {%05 (4) A sample variation:} (1. Kd2 {%05or}) 1... h4 2. Ke3 f5 3. Kf2 {!} g5 (3... f4 {%05or}) 4. Kg1 {! , and the pawns are stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/Pp3p2/1P4pp/8/8/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/2D15/2D15/2D15/2D15/2D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) (5) The position is weakened, since the pawn stands not at g7, but at g6. From c1-c5 the king reaches the key e3 square in two moves.} 1. Kd2 {%05 A sample variation:} (1. Kd4 {%05or}) 1... h5 2. Ke3 h4 (2... f5 3. Kf3) 3. Kf3 f5 4. Kg2 {!} f4 5. Kg1 {! , and the pawns are stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/Pp3p2/1P4pp/3K4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {If it is Black to move, White loses with his king at d5 %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ385} 1... f5 2. Ke5 h5 3. Kf4 h4 4. Kf3 g5 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/Pp3ppp/1P6/8/8/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N #B(8/8/3D14/3D14/3D14/3D14/3D14/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) (6) From the c-file the king is too late. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ385} 1. Kd2 {%04then %05If} (1. Kd3 {%05or}) 1... f5 2. Ke3 h5 $19 {and wins, since the king cannot reach g2 or g3.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/Pp3ppp/1P6/8/2K5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N #B(8/8/3D14/3D14/3D14/3D14/3D14/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd4 {(or 1. Kd5) , then it is true that the immediate 1... f5 is^013^010 not possible due to 2. Ke5, but Black wins by %05If instead} h5 2. Ke4 h4 {and 3... f5$19. The remaining cases have been examined earlier.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/P1P2pp1/7p/8/8/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N LA4(c1:e3) LA4(c2:b6) #B(8/8/1I16/2I15/2I15/2I15/2I15/2D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) If in positions 4 and 5 there is a situation of type~3 ( 557)~ on the Q-side, then with his king at c1 White should carry out the plan of eliminating the pawns; but if it stands further up the board, it is simpler to go to b6.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/1ppp4/2k5/5P2/7P/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {The following study, which is as though taken from a practical game, is a good example.} 1. h4 Kd5 2. h5 Ke6 3. h6 Kf6 4. f5 {! The position of interest to us has been reached.} b5 {!} 5. Ke2 b4 6. Kd3 d5 7. Kc2 {!} (7. Kd4 { ? %05Not} c5+ {!} 8. Kd3 b3 {!$19 , when it is Black who wins ( ~3($41574)~ and^013^010 ~3($41575)~ ).}) 7... d4 8. Kc1 {!} c5 9. Kb2 {!} c4 10. Kc1 { !$18 ~3($40559)~ and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/5ppp/PPP5/6K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {The play become rather complicated if both sides have connected passed pawns. Here positions of three types have to be reckoned with.} 1. a5+ {%05To win, the opponent has to be put in zugzwang on both wings. Since he will not occupy such a positional voluntarily, the extra tempo (the advantage of the first move) must be used to advance the pawns.} Ka6 2. c5 h4+ (2... Kb5 3. Kg2 {!}) ( 2... Kb7 3. b5) 3. Kh3 f4 (3... Kb5 4. Kh2 g4 5. Kg2 f4 6. Kg1 $18) 4. c6 f3 5. b5+ Ka7 6. b6+ (6. c7 {is also possible %05the most energetic, but}) 6... Kb8 7. a6 g4+ 8. Kh2 g3+ 9. Kg1 h3 10. a7+ Ka8 11. c7 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1780.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chapais"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/8/5pp1/PP5p/5K2/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1780.??.??"] 1. a5 {White achieves the set-up a6, b5 and wins. %05After} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1900.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Behting Carl"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1P6/P7/2P5/5ppp/8/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1900.??.??"] 1. Kg1 {!} h3 (1... Ka7 {or 1... Kc7 immediately provokes the combinational finish}) 2. Kh2 f3 3. Kg3 Ka7 4. b8=Q+ {!} Kxb8 5. c6 $18 {%04etc. The number of zugzwang positions is relatively small (almost all of them have already been indicated).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/8/P4pp1/1PP4p/8/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. c5 {%04with %05Here Black answers} (1. Kh2 {or 1. b5 is the same %05The reply to} f4) (1. Kg1 {Black can play %05On} f4 (1... Ka6 {? %05but not} 2. c5 Kb5 3. Kh2 g4 (3... f4 {%05or} 4. Kg2) 4. Kg2 {, winning - Petersman, 1958}) 2. Kg2 (2. c5 g4) 2... Ka6 3. c5 Kb5 4. Kg1 g4 $19 {, and wins.}) 1... f4 { , when white is in zugzwang on both wings. The position on each of the wings does not in itself lead to zugzwang, but the necessity to have (under conditions of complete symmetry!) not the first word, but the last, creates here a position of mutual zugzwang. Drawn positions is also occur.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/Pk6/1P6/6p1/6Kp/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1. c3 {? %05 The kings are forced to move between h2-g3 and a7-b6 respectively. If either player risks moving his backward pawn, he inevitably loses, e.g.} (1. Kh2 {!=}) 1... f6 2. Kh2 Ka7 3. Kg3 (3. c4 Kb6 4. Kg3 f5 $19) 3... f5 4. c4 Kb6 5. c5+ Ka7 6. c6 Kb6 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/5ppp/8/8/8/8/PPP5/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {This position has an interesting history. It was analyzed by many analysts: Greco (1612), Szen, Walker (1840). None of them, however, did solve it correctly. Moreover, its evaluation is still unclear!} 1. Ke2 {(already stopping the black pawns, it is best, of course, not to allow them to advance far) %05It is clear from the preceding analysis that the correct strategy cannot consist of an attempt to advance the pawns as %05quickly as possible - all the same they will be quickly stopped. An advantage must be gained uniformly on both wings, %05aiming to put the opponent in zugzwang, and if he should avoid it then extra tempo must be exploited.} (1. a4 {%05The solution can also be begun with} Kd7 2. Ke2 (2. a5 {%05but not})) (1. Ke1 {%05as well as by}) 1... Kd7 (1... h5 2. Kf3 Kd7 {!} (2... g5 {?} 3. a4 h4 (3... Kd7 4. c4 Kc6 5. a5 f5 6. Kg3 f4+ 7. Kf3 Kb7 8. c5 Kb8 9. b3 Kb7 10. b4 $18) 4. Kg4 f5+ ( 4... Kd7 5. c4 f6 6. Kh3 f5 7. b4 $18) 5. Kh3 Kd7 6. c4 Kc6 7. a5 $18 {, and White's decisive advantage is obvious}) 3. a4 Kc6 4. c4 Kb7) 2. Kf3 Kc6 3. a4 h5 4. c4 f5 {(each side is now threatening to advance his rook's pawn)} 5. Kg3 Kb6 6. b4 {~5?~ ~5 In the previous edition of this book (1987) this position was evaluated as easily won for White. But it turns out that^013^010 ~5White's last move is a fatal mistake, which even loses!^013^010 ~5Thus an additional investigation is required in order to evaluate the initial position.~5} (6. Kg2 {! %05~5Only a draw results from~} Kb7 {!=}) 6... Kb7 {!} (6... g6 {?} 7. Kg2 { !} Kb7 (7... h4 8. Kh3 g5 9. b5 Kc7 10. c5 Kb7 11. a5 Kb8 12. Kh2 g4 13. a6 Ka7 14. Kg2 f4 15. Kg1 $18) (7... g5 8. b5 h4 9. Kh3 Kc7 10. c5 Kb7 11. a5 Kb8 12. a6 Ka7 13. Kh2 f4 14. Kg2 g4 15. Kg1 $18) 8. a5 Ka6 9. Kg3 g5 10. Kg2 h4 11. c5 Kb5 12. Kh3 $18) (6... g5 {?} 7. a5+ {, and wins ~3($40599)~. Here there are numerous other^013^010 variations, but they are fairly simple.}) 7. Kg2 (7. Kf3 h4 8. Kf4 (8. Kg2 f4 $19) 8... g5+ 9. Kf3 g4+ 10. Kf4 h3 11. Kg3 f4+ 12. Kh2 Kb6 13. b5 Kb7 14. c5 Ka7 15. a5 Kb8 $19) (7. c5 Kc6 8. a5 Kb5 9. Kg2 h4 10. Kh2 f4 11. Kg2 g5 $19) 7... h4 8. Kh3 (8. a5 Ka6 $19) 8... g5 9. a5 Ka6 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/8/pp5p/8/7k/3PP3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {Instances with isolated and doubled pawns, and also with two passed pawns, are examined in the following examples.} 1. d4 {%05Thanks to the unfortunate position of the enemy king. White's pawns are the stronger:} Kg5 2. Kf7 Kf5 3. d5 Ke5 4. e4 {, and now, depending on which pawn advances, there are three echo-variations:} a5 (4... b5 5. Ke7 b4 6. d6 b3 7. d7 b2 8. d8=Q b1=Q 9. Qd6+ Kxe4 10. Qg6+ $18) (4... h5 5. Ke7 h4 6. d6 h3 7. d7 h2 8. d8=Q h1=Q 9. Qd6+ Kxe4 10. Qc6+ $18) 5. Ke7 a4 6. d6 a3 7. d7 a2 8. d8=Q a1=Q 9. Qh8+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/2p5/2p3P1/p1K5/7P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. h5 {%05White wins only because he succeeds in advancing his pawn to h7:} Ke7 2. h6 Kf6 3. h7 Kg7 4. Kc4 {!! (Kc6-d7-e7 or Kd4-e5-e6 is bad, since Black obtains a queen at a1 just in time)} Kh8 5. Kd4 a4 6. Ke5 a3 (6... Kg7 7. Ke6 { and 8. h8Q$18}) 7. Kf6 {!} a2 8. g7+ {!} Kxh7 9. Kf7 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2pp2kP/6P1/3p4/8/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {!} c5 (1... d4 {, then %05if} 2. Kf3 {!} c6 3. Kf4 c5 4. Ke4 {!}) 2. Ke3 {!} c4 (2... d4+ 3. Ke4 Kh8 4. Ke5 Kg7 5. Kd6 $18) 3. Kd4 Kh8 (3... d6 4. Kxd5 {and 5. Ke6$18}) 4. Ke5 {!} Kg7 5. Kd6 c3 6. Ke7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6kP/6P1/4p2P/5p2/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. h5+ Kh7 2. Ke3 Kg8 3. g6 Kh8 4. h7 Kg7 5. h6+ Kh8 6. Kf2 e3+ 7. Kxf3 (7. Kxe3 {%05or}) 7... e2 8. g7+ Kxh7 9. Kxe2 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/2p5/1p1p4/1P1K4/8/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. Ke6 {%05Only stalemate at h8 can force the black pawns to lose their invulnerability:} Kf8 2. Kf6 Kg8 3. Kg6 Kf8 4. h3 {!! The chief subtlety: the move h6-h7 must not be accompanied by check.} (4. h4 {? %05Wrong is} Kg8 5. h5 Kh8 6. h6 Kg8 7. h7+ Kh8 8. Kh6 d5 9. Kg5 Kxh7 {Draw.}) 4... Kg8 5. h4 Kh8 6. h5 Kg8 7. h6 Kh8 8. h7 d5 9. Kf5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2p5/2Pp4/3K2Pk/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {%05White's king is close enough to be able to lend his pawns^013^010 %05decisive support ~3($40397)~:} Kg4 2. h4 Kh5 3. Kf4 Kh6 4. g4 Kg6 5. h5+ Kh6 6. Ke4 Kg5 7. Kf3 Kh6 8. Kf4 Kh7 9. g5 Kg7 10. g6 {!} (10. h6+ {?} Kh7 { leads to a draw}) 10... Kh6 11. Kg4 Kg7 12. Kg5 {!} d3 13. h6+ Kg8 14. Kf6 $18 {, and wins If the white king and c- and d-pawns are moved one file to the left, the position is still a win; if they are moved two files to the left, it is a draw, as in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p7/Pp3kP1/1K3P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Here White cannot even move his pawns, since the opponent's king manoeuvres between g5 and h4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p4kP/5pP1/3p4/8/4P3/7K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. e4 {! This move must be made at once, without allowing the b-pawn immediately to begin its dangerous advance. %05The idea of the draw is as follows: the king is forced sooner or later to take on b3, otherwise it will be impossible to block the queen; but after Kb3 the queen gives check from below at b1 and c1, to answer Kb4 with ... Qb+1, and if Kc5 Qc2+, or Ka5 Qf5+, when the king cannot cross the 6th rank due to ... Qg6+.^013^010 There is an alternative: to penetrate with the king to e6 (with the idea of h8Q+ and Kf7), but it is easy to see that Black obtains a new queen at b1 and averts the mate at g6. One is led to conclude that the b1-h7 diagonal must be blocked by e3-e4, but at what point should this move be made?} (1. Kg3 {%05The winning path is not easy to find. The attempt to win the seemingly helpless b-pawn does not succeed: ?} b5 2. Kf3 (2. e4 {, then %05If} b4 {! with a draw.}) 2... b4 3. Ke2 f5 {!} 4. Kd3 b3 {!} 5. Kc3 d4+ {!!} 6. exd4 f4 7. d5 f3 8. d6 f2 9. d7 f1=Q 10. d8=Q Qc1+ {!} 11. Kb4 Qe1+ {! , with a draw by perpetual check.}) 1... dxe4 (1... d4 2. Kg3 b5 3. Kf4 b4 4. Kf5 b3 5. Ke6 {, winning}) 2. Kg3 b5 3. Kf4 e3 (3... b4 {is met by} 4. Kf5 {%04etc.}) 4. Kxe3 b4 (4... f5 {, then %05If} 5. Kf4 {!} (5. Kd4 {? %05but not} f4 {!}) 5... b4 6. Ke5 {%04etc.}) 5. Kd4 f5 ( 5... b3 {%05After} 6. Kc3 f5 7. Kxb3 {Black loses both pawns, but now the pawn at f5 provides the interference that White requires.}) 6. Ke5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1900.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reichhelm"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/P7/1P1p4/7p/2P3p1/6K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1900.??.??"] 1. Kf4 Kb7 2. c5 {!} dxc5 {(now not only is the way open for the white king, but the g1-a7 diagonal is also blocked)} 3. Ke5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "Ostrava (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Ostrava (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sajtar Jaroslav (CZE)"] [Black "Thelen"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/2p5/3p4/2PPpK2/8/8/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {The following group of examples illustrates the strength of a protected passed pawn.} 1... Kb7 {%05Black won by a precise manoeuvre:} 2. a3 {!} Ka6 3. c6 {!} (3. a4 {Black has the quickly decisive %05after} Ka5 4. c6 Kxa4 5. Ke6 Kb5) 3... Kb6 {!} 4. a4 Kc5 {!!} 5. Ke6 e4 6. Kd7 e3 7. Kxc7 e2 8. Kd7 e1=Q 9. c7 Kxd5 10. c8=Q Qe6+ 11. Kd8 Qxc8+ 12. Kxc8 Kc6 {! White resigns.} (12... Kc5 {?} 13. Kb7 {! - draw}) * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Colle Edgard (BEL)"] [Black "Gruenfeld Ernst F (AUT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p4pPp/P6P/4k1K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ385} 1. g6 {%05White must correctly parry the advance of the f-pawn:} f4+ 2. Kg2 {!} Ke2 3. g7 f3+ 4. Kg3 {!} (4. Kh2 {%05The tournament bulletin incorrectly gives} f2 5. g8=Q f1=Q 6. Qc4+ Ke1 7. Qxf1+ Kxf1 8. Kg3 Ke2 9. Kf4 {Resigns, although a by-pass by the king leads to a draw:} Kd3 {!} 10. Kg5 Ke4 11. Kxh5 Kf5 12. Kh6 Kf6 13. h5 Kf7 14. Kg5 Kg7 {=}) 4... f2 5. g8=Q f1=Q 6. Qc4+ Ke1 7. Qxf1+ Kxf1 8. Kf4 $18 {Black resigns, since White queens his h-pawn. The idea of this finish occurred in this earlier ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gusev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6p1/4kp2/8/5PKP/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. h4 (1. b4 {%05or first}) 1... h6 2. b4 (2. h5 {?} f4+ {!}) 2... g5 3. f4+ Ke4 4. hxg5 {!} (4. b5 {?} Ke3 {leads to a draw}) 4... hxg5 5. fxg5 Ke3 6. g6 f4+ 7. Kg2 {! , and wins.} * [Event "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Site "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bergs Theodor (LAT)"] [Black "Petrov Vladimir (LAT)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/6p1/8/p7/Pp5P/8/1K4P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ385} 1. g4 {Black's task now is to approach the opponent's K-side pawns. %05With his sealed move White forced a transition into this pawn ending, but he resigned without resuming, since a curious winning path was found for Black, based on a subtle king manoeuvre.^013^010 If it were now Black to move, 1... g5! would immediately decide the game in his favour. Therefore White must play} Kg8 2. Kc2 Kf7 3. Kd3 Ke7 (3... Ke6 4. Ke4 b3 {?} 5. Kd3 Ke5 6. Kc3 Kf4 {fails to win due to} 7. g5 {!} Kg4 8. Kxb3 Kxh4 9. Kc4 Kxg5 10. Kb5 Kf5 11. Kxa5 g5 12. Kb5 g4 13. a5 {= , when the pawns queen simultaneously.}) 4. Ke3 {!} (4. Ke4 {%05White loses immediately after} Ke6 { (zugzwang)} 5. h5 (5. g5 {%05or} g6) 5... Kf6) 4... Kd7 {%05 Black has to be able to bring his king out onto the 5th rank (to c5, d5 or e5), and by taking the distant opposition White tries to prevent this.} 5. Kd3 {!} Kc7 {! The occupation of this square is decisive, since in White's position there is no corresponding square. But the struggle is not yet over, and Black has to proceed with certain accuracy.} 6. Ke4 (6. h5 {he should play %05Thus on} Kd6 7. Ke4 Ke7 {!} 8. g5 Ke6 {!$19 %04etc.}) 6... Kc6 {!} 7. Kd4 Kd6 8. Ke4 Kc5 9. Kd3 (9. h5 {can be met by} Kd6 (9... Kc4 {%05or})) 9... Kd5 10. Ke3 Ke5 $19 { , and Black won.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/3p4/5p2/2kP1P2/8/4P3/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. e4 {! %05A passed pawn can sometimes be defended indirectly. Here after} fxe4 (1... Kxd4 2. exf5 Kd5 3. Kd2 $18) 2. f5 {, and if} Kd5 {, then} (2... Kd3 {%05or} 3. f6 e3 4. Kd1 $18) 3. Kd2 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p4/1P1kp3/8/3P4/5P2/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1. f4 {!} exf4 (1... Kc5 2. f5 $18) 2. d4 Ke6 3. Kg2 Kd7 4. Kf3 Kc7 5. Kxf4 Kb6 6. Ke4 Kxb5 7. Kd5 $18 {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k5/p3pp2/P1K5/5P2/2P5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {The possession of an outside passed pawn is an undoubted positional advantage. The following example is typical, and shows the method of realizing this advantage.} 1... Kd6 {! %05White's resistance is based on the good position of his king, but he is unable to maintain it:} 2. Kb5 (2. c3 {? %05Now the following are obviously bad:} Kc6) (2. f4 {?} exf4) (2. Kd3 {?} Kd5 3. c4+ Kc5 4. Kc3 e4 5. fxe4 (5. f4 e3) 5... fxe4 6. Kb3 Kd4 {, and wins.}) 2... e4 {!} 3. fxe4 fxe4 4. Kc4 Ke5 5. Kc3 Kf4 6. Kd2 Kf3 7. Ke1 Ke3 {!} 8. c4 Kd4 9. Kd2 Kxc4 10. Ke3 Kb4 {! , and Black wins.} * [Event "Brussels (Belgium)"] [Site "Brussels (Belgium)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "O'kelly De Galway Alberic (BEL"] [Black "Mieses Jacques (GER)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p6p/5k2/5P2/p3K2P/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ385 But certain exceptions are possible, where an outside passed pawn cannot be realized.} 1. Kf4 Kf7 2. Ke5 Ke7 3. f6+ Kf7 4. Kf5 Kf8 5. Ke6 Ke8 6. Kf5 (6. f7+ Kf8 7. Kf6 h5 8. Kg6 a5 {= - draw.}) 6... Kf7 7. Kg5 Ke6 8. Kh6 Kxf6 9. Kxh7 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Venice (Italy)"] [Site "Venice (Italy)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Black "Stalda Giuseppe"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6p1/3k4/1P1p4/3K1P2/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ385} 1... g5 2. b5 Kc5 3. b6 Kxb6 4. Kxd4 Kc6 5. Ke5 h6 6. h3 {(if White tries to preserve this tempo, all the same a draw is inevitable)} Kd7 7. Kf6 Kd6 8. Kg6 Ke5 9. Kg7 Kf5 {!} 10. Kxh6 Kf6 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p4p/1p3K2/8/P7/1P2k3/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {The following examples are instructive, with three pawns against two on one wing.} 1. b4 {%05There is a story behind this position. An analogous position, but with an additional black pawn at h6, was published in 1927 by Mattison. ^013^010 But why is Grigoriev's position (without the h6 pawn) won? Let us follow the solution:} Kd4 2. Ke6 {!} h6 (2... c5 {? %05trying to complicate White's task; if} 3. a5 {!}) 3. c3+ {!} Kc4 4. Ke5 {! (had the pawn moved to h5, White would have played 4. Kf5!)} h5 (4... c5 5. b5) (4... c6 5. Ke4 {!} ( 5. Ke6 {! %05or})) 5. Kf5 {!} Kd5 6. Kg5 c6 7. Kh4 {!} (7. Kxh5 {? %05hoping for} c5 8. b5 c4 {when Black has the opposition}) 7... c5 8. b5 c4 9. Kxh5 { , and White has the opposition. It is this that explains all the trickery: Black can rearrange his moves as much as he likes - all the same it is hopeless. The rest is simple:} Kd6 10. Kh6 {! (opposition on the main rank - the middle one in the space between the 5th and 8th)} Kd7 (10... Kd5 11. Kg7 $18) (10... Ke6 11. Kg6 Kd6 12. Kf6 $18) 11. Kg5 $18 {, winning in all cases by a by-pass.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p4p/1p3K1p/8/P7/1P2k3/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. b4 {%05The idea of the study was as follows:} Kd4 2. Ke6 {! not allowing the king to go to d5;} (2. Kf5 {? Black succeeds in defending by %05if} Kd5 3. Kg4 Kc6 4. Kh5 Kb7 5. Kxh6 Ka6 6. Kxh7 c5 7. c3 {- an enforced loss of time -} cxb4 8. cxb4 Kb7 9. Kg6 Kc6 10. Kf6 {- White is short of the tempo for Kf6-e6 - } Kd5 {%04Draw}) 2... h5 3. c3+ {! (this gains the lacking tempo)} Kc4 4. Kf5 { , and the defence ... Kd5-c6-b7 no longer works.} h4 (4... h6 {%05or} 5. Kf4) ( 4... c5 {to be hopeless due to %05Mattison also considered} 5. b5 {But it was here that Grigoriev discovered a mistake! He found that after} Kd5 6. Kg5 { Black can save the draw by} c4 {!! , creating a stalemate shelter for his king c5, on condition that Black holds the opposition. For example:} 7. Kxh5 h6 8. Kxh6 (8. Kg4 {%05or} Ke6 9. Kh5 Kd5 10. Kxh6 Kd6 {! He can also leave the pawn at h7, and answer Kh7 with ... Kd7!}) 8... Kd6 {! If he holds the opposition, Black cannot lose, e.g.} 9. Kg7 Ke7 10. Kg6 Ke6 11. Kg5 Ke5 12. Kg4 Ke6 { ! (in view of the threat of a4-a5, Black must keep within the square of the b5 pawn; the manoeuvring here is similar to that in example ~3($41162)~.} 13. Kf4 Kd6 {! (this would also have been the reply to 13. Kh4)} 14. Ke4 Kc5 {! Draw.}) 5. Kg4 {is hopeless for Black, since in both cases the king picks up both black pawns within 4 moves. Thus Grigoriev found a fundamentally new system of defence, which made Mattison's study incorrect.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pp5/3k3p/P7/1PP2K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {Does Grigoriev's "stalemate shelter" save the game if the position is moved one rank up the board? The answer to this question is given by an analysis of the following position, which occurred in a practical game.} 1. b5 {%05The continuation was} Kd7 {! %05But defence "a la Mattison" succeeds:} (1... c6 { %05Black did not even suspect that there was any possibility of saving the game. It is %05extremely curious that defence "a la Grigoriev" did not work here:} 2. b6 c5 3. Kg4 Kd7 4. Kh5 Kc6 5. Kxh6 Kd6 {, and, despite holding the opposition, Black loses, since due to the necessity for manoeuvring within the small "square" of the b6 pawn he immediately loses the opposition} 6. Kg7 { %04etc.}) (1... Kc5 2. Kg4 Kd6 3. Kh5 $18 {, and White won.}) 2. Kg4 Kc8 3. Kh5 Kb8 4. Kxh6 Ka7 5. Kg6 c6 6. Kf6 (6. bxc6 {is also hopeless}) 6... cxb5 7. cxb5 Kb8 {= Draw.~3 ($41223)~.} * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Black "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k1p1p/3p4/3K1PP1/8/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] 1... Kc6 {! Black could have drawn, e.g. %05In the tournament book Schlechter expressed the opinion that by} (1... Ke6 {? %05In this theoretically interesting position, after} 2. Kc5 f5 3. h3 fxg4 4. hxg4 d4 5. Kxd4 Kd6 6. f5 {Black resigned.}) 2. h4 (2. h3 {%05Nimzowitsch did not agree with this assessment. Here is his analysis (1918):} Kd6 3. h4 Kc6 (3... Ke6 4. Kc5 f5 { loses to} 5. g5) 4. g5 (4. h5 {, then %05if} Kd6 5. g5 fxg5 6. fxg5 Ke6 {!} 7. g6 Kf6 {! with a draw -~3($41146)~}) 4... fxg5 (4... hxg5 {, then %05if} 5. fxg5 {!} (5. h5 {%05But} g4 6. Ke3 Kc5 7. h6 d4+ 8. Ke2 d3+ {leads only to a draw.}) 5... Kd6 6. g6 Ke6 7. h5 f5 8. h6 Kf6 9. g7 Kf7 10. Kxd5 {, winning.}) 5. fxg5 hxg5 6. h5 g4 7. Ke3 {!} (7. h6 g3 8. Ke3 d4+ 9. Kf3 d3 {leads to a simple draw}) 7... Kc5 {!} 8. Kf4 {!} d4 9. Kxg4 d3 10. Kf3 Kc4 11. h6 Kc3 ( 11... Kb3 {! instead of the incorrect 11... Kc3, Black can draw. Thus Schlechter was right! %05However, as was shown by readers of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR, by playing}) 12. h7 {, and White wins.}) 2... Kd6 3. h5 Ke6 { !} 4. Kc5 f5 5. g5 hxg5 6. h6 Kf7 {!} 7. fxg5 f4 {After an examination of position ~3 ( 626)~ it is easy to conclude that the general pawn formation ensures White a comparatively easy breakthrough, obtaining a more distant and hence more dangerous passed pawn; as for whether it is a win or a draw - this depends on various details of the position, and at times (as the given analysis shows) on a single tempo.} * [Event "Zandvoort (Netherlands)"] [Site "Zandvoort (Netherlands)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bogoljubow Efim D (UKR)"] [Black "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/6pp/5p2/8/5P2/P7/2K4P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ385} 1... Kf7 {%05In the absence of blocked pawns, Black easily gains a draw:} 2. Kd3 Ke6 3. Ke4 g6 {!} 4. Kd4 (4. f5+ {?} Kd6 {!= leads immediately to a draw.}) (4. a4 Kd6 5. a5 Kc5 6. a6 Kb6 7. Kd5 {is also futile in view of} g5 {!} 8. f5 (8. fxg5 {occurred in the game}) 8... h5 9. Ke6 h4 {= , and the queens are obtained simultaneously.}) 4... Kd6 5. Kc4 h6 (5... Kc6 {= is also good}) 6. Kd4 Kc6 (6... g5 {?} 7. Ke4 {!$18}) 7. Ke4 Kb5 8. Kd5 g5 {!} 9. fxg5 fxg5 {!} 10. Ke5 Ka4 11. Kf5 Kxa3 12. Kg6 Kb4 13. Kxh6 g4 { != Draw (the black king goes to f8).} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k3p1p/3P2p1/8/3K2P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {The possession of a passed pawn is normally a decisive advantage only if the opponent has no chance of obtaining a passed pawn in turn.} 1. g5 {! (paralysing the enemy forces) %05In his comments to the game Marshall - Reti (New York, 1924), analysis by Alekhine leads to this position.} Kc6 2. Ke5 Kd7 3. Kd5 {!} (3. Kf6 {? %05of course, not} Kxd6 4. Kxf7 Ke5 {%04etc.}) 3... Kd8 4. Kc6 {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2pk4/2p5/8/2p4P/2P5/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Kb2 {!} Ke6 2. Ka3 Kf5 3. Kb4 Kg4 4. Kc5 {!!} Kxh4 5. Kxc6 Kg5 6. Kxc7 Kf4 ( 6... Kf6 7. Kd6) 7. Kd6 Ke3 8. Kc5 Kd3 9. Kb4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Hague (Netherlands)"] [Site "Hague (Netherlands)"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Van Trotsenburg"] [Black "Esser Johannes F (NED)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p3pk2/6p1/1P2K1P1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ385} 1... Kf7 {! %05Things are made slightly difficult for Black here by the fact that he cannot play ... e5 immediately. The subsequent play takes account of the zugzwang position Kc5/Ke7.} (1... Ke7 {is a loss of time due to} 2. Ke5 Kf7 3. Kd4 Kf6 4. Kc5 Ke7 {!} 5. Kd4 (5. Kb6 {, then %05if} e5 6. Kxa6 e4 7. b5 e3 8. b6 e2 9. b7 e1=Q 10. b8=Q Qa1+ 11. Kb7 Qb2+ {, and after the exchange of queens Black promotes his g-pawn}) (5. Kc6 {%05while after} e5 6. Kd5 Kf6 7. Kc4 e4 8. Kd4 e3 {!} 9. Kxe3 Ke5 $19 {he again wins.})) 2. Kd4 Ke8 {!} 3. Ke4 Kd7 4. Kd4 {Here there are two ways to win:} Kc6 (4... Kd6 5. Ke4 e5 6. Kf5 Kd5 7. Kxg5 e4 8. Kf4 Kd4 9. g5 e3 10. g6 e2 11. g7 e1=Q 12. g8=Q Qf2+ $19 {, and with his next move Black wins the opponent's queen.}) 5. Ke5 Kb5 6. Kf6 Kxb4 7. Kxg5 a5 8. Kf4 Kc5 {!} 9. Ke5 (9. g5 {%05after} Kd6 { the king stops the g-pawn}) 9... a4 10. g5 a3 $19 {, and Black's pawn queens with check;} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herbstman Alexander I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1p3p/3P4/4K3/8/4P2k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {In the following examples one of the sides decisively creates an outside passed pawn, which proves stronger than the opponent's (cf. also ~3( 626)~).} 1. Kf3 {! %05In making his breakthrough, White has to concern himself over shutting the enemy king out of play, and has also to take measures against the "wandering square" which arises.} b5 2. e4 b4 3. Ke2 {!} b3 4. Kd1 {!} Kg3 5. e5 dxe5 6. d6 e4 7. d7 e3 {(had the king gone to d2 on move 4, this move would have given check and would have led to a draw)} 8. d8=Q {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smetana Jaroslav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k1p1/6Pp/4K3/5P2/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1. f4 h4 2. f5+ {!} gxf5+ 3. Kf3 {!} Kf7 4. Kg2 Kg6 5. f4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1763.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lolli"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1pp/8/4KPPP/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1763.??.??"] {~17.2 ENDINGS WITHOUT PASSED PAWNS~ Endings without passed pawns are divided into three groups. In the first group all the pawns are on one wing, opposite one another. First we examine the struggle of connected pawns, then connected pawns against isolated (including doubled pawns), and finally, isolated pawns against isolated. In the second group the pawns are deployed separately on both wings. The remaining formations (with mixed or scattered pawns) are assigned to the third group. Within each group the material is arranged thematically, which in the majority of cases is directly related to the pawn formation. Endings with three pawns against two are given first, and then three against three - but, of course, only if as a result the overall thematic arrangement of the material is not disturbed. ~17.21 All pawns on one wing~} 1. g6 {! %05With White to move, the only way to win is by} (1. h6 {? %05A draw results from both} gxh6 2. gxh6 {~3($40299)~}) (1. f6+ {? %05, and} gxf6+ 2. gxf6+ Kf7 3. Kf5 Ke8 {! ~3($41299)~.}) 1... hxg6 {%05After 1. g6! Black is not saved either by} (1... h6 {%05or} 2. Kd5 (2. f6+ {? %05In the latter case, it is true, White cannot immediately play} gxf6+ 3. Kf5 Kf8 4. Kxf6 Kg8 {with a draw ~3 ($41146)~, but must first drive the king to h8,^013^010 %04e.g.}) 2... Kf8 (2... Kd7 3. f6) (2... Kf6 3. Ke4 (3. Kd6 {%05or more simply} Kxf5 4. Ke7)) 3. Kd6 Ke8 4. Ke6 Kf8 5. Kd7 Kg8 6. Ke7 Kh8 7. f6 gxf6 8. Kf7) 2. hxg6 $18 { ~3($40178)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1pp/8/4KPPP/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... h6 {%05With Black to move:} (1... g6 2. hxg6 hxg6 3. f6+ $18 (3. fxg6 { ! %05or, even simpler} Ke8 4. Ke6 {!} Kf8 5. Kf6 {~3($4048)~.})) (1... Kf7 2. g6+ Kg8 {, and now White can play either} (2... hxg6 3. hxg6+ {-~3 ($40178)~}) 3. Ke6 (3. gxh7+ {%05or "a la Salvioli",} Kxh7 4. Ke6 Kh6 5. Kf7 Kh7 6. Kf8 Kh8 7. h6 $18 {~3($40335)~.}) 3... Kh8 4. Kf7 hxg6 (4... h6 5. f6) 5. h6 gxh6 6. fxg6 $18) 2. g6 $18 (2. gxh6 {%05or}) (2. f6+ {? due to %05only not Berger's} Kf7 {!}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k1pp/8/4KPPP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Surprisingly, this position is not analyzed in other books. Moving position ~3 ( 634)~ one or more ranks down the board is in general favourable to White, but certain special features appear.} 1. g5 {%05If it is White to move, he can win by} (1. f5+ {%05or}) (1. h5 {%05or}) 1... hxg5 2. hxg5 {!$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k1pp/8/4KPPP/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... h5 {can be met by %05With Black to move,} (1... Kf6 {either %05while after } 2. h5 {%04wins} (2. f5 {%05or}) (2. g5+ {%05but not ?})) 2. gxh5 $18 (2. g5 { %05or}) (2. f5+ {%05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1766.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cozio"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5kpp/8/5PPP/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1766.??.??"] 1. Kd2 {%05The king was moved to c1 by Walker; the composer had it at c3.} h4 2. gxh4 {!} (2. g4+ {? %05Berger recommended} Kf4 3. Ke2 {, but then} Kg3 { leads to a draw; this variation is possible for White only in the position moved one rank up the board}) 2... gxh4 3. Ke3 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5kpp/8/5PPP/8/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... h4 {! %05With Black to move,} 2. gxh4 (2. g4+ {? loses}) 2... gxh4 { gives a draw. If the position moved one rank up the board, Black would be unable to draw.} * [Event "Ch URS (1/2 final)"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ilyin-Zhenevsky Alexander F (R"] [Black "Abramian Suren (AZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/8/5ppp/7P/4K1P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1... g3 {! would have won, e.g.} (1... f3+ {? an incomprehensible mistake, since even} 2. gxf3 (2. Kf2 gxh3 3. gxh3 {Drawn.}) 2... g3 {does not give Black a win}) 2. Kf3 Kc5 3. Kxf4 Kd4 4. Kg4 Ke3 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/4k1p1/8/4KPPP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {This is a drawn position (with White to move) which is not referred to elsewhere. If one supposes that the white pawn is at h2, and the black one at g7, then h2-h4? (h2-h3 is correct) would be a decisive mistake in view of ... g6!} 1. f5+ {%05With White to move:} (1. g5 Kd6 2. f5 (2. h5 {%05or} Ke6 { = ~3($41182)~}) (2. Kf3 {%05or} Ke6 3. Kg4 Ke7 {Draw.}) 2... gxf5+ 3. Kxf5 Ke7 {= ~3($41241)~}) (1. h5 gxh5 2. g5 h4 3. f5+ Kd6 4. g6 (4. Kf4 h3 {Draw.}) 4... hxg6 5. fxg6 Ke6 {=}) (1. Kd4 Kd6 2. Kc4 Kc6 3. Kc3 Kc7 {, and the white pawns cannot break through. ! =}) 1... gxf5+ 2. gxf5+ {Draw ~3($40299).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/4k1p1/8/4KPPP/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] 1... Kd6 {The win is rather complicated: %05With Black to move, after} 2. Kd4 ( 2. h5 {%05White does not achieve anything by}) (2. g5 {%05or}) (2. f5 {%05or} gxf5+ 3. Kxf5 Ke7 {~3($41252)~} 4. Kg5 Kf7 5. Kh6 Kg8 {Draw (the h-pawn does not stand at h3 or h2).}) 2... Ke6 3. Kc5 Ke7 (3... h5 4. gxh5 {!} gxh5 5. Kd4 Kf5 6. Ke3 Kg4 7. Ke4 Kxh4 8. Kf3 $18 {and wins}) 4. Kd5 Kf6 (4... Kd7 5. Ke5 Ke7 {, as in the main variation}) 5. Kd6 Kf7 (5... h5 {fails to draw due to} 6. g5+ {!} Kf5 7. Ke7 {%04etc.}) 6. Ke5 Ke7 7. g5 {!} Kf7 8. Kd6 {!} (8. h5 {?} Ke7 {- draw}) 8... Kf8 9. Ke6 Ke8 10. Kf6 Kf8 11. h5 gxh5 12. Ke5 h4 (12... Ke7 13. f5 {! etc., as in example ~3 ($40437)~}) 13. Ke4 Ke7 (13... Kf7 14. f5 {!}) 14. Kf3 {!} Ke6 15. Kg4 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/5k1p/6pP/8/5PP1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1... Kf8 {! %05Black maintains the balance, by manoeuvring with his king on the corresponding squares:} (1... Ke6 {%05Active play by Black loses here due to the possibility of a breakthrough, e.g.} 2. Kc8 Kd5 3. f5 gxf5 4. g5 Ke6 5. g6 {, and the pawn cannot be stopped.}) 2. Kb7 Kf7 3. Kc6 Ke6 4. Kc5 Ke7 5. Kd5 Kf7 6. Kd6 (6. Ke5 {%05similarly, nothing is achieved by} Ke7 7. f5 gxf5 8. gxf5 Kf7 {%04etc.}) 6... Kf6 7. Kd7 Kf7 8. Kd8 Kf8 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keidanski"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/pk6/8/P1P5/1K6/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] 1. Kc3 Ka5 (1... Kc5 2. b4+ Kc6 3. Kd4 b6 4. c5 $18) (1... a5 {%05or} 2. Kd4 Kc6 3. c5 Kd7 4. Kc4 Kc6 5. b3 b6 6. cxb6 Kxb6 7. Kd5 {, winning}) 2. b3 b6 3. Kd4 {!} Kb4 4. a5 {!} Kxa5 (4... bxa5 5. c5 $18) 5. Kc3 b5 6. c5 b4+ 7. Kd4 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/pk6/8/P1P5/1K6/1P6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1... a5 {! %05But if it is Black to move, he draws after} (1... Kc5 {?} 2. a5 { !}) 2. Kc3 Kc5 {!} 3. b3 b6 4. Kd3 Kb4 5. Kc2 Kc5 6. Kc3 Kc6 {!} (6... Kd6 {?} 7. Kd4 Kc6 8. c5 $18 {!}) 7. Kd4 Kd6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/pp6/k7/P1p5/1P6/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Ka2 {!} b4 2. axb4 axb4 3. Ka1 {!} c2 (3... Kb3 4. Kb1) 4. b3+ Kb5 5. Kb2 Kc5 6. Kxc2 Kd4 7. Kd2 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1841.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Walker George (ENG)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p1p/4k2P/6P1/5P2/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1841.??.??"] 1. Ke2 {%05Contrary to the opinion of the composer, White wins only if it is him to move:} f4 2. f3+ Kf5 3. gxf4 Kxf4 4. Kf2 $18 {, and then as in position~3($40297)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p1p/4k2P/6P1/5P2/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Kf3 {%05If Black begins, he can draw:} 2. Kg1 (2. Ke1 f4 3. gxf4 Kxf4 4. Ke2 Kg4) 2... f4 3. Kh2 fxg3+ 4. fxg3 {= ~3($40184)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5kp1/7p/5P1K/5P2/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] 1. Kg3 {%05In spite of his doubled pawns, White can realize his advantage:} Kf5 2. h4 Kf6 3. Kf2 Ke6 4. Ke2 {!} Kf6 5. Kd3 {!} Kf5 6. Ke3 {Now Black has two possibilities, but neither saves the game:} Kf6 (6... Ke6 7. Ke4 Kf6 8. f5 {!} g5 (8... gxf5+ 9. Kd5 $18 (9. Kf4 $18 {%05or})) 9. hxg5+ Kxg5 10. Ke5 h4 11. f6 h3 12. f7 h2 13. f8=Q h1=Q 14. Qg7+ Kh5 15. Qh7+ $18) 7. Ke4 Ke6 8. f5+ {!} gxf5+ 9. Kd4 {!} Kd6 10. f4 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1898.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Neustadtl"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k1p1p/5P2/4K1PP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1898.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/ 403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd4 {%05The composer's solution demonstrates a by-pass by the king with the aim of an attack on the opponent's pawn weaknesses:} (1. Kf3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %05However as was found by Zinar, White can win more simply - by a pawn breakthrough, %05after preparing it with a precise king manoeuvre.^013^010 %05 Let us consider the corresponding squares. The square corresponding to e4 is d6, to %05f4 - e7, and to e3 and f3 there is only one corresponding square, d7. This means that we %05have a classic case of "triangulation"! By manoeuvring between e3 and f3, White breaks %05the correspondence in his favour.^013^010 %05 And so:} Kd7 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/ 403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Ke5 {%05if} 2. Ke3 h5 {, then} 3. Kf3 {%04etc.}) 2. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/303I02I3/ 301I4/8/401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} (2... Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke4 {%15N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd5 Kd7 6. h5) 3. Ke4 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/303I02I3/301I4/8/ 401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/303I02I3/301I4/8/401D02D2/403D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 4. Kf4 Kd6 5. g5 {, and White wins.}) 1... Kc6 2. Kc4 Kd6 3. Kb5 {!} Kd5 {!} (3... Ke5 {, then %05if} 4. Kc5 Kf4 (4... h5 {%05or} 5. gxh5 Kxf5 6. Kd5 { , winning}) 5. Kd5 Kxg4 6. Ke6 $18) 4. Kb6 Kd6 5. Kb7 {!} Kd7 6. h5 Kd6 7. Kc8 Ke5 8. Kd7 Kf4 9. Ke6 Kg5 10. Kf7 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1905.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Behting Carl"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/5p1P/5P2/6P1/8/5K1k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1905.??.??"] {The following study is another example on the breakthrough theme.} 1. Ke1 {!} (1. g4 {%05The immediate breakthrough does not succeed: after} fxg4 2. f5 g3 { the black pawn very quickly promotes.^013^010 This means that, by king manoeuvres, White must force the opponent's king to stand on the g-file, where it will hinder the advance of its own pawn, but which move is correct; 1. Ke2 or 1. Ke1? We will consider them in turn:}) (1. Ke2 Kg2 (1... Kh2 {is bad} 2. Kf2 Kh3 (2... Kh1 3. g4 fxg4 4. Kg3 $18) 3. Kf3 Kh2 4. g4 {, and win.}) 2. g4 fxg4 3. f5 g3 4. f6 (4. h6 {, then %05if} gxh6 5. f6 Kh1 {with a draw}) 4... gxf6 5. h6 f5 {!} 6. h7 f4 7. h8=Q f3+ 8. Ke3 f2 {, and it transpires that, thanks to the possibility of advancing his pawn with check, Black has attained a theoretically drawn position.^013^010 This means that it is correct to play the king to e1, not allowing Black this possibility.}) 1... Kg2 2. g4 fxg4 3. f5 g3 4. f6 gxf6 5. h6 f5 (5... Kf3 6. Kf1) 6. h7 f4 7. h8=Q f3 8. Qa8 { ! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jelinek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/5p2/8/8/p1K2PPP/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Kc1 {! %05Typical "tempo" play with three pawns against two - only the obtaining of a queen at h8 is any good for White:} f4 (1... h5 2. h4) (1... h6 2. h3) 2. Kc2 {!} f3 3. g4 h6 4. h3 h5 5. h4 {, and wins.} * [Event "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1897.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Charousek Rezso (HUN)"] [Black "Kosterka"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1p1/8/4KPp1/6P1/7P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1897.??.??"] {This interesting position was saved from oblivion by Dedrle (1950). It was reached in a simultaneous display, and after unsuccessful attempts to win, Charousek agreed to a draw. But analysis by Josef and Johann Kvicala demonstrated the possibility of a win.} 1. Ke4 {! %05With the key squares being c6, d6 and e6, the main file is the d-file. If White's chances lay only in taking the opposition on the main file, he would be unable to achieve anything. He wins only by combining this threat with the appropriate preparation of h3-h4.} Ke8 {!} 2. Kf3 {! Now Black is in dilemma: after 2... Ke7 he loses the opposition, while if 2... Kf7 or 2... Kd7, White succeeds in playing h3-h4. For example:} Ke7 (2... Kf7 3. h4 {! (with the threat of 4. h5; with the king at e7 or d7 this does not work due to 3... gh 4. g5 Kd6 and 5... Ke5, but now the king does not have the e6 square)} gxh4 4. g5 Ke7 5. Kg4 Kd6 6. Kxh4 Ke5 7. Kg4 Kd6 8. Kf4 {and 9. g6 ~3 ($40178)~.}) (2... Kd7 {(the king is now so far away that White has time for a necessary preparatory move)} 3. Kg3 {!} Ke7 4. h4 gxh4+ 5. Kxh4 Kf6 {(otherwise 6. Kg5)} 6. Kh5 {and wins.}) 3. Ke3 Kd7 4. Kd3 Ke7 5. Kc4 Kd8 6. Kd4 Ke8 7. Kc5 Kd7 8. Kd5 Ke7 9. Kc6 (9. Ke5 { %05this is quicker than} Kf7 {-~3 ($41147)~}) 9... Kf6 10. Kd6 Kf7 11. Kd7 Kf8 12. Ke6 Ke8 13. f6 g6 14. f7+ Kf8 15. Kd6 {! ~3($40493)~} Kxf7 16. Kd7 { , winning. A valuable analysis!} * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Najdorf Miguel (POL)"] [Black "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k2p/6p1/4K1P1/8/8/5P1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. h4 Kf7 {Here the simplest win is by} 2. Kd6 (2. f4 {%05but also possible is} Ke7 3. h5 gxh5 4. f5 Kd7 (4... h4 5. Kf4) 5. Kf4 Kd6 6. Kg3 Ke5 7. f6 Ke6 8. Kh4 h6 9. Kxh5 hxg5 10. Kg6 $18) 2... Kf8 3. Ke6 Ke8 4. Kf6 Kf8 5. f4 Kg8 6. Ke7 Kg7 7. h5 {!} gxh5 8. f5 h4 9. f6+ Kg6 10. f7 $18 {Najdorf failed to find the win, and the game ended in a draw!} * [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1899.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pillsbury Harry N (USA)"] [Black "Mason James (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6p1/4K1p1/6P1/6PP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1899.??.??"] 1. h5 gxh5 (1... Kg8 {A mistake.} 2. Ke7 Kh8 3. Kf8 Kh7 4. Kf7 gxh5 5. gxh5 Kh8 6. Kg6 {!} (6. h6 Kh7 {!}) 6... Kg8 7. h6 {, and White won.}) 2. gxh5 Ke8 { ! would have led to a draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vaganian Rafael A (ARM)"] [Black "Tal Mikhail N (LAT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/4k1p1/8/5P2/5K1P/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] 1. Kg4 {! %05Correct was} (1. Ke4 {%05The game went:} Kf6 2. h4 Ke6 3. f5+ gxf5+ 4. Kd4 Kd6 5. h5 Ke6 6. f4 Kd6 7. h6 {In this way White succeeds in wining a pawn, but ... after} Ke6 8. Kc5 Ke7 {!} 9. Kd5 Kd7 {the players agreed a draw, since the extra pawn does not lead to a win.^013^010 But a reader of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR showed that White failed to win, only due to his incorrect plan. He should not have taken the opposition (that opposition again!), but threatened a by-pass.}) 1... Kf6 2. h4 h6 (2... Ke6 { %05If instead} 3. Kg5 Kf7 {, then} 4. f5 gxf5 5. Kxf5 Ke7 6. f4 Kf7 7. Ke5 Ke7 8. h5 {! , and White wins ~3 ($40304)~.}) 3. f3 {!} h5+ (3... Ke6 4. f5+ {!} gxf5+ 5. Kh5 $18) 4. Kh3 {!$18 , and then as in example ~3($40648)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halumbirek Josef (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/7p/7p/5p2/5P2/7P/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Ke2 {%05Black loses due to the weakness of his f-pawn:} Kf6 2. Kd3 Ke5 (2... Kg5 3. Ke4 Kh4 4. Kxf4 Kh3 5. Ke3 {!} Kxh2 6. f4 {, with a win in the queen ending}) 3. Kc4 h4 {! (threatening after ... h3 to create a stalemate shelter at h4)} 4. h3 {!} Ke6 5. Kd4 Kf5 6. Kd5 Kg5 7. Ke5 Kg6 8. Kxf4 Kf6 9. Ke4 {!} ( 9. Kg4 {?} Ke5) 9... Ke6 10. f4 Kf6 11. f5 Kf7 12. Ke5 Ke7 13. f6+ Ke8 {!} 14. Ke4 Kf8 15. Kf4 Ke8 16. Ke5 {!} (16. Kg4 {%05but not} Kf8 17. Kxh4 {?} Kf7) 16... Kf7 17. Kf5 h5 18. Kg5 Kf8 19. Kxh5 Kf7 20. Kg5 Kf8 21. Kxh4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sackmann"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/4K3/6k1/6P1/6pP/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] 1. Ke5 {!} (1. Kf7 {?} g6 {!} 2. Kg7 Kh4 {! - draw}) 1... Kh4 {!} 2. g5 {!} Kxg5 3. Ke4 Kh5 {!} 4. Kf3 {!} (4. Kf4 Kh4 5. Kf3 g5 {- draw}) 4... Kg5 { ! ~5 (RR) This move refutes the study.} (4... g6 5. Kxg3 g5 6. Kf2 {!} Kh4 7. Kf3 Kh5 8. Kg3 $18 {%04etc.}) (4... Kh4 5. Kf4 g6 6. Ke3 Kg5 7. Kf3 Kh4 8. Kf4 g5+ 9. Kf3 $18 {, winning.}) 5. Kxg3 Kh5 {!} 6. Kf3 Kh4 7. Kf4 g6 {!} 8. Kf3 g5 {=} * [Event "Ostend (Belgium)"] [Site "Ostend (Belgium)"] [Date "1905.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Black "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pp/5p2/3k1PP1/5K1P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1905.??.??"] 1. Kg4 {! %05Instead of 1. gf?, Maroczy showed that White could have drawn by} (1. gxf6 {? evidently hoping for %05White played} gxf6 2. Kg4 Ke4 3. Kh5 Kxf5 4. Kh6 Kg4 (4... Ke6 {! %05Some commentators stated that instead of 4... Kg4 the only correct continuation was} 5. Kxh7 f5 {with a win in the queen ending, but 4... Kg4! 5. Kh7 is in fact the simplest, and now not 5... f5?, but 5... Kh5!, winning.}) 5. Kxh7 f5 (5... Kh5 {!}) 6. Kg6 {with a draw, but on noticing a mistake in this variation, he resigned two moves later.}) 1... Ke4 2. g6 {!} h6 3. Kh5 {!} Kxf5 {- stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Neustadtl"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/3k4/1p1p1K2/8/1P1P4/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. b4 {! (fixing the "hole" at c5)} c5 (1... c6 {a by-pass and the reserve tempo prove decisive: %05after} 2. d4 Kd7 3. Kf6 Kd6 4. Kf7 {!} Kd7 5. c3 { %04etc.}) 2. d4 {!} cxd4 3. Kf6 {, winning.} * [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kottnauer Cenek (ENG)"] [Black "Thomas George A (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5ppp/8/8/8/5kPP/5P2/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1... g5 {!} 2. Kf1 h5 3. Kg1 f6 {Excessively slow.} (3... h4 {did not work immediately due to %05Since} 4. g4) (3... f5 {! , and now either %05the logical move was} 4. h4 (4. Kf1 {%05or} h4 5. gxh4 gxh4 $19 {%04etc.}) 4... gxh4 5. gxh4 Ke2 {!} 6. Kg2 f4 7. Kg1 f3 $19) 4. Kf1 f5 5. h4 gxh4 6. gxh4 Kg4 {! (the previous winning method is no longer possible)} 7. Kg2 Kxh4 8. Kf3 Kg5 {?} (8... Kh3 {!} 9. Kf4 Kg2 $19 {would still have won}) 9. Kg3 f4+ 10. Kh3 { = Drawn. The defensive resources in such positions are shown by the following two examples.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5p1p/6p1/6P1/k4P1P/2K5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] 1... Kb4 {%05Things seem to be bad for Black: the opponent's king will break into his position and win a pawn. But after} 2. Kd3 Kc5 3. Ke4 Kd6 4. Kf5 Ke7 5. Kg6 Ke6 6. Kxh6 {the clever} Kd6 {! enables Black to maintain control of the key squares f5, f7 and f8. For example:} 7. Kh5 (7. Kh7 {%05or} Kd7 {!} 8. Kh8 Kd8 {!} 9. Kg8 Ke8 {!} 10. Kg7 Ke7 11. Kg6 Ke6 {=}) 7... Ke5 {!} 8. h4 gxh4 9. Kxh4 Kf4 {= Black's system of defence is very simple - maintaining the distant and close opposition.} * [Event "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Site "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Date "1965.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Honfi Karoly (HUN)"] [Black "Troeger Paul (GER)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5ppp/8/8/7P/3k2P1/5P2/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1965.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ387 %212045826630=4HLJ389} 1... h5 2. Kf1 f5 3. Kg1 (3. Ke1 { , then %05if} f4 4. Kf1 f3 5. Ke1 Kc2 $19 {%04etc.}) 3... Ke2 4. Kg2 g6 5. g4 { ! The last chance!} (5. Kg1 {%05After the passive} Kf3 6. Kf1 f4 $19 {Black wins without any difficulty.}) 5... hxg4 {! %05Correct was} (5... fxg4 { ? A mistake, after which Black has no chance of winning.} 6. Kg3 Ke1 (6... Kd3 {there follows %05On} 7. f3 {with a draw}) 7. Kg2 (7. f3 {loses to %05whereas now} gxf3 8. Kxf3 Kf1) 7... Kd2 8. Kg3 Kc2 9. Kf4 Kd2 10. Kg3 {= with a draw , (Honfi - Troeger, Hamburg 1965)}) 6. Kg3 Kd3 {!} (6... Kf1 7. f3 {!} gxf3 8. Kxf3 {= with a draw}) 7. Kf4 (7. f3 Ke3 {!} 8. fxg4 f4+ $19) 7... Kd4 {! , and Black wins, e.g.} 8. Kg5 (8. Kg3 Ke4 $19) (8. f3 g3 {!} 9. Kxg3 Ke3 $19) 8... Ke4 {!} 9. Kxg6 f4 10. h5 g3 11. fxg3 fxg3 12. h6 g2 13. h7 g1=Q+ 14. Kf7 Qd4 15. Kg8 Qd8+ 16. Kg7 Qe7+ 17. Kg8 Kf5 {!} 18. h8=Q Kg6 $19 {, winning.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/6pp/8/k4P2/6K1/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. f5 {! %05Correct is} (1. Kf3 {? %05 It can be assumed that the black king has had to eliminate a pawn at a4. Nevertheless, if the opponent delays Black will be able to bring his king back, seriously hindering the white king. White fails to win, for example, after} Kb5 2. Ke4 Kc6) (1. Kg4 {? %05or} Kb5 2. h4 Kc5 3. h5 gxh5+ {!} 4. Kxh5 Kd5 5. Kg6 Ke4 6. g3 h5 {!!} 7. Kxg7 (7. Kxh5 Kf5 8. Kh4 g6 9. Kh3 g5 {=}) 7... Kf5 8. Kh6 Kg4 9. f5 h4 {!} 10. gxh4 Kxf5 {=}) 1... Kb5 2. Kf4 Kc6 3. Ke5 Kd7 4. f6 Ke8 5. fxg7 (5. Ke6 Kf8 6. g3 {is also possible - Pospisil, 1956} (6. h3 {%05or})) 5... Kf7 6. g8=Q+ Kxg8 7. Kf6 { , winning ~3($40463)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/6p1/5p1p/8/5PP1/6KP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1. Kh3 {! %05Correct is} (1. f4 {? %05White rapidly approaches g5 with his king, keeping all three pawn tempi in reserve. There is no other way to win, e. g.} Kg7 2. Kf3 h4 {!} 3. gxh4 Kh6 {! , and against the attempt at a by-pass Black replies by eliminating the h4 and f4 pawns;}) (1. Kf2 {?} Kg7 2. Ke3 Kf6 {now White gains no advantage by} 3. Kf4 (3. f4 {%05or} g5 {!} 4. Kd4 (4. h4 { %05or} gxh4 {!} 5. gxh4 Ke6) 4... h4 {!}) (3. Kd4 Kg5 {!} (3... Ke6 {? %05not} 4. f4 {with a by-pass thanks to the reserve tempi}) (3... g5 {? %05or} 4. Kd5) 4. h4+ (4. Ke5 h4 {!}) 4... Kf6 5. f4 (5. Kd5 {?} f4) 5... Ke6 6. Kc5 Ke7 { ! , and Black maintains the opposition.}) 3... g5+ 4. Ke3 Ke5) 1... Kg7 (1... g5 {achieves nothing due to} 2. f4 {!} gxf4 3. gxf4 Kg7 {, and now "a la Bondarevsky"} 4. Kh4 {!} Kg6 (4... Kh6 {White wins by %05It should be noted that after} 5. Kg3 Kg6 (5... h4+ 6. Kxh4 {-~3 ($40320)~}) 6. Kf3 h4 7. Ke3 { ! , and if} Kh5 (7... h3 {%05or} 8. Kf3 {! %04etc.}) 8. h3 {!}) 5. h3 Kh6 6. Kg3 h4+ (6... Kg6 {%05or}) 7. Kf3 {! , winning.}) 2. Kh4 {!} Kf6 (2... f4 { , then not %05if} 3. g4 {?} (3. gxf4 {followed by the transfer of the king to e4 - ~3($40648)~ %05but}) 3... Kh6) 3. f4 Kf7 {(now White exploits his remaining pawn tempi)} 4. Kg5 Kg7 5. h3 {!} Kf7 6. Kh6 Kf6 7. h4 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/6p1/5p1p/8/6PP/5P2/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Ke2 {%05The solution is similar:} Kd7 2. Kf3 (2. Ke3 {?} g5 {!} 3. h4 f4+ 4. gxf4 gxh4) 2... Ke6 (2... g5 3. h4) 3. Kf4 Kf6 4. h4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/6p1/5p1p/5P2/6P1/7P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] 1. Kf2 {%05Here White has only two reserve tempi, so that the %05advance of the king to h4 is doomed to failure. But on %05the other hand, with the black pawns blocked there is a %05possibility of a by-pass and the seizure of the opposition %05on the main rank (the 7th, since the key points are g6, %05g7 and g8).} Kf7 2. Ke3 Ke6 (2... Kf6 3. Kd4 g5 4. h4 {! -~3($40659)~}) 3. Kd4 Kd6 4. h3 {!} Ke6 5. Kc5 Ke7 6. Kc6 {!} (6. Kd5 {%05Only a draws results from} Kd7 7. Ke5 Ke7 8. h4 Kf7 9. Kd6 (9. Kd5 {%05or} Ke7) 9... Kf6 {= The last tempo is needed for seizing the opposition on the main rank.}) 6... Ke6 7. h4 {!} Ke7 8. Kc7 {!} Ke6 (8... Ke8 9. Kd6) 9. Kd8 {, and now a possible conclusion is} Kd5 ( 9... Kf7 {%05or} 10. Kd7 Kf8 11. Ke6 Kg7 12. Ke7 Kg8 13. Kf6 Kh7 14. Kf7 Kh6 15. Kg8 {, winning.}) 10. Ke7 Ke4 11. Kf6 Kf3 12. Kxg6 Kxg3 (12... Kg4 13. Kf6) 13. Kg5 $18 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/1p6/p1p5/2P4K/8/PP6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. a4 {%05Grigoriev died on 10th October 1938, and this study was printed in the October 1938 issue of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR. Its solution was only published after the composer's death, in 1939. The published solution was as follows:} Kb7 {~5 (?) ~} (1... Kb8 {!! %05~5 (RR) Surprisingly, Black saves the game by the %05~5paradoxical~} 2. Kh5 Kb7 (2... Kc7 3. Kg6 Kd6 (3... Kc6 4. Kf7 Kd6) 4. Kf5 Kd7 5. Kf6 Kd6 6. b3 Kd7 7. Kf7 $18) 3. Kg5 (3. Kg6 Kc7) (3. Kh6 Kc8 (3... Kc7 4. Kg7) (3... Kc6 4. Kg7 (4. Kg6 Kd6 5. Kf5 Kd7 {=}) 4... Kd6 5. Kf6 Kd7 6. Kf7 Kd6 {=}) 4. Kg7 Kc7 {=}) 3... Kc6 4. Kf5 Kd6 {=}) 2. Kg5 { %05^013^010} (2. Kh5 {!! , e.g. %05And even so, White can win. The correct continuation is} Kc6 (2... Kc7 {%05if} 3. Kg6) (2... Kc8 {%05or} 3. Kg5) 3. Kg5 {!} Kc7 4. Kg6 Kc6 5. b3 {!} Kc7 6. Kg7 Kc6 7. Kf8 Kd7 8. Kf7 Kd6 9. Ke8 $18 { etc. Thus this Grigoriev gem continues to live! ~5((RR) starting from White's second move)~}) 2... Kc7 3. Kf6 Kd6 (3... Kd7 {! %05However, this solution is incorrect: instead of the erroneous 3... Kd6?, Black maintains the balance by} 4. Kf7 Kd6 {= , when there is no way for White to exploit his spare tempo.}) 4. b3 {!} Kd7 5. Kf7 Kd6 6. Ke8 {!$18 , winning as in example ~3 ($40666)~. ^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5Kpk/5p2/5P1p/7P/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1. Ke7 {%05White wrests the opposition, thanks to the enemy king's lack of manoeuvrability on the edge of the board.} Kg7 2. Ke6 Kh7 3. Kf7 Kh6 4. Kg8 g5 5. Kf7 gxf4 6. Kf6 {and wins (cf. also ~3($40697)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6p1/5p2/1k3P1P/6P1/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {This position was reached in a consultation game between the Riga Chess Society and a Polytechnical School (Riga, 1892). Here we have the same pawn formation as in example ~3( 666)~, but the placing of the kings is more favourable for the weaker side, which in this case is White. White lost after 1.Ke2?} 1. Kg2 {! , e.g. %05But it was shown by Behting that White could have drawn by} (1. h5 {? is also insufficient due to} gxh5 2. Kg2 h4 {!$19}) 1... Kc4 (1... h5 {in view of %05It should be added that after 1. Kg2! it is hopeless to play} 2. Kf2 {! , when White has the opposition.}) 2. h5 {!} gxh5 3. Kh3 Kd4 4. Kh4 Ke4 5. Kxh5 Kf3 6. Kg5 (6. Kh4 Ke4 7. Kg5 Kf3 {=}) 6... Kxg3 7. Kxf5 {= ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k2K2/8/pp6/2p5/2P5/PP6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] 1. a4 {! %05Therefore:} (1. Ke8 {does not achieve anything, since Black is not forced to continue %05An instructive position. In spite of the symmetric arrangement of the pawns, taking the opposition by} a5 {?} (1... Kc7 {%05After} 2. Ke7 {he has the tactical resource} (2. a4 {: all the same Black plays %05The move ... b5 cannot be prevented by} b5 3. a5 (3. Ke7 Kb6 4. Kd6 b4) 3... bxc4 4. bxc4 Kd6) 2... b5 {! , creating the possibility of a stalemate ~3 ($41658)~. For example:} 3. Ke6 b4 4. a4 (4. axb4 {%05if instead} cxb4 5. Kd5 { , Black draws by} a5 {!} 6. Kc5 a4 {=}) 4... Kb6 {%04etc.}) 2. a4) 1... Kd7 ( 1... b5 {would merely weaken irrevocably the c-pawn %05Now} 2. a5 Kd7 3. Kf7) 2. a5 {! is forced, but at the same time it is the basic solution. %05Now} (2. Kf7 {?} a5 {!}) 2... Kd6 {!} (2... b5 {there follows %05On} 3. Kf7) (2... bxa5 {%05or}) (2... Ke6 {, then %05while if} 3. axb6 {and 4. b7, as in the main variation.}) 3. Kf7 (3. axb6 {%05Now} Kc6 4. Ke7 Kxb6 5. Kd6 {is premature due to} Ka5 {! (again stalemate).}) 3... Kd7 (3... Ke5 {%05Or} 4. axb6) (3... bxa5 {is also hopeless due to %05while} 4. Kf6 Kc6 (4... a4 5. bxa4 a5 6. Kf5) 5. Ke6 Kb6 6. Kd6 a4 7. bxa4 Ka5 8. Kxc5 {, and White queens first.}) 4. Kf6 Kd6 5. Kf5 Kc7 {Relatively best.} (5... Ke7 {, then %05If} 6. axb6 {!} Kd6 7. b7 {! } Kc7 8. Ke6 Kxb7 9. Kd7 {, as in the main variation}) (5... Kd7 {%05or} 6. Ke5 Kc6 7. Ke6 b5 (7... Kc7 8. Kd5 Kb7 9. Kd6) 8. Ke5 Kc7 9. Kd5 bxc4 10. bxc4 { and 11. Kc5 ~3 ($40298)~.}) 6. Ke6 {!} (6. Ke5 {is a loss of a time in view of} Kd7) 6... Kc6 7. Ke7 Kc7 8. Ke8 {!} Kc8 (8... Kc6 {, then %05If} 9. Kd8 {!} bxa5 10. Ke7 {!} Kc7 11. Ke6 Kc6 12. Ke5 Kc7 13. Kd5 Kb6 14. Kd6 Kb7 15. Kxc5 Kc7 16. Kd5 Kd7 17. c5 Kc7 18. c6 {and wins ~3 ($40301)~.}) (8... Kd6 9. axb6 { !}) 9. axb6 {!} Kb7 10. Kd7 Kxb6 (10... a5 11. Kd6 Kxb6 12. Kd5) 11. Kc8 { ! The decisive zugzwang! With White to move there is no win, e.g. Kb8 a5! or Kd7 Ka5.} Kc6 (11... Ka5 12. Kb7 Kb4 13. Kxa6 {%04etc.}) 12. Kb8 {! , and White wins:} Kb6 13. Ka8 a5 14. Kb8 a4 15. bxa4 Ka5 16. Kb7 Kxa4 17. Kc6 Kb4 18. Kd5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/pp6/2p4K/8/PPP5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {Here the a3, c3 pawns could also be at a2, c2. It is in White's interests to block the enemy pawns since his king can easily gain the opposition on the 7th rank (the black king is hindered by its own pawn at b6). He must also prevent . .. c4, which could lead to a draw.} 1. c4 {!} Kb7 {Black threatens to create a stalemate shelter at a5 by ... b5-b4.} 2. a4 {!} (2. Kg5 {%05In addition, in reply, say, to} a5 {is also possible with the threat of ... a4, when if} 3. a4 Kc7 {!= , and Black has the opposition ~3($41669).~}) 2... Kc6 (2... b5 { %05The black pawns are paralysed: after} 3. a5 {the c5 pawn is lost}) (2... a5 {%05while} 3. Kh6 {!$18 gains White the opposition, since the opponent does not have 3... Kb6.}) (2... Kc7 {! %05~5 (RR) The study is refuted by~} 3. Kg5 ( 3. Kg6 Kc6 {=}) 3... a5 {= , and Black has the opposition ~3($41669)~.}) 3. Kg5 {!} (3. Kg6 {? %05of course, not} a5 {= - draw}) 3... Kc7 (3... Kd6 {%05No better is} 4. Kf5 {!}) (3... Kd7 {%05or} 4. Kf6 {!} (4. a5 {? in view of %05but not} Ke6 {!} 5. Kf4 bxa5 6. Ke4 a4 7. bxa4 a5 {with a draw.}) 4... Kd6 5. a5 {! ~3($40670)~}) 4. Kf6 {!} (4. Kf5 {? %05Not} a5 {! with a draw, since White can no longer gain the opposition on the 7th rank.}) 4... Kd7 {(with the threat of meeting 5. Ke5 with 5... a5, drawing)} 5. a5 $40 {!$18 , and White has achieved a winning position, as in the^013^010 example ~3 ($40670)~ after White's 4th move.^013^010 ^013^010 Both these examples (~3( 670)~ and ~3 ( 671) ~ ) illustrate how the black pawns are weakened by the pawn being at a6 instead of a7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/3k2p1/5p2/3K1P2/7P/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. h4 {Black defended badly: %05This position was reached in a practical game (East Germany, 1949). After} Ke6 (1... h6 {%05The commentator on the game regarded 1... Ke6 as the decisive mistake, and recommended} 2. g3 (2. h5 {%05or } gxh5 3. g3 h4 4. gxh4 h5) 2... h5 {= Of course this would have given a simple draw}) (1... h5 {, e.g. %05as would incidentally,} 2. g3 Ke6 3. Kc5 Ke7 {=} (3... Kd7 {= %05or})) 2. Kc5 h6 (2... Ke7 {in their diagonal formation the black pawns are invulnerable, and g2-g3 can be answered (in opposition positions) by ... h5. Black could also have drawn by %05But 1... Ke6 does not yet lose! The decisive mistake was 2... h6. The simplest reply to it is 3. h5, but even after 3. g3 Black has no defence (any king move is answered by 4. h5) Instead of 2... h6?, Black could have drawn by} 3. h5 {= ~3($40673)~.}) 3. g3 h5 4. Kc6 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k1p1/2K2p1p/5P1P/8/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1... Ke7 {%05After} (1... Kd7 {%05or} 2. Kd5 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kc6 $18 { the reserve tempo 3. g3 proves decisive.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k1p1/2K2p1p/5P1P/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. Kc6 {%05But if it is White to move, the position is drawn, e.g.} Ke7 2. Kc7 Ke6 3. Kd8 Kd5 4. Ke7 {(a by-pass is futile - the f4 pawn is not defended!)} Ke4 5. Kf6 {!} (5. g3 {? loses}) 5... Kxf4 6. Kxg6 Kg4 7. g3 Kxg3 8. Kxf5 Kxh4 9. Kf4 {Draw.} * [Event "Riga (Latvia)"] [Site "Riga (Latvia)"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Karpov Anatoly (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1pp/4p3/4K3/8/6P1/5P1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ387 %212045826630=4HLJ389} 1. h3 {%05White's significant positional advantage proves insufficient for a win:} Kd7 2. h4 Ke7 3. f3 Kd7 4. Kf4 {! (White's plan is to place his king at g5 and play h5-h6)} Ke7 5. Kg5 Kf7 (5... Kd6 {%05It is dangerous to play} 6. h5 Ke5 7. h6 g6 (7... gxh6+ 8. Kxh6 Kd4 9. Kxh7 Ke3 10. g4 Kf4 11. Kh6 e5 12. g5 Kxf3 13. g6 $18 {, winning}) 8. f4+ Ke4 9. Kf6 Kf3 10. Kg7 Kxg3 11. Kxh7 $18 {, and White wins.}) 6. g4 Ke7 7. h5 Kf7 (7... h6+ {?! %05Just how safe is Black's position is shown by the variation} 8. Kg6 Kf8 9. Kh7 Kf7 10. f4 Kf6 {!} (10... Kf8 {?} 11. g5 hxg5 12. fxg5 e5 13. h6 gxh6 14. g6 $18 {, winning}) 11. Kg8 g5 12. hxg6 Kxg6 13. Kf8 h5 {= , with a draw.}) 8. h6 g6 (8... gxh6+ {? %05not} 9. Kxh6 Kg8 10. g5 Kh8 11. g6 $18) 9. Kf4 Kf6 10. g5+ Kf7 11. Ke5 Ke7 12. f4 Kf7 13. Kd6 Kf8 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Kogan Izrail"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/1K3p2/5p1p/5P1P/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {Doubled pawns are normally a serious weakening, but to disclose this, other factors favouring the stronger side are necessary. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ387 %212045826630=4HLJ389} 1... Kd7 {%05Here White succeeded in carrying out a by-pass with his king:} 2. Kb7 {!} Kd6 3. Kc8 {!} Kd5 4. Kd7 Ke4 5. Ke6 Kf3 6. Kxf6 $18 {, and White won. It is readily apparent that, if the f6 pawn had been at g6, White's manoeuvre would not have been successful.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Goldenov Boris"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/8/1k5p/4P2P/4K1P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] 1. Kf4 (1. Kd4 {is also possible, followed by 2. Ke5 and 3. Kf6}) 1... Kc4 2. Kf5 {%05 Correct is the second path, a highly instructive one, where Black does not gain any counter-chances:} (2. Kg5 {%05 Here White can quickly attack the opponent's pawns, but for which pawn should he head with his king - h5 or f7? Let us first consider the first path:} Kd4 3. Kxh5 Kxe4 4. Kg5 {!} Kf3 5. g4 Ke4 {!} (5... Kg3 {%05This is stronger than} 6. h5 h6+ (6... Kf3 7. Kf5) 7. Kf5 Kh4 8. Kf4 f6 9. Kf5 Kg3 10. Kxf6 Kxg4 11. Kg6 {, when White wins.}) 6. h5 (6. Kf6 {%05Instead of 6. h5 White should play} Kf4 7. h5 Kxg4 8. h6 Kf4 9. Kg7 {, but then position 234 is reached, where Black is able to draw.} (9. Kxf7 Kf5 10. Kg7 Ke6 {with a draw})) 6... Ke5 7. Kh6 f5 {! An unexpected chance. The only possibility of playing for a win is} 8. g5 (8. gxf5 {, then %05If now} Kxf5 9. Kxh7 Kf6 {! with a draw.}) 8... f4 9. Kxh7 f3 10. g6 f2 11. g7 f1=Q 12. g8=Q {, leading to a queen ending with chances for White, but the result of it is far from clear.}) 2... Kd4 3. e5 Kd5 4. Kf6 Ke4 5. Kxf7 Kxe5 {It is very important that the black king is at e5 (and not e4), and is not able to attack White's pawns immediately.} 6. Kg7 Kf5 7. Kxh7 Kg4 8. Kg6 Kxg3 9. Kxh5 { , and White wins.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Black "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4kp2/5p1p/8/3KP1P1/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ387 %212045826630=4HLJ389} 1... Ke5 {%05Here White is aiming to transfer his king to f4; a defensive resource available to Black is ... h4, devaluing the white pawns. The decisive zugzwang position is Ke2/Ke4.} (1... Kd5 {? would have lost to %05Grigoriev (1935) showed that} 2. Kd2 {!} Ke5 (2... h4 3. gxh4 f4 4. exf4 Ke4 5. h5 $18) (2... Ke4 3. Ke2 {!} h4 (3... Kd5 {%05or} 4. Kf3 Ke5 5. h3 {!} Kd5 6. Kf4 Ke6 7. h4 $18 {, winning}) 4. gxh4 f4 5. h5 Kf5 6. exf4 $18) 3. Ke1 {!} Kd5 4. Kf2 {!} Ke4 5. Ke2 $18 {, and White wins.}) ( 1... Kf7 {was also possible, e.g. %05Grigoriev also emphasized that, apart from 1... Ke5,} 2. Ke2 Kg6 3. Kf3 (3. Kf2 Kh6 {=}) 3... Kg5 4. h3 h4 {!} 5. gxh4+ Kxh4 6. Kf4 (6. Kg2 f4 7. exf4 f5 {= - draw}) 6... Kxh3 7. Kxf5 Kg3 { = Draw.}) 2. Ke2 (2. Kd2 {Capablanca would have continued %05in the event of} h4 {!} 3. gxh4 f4 {!} 4. h5 fxe3+ {!= with a draw}) 2... Ke4 {!} 3. h3 (3. Kf2 h4 {!=}) 3... Kd5 (3... f4 {! was also possible, e.g.} 4. exf4 (4. gxf4 {%05or} h4 5. Kf2 (5. Kd2 {, then %05if} Kf3 6. Kd3 Kg3 7. Ke2 Kxh3 8. Kf3 f5 {= , with a draw}) 5... Kd3 6. Kf3 f5 {!} 7. Kf2 Kd2 {= , with a draw.}) 4... h4 {!} 5. Kf2 f5 6. Kg2 Ke3 7. Kh2 Kf3 8. gxh4 Kxf4 {=}) 4. Kf3 Ke5 {(after this White is forced to use up his last tempo)} 5. h4 Kd5 6. Kf4 Ke6 {= Drawn.} 7. Z0 (7. e4 fxe4 8. Kxe4 f5+ {=}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/5p2/5p1p/3K4/4P1P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kd5 (1. Kc5 {%05Also possible is} Ke7 2. Kc6 Ke6 3. h3 (3. h4 {was already been considered;}) (3. Kc7 {, then %05if} Ke5 4. Kd7 Ke4 5. Ke6 Kxe3 6. Kxf5 Kf3 7. Kxf6 h4 {! - draw}) 3... Ke5 4. Kd7 h4 5. gxh4 f4 {Draw.}) (1. e4 { %05It should be added that a draw also results from} fxe4 2. Kxe4 h4 3. g4 h3 4. Kf4 Kf7 5. Kg3 Kg6 6. Kxh3 f5 {=}) 1... Kd7 2. h3 Ke7 3. Kc6 Ke6 4. h4 f4 { !!} (4... Ke5 {? %05Black loses after} 5. Kd7 Ke4 6. Ke6 Kxe3 (6... Kf3 {%05or} 7. Kxf6 {!} Kxg3 8. Kxf5 Kxh4 9. Kf4 {!} Kh3 10. e4 {%04etc.}) 7. Kxf5 {!}) 5. gxf4 Kf5 6. Kd5 Kg4 7. Ke6 Kxh4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4kp2/5p1p/2K5/4P1P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] {"It has not been possible to find the composer's solution, but, taking account of Grigoriev's analysis of position ~3( 678)~, it can be assumed that there is no winning solution to Dedrle's study".} 1. Kd4 {!! %05These words were written by Maizelis in 1956. It was later established that Dedrle's solution to the position was as follows (the exclamation marks are his)} Ke7 { ! %05It is not difficult to see that, on the basis of the previous %05position, Black can answer 1.Kd4 with} (1... Kd6 2. Kc3 {!!} Kd5 (2... Ke6 {! , so as to answer %05But, of course, 1... Kd6 also does not lose, On 2. Kc3 Black should not continue 2... Kd5? 3. Kd2 or 2... Ke5? 3. Kd3!, but} 3. Kd3 {%04with} Kf7 { !} 4. Ke2 Kg6 {!= %04etc.}) 3. Kd2 {!} Ke5 4. Ke1 {!!} Kd5 5. Kf2 {!!} Ke4 6. Ke2 Kd5 7. Kf3 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Kc5 (2. Kd3 {%05or} Kf7 {!} 3. Ke2 Kg6 4. Kf3 Kg5 5. h3 h4 {! , with a draw.}) 2... Kd7 3. Kd5 Ke7 4. Kc6 Ke6 { = , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Edward (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/2p1k3/p7/P4K2/1P6/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {%05The aim of this instructional position was to illustrate the weakness of isolated pawns:} c5 {! , e.g. %05But A. Feinstein (Tallinn) showed that after 1. Ke4 Black can draw by} (1... Kd6 2. Kd4 c5+ 3. Kc4 Kc6 4. c3 Kb6 5. Kd5 c6+ 6. Kc4 $18 {, and wins. (Ed Lasker, 1911)}) 2. Kd3 Kd5 3. Kc3 c6 4. Kd3 c4+ 5. bxc4+ Ke5 {!= and 6... c5 with a draw. With the kings at Ke4/Kd6 the example is correct.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pospisil Dusan (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/6p1/5p2/6pP/3K2P1/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. e3 {!} (1. Kd4 {? %05White has to reckon with the threat of ... f4, e.g.} f4 {!} 2. gxf4 Kh6 3. e4 Kh5 4. e5 g3 5. Ke3 Kxh4 6. e6 Kh3 7. e7 g2 {-draw.}) (1. Ke3 {? is insufficient in view of %05But} Kh6 {!} 2. Kf4 Kh5 3. e3 Kh6 4. Ke5 g5 {!} 5. hxg5+ Kxg5 {, with a draw.}) 1... Kh6 {The best defence.} (1... Kg7 { , then %05If} 2. Kd4 Kf6 3. Kd5 Ke7 (3... Kf7 4. Ke5 Ke7 5. e4 fxe4 6. Kxe4 Kf6 7. Kf4 Kg7 8. Kxg4 Kh6 9. Kf3 Kh5 (9... g5 10. Kg4) 10. Kf4 Kh6 11. Kg4 { , winning}) 4. Ke5 Kf7 5. e4 g5 {! (the last chance)} 6. hxg5 fxe4 7. Kxe4 Kg6 8. Kf4 Kh5 9. g6 Kh6 10. Kf5 Kg7 11. Kg5 {, and White wins.}) 2. Kd4 Kh5 3. Kd5 {!} (3. Ke5 {? there would have followed %05On} g5 4. hxg5 Kxg5 {with a draw}) 3... Kh6 {!} (3... g5 {? loses to %05, whereas now} 4. hxg5 Kxg5 5. Ke5 Kg6 6. Ke6 Kg5 7. Kf7 {and 8. Kf6.}) 4. Ke6 Kh5 {!} 5. Ke7 {!!} (5. Kf6 {Black is saved by %05After} f4 {!!} 6. exf4 g5 7. fxg5 {- stalemate} (7. hxg5 {%05or =}) ) 5... Kh6 6. Kf8 {!} (6. Kf7 {would be a loss of time due to %05Now} Kh7 { , when White has to win back the opposition ~3($41668)~.}) 6... Kh5 {!} 7. Kg8 {!} (7. Kg7 {? %04with %05with the aim of answering} f4 {!}) 7... Kh6 8. Kh8 {! } Kh5 9. Kh7 {, and White wins both after} f4 (9... g5 {%05and after} 10. hxg5 f4 11. gxf4 g3 12. g6 g2 13. g7 g1=Q 14. g8=Q {, when the checks can be avoided:} Qb1+ 15. Kh8 Qa1+ 16. Qg7 Qa8+ 17. Kh7 Qe4+ 18. Kg8 {!} Qa8+ {!} 19. Qf8 Qg2+ {!} 20. Kh8 {!} Qb2+ 21. Qg7 Qb8+ 22. Kh7 Qb1+ 23. Kg8 Qb8+ 24. Qf8 { %04etc.}) 10. exf4 g5 11. f5 {!} gxh4 12. f6 hxg3 (12... h3 {%05or}) 13. f7 g2 14. f8=Q g1=Q 15. Qh6# {%04mate} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p2p4/6k1/6Pp/7K/8/1PP5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {~17.22 Separated pawns on both wings~ Since only pawns can be moved, an assessment of who will first run out of moves is required well in advance. Together with the three subsidiary positions (~3 ( 685) - ( 688)~ ), this example exhausts all conceivable pawn formations of two against two, when they stand on their initial squares.} 1. c4 {Black must reply %05The turn to move is a disadvantage here. On} (1. c3 {, correct is %05If} a6 {!} (1... d5 { %05If, then after} 2. b3 a5 {one of the white pawns can again break through to queen, albeit later than the opponent's (this is to be understood in a theoretical sense, since on the K-side a great variety of positions is possible; in the given case White would be mated at g4).}) 2. b3 d6 $19) 1... a5 {! , not allowing 2. b4 (which would allow white to make a breakthrough), then} 2. c5 (2. b3 {%05or} d6 $19) 2... a4 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p2p4/6k1/6Pp/7K/8/1PP5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... a6 {is met by %05If it is Black to move,} (1... a5 2. c4 $18) 2. c3 d6 3. b3 d5 4. b4 $18 {, winning. In the following three subsidiary positions the situation on the K-side is the same as in examples ~3 ( 683) - ( 684)~, since in practice the kings are often in zugzwang when there is a large number of pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/6k1/6Pp/7K/8/PP6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. b3 {%05Here one must simply imitate the opponent's moves:} (1. b4 {%05or} b5 $19 {!}) 1... b6 $19 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/6k1/6Pp/7K/8/1PP5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. c4 {%05The principle of the play is exactly the same:} (1. c3 {%05or} a6 $19 {!}) 1... a5 $19 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1p5/6k1/6Pp/7K/8/PP6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. b4 $18 {%05The connected pawns win, irrespectively of who it is to move, with the b-pawn always moving first: !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1p5/6k1/6Pp/7K/8/PP6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... c5 {%05or} 2. b3 {!$18 %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1k4/8/2PK3p/2P5/7P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {If the distance between the pawns is less than 4 ranks, or if any of the pawns have been advanced from their initial squares, other results and exceptions of various types are possible, with an important role sometimes being played by a pawn (or pawns) retaining the right to a double move.} 1. c6+ {! %05This position illustrates a typical procedure.} bxc6+ 2. Ke5 {!} (2. Kc5 {?} h4 {!}) 2... h4 (2... Ke7 {given by the composers, which is met not by %05this is better than the} 3. c5 (3. h4 {, with an easy win %05but by the more decisive}) 3... h4) 3. c5 Ke7 4. Kf5 Kf7 5. Kg5 Ke6 6. Kxh4 Kd5 7. Kg5 Kxc5 8. h4 Kd6 {! (the threat of ... Ke7-f8 forces White to lose a tempo)} 9. Kf6 {!} c5 10. h5 c4 11. h6 c3 12. h7 c2 13. h8=Q c1=Q 14. Qd8+ {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1879.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p1k2/2p5/2p1PK2/2P5/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1879.??.??"] 1. e5+ dxe5+ 2. Kg4 {!} Kg6 3. e4 Kf6 4. Kh5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p3/3kp1p1/6P1/3K1P2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {This position arose in a game from a junior tournament at Hastings (1949). Here the players agreed to a draw.} 1... e4+ {! %05George Thomas pointed out a win:} 2. fxe4+ Kc5 {!} (2... Ke5 {?} 3. Ke3 {- draw}) 3. Kc3 e5 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p3/3kp1p1/6P1/3K1P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {The following position has a distant similarity to the previous one, and is instructive in its own way.} 1. Ke3 {%05It should be added that the initial position is won for Black, irrespective of whose turn it is to move, e.g.} e4 2. fxe4+ (2. f4 gxf4+ 3. Kxf4 Kd4 $19) 2... Kc4 $19 {, winning.} (2... Ke5 { %05or}) * [Event "Warsaw (Poland)"] [Site "Warsaw (Poland)"] [Date "1916.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lowtzky Mojsesz (POL)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p7/P3kp1p/7P/5KP1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1916.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ383 %212045826630=4HLJ387 %212045826630=4HLJ391} 1... f3 {!? A clever try.} (1... Kd4 {? %05In the event of} 2. Kf3 Kc4 3. Kxf4 Kb4 4. g4 {!} hxg3 5. Kxg3 $18 { the white pawn queens first.}) 2. gxf3+ Kf4 {!} (2... Kd3 {is weaker in view of } 3. f4 Ke4 4. f5 Kxf5 5. Kf3 {= , and Black is saved only by the fact that the h-pawn is^013^010 outside the winning zone -~3($40279)~}) 3. Ke2 {! The only move.} (3. Kg2 {? %05In the event of} Ke3 {Black wins the f-pawn, after which his king heads for the a-pawn, without trying to pick up the h-pawn which would allow White to save the game.}) 3... Kg3 4. Ke3 {!} Kxh3 5. Kf2 {!} Kh2 6. f4 h3 7. f5 Kh1 8. f6 h2 {= Drawn (now it is White who is short of a tempo for a win in the queen ending).} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pp/k7/1p1K2PP/8/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] 1. g5 hxg5 (1... h5 {also fails to draw}) 2. hxg5 Kb5 3. Kd5 Kb6 4. Kc4 Ka5 5. Kc5 Ka4 6. Kb6 Ka3 7. Kb5 Kb2 8. Kxb4 Kxc2 9. Kc4 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6pp/Kpk5/6PP/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {Some interesting features are revealed in this simple ending, if the positions of the kings are reversed.} 1. g4 {! %05If the K-side pawns were blocked, White would win on condition that it was Black to move, but it is precisely this that he is unable to achieve.} (1. h4 {? %05It is interesting that other moves lose for White, e.g.} g4 2. Ka5 b3 $19) (1. Ka5 {? %05or} g4 { !} 2. hxg4 hxg4 3. Ka4 Kc3 {and 4... b3$19}) 1... h4 {!} (1... hxg4 {? %05But not} 2. hxg4 Kc5 (2... Kc3 3. Kb5) 3. Ka5 Kc4 4. Kb6 {, winning.}) 2. Ka5 Kc5 { = with a draw} (2... b3 {%05or} 3. axb3+ Kxb3 4. Kb5 Kc3 5. Kc5 Kd3 6. Kd5 Ke3 7. Ke5 Kf3 8. Kf5 Kg3 9. Kxg5 Kxh3 10. Kf4 Kg2 11. g5 h3 12. g6 h2 13. g7 h1=Q 14. g8=Q+ Kf1 {!= with a draw}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/K5pp/1pk5/6PP/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. g4 {! %05If in the initial position White's king were at a5, all the same the result would be a draw:} hxg4 {! (the only way)} 2. hxg4 Kc5 {(The composer's solution was not published, and the content of this position has not been fully covered in literature).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p6p/6p1/KPk3P1/8/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1... Kd4 {!} 2. Ka5 (2. Kb3 Kd3 $19) 2... Kc3 3. Ka4 Kb2 4. g3 Ka2 $19 { , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/6Pp/2p4P/2k5/2P5/1K6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {Although of a different type, the following positions are also of great practical interest.} 1. Kc2 Kd5 (1... Kb5 2. Kd3 {!}) 2. Kb3 {!} Kc6 (2... Kd6 3. Ka4 {!} Kc6 4. Ka5) 3. Kc4 Kd6 4. Kb5 Kd5 5. Kb6 {!} Kc4 6. Kc6 {(the successive taking of the opposition at c2, c4 and c6 is amusing)} Kxc3 7. Kxc5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/6Pp/2p4P/2k5/2P5/1K6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Kb5 {! (the only move) %05Black to move draws by} 2. Kb3 c4+ {%04etc. =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Glazier"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/3p4/8/3P4/K5p1/6P1/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. Kb5 Ke7 (1... Kd8 2. d6 {, and either} Kc8 (2... Ke8 {%05or} 3. Kb6 Kf7 4. Kb7 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Ka6) 2. Kc5 Kd8 3. Kd6 Ke8 4. Kc7 Ke7 5. Kc8 Kd6 6. Kd8 Kxd5 7. Kxd7 Ke5 8. Ke7 Kf5 9. Kf7 Kg5 10. Ke6 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5pk1/1p5p/1P5P/8/6P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] 1. Kf2 Kf5 {! (in the event of 1... f5 White occupies f4 with his king, having the g2-g3 tempo in reserve)} 2. Kf3 Ke5 {!} 3. g4 hxg4+ 4. Kxg4 Ke4 5. h5 f5+ 6. Kh3 {!} f4 7. h6 f3 8. h7 f2 9. Kg2 $18 {%04etc. Botvinnik composed this study on the basis of an ending which occurred in a simultaneous display by him, although it is true that he also took account of a mistake he found in analysis by Fine (1941).} * [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kmoch Hans (AUT)"] [Black "Van Scheltinga Theo D (NED)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5pk1/8/1p5P/1P4K1/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1... Kf5 2. Kf3 Ke5 3. Kg4 Ke4 4. h5 f5+ 5. Kg3 {a mistake; as shown by Botvinnik, 5. Kh3 was correct} Ke3 6. h6 f4+ {Drawn. The continuation} 7. Kg4 f3 8. h7 f2 9. h8=Q f1=Q 10. Qe5+ Kd2 {!} 11. Qd4+ Kc2 12. Qxb4 {was evidently also not taken into account by Fine.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/1p6/p1p1k3/P1P5/1P2K3/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {Botvinnik accompanied his study with a joke: "It will probably be demonstrated that the study is not original - in our time it is so difficult to devise something new in chess". A response to this comment was made by Nedeljkovic (1951), who found this example.} 1. h4 Kf5 2. Kf3 Ke5 3. Kg4 Ke4 4. h5 f5+ 5. Kh3 $40 {!$18 %04etc. "I think that this manoeuvre must have occurred even earlier" writes Nedeljkovic. This supposition is correct (cf. for example Grigoriev's study ~3( 117)~, White's 4th move).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/7p/1p6/pP6/P6P/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {For a long time this interesting and complicated position remained little-known, since its solution was not published. In order to understand it better, let us first examine the following, more simple ending.} 1. Kf2 { ! %05It is clear that the white king must move into the centre of the board, maintaining the opposition. Therefore:} Kf7 (1... Kg7 {? %05Of course, not} 2. Ke3) (1... Ke7 {%05while if} 2. Ke3 {, and with the seizure of the opposition on the e-file, White's problem is in general solved, e.g.} Ke6 3. Ke4 Kf6 (3... Kd6 {%05or} 4. Kd4 $18 {!}) 4. Kd5 $18) 2. Kf3 Kf6 3. Kf4 Kg6 {! (we have reached the most difficult point of the solution; 4. Ke5 appears to win, but this is not so, as will be seen later)} 4. Kg4 {!! (White voluntarily creates this position, which to all appearances is hopelessly drawn!)} (4. Ke5 { win in the same way? It is because there would have followed %05One question remains to be clarified: why does not} Kg5 5. Kd5 Kh4 6. Kc5 Kxh3 7. Kxb5 { , and now not} Kg4 {? as in the main variation} (7... Kg2 {? in view of %05and not} 8. Kxa4 {with a subsequent exchange of queens (by check along the diagonal)}) (7... h5 {! %05but} 8. Kc4 h4 {! , when White is faced with an unpleasant choice: either} 9. b5 (9. Kd3 {%05or} Kg2 {! - in both cases with a draw. Now it is clear why the pawn had to be driven to h5, denying Black the possibility of this counter-play.}) 9... Kg4 {!})) 4... Kf6 (4... Kg7 {? loses immediately}) 5. h4 {!} Kg6 6. h5+ Kf6 7. Kf4 Ke6 8. Ke4 Kf6 {(it is still not clear how White can win; both sides require an identical 8 moves to obtain a queen)} 9. Kd5 Kg5 10. Kc5 Kxh5 11. Kxb5 Kg4 12. Kc4 {!! Here is the solution: the white king has not only cleared the way for its pawn, but has also stepped into the "square" of the h6 pawn.} h5 13. Kd3 {!} Kf3 {(otherwise the white king goes to f1; in the event of 13... Kg3 the king is checked from b8)} 14. b5 {, and the queen at h1 will be won by a skewer. One of the many Grigoriev gems! } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Volpert Larisa (RUS)"] [Black "Belova Tamara (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p5kp/1p6/1P4K1/P6P/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {An analogous final position must obviously result in example ~3( 704)~, but with the difference that Black's Q-side pawns are much weaker, and that to obtain a queen White requires considerably much less time.} 1... Kf6 { %05Romanovsky showed that Black should have played} (1... h5+ {? proved to be a fatal mistake, in view of} 2. Kf4 Kf6 3. h4 $18) 2. Kf4 (2. h4 {%05or} Kg6 3. h5+ Kf6 4. Kf4 Ke6 5. Ke4 Kf6 {= , when the draw is obvious.}) 2... Kg6 {=} ( 2... Ke6 {%05or even}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Louma"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1k3p/pP6/P7/8/8/7P/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {As in example ~3( 704)~, the main file is the e-file (Black has weak pawns at b7 and h7). The position on the Q-side is even more favourable for White.} 1. Kf2 {! (beginning a by-pass and approach to the h7 pawn; at the same time ... Kc6-b5 can now be met by Ke3-d4)} Ke6 (1... Ke7 2. Ke3) (1... Kd6 2. Kf3 {!} Kd5 3. Kf4 Kc5 (3... Kd6 {%05or} 4. Kg5) 4. Ke5) 2. Kg3 {!} Kf7 {!} 3. Kh4 {!} Kg6 (3... Kf6 4. Kh5) 4. Kg4 h6 5. h3 {!} Kf6 6. Kf4 Ke6 7. Ke4 {, winning.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1k4p/6p1/8/6P1/P4K2/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {deep analysis by Chekhover revealed the complicated nature of this position.} 1. Kf4 h6 {!} (1... Kd6 {, then %05If} 2. Kg5 Ke5 3. f3 {!} (3. Kh6 {?} Kf4 4. g5 Kg4 5. f3+ Kf4) (3. f4+ {?} Ke4 {!} 4. f5 gxf5 5. gxf5 Ke5 6. f6 Ke6) 3... h5 4. f4+ {!} (4. gxh5 gxh5 5. f4+ {is futile in view of} Ke6 {!} 6. f5+ Kf7 7. Kxh5 Kf6 8. Kg4 a5 {!} 9. a4 Kf7 {with a draw -~3 ($41279)~.}) 4... Ke6 5. f5+ {!} gxf5 6. gxh5 {!} a5 7. a4 Kf7 8. Kxf5 {, and wins.}) 2. Ke5 h5 3. gxh5 gxh5 4. a4 {!} (4. Kf5 {%05Nothing is achieved by} Kd6 5. Kg5 (5. a4 Kd5 6. Kg5 Ke4) 5... Ke5 6. f3 a6 {!} 7. a4 a5 8. f4+ Ke6 9. f5+ Kf7 {, with a draw.}) 4... Kc6 {! , e.g. %05But Black could have drawn by the subtle move suggested by Bondarevsky,} (4... a5 {there followed: %05After the incorrect} 5. Kf5 Kd6 6. Kg5 Ke5 7. f3 {!} Ke6 8. f4 h4 9. Kxh4 Kf6 10. Kg4 Kg6 11. Kf3 Kf6 12. Ke4 Ke6 13. Kd4 {! , and White won (the pawn if just inside the winning zone -^013^010 ~3($40279)~.}) (4... a6 {%05Also bad is} 5. Kf5 Kd6 6. Kg5 Ke5 7. f4+ {!} Ke6 8. a5) (4... h4 {%05or} 5. Kf4 Kd6 6. Kg4 Ke5 7. a5 $18) 5. Kf5 (5. a5 {%05or} h4 6. Kf4 Kd5 7. Kg4 Ke5 {!} (7... Ke4 {?} 8. a6 h3 9. Kg3 {! , winning}) 8. a6 (8. f3 a6) 8... Ke4 9. f3+ Ke3 10. f4 h3 {Draw.}) 5... Kd5 6. Kg5 Ke4 {!} 7. f4 h4 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p4p1/3kp3/8/1P1K1PP1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {~17.23 Scattered pawns~ By this we imply that there are pawns both in the centre, and on the wings. Among them there may be two connected pawns, but most often all the pawns are isolated. With both sides having weaknesses, the strategic difficulty is usually presented by the correct choice of direction of the so-called "main blow", since attacking one pawn means giving up another to the opponent.} 1. b5 {! %05This is one of Grigoriev's early and little-known studies (the solution to which was not published).^013^010 Here White has the more active king and a slightly superior pawn formation.^013^010 In the 1st edition of this book, Maizelis gave his own solution to Grigoriev's study, but it proved to be inaccurate. The correct path was indicated by Knyazev (Moscow).} (1. Ke4 {, but after %05Maizelis begins with} b6 {!} 2. Kd4 (2. b5 {, but after %05Probably the best that White has is} Kc5 3. Ke5 Kxb5 4. Kxe6 Ka4 5. Kf7 b5 6. Kxg7 b4 7. f5 b3 8. f6 b2 9. f7 b1=Q 10. f8=Q {play transposes into a theoretically unclear queen ending.}) 2... b5 {it is unlikely that White can realize his slight advantage, e.g.} 3. Ke4 Kd7 4. Ke5 Ke7 5. f5 exf5 6. Kxf5 Kf7 7. Kg5 g6 {, with a draw.}) 1... b6 2. Kc4 {!} Ke7 3. Kd3 {!} Kf6 (3... Kd7 {, then %05With his great freedom for manoeuvring, White can always reach the important e5 square. If, for example,} 4. Ke4 Kd6 5. Kd4 Kd7 6. Ke5 Ke7 {, and now, as shown by Maizelis, after} 7. f5 exf5 8. Kxf5 Kf7 9. Kg5 Kf8 {!} (9... g6 10. Kh6 Kf6 11. Kh7 {!} Kg5 12. Kg7 $18) 10. Kf4 { ! White breaks decisively into his opponent's position:} Ke8 11. Ke4 Kd8 12. Kf5 {!} Ke7 13. Kg6 Kf8 14. Kh7 Kf7 15. g5 {, winning.}) 4. Ke4 g6 (4... Kf7 5. Ke5 Ke7 {leads after f4-f5 to situations already considered.}) (4... Ke7 {%05or } 5. Ke5 Kd7) 5. Kd4 Ke7 6. Ke5 Kf7 7. Kd6 Kf6 8. Kc6 g5 9. fxg5+ Kxg5 10. Kxb6 e5 11. Kc5 e4 12. Kd4 Kf4 13. b6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/7p/1p6/8/3p4/1P1P4/7P/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Ke2 {%05White wins the d4 pawn, but loses his b3 pawn; the d3 and b6 pawns are also exchanged (after promoting). Victory is secured by the h2 pawn.} Ke7 2. Kf3 Kd6 3. b4 {!} Kc6 (3... Ke5 4. Kg4) 4. Ke4 Kb5 5. Kxd4 Kxb4 6. Ke5 b5 7. d4 Kc3 8. d5 b4 9. d6 b3 10. d7 b2 11. d8=Q b1=Q 12. Qd4+ Kc2 (12... Kb3 13. Qb6+) 13. Qe4+ Kc1 14. Qxb1+ Kxb1 15. Kf6 {!} Kc2 16. Kg7 {!} h5 17. Kg6 h4 18. Kg5 h3 19. Kg4 Kd3 20. Kxh3 Ke4 21. Kg4 {, and wins.} * [Event "Southport (England)"] [Site "Southport (England)"] [Date "1905.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wahltuch Victor"] [Black "Michell Reginald P (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p2k1p1/8/2P1p3/8/P4K1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1905.??.??"] 1... Kd6 {%05Black has a passed pawn, but it will be either exchanged for the c-pawn or blockaded:} (1... Ke5 {, then %05If} 2. Ke3 g5 3. h3 Kf5 4. a3 {!!} ( 4. a4 {? leads only to a draw in view of %05But} Ke5 5. c5 bxc5 6. a5 Kd5 7. a6 Kc6 8. Kxe4 Kb6 9. Kd5 Kxa6 10. Kxc5 Kb7 {=}) 4... Ke5 5. a4 Kf5 6. c5 {!} bxc5 7. a5 {and wins.}) 2. Ke3 Kc5 (2... Ke5 3. a4 {!} Kf5 4. c5 {!}) 3. Kxe4 Kxc4 4. h4 {!} b5 5. Ke5 b4 6. Kd6 (6. Kf6 {?} Kc3 7. Kxg6 Kb2 8. h5 Kxa2 9. h6 b3 { - draw}) 6... Kb5 7. Kd5 Ka4 8. Kc4 {, and wins ~3 ($40694)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leick"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p5p1/P3p3/7P/3K3P/5Pk1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Ke5 Kxf3 (1... Kxh4 2. Kxe6 Kxh5 3. Kd7) 2. Kxe6 Kg4 3. h6 {!!} (3. Kd6 {?} Kxh5 4. Kc6 Kxh4 {- draw}) 3... gxh6 4. Kd6 {, and neither} Kxh4 (4... Kf5 { saves the draw. %05nor}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leick"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k3p/7P/5p2/5P2/3p4/3P4/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Kf2 Ke7 2. Ke3 Kf6 (2... Ke6 {%05after} 3. Kxd3 Kd5 4. Ke3 Kc4 {the win is achieved as in example ~3($41318)~}) 3. Kd4 {!} (3. Kxd3 {?} Kg6) 3... Kg6 4. Ke5 Kxh6 5. Kf6 Kh5 6. Kxf5 Kh6 7. Kf6 Kh5 8. f5 Kg4 9. Ke6 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/1p5p/3k3P/P7/4p3/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. Ke8 {! Now there are three possibilities:} Ke6 (1... Kc6 2. Ke7 {!} Kc5 3. Ke6 Kc4 4. Ke5 Kb5 5. Kf6 {!} Kxa5 6. Kg7 b5 7. Kxh7 b4 8. Kg7 {!} b3 9. h7 b2 10. h8=Q b1=Q 11. Qa8+ {, and wins.}) (1... Ke5 2. Kd7 {!} Kf4 3. Kd6 {!} Kg4 4. Ke5 Kg5 5. Kxe4 Kxh6 6. Kf5 Kg7 7. Ke6 {!} h6 8. f3 {!} h5 9. Kf5 Kh6 10. f4 {! , and wins.}) 2. Kd8 Kd6 3. Kc8 Kc6 4. Kb8 Kb5 5. Kxb7 Kxa5 6. Kc6 Ka6 7. Kd5 Kb6 8. Kxe4 $18 {, and the king penetrates to f6.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tattersall"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p4/3Pk3/2P2p2/3K4/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] 1. e4 {!} f3 (1... fxe3 {%05Black also fails to save the game after} 2. Kxe3 Kf6 {!} 3. Kd4 {!} Ke7 4. Kc3 {, when White wins by a by-pass ~3 ($40198)~}) ( 1... Kf6 {%05or} 2. Ke2 Kg6 3. Kf3 Kg5 4. c5 {!$18 %04etc.}) 2. c5 {!!} dxc5 3. Ke3 $40 {, and wins. In the position moved to the left, the by-pass is not possible, and therefore it is a draw ~3( 196)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/p4ppp/8/8/8/8/PP3PPP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] {~18. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (material advantage)~ In endings with several pawns, with only very rare exceptions an advantage of one pawn is sufficient for a win. The realization of such an advantage does not normally present any difficulty. If the opponent's king succeeds in stopping this pawn, then, exploiting the fact that it has been diverted, the stronger side breaks through with his king to the enemy pawns on the opposite wing and gains there a decisive material advantage. Before setting up a passed pawn, it is normally useful to improve the position of one's own king, so as to advance the pawn most effectively towards the queening square, without allowing the opponent any chances. As an example of the realization of a passed pawn, let us consider the following position.} 1. Kf1 {(the king must be brought into play)} Ke7 2. Ke2 Kd6 3. b4 (3. Kd3 {%05or} Kc5 4. Kc3 {and 5. b4}) 3... Kd5 4. Kd3 f5 5. f4 g6 6. g3 a6 7. a4 Kc6 {The king cannot be maintained in its active position - Black has run out of moves, and he has to retreat.} 8. Kd4 Kd6 9. b5 axb5 10. axb5 Kc7 11. Ke5 {The simplest. White gives up his passed pawn, but gains a decisive material advantage on the opposite wing.} (11. Kc5 {%05The alternative was} Kb7 12. b6 Kb8 13. Kc6 Kc8 14. b7+ Kb8 15. Kb6 h6 (15... h5 16. Kc6) 16. h4 g5 {(a desperate attempt to play for stalemate)} 17. hxg5 hxg5 18. fxg5 f4 19. g6 f3 20. g7 f2 21. g8=Q# {mate.}) 11... Kb6 12. Kf6 Kxb5 13. Kg7 Kc4 14. Kxh7 Kd4 15. Kxg6 {, and White wins. The reader should note how easily White carried out his winning plan. Of course, to a certain extent this example was an ideal one, but it can safely be said that in the overwhelming majority of pawn endings a material advantage can be realized without difficulty. But even so, it should not be thought that an extra pawn in a pawn ending guarantees victory, or that the win is achieved automatically. As we have established, the winning plan consists of three stages: the creation of a passed pawn, supporting it with the king, and the breakthrough of the king to the enemy pawns. At each of these stages problems may arise, associated with this or that feature of the position. It may, for example, prove difficult to create a passed pawn due to some defect in the pawn formation (backward pawn, doubled pawns etc.), or it may be difficult for the king to support it, since it is tied up with other duties (stopping an enemy passed pawn, defending invasion squares et.). Finally, it may happen that it is altogether for the king to penetrate into the enemy position. In the following examples we will show how these difficulties are overcome.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/p4kp1/P6p/1P3P1P/4K1P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1. Kf2 {%05After} Kf4 {Black tries to prevent the creation of a passed pawn, but White easily overcomes this barrier by a temporary pawn sacrifice:} 2. g3+ {!} hxg3+ 3. Kg2 Ke5 4. Kxg3 Kf5 {(setting up a second line of defence, but it too can be overcome)} 5. f4 {!} gxf4+ 6. Kf3 {By his pawn sacrifice White has set up an outside passed pawn, and now, after the enforced exchange of the K-side pawns, what proves decisive is the fact that his king is much closer than the opponent's king to the Q-side pawns.} Kg5 7. h4+ (7. Ke4 {%05or} Kh4 8. Kxf4 $18) 7... Kxh4 8. Kxf4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1Pp5/2Pp1k2/3P4/4PK2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {In the following example White successfully combines an undermining of the enemy pawns with the threat of a breakthrough.} 1. e4+ {! %05White first carries out the undermining:} dxe4+ 2. Ke3 Ke6 (2... Kf6 {, the breakthrough %05if} 3. d5 cxd5 4. c6 $18 {is decisive}) 3. Kxe4 Ke7 4. Ke5 (4. d5 {also wins, but the text move is simpler.}) 4... Kd7 5. Kf6 Kd8 6. Ke6 Kc8 (6... Ke8 7. d5 cxd5 8. c6 $18) 7. Ke7 Kb8 8. Kd7 Ka8 9. d5 cxd5 10. c6 bxc6 11. Kc7 { , and White gives mate in three moves. Note that if this position is moved one file to the left, the assessment changes - Black easily draws by taking his king into the a8 corner.} * [Event "Jakarta (Indonesia)"] [Site "Jakarta (Indonesia)"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Bachtiar Arovah (INA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/p1k2p1p/P1P2PpP/1PK3P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {Sometimes the opponent's counter-play may force the stronger side (before setting up a passed pawn) to resort to very subtle manoeuvring, to suppress this counter-play. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 203I02I4/201I5/302D4/201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd3 {! %05However, the game lasted only another three moves: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} (1. b4+ {%05How is White to realize his advantage? If, for example,} axb4+ 2. Kb3 {, Black launches an attack on the K-side pawns:} Kd4 3. Kxb4 Ke3 4. Kb5 (4. c5 {instead of 4. Kb5} bxc5+ 5. Kxc5 {gains an important tempo, but after} Kf3 6. a5 Kxg3 7. a6 Kh2 8. a7 g3 9. a8=Q g2 10. Qa2 Kh1 11. Qd5 Kh2 { no win is apparent.}) (4. a5 {! %05 Analysis has shown that White also had another, albeit more complicated path, nevertheless beginning with 1. b4 and now not 4. c5, but} bxa5+ 5. Kxa5 Kf3 6. c5 Kxg3 7. c6 Kh2 8. c7 g3 9. c8=Q g2 10. Qc2 {!} Kh1 11. Qxf5 {!} g1=Q 12. Qh3+ Qh2 13. Qxh2+ Kxh2 14. f5 $18 { %04etc.}) 4... Kf3 5. Kxb6 Kxg3 6. a5 Kxf4 7. a6 g3 8. a7 g2 {, and the queens appear simultaneously.}) 1... Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Kb4 { %05totally bad is} 2. Kc2 Kc5 3. Kc3 {and the inevitable b3-b4}) 2. Kd2 { ! %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/ 201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kc2 {! and Black resigned, since after %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/ 201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/ 201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I02I4/201I5/302D4/ 201D03D4/302D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. b4 axb4+ 7. Kxb4 Kc6 {there follows} 8. c5 bxc5+ 9. Kc4 $18 {%04etc. It is easy to establish that we have here a case of corresponding squares: to c3 the corresponding square is c5, d4-d6, d3-c6, d2-d6 (again), but to c2 the black king has no corresponding square - the familiar "triangulation". And if the black king retreats to the 7th rank. White plays his king to c3 and follows up with b3-b4.} * [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Barden Leonard W (ENG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p3k2/p1p4p/2P2p1P/1P3P2/P3K1P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1... Ke5 { %05If there were no pawns on the Q-side, White would easily^013^010 %05be able to carry out the undermining move g2-g3 and^013^010 %05win as in position ~3 ($41297)~. But here Black has^013^010 %05counter-play associated with ... a4 and the threat of an^013^010 %05attack by his king on the Q-side pawns. This^013^010 %05complicates White's task, but not to extent that he is^013^010 %05unable to win.} (1... a4 {would have been more tenacious, when White wins by an instructive variation: %05Taimanov shows that} 2. bxa4 {!} Ke5 (2... Kf5 3. Kd3 Ke5 4. Kc3 Kd6 5. Kb3 Kc6 6. a5 bxa5 7. Ka4 Kb6 8. a3 {!} Ka6 9. Kb3 Kb6 10. Kc3 Kc6 11. Kd3 Kd6 12. Ke4 $18 {, and the battle for the invasion squares is won}) 3. Kd3 Kf5 4. Kc2 Ke5 5. Kc3 {! (in moving to the Q-side, White simultaneously defends the invasion squares)} Kf6 6. Kb3 Ke5 7. a5 {!} bxa5 8. Ka4 Kd4 9. Kb5 a4 10. a3 {!} Kc3 11. Kxc5 Kb3 12. Kd5 Kxa3 13. c5 Kb4 14. c6 a3 15. c7 a2 16. c8=Q a1=Q 17. Qc5+ Kb3 18. Qc4+ $18 {, exchanging queens with an easy win.}) 2. a4 {!} (2. Kf2 {? there could have followed %05on} a4 3. g4 fxg3+ 4. Kxg3 Kd4 {= with dangerous counter-play}) 2... Kd4 3. Kd2 Ke5 4. Kd3 { !} Kf5 5. Ke2 Ke5 6. Kf2 Kd4 7. g4 fxg3+ 8. Kxg3 Ke5 9. Kg2 Kd4 (9... Kf5 { %05if} 10. Kf1 {!}) 10. f4 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moisieev Oleg L (RUS)"] [Black "Elbekov"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p3kp/3p4/1p1P4/pP5P/P5K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1. Kf4 { %05Black's plan is clear: to place his king at d7 and play ... c5, creating a passed pawn. White can counter this only by an attack on the h7 pawn:} (1. Kf3 {%04then %05If} Kf6 2. Kf4 Ke7 3. Kg5 Kd7 4. Kh6 c5 5. dxc6+ Kxc6 6. Kxh7 d5 7. h5 d4 8. h6 d3 9. Kg6 d2 10. h7 d1=Q 11. h8=Q Qg4+ 12. Kf7 Qd7+ 13. Kg8 Qe8+ 14. Kh7 Qxh8+ 15. Kxh8 Kd5 $19) 1... Kf6 2. Ke4 Ke7 3. Kf5 Kd7 4. h5 c5 5. dxc6+ Kxc6 {The assessment of this position provoked a discussion on the pages of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR. The game concluded as follows:} 6. h6 (6. Ke6 {%05Instead of 6. h6, Zamikhovsky recommended} h6 7. Kf5 {as being more tenacious, but after} Kd5 8. Kg6 Kc4 $17 {this leads to a favourable queen ending for Black.}) (6. Ke4 {%05Note that White also fails to save the game by} h6 7. Kd4 {?} (7. Kf5 Kd5 8. Kg6 Kc4 $17) 7... Kc7 8. Ke4 Kd8 {!} 9. Kf5 Ke7 10. Ke4 Ke6 11. Kd4 d5 12. Kc5 Ke5 $19 {%04etc.}) 6... Kd7 {?} (6... Kd5 { ! %05But analysis shows that Black's 6th move was also wrong. Correct was} 7. Kf6 Kc4 8. Kg7 d5 9. Kxh7 d4 10. Kg8 d3 11. h7 d2 12. h8=Q d1=Q {, with the same favourable queen ending.^013^010 As shown by Knyazev (1983), a precise assessment of this ending depends on whether Black can overcome his opponent's defences after} 13. Qb2 {!$17 , but a detailed analysis here would take us far off the main path.}) 7. Kf6 d5 8. Kg7 {?} (8. Ke5 {! %05 I. Asaritis remarked that it wasn't 6. h6 that was a mistake, but only 8. Kg7, and that instead of this White should have continued} Kc6 9. Kf4 {!} Kd6 10. Kf5 {with a draw, e.g. } d4 11. Ke4 d3 12. Kxd3 Kd5 13. Kc3 Ke4 14. Kc2 {!= %04etc.}) 8... d4 9. Kxh7 d3 10. Kg8 d2 11. h7 d1=Q 12. h8=Q Qg4+ 13. Kf7 Qe6+ $19 {, and White resigned, since the exchange of queens is inevitable. But what if there were no pawns on the h-file - the source of White's counter-play?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p3k1/3p4/1p1P4/pP6/P5K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] 1. Kf3 {! %05Even here Black encounters certain difficulties over %05realizing his advantage. The following is a possible %05continuation:} Kf7 2. Kg3 {!} (2. Ke4 {%05White makes the only moves, all others losing quickly, e.g.} Kg6 3. Kf4 Kf6 4. Ke4 Kg5 {, and the d5 pawn is lost.}) 2... Ke7 3. Kg4 (3. Kf3 {!?} Kd7 4. Ke4 c5 5. dxc6+ Kxc6 6. Kd4 Kc7 7. Ke4 Kd8 8. Kd4 Ke7 9. Ke4 Ke6 10. Kd4 d5 11. Kc5 Ke5 12. Kxb5 d4 13. Kc4 Ke4 14. b5 d3 15. b6 d2 16. b7 d1=Q 17. b8=Q Qd4+ 18. Kb5 Qb2+ $19) 3... Kd7 4. Kf5 c5 5. dxc6+ Kxc6 6. Ke6 Kc7 7. Kf5 Kb6 { !} (7... Kd7 {achieves nothing due to %05As in example ~3($4118)~, Black wins by triangulation.} 8. Kf6) 8. Kf6 Kb7 {!} 9. Kf5 Kc7 {!} 10. Kf6 Kd7 11. Kf5 Ke7 $19 {etc.~3 ($4118)~.} * [Event "Parnu (Estonia)"] [Site "Parnu (Estonia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Randviir"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/p4p2/k1pP1Pp1/6P1/P1K5/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1... Kb5 { ! A necessary finesse. %05 Black's material advantage comprises his backward h7 pawn. But it nevertheless decides the game, since the threat of a breakthrough (... h5) restricts the manoeuvrability of the white king, and it also provides an extremely important reserve tempo for zugzwang positions.} ( 1... Kb6 {? %05After} 2. Kc4 a5 3. a4 {Black has to use up his reserve tempo, and after} h6 4. Kd3 Kc7 5. Kc3 {= the "untouchable" pawns lead to a draw.}) 2. a4+ (2. Kd3 c4+ 3. Kd4 c3 4. Kxc3 Kc5 $19) 2... Kb6 3. Kc4 a5 {The only move;} (3... h6 {%05after} 4. a5+ {! only White has winning chances.}) 4. d6 (4. Kd3 { %05But now he has to exchange his d-pawn for the c-pawn, since he loses quickly after} Kc7 5. Kc3 Kd6 6. Kc4 h6 {!$19 This where Black requires his reserve tempo.}) 4... Kc6 5. d7 Kxd7 6. Kxc5 Ke7 {Since the white king cannot attack the a-pawn due to the threat of ... h5, Black goes to the aid of his h-pawn.} 7. Kd5 Kf7 8. Ke4 (8. Kd4 {there could have followed %05On} h5 9. gxh5 Kg7 10. Kd5 g4 11. Ke4 Kh6 $19 {, when Black wins.}) 8... Kf8 {!!} 9. Ke3 (9. Kd5 {Black can play %05Unexpectedly White finds himself in zugzwang. On} h5 { Therefore White does not risk leaving the e-file, but now after parrying the threat of a breakthrough, he loses due to the opponent's reserve tempo.}) (9. Kd4 {%05or}) 9... Ke7 {!} 10. Ke4 Kd6 11. Kd4 h6 {!} 12. Ke4 (12. Kc4 { %05There is nothing better. If} Ke5 13. Kb5 {, then} h5 14. gxh5 Kxf5 15. Kxa5 g4 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 12... Kc5 {!} 13. Ke3 Kd5 (13... Kb4 {%05This is much simpler than working out the ending arising after} 14. Kd4 Kxa4 15. Kd5 Kb3 16. Ke6 a4 17. Kxf6 a3 18. Ke7 a2 19. f6 a1=Q 20. f7 {, although by} Qa3+ { !} 21. Ke8 Qa4+ 22. Ke7 Qxg4 23. f8=Q Qb4+ $19 {Black again wins.}) 14. Kd3 Ke5 15. Ke3 h5 16. gxh5 Kxf5 17. Kf3 Ke6 (17... g4+ {%05Of course, Black could also have played} 18. Kg3 Kg5 19. h6 Kxh6 20. Kxg4 Kg6 $19 {Since his pawn has not crossed the c2-h7 diagonal (Bahr's rule), he must win.}) 18. Kg4 Kf7 19. Kf5 Kg7 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Southend (England)"] [Site "Southend (England)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Persitz Raaphi (SUI)"] [Black "Paffly"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p1k5/2Pp2p1/1K4P1/7P/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1. Ka5 { %05 White's plan is to exchange his c5 pawn for the a-pawn, and then break through with his king to the g5 pawn.} (1. c3 {%05The attempt by White to support his passed pawn does not succeed:} a5+ 2. Kxa5 Kxc5 $19 {, and Black has the chances.}) 1... Kxc5 (1... Kb7 2. c3 {!} (2. c6+ {?} Kxc6 3. Kxa6 d4 { = with a draw}) 2... Kc7 3. Kxa6 Kc6 {! was more tenacious, but after} 4. Ka7 Kc7 5. c6 {!} Kxc6 6. Ka6 {!$18 White nevertheless attains the position from the game.}) 2. Kxa6 Kc6 (2... d4 {%05if} 3. Kb7 $18) (2... Kc4 {there follows %05while on} 3. Kb6 Kc3 4. Kc5 $18) 3. c3 {! In this way White puts his opponent in zugzwang, and forces him to allow the king into his position.} Kc5 4. Kb7 d4 (4... Kd6 5. Kb6 {!} (5. Kc8 {?} Kc6 {= with a draw}) 5... Ke5 6. Kc5 Ke6 7. Kc6 Ke5 8. Kd7 $18 {, and White wins.}) 5. cxd4+ Kxd4 6. Kc6 Ke5 7. Kd7 Kf6 (7... Kf4 8. Ke6 Kg3 9. Kf5 $18 {%04etc.}) 8. Kd6 {!$18 , and White won.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1879.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Minckwitz Johannes (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6pP/2k2pP1/4pP2/6P1/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1879.??.??"] {If a passed pawn cannot be created by manoeuvring, only one possibility remains - a breakthrough (the sacrifice of one, or even several pawns, with the aim of carving a way to the queening square for another pawn).} 1. g4 { %05If the black king were at d6, the result would be a draw, but the remoteness of the king from the pawns creates the possibility of a breakthrough:} fxg4 2. f5 gxf5 3. g6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "1891.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "Bauer"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6kp/p7/1p4P1/1P3K2/P1P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1891.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395 The following example is more complicated.} 1. c4 {! %05On the Q-side the two black pawns are restraining three enemy pawns, and the white king cannot go there, since this loses the g-pawn.^013^010 %05 White nevertheless wins, by employing a typical device - the breakthrough. By the sacrifice of two pawns he creates an outside passed pawn, which the enemy king is unable to stop.} bxc3 2. Ke3 Kg5 3. a4 {!} Kxg4 4. b4 {!} axb4 5. Kd3 {! A necessary finesse.} ( 5. a5 {? %05After} b3 6. Kd3 b2 7. Kc2 Kf3 {!} 8. a6 Ke2 9. a7 b1=Q+ 10. Kxb1 Kd2 {= Black saves the draw.}) 5... h5 6. a5 $18 {, and White won.} 1-0 [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1919.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Conde Jm"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/2k2p1p/p1p2P2/P1Pp4/1P5P/5PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1919.??.??"] {In the following example White wins by a breakthrough on both wings. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1. f4 { %05The pawn formation on the K-side permits the possibility of a breakthrough, so that the black king cannot move far away from that wing. This allows White to play b3-b4 at a convenient moment, creating a passed pawn.} Kd6 2. g4 Ke7 3. Kf2 Kd6 4. Kf3 Ke7 5. Ke4 Kd6 6. h4 Kd7 {Having deployed his king and his pawns in the best possible way, Capablanca turns to decisive action.} 7. b4 {!} axb4 8. a5 Kc7 9. g5 fxg5 10. fxg5 hxg5 11. hxg5 b3 12. Kd3 Kd7 13. g6 fxg6 14. fxg6 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Szabo Laszlo (HUN)"] [Black "Pirc Vasja (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/7p/pP2k1pP/5pP1/8/1P2PPK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1. f3 { ! Splendidly played! %05 The only thing that can stop the black king is the threat of a pawn breakthrough, but such that it is the knight's pawn or even the rook's pawn on the K-side that becomes the passed pawn.} (1. e3 {? %05The black king is extremely active, and so the usual plan of creating a passed pawn does not succeed here:} fxe3 2. fxe3 Kd5 3. Kf3 a4 4. Ke2 Kc4 5. Kd2 Kxb5 6. Kc3 Kc5 7. e4 c6 $17 {, and after losing a pawn White no longer has any winning chances.}) 1... Kd5 (1... Kd4 {%05If now} 2. Kf2 a4 {, first comes the standard procedure of undermining:} 3. e3+ {!} fxe3+ 4. Ke2 Kc4 5. Kxe3 Kb3 6. f4 gxf4+ 7. Kf3 Kxb2 {, and then the breakthrough:} 8. g5 {!$18 , and White wins.}) 2. Kf2 Kd4 3. Ke1 Kc4 (3... Ke3 {, then %05If} 4. b3 Kd4 5. Kd2 Kc5 6. e3 fxe3+ 7. Kxe3 Kxb5 8. f4 gxf4+ 9. Kf3 $18 {and 10. g5.}) 4. Kd2 {! This cool move was not played in the game, which took a sharp turn:} (4. e3 {?$16} fxe3 5. Ke2 Kd4 6. b3 Kc3 7. f4 gxf4 8. g5 Kd4 {!} 9. gxh6 f3+ 10. Kxf3 Kd3 11. h7 e2 12. h8=Q e1=Q 13. Qd8+ Kc3 14. Qxc7+ Kxb3 15. b6 Qd1+ 16. Kg3 {In this queen ending White has every chance of winning, but the struggle could still have continued for a long time (White's king would have had to hide behind the b6 pawn). The game in fact concluded surprisingly quickly:} Qxh5 {?} (16... Qd3+ {%02!?$16}) 17. b7 Qg5+ 18. Kf3 Qf5+ 19. Ke3 Qg5+ 20. Kd4 $18 {, and Black resigned since the king finds a shelter at a7.}) 4... a4 {%05The analysis of 4. Kd2 is by Euwe.} (4... Kxb5 {%05there is nothing better; if} 5. e3 $18) (4... Kd4 {%05or} 5. b3 $18) 5. e3 fxe3+ 6. Kxe3 Kxb5 (6... Kb3 { leads to variations already considered:} 7. f4 gxf4+ 8. Kf3 Kxb2 9. g5 {!} a3 10. gxh6 a2 11. h7 a1=Q 12. h8=Q+ $18 {%04etc.}) 7. f4 gxf4+ 8. Kxf4 c5 9. Ke3 c4 10. Kd2 $18 {and Black can resign: against the g4-g5 breakthrough there is no defence.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/5p2/7p/2P3p1/8/4PP1P/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] 1. Kb2 {%05White's king is a long way from the K-side, and in the first instance he must defend against the threat of a breakthrough:} f5 2. Kc3 h5 3. Kd3 {!} h4 4. f4 {! The decisive move! By clarifying the situation on the K-side, White concludes the game in his favour.} g4 (4... gxf4 {%05If now} 5. exf4 {, and Black's counter-play is neutralized.}) 5. Ke2 g3 (5... Kd7 { , then %05There is nothing better. If} 6. hxg4 {!} fxg4 7. f5 {, and the black king cannot cope with the enemy passed pawns.}) 6. e4 {!} fxe4 7. f5 {, and one of the white pawns queens.} * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1905.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spiess"] [Black "Burger"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p6p/1p3kp1/1P6/P4PKP/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1905.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395 With doubled pawns the creation of a passed pawn is often a difficult, and sometimes altogether hopeless matter. Other factors come to the rescue, as we will now see.} 1. f4 {! %05Here White succeeds with a pawn sacrifice:} gxf4+ 2. Kh4 {! , activating his king.} Ke4 3. Kg4 f3 (3... h5+ 4. Kxh5 Kf3 5. Kg5 $18 { is no better}) 4. h4 h5+ 5. Kxh5 (5. Kg3 {%05Also possible is} Ke5 6. Kxf3 Kf5 7. Ke3 Kg4 8. f4 Kxh4 9. Kf3 {!$18 %04etc}) 5... Kf5 6. Kh6 Kf6 (6... Kg4 { does not achieve anything:} 7. h5 Kh3 8. Kg5 Kg2 9. h6 $18 {, and White queens first}) 7. h5 $18 {%04etc} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p6p/1p3kp1/1P6/P4PKP/5P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... h5 {! he would have won, e.g. %05One interesting point should be noted. If in the diagram position it had been Black to move, after} 2. Kh2 (2. f4 { %05or} gxf4+ 3. Kf3 (3. Kh4 Kg6 4. f3 Kh6 $19) 3... Ke5 4. Ke2 Ke4 5. h4 f3+ 6. Kd2 Kd4 7. Kc2 Kc4 $19 {%04etc.}) 2... Kf4 3. Kg2 h4 $19 * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1891.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Scheve Theodor (POL)"] [Black "Walbrodt Carl A (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/1p4p1/4p1k1/1P6/5PK1/1P3P1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1891.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1. b5 { ! %05The defects in White's pawn formation (two sets of doubled pawns) are strikingly apparent. Nevertheless, thanks to the existence of several reserve tempi, he succeeds in winning after} f5 (1... Kh5 {%05Other continuations would not have saved Black, e.g.} 2. f4 {!} e4 (2... exf4+ 3. Kxf4 Kh4 4. Ke4 Kh3 5. Kd5 $18) 3. f5 {!} g5 4. h3 f6 5. b3 Kh6 6. Kg4 Kg7 7. h4 $18 {%04etc.}) (1... Kf5 {%05or} 2. h4 g5 3. h5 f6 4. b3 Ke6 5. Kg4 $18) (1... f6 {is evidently the most tenacious, but here too White is helped by his reserve tempi:} 2. b3 {!} Kf5 (2... Kh5 {%05or} 3. f4 {, transposing into continuations already considered.}) 3. h4 $18) 2. f4+ Kf6 (2... exf4+ {%05If} 3. Kf3 Kf6 4. Kxf4 g5+ {, then} 5. Kg3 {followed by 6. h3 and 7. f4, while} Ke5 {can be met by} 6. f4+ {!} Ke4 7. fxg5 Ke3 8. g6 f4+ 9. Kg2 {!} Ke2 10. g7 f3+ 11. Kg3 f2 12. g8=Q f1=Q 13. Qc4+ $18 {, exchanging queens.}) 3. fxe5+ Kxe5 4. Kf3 g5 5. Ke3 Kd5 (5... g4 6. f3 {!$18}) 6. h3 Kc5 7. f4 $18 {, and White won.} 1-0 [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1897.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Teichmann Richard (GER)"] [Black "Blackburne Joseph H (ENG)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/5kpp/p1p5/P1P2PP1/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1897.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1. Kh2 { %05Here the extra pawn is of importance only as a reserve tempo ... c5. Apart from his more active king, Black has another advantage: the possibility of ... h4, exchanging pawns and creating invasion squares.} Kf6 (1... h4 {%05Nothing is achieved by} 2. Kg2 {!= , and any king move by Black is met by 3. f4! with a draw.}) 2. Kg2 (2. Kh3 Ke6 {!} 3. Kg2 (3. g4 {, e.g. %05Here it is useful to consider another active possibility for White -} h4 4. f4 {!} gxf4 5. Kxh4 { But it too fails to save him:} Ke5 6. g5 (6. Kh3 Ke4 7. Kg2 Kd3 {!} 8. Kf3 Kxc3 9. g5 Kb2 10. g6 c3 $19 {%04etc.}) 6... Ke4 7. g6 f3 8. g7 f2 9. g8=Q f1=Q { Although it is White to move, he appears to have no way of saving even this relatively favourable ending, e.g.} 10. Qe8+ (10. Qg6+ {%05or} Ke3 11. Qe6+ ( 11. Qxc6 Qf4+ $19 {and 12... Qf3, exchanging queens}) 11... Kd3 12. Qd6+ Kc2 13. Qxc6 (13. Qb4 {does not help, since after a couple of checks the black queen reaches b5}) 13... Qe1+ 14. Kg4 Qxc3 15. Qxa4+ Qb3 $19 {, and Black queens his c-pawn.}) 10... Kd3 11. Qxc6 Qf2+ 12. Kg4 Qc2 $19 {, winning the c-pawn}) 3... Ke5 {! It is not hard to see that White is in zugzwang. If} 4. Kh3 {, then} (4. Kh2 {%05or} h4 $19) (4. Kf2 {, then again %05while if} h4 5. f4+ Kf5 6. fxg5 (6. Kf3 {%05in the event of} g4+ 7. Kf2 hxg3+ 8. Kxg3 {the reserve tempo} c5 {!$19 is again decisive}) 6... h3 {!$19 , and Black wins.}) 4... h4 {with continuations already considered}) 2... Kg6 3. Kh2 (3. Kh3 { %05 In 1922 Berger expressed doubts as to whether White had played the best. He indicated the possibility of preventing 3... h4, but refrained from drawing any conclusions. In Basic Chess Endings (1941) Fine gave this ending with Black to move, placed under the diagram "Black wins", and gave the continuation 1... Kf6 2. Kh3 Kg6 3. Kh2 h4 4. Kh3 hg 5. Kg3 Kf5 etc., as in the above game.^013^010 %05 In 1950 the continuation given in Fine's book was criticized in the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR by Bonch-Osmolovsky and Ter-Pogosov. To 2... Kg6 and 3. Kh2 they attached questions marks, pointing out that playing the king to g6 should not have succeeded, since White could have replied 3. Kg2!, and if 3... h4 4. f4 with an obvious draw.}) 3... h4 {!} 4. Kh3 (4. f4 {Black wins by %05On} gxf4 5. gxh4 Kh5 6. Kh3 c5 {!$19 As we see, the extra tempo comes in very useful!}) 4... hxg3 5. Kxg3 (5. Kg2 {merely prolongs matters:} Kf6 {!} 6. Kh3 Ke5 {!$19 , and White has to take on g3.}) 5... Kf5 6. Kf2 (6. Kg2 {%05In the event of} Kf4 7. Kf2 {Black can again exploit advantageously his reserve tempo:} c5 {!} 8. Ke2 Kg3 9. Ke3 Kh3 { ! This move is the whole point: d3 is inaccessible to the white king, and Black succeeds in carrying out a decisive by-passing manoeuvre:} 10. Kf2 Kh2 {! } 11. Ke3 Kg1 12. Ke2 Kg2 13. Ke3 Kf1 $19 {, and wins.}) 6... Kf4 7. Ke2 Kg3 8. Ke3 c5 {!} 9. Ke2 (9. Ke4 Kf2 $19) 9... Kg2 {, and White resigned in view of} 10. Ke3 Kf1 11. Ke4 Ke2 $19 {%04etc. Only now can we say that this complicated ending has fully revealed its secrets.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p2k2/6pp/p1p5/P1P2PP1/7K/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {Bonch-Osmolovsky and Ter-Pogosov made a thorough study of this ending, and determined a number of positions in which ... h4 is possible. Here, for example, is one of them.} 1... h4 {!} 2. f4 {! This counter-blow is White's main chance, otherwise play reduces to the continuation already seen in the game.} gxf4 3. gxh4 Kf5 {! An important finesse. It is useful to lure the white king to h3 (4... Kg4 is threatened).} 4. Kh3 Ke4 {! (the goal is achieved via a queen ending)} 5. h5 (5. Kg2 {%05Even worse is} Kd3 {!} 6. Kf3 Kxc3 7. h5 Kb3 8. h6 c3 9. h7 c2 10. h8=Q c1=Q {, when Black wins easily.}) 5... Ke3 6. h6 f3 7. h7 f2 8. h8=Q f1=Q+ 9. Kg4 Qf3+ 10. Kg5 Kd2 {, with a won queen ending. Note that in the initial position the black king could have been at e6, when the play would have been exactly the same.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p2k2/6pp/p1p5/P1P2PP1/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1... h4 {! %05The ... h4 breakthrough also proves possible with the white king at f2:} 2. f4 h3 (2... gxf4 {? %05of course, not} 3. gxh4 {, when only White can win}) 3. fxg5+ Kxg5 4. Kf3 c5 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/4k1pp/p1p5/P1P2PPK/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {The following position is also of interest.} 1... h4 {!} 2. gxh4 (2. f4+ { %05After} gxf4 3. gxh4 Ke4 {a position considered in the analysis of example ~3($41733)~ is reached.}) 2... gxh4 3. Kg4 c5 {! The reserve tempo again comes in useful. White is in zugzwang.} 4. f4+ Ke4 5. f5 h3 6. f6 h2 7. f7 h1=Q 8. f8=Q Qg2+ 9. Kh5 Kd3 {, and Black must win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/5kpp/p1p5/P1P2PP1/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... h4 {! %05These two subsidiary positions allow us to find %05immediately the correct path in position ~3($41732)~ %05with Black to move:} 2. Kh2 (2. Kh3 {%05or} Ke5 {, and we have obtained position ~3 ($41735)~.}) 2... Kf6 {! , and we reach position ~3($41733)~ However, as we know, in position ~3( 732)~ it was White to move. In this case Black's task is rather more difficult, and some preliminary manoeuvring with the king is required.} * [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/5p1p/4p1p1/4P3/8/5PP1/4P2P/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Black's king is threatening to go to d5 to attack the advanced white pawn, and the attempt to meet it with the white king does not succeed, since in this case it does not help its own pawns.} 1. h4 {%05The correct plan, combining the advance of the rook's pawn with manoeuvring by the king, was shown by Fine. Here is his analysis:} Ke7 2. Kg2 Kd7 3. h5 {!} Kc6 (3... gxh5 {%05Or} 4. Kh3 Kc6 5. Kh4 Kd5 6. f4 Ke4 7. Kxh5 Ke3 8. Kg5 Kxe2 9. g4 Kf3 10. f5 {and White wins.}) (3... g5 {%05No better is} 4. g4 Kc6 5. f4 {!} Kd5 6. Kf3 Kd4 7. h6 Kd5 8. e3 $18) 4. hxg6 fxg6 (4... hxg6 {%05after} 5. f4 Kd5 6. Kf3 {White's king reaches f6}) 5. f4 Kd5 6. Kf3 Kd4 {(by activating his king, Black complicates his opponent's task)} 7. g4 g5 (7... Kd5 {%05If} 8. Ke3 Kc5 {, then} 9. Kd3 { followed by 10. e4 and 11. f5}) (7... h6 {there follows %05while on} 8. e3+ Kd5 9. Ke2 Ke4 10. Kf2 g5 11. Kg3 {%04etc.}) 8. fxg5 {!} (8. e3+ {%05Also possible is} Kd5 9. e4+ (9. Kf2 {but not} Ke4 10. Kg3 h6 {!} 11. f5 Kxe5 12. fxe6 Kxe6 13. Kf3 Ke5 {! with a draw}) 9... Kd4 10. fxg5 Kxe5 11. Ke3 Kd6 12. Kf4 { , and White wins.}) 8... Kxe5 9. Ke3 Kd5 10. Kf4 Kd4 11. g6 {!} hxg6 12. Kg5 Ke3 13. Kxg6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Site "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Yates Frederick D (ENG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/8/1p2Pp2/p7/P1K1P3/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] {We will now consider cases where one side already has a passed pawn or has the possibility of creating one, but where problems arise in supporting this pawn with his king. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1. Kd3 {! %05The win is achieved by the following instructive manoeuvre:} (1. Kd4 {is also unpromising due to %05 The attack by White on the opponent's pawns does not succeed, since Black in turn can capture the e5 and e3 pawns. The direct support of the passed pawn by} Ke6 { , when White is in zugzwang.}) 1... Kd7 2. e4 {!} f4 3. Ke2 Ke6 4. Kf2 {!} Kxe5 5. Kf3 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3pk2/6p1/8/6pP/4P3/P5K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] 1... g5 {! %05But Black has a strong move, which reduces the play to "untouchable pawns":} (1... Kf6 {%05Black has an extra doubled pawn, but the attempt to defend it does not succeed:} 2. Kg3 Kf5 3. e4+ {!} Kxe4 4. Kxg4 e5 5. Kg5 {, and the pawns queen simultaneously.}) 2. h5 {, but then comes %05His best reply is} (2. Kg3 {%05Now it is completely bad for White to play} Kg6 3. Kxg4 gxh4 4. Kxh4 Kf5 5. Kg3 Ke4 6. Kf2 Kd3 7. Kf3 e5) 2... Kg7 3. Kg3 Kh6 ( 3... Kh7 {%05The game continuation was} 4. Kxg4 Kh6 {, similar to the previous ending. But here this subtlety is not essential, since even so Black does not have the tempi to create a zugzwang position, and all the same play reduces to the game continuation.}) 4. Kxg4 e6 {!} 5. a4 a5 6. e4 e5 7. Kf5 {(the only chance of complicating things)} Kxh5 8. Kxe5 g4 9. Kf4 (9. Kd4 {%05In the event of} g3 10. Ke3 Kg4 11. e5 (11. Ke2 Kh3) 11... Kh3 12. e6 g2 {Black again wins.}) 9... Kh4 10. e5 g3 11. e6 g2 12. e7 g1=Q 13. e8=Q Qf1+ {, and White loses his queen.} * [Event "Dresden (Germany)"] [Site "Dresden (Germany)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/1p6/1P1P1k2/2P1p3/4K1p1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1... Kg4 { %05The protected passed pawn restricts the black king, but by} (1... Ke5 { %05 Grigoriev showed another, no less instructive way, by which Black undermines and eliminates the opponent's protected passed pawn:} 2. Ke2 Kd6 3. Ke3 Kc7 4. Ke2 Kb7 5. Ke3 a5 6. bxa6+ Kxa6 7. Ke2 Kb7 8. Ke3 Kc7 9. Ke2 Kd6 10. Ke3 b5 11. cxb5 Kxd5 $19 {%04etc.}) 2. d6 g2 3. Kf2 Kh3 4. d7 e3+ {! Alekhine attained a won queen ending:} 5. Kf3 g1=Q 6. d8=Q Qf2+ 7. Ke4 e2 $19 {, and Black won.} 0-1 [Event "Polanica Zdroj (Poland)"] [Site "Polanica Zdroj (Poland)"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Uhlmann Wolfgang (GER)"] [Black "Akesson Ralf (SWE)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/p6p/1pP1k1pP/1P3pP1/P7/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "57"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1... Kd5 { %05Black's problem here is to prepare the transition into a favourable queen ending.} 2. Kf3 a5 {!} 3. Kg2 a4 4. Kf3 Ke5 5. Ke2 f5 6. gxf5 Kxf5 7. Kf3 g4+ 8. Kg2 f3+ 9. Kf2 (9. Kg3 Ke5 10. Kf2 Kf4 $19) 9... Kf4 {!} 10. c6 g3+ 11. Kf1 Ke3 12. c7 g2+ 13. Kg1 f2+ 14. Kxg2 Ke2 15. c8=Q f1=Q+ 16. Kg3 Qf3+ 17. Kh4 Qf4+ 18. Kh3 Qe3+ {!} 19. Kh2 (19. Kg4 Qg5+ $19) 19... Qe5+ {! (this subtle queen manoeuvre is the whole point: Black wins the h-pawn with check)} 20. Kg2 Qg5+ {!} 21. Kh3 Qxh5+ 22. Kg3 Qg5+ 23. Kh3 Kd2 {!} 24. Qc5 Kd3 25. Kh2 Qh4+ 26. Kg2 Qc4 {!} 27. Qd6+ Kc2 28. Qxh6 Kb2 29. Qe3 Qc2+ $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jacobi"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/1p6/1P2p2p/2KpP2P/PP6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] {We will now consider a number of examples where the stronger side is faced with the problem of how to penetrate into the enemy position.} 1. a5 {%05After} (1. b5 {is also possible}) 1... Kd7 2. b5 Kc8 3. a6 Kb8 {, in view of the threat of a6-a7 the black king has only the squares b8 and a8. It remains for White to penetrate into the enemy position, but for the moment this cannot be done due to ... d4.^013^010 To win, White must reach d6 when the black king is at a8 - hence he has to give his opponent the move. This is achieved by triangulation, on practically any squares. For example:} 4. Kb4 (4. Kd4 {%05or} Ka8 5. Kc3 Kb8 6. Kd3 Ka8 7. Kd4 Kb8 8. Kc5 {, and White wins.}) 4... Ka8 5. Ka5 Kb8 6. Ka4 Ka8 7. Kb4 Kb8 8. Kc5 Ka8 9. Kd6 {!} Kb8 (9... d4 10. Kc7) 10. Kxe6 d4 11. Kf7 d3 12. e6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/2k1p1pp/1p1pPp2/1P3P2/3K2P1/P6P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {In the following example it is Black's own passed pawn that prevents him from penetrating into the opponent's position.} 1... a6 {! (securing the Q-side) %05 In order to penetrate with his king, Black will be forced to sacrifice his d-pawn, and the whole question is whether or not White can defend all the invasion squares. But first White must be forced to use up his reserve tempi, which is very important for the creation of a zugzwang position.} 2. Kd4 Kd7 3. Kc5 Ke7 4. Kd4 Kf7 {Threatening to open lines by 5... g5. Therefore White's rely is forced, to be able to meet 5... g5 with 6. h5, blocking the king's path.} 5. h4 Ke7 6. Kc3 Kd7 7. Kd4 Kc6 8. Kd3 Kb6 9. Ke3 {!} (9. Kd4 {, allowing %05In a game played by Bahr his opponent went} a5 10. a3 axb4 11. axb4 {%04etc.}) 9... Kb7 (9... a5 {? comes %05But now on} 10. g4 {! , when Black cannot play} fxg4 11. h5 {!} gxh5 12. f5 {!} exf5 13. e6 Kc7 14. bxa5 {, when a white pawn is the first to queen, and meanwhile there is the threat of 11. h5 gh 12. g5. In defending against this threat, Black is forced by 10... h5 to waste his reserve tempo, after which there can be no question of a win.}) 10. Ke2 Kc6 11. Ke3 a5 {!} 12. a3 (12. g4 {? %05Black's king is one move closer to the e-file, and the breakthrough no longer works:} fxg4 {!} 13. h5 gxh5 14. bxa5 g3 15. f5 exf5 16. e6 d4+ 17. Kf3 d3 18. e7 Kd7 19. a6 d2 20. Ke2 g2 21. a7 d1=Q+ 22. Kxd1 g1=Q+ {and 23... Qa7$19}) (12. bxa5 b4 13. g4 h5) 12... axb4 13. axb4 Kb7 14. Kd4 Kb6 15. Kc3 d4+ {!} 16. Kd3 Kb7 17. Kxd4 Kc6 18. Kc3 Kd5 19. Kd3 h5 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Neustadtl"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/4p1p1/3kP1Pp/p1p2P2/P1P1K3/1P5P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] {Sometimes, in order to penetrate into the opponent's position, one has to resort to very subtle manoeuvring, employing the theory of corresponding squares.} 1. Kf3 {%05In the first instance White must control the invasion point d4. This problem is easily solved by determining the corresponding squares. It is clear that the square corresponding to e3 is d5, to f3 - c6, and to e4 - c5. If after} Kc6 {White plays} 2. Kf2 {!} (2. Ke2 {%05or}) 2... Kc5 {, but after %05, Black replies} 3. Ke2 {! he has no good reply, and this means that he cannot maintain the correspondence.} Kc6 4. Kf3 {!} Kd5 5. Ke3 {! } Kc5 6. Ke4 h4 (6... Kc6 {%05Now Black loses immediately after} 7. Kd4 Kb5 8. h4 {, and therefore he has to advance his h-pawn.}) 7. Kf3 {!} Kd5 8. Ke3 {!} Kc5 9. Ke4 h3 (9... Kc6 10. Kd4 Kb5 11. h3 {is bad for Black}) (9... Kb5 { %05while after} 10. Kd4 {he is all the same forced to move his pawn.}) 10. Ke3 {Having forced the advance of the pawn, White makes for it with his king. But in doing so he must watch carefully that the opponent's king does not become too dangerous.} Kc6 11. Kf2 {! An essential finesse.} (11. Kf3 {, then %05If} Kd5 {, and after} 12. Kg3 Ke4 {Black has sufficient counter-play.}) 11... Kd5 12. Kf3 {!} Kc5 13. Kg3 {! (now this move is possible)} Kd5 14. Kxh3 Ke4 15. Kg4 $18 {~3($40745)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/4p1p1/4P1P1/p1p1kPK1/P1P5/1P5P/8 b - - 0 15"] [PlyCount "14"] 15... Ke3 {%05 In this position, where White is now two pawns up, he either breaks through with his pawns or invades the opponent's position.^013^010 Three finishes are possible: the first two involve a pawn breakthrough, while the third is based on invading the enemy position.} (15... Kd3 16. Kf3 Kc2 17. h4 Kxb2 18. h5 gxh5 19. f5 exf5 20. g6 fxg6 21. e6 Kxa3 22. e7 Kb2 23. e8=Q a3 24. Qb5+ $18) (15... Kd5 16. Kf3 Kc6 17. Ke4 Kc5 18. h3 Kc6 19. Kd4 Kb5 20. h4 $18) 16. Kg3 Ke4 17. h4 Ke3 18. h5 gxh5 19. f5 {!} exf5 20. g6 {!} fxg6 21. e6 f4+ 22. Kh2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/6p1/2pPpP2/4P2P/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. f5+ {! %05White wins by} (1. Kf2 {%05The immediate advance of the king towards the c-pawn %05does not promise success, e.g.} c3 2. Ke2 gxf4 3. exf4 Kd5 4. Ke3 {?} (4. f5 {%05Of course, stronger is} Kxd4 5. f6 e3 6. f7 c2 7. f8=Q c1=Q {, but even here there is no way that Black can lose.}) 4... Kc4 5. f5 Kb3 6. f6 c2 $19 {, and the pawn queens with check.}) 1... Kxf5 2. Kf1 {!!} (2. Kf2 {%05It is a mistake to play} g4 3. hxg4+ Kxg4 4. Ke2 c3 {! , when White is in zugzwang, and after} 5. Kd1 (5. d5 Kf5) 5... Kf3 6. d5 Kxe3 7. d6 Kf2 8. d7 e3 {the game ends in a draw.}) 2... c3 (2... g4 {, then %05If} 3. hxg4+ Kxg4 4. Kf2 {!} c3 5. Ke2 {, and it is Black who ends up in zugzwang.}) 3. Ke1 {!} g4 (3... Ke6 4. Kd1 Kd5 5. Kc1 {%04etc.}) 4. hxg4+ Kxg4 5. Ke2 {!} c2 6. Kd2 Kf3 7. d5 c1=Q+ 8. Kxc1 Kxe3 9. d6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dawson"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p3pp1/1p2p3/kP2P3/P3P3/1P3Pp1/2P5/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {The following study shows an exceptional situation.} 1. Kb2 Kb4 {%052. Ka3 with inevitable mate was threatened, so Black is forced to move his king out of the danger zone.} 2. c3+ Kc5 3. Kc2 f6 (3... g2 {, then %05a further tempo gained; if} 4. Kd3 {and 5. b4 mate}) 4. Kd3 fxe5 5. Ke2 {and by eliminating the g3 pawn White wins easily. In the examples considered, in spite of various difficulties, the stronger side normally succeeded in realizing his advantage. This is by no means always the case. We now wish to acquaint you with a whole series of positions in which the material advantage proves insufficient for a win. In each case we will try to establish what prevented the stronger side from winning.} * [Event "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Site "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparov Garry (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/6kp/3p4/3P1P1P/4P1K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Kf3 {%05How should White set up a passed pawn?} (1. h5+ {%05Little is also promised by the immediate sacrifice of a pawn, e.g.} Kxh5 2. e4 Kg6 {!} (2... dxe4 {%05but not} 3. d5 Kg6 4. d6 Kf6 5. f5 {!} h5 6. Kf4 {, when White wins.}) 3. exd5 Kf6 4. Kg4 Ke7 5. Kh5 Kd6 6. Kxh6 Kxd5 7. Kg7 Kxd4 {with a draw.}) 1... f5 {leads to an immediate draw, since the threat of 2... Kh5 with an attack on the h4 pawn restricts all his actions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/6k1/3p3p/3P1P1P/4P1K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kf3 {%05Incidentally, if the black pawn were at h5, White would be able to win:} Kf5 (1... f5 {is too late due to} 2. Ke2 Kf6 3. Kd3 Ke6 4. Kc3 Kd6 5. Kb4 {, winning}) 2. e4+ dxe4+ 3. Ke3 Kg4 4. Kxe4 Kxh4 5. Kf3 {!$18 %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/8/P2p1k1p/1P1P1P2/4P1K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "47"] 1... a6 {! is correct, depriving White of any reserve pawn moves, e.g. %05Chekhover reached this position (1936) when analyzing the 32nd game of the Capablanca - Alekhine World Championship match. White is a pawn up, but now is he to organize its advance? We should first remark that Black's defence requires a certain accuracy.} (1... Kg6 {? , for example, is bad: %05Thus} 2. Kh3 {!} Kf5 (2... b5 3. Kg3 Kf6 4. Kh4 Kg6 5. a6) 3. Kh4 Kg6 4. b5) 2. Kh4 Kg6 3. Kh3 Kf6 4. Kg3 Kf5 5. Kf3 h4 {!} 6. Kf2 Kg6 {! A precise retreat.} (6... Kg4 {%05Chekhover gave the variation} 7. Kg2 h3+ 8. Kh2 (8. Kf2 {! (instead of 8. Kh2) %05, but the king move to g4 is an obvious mistake, since after} Kh4 9. Kf3 {White wins.}) 8... Kh4) 7. Kg2 Kh6 {! (again the only reply which allows Black to maintain the balance)} 8. Kf3 Kh5 9. f5 (9. e4 {? %05There is nothing better. After} dxe4+ 10. Kxe4 Kg4 {it is Black who wins.}) 9... Kg5 10. f6 Kxf6 11. Kg4 h3 12. Kxh3 Kf5 13. Kg3 Ke4 14. Kf2 Kd3 15. Kf3 Kc4 16. Kf4 Kxb4 17. Ke5 Kxa5 18. Kxd5 b5 {!} 19. Kc5 b4 20. d5 b3 21. d6 b2 22. d7 b1=Q 23. d8=Q+ Ka4 24. Qd4+ Ka5 {Draw.} * [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sapundzhiev"] [Black "Abramov"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pp/5k2/2P1p3/5p2/5P1K/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1. a4 {! %05Here the white pawns divert Black's king to such an extent that it is quite unable to support his own pawn phalanx:} (1. Kg4 {, then %05White has to hurry. If} Ke6 2. a4 Kd5 3. Kf5 g6+ 4. Kf6 h5 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 1... Ke6 2. a5 Kd5 3. a6 Kc6 4. Kg4 g6 5. Kg5 h6+ {!} 6. Kh4 {!= Drawn.^013^010 Attempts by Black to win here look risky, e.g.} g5+ {?} (6... h5 7. Kg5 Kc7 8. Kh4 (8. Kf6 {?} e4 9. a7 Kb7 10. Ke7 e3 11. c6+ Kxa7 12. c7 e2 13. c8=Q e1=Q+ { , and the only chances are with Black}) 8... e4 {?} 9. fxe4 g5+ 10. Kh3 g4+ 11. Kg2 h4 12. Kg1 {!$18 , and White wins.}) 7. Kg4 Kc7 8. Kf5 e4 9. Kxe4 h5 10. Kd5 {!} g4 11. c6 Kb6 12. Kd6 gxf3 13. c7 f2 14. c8=Q f1=Q 15. Qb7+ Ka5 16. a7 $18 1/2-1/2 [Event "East Germany"] [Site "East Germany"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pp/5p2/p4P2/k5P1/3K4/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {The saving procedure employed by White in the following example is characteristic of instances where the passed pawn is on a rook's file.} 1. Kc4 {! , so as not to allow the opponent's king out from in front of the pawn: %05White has in reserve three pawn tempi, and so he plays} Ka3 2. Kc3 a4 3. h3 {!} Ka2 4. Kc2 a3 5. h4 h6 6. h5 {Draw.} * [Event "Zandvoort (Netherlands)"] [Site "Zandvoort (Netherlands)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Van Desburg"] [Black "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/p4pp1/8/4KPPP/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ395} 1. f5 { ! %05Black's pawn looks threatening, but by a counter-attack on the opposite wing White succeeds in saving the game:} gxf5+ {(the threat was 2. fg hg 3. h5) } 2. Kxf5 a5 3. Kxf6 a4 4. Kg7 {! A necessary finesse:} (4. g5 {? %05White loses after} Kb4 5. h5 a3 6. g6 hxg6 7. hxg6 a2 8. g7 a1=Q+ $19) 4... Kb4 5. Kxh7 a3 6. g5 a2 7. g6 a1=Q 8. g7 {Owing to the fact that Black's king is a long way from the main battle sector, the queen is unable to demonstrate its superiority over the pawns,} Qa7 9. Kh8 Qd4 10. h5 Qf6 11. Kh7 Qf5+ 12. Kh6 { ! (the only move; all others lose)} Qf6+ (12... Qf7 13. g8=Q {!} Qxg8 {- stalemate!}) 13. Kh7 Qf7 14. h6 Kc5 15. Kh8 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p5p/8/3pk3/4p2p/2P5/1P2PK1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] {The construction of a "fortress" - an impregnable position, into which the enemy pieces cannot penetrate - is one of the most important defensive procedures in any end-game. It is also applicable in pawn endings.} 1... d4 { ! White's position becomes critical: 2... b5 and then 3 ... Kd5 is threatened, when the king breaks through to the c3 pawn. %05After the natural} 2. c4 {!} ( 2. cxd4+ {, then %05If} Kxd4 3. h3 h6 4. Kf1 Ke3 5. Ke1 b5 {, and Black wins. Nevertheless White finds a surprising resource.}) 2... b5 {! 3. b4 was threatened, whereas now 3. c5 can be met by 3... b4, cutting of the pawn from the support of its b-pawn.} 3. c5 {!} (3. cxb5 {%05Bad is} Kd5 4. Ke1 Kc5 5. Kd2 Kxb5 6. Kc2 Kb4 7. h3 (7. b3 Ka3 8. h3 h6) 7... h6 8. Kb1 Kb3 9. Kc1 e3 { , when White can resign.}) 3... b4 {It only needs White to delay slightly, and after 4... Kd5 his position will become hopeless. But it is here that the subtlety of White's plan, involving the advance of the c-pawn, is revealed.} 4. e3 {!} d3 5. h3 {!} (5. b3 {, then %05Accuracy to the end! If first} h3 { , and the black king gains the opportunity to invade via g4.}) 5... Kd5 6. b3 { Now Black's king has no way of breaking into the opponent's position. draw. In conclusion, here two further examples from studies. The first position could hardly arise in a practical game, but the second is a perfectly natural one.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lazard"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp1pppp1/3p2p1/PP2P1P1/K1P4P/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. h5 {! %05Two pawns down, White's position looks completely hopeless. Only a miracle can save him, and that is what happens:} gxh5 2. g6 fxg6 3. e6 { (this would also have been the answer to 2... f6)} dxe6 4. c5 dxc5 5. a6 {!} bxa6 6. b6 {!!} axb6 {- stalemate!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/1p6/1Pp4p/2p5/2P5/P7/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Kb2 {! %05Black's passed pawn cannot be stopped, but in fact there is no need to do so. After} h4 2. Ka3 h3 3. Ka4 h2 4. a3 h1=Q {it transpires that White has stalemated himself. Draw!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6p1/1kp2p1p/5P1P/PK4P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] {~19. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (positional advantage)~ In pawn endings the assessment of a position and the choice of plan are usually based on three factors: features of the pawn formation, the presence of reserve tempi, and the relative placing of the kings. These factors are linked to one another, are not permanent, and in the course of play their role may change sharply. And the influence of these factors on the assessment of a position is not identical. Sometimes it can be very difficult to establish which of them in the given situation is the most important, the most significant. In classifying the examples selected for this chapter, we have done things in the reverse order: after establishing beforehand which factor is the most distinctive, we have grouped examples on the basis of this indication. But the features of the pawn formation is too broad a concept, and we considered it expedient to expand it. Both the assessment of a position, and the plan of play, depend to a considerable extent on whether one of the sides possesses the following features of the pawn formation: (a) an outside passed pawn, or the possibility of creating one; (b) the more dangerous pawns, if both sides have passed pawns; (c) a protected passed pawn; (d) the possibility of a breakthrough; (e) organic weaknesses. These five basic features of the pawn formation have in fact been taken as the basis of our classification. To them we have added examples where one side possesses reserve tempi, and also positions where one of the kings is more actively placed. ~19.1 OUTSIDE PASSED PAWN~ If one side has an outside passed pawn or has the possibility of creating one, all other things being equal this normally constitutes a decisive positional advantage. The winning plan is to divert the opponent's king by the advance of this pawn, and then break through with one's own king into the enemy position. Here is a typical example.} 1. Kc2 {%05The outside passed a-pawn is much more dangerous than the c-pawn. White exchanges these pawns, as a result of which his king ends up closer to the remaining pawns, which leads to a decisive gain of material.} Ka3 (1... Kc5 {, after %05If Black stubbornly plays} 2. Kc3 Kb5 3. a3 Kc5 4. a4 Kd5 5. a5 Kc5 6. a6 { the exchange is forced in an even more unfavourable situation for him.}) 2. Kc3 Kxa2 3. Kxc4 Kb2 4. Kd4 Kc2 5. Ke4 Kd2 6. Kf5 Ke2 7. Kxg5 Kf2 8. Kxf4 Kxg2 { , and White wins. The winning method is usually based on the typical procedure of "transformation of advantages" - in return for the outside passed pawn the king is strongly activated.} * [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gheorghiu Florin (ROM)"] [Black "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp3p2/8/6kp/8/3K1PP1/PP6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ399 As the following two practical examples show, in the majority of cases the realization of the advantage in such endings is of an elementary nature.} 1... f5 {! %05For the moment there is no outside passed pawn, but Black quickly obtains it:} 2. Ke3 f4+ {!} 3. Kf2 (3. gxf4+ Kf5 $19) 3... b5 {White resigns. After} 4. Kg2 b4 5. Kf2 fxg3+ 6. Kxg3 h4+ 7. Kh3 Kf4 8. Kxh4 Kxf3 $19 {the difference in the placing of the kings decides the game in Black's favour.} 0-1 [Event "USSR"] [Site "USSR"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Faibisovich Vadim Z (RUS)"] [Black "Gutman Lev (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6p1/1p1kpp2/8/PP1K1P2/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ399} 1. h4 (1. a4 {%05Of course, White could have played the immediate} bxa4 2. bxa4 Kc5 3. a5 Kb5 4. a6 Kxa6 5. Kc4 $18 {, but he wishes first to create weaknesses in the opponent's position.}) 1... h6 2. a4 b4 3. a5 Kc5 4. a6 Kb6 5. Kc4 Kxa6 6. Kd5 (6. Kxb4 {%05This is simpler than} Kb6 7. Kc4 Kc6 8. b4 $18 {, when White has to use this pawn to divert the king.}) 6... e4 7. fxe4 fxe4 8. Kxe4 Kb6 9. Kd4 Kb5 10. Kd5 $18 {, and White wins.} 1-0 [Event "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Site "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Tukmakov Vladimir B (UKR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/p4kp1/P3pp2/7P/1P2K1P1/5P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {But sometimes the path to victory can be rather complicated, and can require accurate and subtle play.} 1... g5 {%05Therefore Black played} (1... Ke6 { %05The pawn structure here is such that White threatens to create an outside passed pawn by f2-f3, g3-g4 and h4-h5. For example:} 2. f3 Kd5 3. Kd3 Kc5 4. g4 {!} Kd6 (4... e4+ 5. Ke3 {!}) 5. gxf5 gxf5 6. h5 Ke6 7. Kc4 Kf6 8. Kd5 { , and White wins.}) 2. Kd3 {! , White could have won this ending, e.g. %05But by retaining his outside passed pawn with} (2. h5 {is not possible due to %05, exploiting the fact that} g4) (2. hxg5+ {%05The game concluded:} Kxg5 3. f3 Kf6 4. Kd3 Ke6 5. g4 e4+ {! The saving move.} (5... Kf6 {%05After} 6. gxf5 Kxf5 7. Kc4 Kf4 8. Kd5 Kf5 9. b4 Kf6 10. Kd6 Kf5 11. Ke7 Kf4 12. Ke6 e4 13. fxe4 Kxe4 14. Kd6 Kd4 15. Kc7 Kc3 16. Kxb7 Kxb4 17. Kxa6 {White would have won.}) 6. Ke3 exf3 7. g5 f2 {Drawn.}) 2... gxh4 3. gxh4 Kg6 4. Kc4 f4 5. h5+ {!} (5. Kd5 { %05Weaker is} Kf5 6. h5 e4 7. h6 (7. Kd4 {%05or} e3 8. fxe3 f3 9. Kd3 Kg4 10. h6 Kg3) 7... e3) (5. Kd3 {, then %05while if} Kf5 6. f3 e4+ {!} 7. fxe4+ Kg4 8. e5 f3 9. e6 Kg3 {, when Black queens with check and draws the queen ending.}) 5... Kxh5 6. Kd5 Kg4 7. Ke4 {! The only move which wins.} (7. Kxe5 {%05After} Kf3 {the game ends in a draw:} 8. b4 Kxf2 9. Kxf4 Ke2 10. Ke4 Kd2 11. Kd4 Kc2 12. Kc4 Kb2) 7... Kh3 (7... f3 {, then %05There is nothing better. If} 8. Kxe5 Kh3 9. Kf4 Kg2 10. Ke3) 8. Kxe5 Kg2 9. Kxf4 Kxf2 10. Ke5 {, and White wins by reaching the opponent's pawns first.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tal Mikhail N (LAT)"] [Black "Korchnoi Viktor (SUI)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p4p2/1p2p3/2p2pkp/2P1P3/5KP1/PP3P1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] 1. e5 {! White could have won. White's advantage here is determined by two main factors: he has the superior pawn formation and a greater number of pawn moves, which in a struggle for zugzwang should play a decisive role.^013^010 By 1. e5 White begins a plan which is typical of such positions: he intends to drive back the black king by h2-h4, occupy f4 with his king, and by f2-f3 and g3-g4 create an outside passed pawn on the h-file.^013^010 How can Black forestall this? %05 The diagram position was thoroughly analyzed by Smyslov, Furman and Averbakh, and in the end it was shown that by} (1. h3 {, and after %05White played} Kf6 2. Kf4 e5+ 3. Ke3 a6 4. b3 Ke6 5. exf5+ Kxf5 6. f3 Ke6 7. g4 f5 8. gxf5+ Kxf5 9. h4 Kf6 10. Ke4 Ke6 11. a3 b5 12. cxb5 axb5 13. Kd3 Kd6 { the game ended in a draw.}) 1... f6 {! he can create a tense situation, in which every tempo is vital. White makes the second step: %05Thus Black is not able to hinder the initial stage of the opponent's plan, but by} (1... h4 { It was convincingly shown by Smyslov that after %05Let us first try maintaining the king at g5, and to do this play} 2. h3 a6 3. a3 a5 4. a4 Kg6 5. Kf4 Kh5 6. b3 {Black ends up in zugzwang and is forced to retreat, and} Kh6 { is met by} (6... hxg3 {%05If instead Black plays} 7. fxg3 Kg6 {, White carries out his plan -} 8. g4 fxg4 9. Kxg4 {, and wins easily thanks to his outside passed pawn.}) 7. g4 Kg6 8. gxf5+ exf5 9. f3 {, winning.}) 2. h4+ Kg6 3. Kf4 a6 {! %05Black need not fear the breakthrough by f2-f3 and g3-g4, only if his king is at g6. His best plan of defence is} (3... Kf7 {%05Now passive tactics by the opponent allow White easily to achieve his aim:} 4. f3 Kg6 5. a3 a6 6. a4 {!} a5 7. b3 {(the battle for a tempo is won)} Kf7 8. g4 {!} fxg4 9. fxg4 fxe5+ 10. Kxe5 hxg4 11. Kf4 {, and the game is decided.}) 4. a3 {! , and if %05But White has the subtle reply} (4. f3 {comes %05Now on} b5 {!} 5. cxb5 (5. b3 b4) 5... axb5 6. a3 c4 {! , and in the struggle for a tempo it is Black who emerges the winner. The breakthrough} 7. g4 {even loses for White after} fxe5+ 8. Kxe5 fxg4 9. fxg4 hxg4 10. Kf4 Kh5) 4... b5 5. cxb5 axb5 6. b3 {! ~3($40762) ~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4ppk1/1pp1Pp1p/5K1P/PP4P1/5P2/8 b - - 0 6"] [PlyCount "21"] 6... fxe5+ {! %05 Unexpectedly White has acquired a new threat - that of creating an outside passed pawn... on the Q-side. True, the situation has become much sharper, since Black too has the possibility of creating a passed pawn.} 7. Ke3 {!! , found by Smyslov.^013^010 The threat of creating a passed pawn on the a-file is so strong that White can permit himself to give up a pawn. The subsequent events are extremely interesting, since Black has many ways of complicating matters. %05He wins by the subtle} (7. Kxe5 {comes %05What is White to do now? On the natural} Kf7 8. b4 c4 9. Kd4 e5+ 10. Kc3 Ke6 {with a draw.}) 7... Kf6 {(the king strives to enter the "square" of the a-pawn)} 8. a4 bxa4 {Forced.} (8... Ke7 {%05If} 9. axb5 Kd6 {, White makes a 180 turn -} 10. f3 Kc7 11. g4 {! , and nevertheless carries out his original plan.}) 9. bxa4 Ke7 10. Kd3 Kd6 11. Kc4 Kc6 12. a5 f4 13. gxf4 exf4 14. a6 f3 { ! The most tenacious defence.} (14... e5 15. a7 Kb7 16. Kxc5 e4 17. Kd4 e3 18. fxe3 fxe3 19. Kxe3 Kxa7 {results in the "tragedy of one tempo" - White wins, by outstripping his opponent by precisely one move:} 20. Kf4 Kb7 21. Kg5 Kc7 22. Kxh5 Kd8 23. Kg6 Ke8 24. Kg7 $18 {%04etc.}) 15. a7 Kb7 16. Kxc5 Kxa7 { ~3($41763)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/4p3/2K4p/7P/5p2/5P2/8 w - - 0 17"] [PlyCount "23"] 17. Kd6 {! %05The only correct continuation is} (17. Kd4 {%05White has to decide - which pawn should he make for, f3 or e6? The correct path is easy to miss. After} Kb6 18. Ke3 Kc5 19. Kxf3 Kd4 20. Kf4 e5+ 21. Kg5 Ke4 22. Kxh5 Kf3 23. Kg5 Kxf2 24. Kf5 {it appears that White has succeeded, but the king makes a feint -} Kf3 {! , and after the forced} 25. Kxe5 Kg4 {it catches the pawn.}) 17... Kb6 18. Kxe6 Kc7 19. Kf5 Kd6 20. Kf4 {%05White should play} (20. Kg5 { %05 White again has a choice: should he go to the h5 pawn or the f3 pawn? It turns out that the immediate attempt to win the h5 pawn is incorrect:} Ke5 21. Kxh5 Kf5 22. Kh6 Kg4 23. h5 Kh3 24. Kg5 Kg2 25. h6 Kxf2 26. h7 Kg2 27. h8=Q f2 {, and the ending is a draw.}) 20... Ke6 21. Kxf3 Kf5 22. Ke3 {!} Kg4 23. f4 Kxh4 24. Kf3 {! The irony of fate! Black's king has at last eliminated the h-pawn, which has caused him so much trouble, but... it has ended up in a trap, and is now preventing its own pawn from advancing. The rest is simple:} Kh3 25. f5 h4 26. f6 Kh2 27. f7 h3 28. f8=Q {, and White wins. Difficulties over realizing an advantage can occur when: (a) for some reason or other it is difficult, or perhaps even impossible, to create an outside passed pawn; (b) the exchange of the pawn does not lead to the activation of the king, and does not enable it to penetrate into the enemy position; (c) both kings end up in the opposite camp, and the play leads to the mutual elimination of the pawns.} * [Event "Belgrade (Yugoslavia)"] [Site "Belgrade (Yugoslavia)"] [Date "1961.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nedeljkovic Verica (YUG)"] [Black "Volpert Larisa (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p4p1p/1k1pp1p1/8/PP1KP1P1/5P2/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1961.??.??"] {White has an undisputed advantage, comprising a Q-side pawn majority, command of greater space, and, finally, a more active king position. but for the moment it is not apparent how he can create a passed pawn, and especially how he can penetrate with his king into the enemy position.} 1... g5 {! , not allowing White to advance his K-side pawns. How would the play have gone then? Let us consider some possible continuations: %05The opinion of the commentators was unanimous - the ending is won for White.^013^010 %05 But did Black exploit all his defensive resources? It appears that he did not. He could have hindered his opponent's task by} (1... Kc7 {%05The game continued} 2. g5 {!} Kb6 3. Kc4 a6 4. Kd4 Kc6 5. Kc4 Kc7 6. f4 {White embarked on active measures only after some harmless king manoeuvring, which here we will omit.} Kb6 7. Kd4 Kc6 8. Ke3 Kb6 9. f5 a5 {Black has to abandon his passive tactics.} (9... Kc6 {%05After} 10. f6 Kb6 11. Kd4 Kc6 12. Kc4 Kb6 13. a5+ Kc6 14. h3 { White wins very simply.}) 10. b5 Kc5 11. f6 Kb6 {Black is relying on the fact that the opponent's king will after all not be able to break into his position. } 12. Kf3 Kc5 13. Kg4 {Exploiting the fact that the black king is completely tied down by the protected passed b-pawn, White strengthens his position on the K-side to the maximum, by advancing his pawn to h6.} Kb6 14. h3 Kc5 15. h4 Kb6 16. h5 Kc5 17. h6 Kb6 18. Kf4 Kc5 19. Ke3 Kb6 20. Kd4 Kb7 21. e5 {! (now White's problem is to create an invasion point in the opponent's position)} d5 22. Kc5 Kc7 23. b6+ Kb7 24. Kd6 {! The culmination of White's plan! Although Black queens two moves earlier, he cannot prevent White from acquiring a new queen, and the resulting ending proves completely hopeless for him.} d4 25. Ke7 d3 26. Kxf7 d2 27. Kg8 d1=Q 28. f7 Qxa4 29. f8=Q Qb3 30. Kxh7 {Resigns.}) 2. Ke3 (2. Kc4 {(White tries first to fix the position on the Q-side)} a6 3. b5 ( 3. Kd4 {! (having provoked ... a6, White now proceeds to make the f3-f4 advance)} Kc7 {!} 4. Ke3 Kc6 {! An important finesse: with the opponent's king at e3, black's king must be at c6, to be able to make the timely counter-blow . .. d5.} 5. f4 gxf4+ 6. Kxf4 d5 {! with a draw.}) 3... axb5+ 4. axb5 f6 {!} 5. Kb4 {(5... Ka5 was threatened)} d5 6. exd5 exd5 7. h3 {!} h6 8. Ka4 d4 9. Kb4 d3 10. Kc3 Kxb5 11. Kxd3 Kc5 {, and we have reached example 521, where with accurate play Black gains a draw.}) 2... Kc6 {! (Black cannot remain passive, and must exploit any possibility of activating his forces)} 3. f4 gxf4+ 4. Kxf4 d5 {!} 5. Ke5 dxe4 6. Kxe4 f6 7. Kd4 Kb6 8. Kc4 a6 9. b5 axb5+ 10. axb5 e5 { , and it is not apparent how Black can lose. Thus by correctly exploiting his chance in the centre, it would seem that Black could have maintained the balance.} * [Event "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Site "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herland"] [Black "Johnson"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/1pp1k3/6p1/1PPPK3/8/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {While the following ending migrated from book to book, its evaluation changed several times.} 1... Kf6 {%05 If Black sticks, for example, to waiting tactics, he is in %05no danger of losing:} (1... a5 {is possible. %05But if Black intends to play actively,} 2. c5 {%05After the correct} (2. a3 {is bad because of %05when} a4 {!}) 2... axb4 3. cxb6 Kd7 4. Kf5 Kc8 5. Kxg5 Kb7 6. Kf6 Kxb6 7. Ke6 Kb5 8. Kd6 {the game ends in a draw.}) (1... b5 {, when the game continued %05Therefore Black decided to make a breach on the opposite wing by} 2. c5 g4 3. d5+ (3. a3 {! , supporting the b4 pawn in advance. After %05However, it was correctly shown by Zinar (1974) that 3. d5 was an obvious mistake, throwing away the win, and that White should have played} g3 4. Kf3 Kd5 5. Kxg3 Kxd4 6. Kf4 {! Black is not saved by either} a5 (6... Kc4 {%05or} 7. Ke5 Kb3 8. Kd6 Kxa3 9. Kxc6 {, when White queens first.}) 7. bxa5 Kxc5 8. Ke5 {We can therefore agree with the opinion of Berger (1922), that 1... b5 was already the decisive mistake.}) 3... cxd5+ 4. Kf4 {, and... Black admitted defeat, thinking that he would be unable to cope with the protected passed pawn. ^013^010 Later Leick (1942) found that Black had been wrong to resign: after} d4 {!} 5. Kxg4 Kd5 6. Kf4 a6 7. a3 a5 {!} 8. Kf3 axb4 9. axb4 Ke5 {~3($41443)~ a draw is obvious.}) (1... g4 {%05 Here White's actively placed king completely neutralizes the outside passed pawn, and its diverting advance does not succeed, e.g.} 2. a4 g3 3. Kf3 Kf5 4. b5 {!} cxb5 5. axb5 {, and it is White who wins.}) 2. a4 a6 3. d5 cxd5+ 4. Kxd5 g4 5. Ke4 g3 6. Kf3 Ke5 7. Kxg3 Kd4 8. c5 bxc5 9. bxc5 Kxc5 10. Kf2 Kb4 11. Ke1 Kxa4 12. Kd1 Kb3 13. Kc1 { with a draw.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010 Thus if the passed pawn is not far from the opponent's king, and the latter is sufficiently active, the advantage may prove insufficient for a win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/4k1pp/8/P3KPPP/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] {In its time this position was the topic of a lively discussion in the chess press. It began in 1956 when Levenfish gave it as an example illustrating the strength of the outside passed pawn arising after 1... b6, 2... a6 and 3... b5. This was challenged by Romanovsky, who pointed out that the main factor in this position was in fact the active position of the white king, due to which Black's advantage was neutralized.} 1... h5 {! with the following continuation: %05Instead of 1... b6, Maizelis (1956) suggested} (1... b6 {%05After} 2. h5 gxh5 3. gxh5 a6 4. f5+ Kf6 (4... Kd6 5. f6 Ke6 6. f7) 5. Kd5 Kxf5 6. Kc6 b5 7. axb5 axb5 8. Kxb5 Kg5 9. Kc4 Kxh5 10. Kd3 {= the king reaches f1 in time.}) 2. f5+ gxf5+ 3. gxf5+ Kf6 4. a5 {! But even in this case, as he writes, "4... b6 or 4... b5 is futile in view of 5. a6!, and White is saved solely by the attack on the a7 pawn".} (4. Kd5 {?} Kxf5 5. Kd6 (5. a5 {%05or} Kg4 6. Kd6 b5 { !}) 5... a5 {!}) 4... b5 {%05This last variation is worth examining. Indeed, after} 5. a6 {!} b4 6. Kd4 Kxf5 7. Kc4 Ke5 {! %05But, as was shown by Botvinnik, Black can play more strongly:} (7... Kg4 8. Kxb4 Kxh4 9. Kc5 { White manages to capture on ay just in time:} Kg4 10. Kc6 h4 11. Kb7 h3 12. Kxa7 h2 13. Kb8 h1=Q 14. a7 {= with a draw.}) 8. Kxb4 Kd4 {! , forcing White to make a choice.} 9. Kb5 {! %05Botvinnik thought that even after the best move } (9. Kb3 {%05Bad, for example, is} Kc5 10. Ka4 Kb6 11. Kb4 Kxa6 {, and according to Bahr's rule White loses, since the black pawn has not moved from its initial square.}) 9... Kd5 10. Kb4 {!} Kc6 11. Kc4 Kb6 {Black would win, but in fact White is saved by a subtle king manoeuvre:} 12. Kd5 {!} Kxa6 13. Kc6 {! , when we reach a drawn position which could have^013^010 arisen in example ~3 ($40284)~. Without advancing his pawn^013^010 Black has no way of getting his king off the rook's file,^013^010 but then, according to Bahr's rule, it moves out of the^013^010 winning zone. For example:} Ka5 14. Kc5 {!} a6 15. Kc4 Kb6 16. Kb4 {= Draw.} * [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Poleshchuk Nikolai"] [Black "Nesis Gennadij (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p1p5/P3p1kp/1P6/3P1PK1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] {(variation from the game)} 1... h4+ {%05 Here the typical plan - exchanging the outside passed pawn with the aim of invading the opponent's position with the king - does not succeed for Black, since the white king in turn is able to attack the pawns. For example:} 2. Kh3 Kf4 (2... Kh5 {, then %05But due to the threat of a breakthrough, Black cannot win the necessary tempo even by manoeuvring. If} 3. f4 {!} (3. Kg2 {%05bad is} Kg6 4. Kh2 Kf5 5. Kh3 Kg5 { ! , when Black has gained the tempo needed}) 3... exf4 4. d4 f3 5. d5 {!} cxd5 6. b5 d4 7. bxa6 d3 8. a7 d2 9. a8=Q d1=Q 10. Qe8+ Kg5 11. Qe5+ {, with a draw by perpetual check.}) 3. Kxh4 Kxf3 4. Kg5 Ke3 (4... e4 5. dxe4 Kxe4 6. Kf6 { ! comes to the same thing}) 5. Kf5 Kxd3 6. Kxe5 Kc4 7. Kd6 Kxb4 8. Kxc6 Kxa5 9. Kc5 {Draw. Thus against correct defence, Black here is unable to realize his positional advantage.} * [Event "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Site "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nakagawa Emiko (JPN)"] [Black "Day"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/2k2p2/1p6/1K2PPPP/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] {In the struggle against an outside passed pawn, the threat of a breakthrough is the most effective method of defence. The following example is highly instructive.} 1... Kb6 {was correct, but even then, by preparing the breakthrough with %05Of course,} (1... h6 {?? %05In this game, which constituted a "comedy of errors", after} 2. g5 {??} (2. h5 {! followed by 3. g5! would have won}) 2... fxg5 3. fxg5 h5 4. e5 Kd5 5. Kxb5 Kxe5 {Black won.}) 2. h5 {, White maintains the balance, e.g.} Kc6 3. h6 {!} Kb6 4. e5 {!} fxe5 5. fxe5 Kc6 6. e6 {!} Kd6 (6... fxe6 {?} 7. g5 {, and White wins}) 7. exf7 Ke7 8. Kxb5 Kxf7 9. Kc4 Kg6 10. Kd3 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p5k1/P1p1K1pp/8/1P1P1P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {Thanks to the active position of his king, White can draw in the following position.} 1. d4 {! %05His only chance is to try to set up a passed pawn -} (1. Ke4 {%05How is White to cope with the outside passed pawn? Bad is} h4 2. Ke3 Kf5 {, when he can resign.}) 1... h4 (1... cxd4 {%05If} 2. Kxd4 h4 {, then} 3. Ke3 {, and thanks to the threat of 4. b5 White is no longer in danger of losing.}) 2. dxc5 Kf7 3. Kd6 {!} (3. c6 {%05Everything else loses, e.g.} Ke7) ( 3. f4 {%05or} h3 4. c6 Ke8 5. Kd6 Kd8) 3... Ke8 4. Kc7 {!} h3 5. c6 h2 6. Kb8 h1=Q 7. c7 Qh2 8. Kb7 Qh7 9. Kb8 {, with a draw by repetition.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7p/8/3pP3/1pp4P/5P2/P7/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ401 ~19.2 MORE DANGEROUS PASSED PAWNS~ To this group we have assigned positions where both sides either have passed pawns, or can create them, which naturally leads to sharp situations. The question of which pawns are the more dangerous depends on the specific situation: how far advanced the pawns are, what part the kings are playing in the struggle with them, and so on. Positions of this type lend themselves least well to generalization. Here it often happens that the result depends on a single tempo.} 1... d4 {! %05If it were White's move, he would draw most easily by 1. a3, e.g. 1... ba (1... b3 is bad due to 2. Kb2 and 3. d4) 2. Ka2 d4 3. Ka3 d3 4. Kb2 d2 5. Kc2 c3 6. e6 Kg7 7. f4 and White's connected pawns are in no way inferior. However, also possible is 1. Kb2 d4 2. Kc2 d3 3. Kd2, when the pawns are stopped.^013^010 But in this position the right of the first move proves decisive, since Black is able to advance both his pawns to the 3rd rank, creating a zugzwang position.} 2. e6 Kg7 3. f4 Kf6 4. f5 d3 5. Kb2 h5 {White resigns. Indeed, after } 6. Kc1 b3 {!} 7. axb3 (7. a4 c3 8. a5 b2+ 9. Kb1 d2 $19 {does not help}) 7... cxb3 $19 {the white king is forced to allow one of the pawns to queen} 0-1 [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1895.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pillsbury Harry N (USA)"] [Black "Gunsberg Isidor A (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/2k1Pp2/pp1p2p1/3P2P1/4P3/P3K2P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1895.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ401} 1. e4 {! he establishes contact with it: %05White's e6 pawn has broken away from his main forces, but by} dxe4 2. d5+ Kd6 3. Ke3 b4 4. Kxe4 a4 5. Kd4 h5 {A desperate attempt to set in motion his pawns on the opposite wing, which is quickly refuted.} (5... Ke7 {! would have been more tenacious, preparing the breakthrough under more favourable circumstances, e.g. %05Analysis showed that} 6. Kc4 b3 {!} 7. axb3 a3 8. Kc3 f5 {!} 9. gxf5 h5 { The situation has become incredibly sharp. Whose passed pawns will prove the more dangerous?} 10. b4 g4 11. b5 h4 12. b6 a2 13. Kb2 g3 14. d6+ Kxd6 15. b7 Kc7 16. e7 $18 {, and White outstrips his opponent by precisely one tempo, and wins.}) 6. gxh5 a3 7. Kc4 f5 8. h6 $18 {Resigns. Of particular interest is the question of the comparative strength of central and wing pawns. It is normally considered, for example, that if one of the players creates passed pawns simultaneously on both wings, these are stronger than a pair of connected pawns in the centre. Usually this is indeed the case.} 1-0 [Event "Bulgaria"] [Site "Bulgaria"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Shikova"] [Black "Krumova Velichka (BUL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kp6/8/PP3p2/3Kpp1p/7P/5PP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ401} 1. Kc3 {! %05A difficult position to assess. White has the possibility of creating a passed pawn on the Q-side, but the king can neither support it, nor break through to the enemy pawns. White nevertheless shows that her pawns can become much more dangerous than the opponent's:} Kb8 { Where White's king is aiming for is as yet not clear, and its opponent goes to attack the Q-side pawns.} (1... e3 {? was bad due to} 2. Kd3 {!$18}) 2. Kd2 Kc7 3. Ke2 Kd6 4. Kf1 {! At last White's plan becomes clear: having taken up a frontal position with her king in front of the black pawns, she creates a passed pawn on the h-file, and uses her passed pawn on the Q-side to divert the opponent's king.} (4. g3 {? would have led to the loss: %05The immediate} fxg3 5. fxg3 hxg3 6. h4 f4 7. h5 f3+ 8. Ke3 g2 {, and the "self-propelled" pawns queen on their own -} 9. Kf2 e3+ 10. Kg1 e2 $19 {%04etc.}) 4... Kc5 5. a6 bxa6 6. bxa6 Kb6 7. g3 {!} fxg3 8. fxg3 hxg3 9. Kg2 {!} (9. h4 {??} e3 $19 { it is Black who wins}) 9... Kxa6 10. h4 {Black resigned, (?? )} e3 {! %05But after} (10... f4 {?} 11. h5 e3 12. Kf3 Kb5 13. h6 Kc4 14. h7 Kd3 15. h8=Q $18 { she is one tempo too late.}) 11. Kxg3 (11. Kf3 {%05or} Kb5 12. Kxe3 f4+ 13. Kf3 Kc4 14. h5 Kd3 15. h6 g2 16. Kxg2 Ke2 {=}) 11... f4+ 12. Kf3 Kb5 {!} 13. h5 Kc4 14. Ke2 (14. h6 Kd3 {=}) 14... Kd4 15. h6 f3+ 16. Kxf3 Kd3 {= with a draw If the connected pawns are close to the queening square and can be supported by the king the result of game will depend on the specific circumstances.} * [Event "Mar del Plata (Argentina)"] [Site "Mar del Plata (Argentina)"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Quinteros Miguel A (ARG)"] [Black "Andersson Ulf (SWE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/2p3kp/4P3/5P2/P7/1P6/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {But if the connected pawns are close to the queening square and can be supported by the king, the situation is significantly changed and the result will depend on the specific circumstances.} 1. e6 {! %05The black pawns are not yet advanced, and therefore White's king is able to support his pawns:} Kf6 2. f5 a5 3. Ke2 a4 4. Kf3 h5 5. Kg3 b5 6. Kh4 c5 7. Kxh5 b4 8. Kh6 {White's plan is to sacrifice his e-pawn and queen the f-pawn.} (8. axb4 {? %05From the viewpoint of the resulting queen ending, the preliminary} cxb4 9. Kh6 {, as occurred in the game, was weaker:} a3 10. e7 Kxe7 11. Kg7 axb2 12. f6+ Kd7 13. f7 b1=Q 14. f8=Q Qg1+ 15. Kh6 (15. Kh7 Qh2+ 16. Kg7 (16. Kg6 Qd6+ {!}) 16... Qe5+ {etc. would have been no better.}) 15... Qe3+ {! and White resigned, since the exchange of queens is inevitable.}) 8... c4 9. e7 Kxe7 10. Kg7 c3 11. bxc3 bxa3 12. f6+ Ke6 13. f7 a2 14. f8=Q a1=Q 15. Qf6+ {, and White gains a draw. The play in such positions is of an exceptionally concrete nature, and demands accuracy. The slightest delay of weakening of the position may prove fatal.} * [Event "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Site "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pillsbury Harry N (USA)"] [Black "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp4k1/6pp/3PP3/7P/8/P6K/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] 1... b5 {%05 White's connected passed pawns are far advanced, but it is not apparent how he can support them with his king. Black's chances appear to be better} 2. h5 {! The point is that after %05But in 1941 Fine showed that after 1... b5 White can force a draw by} (2. Kg3 {%05but the game in fact ended in a win for White:} b4 (2... a5 {! would have been stronger, when after %05Later Tarrasch showed that} 3. Kf4 Kf7 4. h5 gxh5 5. Kf5 h4 6. d6 h3 7. e6+ Ke8 8. Kf6 h2 9. d7+ Kd8 10. Kf7 h1=Q 11. e7+ Kxd7 12. e8=Q+ Kd6 13. Qd8+ Kc5 { Black has every chance of winning the queen ending.}) 3. Kf4 g5+ 4. hxg5 hxg5+ 5. Kxg5 a5 6. d6 Kf7 7. Kf5 a4 8. e6+ Ke8 9. Kf6 b3 10. axb3 axb3 11. d7+ Kd8 { Resigns.}) 2... gxh5 {White advances his king to f7 not via f5, but via h5, eliminating the dangerous black pawn on the way. Here is a possible continuation:} 3. Kg3 a5 4. Kh4 b4 5. d6 Kf7 6. d7 Ke7 7. e6 a4 8. Kxh5 b3 9. axb3 axb3 10. Kg6 b2 11. d8=Q+ Kxd8 12. Kf7 {Draw.} * [Event "USSR"] [Site "USSR"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Polikarpov Arkady D (BLR)"] [Black "Yuferov Sergey N (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/ppp4p/3p4/3Pk3/2P1p1P1/4K2P/PP6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ401 In the following example the connected pawns prove stronger than the isolated pawns on either wing.} 1... c6 {! %05Black has the more active king, and it is this factor that enables him to carry out a typical plan - of creating two connected passed pawns in the centre. The fact that they can be actively supported by the king decides the game in Black's favour.} 2. dxc6 (2. g5 {%05White does not manage to divert the opponent by the advance of his K-side pawns, e.g.} cxd5 3. cxd5 Kxd5 4. h4 Ke5 5. h5 d5 6. g6 d4+ $19 {, and Black wins.}) 2... bxc6 3. b4 {An attempt to develop play on both wings.} (3. g5 {, then %05If} d5 4. cxd5 cxd5 5. h4 d4+ 6. Ke2 Kf4 $19 { %04etc.}) 3... d5 4. c5 (4. cxd5 {%05No better is} cxd5 5. a4 d4+ 6. Ke2 d3+ 7. Ke3 Kd5 8. g5 Kc4 9. h4 Kc3 $19 {, and the c-pawn queens.}) 4... d4+ 5. Ke2 (5. Kd2 {%05 If the king is actively supporting its passed pawns, and both side queen a pawn, in certain cases this can lead to the creation of a mating attack. Here, for example, there could have followed:} e3+ 6. Kd3 Kf4 {!} 7. b5 Kf3 8. bxc6 e2 9. c7 e1=Q 10. c8=Q Qc3#) (5. Kf2 {%05or} d3 6. Ke3 Kd5 7. g5 Kc4 8. b5 Kc3 {!} 9. bxc6 d2 10. c7 d1=Q 11. c8=Q Qf3# {mate.}) 5... d3+ 6. Ke3 Kd5 7. g5 Kc4 8. h4 Kc3 $19 {White resigns. In endings of this type one normally has to reckon with the possibility of a queen ending arising. The correct assessment of such endings is extremely difficult. They require, firstly, deep penetration into the special features of the position, and secondly, mathematically precise calculation. The following Grigoriev study strikingly illustrates the diversity of procedures which have to be employed in playing these complicated endings.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1pp4/Pp6/8/7p/k6P/P4PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "55"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {The first impression is that the black pawns are more dangerous, but the stipulation - White to play and win - signifies that in fact the opposite is true.} 1. f4 {%05 First White advances his f-pawn:} Kb4 2. g3 {! Now the second pawn joins in.} (2. g4 {? %05Now the second pawn joins in. Incidentally, it would be a mistake to play} Kc5 {, when Black is assured of a draw.}) 2... Kc5 {! %05Of course, instead of 2... hg, more tenacious is} (2... hxg3 3. h4 { Black's king is outside the "square" of this pawn, but he can advance his d-pawn.} d5 4. f5 Kc5 5. h5 d4 6. f6 Kd6 7. h6 d3 8. f7 Ke7 9. h7 d2 {, and now the familiar finish} 10. f8=Q+ Kxf8 11. h8=Q+ {, and White wins.}) 3. gxh4 Kd5 {, trying at all costs to stop the pawns with the king.} 4. h5 Ke6 5. h6 {! } Kf7 6. f5 b5 {Thus the white pawns have been stopped, and Black reveals his trumps... . It is now that some exceptionally subtle play begins.} 7. a3 {!} ( 7. Kf2 {%05The only move to win, whereas the immediate approach of the king does not succeed:} b4 {!} 8. Ke3 c5 9. Ke4 c4 10. Kd4 c3 11. Kd3 d5 {, and White is unable to break up the enemy pawn chain by} 12. a3 {? due to} bxa3 13. Kxc3 d4+ {, when it is Black who wins.}) 7... c5 8. Kf2 d5 9. Ke3 {! The only way.} (9. Kf3 {there would have followed %05On} c4 10. Ke3 c3 11. Kd3 d4 { , when White can no longer win.}) 9... Kf6 10. h4 Kf7 11. h7 {! (by this pawn sacrifice White further strengthens his position)} Kg7 12. f6+ Kxh7 13. h5 Kh6 (13... b4 {%05In the event of} 14. axb4 cxb4 15. Kd4) (13... c4 {%05or} 14. Kd4 ) (13... d4+ {%05or} 14. Ke4 {! , the king move to h6 is forced, which leads to variations considered below.}) 14. Kf4 {! This decisive manoeuvre is possible only if the black king is at h6. Now three variations are possible, all leading to a won queen ending:} b4 (14... c4 {(the most tenacious)} 15. Kf5 c3 16. f7 Kg7 17. Ke6 c2 18. h6+ Kg6 19. f8=Q c1=Q 20. Qf6+ {!} Kh5 21. h7 Qc6+ (21... Qc8+ {%05stronger than} 22. Kd6 {!} Qxa6+ (22... Qb8+ {%05or} 23. Kxd5 Qa8+ 24. Kd4) 23. Ke5) 22. Kf7 Qd7+ (22... Qc7+ {%05Or} 23. Qe7 Qf4+ 24. Kg7 Qg3+ 25. Kf8 Qc3 {! (this reply, overlooked by Grigoriev, was pointed out by Bondarevsky)} 26. Kf7 Qh8 (26... Qf3+ {, then %05there is nothing better; if} 27. Qf6) 27. Qe2+ Kg5 28. Qg2+ Kf4 29. Qg7 {, and White wins.}) 23. Qe7 Qf5+ 24. Kg7 Qg6+ (24... Qg4+ 25. Kf8 Qd4 26. Qe2+ Kg6 27. Qc2+ {!} Kg5 28. Qg2+ Kf4 29. Qh2+ {, winning}) 25. Kf8 Qh6+ 26. Ke8 Qc6+ {27. Qe5 was threatened} (26... Kg4 {%05and if} 27. Kd7 {! , when Black cannot avoid a check along the 8th rank with the promotion of the pawn, while in addition 28. Qe6 is threatened}) 27. Qd7 Qc3 (27... Qa8+ {%05if} 28. Kf7 Qh8 {, then} (28... Kh6 {%05or} 29. Qh3+) 29. Qf5+ {exchanging queens}) 28. Qf5+ Kh4 (28... Kh6 29. Qh3+ {!}) 29. Qf4+ $18 {, and against a check on the h-file there is no defence.}) (14... d4 {(the most harmless)} 15. Kf5 d3 16. f7 Kg7 17. Ke6 d2 18. h6+ Kg6 19. f8=Q d1=Q 20. Qg7+ Kh5 21. h7 Qb3+ 22. Kd6 Qd3+ 23. Kc7 {, and there are no more checks.}) 15. axb4 cxb4 16. Ke5 b3 17. f7 Kg7 18. Ke6 b2 19. h6+ Kg6 20. f8=Q b1=Q 21. Qg7+ Kh5 22. h7 Qb6+ 23. Kd7 Qb5+ 24. Kc8 {!} Qc6+ (24... Qe8+ { %05Grigoriev shows that other continuations are weaker:} 25. Kc7) (24... Qc4+ 25. Kb8 Qb5+ (25... Qb4+ 26. Ka8) 26. Qb7 Qe8+ 27. Qc8 Qb5+ 28. Ka8) (24... Qxa6+ {, then %05If instead} 25. Kb8 {, as in the main variation:} Qb6+ 26. Qb7 Qd6+ 27. Ka8 {%04etc.}) 25. Kb8 Qb6+ 26. Qb7 Qd6+ (26... Qf6 {, then %05if} 27. Qc8 {and 28. Ka8}) (26... Qd4 {%05or}) 27. Ka8 {, and the check at d8 or f8} Qd8+ (27... Qf6 28. Qc8 $18) 28. Qb8 $18 {%05is met by} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ilyukhin"] [Black "Novopolsky"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/pppp1k2/5Ppp/PPPPK3/7P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ401 Here are two further instructive examples, demonstrating the features of such endings.} 1. b5 {, creating the threat of a breakthrough. But Black can solve all his problems by the unexpected counter-blow %05White played} d5+ {! , with these possibilities:} (1... axb5 {? , then %05What should Black do now? If} 2. c5 {!} dxc5 3. dxc5 bxc5 (3... bxa4 4. cxb6 a3 5. b7 a2 6. b8=Q a1=Q 7. Qf8# {%04mate}) 4. a5 b4 5. a6 b3 6. Kd3 $18 {, and White wins.}) (1... cxb5 {%05No better is} 2. a5 {!} bxa5 3. c5 dxc5 4. dxc5 $18 {, since one of White's passed pawns quickly queens.}) 2. cxd5 (2. Kd3 dxc4+ 3. Kxc4 axb5+ 4. axb5 cxb5+ 5. Kxb5 g4 6. hxg4 hxg4 7. d5 g3 8. d6 g2 9. d7 Ke7 $19) (2. Ke3 cxb5 3. c5 bxc5 4. dxc5 Kxf5 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 2... cxd5+ 3. Kxd5 axb5 4. Kc6 (4. axb5 {%05totally bad is} g4 5. hxg4 hxg4 6. Ke4 g3 7. Kf3 Kxf5 8. Kxg3 Ke4) 4... g4 5. hxg4 h4 {! (this is the whole point - the h-pawn queens with check)} 6. d5 h3 7. d6 h2 8. d7 h1=Q+ $19 {After 1. b5 the game was sent for adjudication, and Black was awarded a win.} 0-1 [Event "Ch World (match)"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "24"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/p1p3p1/1p2p3/8/7P/5PP1/P4P2/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {Black's pawns on the Q-side look very threatening, but without the help of their king they cannot promote. White's problem is to tie down the opponent's king by the threat of advancing his K-side pawns, but in such a way that they do not become easy booty. The following set-up would be ideal for White: pawns at f4, g5 and h5. Then the threat of h5-h6 would tie the black king to this part of the board.} 1... e5 {! %05Naturally, in the first instance Black prevents f3-f4:} 2. Kf1 (2. f4 exf4 3. gxf4 {is hopeless, since the black king deals with these pawns without difficulty. It is also bad to advance the pawns to g5 and h5, since they can be attacked from f5.}) 2... b5 3. Ke2 {Correct was } a5 {!} (3... c5 {? (this instructive mistake allows White to equalize; Black overlooks the opponent's threat to repair his pawn structure)} 4. Ke3 {! , and a draw was agreed, since the threat of 5. f4 cannot be parried.}) 4. Ke3 (4. Kd3 {, the play takes a standard course: %05If instead White plays} a4 5. Kc3 c5 6. g4 Ke7 7. Kd3 Ke6 8. Kc3 Kd5 9. a3 Ke6 10. Kd3 (10. h5 {%05 We have examined a continuation where in the main White manoeuvres with his king. If at any point he moves one of his pawns on the K-side, the black king immediately makes for there. For example:} Kf6 {!} 11. f4 (11. Kb2 Kg5 12. Kc3 e4 13. fxe4 Kxg4 14. e5 Kxh5 15. f4 g6 {, then 16... Kf5 and 17... g5, eliminating the K-side pawns}) 11... exf4 12. f3 Ke5 13. Kd3 b4 14. axb4 cxb4 15. Kc4 a3 16. Kb3 Kd4 17. Ka2 Kc3 {, and Black wins as in the previous variation (pointed out by Botvinnik).}) 10... Kd6 11. Kc3 Kd5 12. Kd3 b4 13. axb4 (13. Kc2 bxa3 14. Kc3 c4 15. Kc2 Kd4 16. h5 c3 {, winning}) 13... cxb4 14. Kc2 Kc4 15. Kb2 a3+ 16. Ka2 Kc3 {, and Black wins.}) 4... b4 {, when} 5. f4 { is decisively met by} exf4+ 6. Kxf4 a4 {, since the white king is outside the a-pawn's "square";} 7. Ke4 b3 8. axb3 a3 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/6k1/3pPp2/3P4/1P6/P2K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {~19.3 PROTECTED PASSED PAWN~ The possession of a protected passed pawn, or the possibility of creating one, is an important, and in many cases decisive positional advantage. If the king does not have to worry about this pawn, does not have to defend it, it can be directed into the enemy position to attack the opponent's pawns. In short, a protected passed pawn allows the king to become more active. And on the contrary, a protected passed pawn will restrict the opponent's king, which will be unable to move far away from this pawn. The following example can well be called typical.} 1. Ke3 {%05The greater manoeuvrability of White's king - a consequence of the fact that his e-pawn is protected and passed - enables him to win.} Kg5 2. Kf3 {! White's problem is to put his opponent in zugzwang. For this reason he should not be in a hurry to advance his pawns on the opposite wing: the tempi may later come in useful.} a5 (2... f4 {loses immediately, since White can employ a procedure which in such positions is standard - the exchange of pawns with the aim of penetrating into the enemy position on the critical squares of the opponent's pawn(s):} 3. e6 {!} Kf6 4. Kxf4 Kxe6 5. Kg5 {, and White wins the d-pawn.}) 3. Kg3 (3. a4 b6 4. Kg3 {is also possible}) 3... f4+ 4. Kh3 {!} b5 (4... Kh5 {since after %05This is the whole point. Now the black king cannot move to h5,} 5. e6 Kg6 6. Kg4 {White's king breaks into the opponent's position. And the advance of Black's pawns on the opposite wing can no longer change the zugzwang situation which has arisen.}) 5. a3 b4 6. a4 Kf5 7. Kh4 {! , and White wins.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Bebchuk Evgeni (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p4p1/3kPp1p/5P2/6PP/3K4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] {There is one further important advantage of a protected passed pawn: an enemy outside passed pawn is not usually dangerous, since, with o longer having to worry about its own pawn, the king can head off to deal with it. (variation from the game)} 1. Kc4 {%05The plan is simple: White attacks the outside passed pawn with his king.} Kc6 2. Kb4 Kd6 (2... b6 {%05no better is} 3. Kc4 Kd6 4. Kb5 Kc7 5. h5) 3. Kb5 Kc7 4. Kc5 Kd8 5. Kb6 Kc8 6. h5 {, and White wins. It should be noted that White won only because he had a reserve tempo. Without it all his winning attempts would have been in vain.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/k1p2p2/P1Pp1p1p/KP1PpP1P/4P3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {In situations where the outside passed pawn cannot be eliminated "for free", an alternative method is sometimes possible: the protected passed pawn is exchanged for it, but in doing so the king penetrates into the enemy position. With this plan it is very important that there should be pawn weaknesses in the opponent's position. The following two examples show various aspects of the implementation of this plan.} 1. Kb3 {! %05Correct is} (1. b5+ {? %05The immediate creation of a protected passed pawn does not win here:} cxb5+ 2. Kb4 Kb7 3. Kxb5 a6+ {, and Black has set up a fortress into which the white king cannot penetrate.}) 1... Kb7 (1... Kb5 2. a6 {!} Kxa6 3. Ka4 {comes to the same thing}) 2. a6+ {!} Kxa6 (2... Kc7 {%05The attempt to set up barrier with pawns does not succeed:} 3. Ka4 Kd7 4. b5 Kc7 5. bxc6 Kc8 {!} 6. c7 {!} Kxc7 7. Kb5 Kd7 8. c6+ Kd6 9. c7 Kxc7 10. Kc5 {, and White wins.}) 3. Ka4 Kb7 4. b5 a6 (4... cxb5+ {%05Things are not improved by} 5. Kxb5 Kc7 6. Ka6 Kb8 7. c6 Ka8 {! } (7... Kc7 8. Kxa7 Kxc6 9. Ka6 {!}) 8. Kb5 {!} (8. c7 {?? leads to stalemate}) 8... Kb8 9. Kc5 $18) 5. bxc6+ Kxc6 6. Ka5 Kb7 7. c6+ Kxc6 8. Kxa6 Kc7 9. Kb5 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p6p/2k3p1/4Pp2/2K2P1P/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "51"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Kb4 {%05This position is given in Fine's book as an illustration of the strength of the protected passed pawn. In his opinion, the win does not present any difficulty:} Kb6 (1... h5 {, not allowing the breaking-up of his pawn chain, there can follow %05It only remains to add that, if on 1. Kb4 Black replies} 2. Ka5 Kb7 3. Kb5 Kc7 4. Ka6 Kb8 5. e6 Kc7 6. Kxa7 Kd6 7. Kb6 Kxe6 8. Kc6 {, and the opposition of the kings allows White soon to win the g6 pawn, e.g.} Ke7 9. Kc7 Ke6 10. Kd8 Kf7 (10... Kd5 11. Ke7 Ke4 12. Kf6 Kf3 13. Kxg6 Kxg3 14. Kg5 {!}) 11. Kd7 Kf6 12. Ke8 Kg7 13. Ke7 Kh7 14. Kf7 Kh6 15. Kg8 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Ka4 Kc6 $18 {%05Fine's analysis was later criticized by a number of theorists, who showed that Black's %05defence was by no means the best. Thus, instead of 2... a6, more tenacious is} (2... a6 3. Kb4 Kc6 4. Kc4 Kb6 {%00o^ Kb7 7.h5 gxh5 8.e6 Kc6 9.Kxa6 Kd6 10.Kb6 Kxe6 11.Kc6 $18 (~3(*)~}) ({Kd5 ! Kb7} 2... a5 {Kd6 ! %04etc.}) ({Kd6 Kc8 Kc6 , and after eliminating the a-pawn White wins easily.} 2... a5 3. h5 {!} gxh5 4. e6 Kc6 5. Kxa5 Kd6 6. Kb6 Kxe6 7. Kc6 $18 {~3(*)~}) 3. Ka5 Kc7 4. Ka6 Kb8 {, when the a-pawn can be won only by giving up the e-pawn. The correct plan is in fact to exchange these pawns and then invade with the king into the enemy position! But first, weaknesses must be created there. Therefore White plays} 5. h5 {!} gxh5 6. e6 Kc7 7. Kxa7 Kd6 8. Kb6 Kxe6 9. Kc6 {! %04 %04 Position ~3(*)~ %08DA} Kf7 {!} (9... Kf6 {%05This suggestion of Euwe and Hooper (1958) is stronger than Maizelis's} 10. Kd6 Kg6 11. Ke6 h4 12. gxh4 Kg7 {!} 13. Kxf5 Kf7 14. Ke5 Ke7 15. h5 {!} Kf7 16. Kd6 Kf6 17. h6 {! ($40304).}) 10. Kd7 {!} (10. Kd5 { ? Because then comes %05But why not} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/401I02I01I1/303D103I2/301D02D3/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! , when White can no longer win. Black must try to ensure^013^010 that, when the f5 pawn is captured, his king is already at^013^010 f7. Then ... h4 followed by ... Ke7 is possible, and the^013^010 by-pass plan employed in examples ~3 ($41304)-($41305)~^013^010 does not succeed: White is short of a tempo. The^013^010 features of such positions are explained in detail in the^013^010 analysis of examples ~3 ($41304) -($41308).~^013^010 It is not hard to see that here we have a case of^013^010 corresponding squares: d5/e7(g7), e5/f7 and d6/f6.}) 10... Kf8 11. Kd6 {!!} (11. Ke6 {? %05The natural} Ke8 {!} 12. Kxf5 {leads to a draw after} (12. Kf6 {can be met by %05while} h4 {!} 13. gxh4 Kf8 {with the same result.}) 12... h4 13. gxh4 Ke7 {!}) 11... Kg7 (11... Kf7 12. Ke5 {!}) 12. Ke7 {!} Kg6 (12... Kg8 {%05No better is} 13. Ke6 {!} Kf8 14. Kf6 {!} h4 15. gxh4 Kg8 16. Kxf5 Kf7 {, when we reach a position from Maizelis's variation.}) 13. Ke6 {At last white wins the pawn without allowing the opponent's king to go to f7. But the struggle is not yet over: there is one last problem for White to solve.} h6 {! This defence was pointed out by E. Richter, who^013^010 thought that in this way Black could draw. But this is not^013^010 so ~3 ($41301).~} 14. Ke5 Kg7 15. Kxf5 Kf7 16. Ke5 Ke7 17. f5 Kf7 18. f6 Ke8 {!} 19. Kf4 {!} Kf8 20. Ke4 Ke8 21. Ke5 {!} Kf8 22. Ke6 Ke8 23. f7+ Kf8 24. Kf6 h4 25. gxh4 h5 26. Kg6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Site "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "Schiffers Emanuel S (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/p6p/2KP2p1/8/4pP2/4P3/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] {In the following position, by creating a protected passed pawn, White managed to win the opponent's outside passed pawn. But had Black defended correctly, an undermining manoeuvre would have allowed him to neutralize White's threats. } 1... Kc8 {! First White has to advance his h-pawn" But he did not give any variations demonstrating the win.^013^010 Many analysts sought this demonstration, but each time came to the conclusion that a win is impossible. We give the most recent analysis by Botvinnik and Minev. %05In his commentary Tarrasch wrote: "As analysis after the game showed, the win would have been the most difficult after} (1... h6 {? , and after %05Black irreparably weakened his pawns by} 2. h4 {! the threat of 3. h5 forced him to play} h5 { , depriving him of the possible undermining move ... g5. The game continued} 3. Kd5 Kd7 4. Kxe4 Kxd6 5. Kd4 Kc6 6. e4 Kd6 7. Kc4 Kc6 8. Kb4 {Resigns. After} Kb6 {the attack on the outside passed pawn is decisive:} 9. Ka4 Kc6 (9... Kc5 { %05or} 10. Ka5 Kd4 11. e5 {The protected passed e-pawn proves to be the decisive factor.}) 10. Ka5 Kc7 11. Ka6 Kb8 12. e5) 2. h4 Kd8 3. h5 {!?} (3. Kd5 Kd7 4. Kxe4 Kxd6 5. Kd4 Ke6 6. e4 h6 7. Kc4 a5 8. Kb5 Kf6 9. Kxa5 g5) 3... Kc8 (3... gxh5 4. f5) 4. h6 a5 {! At just the right time! Only in this way can Black save the game.} (4... Kd8 {%05Bad is} 5. Kd5 Kd7 6. Kxe4 Kxd6 7. Kd4 Ke6 8. e4 Kd6 9. Kc4 Kc6 10. Kb4 Kb6 11. Ka4 Kc5 12. Ka5 Kd4 13. e5 Kd5 14. Ka6 Ke6 15. Kxa7 Kf5 16. Kb6 g5 17. fxg5 Kxg5 18. Kc6 {, and White wins.}) 5. Kb5 Kd7 6. Kxa5 Kxd6 7. Kb6 Ke6 8. Kc6 Kf5 9. Kd5 {!} g5 10. fxg5 Kxg5 11. Kxe4 Kxh6 { Draw. The undermining manoeuvre is an important way of battling against a protected passed pawn, and in such situations it must always be taken into account. A protected passed pawn may prove stronger even than two enemy passed pawns, provided, of course, that these pawns are not far advanced.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Krejcik"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/p1p3p1/1pP5/1P1P4/8/P6K/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] 1. d6 {! %05The only way to win is by the sacrifice of a pawn, with the aim of creating a protected passed pawn:} (1. Kg4 {%05The attempt by White to break through to the c7 pawn with his king does not succeed:} Ke7 2. Kf5 Kd6 3. Kg6 ( 3. Ke4 {%05Defending the d-pawn, so as to gain time for a3-a4, also does not work:} g5 4. a4 g4 5. Kf4 Kxd5 6. Kxg4 Ke4 {!} 7. Kg5 Ke5 {, and Black's king completely neutralizes its opponent.}) 3... Kxd5 4. Kxg7 Kc4 5. a4 Kb4 6. Kf7 Kxa4 7. Ke7 Kxb5 8. Kd7 a5 9. Kxc7 a4 10. Kb7 a3 {, and the pawns queen simultaneously.}) 1... cxd6 2. Kg4 Kd8 3. Kf5 Ke7 4. a4 {! Black's misfortune is that he has no reserve tempo. He is forced to retreat his king.} Kd8 (4... g6+ {%05no better is} 5. Kxg6 Ke6 6. Kg5 d5 7. Kf4 Kd6 8. Kf5) 5. Ke6 Kc7 6. Kd5 g5 7. Ke4 Kd8 8. Kf5 Ke8 9. Kxg5 Ke7 10. Kf5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bottlik"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p1k5/1pPp1pp1/1P6/3K4/P5P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {The following example is highly instructive.} 1. Kd4 {%05 White's positional advantage lies in his protected passed pawn and the active position of his king, enabling him easily to invade the opponent's position. In spite of Black's extra pawn, this proves sufficient for a win.} f4 2. Ke5 a5 {!} 3. a3 ( 3. bxa5 {? , then %05Black aims for counter-play. If, for example,} Kxc5 { , with equal chances.}) 3... a4 4. Kf5 d4 5. Ke4 d3 6. Kxd3 Kd5 7. g3 {! The only way to win. By undermining the pawns, White creates in the opponent's position a weak pawn which can then be successfully attacked by the king.} (7. Ke2 {? %05 By giving up a pawn, Black has returned the opponent's king to its initial position and has markedly activated his own. Now White's problem is to attack the K-side pawns with his king, but if Black succeeds in playing ... g4, this will be impossible, e.g.} g4 {!} 8. Kd3 Ke5 9. c6 Kd6 10. Ke4 Kxc6 11. Kxf4 Kd5 12. Kxg4 Kc4 {%04etc.}) 7... fxg3 (7... Ke5 {, then %05There is nothing better. If} 8. gxf4+ gxf4 9. Ke2 Kd5 10. Kf3 Ke5 11. c6 Kd6 12. Kxf4 Kxc6 13. Ke5 {, and White wins.}) 8. Ke2 (8. Ke3 g4 9. Ke2 {is also possible}) 8... Ke5 (8... g4 9. Kf1 Ke5 10. Kg2 {%04etc.}) 9. Kf3 Ke6 10. Kxg3 Kf5 11. Kf3 (11. c6 {? would be over-hasty:} Ke6 12. Kg4 Kd6 13. Kxg5 Kxc6 14. Kf5 Kd5 { , with a draw.}) 11... Ke5 12. Kg4 Kf6 13. c6 Ke6 14. Kxg5 Kd6 15. Kf5 Kxc6 16. Ke6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Winnipeg (Canada)"] [Site "Winnipeg (Canada)"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spassky Boris V (FRA)"] [Black "Yanofsky D A (CAN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/6p1/1Pp1pp1p/2P5/7P/8/5PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ403 Problems over exploiting a protected passed pawn usually arise when it is difficult to penetrate with the king into the enemy position, and one then has to resort to various ruses in order to make a breach.} 1. h5 { ! he tied down Black's K-side pawns. Now %05White carried out a typical plan: by} Kb7 (1... e5 {is met by %05Now} 2. g4 $18) (1... f5 {%04by %05and} 2. f4 $18 {, when White's king penetrates into the opponent's position. It only remains to create a zugzwang situation, and this is easily done:}) 2. Kf1 Kc8 3. Ke2 Kd7 4. Kd3 Kc8 5. Kc4 Kb7 6. Kb4 Ka6 7. Ka4 Kb7 8. Ka5 Kb8 9. Ka6 e5 10. g4 $18 {Resigns. But what if it had been Black to move, when he himself could have played 1... h5, not allowing this plan to be carried out? The resulting position deserves special consideration.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/6p1/1Pp1pp2/2P4p/7P/8/5PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1. f4 {! , preparing to make a breach in Black's defences, a plan which he has no way of opposing. A possible continuation is %05Correct is} (1. Kf1 {%05Now little is achieved by taking the king to the Q-side, to create a zugzwang situation:} e5 2. Ke2 (2. f4 {! %05Incidentally, after 1. Kf1 e5, instead of the incorrect 2. Ke2? it is still possible to play} exf4 3. Kf2 g5 4. Kf3 Kb7 5. Ke4 Kb8 6. Kf5 {!} f3 7. gxf3 gxh4 8. Kf4 f5 9. Ke3 {, and White wins by eliminating the dangerous passed pawns on the h-file.}) 2... f5 3. Kd3 Ka8 4. Kc4 Kb8 5. Kb4 Ka8 6. Ka5 Kb7 7. g3 g6 8. f3 Kb8 {, and} 9. Ka6 {? is not possible due to} e4 10. fxe4 fxe4 11. b7 e3 12. Kb6 e2 {, when it is Black who wins.}) 1... Kb7 2. Kf2 Ka8 3. Kf3 Kb8 4. g4 {!} g6 5. g5 {!} f5 6. Ke3 { , and White's king penetrates via e5 into the enemy position.} * [Event "Baden-Baden (Germany)"] [Site "Baden-Baden (Germany)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Thomas George A (ENG)"] [Black "Saemisch Friedrich (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/2p3p1/1p1p3p/p2Pp3/2P3P1/8/PP4PP/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {Thus a player with a protected passed pawn should strive to penetrate with his king into the opponent's position. If this invasion can be prevented, the game usually ends in a draw. The following example illustrates well the various possibilities of defence against an invasion.} 1... Kh7 {%05Here Black not only has a protected passed pawn, but he is also essentially a pawn up, since on the K-side his two pawns successfully oppose the opponent's three pawns. The only problem is how to penetrate with his king into the enemy position.^013^010 %05 The game took the following course:} 2. Ke2 (2. b3 { %05However, as was correctly pointed out by Zinar, the safest move order for White is} Kg6 3. Kf2 {! , when} Kg5 {can be met by} (3... Kf6 {%04by %05and} 4. Kf3 {!}) 4. Kg3 {!}) 2... Kg6 3. Kf3 Kg5 4. Kg3 (4. b3 {! , and if %05 On the basis of this analysis, Sozin concluded that White could nevertheless have saved this ending, but he went wrong on the 4th move by playing 4. Kg3? He should have continued} Kf6 {, then} (4... e4+ {, then %05If Black answers 4. b3 with} 5. Ke3 {!} Kxg4 6. Kxe4 {, again with a draw.}) (4... Kh4 {comes into consideration. Black tries to invade his king on the opposite wing. The most precise defence is %05In reply to 4. b3, the move suggested by Zinar,} 5. a3 {! } (5. h3 {is bad due to %05Now} g6 6. a3 e4+ {!} 7. Kxe4 Kg3 8. b4 axb4 9. axb4 Kxg2 10. Kf4 Kxh3 11. g5 h5 12. Kf3 h4 13. b5 Kh2 14. Kf2 h3 {, and Black wins. }) 5... g6 6. b4 a4 {!} 7. b5 {, and only after} g5 8. h3 {! Now on} e4+ 9. Kxe4 Kg3 {White can play} 10. Kf5 {!} Kxg2 11. Ke6 {!} (11. Kg6 {?} Kxh3) 11... Kxh3 12. Kd7 Kxg4 13. Kxc7 {, when he cannot lose.}) 5. a3 Ke7 6. b4 {, as already considered in the note to White's 8th move.}) 4... g6 (4... Kf6 { ! %05 However, in this complicated ending Black too did not play the best. Instead of losing a tempo with 4... g6, it was correct, as shown by Sozin, to move his king immediately to the Q-side:} 5. Kf3 (5. b3 {is too late due to} b5 {!} 6. cxb5 e4 7. Kf4 e3 {!} 8. Kxe3 Ke5 9. a4 Kxd5 10. b4 axb4 11. a5 Kc5 12. a6 Kb6 13. Kd4 c5+ $19 {!}) 5... Ke7 6. b3 Kd7 7. a3 c6 {!} 8. b4 axb4 9. axb4 b5 {! , and Black must win.}) 5. b3 Kf6 6. Kf3 Ke7 7. a3 Kd7 8. Ke4 (8. b4 { ! White could have drawn, e.g. %05In 1929 Sozin subjected this ending to a thorough analysis, but this was published by Maizelis only in 1956. Sozin established that 8. Ke4? was the decisive mistake, and that by} axb4 9. axb4 b5 {! (otherwise after 10. b5! Black can no longer break thorough with his king)} 10. cxb5 Kc8 11. b6 {!} Kb7 12. bxc7 Kxc7 13. Ke4 Kb6 14. Kd3 Kb5 15. Kc3 e4 16. Kd4 Kxb4 17. Kxe4 Kc5 18. h4 Kc4 19. h5 g5 20. Kf5 {!} Kxd5 21. Kg6 Ke5 { The best plan. If Black plays to queen his d-pawn, only he can lose. He is saved by the fact that he can stop the white king moving off the h-file.} 22. Kxh6 Kf6 23. Kh7 Kf7 24. Kh6 Kf6 {with a draw.}) 8... c6 {!} 9. g5 (9. b4 { , then %05A desperate attempt to create play on the K-side. If} axb4 10. axb4 b5 {!} 11. cxb5 cxd5+ 12. Kxd5 Kc7 {, and Black wins easily.}) 9... hxg5 10. Kf3 b5 11. a4 bxa4 12. bxa4 cxd5 13. cxd5 Kc7 {(the breach in the defences has been made, and Black's king heads into the enemy position)} 14. Kg4 e4 { ! White resigns.} * [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nikolaevsky Yuri V (RUS)"] [Black "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p7/2pP2kp/1pP5/1P4K1/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {In the following examples, due to certain features of the position which we can rightfully call exceptional, the protected passed pawn does not provide a win. Each time the opponent's king finds a stalemate shelter. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ403} 1. Kh3 {%05The typical plan - the exchange of passed pawns and the breakthrough of the king into the enemy position - runs into an unexpected refutation:} Kf5 2. Kh4 Kg6 3. d6 Kf6 4. Kxh5 Ke6 5. Kg5 Kxd6 6. Kf5 Kc6 7. Ke5 Kb6 8. Kd5 Ka5 {! This, it turns out, is the point - after} 9. Kxc5 {= Black is stalemated! Therefore - draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/p1p5/P2p4/2p5/2P4P/3K4/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {The following study by Chekhover is extremely interesting, a stalemate finish arising as a result of subtle manoeuvring.} 1. Ke4 {%05At first sight White stands badly, since Black can create by force a protected passed pawn, and then set off with his king to eliminate the opponent's passed pawn...} c6 2. Kf5 d5 3. Ke5 d4 4. Ke4 Kg7 5. Kd3 {!} (5. Kf4 {? %05The attempt to hold on to the h-pawn leads to defeat:} Kg6 6. Kg4 Kh6 7. a3 Kg6 8. h5+ Kh6 9. a4 d3 {!} 10. Kf3 Kxh5 11. Ke3 Kg4 12. Kxd3 Kf3 {, and by penetrating into the opponent's position, Black wins.}) 5... Kg6 (5... Kh6 {%05Zinar (1979) established that Black can manoeuvre more cunningly:} 6. Kc2 Kg6 {! , setting White serious problems. White should play} 7. Kb2 {!!} (7. Kb3 {(or 7. a3) %05It is bad, for example, to play} Kh5 8. a3 (8. Ka4 d3 9. Ka5 (9. Kb3 {%05or} Kxh4 10. Kc3 Kg4 11. Kxd3 Kf3 {, and Black wins}) 9... d2 10. a4 Kg4 $19) 8... Kg6 {!} 9. Kb2 (9. h5+ Kh6 {!} 10. Kc2 Kxh5) 9... Kf5 {!} 10. Kb3 (10. h5 Kg5 11. Kb3 Kh6 {!}) (10. Kc2 {%05or} Kg4 {!} 11. Kb3 Kh5 {! %04etc.}) 10... Kf4 {! } 11. h5 Ke3 12. h6 d3 13. h7 d2 14. h8=Q d1=Q+ {, and Black easily wins this queen ending.}) 7... Kf5 8. h5 {!} (8. Kb3 {?} Kf4 {!} 9. h5 Ke3) 8... Kg5 9. Kb3 {!} Kh6 10. a3 Kxh5 11. Ka4 {!} d3 12. Ka5 d2 13. a4 d1=Q {- stalemate.}) 6. Kc2 Kf5 (6... Kh5 {%05If} 7. Kb3 Kxh4 {, White reveals his cards:} 8. Ka4 {! } d3 9. Ka5 {!} d2 10. a4 d1=Q {- stalemate. Therefore Black is not in a hurry to capture the pawn.}) 7. h5 {!} Kg5 8. Kb3 {!} (8. h6 {? , then %05If} Kxh6 9. Kb3 d3 {!} 10. Kc3 Kg5 11. Kxd3 Kf4 {, and Black wins.}) 8... Kh6 {!} 9. a3 {!! } (9. Kc2 {? %05of course, not} Kxh5) 9... Kg7 10. Kc2 (10. Kb2 {%05or}) 10... Kh7 11. Kb2 Kh6 12. Kb3 Kxh5 13. Ka4 {!} d3 14. Ka5 {!} d2 15. a4 d1=Q { - stalemate. Zinar's suggested improvement for Black improves the study significantly.} * [Event "Bulgaria"] [Site "Bulgaria"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troyanska"] [Black "Nedelcheva"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3kpp1p/1p4p1/p1pPP3/P7/1P3P1P/5KP1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {In certain cases the creation of a protected passed pawn can be a highly effective method of defence, neutralizing a positional or material advantage.} 1... b5 {!! %05Correct was} (1... f6 {%05 White's king is threatening to penetrate into the enemy position via c4 and b5. How can Black forestall this plan?^013^010 The game went} 2. f4 g5 3. g3 {!} h5 4. h4 gxf4 5. gxf4 fxe5 6. fxe5 e6 7. d6 {, and here Black risked a breakthrough:} b5 8. axb5 {!} c4 9. Ke3 cxb3 10. Kd3 a4 11. Kc3 Kd8 12. b6 Kc8 13. Kb2 {As a result, a familiar position ~3($40770)~ arose with^013^010 pawns on the sixth rank, in which Black inevitably ends up in zugzwang.}) 2. Ke3 (2. axb5 {%05now} c4 {!} 3. Ke3 cxb3 4. Kd3 {does not succeed, due to} Kc7 {!} 5. Kc3 a4 6. Kb2 Kb6 (6... Kd7 7. b6) 7. d6 exd6 8. exd6 Kb7 9. Ka3 Kb6) 2... c4 {!} 3. bxc4 b4 4. c5 e6 5. d6 Kc6 6. Kd4 Kd7 7. Kc4 Kc6 8. f4 Kd7 {with a draw (variation by Minev).} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Bebchuk Evgeni (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p4p1/5p1p/1k3P2/6PP/3KP3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ405 ~19.4 BREAKTHROUGH~ The possibility of carrying out a pawn breakthrough - the sacrifice of one or several pawns, to create a passed pawn - is a highly important, and often decisive feature of a position. In the course of play it is very important to foresee the possibility of a breakthrough for oneself, and to forestall in time the threat of a breakthrough by the opponent. The following example is typical.} 1. e4 { %05Black has an outside passed pawn, and if his king were on the K-side or in the centre, the chances would be only on his side. But his king is at some distance from the main mass of pawns on the K-side, and this allows White to carry out a pawn breakthrough. True, it is a very close thing. Were the black king a move nearer to the pawns, say at c6, the breakthrough would not be dangerous.} Kc6 2. e5 {!} fxe5 (2... Kd7 {%05After} 3. e6+ $18 {White sets up a protected passed pawn, and then sendshis king over to the b7 pawn ~3($40459) ~.}) 3. g5 {!} hxg5 (3... Kd6 {%05No better is} 4. f6 Ke6 5. fxg7 Kf7 6. gxh6 b5 7. Ke4 b4 8. Kd3 {!$18 , when White manages to eliminate both pawns.}) 4. f6 {! Resigns: after} gxf6 5. h5 $18 {the lone white pawn cannot be prevented from queening.} 1-0 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zubarev Nikolay (RUS)"] [Black "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K2/kp6/p1p5/P2p4/1P3P2/2P5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "49"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ405 Some curious subtleties associated with a breakthrough are shown in the following practical example.} 1... b5 {! %05After} 2. axb5+ { Black made the at first incomprehensible move} Kb6 {!! More tenacious was} ( 2... Kxb5 {? %05 But the explanation is quite simple: to carry out the breakthrough he will have to play 3... a4 (or 3... c4), and if his king is at b5 he will lose a second tempo. For example:} 3. Ke6 c4 4. bxc4+ Kxc4 5. f4 { = , and the queens appear simultaneously.}) 3. Ke7 {!} (3. Ke6 {%05 But after the move played, Black wins.} a4 {!} (3... c4 {%05but here this is wrong in view of} 4. bxc4 a4 5. Kd6 {!} a3 6. c5+ {with a draw}) 4. bxa4 c4 5. f4 d3 $19 {, and Black won quickly.}) (3. f4 {or 3. Kg8, %05had White played} c4 { would have been correct,}) 3... a4 4. bxa4 c4 5. f4 d3 6. cxd3 {, and if} cxd3 {, then} 7. a5+ {! In this case, as shown by Knyazev, the only correct move is} Kxa5 {!} (7... Kxb5 {? %05after} 8. a6 Kxa6 9. f5 d2 10. f6 d1=R 11. f7 { = it is a draw, since the black king is outside the winning zone}) 8. f5 d2 9. f6 d1=Q 10. f7 {, and thanks to his b5 pawn Black wins, e.g.} Qe2+ 11. Kd7 Qd3+ 12. Ke7 Qe4+ 13. Kd7 Qd5+ 14. Ke7 Qe5+ 15. Kd7 Qf6 16. Ke8 Qe6+ 17. Kf8 Qd7 {!} 18. b6 Qd8+ 19. Kg7 Qg5+ 20. Kh7 Qf6 21. Kg8 Qg6+ 22. Kf8 Kxb6 23. Ke7 Qg7 24. Ke8 Kc6 25. f8=Q Qd7# {mate. In the above examples a pawn majority on one wing has suggested the idea of a possible breakthrough. It may happen that there is no pawn majority, but the pawn formation itself allows a breakthrough to be made.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pppp4/8/PPPP4/8/7k/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Here Black has no way of preventing the breakthrough.} 1. a6 {%05In this amusing position White wins by the advance of any his pawns: in each case one of the pawns breaks through to queen. For example:} (1. b6 axb6 (1... cxb6 2. a6 bxa6 3. c6) 2. c6 dxc6 3. dxc6 bxc6 4. a6 $18) (1. c6 dxc6 (1... bxc6 2. d6 cxd6 3. b6) 2. b6 axb6 3. axb6 cxb6 4. d6 $18) (1. d6 cxd6 (1... c6 2. a6) 2. a6 bxa6 3. b6 $18 (3. c6 {%05or})) 1... bxa6 (1... b6 2. d6) 2. d6 cxd6 3. b6 $18 (3. c6 {%05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pp5/p2p4/P2P4/1PP5/7k/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {Another form of pawn quartet is also pregnant with the threat of a breakthrough.} 1. b5 {(or 1. c5) is possible, then 2. c5 dc 3. b6 cb 4. d6, and the d-pawn queens. Incidentally, even if it is Black to move, he cannot avert the threat of a breakthrough. Therefore in such situations the black king cannot move outside the d-pawn's "square", which reflects strongly on its activity. %05Here} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/ppp1p3/3pP1K1/P2P4/1PP5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {The following example is highly instructive.} 1... a4 {, creating the threat of a breakthrough, so that White cannot play %05Black to move continues} 2. Kh5 (2. Kf3 {%05He is forced to retreat:} Kg5 3. Ke2 c4 {!} 4. Kd2 Kf4 5. Ke2 c3 {! } 6. bxc3 dxc3 7. Kd1 b4 {!} 8. Kc1 b3 9. cxb3 axb3 10. a4 Ke3 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 2... c4 $19 (2... b4 $19 {%05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/ppp1p3/3pP1K1/P2P4/1PP5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. b3 {, and after %05If White begins, he is able to avert the threat of a breakthrough by} (1. a4 {! he can attempt to play for a win. The correct continuation is %05But by} bxa4 {!} (1... b4 {? loses after %05Now} 2. Kh5 c4 3. b3 $18 {!}) 2. Kh5 Ke6 3. Kg6 Kd6 4. Kf6 c4 {!} 5. dxc4 Kc5 6. Kxe5 Kxc4 7. Kd6 d3 8. cxd3+ Kb3 9. e5 Kxb2 10. e6 a3 11. e7 a2 12. e8=Q a1=Q 13. Qe5+ Kb1 14. Qxa1+ Kxa1 15. Kc5 Kb2 16. Kb5 Kc3 {Draw.}) 1... Kg6 {the draw is obvious.} * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Edward (GER)"] [Black "Mohle"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5ppp/8/5P1P/2k3P1/2p5/5P2/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] {Where there is the threat of a breakthrough, events must be watched very closely, since any inaccuracy may prove fatal.} 1... f6 {, and if %05The correct continuation was} (1... h6 {? and after %05This example is interesting for the mistakes made by both sides. White is threatening by g4-g5 to create the threat of a breakthrough, so Black played} 2. f4 {?} (2. f6 {! %05But the incorrect 1... h6 could have been met by} gxf6 3. f4 Kd4 4. g5 fxg5 5. fxg5 Ke5 6. gxh6 c2 {, when it is White who wins.}) 2... f6 3. g5 Kd4 {he went on to win.}) 2. h6 gxh6 3. f4 {, then} Kd5 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "Lone Pine (USA)"] [Site "Lone Pine (USA)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weinstein Norman (USA)"] [Black "Rohde Michael A (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1k4/5ppp/PPK1p3/6P1/5PP1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] 1... f4 {!} (1... h4 {? %05 White has an active king and the possibility of creating an outside passed pawn. If Black does not find some way of countering this, he will lose. The game went} 2. gxh4 gxh4 3. Kd4 Ke6 4. a5 bxa5 5. bxa5 Kd6 6. a6 Kc6 7. Ke5 {, and the play took a standard course; after} Kb6 8. Kxf5 Kxa6 9. Kxe4 {Black resigned. And yet he could have won the game by a spectacular breakthrough!}) 2. gxf4 (2. Kd4 e3 {! comes to the same thing}) 2... gxf4 3. Kd4 e3 {!} 4. fxe3 (4. Kd3 {also fails to save the game:} f3 {!} 5. gxf3 h4 6. Ke2 h3 7. Kf1 e2+ $19 (7... h2 {%05or} 8. Kg2 exf2 $19)) 4... f3 {!} 5. gxf3 h4 {, and the black pawn cannot be stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pp5/1p1p4/1P1Pp1k1/P1P3P1/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {A breakthrough is especially dangerous when a passed pawn is also present.} 1. c5 {! %05A protected passed pawn is normally stronger than an isolated one, but here the decisive factor is Black's defective pawn formation, which allows the possibility of a breakthrough.} dxc5 2. a5 {!} bxa5 3. b6 {!} cxb6 4. d6 { (by the sacrifice of three pawns, White has created another passed pawn)} Kf6 5. g5+ {(this gain of tempo is the whole point)} Ke6 6. g6 a4 7. g7 Kf7 8. d7 { , and wins. In the above positions one of the sides has possessed various advantages, but they have all faded before the threat of a breakthrough. Therefore it can rightfully be said that the breakthrough is perhaps the strongest tactical weapon in a pawn ending. Here are some further instances of a breakthrough, arising due to various defects in the pawn formation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Barasz Zsigmond (HUN)"] [Black "Schonmann"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/5pp1/kPP2p2/2K1pP2/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. h4 {! White could have created the irresistible threat of a breakthrough, e. g. %05But by} (1. b6 {%05The game went:} Ka6 2. h3 {?} e3 3. Kd3 Kb5 4. Kxe3 Kxc5 5. h4 Kd5 6. Kd3 Kc5 7. g4 fxg4 8. f5 Kd6 9. fxg6 Ke6 10. h5 g3 11. Ke3 f5 {with a draw.}) 1... e3 2. Kd3 Kxb5 3. g4 {!} fxg4 4. f5 gxf5 5. Kxe3 Kxc5 6. h5 {, and the h-pawn queens.} * [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kuznetsov"] [Black "Zelenskikh"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/pPk3pp/2P1p3/1pK3P1/5PP1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ405} 1... g4 {!! it transpired that against the breakthrough on the K-side there was no defence. The game concluded: %05After the highly unexpected} (1... a4 {? , retaining the b3 pawn, White would have been able to reply %05But had Black played} 2. g4 {!} hxg4 3. g3 {= , when the threat of the breakthrough is eliminated.}) 2. Kxb3 h4 {!} 3. gxh4 g3 {!} 4. fxg3 e3 5. Kc2 e2 6. Kd2 a4 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Argentina"] [Site "Argentina"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Barrera"] [Black "Schatzle Mario (ARG)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p3k1p1/1p2p2p/1P2K1PP/5P2/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ405} 1... g5 {!! , when the situation changed sharply: the advantage passed to Black, who created an outside passed pawn. %05But he had not anticipated the reply} (1... Kf6 {? %05White had just played 1. g4, assuming that after} 2. gxh5 gxh5 3. f4 exf4 4. Kxf4 $18 {he would easily win.} ) 2. hxg5 (2. gxh5 {%05Totally bad is} gxh4 3. f4 (3. h6 Kf7 $19) 3... h3 4. Kf3 e4+ $19) 2... h4 3. Ke3 Kf7 4. Kf2 Kg6 5. Kg2 Kxg5 6. Kh3 (6. a3 e4 $19) 6... Kf4 {!} 7. Kxh4 Kxf3 8. g5 e4 9. g6 e3 10. g7 e2 11. g8=Q e1=Q+ {Thanks to the fact that Black queens his pawn with check, he is able to exchange queens immediately:} 12. Kh5 Qh1+ 13. Kg6 Qg1+ 14. Kf7 Qxg8+ 15. Kxg8 Ke4 16. Kf7 Kd5 $19 {, and Black won.} 0-1 [Event "Olot (Spain)"] [Site "Olot (Spain)"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pomar Salamanca Arturo (ESP)"] [Black "Cuadras Avellana Jorge (ESP)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3K1k2/5p1p/4p1p1/4P1P1/5PP1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] 1... f4 {! %05But like a bolt from the blue there followed} (1... Kg6 {? %05White's defective pawn formation should have^013^010 %05suggested to him the possibility of a breakthrough, but^013^010 %05he has just serenely played his king to d6, expecting to^013^010 %05win after} 2. Ke6 Kg5 3. Kf7 h4 {?} ( 3... Kh6 {! %05Even here the breakthrough is still possible:} 4. Kf6 f4 { [%eval 0,0] %00o^ hxg3 7.f3 (! fxe3 Kxg3}) 4. gxh4+ Kxh4 5. g3+ Kh3 6. Ke6 {!} (6. Kf6 {?} f4 {!} (6... Kg2 {?} 7. Kxf5 Kxf2 8. Kf4 $18 {!}) 7. gxf4 Kg2 8. Kg5 Kxf2 9. Kxg4 Kxe3 {=}) 6... f4 7. gxf4 Kg2 8. f5 Kxf2 9. f6 g3 10. f7 g2 11. f8=Q+ $18) 2. Kd5 (2. exf4 {%05totally bad is} h4 {!} 3. gxh4 g3 4. fxg3 e3 $19) 2... h4 {!} 3. Kxe4 (3. gxf4 {%04then %05there is no way of saving the game; if} h3) 3... f3 {!} (3... h3 {??} 4. gxh3 gxh3 5. Kf3 $18) 4. gxf3 h3 $19 {White resigns.^013^010 ^013^010} 0-1 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Aronin Lev S (RUS)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p5k1/2p2p2/4p1p1/1p2P2p/1P5P/1PP2PP1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ405} 1. g4 {%05White forced the transition into this ending, intending by g2-g4 to block the K-side, and then to take his king across to Black's Q-side pawns. He had in mind the following variation:} Kf7 {?} (1... hxg3 {%05But the game went} 2. fxg3 g4 {!} 3. h4 {White has acquired a protected passed pawn, but the special feature of the position is that cannot move a long way across to the Q-side, due to the danger of the ... f5 breakthrough.} c5 4. Ke2 Kh7 5. Kd3 Kh6 {therefore after} 6. c3 (6. Kc4 { ? even loses: %05It transpires that now} f5 {!} 7. exf5 (7. Kd3 {%05bringing the king back no longer saves the game:} f4 8. gxf4 exf4 {, and the white pawns fall}) 7... e4 {!} 8. c3 a5 9. Kxc5 e3 $19 {%04etc.}) 6... a5 7. cxb4 axb4 {= the players agreed a draw.}) 2. Ke2 Ke6 3. Kd3 Kd6 4. Kc4 a5 5. f3 Kd7 6. Kc5 Kc7 7. c3 bxc3 8. bxc3 Kb7 9. Kd6 Kb6 10. c4 Kb7 11. c5 $18 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Post Ehrhardt (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kp6/3p2p1/p1p5/P1P1P2K/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {In conclusion, an example where the entire play is based on the avertion of a breakthrough.} 1. Kg5 {! , creating an unusual zugzwang position: Black has no useful move. There only remains %051... b5 2. cb c4 is threatened, so White must take his king inside the "square" of the c-pawn. At the same time he must think how he can exploit his winning chances, resulting from the creation of an outside passed pawn by f3-f4-f5 (and, in addition, this pawn must not prevent its king from covering the breakthrough of the black c-pawn).^013^010 But how should White continue - 1. Kg4 or 1. Kg5? White wins by} (1. Kg4 { %05Let us consider the first continuation:} Kb8 {!} 2. f4 Kc7 3. f5 (3. Kg5 b5 {!}) 3... gxf5+ 4. exf5 Kd7 5. f6 {! %05Now the simplest way to draw is} (5. Kg5 {%05Also possible is} d5 {!} 6. cxd5 c4 7. Kf4 b5 {!} 8. f6 {!} (8. axb5 { ? %05but not} a4 9. b6 c3 10. Ke3 a3 11. f6 c2 {!} 12. Kd2 a2 $19 {^013^010}) 8... bxa4 9. Kf5 a3 10. f7 a2 11. f8=Q a1=Q 12. Qf7+ {=}) 5... Ke6 6. Kg5 Kf7 7. Kf5 b6 {! (thanks to this tempo, Black nevertheless succeeds in making his breakthrough)} 8. Kg5 d5 {!} 9. cxd5 c4 10. d6 c3 11. d7 c2 12. d8=Q c1=Q+ { = Draw.}) 1... b6 {, but then Black loses the reserve tempo which was so necessary to him in the previous variation. There can follow:} (1... Kb8 { , then %05Indeed, if} 2. f4 {, and the pawn queens with check}) (1... Ka6 { , then again %05and if} 2. f4 {, and on} b5 {comes} 3. cxb5+ {, gaining a decisive tempo.}) 2. Kg4 {!} Kb7 3. f4 Kc7 4. f5 gxf5+ 5. exf5 Kd7 (5... d5 6. f6 Kd6 7. cxd5 $18) 6. f6 Ke6 7. Kg5 Kf7 8. Kf5 Kf8 (8... d5 9. cxd5 c4 10. d6 c3 11. d7 $18 {, and the new queen mates}) 9. Ke6 Ke8 10. f7+ Kf8 11. Kf6 $18 { , and the game ends in mate.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/1pp2ppp/p1p5/8/4P3/8/PPP2PPP/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "45"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {~19.5 DEFECTS IN THE PAWN FORMATION~ Defects in the pawn formation can be of various types: (a) backward or doubled pawns; (b) isolated or breakaway pawns, which, on becoming weaknesses, require defending; (c)"holes" - weak squares, which have to be defended by the king against invasion by the opponent.} 1. Ke2 {%05This instructional example is an attempt to demonstrate that, in the Exchange Variation of the Ruy Lopez, Black's poor Q-side pawn formation (doubled pawns) leads to a loss, if White should succeed in exchanging all the pieces. Although the demonstration reduces to only a sample variation, it is unlikely that Black can do anything to oppose White's standard plan, which is to create a passed pawn on the K-side, advance it, and then invade the enemy position with the king.} Ke7 2. Ke3 Ke6 3. f4 c5 {(to deprive the white king of the d4 square)} 4. c4 {!} c6 5. a4 b5 6. b3 {! Of course, it would be absurd to exchange on b5, relieving Black of his main defect - his doubled pawns.} f6 7. a5 b4 8. g4 g5 (8... h6 {would have been no better due to %05It may seem that 8... g5 accelerated Black's defeat, but} 9. f5+ Ke5 10. h3 Kd6 11. Kf4 {followed by 12. e5}) (8... g6 {due to %05nor} 9. f5+ gxf5 (9... Kf7 10. fxg6+ hxg6 11. h4) 10. exf5+ Ke5 11. h3 h6 12. h4 Kd6 13. Kf4 {and 14. g5}) 9. e5 {! A typical procedure: by sacrificing a pawn, White creates an outside passed pawn, which is then sacrificed to divert the enemy king and clear the way for his own king into the opponent's position.} gxf4+ 10. Kxf4 fxe5+ 11. Ke4 h6 12. h4 Kf6 13. g5+ {!} hxg5 14. hxg5+ Kxg5 (14... Ke6 15. g6) 15. Kxe5 Kg4 16. Kd6 Kf4 17. Kxc6 Ke4 18. Kxc5 Kd3 19. Kxb4 Kd4 20. Ka3 (20. c5 {?} Kd5 {=}) 20... Kc5 21. Ka4 Kd4 22. Kb4 Ke5 23. Kc5 {, and White wins without difficulty.} * [Event "Randers (Denmark)"] [Site "Randers (Denmark)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hansen"] [Black "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2pk4/3p2p1/1p1P2P1/3K4/P1P5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ407 It should be pointed out that, if a king is forced to defend weaknesses, it begins playing a passive role, loses its activity, and nay quickly end up in a zugzwang position. The following example is typical.} 1... Kc7 {%05White has not only weak pawns at a2 and d4, but also another highly significant weakness - the invasion square c4, which also has to be defended.} 2. c3 (2. c4 {can be met by %05Good advice here is hard to come by.} Kb6 3. cxd5 cxd5 4. Kc2 Ka5 {!} 5. Kb2 (5. Kb3 {%05or} Kb5 $19) 5... Ka4 $19 { , when Black wins.}) 2... Kb6 {!} 3. cxb4 (3. c4 {, then %05if} Ka6 4. cxd5 cxd5 5. Kd2 Kb5 $19 {%04etc.}) 3... Kb5 4. Kc3 Ka4 $19 {The king has broken through onto the critical squares, and so White resigned.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sackmann"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/k1p1K3/p1P5/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] {Sometimes the struggle for the invasion squares may become very complicated, and to find the solution it may be necessary to resort to the theory of corresponding squares. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf5 {! will be decisive, since, irrespective of where the black king goes, White seizes the correspondence. %05Here the key squares will be c7 and c8 - to win, White must occupy them.^013^010 %05 The diagram indicates the corresponding squares. The square corresponding to d6 is b6, and we will mark them by the number "1", d7-b7 ("2"), and d8-b8 ("3"). Continuing the analysis, we find series of corresponding squares: e6-a6 ("4"), e7-a7 ("5") and e8-a8 ("6").^013^010 %05 By analogy we can also establish certain subsidiary squares: f6-b6 ("1"), f7-b7 ("2") and f8-b8 ("3").^013^010 %05 On its next move, the black king will have to step onto one of the squares on the 6th rank ("4" or "1"). On noticing this, it is not hard to guess that the simple waiting move %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/ 05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb6 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/ 05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Ka6 {%15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/ 05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke6 { ! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/ 05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2. Kf6 { ! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/ 05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/ 05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf7 { ! Now, depending on the side to which the opponent's king moves, White embarks on a by-pass. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kb8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} (3... Kb6 {there would have followed %05on %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 4. Ke6 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd7 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kb6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc8 {, and White wins. %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(06I03IXA03D06D03D2/05I02IXA02D05D02D2/04I01I101D04D01D2/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/p7/p2p2K1/P2P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(106I03IXA03D06D03D1/ 202IXA02D05D02D1/104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf5 {! %05This position is curious for the fact that the plausible attack on the d5 pawn leads only to a draw: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1. Kh5 {fails to win. After %05It should be noted that} Kc6 2. Kg6 Kd6 3. Kf6 Kd7 4. Kf7 Kd6 5. Ke8 {Black can play} Ke6 {, launching an attack on the d4 pawn.}) 1... Kb6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf6 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2. Ke5 {%15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ?} Kc7 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kxd5 Kd7 4. Kc5 Kc7 5. d5 Kd7 {, and while White is eliminating the a6 and a5 pawns, the black king has time to reach c8.^013^010 It turns out that, to win, White must first capture the a6 pawn, and such a deep raid into the black position requires very subtle manoeuvring with the king, using the attack on the d5 pawn only as a subsidiary threat.^013^010 The diagram again indicates both the key squares, and the corresponding squares. And it immediately becomes apparent that by 1. Kf5 White seizes the correspondence.}) 2... Kb7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf7 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb8 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke6 {(the by-pass can be commenced) %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/ 104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/ 104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke7 {! %15 N #B (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/ 104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(106I03IXA03D06D03D1/202IXA02D05D02D1/ 104I01IXA01D04D01D1/402D05D2/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd8 {!} Kd6 7. Kc8 Kc6 8. Kb8 Kb6 9. Ka8 {! , and White wins. The use of corresponding squares in the playing of complex pawn endings is covered in more detail in chapter 10.} * [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cohn Erich (GER)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp2kppp/4p3/8/1P6/P3PP2/5P1P/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ407 White's pawns are weakened on both wings, and this allows Black to carry out a clear-cut winning plan. He breaks through with his king to the h2 pawn, ties down the opponent's king to the defence of this pawn, then exchanging them, clears the way for his king to White's weakened pawns on the opposite wing.} 1... Kf6 2. Kd2 Kg5 3. Ke2 {The counter-attack on the Q-side is too slow: Black has time to pick up the h2 pawn and queen his own h-pawn. Only, in countering this plan it is important to be able to meet Kc7 with ... b5.} Kh4 4. Kf1 Kh3 5. Kg1 e5 6. Kh1 (6. a4 {%05White simplifies somewhat his opponent's task. Of course,} b6 7. b5 {would have been more tenacious, although Black again wins by advancing his pawns:} f5 8. Kh1 g5 9. Kg1 h5 10. Kh1 h4 11. Kg1 e4 12. fxe4 fxe4 13. Kh1 (13. f3 {%05or} exf3 14. e4 g4 15. e5 g3 {%04etc.}) 13... Kg4 14. Kg2 h3+ 15. Kg1 Kf3 16. Kf1 g4 $19 { %04etc.}) 6... b5 {(now Black also has an extra tempo, which may prove useful)} 7. Kg1 f5 8. Kh1 g5 9. Kg1 h5 10. Kh1 g4 11. e4 (11. fxg4 {, the simplest is %05If now} fxg4 (11... hxg4 {%05Black's task is made more complicated by} 12. Kg1 f4 13. exf4 exf4 14. Kh1 {, when Maizelis's recommendation of} g3 {?} ( 14... f3 {! %05Instead of 14 ... g3, Speelman has shown that Black still wins after} 15. Kg1 Kh4 {- thanks precisely to the additional tempo! For example:} 16. Kh1 (16. Kf1 {%05If the white king heads to the centre, the play develops more simply:} Kh5 {!} 17. Ke1 Kg5 18. Kf1 (18. Kd2 Kh4) 18... Kf4 19. Ke1 Ke4 20. Kd2 Kd4 21. Kc2 Kc4 22. Kd2 Kb3 23. Ke3 Kxa3 24. Kf4 Kxb4 25. Kxg4 a5 $19 { , and Black wins.}) 16... Kg5 17. h3 gxh3 18. Kh2 Kg4 19. Kg1 Kf4 20. Kh2 Ke4 21. Kxh3 (21. Kg3 h2 {!$19}) 21... Kd3 22. Kg4 Ke2 23. Kg3 a6 $19) 15. fxg3 fxg3 16. hxg3 Kxg3 {leads to a draw after} 17. Kg1 {!} Kf3 18. Kf1 Ke3 19. Ke1 Kd3 20. Kd1 Kc3 21. a4 {!=}) 12. Kg1 e4 $19 {followed by 13... h4 and 14... g3. }) 11... fxe4 {!} 12. fxe4 (12. fxg4 {%05or} hxg4 13. Kg1 e3 14. fxe3 e4 15. Kh1 g3 $19) 12... h4 13. Kg1 g3 14. hxg3 hxg3 $19 {White resigns. We have already establish that, if the opponent has weaknesses, the basic plan is to invade the king. But this takes the king away from its own pawns, and a careful watch must be kept on the possibility of a breakthrough.} 0-1 [Event "Skopje (Yugoslavia)"] [Site "Skopje (Yugoslavia)"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Liebert Heinz (GER)"] [Black "Onat Ilhan (TUR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/4p1p1/2K1p2p/4P2P/6P1/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {Black's pawn formation is compromised, White's king is ready to break into the opponent's position, and in addition he has reserve tempi. All this adds up to a big positional advantage for White.} 1. f3 {%05The game took the following course:} Kd7 2. f4 (2. Kb6 {! %05But it turns out that the entire plan with 2. f4, allowing Black to make a breakthrough, was wrong. Correct was} Kd6 3. g4 {!} Kd7 4. Kb7 Kd6 5. Kc8 {! , and by carrying out a by-passing manoeuvre, White invades the opponent's position with decisive success, e.g.} Kc5 (5... Kc6 6. Kd8 Kd6 7. Ke8) 6. gxh5 gxh5 7. Kd7 Kd4 8. Kxe6 Ke3 9. Kxe5 Kxf3 10. Kf5 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2... exf4 3. gxf4 e5 {! (Black finds a way of creating counter-play)} 4. fxe5 g5 {?!} (4... Ke7 {! %05And instead of 4... g5, stronger was} 5. Kd5 {, and only now} g5 {! , e.g.} 6. hxg5 h4 7. g6 h3 8. g7 Kf7 9. e6+ Kxg7 10. Kd6 h2 11. e7 h1=Q 12. e8=Q {= , when White's chances are altogether insignificant.^013^010 ~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, Black draws here.~}) 5. hxg5 h4 6. g6 Ke7 7. g7 Kf7 8. e6+ Kxg7 9. Kd6 h3 10. e7 h2 11. e8=Q h1=Q 12. Qe5+ Kf8 {?} (12... Kg6 {%05Thus instead of 12... Kf8, more accurate was} 13. Qf5+ Kg7 {, when White has only practical chances of success.}) 13. Ke6 {! , and White managed to win this ending. Botvinnik showed that Black could have played better on at least two occasions. } Z0 {Z0 Qh6+ %05~5(RR) Here too, Black could have drawn by} 14. Qf6+ Kg8 { != ~5(Nalimov tablebases)~^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "Hungary"] [Site "Hungary"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Englisch Berthold (AUT)"] [Black "Ertel"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pp1/4p2p/3k3P/1p1P2P1/1P1K1P2/1P6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ407 The following two examples show the drawbacks to isolated pawns.} 1... g5 {! Black not only deprives the opponent's pawns of their mobility, but also prepares to create a zugzwang position. %05By the precise move} 2. Ke3 (2. hxg6 {%05Bad now is} fxg6 {, since after ... h5 Black's passed pawn is decisive.}) (2. f4 {%05The attempt at a breakthrough also proves unsuccessful:} f6 {!} 3. fxg5 fxg5 4. Ke3 e5 {!} 5. dxe5 Kxe5 6. Kd3 Kf4 7. Kc4 Kxg4 8. Kxb4 Kf3 $19 {, and Black's pawn queens first.}) 2... f5 3. gxf5 (3. Kd3 f4 $19) 3... exf5 4. Kd3 f4 $19 {White resigns. In this example White had no possibility at all of creating counter-play, since his king was severely restricted, and Black's task turned out to be very simple. The following practical example is much more complicated.} 0-1 [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Barcza Gedeon (HUN)"] [Black "Golombek Harry (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pk3pp/p7/3p1p2/8/3K2P1/PP2PP1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ407} 1. Kd4 {%05White has a clear positional advantage, since the opponent has to defend not only the isolated d-pawn, but also the invasion squares e5 and c5. The question is only one of tempi, and also of whether or not Black can create counter-play.^013^010 The game continued:} (1. Ke3 {! , threatening an immediate invasion by 2. Kf4. Black then has two main continuations (analysis by Bondarevsky): %05As was shown by Bondarevsky (1966), instead of 1. Kd4? White should first have played} g5 (1... Kd6 2. Kf4 Ke6 3. Kg5 Ke5 (3... d4 {there could have followed %05On} 4. f4 g6 5. Kh6 Kd5 6. Kxh7 Ke4 7. Kxg6 Ke3 8. h4 Kxe2 9. h5 d3 10. h6 d2 11. h7 d1=Q 12. h8=Q $18 { , with a won queen ending.}) 4. a3 b5 5. b4 Ke4 6. h4 d4 (6... Ke5 {, then %05If} 7. h5 {, e.g.} Ke4 (7... d4 {%05or} 8. f3 h6+ 9. Kg6 f4 10. g4 $18) ( 7... Ke6 {%05or finally,} 8. e3 (8. f4 {%05but not} d4) 8... Ke5 9. f3 $18 { %04etc.}) 8. h6 $18) 7. h5 h6+ 8. Kg6 f4 9. gxf4 Kxf4 10. Kxg7 Kg5 11. f3 {!} Kf4 (11... Kxh5 12. Kf6 Kh4 13. Ke5 $18 {%04etc.}) 12. Kxh6 Ke3 13. Kg6 Kxe2 14. h6 d3 15. h7 d2 16. h8=Q d1=Q 17. Qe5+ Kf2 18. f4 $18 {, and White must win this ending.}) 2. h4 h6 (2... gxh4 {%05weaker is} 3. gxh4 Kd6 4. Kf4 Ke6 5. Kg5 $18 {, when the king heads for the h7 pawn;}) (2... f4+ {%05no better is} 3. gxf4 (3. Kf3 $18 {%05or immediately}) 3... gxh4 4. Kf3) 3. hxg5 hxg5 4. f4 g4 5. Kd4 {Now that Black has been given another weakness - the f5 pawn, the attack on the d5 pawn can be begun.} Kd6 6. b4 b6 7. a4 $18 {, and Black has no satisfactory defence.}) 1... Kd6 2. b4 b6 3. h4 h5 4. a4 a5 {! Black aims for counter-play. 5. a5 cannot be allowed, and besides, at a5 the black pawn is closer to the queening square.} 5. bxa5 bxa5 6. f4 g6 7. e3 {White has attained a zugzwang situation, and now Black must allow the opponent's king into his position. But the struggle is far from over.} Kc6 8. Ke5 Kc5 9. Kf6 Kc4 {! Here it is, the desired counter-play! The king makes not for the a4 pawn, to obtain a passed pawn on the d-file as quickly as possible.} 10. Kxg6 Kd3 11. Kxf5 Kxe3 12. Kg5 d4 13. f5 d3 14. f6 d2 15. f7 d1=Q 16. f8=Q Qxa4 { Now the question is: who will be the first to obtain a second queen?} 17. Qf5 Qb4 18. Kxh5 a4 19. g4 a3 20. g5 Qb2 21. g6 a2 22. Qg5+ Ke4 23. Qg4+ Ke3 24. Qg5+ Ke4 25. g7 a1=Q 26. Qg6+ Kf4 27. g8=Q {There are four queens on the board! } Qh8+ 28. Qh6+ (28. Qxh8 {%05or} Qxh8+ 29. Qh6+ Qxh6+ 30. Kxh6 Kf5 {= with a draw}) 28... Qxh6+ 29. Kxh6 Qf6+ 30. Kh5 Ke5 {= , and a draw was agreed.} * [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1883.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mason James (ENG)"] [Black "Englisch Berthold (AUT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/k1p2p2/4pp2/1PP5/4KPP1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1883.??.??"] 1. h3 {! would have won, e.g. %05But White's first move, giving Black a protected passed %05pawn, was also not the best. As was shown by %05Pavlovichev,} (1. g4 {, and the continuation was: %05 The defects in Black's pawn formation and the remoteness of his king from the main battlefield allow White to hope for success. He immediately began active play by} f4+ (1... fxg4 {! %05Later analysis showed that 1... f4? was a decisive mistake. Correct was} 2. fxg4 h6 3. h4 Kb6 4. Ke4 Kc7 5. g5 fxg5 6. hxg5 hxg5 7. Kxe5 g4 8. Kf4 Kd6 9. Kxg4 Ke5 {= with a draw.}) 2. Ke4 h6 3. h4 Kb6 4. g5 fxg5 5. hxg5 hxg5 6. Kxe5 g4 7. Kxf4 gxf3 8. Kxf3 Kc7 9. Ke4 Kd6 10. Kf5 $18 { , and White won.}) 1... Kb6 (1... h5 {, a breakthrough follows: %05If instead} 2. h4 Kb6 3. g4 {!} fxg4 4. fxg4 hxg4 5. h5 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. g4 fxg4 (2... f4+ 3. Ke4 h6 4. h4 Kc7 5. g5 fxg5 6. hxg5 hxg5 7. Kxe5 $18) 3. hxg4 Kc7 4. Ke4 Kd6 5. Kf5 Ke7 6. b5 $18 {etc.^013^010 %04} * [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Black "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p2k1p/ppPp1p2/5Pp1/2P1K1P1/7P/PP6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {In order to realize his advantage, White must open lines on the Q-side and penetrate with his king into the opponent's position.} 1. Kd5 {%05In the game, events developed as follows:} (1. Kd4 {! , e.g. %05But, as shown by Maizelis (1962), a clearly won position can be attained much more simply, by playing} Ke7 (1... Ke8 {%05If Black avoids e7 before the white king goes to c3, the play can develop as follows:} 2. b3 Kd8 3. a4 {!} a5 4. Kc3 {!} Ke7 5. b4 axb4+ (5... Kf7 {%05incidentally, this is stronger than} 6. bxa5 {, as occurred in the game}) 6. Kxb4 d5 {! the most tenacious;} (6... Kd8 {, then %05if} 7. a5 Kc8 {!} 8. Kb5 bxa5 9. Kxa5 Kb8 10. Kb4 {!} Ka7 11. Kb5 Kb8 12. c5 {, and White wins}) 7. c5 {!} d4 8. cxb6 cxb6 9. Kb5 {!} d3 (9... Kd8 {is weaker:} 10. Kxb6 Kc8 11. a5) 10. Kxb6 d2 11. c7 d1=Q 12. c8=Q Qb3+ {%05But even after the better} (12... Qxa4 {is of course bad because of %05In the resulting queen ending} 13. Qe6+ Kf8 14. Qxf6+ Kg8 15. Qe6+ {with the inevitable exchange of queens.}) 13. Kc7 Qc4+ 14. Kb8 Qxa4 15. Qe6+ {and 16. Qf6 White must gradually be able to win.}) 2. b4 {!} b5 {! (otherwise 3. a4 and 4. c5)} 3. Kc3 h6 4. a3 (4. Kb3 {, then %05if} d5 {!} 5. cxb5 axb5 6. a4 bxa4+ 7. Kxa4 Kd6 {, and Black has sufficient counter-chances}) 4... Kf7 5. Kb3 {!} Ke7 6. a4 {, and White wins.}) 1... Ke7 2. a4 a5 3. Kd4 Kf7 4. Kc3 (4. b3 {! %05Instead of the incorrect 4. Kc3, White could have won by} Ke7 5. Ke4 Kf7 6. Kd3 Ke7 (6... d5 { is not dangerous:} 7. Kd4 dxc4 8. bxc4 {!}) 7. Kd4 h6 {(now White again has to gain a tempo)} 8. Ke4 Kf7 9. Kd3 Ke7 10. Kd4 Kf7 {, and only now} 11. Kc3 { , and if} d5 12. Kd4) 4... Ke7 (4... d5 {! with an immediate draw, e.g. %05 After the publication of this ending in the first Russian edition of this book, Pavlovichev (1958) drew attention to the inaccurate play of both sides. Thus, after 4. Kc3 the correct was} 5. cxd5 Ke7 6. Kc4 Kd6 7. Kd4 Ke7 {, and the white king has no way of breaking through.}) 5. b4 Kf7 6. bxa5 bxa5 7. Kd4 Ke8 8. Kd5 Kf7 {, and Black conceded defeat. Indeed, after} 9. c5 dxc5 10. Kxc5 Ke7 11. Kd5 (11. Kb5 {%05of course, this is the simplest, but} Kd6 12. Kxa5 Kxc6 13. Ka6 {! was also possible}) 11... Kf7 12. Kc4 Ke7 13. Kc5 h6 14. Kd5 Kf7 15. Kc4 Ke7 16. Kc5 Kf7 17. Kb5 {White wins.} * [Event "Brno (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Brno (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Schweda"] [Black "Sika"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p5p/p4k2/8/4Pp2/7P/PP2K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {~19.6 RESERVE TEMPI~ In pawn endings it is hard to overestimate the importance of extra tempi. As a rule, they should be preserved, and not used without necessity, since they can have a great influence of the course of events. Tempi allow a king to occupy invasion squares and penetrate into the enemy position, and in critical situations, in zugzwang positions, each tempo is in general worth its weight in gold. In a struggle for critical or key squares, even one extra tempo may prove decisive. We have already seen several times that the struggle for tempi - or "tempo" play, in other words - occurs in all forms of pawn ending. Here we will be considering examples where the entire content of the play, the entire strategic struggle, is determined by the presence or absence of reserve tempi. We will begin with some positions where the familiar "untouchable" pawns are present.} 1. Kf3 {! %05In such situations it is important to make an accurate count of the two sides' tempi. At first sight it appears that this number is equal: on the Q-side Black has a tempo less, but on the K-side he has one more. But this is not so. Whichever player begins, he is able to repair the position on the "unfavourable" wing, and his extra tempo on the opposite wing brings victory.^013^010 Suppose White begins:} Ke5 2. h4 {!} a5 (2... h5 3. b4 b5 4. a3) 3. h5 a4 4. h6 {!} b6 5. b4 {!} axb3 6. axb3 b5 7. b4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p5p/p4k2/8/4Pp2/7P/PP2K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1... Ke5 {! %05With Black to move:} 2. Kf3 a5 {!} 3. b3 (3. h4 {, then %05if} a4 4. h5 h6) 3... b5 {!} 4. a3 {(4... b4 was threatened)} a4 5. bxa4 bxa4 6. h4 h5 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Paoli Enrico (ITA)"] [Black "Michel Pablo (ARG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/4k1pp/3pP3/3K2P1/P7/1P5P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ409 Here are some further examples of pure "tempo" play in positions with "untouchable" pawns.} 1. a4 {! Only in this way is White able to win the battle for the tempi. %05On the K-side White has an extra tempo, therefore his problem is to stabilize the position on the Q-side:} (1. h4 { ? , for example, is bad because of} a6) (1. h3 {%05as is} g5 2. b3 (2. a4 a5 $19) (2. b4 {%05or} b5 $19) 2... b5 3. a4 bxa4 4. bxa4 a5 $19 {, when Black wins.}) (1. b3 {%05No better is} g5 {!} 2. h3 a6 3. a4 a5 $19 {with the same result.}) 1... b6 (1... a5 {is met by} 2. h4 $18) (1... h5 {%04by %05and} 2. gxh5 gxh5 3. b4 h4 4. h3 $18) 2. b4 a6 3. h4 a5 4. b5 {!} h5 5. g5 $18 { Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Albena (Bulgaria)"] [Site "Albena (Bulgaria)"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Popov N"] [Black "Dankov"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp4p1/7p/3k4/PP1Pp3/4K1P1/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] 1. g4 {! %05 1... h5 is threatened, so that White's first move is simply forced, but at the same time it immediately puts everything in its place.} a6 ( 1... g5 {, then %05There is no satisfactory defence. If, for example,} 2. g3) ( 1... b6 {, then %05while if} 2. b5 g6 3. g5 {!} hxg5 4. g4 $18) 2. a5 g6 3. g5 {!} hxg5 4. g4 Kd6 5. Kxe4 Ke6 6. d5+ {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ilyin-Zhenevsky Alexander F (R"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/p1pp4/6k1/4PpPp/2P2P1K/PP6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ409 If there pawns on one or two files, counting the reserve tempi is not too difficult a business. But if there are pawns on three files, this complicates the problem.} 1... a5 {! , and the game continued %05 In this position the game was adjourned, and Alekhine sealed his next move. In order to determine correctly whether the black king can be maintained at g5, accurate calculation is required.^013^010 Alekhine sealed the correct move} ( 1... d5 {? %05It is immediately apparent that it is bad to play} 2. exd5 cxd5 3. b4 $18) (1... c5 {? %05Analysis shows that Black also loses after} 2. a4 {!} b5 3. axb5 axb5 4. b3 {!} c4 5. b4) (1... b6 {? %05or} 2. a4 b5 3. a5 {!} c5 4. b3 $18) (1... b5 {? %05or} 2. b4 {!} (2. b3 {? %05but not} a5 3. a4 bxa4 4. bxa4 d5 {= %04etc.}) 2... c5 3. e5 {!$18}) 2. c4 (2. b4 {??} axb4 3. cxb4 d5 $19 {, and it is White who loses}) (2. a4 {%05while after} b5 3. b3 bxa4 4. bxa4 d5 {it is a draw.}) 2... b5 (2... a4 3. b4 axb3 4. axb3 c5 {= is also possible}) 3. cxb5 cxb5 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Black "Rajna George (ISR)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/p3kp2/1pp5/2P1P3/4K3/PP4PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] {We will now consider several instances of the struggle for critical squares. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ409} 1. Kf4 {%05After} bxc4 2. g4 {! it becomes obvious that Black is bound to lose the battle for the f5 square, since White has a large store of reserve tempi.} a5 3. a4 h6 4. h3 f5 (4... c3 {%05desperation, but} 5. bxc3 c4 {was no better due to} 6. h4 Kd6 7. Kf5 Ke7 8. h5 $18) 5. gxf5+ Kd6 6. f6 Ke6 7. e5 Kd5 8. Kf5 h5 9. h4 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Sofia (Bulgaria)"] [Site "Sofia (Bulgaria)"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Filip Miroslav (CZE)"] [Black "Barcza Gedeon (HUN)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/pk1p2p1/2pP4/2P2P2/3K3P/1P4P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ409 In many cases even one reserve tempo may be sufficient to win the game.} 1... Ka5 {%05Black's king breaks into the enemy position -} 2. Kc3 Ka4 {, and a zugzwang position arises. Black has the reserve tempo ... a5, and he must now stabilize the position on the opposite wing, not allowing the opponent to obtain there even one reserve tempo.} 3. g3 (3. g4 {it would be a blunder to play %05To} f5 {?} (3... h5 {! %05Correct is} 4. gxh5 (4. g5 h4 ) 4... gxh5 5. f5 f6 6. h4 a5 $19 {, when Black wins.}) 4. g5 {= , when White avoids defeat.}) 3... f5 4. g4 h5 5. gxf5 gxf5 6. h4 a5 7. b3+ Ka3 8. Kc2 Ka2 9. Kc3 Kb1 $19 {White resigns. These two examples were, of course, ideal ones: the winning plan was carried out without any difficulty. This is by no means always the case. Sometimes the "tempo" play demands mathematical precision.} 0-1 [Event "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Opocensky Karel (CZE)"] [Black "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3k1pp/2p5/4K3/8/P1P5/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ409 Since the black c-pawn cannot move, it means that in this position White has at least two extra tempi (moves with his c-pawn). His problem is to exploit these tempi favourably.} 1. g4 {%05The game concluded as follows:} Kd7 (1... h6 {! , nipping in the bud White's plan involving the seizure of the f6 square. In the Yugoslav Encyclopedia of Chess Endings, Botvinnik suggests in this case %05As we see, White fulfilled his task fairly easily, but it appears that Black did not exploit all his chances. Instead of 1... Kd7, more tenacious was} 2. h4 (2. h3 {Let us check: %05But perhaps the correct path lies in the cunning move ?} Kd7 3. h4 Ke7 4. a4 Kd7 (4... a5 { ! , e.g. %05But here too Black's defence can be improved: instead of 4... Kd7 he should continue} 5. g5 (5. Kd4 {%05 The attempt to break through with the king on the Q-side -} Kd6 6. Kc4 {is also unsuccessful, since Black has the strong reply} Ke5 7. Kc5 Kf4 8. Kxc6 Kxg4 9. c4 Kxh4 10. c5 g5 {, when the pawns queen simultaneously.}) 5... hxg5 6. hxg5 Kd7 {!} 7. c4 Ke7 {, when White has not achieved anything.}) 5. a5 Ke7 (5... a6 6. g5 hxg5 7. hxg5 Ke7 8. c4) 6. a6 Kd7 7. g5 hxg5 8. hxg5 Ke7 9. c4 Kd7 10. Kf5 Ke7 11. Kg6 Kf8 12. Kh7 Kf7 13. c5 {, and we reach a decisive zugzwang position.}) (2. a4 {! If Black plays %05So, does this mean that White cannot win? No, it turns out that he nevertheless can! The truth lies in a precise order of moves. The "tempo" play should be begun with the advance of the a-pawn -} Kd7 {, then} (2... a5 { he has the correspondingly decisive %05while on} 3. h4 {!} Kd7 4. g5 hxg5 5. hxg5 Ke7 6. c4) 3. a5 {!} Ke7 4. h3 {!} Kd7 5. h4 Ke7 6. a6 Kd7 7. g5 hxg5 8. hxg5 Ke7 9. c4 $18 {and White wins}) 2... g6 (2... Kd7 {for the moment adhering to waiting tactics. Then on %05but 2... g6 is a blunder, and correct is} 3. g5 {comes} hxg5 4. hxg5 Ke7 5. a4 Kd7 {!} (5... a5 {loses:} 6. c4 Kd7 7. Kf5 Ke7 8. Kg6 Kf8 9. Kh7 Kf7 10. c5 {, and White attains a decisive zugzwang position}) 6. a5 (6. Kf5 {%05now} Ke7 7. Kg6 Kf8 8. Kh7 {? does not succeed: after} Kf7 9. c4 c5 10. a5 a6 {it is White who is in zugzwang}) 6... Ke7 7. a6 Kd7 8. c4 Ke7 9. c5 Kd7 {= , and White has not made any particular achievements: he has used up all his tempi, and not obtained any advantage from them.}) 3. g5) 2. g5 {White's plan is perfectly clear: by the advance of his h-pawn he intends to make a breach in Black's K-side defences, and then, exploiting his extra tempi, create a zugzwang position.} Ke7 3. h4 Kd7 (3... g6 4. a4 a5 5. c4 $18 {, and White wins}) 4. h5 Kc7 5. a4 a5 (5... a6 6. a5 Kd7 7. c4 Ke7 8. h6 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. c4 Kd7 7. h6 g6 (7... gxh6 8. gxh6 Ke7 9. c5 $18 ) 8. Kf6 Kd6 9. Kg7 {Resigns. If} Ke7 10. Kxh7 Kf7 {, then} 11. c5 $18 { The "tempo" method of play, employed here by White after 1... h6, is typical of such endings. White stabilizes the position in the place where he has no advantage in tempi, and where he has reserve tempi he varies them, so that each time a decisive zugzwang position arises.} 1-0 [Event "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Site "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leonhardt Paul S (GER)"] [Black "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1p5p/pK4p1/8/1P6/8/P5PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ409} 1. h4 {%05Here White has one extra tempo on the K-side, and two on the Q-side. A zugzwang position could have most simply been created as follows:} (1. a3 {In the Yugoslav Encyclopedia of Chess Endings an exclamation mark is attached to this move, and it is suggested that 1. a4 does not succeed due to 1... Kc8 %05In the game, events developed rather differently:} Kc8 2. a4 g5 {(Black's position is completely hopeless, and this desperate move does not spoil anything)} 3. h3 Kb8 4. g3 Kc8 5. h4 gxh4 6. gxh4 Kb8 {As a result of the opponent's indecisive manoeuvring, Black has managed to prolong the resistance, but the win is still there, since White has much the more active king.} 7. Kc5 Kc7 8. Kd5 Kd7 (8... h5 {would have set his opponent more problems. Correct is %05Objectively speaking, Black's 8th move was not the best, and} 9. Ke6 {!} (9. a5 {?} Kd7 10. Ke5 Kc6 11. Kf5 Kb5 12. Kg5 Kxb4 13. Kxh5 Kxa5 14. Kg5 b5 {= , and the pawns queen simultaneously.}) ( 9. Ke5 {?} Kc6 10. Ke6 (10. Kf5 b5 {!} 11. a5 Kd5 12. Kg5 Kc4 13. Kxh5 Kxb4 { = does not promise White anything.}) 10... b6 {!} (10... a5 {, then %05if} 11. b5+ {!} Kc5 12. Kd7 {!} Kb4 13. Kc7 Kxa4 14. b6 $18 {, and White wins.}) (10... b5 {, then} 11. a5 $18 {leads to a win}) 11. Ke5 {!} a5 12. bxa5 bxa5 13. Kf5 Kd5 {!} (13... Kc5 {?} 14. Kg5 Kb4 15. Kxh5 Kxa4 16. Kg5 {, and White's pawn queens first}) 14. Kg5 Ke5 15. Kxh5 Kf5 {= with a draw}) 9... Kc6 10. Ke5 { %00o^ b5 (%00o^ Kd6 (%00o^ Kc4 (%00o^ Ka3 (%00o^ b3 (%00o^ ( 9...Ke7 (he has the decisive %05White still has a tempo in reserve, and on} a5) 9. h5 a5 (9... b5 10. a5 $18) 10. bxa5 {Kc5} h6 {Kb4 Kf6 Resigns.}) (1. a4 Kc8 2. b5 (2. Ka7 { ! %05But White also wins after 1. a4 Kc8, by continuing} Kc7 3. b5 {, when the extra tempo on the K-side is decisive.}) 2... axb5 3. axb5 Kb8 4. g3 h5 5. h4 Kc8 {=}) 1... Kc8 (1... h5 {, then %05If} 2. g3 Kc8 3. Ka7 Kc7 4. a3 {!} Kc6 5. a4 Kc7 6. b5 {!} a5 (6... axb5 7. axb5 Kc8 8. b6) 7. Ka8 Kb6 8. Kb8 $18) (1... h6 {%05or} 2. g4 Kc8 3. Ka7 Kc7 4. a3 Kc6 5. a4 Kc7 6. b5 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Ka7 Kc7 3. a3 {!} Kc6 4. a4 Kc7 5. b5 axb5 6. axb5 h6 7. g4 g5 8. h5 $18 {, and White wins.^013^010 Note that the winning plan is identical to that carried out^013^010 by White in example ~3($40824)~ after 1... h6. It is curious that, although this ending has many times been published, the commentators have failed to notice all of its nuances.} 1-0 [Event "Nice (France)"] [Site "Nice (France)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Thomas George A (ENG)"] [Black "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k2pp/1p3p2/2p2K2/P4P2/8/1P4PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ409 How an advantage in tempi can be created is strikingly shown by the following example.} 1. h4 {! %05White obtains the tempi needed on the K-side, by advancing his h-pawn:} (1. Ke4 {%05To win, White must break through with his king at b5. But to do this he needs at least two reserve tempi, since the direct} Kd6 2. Kd3 Kd5 3. b3 {= does not succeed.}) 1... Ke7 2. h5 Kf7 3. Ke4 Ke6 4. f5+ Kd6 5. Kd3 {, and Black conceded defeat. Play could have concluded:} Kd5 6. b3 h6 7. g3 Kd6 8. Kc4 Kc6 9. g4 Kc7 {(the problem has been solved - the white king reaches b5)} 10. Kb5 Kb7 11. a5 bxa5 12. Kxc5 Ka6 13. Kc6 $18 {, and the rest is clear.} 1-0 [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1919.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Loman Rudolf J (NED)"] [Black "Van Gelder"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pp/8/1pk1p3/4P3/P1K3P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1919.??.??"] 1. g4 {! , e.g. %05But White could have saved the game, by correcting his position on the "unfavourable" wing with} (1. Kd3 {, then after %05 This position contains a highly interesting "tempo" struggle. Black has to attain a zugzwang position, in which his extra tempo will bring him success. If, for example, the white king moves to d3} b4 {!} 2. a4 Kb6 3. Kc4 Ka6 4. Kb3 g6 ( 4... h5 {%05or} 5. h3 g5 {Black immediately decides the game in his favour.})) (1. Kb3 {%05The attempt to transpose into a queen ending also loses in interesting fashion:} Kd4 2. Kb4 Kxe4 3. Kxb5 Kd4 4. a4 e4 5. a5 e3 6. a6 e2 7. a7 e1=Q 8. a8=Q Qb1+ {, and by exchanging queens, Black wins.}) (1. h3 { %05The game continued as follows:} Kc6 {! Having a tempo in reserve, Black aims to reach a5 with his king. In this case the position Ka5/Kb3 will be one of zugzwang, and Black's extra tempo will enable him to penetrate to a4 and win.} (1... Kb6 {%05Weaker was} 2. Kb4 {, when Black is forced to return a tempo.}) 2. Kb3 {!} (2. Kb4 Kb6) 2... Kb7 {!} 3. Kc3 (3. a4 Kb6 {!}) 3... Ka6 4. Kb2 Ka5 5. Kb3 g5 {(now the game is decided)} 6. g4 (6. h4 {, then %05if} gxh4 7. gxh4 h5) 6... h6 7. Kc3 Ka4 8. Kb2 b4 9. axb4 Kxb4 {, and Black won.}) 1... g5 {(2. g5 was threatened)} (1... h6 {, then %05and if} 2. h4 {!} Kc6 3. h5) 2. Kd3 {! (now this is possible)} Kb6 (2... b4 {%05if} 3. a4 {, when} Kb6 { in fact loses} (3... b3 {%05, but a draw is given by} 4. Kc3 b2)) 3. Kc3 Ka6 4. Kb2 Ka5 5. Kb3 h6 6. h3 {, with a draw.} * [Event "Yugoslavia"] [Site "Yugoslavia"] [Date "1965.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jovicic Milos (YUG)"] [Black "Vukovic Milosav (YUG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3Pk3/1p6/pPp1pK2/2P5/8/1P6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1965.??.??"] {There is also some original play in the following position.} 1... Kd8 { ! %05But Black is not obliged to take the pawn, and he finds a splendid possibility of avoiding zugzwang.} (1... Kxd7 {, then %05Black's position looks critical. If} 2. Kxe5 Ke7 3. Kd5 Kd7 4. b3 {, and White wins.}) 2. Ke4 { ! A fully worthy reply.} (2. Kxe5 {could now have been met by} Kxd7 3. Kd5 a4 { , with a draw.}) 2... Ke7 3. Kd5 Kd8 {It appears that all resources have been exhausted and that a draw can be agreed, but White finds an interesting possibility of continuing the struggle.} 4. Kc6 {!} e4 5. Kxb6 e3 6. Ka7 {!} e2 7. b6 e1=Q 8. b7 Kxd7 9. b8=Q Qb4 {! , exploiting the fact that the exchange %05But Black could have saved the game by} (9... Qf2 10. Qb5+ Kd6 (10... Ke6 { %05Of course, instead of 10... Kd6, more tenacious is} 11. Kb6 Qd4 {, but even then after} 12. Kxa5 {White has good winning chances.}) 11. Kb6 Ke6 {, and here White could have decided the game in his favour by} 12. Qe8+ {, since} Kd6 13. Qc6+ {leads to the exchange of queens.}) 10. Qxb4 (10. Qb5+ {%05while} Kd6 11. b3 {can be met by} Ke5 {!} 12. Kb6 Kd4 13. Qxb4 axb4 14. Kb5 Kc3 {with the same result. =}) 10... cxb4 11. Kb7 a4 12. c5 a3 {leads to a draw} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K3p3/3p1p1p/3P1P1P/k3P3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {~19.7 BETTER KING POSITION~ In pawn endings the king is the main piece, in both the direct and the figurative sense, with a great diversity of tasks it, the king is the "jack of all trades". It has to battle with the enemy king for invasion squares, and for the key and critical squares. It "personally" prevents the advance of enemy pawns and itself attacks them, defends its own pawns and assists their advance... In many of the examples considered, when exploiting this or that positional factor, the degree of activity of the king was also extremely important. In the present chapter we will be mainly considering examples where the difference in activity of the kings determines the character of the struggle and the final result. Thus in the following instructional example a quite insignificant difference in the position of the kings (just a single tempo) decides the game in favour of one side or other. The winner is the side that begins, since he is the first to attack the opponent's pawns.} 1. Kb6 {%05With White to move:} Kb3 2. Kc6 Kc3 3. Kd6 Kd3 4. Kxe6 Kxe3 5. Ke5 {! This last move is very important, and is the one which decides the fate of the game. Now} Kd3 {is met by} (5... Kf3 {%04by %05and} 6. Kxf5 {, winning.}) 6. Kxd5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K3p3/3p1p1p/3P1P1P/k3P3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1... Kb3 {%05If Black begins, the situation is repeated liberally in a mirror reflection:} 2. Kb6 Kc3 3. Kc6 Kd3 4. Kd6 Kxe3 5. Kxe6 Ke4 {! , and it is Black who wins.} * [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alapin Semyon Z (LTU)"] [Black "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pk5/3p4/1K1Pp1p1/4P1Pp/P6P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ411 This example demonstrates a procedure which is sometimes called "widening the bridgehead". A pawn storm is undertaken with the aim of eliminating certain enemy pawns, so as to penetrate onto the critical squares of others.} 1. a4 {%05With his king more active, White has the possibility of making a breach in the enemy position by the advance of his rook's pawn. ^013^010 %05 The winning path is not difficult:} Kc8 2. Kb6 Kb8 3. a5 Kc8 4. a6 Kb8 5. a7+ (5. axb7 {? would have led to stalemate %05Of course,}) (5. Ka5 { ! %05but simpler was} Ka7 6. axb7 Kxb7 (6... Kb8 7. Ka6) 7. Kb5 $18 {, when Black can resign.}) 5... Ka8 6. Kc7 b5 7. Kxd6 b4 8. Kc6 {!} b3 9. d6 b2 10. d7 b1=Q 11. d8=Q+ Kxa7 12. Qa5+ Kb8 13. Qb6+ $40 {Resigns. A similar procedure is used in example ~3( 832)~, but the penetration of the king onto the critical squares becomes possible due to the reaching of a zugzwang position.} 1-0 [Event "Podebrady (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Podebrady (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Eliskases Erich G (AUT)"] [Black "Skalicka Karel"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp2k1pp/2p5/2P1p3/2P1P2P/6P1/P7/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ411 Were it White to move, he would block the enemy king's path into his position by 1. g4, and the game would end in a draw. But it is Black to move, and he succeeds in opening lines on the K-side.} 1... g5 {!} 2. Kd2 (2. h5 g4 $19) 2... Kf6 3. Ke3 Kg6 (3... gxh4 {? %05of course, not} 4. gxh4 Kg6 5. Kf3 Kh5 6. Kg3 {= with a draw}) 4. Kf2 Kh5 5. hxg5 Kxg5 6. Kf3 h5 7. a3 h4 8. a4 hxg3 9. Kxg3 a5 $19 {(zugzwang) White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kriukovskich"] [Black "Bishard Ekaterina (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/p1p5/P1Pp2pp/1P1P1p1k/5P1P/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {In certain cases a poor king position may become the cause of defeat. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ411} 1. g3+ {%05The black king has penetrated into the opponent's position, but due to the absence of reserve tempi it has become trapped. By a temporary pawn sacrifice White creates a zugzwang position, and gains a decisive material advantage.} fxg3+ 2. Kg2 g4 3. hxg4 Kg5 {desperation} (3... hxg4 {, then %05if} 4. f4 Kh5 5. Kxg3 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. gxh5 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Venice (Italy)"] [Site "Venice (Italy)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stalda Giuseppe"] [Black "Vukovic Vladimir (YUG)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/4pkp1/8/8/K3P1P1/5P1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ411 In the following example, where White's king is a long way from his remaining forces, the difference in the kings' position is especially marked. Nevertheless the path to victory is not simple, and consists in breaking up the pawn barrier which arises in the path of the black king, and then penetrating into the opponent's position. This must be done quickly, before White has time to bring up his king.} 1... Ke5 {!} (1... Kf5 { %05In striving to invade the opponent's position, Black must play accurately. Thus only a draw results from} 2. f3 g5 3. h3 (3. g4+ Ke5 4. Kb4 f5 5. gxf5 { is also possible}) 3... h5 4. g4+ hxg4 5. hxg4+ Ke5 6. Kb4 f5 7. gxf5 exf5 8. Kc3 {=}) 2. f3 g5 3. Kb4 (3. h3 {, Black would still have won: %05Had White prevented ... g4 by} f5 {!} 4. Kb4 h5 {! The only move.} (4... f4 {, then %05If } 5. gxf4+ gxf4 6. exf4+ Kxf4 7. Kc5 Kxf3 8. Kd6 {=}) (4... g4 {, then %05while if} 5. hxg4 fxg4 6. fxg4 Ke4 7. Kc5 Kxe3 8. Kd6 Kf3 9. Kxe6 {, with a draw.}) 5. Kc3 (5. Kc5 {comes %05there is nothing better; on} g4 6. hxg4 fxg4 7. fxg4 hxg4 $19 {, winning}) 5... g4 6. fxg4 fxg4 7. hxg4 hxg4 8. Kd3 Kd5 {!} 9. e4+ Kc5 10. Kc3 e5 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 3... g4 4. f4+ Kd5 {!} (4... Ke4 {! After %05or} 5. Kc5 Kf3 {!} (5... Kxe3 {%05But not} 6. Kd6 Kf3 7. Ke7 Kg2 8. Kxf7 Kxh2 9. Kxe6 Kxg3 10. f5 {= White would have gained a draw.}) 6. Kd6 Kg2 7. Ke7 Kxh2 8. Kxf7 h5 9. e4 h4 $19) 5. Kb5 (5. Kc3 Ke4 $19) 5... h5 {!} 6. Kb6 Ke4 7. Kc6 Kxe3 8. Kd6 h4 {!} 9. gxh4 (9. Ke7 {%05if} hxg3 10. hxg3 {, then} Kf3 {winning}) 9... Kxf4 10. Ke7 e5 11. Kf6 e4 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Russia"] [Site "Russia"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Voloshin"] [Black "Aronin Lev S (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/4p2p/3p1p2/3P1P2/k3P1P1/2K4P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {We have already mentioned that, when taking the king into the opponent's position, one should watch carefully for threats of a pawn breakthrough. This is especially important in positions with a defective pawn structure.} 1... Ka2 2. h3 h5 3. h4 f6 {White has used up all his reserve tempi, and is now forced to allow the opponent's king into his position.} 4. Kc3 Kb1 5. Kd3 (5. Kb4 { %05The attempt at a counter-attack is too slow. After} Kc2 6. Kc5 Kd3 7. Kd6 Kxe3 8. Kxe6 Kxd4 9. Kxf5 Ke3 {Black is the first to queen a pawn:} 10. Kxf6 d4 11. f5 d3 12. Ke7 d2 13. f6 d1=Q 14. f7 {True, it immediately has to be exchanged, but after} Qd4 15. f8=Q Qc5+ 16. Kf7 Qxf8+ 17. Kxf8 Kf3 18. Kf7 Kxg3 19. Kg6 Kxh4 20. Kf5 Kg3 {Black wins.}) 5... Kc1 6. Ke2 Kc2 {The opponent's king has made deep inroads into White's position, so he now tries to effect a breakthrough.} 7. e4 fxe4 (7... dxe4 8. g4 hxg4 9. h5 g3 10. h6 g2 11. Kf2 e3+ 12. Kxg2 e2 {was also possible, but Black has no way of avoiding the breakthrough.}) (7... Kc3 {? , then if instead} 8. g4 Kxd4 (8... fxg4 9. f5 exf5 10. exd5) 9. g5 fxg5 10. hxg5 h4 11. g6 h3 12. Kf2 {, and it is White who wins.}) 8. g4 hxg4 9. h5 g3 10. h6 g2 11. Kf2 e3+ 12. Kxg2 e2 13. h7 e1=Q 14. h8=Q Qe4+ 15. Kg3 Qxd4 {(the queen ending is easily won for Black)} 16. Qa8 ( 16. Qc8+ Kd2 17. Qxe6 Qe3+) 16... Qe3+ 17. Kg4 e5 18. Qc6+ Kd2 {White resigns. In this case the breakthrough allowed White to prolong the struggle somewhat, but did not affect the result. It more often happens that a breakthrough sharply changes the pawn formation, has a marked effect on the activity of the kings, and tells decisively on the result.} 0-1 [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ree Hans (NED)"] [Black "Ftacnik Lubomir (SVK)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p3pp1/4k2p/p3P2P/P3K1P1/1P6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "42"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] 1... g5 {%05Black's position is better, since he has the more active king and a reserve tempo (... b5). He played} (1... f5 {! %05Of course, the plan involving ... g5 was wrong. As was shown by Vinokurov (Kiev), correct was} 2. exf5 Kxf5 3. Kf3 g5 {!} 4. hxg5 Kxg5 $19 {~3($41837)~, aiming to obtain a position in which the^013^010 extra^013^010 tempo could be of decisive significance. In this case,^013^010 thanks to his active king, Black does indeed win.}) 2. g4 {! %05But this was met by the unforeseen} (2. Kf3 {%05, expecting the following continuation, favourable for him:} gxh4 3. gxh4 f5 4. exf5 Kxf5 {%04etc.}) 2... hxg4 3. h5 {, and thanks to the breakthrough the situation changed sharply - White acquired a dangerous outside passed pawn. The black king had to set off to deal with it:} Ke6 4. Kf2 Kf7 5. Kg3 Kg7 6. Kxg4 Kh6 7. Kf5 Kxh5 {Now both sides queens pawns, then they are exchanged by force, after which the more active position of White's king decides the game in his favour.} (7... Kg7 {was no better due to} 8. e5 {!} fxe5 9. Kxg5 { ! , when again White has an outside passed pawn.}) (7... b5 {%05It is true that, in the event of} 8. Kxf6 g4 {White queens his pawn without check -} 9. e5 g3 10. e6 g2 11. e7 g1=Q 12. e8=Q {, but in view of the threat of 13. Qg6, the right to move is of little consolation to Black, e.g.} Qg5+ 13. Ke6 Qe3+ 14. Kd7 {, and White must win the queen ending.}) 8. Kxf6 g4 9. e5 g3 10. e6 g2 11. e7 g1=Q 12. e8=Q+ Kh4 13. Qh8+ Kg3 14. Qg7+ Kf2 15. Qxg1+ Kxg1 16. Ke5 Kf2 17. Kd5 Ke3 18. Kc6 Kd2 19. Kxb6 Kc2 20. Ka5 Kxb2 21. Kxa4 Kc3 22. Kb5 $18 { Resigns.^013^010 We have already met a similar breakthrough^013^010 ~3($40803) ~, but it would be of interest to establish this:^013^010 how^013^010 should Black have played?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/6kp/p7/P4KP1/1P6/8 w - - 0 5"] [PlyCount "16"] 5. Kf2 {!} (5. Kg2 {%05This is more tenacious than} Kg4 6. Kf2 Kh3 7. Kf3 b5 {! } 8. Kf2 (8. Kf4 {%05no better is} Kg2 9. g4 hxg4 10. Kxg4 Kf2) 8... Kh2 9. Kf3 Kg1 10. Kf4 Kf2 $19 {%04etc.}) 5... Kf5 {!} (5... Kg4 {%05Nothing is achieved by} 6. Kg2 b5 7. Kf2 {, and bad is} Kh3 8. Kf3 Kh2 9. g4 {! , when it is White who wins.}) 6. Kf3 (6. Ke3 Kg4 7. Kf2 Kh3 8. Kf3 b5) 6... Ke5 7. Ke3 b5 {!} 8. Kd3 (8. Kf3 {%05White fails to save the game after} Kd4 9. Kf4 Kc4 10. Kg5 Kb3 11. Kxh5 Kxb2 12. g4 b4 $19) 8... Kd5 9. Kc3 Ke4 10. Kb4 Kf3 11. Kxb5 Kxg3 12. Kxa4 h4 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Schwarz"] [Black "Haas"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/4k1p1/6Pp/p2K3P/P7/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {Certain subtleties, involving king manoeuvring inside the enemy position, are shown by the following example.} 1. Kc5 {! %05The correct plan is to exploit the more active position of the king and to invade the opponent's position:} ( 1. Ke4 {%05In this situation the standard plan of creating a passed pawn on the K-side does not win, e.g.} Kd6 2. f3 {!} a6 3. f4 Ke6 4. f5+ gxf5+ 5. Kf4 a5 {(here the strength of doubled pawns is once again revealed; while not dangerous from the viewpoint of obtaining a new queen, they provide extremely important reserve tempi)} 6. g6 Kf6 7. g7 Kxg7 8. Kxf5 Kf7 9. Kg5 Ke6 10. Kxh5 Kf5 11. Kh6 Kf6 12. h5 Kf7 13. Kg5 Kg7 14. Kf5 Kh6 {, and, according to Bahr's rule (209), Black gains a draw.}) 1... Ke5 {The best defence.} (1... Kf5 { leads by force to mate: %05The seemingly dangerous} 2. Kd6 Kg4 3. Ke5 Kxh4 4. Kf6 Kg4 5. Kxg6 h4 6. Kf6 h3 7. g6 h2 8. g7 h1=Q 9. g8=Q+ Kf4 (9... Kf3 10. Qa8+) 10. Qb8+ {!} Kg4 11. Qg3+ Kh5 12. Qg5# {mate.}) (1... a6 {, possible is %05If instead Black plays} 2. f4 (2. Kd4 {%05but not} Kf5 {!} (2... Kd6 3. Ke4 Ke6 4. f4 a5 5. f5+) 3. Ke3 Kg4 4. f4 Kxh4 5. Kf3 a5) 2... Kf5 3. Kd6 Kg4 4. Ke6 Kxh4 5. f5 {!}) 2. Kc6 Ke6 (2... Kd4 {%05the attack on the a3 pawn is too slow:} 3. Kd6 Kc3 4. f4 Kb3 5. f5) 3. Kc7 Ke7 4. f3 {!} a6 5. Kc8 (5. f4 {!} a5 6. Kb6 {etc. was even simpler}) 5... Ke8 6. Kb7 {, and White won} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1843.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k3pp/p4p2/1pK5/1P2PP2/P7/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1843.??.??"] {We will now examine a number of positions in which, despite one side having the advantage of a better king position, against correct defence it cannot be realized.} 1. e5 {%05This position, from the 1st edition of Bilguer's Handbuch, was for a long time considered drawn. As a demonstration of this, Novotny later (in the 4th edition) gave the following variations:} (1. h4 {%05or} g6 {! } 2. Kd5 Kd7 3. e5 fxe5 4. Kxe5 Ke7 {etc. with a draw.}) (1. Kd5 {%05Fine (1941) tried to show a win here by} Kd7 2. e5 {But, as was shown by readers of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR, against correct defence White's plan is unrealizable. By} g5 {! Black obtains essential counter-play and forces a draw, e.g.} (2... fxe5 {%05e.g.} 3. Kxe5 Ke7 4. Kd5 Kd7 (4... Kf6 {, then %05if} 5. Kc6 Kf5 6. Kb6 Kxf4 7. Kxa6 g5 8. Kxb5 h5 9. Ka6 g4 10. b5 {, winning}) 5. Kc5 Kc7 6. f5 {!} h6 7. h3 h5 8. h4 Kd7 9. Kb6 Kd6 10. Kxa6 Ke5 11. Kxb5 Kxf5 12. a4 g5 13. a5 g4 14. a6 g3 15. a7 g2 16. a8=Q g1=Q 17. Qd5+ Kf6 18. Qxh5 Qf1+ 19. Kb6 Qf2+ 20. Ka6 Qa2+ 21. Kb5 {, and White should realize his advantage.}) 3. e6+ (3. exf6 gxf4 4. Ke4 Ke6) 3... Ke7 4. f5 (4. fxg5 fxg5 5. Ke5 h5 6. Kf5 g4 {%04etc.}) 4... h5 5. Kc6 h4 {!} 6. Kd5 Ke8 7. Ke4 Kf8 8. Kf3 Kg7 9. Kg4 Kf8 10. Kh5 Kg7 11. h3 Kf8 {!} 12. Kg6 Ke7 {Draw.}) 1... fxe5 2. fxe5 Kd7 3. Kd5 g5 4. e6+ Ke7 5. Ke5 h5 6. Kf5 g4 7. Kg5 Kxe6 8. Kxh5 Kf5 {= The construction of a "fortress" is the most effective way of countering an active enemy king. In fact, if the king cannot penetrate into the opponent's position, all its activity proves quite useless.} * [Event "Coburg (Germany)"] [Site "Coburg (Germany)"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mieses Jacques (GER)"] [Black "Schlechter Carl (AUT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/2p1k2p/1p3p2/1P3P1P/PpPK4/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] 1. h5 {%05Here everything depends on whether the black king can invade the enemy position, using the b3 pawn for diversionary means.} Kd5 2. a4 {! This sacrifice is the whole point. Black has to reply} bxa4 {But then} (2... b2 { %05Since nothing is promised by} 3. Kc2 bxa4 4. Kxb2 Kc4 5. Ka3 Kxc3 6. Kxa4 { , when} Kb2 {is strongly met by} (6... Kd4 {%05the same pawn advance follows on } 7. Ka5 c5 8. b5) 7. b5) 3. c4+ {drives back the king, and closes all its paths to the white pawns. After} Kd6 4. Kc3 Kc7 5. Kb2 Kb6 6. Ka3 {Black can try to open lines by} c5 {, but} 7. b5 Ka5 8. Kb2 {is not dangerous for White. Bad, for example, is} (8. g3 {, Black can gain the necessary tempo by "triangulation", by returning his king to b7, a7 and b6. %05if}) 8... Kb4 9. b6 a3+ 10. Kb1 Kc3 11. b7 {, when it is White who wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kozlov Vladimir N (RUS)"] [Black "Nyevmerzhitsky"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/6p1/2p4p/p1p2P2/2Pp2P1/8/PP5P/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ411 The following example is much more complicated.} 1. a4 { !! %05White's position looks hopeless: Black has a protected passed pawn, and his king has the open b8-h2 diagonal to the opponent's K-side pawns. And yet White manages to save the game.} (1. a3 {? %05All other moves are simply bad, e.g.} Kc7 2. b4 cxb4 3. axb4 d3 {!} 4. Kb2 a4 {!} 5. h4 d2 6. Kc2 a3 $19) (1. Kb1 {? %05or} Kc7 2. Kc2 Kd6 3. Kd3 Ke5 4. a3 h5 $19) (1. h4 {%05Black is also able to forestall the threat of a breakthrough:} Kc7 2. g5 hxg5 3. hxg5 (3. f6 gxf6 4. h5 g4 $19) 3... Kd6 4. f6 gxf6 5. g6 Ke7 $19 {%04etc.}) 1... Kc7 2. b4 {!!} cxb4 3. c5 {!} Kd7 4. h4 Ke7 5. g5 hxg5 6. hxg5 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Esser Johannes F (NED)"] [Black "Davidson"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/7p/5p2/4p2P/4PkP1/5P2/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] {It is useful to know that the penetration of the king into the enemy position by no means always brings success. The king must be able to make an effective attack on the enemy weaknesses.} 1... f4 {%05The black king is very strongly placed, and its opponent has not managed to occupy its best square at f1. This is therefore the most favourable moment for a breakthrough:} 2. gxf4 (2. exf4 { ? , since after %05White cannot play} e3 3. fxe3 Kxe3 {his g-pawn cannot be defended.}) 2... Kg4 3. Ke2 (3. Kf1 {! White could have gained a draw. For example: %05In 1926 Reti showed that 3. Ke2 was a mistake, and that by} Kxh4 ( 3... h5 {? %05while after} 4. Kg2 {Black himself is too late with the advance of his pawn:} g6 (4... Kxh4 5. f3) 5. f3+ exf3+ 6. Kf2 Kxh4 7. Kxf3 g5 8. e4 { ! , and it is White who wins.}) 4. f3 {!} exf3 5. e4 Kg4 6. e5 Kf5 7. Kf2 { %04etc. =}) 3... h5 {!} (3... Kxh4 {because of %05not immediately} 4. f3 { , with a draw}) 4. Kf1 (4. f3+ {, then %05if} exf3+ 5. Kf2 g6) 4... Kxh4 5. Kg2 Kg4 6. Kh2 Kf3 7. Kg1 h4 {, and thanks to his passed pawn, Black won.} * [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Havasi Kornel (HUN)"] [Black "Stahlberg Gideon (SWE)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/p5k1/1p6/1P2p2P/P7/5P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ411 In the following example Black's king penetrates into the opponent's position, but fails to make an effective attack on the weak pawn, since, by successfully manoeuvring with his king, White creates counter-threats.} 1. Kf1 {! %05The correct plan of defence is a counter-attack on the e-pawn:} (1. Kg2 {? %05The attempt to defend the h-pawn leads to defeat: } Kf5 {!} 2. Kg3 g6 $19) 1... Kh5 (1... Kf5 {%05But perhaps Black should have immediately sent his king to the support of his e-pawn:} 2. Ke2 Kf4 {? In this case White is rescued by} 3. h5 {! , and if} e3 {, then} 4. f3 {! , not allowing the creation of an outside passed pawn. For example:} Kg5 5. Kxe3 Kxh5 6. Kf2 Kg5 7. Kg3 Kf5 8. f4 Ke4 9. Kg4 g6 {(there is nothing better)} 10. Kg3 { !} Ke3 11. Kg4 Kf2 12. Kh4 {!} Kf3 13. Kg5 {, with a draw.}) 2. Ke2 Kxh4 3. Ke3 Kh3 4. Kxe4 Kg2 5. Ke3 {! , when White is able to maintain the balance, e.g. %05However, White too played inaccurately. Correct, as established by Knyazev, was} (5. f4 {? %05The game now continued:} Kf2 {?} (5... Kg3 {! %05Later Canal showed that, instead of the inaccurate 5... Kf2, Black could have won by} 6. f5 (6. Ke3 g6 7. Ke4 Kf2 $19) 6... Kg4 7. Ke5 Kf3 $19 {%04etc.}) 6. f5 {!} Kg2 7. Kf4 Kf2 8. Ke4 Kg2 {= , and the players agreed a draw.}) 5... Kf1 (5... g5 { achieves nothing due to} 6. f4 {!=}) 6. Kf3 {!} Ke1 (6... g5 7. Kg3 Ke2 8. f3 Ke3 9. Kg2 Ke2 10. Kg3 Kf1 11. Kh3 {!} Kf2 12. Kg4 {= , and} Kg2 {? is bad due to} 13. f4 {!$18}) 7. Kg3 Ke2 8. f4 Kd3 9. f5 Ke3 10. Kg4 Ke4 11. Kg5 Kf3 12. Kh5 {! This flank manoeuvre by the king saves the game, as in the variation with 6... g5 just examined (cf. 11. Kh3!)} Kf4 13. Kg6 Ke4 (13... Kg4 {? is still bad in view of} 14. f6 {!$18}) 14. Kg5 {= with a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Gori (Georgia)"] [Site "Gori (Georgia)"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Savon Vladimir A (UKR)"] [Black "Furman Semyen A (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1k2p1/p1p2p1p/2P2P2/1P4PP/PK6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ316 %212045826630=4HLJ397 %212045826630=4HLJ411 In the event of the king penetrating, one of the methods of defence is to block it in, i.e. restrict the king to a limited space, usually in the corner of the board.} 1. Ka3 {he intends to invade the opponent's position with his king. But there is a way to save the game: %05White has three reserve tempi, and by} g5 {! (the threat of a breakthrough forces White to use up one tempo, but it is his most precious one)} (1... Kc7 { %05Passive waiting is fatal for Black, e.g.} 2. Ka4 Kc6 3. a3 Kc7 4. Kb5 Kb7 5. h4 Kc7 6. Ka6 Kc6 7. a4 Kc7 8. Ka7 Kc6 9. Kb8 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. h4 (2. fxg5 h4 3. g6 Ke6 $19) 2... gxf4 3. gxf4 Kc7 4. Ka4 Kc6 5. a3 Kc7 6. Kb5 Kb7 7. a4 Kc7 8. Ka6 Kc6 9. Ka7 Kc7 10. Ka8 Kc8 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Ch World (match)"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Bogoljubow Efim D (UKR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/p7/P4p2/1K4p1/4Pp1p/5P1P/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1... Kf7 {!! A precise move. %05 The white king has broken into the opponent's position, and Back is bound to lose his a-pawn. But this leads only to a draw, since the king finds itself shut in the corner. True, the play is not without subtleties, since Black also has to reckon with the e4-e5 break.} (1... Ke7 { %05Bad is} 2. Kc5 Kd7 (2... Ke6 3. Kc6) 3. Kd5 Ke7 4. e5 {, when White wins.}) 2. Kc5 Ke7 {!} 3. Kc6 (3. Kd5 {%05Now} Kd7 4. e5 fxe5 5. Kxe5 {does not hold any special promise due to} Kc6 {, e.g.} 6. Kf5 Kb6 7. Kxg5 Kxa6 8. Kxf4 Kb5 9. Kg5 (9. Ke3 Kc4 10. Kd2 Kd4 11. Kc2 a5 12. Kb3 Ke3 13. Ka4 Kf4 {!} 14. Kxa5 Kg3 15. Kb5 Kxg2 16. f4 Kxh3) 9... Kc5 {!} 10. f4 Kd6 11. Kg6 Ke7 12. Kg7 Ke6 { , with a draw.}) 3... Ke6 4. Kc7 Ke7 {!} 5. Kc8 Ke8 6. Kb8 Kd8 {!} (6... Kd7 { ? is bad due to %05a necessary finesse:} 7. Kb7 Kd6 8. Kc8 {!}) 7. Ka8 Kc8 8. Kxa7 Kc7 {Draw (analysis by Grigoriev).} * [Event "Philadelphia (USA)"] [Site "Philadelphia (USA)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horowitz Israel A (USA)"] [Black "Denker Arnold S (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6p1/p2p2Kp/P1pPp3/2P1P3/2P5/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Interesting drawing possibilities are shown by the following practical example, all the subtleties of which were revealed only very recently.} 1. h4 { %05Positions of this type (~3($40824)~ and~3 ($40825)~), %05in which^013^010 %05the king has already invaded the enemy position, have^013^010 %05already been considered in the section on extra tempi.^013^010 %05But we have included this example here, on account of^013^010 %05the special features of the pawn formation which create^013^010 %05drawing possibilities.} Kg8 2. g4 Kf8 3. g5 { ! %05 But does this mean that the ending is drawn? Of course not. It turns out that the plan chosen by White was wrong.^013^010 The correct continuation was} (3. Kh7 {%05The game took the following course:} Kf7 (3... h5 {! , e.g. %05Zinar (1974) found that after 3. Kh7 Black could have forced a draw by} 4. gxh5 (4. g5 {%05or} Kf7 5. Kh8 (5. g6+ {does not win, in view of %05In this last variation} Kf6 6. Kg8 Kxg6 7. Kf8 Kf6 8. Ke8 g5 9. hxg5+ Kxg5 10. Ke7 h4 11. Kxd6 h3 12. Kc7 h2 13. d6 h1=Q 14. d7 Qh7 15. Kc8 Qh3 {%04etc.}) 5... Kg6 { ! with stalemate.}) 4... Kf7 5. h6 g6 {!} 6. Kh8 Kf8 {, and the white king is imprisoned}) 4. Kh8 {%04with %05Black answered} (4. g5 {? This move does not win, on account of the unexpected %05But why not the standard} h5 {!} 5. Kh8 Kg6 {!} 6. Kg8 {- stalemate.}) (4. h5 {! %05The correct continuation was} Kf6 ( 4... Kf8 5. Kg6 Kg8 6. Kf5 Kf7 7. g5 {leads to variations already studied}) 5. Kg8 g6 (5... g5 6. Kh7) 6. Kf8 {!} gxh5 7. gxh5 Kg5 8. Ke7 Kxh5 9. Kxd6 Kg4 10. Kxe5 {, winning.}) 4... Kf8 {, but after} (4... h5 {! %05And now a few further improvements found by Zinar. Instead of the incorrect 4... Kf8 there was still a draw by} 5. gxh5 (5. g5 {%05or} Kg6 6. Kg8 {, with stalemate.}) 5... Kf8) ( 4... Kg6 {%05Finally, Black also fails to save the game by} 5. Kg8 Kf6 6. h5 g6 7. Kf8 {! , when White transposes into the continuation just considered.}) 5. g5 {he resigned.}) 3... hxg5 4. Kxg5 Kf7 5. h5 Ke7 6. Kg6 Kf8 {, although the wining path is difficult and requires deep calculation.} 7. h6 {! By exchanging the K-side pawns, White aims to approach his opponent's main weakness - the d6 pawn. But Black finds an unexpected resource.} Kg8 {!} (7... gxh6 {%05If now} 8. Kxh6 Kf7 {, then} 9. Kh7 Kf6 10. Kg8 {!} Kg5 11. Kf7 Kf4 12. Ke7 Kxe4 13. Kxd6 Kf4 14. Kxc5 e4 15. d6 e3 16. d7 e2 17. d8=Q e1=Q 18. Qf6+ Kg4 19. Kc6 {, and White easily realizes his material advantage.}) 8. Kh5 {!} (8. hxg7 {with stalemate %05Of course, not}) (8. h7+ {%05but possible is} Kh8 9. Kf5 Kxh7 10. Ke6 g5 11. Kxd6 g4 12. Kc7 g3 13. d6 g2 14. d7 g1=Q 15. d8=Q {with winning chances. Nevertheless 8. Kh5! is stronger, since it transposes into a continuation already examined.}) 8... gxh6 (8... Kh7 { , then %05There is nothing better. If} 9. hxg7 Kxg7 10. Kg5 Kf7 11. Kf5 { , and White wins very easily.}) 9. Kxh6 Kf7 10. Kh7 Kf6 11. Kg8 {! , and White wins very easily. As we see, in this example White wins not by the standard method of creating a zugzwang position, but by exchanging all the K-side pawns followed by penetrating to Black's main weakness - the d6 pawn. In conclusion, here is a position with a slightly different pawn configuration.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/2p3p1/2Pp2Kp/3Pp3/4P1PP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] {Here Black's weakness at c7 is rather further away than in example ~3 ( 846)~. } 1. Kh7 {%05But nevertheless White can obtain winning chances, by again changing plan:} (1. h5 {%05 Let us try employing the plan of widening the^013^010 %05bridgehead. In this case the play can take the following^013^010 %05course:} Kg8 2. g5 hxg5 3. Kxg5 Kf7 4. Kf5 Ke7 5. Kg6 Kf8 6. h6 gxh6 7. Kxh6 Kf7 8. Kh7 {, and the simplest way to draw is by} Kf8 (8... Kf6 {%05However, a counter-attack is also possible:} 9. Kg8 Kg5 10. Kf7 Kf4 11. Ke6 Kxe4 12. Kd7 Kxd5 13. Kxc7 e4 14. Kd7 e3 15. c7 e2 16. c8=Q e1=Q 17. Qc6+ { = with a draw.}) 9. Kg6 Kg8 10. Kf6 Kf8 11. Ke6 Ke8 {=}) 1... Kf7 2. g5 h5 {!} 3. g6+ {!} (3. Kh8 Kg6 {!= with a draw}) 3... Kf6 4. Kg8 Kxg6 5. Kf8 Kf6 6. Ke8 g5 7. hxg5+ Kxg5 8. Kd7 h4 9. Kxc7 h3 10. Kxd6 h2 11. c7 h1=Q 12. c8=Q Qxe4 { (in view of the threat of 13. Qf5, it is unlikely that Black has anything better)} 13. Qh8 {!$18 , and it would appear that Black is unable to save this ending. Thus various nuances in the pawn formation can significantly affect both the choice of plan, and the final result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1892.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Locock"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3p4/3p4/3P4/4P1p1/6P1/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1892.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/ 107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110. THE THEORY OF CORRESPONDING SQUARE SYSTEMS~ In the preceding chapters the reader will on many occasions have encountered positions of varying complexity, in which the correct path could be found by using corresponding squares. We have met some of the most common instances of corresponding squares (for example, such as "triangulation"), but other systems are also known, as will be described in the present chapter. The author of it is chess composer M. Zinar, a major specialist in the field of pawn endings. It is worth recalling that the theory of corresponding squares began to be developed only in the 20th century. The basis of it was a well known publication by Emanuel Lasker (1901). Much attention has been paid to this question by Grigoriev, Bianchetti, Ebersz, Halberstadt, Duchamp, Bahr, Maizelis, and also a number of other theorists. It has been established that, in spite of the great variety of examples, the number of different corresponding square systems is comparatively small, and in each individual case the manoeuvring of the kings is of a definite nature, typical of the given system. In this chapter an attempt is made to generalize everything of value that has been devised in the theory of corresponding square systems, so as to give practical players appropriate recommendations, which should help them to find their way in certain complex pawn endgame positions. Therefore the present chapter is intended mainly for players of high standard. What is required for the correct handling of pawn endings with extensive zones of corresponding squares? Firstly, one must be able to determine quickly the system of corresponding squares; secondly, it is essential to understand its structure, and thirdly, one must be able to find one's bearings in the given system. We should mention that, while the second and third questions have been studied more or less fully by theorists, the first question, the most important one for practical players, has until now remained practically untouched. In the present work the author will attempt, at least partially, to fill this gap. On examining a position with a complicated system of corresponding squares, an experienced player will immediately pick out the front-line corresponding squares, if the struggle is for adjoining critical and key squares, or the shortest paths, if the play revolves around two invasion points. It is from the front line or the shortest path that we will proceed. We will first introduce the concept of base squares - this is the name we will give or two adjoining, strictly unambiguous squares of the front line or the shortest path, which without fail are adjacent of the base squares, there may be either one, or two, such rear squares. If there is one such square linking the base squares, we will have a base triangle, if there are two, we will have a 2x2 base square. Using these three concepts we have introduced, it is easy to determine what will be the system of corresponding squares. ~110.1 EIGHT-SQUARE SYSTEM~ If the base triangles can be amplified to a 3x3 square, we have in operation an eight-square system.} 1. Kb1 {%15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/ 107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! (occupying a "3" square, and approaching the base square "2") %05In view of the threat of e4-e5, the first position of mutual zugwang is Kd4/Kf6, the^013^010 %05second, Ke3/Kg5, arises from the struggle for the key f4 square. We thus have two^013^010 %05strictly unambiguous front-line squares. They are linked by one rear square: d3 for White^013^010 %05and g6 for Black. The base triangles d4-e3-d3 and f6-g5-g6 can be amplified for each^013^010 %05side to a 3x3 square (with the e4 square inaccessible for White, and f5 for Black).^013^010 %05 We thus come to the conclusion that we have here an eight-square system.^013^010 %05 We will designate the base squares by the numbers "1" and "2" respectively, and the^013^010 %05linking square by "3". On the sides of the base triangle we successively fill in the^013^010 %05numbers from "4" to "8" (we write "4" alongside "1"). As a result we obtain the main zone^013^010 %05of the eight-square system. The main zone is needed to reduce the designations to a^013^010 %05minimum.^013^010 %05 Rear squares receive the same designations as those squares of the main zone which^013^010 %05are one square away horizontally (or vertically). Corresponding squares are marked until^013^010 %05an obstruction or counter-play appears. The correspondence does not extend forward^013^010 %05beyond the sides of the base triangle. Downwards squares are marked as far as the^013^010 %05edge of the board, and to the left - as far as, and including, the b-file. The a-file is^013^010 %05excluded due to the possibility of counter-play by Black. Incidentally, every case, where^013^010 %05the opponent has counter-play, requires specific checking by the calculation of^013^010 %05variations.^013^010 %05 To draw, the defender's king must occupy a square of the same designation as that^013^010 %05occupied by the opponent's king. If the stronger side's king is to the rear, the defender^013^010 %05can occupy a square of equivalent designation either in the rear, or in the main zone. But^013^010 %05if the stronger side's king is in the main zone, the opponent's king must also be there.^013^010 %05 To win, on each move one must occupy a square of equivalent designation, or a square^013^010 %05left unattended, endeavouring at the same time to approach the base squares. If this is^013^010 %05not possible, one must continue manoeuvring, at least not moving away from the base^013^010 %05squares. ^013^010 %05The solution of the position is as follows:} Kg7 {%15N #B(8/ 5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/ 107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 {(also to a "5", approaching "2") %15 N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/ 103D05D03D02D3/107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 { %15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/ 107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd1 {! It is not possible to approach the base squares, so White continues manoeuvring, at least not moving away from them.^013^010 You must never return to a square where you have already been! For this reason White does not play his king to b1, although it too is designated with a number "3". %15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/ 6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/ 501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/ 2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/ 101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc2 {! Here White had a choice: should he occupy a "2" square (4. Ke1), or move to a "6" square, which has been left unattended by the black king? In the event of 4. Ke1 White does not approach the base squares, whereas with 4. Kc2 he approaches the base square "1". This means that 4. Kc2! is correct. %15N #B (8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/ 107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh5 {%15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/ 5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/ 504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/107D06D07D08D3/ 103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc3 {White cannot occupy an "8" square, but he goes to a "5" square which has been left unattended, while approaching the base square "1". %15 N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/ 103D05D03D02D3/107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg5 { %15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/ 107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc4 {White cannot approach any closer to the base squares, so he continues his king manoeuvre, by not moving away from them, and places it on a "4" square which has been left unattended. %15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/ 103D05D03D02D3/107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 { %15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/ 107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd3 {(also to "3", approaching the base square "2"), and now %15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/ 2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/ 501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/ 2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/ 101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) is decisively met by} (7... Kf6 {%04by %05and} 8. Kd4 $18) 8. Ke3 $18 {%15 N #B(8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (501I107I/504I05I06I/501I03I07I/602I08I/101D04D01D4/103D05D03D02D3/ 107D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/2p5/2p5/2P4p/3P1p1p/5P1P/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/ 03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 {%15N #B (8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/ 07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05This is a similar position to ~3($40848)~, but moved to %05the left. It is of interest for the fact that, due to the %05obstruction on the h-file, Black loses the %05correspondence.} Kh7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/ 03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 {%15N #B (8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/ 07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh6 {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/ 4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/ 404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/ 105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd1 {(the h5 square is inaccessible, and Black cannot defend the "7" and "8" squares) %15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/ 5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/ 404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/ 105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/ 1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/ 401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd2 {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/ 1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/ 502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kg6 {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/ 03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc2 {%15N #B (8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/ 07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/ 4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/ 404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/ 105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kb3 {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/ 1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/ 401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf5 {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/ 1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/ 502I08I1/01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 7. Kb4 {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/ 01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 { %15N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/01D04D01D5/ 03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kc3 {, and White wins. %15 N #B(8/4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(401I03I07I1/404I05I06I05I/401I03I07I03I/502I08I1/ 01D04D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/07D06D07D08D4/105D03D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bianchetti"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/1p6/1P2p3/1P2P3/4P1p1/6P1/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/ 06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka2 {! %05Here one end of he shortest path is Kc5/Ke7, while the other is Kf4/Kh5. The shortest path consists of 4 squares.^013^010 %05 Which two squares should be taken as the base pair? Not the e3-f4 pair: there is no linking square. If one takes c5-d4 as the base squares with one linking square, in reply Black will have the e7-f7 pair with two linking squares, i.e. White will have a base triangle, and Black a 2x2 base square.^013^010 %05 A 2x2 base square gives an excess of correspondence in comparison with a base triangle. In this case Black will not be forced to adhere to strict correspondence on the rear squares. So we should choose a system which forces both sides to adopt the strictest manoeuvring. Therefore we take as the base squares d4-e3 for White and f7-g6 for Black. The base triangles can be amplified to 3x3 squares, so we again have an eight-square system.^013^010 %05 The markings, the zone structures and the play are all analogous to the previous examples. Black has no counter-play, and so the zone extends to the edge of the board. %15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/ 6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/ 602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/ 05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ka3 { %15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/ 06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/ 5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/ 501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/ 103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb2 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/ 2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/ 8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/ 06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc2 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/ 5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/ 501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/ 103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/ 2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/ 8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 5. Kd2 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/ 05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 { %15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/ 06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke2 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/ 5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/ 501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/ 103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/ 2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/ 8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 7. Kd3 {%15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/ 05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 { %15N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/8/04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/ 06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kd4 {, and White breaks through on one of the wings. %15 N #B(5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/ 2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(504I05I1/501I03I07I/602I08I/8/ 04D01D04D01D4/05D03D05D03D02D3/06D07D06D07D08D3/103D05D03D02D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1965.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Brogi"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/2p5/2Pp4/3P2p1/3P1pP1/5P2/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1965.??.??"] {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I107I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka2 {! %05The shortest distances a5-b4-c3-d2-e3 and b7-c79c8)-d7-e6-f5 consist of five squares. For the base squares we take the c3-d2 pair, since the d2-e3 pair has no linking square, while with White's king at b4 the black king can be either at c7, or at c8, i.e. the correspondence is not unambiguous. The course of the further reasoning is the same as in the preceding examples. %15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/ 1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I107I2/402I08I2/8/8/ 104D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb1 {! %15 N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/ 1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/ 104D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2. Ka3 {? %05But not} Kc7 {! , since the a3 square is removed from the correspondence by counter-play:} 3. Kb2 Kb7 4. Kc2 Ka6) 2... Kd8 {%15 N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/ 301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 3. Kc1 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/ 03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/ 301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 4. Kd1 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/ 03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/ 301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 5. Kc2 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/ 03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/ 301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 6. Kc3 {, and wins. %15 N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/ 1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/8/8/104D01D5/ 03D05D03D02D4/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/p4p2/1p3P2/PP3P2/1P6/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/ 207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc1 {! %05Here the exchange of pawns is unfavourable for Black, but White too cannot make use of it. 1. a5? merely improves the opponent's position: penetrating to d5 will then not achieve anything. It is also unfavourable to exchange: the a4-a5 tempo will be needed later.^013^010 %05 The shortest distances d4-e4-f3-g4-h5 and c6-d6-e7-f7(f8)-g7 consist of five squares. The g4 square does not have unambiguous correspondence, and cannot be taken as a base square. For the base squares we will take e4-f3 for White and d6-e7 for Black - an eight-square system.^013^010 %05 The question arises: why did we not take d4-e4 as the base squares? As will become clear from what follows, we would then have obtained a quadratic system, the main zone of which consists of four squares, whereas, as was mentioned in the analysis of example 697, we are obliged to choose the system which leads to the most strict manoeuvring. Therefore preference is given to the eight-square system, the main zone of which consists of 8 squares. ^013^010 %05 The markings are given in the diagram. The correspondence does not extend to the b-file, since on the c-file there is an inaccessible square at c4. %15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/ 207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/ 203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd1 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/ 8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/ 204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/ 203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke1 { %15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/ 207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/ 203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd2 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/ 8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/ 204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/ 203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke2 { %15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/ 207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/ 203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd3 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/ 8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/ 204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/ 203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Ke3 { %15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/ 207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/ 203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Ke4 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/ 8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/ 204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kc6 {Now White breaks through on the K-side, but the game is not yet over. %15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/ 207D06D07D08D2/203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kf3 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2/ 203D05D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 10. Kg3 Kd4 11. Kh4 {!} Kc3 (11... Ke4 12. Kg4 Ke3 13. Kh5 Kxf4 14. Kg6 Ke5 15. a5 {! - this is why White needs his tempo}) 12. axb5 axb5 13. Kh5 Kxb4 14. Kg6 Kxb3 15. Kxf6 Kc3 {!} 16. Ke5 {!} b4 17. f6 b3 18. f7 b2 19. f8=Q b1=Q 20. Qc5+ Kd2 21. Qd4+ {, exchanging queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/1p6/5p1p/1p3P2/1P3PP1/1K6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/ 207D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc1 {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/ 2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I07I08I3/ 205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) ! %05With the white king at g4, Black must defend his pawn %05from h6, so that he can meet 1. g4 with 1... Kg6! 2. g5 %05b5! with a draw.^013^010 %05 From the necessity to defend the key squares c4 and %05d4, the second end of the shortest path of six squares, %05h4-h3-g2-f2-e3-d3 and h6-g6(g7)-e6-d5-c5, will be %05Kd3/Kc5. The correspondence on the K-side is not %05unambiguous, and so, as in example ~3($40852)~, we %05take e3-f2 as the base squares, giving preference to %05the eight-square system.} Kc7 {%15 N #B(8/2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd1 {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/ 304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke1 {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/ 304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf1 {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/ 304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke2 {! %15 N #B(8/2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/ 304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kf2 {! %15 N #B(8/2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/ 304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/ 2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 206I07I08I3/205I03I02I3/204I01I4/8/304D01D3/203D05D03D02D2/207D06D07D08D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (6... Kd5 {%05the counter-attack} 7. Kg2 Kd4 {fails to} 8. g4) 7. g4 hxg4 8. fxg4 fxg4 9. Kg3 Ke6 10. Kxg4 {, and White wins:} Kf6 11. f5 Kf7 12. Kf4 Kf6 13. Ke4 Ke7 14. Kd5 Kf6 15. Kc6 {Compare the relative placing of the main zones in the above examples. Everywhere it is different. But, whatever the placing of the zones relative to each other, the determination, the structure and the play all follow the same principle.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p5k/1P2p3/1P2P3/4P1p1/5pP1/K4P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (503I04I03I/501I02I01I/6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110.2 QUADRATIC SYSTEM~ If an eight-square system cannot be formed, but on the side of the base triangle a square can be constructed, we have in operation a quadratic system. If both sides have 2x2 base squares, the quadratic system again operates.} 1. Kb2 {! (to a "1" square, on which the black king stands, and approaching the base squares) %05Compared with example ($40850) here the e2 square is %05inaccessible to White. The base triangle cannot be %05amplified to a 3x3 square, but on the d4-d3 side a 2x2 %05square can be constructed. We conclude that here the %05quadratic system operates. ^013^010 %05 We designate the apex of the triangle by the letter "a" %05(this square is unsystematic and does not have any %05related squares to the rear, and so we designate it with %05a letter). We designate the second base square with the %05number "1", and the linking square with the number "2". %05Alongside "1" we write "3", and alongside "2" we write %05"4".^013^010 %05 We have obtained the main zone of the quadratic %05system, which consists of four squares. The rear %05squares receive the same designations as the squares %05of the main zone which are one square away horizontally %05(or vertically). ^013^010 %05 In width the quadratic system extends for the same %05number of lines as have an outlet through the triangle %05apex "a". In our example this is the 4th, 3rd and 2nd %05ranks.^013^010 %05 In depth the quadratic system extends until the %05appearance of counter-play or some obstruction, or as %05long as there is an unequal distance from adjacent rear %05squares to the nearest square of the shortest path. In %05example 701, from b4 to the nearest square of the %05shortest path c5 it is one move, and from b3 it is two %05moves. But the correspondence does not extend to the %05a-file, since from a4 and a3 to c5 the distance is the %05same (two moves).^013^010 %05 Here we will employ the same approach as in the %05eight-square system. %15N #B(5I1I11/ 5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/501I02I01I/ 6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh8 { %15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/ 501I02I01I/6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc2 {(also to "3", and approaching the base square "a') %15 N #B(5I1I11/ 5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/501I02I01I/ 6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh7 { %15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/ 501I02I01I/6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd2 {(to a "1" square, approaching the "a" square) %15 N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/ 8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/501I02I01I/6aI1/8/ 101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh6 {%15N #B (5I1I11/5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/ 501I02I01I/6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc3 {(to a "4" square, which has been left unattended, and approaching the "1" square) %15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/501I02I01I/6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 {%15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/501I02I01I/6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc4 {! (it is not possible to approach "1" or "a", so we continue the manoeuvre to a "3" square, which has been unattended) %15N #B (5I1I11/5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/ 501I02I01I/6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (503I04I03I/501I02I01I/6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd4 {! breaking through on one of the wings. %15 N #B(5I1I11/ 5I1I11/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(503I04I03I/501I02I01I/ 6aI1/8/101D03D01D4/102D04D02DaD3/101D03D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/5p2/1p3P2/1P3P2/1P6/5P2/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/ 203I04I4/201I02I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd2 { %15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/ 203I04I4/201I02I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05In comparison with example ~3($40852)~ here the f2 %05square^013^010 %05is inaccessible to White, and therefore an eight-square^013^010 %05system cannot be formed. White cannot use his pawn^013^010 %05tempo, since after f2-f3 this lengthens the shortest^013^010 %05path d4-e4-f3-g4-h5, and c6-d6-f7(f8)-g7. ^013^010 %05 Which should be taken as the base squares? If the^013^010 %05d4-e4 pair, we obtain a 2x2 base square - a quadratic^013^010 %05system; if the e4-f3 pair, we obtain a base triangle - also^013^010 %05a quadratic system. The main zones in both cases^013^010 %05coincide.^013^010 %05 In such situations there is a choice available. We have^013^010 %05chosen the d4-e4 pair, but we could have also taken the^013^010 %05e4-f3 pair, designating the apex (f3) by the letter "a', e4^013^010 %05by the number '1", and so on. This would not have^013^010 %05changed anything.} Kd8 {%15 N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/ 3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/203I04I4/201I02I4/8/ 301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke2 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/ 2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/203I04I4/201I02I4/ 8/301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/ 2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/203I04I4/201I02I4/ 8/301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd3 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/ 2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/203I04I4/201I02I4/ 8/301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/ 2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/203I04I4/201I02I4/ 8/301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke3 {! %15 N #B(8/ 2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/203I04I4/ 201I02I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/ 2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/203I04I4/ 201I02I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke4 {%15N #B (8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I4/203I04I4/ 201I02I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/301D02D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 6. Kf3 Kd5 7. Kg4 Kd4 8. Kh5 Kc3 9. Kg6 Kxb3 10. Kxf6 {, and White wins. The correspondence does not extend to the 1st rank, since from d1 and e1 to f3 the distance is the same; nor does it extend to the c-file, since there is no outlet to the key squares c5 and d5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1901.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/3p4/p2P1p2/P2P1P2/8/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1901.??.??"] {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I04I03I5/01I02I01I5/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 {! %05On the K-side the correspondence here is not unambiguous. On the c3-d3 side of the base triangle a square can be constructed. The marking is made in analogy with previous examples.^013^010 %05 The shortest paths are c4-d3-e3(e2)-f3(f2)-g3-h4 and b6-c7-d7(d8)-e7(e8) -f6(f7)-g6. In width the zone occupies three files, from which there is an outlet to the "a" square. In depth it extends to the edge of the board, since the distances from c1 and d1 to the line of the shortest path are different. %15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/ 01I02I01I5/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } Kb7 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I04I03I5/01I02I01I5/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/01I02I01I5/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/ 101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/ 2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/01I02I01I5/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/ 103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd1 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/ 8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/01I02I01I04I4/1aI6/8/ 2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B (1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/ 01I02I01I04I4/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 4. Kc2 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/01I02I01I04I4/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/01I02I01I04I4/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/ 101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd2 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/ 2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/01I02I01I04I4/1aI6/8/2aD5/ 101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(1I1I15/ 1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/01I02I01I04I4/ 1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc3 { %15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/ 01I02I01I04I4/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I04I03I5/01I02I01I04I4/1aI6/8/2aD5/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd3 {, and wins. %15 N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/2D1D14/ 2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I03I5/01I02I01I04I4/1aI6/8/2aD5/ 101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4/101D02D01D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p1k3/5p1p/2p2P2/2P2PP1/8/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/ 302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Compare the following example with position ~3 ( 853)~.} 1. Kd1 {! %15N #B (3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/ 3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 { %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/ 302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke1 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf1 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/ 301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kg2 {The king emerges from the correspondence zone onto the line of the shortest path e4-f3-g3-h4-h5 and d6-e7-f7(f8)-g7(g8)-h7. %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/ 301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/ 4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/ 303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf2 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/ 8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/ 301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/ 3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/ 4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke3 {%15N #B (3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/ 3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 { %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/ 302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kf3 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kg3 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(304I03I3/302I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D04D03D2/301D02D01D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 9. Kh4 Kf7 10. Kh5 Kg7 11. g5 {!} c6 12. g6 {! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/1p1p1p2/p2P1P2/P2P4/3P4/P7/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 101I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 { ! %05For the base squares we will take c4-c3 with the linking square b3, since further to the right the correspondence is not unambiguous. And although the base triangle has a different appearance than in the earlier examples, this does not affect the determination of the system. On the c3-b3 side we construct a square. %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(04I03I6/101I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kb7 {%15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (04I03I6/02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 {%15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb2 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb8 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc2 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kb3 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc3 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kc4 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb8 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kb5 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/2aD5/102D01D5/104D03D5/102D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 9. a3 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/2p2p2/2p1p3/2P1PpP1/1p1P1p2/1P3P2/1K3P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {%15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 { ! (now Black is forced to step onto a "1' or "3" square) %05Here the shortest path consist of eight squares: c4-d3-e2-f1-g2-h3-h4-h5 and a5-a6-b7-c8-d7(d8) -e7(e8)-f8-g7.^013^010 %05 The pairs c4-d3 and h4-h5 cannot be taken as the base squares, since there is no linking square. We can take d3-e2 (a6-b7 for Black) or e2-f1 (b7-c8 for Black). In both cases we obtain a quadratic system with main zones which coincide. %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb8 {%15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 {%15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka8 {%15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd1 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb8 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke1 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 { %15N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04I03I6/ 02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke2 { , and White wins. %15 N #B(I1I16/I1I16/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(04I03I6/02I01I6/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/3p4/3P1p2/1p1P1p2/1P3P2/1K3P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I6/ 01I02I01I5/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc1 { %15N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I6/ 01I02I01I5/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05An insignificant change in the position, and Black's main %05zone has moved to the right here in comparison with %05example ~3($40859)~.} Kb8 {%15N #B(1I1I15/ 1I1I15/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I6/01I02I01I5/aI7/8/ 8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd1 {%15N #B(1I1I15/ 1I1I15/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I6/01I02I01I5/aI7/8/ 8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 {%15N #B(1I1I15/ 1I1I15/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I6/01I02I01I5/aI7/8/ 8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd2 {%15N #B(1I1I15/ 1I1I15/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I6/01I02I01I5/aI7/8/ 8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(1I1I15/ 1I1I15/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I6/01I02I01I5/aI7/8/ 8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke2 {, and wins. %15 N #B(1I1I15/1I1I15/8/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I04I6/ 01I02I01I5/aI7/8/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D04D03D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1976.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/pp4Pp/7P/6p1/1P4P1/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1976.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka2 {! %05Here d4, e4, f4 are the key squares, and the front-line squares are d3, e3, f3 and d5, e5, f5. Both pairs can be taken as base squares, since in both cases this leads to a quadratic system with coinciding main zones. White succeeds in winning the correspondence at the distant approaches, by exploiting the unfortunate position of the black king. %15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/ 3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/ 1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 {! %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I13/ 3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/ 1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ka3 {!! %15 N #B(8/8/ 3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/ 301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf5 {%15N #B (8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/ 301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb3 { %15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { %15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 { %15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (4... Ke5 {%15 N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc3 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { %15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd4 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 { %15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. g6 {! , winning}) 5. Kd2 {! %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke2 {! %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 7. Kf3 {! %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } Ke5 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 { %15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { %15N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Ke4 {, and White wins. %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/303I04I3/301I02IaI2/8/1aD02D01D02DaD2/204D03D04D3/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/1pP3k1/1P3p2/8/5pP1/5P2/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/704I/ 4aI101I02I/203D01D4/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Let us compare the arrangement of the corresponding squares in the examples considered: in ~3 ( 856)~ they are on adjacent files, on squares of opposite colour; in ~3( 859) ~ they are on adjacent files, on squares of the same colour; in ~3( 860)~ they are on the same file, on squares of opposite colour; and in ~3( 854)~ and ~3( 862)~ the main zones are altogether rotated relative to each other. As we see, it is not possible to employ any method other than the theory of corresponding squares. Note also that the quadratic system occurs more often than the eight-square system, since it requires less space. We have met several examples where any pair of three adjoining squares of the shortest path (or the front line) can be taken as the base pair. Let us generalize these cases: (a) The number of possible squares must always be reduced to the minimum. (b) With coinciding main zones, if the systems are different,} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k2p2/2p2P2/2P2P2/2P5/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) ~110.3 QUADRATIC SYSTEM WITH NON-UNAMBIGUOUS REAR~ This is a transitional system between the quadratic and triangular systems. If the distances from the "3" and "4" squares of the main zone of a quadratic system to the nearest square of the shortest path are equal, we have in operation a quadratic system with non-unambiguous rear.} 1. Kd2 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/ 303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05It is useful to compare this example with position %05~3($40856)~. The distances from e2 and f2 to the %05nearest^013^010 %05square of the shortest path, g4, are identical.^013^010 %05 We will designate the triangle apex by the letter "a". We^013^010 %05will designate the second base square by the number^013^010 %05"1", and the linking square by "2". Two squares of the^013^010 %05main zone receive the identical designation "3". In depth^013^010 %05the system does not extend, while in width it extends to^013^010 %05the number of files (here three) from which there is^013^010 %05access to the apex "a" of the base triangle.^013^010 %05 White succeeds in exploiting the poor position of the^013^010 %05enemy king:} Kc7 {%15 N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 2. Kd3 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 3. Ke2 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf2 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke3 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kf3 {, and wins. %15 N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/ 4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I02I01I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/ 301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p6p/P1p2k1P/2p5/2P5/P7/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 403I3/401I02I2/8/401D02D2/403D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke1 {! %05The front-line squares are "1" and "2", and the squares of the main zone are "3". There few corresponding squares, and the play is relatively simple. White's task - to defend the c3 pawn from attack - proves to be practicable. %15N #B(8/ 8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/403I3/401I02I2/ 8/401D02D2/403D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D12/4D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/403I3/401I02I2/8/401D02D2/403D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf1 {%15N #B(8/8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/403I3/401I02I2/8/401D02D2/403D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } Kf5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 8/403I3/401I02I2/8/401D02D2/403D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke1 {%15N #B(8/8/ 8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/403I3/401I02I2/8/ 401D02D2/403D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(8/8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D12/4D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/403I3/401I02I2/8/401D02D2/403D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke2 Kg4 5. Ke3 Kxh5 6. Kd2 {! (only now does the king make for the saving a4 square)} Kg4 7. Kc2 h5 8. Kb2 h4 9. Ka3 h3 10. Ka4 h2 11. a3 h1=Q {- stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/1p6/pP2p3/Pp2P3/1P2P1p1/1K4P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/ 5aI02I03I/601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/ 5aI02I03I/601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05Compare this example with positions ~3 ($40850)~ and %05~3($40854)~. The distances from d2 and e2 to f4 are^013^010 %05identical.^013^010 %05That means we have a quadratic system with^013^010 %05non-unambiguous rear.} Kg8 {%15 N #B(8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/5aI02I03I/ 601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc3 {%15N #B (8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/5aI02I03I/ 601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(8/ 6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/5aI02I03I/ 601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd2 {%15N #B (8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/5aI02I03I/ 601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/ 6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/5aI02I03I/ 601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke2 {%15N #B (8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/5aI02I03I/ 601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(8/ 6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/5aI02I03I/ 601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd3 {%15N #B (8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/5aI02I03I/ 601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 {%15N #B(8/ 6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(601I03I/5aI02I03I/ 601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke3 {, and White wins. %15 N #B(8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (601I03I/5aI02I03I/601I03I/8/3aD4/201D02D01D3/203D03D03D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/5p2/5P2/5p2/5P2/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/ 302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110.4 TRIANGULAR SYSTEM~ If a 2x2 square cannot be constructed on one side's base triangle, we have in operation a triangular system. The reader will already be familiar with certain cases of the triangular system ("triangulation"). Here we will describe certain features of this system.} 1. Ke3 {! %05The base squares receive designations "1" and "2", and the linking square "3". This is the main zone. The rear squares are marked with the same numbers, such that in each new triangle there should be the numbers "1", "2" and "3". The correspondence zone extends until it proves possible to construct a square on the side of the triangle.^013^010 Play reduces to the exploitation of rear squares. On them the correspondence is won, and play then follows the principles examined earlier. One must occupy a square of identical designation, or one left unattended, while approaching the base squares.^013^010 Due to Black's counter-play against the f6 pawn, the system in our example is irreversible. The correspondence must be won immediately by a king manoeuvre on the rear squares. %15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 { %15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/ 302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd3 {%15N #B (8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/ 303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh8 {%15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/ 3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/ 302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kc4 {%15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh7 {%15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 4. Kd4 {%15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh6 { %15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/ 302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd5 {%15N #B (8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/ 303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh5 {%15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/ 3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/ 302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh6 {%15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} (6... Kh4 7. Ke7) (6... Kg4 7. Ke5) 7. Kd7 {! %15 N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/ 3D1D12I1/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/ 302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh5 {%15N #B(8/8/3D12I1I1/3D1D12I1/8/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/401D202I/302D201I03I/303D01D202I/302D201I1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Ke8 {!} Kg6 9. Ke7 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dawson"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4p1p1/1k2p1p1/p3P1P1/P1p2P2/2P5/5P2/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/ 201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd1 {! %05Here in the defence of the key d4 square the following positions of mutual zugzwang arise: Ke4/Kc5 and Ke3/Kd5.^013^010 A quadratic system cannot be formed. The e3 and f3 squares are designated by the numbers "2" and "3", which means that e2 receives the missing number "1". Since e3 and e2 are designated "2" and "1", the d2 square receives the missing number "1". Since e3 and e2 are designated "2" and "1", the d2 square receives the missing number '3" The system does not extend further, since a square can be constructed. %15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/ 4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/ 303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd2 {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 { %15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/ 201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke2 {%15N #B(8/8/ 2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/ 402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/ 4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf3 {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 203I5/201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke3 {%15N #B (8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/ 401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/ 4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/ 303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke4 {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd4 { %15N #B(8/8/2I15/2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/ 201I02I4/401D3/402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb6 {%15N #B(8/8/2I15/ 2I1I14/4D13/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/203I5/201I02I4/401D3/ 402D03D2/303D01D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kxc4 Kc6 9. Kd4 Kb6 10. c4 Kc6 11. c5 Kc7 12. Kc4 Kc6 13. f3 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3kp2/P2p4/P7/P2pPp1p/3P1P1P/P7/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 { %05This rather unnatural position demonstrates the maximum zone of the triangular system.^013^010 For the base squares we take the b5-c4 pair, since the b5-c6 pair does not have a linking square. The pawn tempo a2-a3 must be retained. %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 403I02I2/102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 { ! %15 N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 403I02I2/102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kc2 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb2 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke5 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ka3 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kb3 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kb4 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kb5 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke5 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I13/1D1D15/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/403I02I2/ 102D201I3/103D01D5/01D02D6/103D01D5/102D02D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kc4 {!} ( 9. Kc6 {%05not} Ke6 {!} 10. Kb7 Kd7 11. Kxa7 Kc7 {!} 12. a3 f6 {=}) 9... f6 10. a3 $40 {, and wins. The triangular system occurs frequently, with the most diverse pawn structures. We have considered the most complicated cases, since where there are only the main zones of a triangular system, the play does not present any difficulty. Thus, for example, in position ~3 ( 868)~ White has an excess of correspondence to the rear, in the absence of counter-play for the opponent. The play in such cases is of a reversible nature: in the event of a mistake one can return to the rear, and again begin the battle for the correspondence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leick"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/4p3/1p2P3/1P2P3/4P3/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110.5 TWO SYSTEMS~ Cases are possible where two systems exist on different parts of the board. This does not usually affect the marking of the squares, since the play takes place in one of the systems.} 1. Kc1 {! %05In the centre we have the base triangles d4-d3-c3 for White and c6-d7-c7 for Black, and on the K-side we have 2x2 base squares; i.e. two quadratic systems.^013^010 To draw, of course, both systems must be maintained, but to win, one is sufficient. %15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd1 {! %15 N #B (2I1I12I1I1/2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kc2 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd2 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc3 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd3 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Ke2 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kf3 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kg4 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Kh5 {! %15 N #B (2I1I12I1I1/2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(2I1I12I1I1/ 2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 11. Kg5 {, and White wins. %15 N #B(2I1I12I1I1/2I1I12I1I1/8/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(204I03I203I04I/301I201I02I/2aI5/601D02D/3aD203D04D/202D01D201D02D/ 204D03D203D04D/202D01D201D02D) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7p/3p3P/3P4/3P3P/7K/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kh2 {! (Black is forced to stand on a "2" or "4" square) %05 The tempo has to be preserved here, of course. On the base triangle d3-c4-c3 we form an eight-square system, while on the K-side a quadratic system operates. %15N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/ 1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/ 05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/ 07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B (I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg2 {! %15 N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/ 1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/ 05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/ 07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B (I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf2 {%15N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/ 1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/ 05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/ 07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B (I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kg3 {%15N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/ 1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/ 05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/ 07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B (I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf3 {%15N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/ 1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/ 05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/ 07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B (I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kg4 {%15N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/ 1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/ 05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/ 07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B (I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kf4 {%15N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/ 1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/ 05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/ 07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B (I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kg5 {%15N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/ 1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/ 05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/ 07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B (I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kf5 {%15N #B(I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/ 1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/ 05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/ 07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B (I1I1I11I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12/I17/5D1D11/1D1D12D1D11/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(06I07I08I103I04I2/05I03I02I101I02I2/04I01I6/501D02D1/ 01D04D01D203D04D1/03D05D03D02D101D02D1/07D06D07D08D103D04D1/03D103D02D4) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Ke4 Kg6 (10... Ke7 11. Kd3 Kd7 12. Kc4 Kc7 13. Kb5 Kb7 14. h5 $18) 11. Kd3 Kxh6 (11... Kf5 12. Kc3 {!} Kf4 13. Kb4 {!} Ke4 14. Kc4 Ke3 15. Kb5 Kxd4 16. Kc6 Ke5 17. h5 $18) 12. Kc4 Kh5 13. Kb5 Kxh4 14. Kc6 Kg3 15. Kxd6 h5 16. Ke5 {!} h4 17. d6 h3 18. d7 h2 19. d8=Q h1=Q 20. Qg5+ {!} Kf2 21. Qf4+ Ke2 22. Qe4+ {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/7p/1p1p3P/1P2p3/1PP1P3/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/ 103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 {! %05One end of the shortest path is clear: Kg3/Kf5. The second is determined from the possibility of White playing 1. c4 dc 2. bc bc 3. Kc3 - at this point Black must be able to play 3... Kb5. ^013^010 On the Q-side a quadratic system operates, while in the struggle for the key f4 square on the K-side a quadratic system with non-unambiguous rear is formed. It is curious that on the left the systems are shifted relative to each other, while on the right they are rotated through 90 relative to each other. %15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/ 103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 {%15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/ 6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/ 402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 { %15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/ 103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/ 6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/ 402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd1 { %15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/ 103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/ 6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/ 402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc2 { %15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/ 103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/ 6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/ 402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd2 { %15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/ 103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/1I1I15/1I1I11I1I12/4I1I12/ 6D1D1/6D1D1/2D1D14/2D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/03I04I6/01I02I01I103I03I2/ 402I01I2/602D03D/601D03D/101D02D01D4/103D04D03D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. c4 dxc4 7. bxc4 bxc4 8. Kc3 Kd5 9. b5 Kc5 10. b6 Kxb6 11. Kxc4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/8/1p5p/1P5P/P7/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (301I02I03I2/405I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110.6 SIX-SQUARE (RECTANGULAR) SYSTEM~ Up till now we have considered quadratic systems with coinciding rears or situated on different parts of the board. But cases are possible where adjoining quadratic systems combine, since they have common base and rear squares. If both sides have adjoining quadratic systems, we have in operation a six-square system.} 1. Kd1 {! %05 The key line here is the 5th rank. On the front-line squares d4-e4 is one quadratic system, and on the e4-f4 squares is a second, adjoining it. This means that a six-square system is in operation. %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (301I02I03I2/405I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/ 3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/ 301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke1 { %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/ 3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/ 301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf2 { (the "3" square has been left unattended, which means that there is a chance to approach) %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/ 8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 4. Ke2 {! %15 N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/ 8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 5. Kd3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/ 8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 6. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/ 8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 7. Ke4 {, and wins. %15 N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/1p6/8/p1P1p1p1/P5P1/P4P2/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I106I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb2 {! %05On the base squares c4-d3 is one quadratic system, and on the d3-e4 squares is an adjoining system. %15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/ 8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I106I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/ 2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 {%15N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc2 {! %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/ 2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/2aD1bD3/ 102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/ 201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 3. Kd2 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/ 105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/ 2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke3 {%15N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/2aD1bD3/ 102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd3 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/ 201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/ 105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc4 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/2aI1bI3/8/ 2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D3/105D04D05D06D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 7. Kb5 Kd5 8. Kb6 Kc4 9. Kxb7 Kxc5 10. Ka6 Kd4 11. Kxa5 Ke3 12. Kb5 Kxf3 13. a5 e4 14. a6 e3 15. a7 e2 16. a8=Q+ {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/4p1p1/1p2P2p/1P2PP1P/8/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (105I04I05I06I05I2/201I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/ 202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc1 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/ 8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/201I02I03I02I2/ 8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) ! %05On the base triangle d4-e3-d3 we have one quadratic^013^010 %05system, and on the base square e3-f3-e2-f2 we have a^013^010 %05second.^013^010 %05 In all three cases (~3($40872) - ($40874)~ ), according^013^010 %05to our definition, we have a six-square system.^013^010 %05 We will designate "2" the base square which is^013^010 %05common to both quadratic systems, those on the same^013^010 %05line as it - "1" and "3", and below them - "4", "5" and^013^010 %05"6". This is the main zone.^013^010 %05 It has already been mentioned that, if a quadratic^013^010 %05system is formed on a base square, the apex of the^013^010 %05triangle is marked by a letter and does not come into the^013^010 %05main zone. In example ~3($40873)~ these are the c4^013^010 %05and e4^013^010 %05squares, and in example ~3($40874)~ - d4. In the rear^013^010 %05the squares receive the same designations as those^013^010 %05one rank (or file) away in the main zone.^013^010 %05 In depth the zone extends until the appearance of an^013^010 %05obstruction ~3($40873)~ the 1st rank is excluded from^013^010 %05the correspondence in view of counter-play. ^013^010 %05 In width the six-square system extends according to^013^010 %05the same principles as the quadratic systems which^013^010 %05form it: to the number of files from which there is an^013^010 %05outlet to the triangle apex or to the key squares^013^010 %05~3($40872)~ - files, ~3 ($40873)~ - 4 files, ~3($40872)~^013^010 %05- 5 files). As we see, in examples ~3($40872)~ %05and ~3($40873)~ the corresponding squares for both %05sides are^013^010 %05on the same file, while in position ~3($40874)~ they are^013^010 %05on adjacent files.^013^010 %05 The play here follows familiar principles. To win, the^013^010 %05white king must occupy squares of equivalent^013^010 %05designation, or one ones left unattended. At the first^013^010 %05opportunity it must approach the base squares.} Kc7 {%15 N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/ 102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd1 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/ 202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (105I04I05I06I05I2/102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/ 202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke1 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/ 8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/ 102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/ 202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd2 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/ 205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (105I04I05I06I05I2/102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/ 202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke2 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/ 8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/ 102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/ 202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd3 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/ 205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (105I04I05I06I05I2/102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/ 202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Ke3 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/ 8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/ 102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(105I04I05I06I05I2/102I01I02I03I02I2/8/8/8/ 202D01D02D03D02D1/205D04D05D06D05D1/202D01D02D03D02D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. f5 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k4p2/p7/P5P1/8/8/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc2 {! %05The key squares here are b6, c6, d6. The correspondence does not extend to the rear or to the K-side, on account of Black's counter-play. %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 2. Kd3 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke4 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {! %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (3... Kd8 {%15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/ 204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd4 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/ 2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/ 201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/ 201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke5 { %15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 6. Kd5 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 7. Kc5 {, winning %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/2D1D1D13/8/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/204D05D06D3/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 4. Kd4 {! %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/2D1D1D13/ 2D1D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/8/201D02D03D3/ 204D05D06D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 5. Kc5 Kf5 6. Kb6 Kxg5 7. Kxa6 f5 8. Kb5 {!} f4 9. Kc4 f3 10. Kd3 Kf4 11. a6 Kg3 12. a7 f2 13. Ke2 Kg2 14. a8=Q+ {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Afonin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/3p4/7K/3p4/8/1PP5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {In practice the vertical six-figure system is more common, but the play follows the same principles. %15N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/105I02I102D05D02D1/ 01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg5 {! (this sham attack on the d4 pawn leads to Black losing the correspondence) %05It is unfavourable for either the white or the black pawns to advance: this merely weakens the position.^013^010 Apart from the six-square system, Black has another method of defence: he can try to cut off the white king on the 7th rank, when at this point it cannot go to the 8th rank due to the threat of ... d3. %15N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/105I02I102D05D02D1/01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka6 {%15N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/ 01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg6 {! %15 N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka5 {%15N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/ 01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kg7 {%15N #B (1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb4 {%15N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/ 01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf6 {%15N #B (1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb5 {%15N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/ 01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf7 {%15N #B (1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc4 {%15N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/ 01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke6 {%15N #B (1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/ 01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (6... d3 7. cxd3+ Kxd3 8. Kd5 $18 {!}) 7. Ke7 {! %15 N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/ 01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B (1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kd8 {%15N #B(1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/ 8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/ 01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb5 {%15N #B (1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/1I1I11D1D12/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (03I06I03I103D06D03D1/02I05I02I102D05D02D1/01I04I01I101D04D01D1/02I05I02I5/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kd7 Kc5 10. Kc7 Kd5 11. Kb6 Kc4 12. Kc6 d3 13. cxd3+ Kxd3 14. Kd5 {, and White wins. As we see, the play here was much more complicated than in earlier examples where the six-square system was operating in pure form.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6p1/2p5/2P5/6P1/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I1aI1/ 401I02I2/6aD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110.7 "T" SYSTEM~ Adjoining quadratic systems against coinciding quadratic systems form a "T" system. The first study with this system was composed by Sacconi, but for its name it is indebted to Bahr. We begin our examination of the system with an already familiar example ~3( 512)~.} 1. Ke4 {! %05The shortest path are e5-f5-g6 and e7-f7-g8. The 2x2 base square on the e5-f5 squares and the base triangle on the f5-g6 squares are adjoining. But Black's 2x2 base square on the e7-f7 squares and base triangle on the f7-g8 squares are rotated relative to each other, and their main zones coincide. This means that here the "T" system is in operation.^013^010 As usual, we designate the triangle apex by the letter "a" and do not include it in the main zone. The square which is common to both quadratic systems we designate with the number "2", those on the same line as it - "1" and "3", and under it - "4".^013^010 The shape of White's main zone resembles a letter "T", hence its name. Black's main zone is a square, but an unusual one. The "1", "2", "3" and "4" squares are arranged in a circle, in contrast to the quadratic system.^013^010 White's rear squares are marked such that in each 2x2 square there are all four numbers. Thus we designate e4 with the number "3", and it is located at the distance of a knight's move relative to the "3" square of the main zone. ^013^010 The system extends in depth until the appearance of an obstruction or counter-play; here this is only as far as the 4th rank, since the g4 pawn is an obstruction. In width it extends according to the usual rules for quadratic systems: as long as there is an outlet to the key squares or to the triangle apex. %15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (404I1aI1/401I02I2/6aD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 { %15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I03IaI1/ 401I02I2/6aD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf4 {! %15 N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I03IaI1/ 401I02I2/6aD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B (4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I03IaI1/ 401I02I2/6aD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kg5 {%15N #B (4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I03IaI1/ 401I02I2/6aD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B (4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I03IaI1/ 401I02I2/6aD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf5 {%15N #B (4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I03IaI1/ 401I02I2/6aD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B (4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I03IaI1/ 401I02I2/6aD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (4... g6+ 5. Ke5 Ke7 6. g5 $18) 5. Kg6 Kf8 6. Kh7 Kf7 7. g5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/5p1p/1p5P/1P4P1/8/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd2 {! %05Here we again have adjoining quadratic systems against coinciding systems. There are no obstructions, and the system extends in depth until the appearance of counter-play.^013^010 In the "T" system the weaker side can normally manoeuvre only in the main zone. In this example Black can also defend on the key squares d6 and e6. Therefore c7 and c8 also receive designations. %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/ 303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/ 301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke2 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/ 3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/ 301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 { %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/ 301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 3. Kf3 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/ 303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke3 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/ 301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/ 3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/ 301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd4 { %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/ 301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke4 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/ 303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/ 301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kf5 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/ 3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/301I02I3/5aD2/ 301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 { %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D1D12/4D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I03IaI2/ 301I02I3/5aD2/301D02D03D2/303D04D01D2/301D02D03D2/303D04D3/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 8. Ke5 $40 {, and wins. There is analogous marking in example ~3( 879)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/6p1/2p5/2P4P/8/2P5/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke1 {! %05The pawn tempo c2-c3 has to be preserved. %05Therefore:} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf1 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 (2... Kd7 {%15 N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kg2 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf2 { %15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke5 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf5 { %15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kf3 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke5 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kg4 { %15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 8. Kg5 Kf7 9. Kh6 Kf6 10. Kh7 Kf7 11. c3 Kf6 12. Kg8 $18) 3. Kg2 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/ 403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/ 403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf2 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/ 302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/ 403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/ 403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/ 403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kf3 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (6... Ke6 {%15 N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/ 403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Ke4 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { %15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kg5 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Kh6 { %15 N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 11. c3 Kf7 12. Kh7 Kf6 13. Kg8 $18) 7. Kg4 {%15 N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { %15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kg5 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Kh6 { %15 N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D1D11/5D12/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/404I03IaI1/302I01I02I2/403I04IaD1/401D02D03D1/403D04D01D1/ 401D02D03D1/403D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 11. c3 Kf7 12. Kh7 Kf6 13. Kg8 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/2p5/1pPp4/p2P2p1/P2P2P1/P7/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/ 102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 {! %05Here there is one quadratic system on the base squares c4-d3, and an adjoining one on the squares d3-e4. Black also has two quadratic systems, but with fully coinciding main zones.^013^010 As usual, we designate the triangle apexes by letters. The system extends over five files - from b- to f-, since from them there is an outlet to the triangle apexes. The alternation of the rear squares is normal for the "T" system. %15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/ 104D03D04D01D04D2/102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(4I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/ 8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/ 102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/ 102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd1 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/ 102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/ 102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke2 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/ 102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/ 102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd2 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/ 102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/ 102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc3 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/ 102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/ 102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd3 $18 {%04etc. %15 N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(3aI01I04I2/402I03I2/5bI2/8/2aD1bD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2/ 102D01D02D03D02D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/8/5Pp1/4p1P1/6PK/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Certain difficulties arise over the marking of the following position. %15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/ 204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 1. Kg2 {! %05In defending the critical squares, Black must constantly reckon with the possible sacrifice of the f-pawn. Therefore Ke3/Ke5 is one position of mutual zugzwang, as are Kb3/Kc5 and Kc3/Kd5 on the Q-side. The shortest paths will be e3-d2-c3-b3 and e5-d6-d5-c5. But we see that these are not altogether the "shortest" paths: Black marks time on the d-file.^013^010 %05 To construct a system it is essential that the base squares should be located on different files or ranks. If this cannot be done on the squares of the shortest path, we must take as a base square the nearest rear square which satisfies this demand.^013^010 %05 From this reasoning we must take as the base squares e3-d2-c2 and e5-d6-c6. On these we construct for White two adjoining quadratic systems, while for Black they fully coincide. We again have a "T" system, which we mark out as usual. Black's main zone is rotated with its rear towards White. %15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/ 104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/ 102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf1 {%15N #B(8/8/ 2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/ 204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke1 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/ 104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd1 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/ 102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/ 2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/ 204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kb3 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/ 104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/ 2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/ 102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kb4 {%15N #B(8/8/ 2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/ 204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 8. Kc3 {%15N #B(8/8/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/2D1D1D13/3D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/201I02I4/204I03IaI3/8/203D1aD3/102D01D02D03D02D2/104D03D04D01D04D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 9. f6 Kd6 10. Kd4 Ke6 11. Kxe4 Kxf6 12. Kd5 {and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3p4/6p1/3pP3/3P3P/1K6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {%15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka4 {%15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05The shortest paths here are similar to those in the^013^010 %05previous example: c5-b6-c7-c8 and e6-f7-e7-e8. After^013^010 %05carrying out the "operation" to replace the square c7 of^013^010 %05the shortest path (e7 for Black) with the nearest rear^013^010 %05square b7 (f8 for Black), we obtain normal base squares^013^010 %05and exactly the same "T" system as in example %05~3($40881)~ , except that here White's zone is %05arranged vertically.} Kf8 {%15 N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/ 102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ka5 {%15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/ 01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/ D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/ 04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ka6 {%15N #B(4I1I12/ 1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/ 03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 { %15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb5 {%15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/ 102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kb6 {%15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/ 8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/ 01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/ D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/ 04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc7 {%15N #B(4I1I12/ 1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(04D02D04D104I01I2/ 03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { %15N #B(4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (04D02D04D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/102D6/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd8 d6 8. exd6 Kxd6 9. Ke8 Ke6 10. Kf8 Kf6 11. Kg8 g5 12. h5 $40 {!$18 %04etc. We carry out the same procedure in position ~3( 883)~, since the attack on the a7 pawn is not dangerous for Black.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/P7/3p4/6k1/3pP1p1/3P2P1/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 1. Kb1 {! %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ka2 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/ 04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/ 01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ka3 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/ D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/ 04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/ 1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/ 03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ka4 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Ke5 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 5. Kb3 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf5 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (5... d4 6. e4 {!}) 6. Kb4 {! %15 N #B(8/8/4I1I12/ 1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/ 03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke5 { %15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 7. Kc5 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/1D12I1I12/D1D16/1D16/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/204D104I01I2/03D01D03D103I02I2/04D02D2aI3/01D03DaD5/04D02D6/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kd6 d4 9. exd4 Kxd4 10. Kc6 Ke5 {!} 11. Kc5 {!} Ke6 12. Kd4 Kd6 13. Kxd3 Kc5 14. Ke4 Kb6 15. Kd5 Kxa6 16. Kc6 {! , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p2/8/5pP1/4pP2/K2pP3/3P1P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/ 8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka4 {! %05This shows White's maximum correspondence zone with the "T" system. The a7 and a8 squares are removed from the correspondence by Black's counter-play. %15N #B(6I1I1/ 3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C (102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh8 (1... Kf8 {%15 N #B(6I1I1/ 3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C (102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb4 {! %15 N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/ 2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C (102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/ 3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/ 101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kc5 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/ 3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/ 04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/ 8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc6 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/ 2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C (102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/ 3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/ 101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd5 $18 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/ 3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/ 04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2. Ka5 {! %15 N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/ 3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/ 01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B(6I1I1/ 3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C (102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ka6 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/ 2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C (102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/ 3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/ 101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb5 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/ 3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/ 04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh7 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/ 8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (4... f6 5. Kc6 {!} fxg5 6. Kd6 Kg6 7. Ke6 Kh5 8. Kxf5) 5. Kb6 {! %15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S (6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/ 04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/ 8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (5... Kg6 {%05Black fails to save the game by %15 N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/ 2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/ 01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc6 {%15N #B (6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C (102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh5 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/ 3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/ 101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd6 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/ 3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/ 04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg4 8. Ke7 Kf3 9. Kxf7 Ke2 10. g6 Kxd2 11. g7 Ke2 12. g8=Q d2 13. Qd8 d1=Q 14. Qxd1+ Kxd1 15. Kf6 Ke2 16. Kxf5 Kxf2 17. Kxe4 {, and wins.}) 6. Kc7 {! %15 N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/ 3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/ 101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kc6 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/ 3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/ 04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/ 8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kd5 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/ 2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C (102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh7 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/ 3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/ 101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kd6 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/ 3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/ 04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/ 8/8) #C(102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Ke7 {%15 N #B(6I1I1/3D12I1I1/ 2D1D14/3D14/8/8/8/8) #S(6ISIS/3DS2ISIS/2DSDS4/3DS4/8/8/8/8) #C (102D04D02D04D201I/101D03D01D203I02I/04D02D04D02D2aI1/01D03D01D03DaD3/ 04D02D04D02D4/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 11. Kf8 f6 12. Ke7 fxg5 13. Ke6 Kh5 14. Kxf5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/8/p6p/P6P/1P6/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12/8/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(201I02I03I04I2/205I06I07I3/201I02I03I04I2/8/201D02D03D04D2/ 205D06D07D08D2/201D02D03D04D2/205D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110.8 MULTI-SQUARE SYSTEMS~ Although they occur rarely, cases are possible where four squares can be taken as base squares. In such positions it is hard to deduce any clear rules: we will regard them as hypothetical. With adjoining six-square and quadratic systems, a rectangular eight-square system operates.} 1. Kf1 {! %05As usual, the marking is given in the diagram. The alternation of corresponding squares is normal, at an interval of one square. The main zones consist of eight squares, but they are arranged differently from the eight-square system examined at the start of the chapter. %15N #B(8/2I1I1I1I12/ 2I1I1I1I12/8/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I03I04I2/ 205I06I07I3/201I02I03I04I2/8/201D02D03D04D2/205D06D07D08D2/201D02D03D04D2/ 205D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15 N #B(8/2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12/8/ 2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I03I04I2/ 205I06I07I08I2/201I02I03I04I2/8/201D02D03D04D2/205D06D07D08D2/201D02D03D04D2/ 205D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke1 {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12/8/ 2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I03I04I2/ 205I06I07I08I2/201I02I03I04I2/8/201D02D03D04D2/205D06D07D08D2/201D02D03D04D2/ 205D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12/8/ 2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I03I04I2/ 205I06I07I08I2/201I02I03I04I2/8/201D02D03D04D2/205D06D07D08D2/201D02D03D04D2/ 205D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd2 {! %15 N #B(8/2I1I1I1I12/ 2I1I1I1I12/8/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I03I04I2/ 205I06I07I08I2/201I02I03I04I2/8/201D02D03D04D2/205D06D07D08D2/201D02D03D04D2/ 205D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12/8/ 2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I03I04I2/ 205I06I07I08I2/201I02I03I04I2/8/201D02D03D04D2/205D06D07D08D2/201D02D03D04D2/ 205D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc3 {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12/8/ 2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I03I04I2/ 205I06I07I08I2/201I02I03I04I2/8/201D02D03D04D2/205D06D07D08D2/201D02D03D04D2/ 205D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(8/2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12/8/ 2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(201I02I03I04I2/ 205I06I07I08I2/201I02I03I04I2/8/201D02D03D04D2/205D06D07D08D2/201D02D03D04D2/ 205D06D07D08D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. b4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1k4/1P6/P1p5/2P4K/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%15N #B(3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(304I08I04D08D04D/303I07I03D07D03D/406I02D06D02D/2aI01I05I01D05D01D/ 4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kh4 {! %05In this example we see a vertically-arranged rectangular eight-square system, arising in the struggle for the key squares on the e-file.^013^010 The rear of Black's system is located on the key squares, due to the obstruction on the c-file. The additional non-systematic zugzwang position. Ke4/Kc5 is associated with stalemate. %15N #B(3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I08I04D08D04D/303I07I03D07D03D/406I02D06D02D/ 2aI01I05I01D05D01D/4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B (3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I08I04D08D04D/303I07I03D07D03D/302I06I02D06D02D/2aI01I05I01D05D01D/ 4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kh5 {%15N #B(3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/ 3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I08I04D08D04D/ 303I07I03D07D03D/406I02D06D02D/2aI01I05I01D05D01D/4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I08I04D08D04D/303I07I03D07D03D/406I02D06D02D/ 2aI01I05I01D05D01D/4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kh6 {%15N #B (3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I08I04D08D04D/303I07I03D07D03D/406I02D06D02D/2aI01I05I01D05D01D/ 4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 {%15N #B(3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/ 3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I08I04D08D04D/ 303I07I03D07D03D/302I06I02D06D02D/2aI01I05I01D05D01D/4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kg7 {%15N #B(3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I08I04D08D04D/303I07I03D07D03D/ 302I06I02D06D02D/2aI01I05I01D05D01D/4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(304I08I04D08D04D/303I07I03D07D03D/302I06I02D06D02D/ 2aI01I05I01D05D01D/4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf8 {%15N #B (3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I08I04D08D04D/303I07I03D07D03D/302I06I02D06D02D/2aI01I05I01D05D01D/ 4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/ 3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I08I04D08D04D/ 303I07I03D07D03D/302I06I02D06D02D/2aI01I05I01D05D01D/4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kf7 {, and wins. %15 N #B(3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/3I1I1D1D11/ 3I1I1D1D11/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I08I04D08D04D/303I07I03D07D03D/ 302I06I02D06D02D/2aI01I05I01D05D01D/4aD02D06D02D/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/1p1p4/3p4/P2P4/3P2p1/6P1/6P1/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13/8) #S (4I-3/8/8/8/1D-6/8/8/8) #C(505I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/504I9I04I/201D5/ 105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) With adjoining eight-square and quadratic systems, a ten-square system operates.} 1. Kb1 {!} Kh7 {%15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/ 1D1D1D1D13/8) #S(4I-3/8/8/8/1D-6/8/8/8) #C(505I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/ 504I9I04I/201D5/105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 2. Kc1 {%15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/ 1D1D1D1D13/8) #S(4I-3/8/8/8/1D-6/8/8/8) #C(505I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/ 504I9I04I/201D5/105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kh6 {%15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13/ 8) #S(4I-3/8/8/8/1D-6/8/8/8) #C(505I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/504I9I04I/ 201D5/105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb2 {%15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(4$5I05I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/504I9I04I/1$5D01D5/ 105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 {%15N #B (4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(4$5I05I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/504I9I04I/1$5D01D5/ 105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb3 { %15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13/8) #S (4I-3/8/8/8/1D-6/8/8/8) #C(505I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/504I9I04I/201D5/ 105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B (4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13/8) #S(4I-3/8/8/8/ 1D-6/8/8/8) #C(505I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/504I9I04I/201D5/ 105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kb4 { %15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13/8) #S (4I-3/8/8/8/1D-6/8/8/8) #C(505I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/504I9I04I/201D5/ 105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B (4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13/8) #S(4I-3/8/8/8/ 1D-6/8/8/8) #C(505I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/504I9I04I/201D5/ 105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc4 { %15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/5I1I11/5I1I11/1D1D15/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13/8) #S (4I-3/8/8/8/1D-6/8/8/8) #C(505I06I1/401I02I07I02I/503I08I03I/504I9I04I/201D5/ 105D02D03D04D3/106D07D08D9D3/105D02D03D04D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ,and White wins (Grigoriev, 1925).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/K2p4/8/3pP3/3P4/3P1p1p/5P1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/ 07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) There is the same superposition of systems in the following example.} 1. Kb7 {! %15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/ D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/ 103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kf8 {(due to the threat to the d7 pawn, Black is forced to cede the correspondence) %15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/ 9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ka6 {%15N #B (4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/ 07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/ 6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/ 404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ka5 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/ D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/ 103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/ 9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ka4 {%15N #B (4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/ 07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/ 6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/ 404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kb5 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/ D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/ 103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/ 9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kb4 {%15N #B (4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/ 07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/ 6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/ 404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kc3 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/ D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/ 103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/ 9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kb3 {! %15 N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/ 07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/ 6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/ 404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kc2 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/ D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/ 103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kg6 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/ 9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Kc3 {%15 N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/ 07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/ 6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/ 404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 11. Kb4 {%15 N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/ D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/ 103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kf5 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/ 9D03D6/08D02D01D5/07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 12. Kb5 {%15 N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/D1D16/D1D16/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(400I9I107I/404I03I02I06I/103D2aI101I05I/00D04DaD5/9D03D6/08D02D01D5/ 07D06D05D5/08D02D01D5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 13. Kc5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/4p1p1/p3P2p/P3PP1P/8/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/ 102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 1. Kb1 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/ 205D01D4/102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/ 2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/ 105I01I5/8/205D01D4/102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/ 2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/ 106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/ 102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/ 1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/102D06D02D03D04D03D1/ 108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd1 {%15N #B (1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/ 102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } Kd7 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/ 102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 4. Kc2 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/ 205D01D4/102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/ 2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/ 105I01I5/8/205D01D4/102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc3 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/ 2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/ 106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/ 102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/ 1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/102D06D02D03D04D03D1/ 108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd3 {%15N #B (1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/ 102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } Kc6 {%15N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/ 102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 7. Kd4 $18 {, and wins. %15 N #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I15/8/2D1D14/ 2D1D1D1D12/2D1D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(08I07I08I9I00I9I2/ 106I02I03I04I03I2/105I01I5/8/205D01D4/102D06D02D03D04D03D1/108D07D08D9D00D2/ 102D06D02D03D04D03D1) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/p7/P2p4/P2Pp3/4P3/4P1p1/6P1/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/ 1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(407I08I9I1/402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/ 02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/04D9D04D05D06D3/100DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 {! %05Here there are three base squares, but on each pair one can construct coinciding eight-square systems.^013^010 With coinciding eight-square systems, a thirteen-square system operates.^013^010 This is the largest of the known systems. To memorize all 13 squares of the main zone is extremely difficult. One can only hope that these last two systems will never occur in practice. %15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/ 1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(407I08I9I1/402I03I04IAI/ 501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh7 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/ 1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(407I08I9I00I/402I03I04IAI/ 501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc1 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/ 1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(407I08I9I00I/ 402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/04D9D04D05D06D3/ 00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh6 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/ 6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (407I08I9I00I/402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/ 04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd1 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/ 4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(407I08I9I00I/402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/ 04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh5 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/ 4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(407I08I9I00I/402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/ 04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc2 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/ 4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(407I08I9I00I/402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/ 04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/ 4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(407I08I9I00I/402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/ 04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd2 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/ 4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(407I08I9I00I/402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/ 04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(4I1I1I1I1/ 4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(407I08I9I00I/402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/ 04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd3 {, and White wins. %15 N #B(4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D1D13/ 1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(407I08I9I00I/402I03I04IAI/501I05IBI/606ICI/ 02D07D02D5/03D08D03D01D4/04D9D04D05D06D3/00D00DADBDCD3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/2p5/2Pp4/3P2p1/3P2P1/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {In certain cases a superposition of systems gives an excess of correspondence. Adjoining eight-square and quadratic systems give an excess of correspondence against coinciding systems. %15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/ 1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I3/402I08I2/5aI2/8/ 104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke2 {%05White has adjoining eight-square and quadratic systems, whereas Black's coincide. It turns out that Black's "8" square is simultaneously the "b" square in the other system. %15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I3/402I08I2/5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/ 105D03D02DbD3/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/ 301I03I07I2/402I08I2/5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd1 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/ 1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/5aI2/8/ 104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B (3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kc1 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/ 1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/ 5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 { %15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/ 106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb2 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/ 1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/ 402I08I2/5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/ 106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kb3 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/ 1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/ 402I08I2/5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/ 106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc3 {, and wins. %15 N #B(3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/4I1I12/8/8/1D1D15/1D1D1D14/1D1D1D14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I05I06I2/301I03I07I2/402I08I2/5aI2/8/104D01D1aD3/105D03D02DbD3/106D07D08D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p4p1/1P1k4/7P/1P1K4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {Adjoining rectangular and quadratic systems give an excess of correspondence against coinciding systems. %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/ 8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/ 405D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke3 {! %05As is evident from the marking, White's adjoining systems are opposed by coinciding systems for Black. Black's "6" square is simultaneously the "b" square of the quadratic system. %15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Ke5 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/405D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf5 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/ 304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kg3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/ 301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/ 301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kg4 { %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf3 {! %15 N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/ 304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/ 301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/ 301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 { %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 7. Kd4 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Ke4 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/ 3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/ 301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/304I05I06IaI1/ 301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kf4 { %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} Ke6 10. Kg5 Kf7 11. Kh6 Kf6 12. b4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/6p1/1p6/1P6/6P1/8/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) There is the same superposition of systems in example ~3( 893)~} 1. Kb3 {! %15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kb7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc4 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/ 304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/ 301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd5 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/ 301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 { %15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 4. Ke5 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/ 304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf5 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/ 301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/ 301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kg5 { ! %15 N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kf4 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/ 304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/ 301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Ke4 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/ 301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 { %15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 9. Kf5 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/ 304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Kg6 {%15 N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/ 301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(304I05I06IaI1/ 301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 11. Kh7 {%15 N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (304I05I06IaI1/301I02I03I2/6aD1/301D02D03DbD1/304D05D06D2/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kf7 12. g5 $18 {%04etc. To consider all possible cases, where the superposition of systems leads to an excess of correspondence, is hardly possible. The more so as it is difficult to give rules for all cases in life. What is important is that the play here is normally reversible, and one can always correct a mistake by again winning the correspondence, as we have seen in the analysis of the triangular system.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chopyak"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/5p2/p3pK2/p3P3/P1p1P3/2P5/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/ 202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg5 {%05One should always aim to reduce sensibly the number of marked squares. Here, for example, f4-g5 (c6-d7 for Black) could be taken as the base squares, an eight-square system constructed on them, and its superposition on the triangular system considered.^013^010 But it is quite sufficient to consider the base triangles e3-f4-f3 and c5-c6-b6, to see that on the "2-3" side White can construct a square, whereas Black cannot.^013^010 The solution is therefore as follows: %15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/ 202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/ 2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/ 401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kh5 {! (the threat of ... f6 has to be parried) %15 N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(8/ 8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/ 402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kg4 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/ 4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 4. Kg5 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/ 8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/ 402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/ 4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 6. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/ 8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/ 402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kf2 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/ 4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 8. Ke2 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb6 {%15N #B(8/ 8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/ 402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kf3 {! %15 N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/ 5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/ 401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Kf4 {! , and White wins. %15 N #B(8/8/1I1I15/2I15/5D12/4D1D12/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I01I5/202I5/501D2/402D03D2/401D01D2/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1p5/P4k2/1P1p3p/3P4/5p1p/3P1P1P/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (402I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I3/5aI2/04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110.9 IRREGULAR SYSTEMS~ Case are possible in which the squares of the main zone have a disorderly arrangement. We will consider a few examples.} 1. Ka2 {! %05One end of the shortest path here is Kb4/Kd6, the other being Ke3/Kg4. It is naturally, unfavourable for White to waste his pawn tempo: the opponent also has a tempo in reserve.^013^010 If an attempt is made to make at least some order of the corresponding squares, we find that, against Black's normal six-square system, White has a six-square system in which for some reason the "1" and "4" squares are shifted. %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/ 3I1I13/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(402I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I3/5aI2/04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 { %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (402I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/5aI2/04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ka3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(402I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/5aI2/04D01D6/ 02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/ 8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(402I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/5aI2/04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb2 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (402I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/5aI2/04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(402I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/5aI2/04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/ 03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/ 1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(402I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/5aI2/ 04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(402I03I2/ 304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/5aI2/04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 5. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(402I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/5aI2/04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/ 03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/ 1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(402I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/5aI2/ 04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc3 {, and wins. %15 N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I13/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (402I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/5aI2/04D01D6/02D05D02DaD4/03D06D03D5/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k1p3p/3P2pP/3pP2p/3P3P/3P3P/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/I1I16/I1I16/I1I16/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 06I03IaI5/05I7/04I01I6/8/04D01D6/02D05D02D5/106D03DaD4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka2 {! %05One end of the shortest path is Ka3/Ka5, while the second is Kg4/Kf6. For the base squares, a3-b3 (a5-b5 for Black) and c2-d1 (b6-c7 for Black) can be taken. As a result of the superposition of systems, White again obtains a six-square system with the "1" and "4" squares shifted. %15N #B(8/I1I16/I1I16/ I1I16/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/06I03IaI5/05I7/04I01I6/8/ 04D01D6/02D05D02D5/106D03DaD4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka6 {%15N #B(8/I1I16/I1I16/ I1I16/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/06I03IaI5/05I02I6/ 04I01I6/8/04D01D6/02D05D02D5/106D03DaD4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb2 {%15N #B (8/I1I16/I1I16/I1I16/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/06I03IaI5/ 05I7/04I01I6/8/04D01D6/02D05D02D5/106D03DaD4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb5 { %15N #B(8/I1I16/I1I16/I1I16/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 06I03IaI5/05I02I6/04I01I6/8/04D01D6/02D05D02D5/106D03DaD4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb3 {%15N #B(8/I1I16/I1I16/I1I16/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/06I03IaI5/05I02I6/04I01I6/8/04D01D6/02D05D02D5/106D03DaD4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Ka5 {%15N #B(8/I1I16/I1I16/I1I16/8/D1D16/1D1D15/1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/06I03IaI5/05I02I6/04I01I6/8/04D01D6/02D05D02D5/106D03DaD4) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 4. Kc2 $18 {%04etc. %15 N #B(8/I1I16/I1I16/I1I16/8/D1D16/1D1D15/ 1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/06I03IaI5/05I02I6/04I01I6/8/04D01D6/ 02D05D02D5/106D03DaD4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebersz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/2P1k3/2P2p2/2P2P2/5P2/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {%15N #B(3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/D1D11D14/D1D1D1D14/D1D1D1D14) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(305I06I07I2/301I02I08I2/403I9I2/500I2/8/05D01D104D4/ 06D02D03D00D4/07D08D9D04D4) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd1 {! %05Black has a regular ten-square system, whereas White's %05"4" and "0" squares are shifted:} Kf5 2. Kd2 Kf6 3. Kc1 Kf7 4. Kb1 Kf6 5. Ka2 Ke6 6. Ka3 Kd7 7. Kb3 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/1p1p4/1P6/K1P1p3/4P3/4P1p1/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka4 {! %05Here too White has the "4" and "0" squares shifted in a^013^010 %05ten-square system: %15 N #B(8/4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ka3 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb4 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb3 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 (5... Kd8 6. Kd3 d6 7. cxd6 Kd7 8. Ke2 Kxd6 9. Kf3 Kc6 10. Kxg3 Kxb6 11. Kf3 Kc6 12. Ke2 $18) 6. Kc3 {%15 N #B(8/4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/ 9D03D9D03D4/08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 { %15N #B(8/4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd2 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/6I1I1/1D1D15/2D1D14/2D1D1D13/1D11D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/400I9I08I07I/404I03I02I06I/601I05I/04D00D04D5/9D03D9D03D4/ 08D02D08D02D01D3/07D06D07D06D05D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kd3 $18 {%04etc. It is hard to give practical recommendations on the play in such irregular systems.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/7p/7P/5KP1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(403I3/ 401I02I2/8/401D02D2/403D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110.10 SECOND-ORDER SYSTEMS~ If in the struggle for the key squares the stronger side has in reserve a pawn tempo, the base squares change their designations to adjoining ones and a second-order system is formed. A second-order system by no means always meets those definitions that we made for first-order systems. Due to the instability of the pawn formation, both sides acquire new possibilities. Some squares fall out of the correspondence, but new ones appear. And the play itself in a second-order system is different: its aim is usually to transpose at a favourable moment into a first-order system. The play in second-order systems demands a deep penetration into the position, and an understanding of its nuances.} 1... Ke8 {! %05The key squares here are e6, f6, g6. The front-line squares are e5-f5. We have a quadratic system with non-unambiguous rear, since there is no second invasion point.^013^010 Black maintains the balance by %15 N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(403I3/401I02I2/8/401D02D2/403D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Let us move the white h-pawn back one step. It is clear that Black cannot now hold out on the same defensive lines. The key squares move forward, and on the base squares f4, e4, d4 a six-square system is formed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/7p/8/6PP/8/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (301I02I03I2/405I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd1 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/405I06I2/301I02I03I2/ 8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %05This is a first-order system, since in comparison with^013^010 %05example ~3 ($40899)~ the struggle is for other key %05squares:} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/ 3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/ 304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke1 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/ 304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf2 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/ 304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke2 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/ 304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/ 304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/ 304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kf4 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/ 304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Ke4 {%15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/ 3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/ 304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kd5 {and wins. Incidentally, this position can also be solved by the opposition method. %15N #B(8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/ 3D1D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/8/ 301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) If we move the h-pawn one further step back, Black immediately acquires counter-play, associated, firstly, with the possibility of penetrating with his king to g5, and secondly, with playing ... h5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/7p/8/6P1/7P/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/5I-2/5I-2/8/4D-3/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/403I3/401I101I1/8/301D101D2/303D4/301D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd2 { %15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/5I-2/5I-2/8/4D-3/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/403I3/401I101I1/8/301D101D2/303D4/301D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05Now only the occupation of f5 guarantees a win.^013^010 %05 The base squares exchange designations with^013^010 %05adjoining ones, as do the rear squares. A quadratic^013^010 %05system with base squares d4-e4 (e6-f6 for Black) would^013^010 %05operate, except that ... counter-play interferes. Earlier^013^010 %05too we encountered it in small doses, but here it "spoils"^013^010 %05even the main zones. Of the quadratic systems, only the^013^010 %05"1" and "3" squares remain. As we see, counter-play^013^010 %05can remove corresponding squares in the most peculiar^013^010 %05fashion. ^013^010 %05 A detailed solution of this example was given earlier^013^010 %05~3($40264)~.^013^010 %05 As can be checked, in the second-order system the^013^010 %05solution was:} Ke7 {In the event of 1... Kf7 there follows 2. h4. Here is a significant difference from the play in a first-order system. There it was unfavourable to move the pawns until the occupation of the key squares, whereas here it is a quite normal procedure - transposing under favourable conditions into a first-order system. %15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/5I-2/5I-2/8/4D-3/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/403I3/401I101I1/8/ 301D101D2/303D4/301D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd3 {! %15 N #B(8/4I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/5I-2/5I-2/8/4D-3/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/403I3/ 401I101I1/8/301D101D2/303D4/301D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I12/4I1I12/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/5I-2/5I-2/8/4D-3/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/403I3/ 401I101I1/8/301D101D2/303D4/301D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd4 {! %15 N #B(8/ 4I1I12/4I1I12/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/5I-2/5I-2/8/4D-3/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/403I3/ 401I101I1/8/301D101D2/303D4/301D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/ 4I1I12/4I1I12/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8) #S(8/5I-2/5I-2/8/4D-3/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/403I3/ 401I101I1/8/301D101D2/303D4/301D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. h4 {! , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti & Mandler"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/7p/8/7P/6P1/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/4I-I-2/8/8/8/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/ 8/402I01I03I1/702I/401D02D01D1/503D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) In example ~3( 900)~ let us now move the g-pawn back.} 1... Kg7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/4I-I-2/8/8/8/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/8/402I01I03I1/702I/ 401D02D01D1/503D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05Here the base squares exchange designations, but a^013^010 %05quadratic system does not result, since Black has the^013^010 %05possibility by ... h5 of transposing into example^013^010 %05~3($41899)~, for example in the position Ke3/Kf7. On %05the other hand, a new zugzwang position has appeared,^013^010 %05associated with the stalemate possibility Kf4/Kh5^013^010 %05(and, linked to it, Kf3/Kg6). As we see, here there is^013^010 %05no system.} 2. Ke3 {%15 N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/ 4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/4I-I-2/8/8/8/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/8/402I01I03I1/702I/401D02D01D1/ 503D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/ 8) #S(8/4I-I-2/8/8/8/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/8/402I01I03I1/702I/401D02D01D1/503D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke4 {with a draw. %15 N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/ 4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/4I-I-2/8/8/8/4D-3/8/8) #C(8/8/402I01I03I1/702I/401D02D01D1/ 503D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Let us move the h-pawn back one step. We obtain a second-order system.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/7p/8/7K/6PP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kh5 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05Black's counter-play has disappeared, and the system %05has unexpectedly become ordered!^013^010 %05 Not only the base squares, but also the rear squares %05have exchanged designations. On the base squares %05e4-f4 (e6-f6 for Black) we construct a quadratic system. %05To the left it extends to the edge of the board, since %05there is access to the key lines; the system does not %05extend onto the 2nd rank, since the distances from e2 %05and f2 to g4, the nears square of the shortest path, are %05identical. ^013^010 %05 But why does zugzwang arise in the position %05Kh5/Kh7, and in connection with it a triangular system %05is formed on the K-side/ This turns out to be due to the %05possibility of a transition to example ~3($40902)~. After %05all, we have here a second-order system.} Kg7 {%15 N #B(8/4I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. h4 {! %15 N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/ 02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh7 { %15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kg4 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf3 {(to a "3" square)} Kf6 ( 4... Kh5 {%05playing for stalemate does not work:} 5. Kf4 Kg6 6. Ke5 Kh5 7. Kf6 $18 {!}) 5. Ke4 Ke6 6. g4 {, transposing into the winning position ~3($40900)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/7p/8/8/6PP/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (101I02I01I4/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/02D01D02D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) But the marking in the centre is inaccurate - we have forgotten about the possibility of transposing into example ~3 ( 901)~. The correct marking will be as shown in the next diagram.} 1. Ka2 {! %15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(101I02I01I4/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/ 02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/02D01D02D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb8 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02I01I02I01I4/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/ 02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/02D01D02D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb2 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02I01I02I01I4/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/ 02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/02D01D02D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02I01I02I01I4/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/ 02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/02D01D02D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02I01I02I01I4/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/ 02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/02D01D02D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02I01I02I01I4/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/ 02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/02D01D02D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd2 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02I01I02I01I4/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/ 02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/02D01D02D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02I01I02I01I4/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01IaI1/8/ 02D01D02D01D02D01DaD1/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/02D01D02D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. g4 {! (precisely at this point, as is clear from example ~3($40901)~ )} Kf7 6. h4 Ke8 7. Ke2 $40 {, and White wins ~3 ($40900)~. There are plenty of strange features in second-order systems. For example, let us make a further step back with the g-pawn in example ~3 ( 904)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bahr Peter (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/k6p/8/8/7P/6P1/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 103I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka2 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/103I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) ! %05In view of the possibility of transposing both to position^013^010 %05~3($40900)~, and to position ~3($40901)~, the key^013^010 %05squares are^013^010 %05shifted forward. On the base squares are shifted %05forward. On the base squares e3-f3 a quadratic system^013^010 %05is obtained.} Kb6 { %15 N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb2 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd2 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke2 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kf2 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kg3 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/ 02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kf5 {%15N #B(8/8/4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kh4 $18 {%04etc. %15 N #B(8/8/ 4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 04I03I04I03I04I03I2/02I01I02I01I02I01I2/8/02D01D02D01D02D01D2/ 04D03D04D03D04D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Let us trace back one further chain in the formation of second-order systems.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/7p/8/7P/5P2/1K6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%15N #B(3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/102D01D02D01DaDbD1/ 104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb4 {! %05This is a well known theoretical position. In the struggle for the key squares d6, e6, f6 two systems of corresponding squares are obtained: to the left of the pawn - a quadratic system, to the right - a base triangle against a 2[2 base square with an excess of correspondence on the f8-g8 squares for Black. In addition, Black can conduct a defence on the key squares. There is an additional zugzwang position Kg4/Kf6. %15N #B(3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/ 3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/ 102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 {%15N #B (3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc4 {%15N #B(3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/ 3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/ 102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B (3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd4 {%15N #B(3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/ 3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/ 102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B (3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke4 {! %15 N #B(3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/ 3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/ 102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B (3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kd5 {! %15 N #B(3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/ 3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/ 102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B (3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/3D1D1D1D11/3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I04I03IcIcI1/102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke5 {, and wins. %15 N #B(3I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/8/ 3D1D1D1D11/3D1D11D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03IcIcI1/ 102I01I02I01IaIbI1/8/102D01D02D01DaDbD1/104D03D04D03D1cD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/7p/8/8/3K1P1P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(4I-3/8/8/3D-4/8/8/8/8) #C (6aI1/402I01I02I1/6bIaD/401D02D01D1/403D1bD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke4 {! %05Here a step back has been made with the h-pawn. The base squares have changed to the adjoining ones, and Black's strong counter-play has removed from the correspondence the squares on the d-file. Zugzwang with the black king on the key squares has changed to Kg4/Kg6; a new zugzwang position Kh6/ Kg8 has appeared, associated with the possibility of attacking the h-pawn. In this second-order system there is total confusion. %15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(4I-3/8/8/3D-4/8/8/8/8) #C(6aI1/402I01I02I1/6bIaD/ 401D02D01D1/403D1bD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/ 3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(4I-3/8/8/3D-4/8/8/8/8) #C(6aI1/402I01I02I1/6bIaD/ 401D02D01D1/403D1bD1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. h5 {! , transposing into position ~3($40906)~ and seizing the^013^010 correspondence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/7p/8/8/5P2/1K5P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I04I03I3/102I01I02I01IaI2/8/102D01D02D01DaD2/104D03D04D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb4 {! %05A further step back by the h-pawn, and the position has stabilized. The designations of the base squares have changed to those adjoining; according to our definition, a quadratic system operates in the centre and on the Q-side. %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03I3/102I01I02I01IaI2/8/102D01D02D01DaD2/104D03D04D03D3/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03I3/102I01I02I01IaI2/8/102D01D02D01DaD2/ 104D03D04D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc4 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/ 3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03I3/102I01I02I01IaI2/8/ 102D01D02D01DaD2/104D03D04D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B (3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03I3/ 102I01I02I01IaI2/8/102D01D02D01DaD2/104D03D04D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kd4 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I04I03I3/102I01I02I01IaI2/8/102D01D02D01DaD2/104D03D04D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(203I04I03I3/102I01I02I01IaI2/8/102D01D02D01DaD2/104D03D04D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke4 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03I3/102I01I02I01IaI2/8/102D01D02D01DaD2/ 104D03D04D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D13/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I04I03I3/102I01I02I01IaI2/8/ 102D01D02D01DaD2/104D03D04D03D3/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. h4 (5. Kd5 { is bad due to} Kf7) 5... Ke8 6. h5 {! etc. (transposing into example ~3 ($40906)~. On the K-side the front-line squares f5-g5-h6 (f7-g7-h8 for Black) give a "T" system. The "4" square has been removed by counter play, as a result of which the non-systematic zugzwang position Kg5/Ke6 has also appeared. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/5k2/8/5PK1/7P/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Ke7 {! %05Thus, with the white king at g4 and Black's at f6(f8), a draw is given by} 2. Kg5 Ke6 {! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7p/8/8/5P1K/7P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/5D1D1D1/6D11/8/8/8) #S(5I-2/8/8/8/6D-1/8/8/8) #C (603I1/501I02I1/402I2aD/501D02D03D/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg4 { ! %15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/5D1D1D1/6D11/8/8/8) #S(5I-2/8/8/8/6D-1/8/8/8) #C (603I1/501I02I1/402I2aD/501D02D03D/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B (5I1I11/5I1I11/8/5D1D1D1/6D11/8/8/8) #S(5I-2/8/8/8/6D-1/8/8/8) #C(603IaI/ 501I02I1/402I2aD/501D02D03D/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kh5 {%15N #B (5I1I11/5I1I11/8/5D1D1D1/6D11/8/8/8) #S(5I-2/8/8/8/6D-1/8/8/8) #C(603IaI/ 501I02I1/402I2aD/501D02D03D/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(5I1I11/ 5I1I11/8/5D1D1D1/6D11/8/8/8) #S(5I-2/8/8/8/6D-1/8/8/8) #C(603IaI/501I02I1/ 402I2aD/501D02D03D/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kh6 {%15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/ 8/5D1D1D1/6D11/8/8/8) #S(5I-2/8/8/8/6D-1/8/8/8) #C(603IaI/501I02I1/402I2aD/ 501D02D03D/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B(5I1I11/5I1I11/8/5D1D1D1/ 6D11/8/8/8) #S(5I-2/8/8/8/6D-1/8/8/8) #C(603IaI/501I02I1/402I2aD/501D02D03D/8/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. h4 {! ~3($40907)~} Kh8 5. Kg5 Kg7 6. h5 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/7P/k7/5P2/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/ 8/8/8) #C(404I03I2/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) And now in position ~3( 906)~ let us move the f-pawn back one step.} 1. Kc2 {! %05Again the designations have changed to the adjoining ones, and we have obtained a quadratic system with rotated main zones, from which the d-file is removed by counter-play.^013^010 Unexpectedly, an elegant second-order system has arisen. The Kg4/Kf6 zugzwang position has also changed, and both key squares are now in correspondence. It is on this additional correspondence that White wins. %15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I03I2/402I01I2/403I04I2/ 401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb5 {! %15 N #B(4I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C (404I03I2/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd3 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/ 4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I03I2/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/ 4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I03I2/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/ 403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke4 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/ 4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I03I2/402I01I2/ 403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B (4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I03I2/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 4. Kf4 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/ 4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I03I2/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S (4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I03I2/402I01I2/403I04I2/ 401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kg4 {%15N #B(4I1I12/ 4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C (404I03I2/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 6. f4 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/7p/8/7P/8/5PK1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/ 8/8/8) #C(404I3/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 1. Kg4 {! %15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/ 4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I3/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/ 403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/ 4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I3/402I01I2/ 403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf4 {%15N #B (4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I3/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/ 4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I3/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke4 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/ 4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I3/402I01I2/403I04I2/401D02D01D1/ 403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(4I1I12/4I1I12/8/4D1D12/ 4D1D12/8/8/8) #S(4ISIS2/4ISIS2/8/4DSDS2/4DSDS2/8/8/8) #C(404I3/402I01I2/ 403I04I2/401D02D01D1/403D04D03D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. f4 {! , and so on as in example ~3($40906)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/8/6K1/7P/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {These series of examples show not only the origin of second-order systems, but also the possibility of studying pawn endings with the help of the theory of corresponding square systems.} {%15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/8/4D1D1D11/ 4D1D1D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I05I06IaI/401I02I2/7aD/401D02D1bD/ 404D05D06D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kh5 {%15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/8/ 4D1D1D11/4D1D1D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(404I05I06IaI/401I02I2/7aD/ 401D02D03DbD/404D05D06D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %05Here we have also moved the h-pawn back a step. On^013^010 %05the base squares e5-f5-g5-h6 (e7-f7-g7-h8 for Black) a^013^010 %05superposition of systems arises, as in example^013^010 %05~3($40892)~ and ~3 ($40893)~ . For Black the "6"^013^010 %05square of the rectangular system will simultaneously be %05the "b" square of the quadratic system. White has an %05excess of correspondence: the win is not difficult.} (1. Kg4 {%05Incidentally, White also wins by} Kg8 (1... Kg6 2. f4 {- ~3($40907)~}) 2. Kh5 Kf8 3. Kh6 Kg8 4. f4 $18 {%04etc.}) 1... Kg8 { %15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/8/4D1D1D11/4D1D1D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (404I05I06IaI/401I02I03I1/7aD/401D02D03DbD/404D05D06D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 2. Kg4 {%15N #B(4I1I1I11/4I1I1I11/8/4D1D1D11/4D1D1D11/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(404I05I06IaI/401I02I03I1/7aD/401D02D03DbD/404D05D06D1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 3. h5 {, transposing into example ~3 ($40912)~.} (3. Kf4 { is also possible. %05but}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/1p6/5p1p/1p3P2/1P4P1/KP3P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 1. Kb1 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) %05In comparison with position ~3 ($40853)~, where an^013^010 %05eight-square system operated, here White has an^013^010 %05additional tempo. The base squares change^013^010 %05designations to the adjoining ones (d3-e3 for White and^013^010 %05d5-c6 for Black).^013^010 %05 What is this, a quadratic system? No. In view of the fact^013^010 %05that the main zone of the first-order system extends for^013^010 %05three ranks, the designations received by the d1 and e^013^010 %05squares are not "1" and "2", but "5" and "6". The result^013^010 %05is a strange second-order six-square system.} Kc7 { %15 N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 2. Kc1 {! %15 N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/ 3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/ 303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/ 3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/ 301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd1 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/ 2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I05I4/ 204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 { %15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } (4... Kd5 5. f3) 5. Kd2 {%15 N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/ 3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/ 303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc5 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/ 3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/ 301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke3 {%15N #B(8/2I1I14/ 2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/206I05I4/ 204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd5 { %15N #B(8/2I1I14/2I1I14/2I1I14/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/3D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/206I05I4/204I03I4/202I01I4/8/301D02D3/303D04D3/305D06D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 7. f3 {! , transposing into example ~3($40853)~ and seizing the^013^010 correspondence. As we see, in second-order systems the play is much more complicated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7p/1p5P/3k2P1/P7/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/305I06I3/402D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ~110.11 CERTAIN COMPLICATED CASES~ In our examination of multi-square, irregular and second-order systems we have already met with some complicated cases. Here we will examine a few more. That which is now considered complicated may possibly, with the passage of time and development of theory, prove to be simple. A typical example is ~3( 915~) , which authors of books have usually explained in lengthy and obscure terms.} 1... Kd4 { ! %05The key squares here are those on the 4th rank, since the exchange after g3-g4 leads only to a draw. On the base squares d3-e3-f3 we have a normal rectangular system.^013^010 We have already seen on several occasions that Black can conduct a defence on the key squares. here too he does not have to allow the white king to d3 and e3, since its emergence at f3 is not dangerous due to 1... Kc3 2. g4 hg with a draw. Zugzwang arises in connection with the possibility of g3-g4, the zugzwang positions being Kf2/Ke4 and Ke2/Kd4. This is the extent of the complexity. %15N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/ 3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/ 305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg2 { %15N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2. Kf2 {%15 N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {! %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke2 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {! %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kd2 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke4 {! %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 {- defence on the key squares %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/ 3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/ 305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 2... Ke5 { ! %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kf3 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf5 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke2 {%15N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke6 {! - defence in the basic system. %15 N #B(8/8/3I1I1I12/3I1I1I12/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/301I02I03I2/304I05I06I2/ 301I02I03I2/305I06I3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/1p1p4/2pP4/2P2p2/2P5/5pPp/5P1P/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/ 8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka2 {! %05Here it is not possible to construct a square on the side of the base triangle d4-e3-d3. A triangular system seems to be in operation, but White has the possibility of attacking the by pawn. Black must answer with a counter-attack on the f2 pawn. Thus with the white king at c3, Black's must stand only at g6, preparing to emerge at f6. Unexpectedly a quadratic system arises. %15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/ 204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/ 2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/ 402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ka3 { %15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/ 8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/ 2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb2 {! %15 N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/ 301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (3. Ka4 {? is insufficient:} Kf6 4. Ka5 Ke5 5. Kb6 Kd4 6. Kc7 Kd3 7. Kxd7 Ke2 8. Ke6 Kxf2 9. d7 Kg2 10. d8=Q Kxh2 {! with a draw.}) 3... Kg7 {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/ 2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/ 402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb3 { %15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/ 8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/ 2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kc2 {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S (8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/ 204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg6 {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/ 2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/ 402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kc3 { %15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/ 8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/ 2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (6... Kh6 {%05or} 7. Kb4 Kg5 8. Ka5 f4 (8... Kf6 9. Kb6 Ke5 10. Kc7 Kd4 11. Kxd7 Kd3 12. Ke6 Ke2 13. d7 Kxf2 14. d8=Q $18) 9. gxf4+ Kxf4 10. Kb6 Ke4 11. Kc7 Kd3 12. Kxd7 Ke2 13. Ke6 Kxf2 14. d7 Kg2 15. d8=Q Kxh2 16. Qd4 Kg2 17. Qg4+ {, and wins.}) 7. Kd3 {! %15 N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/ 2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/ 402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kh5 {%15N #B (8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/ 602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 8. Kd4 {! %15 N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/ 2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg5 {%15N #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/ 6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/ 204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Ke5 {, and White wins. %15 N #B (8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/8/2D1D14/2D1D14/8) #S(8/8/6ISIS/6ISIS/8/2DSDS4/2DSDS4/8) #C(8/ 602I01I/604I03I/402I102I01I/301D2aI1/204D02DaD3/203D01D4/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4p1k1/7p/4pPpP/3pP1P1/3P3p/7P/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/ 01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ka2 {! %05Here the "T" system should not extend to the 3rd rank, since there is no outlet to the triangle apex "a". But, as in the previous example, White has the possibility of an attack on the h3 pawn. With the white king at e8. The system therefore extends to the 3rd and 2nd ranks. %15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/ 02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1. Kb1 {?} Kf7 {!} 2. Kc1 Ke8 3. Kd2 Kd7 4. Ke2 Kd6 5. Kf2 Kc5 6. Kg3 Kb4 7. Kxh3 Kc3 8. Kg2 Kxd3 9. h4 Kc2 { !} 10. hxg5 d3 11. f6 (11. g6 d2 12. g7 d1=Q 13. g8=Q Qe2+ {, with perpetual check}) (11. gxh6 {%05or} d2 12. h7 d1=Q 13. h8=Q Qxg4+ {with a draw.}) 11... exf6 12. gxf6 d2 13. f7 d1=Q 14. f8=Q Qxg4+ 15. Kf2 Qh4+ {, with a draw.}) 1... Kf8 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/ 01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kb2 {! %15 N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/ 1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/ 01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/ 03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ka3 {%15N #B (5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/ 01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/ 2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/ 02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kb3 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/ 01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/ 2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/ 02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} ( 4... Kg8 {%05Black fails to save the game by} 5. Kc2 {!} Kf7 6. Kd2 Ke8 7. Ke2 Kd7 8. Kf2 Kd6 9. Kg3 Kc5 10. Kxh3 Kb4 11. Kg2 Kc3 12. h4 Kxd3 13. hxg5 Kc2 ( 13... Kxe4 14. Kf1) (13... Kc4 14. g6 {, and the pawn queens with check}) ( 13... Ke2 14. f6 exf6 15. gxf6 d3 16. f7 d2 17. f8=Q d1=Q 18. Qf3+ {, exchanging queens}) 14. f6 exf6 15. gxf6 d3 16. f7 d2 17. f8=Q d1=Q 18. Qf2+ Kc1 19. Qf1 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Kb4 {! %15 N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/ 02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg8 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/ 01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kb5 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/ 2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/ 02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf8 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/ 01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kb6 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/ 2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/ 02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/ 01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Kc5 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/ 2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/ 02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kg7 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/ 01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kc6 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/ 2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/ 02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf7 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/ 01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Kd7 {%15 N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/ 1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/ 01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf6 {%15N #B(5I1I11/1D1D12I1I11/1D1D15/2D15/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(02D04D02D204I01I1/01D03D01D03D103I02I1/02D04D02D2aI2/ 03D01D03DaD4/02D04D02D5/01D03D6/02D7/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 11. Ke8 e6 12. fxe6 Kxe6 13. Kf8 Kf6 14. Kg8 Ke6 15. Kg7 Ke7 16. Kxh6 Kf6 17. Kh7 Kf7 18. h6 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/1p1p1p2/5P2/1PP1P3/8/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/ 3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/ 03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 {! %05The quadratic system on the base squares d4-e3 should extend here only to three files. But in the position there is a third invasion point - b5, in view of which the b3 square is designated the number "2", and the system extends to the edge of the board. %15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/ 2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/ 01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 { %15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/ 3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/ 03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Ka8 {%05The result is unaffected by %15 N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S (2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/ aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 2. Kb2 {! %15 N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/ 2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/ 01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka7 { %15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/ 3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/ 03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Kb3 {%15N #B(2I1I14/ 2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C (04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/ 01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ka8 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/ 02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ka4 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S (2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/ aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Ka7 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/ 8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/ 01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kb5 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/ 3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/ 03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kb7 6. c5 {!} bxc5 7. bxc5 dxc5 (7... Kc7 8. c6 {!}) 8. e5 {!} Kc7 9. e6 {!} Kd6 10. e7 {!} Kxe7 11. Kxc5 Kd7 12. Kd5 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kc1 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/ 02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S (2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/ aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 3. Kd1 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/ 8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/ 01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 { %15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/ 3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/ 03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Ke1 {%15N #B(2I1I14/ 2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C (04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/ 01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/ 02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Kf2 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S (2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/ aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/ 8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/ 01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Ke2 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/ 3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/ 03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(2I1I14/ 2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C (04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/ 01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Kd3 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/ 3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/ 02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S (2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/ aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 8. Ke3 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/ 8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/ 01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 { %15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/ 3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/ 03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 9. Kd4 {%15N #B(2I1I14/ 2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C (04I03I04I03I4/02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/ 01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B(2I1I14/2I1I14/8/8/8/3D1D13/ 3D1D13/8) #S(2ISIS4/2ISIS4/8/8/8/3DSDS3/3DSDS3/3DSDS3) #C(04I03I04I03I4/ 02I01I02I01I4/aI1aI5/8/aD7/01D02D01D02D01D3/03D04D03D04D03D3/01D02D01D02D01D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 10. Kd5 Kd7 11. b5 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/p4p2/2p2P2/p1P2P2/2P5/P1K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc1 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) ! %05In this example too a third invasion point strongly^013^010 %05influences the play. Were the position on the Q-side^013^010 %05blocked, a quadratic system with non-unambiguous rear^013^010 %05would operate, as in example ~3($40864)~. But due to %05the^013^010 %05necessity to defend the a4 pawn, a rectangular system^013^010 %05has been formed on the adjoining quadratic systems.^013^010 %05The shortest paths are peculiar, although it appears^013^010 %05that Black is even marking time (c7-b7-b6).^013^010 %05 Black loses in view of the excess of correspondence^013^010 %05for White: c1 and c2 against b7.} Kc7 {%15 N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Kb8 2. Kb2 Kb7 3. Ka3 Kc6 4. Kxa4 Kb6 5. Ka3 Kc7 (5... Ka5 6. Kb3 Kb6 7. Kc2 Ka5 8. Kd3 Ka4 9. Ke4 Ka3 10. Kd5 Kxa2 11. Kxc5 {, with a won queen ending}) 6. Kb2 Kd7 7. Kc2 Kd8 8. Kd3 Kc7 9. Ke4 Kd6 10. a3 { !$18 %04etc.}) 2. Kd1 {! %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/ 8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/ 4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke1 {%15N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf2 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/ 4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd8 {%15N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Ke2 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/ 8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/ 4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Kd3 {%15N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 7. Ke3 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/ 4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 8. Ke4 {(forcing the pawn to advance) %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/ 201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} a3 9. Kd3 a5 10. Kc2 {!} a4 {The position on the Q-side is blocked; a quadratic^013^010 system with non-ambiguous rear~3 ($41864)~ now operates. ^013^010 White exploits the unfortunate position of the enemy^013^010 king.} 11. Kd2 {! %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/ 4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 12. Kd3 { %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc6 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 13. Ke2 {%15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/ 3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/ 4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B (2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 14. Kf2 {%15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/ 304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/ 8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/ 4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 15. Ke3 { %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(2I1I1I13/2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/ 301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 16. Kf3 {, and wins. %15 N #B(2I1I1I13/ 2I1I1I13/8/8/8/3D1D1D12/3D1D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(204I05I06I3/ 201I02I03I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D03D2/304D05D06D2/301D02D03D2) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinar M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/5p2/p1p2P2/2P2P2/p1P5/P7/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 1. Kd2 {! %05The concluding phase is more clearly seen in this example. After ... a4 the system depicted in the diagram will operate.^013^010 White must deprive the opponent of his reserve tempo by playing his king to c2 with the black king at c7, c6 or d6. As is apparent from the marking, this can be achieved only by reaching f3, but White must move there carefully, so as not to give Black the chance to use his ... a4 tempo. %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/ 4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/ 301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke8 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/ 8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/ 301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kd3 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/ 8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/ 4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/ 3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/ 3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke4 {%15N #B (3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/ 201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd6 { %15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 4. Kf3 {! %15 N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 5. Ke3 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 6. Kd2 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kd7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 7. Kd3 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kd6 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 8. Kc2 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} a4 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 9. Kd2 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kc7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 10. Kd3 {%15 N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} Kc6 11. Ke2 Kd6 12. Kf2 Kd7 13. Ke3 {%15 N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/ 4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/ 303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke7 {%15N #B(3I1I13/3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/ 4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/ 303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 14. Kf3 {, and White wins. %15 N #B(3I1I13/ 3I1I13/8/8/8/4D1D12/4D1D12/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(203I03I03I3/201I101I3/ 3aI4/8/4aD3/301D02D01D2/303D03D03D2/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) As you see, with three invasion points there are plenty of complications. Let us sum up. It is sufficient to remember a few straightforward definitions, in order to recognize which system is operating. Then the squares must be marked out according to the ready-made prescription. This method is much quicker, and much more reliable and understandable than that which existed earlier, by which, square by square, one had to seek the corresponding squares over the entire board. This chapter has also posed certain new questions, the answers to which we may obtain as the theory of corresponding square systems develops.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/8/8/4k3/3p2K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/ D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) ~1ROOK AGAINST PAWNS~ ~11. ROOK AGAINST PAWN~ By the united efforts of king and rook it is usually easy to eliminate the enemy pawn, without allowing it to reach the queening square. Difficulties over realizing the advantage arise only when the king is at some distance from the pawn, and requires time to approach. It will be expedient to divide the positions to be studied into three groups: ~ 1.1 Pawn other than rook's pawn. ~ ~ 1.2 Rook's pawn. ~ ~ 1.3 Exceptional positions. ~11.1 PAWN OTHER THAN ROOK'S PAWN~ If the rook is controlling the pawn's queening square, the result depends upon whether or not the king can manage to support the rook. The following is a critical position. White wins if his king is inside the zone bounded by the line. For example, king at king at g2 or g1:} 1. Kf1 $18 {, and Black loses his pawn. Note that the result is not changed if the rook is at d1. In this case there is no difference in the placing of the rook. %15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^01 lRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 Red^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 ^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/8/K7/4k3/3p4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {For example, king at a4 %15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb3 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^01 lRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 Red^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 ^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke2 {%15N T2(a6: h6) clRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^01 lRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 Red^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 ^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kc2 $18 { %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^01 lRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 Red^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 ^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/4k3/3p2K1/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/ D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf1 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^01 lRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 Red^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 ^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd3 {%15N T2(a6: h6) clRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^01 lRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 Red^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 ^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf2 {%15N T2 (a6:h6) clRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^01 lRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 Red^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 ^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc2 {%15N T2(a6: h6) clRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^01 lRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 Red^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 ^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke2 $18 { the game is decided. %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^01 lRed^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 Red^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 ^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D11D12/D1D1D11D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3pk3/8/3R1K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... d2 {%05Here too White wins:} 2. Ra1 Kd3 3. Kf2 Kc2 4. Ke2 $18 {But if this position is moved one file to the left, the game ends in a draw, since the influence of the edge of the board becomes a factor.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/2pk4/8/2R1K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... c2 {%05Here White is unable to win:} 2. Ra1 Kc3 3. Rc1 {(3... Kb2 was threatened)} Kd3 {!= , and White cannot achieve anything. It is the same with a knight's pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1pk5/8/1R1K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... b2 {= White is in Zugzwang, and is forced to allow the king to go to c2. %05After} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/8/8/3p4/4k1K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {A typical pushing-aside procedure, based on the opposition of the kings, is shown by the following example. On the left side of the board the picture here is the same as in example I, but to the right events develop differently. %15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Re8+ {! %05If, for example, the white king is at g2 (or g1), by checking with his rook White pushes aside the black king, and then approaches the pawn with his own king: %15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd2 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/ 8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf2 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kc2 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/ 8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke3 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d2 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/ 8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Rc8+ {%15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd1 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/ 8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Rd8 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/8/8/3p4/4k3/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Re8+ {%05With the king at g1: %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf3 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/ 8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf1 {! %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d2 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/ 8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Rd8 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke3 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/ 8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Rd7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/8/8/3p2K1/4k3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Re8+ {%05But with his king at g3 White is unable to win: %15 N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf1 {! %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf3 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B (8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d2 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Rd8 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013^013 #B (8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke1 $40 {= Note that the numbers of squares inside the winning zones are the same in examples ~3 ( 921) ~ and ~3( 929)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5K2/3p4/4k3/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {Let us now consider a position where the rook is watching the pawn from the 1st rank. Compared with the previous position, the winning zone is still the same size (15 squares for the king), but has slightly changed shape: f4 is now included, but g2 has dropped out. %15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Rh2+ {%05After %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke1 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Ke3 $18 {White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6K1/3p4/4k3/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Rh2+ {he must reply %05But with the white king at g4 Black can save the game. To %15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/ 8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke3 {!= "shoulder-charging" the enemy king, %15 N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Ke1 {? %05whereas he loses after } 2. Kf3 d2 3. Rh1# {mate.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3p2K1/4k3/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Rh2+ {%05White also has no win with his king at g2 or g3. For example, with king at g3: %15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/ 8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke3 {! %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Ke1 {? loses to} 2. Kf3 $18) 2. Rh8 {%15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} d2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3p4/4k3/6KR w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Rh2+ {%05But with his king at g1 White wins: %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke1 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... Ke3 {%15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kf1 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/ 8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d2 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Rh3+ {and 4. Ke2$18}) 2. Rh8 {%15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke2 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (2... d2 {%15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Re8+ {%15 N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/ 8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd1 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf1 $18 {%15 N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/ 8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 3. Re8+ {%15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kf3 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Kf1 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} d2 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Rd8 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke3 {%15N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Rd7 $18 {%04etc. %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3K4/8/3p4/4k3/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {It is also worth nothing how the play develops with the white king at d5, e5 or f5. %15N T2(a6:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke4 {%05After %15 N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d2 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Rh2+ {%15 N T2(a6:h6)clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/ 8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke1 {%15N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Ke3 {the only way to save the draw is by %15 N T2(a6:h6) clRed^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(8/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} d1=N+ {!= The promotion of a pawn to a knight often occurs in such endings. Certain features of positions with a knight's pawn should also be noted.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1pK5/k7/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... b2 {%04only %05After} 2. Kc2 $18 {leads to a win.} (2. Rh2 {? is mistake due to} Ka1 {!= , when Black gains a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1pK5/k7/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... b2 {%05Incidentally, if White's rook is at c1, he is no longer able to win: after} 2. Rc2 Ka1 {= Black forces a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/8/8/3K4/8/1p6/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {The following example shows how to overcome this sort of stalemate threat.} 1. Kc4 {!} (1. Ra8+ {? %05Only a draw results from} Kb2 2. Kc4 {?} Kc2 3. Rh8 b2 4. Rh2+ Kb1 5. Kb3 Ka1 {! =}) 1... b2 2. Ra8+ (2. Kc3 {, then %05if} b1=N+ {=}) 2... Kb1 3. Kb3 Kc1 4. Rc8+ Kb1 5. Rb8 {!} (5. Rc2 {?} Ka1 {=}) 5... Kc1 6. Ka2 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3R4/8/3K4/kp6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {The following example is also of practical significance.} 1. Ra5+ {%05White is unable to win:} (1. Kc3 b1=N+ {=}) 1... Kb1 {!} (1... Kb3 {?} 2. Rb5+ Ka2 3. Kc2 $18) 2. Rb5 (2. Ke2 {%05No better is} Kc2 (2... Kc1 {?} 3. Rc5+ Kb1 4. Kd2 Ka1 5. Ra5+ Kb1 6. Rb5 $18 {, and White wins}) 3. Rc5+ Kb3 {!= with a draw.}) 2... Kc1 3. Rc5+ Kd1 $40 {!= After examining these critical positions, with the pawn close to the queening square, we can start a systematic study of positions with the pawn on the 5th rank, and the opponent's king some distance away. An analysis of the drawing zones in positions~3 ( 921)- ( 923)~ and ~3( 927)-( 934)~ shows that it is more favourable for the stronger side to approach with his king from the opposite side of the pawn to the enemy king. Approaching from the same side as the enemy king succeeds only if the opposition can be gained before the pawn reaches the penultimate rank (cf. examples ~3( 927)-( 929)~ ), or if the enemy king can be prevented from taking control of the queening square (example ~3( 924)~ ). On the contrary, by using the "shoulder-charge", the weaker side should aim to prevent the opponent's king from approaching the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/4K3/8/8/3pk3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd6 {! %05The drawing zone has been indicated. From e7 or e6 the white king must make a bypassing manoeuvre: %15N T2(e8:h8)clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7: h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d3 2. Kc5 Ke3 3. Kc4 d2 4. Kc3 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/7K/3pk3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg4 {%05If White king is at h5 or g5, he wins by taking the opposition: %15N T2(e8:h8)clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke3 {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7) clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg3 {! %15 N T2(e8:h8) clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d3 3. Re8+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/5K2/8/3pk3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg5 {%05From f6 the white king can no longer reach anywhere: %15 N T2(e8:h8) clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d3 2. Kg4 Ke3 3. Kg3 Ke2 4. Kg2 (4. Re8+ Kf1 {! =}) 4... d2 5. Re8+ Kd3 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7K/3pk3/8/8/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {Curiously enough, nothing changes if the rook is at d1 or even h1. As you see, the drawing zone here is exactly the same as in the previous example, e.g. %15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg4 {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke3 {%15N T2(e8:h8) clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Kg3 {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7) clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} d3 3. Re1+ {! (now the rook is switched to the rear of the pawn)} Kd2 4. Re8 Kc2 5. Kf2 d2 6. Rc8+ Kd1 7. Rd8 Kc2 8. Ke2 $18 {, and White wins} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7K/3pk3/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg4 {%05Here, it is true, the play has special features: %15 N T2(e8:h8) clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Ke3 {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7) clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Re1+ (2. Rh3+ {%05also possible is} Ke4 3. Rh8 Ke3 4. Kg3 Ke2 5. Re8+ $18 {pushing aside the king}) ( 2. Kg3 {%05or} Ke2 3. Rh2+ Ke1 4. Kf3 $18 {%04etc.}) 2... Kf2 3. Rd1 {!} Ke3 4. Kg3 d3 5. Re1+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/8/8/3pk3/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb6 {%05With the king at a7: %15 N T2(e8:h8)clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7: h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd3 {%15N T2(e8:h8) clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1... d3 2. Kc5 {is clear from previous analysis}) 2. Kc5 Kc3 3. Kd5 {simplest,} (3. Rc1+ {%05but} Kd2 4. Ra1 $18 {is also possible}) 3... d3 4. Ke4 d2 5. Ke3 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/8/8/7K/2pk4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {If all the pieces are moved one file to the left, the drawing zone also moves correspondingly, and is increased by two squares. %15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D1D14/D1D1D1D14/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg4 c3 2. Kf3 Kd3 3. Rd8+ $18 {%04etc. In exactly the same way, the drawing zone is increased by two squares if the pieces are moved a further file to the left.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/8/8/7K/1pk5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg4 {%15N T2(e8:h8)clRed^013Drawing^013^013 T2(f7:h7)clRed^013zone^013^013 #B(8/D1D1D1D14/D1D1D1D14/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} b3 2. Kf3 Kc3 3. Ke2 b2 (3... Kc2 4. Rc8+ $18) 4. Kd1 { !$18 , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1pk5/8/8/1R5K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {But if the rook is at b1, then, thanks to the possibility of an attack on the rook by the king, the drawing zone is greatly increased, since it includes on the h-file. %15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D1D14/ D1D1D1D14/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg2 b3 2. Kf2 Kc3 3. Ke2 Kc2 {= with a draw. We therefore conclude that, against a knight's pawn, it is more favourable to attack the pawn from the rear than from the front.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/8/8/1pk5/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {We will now consider a position where the rook is on the opposite wing, controlling the 1st rank. The change in the rook's position in no way reflects on the dimensions and form of the drawing zone. The following positions, with a slightly different arrangement of the pieces, easily reduce to the base positions already considered. %15N T2(e8:h8)clRed Drawing T2(f7:h7)clRed zone #B(8/D1D1D1D14/D1D1D1D14/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K4/8/8/1p1k4/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] 1. Kc6 {! %05Here White wins by a by-pass:} b3 (1... Kc4 2. Kb6) 2. Kb5 Kc3 3. Ka4 b2 4. Ka3 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1901.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Amelung Friedrich K"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/8/1k6/1p6/8/8/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1901.??.??"] 1. Kb7 {! when, depending on which side the black king goes to, the white king will make for the opposite side. For example: %05Therefore the only correct move is} (1. Kd6 {? , cannot prove successful due to %05From preceding examples it should be clear that the^013^010 %05by-pass to the right,} Kc4 {! = }) 1... Kc4 (1... Ka4 {or} 2. Kb6 b3 3. Kc5 {%04etc.}) 2. Kb6 b3 3. Ka5 Kc3 4. Ka4 b2 5. Ka3 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/8/1k6/1p6/8/8/1R6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1... Kc5 {! %05As was pointed out by Maizelis, the diagram position is an instance of mutual zugzwang. With Black to move there follows} 2. Kb7 Kb5 {!} 3. Ka7 Ka5 {!= , and White cannot win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K4/8/4k3/3p4/8/8/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... d3 {%05The way to draw is by} (1... Ke4 {? %05As is clear from the preceding analysis,} 2. Kd6 $18 {leads to a win for White.}) (1... Kd5 {?} 2. Rd1 $18 {also does not help, as Black is in zugzwang.}) 2. Kc6 Kd4 {!} 3. Kb5 Kc3 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/4K3/8/3p4/2k5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {If the rook has not yet occupied a square from which it can control the pawn, it often proves useful to employ a typical procedure - gaining a tempo by means of a check.} 1. Rc8+ {! %05Correct is} (1. Ke5 {? %05The immediate approach of the king does not succeed:} d3 2. Ke4 d2 3. Rd8 Kc2 {=}) (1. Rd8 { ? %05or} d3 2. Ke5 d2 {=}) 1... Kb2 (1... Kd2 2. Kd5 {!} d3 3. Kd4 Ke2 4. Re8+ Kd2 5. Re3 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Rd8 Kc3 {Now, having gained a tempo, White approaches the pawn with his king:} 3. Ke5 d3 4. Ke4 d2 5. Ke3 $18 {, and wins. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4K3/8/4p3/4k3/6R1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {This very procedure - the gaining of a tempo by a check and a subsequent by-pass - is displayed in the following study in two echo-variations.} 1. Rg5 { ! , when Black has two possibilities: %05The correction continuation is} (1. Ke5 {? %05White's rook is badly placed, and so straightforward play %05does not succeed:} Kf3 {!} 2. Rh2 e3 3. Rh3+ Kf2 4. Kf4 e2 5. Rh2+ Kf1 6. Kf3 e1=N+ {= %04etc.}) 1... Kf3 (1... Kd3 2. Rd5+ {!} Kc2 3. Re5 Kd3 4. Kf5 e3 5. Kf4 e2 6. Kf3 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Rf5+ {!} Kg2 3. Re5 Kf3 4. Kd5 e3 5. Kd4 e2 6. Kd3 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R2K1/8/8/3pk3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {Now it is the turn of positions in which the pawn has not yet crossed the demarcation line. %15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf7 {! %05In this position, with the white king in enemy territory, the winning method remains the same: either a by-pass to the left, or aiming for the opposition of the kings on the right. For example:} (1. Kg7 {? %05The by-pass to the right does not succeed:} d4 2. Kg6 Ke4 3. Kg5 d3 4. Kg4 Ke3 5. Kg3 d2 6. Kg2 Ke2 {= with a draw.}) 1... d4 2. Ke7 Ke4 3. Kd6 d3 4. Kc5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/7K/8/3pk3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg6 {%05But with the king at h7 it is the by-pass to the right that wins:} d4 2. Kg5 Ke4 3. Kg4 Ke3 4. Kg3 d3 5. Re8+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R3K/8/8/3pk3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg7 {%05Only with his king at h8 is White unable to win:} d4 2. Kf7 Ke4 3. Ke6 d3 4. Kd6 d2 5. Kc5 Ke3 6. Kc4 Ke2 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/8/8/3pk3/8/8/8/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Note that the situation does not change if the rook is moved to d1.} 1. Kf7 d4 2. Ke7 Kd5 (2... Ke4 3. Kd6 $18 {and wins, as shown earlier}) 3. Kd7 {!$18 , and the rest is clear from example ~3($40950)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7K/8/3pk3/8/8/8/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg6 {%05With the king at h7:} d4 2. Kg5 Ke4 3. Kg4 Ke3 4. Kg3 d3 5. Re1+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/8/8/3pk3/8/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) But if the rook is at h1, the drawing zone is increased to two squares.} 1. Ke7 {%05After} d4 2. Rd1 {! , transposing into a known won position. %05but} (2. Kd7 {? %05White does not play} d3 {!} 3. Kc6 Kd4 {!} 4. Kb5 Kc3 {!= with a draw,}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R3K1/8/8/2pk4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) The drawing zone of example ~3( 955)~ is also increased if Black's king and pawn and the white rook are moved one or two files to the left.} 1. Kf7 c4 2. Ke7 Kd4 3. Kd6 c3 4. Kc6 c2 (4... Kd3 {%05or}) 5. Kb5 Kd3 6. Kb4 Kd2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R3K2/8/8/1pk5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke7 b4 2. Kd7 Kc4 3. Kc6 b3 4. Kb6 b2 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/8/1pk5/8/8/8/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Compared with positions where a knight's pawn is on the 4th rank (~3( 946)~ and ~3( 947)~ ), here the drawing zone does not change if the rook is moved to b1. The drawing zone and method of play are the same as in example ~3( 962)~:} 1. Kd7 b4 2. Kc7 {!} Kb5 3. Kb7 {! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/8/1pk5/8/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {If the rook is at h1, the drawing zone is slightly increased: e8 and h7 also come into it. %15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D14/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd7 b4 2. Kc7 (2. Rb1 Kc4 3. Kc6 b3 4. Kb6 Kc3 5. Kb5 Kc2 {= %04etc.}) 2... b3 3. Kb7 Kb4 4. Kc6 b2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7K/8/1pk5/8/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg6 {%05With the king at h7:} b4 {!} (1... Kd4 {?} 2. Rb1 ) 2. Kf5 Kd4 (2... Kc4 {?} 3. Ke4 {leads to a win for White}) 3. Kf4 (3. Rb1 Kc3 4. Ke4 b3 5. Ke3 b2 {= %04etc.}) 3... b3 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7K/1pk5/8/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:h3)clRed Winning zone #B(D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg5 {%05But with his king at h6 White wins:} b4 2. Kf4 Kd4 3. Rb1 Kc3 4. Ke3 b3 5. Rc1+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/8/8/3p4/4k3/8/8/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {We will now consider a number of examples where the rook is not altogether well placed, but it can be switched to a more favourable position.} 1. Re1+ { ! does not win, since after %05The correct way is to gain a tempo by checking, which^013^010 %05is already familiar to us from examples ~3($40953)~ and^013^010 %05~3($40954)~:} (1. Kc7 {? %05The straightforward} d4 2. Kc6 d3 3. Kc5 d2 4. Kc4 Ke3 5. Kc3 {Black gains an important tempo by} Ke2 {=}) 1... Kf3 (1... Kd3 {%05The attempt to transfer his king to c4 also fails to save Black:} 2. Rd1+ Kc4 3. Kc7 d4 4. Kd6 d3 5. Ke5 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Rd1 Ke4 3. Kc7 d4 4. Kd6 d3 5. Kc5 Ke3 6. Kc4 d2 7. Kc3 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/8/3pk3/3R4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Rd2 {! %05Correct is} (1. Rd1 {? suggests itself, but after} d4 2. Kd7 Kd5 { != ~3($41951)~ Black gains a draw.}) 1... d4 2. Rd1 {! , creating a zugzwang position. After} Kd5 3. Kd7 {!} Kc5 (3... Ke5 4. Kc6 $18) 4. Ke6 Kc4 5. Ke5 $40 {White wins. In the 1920s Spielmann was so carried away by this study, that he was of the opinion that no master would have found such a solution during an actual game. But if one knows the idea of the by-pass, conceived back at the start of the century by Amelung ~3 ( 950)~, the solution to the study becomes elementary.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4K3/1p2R3/2k5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. Re4+ {! %05But even so, White can gain time to transfer his rook to a more favourable position:} (1. Re1 {%05If his rook were at e1, White would win easily, as in %05example ~3($40967)~, by 1. Rc1+ Kd3 2. Rb1 etc.,^013^010 %05but here it is too late to transfer the rook to the 1st^013^010 %05rank:} b4 2. Ke5 b3 3. Ke4 b2 {= with a draw.}) 1... Kc5 (1... Kc3 {%05forced, since} 2. Kd5 b4 3. Rc4+ $18 {gives a very easy win}) 2. Ke5 b4 3. Re1 {!} Kc4 4. Ke4 Kc3 5. Rc1+ (5. Ke3 {%05White also has another, even simpler way of winning:} Kc2 6. Kd4 {!} b3 7. Re2+ Kc1 8. Kc3 $18) 5... Kd2 6. Rb1 Kc3 7. Ke3 b3 8. Rc1+ Kb2 9. Kd2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/4R3/8/1p6/8/2k5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {The whole range of procedures, which are possible in the battle against a knight's pawn which has not yet crossed the demarcation line, are revealed in the following study.} 1. Rc7+ {! The only move, gaining an important tempo for the approach of the king.} Kb3 {!} (1... Kd3 {, the play is simplified: %05If Black replies} 2. Rb7 {!} Kc4 3. Kc7 b4 4. Kb6 b3 5. Ka5 $18 {and wins. But Black has a stronger defence.}) 2. Kd7 b4 3. Kd6 {! Again the only move.} (3. Kc6 {? %05After} Kc4 {!!} 4. Kb6+ Kd3 {!= White can no longer win.}) 3... Ka2 4. Kc5 {! accurate play} (4. Ra7+ {%05or} Kb2 5. Rc7 {!} (5. Kc5 Kc3 {!= leads only to a draw}) 5... b3 6. Kd5 Ka2 7. Kc4 b2 8. Ra7+ Kb1 9. Kb3 Kc1 10. Rc7+ Kd2 11. Kxb2 $18) 4... b3 5. Kb4 b2 6. Ra7+ {! This is where the drawback of a knight's pawn is revealed! Black's king is forced to occupy the square in front of it.} Kb1 7. Kb3 {!} Kc1 8. Rc7+ Kb1 9. Rb7 Kc1 10. Ka2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3KR3/8/1pk5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Ke6 b4 (1... Kd4 2. Rb7) 2. Ke5 Kc4 (2... b3 3. Rc7+ Kb4 4. Kd4 b2 5. Rb7+ Ka3 6. Kc3 $18 {%04etc}) 3. Ke4 Kc3 4. Ke3 Kc2 5. Ke2 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K4/7R/1pk5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {In certain cases a badly placed rook may hinder the movements of its king. If White's rook were on any square on the 7th or 8th rank, for example at e7, he would win by a by-pass to the right: ~3( 971)~. But if his rook is on any square on the 6th rank, White cannot win, since he is not able to exploit the opposition of the kings.} 1. Ke6 (1. Kc7 {%05The by-pass to the left also achieves nothing:} b4 2. Kb7 b3 3. Ka6 Kc4 4. Rb6 Kc3 5. Ka5 Kc2 {= %04etc.}) 1... b4 2. Ke5 b3 {!} (2... Kc4 {? %05but not} 3. Ke4 b3 4. Rc6+ $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Ke4 b2 4. Rh1 Kc4 5. Ke3 Kc3 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/2k5/1p5R/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {For cases where the weaker side's king is behind the pawn, the following rule is applicable: if the rook cuts off the opponent's king along the 4th rank (counting from the weaker side's end of the board), the game usually ends in a win for the stronger side.} 1... Kb6 {%05But if the black king crosses to the a-file, the approach of the white king is decisive.} (1... b4 {%05Here the pawn cannot be advanced alone:} 2. Kg7 b3 3. Rh3 {!} b2 4. Rb3 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kg7 Ka5 3. Kf6 Ka4 (3... Kb4 {%05or} 4. Ke5 Kc4 5. Rh4+ Kc5 (5... Kc3 6. Kd5 ) 6. Rh8 $18 {and wins}) 4. Ke5 b4 5. Kd4 Ka3 6. Rb5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/8/8/8/1k6/p2K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {~11.2 ROOK'S PAWN~ The first impression is that against a rook's pawn the by-pass will not succeed, and that the result will depend on the possibility of depriving the opponent's king of the b2 square, or taking the opposition.} 1. Kc1 $18 {, and Black loses his pawn.} (1. Rb8+ {%05In contrast to all other pawns, there is also a win here with the white king at d1:} Ka3 2. Kc2 a1=N+ 3. Kc3 $18 {%04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1k6/p2K4/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Kc1 {%05White again wins by} Ka3 2. Kc2 $18 {but with his king at d3 there is no win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/pk6/8/R2K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {The influence of the edge of the board also tells in the following position.} 1. Kc1 {%05White cannot win, even if it is him to move:} (1. Rb1+ {%05or} Kc3 { !} (1... Ka2 {?} 2. Rb8 Ka1 3. Kc2 a2 4. Kb3 $18 {leads to a loss}) 2. Kc1 a2 3. Ra1 Kb3 {= with a draw.}) 1... a2 2. Kd2 Kb2 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/8/8/8/p7/1k1K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {Here White wins only with his king at d2 or d1. For example, with the king at d2:} 1. Rb8+ Ka1 2. Kc2 a2 3. Kb3 Kb1 4. Ka3+ Ka1 5. Rh8 {and 6. Rh1$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/8/8/8/p7/1k6/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Rb8+ {%05With the king at d1 there follows} Kc3 2. Kc1 a2 3. Ra8 Kb3 4. Ra7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/8/8/8/p2K4/1k6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {But with his king at d3 White is no longer able to win:} 1. Rb8+ Kc1 {!} 2. Kc3 a2 3. Ra8 Kb1 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2K5/8/p7/1k6/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(d5:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/ D1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) We will now consider the case where the rook is on the 1st rank. In comparison with position ~3( 930)~, the form of the winning zone is rather different here, due to proximity of the edge of the board: the squares a5, b5 and c5 come into it. For example, with the king at c5:} 1. Kb4 a2 2. Rh2+ Kb1 3. Kb3 {!} a1=N+ 4. Kc3 $18 {Thus with a rook's pawn it no longer helps to promote to a knight.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/p7/1k6/3K3R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N T2(d5:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/ D1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) It should be noted that d1 no longer comes into the winning zone, e.g.} 1. Rh2+ Kb1 {!} ( 1... Kb3 {?} 2. Kc1 a2 3. Rh3+ $18) 2. Rh8 a2 3. Rb8+ Ka1 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3K4/p7/1k6/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {It is also not possible to win with the king at d4: %15N T2(d5:h6)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/D1D1D15/D1D1D15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Rh2+ Kb3 {!} 2. Rh3+ Kb2 3. Kc4 a2 4. Rh2+ Ka3 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/8/6K1/pk6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(a6:h7)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/D1D1D1D1D1D1D11/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) We will now consider cases where the pawn has only just crossed the demarcation line. For a rook's pawn the drawing zone is considerably extended in comparison with pawns on all other files ( ~3( 939)~, ~3 ( 945)~, and ~3( 946)~.} 1. Kf4 a3 2. Ke3 Kb3 3. Kd2 Kb2 (3... a2 4. Kc1 $18 ) 4. Rb8+ $18 {%04etc. With his king on the h-file, White does not manage to take control on the b2 square, and the game ends in a draw. Let us now move the rook to a1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5K2/pk6/8/8/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {Here the drawing zone has become greater, with squares on the g-file also coming into it. With his king at f5 White wins in the same way as before: %15N T2(a6:h7)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke4 a3 2. Kd3 Kb3 3. Rb1+ Ka2 4. Rb8 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6K1/pk6/8/8/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {We thus obtain the conclusion: against a rook's pawn which has crossed the demarcation line, it is often more favourable to deploy the rook behind, rather than in front. Let us move the rook to h1.} {%15N T2(a6:h7)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf4 {%05But with the king at g5, after} a3 2. Ke3 Kb3 3. Kd2 Kb2 {= with an immediate draw. %05, but} (3... a2 {? %05Black does not reply} 4. Kc1 $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K5/8/pk6/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {Compared with the previous example, the drawing zone has been reduced by three squares on the 6the rank. %15N T2(d7:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/ D1D1D15/D1D1D1D1D1D12/1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Rh4+ {%05White wins by a mating attack:} Kb3 2. Kb5 {!} a3 3. Rh3+ Kb2 4. Kb4 a2 5. Rh2+ Kb1 6. Kb3 a1=N+ 7. Kc3 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3K4/8/pk6/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {%15N T2(d7:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/D1D1D15/D1D1D1D1D1D12/1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Rh4+ {Black replies %05But with the king at d6 this idea no longer works: on} Kb5 {! employing the "shoulder-charge", e.g.} 2. Kd5 a3 3. Rh8 (3. Kd4 a2 4. Rh1 Kb4 5. Kd3 Kb3 {= %04etc.}) 3... Kb4 4. Kd4 a2 5. Ra8 Kb3 6. Kd3 Kb2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5K2/pk6/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(d7:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/D1D1D15/D1D1D1D1D1D12/1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D12/ D1D1D1D1D1D12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke4 {%05With his king at f5, after} Kc3 {White wins by} 2. Ra1 {!} Kb3 3. Kd3 a3 4. Rb1+ $18 {%04etc. From a study of the drawing zones it could be said that, against a rook's pawn which has crossed the demarcation line, the best position for the rook is to the rear of the pawn, the next best is to the side on the 1st rank, and only then in front of the pawn. The following conclusion is perhaps more precise: if the stronger side's king is to the side, it is best to deploy the rook to the rear of the pawn, but if the king is to the rear of it, the rook is best deployed at the side. It follows from the examples considered that the attack by the rook from the front is an intermediate one, since the rook normally has to be switched to the rear of the pawn. This conclusion is borne out by another important position with a pawn which has crossed the demarcation line, but with the rook at h8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/7K/8/pk6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/D11D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg6 a4 2. Kf5 Kb4 3. Ke4 a3 4. Kd3 Kb3 5. Rb8+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/2K5/8/pk6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/D11D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd6 {%05With the king at c7:} a4 2. Kd5 Kb4 3. Kd4 Kb3 4. Kd3 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/K7/8/pk6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/D11D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Rb8+ {! %05White wins in a curious way with his king at a7:} Kc4 2. Ka6 a4 3. Ka5 a3 4. Ka4 a2 5. Rc8+ Kd3 6. Rc1 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/1K6/8/pk6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/D11D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Rb8 {%05But with the king at b7 this plan no longer works:} a4 2. Ka7+ Kc4 3. Ka6 Kc3 4. Ka5 a3 5. Ka4 a2 6. Rc8+ Kb2 {= , and White is forced to give perpetual check.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R6K/8/8/pk6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/D11D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg7 {%05With the white king at h8, Black succeeds in reaching b2, and the game ends in a draw:} a4 2. Kf6 Kb4 3. Ke5 a3 4. Kd4 Kb3 5. Kd3 Kb2 6. Rb8+ Kc1 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/8/pk6/8/8/8/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Let us move the rook to a1. Here the drawing zone is restricted to the 8th rank only, since the b7 square disappears from it.} 1. Rb1+ {!} Kc4 2. Ka6 { ! White has the same interesting winning possibility as in^013^010 example ~3 ($40990)~ - moving his king along the side of the board, as though urging on the pawn:} a4 3. Ka5 a3 4. Ka4 a2 5. Ra1 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7K/8/pk6/8/8/8/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/D11D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg6 {%05Consider also the position with the king at h7:} a4 2. Kf5 Kb4 3. Ke4 Kb3 4. Kd3 a3 5. Rb1+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6K1/8/pk6/8/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {If the rook is moved to h1, the drawing zone is again expanded by two squares, since h7 and g7 come into it. With the white king at g7 Black gains a draw by using the "shoulder-charge": %15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf6 a4 2. Ke5 Kc4 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7K/8/pk6/8/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {%15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kg6 {%05With the king at h7:} a4 2. Kf5 a3 (2... Kc4 {is also possible}) 3. Ke4 Kc4 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/8/pk6/8/8/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {Finally, if the rook is moved to h8, the drawing zone is in no way changed. Black retains the same possibility of "shoulder-charging", so that h7 and g7 come into the zone. We will illustrate with two examples where the pawn has not approached the demarcation line. %15N T2(b8:h8)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/ D1D1D1D1D1D12/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6KR/8/pk6/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {White to move has an elementary win by 1. Rh5 (cf. also ~3 ( 973)~.} 1... Kc5 {! , preparing in advance to push away the opponent's king, e.g. %05The only correct move is} (1... a5 {? due to the same %05If it is Black to move, he cannot play} 2. Rh5 $18) (1... Kb5 {? %05and he also loses after} 2. Kf7 a5 3. Ke6 Kc4 4. Ra8 {!} Kb4 5. Kd5 a4 6. Kd4 Kb3 7. Kd3 a3 8. Rb8+ $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kf7 a5 3. Ke6 a4 4. Ke5 a3 5. Ra8 Kb4 6. Kd4 Kb3 7. Kd3 Kb2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/R7/p7/1k6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] 1. Rb7+ {! %05Correct is} (1. Kb7 {? is too slow:} a5 2. Kc7 a4 3. Kd6 Kb4 4. Kd5 Kb3 5. Kd4 a3 6. Kd3 Kb2 7. Rb7+ Kc1 {=}) (1. Rh7 {? %05as is} a5 2. Rh5+ Kb4 3. Kb7 a4 {= %04etc.}) 1... Kc4 2. Ka7 {!} a5 3. Ka6 a4 4. Ka5 a3 5. Ka4 a2 6. Rc7+ Kd3 7. Rc1 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1895.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/2PK4/5r2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1895.??.??"] {~11.3. EXCEPTIONAL POSITIONS~ In conclusion we will examine several exceptional positions, where, due to the unfortunate placing of the pieces, the rook is not able to control the last rank and stop the pawn. It is true that such situations are extremely rare, but nevertheless they have to be taken into consideration. Black's king prevents his own rook from controlling not only the last rank, but also the penultimate rank, so that White is able to queen his pawn.} 1. c7 Rf6+ 2. Kd5 {!} (2. Kd7 {? %05But not} Rf1 3. Kc6 Rc1+ {=}) (2. Kc5 {? %05or} Rf1 {= with a draw.}) 2... Rf5+ 3. Kd4 Rf4+ 4. Kd3 (4. Kc3 Rf1 5. Kb2 {is also possible}) 4... Rf3+ 5. Kc2 Rf2+ 6. Kb3 Rf3+ 7. Kb4 Rf4+ 8. Kb5 Rf5+ 9. Kb6 Rf6+ 10. Kb7 $18 {, and White wins. Had the black king been at f8, 10... Rf7 would have given a draw. Curiously enough, if the position is moved one file to the left Black is able to save the draw, due to the influence of the side of the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/1PK5/4r3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1. b7 {%05After} Re6+ 2. Kc5 Re5+ 3. Kc4 Re4+ 4. Kc3 Re3+ 5. Kb2 Re2+ 6. Ka3 Re3+ {= White does best to settle for a draw by perpetual check, since he loses after Z0} ({Ka4 ?} 6... Re1 $19 {, when the pawn is stopped.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P5/3K4/1r6/8/8/4k3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {In the following position it is the pawn that prevents the rook from controlling the back rank. If Black's king is inside the zone, he can draw the ending. %15N T2(a2:e3)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 1... Rb6+ {%05With his king at e2, Black loses:} 2. Kd5 Rb5+ 3. Kd4 Rb4+ 4. Kc3 Rb1 5. Kc2 $18 {%04etc. But with his king at d2, c2 or b2 it is a draw, since the white king cannot cross the c-file.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P5/3K4/1r6/8/8/8/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(a2:e3)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 1... Rb6+ {%05With the king at d1 after} 2. Kd5 Rb5+ 3. Kd4 Rb4+ { = the white king cannot go to c3 Z0} ({Kc3 ? due to} 3... Rb1 $19 {, when it is Black who wins.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P5/3K4/1r6/8/8/k7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%15N T2(a2:e3)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 1... Rb6+ {With his king at a2 or a1, Black draws by perpetual check:} 2. Kd5 Rb5+ 3. Kd4 Rb4+ 4. Kc3 Rb1 5. Kc2 Rb2+ 6. Kc1 Rb1+ {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P5/3K4/1r6/8/k7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {%15N T2(a2:e3)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 1... Rb6+ {%05With his king at a3, Black gains a draw by stalemate:} 2. Kd5 Rb5+ 3. Kd4 Rb4+ 4. Kc3 Rb1 5. Kc2 Rb4 {!} 6. c8=Q Rc4+ {!} 7. Qxc4 { = -stalemate!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P5/3K4/1r6/k7/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%15N T2(a2:e3)clRed Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13/ D1D1D1D1D13/D1D1D1D1D13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 1... Rb6+ {%05But with the king at a4, White wins:} 2. Kd5 Rb5+ 3. Kd4 Rb4+ 4. Kd3 {! The most precise.} (4. Kc3 {%05Also possible is} Rb5 {!} 5. Kd4 {%05, and now the only winning move is} (5. c8=Q {? %05not} Rc5+ {= with a draw })) 4... Rb3+ 5. Kd2 {!} (5. Kc2 {? %05again avoiding the same trap:} Rb5 6. c8=Q Rc5+ {=}) 5... Rb2+ 6. Kc1 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1895.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Barbier & Saavedra"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1KP5/3r4/8/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1895.??.??"] 1. c7 {%05The first few moves are obvious:} Rd6+ 2. Kb5 Rd5+ 3. Kb4 Rd4+ 4. Kb3 Rd3+ 5. Kc2 {The game seems to be decided, but here Black finds a clever resource, associated with his kin's position in the corner:} Rd4 {!} 6. c8=R { !! %05 This compromised Barbier's idea, and in the initial version the task was: White to play and Black to draw.^013^010 But when the study was published? Saavedra found for White a worthy reply -} (6. c8=Q {? is met by %05and it transpires that} Rc4+ {!} 7. Qxc4 {= - stalemate}) 6... Ra4 {, the only move, is decisively met by %05Now} 7. Kb3 {!$18 with a double attack - the rook is hanging and mate is threatened at c1. The irony of fate! Black's plan was to exploit the position of his king in the corner to save the game, but it was due to this that he in fact lost it.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3p4/3kpK2/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {~12. ROOK AGAINST TWO PAWNS~ In this ending the material advantage is undoubtedly on the side of the rook, and in the majority of cases the game ends in its favour; however, cases of a draw or a loss are also not uncommon. This is explained by the fact that the result here is completely determined by the placing of the pieces and pawns. The pawns become dangerous if they are close to the queening square and are supported by the king. It is only by the united efforts of king and rook that it is possible to oppose them successfully. But if the necessary coordination between king and rook is lacking, the pawns' chances are sharply improved, and the king is far enough away the pawns can usually be queened. It is sensible to divide these endings into three groups, depending on whether we are dealing with connected, isolated or doubled pawns. ~12.1 CONNECTED PAWNS~ These offer the most danger to the rook, and a successful battle against them requires full coordination of the forces.} 1. Rg1 {%05A basic critical position of this ending. One of the pawns is only a single step away from queening, but White's forces are well coordinated: his rook is controlling the 1st rank, and his king is supporting it and is ready to begin an attack on the pawns.} Kc3 2. Ke3 Kc2 3. Rh1 Kc3 4. Rc1+ {! A familiar procedure. Exploiting the opposition of the kings, the rook drives the king away from the pawns.} Kb2 5. Kd2 $18 {, and White wins. Note that in this situation the rook is best placed on the 1st rank. Had it been at e8, White would have been unable to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/8/8/8/3p4/3kpK2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Re7 Kc2 2. Rd7 (2. Ra7 {? would have proved fatal: after %05The attempt to switch the rook to the 1st rank by} e1=Q+ {!} 3. Kxe1 d2+ $19 {the pawn queens. }) 2... Kd2 3. Re7 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1p6/1kpK4/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {Moving position ~3 ( 1010)~ one file to the left does not change the assessment, but the position with a bishop-knight pawn pair is an exception: Black is saved by the proximity of the side of the board.} 1. Re1 {%05After} Ka3 2. Kc3 Ka2 3. Rf1 {Black unexpectedly replies} c1=Q+ {!} 4. Rxc1 b2 { , and after} 5. Rc2 Ka1 6. Rxb2 {= the game ends in stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/p7/kpK5/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {The position with wing pawns will also be drawn.} 1... b1=Q+ {%05In reply to any waiting move by the rook, Black is forced to play} 2. Rxb1 {= leads only to stalemate. %05but} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5K2/3p4/3kp3/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {In the diagram position it is easy to determine the zone within which the white king manages to attack the d3 pawn. A similar method of defence is possible with the rook at e8.} {In diagram ~3 ( 1010)~ let us now move the white king to f4.} 1. Ke4 {!= %05Since all the same the rook must be given up for the pawn, in order to draw the ending White must be able to attack the rear pawn with his king. This is achieved by} (1. Kf3 {? %05The situation has immediately changed in Black's favour.^013^010 %05Here the king does not manage to reach f2, and so it is^013^010 %05bad to play} e1=Q 2. Rxe1 Kxe1 $19 {, when it is Black who wins.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/8/8/3K4/3p4/3kp3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {It is for this critical position that White should aim, if his king starts off to the rear of the pawns and to the left. But if the king starts off to the right and the opponent's king is on the same side, another critical drawn position is possible. Since the method of defence employed here is universal and does not depend on the files on which the pawns stand, we will consider the position with wing pawns, in which, incidentally, this method is most strikingly revealed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/8/8/8/3K4/p7/1p1k4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1. Rb3 {! %05Black is threatening 1... Kc2 2. Rc8+ Kb3 3. Rb8+ Ka2$19, and wins. White has only one way to parry this threat.} Kc2 2. Rc3+ Kd1 (2... Kb1 3. Rxa3) 3. Rd3+ Ke1 4. Re3+ Kf2 {If the king moves further along the 1st rank, White continues checking with his rook.} 5. Rb3 {!} Ke2 {! otherwise after 6. Kc3 Black even loses} 6. Kc3 Kd1 7. Rxb2 {= Draw. Now, after meeting the basic critical positions of this ending, we can begin a systematic study of it, depending on how far advanced the pawns are. If the pawns are helpless against the combined attack of king and rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1k6/1pp5/8/1KR5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Rh1 {Black has two plans of defence - active and passive. %05For White to win, it is sufficient to activate the rook:} Ka3 (1... Kc4 2. Rh8 Kd4 3. Rb8 Kd3 {!} 4. Kc1 {!} (4. Rxb3 {? %05avoiding the trap} Kd2 {!= with a draw}) 4... Kc4 5. Rb7 {! (in this way White forces the pawns to advance)} b2+ 6. Kc2 Kd4 7. Rc7 $18 {, and the pawns fall.}) 2. Rh4 {This wins immediately:} (2. Rg1 { ? throws away the win, Black being saved by the familiar stalemate: %05But a waiting move with the rook such as} c2+ 3. Kc1 Ka2 4. Rh1 Ka1 {!} 5. Kd2+ Kb2 6. Rg1 Ka2 7. Kc3 c1=Q+ 8. Rxc1 b2 9. Rc2 Ka1 {!= with a draw.}) 2... c2+ { %05after} 3. Kc1 b2+ 4. Kxc2 $18 {Black can resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nielsen"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2r5/2Pk4/1P6/8/2K5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {The stalemate finish, typical of the bishop-knight pawn pair, also arises in the following study.} 1. Kb5 {(threatening 2. b7) %05The white king heads for the pawns:} Rh8 2. Ka6 Kc6 (2... Kc8 {, then %05if} 3. Ka7 Rg8 4. Ka8 {! %04etc.}) 3. Ka7 {!} Rg8 4. c8=Q+ {!} Rxc8 5. b7 Rc7 6. Ka8 Rxb7 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1ppk4/5R2/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. Rf8 {%05Here too if it is White to move he wins by activating his rook:} Kc4 (1... c2+ {%05there is nothing better; both} 2. Kc1 Kc3 3. Rf3+ $18) (1... b2 { %05and} 2. Rd8+ Kc4 3. Kc2 $18 {lose even more quickly}) 2. Kc1 Kd3 3. Rd8+ Kc4 4. Rb8 b2+ 5. Kc2 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1ppk4/5R2/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1... b2 {, when it is White who is in a critical position. The only way to draw is by %05But if it is Black to move he plays} 2. Rd2+ {!} Kc4 3. Rxb2 cxb2 4. Kc2 {= Against pawns which have reached the 6th rank, difficulties arise if the actions of the pieces are insufficiently coordinated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/8/8/5pp1/8/3KR3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {White's pieces are not particularly well placed, the rook being in the way of his king. Nevertheless, by exploiting the remoteness of the enemy king, White manages to coordinate his pieces.} 1. Kd2 f2 2. Rd1 {! Only in this way, by threatening a discovered check, is White able to gain a precious tempo and approach the pawns with his king.} Ke5 (2... g2 3. Ke2+ {and 4. Kf2$18}) 3. Ke3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k4/8/5pp1/8/3KR3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {Let us move the black king one step nearer to the pawns.} 1. Rf1 {! %05The way to draw involves sacrificing the rook:} (1. Kd2 {? even loses to %05This slight change in the position changes its %05assessment: White can no longer manage to coordinate %05his forces. Here} Kd4 {!} 2. Rd1 {%05, e.g.} g2 3. Ke1+ Ke3 $19 {%04etc.}) 1... g2 (1... Ke4 {, then %05if} 2. Ke1 Ke3 3. Rxf3+ Kxf3 4. Kf1 {=}) 2. Ke1 {!} Ke4 3. Kf2 gxf1=Q+ 4. Kxf1 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7K/2k5/3pp3/8/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {Thanks to the mobility of his rook, White gains a draw in the following study. } 1. Kg4 {%05The king hurries to oppose the pawns:} e2 (1... d2 {, then %05If} 2. Kf3 Kd3 3. Ra1 {!} e2 4. Ra3+ Kc2 5. Ra2+ Kc1 6. Ra1+ Kb2 7. Kxe2 {= , with a draw.}) 2. Rc1+ Kd4 (2... Kb3 {can be met by} 3. Kf3 d2 4. Rb1+ Kc2 5. Kxe2 { =}) (2... Kd5 {, then %05while if} 3. Kf3 d2 4. Rc5+ {! =}) 3. Kf3 d2 4. Rc4+ { !} Kd3 5. Rd4+ {!} (5. Rc3+ {?} Kxc3 6. Kxe2 Kc2 $19) 5... Kxd4 6. Kxe2 Kc3 7. Kd1 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6K1/1k6/2pp4/8/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {It is easy to show that, if the position is moved one file to the left, the pawns prove stronger than the rook, since its mobility will be restricted: White has insufficient space to attack from the side.} 1. Kf4 {%05After} c2 { ! %05Correct is} (1... d2 {due to %05Black fails to win by} 2. Rb1+ {, with the same repeated rook sacrifices as in the previous example.}) 2. Ke3 Kc3 3. Ra1 d2 4. Ra3+ Kb2 $19 {, when Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1912.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/8/8/5K2/8/1pp1k3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1912.??.??"] {The rook alone is not capable of stopping pawns which have reached the 6th rank, so if the king is unable to support the rook the battle usually ends to support the rook the battle usually ends in favour of the pawns.} 1... b2 { ! The only move! %05Black's king is not needed here to help the pawns; rather it is more of a hindrance to them.} (1... c2 {? %05After} 2. Rxb3+ Kd4 (2... Kd2 3. Rb2 {=}) 3. Rb4+ Kd5 4. Rb8 {! White exploits the position of the opponent's king to save the draw. Black has to reply} Kd4 {=} (4... c1=Q { ? even loses to %05since} 5. Rd8+ {and 6. Rc8$18}) (4... Kc4 {= %05or})) 2. Ke5 {!} Kf3 {! White was again trying to take advantage of the black king's position.} (2... c2 {? there would have followed %05On} 3. Rb3+ Kd2 4. Rxb2 {=} ) (2... Kd3 {%05while if} 3. Kd5 Kc2 4. Kc4 {= White draws by attacking the rear pawn.}) 3. Kf5 Ke2 {!} 4. Ke4 Kd1 5. Kd3 c2 6. Rh8 c1=N+ {and 7... b1Q$19} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/8/8/6K1/8/2pp1k2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {This position is obtained by moving the previous position one file to the right. It turns out that here White has a possibility of saving the game.} 1... c2 {! %05At first the play proceeds as before:} 2. Kf5 {!} Kg3 3. Rc3 {!} (3. Kg5 {? Black intends to reply %05On} Kf2 $19 {winning, but White has available a strong continuation.}) 3... Kf2 {%05Therefore Black must play} (3... Kh4 { ? even loses after %05In the previous example Black had sufficient space to the right for the movement of his %05king, and against the analogous rook manoeuvre 3. Rb3 he would have won by 3... Kg4. %05But here} 4. Kf4 {In view of the opponent's threat to stop the pawns by 5. Ke3, Black would have had to advance them, when} d2 5. Rxc2 d1=Q 6. Rh2# {%05allows mate by}) 4. Ke4 Ke2 5. Kd4 {= , and the game ends in a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Der Lasa Thassilo (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5R2/4K1k1/pp6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {The threat of creating a mating net is a typical saving procedure in many similar positions, where the opponent's king can be driven to the edge of the board.} 1. Rf1 {! %05Black threatens 1... b2 2. Rb5 a2 3. R:b2 a1Q, so White immediately begins an attack by} (1. Rf8 {? %05With this aim it would be bad to play} b2 2. Rg8+ Kh5 $19 {, when due to 3... b1Q+ the f5 square is inaccessible to the king.}) 1... b2 2. Rg1+ Kh5 3. Kf5 Kh4 4. Kf4 Kh3 5. Kf3 Kh4 {! This caution is essential.} (5... Kh2 {?? is met by} 6. Rb1 {!$18 , when Black has to resign.}) 6. Kf4 Kh3 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/8/8/3K4/1k6/5pp1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {How can a mating net be created here?} 1. Rc4+ {!} (1. Rb8+ {? , then %05If} Kc3 2. Rg8 g2 3. Kc5 Kd2 {!} (3... f2 4. Rg3+ {! =}) 4. Kd4 Ke1 5. Ke3 f2 6. Ra8 f1=N+ $19) (1. Kd4 {? %05Also bad is} f2 2. Rb8+ Ka4 {, since} 3. Kc4 { is not possible due to} f1=Q+ $19) 1... Kb3 (1... Kb5 {, then %05If} 2. Rc1 { !! , switching the rook to the 1st rank with gain of tempo and threatening 3. Ke4.} f2 {%05After} (2... g2 {%05or}) 3. Rb1+ {= a situation from the previous example arises.}) 2. Rf4 {!} f2 3. Kc5 {!! A difficult move to find. From this square the king can take part in play on two fronts.} g2 (3... Kc3 {, then %05If now} 4. Rf3+ Kd2 5. Kd4 {!= , and we reach a well-known drawn position~3 ($401016)~.}) 4. Rf3+ Ka4 {!} 5. Rf4+ Ka5 6. Rf3 {!} (6. Rxf2 {? %05of course, not} g1=Q $19 {, when the rook is pinned}) 6... Ka6 7. Kc6 Ka7 8. Rf7+ { ! The only move.} (8. Kc7 {? %05Bad is} f1=Q 9. Ra3+ Qa6 $19) (8. Ra3+ {? %05or } Kb8 9. Rb3+ Kc8 10. Ra3 Kd8 $19 {%04etc.}) 8... Kb8 (8... Ka6 {? %05it was not yet too late to go wrong:} 9. Rxf2 $18) 9. Rf8+ Ka7 10. Rf7+ {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/PP6/8/8/4k3/5r2/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {The following position is even more startling. In spite of the fact that it is White to move, he cannot win, since his king is dangerously placed.} 1. b7 { %05There are two possible continuations:} (1. a7 Ra2 {!} 2. Kd1 Kd3 3. Kc1 Kc3 4. Kb1 Ra6 {!} 5. b7 Rb6+ 6. Kc1 Rh6 {!} 7. Kd1 Kd3 8. Ke1 Ke3 9. Kf1 Kf3 10. Kg1 Rg6+ {!} 11. Kf1 Rh6 {=}) 1... Rh2 {! Only this move draws.} (1... Rb2 { ? %05Bad is} 2. Kd1 {!} Kd3 3. Kc1 Kc3 4. a7 Rh2 (4... Ra2 5. b8=Q Ra1+ 6. Qb1 $18) 5. Kd1 Kd3 6. Ke1 Ke3 7. Kf1 Kf3 8. Kg1 $18 {, and wins.}) 2. Kf1 Kf3 3. Kg1 Rg2+ 4. Kh1 Rg8 {!} 5. a7 {= ~3($401030)~ Here too both pawns have reached the penultimate rank, but they cannot go any further.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/PP6/8/8/8/5k2/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {With colours reversed, a position from a well-known study by Moravec (1924) has been reached. In spite of the fact that both pawns are on the threshold of queening, White cannot win, since the opponent creates a "perpetual" threat of mate.} 1... Rh8+ 2. Kg1 Rg8+ 3. Kf1 Rh8 4. Ke1 Ke3 5. Kd1 Kd3 6. Kc1 Kc3 7. Kb1 Rh1+ {!} 8. Ka2 Rh2+ 9. Ka3 Rh1 10. Ka4 Kc4 11. Ka5 Kc5 {= , and the white king has nothing better than to retrace its steps. In spite of his threatening pawn pair, White cannot avoid the draw. The idea of this method of defence, based on "perpetual pursuit", was pointed out by Kling and Horwitz back in 1851.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5K2/8/pp6/7k/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {In this example the black king moves off the rook's file, but White is able to exploit the fact that it ends up on the same rank as the leading pawn.} 1. Kf4 Kg2 (1... b2 2. Rb1) (1... a2 {%05or} 2. Ra1 {comes to the same thing}) 2. Rb1 {! Accurately played!} (2. Ra1 {? %05Salvioli correctly reckoned that other moves would %05lose, e.g.} b2 3. Rb1 Kf2 4. Ke4 Ke2 5. Kd4 Kd2 6. Kc4 Kc2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 2... a2 (2... b2 {, after %05If instead Black replies} 3. Ke3 Kg3 4. Rg1+ Kh2 5. Rb1 Kg2 {?} 6. Kd3 Kf3 7. Kc2 {= the white king arrives in time.}) 3. Ra1 Kf2 4. Ke4 Ke2 (4... Kg3 {is met by %05Black cannot break away from the 2nd rank, since} 5. Rg1+ Kh3 6. Kf3 {! , when White switches to the familiar method of "perpetual pursuit".}) 5. Kd4 Kd2 6. Kc4 Kc2 7. Kb4 Kb2 8. Rh1 a1=Q 9. Rxa1 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Shapiro"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3R4/2K5/6pp/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {In a number of cases, even with pawns on the 6th rank, a poor king position on the edge of the board may become the cause of defeat.} 1. Rd2+ Kb1 2. Kc3 {! } Kc1 {There is nothing better.} (2... h2 {is met by %05Thus} 3. Rd1+ Ka2 { followed by} 4. Rh1 $18) (2... g2 {%05or} 3. Rd1+ Ka2 {%04or} 4. Rg1 $18 { respectively, creating the already familiar zugzwang position.}) 3. Ra2 Kd1 4. Kd3 Kc1 (4... Ke1 5. Ke3 Kd1 6. Kf3 g2 7. Kf2 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Ke3 h2 6. Ra1+ Kb2 7. Rh1 $18 {and 8. Kf3, winning. !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4R3/8/5K2/2p4k/3p4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] 1. Re3+ {!} (1. Rd6 {?} c2 2. Rd3+ Kh4 3. Rxd2 c1=Q $19 {, when the rook is pinned.}) 1... Kh4 (1... Kg2 2. Rd3 Kf2 3. Ke4 Ke1 4. Re3+ Kf2 5. Rd3 {=}) 2. Re8 Kh5 (2... Kh3 3. Re3+ Kg2 4. Rd3 Kf2 5. Rf3+ {=}) (2... d1=Q 3. Rh8+ Qh5 4. Rxh5+ Kxh5 5. Ke3 {=}) 3. Rd8 c2 4. Kf5 Kh6 5. Kf6 Kh7 6. Rd7+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kaznelson V & L"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4R3/4K3/8/2pp3k/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] 1. Rc6 {!} (1. Kf4 {? would be a mistake due to %05The immediate} d2 {~3 ($411033)~.}) 1... c2 2. Kf4 d2 3. Rc3+ {!} Kh4 4. Rxc2 d1=Q 5. Rh2# {mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1862.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Harrwitz Daniel (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/7k/5K2/8/p7/8/1p6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1862.??.??"] {Thanks to mating threats, White also wins in the following two examples, despite the fact that one of the pawns is on the threshold of queening.} 1. Rc7+ {%05First the opponent's king must be forced to occupy the corner square.} Kg8 (1... Kh6 {%05After} 2. Rc2 {!$18 the b-pawn is immediately lost.}) (1... Kh8 {%05Worse is} 2. Rb7 a3 3. Kg6 $18 {, when there is no defence against mate.}) 2. Rg7+ {!} Kh8 (2... Kf8 3. Rb7 $18) 3. Rb7 a3 4. Kg6 $18 {, and mate is inevitable.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4K3/3R4/8/p7/8/1p6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] 1. Rg6+ Kh8 {The most tenacious.} (1... Kh7 {White has a straightforward win: %05After} 2. Rb6 a3 3. Kf7 a2 4. Rxb2 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Rb6 {!} (2. Kf7 { ?? %05it was even possible to lose:} b1=Q 3. Rh6+ Qh7+ $19) 2... a3 3. Kf8 { ! In this way White avoids the zugzwang position arising} (3. Kf7 {? %05after} Kh7 {, when White himself is forced to break up the mating net: after} 4. Rb8 Kh6 5. Kf6 Kh7 {= the game ends in a draw.}) 3... Kh7 4. Kf7 {(now it is Black who is in zugzwang)} a2 5. Rxb2 a1=Q 6. Rh2# {mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sozin Veniamin I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K1k5/R7/8/5p2/6p1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {If only one of the pawns has reached the 6th rank, and both kings are at some distance from the pawns, the rook can normally halt their advance, and the result depends mainly on how effectively the king support its pawns.} 1. Rg6 { ! %05If it is Black to move, the pawns advance irrepressibly. But if it is White to move, the rook first stops the pawns and then wins one of them, after which a familiar position is reached with the opponent's king cut off from the pawn.} Kd7 2. Rg4 g2 {! The most tenacious.} (2... Ke6 {%05After} 3. Rxf4 Ke5 4. Rg4 $18 {White also wins the second pawn.}) 3. Rxg2 Ke6 4. Rg5 {!} Kf6 5. Rc5 $18 {%04etc. ! But if in the initial position the black king is one square closer to the pawns, White can no longer win, since the king succeeds in supporting the remaining pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rabinovich Ilya L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K2k4/R7/8/5p2/6p1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Rg6 Ke7 2. Kb6 Kf7 3. Rg4 Kf6 4. Rxf4+ (4. Kc5 {? , after %05Had White not forced a draw by taking the f-pawn, but had played} Kf5 5. Rg8 Ke4 {! ~3 ($411039)~, he would now have had to find a way to draw.^013^010 The problem is to break through with his king to the^013^010 f-pawn.}) 4... Kg5 {= , and the draw is obvious.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/8/2K5/4kp2/6p1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kc4 {%05There are two ways to achieve this, one being a by-pass:} (1. Kd6 { ! %05But the direct path is even simpler:} Kf3 2. Ke5 {= %04etc.}) 1... Kf3 ( 1... f3 2. Rg4+ {!= immediately forces a draw}) 2. Kd4 Kf2 (2... Kg2 {, then %05If} 3. Ke4 f3 4. Kf4 f2 5. Rxg3+ {=}) (2... g2 {%05or} 3. Ke5 {= with a draw.}) 3. Ke4 f3 4. Rf8 (4. Kf4 {%05As we know, White could also have managed without winning the pawn.} g2 5. Ke4 {= etc. was also sufficient to draw.}) 4... g2 5. Rxf3+ {= This example shows once again how the roles in such endings should be distributed between king and rook. The rook controls from the rear the queening square of the leading pawn, while the king attacks the rear pawn. But it must be carefully watched that the opponent does not destroy this coordination.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5KP1/5P2/8/2k4r/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... Rf3 {! The important thing in this position is not allow the changing of the pawns' roles. If White plays %05Black achieves his aim by the subtle} (1... Kd4 {? %05To ensure a draw Black must move his rook to the g-file^013^010 %05and attack the f-pawn with his king. With this aim 1...^013^010 %05Kd4 or 1. .. Rg3 suggests itself, but it turns out that^013^010 %05both these continuations lose, since White succeeds in^013^010 %05changing the roles of the pawns, transforming the rear^013^010 %05pawn into the leading one. For example:} 2. Kg7 {!} Ke5 3. f6 Ke6 4. f7 $18) 2. g7 (2. Ke5 {is met by %05while } Rg3 {!} 3. f6 Rg5+ {!= , again with a draw.}) 2... Rg3 {%05, then} 3. Kf7 Kd4 4. f6 Ke5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/8/2k5/p4K2/1p6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {The following example demonstrates how the battle of the king proceeds in this ending.} 1. Ke5 {! White has a stronger defence. By standing in^013^010 opposition, he approaches the pawns and prepares to push aside the opponent's king by checking. In this way^013^010 White acquires chances of saving the game, e.g.} (1. Rb8 {%04with %05The composer's idea was that Black meets} Kd4 { ! , approaching the pawns and simultaneously not allowing the opponent's king across to them. Since after} 2. Rb4+ (2. Kf3 {, but after %05White has to play} Kc3 3. Ke3 b2 4. Rc8+ Kb3 5. Rb8+ Ka2 $19 {Black wins.} 6. Z0) 2... Kc3 3. Rxa4 b2 $19 {the pawn cannot be stopped}) 1... a3 {! %05But Black manages to overcome his opponent's resistance by} (1... b2 {?} 2. Rc8+ Kb4 3. Kd4 {!} Kb3 4. Rb8+ Kc2 (4... Ka2 5. Kc3 b1=Q 6. Rxb1 Kxb1 7. Kb4 {=}) 5. Rc8+ Kd2 (5... Kb1 6. Ra8 {=}) (5... Kd1 {, then %05and if} 6. Rb8 a3 7. Kc3 Kc1 8. Rh8 {=}) 6. Rb8 a3 7. Rb3 {!= with a theoretical draw ~3($401016)~}) (1... Kc4 {? %05or} 2. Rh4+ {!} Kc3 {!} (2... Kb5 {?} 3. Kd4 b2 4. Rh8 a3 5. Rb8+ Kc6 6. Kc3 Kc7 7. Rb3 Kd6 8. Kc2 $18) (2... Kc5 3. Rxa4 b2 4. Ra8 Kc4 {=}) 3. Rxa4 {!} b2 4. Ra3+ Kc4 5. Ra4+ Kc5 6. Ra8 {! =}) 2. Rc8+ Kb5 {! , e.g.} 3. Kd5 a2 4. Rb8+ Ka6 {!} 5. Kc6 Ka7 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3r4/5P2/6P1/2k1K3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {In order to draw, Black has to exploit all the possibilities of a mobile rook. } 1... Rd4+ {! This at first sight incomprehensible check is the only way of saving the game. The point of it will become clear later:} (1... Rd1 {%05For a successful defence the rook must be transferred %05to the rear of the leading pawn, and the rear pawn %05attacked with the king. But after direct} 2. g6 {!} Re1+ 3. Kf4 {!} Kd5 (3... Rf1+ {%05and no better is} 4. Ke5 Re1+ 5. Kd6 Rg1 6. g7 {~3($401025)~}) 4. g7 Rf1+ 5. Ke3 $18 {a pawn queens}) 2. Ke5 (2. Kf5 Kd5 {! } 3. f7 (3. g6 {, after %05Had White played} Rd1 4. g7 {the opposition of the kings would have enabled Black to carry out the necessary distribution of roles:} Rf1+ 5. Kg6 Rg1+ 6. Kf7 Ke5 {= with a draw}) 3... Rd1 {! Thanks to the rook check, Black has managed to seize the important d5 square and approach the pawns, and now, exploiting the fact that the white king is on the same file as the leading pawn, he can improve the position of his rook.} 4. Kf6 Rf1+ 5. Ke7 Re1+ 6. Kd7 Rf1 7. g6 Rf6 {!=}) (2. Kf3 {%05if} Rd3+ 3. Ke2 {? even loses after} Rd8 4. g6 Kd5 $19) 2... Rd5+ 3. Ke6 Rxg5 4. f7 Rg6+ {!} 5. Ke5 Rg5+ 6. Ke4 Rg1 {!= , saving the draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r5/5P2/8/6P1/8/k6K/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {This example summarizes the various ways of battling against passed pawns.} 1... Rc1 {The standard procedure - switching the rook to the rear of the leading pawn. %05There are three different ways of proceeding:} (1... Rc3 { ! This is the simplest way to draw, the participation of the black king being altogether unnecessary. %05In view of the fact that, for the moment the white king itself is at some distance from the pawns, Black has a more effective manoeuvre - switching the rook to the rear of the leading pawn and simultaneously cutting off the opponent's king from the pawns:} 2. g5 Rf3 3. Kg2 Rf5 4. Kg3 Rxg5+ {= with a draw.}) (1... Rf7 {%05Finally, yet another way of halting the pawns is possible - attack from the front:} 2. g5 Kb3 3. Kg3 Kc4 4. Kf4 Kd5 5. Kf5 {The attack from the front has enabled the pawns to be stopped, but now that they are again ready to advance the rook must be switched to the rear of the pawns.} Ra7 {!} 6. g6 Ra1 7. g7 Rf1+ 8. Kg6 Rg1+ 9. Kf7 Ke5 {= , and the required position is achieved.}) 2. g5 (2. Kg2 {to prevent the switching of the rook, he loses one of his pawns after %05If White tries by} Rc6 {!} 3. g5 Rc5) 2... Rf1 {!} 3. Kh3 Kb3 4. Kh4 Kc4 5. g6 {!} (5. Kh5 {= , with a draw (~5Nalimov tablebases~) %05or}) 5... Rxf6 6. Kg5 {= with a draw. In this last example White's king was badly placed and was unable to prevent either the switching of the rook to the rear of the pawns, or the approach of the black king. We will now consider an example where the white king is more actively placed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1r6/4P3/8/5P2/8/k2K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] 1... Kb3 {! %05The draw is saved by the immediate approach of the king:} (1... Rb2+ {? %05Here the switching of the rook to the rear of the pawns^013^010 %05requires too much time:} 2. Kd3 Rb1 3. f5 Re1 4. Kc4 {!} Ka3 5. Kd5 Kb4 6. Kd6 {!} (6. f6 {?} Rd1+ 7. Kc6 Rf1 8. f7 Kc4 9. Kd6 Kd4 10. Ke7 Ke5 {= draw (~5Nalimov tablebases)~.}) 6... Rd1+ 7. Ke7 Kc5 8. f6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Kd3 (2. f5 {, then %05Black's play is based on a familiar procedure. If} Rb5 {!} 3. e7 Rd5+ 4. Kc1 Rc5+ {! , and the white king has to return, since} 5. Kb1 {?} (5. Kd1 Rd5+ 6. Kc1 Rc5+ 7. Kd1 Rd5+ 8. Kc1 {[%eval 0,0]}) (5. Kd2 {=}) 5... Re5 $19 {%05loses to}) 2... Kb4 {Note that Black's king has entered the "square" of the rear pawn - usually a sure sign that the pawns can be stopped.} 3. Kd4 Rc7 {!} 4. Kd5 (4. f5 {%05The time has come to activate the rook. Had White played} Rc4+ {! would have led to a draw, as already considered in the^013^010 analysis of example ~3($411042)~. %05(instead of 4. Kd5), then}) 4... Rc1 5. e7 (5. f5 {there would have followed %05on} Rc5+ {~3($411042)~}) 5... Rd1+ 6. Ke6 Re1+ 7. Kf7 (7. Kd7 {%05Or} Kc5 8. f5 (8. e8=Q {%05while after } Rxe8 9. Kxe8 Kd5 {= the f-pawn is lost.}) 8... Rd1+ 9. Kc7 Re1 10. f6 Re6 { != with a draw ~3 ($411016)~.}) 7... Kc5 8. f5 Kd6 9. f6 Kd7 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/8/5P2/6P1/8/k7/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {And now two further examples where the draw is achieved in a study-like way. Compared with the previous example, the placing of the kings has changed in favour of Black. Nevertheless, here too White succeeds in gaining a draw.} 1. Kd2 {%05For the moment the pawns are halted, and a race between the kings commences:} Kb4 2. Ke3 Kc5 3. Kf4 Kd6 4. g6 {!! Only in this way, by sacrificing a pawn, forcing the rook to move to f6 and thus allowing an important tempo to be gained, can White save the game.} (4. Kf5 {, then %05Now White is faced with a difficult choice. If, for %05example,} Ra8 5. Kg6 (5. g6 Ra5+ 6. Kg4 Ke6 $19 {and wins}) 5... Ke6 6. Kg7 Ra7+ 7. Kg8 Rb7 8. Kf8 Kf5 {!} 9. Kg8 Kg6 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 4... Rxf6+ (4... Ke6 {%05no better is} 5. Kg5 {!} Ra8 6. f7 {= , and we obtain example ~3($401018)~, where White draws by stalemate}) 5. Kg5 Ke7 (5... Rf1 {%05If} 6. g7 Rg1+ (6... Ke7 7. g8=N+ {! =} ) 7. Kf6 {= %04etc. %05, then}) 6. g7 Kf7 7. g8=Q+ Kxg8 8. Kxf6 {= Draw. It should be noted that a draw proved possible here only in view of the bishop-knight pawn pair. And there is another important circumstance: had Black's king been at a4 in the initial position, he would have been able to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/8/5P2/6P1/k7/8/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1. Kd2 Kb5 2. Ke3 Kc6 3. Kf4 Kd7 4. g6 {, due to %05White no longer saves the game by} Rxf6+ 5. Kg5 Rf1 6. g7 Rg1+ 7. Kf6 Ke8 {!$19 , when Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bron Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/7K/8/6p1/2R2p2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. Rc8+ {! %05 The deadly 1... f2 is threatened, and at first sight it is not clear how White can coordinate his forces in the battle against the pawns.} Ke7 {! (the rook must not be allowed to go to f8)} 2. Rc7+ Ke6 3. Rc6+ Ke5 (3... Kd5 {%05if} 4. Rf6 Ke4 5. Kg5 g3 6. Rf4+ Ke3 7. Kg4 {= with a draw}) 4. Rc5+ Ke4 5. Rc4+ {!} (5. Rg5 {? %05Bad is} Kf4 6. Kh5 f2 7. Rxg4+ Ke5 $19 {, when Black wins by descending with his king to f8.}) 5... Ke3 6. Rxg4 f2 7. Rg3+ Ke4 8. Rg4+ Ke5 9. Rg5+ Ke6 10. Rg6+ Ke7 11. Rg7+ Kf8 12. Rg5 f1=Q 13. Rf5+ Qxf5 { = - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Schmidt Paul F (EST)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/PK6/1P6/8/r7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {If the king cannot manage to support the rook in its battle with the pawns, they will normally force a queen.} 1. Ka7 {!} (1. a7 {?} Kd7 2. Kb7 Kd6 3. b6 ( 3. a8=Q Rxa8 4. Kxa8 Kc5 {=}) 3... Kc5 {= , and a drawn position is achieved.}) 1... Kd7 (1... Rb3 2. b6 Kd7 3. Kb7 {etc. comes to the same thing}) 2. b6 Rb3 3. Kb7 {! The only way to win - White changes the roles of his pawns! Now there is no way that the black king can support the rook.} Ra3 4. a7 Kd6 5. a8=Q $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/PK6/1P6/8/r7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {But if Black's king is at e7, he is able to coordinate his forces.} 1. Ka7 { the simplest is %05In reply to} Rb3 (1... Kd6 {%05But, of course, a transportation of moves is also possible:} 2. b6 Rb3 {= %04etc.}) 2. b6 Kd6 3. Kb7 {there follows} Kc5 4. a7 Rxb6+ {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2p5/3pR3/K7/7k b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {The awkward position of White's rook prevents him from saving the draw in the next example.} 1... d2 2. Rc3 {!! a clever try} Kg1 {, and now White has three possibilities:} (2... d1=Q {? %05if now} 3. Rc1 {!} Qxc1 {= - stalemate}) 3. Kb2 (3. Kb1 Kf2 {!} 4. Rc2 Ke3 5. Rc3+ Ke2 6. Rc2 Kd3 $19) (3. Rc2 c3 {!} 4. Kb1 d1=Q+ 5. Rc1 c2+ $19 {, and then as in the first variation.}) 3... d1=Q 4. Rc1 c3+ {!} 5. Kb1 c2+ 6. Kb2 Kf2 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Schultz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/3R3K/1pp5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {If the pawns are still only on the 5th rank, the chances of the side with the rook are naturally improved. In the following position White's king is a long way from the pawns. Nevertheless, thanks to the good position of the rook, the king manages to come to its aid.} 1. Rc5 {!} (1. Rb5 {? throws away the win due to %05The rook is attacked, and three possible moves come %05into consideration - to b5, c5 and d4. But} c3 {!} 2. Rxb4 Kd5 {=}) (1. Rd4 {?} c3 { != has the same result.}) 1... c3 2. Kg4 {!} Kd6 3. Rc8 {!} (3. Rc4 {? %05of course, not} Kd5 4. Rc8 Ke4 {= , when White can no longer win}) 3... Kd5 4. Kf3 Kd4 5. Ke2 b3 6. Rb8 (6. Kd1 $18 {%05, and here the simplest is not the composer's}) 6... Kc4 {%04but} 7. Kd1 $18 {%04etc.} Z0 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4K2R/1pp5/3k4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {Even if the pawns are supported by their king, and the other king is to the rear of the pawns, the side with the rook may be able to win.} 1. Rh3+ { %05First the opponent's king must be pushed back:} Kc2 2. Kd4 c3 3. Rh2+ (3. Kc4 {%05not ?} Kb2 {! , when White can no longer win}) 3... Kb3 {%05and the rest is already familiar:} (3... Kb1 4. Kd3 Kc1 5. Kc4 {!} Kb1 6. Kb3 $18 { , and White wins.}) 4. Kd3 Ka3 5. Kc2 $18 {%04etc. But if the position is moved one file to the left, this changes the assessment.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1856.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tassinari"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3K2R1/pp6/2k5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1856.??.??"] {Horwitz and Kling gave this position in their book (1851) as an example of a win for White, but later Tassinari showed that this was not so.} 1. Rg3+ Kb2 {! } (1... Kc2 {? ,which loses to %05Horwitz and Kling considered only} 2. Kc4 b3 3. Rg2+ Kc1 4. Kc3 Kb1 5. Rh2 Ka1 6. Rh4 {!} b2 7. Rxa4+ Kb1 8. Rb4 Ka1 9. Kc2 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kc4 b3 3. Rg2+ Ka3 {!} 4. Kc3 b2 5. Kc2 Ka2 6. Rg1 a3 7. Rh1 b1=Q+ 8. Rxb1 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6K1/8/7k/pp6/6R1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {This position was published by Urusov, who thought that the game would end in a draw But Maizelis showed hat, thanks to the unfortunate position of the opponent's king, White can win with his rook alone:} 1. Rd3 {!} (1. Kf6 { %05Urusov thought that after} b3 {the game would end in a draw.} 2. Rg5+ { %05However, it is possible to play} Kh4 3. Ra5 $18 {%04etc.}) 1... b3 2. Rd5+ Kg4 3. Rd4+ Kf3 4. Rxa4 Ke2 5. Rb4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6K1/8/7k/pp6/6R1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {All this was considered in example ~3 ( 1027)~.} 1... b3 {%05Urusov thought that, if it was Black to move, he could win, but this is also not so, e.g.} 2. Kf6 b2 3. Rg1 a3 4. Kf5 Kh4 5. Kf4 Kh3 6. Kf3 {, and Black has to retrace his steps} Kh4 {=} (6... Kh2 {? even loses to %05since} 7. Rb1 $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/8/8/1pp5/3k4/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {Against pawns on the 5th rank, even if the opponent's king is a long way to the rear of the pawns, there various saving possibilities It is hard to believe that White can stop the pawns, wouldn't you agree? His king is such a long way away. His initial rook manoeuvres look like a prelude to resignation. } 1. Rg3+ Kc2 {The attempt to avoid the checks by moving the king via to a4 is pointless: White moves his rook to c5 and then brings up his king to b5.} 2. Rg4 {!} Kc3 3. Rg3+ Kb2 4. Rg4 {!} Kb3 5. Kd7 {!} c3 6. Kc6 c2 7. Kb5 c1=Q 8. Rxb4+ {= An unexpected finish: the black king cannot cross the c-file, and White gives perpetual check. We will see on the several further occasions that, for a successful attack from the side, the rook and the opponent's king must be separated by at least two files.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/8/8/1pp5/8/1k6/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {The following position differs only insignificantly from example ~3( 1056)~, but the character of the play in it is completely different.} 1. Kd7 {%05White must immediately bring his king into play:} (1. Rf4 {? %05Here the rook is a step closer to the opponent's pawns,^013^010 %05and so the plan of attack employed in the previous^013^010 %05example, e.g.} Kc3 2. Rf3+ Kd4 3. Rf4+ Kd3 4. Rf3+ Ke4 $19 {, and Black gains a decisive tempo for the advance of his pawns.}) 1... c3 2. Kc6 c2 {!} 3. Kb5 Kc3 {!} (3... b3 {, then %05If} 4. Kb4 { = with a draw, so Black clears the way for his b-pawn.}) 4. Ka4 {!} (4. Rf3+ { ? %05Now White loses after} Kd4 {!} 5. Rf1 b3 $19 {, but he still has something in reserve.}) 4... b3 5. Ka3 b2 6. Rf3+ Kd2 7. Rf2+ Kd1 8. Rf1+ Ke2 9. Kxb2 Kxf1 10. Kxc2 {= Draw. Let us now move the rook a further file to the left.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Runquist"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/8/8/1pp5/8/1k6/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {The poor position of White's rook is the cause of his defeat.} 1. Kd7 c3 2. Kc6 c2 3. Kb5 Kc3 {!} 4. Ka4 b3 5. Ka3 b2 6. Ka2 (6. Re3+ Kd2 {, so White tries his last chance %05does not help due to}) 6... c1=Q 7. Rxc1+ bxc1=R { !$19 %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/8/8/7P/5KP1/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {If the pawns are not far advanced, and only one of them has crossed the demarcation line, attacking them from the front may also prove effective. Despite the fact that the black king is as far away from the pawns as is possible, it succeeds in entering in time the "square" of the rear pawn. This is due to the fact that White requires time to set his pawns in motion.} 1. Kg5 Kb2 2. Kh4 (2. Kf6 {, then %05if} Kc3 3. Kg7 Ra8 4. h6 Kd4 5. g5 Ke5 6. g6 Kf5 7. h7 Kg5 {= %04etc.}) 2... Kc3 3. g5 Kd4 4. g6 Ke5 {! Black has fulfilled his task - his king is inside the "square" of the rear pawn. It only remains for him to switch his rook to the rear of the pawns.} 5. Kg5 Rf8 {!} 6. g7 Rf1 {!} 7. Kg6 Rg1+ 8. Kf7 Rf1+ 9. Ke7 Rg1 10. h6 Rg6 {!= The rest is already familiar. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5rP1/5P2/6K1/8/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {The following position is of great theoretical significance: it shows how a draw can sometimes be gained under the most unfavourable conditions (king to the rear, rook badly placed).} 1. Kg4 Ra5 {! Any rook move between a5 and c5 leads to a draw. Now White has two plans: he can advance either his f-pawn or his g-pawn.} 2. f5 (2. g6 Kg2 3. f5 (3. g7 {, then %05If} Ra3 4. Kh5 Rg3 5. Kh6 Kf3 6. f5 Kf4 7. f6 Kf5 {, and White has to play} 8. g8=Q {=} (8. f7 {? is met by %05since} Rh3# {mate!})) 3... Ra4+ 4. Kh5 (4. Kg5 {Black draws more simply: %05after} Kg3 5. f6 Ra5+ 6. Kh6 Rf5 7. Kg7 Kg4 8. f7 Kg5 {=}) 4... Kg3 5. g7 Rh4+ {!} 6. Kg6 Rg4+ {!} 7. Kh7 Rh4+ {!} 8. Kg8 Rf4 {!} 9. Kh7 Rh4+ 10. Kg6 Rg4+ 11. Kf7 Kf4 {= Draw.}) 2... Ra4+ 3. Kg3 (3. Kh5 {after which he immediately switches his rook to the rear of the pawns by %05Black's problem is simplified by} Rf4 {! , with the possible sequel} 4. Kg6 Kg2 5. f6 Kg3 6. Kf7 Kg4 7. g6 Kg5 {= , and the king arrives in time.}) 3... Ra5 4. Kf4 Ra4+ 5. Ke5 Rg4 {!} 6. Kf6 Kf2 7. g6 Kf3 8. Kg7 Kf4 9. f6 Kf5 {= , and again the king reaches the right place. In this example Black employed the so-called combined method of defence, based on the great mobility of his rook. First the opponent's king was pushed away by checks from the side, to clear a way for its own king to the pawns. When this was achieved, the rook was switched to the rear of the leading pawn. The combined method succeeds only if the connected pawns are on the rook's and knight's and bishop's files.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4rP2/4P3/5K2/8/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {If position ~3( 1060)~ is moved one file to the left, Black can no longer save the draw.} 1. Kf4 Ra5 2. f6 Kf2 3. e5 {!} (3. f7 {? %05As in the previous example, only a draw results from} Ra3 4. Kf5 Rf3+ 5. Kg6 Rg3+ 6. Kf6 Rf3+ 7. Ke7 Ke3 8. e5 Ke4 9. e6 Ke5 {= %04etc.}) 3... Ra4+ 4. Kg5 Kf3 (4... Kg3 { %05 In might seem that, by playing his king to g3 on the 4th move, Black can draw, since he can check with his rook at h4. But this is not so: at g3 the king is further away from the e-pawn, a factor which White can exploit, e.g.} 5. f7 Rg4+ 6. Kf6 {!} Rf4+ 7. Ke7 Kg4 8. e6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 5. f7 {!} (5. e6 {%00@^?7.e7 Kg4 (! f7 Re6+ != with a draw.}) 5... Rg4+ 6. Kh5 {! There was no such move in the previous example. Now the pawns cannot be stopped, since} Rf4 7. e6 {and 8. e7$18 %05is decisively met by} * [Event "Gorky (Russia)"] [Site "Gorky (Russia)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zhudro"] [Black "Fogelevich"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2R2K2/8/2p5/3pk3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {And now two more examples of an attack from the rear. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ463 %212045826630=4HLJ495} 1... d3 { %05The rook is well placed here, therefore the gaining of a draw does not present any great problem. It is true that after} 2. Ke6 {! %05Correct is} (2. Rxc5 {? due to %05it is wrong to play} d2 3. Rc4+ Ke5 4. Rc5+ Kd6 5. Rc8 Kd7 $19 {, when Black wins.}) 2... d2 (2... Ke3 3. Rxc5 {=}) 3. Rd7 Ke3 4. Rxd2 {!} Kxd2 5. Kd5 {= Therefore the players agreed a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7R/1k6/1p4K1/p7/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {The following position is extremely interesting.} 1... b4 {%05White's king is a long way from the pawns, and for the moment his rook too is not taking part in the play. After} 2. Rh8 {(the rook must be positioned to the rear of the pawns)} b3 3. Kf4 Kc7 (3... Kc5 $19 {we reach example ~3($411041)~ , when Black wins. %05or}) 4. Rh1 (4. Ke5 {%05and it does not help to play} b2 5. Rh7+ Kc6 6. Rh6+ Kc5 7. Rh8 Kc4 $19) 4... b2 5. Ke3 a3 6. Kd2 a2 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1k2K3/8/p7/8/8/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {In conclusion, here a few positions with pawns which are less far advanced.} 1... Ka5 (1... a3 {%05If} 2. Ra1 Kc5 3. Rxa3 b5 {, then} 4. Ke5 Kc4 5. Ke4 b4 6. Ra8 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Kd5 Kb4 {! This is stronger than the line considered by Sackmann:} (2... b5 3. Kc5 a3 4. Rb1 Ka4 5. Rb4+ $18 {and wins.}) 3. Kd4 {!} Kb3 {There is nothing better;} (3... a3 {, then %05if} 4. Rb1+ Ka4 5. Kc3 a2 6. Rh1 Ka3 7. Kc2 b5 8. Rh3+ {and 9. Kb2$18}) 4. Kd3 Kb2 (4... a3 5. Rb1+ Ka2 6. Rxb7 Ka1 7. Kc2 a2 8. Kb3 $18) 5. Kd2 a3 (5... b5 {, then %05If} 6. Rc5 b4 7. Rc4 Kb3 (7... b3 8. Rxa4 Kb1 9. Rb4 b2 10. Kc3 Ka1 11. Kc2 $18) 8. Rh4 a3 9. Kc1 Ka2 10. Rxb4 Ka1 11. Kc2 $18 {, and White wins.}) 6. Rc5 { ! This suggestion by Maizelis wins most quickly.} (6. Rc2+ {%05Berger considered} Kb3 7. Rc7 b5 8. Kc1 $18 {, which of course also wins.}) 6... a2 7. Rb5+ Ka3 8. Kc2 a1=N+ 9. Kc3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Site "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salwe Georg H S (POL)"] [Black "Fahrni Hans (SUI)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k2K2/1p6/p7/8/8/7R/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] {In this position a draw was agreed. Tarrasch, commenting on the game in the tournament bulletin, caustically remarked: "A striking demonstration of the superiority of the younger generation of masters in knowledge and technique is the fact that, with enviable certainty, Salwe and Fahrni judged this position to be drawn, whereas a player such as myself would still have had doubts about the possible outcome, and for several hours would have played on, to see what in the end happened. According to my analysis, which, it is true, may be incorrect, Black should lose here..."} 1. Ke6 {%05Maizelis (1956) correctly remarked that 1. Rh6 is hardly the strongest move. Indeed, the most accurate is } (1. Rh6 {%05As demonstration, Tarrasch gives the following variations:} Kb7 ( 1... a4 2. Re6 {? This move, suggested by Tarrasch, misses a win.} (2. Ke7 { %05~5 (RR) According to the Nalimov tablebases, White %05~5 wins by} a3 (2... b5 3. Rd6 a3 4. Ra6 $18) 3. Rh3 Kc6 4. Ke6 a2 5. Ra3 b5 6. Rxa2 Kc5 7. Ke5 Kc4 8. Rc2+ Kd3 9. Rb2 Kc4 10. Ke4 b4 11. Rc2+ Kb5 12. Kd4 $18) 2... b5 {?} (2... a3 {! Black draws, e.g. %05After} 3. Re3 b5 4. Rxa3 Kd6 5. Kf6 Kd5 6. Kf5 b4 7. Ra1 b3 8. Rb1 Kc4 {= (Tablebases)}) 3. Kf6 a3 4. Ra6 b4 5. Ra4 {? Black gains a draw by %05As Maizelis pointed out, there is a mistake by Tarrasch in this variation. After} (5. Ke5 {!} Kb7 6. Ra4 Kb6 7. Kd4 Kb5 8. Ra8 $18 {%04etc.}) 5... Kb6 {!} 6. Rxb4+ Ka5 {=}) (1... b5 {. Here, according to the tablebases, White wins by %05Tarrasch did not consider another defence -} 2. Re6 Kb7 3. Ke7 Kc7 4. Ra6 a4 5. Ke6 Kb7 6. Rd6 a3 7. Ke5 b4 8. Rd4 $18) 2. Rd6 a4 3. Ke6 Ka6 4. Kd5 Kb5 5. Kd4 Kb4 6. Rxb6+ $18 {, and White wins.}) 1... Kc6 2. Rc2+ Kb5 3. Kd5 Kb4 {!} 4. Kd4 {!} Kb3 5. Rc3+ {!} Kb2 (5... Kb4 6. Kd3 a4 7. Kc2 $18) 6. Rc6 b5 7. Rc5 a4 (7... b4 8. Rxa5 b3 9. Rc5 Ka1 10. Kc3 b2 11. Ra5+ Kb1 12. Rb5 Ka1 13. Kc2 $18) 8. Rxb5+ Kc2 9. Ra5 Kb3 10. Kd3 a3 11. Rb5+ Ka4 12. Rb8 a2 13. Kc2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/6p1/8/7p/8/8/R7/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] 1. Kh7 {!} (1. Kxg7 {? , then %05The black h-pawn is ready to make a swift advance, and %05at first sight it is not clear how White can stop it If} h4 2. Kg6 h3 3. Kg5 h2 {, since} 4. Kg4 h1=Q 5. Kg3 {? does not work, as by} Qh8 { !$19 Black defends against the mate, and wins. Therefore, in chasing after the h-pawn, White should not open the a1-h8 diagonal.}) 1... h4 (1... g5 2. Kg6 g4 3. Kg5 g3 4. Kh4 g2 5. Kh3 $18 {is no better}) 2. Kg6 h3 3. Kg5 h2 4. Kg4 h1=Q 5. Kg3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3k4/1Kp1p3/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {~12.2 ISOLATED PAWNS~ Isolated pawns are not such a danger to the rook as connected pawns. Even if they reach the penultimate rank, they cannot be queened without the support of their king, provided only that the rook is controlling the back rank. We will begin our analysis with positions where the distance between the pawns is one file.} 1. Kc1 {%05One of the critical positions of this type of ending. Black is threatening 1... Kd2 with a draw, but by} Ke3 2. Rh1 {!} Kd3 3. Re1 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/8/8/8/8/8/2p1p3/2K1k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Rh8 {! %05This position reduces to the previous one:} Kf2 (1... Kf1 2. Rh1+ Kg2 3. Re1 Kf2 4. Kd2 $18) 2. Rh2+ Ke3 3. Rh1 Kd3 4. Re1 {! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/4k3/2Kp1p2/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {If position ~3 ( 1067)~ is moved one file to the left the result does not change, but let us try moving it one file to the right.} 1. Kd1 {%05Here White can no longer realize his advantage: after} Kf3 2. Rf1 Ke3 3. Rh1 Kf3 $40 { = the game ends by repetition of moves. It is quite clear that White will also be unable to win in the position reached by moving position ~3( 1069)~ one file to the right, since there is insufficient space for the rook's attack from the side. If the distance between pawns on the penultimate rank is greater than one file, it is normally more difficult to stop them. Here it is important to coordinate the forces, so as to prevent the pawn supported by the king from queening, and to not allow the king across to the second pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/2K2k2/2p2p2/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Kd3 {%05The black king is threatening to penetrate to e2, so correct is} Kg2 2. Ke2 $18 {, and White wins. The above positions are like beacons, by which one should be guided in various situations where the kings are a long way from the pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K5k1/8/8/8/8/8/2p1p3/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {Here the white king, succeeds in keeping the black king out of d2, and by reaching this square itself it helps the rook to stop the pawns.} 1... Kf7 2. Kb7 Ke6 3. Kc6 {!} Ke5 4. Kc5 Ke4 5. Kc4 Ke3 6. Kc3 Kf2 7. Kd2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k5/8/8/8/5p1p/K2R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {The following two studies reduce to drawn positions with a single pawn (~3( 925)~ and ~3( 976)~ ).} 1... Kc5 {%05After} 2. Kb2 {things seem bad for Black, since his king is cut off from the pawns, but there follows} h1=Q {!} 3. Rxh1 Kd4 4. Kc2 Ke3 5. Kd1 Kf3 6. Rf1 Ke3 {!= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/7K/8/8/8/p1p5/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1... Kf7 {%05A race between the king commences:} 2. Kg5 Ke6 3. Kf4 Kd5 4. Ke3 Kc4 5. Kd2 c1=Q+ {! %05However...} (5... Kb3 {%05One gains the impression that White is close to %05success:} 6. Kc1 $18 {leads to a win.}) 6. Kxc1 (6. Rxc1+ Kb3 {= , and the rook is in the way of its own king}) 6... Kb3 {= , and White is in zugzwang. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/k6K/8/8/8/p1p5/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {If the king cannot support the rook, the situation changes in favour of the pawns, and it is now the other side who has to seek a way of saving the draw.} 1... Kb5 {%05The white king is obviously too late in reaching the pawns:} 2. Kg5 Kc4 3. Kf4 Kd3 {! White's situation has become critical, but thanks to the fact that one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, there is a way of saving the game. } 4. Ra1 {!} (4. Kf3 {? %05not} Kd2 5. Rh2+ Kc3 6. Rh1 Kb2 $19) 4... Kc3 (4... Kd2 {, then %05if} 5. Rxa2 {=}) 5. Ke3 Kb2 6. Kd2 {!} Kxa1 7. Kc1 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/8/8/8/4k3/1p4p1/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {If the distance between the pawns is greater than three files, the rook alone, without the support of its king, is able to maintain the balance.} 1. Rb1 { ! White parries this threat. There can follow %05Black is threatening 1... Kf2, but by} Kd3 2. Rg1 {!} Ke3 3. Rb1 {!= with a draw. The idea of White's defence is simple: due to the loss of a pawn, the black king cannot step onto the 2nd rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K2/8/8/5k2/2p3p1/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {But if the distance between the pawns is three files or less, without the support of its king the rook can no longer cope with the pawns.} 1. Rc1 Ke3 {!} 2. Ke5 (2. Rg1 Kf2 $19) 2... Kd2 $19 {Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/7k/8/8/8/2p3p1/6R1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {The following position reduces to this example.} 1... Kh5 {%05Black's king is closer to the pawns than White's, and this proves decisive:} 2. Kg7 Kh4 3. Kf6 Kg3 4. Rc1 {!} Kf3 5. Ke5 {Had White's king managed to reach d4, he would have gained a draw, but now comes} Ke3 {! , and against 6... Kd2 there is no defence.} 6. Rg1 Kf2 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/8/6K1/8/2p5/8/p7/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {We will now consider a number of positions where only one of the pawns is a step away from the queening square, and the rook can attack the pawn from behind, but the king is not able to help the rook directly.} 1. Rc8 {, when after %05Therefore White plays} (1. Kf5 {%05This ancient position shows the method by which the win is achieved in such situations. It is clearly bad for White to play} c3 2. Ke4 c2 3. Rc8 Kb2 4. Rb8+ Kc3 5. Rc8+ Kd2 (5... Kb4 { is also possible, to approach the rook}) 6. Rd8+ Ke2 7. Rh8 c1=Q 8. Rh2+ Kd1 $19 {%04etc.}) 1... c3 {!} 2. Rxc3 (2. Kf5 {also does not help:} Kb2 3. Rb8+ Ka3 4. Ra8+ Kb3 5. Rb8+ Kc4 6. Ra8 c2 7. Ke4 Kb5 $19) 2... Kb2 $19 * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khasin Abram (RUS)"] [Black "Geller Efim P (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P6/3K4/3P4/8/8/5k2/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {White won in similar fashion in the following ending.} 1. Kc7 Rc1+ 2. Kb8 Rd1 3. d6 {!} Rxd6 4. Kc7 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nadareishvili Gia"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K1k/6R1/8/8/8/p6p/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1... h2 {, not allowing the rook onto the 1st rank, Black immediately places his opponent in a critical position. But White finds defensive resources: %05By } 2. Rg8+ Kh7 3. Rg7+ Kh6 4. Kg8 a2 5. Rh7+ Kg5 {Now, in trying to escape from the pursuit, the king must move so as not to allow the opponent's rook onto 1st rank.} 6. Rg7+ Kh4 7. Rh7+ Kg3 8. Rg7+ Kf2 9. Rf7+ Ke2 10. Re7+ Kd2 11. Rd7+ Kc2 12. Rc7+ Kb3 {!} 13. Rb7+ (13. Rc1 {is met by %05here this is possible, since} Kb2 $19) 13... Ka4 14. Ra7+ Kb5 15. Rb7+ Kc6 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/8/8/5K2/8/pk6/2p5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1. Ke4 (1. Rb8+ {%05The immediate attack by the rook does not succeed:} Ka4 2. Ra8+ Kb5 3. Rb8+ Ka6 4. Rc8 a2 5. Ke4 Kb7 $19 {, and Black wins. Therefore White tries bringing up his king.}) 1... Kb2 {! This move was found by analysis in 1921.} (1... a2 {does not win due to} 2. Kd3 a1=Q 3. Rb8+ Ka2 4. Ra8+ Kb1 5. Rxa1+ Kxa1 6. Kxc2 {=}) 2. Rb8+ Kc3 3. Rc8+ Kd2 4. Rd8+ Ke1 5. Rc8 a2 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Uhlmann Wolfgang (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R7/8/8/p4K2/8/2p5/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {In the previous example the attempt to unite the efforts of rook and king in the battle against the pawns proved unsuccessful, but in the next two examples the king succeeds in helping the rook.} 1... a3 {! White replies with the surprising %05On} 2. Kf3 {!! , when it turns out that} Kb2 {is met by} (2... Kd2 {%05Moving the king to the other side is no better:} 3. Rd7+ Ke1 4. Re7+ Kf1 {since White begins creating mating threats -} 5. Rh7 {!} Kg1 6. Rg7+ { ,and the king does best to return, since =} Kh2 {? loses to} 7. Rg2+ {and 8. Rc2$18}) 3. Rb7+ Kc3 4. Rc7+ Kd3 5. Rd7+ Kc4 6. Rc7+ Kb3 7. Ke2 a2 8. Kd3 { ! with a draw, as shown in one of the notes to the previous example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5KR1/8/7p/8/8/5p2/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {The white king is clearly in the way of the rook, and must be moved from f7. But where to?} 1. Kg8 {!!} (1. Ke6 {is met by %05Moving the king towards the pawns no longer helps.} Ke2 2. Rg2 Ke3 3. Rxf2 Kxf2 4. Kf5 Kg3 $19 {etc. However, for the moment the aim of moving away from the pawns is also unclear.} ) 1... h4 2. Rh7 h3 {!} (2... Kg2 {can be met by} 3. Rg7+ Kh2 4. Rf7 {, with a perpetual attack on one of the pawns =}) 3. Rxh3 Kg2 4. Rh7 {!} f1=Q 5. Rg7+ Kh3 6. Rh7+ {= White gives perpetual check, since the black king cannot cross the f-file. It will be remembered that a similar system of defence is also possible against connected pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sozin Veniamin I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/8/1k6/8/8/5p1p/R7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {If pawns on the 6th rank are not supported by the king, they usually become easy booty for the rook.} 1... Kc5 {%05If it is White to move, by 1. Rf2 or 1. Rh2 he wins both pawns, one after another.^013^010 But if it is Black's move, after} 2. Rf2 {he saves the draw by a standard procedure; by sacrificing one of the pawns, he gains time for the approach of his king, e.g.} h2 {!} 3. Rxh2 Kd4 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1p1p3K/7R/6k1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {A pawn sacrifice, with the aim of worsening the position of the rook, saves Black in the following study.} 1... Kf1 {%05Play begins with a battle of the kings:} 2. Kg3 (2. Rd2 {, then %05if} b2 {! =}) 2... Ke1 {!} (2... b2 {? would be a mistake due to} 3. Kf3 {!} Ke1 4. Ke3 Kd1 5. Rxb2 $18 {, when White wins.} ) 3. Kf3 Kd1 4. Ke3 d2 {!!} (4... Kc1 {is decisively met by %05Black's position looks critical, wouldn't you agree?} 5. Kxd3 Kb1 6. Kc3 $18) 5. Rxd2+ Kc1 6. Kd3 b2 {(thanks to the fact that the rook has moved from h2, this advance has become possible)} 7. Rc2+ Kb1 8. Kc3 Ka1 {!} 9. Rxb2 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1944.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Havel Miroslav"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/8/3K4/p6p/4k3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1944.??.??"] {When playing against widely separated pawns, the king should be moved towards the pawn which can be supported by the enemy king.} 1. Ke4 {! %05The only correct continuation is} h2 (1... Kf2 2. Kf4 h2 3. Rd2+ $18) (1... a2 2. Ra8 Kf2 3. Kf4 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Rh8 Kd2 3. Kd4 {!} Kc2 4. Kc4 a2 5. Rxh2+ Kb1 6. Kb3 a1=N+ 7. Kc3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gurgenidze Bukhuti (GEO)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/2r5/2PK1P2/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {The following position is an exception.} 1. Kd5 {! %05Black is unable to overcome the opponent's resistance:} Rf7 2. Ke6 Ke8 3. Ke5 {!} Rc7 4. Kd6 Kd8 5. Kd5 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1883.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger & Kockelkorn"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/6K1/8/8/p1p5/8/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1883.??.??"] {If pawns on the 6th rank are supported by their king, and the opponent's king is some distance away, the situation changes in favour of the pawns.} 1. Rd8+ ( 1. Ra8 {is met by %05There is no way of saving the game.} c2 2. Rd8+ Ke1 (2... Kc1 {%05but moving to the other side is also possible:} 3. Ra8 Kb2 4. Rb8+ Kc3 5. Rc8+ Kb3 6. Rb8+ Ka4 $19 {, transporting into example ~3($411081)~.}) 3. Re8+ Kf1 4. Rh8 Kg1 5. Rc8 a2 $19) 1... Kc1 (1... Ke2 {%05Black aims for the corner, having %05example~3($411078)~ in^013^010 %05mind. It should be noted that moving the king to the^013^010 %05other half of the board does not succeed:} 2. Re8+ Kd3 {?} (2... Kd2 {!} 3. Rd8+ Kc1 4. Ra8 c2 5. Kf5 Kd2 $19) ( 2... Kf2 3. Ra8 {=}) 3. Ra8 {!= %04draw}) 2. Ra8 Kb2 (2... c2 {%05Of course, Black also wins by} 3. Kf5 Kb2 4. Rb8+ Ka2 5. Rc8 Kb3 6. Ke4 Kb2 {!$19 as already examined ~3($411081)~, but the text move is^013^010 simpler.} 7. Z0) 3. Rb8+ Ka1 4. Rc8 a2 $19 {etc.~3($411078)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3K4/8/8/4p1kp/R7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {If the distance between the pawns is more than one file, the rook can successfully stop them on its own.} 1. Re2 {! %05But White has a very simple way of drawing:} (1. Ke5 {is met by %05White's king is not in time to help the rook:} h2 2. Ra1 e2 3. Ke4 Kf2 $19 {, when Black wins.}) 1... Kf3 2. Rh2 Kg3 3. Re2 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hortov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K2R4/8/8/8/8/p2p4/3k4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {White has a similar way of drawing in the following example.} 1. Rd4 {!! In this way White prepares an alternating attack on the pawns, and simultaneously prevents the king manoeuvre just considered, e.g. %05The only way to save the draw is by the subtle} (1. Rh8 {%05at first sight the rook seems less well placed than in the %05previous example, and it is too late to switch it to the %052nd rank:} Kc2 2. Rc8+ Kb3 3. Rd8 Kc4 4. Rc8+ Kb4 5. Rb8+ Ka4 6. Rd8 a2 7. Kb7 d2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) (1. Rd7 {is also unpromising, due to a descending manoeuvre by the king:} Kc3 2. Rc7+ Kb4 3. Rb7+ Kc5 4. Rc7+ Kb6 5. Rb7+ Kc6 6. Rb1 a2 7. Ra1 d2 8. Ka7 Kb5 $19 {, and by returning with his king to the pawns Black wins.}) 1... Kc3 2. Ra4 {!} Kb3 3. Rd4 Kc2 4. Rc4+ Kb2 5. Rb4+ Kc3 6. Ra4 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3R4/8/4p3/1kp5/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. Kd1 {, e.g. %05The more dangerous pawn is usually the one supported by the king. Therefore if it is White to move he easily wins here by} e3 (1... c2+ 2. Kc1 Kc3 3. Rd2 $18) 2. Kc1 e2 3. Re6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3R4/8/4p3/1kp5/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1... Kb2 {! the white king can no longer support the rook in its battle with the c-pawn, e.g. %05But if it is Black to move, after} 2. Rc6 (2. Rb6+ Kc1 {!} (2... Kc2 {?} 3. Rb4 $18 {, and White wins}) 3. Rb4 c2 4. Rb8 e3 5. Ke1 e2 { = with a draw.}) 2... c2 3. Kd2 e3+ {=} * [Event "Munich (Germany)"] [Site "Munich (Germany)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Betbeder Matibet L"] [Black "Mendes"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/6p1/8/1k6/p3K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {The following practical example is highly instructive.} 1. Kd3 {! , aiming to push back the opponent's king, e.g. %05The correct continuation was the standard} (1. Kd2 {? %05White moved his king towards the dangerous a-pawn:} a2 2. Ra8 Kb3 3. Kc1 (3. Rb8+ {%05if} Kc4) 3... g5 {it transpired that here the king's support of the rook was ineffective. The conclusion was %05but after} 4. Rb8+ Kc3 {= , when the players agreed a draw.}) 1... a2 (1... Kb3 2. Rb8+ { and 3. Kc2$18}) 2. Rb8+ Ka3 3. Kc2 a1=N+ 4. Kc3 Ka2 5. Rb2+ Ka3 6. Rb6 Ka2 7. Rxg6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/pK6/3k4/8/2p5/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {A typical way of saving the draw with pawns separated by one file is shown by a position arising in an analysis by Grigoriev.} 1. Ka5 {!} (1. Kxa6 { %05Capturing the pawn simplifies Black's task:} Kc4 2. Ka5 Kb3 {= , with an immediate draw. The white king must hurry to join the battle with the c-pawn.}) 1... Kc4 {!} 2. Ka4 c2 3. Ka3 Kc3 4. Rg1 a5 {Before the king moves to d2, the second pawn should be brought up as close as possible.} 5. Rh1 a4 6. Rg1 Kd2 7. Kb2 a3+ {! (the second pawn plays its saving role)} 8. Kxa3 c1=Q+ 9. Rxc1 Kxc1 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4R3/8/8/3p1p2/8/3k4/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {We have seen several times that, if the king can support the rook in its battle with the pawns, the pawns usually lose. Here are two typical examples, where the pawns have just crossed the demarcation line.} 1. Kg2 {%05The king goes to the aid of the rook:} d3 2. Kf3 Kc2 3. Rc7+ Kd1 4. Kf2 d2 (4... f3 { is bad:} 5. Ke3 d2 6. Rd7 $18) 5. Kf1 f3 6. Rc8 f2 7. Ra8 {! (thanks to this possibility of an attack from the side, White wins} Kc2 8. Ra2+ Kd3 9. Ra1 Ke3 10. Rd1 $40 {, and White wins. If the position is moved one file to the left, the rook does not have sufficient space for the attack from the side, and the game ends in a draw ~3 ( 1092)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopayev & Sokolsky"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2R5/8/8/1p1p4/8/1k6/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {But the most interesting fact is that, if position ~3( 1095)~ is moved 2 files to the left, Black will no longer have sufficient space for manoeuvring with his king, and White can again win.} 1. Ke2 b3 2. Kd3 Ka2 {! The most tenacious.} (2... Kb1 {the simplest way to win is by %05After} 3. Kc4 {!} b2 4. Kb3 d3 5. Rh7 Ka1 6. Ra7+ {and 7. Ra2$18}) 3. Kc4 {!} b2 4. Ra7+ Kb1 {With his pawn at c2 Black had the possibility of moving his king to the left, whereas here it has to go in front of the pawn.} 5. Kb3 d3 6. Ra2 d2 7. Rxb2+ Kc1 8. Rc2+ Kd1 9. Kc3 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/2K5/8/5pkp/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {If the opponent's pawns have not crossed the demarcation line, but the king is to the rear of them, the result will basically depend upon whether the king can by-pass the pawns, and come out in front of at least one of them. White's problem is, without losing time, to take his king to either e2 or f1. He carries out this march as follows.} 1. Kd6 {!} Kf4 {! Black begins a battle of strength, and tries not to allow the opponent's king to approach the pawns.} ( 1... h4 {%05The following continuation comes to roughly the same thing:} 2. Ke5 Kg4 3. Kd4 {!} Kf3 {!} 4. Kd3 h3 5. Rh8 Kg2 (5... f4 6. Rxh3+ Kg2 7. Rh8 f3 8. Rf8 $18) 6. Ke2 h2 7. Rg8+ Kh3 8. Kf2 h1=N+ 9. Kf3 Kh2 10. Rg2+ Kh3 11. Rg5 Kh2 12. Rxf5 Ng3 13. Rg5 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Kd5 {!} h4 3. Kd4 {!} h3 4. Rh8 Kg3 5. Ke3 f4+ 6. Ke2 f3+ 7. Kf1 $18 {, and White achieves his aim.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gurgenidze Bukhuti (GEO)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k1r1/8/4K3/8/2P2P2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {If the king can stand in the way of the pawn's advance, this usually brings success. But it is very important that the king should have the active support of the rook, and that it should succeed in pushing back the enemy king.} 1... Rg1 {%05If it is Black to move, he succeeds in pushing back the opponent's king and winning.} 2. f5 (2. c5 {%05The result is the same after} Rc1 3. Kd6 Rf1 4. Ke5 Ke7 5. f5 Rf2 6. c6 Rf1 $19 {%04etc.}) 2... Rc1 3. Kd5 Kd7 4. c5 Rc2 5. f6 (5. Kd4 {%05The sacrifice of a pawn also does not help:} Kc6 6. Ke5 Kxc5 7. Ke6 Kc6 8. Ke7 Kc7 9. f6 Re2+ 10. Kf7 Kd7 $19 {%04etc.}) 5... Rc1 {!} (5... Rf2 {? would be a mistake due to} 6. c6+ {!} Kc7 (6... Ke8 7. Ke6 {%05and}) 7. Ke6 {!} Kxc6 8. f7 {= with a draw.}) 6. f7 (6. Kd4 Ke6) 6... Ke7 7. c6 Kxf7 8. Kd6 Ke8 9. Kc7 Ke7 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gurgenidze Bukhuti (GEO)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k1r1/8/4K3/8/2P2P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] 1. f5 {%05But if White begins he succeeds in maintaining the balance, since Black can no longer coordinate his forces in the best way possible.} Rg1 (1... Rg7 {%05It also does not help to deploy the rook along the rank:} 2. c5 Ra7 3. Kd6 (3. c6 {is also possible}) (3. f6 {%05but not} Ra6+ 4. Ke5 Kf7 $19 { , when Black wins.}) 3... Ra6+ 4. c6 Ra7 5. f6 Rf7 6. Ke6 Rc7 7. Kd6 Kd8 8. Kd5 {!} Rf7 9. Ke6 Ke8 10. Ke5 {!= %04etc.}) 2. c5 {!} Rc1 3. Kd6 Kf7 (3... Rc2 { %05Waiting tactics are also unsuccessful:} 4. c6 Rc1 5. c7 Rc2 6. f6 Rc1 7. f7+ Kxf7 8. Kd7 {=}) (3... Kd8 {%05or} 4. f6 Rf1 5. Ke6 Ke8 6. c6 {= with a draw.}) 4. c6 Rd1+ 5. Ke5 {! A precise move.} (5. Kc7 {%05White loses after} Ke7 6. f6+ Kxf6 7. Kb7 Ke7 8. c7 Rb1+ 9. Kc8 Rc1 $19 {%04etc.}) 5... Ke7 6. f6+ Kd8 7. Ke6 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/R1p5/4pk2/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {Various subtleties of the kings' manoeuvres in such endings are revealed in the following study by Reti, which was subsequently refuted by Maizelis. What should Black play? He can either give up his c-pawn immediately, or play ... c6 or ... c5. Which of these is the strongest? Let us see:} 1... e5 (1... c6 { Reti thought that this clever move should lead to a draw. But Maizelis found that, without wasting time on rook manoeuvres, White can immediately begin a by-pass with his king by} 2. Kh7 {!!} (2. Rc7 {? %05 e.g.} e5 3. Rxc6+ Kf5 4. Kf7 e4 5. Re6 Kf4 {, when the rook prevents the king from occupying e6, after} 6. Ke7 e3 7. Kd6 Kf3 8. Kd5 e2 {= White is too late}) (2. Ra5 {%05or} e5 3. Rc5 Kf5 4. Kf7 Kf4 5. Ke6 e4 {= , and d5 is inaccessible to the white king.}) 2... e5 {%05Here is the main variation:} 3. Kh6 e4 4. Kh5 (4. Ra5 {%05also possible is} e3 5. Kh5 {!} (5. Ra3 {%05or} Ke5 6. Rxe3+ Kd4 7. Re6 {! (Nalimov tablebases)} c5 8. Kg5 c4 9. Kf4 Kd3 10. Rd6+ Ke2 11. Rc6 Kd3 12. Kf3 c3 13. Rd6+ Kc4 14. Ke3 $18) 5... e2 6. Ra1 Ke5 7. Re1 Ke4 8. Rxe2+ Kd3 9. Re5 Kd4 10. Re8 c5 11. Kg4 c4 12. Kf3 $18 {and wins}) 4... Kf5 5. Kh4 Kf4 6. Rf7+ Ke3 7. Kg3 c5 8. Rc7 Kd4 9. Kf4 c4 10. Rd7+ Kc3 11. Kxe4 $18 {, and White wins.}) ( 1... c5 {Certain analysts thought that this move should draw, but this is not so:} 2. Rc7 {!} Ke5 {!} (2... e5 {is totally bad:} 3. Rxc5 Kf5 4. Kf7 Kf4 5. Ke6 e4 6. Kd5 e3 7. Kd4 $18) 3. Rxc5+ Kd4 4. Rc1 {!} (4. Rc8 {%05after} e5 5. Re8 e4 {= for victory White is short of one tempo, but by a frontal attack on the pawn this tempo can be gained}) 4... e5 5. Rd1+ {!} Ke3 6. Re1+ Kf4 7. Kf7 e4 8. Ke6 e3 9. Kd5 $18 {and wins.}) 2. Rxc7 Kf5 (2... e4 {could be met by %05as we know} 3. Rc5 $18 {!}) 3. Kf7 e4 4. Re7 Kf4 5. Ke6 {!} e3 6. Kd5 Kf3 7. Kd4 e2 8. Kd3 $18 {, and White wins. The study can easily be corrected by moving the rook from a7 to h7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sokov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/p7/8/8/8/k3p3/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Rb1 {! In this way White prevents 1... Kb4 and gains time for the approach of his king. %05But White has a curious manoeuvre which refutes the opponent's plan.} (1. Ke7 {, there follows %05The white king must come to the help of the rook, but if %05it immediately advances by} Kb4 {! , and due to the threat of 2... Kc3 White has to waste a tempo on} 2. Re1 {, which decisively affects the play:} a5 3. Kd6 a4 4. Kd5 {(alas, c5 is inaccessible)} a3 5. Kd4 a2 6. Kd3 Kb3 {= , and Black gains a draw.}) 1... Ka2 (1... a5 {%05If Black replies} 2. Ke7 a4 3. Kd6 Ka2 4. Re1 a3 {, White wins by} 5. Kc5 Kb2 6. Re2+ Kb1 7. Kb4 a2 8. Kb3 a1=N+ 9. Kc3 $18) 2. Re1 {!} a5 3. Ke7 Kb3 {!} (3... Kb2 {leads to a continuation already considered:} 4. Kd6 a4 5. Kc5 a3 6. Kb4 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. Kd6 (4. Rxe3+ {there follows %05But now Black sets a trap: on} Kb4 {!} 5. Kd6 a4 6. Re4+ Kb5 {!= , and by "shoulder-charging" he saves the draw.}) 4... a4 ( 4... Kb4 {no longer helps: after %05now} 5. Kd5 a4 6. Kd4 a3 7. Rb1+ $18 { the black king is pushed onto the rook's file}) 5. Kc5 a3 6. Rxe3+ Ka4 7. Kc4 a2 8. Re1 Ka3 9. Kc3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kozirev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/8/5K2/8/8/8/2P3Pk/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. g4 {! %05White's aim is achieved as follows:} (1. c4 {?} Kxg2 {?} (1... Kg3 {! , gaining an important tempo, e.g. %05But Black's play can be correctly improved. 1. c4 is correctly met by} 2. Ke6 Rc8 3. Kd5 Kf4 {!} 4. c5 Kf5 5. Kd6 (5. g4+ Kf6 {!} 6. g5+ Kxg5 $19) 5... Kf6 6. c6 Rd8+ 7. Kc7 Ke7 $19 {, and Black must win.}) 2. Ke6 {!} Kf3 (2... Rc8 3. Kd5 Kf3 4. c5 Kf4 5. c6 Kf5 6. Kd6 Kf6 7. c7 {= with a draw}) 3. c5 Ke4 4. c6 Rh6+ 5. Kd7 Kd5 6. c7 Rh7+ 7. Kd8 Kd6 8. c8=N+ {= he gains a draw.}) 1... Kg3 2. g5 Rf8+ 3. Ke6 {! A precise move. White deploys his king in such a way as to be able to support both pawns. Now Black has two possibilities:} Kg4 (3... Rg8 4. c4 {!} Kf4 (4... Rxg5 5. Kd6 Kf4 6. c5 Rg6+ 7. Kd5 {!= comes to the same thing}) 5. c5 Rg6+ 6. Kd5 (6. Kd7 { ?} Ke5 $19 {!}) 6... Rxg5+ 7. Kd6 Ke4 8. c6 Rg6+ 9. Kd7 Kd5 10. c7 Rg7+ 11. Kd8 Kd6 12. c8=N+ {= Draw.}) 4. g6 Kg5 5. g7 Rc8 6. Kf7 Rc7+ 7. Kf8 Kf6 8. g8=N+ { = Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3p4/4k3/3p4/R4K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {~12.3. DOUBLED PAWNS~ In the majority of cases it is easier battling against doubled pawns than isolated pawns, and much easier than against connected pawns. Doubled pawns cannot support each other, and require the support of their king. But in general doubled pawns are stronger than a single pawn, and they should not be underestimated. If doubled pawns are supported by their king and one of them is on the threshold of queening, such pawns can become dangerous.} 1. Ra3+ {! There is no other way. %05 Of course, White wins most simply with his king at d1 or c2. But even with his king at f1 he is able to win by a combined attack on the pawns.} (1. Rd1 {? %05Wrong is} Kd3 {! , when the rook must go back, since} 2. Kf2 {?} (2. Ra1 Kc2 3. Ra2+ Kd3 4. Ra1 {=}) 2... Kc2 3. Ke2 {loses to} d3+ $19 {This is where the strength of doubled pawns is revealed - the second pawn can drive the king away from the first!}) 1... d3 2. Ra1 Kf3 3. Rb1 {!} Ke4 4. Kf2 Kd4 5. Rd1 {!} Kc3 6. Ke3 $18 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3p4/4k3/3p4/R4K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Kd3 {! If this position (apart from the rook, of course) is moved one file to the left, the situation changes significantly: the rook does not have sufficient space for manoeuvring. %05But if Black begins, after} 2. Kf2 Kc2 3. Ke2 d3+ 4. Ke3 {= the game ends in a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2p5/3k4/2p5/R3K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Ra3+ c3 2. Ra1 Ke3 (2... Kc4 {%05Incidentally, Black can also draw in another way - by taking his king to b2:} 3. Ke2 Kb3 4. Kd3 Kb2 {= %04etc.}) 3. Rc1 Kd3 4. Ra1 Ke3 {= , with a draw by repetition.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1p6/2k5/1p6/1R1K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {To gain a draw in such a situation against knight's pawns, White should resort to a different arrangement of his pieces: his rook should control the 1st rank, and his king attack the second pawn.} {The position with knight's pawns is even more paradoxical. In this case the given arrangement of rook and king proves to be altogether unfortunate.} 1... b3 $19 {%05If it is White to move, he is immediately forced to allow the opponent's king in at c2, while if Black begins he can play either} (1... Kb3 {%05or} 2. Kd2 Ka2 3. Kc2 b3+ $19) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1p6/2k1K3/1p6/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Ke4 {!} Kc2 (1... b3 {, and now: %05If on the 1st move Black advances his second pawn, there are several ways to draw.} 2. Kd5 (2. Rg1 {(possessing a mobile rook, White waits to see what his opponent will try)} Kc2 (2... Kb4 { %05A draw also results from} 3. Kd3 Ka3 4. Kc3 Ka2 5. Rg2 Ka1 {! =}) 3. Rg2+ Kb1 4. Rg8 Kc2 (4... Ka2 {is pointless:} 5. Ra8+ Kb1 6. Rh8 {=}) 5. Rg2+ (5. Rc8+ {? %05But not} Kd2 6. Rd8+ Ke2 $19 {, when Black wins.}) 5... Kb1 6. Rg8 Kc2 7. Rg2+ {= with a draw.}) 2... Kc2 3. Kc4 {= , similar to the previous variation.}) 2. Kd4 b1=Q (2... b3 3. Kc4 {=}) 3. Rxb1 Kxb1 4. Kc4 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7R/8/8/8/1p6/1pk3K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {Positions, such as that which arose in our analysis after ... b3, have for a long time drawn the attention of theorists. White's king is a long way from he pawns, and his rook has to do battle alone, attacking the enemy king from the rear.} 1. Rc7+ Kd3 (1... Kb1 {? when the game is drawn, since the king cannot escape from in front of the pawn, e.g. %05Of course, not} 2. Kf2 Ka2 3. Ra7+ Kb1 {=}) 2. Rd7+ Kc4 3. Rc7+ Kd4 4. Rd7+ Kc5 {!} 5. Rd1 {The only move. White is forced to switch to defence along the rank, but now the proximity of the black king to the pawns proves decisive.} Kb4 {!} 6. Kf2 Ka3 7. Ke2 Ka2 $19 { , and Black wins. Horwitz and Kling correctly pointed out that the cause of White's defeat was the small distance in ranks between his rook and the pawns, and that, had the rook been not on the 7th rank but the 8th, White would have been able to maintain the balance, since in this case the reverse manoeuvre by the king would not have been successful.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/8/8/8/1p6/1pk3K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1. Rc8+ Kd3 2. Rd8+ Kc4 3. Rc8+ Kd5 4. Rd8+ {, and moving the king onto the 6th rank -} Kc6 {leads to the loss of the b2 pawn after} 5. Rd1 Kc5 6. Rb1 { = We thus come to an important conclusion: with the rook well placed on the 8th rank, by attacking from the rear the rook alone is able to draw without the support of the king. On the other hand, it is extremely important that White's king should not prevent his rook from attacking from the rear. Thus, for example, if in the last diagram the king had been not at g2, but at h3, the black king would have been able to hide in its "shadow".} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/8/8/8/1p5K/1pk5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1. Rc8+ Kd2 2. Rd8+ Ke2 3. Re8+ Kf2 4. Rf8+ Kg1 5. Rg8+ Kh1 $19 {, and the pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1p6/1pk3KR/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {Horwitz and Kling thought that, with his rook in any other position (apart from the 8th rank), White would lose, but in 1873 Durand showed that White can also draw with his rook at h2.} 1. Kf3+ {Black achieves nothing by %05After} Kb1 (1... Kc3 {%05while after} 2. Rh1 Kb4 {White succeeds in bringing up his king:} 3. Ke3 Ka3 4. Kd3 Ka2 5. Kc3 {= with a draw}) 2. Rh8 {= %05due to} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5R2/8/8/8/2kp4/3p1K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {The attack by the rook from the rear, employed in example ~3( 1109)~, leads to a draw against pawns on any file, provided that two conditions are satisfied: (a) the rook must be on the 8th rank, (b) its own king should not get in the way. Horwitz and Kling found a position where a draw can be achieved even with the rook less well placed.} 1. Rc7+ Kd4 2. Rd7+ Ke4 3. Re7+ Kf5 (3... Kf4 {%05if} 4. Rf7+ {=}) 4. Re1 {Draw. ! =} * [Event "Brno (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Brno (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K1k1/4P3/4P3/8/8/8/6r1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] 1. Kd7 Rd2+ 2. Kc7 Rc2+ 3. Kd6 Rd2+ 4. Ke5 Re2+ 5. Kf5 Rf2+ 6. Kg6 (6. Kg5 { is more precise}) 6... Rf8 {%05and Black is not saved by either} (6... Rg2+ { %05or} 7. Kh5 Rh2+ 8. Kg4 Rg2+ 9. Kf3 $18) 7. exf8=Q+ Kxf8 8. Kf6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5R2/8/8/8/2kp4/3p3K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {Returning to Horwitz and Kling's position ~3( 1112)~, we will consider it with the king at h2 Salvioli thought that in this case Black would win, but Tarrasch showed that this is not so.} 1. Rc7+ Kb4 (1... Kd4 {there follows %05If on the 1st move Black plays} 2. Rd7+ Ke4 3. Re7+ Kf5 4. Rf7+ Ke5 {!} ( 4... Ke6 {? %05Moving down to the 6th rank would even lose:} 5. Rf1 Kd5 6. Kg2 Kc4 7. Kf3 Kc3 8. Ke3 Kc2 9. Rf2 $18 {, and White wins.}) 5. Rf1 {!} Ke4 6. Kg3 (6. Kg2 {%05Also possible is} Ke3 7. Rf3+ Ke2 (7... Kd4 8. Rf1 Kc3 9. Kf3 {=}) 8. Rf2+ Kd1 9. Rf8 {= with a draw.}) 6... Ke3 7. Rh1 Ke2 8. Rh2+ Kd1 9. Rh8 Ke2 (9... Kc2 10. Rc8+ {=}) 10. Rh2+ {!= Draw.}) 2. Rb7+ Kc5 3. Rb1 Kd4 4. Kg2 Kc3 (4... Ke3 5. Kf1 {=}) 5. Kf2 Kc2 6. Ke3 {!= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/6kp/1R5p/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {Against less advanced pawns, if the actions of rook and king can be united, the game usually goes their way. But if the king needs time to lend effective support to the rook, the second pawn may have a part to play.} 1... h4 { %05In a similar situation with one pawn Black loses, but here, by giving up one of the pawns, he gains a draw.} 2. Kb7 h3 3. Rb3 Kg5 4. Rxh3 h5 5. Kc6 Kg4 6. Ra3 (6. Rh1 h4 7. Kd5 h3 8. Ke4 Kg3 9. Ke3 h2 {=}) 6... h4 7. Kd5 h3 8. Ke4 h2 9. Ra1 Kg3 10. Ke3 Kg2 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keidanski"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K6R/p7/8/8/p7/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {Note that in certain cases with rook's pawns, the second pawn may also play a negative role.} 1. Rb8 {%05With one pawn here it would be an elementary draw, but the second pawn prevents Black from exploiting the possibility of stalemate.} a3 2. Rb5 a6 (2... a5 3. Kb7 Ka1 4. Kc6 a2 5. Kc5 a4 6. Kc4 $18) 3. Rb6 Ka1 4. Kb7 a2 5. Kc6 a5 6. Kc5 a4 7. Kc4 a3 8. Kb3 Kb1 9. Kxa3+ $18 { and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/3R4/8/8/8/4p3/3pKp2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {~13. ROOK AGAINST THREE OR MORE PAWNS~ A rook is theoretically stronger than three or even four pawns; nevertheless, in this endgame three pawns are normally sufficient compensation for it. The result depends to a great extent on the placing of the pieces, the pawn structure, and the degree of advancement of the pawns. The more advanced the pawns, the more dangerous they are, especially if in addition they are supported by the king. A successful battle against three pawns requires the complete coordination of king and rook. If this coordination is lacking, the scales usually tip in favour of the pawns. Depending on the pawn structure, it is sensible to divide these endings into the following groups: ~ 3.1 Connected pawns. ~ ~ 3.2 Two of the three pawns connected ~. ~ 3.3 Isolated pawns. ~ At the end of this chapter (section 3.4) examples of rook against four or more pawns will also be considered. ~13.1 CONNECTED PAWNS~ Three connected pawns are a great force, especially if they are close to queening. Even if the pawns are not so far advanced, a successful battle against them requires the complete coordination of the enemy pieces. We will begin our analysis with some critical positions, where one or two of the pawns are on the threshold of queening. Black's king is at maximum distance from its pawns, but nevertheless White cannot do anything, since his king and rook are doomed to passive defence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3R4/8/8/5k2/4p3/3pKp2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {If the king is supporting the pawns, on the whole the situation is unchanged, and the game again ends in a draw.} 1. Rd3 {?? is met by %05Note that, in manoeuvring with his rook, White should %05not occupy d3. Thus} f1=Q+ 2. Kxf1 Kf3 $19 {, when White loses.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5R2/8/8/7k/6p1/5pKp/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {In this situation wing pawns prove less dangerous.} 1. Rf3 {is possible, since %05Here even} h1=Q+ 2. Kxh1 Kh3 {leads to stalemate both after} 3. Rxg3+ {=} (3. Rxf2 {= %05and}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3R4/8/k7/8/4p3/3pKp2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {In position ~3( 1117)~ White could have won, had his rook been able to reach the 1st rank with gain of time. Suppose that the black king is not at b8, but at a5.} 1. Ra7+ {! %05The king proves to be extremely badly placed, since it allows the above-mentioned switching of the rook:} Kb4 2. Ra1 Kc3 3. Kxe3 $18 { , when White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/R7/7k/8/2pp4/1p6/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] {The features of the play in such positions, where the king is a long way from its pawns, are well shown in the following study. White's problem is clear: he must deprive the pawns of their mobility, switch his rook to the 1st rank, and then eliminate the pawns. But at the same time it is important that the black king should not manage to support the pawns. The composer himself thought that White could successfully carry out his plan, but a year after the study's publication it was established that Black was able to maintain the balance.} 1. Rd6 {%05White has two possibilities:} (1. Rf6 {White tries carrying out his plan in a different way: first he brings his rook to the 1st rank, at the same time cutting the opponent's king off from the pawns. Incidentally, he now threatens 2. Rf3 d2 3. Rf1, then 4. Kc2 etc.} Kg4 {!} 2. Rf1 Kg3 3. Ka2 { (preparing an attack on the c-pawn by 4. Kb3, and simultaneously threatening to attack the d-pawn by 4. Rd1)} Kg2 4. Rd1 b1=Q+ {!} (4... d2 {, then %05White appears to have achieved his aim. If now} 5. Kb3) (4... c2 {%05or} 5. Rd2+ Kf3 6. Kxb2 {etc. But Black still has something in reserve.}) 5. Rxb1 (5. Kxb1 c2+ {=}) 5... c2 6. Rc1 Kf3 7. Kb2 d2 8. Kxc2 {=}) 1... d2 2. Kc2 Kg5 { ! An excellent reply! The rook must not be allowed onto the 1st rank, before the king succeeds in supporting the pawns.} (2... Kg4 {? %05Therefore it would be a mistake to play} 3. Rg6+ {!} Kf3 4. Rg1 Ke2 5. Rb1 $18 {, when White wins. }) 3. Rd8 Kf4 4. Rf8+ {(now this is not dangerous; Black's king is already close to the pawns)} Ke3 5. Rf1 Kd4 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/8/3pk3/4p3/4Kp2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {If only one pawn has reached the penultimate rank, the following is one of the basic drawn positions.} 1... d3+ {%05If it is White to move, a rook check at e8 prevents the advance of the d-pawn, and then the rook returns to d8. ^013^010 However, the advance of the d-pawn is not in fact dangerous. Thus with Black to move there follows} 2. Kf1 (2. Rxd3 {? %05White loses after} f1=Q+ 3. Kxf1 Kxd3 $19 {%04etc.}) 2... d2 (2... Kf3 {?} 3. Rxd3 $18 {, and it is White who wins}) 3. Ke2 {= , and we reach the drawn position ~3($401118)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3pk3/4p3/4Kp2/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {In such positions, with the pawns diagonally arranged, on the 1st rank the rook is much worse placed than on the 8th.} 1. Rh1 {! %05If it is White to move, he manages to improve the position of his rook by} d3+ 2. Kf1 Kd4 (2... Kf3 3. Rh3+ Kf4 4. Rh8 d2 5. Rf8+ Ke4 6. Ke2 {= with a draw}) 3. Rh8 Kc3 (3... d2 4. Rd8+ Kc3 5. Ke2 {= %04etc.}) 4. Re8 d2 (4... Kd2 {also fails to win:} 5. Re7 Kc1 6. Rxe3 d2 7. Rd3 {=}) 5. Rd8 Kc2 6. Rc8+ Kd3 7. Rd8+ Kc2 8. Rc8+ Kb2 9. Rd8 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3pk3/4p3/4Kp2/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... d3+ {%05If Black begins, he easily wins by} 2. Rxd3 (2. Kf1 e2+ $19) 2... f1=Q+ 3. Kxf1 Kxd3 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1634.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5pk1/6p1/6Kp/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1634.??.??"] {In the position obtained by moving example 162 one file to the right the rook has no possibility of an attack from the right, and that means that White loses even when it is him to move. But with wing pawns White is able to draw by stalemate.} 1. Kh1 {! , e.g. %05If White begins, he draws by} f3 (1... Kh3 { %05or} 2. Rf3 Kg4 3. Rf1 {= %04etc.}) 2. Rxf3 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1634.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5pk1/6p1/6Kp/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1634.??.??"] 1... f3+ {%05If it is Black to move, he wins:} 2. Rxf3 (2. Kh1 {%05It should be noted that after} g2+ 3. Kxh2 gxf1=B {!$19 %05the only way to win is by} ( 3... gxf1=N+ {!$19 %05or})) 2... h1=Q+ 3. Kxh1 Kxf3 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1859.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Urusov Sergey S"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5p1k/5Rp1/6Kp/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1859.??.??"] 1... Kg4 {White can no longer consolidate his forces, e.g. %05After} 2. Kh1 (2. Rf1 {%05or} f3+ $19) (2. Ra3 {%05or, finally} f3+ 3. Kh1 f2 4. Ra1 (4. Rf3 g2+ $19) 4... Kh3 $19) 2... g2+ 3. Kxg2 h1=Q+ 4. Kxh1 Kxf3 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fahrni Hans (SUI)"] [Black "Wegemund Otto"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2p5/kpK5/p7/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] 1... b2 {, when the queening of a pawn could not be prevented. But White was able to exploit the position of the enemy king on the edge of the board to save the game by creating mating threats: %05Black played} 2. Rh8 b1=N+ 3. Kxc4 Nc3 4. Rh1 Nb1 5. Rh8 {= Drawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cohn G"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/8/8/8/kpK5/p7/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1... b2 {%05Black succeeds in parrying the mating threats:} 2. Rd8 b1=N+ 3. Kc4 Nc3 {!} 4. Ra8+ Na4 5. Kb5 c6+ $19 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6R1/8/8/7k/5ppp/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {If the king is not able to support the rook in its battle against pawns which are close to queening, the situation changes sharply in favour of the pawns, which are normally able to queen.} 1. Kg1 {, when Black has two possibilities: %05If it is White to move, he can effectively include his king in the battle with the pawns:} (1. Rh7+ Kg4 2. Kg1) 1... h2+ (1... f2+ 2. Kf1 h2 3. Rh7+ Kg4 4. Kg2 {= with the same result.}) 2. Kh1 Kh3 3. Rxg3+ {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6R1/8/8/7k/5ppp/8/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... h2 {%05But if Black begins, after} 2. Rh7+ Kg4 $19 {White is not able to stop the pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/2K5/8/8/6p1/5p1p/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {If a rook has to battle against far-advanced pawns on its own, the only drawing possibility is the creation of mating threats. For this the opponent's king must be on the edge of the board, or it must be possible to drive it there in the course of the play.} 1. Rb1+ {%05The threat is 1... g2, against which there appears to be defence. White must therefore try to exploit the position of the opponent's king on the edge of the board.} Kc8 2. Ra1 Kd8 3. Kd6 Ke8 4. Ke6 Kf8 5. Kf6 Kg8 (5... f1=Q+ {? %05not} 6. Rxf1 g2 7. Ra1 { = with a draw.}) 6. Kg6 f1=Q {!} 7. Rxf1 g2 $19 {, and Black wins. In this case Black managed to parry the mating attack, but in certain positions the mating threats may succeed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/2K5/8/8/5p2/6pp/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] 1. Ra1+ {%05By constantly threatening mate, White gains a draw:} Kb8 2. Rb1+ Kc8 3. Ra1 Kd8 4. Kd6 Ke8 5. Ke6 Kf8 6. Kf6 Kg8 7. Ra8+ Kh7 8. Ra7+ Kh6 9. Ra8 Kh5 10. Kf5 Kh4 11. Kf4 Kh5 12. Kf5 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vukovic"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/5R2/4K3/8/5p2/7p/6p1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1. Ra7 {! All other moves lose, e.g.} (1. Rb7 {?} Kd8 2. Kd6 Kc8 3. Rb1 h2 4. Rc1+ Kb7 5. Rb1+ Ka6 6. Kc6 Ka5 7. Kc5 Ka4 8. Kc4 Ka3 9. Kc3 Ka2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 1... Kd8 2. Kd6 Kc8 3. Kc6 Kb8 4. Rb7+ Ka8 5. Rb1 h2 6. Ra1+ Kb8 7. Rb1+ Kc8 8. Ra1 Kd8 9. Kd6 Ke8 10. Ke6 Kf8 11. Kf6 Kg8 12. Ra8+ Kh7 13. Ra7+ Kh6 14. Ra8 {= Draw.} * [Event "Voroshilovgrad (Ukraine)"] [Site "Voroshilovgrad (Ukraine)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Arulaid Alexander (EST)"] [Black "Gurgenidze Bukhuti (GEO)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/7p/4K3/8/8/6p1/5p2/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {The game was adjourned in this position and White resigned without resuming. But Gurgenidze showed that White could have drawn by exploiting the position of the opponent's king.} 1. Kd6 Kc8 2. Rc1+ Kb7 3. Rb1+ Ka6 4. Kc6 Ka5 5. Kc5 Ka4 6. Kc4 Ka3 7. Kc3 Ka2 8. Rf1 {! This is the whole point. In this way White prevents 8... g2, and gains an important tempo for bringing his king up to the pawns.} h5 9. Kd3 h4 (9... Kb3 {, then %05if} 10. Ke2 g2 11. Rb1+ {=} (11. Kxf2 {= %05or simply})) 10. Ke3 h3 11. Kf3 g2 12. Rxf2+ {= and 13. Rg2 with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/2K5/8/2p5/Rp6/p7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Ra5 {! , e.g. %05White needs a vacant rank, so that his rook can attack the enemy king. He achieves this by} b2 (1... a1=Q 2. Rxa1 b2 3. Rh1 c3 4. Kb6 Kc8 5. Kc6 {= %04etc.}) 2. Rb5+ Kc8 3. Rh5 Kd8 4. Kd6 Ke8 5. Ke6 Kf8 6. Kf6 Kg8 7. Rg5+ Kh7 8. Rh5+ Kg8 9. Rg5+ Kf8 10. Rh5 {= Draw. The position of the king on the edge of the board is fraught with danger, and may even be the cause of defeat.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/8/8/4p3/5p1k/5Kp1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... Kh2 {%05White wins irrespective of the turn to move, since Black is in zugzwang:} (1... Kh4 {%05or} 2. Re8 {and 3. Re4$18}) 2. Rh8# {%04mate} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/5k2/4p3/3pKp2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {If none of the pawns has reached the penultimate rank, and the king and rook are concertedly battling against them, the pawns prove less dangerous and the rook frequently gains the upper hand.} 1. Rd4 {is the strongest move, leading to the immediate^013^010 elimination of the pawns, e.g. %05This position is obtained by moving example^013^010 %05~3($401118)~ one rank up the board. In that position 1. %05Rd3 lost to 1... f1Q!, but here the analogous} f2 (1... Kg4 2. Rxe4+ Kg3 3. Rf4 d2 4. Rxf3+ $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Kxf2 Kf4 3. Ra4 $18 {This is an important reference position, to which one should aim with the rook against the pawns. Note that the result does not depend upon the files on which the pawns are placed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1859.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Urusov Sergey S"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6p1/5pkp/1R6/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1859.??.??"] 1. Ra2 {%05The author of the position did not give any variations to support its assessment. Maizelis showed that after} (1. Rb8 {? %05But why shouldn't White try playing for a win? What if he plays} f2+ {!} (1... Kh4 {? is met by %05In this case the retreat of the king loses:} 2. Kf2 $18 {!}) (1... Kf4 { ? %05and} 2. Kh2 {!} f2 3. Rf8+ Ke3 4. Kg3 $18 {%04etc.}) (1... h2+ {is no good: %05Let us consider active play by Black.} 2. Kh1 Kh3 (2... Kf2 3. Kxh2 g3+ 4. Kh3 g2 5. Rb2+ Kf1 6. Rb1+ Kf2 7. Kh2 $18 {and wins}) 3. Rh8+ Kg3 4. Rh7 {!} (4. Rxh2 {?} f2 {, and White is forced to play} 5. Rh3+ {! =}) 4... Kf2 ( 4... f2 5. Rf7 $18) 5. Rxh2+ Kf1 6. Ra2 g3 7. Ra1+ Kf2 8. Rb1 Ke2 9. Kg1 $18 { , and White wins.}) 2. Kf1 Kh2 3. Rg8 g3 4. Rg7 g2+ 5. Kxf2 g1=Q+ 6. Rxg1 { - stalemate. =}) 1... Kh4 2. Kf2 (2. Ra4 {%05Of course, if he wishes White can also draw much more simply:} Kg3 3. Ra2 {= %04etc.}) 2... h2 3. Ra1 Kh3 4. Rb1 g3+ 5. Kxf3 {White gains a draw as in example ~3($401128)~:} g2 6. Rb8 g1=N+ 7. Kf2 Nf3 8. Rb1 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6p1/4kp1p/8/5K1R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {Here is one further position with the same pawn formation, but with the rook extremely badly placed.} 1... g3 {! %05If it were Black to move, he would win by} 2. Rxh3 g2+ 3. Kg1 Ke2 $19 {, when one of the pawns queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6p1/4kp1p/8/5K1R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Ke1 {! If Black replies %05This threat (1... g3!) is parried by the subtle} g3 (1... f2+ {%05On the 1st move Black can play} 2. Kf1 Kf3 3. Rxh3+ {= with a draw is perfectly possible. %05but} (3. Rh2 {loses to %05when} Kg3 {!} 4. Rh1 ( 4. Rxf2 h2 $19) 4... h2 $19)) (1... Kf4 {, there follows %05Finally, if Black replies to 1. Ke1 with} 2. Kf1 Kg3 3. Rg1+ Kh4 {, and here, as in the previous example, possible is} 4. Kf2 h2 5. Rh1 Kh3 6. Ra1 g3+ 7. Kxf3 g2 8. Ra8 { = with a draw.}) 2. Rxh3 {%05there follows} g2 (2... f2+ {%05If on 2. Rh3 Black plays} 3. Kf1 Kf3 {, the only way to draw is by} 4. Rh2 {! =}) 3. Rg3 { , and he is forced to continue} g1=Q+ 4. Rxg1 f2+ {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/8/7k/5ppp/8/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Kg2 {%05White's plan is simple: to force the pawns to advance^013^010 %05and obtain a position of type ~3($401138)~. If it is his %05move,^013^010 %05this is achieved without difficulty:} h3+ 2. Kh2 Kh4 3. Rh8+ Kg5 4. Rf8 {!} f3 5. Kg3 Kh5 (5... Kg6 {%05No better is} 6. Rg8+ (6. Kxg4 {?? %05of course, not} h2 7. Rh8 f2 $19 {, when it is Black who wins}) 6... Kf5 7. Rxg4 h2 8. Rh4 $18) 6. Rf5+ $18 {, and Black can resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/8/7k/5ppp/8/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1... h3 {! White should play %05 Maizelis thought that, if it was Black to move, he could maintain the balance, but Kopayev refuted this opinion. On the best move} 2. Rh8+ Kg5 3. Kg1 {! After transferring his king to h2, White wishes then to force ... f3. Against this idea Black has no defence.} Kf5 4. Kh2 Ke4 5. Rg8 Kf3 (5... Kf5 6. Rg7 f3 7. Kg3 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. Rg7 Ke2 (6... g3+ 7. Kxh3 Kf2 8. Ra7 $18) 7. Rxg4 f3 8. Re4+ Kf1 (8... Kd3 9. Rf4 Ke2 10. Kxh3 f2 11. Kg2 $18) 9. Kg3 f2 10. Rf4 $18 {, and White wins. It is interesting to check whether or not the assessment changes if this position is moved one or two files to the left, since Black acquires an entry for his king on the right.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/8/5k2/3ppp2/8/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1... f3 {%05From previous analysis it is clear that White to move wins by 1. Ke2.^013^010 If it is Black to move, after} 2. Rf8+ Ke5 (2... Kg4 {, trying to support the f-pawn with his king, but then White has the strong reply %05True, Black can meet the rook check with} 3. Rd8 {! , attacking the pawn most distant from the king.} Kg3 (3... d3 {, then %05If now} 4. Ke3 Kg3 5. Rg8+ Kh3 6. Kf2 $18 {and wins, and no better is 3... Kg3}) 4. Rxd4 {!} f2 (4... Kg2 5. Ke3 (5. Rd8 {%05Incidentally, instead of 5. Ke3, also possible is} f2 6. Rg8+ Kf1 7. Rf8 Kg2 8. Ke2 $18 {, and White wins.}) 5... f2 6. Rd2 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Ke2 Kg2 6. Rd1 $18) 3. Ke1 {!$18 White again wins. Thus irrespective of the files on which the pawns stand in positions of type ~3 ( 1142)- ( 1144)~, White always wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/7K/8/ppp5/8/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {If both kings are a long way from the pawns and the rook has to battle against them on its own, it is extremely important to know in which cases the rook can stop the pawns, and in which it cannot. It is that we will now try to establish.} 1. Kg5 {%05The white king is not in time to join the battle against the pawns:} (1. Rg4 {%05White is also unable to stop the pawns by attacking them with the rook, e.g.} b3 2. Rxc4 b2 3. Rb4 a3 $19) (1. Rb1 {%05or } b3 2. Ra1 b2 3. Rb1 a3 $19 {and wins.}) 1... b3 2. Kf4 b2 3. Ke3 a3 4. Kd2 a2 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/7K/ppp5/8/8/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {It is a totally different matter if the pawns have not crossed the demarcation line. In this case the attack by the rook proves successful.} 1. Rg5 b4 2. Rxc5 a4 3. Rc4 b3 4. Rxa4 $18 {, and White wins. Thus an important conclusion is reached: a rook on its own is able to stop three connected pawns advancing without the support of their king, provided only that they have not crossed the demarcation line. But if all three pawns have crossed this line, the rook cannot stop them.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/7K/2p5/pp6/8/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {We can also try to answer the following question: how many of three connected pawns can cross the line for the rook still to be able to stop them? In the following position two of the pawns have crossed the boundary.} 1. Rg5 { %05It is clear that, while the rook is picking up one pawn, the other two will end up on the 6th rank, after resistance will be hopeless. For example:} b3 2. Rxc5 a3 $19 (2... b2 $19 {, and White can resign. %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/7K/1pp5/p7/8/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {We will now consider an example where only one pawn has crossed the boundary. } 1. Rg5 {Black has two continuations: %05In reply to} a3 {!} (1... b4 2. Rxc5 a3 {!} (2... b3 {? %05Worse is} 3. Rb5 Ke6 4. Kg5 {!} (4. Rb4 {%05the attempt to eliminate the second pawn leads only to a %05draw:} Kd5 5. Rxa4 Kc5 6. Ra8 Kc4 {= %04etc.}) 4... Kd6 5. Kf4 Kc6 6. Rb8 Kc5 7. Ke3 Kc4 8. Kd2 a3 9. Kc1 Kc3 10. Rc8+ Kb4 11. Ra8 $18 {, and White wins.}) 3. Ra5 Ke6 4. Ra4 a2 5. Rxa2 Kd5 {=}) 2. Rxc5 a2 3. Rc7+ {! otherwise White loses;} (3. Rc1 {? is met by} b4 $19 ) 3... Ke6 4. Ra7 b4 5. Rxa2 Kd5 6. Ra8 b3 7. Rb8 Kc4 {= with a draw. As we see, the correct procedure is to push forward any of the two pawns. Thus we also obtain a second conclusion: if the demarcation line has been crossed by only one pawn, the rook manages to stop the pawns, and the result depends on the placing of the kings - on whether the king can support the rook in its battle against the pawns, or whether the opponent's king can come to their help.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1863.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zukertort Johannes (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/4K1k1/8/8/ppp5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1863.??.??"] {If two or more of the pawns have crossed the demarcation line, and the king cannot directly support the rook in its battle with them, the only saving possibility lies in an attack on the enemy king.} 1. Rf1 {%05If White begins, he gains time, by a mating attack, to %05approach the pawns with his king:} a3 (1... b3 2. Rg1+ Kh7 3. Kf7 Kh6 4. Kf6 Kh5 (4... Kh7 5. Ke5 a3 6. Kd4 a2 7. Kc3 $18) 5. Kf5 Kh6 6. Ke4 a3 7. Kd4 a2 8. Kc3 $18) 2. Rg1+ Kh7 3. Kf7 {!} Kh6 4. Kf6 Kh7 5. Ke5 a2 6. Kd4 b3 7. Kc3 Kh6 8. Kb2 Kh5 9. Rc1 $18 {, and White wins. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1863.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zukertort Johannes (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/4K1k1/8/8/ppp5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1863.??.??"] 1... a3 {%05If it is Black to move, the attack on the enemy king enables White to save the game:} 2. Rf1 b3 3. Rg1+ Kh6 4. Kf6 Kh5 5. Kf5 Kh4 6. Kf4 Kh3 7. Kf3 Kh2 8. Rg2+ {! Only this move, found by Zukertort, leads to a draw.} (8. Ra1 {%05Bad is} b2 9. Rb1 c3 $19 {, when Black wins.}) 8... Kh3 9. Rg1 {= Draw. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herberg"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/8/2R3Kp/8/5pp1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {The following study shows another instance of saving the draw against far advanced pawns. Two connected pawns on the 6th rank cannot be stopped by a rook alone. Therefore White must look for some other means of defence.} 1. Kh4 {!} (1. Kg6 {%05The attack on the enemy king proves unsuccessful:} Kf8 2. Rf5+ (2. Kf6 Ke8 3. Ke6 Kd8 4. Kd6 f2 5. Rxh5 Ke8 6. Ke6 f1=Q $19 {, and Black wins. }) 2... Ke7 3. Rxf3 h4 $19) 1... f2 2. Rg5+ Kh7 3. Rxh5+ Kg6 4. Rg5+ Kf6 5. Rxg3 f1=Q 6. Rf3+ {!} Qxf3 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/4k3/3p4/3Kp3/5p2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {We have already seen many times that, in their battle against the pawns, the pieces are best deployed such that the rook attacks them from the rear, and the king from the front. For this reason positions with diagonally-arranged pawns deserve particular attention. The analysis of such situations began nearly a hundred years ago, but it is only recently, thanks mainly to analysis by Kopayev and partly Cheron, that their correct assessment has been established.} 1... Kf6 {%05If it is Black to move there is no problem: he is in zugzwang and loses immediately, e.g.} 2. Rd6+ Kf5 3. Rxd5+ Kf4 4. Rd8 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/4k3/3p4/3Kp3/5p2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {whereas now Black can well resign.} {If White begins, he is faced with the problem of giving his opponent the move. For a long time theorists thought that this problem could not be solved, until Kopayev finally found a clear-cut (although not easy) way to do so. It transpires that the white king has come to the front line too soon, and must retreat.} 1. Ke3 Ke5 2. Re8+ {! (while the king is manoeuvring in front of the pawns, the rook must keep on the e-file)} Kf5 (2... Kd6 {%05Bad is} 3. Kd4 Kd7 4. Re5 Kc6 5. Rf5 $18 {, when Black can resign.} (5. Rxd5 {%05Incidentally, also possible is} e3 6. Rc5+ { and 7. Rc1$18})) (2... Kf6 {, when he continues, as in the main variation, %05White's problem is somewhat simplified by} 3. Kf2 Kf5 4. Kg3 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Kf2 {!} (3. Kd4 {is met by %05The attempt to go onto the attack immediately is a loss %05of time:} Kg4 {, when White does best to bring his king back, since} 4. Rd8 {?} (4. Rf8 Kg3 5. Ke3 {is no better due to} Kg2 {! , when the active position of Black's king saves him, e.g.} 6. Rg8+ Kf1 7. Rg5 d4+ 8. Kxd4 Ke2 {= with a draw.}) 4... f2 5. Rf8 Kg3 6. Ke3 d4+ 7. Ke2 e3 {= leads to a well-known drawn position.}) 3... Kf6 (3... Kf4 {merely accelerates Black's defeat: %05The pseudo-active} 4. Re6 Kf5 (4... d4 5. Rf6+ $18 {leads to position already examined}) 5. Rd6 Ke5 6. Rd7 {!} Ke6 7. Rd8 Ke5 8. Ke3 {!} Ke6 9. Kd4 $18 {, and the problem has been solved - it is Black to move.}) 4. Kf1 { !} (4. Kg3 {%05The direct} Kf5 5. Rd8 Ke5 {! does not succeed. First, by triangulation, Black must once be given the move.}) 4... Kf5 5. Kg1 {!} Kf4 ( 5... Kf6 {, then %05if} 6. Kh2 {!$18 , and then as in the main variation}) 6. Kf2 Kf5 7. Kg3 Kf6 8. Kh2 {!} (8. Kg4 {also wins, exploiting the fact that the f-pawn cannot move due to a rook check from the rear. But Black replies %05The pawns cannot move, and for the second time White %05gives his opponent the move, manoeuvring with his king %05in the triangle h2-h3-g3. It may seem to the reader that} Kg7 {! , and if} 9. Re5 {, then} f2 10. Rg5+ Kh6 11. Rh5+ Kg6 12. Rh1 e3 13. Kf3 d4 14. Ke2 Kf5 {= with a draw.}) 8... Kf5 9. Rd8 {!} Ke6 ( 9... e3 {%05Once again active play fails to save Black:} 10. Rxd5+ Ke4 11. Rd8 e2 12. Re8+ $18) (9... Kf4 {%05or} 10. Rxd5 Ke3 11. Re5 $18 {!}) 10. Kh3 {!} Ke5 11. Kg3 Kd4 (11... Ke6 {%05Black throws caution to the winds, but there is nothing better:} 12. Kf2 Ke5 13. Ke3 Ke6 14. Kd4 $18 {immediately decides the game.}) 12. Kf2 Kc4 (12... Ke5 13. Ke3) 13. Ke3 Kc5 14. Re8 {!} Kc4 (14... Kd6 15. Kd4 Kd7 16. Re5 $18 {%04etc.}) 15. Rc8+ Kb3 {Thus White has managed to cut off the opponent's king from the pawns. The rest is simple.} 16. Kd4 Kb2 17. Rd8 Kc2 18. Ke3 {!$18 The last precise move.} (18. Rxd5 {%05After} Kd2 {!} 19. Kxe4+ Ke2 {= it would have been a draw,}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/5k2/3p4/4p3/2K2p2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {It is no longer difficult to find the solution in the following position.} 1. Kd2 {! %05The winning path lies via the cherished h2 and h3 squares:} (1. Kd4 { %05Note that the natural} Kf7 2. Re5 Kf6 3. Rh5 Ke6 4. Rh8 Ke7 {leads only to a draw. ! =}) 1... Kf5 2. Ke3 Kf6 3. Kf2 Kf5 4. Kg3 Kf6 5. Kh2 {!} Kf5 6. Rd8 { !} Ke6 7. Kh3 {!} Ke5 8. Kg3 $18 {, and we have already seen the rest in the analysis of the previous position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/5k2/4p3/4Kp2/6p1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {If position ~3( 1152)~ is moved one file to the right, The proximity of the edge of the board prevents White from giving his opponent the move by triangulation, but it turns out that in this case he has a simpler way to win, based on the fact that the opponent's king is also restricted.} 1... Kg6 { %05With Black to move, things are just the same here:} 2. Re6+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/5k2/4p3/4Kp2/6p1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Kf3 {%05If White begins, the play develops as follows:} Kf5 2. Rf8+ Kg6 ( 2... Kg5 {merely simplifies White's problem, since he can play} 3. Ke4 { ! , when the attempt to create counter-play by} Kg4 {is met by} 4. Rh8 { ! , for the moment preventing the black king from going to h3. After} g2 (4... Kg5 5. Kxe5 {!} f3 6. Rg8+ Kh4 7. Kf4 $18 {, and White wins.}) 5. Rg8+ Kh3 6. Kf3 e4+ 7. Kf2 f3 $18 {position ~3($411137)~, which is won for White, is reached.}) 3. Kg2 Kg5 4. Kh3 Kg6 5. Kh4 {! The similar move in example ~3 ($401152)~ did not win, since there the black king had more space for manoeuvring.} Kh7 6. Rf5 {!} g2 7. Rh5+ Kg6 8. Rg5+ Kf6 9. Rxg2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/8/6k1/5p2/5Kp1/7p/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Against wing pawns White again wins by triangulation, but in a different place, as he does not have a by-pass to the right.} 1... Kh6 {%05With Black to move, all is clear:} 2. Rf6+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/8/6k1/5p2/5Kp1/7p/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Kg3 {%05If White begins, the only move to win is} (1. Rg8+ {is insufficient due to %05since} Kh7) (1. Ke3 {%05as is} h2 2. Rh8 g3 3. Kf3 f4 {= with a draw ~3 ($411122)~.}) 1... Kg5 2. Rg8+ Kh6 (2... Kf6 {%05Black loses quickly after} 3. Kf4 Kf7 4. Rg5 Ke6 5. Rh5 $18 {%04etc.}) (2... Kh5 {is also bad: %05while} 3. Kf4 {!} Kh6 4. Kxf5 $18 {!}) 3. Kf2 {!} Kh5 4. Ke3 {! An important finesse!} (4. Ke2 {%05As yet it is early for triangulation:} Kh4 {! , and the king has to return to f2.}) 4... Kh6 (4... Kh4 {%05if} 5. Kf4 Kh5 6. Kxf5 $18 {etc. is immediately decisive}) 5. Ke2 {!} Kh5 (5... Kh7 {%05White's problem is simplified by} 6. Rg5 Kh6 7. Rxf5 h2 8. Rf1 g3 9. Kf3 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. Kf2 Kh4 (6... Kh6 7. Kg3 Kh5 8. Kf4 Kh6 9. Kxf5 $18 {leads to variations already considered}) (6... f4 {is not dangerous due to %05and, as we know,} 7. Rh8+ Kg5 8. Kg1 {! and 9. Kh2$18~3 ($401143)~}) 7. Rg7 Kh5 (7... g3+ {can be refuted in two ways: %05The desperate attempt} 8. Rxg3 (8. Kf3 {%05or} g2 9. Kf2 f4 10. Kg1 {!} f3 11. Rg8 Kh5 12. Rg3 $18 {%04etc.}) 8... h2 9. Rg8 h1=N+ 10. Kf3 { !$18 when the newly made knight is immediately lost}) 8. Kg3 Kh6 9. Rg8 Kh5 10. Kf4 Kh6 11. Kxf5 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lehner Erich (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/7k/5p2/6p1/4K2p/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {Kopayev's analysis enabled the assessment of the following ancient position to be corrected. For a long time it was thought that this was a position of mutual zugzwang: that with Black to play he would lose, but that with White to play it was a draw. But Kopayev showed that White could win even when it was his turn to move.} 1... Kh5 {%05If Black begins, any move leads quickly to defeat, e.g.} (1... Kh7 2. Rg5 Kh6 3. Rxf5 h2 4. Rf1 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kf4 Kh6 3. Kxf5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lehner Erich (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/7k/5p2/6p1/4K2p/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] 1. Ke2 {! %05 Knowing the previous example, it is not at all difficult to find the solution: the king must give the opponent the move within the triangle e2-f2-e3.} (1. Kf4 {due to %05If it is White to move, he cannot play} Kh7 {!} 2. Rg5 Kh6 3. Rg8 Kh7 4. Ra8 Kg7 {= with a draw.}) 1... Kh5 2. Kf2 Kh4 3. Rg7 Kh5 4. Kg3 Kh6 5. Rg8 Kh5 6. Kf4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1843.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Der Lasa Thassilo (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5pk1/6p1/6Kp/8/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1843.??.??"] {The reason for White's failure in this example was the insufficiently active position of his rook. Had it been at e1, after 1. Re8! Kg6 2. Rg8+ the play would have followed the familiar pattern. Note that the result in positions such as this one does not depend upon the files on which the pawns stand.} { The examples considered demonstrate the great strength of the rook to the rear of the pawns, from where it can attack both the pawns and the opponent's king. But what if Black tries not to allow it to attack from the rear?} 1. Rf2 { %05As we know, to win White must switch his rook to the enemy rear:} Kg6 2. Ra2 Kf6 3. Ra8 Kg7 {! %05But it turns out that Black can forestall White's plan by} (3... Kg5 {%05White only has to make one more move, e.g.} 4. Rg8+ {!$18 , transporting into examples already examined.}) 4. Kf4 {%05Events can now develop as follows:} Kf7 5. Ra6 Kg7 6. Rb6 Kf7 {!} (6... Kh7 {loses to %05Here} 7. Kg5 {!} Kg7 (7... g3 8. Rh6+ {and 9. Rh3$18}) 8. Rg6+ (8. Rb7+ {%05or} Kg8 9. Kf4 {, followed by 10. Rb5 and 11. Rf5$18}) 8... Kf7 9. Rh6 Kg7 10. Rh5 { ! and 11. Kf5$18}) 7. Rh6 Kg7 8. Rh5 (8. Kg5 {?} f4 {=}) 8... Kg6 9. Rg5+ Kh6 { !} 10. Rg8 {The pawn could not be taken by either rook or king. Now, for an instant, the rook has got behind the pawns, but it cannot be maintained in this position:} Kh7 {!} 11. Ra8 Kg7 {! =} (11... Kg6 {?} 12. Rf8 {!$18}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2p5/3p4/1K1kp3/8/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {If in diagonal positions the rook and king are unable to unite their actions, the situation changes in favour of the pawns, especially if they are actively supported by their king.} 1... e2 {%05With Black to move there is very little play:} 2. Ra1 Kd2 (2... c4+ 3. Kb4 c3 $19 {is also possible}) 3. Ra2+ Ke3 4. Ra1 d3 $19 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2p5/3p4/1K1kp3/8/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Rd1+ {%05If White begins, he manages to coordinate his pieces:} Ke4 (1... Ke2 2. Kc2 {!} Kf2 3. Kd3 e2 4. Rd2 {= etc. is no better}) 2. Re1 {! Cheron attaches the exclamation mark to this move, which, generally speaking, is not essential.} (2. Rh1 {is also possible, e.g.} e2 3. Kc2 Ke3 4. Rh3+ Kf2 5. Rh2+ Kf1 6. Rh1+ Kg2 7. Re1 Kf2 8. Kd2 d3 9. Rh1 c4 10. Rc1 {= with a draw.}) 2... Kf3 3. Kc2 Kf2 (3... c4 {is also not dangerous:} 4. Kd1 d3 5. Rf1+ {= and 6. Rf8 with an easy draw, as in example ~3($401131)~.}) 4. Kd1 (4. Rh1 {is also possible %05the immediate}) 4... d3 5. Rh1 e2+ 6. Kd2 c4 7. Rc1 {= with a draw. But if the position is moved one or two files to the right, the lack of space on that side prevents the rook and king from coordinating.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p4/4p3/2K1kp2/8/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1... f2 {%05With Black to move:} 2. Ra1 Ke2 3. Ra2+ Kf3 4. Ra1 e3 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p4/4p3/2K1kp2/8/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Re1+ {%05With White to move:} Kf4 2. Rf1 (2. Rh1 f2 3. Kd2 Kf3 $19 {is also unsuccessful}) 2... Kg3 3. Kd2 (3. Kd4 {, then %05If} Kg2 4. Ra1 f2 $18) (3. Rg1+ {, as shown by Kopayev, the only correct move is %05, while on} Kh2 { ! , e.g.} (3... Kf2 {? leads to a draw: %05But the natural} 4. Rd1 e3 5. Ra1 e2 6. Kd2 d4 7. Rb1 d3 8. Ra1 Kg2 9. Kxd3 e1=Q {!} 10. Rxe1 f2 {= %04etc.}) 4. Rg5 f2 5. Rf5 Kg2 6. Rg5+ Kf3 {!} 7. Rxd5 e3 8. Rf5+ Ke4 {!$19 , and Black wins.}) 3... Kg2 4. Ra1 (4. Ke1 e3 $19) 4... f2 5. Ke2 d4 6. Rb1 d3+ $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4p3/5p2/3K1kp1/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Rf1+ Kg4 2. Rg1 f3 {!} (2... Kh3 {is a loss of time due to} 3. Rh1+ { , when the king has to go back, since} Kg2 4. Re1 {!} f3 5. Ra1 f2 6. Ke2 { = leads only to a draw.}) 3. Ke3 g2 {!} (3... f2 {?} 4. Ra1 {= leads to a draw} ) 4. Kf2 e4 5. Re1 Kf4 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p2/6p1/4K1kp/8/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {Against wing pawns, if it is White to move he is able to draw, thanks to the proximity of the side of the board.} 1... h2 {%05If Black begins, he wins} 2. Ra1 f4+ (2... Kg2 {? %05but not} 3. Ra2+ Kh3 4. Ra1 g3 {? %00o^ 3.Ke4 f3 4.Ke3 f2 5.Rf1 ( 5.Ke2 Kg2 6.Rf1 g3 $19 ) Kh3 (!} (4... Kg2 {? Rxf2+ Kg1} 5. Ra2+ { = leads only to a draw}) {Kxf2 g3+} 5. Kf3 g2 $19 {%04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p2/6p1/4K1kp/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Rg1+ {%05If it is White to move, he is able to maintain the balance:} Kh4 ( 1... Kh2 {? even loses after %05the incautious} 2. Kf2 $18) 2. Kf4 h2 3. Ra1 g3 (3... Kh3 4. Ra3+ Kg2 5. Ra2+ {=}) 4. Kf3 Kh3 5. Rb1 g2 6. Rb8 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3pk3/4p3/4Kp2/8/8/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {If only one of the diagonal pawns has crossed the demarcation line, the rook and king usually win if they are well placed. Positions of this type, but with the pawns one rank down the board, were drawn ~3( 1161)~ , whereas here White wins easily.} 1. Rd3 {%05For example, with White to move:} Kd7 2. Kf5 {!} Ke7 ( 2... Kc6 {, then %05if} 3. Ke6 e4 4. Rxd6+ Kc5 5. Ke5 e3 6. Rd1 f3 7. Rc1+ Kb4 8. Kd4 e2 9. Ke3 $18 {, and White wins.}) 3. Rd1 Kd7 4. Rc1 {!} Ke7 5. Rc7+ Kd8 6. Rf7 Ke8 7. Ke6 d5 8. Rh7 Kf8 9. Kxe5 $18 {, and White wins. It is easy to see that the method of attack and the result in such positions do not depend upon the files on which the pawns stand.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p4/4pk2/5p2/3K4/8/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {In the following example White's task looks not at all simple, since his king is insufficiently active. Here the pawns are not immobilized, and can easily move forward one rank. Black's aim is to set up a position of type ~3( 1161)~. White's problem is much more complicated: he has to increase the activity of his pieces and obtain a position of type ~3( 1152)~ with Black to move.} 1... d5 2. Rf1 {! An important prophylactic move.} (2. Ra1 {, then %05Had White played} e4+ {! would have led to a draw, e.g.} 3. Kd4 f3 4. Ke3 (4. Ra8 Kf4 { as in ~3 ($411174)~}) (4. Kxd5 {%05while if} f2 {, and it is only White who can lose}) 4... Ke6 {!} 5. Ra8 Ke7 {= , and as in example ~3 ($411161)~ Black prevents the attack from the rear.}) 2... Ke6 (2... e4+ {, on which there follows %05For the moment White prevents} 3. Kd4 f3 4. Kxd5 Kf4 5. Kd4 e3 6. Kd3 e2 7. Ra1 Kg3 8. Ke3 Kg2 9. Re1 Kg3 10. Rg1+ $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Ke2 { ! The king has occupied an important square in front of the pawns. Now it is time to improve the rook's position.} Kf6 (3... Kf5 {, the rook can immediately be switched to the rear of the pawns: %05If} 4. Ra1 e4 5. Ra6 Ke5 6. Kf2 Kf5 7. Rd6 Ke5 8. Rd8 Ke6 9. Rf8 Ke5 10. Rf7 f3 11. Rd7 Ke6 12. Rd8 Ke5 13. Ke3 Ke6 14. Kd4 Kf6 15. Rd6+ {!$18 and wins.}) 4. Rd1 {!} Ke6 5. Kf3 Kd6 6. Rc1 Kd7 7. Rc5 Kd6 8. Rc8 Kd7 9. Ra8 Ke7 10. Kg4 Ke6 11. Rd8 d4 12. Kf3 Kf5 13. Rd5 $18 {, and White wins. If the position is moved to right or left, with Black to move White fails to win only in the position where the leading pawn is on the knight's file.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p3/5pk1/6p1/4K3/8/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Ra1 {%05If White begins, he wins as in the previous example:} e5 2. Ra8 Kf6 3. Re8 f4+ 4. Ke4 g3 5. Kf3 $18 {, and the rest is familiar ~3 ($401156).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p3/5pk1/6p1/4K3/8/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... e5 {! %05With Black to move:} 2. Rg1 (2. Ra1 {, Black replies %05If White tries to switch his rook to the rear of the pawns by} Kf6 {!} 3. Ra8 Kf7 { != and then deploys his pawn along the diagonal.}) 2... f4+ 3. Ke4 g3 {!} 4. Kxe5 Kg4 5. Ke4 f3 6. Ke3 f2 7. Ra1 Kh3 {= with a draw ~3 ($411012).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p4/4p3/2K1kp2/8/8/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {In the following position Black's king is more active than in examples ~3( 1169)~ and ~3( 1170)~, and therefore it is not surprising that he is able to draw.} 1. Re1+ Kf3 {! Only this active continuation leads to a draw.} (1... Kf5 {%05Wrong is} 2. Kd3 $18 {, when White wins ~3 ($401170)~.}) 2. Kd3 Kf2 3. Kd2 f3 4. Re4 Kg2 5. Rg4+ Kf1 6. Rg6 d5 7. Rg5 f2 8. Rxe5 d4 {!} 9. Rg5 d3 10. Kd1 d2 11. Rf5 Kg2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p4/4p3/2K1kp2/8/8/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1... Ke3 {%05If it is Black to move, the simplest is} (1... f3 {%05but he can try for a win by} 2. Kc3 Ke3 3. Re1+ {! The only move: 3... f2 was threatened.} Kf2 (3... Kf4 {, then %05If now} 4. Rd1 f2 5. Rxd6 {!}) 4. Kd2 Kg2 5. Ra1 f2 ( 5... d5 6. Ra8) 6. Ke2 e4 7. Rf1 e3 8. Rd1 d5 9. Kxe3 {= Draw.}) 2. Kd5 f3 3. Kxd6 Ke2 4. Ra1 f2 {= You will no doubt have noticed that, up till now in this chapter, with one exception, there have been no practical examples. This is partly explained by the fact that such endings occur extremely rarely. Nevertheless, there are examples of such play. Incidentally, they show that even masters, if they are unfamiliar with the basic theory of this ending, "grope in the dark" and often commit serious blunders.} * [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1882.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mason James (ENG)"] [Black "Paulsen Wilfried (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/5p1p/6p1/8/R5K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1882.??.??"] {We will first consider an ancient example. From the viewpoint of modern theory, Black to move in this position can draw easily by arranging his pawns diagonally and not allowing the attack by the rook from the rear. This is most simply achieved by 1... h4 2. Ra8 Kg7! ~3( 1161)~, but 1... f4 2. Ra8 Kg7! is also possible.} 1. Ra8 {! That is in fact what White played, and Black replied %05But it is White to move, and he can prevent the %05setting-up of a drawn position by immediately taking his %05rook to the opponent's rear -} h4 (1... Kg5 2. Rh8 {!} h4 (2... Kh4 3. Rg8 {!} f4 4. Rg7 f3+ 5. Kh2 {!} f2 6. Kg2 g3 7. Rg8 f1=Q+ 8. Kxf1 $18 {, and White wins.}) 3. Kf2 h3 4. Kg3 Kg6 (4... f4+ 5. Kh2 Kf5 6. Rg8 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Rg8+ $18 {, transporting into positions already considered.}) (1... f4 2. Rh8 Kg5 3. Rf8 f3+ 4. Kg3 Kg6 (4... Kh6 {?} 5. Rg8 Kh7 6. Rg5 Kh6 7. Kh4 $18) 5. Rg8+ {! ~3($401153)~ %08DA} Kf5 (5... Kf6 6. Kf2 {!} Kf5 7. Ke3 Kf6 8. Kd2) 6. Kf2 {!} Kf6 (6... Kf4 7. Rg6 Kf5 8. Rh6 Kg5 9. Rh7 {!} Kg6 10. Rh8 Kg5 11. Kg3 Kg6 12. Kh4 $18) 7. Kf1 {!} Kf5 8. Ke1 { !} Kf4 (8... Kf6 9. Kd2 Kf5 10. Rh8) 9. Kf2 Kf5 10. Ke3 Kf6 11. Kd2 Kf5 12. Rh8 Kg6 13. Kd3 Kg5 (13... Kf5 14. Rxh5+ Kf4 15. Rh7 Kg3 16. Rg7 $18) 14. Ke3 Kg6 15. Kf2 Kg5 16. Kg3 Kg6 17. Kh4 $18) 2. Rg8+ {? This careless check throws away the win,} (2. Rf8 {! %05which could have been achieved by the standard} Kg5 3. Rh8 h3+ 4. Kg3 $18 {%04etc.}) 2... Kh5 {? Now it is Black who goes wrong. He should have moved his king back, not forward!} (2... Kf7 {! , e.g. %05The rook should have been driven from its strong position by} 3. Rh8 h3+ 4. Kg3 Kg7 {!= with a theoretical draw.}) 3. Kf2 f4 (3... h3 {! , causing his opponent maximum difficulties. White would have had to find the triangulation possibility: %05Of course, Black should have played} 4. Ke3 {!} (4. Kg3 { %05Then the "natural"} Kh6 5. Kf4 {?} Kh7 {!= would have led to a draw.}) 4... Kh6 5. Ke2 {!} Kh5 6. Kf2 $18 {etc.~3($401159)~}) 4. Rf8 (4. Kg2 {!$18 would have won most simply -~3 ($401143)~}) 4... Kg5 5. Kg2 f3+ 6. Kf2 Kg6 7. Rh8 Kg5 8. Rh7 h3 9. Kg3 $18 {, and White won.} 1-0 [Event "Jerusalem (Israel)"] [Site "Jerusalem (Israel)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Beytum"] [Black "Czerniak Moshe (ISR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R5p1/5k2/2K2p1p/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1... Ke5 {%05The game went} (1... g5 {! would have been stronger. This is correct, but Kopayev^013^010 (1958) showed that, even against this^013^010 more tenacious defence, White could win by accurate play with %05Maizelis (1955) thought that, instead of 1... Ke5,} 2. Kd4 {, e.g.} g4 3. Rh7 Kg6 (3... Kg5 4. Ke5 f4 (4... Kg6 5. Rh8 Kg5 6. Rg8+ {and 7. Kf5$18}) 5. Ke4 f3 6. Ke3 Kg6 7. Rh8 {!} Kg5 8. Kf2 Kg6 9. Kg3 Kg5 10. Rg8+ $18 {~3($401175)~ %08DA}) 4. Rh8 f4 5. Ke4 f3 6. Kd3 {! (it is essential to give the opponent the move)} Kg5 7. Ke3 Kg6 8. Kf2 Kg5 9. Kg3 Kg6 10. Kh4 Kf6 11. Rh6+ {!} Kf5 12. Rxh5+ Kf4 13. Rh8 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Rxg7 h4 3. Rh7 {?} (3. Kc4 {, e.g. %05Later analysis showed that the rook check at h7 was a mistake, and that it would have been correct to bring up the king -} Ke4 4. Kc3 Ke3 5. Kc2 f4 6. Kd1 Kf2 7. Rh7 {!} (7. Rg4 {?} h3 {!= with a draw}) 7... Kg3 8. Ke1 h3 9. Kf1 $18 { , and White wins.}) 3... Ke4 4. Rxh4+ f4 {= Drawn.} * [Event "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Site "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Belov Lev A (RUS)"] [Black "Utiatsky Anatoly (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R7/4p1k1/8/5pp1/8/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] 1... e5 {? %05The game went:} (1... Kf6 {! %05 Black's problem is clear: he must arrange his pawns diagonally, and at the same time not allow the rook to get the rear of them. Therefore was correct}) 2. Kd3 {? White returns the compliment.} (2. Re7 {%05He could have won by} Kf6 3. Re8 Kf5 4. Rg8 g3 (4... e4 5. Kf2 $18) 5. Kf3 Kf6 (5... e4+ 6. Kg2 Ke5 7. Rf8 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. Rf8+ Kg6 7. Kg2 {!$18 ~3($401156)~ White fails to take this chance, and the^013^010 position again becomes drawn.}) 2... g3 3. Ke4 Kh6 {?} (3... Kf6 4. Ra8 Kf7 { ! would have maintained the balance}) 4. Ra8 (4. Kf3 {%05whereas now after} Kg6 5. Re7 {! White could have transported into example^013^010 ~3($401156)~.}) 4... Kg7 {!} 5. Ra1 Kf6 6. Rh1 Kg5 {? This pseudo-activity leads to defeat.} ( 6... Kf7 {! %05The only correct continuation was}) (6... Kg7 {? %05but not} 7. Kxe5 {!} f3 8. Kf4 g2 9. Rg1 $18 {, when White wins}) 7. Rh8 Kf6 8. Re8 {!} Kg6 9. Re6+ {! Resigns} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3p4/3kpKp1/6R1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {~13.2 TWO OF THE THREE PAWNS CONNECTED~ In this ending the main danger is of course presented by the connected pawns. We will begin our analysis with positions where two pawns are already on the threshold of queening, and the rook and king are actively preventing this.} 1... Kc2 {%05In a similar position with two pawns~3 ($411010)~ White %05won easily. The addition of a third pawn changes the %05result. After} 2. Ke1 Kc1 {!} 3. Kf2+ Kc2 {the winning try} 4. Ke3 {fails to} e1=Q+ 5. Rxe1 d2 6. Ra1 d1=Q 7. Rxd1 Kxd1 8. Kf2 {= with a draw. Let us now move the g-pawn to h2, and the rook to h1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3p4/3kpK1p/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1... Kc2 {White can draw by %05After} 2. Ke1 (2. Ke3 {%05whereas} e1=Q+ {!} 3. Rxe1 d2 $19 {even loses, since the white king does not manage to eliminate the h-pawn.}) 2... Kc1 3. Kf2+ Kd2 4. Ra1 Kc2 5. Rh1 Kd2 {= Let us now move the h-pawn to b2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3p4/1p1kpK2/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {This significantly changes the assessment of the position. Here White loses irrespective of who it is to move, since he cannot prevent the queening of one of the pawns. Now let us move the b-pawn to a2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3p4/p2kpK2/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] 1. Ra1 {! Black has just one way to save the game: %05The situation has again changed. If it is White to move, after} e1=Q+ {!} 2. Rxe1 Kc2 3. Ra1 Kb2 4. Rxa2+ (4. Rd1 {%05or} a1=Q 5. Rxa1 Kxa1 6. Ke3 {=}) 4... Kxa2 5. Ke3 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3p4/p2kpK2/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] 1... Kc2 {White is powerless to prevent the queening of one of the pawns, since %05But if Black begins, after} 2. Ke3 {is again met by} e1=Q+ 3. Rxe1 d2 $19 {%04etc. Thus if in such positions two pawns are on the threshold of queening, the rook can at best gain a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lyubchenko"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/7p/K7/8/1p6/p7/8/6R1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ465 %212045826630=4HLJ503 If the connected pawns are close to queening, and the king is not able to support the rook in its battle with them, the pawns usually force a queen. In this case the other side's only chance lies in creating a mating attack.} 1... b3 {! %05After} (1... a2 {%05But what would have happened if Black had begun with} 2. Kb5 b3 {? then after} 3. Kc6 Kd8 4. Kd6 Ke8 5. Ke6 Kf8 6. Rf1+ Kg7 7. Rg1+ Kh6 8. Kf6 Kh5 9. Kf5 Kh4 10. Kf4 Kh3 11. Kf3 Kh2 12. Ra1 h5 {~3($411184)~ %08DA}) 2. Kb5 b2 {! White embarks on an attack with} 3. Kc6 {, trying to exploit the unfortunate position of the black king on the edge of the board.} Kd8 {! The king sets off on a lengthy journey.} (3... Kb8 {, then %05If} 4. Rg8+ Ka7 5. Rg7+ Ka6 (5... Ka8) 6. Rg8 Ka5 7. Kc5 Ka4 8. Kc4 {= with a draw.}) 4. Kd6 Ke8 5. Ke6 Kf8 6. Rf1+ Kg7 7. Rg1+ Kh6 ( 7... Kh8 {?} 8. Kf7 {= with a draw}) 8. Kf6 Kh5 9. Kf5 Kh4 10. Kf4 Kh3 11. Kf3 Kh2 12. Rb1 h5 {(this pawn is destined to play a decisive role)} 13. Ke3 Kg3 ( 13... h4 {%05or} 14. Kd3 Kh3 {!} (14... h3 {? %05Only a draw would have resulted from} 15. Kc3 Kg2 16. Kb3 {= %04etc.}) 15. Rh1+ Kg2 16. Rb1 h3 $19) 14. Rg1+ (14. Kd3 {is met by %05Now the white king cannot approach the pawns:} a2) 14... Kh3 {!} 15. Kf3 Kh2 16. Rb1 h4 17. Ke3 Kg2 {!} 18. Kd3 h3 19. Kc3 h2 $19 {, and White is one tempo short of gaining a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7p/8/1p3K2/p6k/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1. Ke3 {%05To stop the connected pawns here, it is sufficient for the king to reach the closer square c3. Therefore after} Kg3 2. Rg1+ Kh3 3. Kf3 Kh2 4. Ra1 h4 {White can play} 5. Ke3 {, when} Kg2 {allows} (5... Kg3 {is again met by %05while} 6. Rg1+ Kh3 7. Kf3 Kh2 8. Ra1 h3 9. Rd1 {= , when Black has no defence against perpetual check.}) 6. Kd3 {!} h3 7. Kc3 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/4k3/8/5pp1/6p1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {Some special examples in this group are positions where pawns are both connected and doubled. Playing against such a compact group of pawns is again not easy. Even when the king and rook are as well placed as possible, the result depends to a considerable extent on how advanced the pawns are.} 1. Rg8 {%05Here the standard procedure -} Kf4 2. Rg7 {- enables White to win a pawn, but not the game due to} Ke3 {!} 3. Rxg3 Ke2 {, when it is White who has to force a draw, since ... f2-f1Q+ is threatened. This is most simply achieved by} 4. Rxg2+ {= You can check for yourself that against less advanced pawns White would have won.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4R3/8/5k2/6p1/7p/6p1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {A slightly different pawn configuration is shown in the following position. In this example too White is unable to win, since his king has no way of taking part in the attack on the pawns.} 1. Kh2 Kf6 (1... g3+ {? %05of course, not} 2. Kg1 Kf4 3. Rh7 Kg4 4. Rh8 $18) 2. Re1 Kf5 3. Kg3 Kf6 {= Draw. Black does not have to worry about the g4 pawn:} 4. Kxg4 {?? is bad due to} h2 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/5k2/6p1/7p/6p1/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {If the pawns are less advanced than in example ~3( 1186)~, and the king can successfully attack them from the front, the rook usually proves stronger than the pawns.} 1. Kf3 {%05The winning plan is to make a combined attack on their rear g5 pawn.} Kf5 2. Ra8 Kf6 (2... g4+ {%05if} 3. Kg2 Kf4 4. Rf8+ {%05, then} Kg5 5. Rh8 $18 {, and White wins}) 3. Ra5 Kg6 4. Kg4 Kf6 {there is nothing better} (4... Kh6 {, then %05if} 5. Rxg5 $18) 5. Rf5+ $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/8/7p/5Kp1/3R4/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Kg4 {!} g5 2. Kh3 (2. Kxg5 {%05or} g2 3. Kg4 Kh1 {= with a draw.}) 2... Kf1 (2... g4+ {! %05As shown by readers of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR, Black's simplest course is} 3. Kxg4 (3. Kxh4 {%05or =}) 3... g2 4. Kh3 Kh1 {!} 5. Rxg2 {= - stalemate!}) 3. Rd4 {%05By} (3. Ra2 {%05Kopayev now gives} g4+ 4. Kxg4 g2 {= with a draw.}) 3... Kf2 {! %05White can set his opponent more difficult problems, but %05he replies} (3... g2 {? %05Black loses after} 4. Rd1+ Ke2 5. Rg1 $18) (3... Kg1 {? %05or} 4. Rd5 {!} g4+ 5. Kxh4 g2 6. Kg3 $18) 4. Rb4 Kf1 5. Rg4 Kg1 {!} 6. Rxg5 Kh1 {! with a draw after the unavoidable 7... g2=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/6p1/4K2p/7k/5R2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1. Rd2 {! White prepares in advance to battle against the knight, to which the h-pawn will be forced to promote. %05The only way to win is by} (1. Ke3 { , then %05How is White to achieve his aim? If, for example,} Kg3 {!} 2. Rf5 g4 3. Ke2 h3 4. Kf1 Kh2 {!} 5. Rg5 g3 6. Rg6 g2+ 7. Kf2 Kh1 {= with a draw.}) (1. Rf5 {%05He also fails to win with} Kg4 {!} (1... g4 {?} 2. Kf4 g3 3. Kf3 Kh2 4. Rg5 $18 {, and White wins}) 2. Rf1 Kg3 {!} 3. Rg1+ Kf2 4. Rd1 h3 5. Kf5 Kg3 {!} (5... h2 {?} 6. Kg4 $18 {and wins}) 6. Rd3+ Kh4 7. Rd4+ Kg3 {= %04etc.}) 1... Kg3 (1... g6 {, then %05There is no better move. If} 2. Kf3 g4+ 3. Kf2 Kh2 4. Kf1+ Kh1 5. Rd4 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Rd3+ {!} Kg2 (2... Kg4 3. Ke3 Kg3 4. Ke2+ Kg2 5. Rd4 Kg3 6. Kf1 $18) 3. Kf5 {!} h3 4. Kg4 h2 5. Rd2+ Kg1 6. Kg3 h1=N+ 7. Kf3 {Thanks to the unfortunate position of the knight in the corner, White wins, although the play is not without certain subtleties. The most tenacious here is} g6 {! , when White has to give his opponent the move. This is achieved by} 8. Rg2+ Kf1 9. Rh2 Kg1 (9... g4+ 10. Kxg4 Nf2+ 11. Kf3 $18) 10. Rd2 {!} g4+ 11. Kxg4 Nf2+ 12. Kf3 Nh1 13. Ra2 g5 14. Rd2 {!$18 , when Black can resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1766.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cozio"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1R6/8/8/k1pKp3/5p2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1766.??.??"] {Let us now return to normal positions, where apart from the two connected pawns there is a third - isolated - pawn. If the king is supporting only this one, the pawns normally become less dangerous.} 1. Ke2 {%05In this ancient position the draw is most simply achieved as shown by the composer:} (1. Rb1 { ! creating the threat of 2. Ke3. %05But White can try for a win by} c2 { ! , e.g. %05He is saved only by the study-like move} (1... Ka2 {%05In this case Black loses after} 2. Rf1 {!} Kb2 (2... c2 {%05or}) 3. Kxe3 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Rc1 Kb2 3. Rxc2+ Kb1 {, when White has to play} 4. Rxf2 {= with a draw.}) 1... c2 2. Rc6 Kb2 3. Rb6+ Kc3 4. Rc6+ Kb2 5. Rb6+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/p3k3/K2p4/2p5/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kb2 {If the rook is not controlling the back rank, far-advanced pawns usually win. Some unusual ways of saving the draw are demonstrated in the next two examples. %05Were his rook at f1, White's task would not be difficult:} Ke3 (1... a3+ {? , then %05if} 2. Kc3 Ke3 3. Re1+ $18 {, and it is White who wins}) 2. Kc1 (2. Kc3 Ke2 3. Rh1 a3 4. Rg1 a2 5. Rh1 {sets Black more problems, but here too he saves the draw by} c1=Q+ {!} 6. Rxc1 d2 {= %04etc.}) 2... Ke2 3. Rh1 a3 4. Rh2+ Ke1 5. Rh1+ {=} (5. Rxc2 {= with a draw. %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1881.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/p3k3/K2p4/2p2R2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1881.??.??"] {The draw here depended on the resulting pawn ending. Had the position been moved one file to the right, White would have been unable to save the game.} 1. Rxc2 {! %05The draw is achieved by an unexpected rook sacrifice:} (1. Kb2 { %05But here this plan does not work:} a3+ 2. Kc1 a2 $19 {%04etc.}) 1... dxc2 2. Kb2 Kd3 3. Kc1 {, and after} a3 {= White is stalemated.} (3... Kc3 {= %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1p3k2/1K2p3/3p2R1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Rxd2 {%05After} exd2 2. Kc2 Ke3 3. Kd1 Kd4 {! %05Black wins by} 4. Kxd2 b3 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Feijter"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/k7/8/2R5/p1Kp4/1p6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {In the following study White is again saved by a rook sacrifice leading to a drawn pawn ending.} 1. Ra4+ Kb5 2. Rxa3 d2 3. Rb3+ Ka4 4. Rb4+ Ka5 5. Kxd2 {!} Kxb4 6. Kc2 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1894.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinkl Adolf J L (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3p4/3kpKp1/6R1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1894.??.??"] {Let us now consider a case where the pawns have not yet reached the penultimate rank, and to do this let us move position ~3 ( 1078)~ one rank up the board.} 1. Rxg3 {%05Here the chances are all with White, and he has several ways of winning. The simplest is} (1. Ra2 {%05Also possible is} Kc4 2. Ke4 Kc3 3. Rg2 Kc4 4. Rc2+ Kb3 5. Kd3 $18 {, when the pawns fall one after another.}) (1. Re2 Kc4 {! is a loss of time, White having to move his rook from e2, since only a draw results from} 2. Ke4 {?} (2. Rg2 Kd3 3. Rxg3 e2 4. Rg1 $18) 2... d3 {! , when he has to reply} 3. Kxe3 dxe2 4. Kxe2 {= %04etc.}) 1... e2 2. Kf2+ Kd2 3. Rg1 d3 $18 {, when the rest is familiar to us from example ~3($411010).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1p6/1kpK1p2/5R2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1. Rh2 {! %05Correct is} (1. Rxf3 {? %05Here} c2 2. Kd2+ Kb2 3. Rf1 b3 { = leads only to a draw ~3($411012)~.}) (1. Rc2 {? %05As in the previous example,} Ka4 {is a loss of time, and} 2. Kc4 {? even loses to} b3 {!} 3. Rxc3 b2 4. Rb3 f2 $19) 1... Ka4 2. Kc4 Ka3 3. Rf2 $18 {, when White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1p6/1kpK1p2/5R2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1... Ka4 {%05With Black to move it is the same:} 2. Kc4 Ka3 3. Rh2 $18 { %04etc. Let us move this position one file to the left.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1881.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/p7/kpK1p3/4R3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1881.??.??"] 1... b2 {%05If it is Black to move, he is in zugzwang and is forced to part with his b-pawn. After} 2. Rxb2 e2 3. Rb1 Ka2 4. Re1 a3 5. Rxe2+ Kb1 6. Kb3 $18 {White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1881.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/p7/kpK1p3/4R3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1881.??.??"] 1. Rxe3 {%05If White begins, he is unable to win, e.g.} (1. Rh2 {%05or} e2 2. Rh1 (2. Rxe2 b2 {=}) 2... b2 3. Kc2 Ka2 4. Rb1 a3 5. Re1 b1=Q+ 6. Rxb1 e1=Q 7. Rxe1 {= - stalemate.}) 1... b2 2. Kc2+ Ka2 3. Re1 a3 {= with a draw Here White is not able to give his opponent the move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1894.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinkl Adolf J L (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/8/8/8/1p3p2/1kpK4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1894.??.??"] {The following ancient position is of interest.} 1. Rh8 {! %05In this example the rook is not as well placed as in^013^010 %05position ~3($401196)~, so White tries to switch it to the %052nd rank.} Kb2 {! The only move.} (1... c2 { loses to} 2. Rc8 $18) (1... f3 {%04to %05and} 2. Rh2 $18 {~3($401197)~}) 2. Rh2+ Kb1 {would lead to a draw, but this is not so. As was shown by a reader of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR, White is successful in this case too, e.g. %05Maizelis thought that} (2... Kb3 {, after which White wins as in example ~3 ($411195).~ %05Zinkl thought that Black was obliged to play} 3. Rf2 f3 4. Rh2 Ka4 5. Kc4 Ka3 6. Rc2 $18) 3. Rg2 f3 4. Rf2 Kc1 5. Rh2 {!} (5. Kc4 {? %05Maizelis considered only} c2 6. Kb3 Kd1 {!} 7. Rxc2 Ke1 {= , when Black saves the game}) 5... Kb1 6. Rh4 {!} b3 7. Kxc3 f2 8. Rh1+ Ka2 9. Rf1 b2 10. Kc2 $18 {and wins. In this example Black tried to support his outside f-pawn with his king. Had it been further away - on the g-file - he would not even have had this chance.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/8/8/8/1p4p1/1kpK4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {White's plan is the same as in example ~3( 1200)~: to switch his rook to the 2nd rank.} 1. Re8 {!} (1. Rh8 {? , then %05if} g3 2. Re8 c2 {= , and White can no longer win}) 1... Kb2 2. Re2+ Kb1 3. Rh2 g3 4. Rg2 Kc1 5. Kc4 {!} Kd1 6. Kb3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/8/2k5/1p1pp3/8/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {If the pawns have not advanced far, and the distance between the pair of connected pawns and the isolated pawn is minimal, as in the case with three connected pawns the king does best to stop the pawns from in front, and the rook from behind.} 1. Re8 {%05White must force the pawns to advance, so as to wedge his king between them. This is achieved by} Kd5 (1... e3+ 2. Kd3 b3 3. Rb8 $18 {is totally bad}) 2. Rc8 b3 3. Rc7 $18 {, and White wins.} Z0 (3... b2 {, then %05Black no longer has any useful moves. If} 4. Rb7) (3... Kd6 { %05The reply is the same to}) (3... Ke5 {%05or}) (3... e3+ {, then %05Finally, if} 4. Kd3) * [Event "Sofia (Bulgaria)"] [Site "Sofia (Bulgaria)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Piskov Vladimir (RUS)"] [Black "Alster Ladislav (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1pk5/3pp3/1R6/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ465 %212045826630=4HLJ503 Here the rook is not as well placed as in the previous example, so White switches it to the rear of the pawns.} 1. Rh3 b4 2. Rh8 b3 3. Rb8 Kc4 4. Rc8+ Kb4 {!} (4... Kd5 {? %05Black defends accurately - the king must support the b-pawn. Bad would be} 5. Kd2 $18 {, when White wins as in example ~3($401202)~.}) 5. Kd2 d3 {? An instructive mistake.} (5... e3+ { ! %05The advance of the other, more distant pawn was %05correct:} 6. Kd3 b2 { , when} 7. Kc2 {? even loses after} (7. Rb8+ {%05White gains a draw as follows: } Ka3 8. Ra8+ Kb3 9. Rb8+ Ka2 10. Ra8+ Kb1 11. Rc8 {=}) 7... d3+ 8. Kxb2 e2 9. Re8 d2 $19) 6. Rb8+ Kc4 7. Rc8+ (7. Rb7 $18 {is simpler}) 7... Kd4 8. Rd8+ Kc4 9. Rb8 e3+ 10. Kxe3 Kc3 11. Rc8+ $18 {Resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/1pk5/5pp1/8/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {We will now consider examples where the connected pawns are widely separated from the isolated pawn, but the latter is supported by the king.} 1. Rf8 { %05In the first instance White must halt the connected pawns:} f3 2. Kc2 { ! Before setting about eliminating the pawns, the king must be brought into play.} (2. Rf4 {? %05Wrong would be} Kd5 {!} 3. Rxg4 Ke5 {(threatening ... f2)} 4. Rg8 Ke4 5. Rf8 Ke3 6. Kc2 f2 7. Kd1 b4 {= , when a draw can well be agreed.} ) 2... Kd4 (2... b4 3. Rf4 b3+ 4. Kxb3 Kd5 5. Kc3 Ke5 6. Rf8 Ke4 7. Kd2 $18) 3. Kd2 Ke4 4. Rb8 g3 5. Ke1 {!$18 , and White wins.} * [Event "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Site "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mikenas Vladas I (EST)"] [Black "Opocensky Karel (CZE)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/p3K3/8/1p4p1/6k1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. Kf6 Kf4 2. Rd4+ Ke3 3. Rg4 {The correct division of duties: on the way the mobile rook eliminates the g-pawn, while the king goes to the connected pawns, which present the main danger.} a5 4. Ke5 {!} (4. Rxg5 {? %05avoiding} b4 5. Rxa5 {?} Kd3 {= with a draw}) 4... a4 5. Rg3+ Kf2 (5... Kd2 {, then %05If} 6. Kd4 b4 7. Rg2+ Kc1 8. Kc4 b3 9. Kc3 Kb1 10. Kb4 b2 11. Ka3 $18 {, and white wins.}) 6. Rxg5 a3 7. Rg8 Ke2 8. Kd4 {resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R3K/8/8/1pk5/5pp1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {If in position ~3( 1204)~ the white king is moved from b1 to h8, we obtain the following example. White's king is hopelessly far behind the pawns, and his rook has to battle against them on its own. This task would be beyond its powers, were it not for the fact that one of the pawns can be eliminated. But which one?} 1. Rg8 {! %05A guide to solving this problem is provided by position^013^010 %05~3($401075)~ and ~3($401076)~ In the first of these^013^010 %05the rook can stop the pawns without the help of the %05king, but in the second cannot. This means that the %05f-pawn must be won. Therefore; } g3 (1... f3 2. Rxg4 b4 3. Rf4 {=}) 2. Rg4 b4 3. Rxf4 b3 4. Rf1 g2 5. Rg1 b2 6. Kg7 Kd4 7. Kf6 Ke3 8. Rb1 {!= with a draw as in example ~3 ($401075)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/2K1k3/p1p1p3/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {~13.3 ISOLATED PAWNS~ Three isolated pawns are much weaker than three connected ones. Even if they are all on the threshold of queening, they can be stopped by a rook on the 1st rank. In this case subsequent events will depend on the placing of the kings, on how effectively they can take part in the play. If the king can support the rook, they will normally overcome the pawns. But if it does not manage to, with the support of their king the pawns will queen. We will begin our analysis with some critical positions, where the pawns are threatening to queen, and both kings are close to them.} 1... Kf2 {%05In a similar position with two pawns ~3($411070)~ White %05won easily. The addition of a further pawn in no way %05improves Black's chances: as before he loses, e. g.} 2. Kd2 Kf3 3. Re1 Ke4 4. Kxc2 Kd4 5. Kd2 $18 {, and White wins. This example shows a typical method of play against isolated pawns: the rook guards the 1st rank, and the king heads for the most dangerous pawn - the one which is supported by the opponent's king. In winning this pawn, it is extremely important not to allow the opponent's king to approach the other pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5k2/8/8/2p1p1p1/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {! A necessary finesse.} (1. Kxg2 {? %05White avoids the zugzwang position arising after the %05incorrect} Ke4 2. Kf2 e1=Q+ {!} 3. Kxe1 Kd3 {!} 4. Ra1 Kc3 {=}) 1... Ke4 2. Kxe2 Kd4 3. Rg1 Ke4 (3... Kc3 4. Ke3 Kb2 5. Kd2 Kb3 $18) 4. Re1 {!} Ke5 5. Ke3 {!} Ke6 6. Rg1 Kd5 7. Kd2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k5/8/1K6/8/p1p3p1/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. Kc4 (1. Rxc2+ {? %05It would be a mistake to play} Kd5 2. Rc1 Ke4 {= when the black king succeeds in going to the aid of the g-pawn. White's problem is not to allow the opponent's king to actively support the pawns.}) 1... Kd6 ( 1... Kb6 {, then %05If} 2. Kd3 Kc5 3. Kxc2 Kd4 4. Kd2 {!} Ke4 5. Ke2 Kd4 6. Kf2 Kd3 7. Ra1 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Re1 {!} a1=Q 3. Rxa1 Ke5 4. Kd3 Kf4 5. Ke2 Kg3 ( 5... Ke4 6. Re1 $18 {!}) 6. Rc1 Kh3 7. Kf2 Kh2 8. Rg1 Kh3 9. Kf3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/2K2k2/p1p2p2/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] 1. Kd3 {! (it is extremely important to take control of e4) %05Correct is} (1. Kd2 {, after %05The black king is threatening to go to e2, which White %05must on no account allow. But if he plays} Ke4 {! he can no longer win, e.g.} 2. Ke2 Kd4 {!} 3. Kd2 (3. Kxf2 Kd3 4. Ke1 Kc3 {= %04etc.}) 3... Ke4 {= By manoeuvring with his king between d4 and e4, Black draws easily.}) 1... Kf4 2. Rc1 Kf3 ( 2... Ke5 3. Kxc2 Kd4 4. Kd2 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Rf1 {!} Kg2 4. Ke2 Kg3 5. Ra1 Kg2 6. Rc1 Kg3 7. Rf1 {!} Kf4 8. Rxf2+ (8. Kxf2 Ke4 9. Ke2 $18 {is also possible}) 8... Ke4 9. Rf1 Kd4 10. Kd2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Black "N.N."] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/pRp4k/8/8/2K2p2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ465 %212045826630=4HLJ505} 1. Rb1 (1. Rxc5+ {? %05It would be a blunder to play} Kg4 2. Rc4+ Kg3 3. Rc3+ Kg2 $19 {, when the f-pawn cannot be stopped. In the first instance the rook must return to the 1st rank.}) 1... Kg4 2. Kd2 Kf3 3. Ra1 c4 4. Rc1 {White's plan is simple: to force the pawns to advance to the penultimate rank and obtain a position from the previous example.} a4 5. Ra1 c3+ 6. Kd3 c2 7. Kd2 {As we already know, here the king is best placed at d3, and so it should not have been moved from this square. However, this does not yet throw away the win.} a3 8. Rf1 a2 9. Rc1 {?} (9. Kd3 $18 {!}) 9... Kg2 {?} (9... Ke4 {!= Black could have saved the game. But now everything fits into place. %05An exchange of compliments: 9. Kd3! was the only winning move, whereas by}) 10. Ke2 Kg3 11. Rf1 Kf4 12. Kxf2 Ke4 13. Ke2 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p2/8/2K2k2/p4p2/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {In such endings it often happens that doubled pawns are stronger than isolated ones, since they support each other more effectively. As an example, in position ~3( 1210)~ let us move the c2 pawn to f5.} 1. Kd4 {%05In contrast to example ~3($401210)~, here White has to %05give up any thoughts of winning and be satisfied with a %05draw, which he obtains most easily as follows:} Kg2 2. Rxa2 Kg1 3. Rxf2 Kxf2 4. Ke5 {and 5. Kf5=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p2/8/2K2k2/p4p2/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1... f4 {there follows %05Black, in turn, cannot hope for any more. For example, on} 2. Kd3 Kg2 3. Rxa2 Kg1 4. Ra1+ f1=Q+ 5. Rxf1+ Kxf1 6. Ke4 { = In this example the rook successfully coped with two of the pawns, while the king dealt with the third. But what if the second pawn is not at a2, but h2?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p2/8/2K2k2/5p1p/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] 1. Kd3 {%05Here White is no longer able to stop the pawns, e.g.} Kg2 2. Ke2 f4 3. Rh1 {!} f3+ {!} (3... Kxh1 {? %05of course, not} 4. Kxf2 {= with a draw}) 4. Ke3 f1=Q 5. Rxf1 Kxf1 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herbstman Alexander I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/6K1/8/8/1p6/1p1p4/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {The presence of the b3 pawn prevents the white king from occupying c2, and the closeness of the doubled pawns to the edge of the board allows Black to save the game by stalemate.} 1... Ke7 2. Kf5 Kd6 3. Ke4 (3. Rxd2+ Kc5 4. Rxb2 Kc4 {= with a draw}) 3... Kc5 4. Kd3 Kb4 5. Rb1 {There is nothing better.} (5. Kxd2 {%05If} Ka3 6. Kc3 Ka2 7. Rd2 {, then} Ka1 {!} 8. Rxb2 {= - stalemate.}) 5... Ka3 6. Kc3 Ka2 (6... d1=Q 7. Rxd1 Ka2 {= is also possible}) 7. Rxb2+ Ka1 8. Rxd2 b2 9. Rxb2 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1943.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K1R4/4p3/8/8/4p3/8/p7/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1943.??.??"] 1. Rd7 {! , aiming to deploy the rook such that it can battle simultaneously against two pawns. %05The correct continuation is} (1. Rd1+ {%05It is Black who has the winning chances, since the white %05king cannot support the rook, which therefore has to %05battle against the pawns on its own. But returning the %05rook to the 1st rank fails to save the game, e.g.} Kb2 2. Rd2+ Kb3 {!} 3. Rd1 e3 4. Re1 e2 5. Kc7 Kc3 {!$19 , and Black wins as in example ~3($411076) ~.}) 1... e3 (1... Kb2 {, then %05If now} 2. Rb7+ Kc3 3. Rc7+ Kd3 4. Rd7+ Ke3 5. Ra7 Kd3 6. Rxa2 e3 7. Kc7 e2 8. Rxe2 Kxe2 9. Kc6 {= with a draw.}) 2. Rb7 { ! This is the whole point.} (2. Rxe7 {? %05Bad would be} Kb2 3. Rb7+ Kc3 4. Rc7+ Kb4 5. Rb7+ Kc5 6. Rc7+ Kd6 7. Rc1 e2 8. Kb7 Kd5 9. Kb6 Kd4 10. Kb5 Kd3 11. Ra1 Kc3 $19 {, when Black wins. !}) 2... e6 (2... e2 {comes %05But now on} 3. Rxe7 Kb1 4. Rxe2 {!= with a draw.}) 3. Rb6 {!} e5 4. Rb5 e4 5. Rb4 e2 6. Rxe4 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1943.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/2R5/2p5/8/8/1K3p2/2p5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1943.??.??"] {As this example shows, the play in such endings is of a specific nature.} 1. Kb2 {! The c2 square must be kept free for the rook. For example: %05White achieves his aim by the unexpected} (1. Rxc6 {? , then %05How is White to stop the pawns? If} f2 $19 {, and he can resign.}) (1. Kxc2 {? %05No better is} f2 2. Rc8+ Kf7 3. Rc7+ Kg6 4. Rxc6+ Kg5 $19 {, when the king hides from the checks at g2.}) 1... f2 2. Rc8+ Kf7 3. Rc7+ Kg6 4. Rxc6+ Kg5 5. Rc5+ Kg4 6. Rc4+ Kg3 7. Rc3+ Kg2 8. Rxc2 {= %04Draw} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/8/8/p5p1/6p1/R7/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {In the following example the rook is controlling the pawns along the 2nd rank, but for the moment it is having to battle on its own. However, things are no better for the black king - it has to simultaneously try and support the pawns on both wings.} 1. Kc6 {%05As was shown by Kopayev, White to move can manage to support the rook with his king:} a3 {The best reply.} (1... Ke1 {%05If} 2. Rg2 Kd1 {, then} 3. Rxg3 Kc2 4. Ra3 $18 {, and the rook deals with the pawns without the support of the king.}) 2. Kd5 (2. Rg2 Kc1 3. Ra2 Kd1 {would be a loss of time}) 2... Ke1 3. Ke4 Kf1 4. Ke3 {! An important move! In this way White parries the threat of 4... g2, on which there follows 5. Ra1 mate.} Kg1 5. Kf4 {!} g2 6. Kg3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/8/8/p5p1/6p1/R7/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1... a3 {! The best move. %05But if it is Black to move he manages to save the draw:} (1... Ke1 {%05Bad is} 2. Rg2 a3 3. Rxg3 a2 4. Rxg4 {!$18 , when the help of the king is not required.}) (1... g2 2. Rxg2 a3 {also fails, due to} 3. Kc6 {! when Black is in zugzwang: if} Kc1 (3... Ke1 4. Rxg4 $18 {!}) 4. Ra2 $18 ) 2. Rxa3 (2. Kc6 {there follows %05White does not have time to bring up his king: on} Ke1 3. Rg2 Kf1 4. Rxg3 a2 5. Ra3 g3 {= with a draw.}) 2... g2 3. Ra2 g1=Q 4. Ra1+ Ke2 5. Rxg1 Kf3 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7R/6p1/1p1p2K1/1k6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {If three isolated pawns are close to queening, and the rook is not on the 1st rank, it is the side with the pawns that has the winning chances. But here too there various saving possibilities, associated with exploiting the position of the enemy king.} 1. Kf2 {! , e.g. %05But White can play more strongly. First he must bring up his king -} (1. Rd5 {? %05Salvioli considered this position to be lost for White, on^013^010 %05the basis of the variation} Kc3 2. Rc5+ Kd4 3. Rb5 Kc4 $19 (3... d2 {%05however, simpler is} 4. Rb8 Ke5 $19 {etc. as suggested by Maizelis})) 1... Kc3 (1... g3+ {%05or} 2. Ke3 {!} (2. Kxg3 {?} d2 3. Rd5 Kc2 4. Rc5+ Kd3 5. Rd5+ Ke3 $19 {, and Black wins}) 2... g2 3. Rg5 { = with a draw.}) 2. Rc5+ Kd4 (2... Kd2 3. Rb5 Kc2 4. Rc5+ Kb1 (4... Kd1 {%05or} 5. Ke3 g3 6. Rg5 {= with a draw}) 5. Ke3 b2 6. Kxd3 g3 7. Re5 {=}) 3. Rg5 {!} b2 4. Rxg4+ Kc3 5. Rg1 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tatyev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/6k1/7p/8/5K2/1p2p3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Rb8 {%05To gain a draw he must exploit the position of the enemy king.} (1. Kxe3 {? %05The rook sacrifice does not work:} Kxf8 2. Kd3 h5 $19 {, and White can resign.}) 1... e2 2. Rb7+ Kf8 (2... Kg6 3. Rb6+ Kh5 {, then} 4. Rb5+ { , and the king has to go back, since} Kh4 {? loses to} 5. Re5 {!} b2 6. Rxe2 $18) 3. Rb8+ Ke7 4. Rxb3 {!} e1=Q 5. Re3+ {= Draw.} * [Event "Petrograd (Russia)"] [Site "Petrograd (Russia)"] [Date "1916.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Romanovsky Peter A (RUS)"] [Black "Platz"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/k7/6R1/1p6/4p1p1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1916.??.??"] 1. Rg5+ {! It transpires that there is nowhere for the black king to hide from the checks. If, for example, it moves towards the rook, as soon as it steps onto the e-file there follows R:g2, and if the b-pawn advances then R:e2+ and R:b2. %05It was only later that Romanovsky found the correct way to draw:} (1. Kxe2 {? %05How can the pawns be stopped? White tried to exploit^013^010 %05the position of the opponent's king on the edge of the^013^010 %05board and played} b2 2. Rg8 {, but after} Ka6 3. Ra8+ Kb7 $19 {he admitted defeat.}) 1... Ka4 { %05There is one other possibility:} 2. Rg4+ Ka3 3. Rg3 {!} Ka2 4. Rxg2 b2 5. Rxe2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "Makarov"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/8/8/p4p1p/3K1k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {If the pawns are a long way from queening, the white king should move towards those pawns which are supported by the opponent's king, since normally it is they that are potentially the most dangerous. As we know, the best place for the king is in front of the pawns.} 1. Kd3 {!} Kf3 2. Kd2 h4 (2... Kf2 { is met by %05The king aims to take up a frontal position in front of the f- and h-pawns. Black cannot prevent this:} 3. Rf8) 3. Ke1 f4 4. Kf1 Kg3 5. Rg8+ Kf3 6. Ra8 Kg3 7. Rxa5 {(the king is in the right place, so the rook can be diverted to eliminate the a-pawn)} h3 8. Rg5+ Kf3 9. Rg8 h2 10. Rh8 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Shamkovich Leonid (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/3pK1p1/8/p7/8/2k5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] {The main danger here is presented by a-pawn, so it is quite natural that the white king should head for it.} 1. Kd5 {!} (1. Rd8) 1... a3 2. Kc4 d5+ (2... a2 {, then %05If} 3. Rh2+ Kb1 4. Kb3 a1=N+ 5. Kc3 d5 6. Rh1+ Ka2 7. Rd1 Nb3 8. Rxd5 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Kb4 a2 (3... d4 {, then %05if} 4. Rh2+ Kc1 5. Kc4 {!} Kb1 6. Kb3 Kc1 7. Ra2 $18) 4. Rh2+ Kb1 5. Ka3 {!} a1=N (5... a1=Q+ {%05The natural} 6. Kb3 {!$18 loses immediately, whereas now the battle continues.}) 6. Rh1+ Kc2 7. Rxa1 d4 8. Kb4 {!} Kd3 (8... d3 9. Ra2+ $18) 9. Rd1+ Ke3 10. Kc4 g5 11. Rxd4 Kf3 12. Kd3 {!} g4 13. Rd8 g3 14. Rf8+ Kg2 15. Ke2 $18 {and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weinberger Tibor (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K2/6R1/2p1p1p1/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {White's plan is typical: an attack on the most dangerous pawn - the one which can be supported by the king.} 1. Rc5 Kb3 2. Ke5 e3 (2... c3 3. Kxe4 c2 4. Kd3 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Kd4 e2 4. Re5 c3 5. Re3 {!} g3 {There is nothing better, but now the white pieces deal easily with the pawns.} 6. Rxc3+ Kb4 (6... Kb2 { , then %05if} 7. Re3 $18 {%04etc.}) 7. Rc1 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Amiryan"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/K5p1/6p1/1p6/8/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] 1. Kb4 Kf5 2. Kc3 {! A precise move.} (2. Kxb3 {? would lose a decisive tempo:} Kf4 3. Kc3 g3 4. Kd3 g2 5. Ke2 Kg3 6. Ke3 g4 7. Ke2 Kh2 8. Kf2 g3+ {= with a draw.}) 2... Kf4 (2... g3 3. Kd3 Kg4 4. Ke2 Kh3 5. Kf1 Kh2 6. Re2+ $18) 3. Kd2 Kf3 {(trying to block the path of the opponent's king, but as we will later see, in vain)} 4. Re3+ Kf2 5. Re2+ {! Forcing the king to decide which way to go.} Kf1 (5... Kf3 {, then %05If} 6. Ke1 g3 7. Kf1 $18) 6. Ke3 g3 7. Rd2 { ! The only move to win.} (7. Rb2 {? , then %05If} g4 {!} 8. Rd2 Kg1 9. Kf4 b2 { !} 10. Rxb2 g2 11. Kg3 Kh1 {!= with stalemate.}) 7... g4 8. Rb2 {! (it is important that here it is Black to move)} Kg1 9. Kf4 g2 10. Kg3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weinberger Tibor (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/2p5/2p2K2/2p5/2k5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {The following two studies demonstrate the comparatively rare case of tripled pawns. Even such a pawn structure has its own special features, determining the nature of the play.} 1. Ke3 {%05Without the c5 pawn Black would draw easily, e.g. 1. Ke3 Kb2! (1... Kc1? 2. Kd4) 2. Rb8+ Kc1 3. Kd4 (3. Ke2 c2) 3... Kd2! etc.^013^010 The presence of this pawn is Black's undoing, preventing him from exploiting the possibility of stalemate.} Kc1 2. Ke2 c2 (2... Kc2 3. Rb8 Kc1 4. Rb5 $18) 3. Rb8 c3 4. Rb3 {!} c4 5. Rxc3 Kb2 6. Kd2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Munos"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p4K/5k2/2p5/4R3/2p5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Re2 {!} (1. Re3 {? %05For the moment the rook is fighting the pawns on its %05own. White's problem is to gain time for the approach of %05his king. Therefore it would be a mistake to play} c2 2. Rc3 Ke5 {!} 3. Rxc5+ Kd4 {!} 4. Rxc2 c5 {= with a draw.}) (1. Kh6 {? Munos thought that by %05How does Black save the game after} c2 (1... Kf5 {! , e.g. %05 Nevertheless, as the composer of the study later showed (1976), Black's play can also be improved. He is by no means obliged to force matters by 1... c2, but should play} 2. Rc4 Ke5 3. Kg5 Kd5 4. Rxc3 Kd4 5. Rc1 c4 6. Kf4 Kd3 7. Kf3 c3 8. Rd1+ Kc4 {!= , when the rest has already been considered.}) 2. Rc4 Ke5 3. Kg5 Kd5 4. Rxc2 Kd4 5. Kf4 c4 6. Kf3 {?} (6. Rd2+ {! %05But Maizelis (1955) noticed that, instead of 6. Kf3?, correct is} Kc3 7. Ke3 Kb3 8. Rd5 $18 {, when White wins.}) 6... Kd3 7. Rc1 c3 8. Rd1+ Kc4 {!} 9. Ke2 c2 10. Rd7 c1=N+ {=}) 1... c4 (1... Kf5 {, then %05If} 2. Kg7 c4 3. Kf7 c6 4. Ke7 Kf4 5. Kd6 Kf3 6. Re1 {!} c2 (6... Kf2 7. Re4 $18) 7. Kc5 Kf2 8. Rc1 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Re4 {!} c5 {!} 3. Kh6 Kf5 4. Rxc4 Ke5 5. Kg5 Kd5 6. Rxc3 Kd4 7. Rc1 c4 8. Kf4 {(the white king has reached the necessary position; the rest is simple)} Kd3 9. Kf3 c3 10. Rd1+ Kc2 11. Ke2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6p1/5p2/1k2p3/3pK3/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {~13.4 FOUR OR MORE PAWNS~ Four pawns are normally stronger than a rook, especially if they are close to queening and can be supported by their king.} 1... Kc2 {, e.g. %05If Black begins, he wins without difficulty by} 2. Ra2+ { there is nothing better:} (2. Rg1 {, then %05if} g4 3. Ra1 f3+ 4. Kxe3 d1=Q $19 ) 2... Kb1 3. Ra8 f3+ 4. Kd1 f2 5. Rf8 g4 $19 {, and the advance of the g-pawn cannot be prevented.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6p1/5p2/1k2p3/3pK3/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] 1. Kd3 {! , not allowing the opponent's king to approach the pawns, e.g. %05If it is White to move, he plays} g4 {!} (1... Kb4 {, then %05If} 2. Kc2 (2. Rg1 { ?} g4 3. Rf1 Kb3 $19) 2... Kc4 3. Rg1 f3 4. Rg4+ Kd5 5. Rxg5+ Ke4 6. Rg4+ Kf5 7. Rg8 f2 8. Rf8+ {=}) 2. Rb1+ Ka2 {!} 3. Rf1 g3 4. Ke2 g2 5. Rg1 Kb3 6. Rxg2 f3+ $19 {Averbakh - , 1984} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7p/6p1/2k2p2/4pK2/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {Now let us move all pieces in example ~3( 1229)~, apart from the rook, one file to the right.} 1... Kd2 {%05The rook has more space to the left than in the previous example, and this allows White to parry successfully the opponent's threats.} 2. Ra2+ Kd1 (2... Kd3 {%05The attempt to take the king to the K-side is also unsuccessful:} 3. Ra3+ Ke4 4. Ra4+ Kf5 5. Ra5+ Kg6 6. Ra6+ Kg5 7. Ra5+ Kg6 (7... Kh4 {?? would be a fatal mistake:} 8. Re5 {!} (8. Ra1 { is sufficient for a draw, but now, having caught the opponent's king in a trap, White wants more}) 8... e1=Q+ 9. Rxe1 Kg5 10. Re8 $18 {, and White wins.}) 8. Ra6+ {= Draw.}) 3. Ra1+ Kc2 4. Ke3 h4 5. Rh1 h3 (5... g3 {%05if} 6. Re1 { ! %05, but} (6. Kxf3 {? %05then not} Kd2 $19) 6... f2 7. Rxe2+ Kc3 8. Rxf2 { = with a draw}) 6. Ra1 h2 7. Rh1 Kc3 8. Rc1+ Kb3 9. Kf2 Kb2 10. Rh1 Kc3 11. Ke3 Kc4 12. Ra1 Kd5 13. Kf2 Ke4 14. Kg3 Ke3 15. Ra3+ Kd2 16. Ra2+ Kd3 17. Ra1 { = Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/8/7p/6p1/3k1p2/4pK2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {We will now consider a position with the same pawn arrangement, but with the pieces rather differently placed. The first impression is that the rook is well placed to the rear, since it is halting the pawns, and without the support of their king they cannot advance.} 1. Rg5 {! %05Indeed, if it is White to move he can even go onto the attack, by threatening the h-pawn:} Ke4 ( 1... Kd2 2. Rd5+ {and 3. Rh5}) 2. Rxh5 g3+ 3. Ke1 g2 4. Rg5 Ke3 5. Rxg2 { != dispels all the illusions. Draw. %05But} (5. Rg3 {? is met by mate in two moves: %05Black appears to have created serious threats. For example,} g1=Q+ 6. Rxg1 f2# {%04mate}) (5. Re5+ {? %05Also bad is} Kf4 $19 {, when the pawn queens.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/8/7p/6p1/3k1p2/4pK2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] 1... Ke4 {! %05If Black begins, he can realize his advantage:} 2. Re8+ (2. Rg5 {%05the attack on the h-pawn does not now succeed:} Kf4 {!} 3. Rxh5 g3+ 4. Ke1 g2 $19 {, and Black wins}) 2... Kf5 3. Rf8+ Kg5 4. Rg8+ Kf6 {! But now, after the precise move found by Kopayev, White finds himself in zugzwang,} (4... Kh4 {would be a loss of time:} 5. Re8 {!} Kh3 6. Re5 {, and the king must go back, since} h4 {?} 7. Re4 {! leaves it trapped. He would no longer have any chance of winning.}) 5. Rf8+ (5. Ke1 {%05e.g.} Kf5 6. Rf8+ Kg5 7. Rg8+ Kf4 8. Rf8+ Kg3 $19 {, and the h-pawns queens.}) 5... Kg7 {!} 6. Re8 Kf7 {!} (6... h4 {%05of course, not} 7. Re4) 7. Re5 Kf6 {!} 8. Re8 (8. Rxh5 {is met by %05Thanks to his subtle king manoeuvre, Black is able to advance his h-pawn. Incidentally, it is immune:} g3+ 9. Ke1 g2 $19) 8... h4 9. Re4 Kf5 10. Re8 h3 11. Rf8+ Ke6 12. Rg8 h2 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/8/3p4/4p3/5p1k/5Kp1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {The rook may be well placed to the rear, if opponent's king is at the side of the board. Here White is guaranteed against defeat, since he has the possibility of creating mating threats.} 1... d4 {%05For example, with Black to move:} (1... Kh4 {%05The attempt to move the king out of the danger zone also does not help:} 2. Rd8 Kg4 (2... e3+ {, then %05if} 3. Kxf3 {!}) 3. Rxd5 e3+ 4. Kg1 e2 5. Re5 Kg3 6. Rxe2 {!= Draw.}) 2. Re8 {!} e3+ 3. Kxf3 {!} g1=N+ ( 3... Kh2 {, then %05if} 4. Rh8+ Kg1 5. Rg8) 4. Ke4 e2 5. Kxd4 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vukovic"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/8/8/2k1p3/3p4/4p3/4Kp2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1. Rc8+ {%05 Due to the fact that the opponent has doubled pawns, White is able to maintain the balance. Even the following continuation is possible:} (1. Rf6 {%05The composer gives the variation} Kd5 2. Kd3 e4+ 3. Ke2 Ke5 4. Rf8 Ke6 5. Rf4 {= , which of course is also sufficient for a draw.}) 1... Kd5 2. Rd8+ Ke4 3. Rd7 d3+ {(there is no other active possibility)} 4. Kf1 d2 (4... Kf3 { ? loses to} 5. Rxd3 $18) 5. Ke2 Kf4 6. Rf7+ {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5k2/4p3/3pKp1p/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {Up till now we have considered only positions with connected pawns arranged diagonally. We will now meet two examples of another pawn configuration, where the rook and king are deployed in the best way possible. The similar position with three pawns was drawn. The addition of the fourth pawn does not change the assessment.} 1. Rf1 {! , e.g. %05The black king is threatening to penetrate with decisive effect to g2. This threat is completely parried only by } Kg3 2. Kxe3 Kg2 3. Rxf2+ Kg1 (3... Kg3 4. Rf1) 4. Rxd2 {!} h1=Q 5. Rd1+ { = Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/8/p1p1pKpk/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {In this ending isolated pawns prove weaker than all others.} 1. Re1 {%05With White to move:} Kh3 2. Rg1 Kg4 {(there is nothing better)} 3. Kxg2 Kf4 4. Kf2 Ke4 5. Kxe2 Kd4 6. Kd2 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/8/p1p1pKpk/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] 1... Kh3 {is met by the immediately decisive %05If it is Black to move,} 2. Rg1 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K1p/7k/p7/2p5/3p4/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {As we have already seen in example~3 ( 1234)~, when a rook is battling against far-advanced pawns, the opponent's king may be dangerously placed on the edge of the board, and its position exploited as a defence. This theme has been widely developed by chess composers.} 1. Kf5 {%05The pawns look irresistible, since White's king is too far away from them. But with the help of mating threats he is able to bring his king up to the pawns.} Kh4 2. Kf4 Kh3 3. Kf3 Kh2 4. Rd1 {!} a3 5. Ke3 {!} a2 6. Kd3 h5 7. Kxc3 h4 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/R3K3/8/8/2p2p2/3p1p2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] {This same procedure is used in the following study.} 1. Kf7 Kh7 2. Ra1 Kh6 3. Kf6 Kh5 4. Kf5 Kh4 5. Kf4 Kh3 6. Kxf3 Kh2 7. Ke2 Kg2 8. Rf1 {!} c2 9. Rxf2+ Kg1 10. Kxd2 {= %04Draw} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R7/8/p7/4K2k/1p1pp3/1p4p1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Kf4 {%05The black pawns look menacing, but even here, by %05creating threats to the opponent's king, White is able to %05save the draw.} Kh5 2. Kf5 Kh6 3. Ra6+ Kg7 4. Ra7+ Kf8 5. Kf6 Ke8 (5... Kg8 {, then %05If} 6. Ra8+ Kh7 7. Ra7+ Kh6 8. Ra8 {= %04etc}) 6. Ke6 Kd8 7. Kd6 Kc8 8. Kc6 Kb8 9. Rb7+ Ka8 10. Kc7 g1=Q (10... a4 {?? loses to} 11. Rb4 $18) 11. Rb8+ Ka7 12. Rb7+ {= , with a draw by perpetual check.^013^010 Troitsky (corrected) - , 1924} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vukovic"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k3p1R1/2K5/2p5/3p4/4p3/5p2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1. Rf7 {! %05The correct move is the quiet} (1. Rxe7+ {%05White's position hopeless, and it appears that the mating %05threats can be easily parried. If, for example,} Ka6 2. Rf7 {, then} e2 3. Rf8 (3. Rxf2 e1=Q 4. Ra2+ Qa5 $19) 3... Ka5 4. Kxc5 Ka4 5. Kc4 e1=Q 6. Ra8+ Qa5 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 1... d3 { %05Two possibilities remain:} (1... c4 2. Rf5 {!} e5 (2... Ka6 {, then %05There is nothing better. If} 3. Rf8 Ka5 4. Kc5 Ka4 5. Kxc4 {, transporting into the previous variation}) (2... e2 {there follows %05while on} 3. Ra5+ Kb8 4. Rb5+ Kc8 5. Ra5 {= with a draw by repetition of moves.}) 3. Rf7+ Ka6 4. Rf8 Ka5 5. Kc5 Ka4 6. Kxc4 Ka3 7. Kd3 Kb4 8. Ke2 Kc5 {= , and we reach the drawn example ~3($411235)~.}) (1... e2 {on which there follows %05in the first instance parrying the threat of} 2. Rxe7+ {, when Black has to agree to a draw with} Kb8 (2... Ka6 {? loses to %05since} 3. Rxe2 {!} Ka5 4. Kxc5 Ka4 5. Rxf2 $18)) (1... f1=Q {%05Black also fails to win by} 2. Rxf1 e2 3. Ra1+ Kb8 4. Rb1+ Kc8 5. Ra1 {= %04etc.}) 2. Rxe7+ Ka6 3. Re8 Ka5 4. Kxc5 Ka4 5. Kc4 Ka3 6. Kc3 Ka2 7. Rf8 {!} d2 (7... e2 8. Rxf2) 8. Kc2 Ka3 9. Kd1 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2R4p/3p2p1/1p4K1/1k6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {The analysis of the following position has an interesting history.} 1. Rxh5 { ! immediately eliminating a dangerous pawn. %05The strongest move in the initial position is} (1. Rd5 {Contrary to Kopayev's opinion, this move, which all three analysts considered to^013^010 be strongest, also leads to a draw. %05Salvioli considered this position to be drawn, but, as^013^010 %05was discovered by Maizelis, his analysis was inaccurate.^013^010 %05Maizelis suggested another way to save the game, but it^013^010 %05was refuted by Kopayev. But nevertheless White is able^013^010 %05to maintain the balance!} Kc2 {! Found by Kopayev.} (1... Kc3 {%05Maizelis considered only} 2. Rc5+ Kd3 3. Rxh5 {!} (3. Rb5 {, but after %05Salvioli gave} h4+ {!} 4. Kxg4 Kc4 5. Rb8 d3 6. Rc8+ Kd4 7. Rd8+ Ke3 8. Re8+ Kd2 {!} (8... Kf2 {%05Salvioli considered} 9. Rf8+ Kg1 {?} 10. Kf3 h3 11. Ke3 h2 12. Rg8+ Kf1 13. Rh8 {= with a draw.}) 9. Rb8 Kc2 10. Rc8+ Kd1 {!} 11. Rb8 d2 $19 {Black wins.}) 3... b2 4. Rb5 {!} Kc2 5. Rc5+ Kb3 6. Rb5+ Ka3 7. Kxg4 {=}) 2. Rc5+ (2. Rxd4 b2 $19) 2... Kb1 3. Rxh5 {!} (3. Rd5 {? , then %05 If} b2 4. Rxd4 Kc2 $19 {%04etc.}) (3. Kf2 {? , then %05If} h4 4. Ke2 h3 5. Rh5 b2 6. Kd2 (6. Kd3 g3 7. Rxh3 Ka2 $19) 6... g3 {!} 7. Rxh3 g2 8. Rg3 Ka2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 3... d3 {!} 4. Kf2 (4. Kxg4 { ? , then %05If} d2 5. Rd5 Kc2 6. Rc5+ Kd3 7. Rd5+ Ke3 $19 {%04etc.}) (4. Rd5 { ? %04then %05If} Kc2 {!} (4... b2 {? %05but not} 5. Kxg4 {= with a draw}) 5. Kf2 g3+ 6. Ke3 b2 7. Rc5+ Kb3 8. Rb5+ Kc3 9. Rb8 g2 10. Kf2 d2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 4... g3+ {!} 5. Ke3 (5. Kxg3 {?} d2 {leads to variations already considered}) 5... b2 (5... g2 6. Rg5 Kc2 7. Rxg2+ {=}) 6. Kxd3 g2 7. Rg5 Kc1 8. Ke2 {%00o^ $19 (, and Black wins.}) ({b1Q Kc2 Rc5+ Kb3} 1. Kf2 {=}) {Rc5+ Kb2 Rb5+} 1... Kc2 {[%eval 0,0] Rxb1 d3} 2. Kf2 {!= , as shown in detail in the analysis of example^013^010 ~3($401220)~. %05He draws by} (2. Rd5 {%05The analysts thought that after} Kc3 3. Rc5+ $19 {Kd4 Black would win, but White has a stronger defence.}) * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Black "Thomas George A (ENG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/pp6/3k2p1/2p5/8/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {In practice, endings where only one side has pawns occur extremely rarely. To conclude this chapter we give two examples from master practice.} 1. Ke4 { %05The pawns are not yet strongly advanced, so that White has time to win the g-pawn and deal with the remaining pawns.} b6 2. Rg8 Kc6 3. Rxg6+ Kb5 4. Kd3 Kb4 5. Rg1 {!} b5 6. Ra1 c4+ (6... Kb3 {, then %05if} 7. Rb1+ Ka4 8. Kc3 b4+ 9. Kc4 $18) 7. Kd4 Kb3 8. Rb1+ Ka4 9. Kc3 Ka5 10. Rh1 Kb6 11. Rh6+ {Resigns. Z0} ( {Kb7 White wins as in example ~3 ($411169)~. %05If Ka5 %05while after Rg6 a6} 11. Rh6+ $18 {Black is in zugzwang.}) 1-0 [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6pp/2K5/4pp2/8/5k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {Here Black's king is very active, and if he were to move he would win by advancing the e-pawn.} 1. Ra3+ {If in reply Black approaches the rook with his king, he even risks losing. Therefore he replied %05But in the game it was White to move, and he played} Kf4 2. Kd5 e4 3. Kd4 g6 4. Ra1 {! from here the rook can attack both from the front, and from the side} Kf3 5. Ra3+ Kf4 6. Ra1 Kf3 {= Drawn.} (6... h5 {%05Black would also not have achieved anything by} 7. Rg1 Kf3 8. Rxg6 e3 9. Rg5 {!} f4 10. Rxh5 e2 11. Re5 Kf2 12. Kd3 {=}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1585.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Polerio"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/7p/7P/8/pk1K4/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1585.??.??"] {~14. ROOK AND PAWNS AGAINST PAWNS~ Classifying these difficult endings by material is too formal, and does not help in revealing the techniques involved. Therefore, in order to demonstrate what are indeed typical and characteristic methods of play, we have considered it advisable to divide all the examples into four groups, depending on which side has the advantage: ~ 4.1 The rook is stronger the pawns. ~ ~ 4.2 The rook is stronger than the pawns, but - draw.~ ~ 4.3 The pawns are stronger than the rook. ~ ~ 4.4 The pawns are stronger than the rook, but - draw.~ In each of these groups we will show what advantage one side or the other has, and either how it can be realized, or why this advantage does not lead to a win. ~14.1 THE ROOK IS STRONGER THAN THE PAWNS~ The strategic procedures in this ending are roughly the same as in endings with rook against pawns, but the possibility of using his own pawn improves the chances of the side with the rook. Here a few examples where the play goes in favour of the rook, and where a pawn is destined to play the main role.} 1. Ra1 {! %05But White has a more subtle continuation -} (1. Rg1 { %05The first impression is that White will have to give up his %05rook for the a-pawn, after which the pawn ending is %05drawn, e.g.} a1=Q 2. Rxa1 Kxa1 3. Ke3 Kb2 4. Kf4 Kc3 5. Kg5 Kd4 6. Kxg6 Ke5 7. Kxh5 Kf6 {= %04etc.}) 1... Kxa1 2. Kc2 {, when the black king is trapped, and after} g5 3. hxg5 $18 {it is mated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Benko Pal C (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/p7/8/6P1/3K4/pk4P1/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {The same device, but in more complicated form, is used in the following study. } 1. Rf2+ (1. Ra1 {gains White only a draw: %05Here} Kxa1 2. Kc2 h6 {!} 3. Kc1 a5 4. Kc2 a4 5. Kc1 h5 {!} (5... a3 {?} 6. Kc2 h5 7. g5 $18) 6. g5 h4 7. g6 h3 8. g7 h2 9. g8=Q h1=Q+) 1... Kb3 (1... Kb1 {%05bad is} 2. Kc3 {!} a1=Q+ 3. Kb3 $18) 2. Rf6 {!! Exploiting the opposition of the kings, White forces the king to advance} a5 (2... a1=Q {he wins by %05since on} 3. Rb6+ Ka2 4. Rxa6+ Kb1 5. Rxa1+ Kxa1 6. g5 Kb2 7. g4 Kc1 8. Ke4 Kd2 9. Kf5 Ke3 10. g6 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Rf1 Kb2 (3... h6 {transposes}) 4. Ra1 {!} h6 (4... Kxa1 5. Kc2 h6 6. Kc1 { leads to the main variation}) (4... a4 {there follows %05while on} 5. g5) 5. Kd2 Kxa1 6. Kc1 {! a necessary finesse} (6. Kc2 {?} a4 7. Kc1 {fails to win due to} h5 {! =}) 6... h5 (6... a4 7. Kc2 a3 8. g3 {!} h5 9. g5 h4 10. g6 h3 11. g7 h2 12. g8=Q h1=Q 13. Qg7# {mate.}) 7. g5 h4 8. g6 h3 9. gxh3 {!} a4 10. g7 a3 11. Kd2 {!} Kb2 12. g8=Q a1=Q 13. Qg7+ Ka2 14. Qf7+ Kb2 15. Qf6+ $18 { , and approaching down the "staircase' White gives mate at c2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cohn G"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/7R/p6P/8/8/8/p5K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Rb7 {! %05The black pawn cannot be stopped, but it turns out that the new queen has no way of helping its king.} a1=Q 2. h7 Qa2+ (2... Kf8 3. Rb8+ Kf7 4. h8=Q Qa2+ 5. Qb2 Qd5+ 6. Kg1 Qg5+ 7. Qg2 $18 {and wins}) 3. Kg3 Qa3+ 4. Kg4 Qa4+ 5. Kg5 Qa5+ 6. Kg6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/pp5R/k6p/2K5/1P4p1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Rg5 {%05The winning idea involves a spectacular rook sacrifice:} (1. b3+ { %05 White must try to exploit the unfortunate position of the opponent's king, since the black pawns cannot be stopped. But the direct attack -} Ka3 2. Rxb5 Ka2 3. Kc2 {- is parried by} a4 {!} 4. Ra5 a3) 1... h3 2. Rg4+ b4+ 3. Kc4 h2 4. Rg3 h1=Q 5. Ra3+ {!} bxa3 6. b3# {mate! The final blow is landed by the lone white pawn!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/8/k2p4/p7/P1p3p1/5p2/2PP4/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {The position of the opponent's king on the edge of the board or in a corner usually creates the conditions for a mating attack by king and rook.} 1. c3 {!} (1. Kc7 {White can force a draw by perpetual check, but the unfortunate position of the black king allows to achieve more. %05With}) 1... f2 (1... d5 { , then %05If} 2. Re1 Kb6 3. Re6+ Kc5 4. Kc7 d4 5. Re5# {mate.}) (1... g3 { %05No different is} 2. d3 {! , and then as in the main variation.}) 2. d3 {!} cxd3 3. c4 g3 (3... f1=Q {Mate can be avoided only by} 4. Rxf1 Kb6 {, but after } 5. Rd1 Kc5 6. Rxd3 Kxc4 7. Rg3 d5 8. Rxg4+ d4 9. Kb7 $18 {White wins.}) 4. c5 dxc5 5. Rh1 $18 {, and mate next move.} * [Event "Varna (Bulgaria)"] [Site "Varna (Bulgaria)"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Inkiov Ventzislav (BUL)"] [Black "Donchev Dimitar I (BUL)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/4K3/4P2p/3p4/8/2p4P/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {And now two practical examples, which also end with a mating finish. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ467 %212045826630=4HLJ509} 1. Kf6 {! the only way %05 The black pawns look threatening, but thanks to the position of the black king on the edge of the board White is able to create a mating attack.} (1. Kf7 {?} d3 2. e6 d2 3. Rg7+ Kh6 {leads to a draw =}) 1... d3 2. e6 d2 3. Rg7+ Kh6 4. Rg8 Kh7 5. e7 d1=Q 6. Rh8+ {!} Kxh8 7. e8=Q+ $18 {and mate in two moves.} 1-0 [Event "Badalona (Spain)"] [Site "Badalona (Spain)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Benavent"] [Black "Dominguez"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/p1P2p2/3P3p/8/P7/5k2/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] 1... Kf2 2. Kh2 {The king tries to escape from the danger zone.} (2. d7 { would have been met by} Rg5 $19 {with inevitable mate.}) 2... f5 {! Closing the trap.} (2... Rg5 {? would have been bad:} 3. c8=Q Rh5+ 4. Qh3 $18) 3. Kh3 Rg1 4. Kh2 Rg5 {White resigns.^013^010 ^013^010} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1903.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grinfeld Alla B (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/pp6/P7/7K/1k6/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1903.??.??"] {In the first two examples of this chapter White won by sacrificing his rook, but giving mate. This tactic can also be employed with another aim - for example, in order to be the first to queen a pawn.} 1. Ra3 {!} (1. axb5 { after %05It is clear that White has to give up his rook, since if it %05moves away 1... ba4 leads to a simple draw. But if he %05plays} Kxa1 2. b6 a4 3. b7 a3 4. b8=Q a2 {= he cannot win. The rook must be given up on the most distant square, so as to gain time for queening the pawn.}) 1... Kxa3 (1... b4 { %05after} 2. Rg3 b3 3. Rg5 Ka3 4. Rxa5 $18 {White wins}) 2. axb5 Ka2 3. b6 a4 4. b7 a3 5. b8=Q $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hildebrand Gerald (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4p3/1P3p2/5Rp1/8/5K1k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] 1. Rf2 {!} (1. b5 {? %05If} g2+ 2. Ke1 g1=Q+ 3. Rf1 {, then} f3 4. b6 f2+ 5. Ke2 Kg2 $19 {, and Black wins. The rook has to be sacrificed!}) 1... gxf2 (1... f3 {can be met by} 2. Rxf3 g2+ 3. Ke2 g1=Q 4. Rf1 $18) (1... e4 {%05while if} 2. Rxf4 $18) 2. b5 e4 3. b6 e3 4. b7 f3 5. b8=R {!$18 and White wins.} (5. b8=Q {? %05But not} e2+ 6. Kxf2 e1=Q+ 7. Kxe1 f2+ {= with a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1915.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kissling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/7p/5p1P/5P2/1p6/6RK/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1915.??.??"] 1. Rg5 {! If Black does not accept the sacrifice, after %05White succeeds in exploiting the unfortunate position of the opponent's king by the clever} b2 ( 1... hxg5 {%05No better is} 2. h6 b2 3. h7 b1=Q {, when, although Black queens first, he loses after} 4. h8=Q+ Ka2 5. Qa8+ Kb2 6. Qxb7+ $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Rxf5 b1=Q 3. Ra5+ Kb2 4. Rb5+ $18 {and 5. Rb1 the f-pawn queens. Giving up the rook for a pawn and transposing into a won pawn ending is one of the main strategic procedures in this type of endgame.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1879.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/R7/8/4p3/8/p5p1/1k4P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1879.??.??"] {The following examples demonstrate clearly this universal procedure.} 1. Ke7 { ! %05White appears bound to give perpetual check, since his king is too far away from the opponent's pawns. But the unusual geometry of the chess board allows him to carry out an original manoeuvre, the aim of which is to pursue a double objective. This same idea was later expressed by Reti in a well-known pawn study.} a2 2. Kd6 {!} e4 3. Kc5 {! For the moment, it must be agreed, it is not clear where the white king is heading for.} e3 4. Kb4 {!} e2 {But now White's well placed king at b4 allows him to carry out a decisive rook manoeuvre, which can be called "switching the attack". This procedure (changing the rook's position with gain of tempo) is of great importance in rook endings.} (4... a1=Q {, White gains a won pawn ending after %05If} 5. Rxa1 Kxa1 6. Kc3 $18) 5. Re7 {!} a1=Q 6. Rxe2+ Kb1 7. Re1+ Kb2 8. Rxa1 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7R/K3k3/4p1p1/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Kb4 {! Only move.} (1. Kb3 {? %05White even loses after} e2 2. Rh1 (2. Rh8 Ke3 $19) 2... Kd3 {!} 3. Ra1 Kd2 4. Ra2+ Ke3 $19) 1... e2 2. Rh1 Kd3 (2... Ke3 3. Kc3 Kf2 4. Kd2 Kxg2 5. Rh8 {!} (5. Re1 {?} Kf2 {= with a draw.}) 5... Kf2 6. Rf8+ Kg1 7. Kxe2 $18 {and wins.}) 3. Kc5 {!} Kd2 (3... Ke3 {, then %05if} 4. Ra1 Kf2 5. Kd4 {!} Kxg2 6. Ke3 $18) 4. Kd4 {!} e1=Q 5. Rxe1 Kxe1 6. Ke3 $18 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fritz Indzhih (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/8/8/5p2/7R/4kP2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1. Rh2 {!} (1. f3 {? , then %05White has to defend his pawn, but how? If, for example,} Kf2 2. Kb7 Kg2 {= with a draw}) (1. Rh4 {? %05or} f3 2. Rh2 Kf1 3. Kb7 Kg1 {= with the same result.}) 1... f3 2. Kb7 Kf1 3. Kc6 Kg1 4. Kd5 {!} Kxh2 5. Ke4 Kg2 6. Ke3 $18 {and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1961.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Arsenic"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/3R4/8/8/7p/4p1k1/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1961.??.??"] 1. Rf7 {! %05White cannot give up his pawn. Therefore:} h3 2. Kb7 h2 3. Rh7 h1=Q+ {!} (3... Kg2 {, then %05If} 4. Kc6 h1=Q 5. Rxh1 Kxh1 6. Kd5 Kg2 7. Ke4 Kf2 8. Kd3 $18 {and wins.}) 4. Rxh1 Kf2 5. Rh2+ Kg1 6. Kc6 {!} Kxh2 7. Kd5 Kg3 8. Ke4 {!} (8. Kd4 {?} Kf4 {= with a draw}) 8... Kf2 9. Kd3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/2K5/8/4k1pp/8/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {In cases where the side with the rook has only one pawn, the result often depends upon whether or not this pawn can be preserved from exchange. But more often, even if the pawn is lost or sacrificed, the result is determined by the resulting ending of rook against pawns.} 1... Kf3 (1... g3 {does not work due to %05The white king is some distance away, and to draw Black must try to exchange the h2 pawn. But the direct} 2. Ra4+ Kf3 (2... Kf5 3. h3 g2 4. Rg4 $18 ) 3. Rxh4 g2 4. Rh3+ {and 5. Rg3$18}) 2. Kd5 {!} Kg2 (2... g3 {on which there follows %05White again parries the threat of} 3. h3 g2 (3... Kg2 4. Ke4 Kxh3 5. Kf3 Kh2 6. Rg8 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. Rg8 Kf2 5. Ke4 g1=Q 6. Rxg1 Kxg1 7. Kf3 { !$18 , when White wins.}) (2... h3 {, then %05But if now} 3. Rg8 Kg2 4. Rxg4+ Kxh2 5. Ke4 Kh1 6. Kf3 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Ra2+ Kf3 4. Ra4 (4. Ke5 {%05or} g3 5. h3 g2 6. Ra3+ {!} (6. Ra1 {?} Kg3 {= leads only to a draw}) 6... Ke2 7. Ke4 Kf2 8. Kf4 g1=Q 9. Ra2+ Kf1 10. Ra1+ Kg2 11. Rxg1+ Kxg1 12. Kg4 $18) 4... h3 5. Ke5 g3 6. Ra3+ Kg2 7. Rxg3+ Kxh2 8. Kf4 $18 {the last black pawn is also lost. %05In the end Black has managed to eliminate the white pawn, but after} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Griesman"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/8/7p/1R5P/6k1/8/6p1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~5 Previously 1.Rb7 was considered to be the only ~5 winning move, and 1.Rb1 a mistake. The situation, ~5 however, is quite the contrary.} 1. Rb1 {!} (1. Rb7 {~5This move misses a win.} Kg3 {!} (1... Kxh5 {?} 2. Rg7 {, not only eliminating the pawn, but also cutting off the opponent's king. The rest is familiar:} Kh4 3. Rxg2 Kh3 4. Rg6 h5 5. Kc7 h4 6. Kd6 Kh2 7. Ke5 h3 8. Kf4 Kh1 9. Kg3 $18 {, and White wins.(Griesman - , 1962)}) 2. Rg7+ Kf2 3. Kc7 g1=Q 4. Rxg1 Kxg1 5. Kd6 Kf2 6. Ke5 Ke3 7. Kf5 Kd4 8. Kg6 Ke5 9. Kxh6 Kf6 {=}) 1... Kxh5 2. Rg1 Kg4 3. Rxg2+ Kf4 4. Rh2 Kg5 5. Kc7 h5 6. Kd6 h4 7. Ke5 Kg4 8. Rg2+ {! ~5 The decisive improvement of White's play.} (8. Ke4 {? %05After} Kg3 { = Black gains a draw.}) 8... Kf3 9. Ra2 Kg4 (9... h3 10. Kf5 Kg3 11. Ra3+ Kg2 12. Kg4 $18) 10. Ra4+ Kg3 11. Kf5 h3 12. Ra3+ Kg2 (12... Kh4 13. Kf4 h2 14. Ra1 Kh3 15. Kf3 $18) 13. Kg4 h2 14. Ra2+ Kg1 15. Kg3 h1=N+ 16. Kf3 $18 * [Event "Pinar del Rio (Cuba)"] [Site "Pinar del Rio (Cuba)"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Diaz"] [Black "Dominguez"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/8/5p2/5P2/R5pk/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1. Rf4 {!} (1. Kc7 {? %05The immediate approach of the king does not succeed:} Kg5 2. Ra5 g3 3. Kd6 g2 4. Ra1 Kxf5 5. Rg1 Ke4 6. Rxg2 f5 {= with a draw. White must first improve the position of his rook, in order to gain time.}) 1... Kg5 (1... Kh3 2. Kc7 g3 3. Rf1 Kg4 4. Kd6 g2 5. Rg1 Kxf5 6. Rxg2 Ke4 7. Re2+ Kf3 8. Re1 f5 9. Ke5 $18 {, and wins.}) 2. Rf1 g3 3. Kc7 g2 4. Rg1 Kxf5 5. Rxg2 Ke4 (5... Kf4 {, then %05If} 6. Rf2+ Ke5 7. Rf1 f5 8. Kc6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 6. Re2+ {!} (6. Kd6 {? This throws away the win. It was correct first to improve the rook's position and push the opponent's king out of the way:} f5 7. Re2+ Kd4 {! Draw agreed. After} 8. Ke6 f4 9. Kf5 f3 10. Ra2 Ke3 11. Kg4 f2 {= it all becomes clear.}) 6... Kf3 (6... Kd5 {%05or} 7. Rf2 Ke5 8. Rf1 f5 9. Kc6 $18 {, when the white king is inside the zone.}) 7. Re1 f5 8. Kd6 Kf2 9. Ra1 f4 10. Ke5 f3 11. Ke4 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weinberger Tibor (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/6P1/8/pp6/7R/1p5K/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] 1. Rh8+ {!} (1. Rg4 {, then %05White's position appears critical, and his task may cause perplexity. How in fact is he^013^010 %05going to stop the pawns? If, for example,} b2 2. Rg1 a4) (1. Rh5 {%05or} b4 2. Rxa5 b2 {, and the rook has no way of reaching the 1st rank.^013^010 This last variation suggests the idea of sacrificing the pawn, so as to gain the possibility of returning the rook to the 1st rank!}) 1... Kxg7 2. Rh5 b4 (2... a4 {%05After} 3. Rxb5 Kf6 4. Rb4 Ke5 5. Rxa4 Kd5 6. Rb4 $18 {White eliminates all the opponent's pawns.}) 3. Rxa5 b2 4. Rg5+ Kf6 5. Rg1 Ke5 6. Rd1 {! The decisive blow. After cutting off the opponent's king from the pawns, White then approaches with his own king.} Ke4 7. Kg2 Ke3 8. Kf1 b3 9. Ke1 $18 {and White wins.} * [Event "Rostov on Don (Russia)"] [Site "Rostov on Don (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rokhlin Yakov (RUS)"] [Black "Golovko Nikolay (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/P4Kp1/2k3P1/5P2/8/8/6r1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {In the next few examples the proximity of the edge of the board allows the weaker side to play for stalemate.} 1... Kd6 {! , bringing up his king to the most dangerous pawns, e.g. %05As was shown by Maizelis, Black should have played} (1... Rf1 {, after which White was able to save the game: %05But Black played} 2. a7 Rxf4+ (2... Ra1 3. Kxg6 Ra6+ 4. Kf5 Rxa7 5. g6 {, and White cannot lose.}) 3. Kxg6 Ra4 4. Kh6 {by no means obligatory} (4. Kf5 {%05by} Kd6 5. Kf6 {White could have drawn without any trickery}) 4... Kd6 5. g6 Ke6 6. Kh7 Kf6 7. g7 Rxa7 8. Kh8 {= Drawn.}) 2. Kxg6 (2. f5 {, Black can play either %05If on 1... Kd6 White replies} gxf5 (2... Rf1 {%05or} 3. Kxg6 Ke7 {, with variations similar to those considered above.}) 3. g6 Rc1 {!} 4. g7 Rc8 5. a7 f4 $19) 2... Ke7 3. Kg7 (3. f5 Kf8 4. f6 Ra1 5. Kh7 Kf7 {!} 6. g6+ Kxf6 7. g7 Rh1+ 8. Kg8 Rg1 $19) 3... Ke6 {!} 4. Kg6 Rf1 {!} 5. a7 Ra1 6. f5+ Ke7 7. Kg7 Rxa7 8. g6 (8. f6+ Ke6+ $19) 8... Ra6 9. Kh7 Ra1 10. Kg7 (10. g7 Rh1+ 11. Kg8 Rg1 $19) 10... Rf1 11. Kh7 Kf6 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rudakovsky Iosif (RUS)"] [Black "Konstantinopolsky Alexander M "] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/8/1R6/6kp/8/p5P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1... a2 {Forced: otherwise the g-pawn cannot be won.} (1... Kg4 {, then %05If immediately} 2. Rg6+ Kf3 3. Kg7 {! , and Black has to play} a2 4. Ra6 Kxg3 5. Kg6 $18 {, and then as in the game.}) 2. Ra6 Kg4 3. Kg7 Kxg3 4. Kg6 h4 5. Kg5 h3 6. Ra3+ Kg2 7. Rxa2+ Kg3 8. Ra3+ Kg2 9. Kg4 h2 10. Ra2+ {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Novi Sad (Yugoslavia)"] [Site "Novi Sad (Yugoslavia)"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/8/1P6/4p3/4K3/3P4/5k2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] 1... Rd8 {! %05After the correct} (1... Ke2 {, thinking that this was even simpler, but %05Black played} 2. d4 {!} exd4+ 3. Kxd4 {= led to a drawn ending. }) 2. Kxe5 (2. b7 Ke2 $19) 2... Rxd3 $19 {White could have calmly resigned.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6K1/8/pp6/8/kP2R3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {~14.2 THE ROOK IS STRONGER THAN THE PAWNS, BUT - DRAW~ In these examples the material advantage continues to be on the side of the rook, but for various reasons - disunity of the pieces, the possibility of setting up a fortress or a blockade, the possibility of stalemate etc. - it proves insufficient for a win.} 1... Kb4 {%05The only way to draw is by} (1... a4 {%05Play here is bound to go into an ending of rook against %05pawn. But which passed pawn should Black create: b- %05or a-pawn? It is clear that White's king is closer to the %05b-pawn, and indeed} 2. bxa4+ Kxa4 3. Kf6 b4 4. Ke5 b3 5. Kd4 b2 6. Re1 Kb3 7. Kd3 $18 {leads to win.}) 2. Kf6 a4 3. bxa4 bxa4 4. Ke5 a3 5. Kd4 a2 { = %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Louma"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6p1/pk6/1p3P2/8/3K3R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {As we know, without the K-side pawns Black would easily gain a draw here. But the addition of the pawns does not change the assessment.} 1... Ka3 {!} 2. Kc1 (2. Rh2 {, then %05If} b2 3. Kc2 Ka2 4. Rh1 a3 5. Rg1 g4 {!} 6. fxg4 b1=Q+ 7. Rxb1 {= - stalemate.}) 2... Ka2 3. Rh2+ Ka1 4. Rb2 g4 {!} 5. fxg4 a3 6. Rb1+ ( 6. Rxb3 a2 {=}) 6... Ka2 7. Rxb3 Kxb3 8. Kb1 Kc4 {= Draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Black "Gerstenfeld Edward (UKR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/8/K4p2/4pp1p/4kP2/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1... exf4 {! , e.g. %05It was later shown by Aronson (1941) that Black could saved the game by} (1... Kf3 {? , which lost an important tempo, and after %05Black played} 2. Rb3+ Kg4 {White began approaching with his king:} 3. Kb5 exf4 4. gxf4 h4 (4... Kxf4 {%05No better is} 5. Kc4 Ke4 6. Rh3 f4 7. Kc3 f3 8. Kd2 Kf4 9. Rxh5 Kg3 10. Rf5 $18 {, and White wins.}) 5. Kc4 h3 {(Black advances his last trump - his h-pawn)} 6. Rb8 {! Accurately played: in the resulting ending of rook against three pawns the rook must attack the pawns from the rear, and the king come in from the side.} Kxf4 7. Kd3 h2 8. Rh8 Kg3 9. Ke2 Kg2 {(otherwise 10. Kf1)} 10. Rg8+ Kh3 11. Kf2 h1=N+ 12. Kf3 Kh2 { A familiar situation has arisen. We have already studied^013^010 similar positions ~3($41974)~. The presence of the^013^010 additional pawns at f6 and f5 does not change the^013^010 assessment, but merely delays the resigning of the^013^010 game.} 13. Rg2+ Kh3 14. Rg6 Kh2 15. Rxf6 Kg1 16. Rxf5 Nf2 17. Rd5 { !} Nh3 18. Rd1+ Kh2 19. Rd2+ {Resigns.}) 2. gxf4 Kxf4 3. Kb5 Ke3 {!} 4. Kc4 (4. Re8+ Kd3) 4... f4 5. Re8+ (5. Kc3 {%05If instead} f3 6. Re8+ Kf2 7. Kd2 {, then } h4 8. Rh8 Kg2 {!} 9. Ke3 f2 10. Rg8+ Kf1 11. Kf3 h3 {!} 12. Ra8 Kg1 13. Rg8+ Kf1 {= with a draw.}) 5... Kd2 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6K1/8/1p2R3/p7/1p6/1P6/5k2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1... b4 {%05Black's plan is to return at least one pawn and win the b2 pawn. Here this leads to the finish just considered.} 2. Rb5 {!} (2. Re4 {%05After} a3 3. Rxb4 a2 4. Ra4 Ke2 {the draw is obvious}) 2... Ke2 3. Rxb4 Kd3 {! The best move.} (3... Kd2 {%05After} 4. Rc4 {! the king is cut off from the pawns.} ) 4. Rh4 Kc2 5. Rh2+ Kb1 6. Kf6 Ka2 7. Ke5 a3 8. Kd4 axb2 9. Kc3 Ka1 {!} 10. Rxb2 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1916.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3p2K1/2p5/6Pk/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1916.??.??"] {It should be noted that the addition of a pawn is not always a plus feature. In certain cases it may even play a negative role, for example by covering the opponent's king against attack.} 1... c2 {%05If White did not have his pawn, Black would have to resign, since on 1... c2 there would follow 2. Rd2+ and 3. Rc2^013^010 But here Black plays} 2. Rc1 d3 {, threatening 3... d2. White has only one reply:} 3. g3 {!} Kg2 4. Kf4 d2 {!! %05But Black finds a surprising resource:} (4... Kf2 {%05Now moving the king towards the pawns leads to defeat: } 5. Ke4 Ke2 6. Kd4 Kd2 7. Rh1 {%04etc.}) 5. Rxc2 Kh3 6. Rxd2 {= - stalemate. The white pawn nevertheless did its dirty deed!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Farago Paul"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/8/8/1k4p1/p3K2p/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {In such situations the rook is best deployed on the 1st rank. Thanks to the fact that the white king is preventing the rook from improving its position, Black is able to draw.} 1... g3 {! Now White has several possibilities:} 2. hxg3 (2. Kd3 gxh2 {!} (2... g2 {?} 3. Rb8+ Kc5 (3... Ka4 {%05or} 4. Kc4 Ka5 5. Rb1 $18) 4. Rb1 $18) 3. Re1 h1=Q {!} (3... Kb3 {? , then %05if} 4. Rb1+ Ka2 5. Kc2 $18 {, and White wins}) 4. Rxh1 Kb3 5. Rb1+ Ka2 6. Kc2 h2 {= with a draw.}) (2. Kf3 gxh2) (2. Kd2 g2 {!} (2... gxh2 {? %05bad is} 3. Re1 Kb3 (3... h1=Q 4. Rxh1 Kb3 5. Kc1 $18 {!}) 4. Rb1+ Ka2 5. Kc2 $18) 3. Re1 Kb3 4. Rb1+ Ka2 5. Kc2 g1=Q 6. Rxg1 {= -stalemate.}) 2... a2 {!} (2... h2 {?} 3. Rb8+ Kc3 4. Rb1 $18) 3. Rb8+ Kc3 4. Rc8+ Kb2 5. Rb8+ Kc3 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Czeban & Trzesowski"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K1k2/7p/2r3PP/4P3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] 1. Kd7 {!} (1. gxh7 {? %05How should White play? If} Rxh6 $19) (1. g7+ { ? is met by %05while} Kg8 2. Kd7 Rxh6 3. e6 Rh1 4. e7 Re1 $19) 1... Rxg6 2. e6 {A tragicomic situation has arisen: due to the unfortunate position of his rook, it is difficult for Black to defend against 3. e7+ and 4. e8Q! He has only one reply:} Rg8 3. Kd8 Rh8 4. Kd7 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/8/5p1K/p4p1P/6pk/5Pp1/P5P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {The poor position of the rook is also the reason for the draw in the following example.} 1. f4 Rh8+ 2. Kg7 {!} Rxh5 3. a4 {Black has managed to eliminate the dangerous passed pawn, but his rook is now trapped.} Rg5+ 4. Kh8 {!} (4. Kh7 {%05after} Kh5 {it is White who would have been in zugzwang, and he would have had to free the rook}) 4... Kh5 5. Kh7 Rg6 6. Kh8 Rh6+ 7. Kg7 Rg6+ 8. Kh8 Kh6 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3k3/2p5/1pPp3r/3P4/PP3PP1/3P2K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {It may also not be possible to realize a material advantage, if the opponent can set up a fortress.} 1... Rh7 {%05This is a classic example. Black's pieces are powerless to penetrate into the opponent's position: the white king securely guards all the exits and entrances, and, in spite of his overwhelming material advantage, Black cannot do anything about it.} 2. Kg1 Rg7 3. Kg2 Rg6 4. Kf2 Re6 5. Kf1 Kf6 6. Kf2 Kf5 7. Kf1 {=} Re4 {? , to force a breach in the enemy fortress, after %05If Black tries sacrificing his rook by} 8. fxe4+ Kxe4 9. Kg2 Kxd4 10. g4 Kxc5 11. g5 Kd6 12. d4 Ke6 13. Kg3 {he only risks losing.} * [Event "Podebrady (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Podebrady (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Menchik Vera F (RUS)"] [Black "Pelikan Jorge (CZE)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/7p/6p1/6K1/5p2/8/2p4P/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ467 %212045826630=4HLJ513 ~14.3 THE PAWNS ARE STRONGER THAN THE ROOK~ The pawns normally prove stronger than the rook when they are far advanced, and when the rook and king cannot unite in their battle against them.} 1... f3 {the white king is no longer able to battle against the pawns, and this task falls completely on the shoulders of the rook: %05After the natural} 2. Rf8 (2. h4 { , then %052... f2 cannot be allowed. If, for example,} f2 3. Rf8 Kb1 4. Rb8+ Ka2 5. Ra8+ Kb3 6. Ra1 (6. Rb8+ Kc4 $19 {, and the rook can no longer reach the 1st rank}) 6... Kb2 $19 {and Black wins easily.}) 2... h6+ {!! %05 Black's problem is to find a shelter for his king, so that both pawns can advance unhindered. He achieves this by the study-like move.} (2... Kb1 {there follows %05But now on} 3. Rb8+ Ka2 4. Ra8+ Kb3 5. Rb8+ Kc4 6. Rc8+ Kd3 7. Rd8+ Ke3 ( 7... Ke2 {%05or} 8. Re8+ Kf1 9. Rc8 f2 10. Rxc2 Kg1 11. Rxf2 Kxf2 12. Kh6 { = with a draw.} (12. h4 {= %05or})) 8. Re8+ Kd4 9. Rd8+ Ke5 10. Re8+ Kd6 11. Re1 f2 12. Rf1 Ke5 13. Kg4 Ke4 14. Kg3 {=}) 3. Kg4 {%05The most complicated variation arises after} (3. Kxg6 {, then %05If now} Kd2 4. Rd8+ Ke3 5. Re8+ Kf4 6. Rf8+ (6. Re1 f2 7. Rc1 Ke3 $19) 6... Kg4 7. Rc8 f2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) (3. Kf4 Kd1 {!} (3... f2 {?} 4. Ke3 {!} Kd1 5. Kxf2 c1=Q 6. Rd8+ Qd2+ 7. Rxd2+ Kxd2 8. Kf3 Kd3 9. h3 Kd4 10. Kf4 {= ~5(Nalimov tablebases)~}) 4. Rd8+ Ke1 5. Re8+ Kf1 6. Rc8 f2 7. Rxc2 Kg1 8. Rc1+ f1=Q+ 9. Rxf1+ Kxf1 $19) 3... Kd2 4. Rd8+ Ke1 5. Re8+ Kf1 6. Rc8 f2 7. Rxc2 Kg1 8. Rc1+ f1=Q 9. Rxf1+ Kxf1 {White is unable to save this pawn ending, e.g.} 10. Kf3 Kg1 11. Kg3 Kh1 {!} (11... h5 {?} 12. h4 {=}) 12. Kh3 g5 13. Kg3 h5 14. Kh3 h4 $19 {, and Black wins.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/3K4/2p5/8/PPk2p1p/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1... Kd2 {!} (1... Kxb2 {fails to} 2. Rh1 Kc3 3. Ke4 Kd2 {(otherwise 4. Ke3)} 4. Rxh2 Ke1 5. Rxf2 Kxf2 6. Kd4 {= with a draw.}) (1... Kd3 {%05Black must reach g2 with his king, but in doing so he has reckon with the sacrifice of the rook, e.g.} 2. Rh1 {!} Ke3 (2... c3 {%05and there} 3. bxc3 Ke3 4. c4 { etc. is no better}) 3. Kxc4 Kf3 4. Kd3 Kg2 5. Ke2 {%04etc.}) 2. Rh1 Kd3 3. a3 a6 4. a4 a5 5. Kc5 c3 {!} 6. bxc3 Ke4 {!} (6... Ke3 {%05not} 7. Kc4 {, when it is Black who is in zugzwang}) 7. c4 Ke3 {(White is in zugzwang and has to move his king)} 8. Kd5 Kf3 9. Kd4 Kg2 10. Ke3 f1=Q $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/8/p7/6pR/P4p1p/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "45"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {In the following position White's only pawn turns out to be a weakness, which cannot be defended, as a result of which he loses. However, the play, in which the king triumphs over the rook, is full of subtleties by both sides.} 1... a3 {! An essential move. %05White's pieces are tied down by the powerful triangle of %05black pawns, whereas the black king is completely free. %05In order to win, the king must get to the a2 pawn.} (1... Kb5 {%05After} 2. a3 {!} Kc4 3. Kg2 Kd4 4. Rh8 Kc3 5. Rf8 Kb2 6. Rf3 {= White gains a draw.}) 2. Kg2 Kc6 {!} ( 2... Kc5 {%05 In moving his king towards the a2 pawn, Black must not allow the opponent to transfer his rook to the 1st rank with gain of tempo. Therefore it would be a mistake to play} 3. Rh8 {!} Kd4 4. Rd8+ Kc3 5. Rd1) (2... Kc7 {%05or } 3. Rh4 {!} Kd6 4. Rd4+ {and 5. Rd1}) 3. Rh8 {This causes Black the maximum difficulty.} (3. Rh4 {, then %05If} Kd5 4. Rh8 (4. Rf4 Ke5 5. Rf8 Ke4 6. Rf3 Kd4 7. Kh1 Ke5 8. Rf8 Ke4 9. Rf3 g2+ 10. Kxg2 h1=Q+ $19) 4... Ke4 {!} 5. Re8+ Kd3 6. Rd8+ Kc2 $19 {, and the king picks up the a-pawn.}) 3... Kd7 {!} 4. Rh6 {!} (4. Rh4 {%05by cutting off the king, White sets his opponent new problems; weaker is} Ke6 5. Rh5 Kf6 $19 {%04etc.}) 4... Ke7 5. Kf1 Kf8 {! Only in this way can Black win.} (5... Kf7 {%05Here Black has one more little problem to solve. According to the composer, he should play} 6. Kg2 Kg7 7. Rh3 Kf6 8. Rh5 Kg6 9. Rh3 (9. Rh8 {! , and if %05But instead of 9. Rh3 White replies} Kg5 { , then} (9... Kf5 {is also not possible due to} 10. Kxg3 {!}) (9... Kf7 { , which is met by %05The best reply is} 10. Rh6 {, when it transpires that, although Black has not in fact thrown away the win, he has wasted time.}) 10. Rf8 {= with a draw.}) 9... Kf5 10. Rh4 Kg5 11. Rh3 Kf4 $19 {%04etc.}) 6. Kg2 Kf7 {! (now White is in zugzwang)} 7. Rh7+ (7. Kf1 {, then %05There is nothing better. If} Kg7 8. Rh4 Kg6 9. Kg2 Kf5 $19 {, and White is again in zugzwang.}) 7... Ke6 8. Rh5 Kf6 9. Rh8 Ke5 10. Rh4 Kf5 11. Kf1 Kg5 12. Rh8 Kf4 13. Rh3 Ke4 {! avoiding the trap} (13... Kf3 {?} 14. Rxh2 {= with a draw}) 14. Rh8 (14. Kg2 {can be met by either} f1=Q+ (14... Kd3 {%05or} 15. Rxg3+ Ke2 $19) 15. Kxf1 Kf3 $19) 14... Kd3 15. Kg2 Kc2 16. Rc8+ Kb2 17. Rb8+ Kxa2 18. Rf8 Ka1 19. Rh8 a2 20. Rf8 Kb2 21. Rb8+ Ka3 22. Ra8+ Kb4 23. Rb8+ Ka5 $19 {, and Black wins. Wotawa - , 1941} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Shamkovich Leonid (USA)"] [Black "Bykov Vladimir"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/3P3k/8/8/6K1/8/1pp5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... b1=Q {%05But Black finds an original way to win, based on the unfortunate position of the white king. !} (1... c1=Q {? %05It seems that the game will end in a draw, e.g.} 2. Rxc1 bxc1=Q 3. d8=Q {=}) 2. Rh8+ {!} (2. d8=Q {, then %05If now} Qd1+ $19 {followed by the exchange on d8 and the queening of the c-pawn. Therefore White tries something different.}) 2... Kg7 {(capturing the rook allows perpetual check)} 3. Rg8+ Kf7 4. Rf8+ Ke6 {! White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kalandadze"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/P7/8/8/p7/r6P/7k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] 1. Kb7 {the white pawn is bound to queen, so that %05After} Rb3+ {The way to win is via a long king journey to the opposite wing, to force the opponent to capture the h-pawn.} 2. Kc7 (2. Ka6 {But it turns out that White's last move is a fatal mistake, which even loses due to the unfortunate position of the king: %05has appearance of a last despairing check due to} a3 3. a8=Q a2 4. Qh8 Ra3+ {and 5... a1Q$19}) 2... Rc3+ 3. Kd7 Rd3+ 4. Ke7 Re3+ 5. Kf7 Rf3+ 6. Kg7 Rg3+ 7. Kh7 Rxh3+ 8. Kg7 Rg3+ 9. Kf7 Rf3+ 10. Ke7 Re3+ 11. Kd7 Rd3+ 12. Kc7 Rc3+ 13. Kb7 Rb3+ 14. Ka6 a3 15. a8=Q a2 16. Qh8+ $18 {and White wins, albeit not without difficulty.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4K3/8/pRp5/p7/1P6/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {Sometimes one's own pawn can be the cause of defeat, by preventing the rook from stopping an enemy pawn.} 1... a2 {! %05But Black plays} (1... axb2 { ? %05After} 2. Rxa4+ Kb1 3. Rxc4 {= White easily gains a draw.}) 2. Rxc4 (2. Rxa4 {%05or} Kxb2 3. Kd5 c3 4. Kd4 c2 5. Rb4+ Ka3 $19) (2. Kd5 {, then %05while if} a3 {!} 3. bxa3 c3 $19 {%04etc.}) 2... a3 {!} 3. bxa3 Kb2 4. Rb4+ Kc3 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6PP/5p2/2P5/5k2/4r3/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {We have already encountered similar situations in previous chapters: the white pawns are very strong, But Black tries to use mating threats to save the game.} 1. g7 {%00@^?3.Kh1 Rg6 (! h7 Rh6+ leads to "perpetual pursuit": Kg1 Rg6+ Kf1 Ra6 Ke1} Ke3 {Kd1 Kd3 Kc1 Kc3 Kb1 Rb6+ ! Ka2 Ra6+ Kb1 Rb6+ = %04etc. Ke3 Kd1 Kd3 Kc1 Kc3 Kb1 Rb2+ Ka1 Rb8} (1... Rg2 $18 {%05Things are not improved by} 2. h7 $18 {Kb3 g8Q}) {Rg1+ %05or Ka2 Rg2+ Ka3 Rxg7 h8Q} 2. h7 { Ra8+ Kb1 Rb8+ Kc1 Ra8 Kd1} Kd3 {Ke1 Ke3 Kf1 Kf3} 3. Kg1 {Ra1+ Kh2} Ra2 $18 { Kh3 Ra1 Kh4 Kf4 Kh5 To successfully continue the pursuit, Black would have to play 17... Kf5, but alas this is impossible - his own pawn is in the way!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarenko F"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/7P/1pP3K1/P7/1p5r/7p/1P5P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {The cause of defeat may be the passive placing of the pieces, which often leads to a position of zugzwang.} 1. a6 {! , creating a zugzwang position. Now Black gradually runs out of moves: %05Correct is} (1. axb6 {? %05Only a draw results from} b3 {!} 2. Kg7 Rg4+ 3. Kh6 Rh4+ 4. Kg6 Kc8 {=}) 1... b3 2. Kg7 Rg4+ 3. Kh6 Rh4+ 4. Kg6 b5 5. Kg7 Rg4+ 6. Kh6 (6. Kf6 Rf4+ 7. Kg5 {leads only to a draw due to} Rf8 8. Kg6 Rc8 9. Kg7 Rc7+ 10. Kg8 Rc8+ {=}) 6... Rh4+ 7. Kg6 b4 8. Kg7 Rg4+ 9. Kh6 Rh4+ 10. Kg6 Rg4+ 11. Kh5 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3kp3/1p1p4/4P3/2R1K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1... d2+ {!} 2. Kxd2 e3+ 3. Kd1 b2 4. Rb1 (4. Rc4+ {%05White fails to save the game by} Kxc4 5. Kc2 b1=Q+ 6. Kxb1 Kb3 $19) 4... Kc3 5. Rc1+ (5. Ke1 {%05or} Kc2 6. Rd1 b1=Q 7. Rxb1 Kxb1 8. Kf1 Kc1 9. Kg2 Kd1 10. Kf3 Kd2 $19) 5... Kb4 6. Rb1 Kb3 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "Reykjavik (Iceland)"] [Site "Reykjavik (Iceland)"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horvath"] [Black "Angantysson Haukur (ISL)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p2/3p2p1/5k1p/3KR2P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {It is worth noting that stalemating possibilities in this ending, such as those seen in the previous example, are by no means a rarity. You will remember, for example, the study by Prokes ~3( 1284)~ where due to zugzwang White lost. But if this position is moved one file to the left, White can draw by an already familiar rook sacrifice.} {~14.4 THE PAWNS ARE STRONGER THAN THE ROOK, BUT - DRAW~ Here we will be considering examples where the side with the pawns has a certain initiative, but against correct defence it cannot be transformed into anything more significant. The defensive possibilities are highly varied: playing for stalemate, the creation of mating threats, perpetual check, the sacrifice of the rook to transpose into a level pawn ending, and so on. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ467 %212045826630=4HLJ515} 1... f4 {%05Black's plan is clear - he must set up a passed pawn on the K-side.} (1... d3 {, to divert the king from its journey to f1, e.g. %05Horvath (Informant N34) thought that Black could have^013^010 %05won by} 2. Kxd3 {?} (2. Re1 {! White nevertheless maintains the balance, e.g. %05But by declining the sacrifice with} f4 (2... Kg2 {%05or} 3. Ke3 {!} Kxh2 4. Kf2 {= , and the game ends in the stalemate of the black king, which at h2 is trapped}) (2... Kf2 {%05or, finally,} 3. Ra1 f4 4. Kxd3 g3 5. Ke4 {! , and Black can only lose.}) 3. Rf1+ Ke4 4. Rg1 g3 5. hxg3 h2 6. Re1+ {=}) 2... f4 3. Kd2 g3 4. Ke1 g2 5. Rf2+ Ke3 6. Re2+ Kd3 7. Rd2+ Kc3 8. Rxg2 hxg2 9. Kf2 f3 10. h4 Kd4 $19 {%04etc.}) 2. Ke1 {! (the king heads for where the most dangerous pawns are)} g3 (2... d3 {%05White also draws after} 3. Rf2+ Ke3 4. Re2+ {!} Kd4 5. Ra2 Kc3 (5... g3 6. hxg3 fxg3 7. Kf1 Kc3 8. Ra8 d2 9. Rc8+ {=}) 6. Ra4 g3 7. Rxf4 g2 8. Rg4 Kc2 9. Rc4+ {= %04etc.}) 3. Kf1 {!} d3 (3... g2+ 4. Kg1 {!} d3 5. Re8 {= %04etc.}) 4. Rf2+ {!= Drawn. Z0} ({Ke3 %05Indeed, after} 4. hxg3 fxg3 {Rf8 g2+} 5. Kg1 d2 {Rd8 Ke2} 6. Re8 {= the result becomes quite obvious.}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2kp4/p1p5/3P4/1R1K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] 1... c2+ 2. Kxc2 d3+ 3. Kd1 {!} a2 4. Ra1 Kb3 5. Ke1 {!} (5. Kc1 {?} Ka3 $19 { and Black wins}) 5... Kb2 6. Kd1 {!} Kxa1 7. Kc1 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V. & M."] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/3R4/4p1p1/6P1/5p2/7k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {And now two more examples, where the battle with the pawns ends in stalemate. } 1. Kc6 (1. Rf6 {? , then %05How can White stop the pawns? If} Kg2 2. Kc6 e4 3. Kd5 e3 $19 {, and Black wins. Therefore the king immediately starts chasing the pawns.}) 1... e4 (1... f2 {%05Of course, not} 2. Rf6 Kg2 3. Kd5 {, when Black can only lose.}) 2. Kd5 e3 3. Ke4 e2 4. Kxf3 (4. Rd2 {? %05but not} Kg3 $19) 4... e1=Q 5. Rh6+ Kg1 6. Rh1+ {!} Kxh1 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Peckover"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p3/4p3/4P3/4Rpk1/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] 1. Rd3 {! %05But White finds a surprising possibility:} (1. Re1 {? %05For the pawn White must give up his rook, and it appears %05that this will result in a lost pawn ending, e.g.} f2 2. Ra1 Kg2 3. Kd3 f1=Q+ 4. Rxf1 Kxf1 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 1... Kg2 2. Rd2+ f2 3. Kd3 {!} Kg1 4. Rd1+ {!} f1=Q+ 5. Ke3 {!} Qxd1 {= - stalemate.} (5... Kg2 6. Rxf1 Kxf1 7. Kf3 {= with a draw}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/1p6/kp6/8/1P6/6pp/P1K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] 1. Ra8+ {%05White saves the game by using mating threats:} Kb5 2. Rc8 {!} Kxb4 (2... Ka4 {, then %05If} 3. Kc3 h2 4. Kc4 {!} Ka3 5. Kc3 Kxa2 6. Kc2 Ka3 7. Kc3 {= %04etc.}) 3. a3+ Ka4 (3... Kxa3 {? %05of course, not} 4. Rc3+) 4. Ra8+ Kb5 5. Rc8 {!} h2 6. Kb3 Ka6 7. Ra8+ Kb5 8. Rc8 {= , with a draw by repetition of moves.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kalandadze"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K5R1/8/8/8/8/8/pP5k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {In the following example Black tries to use the opponent's pawn as a shelter for his king.} 1. Rh8+ Kg2 2. Rg8+ Kf2 3. Rf8+ Ke2 4. Re8+ Kd2 5. Rd8+ Kc2 6. Rc8+ Kb1 {Without the white pawn it would be a clear draw: 6... Kb2 7. Rb8+ Ka3 8. Rb7 a1Q 9. Ra7+. But cannot Black be forced to eliminate this pawn?} 7. Rc7 {!} a1=Q+ 8. Ra7 Qxb2 9. Rb7 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weenink Henri G (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/8/1K4p1/3p2P1/2pp4/8/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {In the following examples, where the king cannot support the rook in its battle with the pawns, a draw is gained by perpetual check.} 1. Kc6 c2 (1... d2 {, there would have followed %05Had Black replied} 2. Kd7 c2 3. Rb8+ Kf7 4. Re8 {= with the sane result.}) 2. Re1 d2 3. Re8+ Kf7 4. Kd7 {= , and the rook gives perpetual check at e6, e7 and e8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/1p6/1P2p2K/8/1R2p3/2p5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Rc3 {%05After} e2 2. Rc7+ Kg8 {White begins an attack on the opponent's king:} 3. Kg6 Kf8 4. Kf6 Ke8 5. Ke6 Kd8 {Black moves his king away with gain of tempo, and it appears that the game must end in his favour, but...} 6. Rxc2 {!} e1=Q 7. Rg2 {!= , with perpetual check at g8 and g7.} (7. Rh2 {?} Qe4 $19) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/p7/1p2K3/1P6/2P4p/6p1/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Kf6 {!} h2 2. Rd1+ Kc7 (2... Ke8 {%05If} 3. Re1+ Kf8 {, the "perpetual pursuit" begins:} 4. Rd1 Kg8 5. Rd8+ Kh7 6. Rd7+ Kh6 7. Rd8 Kh5 8. Kf5 { = %04etc.}) 3. Ke7 g1=Q 4. Rd7+ Kc6 5. Rd6+ {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/7p/7p/8/P7/P1k5/K6p/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. Rc8+ {%05How is White to stop the h2 pawn?} Kd2 {! (naturally, Black does not allow the rook onto the 1st rank)} 2. Rd8+ Ke2 3. Re8+ Kf2 4. Rf8+ Kg2 5. Rb8 {!} (5. Rg8+ {%05The "final" checks have died out. After} Kh3 $19 {a new queen appears. But White can exploit the fact that, with the black king at g2, the queen will be restricted.}) 5... h1=Q 6. Rb1 {!} Qh5 7. Rb2+ Kf3 8. Rb3+ Ke4 9. Rb4+ {= There is nowhere for the black king to escape the rook's pursuit, since the 5th rank is inaccessible to it.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5KR1/8/8/5P2/3pp3/2k5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {In conclusion, here are three examples of how the rook manages to save the draw, in spite of the opponent's strong passed pawns.} 1. Kf8 {!! %05The black pawns cannot be stopped, and White's pawn is hopelessly far back, while in addition his own king is in the way. And yet there is a way to draw.} d2 (1... e2 {, then %05If} 2. Re7 Kc3 3. f5 d2 4. Rxe2 d1=Q 5. f6 Qxe2 6. f7 {= , and White is just in time.}) 2. Rd7 e2 3. Rxd2+ Kxd2 4. f5 e1=Q 5. f6 {= Due to the unfortunate position of his king, Black does not have a queen check, and the white pawn manages to reach f7. Therefore - draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3kP3/8/3P4/1K2p3/3p4/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. e7 {! %05Here, thanks to a rook sacrifice, White manages to eliminate the opponent's dangerous pawns.} Kxe7 (1... e2 {, then %05If} 2. e8=Q exf1=Q 3. Qd8+ Ke6 (3... Kc6 {%05or} 4. d5+ Kc5 5. Qa5+ Qb5+ 6. Qxb5+ Kxb5 7. Kc2 {=}) 4. Qe8+ {=}) 2. Kc3 e2 3. Rf7+ {!} Kxf7 4. Kxd2 {and 5. Ke2= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/1p6/8/1Pp5/7K/1p6/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {If the rook has to be given up for a pawn, it is very important that the resulting pawn ending be correctly assessed.} 1. b6 {!} (1. Rxc5 {? %05It appears that the straightforward} b2 2. b6 b1=Q 3. Ra5+ {should lad to a draw, but after} Qa2 4. Rxa2+ Kxa2 $19 {Black wins easily. Correct is a different move order, by which the black king is forced to occupy a2.}) 1... b2 2. Ra8+ Kb1 3. Rc8 Ka2 4. Rxc5 b1=Q 5. Ra5+ Kb2 6. Rb5+ Kc2 7. Rxb1 Kxb1 {, and here by } 8. Kg3 {!} Kc2 9. Kf2 {!} Kd3 10. Ke1 {!= White avoids the "shoulder-charge", and reaches b4 in time.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r3k2/R7/5P2/6K1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {~1ROOK AGAINST ROOK (WITH PAWNS)~ ~15. ROOK AND PAWN AGAINST ROOK (EXCEPT ROOK'S PAWN)~ ~15.1 BASIC METHODS OF ATTACK AND DEFENCE~ The king most effectively prevents the advance of the pawn by standing in its path. Therefore we will begin our analysis with positions where the king is in front of the pawn.} 1. Kg6 {Note the coordination of White's king and pawn: the king supports the pawn, and the pawn in turn covers the king against attacks from the side. Black's rook can no longer leave the 8th rank to attack the king from the rear, and therefore he is obliged to wait. %05This position demonstrates an attempt at passive defence: the king stops the pawn, and the rook guards the king against attack from the side. But if it is White to move he easily overcomes his opponent's resistance:} Rd8 2. Rh7 Kg8 3. f7+ Kf8 4. Rh8+ Ke7 5. Rxd8 $18 {and wins. Had the pawn been a knights pawn, White winning manoeuvre would not have been possible, and the game would have ended in a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r3k2/R7/5P2/6K1/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Rb1 {!= %05 The assessment also changes if it is Black to move. In the first instance he must neutralize the threat of the king going to g6. On this square the king is defended against attack by the rook from the side, but open from the rear. The correct move is the immediate switching of the rook to the opponent's rear: Strictly speaking, any rook move between b1 and b4 leads to a draw, but, as a rule, in rook endings should be deployed as far away from the opponent's king as possible. Now there is nothing that White can do: playing his king to g6 is pointless. The rook begins checking, and to defend against this "bombardment" the king has to descend to the 2nd rank, which, of course, does not help. The attempt to block the checks with the rook leads to a drawn pawn ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r3k2/R7/8/5PK1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Let us now replace the white pawn at f5.} 1. Kg6 {, transposing into the previous example: %05The situation is similar to the previous one. If it is White to move, he plays} Rb6+ (1... Rb1 {%05Black is also too late to begin an attack from the rear:} 2. Ra8+ Ke7 3. f6+ Ke6 4. Re8+ Kd7 5. f7 $18 {, and the pawn queens.}) 2. f6 Rb8 3. Rh7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r3k2/R7/8/5PK1/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Rb6 {! White has nothing better than to reply %05 But if it is Black to move, he has only one way, but a sufficient one, of preventing the invasion of the king - by occupying the 6th rank with his rook:} (1... Rb1 {would lose (Philidor examined the position with a central pawn, but this makes no fundamental difference.) But Karstedt showed that is not so, and later analysis by Berger, Cheron and Rabinovich basically confirmed his conclusions. ^013^010 We will analyse the position after %05Philidor thought that in this position Black could draw %05only by 1... Rb6, and the attempt to attack from the %05rear} 2. Kg6 {~3($401302)~}) 2. f6 {, again threatening to advance his king, but Black immediately switches to the attack from the rear -} Rb1 { != , gaining a draw. This method of defence, discovered back in the 18th century by the great French player Philidor, is a basic one in such positions. Its essence is that the king is deployed in front of the pawn, and the rook prevents the opponent's king from advancing. Then, if the pawn advances ahead of the opponent's king, the rook immediately begins attacking it from the rear. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/R7/6K1/5P2/8/8/8/1r6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Rf1 {! %05The best way to defend against this threat is by} (1... Rb6+ { ? %05We already know that the attack from the side loses:} 2. f6 Rb8 3. Rh7 $18 {etc., and meanwhile White is threatening to queen his pawn by force with 2. Ra8+ Ke7 3. f6+ Kd7 4. f7}) 2. Kf6 {! , threatening mate and forcing the opponent's king to abandon the square in front of the pawn. %05Therefore White plays} (2. f6 {, Black begins attacking from the rear %05If now White replies}) (2. Ra8+ {%05while after} Ke7 {the pawn cannot advance.}) 2... Ke8 {? %05Which way should the black king now move - to the left, %05or to the right, into the corner? Let us first suppose that %05it goes to the left:} 3. Ra8+ Kd7 { White has achieved a certain success: the opponent's king is no longer preventing the advance of the pawn, and only his own king is in the way.} 4. Rf8 {! ~3($401303)~ %05 Its advance must be prepared, and to this aim he plays} (4. Kg6 {, after %05But if he immediately plays} Ke7 {! all the same the pawn cannot move.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/3k4/5K2/5P2/8/8/8/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1... Rf2 {%05Black has no active possibilities, so he can only wait.} 2. Kg7 Ke7 3. f6+ Kd7 4. Ra8 (4. f7 {? %05not} Rg2+ 5. Kf6 Rf2+ 6. Kg6 Rg2+ 7. Kh5 Ke7 {= with a draw}) 4... Rg2+ 5. Kf8 Rf2 6. f7 Rg2 $18 {~3($411305)~ Here is the last line of defence. Black's king is cut off from the pawn, and the entire weight of the defence lies on the rook, which tries not to allow the opponent's king out from in front of the pawn. But White can easily overcome this resistance. To understand how this is done, we suggest that you make the acquaintance of one of the most ancient theoretical positions in rook endings, which frequently is incorrectly attributed to Lucena (1497).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k1K1/6P1/8/8/8/8/7r/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {In fact this position was published later, in 1634, by Italian Alessandro Salvio in his book, where he points out that it occurred in a game by a certain maestro, Scipione Genovino. Later Berger (1890) attributed it to the Spaniard Lucena, and this set the example for it to spread around the world.} 1... Rh3 {%05In principle this position differs only slightly from that which arose in our analysis. Salvio considers it only with Black to move, and the following way to win:} (1... Rh4 {, depriving the rook of f4, there would have followed %05It should be added that after} 2. Re1+ Kd7 3. Kf7 Rf4+ 4. Kg6 Rg4+ 5. Kf6 Rg2 6. Re5 {and 7. Rg5$18}) 2. Rf4 Rh1 3. Re4+ Kd7 4. Kf7 Rf1+ 5. Kg6 Rg1+ 6. Kf6 Rf1+ 7. Kg5 Rg1+ 8. Rg4 $18 {%04etc. This procedure bears the name of "building a bridge".} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R4K2/3k1P2/8/8/8/8/6r1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Let us now return to our position.} 1. Ra4 {! , preparing a bridge, e.g. %05From our analysis of the previous position it follows, that White wins most simply by} Rg1 2. Rd4+ Kc6 3. Ke7 $40 {etc. But there is also another possibility: Ra4-h4-h8-g8, driving the rook off the g-file and opening a way for the king. Thus for the moment we have not managed to refute Philidor's conclusion. But we have considered only moving the king to the left, and it could also have gone to the right - into the corner. Let us return once again to the position ~3( 1302)~, and examine the reply 2... Kg8!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/R7/5K2/5P2/8/8/8/1r6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1... Kg8 {! This move does indeed deserve an exclamation mark; why, you will later see for yourself.} 2. Ra8+ Kh7 3. Rf8 {! White is ready to play 4. Ke7 and advance his pawn, but his king is quite unprotected against an attack from the left side. black can exploit this factor by} Ra1 {! Now 4. Ke7 does not achieve anything, since either Black drives the king away from the pawn by checking, or, if the king hides at g5, he switches to Philidor's position. ^013^010 To cover against the checks White has to play} 4. Re8 {, but in reply Black returns his rook -} Rf1 {! In this case White can no longer win. On} 5. Re7+ (5. Ke6 {%05while if} Kg7) 5... Kg8 {, and against waiting moves by the rook Black can also^013^010 wait, for example by playing 5... Rf2. %05there follows This rook manoeuvre (f1-a1-f1), first pointed out by Karstedt in 1897, refuted Philidor's conclusion and demonstrated a new dynamic defensive possibility in such positions. It is useful to compare position ~3( 1306)~ with position ~3( 1305)~. In the first of these Black's king is badly placed, preventing his own rook from attacking the opponent from the side. In the second position the black pieces are coordinated, and White is unable to win. The decisive factor here is the correct move by the black king: moving to the left loses, while moving to the right leads to a draw. Relative to the f-pawn, the board can be divided into two sides - the short side (f8-h8) and the long side (f8-a8). In example ~3( 1305)~ the black king was on the long side, and in example ~3( 1306)~ on the short side. Our analysis has shown that, if the weaker side's king is forced off the pawn's queening square, for a successful defence it must move to the short side. Thus for the moment we have established two basic defensive systems. In one, Philidor's the king occupies the square in front of the pawn, while the rook operates first from the side, not allowing the opponent's king to move ahead of the pawn, and then, when the pawn advances, it switches to an attack from the rear. In the second defensive system, Karstedt's, the king is to one side, but an essential feature is an attack by the rook first from the side, and then from the rear, which prevents the pawn from advancing.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/4P1k1/8/8/8/8/r7/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {~15.2 PAWN ON THE 7th RANK~ We will consider possibilities of employing the second system of defence for various placings of the pieces, and with the pawn on the 7th rank. We will begin our analysis with a position in which the black rook is extremely actively placed, and the attack from the side leads to a draw.} 1... Ra8+ 2. Kd7 Ra7+ 3. Kd6 Ra6+ 4. Kd5 Ra5+ 5. Kc6 Ra6+ 6. Kb7 { is met by %05Now} Re6 {= , and other king moves by further checks.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/4P1k1/8/8/8/8/r7/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1... Ra8+ {%05 It is important to note that the white rook was unable to defend its king against attack from the side. Had it been at d1, after} 2. Kd7 Ra7+ (2... Kf7 3. Rf1+) 3. Ke6 Ra6+ 4. Rd6 Ra8 5. Rd8 $18 {the pawn would have queened. This example demonstrates clearly the strength of the attack from the side. It is very important that the distance between the black rook and the pawn here is 3 files. Had the distance been less, the attack would have proved ineffective. To see this, it is sufficient to move the rook to b2, In this case there will be only 2 files between the pawn and the rook, and the assessment of the ending changes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/4P1k1/8/8/8/8/1r6/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1... Rb8+ 2. Kd7 Rb7+ 3. Kd6 Rb8 (3... Rb6+ 4. Kc7 Re6 5. Kd7 $18) 4. Kc7 Ra8 5. Ra1 {!} Rh8 6. Kd7 $18 {and wins. In this example Black lost because he was unable to maintain his rook in its long-range position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/2k1P2r/8/8/8/8/8/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1... Rh8+ {%05 Here too the rook occupies an insufficiently long-range position (the distance between the rook and the pawn is 2 files), and therefore White wins:} 2. Kf7 Rh7+ 3. Kf6 Rh8 4. Kg7 Ra8 5. Kf7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/2k1P1R1/8/8/8/8/8/7r b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {A draw in such situations is possible only if the white rook is obviously badly placed, for example at g7.} 1... Rh8+ 2. Kf7 Kd7 {= White is unable to do anything.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/2k1P3/6R1/8/8/8/8/7r b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {But with his rook at g6 White is able to win.} 1... Rh8+ {%05After} 2. Kf7 Kd7 {White wins by} 3. Rh6 {!} (3. Rg1 {? %05not} Rh7+ 4. Kf8 Rh8+ 5. Kg7 Re8 6. Kf6 Rxe7 7. Rd1+ Ke8 {=}) 3... Re8 4. Re6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/5P1k/8/8/8/8/2r5/6R1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {But what is the assessment of the following position, obtained by moving position ~3( 1309)~ one file to the right?} 1... Rc8+ {%05The distance between the pawn and the rook is only 2 files, and it might seem that White can exploit this factor. Let us see:} 2. Ke7 Rc7+ 3. Ke6 Rc8 4. Kd7 Ra8 5. Ra1 Rb8 {!= , and the game ends in a draw. The black rook has sufficient space to maintain its range.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/8/r7/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {When defending by the side attack, it is important that the weaker side's king should be on the 7th, and not the 8th rank. For example, in position ~3( 1307)~ let us replace the king at g8.} 1... Ra8+ {%05In such a situation, where White has the additional threat of Rf8+, the side attack no longer helps. } 2. Kd7 Ra7+ 3. Kd6 (3. Ke6 {%05Incidentally, White could also have won in a different way - by moving his king to the right:} Ra6+ 4. Ke5 {!} Ra5+ 5. Kf6 Ra6+ 6. Kg5 Ra5+ 7. Kg6 Ra6+ 8. Rf6 Ra8 9. Rd6 $18 {%04etc.}) 3... Ra6+ 4. Kc5 Ra8 (4... Ra5+ {%05there is nothing else: if} 5. Kc6 $18) (4... Re6 {%05or} 5. Rf8+) 5. Kc6 {!} Kg7 6. Ra1 {!} Rb8 7. Kc7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K1k/5P2/8/8/8/8/1r6/6R1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {It is interesting to note that, if position ~3( 1314)~ is moved one file to the right, Black acquires a saving possibility, associated with the proximity of the side of the board.} 1... Rb8+ 2. Ke7 Rb7+ 3. Kf6 Rb6+ 4. Ke5 (4. Kf5 { %05However, moving the king to the right is also unsuccessful:} Rb5+ 5. Kg6 Rb6+ 6. Kh5 Rb5+ {!} (6... Rh6+ {? %05avoiding the trap} 7. Kg5 {!} Rg6+ 8. Kf5 {!$18 , winning}) 7. Kh6 Rb6+ 8. Rg6 Rxg6+ 9. Kxg6 {= - stalemate.}) 4... Rb5+ {!} 5. Kd6 Rb8 6. Re1 Kg7 7. Re8 Rb6+ {= White cannot achieve anything.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K1k/5P2/8/8/8/8/2r5/6R1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {But had the rook been less well placed - on the c-file, White would have won. } 1... Rc8+ 2. Ke7 Rc7+ 3. Kf6 {!} (3. Ke6 Rc8) 3... Rc6+ 4. Ke5 Rc5+ (4... Rc8 {%05No better is} 5. Rg6 {!} Kh7 6. Rc6 {!} Ra8 7. Kf6 {followed by Re6-e8$18}) 5. Kd6 Rc8 6. Re1 {!} Rf8 (6... Kg7 7. Re8 $18) 7. Re8 Kg7 8. Rxf8 Kxf8 9. Ke6 $18 {%04etc. In this example the black rook was unable to maintain its long range.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/2R1P1k1/8/8/8/8/r7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Ra8+ {%05An important drawn position, similar to example^013^010 %05~3 ($411311),~ arises with Black to move if the white %05rook in example ~3 ($411307)~ is at c7, e.g.} 2. Kd7 Kf7 {!= , and White is powerless to do anything. This position proves useful in the analysis of examples with the pawn on the 6th rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/3RP3/4k3/8/8/8/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {And now two more subsidiary positions, which will also be needed in our analysis of examples with the pawn on the 6th rank.} 1. Kf8 {, then %05White cannot do anything due to the unfortunate position of his rook at d7. If, for example,} Rf1+ {= , and the king has to go back.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/1r2P3/5k2/8/8/8/8/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1... Rb8+ {%05Black cannot take the pawn in view of a check from the rear, winning his rook. But if} 2. Kc7 Re8 {, then} 3. Kd6 {!} Rb8 4. Rf1+ Kg7 { , with the familiar finish} 5. Ra1 {!} Rh8 6. Kd7 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/4PR2/3k1K2/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Rg7 {!} (1. Rh7 {? %05White has to switch his rook to attack the opponent's %05king from the rear. But} Kd7 2. Rh1 (2. Rg7 {is too late: %05and} Rh8 3. Rg1 (3. Kf7 Re8 {=}) 3... Rh6+ 4. Kf7 Rh7+ 5. Kf8 Rh8+ 6. Kg7 Rh2 {= %04etc.}) 2... Rxe7 3. Rd1+ Ke8 {= does not win}) 1... Kd7 (1... Rh8 {, then %05If} 2. Rg1 {!} Rh6+ 3. Kf7 Rh7+ 4. Kf8 Rh8+ 5. Kg7 Re8 6. Kf6 {!$18 and wins.}) 2. Rh7 Kd6 ( 2... Rg8 3. Rh1 {etc. is not dangerous}) 3. Rh1 $18 {, and, since the pawn cannot be captured due to the check from d1, White wins easily by driving away the king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/4PR2/3k1K2/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Rh8 {is decisively met by %05With Black to move,} (1... Kd7 {%05or}) 2. Rh7 $18 {! Let us now move the position one file to the right.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/5PR1/4k1K1/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Rh7 {%05This is a position of mutual zugzwang. If it is White to move, after } Ke7 2. Rh1 {Black can play} Rxf7 {= Therefore White cannot improve his position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/5PR1/4k1K1/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Ke7 {is met by %05On the contrary, with Black to move} 2. Rh7 Ke6 3. Rh1 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vancura"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k3K3/8/8/8/8/8/1rp5/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {Knowing position ~3( 1323)~, it is not difficult to solve the following study. } 1. Ke7 {!!} (1. Kd7 {? %05In approaching the pawn with his king, White must obtain %05the previous position with Black to move. Therefore he %05loses after } Kb7 2. Kd6 Kb6 3. Kd5 Kb5 4. Kd4 Kb4 5. Kd3 Kb3 $19 {, when it is White to move.}) 1... Ka7 2. Ke6 Ka6 3. Ke5 Ka5 4. Ke4 Ka4 5. Ke3 Ka3 6. Kd2 {!} Kb3 7. Kd3 {= , and Black is in zugzwang. Therefore - draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1k6/8/3K4/1p5r/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {In conclusion, here are a few endgame studies.} 1. Kc3 {%05After} Ka4 { the only way to draw is by} 2. Rd7 {!} b1=N+ {!} 3. Kc4 Rc2+ 4. Kd5 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Isenegger"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1R6/8/2K5/8/5k2/1p6/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Rb3+ {%051... Rc1+ is threatened, but White manages just in time to hide his king in the "shadow" of the pawn.} Ke2 2. Kb6 {!} (2. Kb4 {? %05On the 2nd move White loses after both} Kd2 3. Rh3 (3. Ka3 Kc2 $19) 3... Rd1 4. Rh2+ Kc1 $19) (2. Kb5 {? %05and} Kd1 {!} 3. Rb4 (3. Kb4 Kd2 $19 {!}) 3... Kd2 4. Rd4+ Ke3 {!} 5. Rb4 Kd3 {!$19 , when White is in zugzwang.}) 2... Kd2 3. Rb5 { ! with a draw, since the black rook cannot move out from in front of the pawn: on} Kc2 {White checks until the king moves away from the pawn, and then the rook returns to its post.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/5P2/8/2K5/6k1/8/8/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {In the next two examples White wins in similar fashion, by creating a zugzwang position.} 1... Rf5+ {%05After} 2. Kd6 {Black has to reply} Kf4 { But now comes} (2... Kf3 {%05since he immediately loses after} 3. Ke6 $18) 3. Kd7 {!} Rd5+ 4. Kc6 Rf5 5. Kd6 $18 {, and Black is in zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1878.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chess Player's Chronicle"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6PR/r2K4/6k1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1878.??.??"] 1. Kd5 {!} (1. Ke7 {, then %05Where should the white king make for? If, for example,}) (1. Ke5 {%05and it has to go back, while after} Rg6 {White is in zugzwang.}) 1... Rg6 2. Ke5 {when it is Black who is in zugzwang.} Kg4 { is met by} 3. Rh1 {!} Kf3 4. Rf1+ Kg2 5. Rf7 Kg3 6. Kf5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weenink Henri G (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R7/3P4/6r1/8/8/8/1k5K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {We will now examine some studies which strikingly demonstrate the methods of play when both kings are a long way from the pawn. Strictly speaking, in the initial positions the pawn is still on the 6th rank, but on the very first move it advances to the 7th.} 1. d7 Rd5 (1... Rg8 {%05There is nothing better. After} 2. Rc7 Rd8 3. Kg2 $18 {White wins by approaching the pawn with his king. }) 2. Kg2 (2. Rc7 {%05The attempt to cut off the king does not succeed:} Rd2 { ! , and Black in turn cuts off the white king.}) 2... Kc2 3. Kf3 Kd3 4. Kf4 Kd4 5. Rc7 {! The only move. All others lead to a draw,} (5. Ra1 {? %05e.g.} Kc4 6. Ra7 Kb5 {!} 7. Ke4 Rd1 8. Ke5 Kb6 {=}) 5... Kd3 (5... Rd6 {%05of course, not} 6. Rc1 $18 {and wins}) 6. Rb7 {!} (6. Rc1 {would have been premature due to %05Here too White's problem is to give his opponent the move.}) 6... Kd4 (6... Kc4 7. Ke4 Rd1 8. Ke5 Kc5 9. Ke6 Kc6 10. Ra7 $18 {%04etc.}) 7. Ra7 {!} Kd3 ( 7... Rd6 {, then %05If} 8. Kf5 Kd5 9. Rc7 Kd4 10. Rc1 {!} Ke3 11. Re1+ Kd2 12. Re7 $18 {, as in the previous example.}) 8. Rc7 Kd4 9. Rc1 {!$18 , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1R6/1P5r/8/4K3/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Ra7+ Kb4 2. b7 Rb6 3. Kd4 {!} Rd6+ {!} (3... Kb5 {%05The most tenacious.} 4. Kd5 Kb4 {loses quickly to} 5. Ra1 $18) 4. Ke5 Rb6 5. Ra1 Kc3 6. Rc1+ Kb2 7. Rc7 Kb3 8. Kd5 Kb4 (8... Ka4 {%05if} 9. Kc5 Ka5 {, then} 10. b8=Q {!} Rxb8 11. Ra7# {%04mate}) 9. Rc1 Ka3 10. Ra1+ Kb2 11. Ra7 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gurgenidze Bukhuti (GEO)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/2R5/6P1/8/8/8/K7/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1. g7 (1. Kb3 {? does not succeed: %05To win White must reach f7 with his king, but the %05immediate} Rh5 {!} 2. g7 Rg5 3. Kc4 Kg2 4. Kd4 Kg3 5. Ke4 Kg4 6. Rf7 Kg3 {!} (6... Kh5 {?} 7. Rf5 $18) 7. Ra7 Kg4 8. Ra1 Kh3 {!} 9. Rh1+ Kg2 10. Rh7 Kg3 11. Rh1 Kg2 {= with a draw.}) 1... Rb8 {!} (1... Rg8 {, then %05If} 2. Kb3 Kg2 3. Kc4 Kg3 4. Kd5 Kg4 5. Ke6 Kg5 6. Kf7 $18 {etc. Therefore Black tries to block the path of the opponent's king.}) 2. Rb7 {!} (2. Rf7 {? %05The following line would be ineffective:} Rg8 3. Kb3 Kg2 4. Kc4 Kg3 5. Kd5 Kg4 6. Ke6 Kg5 {= , when White's own rook prevents his king from going to f7.}) 2... Rc8 3. Kb3 Kg2 4. Rc7 {!} Rd8 5. Kc4 Kg3 6. Rd7 {!} Re8 7. Kd5 Kg4 8. Re7 {!} Rg8 9. Ke6 Kg5 10. Kf7 $18 {, and White wins. By four times offering the sacrifice of his rook, White was able to approach the pawn more quickly. Thus we have established the following: if the pawn is on the threshold of queening and the weaker side's king is to the side of it, the pawn usually queens. This can be prevented only in exceptional cases, by attacking with the rook from the side.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/r7/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {~15.3 PAWN ON THE 6TH RANK~ If the pawn is still on the 6th rank, the defensive chances are of course improved. Here, for example, is one of the basic drawn positions.} 1... Ra7+ {%05White is threatening by Rg1+ decisively to drive the king 2 files away, so Black is obliged to begin a counter-attack, to deprive his opponent of this possibility.} 2. Rd7 (2. Kd6 {, then %05If} Kf8 (2... Ra8 {? %05but not} 3. e7 Kf7 4. Rf1+ Kg7 5. Ra1 {!$18 , winning}) 3. Rb1 Ra6+ 4. Ke5 Ra2 {! =}) 2... Ra8 (2... Ra6 {? , when after %05This is the most accurate, but by no means the only %05reply. Any move by the rook along the file is possible, %05except} 3. Ke8+ Kf6 4. e7 Ke6 {White wins by} 5. Kf8 $18 { , and Black has no check on the f-file.}) (2... Ra2 {%05After, for example} 3. Ke8+ (3. Rd6 {! Now accuracy is required of Black. The only way to draw is by seizing the back rank: %05Instead of 3. Ke8+ White can play more cunningly -} Ra8 {!} (3... Kg6 {? %05He loses, for example, after} 4. Ke8 Kf6 5. e7+ $18) ( 3... Ra7+ {%05or} 4. Ke8 Ra8+ 5. Rd8 {and 6. e7$18}) 4. Rd8 {, and only now} Ra7+ 5. Ke8 Kf6 {=}) 3... Kf6 4. e7 {Black saves the game, as we have already seen^013^010 ~3($401318)~, by} Ke6 {!} 5. Kf8 Rf2+ 6. Ke8 {=}) 3. Rd8 (3. Rd6 { , when Black's simplest reply is %05In the main variation too White could have played} Kg6 {!} (3... Rb8 {?} 4. Rd8 {!} (4. Ra6 {? is not dangerous in view of } Rb7+ 5. Kd6 Kf6 {= with a draw.}) 4... Rb7+ 5. Kd6 Rb6+ 6. Kd7 Rb7+ 7. Kc6 $18) 4. Kd7 Kf6 {=}) 3... Ra7+ {! %05But here this is the only move to draw.} ( 3... Ra2 {? is met by %05Black can no longer afford to wait:} 4. Ke8 Kf6 5. e7 Ke6 6. Rb8 $18 {!}) 4. Kd6 Ra6+ 5. Ke5 Ra5+ 6. Rd5 Ra1 7. Kd6 Kf8 {= Draw. Position ~3( 1332)~ is of great practical importance. It is very significant that Black can maintain the balance, irrespective of where the opponent's rook is placed. We have again seen the importance of the distance between the rook and the pawn. In example ~3( 1332)~ the distance was 3 files, and Black was able to draw. But if this distance is reduced, the result will be different. Let us move the rook, say, to b2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/1r6/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1... Rb7+ 2. Rd7 {!} Rb8 (2... Rb1 {, White can reply %05If} 3. Ra7 {although after} (3. Rd8 {is far simpler %05But} Rb7+ (3... Ra1 4. Ke8 Kf6 5. e7 Ra7 6. Rd6+ Kg7 7. Re6 $18) 4. Kd6 Rb6+ 5. Kd7 Rb7+ 6. Kc6 $18 {%04etc.}) 3... Rb8 { he still has to overcome the last line of defence:} 4. Kd6+ {!} Kf6 (4... Kf8 5. Kd7 Re8 6. Ra1 Re7+ 7. Kd6 Rb7 8. Ra8+ Kg7 9. e7 $18) 5. Kd7 Kg7 6. Ke7 { !$18 , and we have obtained a position from the main variation.}) 3. Ra7 Kg6 ( 3... Rb1 {, then %05if} 4. Ra8 {!} Rb7+ 5. Kd6 Rb6+ 6. Kd7 Rb7+ 7. Kc6 $18 { %04etc.}) 4. Ra1 {!} Rb7+ 5. Kd8 {!} Rb8+ (5... Kf6 {in view of %05White does not fear} 6. e7 {!$18 , when the pawn is immune. This instructive position has^013^010 already been considered ~3($401319)~.}) 6. Kc7 Rb2 7. Re1 {!! (now the black king does not manage to reach e8)} Rc2+ 8. Kd7 Rd2+ 9. Ke8 Ra2 10. e7 $18 {and wins. As we see, with the black rook at b2 White was able to carry out the decisive transfer of his rook from d1-d7-a7-a1, and, with his rook well placed on the d-file, the attack from the side was not dangerous. But had the white rook not been at d1, but less well placed - at a1, the attack from the side would again have saved the draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/1r6/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1... Rb7+ 2. Kd6 Rb6+ 3. Kd7 Rb7+ 4. Kd8 (4. Kc6 {is met by %05By checking, Black is aiming to drive the king away from the pawn, in order to improve the position of his rook.} Rb2 {!} 5. Rf1 {(5... Kf8 was threatened)} Ra2 {!= with a draw ~3($411307)~.}) 4... Rb8+ {!} 5. Kc7 Rb2 {!} 6. Rf1 Ra2 {!} 7. e7 Ra7+ { = with a draw, as we have already seen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/4P1k1/8/8/8/1r6/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {The result in such endings can be influenced by the position not only of the black rook, but also the king. In example ~3( 1334)~ let us replace the king at g6.} 1... Rb7+ {%05The king is less well placed here, and Black is no longer able to draw.} 2. Kd8 Rb8+ (2... Kf6 3. e7 $18) 3. Kc7 Rb2 4. Re1 { ! (we have already seen all this in the analysis of example^013^010 ~3($401333) ~} Rc2+ 5. Kd7 Rd2+ 6. Ke8 Ra2 7. e7 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/4P1k1/8/R7/8/1r6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {With his king atg6 Black can draw only if the white rook is at insufficiently long range, as in the following example.} 1... Rb7+ 2. Kd8 (2. Kd6 {%05Or} Rb6+ 3. Kd7 Kf6 4. Ra1 Rb7+ 5. Kc6 Re7 6. Kd5 Rxe6 {!} 7. Rf1+ Ke7 {= with a draw.}) 2... Kf6 3. Re4 (3. e7 {%05White fails to win by the standard} Rxe7 4. Rf4+ Ke5 {= This attack on the rook would not have been possible, had it been even one rank further away from the enemy king.}) 3... Rb8+ 4. Kc7 Ra8 {!= The only move to draw.} (4... Re8 {? %05Bad is} 5. Kd7 Re7+ 6. Kd6 Re8 7. e7 $18 { , when White wins.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/R3K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {Of great importance is the following example, where the black rook has insufficient space for a successful attack from the side.} 1... Kg6 {%05With the opponent to move, things are easy for White. If} (1... Rb1 {, then %05while if} 2. Ra8 Rb7+ 3. Kd6 Rb6+ 4. Kd7 Rb7+ 5. Kc6 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Ra1 $18 {~3($401335)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/R3K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kd6+ {! %05If it is White to play, his problem is to give his opponent the move:} Kf6 (1... Kf8 {, then %05If} 2. Kd7 Re8 3. Ra1 Re7+ 4. Kd6 Re8 (4... Rb7 5. Ra8+ Kg7 6. e7 $18) 5. Rf1+ Kg7 6. e7 Ra8 7. Ra1 {!$18 , and wins.}) 2. Kd7 Kg7 3. Ke7 $18 {, and the problem is solved. We thus come to an important conclusion: against a pawn on the 6th rank the weaker side draws by the attack from the side, if his king is on the short side and his rook not less than 3 files away from the pawn on the long side. In all other cases, provided only that the stronger side's pieces are as well placed as possible, the defence is normally unsuccessful.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K1k2/3P4/8/8/8/7R/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1... Ra7+ {%05Black is threatened with Rf2+, driving his king further away, so, as in usual in such cases, he goes onto the attack.} 2. Kc8 Ra8+ (2... Ke6 { is met by %05as we saw earlier,} 3. d7 {-~3 ($401319)~}) 3. Kb7 Ra1 4. Re2 {!} Rb1+ 5. Kc7 Rc1+ 6. Kd8 Rc3 7. d7 $18 {, and the rest is well known ~3($401309) ~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K1k/4RP2/8/8/8/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kf8 {! %05 Such a situation can arise in endings with f- and h-pawns. Here everything depends on the turn to move. If it is White's, he wins:} Ra8+ 2. Re8 Ra6 3. f7 Ra7 4. Rd8 Rb7 5. Ke8 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K1k/4RP2/8/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] 1... Ra8 {! is the only way to draw, not allowing the white king to step onto the 8th rank: %05With Black to move,} 2. Re8 Ra7+ 3. Ke6 Ra6+ 4. Kf5 Ra5+ { (all these rook checks are forced, since f6-f7 is threatened)} 5. Re5 Ra8 6. Re7+ Kh6 {!} (6... Kg8 {?} 7. Kg6 $18) 7. Re1 Ra5+ 8. Ke6 Ra6+ 9. Kf7 Ra7+ 10. Re7 Ra8 {= , and White cannot achieve anything.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rovner Dmitry (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/5K1k/5P2/8/8/8/8/5r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1. Re8 {%05If White begins, he wins by moving his rook to any square from a8 to e8, e.g.} Ra1 {(here the side attack is too late)} 2. Kf8 {!} Kg6 3. f7 Kf6 4. Rc8 Ra2 5. Rc6+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rovner Dmitry (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/5K1k/5P2/8/8/8/8/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1... Rb1 {, since in the latter case the distance between the rook and the pawn is 3 files, e.g. %05With Black to move, he draws by the side attack after} (1... Ra1 {%05or}) 2. Re8 Rb7+ 3. Re7 Rb8 4. Ke6+ (4. Ra7 {, then %05if} Kh6 5. Ke7 Kg6 {= %04etc.}) 4... Kg6 5. Rg7+ Kh6 6. Rg1 Rb6+ {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tattersall"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/R4Pk1/8/8/8/5r2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] 1. Re6 {%05At the start of the century this position was still considered won for White in view of the %05variation} Rf1 {But it was later discovered that after} 2. Re2 {Black must switch to the defence by the side attack -} Ra1 { ! with an easy draw, e.g.} (2... Rf3 {?} 3. Rg2+ Kh7 4. f7 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Rg2+ Kh7 4. f7 (4. Rg7+ {%05or} Kh6 {! =} (4... Kh8 {?} 5. Rg8+ $18 {!})) 4... Ra7+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/r4PK1/8/8/8/7R/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Incidentally, similar play for a stalemate is also possible against a central pawn.} 1... Ra7 {! %05White is threatening to switch his rook to the Q-side with decisive threats. Black has only one way of defending.} 2. Rb2 Rg7+ {!} 3. Kf5 (3. fxg7 {- stalemate. Black drives away the opponent's king: %05Thanks to this possibility}) 3... Rg1 {= with a draw} (3... Ra7 {%05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r5k1/4K3/4P3/5R2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Ra7+ 2. Kf6 (2. Kd6 {, the simplest is %05If} Kg7 (2... Ra6+ {%05~5(RR)~ but} 3. Ke5 {%00o^?( 3...Ra1 (? e7} Ra5+ 4. Kd6 Ra6+ 5. Kc5 Ra5+ 6. Kc6 Ra8 7. Ra5 {!$18})) {e7} 2... Ra6 {= Kf8 !} 3. Rb5 {Rf7+ != with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/4K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/8/4r3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] 1... Ra1 {! , e.g. %05We have already considered the similar position with a bishop's pawn. If Black begins, he has one way to draw:} 2. Rd8 Ra7+ 3. Rd7 Ra8 {= etc., as we have already seen in the analysis of example^013^010 ~3($411343) ~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/4K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/8/4r3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] 1. Ra8 $18 {won, but Rovner showed that any rook move from a8 to d8 would win %05With White to move, Tarrasch thought that} (1. Rd8 {%05e.g.} Ra1 2. Ke8 {!} Kf6 3. e7 Ke6 4. Rb8 Ra7 (4... Ra6 {%05or} 5. Kf8 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Rb6+ $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K2k1/R3P3/8/8/8/8/4r3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... Kf6 {! , transporting into example ~3($411344)~, enables Black to maintain the balance, e.g. %05But the active} (1... Rb1 {%05Here the attack from the side does not help:} 2. e7 Rb7+ 3. Ke6 Rb8 4. Rd6 {and 5. Rd8$18}) 2. Rc6 Re2 (2... Rd1+ 3. Ke8) 3. Rd6 Re1 4. Rd2 {Look out! White is threatening to push the king away by 5. Rf2+, but for an instant the rook has moved away from its king, and Black can exploit this factor to switch to an attack from the side.} Ra1 {!} 5. Rf2+ Kg7 6. e7 Ra7+ {= with a draw ~3($411307)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/6k1/4P3/6K1/8/8/8/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1... Re1 {!} 2. Kf5 Re2 (2... Rf1+ {? ^013^010 %05Not} 3. Ke5 Re1+ 4. Kd6 Rd1+ 5. Ke7 Ra1 6. Ke8 $18 {and wins.}) 3. Ra8 Re1 4. Ra7+ Kf8 5. Kf6 Rf1+ {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/5K2/4P3/r4k2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {We will now examine several positions where the weaker side's king is to the rear of the pawn. Here too there are drawing possibilities. We will begin with an ancient position.} 1... Ra6 {%05After} 2. e7 Rf6+ 3. Kg7 Rg6+ (3... Ke6 {?} 4. Rf8 $18) 4. Kh7 Kf6 {!= Black gains a draw. It is clear that the same result will be achieved against a bishop's or knight's pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/4K3/3P4/r3k3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {In this example Black's downfall was the poor position of his rook. If it is replaced at a4, he can draw.} 1... Ra6 {no longer saves the game due to %05Here } 2. Rh8 $18 {!} (2. d7 {? %05but not} Re6+ 3. Kf7 Rf6+ 4. Kg7 Ke6 {= with a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/4K3/3P4/4k3/r7/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... Rh4 {! %05First the rook must be switched to the long side:} 2. Kd7 Kd5 {! } (2... Rh7+ {? %05Of course, not} 3. Kc6 Rh6 4. Re8+ $18 {, when White wins.}) 3. Kc7 {, then %05If now} (3. Re8 {is met by} Rh6 {= , winning the pawn.}) 3... Rc4+ {! =} (3... Rh6 {? %05but not} 4. Rg8 {! and wins} (4. d7 {%05whereas} Rc6+ 5. Kb7 Rd6 {= leads only to a draw.})) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/1P6/2R5/7r/K7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {An interesting method of the defence, based on cutting off the stronger side's king from the pawn, is shown in the following example.} 1... Rg4 { %05Black draws by not allowing the white king to approach the pawn, e.g.} (1... Rh8 {? is wrong:} 2. Kb4 Rc8 3. Kb5 Rxc5+ 4. Kxc5 Kc8 5. Kc6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Rc7+ Kd8 {!} (2... Kd6 {? loses to} 3. Rc8 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Rc5 Kd7 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r4k2/8/7K/8/8/1p6/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. Kg5 (1. Rb1 {?} Rb8 $19 {is insufficient}) (1. Re1 {? %05as is} Re8 2. Rd1 Ke7 3. Kg5 Rf8 4. Kg4 Ke6 {!} (4... b2 {?} 5. Rb1 {%00o^ Rf2 6.Kg3 (=}) 5. Rb1 Rb8 6. Kf4 Kd5 7. Ke3 Kc4 8. Kd2 Rd8+ 9. Ke1 Kc3 10. Rc1+ Kb2 $19) 1... Ke7 2. Kf4 Kd6 3. Ke3 Kc5 4. Kd2 Kb4 5. Kc1 {! (as we have already seen several times, against a knight's pawn the weaker side is rescued by stalemate)} Ra1+ 6. Kb2 Rxg1 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/2k5/4K3/4P3/8/8/8/4r3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] {~15.4 PAWN ON THE 5TH RANK~ In section 5.1 we have already examined a few examples with a bishop's pawn on the 5th rank. We now give a systematic analysis of positions with a central pawn. This position is obtained by moving example~3 ( 1303)~ one file to the left.} 1. Kf7 {%05If it is White to move, he wins:} Rh1 2. Rg8 {!} (2. e6 {? %05but not} Rh7+ 3. Kg6 Rh1 {!= with a draw. }) 2... Rh7+ 3. Rg7 Rh8 4. Ke7 {!} Kc6 5. e6 Kc7 6. Rg1 Rh7+ 7. Kf6 Rh6+ 8. Kf7 Rh7+ 9. Kg6 Rh2 10. Rd1 {!} Re2 11. Kf7 Rg2 12. e7 $18 {etc.~3($401309)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/2k5/4K3/4P3/8/8/8/4r3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Rh1 {! %05In example ~3($411303)~ White also won when it was %05Black to move, since there the attack from the side did %05not work. But here the proven manoeuvre} 2. Rg8 Re1 {!= leads to a draw. Incidentally, this example shows that, against a central pawn on the 5th rank, the weaker side's king can also be on the long side. As we established back at the start of the chapter, against a pawn on the 5th rank the weaker side has a dynamic system of defence, involving attacking with the rook first from the side, and then from the rear. But for this defence to be successful, Black's king and rook must reach without delay their initial positions for the manoeuvre.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/R7/8/2KPr3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {In the following example the rook is badly placed, and so Black cannot draw even if it is him to move.} 1... Re1 2. Kd6 {!} (2. Kc6 {? %05of course, not} Rd1 {= , when the rook succeeds in reaching the necessary square}) 2... Kc8 3. Rc7+ {! The decisive gain of tempo.} (3. Ra8+ {? %05After} Kb7 4. Rh8 Rd1 {!} 5. Ke6 Kc7 {= Black draws.}) 3... Kb8 (3... Kd8 {, then %05If} 4. Rh7 Kc8 5. Rh8+ Kb7 6. Kd7 Rg1 7. d6 {and White wins, since the attack from the side is too late:} Rg7+ 8. Ke6 Rg6+ 9. Ke7 Rg7+ 10. Kf6 Rd7 11. Ke6 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. Re7 {! In this way White gains time, which enables him to advance his pawn.} ( 4. Rh7 {, then %05If} Kc8 {!}) 4... Rd1 {(the rook finally reaches the necessary square, but the king should be at c8, not b8)} 5. Kc6 Rc1+ 6. Kd7 Rh1 {~3($411359)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/3KR3/8/3P4/8/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. Re2 {! %05Compare this position with example ~3($401332)~. The %05only difference is that the black king is less well placed: %05the white king acquires a shelter at c6, and the attack %05from the side proves harmless.} (1. d6 {leads only to a draw, since by} Kb7 {! Black improves his position}) 1... Rh7+ (1... Kb7 {is met by %05But now} 2. Rb2+) 2. Kc6 Rc7+ 3. Kd6 Rc1 4. Rh2 { ! (another precise move; as we know, only the occupation of the rook's file leads to a win)} Kb7 5. Rh7+ Kb6 (5... Kb8 6. Rh8+ $18) 6. Rh8 {!} Kb7 7. Kd7 Rc7+ 8. Ke6 Rg7 9. d6 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4R3/2k1K3/4P3/8/8/8/4r3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {Compared with example ~3( 1352)~, here Black's king is cut off from the pawn along the file, and from the e8 square along the rank, which reduces his chances. He cannot wait: White threatens Rh7 followed by Kf6, when his pawn can advance. Therefore Black begins an attack from the side.} 1... Rh1 2. Rg7 { !} Rh6+ (2... Re1 {in view of %05It does not help to revert on the 2nd move to the attack from the rear by} 3. Kf6 {, when d7 is inaccessible to the black king.}) 3. Kf5 {!} (3. Kf7 {? %05Only a draw results from} Kd7 {!} 4. Kf8+ Ke6 5. Re7+ Kf5 6. Kg7 Re6 {=}) 3... Rh5+ 4. Kf6 Rh6+ 5. Rg6 Rh7 6. Rg8 {!} Rh6+ 7. Kg5 Re6 (7... Rh1 8. Rd8 $18) 8. Kf5 Rh6 9. Rd8 $18 {%04etc. Let us move the black king onto the short side.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4R3/4K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/4r3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Ra7 {%05Here Black can draw even if it is the opponent to move:} Re2 (1... Rb1 {? %05Black should not be in a hurry to attack from the side:} 2. Ke7 Rb8 3. e6 Kg7 4. Kd6+ Kf6 5. Kd7 Kg7 6. Ke7 Kg6 7. Ra1 {!$18 , and White wins as already examined in the analysis of positions with the pawn on the 6th rank.}) 2. Kd6 (2. Ra5 {it is now possible to play %05after} Rb2 {!} 3. Kd7 Rb7+ 4. Kc6 Rb1) 2... Kf5 3. Rf7+ Kg6 4. e6 Ra2 5. Rd7 Kf6 6. Rf7+ Kg6 {= with a draw.} * [Event "Polanica Zdroj (Poland)"] [Site "Polanica Zdroj (Poland)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dvoretzky Mark (RUS)"] [Black "Filipowicz Andrzej (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R7/4K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] 1... Re1 {! Black could have maintained the balance, %05This position differs only insignificantly from the previous one, and by playing} (1... Rb1 {? %05The game in fact went} 2. Ke7 $18 {followed by 3. e6, and White won ~3 ($401337)~.}) 2. Kd6 {, then as in the previous example, %05If instead} (2. Ra8 {%05e.g.} Kg7) (2. Ra5 {%05or} Rb1 {!}) 2... Kf5 {!} 3. Rf7+ Kg6 4. Rf6+ { ! %05White can play more cunningly -} (4. Rf2 Ra1 {!} 5. Rc2 Kf5 {= %04etc.}) 4... Kg7 {%05The only correct continuation is} (4... Kg5 {? %05Now Black loses after} 5. Rf8 {! , when he can no longer manage to begin an attack from the side:} Ra1 6. e6 Ra6+ 7. Kd7 Ra7+ 8. Ke8 Kg6 9. e7 Kg7 10. Rf7+ Kg8 11. Rf2 $18 {, and White wins in analogy with example 326.}) 5. Rf2 Ra1 {!} 6. Rc2 Ra6+ 7. Rc6 Ra8 8. Kd7 Kf8 9. Rf6+ Kg7 {= with a draw. These examples show that, when the weaker side's king is cut off from the queening square, the result depends on where it is placed: if on the short side, the result is a draw, if on the long side - a loss.} * [Event "Volgograd (Russia)"] [Site "Volgograd (Russia)"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1Rp5/8/1K1k4/2r5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] {White made an instructive mistake in the following example.} 1. Ka2 {! %05Correct was} (1. Rb8 {? , but this proved to be a decisive loss of a tempo, since after %05To save the game, White must transfer his rook to make %05an attack from the side. He played} c3+ 2. Ka2 Rd1 {! the attack from the side -} 3. Rh8 {was too late due to} (3. Rd8+ {%05The game concluded} Kc1 4. Rh8 c2 5. Rh2 Rd8 {White resigns.}) 3... Kc1 $19) 1... c3 {, then %05and if} (1... Kd3 { it would now have been possible to play %05while after} 2. Rb8 Rd1 3. Rh8 c3 4. Rh3+ Kc2 5. Rh2+ Rd2 6. Rh1 {= with a draw.}) 2. Rh4 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Iglitsky"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K1k2/3R4/3P4/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {An unusual drawing possibility with the king on the long side is shown in the following example, where the white rook is badly placed.} 1... Ra5 {it is also possible after 1... Ra7 2. Kc8 %05The only way to maintain the balance is by} ( 1... Rd1 {%05Which system of defence should Black choose - attack %05from the side or from the rear? A straightforward %05analysis shows that neither the one nor the other is any %05help:} 2. Kc7 Rd2 3. Rd8 $18 {, and White wins as already considered}) (1... Ra7+ {%05while} 2. Kc8 Ra8+ {? is met by} (2... Ra5 3. Rb6 Rxd5 {=}) 3. Kc7 Ra7+ (3... Re8 4. Rd8 Re1 5. d6 Ra1 6. Rb8 $18) 4. Kb6 Ra1 5. Re6 $18) 2. Kc7 {%05e.g.} Ke7 3. Rd7+ (3. Re6+ {%05Equally unpromising is} Kf7 4. Re5 Kf6 5. Rh5 Ra7+ 6. Kc6 Ra6+ 7. Kb5 Ra1 {= with a draw.}) 3... Ke8 (3... Kf6 4. d6 Ra7+ 5. Kc8 Ra6 {!} 6. Kb7 Ke6 {= is also possible}) 4. Rd8+ Kf7 5. d6 Ra7+ 6. Kc6 Ra6+ 7. Kb7 Ra1 {= Draw. Of course, this system of defence, with an attack on the pawn from the side, was possible only thanks to the poor position of the white rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/8/7K/4p3/8/5r1k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {An interesting drawn position with the weaker side's king to the rear of the pawn was found by Keres.} 1. Kg4 (1. Re8 {? %05White fails to save the game by} Rf4 2. Kg5 Kg3 3. Re7 Kf3 $19) 1... e3 2. Ra3 {! (a surprising move; White himself forces the pawn to advance)} e2 3. Ra1 Kg2 (3... Rf1 {%05there is nothing better; if} 4. Ra2 Rf2 5. Ra1 {=}) 4. Re1 {! A position of mutual zugzwang has arisen, but it is Black to move.} Kh2 5. Ra1 (5. Kh4 {? %05of course, not} Rf4+ 6. Kg5 Re4 7. Kf5 Re8 8. Kf4 Kg2 $19 {, when Black wins}) 5... Rf1 6. Ra2 Rf2 7. Ra1 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1r6/1PRK4/8/3k4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Ke5 {%05Another position of mutual zugzwang. If it is White to move, he cannot win, e.g.} Rh6 2. Kd5 Rb6 {! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1r6/1PRK4/8/3k4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Rh6 {is met by %05On the other hand, if Black begins he loses, since} 2. Rc1 {!} (2. Rc8 {? %05but not immediately} Rh5+ 3. Kc6 Kc4 4. b6 Rh6+ 5. Kd7+ Kb5 6. b7 Rh7+ {= and 7... Rb7 with a draw.}) 2... Kd2 3. Rc8 Kd3 4. Kc5 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1r5K/1PR5/8/8/7k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {In the following study White's problem is not to end up in zugzwang when approaching the pawn with his king.} 1. Kh5 {!} (1. Kg5 {? %05Wrong is} Kg3 2. Kf5 (2. Rc3+ Kf2 3. Rb3 Ke2 4. Kf5 Kd2 5. Ke5 Kc2 6. Rb4 Kc3 {= leads only to a draw}) 2... Kf3 3. Ke5 Ke3 4. Kd5 Kd3 {! =}) 1... Kh3 {!} (1... Kg3 2. Kg5 Kf3 3. Kf5 Ke3 4. Ke5 Kd3 5. Kd5 $18 {Black is in zugzwang.}) 2. Rg5 {!} Rd6 ( 2... Re6 {, then %05If} 3. Rd5 {!} Kg3 4. Kg5 Kf3 5. Kf5 {, and then as in the main variation.}) 3. Rf5 {!} Kg3 4. Kg5 Re6 5. Rd5 {!} Kf3 6. Kf5 Rh6 (6... Rb6 7. Ke5 Ke3 8. Rc5 {%04etc.}) 7. Rd3+ {!} Ke2 8. Rb3 Kd2 (8... Rb6 9. Ke4 Kd2 10. Kd4 Kc2 11. Rb4 $18 {%04etc.}) 9. b6 Kc2 10. b7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K2/8/4R1P1/6k1/8/8/6r1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Black draws by means of a stalemate, found in 1908 by Rinck.} 1... Kh5 {!} 2. g6+ (2. Kf6 {can be met either by} Rg2 (2... Rg4 {%05or by} 3. Rf5 Ra4 { , with an attack from the side. =}) 3. Rf5 Rg4 {, playing on stalemate =}) 2... Kh6 3. Re6 Rg2 4. Rf6 Rg5 {!} (4... Rg1 {? %05not} 5. Rf2 $18) 5. Rf1 Rf5+ {!} 6. Rxf5 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/5R2/2r5/8/6p1/8/1k6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {Using the previous position as a guide, White also gains a draw in the following study.} 1. Rf5 {!! , when there are two possible continuations: %05The only way to achieve coordination is by} (1. Rg7 {? %05 The achievement of White's aim demands the precise of his pieces. His rook must attack the pawn from the rear, and his king must come in from the h-file. But straightforward play proves unsuccessful, e.g.} Rc4 2. Kd7 (2. Kf7 Rc7+ $19) ( 2. Rg5 {%05or} Rf4 {! with the same result.}) 2... Re4 {! , and White's king is cut off from the pawn}) (1. Rf4 {?} g3 2. Rg4 Rc3 3. Kf7 Kc2 4. Kg6 Kd2 5. Kh5 Ke2 6. Kh4 Kf2 7. Kh3 Rf3 {The required position has been reached, but with White to move, and this proves fatal for him:} 8. Rg5 {destroys the stalemate set-up} (8. Rf4 {is met by %05and} g2+ $19)) 1... g3 (1... Kc2 2. Kf7 Kd3 3. Rg5 Rc4 4. Kg6 Ke3 5. Kh5 Kf3 6. Kh4 Rf4 7. Ra5 {= with a draw.}) 2. Rg5 Rc3 3. Kf7 Kc2 4. Kg6 Kd2 5. Kh5 Ke2 6. Kh4 Kf2 7. Kh3 Rf3 8. Rg4 {!} Rf8 9. Rf4+ Rxf4 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/3k4/8/1P6/1K6/8/8/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {Against a pawn on the 5th rank and with his king cut off, the defender can try attacking the pawn from the front, but here this proves ineffective.} 1. Ka5 {%05If White begins, he easily ensures the advance of the pawn by moving his king forward:} Ra8+ 2. Kb6 Rb8+ 3. Ka6 Ra8+ 4. Kb7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/3k4/8/1P6/1K6/8/8/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Rc8 {! %05 In such positions the backward position of the white king may allow the transition into a drawn pawn ending, and if it is Black to move he can play} 2. Rxc8 (2. Rh1 Kc7 {=}) 2... Kxc8 3. Ka5 Kb7 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/3k4/8/1PR5/1K6/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Rc8 {%05But had the white rook been at c5, after} 2. b6 {!} Rxc5 3. Kxc5 Kd8 4. Kd6 $18 {White would nevertheless have won.} (4. Kb5 $18 {%05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1r1k4/8/1PRK4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {In the following example the white rook is not particularly well placed, but Black is not able to exploit this factor, since his rook too is insufficiently mobile.} 1... Rc7 {%05If it is Black to move, he is not saved either by} (1... Ra7 {in view of the same %05or} 2. b6 {!} (2. Kc4 {?} Ra4+ 3. Kd5 (3. Kb3 { %05or} Rh4 4. b6 Rg4 {= leads to a draw}) 3... Rb4 {=}) 2... Ra4 3. Rc7+ Kd8 4. Kc6 Rc4+ 5. Kb7 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. b6 $18 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1r1k4/8/1PRK4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Kc4 {%05If it is White to move, he wins by approaching the pawn with his king:} Kd6 2. Rc6+ {! The only move to win.} (2. Kb4 {? , then %05If} Rc7 3. Rh5 Rc1 4. Ka5 (4. Rh7 {%05or} Ra1 {=}) 4... Kc7 {= with a draw.}) 2... Kd7 3. Kc5 Rb8 (3... Rc7 4. Kb6 $18) 4. b6 {the simplest,} (4. Rd6+ {%05but} Kc7 5. b6+ $18 {is also possible}) 4... Rc8 5. Rxc8 Kxc8 6. Kc6 $18 {, and White wins. Note that, if the black rook is at b1, White is unable to win, since 1. Kc4 is met by 1... Rc1+ followed by the exchange of rooks and a drawn ending.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mikhalchishin Adrian (SLO)"] [Black "Losev Anatoly (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1P3k2/7r/4R3/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {If the stronger side's king is a long way from the pawn, the defender may attempt to prevent it from approaching, while simultaneously attacking the pawn with the rook from the side.} 1. Kc2 {! would have won. The king moves towards the pawn, and at the same time moves off the dangerous b-file. %05Dvoretsky showed that the subtle} (1. Kb2 {%05The game went:} Kf4 {!} 2. Rc3 (2. Re6 {%05There is nothing better. If} Kf5) (2. Re7 {Black exploits the relative placing of the white king and pawn by %05while if} Rh5 {!} 3. Rb7 (3. b6 Rb5+ {=}) 3... Rh3 {! , as before not allowing the king to approach the pawn.}) 2... Ke5 3. Ka3 Kd6 {(White's king is cut off from the pawn, and this prevents him from winning)} 4. b6 Kd7 5. Rc7+ Kd8 {!} (5... Kd6 {? %05It was not yet too late to go wrong. After} 6. Rc8 {!$18 White would have won.}) 6. Rc6 Kd7 7. Rc7+ Kd8 8. Rc5 Kd7 {Drawn.}) 1... Kf4 {there now follows %05On} ( 1... Rb4 {, then %05while if} 2. Rb3 Rc4+ 3. Kd3 Rc8 4. Rc3 Rb8 5. Kc4 Ke6 6. Rd3 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Re7 {!} Rh5 3. b6 Rb5 4. b7 Kf5 5. Kc3 Kf6 6. Kc4 Rb1 7. Rh7 Ke6 8. Kc5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/8/3k4/1P6/1K6/8/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] {If we compare examples ~3( 1372)~ and ~3( 1377)~, it is not difficult to establish the following: the attack from the front proves effective only when the distance between the rook and the pawn is not less than the rule of 3 squares, which in general is characteristic of the majority of rook endings.} { ~15.5 PAWN ON THE 4th RANK~ The attack on the pawn from the front proves far more effective, if the pawn has not crossed the demarcation line.} 1. Ka4 { %05There is no way for White to advance his pawn, e.g.} (1. Rc4 {%05White can try to advance his pawn in another way:} Kd6 (1... Rb7 {is bad due to} 2. Rc8 { , after which the white king can advance towards the rook}) 2. Ka4 Kd5 {!} ( 2... Ra8+ {? %05Black loses after} 3. Kb5 Rb8+ 4. Ka6 Kd5 5. Rh4 $18 {The king must be attacked only when the pawn is not defended by the rook.}) 3. Rc5+ Kd6 4. Ka5 Ra8+ {, and the king has to go back.}) (1. Rc5+ {%05On the 1st move White could have checked -} Kd6 {! %05The only correct continuation is} (1... Kd4 {would be a mistake, since after %05Then} 2. Rh5 {the black king is cut off in the lower half on the board, and by playing b4-b5 White wins easily.} ( 2. Rc6 {%05Incidentally, in this case there is also another way to win:} Kd5 3. Ra6 {, then 4. Ka4 and 5. b5.})) 2. Ka4 Ra8+ 3. Kb5 Rb8+ {!} (3... Kd7 4. Rc4 { !}) 4. Kc4 {, and now not only} Rh8 {is sufficient for a draw} (4... Rb7 { %05but even} 5. b5 Rc7 {=})) 1... Ra8+ 2. Kb5 Rb8+ 3. Ka5 Ra8+ 4. Kb5 Rb8+ 5. Ka4 Ra8+ 6. Kb3 Rb8 $40 {!= The raid by the king has ended in failure, and the rook takes up its initial position.} (6... Rh8 {? %05Black loses after} 7. b5 Rh4 {(Black in turn tries to cut off the opponent's king from the pawn, but this plan is easily refuted)} 8. Rc8 Rg4 9. Kc3 Rh4 10. b6 {!} Rh7 11. Kb4 $18 {%04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/8/8/1P1k4/1K6/8/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Kd5 {= , returning to the absolutely safe rank. %05If in example ~3 ($411377)~ Black's king had been at d4, %05with him to move he could have drawn by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/3k4/8/8/1P6/1K6/8/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Ka4 {%05Even if the king is moved to d7, in this case too White is unable to win. As before} (1. Rc4 {is most simply met by %05while} Rc8 2. Rxc8 Kxc8 3. Ka4 Kb8 {! =}) 1... Ra8+ 2. Kb5 Rb8+ {= is futile} * [Event "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Site "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fischer Robert J (USA)"] [Black "Sherwin James T (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/8/8/r5P1/5R1K/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {The following practical example is of interest.} 1... Ra8 {! , switching to the attack from the front, e.g. %05Black could have drawn by} (1... Ke6 { ? , the decisive mistake, and the game concluded %05Black in fact played} 2. Kh4 {!} Ra8 {(now the attack from the front is too late)} 3. g5 Rh8+ 4. Kg4 Ke7 5. g6 Rf8 6. Rf5 $18 {, and White won.}) 2. Kh4 (2. Rf4 Rf8 {!} 3. Rxf8 Kxf8 4. Kh4 {does not help due to} Kg8 {! =}) (2. g5 {in a view %05nor does} Rf8 {=} ( 2... Ra4 {%05or even =})) 2... Rh8+ 3. Kg5 Rg8+ {= , and the king has to go back.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/8/8/5k2/3P4/3K4/8/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] {Let us now see whether the situation changes. if the pawn is on one of the central files.} 1. Kc4 {%05The existence of space to the left gives White great manoeuvring freedom, but his aggressive attempts are easily parried.} Rc8+ 2. Kb5 Rd8 3. Kc5 Rc8+ 4. Kb6 Rd8 {!} (4... Rb8+ {%05not} 5. Kc7 Rb5 6. Kc6 {, when the pawn advances to d5}) 5. Kc5 (5. Rd1 {%05if} Ke6) 5... Rc8+ 6. Kb4 Rd8 7. Kc4 Rc8+ 8. Kd3 Rd8 {= Drawn. In this type of ending it is usual to call the 5th and 6th ranks the absolutely safe ranks: if the weaker side's king is on one of these ranks, the drawn result does not depend on the turn to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/5k2/8/8/3P4/3K4/8/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {Let us now move the black king to f7.} 1. Kc4 {%05In contrast to the position with a knight's pawn, White to move can win here:} Rc8+ 2. Kb5 Rd8 3. Kc5 Rc8+ 4. Kb6 Rd8 5. Re4 {! This is the whole point. White has gained the possibility of defending his pawn with his rook, and the black king is not able to attack it.} Kf6 6. Kc7 Rd5 (6... Kf5 7. Re5+ $18) 7. Kc6 Rd8 8. d5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/5k2/8/8/3P4/3K4/8/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {The 7th and 4th ranks are called the relatively safe ranks, since here the result usually depends on the turn to move. The winning method carried out by White in this last example is, generally speaking, typical of such endings. It consists of several steps. First the stronger side's king tries to penetrate as deeply as possible into the opponent's position, then the rook defends the pawn, and only then the king tries to support the advance of the pawn. It is very tempting to try to give a general rule for assessing such positions with the rook attacking from the front. Such a rule for a central or bishop's pawn was suggested by Cheron back in 1927, and runs as follows: if the number of the rank on which the pawn stands is added to the number of files separating it from the weaker side's king, the position is a draw if this sum does not exceed five. For a knight's pawn Cheron attempted to establish an analogous "rule of six", but in 1936 this was shown by Grigoriev to be inadequate. In 1956 Kopayev tried to extend the "rule of five" to the knight's pawn, but without success. As we will see below, the "rule of five" has too many exceptions; nevertheless it can prove useful as a quick guide. In such endings what is much more important is not a formal rule, but an understanding of the methods of attack and defence, and we now turn to an examination of the possibilities with various pawn placings. When using the "rule of five" as a guide, it should also be borne in mind that a necessary condition for a draw is that the king should be on one of the absolutely safe ranks. If the king is on one of the relatively safe ranks, a draw can usually be achieved only when it is the weaker side to move, it being used for the immediate transfer of the king onto an absolutely safe rank.} 1... Re8 {= %05If it is Black to move, he draws by either} (1... Kf6 {= , moving on to one of the absolutely safe ranks. %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/8/6k1/8/3P4/3K4/8/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {The following example confirms the "rule of five".} 1. Kc4 {%05 The pawn is on the 4th rank, and the king is cut off by 2 files. The sum is 4+2=6, which means that White should win. He wins by the combined method (Grigoriev's terminology), the essence of which is as follows: White advances his king as far as possible, but then places his rook not beside the pawn, but behind it, and supports its advance.} Rc8+ 2. Kb5 Rd8 3. Kc5 Rc8+ 4. Kb6 {!} Rd8 5. Rd1 { White's king and rook have both taken up the necessary positions. The rest is not difficult.} Kf7 6. Kc7 Rd5 (6... Ra8 {, then %05If} 7. d5 Ra7+ 8. Kb6 Rd7 ( 8... Ra2 9. Re1 $18 {!}) 9. Kc6 Ke7 10. d6+ Kd8 11. Rh1 $18 {%04etc.}) 7. Kc6 Rd8 8. d5 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/4k3/8/1P6/1K6/8/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {If the pawn is a knight's pawn, the result changes, since White is not able to take his king forward.} 1... Ke5 {! The only move. The king must stay on one of the absolutely safe ranks. %05Here the sum equals six, but even so White cannot win. For example, with Black to move:} (1... Ke7 {? %05Bad would be} 2. Rd4 {!} Ke6 (2... Rd8 3. Rxd8 Kxd8 4. Ka4 Kc8 5. Ka5 $18 {!}) 3. Kc4 {!} Rc8+ (3... Ke5 4. Rd5+ Ke6 5. b5 Rc8+ 6. Rc5 {!} Kd7 7. b6 $18 {!}) 4. Kb5 Ke5 (4... Rb8+ 5. Kc6 Rc8+ 6. Kb7 $18) 5. Rc4 Rb8+ 6. Ka6 Kd5 7. Rh4 Kc6 8. b5+ $18 {and wins.}) 2. Rd7 Ke6 3. Ra7 (3. Rd4 {%05No better is} Ke5 4. Kc3 Rh8 { the simplest,} (4... Rc8+ {%05but even} 5. Rc4 Rb8 6. Rc6 Kd5 7. Ra6 Rc8+ 8. Kb3 Rc6 {= is possible}) 5. b5 Rb8 6. Rh4 Kd6 7. Kb4 Kc7 {= with a draw.}) 3... Kd6 4. Ka4 Kc6 5. Ka5 Rb5+ 6. Ka4 Rb8 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/5k2/8/1P6/1K6/8/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {With a knight's pawn on the 4th rank, a win is possible if the king is cut off from the pawn by 3 files, in other words, if the sum is greater than six.} 1. Kc4 {%05The black king is so far from the pawn that White wins without difficulty. It is simplest to employ the combined method:} (1. Re2 {%05But also possible is} Kf5 2. Re7 Kf6 3. Ra7 Ke6 4. Kc4 Kd6 5. b5 {!} Rc8+ 6. Kb4 Rc7 7. b6 Rc1 8. Kb5 $18) 1... Rc8+ 2. Kd5 Rd8+ 3. Kc5 Rc8+ 4. Kd6 {!} Rb8 5. Rb1 Kf7 6. b5 Ke8 7. b6 $18 (7. Kc7 $18 {%05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/8/8/7k/4P3/4K3/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {The following position is of interest.} 1. Rg3 {%05 What comes to White's aid is the unfortunate position of the opponent's king on the rook's file. First the opponent must be given the move.} (1. Kd4 {%05Here the combined method is not good enough to win:} Rd8+ 2. Kc5 Re8 3. Kd5 Rd8+ 4. Kc6 Re8 5. Re1 { ? ~5 (RR) A decisive mistake - it was still not too late to ~5 retreat the king to d5.} Kg5 6. Kd6 Ra8 {!} 7. e5 Ra6+ 8. Kd5 Ra5+ 9. Kd4 Ra7 10. e6 Kf6 { = with a draw.}) 1... Kh4 (1... Kh6 {, the king can now be brought out: %05If} 2. Kf4 Rf8+ 3. Ke5 Re8+ 4. Kf6 {!} Rf8+ 5. Ke7 {and 6. e5$18}) 2. Rg2 Kh5 3. Rg1 {!} Ra8 {Black tries to attack from the side, cutting off the opponent's king from the pawn.} (3... Kh4 {, then %05There is nothing better. If} 4. e5 {! } Rxe5+ 5. Kf4 $18) (3... Kh6 {has already been considered. %05while}) 4. e5 Ra4 {!} 5. e6 {! This refutes Black's plan. The pawn is immune:} Kh6 (5... Ra6 {%05if} 6. Ke4 Rxe6+ 7. Kf5 $18) 6. e7 {!} Ra8 7. Kf4 Re8 8. Kf5 Rxe7 9. Kf6 $18 {and wins.^013^010 ^013^010 In effect, in this example White carried out a combined method: the advance of the king was linked to simultaneous threats to the opponent's king.} * [Event "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Site "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Olafsson Fridrik (ISL)"] [Black "Tal Mikhail N (LAT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1K1/8/6R1/5rP1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Rg6 {%05White's pieces are awkwardly placed, but nevertheless he manages to win:} Rf7+ (1... Re4 {%05If} 2. g5 Re5 {, then} 3. Kg8 Ke8 4. Rg7 Rf5 5. g6 Rg5 6. Kh8 Rg1 7. Rg8+ Ke7 8. Kg7 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kh6 Kf8 3. Ra6 {! This is quicker than} (3. g5 Ra7 {!} (3... Rf1 4. Ra6 Rg1 5. Kg6 $18 {and wins}) 4. Rb6 Ra8 {!} 5. Kh7 {!} (5. Kg6 {?} Kg8 {= with a draw}) 5... Ra7+ 6. Kh8 Ra5 {!} 7. Rf6+ {!} Ke7 8. Rg6 Kf7 9. Kh7 $18 {and wins.}) 3... Rf1 (3... Rb7 {is met by} 4. Ra8+ Kf7 5. g5 $18) 4. g5 Rg1 5. Kg6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/8/8/6k1/8/3P4/3K4/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {~15.6 PAWN ON THE 3rd RANK~ Against a pawn on the 3rd rank the attack from the front is even more effective. According to the "rule of five", the less advanced the pawn is, the greater the number of files by which the opponent's king must be cut off from it, if it is to queen.} 1. Kc3 {%05The sum here equals five, and the king is on an absolutely safe rank. This means that Black should not lose, e.g.} Rc8+ 2. Kb4 Rd8 3. Kc4 Rc8+ 4. Kb5 Rd8 5. Rd1 Kf6 6. d4 Ke7 7. Kc6 Rc8+ {= with a draw. But what if the black king is moved to a relatively safe rank, for example to g7? According to the "rule of five", White should be able to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/6k1/8/8/8/3P4/3K4/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Kc3 {%05This position was an object of discussion for many years. The collective efforts of various analysts bore their fruit, and it was shown that Black can draw.} Rc8+ 2. Kb4 Rd8 3. Kc4 Rc8+ 4. Kb5 Rd8 5. Rf3 {Now White can begin a new raid with his king, to exploit the position of the opponent's king to gain a tempo.} Kg6 6. Kc5 Rc8+ 7. Kd6 Rd8+ 8. Ke6 {!} (8. Ke7 Rd5 {! is no better. If White replies} 9. Rf6+ {, a draw results from} (9. Ke6 {is stronger, but even in this case after %05Instead of 9. Rf6+,} Rd8 10. Rg3+ Kh5 11. Kf5 Kh4 {!} 12. Re3 Rf8+ 13. Ke5 Re8+ 14. Kd4 Rd8+ 15. Kc5 Rc8+ 16. Kd6 Rd8+ 17. Ke7 Rd5 {!= the result is a draw.}) 9... Kg7 10. Rd6 Re5+ {!} 11. Kd7 Kf7 12. d4 Ra5 13. d5 Ra7+ 14. Kc8 Ra5 {= ~3($411364)~.}) 8... Kg5 {9. Rg3+ was threatened, driving the king further away. Therefore the king tries to avoid the dangerous opposition.} (8... Kg7 {? would have been weaker:} 9. Ke7 {!} Rd5 10. Rg3+ Kh6 11. Ke6 Rd8 12. Ke5 Re8+ 13. Kf6 {!} Kh5 14. d4 $18 {and wins.}) 9. Rf5+ {!} Kg6 (9... Kg4 {? %05The attempt to attack the pawn from the rear does not %05work:} 10. Rd5 Re8+ 11. Kd7 Ra8 12. d4 Kf4 13. Rh5 Kg4 14. Re5 $18 {, and Black is lost.}) 10. Rd5 Re8+ 11. Kd7 Re3 {!! Only the subtle move found by Cheron (1954) leads to a draw.} (11... Ra8 {? %05For the moment the attack from the side has no chance %05of success:} 12. d4 Kf6 13. Rc5 Ra7+ 14. Rc7 {!} (14. Kd6 {%05not} Ra8 {!} 15. d5 {? %00o^ Ra4 ( 14...Ra5 15.Kd6 Ra6+ 16.Rc6 ) 15.d5 (!} (15. Rc6 {?} Kf5 16. d5 {Ke5 d6 Kd5 = with a draw.})) ({ Ke5 d6 Kd5 Rb7 !$18 and wins. d4 Kf6 Rh5 Rd6+ Kf5} 14. Kc6 {Ke4 d5 Rc3+ Kd7 Rh3 = with a draw}) ({Re7+ ! Kd8} 14. Kd6 {, then %05If Re6+ Kd5 Re1} Rh7 { Rd1 Rd7 Ra1 !=}) {Ra7 ! Rh6+ d5 Ra8+ Kc7 Ra7+ Kb6 Ra1 =} 14... Kg5 {! Rc6} ({ Rb6} 14... Ra5 {=}) {Kf5} 15. d5 {Ke5 d6 Kd5} Rxc7+ {Ra1 = with a draw. In the end Black was nevertheless saved by switching to the attack from the side: Re3-e7-a7}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2r5/5k2/8/8/8/2P5/2K5/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] {Against a bishop's pawn Black would not have had sufficient space for such an attack, whereas White's attacking possibilities would be increased.} 1. Kb3 Rb8+ 2. Ka4 Rc8 3. Kb4 Rb8+ 4. Ka5 Rc8 5. Re3 Kf6 6. Kb5 Rb8+ 7. Kc6 Rc8+ 8. Kd6 Kf5 9. Re5+ Kf6 10. Rc5 Rd8+ 11. Kc7 Rd3 (11... Ra8 12. c4 Ra4 13. Kd6 Ra6+ 14. Rc6 Ra4 15. c5 Rd4+ 16. Kc7+ Ke7 17. Rd6 $18 {%04etc.}) 12. c4 Ke6 13. Rh5 Rd7+ 14. Kc8 Ra7 15. c5 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/5k2/8/8/1P6/1K6/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1. Kc3 {%05If the pawn is a knight's pawn, for a win the opponent's king must be cut off from it by not less than 3 files.} Rc8+ 2. Kd4 Rb8 3. Kc4 Rc8+ 4. Kd5 Rb8 (4... Rd8+ {%05White's task is simplified by} 5. Kc6 Rb8 6. Rb1 Rb4 7. Kc5 Rb8 8. b4 Ke7 9. Kc6 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Rb1 {This move, suggested by Kopayev, is stronger than Grigoriev's 5. Re3, which, it is true, also wins.} Ke7 6. Kc6 Rb4 (6... Kd8 {, the simplest is %05If} 7. b4 Rc8+ 8. Kb6 {!} (8. Kb7 {?} Rc7+ 9. Kb6 Kc8 {= with a draw}) 8... Rc4 9. b5 Kc8 10. Rh1 Rb4 11. Rh8+ Kd7 12. Rb8 $18 {!}) 7. Re1+ Kd8 (7... Kf6 {%05Black fails to draw by} 8. Re3 Rb8 9. Kc5 Rc8+ 10. Kd6 {!} Rb8 11. Rf3+ Kg5 12. Kc5 Kg4 13. Rd3 {!} Rc8+ 14. Kb6 Rb8+ 15. Kc7 Rb4 16. Kc6 Kf4 (16... Rb8 17. Rd4+ Kf5 18. b4 Ke5 19. Rh4 $18) 17. Kc5 Rb8 18. b4 Rc8+ 19. Kb5 Rb8+ 20. Kc4 Rc8+ 21. Kb3 Rb8 22. Rd5 $18) 8. Re3 Rh4 {!} (8... Rb8 {%05Weaker is} 9. Rh3 Ke7 10. Rh7+ Ke6 11. Rb7 Rc8+ 12. Kb6 $18 {, when White wins.}) 9. Rg3 {! Suggested by Kopayev.} (9. Re5 { ? %05 Grigoriev considered only} Rh6+ 10. Kb7 Rh7+ 11. Kb8 {, but then Black has} Kd7 {!} 12. Rc5 Rh4 13. Rb5 Kc6 14. Rb7 Kc5 {= with a draw.}) 9... Rh6+ 10. Kb7 Rh7+ 11. Kb8 Rh6 (11... Kd7 {%05After} 12. Rg6 {!} Rh4 13. Rb6 { the pawn advances}) (11... Rh4 {, then %05while if} 12. Rd3+ Ke7 13. Kc7 Rb4 14. Re3+ Kf6 15. Kd6 {, which was considered earlier.}) 12. Rd3+ Ke8 13. Kc7 Rh7+ 14. Kb6 Rh6+ 15. Ka5 Rh5+ 16. Ka4 Rh4+ 17. b4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Riga (Latvia)"] [Site "Riga (Latvia)"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tal Mikhail N (LAT)"] [Black "Zaitsev Igor A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pk/1R6/4r3/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] {The following practical examples show the typical possible in this ending, which requires accurate play.} 1. Rb1 {! %05Correct was} (1. Kd3 {? %05The game went} Re1 {! White resigns.} 2. Kd2 {%05Indeed, after} Re6 3. Rb1 g5 { White can no longer manage to set up a defensive line.} 4. Rg1 (4. Re1 { %05no better is} Rxe1 5. Kxe1 Kh5 6. Kf2 Kh4 $19) (4. Kd3 {%05or} g4 5. Rb5 g3 6. Kd2 g2 7. Rb1 Kh5 8. Rg1 Rg6 9. Ke2 Kh4 10. Kf2 Kh3 $19 {and wins}) 4... Kh5 5. Rh1+ Kg6 6. Rg1 Re5 {! Now the decisive factor is that White cannot play 7. Kd4 here.} 7. Kd3 Kf5 {!} 8. Rf1+ (8. Kd4 Re4+ 9. Kd3 g4 10. Rf1+ Rf4 11. Ke2 g3 {!}) 8... Kg4 9. Rg1+ (9. Kd4 Re2 10. Kd3 Rg2) 9... Kf3 {!} 10. Kd4 Ra5 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 1... g5 2. Kd3 Re5 3. Kd4 Re8 4. Rg1 {= with a theoretical draw ~3($401385).~} * [Event "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Site "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Larsen Bent (DEN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/8/6K1/3k4/8/4R1P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] {The pawn is not very far advanced, and the black king is cut off from it by only 2 files (3+2=5). Everything suggests that Black should be able to draw, but how does he best do this?} 1... Kd4 {%05Thus 1... Rg8+ is in no way better than that which occurred in the game:} (1... Rg8+ {Black could altogether prevent the advance of the pawn %05Keres (1973) thought that by} 2. Kf7 (2. Kf6 {%05e.g.} Kd4 3. Ra3 Ke4 4. Rb3 Rg4 {, and White's initiative peters out.}) 2... Rg4 {is evidently stronger, but then, in the opinion of Keres, White has no way of strengthening his position.} 3. Kf6 {! , threatening Re5-g5. Black is bound to play %05But there is a possibility of strengthening it. White plays } Kd4 {! , when White has the intermediate move} (3... Rg8 {? %05For this reason it would seem that Black loses after} 4. Re5+ Kd4 5. Rg5 Rf8+ 6. Kg7 Rf3 7. g4 $18) 4. Kf5 {! , with the possible sequel} Rg8 5. Ra3 (5. Re4+ Kd5 6. Rg4 Rf8+ 7. Kg5 Rg8+ 8. Kf4 Rf8+ 9. Ke3 Ra8) 5... Rf8+ 6. Kg6 Ke4 {!} 7. g4 (7. Kg7 Rf1) 7... Rg8+ {transposes into the game continuation. %05, when}) 2. Ra3 Ke4 { !} (2... Rg8+ {? loses to %05here} 3. Kf7 Rg5 4. Kf6 Rg8 5. g4 $18) 3. g4 (3. Kg7 Rh3 {! is a loss of time}) 3... Rg8+ {! now the white king is pushed back} 4. Kh5 Rh8+ 5. Kg5 Rg8+ 6. Kh4 {~3($401395)~} * [Event "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Site "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Larsen Bent (DEN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/8/8/8/4k1PK/R7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] 1... Rh8+ {%05Here Black has two defensive plans. One is typical of this type of ending with a knight's pawn:} (1... Kf4 {! %05The second is non-standard plan:} 2. Ra4+ Kf3 {And if the king advances -} 3. Kh5 (3. g5 {is met by %05In attacking the pawn, Black exploits the fact that ?} Rh8# {%04mate}) 3... Rh8+ { %05this can be met by} 4. Kg6 Rg8+ 5. Kf5 Rf8+ 6. Ke6 Rg8 {=}) (1... Ke5 { ? , and after %05But none of this occurred in the game, where Black played} 2. Ra6 {! his position became hopeless. The finish was} Kf4 3. Rf6+ Ke5 4. g5 { Resigns.}) 2. Kg3 Ke5 {! (the threat was 3. Ra5, cutting off the king along the rank)} 3. Ra6 {, and here Black has even two satisfactory replies -} Rh7 { = maintaining the balance.} (3... Rh1 {%05and}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/8/8/1P6/7r/K4R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {It will now be useful to meet several examples which show yet another system of defence, based on cutting off the opponent's king from the pawn (incidentally, earlier we looked briefly into this system).} 1. b4 {%05White's king is cut off from his pawn by the opponent's rook, and thanks to this Black is able to draw.^013^010 %05White has two possibilities. He can immediately advance his pawn, or he can try to block the action of the black rook. We will consider them in turn:} (1. Kb1 Kg6 2. Kc1 Kg7 3. Rd1 Kf6 4. Rd2 Rh1+ 5. Kb2 Ke5 6. Rd3 Rh8 {!= with a draw ~3($411385)~.}) 1... Rh4 (1... Kg6 {%05But Black can also wait:} 2. Rb1 (2. b5 {, then %05If} Rh5 {!} 3. Rb1 Kf6 4. b6 (4. Ka2 Ke7 5. Ka3 Kd7 6. Kb4 Kc7 {= with a draw}) 4... Rh8 5. Ka2 Ke6 6. Ka3 Kd7 7. Ka4 Kc6 {= , and the pawn is lost.}) 2... Kf6 3. Rb2 Rh1+ 4. Ka2 Ke6 5. Kb3 Kd7 6. Rc2 Rh8 {= with a draw.}) 2. Rb1 Kf6 3. Ka2 (3. b5 Ra4+ 4. Kb2 Rb4+ 5. Ka2 Rxb1 6. Kxb1 Ke6 {= with a draw.}) 3... Ke6 4. Kb3 Kd7 5. Rc1 Rh8 {!= with a draw. It would appear that the position of the black king on the g-file does not play any particular part here. But this is not altogether so. In the next two examples, where the black king is beyond the demarcation line, White succeeds in winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5R2/8/8/1P4k1/r7/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. b4 Kg4 (1... Ra4 2. b5 Rb4 3. b6 Kg4 4. Kc2 Kg5 5. Rc6 Kf5 6. Kc3 Rb1 7. Kd4 $18 {and wins}) 2. b5 Kg5 3. b6 {By no means the only move to win.} (3. Ra6 Rh2 4. b6 Rh8 5. b7 Rb8 6. Rb6 $18) 3... Ra8 4. b7 Rb8 5. Rb6 Kf5 6. Kc2 Ke5 7. Kc3 Kd5 8. Kb4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5R2/8/1P4k1/7r/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. b4 Kg4 2. Rf8 {!} Kg5 3. b5 Rh7 {!} 4. Rb8 {!} Kf6 5. b6 Ke6 6. b7 Re7 7. Kc2 $18 {, and taking his king up to the pawn, White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/8/8/4K3/3P4/2k5/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {The possibilities for the two sides, if both rooks are fairly active, are shown in the next two examples, where the black king is to the rear of the pawn.} 1. d4 {Black has two possibilities: he can either begin an immediate attack with his rook, or try to chase after the pawn with his king. %05After} Rh4+ (1... Kc3 2. d5 Kc4 3. Rc8+ {! This check pushes away the king.} (3. d6 { %05Also possible is the immediate} Rh4+ 4. Kf5 Rh5+ 5. Ke6 Rh6+ 6. Kd7 Kc5 { ! , and now} 7. Ra6 {!} (7. Ra5+ {? %05but not} Kb6 8. Re5 Rh7+ 9. Re7 Rh8 {=}) 7... Rh7+ 8. Kc8 Rh8+ 9. Kc7 Rh6 10. Ra1 Rh7+ 11. d7 $18 {%04etc.}) 3... Kb5 4. d6 Rh7 (4... Rd1 {, then %05if} 5. Ke5 Kb6 6. Ke6 Re1+ 7. Kf7 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Kd5 Rh5+ {(6. Rb8+ was threatened)} 6. Ke6 Rh6+ 7. Ke7 Rh7+ 8. Kd8 Kb6 9. d7 Kb7 10. Rc7+ {! It is important to drive the black king onto the rank on which the pawn promotes. The rest is familiar:} Kb8 11. Rc1 Rh8+ 12. Ke7 Rh7+ 13. Ke6 (13. Kd6 {%05However, the simpler} Rh6+ 14. Kd5 Rh8 15. Kc6 Rh6+ 16. Kb5 Rh8 17. Kb6 $18 {is also possible.}) 13... Rh6+ 14. Ke5 Rh8 15. Kf6 {!} Kb7 16. Rh1 Rg8 17. Kf7 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Ke5 {!} (2. Kd5 {? is premature: %05This accuracy is necessary.} Kc3 {!} 3. Ra4 Kb3 4. Ra1 Kb4 5. Rb1+ Kc3 6. Kc5 (6. Rd1 {, but this can be met not only by %05Of course, instead of 6. Kc5 White can play} Kb4 (6... Kc2 {%05but even})) 6... Rxd4 {! =}) 2... Rh5+ 3. Kd6 Kc3 ( 3... Rh6+ 4. Kc5 {and 5. d5$18}) 4. d5 Kc4 5. Ra5 {!} Kb4 6. Ra1 Kb5 (6... Kc4 {%05if} 7. Kc6) (6... Rh6+ {there follows %05while on} 7. Kc7 Kc5 8. d6 $18) 7. Rb1+ Kc4 8. Kc6 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/8/8/8/7R/3P1k2/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {Here White's king is not as well placed as in the previous example, and so he can no longer win:} 1. d4 (1. Rh5 Ra3 {!} 2. Rf5+ Kg4 3. Rf8 Ra7 {! (Black switches to attack from the front)} 4. d4 (4. Kc3 {, then %05if} Rc7+ 5. Kb4 Rd7 6. Kc4 Rc7+ 7. Kb5 Rd7 {, driving the king back}) 4... Ra3 {!} 5. Kc2 Kg5 6. d5 Ra5 7. d6 Rd5 8. Rd8 Kf6 {=}) (1. Kc3 Ra3+ {!} (1... Rc8+ {%05Black loses after} 2. Rc4 {!} Rd8 3. Rc5 {! , then White advances his pawn, simultaneously cutting off the opponent's king}) 2. Kc2 Ke3 3. Rg4 (3. Re4+ Kf3 4. Rc4 Ke3 {is equally unpromising}) 3... Ra2+ 4. Kb3 Rd2 5. Kc4 Rc2+ {=}) (1. Re4 Ra2+ (1... Ra3 2. Kc2 Kg3 {! is also possible}) 2. Kc3 Ra3+ 3. Kc2 (3. Kc4 Ra4+ 4. Kd5 Ra5+ 5. Kd4 Ra4+ 6. Ke5 Ra5+ 7. Ke6 Ra3 {=}) 3... Kg3 {! here this accuracy is necessary} (3... Ra2+ {%05bad is} 4. Kb3 Ra8 5. Re5 {!$18 , when White wins}) 4. d4 Kf3 5. Re1 (5. Rh4 Kg3 6. Kb2 Rd3 7. Re4 Kf3 {= with a draw} ) 5... Kf4 6. d5 Ra5 7. d6 Ra8 {= Draw.}) 1... Kg3 2. Re4 (2. Rh5 Ra3) 2... Kf3 3. Re6 (3. Re3+ {there follows %05on} Kf4) (3. Re7 {%05while if} Ra3) 3... Ra3 4. d5 Kf4 5. d6 Ra8 6. Kc3 Kf5 7. Rh6 Ke5 8. Kc4 Rc8+ {! (all other moves lose) } 9. Kb5 Kd5 {!= , and the pawn is lost.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fila Milos (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/6k1/8/8/8/1P6/1K3R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {~15.7 PAWN ON THE 2nd RANK~ Positions with the pawn on its initial square the most difficult. As a rule, the stronger side wins if the distance between his pawn and the enemy king is not less than 4 files.} 1. Rf3 {%05We will first consider this position with White to move:} Kg5 (1... Rh8 {%05Black could also have defended differently:} 2. Kc2 {!} (2. b3 {is a decisive mistake due to %05The natural} Rh2 {! , when White ca no longer win. Such positions were^013^010 examined in detail a little earlier ~3($411396)~}) 2... Rc8+ 3. Kd3 Rb8 4. Kc3 Rc8+ 5. Kd4 Rd8+ 6. Kc5 Rc8+ 7. Kd6 Rb8 8. b3 {!} Kg5 9. Kc5 {!} Kg4 10. Rd3 Rc8+ (10... Kf4 {%05Or} 11. b4 Rc8+ (11... Ke4 12. Rb3 {!}) 12. Kd5 Rd8+ 13. Kc4 Rc8+ 14. Kb3 Rb8 15. Rd6 {!} Ke5 16. Ra6 Kd5 17. Ka4 $18 {%04etc.} ) 11. Kb6 Rb8+ 12. Kc7 Rb4 13. Kc6 Rb8 (13... Kf4 {, then %05If} 14. Kc5 Rb8 15. b4 Rc8+ 16. Kd5 Rb8 17. Kc4 Rc8+ 18. Kb3 Rb8 19. Rd6 {!$18 , and the rest has already been considered earlier.}) 14. Rd4+ Kf5 15. b4 Ke5 16. Rh4 $18 { , and White wins.}) 2. Ka2 {!} (2. b3 {? %05Not} Kg4 3. Rd3 Kf4 4. Kc2 Ke5 { = with a draw.}) 2... Ra8+ (2... Kg4 {, then %05If} 3. Rb3 {!} Rh8 4. Rb5 Ra8+ 5. Kb3 Kf4 6. Kb4 Ke4 7. b3 Kd4 8. Ra5 Rb8+ 9. Ka4 Kc3 10. Rc5+ Kd4 11. b4 Ra8+ 12. Ra5 Rb8 13. Ra6 Kc4 14. Rc6+ Kd5 15. b5 $18 {and wins.}) 3. Ra3 Rb8 4. Ra6 {! The strongest continuation. It is very important that the black king should be cut of from the 7th rank.} (4. Ra5+ {? %05Only a draw results from} Kf6 5. Ka3 Ke6 6. b4 Kd7 7. Rc5 Rc8 {=}) 4... Kf5 5. Ka3 Ke5 6. b4 Kd5 7. Ka4 Kc4 8. Rc6+ Kd5 9. b5 $18 {and wins. Many theorists thought that Black to move could draw by 1... Kg5, so as to attack the white rook if it should go to f3, e.g. 2. Rf3 Kg4 3. Rf6 Kg5 4. Ra6 Kf5 5. Ka2 Ke5 6. Ka3 Kd5 7. b4 Kc4 8. Rc6 Kb5 with a draw. Before analysing the play with Black to move, we will establish the possibilities available to the two sides. To do this we will examine the following ending.} * [Event "Kharkov (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kharkov (Ukraine)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ratner Boris"] [Black "Gayevsky"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/8/6k1/8/8/1P3R2/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {The clever plan, carried out with exceptional accuracy by White, is typical of such positions.} 1. Kc2 Rc8+ 2. Kd3 Rd8+ 3. Kc4 Rc8+ 4. Kd5 Rd8+ 5. Kc5 { White's first problem is to transfer his king to a7. The c7 square is no good, since the c-file needs to be free for rook manoeuvres.} Rc8+ 6. Kb6 Rb8+ 7. Ka7 {!} Rb3 8. Ka6 {!} Rb8 {! 9. Ka5 was threatened. Now White embarks on the second stage of his plan - to drive the black rook off the b-file.} 9. Rc2 {!} Kf5 (9... Kf4 {%05There is nothing better. Totally bad is} 10. Rc4+ Ke5 11. b4) (9... Kf6 {%05or} 10. Rc6+ Ke7 11. Rb6 Ra8+ 12. Kb7 Ra2 13. b4 Rb2 14. b5 Kd7 15. Ka7 Ra2+ 16. Ra6 Rb2 17. b6 Kc6 18. Ra1 $18 {and wins.}) 10. Rc5+ Ke6 11. Rb5 {!} Rg8 (11... Ra8+ {%05or} 12. Kb7 Ra2 13. b4 Rb2 14. Kc6 $18) 12. b4 Kd7 13. Rc5 Kd6 14. Rc1 Rg2 15. b5 $18 {, and White wins. Kopayev correctly pointed out that White's plan involving the switching of his rook via the c-file to the b-file, is feasible only if the black king has not crossed the demarcation line. Had it been at g4, 9. Rc2 (in analogy with the continuation just examined) would have been met by 9... Kf3! 10. Rc3+ Ke4 11. b3 Kd4, when Black saves the draw. Even so as will be shown later, even with the king at g4 White is able to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/6k1/8/8/8/1P6/1K3R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Kg5 {%05Let us return to the analysis of position ~3($411401)~ %05with Black to move. After} 2. Rf2 {! the only way to prevent the plan carried out in the Ratner-Gayevsky game is by} (2. Rf3 {?} Kg4 3. Rf6 Kg5 4. Ra6 Kf5 5. Ka2 Ke5 6. Ka3 Kd5 7. b4 Kc4 8. Rc6+ Kb5 {= ~3($411401)~}) 2... Kg4 {! ~3($411404)~ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/8/8/6k1/8/1P3R2/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] 1. Kc1 {!! (Kopayev), when Black is in unusual form of zugzwang, for example: %05The only way to win is by} Rh8 (1... Ra8 2. b3 Kg3 3. Rf6 Ra2 4. b4 $18 { , and White wins ~3($401397)~.}) (1... Rc8+ 2. Rc2 Rh8 (2... Rb8 {, then %05if} 3. Rc5 Kf4 4. Kc2 Ke4 5. Kc3 $18 {, and the rest is simple}) 3. Rc5 {!} Rh2 4. Kb1 Kf4 5. Ka2 Ke4 6. Ka3 Kd4 7. b4 $18 {%04etc.}) (1... Kg5 2. Kc2 $18 { , and White wins by advancing his king to a7, and then switching his rook via the c-file to the b-file.}) 2. b3 Kg3 3. Rf6 Rh2 4. b4 Kg4 5. b5 Kg5 6. Rf8 {!} Rh7 7. Rb8 Kf6 8. b6 Ke6 9. b7 {!} Re7 10. Kc2 $18 {, and the king goes up to the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K1R5/8/8/8/3r4/1P6/4k3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {In conclusion we will consider an example where the opponent's king is beyond the demarcation line and is forced to attack the pawn from behind. We have already encountered similar situations in our analysis of positions with pawns on the 3rd rank.} 1... Kd2 {Threatening 2... Rb3, so that White has two possible replies: %05White's pawn is too cut off from the rest of his forces, a factor which Black can exploit:} 2. b4 (2. Rb7 Rd6 {! %05 Black is saved by only one reply, which clearly conveys the idea of the defence: attacking the pawn with the rook from the side.} (2... Kc2 {? %05How should Black continue now? If} 3. b4 Kb3 {%04but} 4. Ka6 {!} (4. b5 {? %05White does not reply} Kb4 { !} 5. b6 Ra3+ {!= with a draw}) 4... Rd6+ 5. Ka5 $18 {, winning.}) 3. Rb6 (3. b4 {, then %05White tries a little trickery. If} Kc3 4. b5 Kb4 5. b6 Ka5 {!} 6. Rb8 Rh6 {, and he is unable to improve his position.}) 3... Rd8 {!} 4. Ka6 (4. b4 Kc3 5. b5 Kb4 6. Rb7 Ka5 {!}) 4... Ra8+ 5. Kb5 Kc2 6. b4 Kb3 7. Rb7 Rh8 { = with a draw.}) 2... Rb3 {! (it is important to force the rook to occupy an unfavourable position, and to clear the way for the king)} 3. Rb7 Kc3 4. b5 Kb4 {!} 5. b6 (5. Ka6 {Black replies %05On} Ra3+ {!} 6. Kb6 Rh3 {, when the attack from the side leads immediately to a draw.}) 5... Ra3+ 6. Kb8 Ra6 {! This switching of the rook onto the 6th rank is the idea of the defence.} (6... Kb5 {? %05Black loses after} 7. Ra7 {!} Rh3 8. b7 {!} Rh8+ 9. Kc7 Rh7+ 10. Kd6 $18) (6... Kc5 {? %05or} 7. Ra7 {!} Rh3 8. Ra6 {!$18 %04etc.}) 7. Kc8 Kb5 {! Again an important finesse.} (7... Ra8+ {? %05Black loses after} 8. Rb8 {!} Ra5 9. Kb7) (7... Kc5 {? %05or} 8. Kc7 {, when he is in zugzwang, e.g.} Ra1 (8... Kb5 {%05or} 9. Rb8 Kc5 10. Rh8 $18 {!}) 9. Ra7 Rh1 10. Ra5+ $18) 8. Kc7 Kc5 9. Rb8 Kb5 10. b7 Rc6+ 11. Kd7 Rb6 {!= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/7R/PK6/8/8/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {If the weaker side's king is to one side, and is not itself stopping the pawn, in this case too there many drawing possibilities.} {~16. ROOK AND ROOK'S PAWN AGAINST ROOK~ In rook endings a passed rook's pawn is normally considered weaker than other pawns. Firstly, it can cover the king against checks only from the rear, and provides no defence at all against attacks from the side. Secondly, the side of the board seriously restricts the mobility of the king, if it is trying to support the advance of the pawn. Therefore against a rook's pawn the drawing chances are normally improved. If, for example, the weaker side's king is in front of the pawn, it can be confidently stated that the game ends in a draw.} 1. Ka6 {there follows %05The defence is simple. On} Rb1 { = , defending against the mate, and White has no way of strengthening his position.} (1... Kb8 {%05Black can also play} 2. Rh8+ Kc7 {=}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K6R/P1k5/8/8/8/8/8/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {We will now try to establish by how many files the weaker side's king can be cut off from the pawn, without risk of losing.} 1. Rh2 {, and Black prevents the opponent's rook from driving his king off the c-file. %05With any other pawn White would win easily, by bringing his king out from in front of the pawn and building a bridge. But here the king cannot break free.^013^010 For example,} Rc1 (1... Rb3 {%05However, he could perfectly well ignore this threat and play, say,} 2. Rc2+ Kd7 {Even here the white king is unable to escape from imprisonment, although the opponent's king is 2 files away from the pawn.} (2... Kd6 {, allowing the opponent's rook onto the 8th rank. True, in this case Black has to defend accurately. On %05Interestingly enough, the defensive possibilities here are so great, that in certain cases Black can even let the enemy king out of the corner. Thus, for example, instead of 2... Kd7 it is also possible to play} 3. Rc8 {it is absolutely essential to move the rook away somewhere along the 3rd rank, e.g.} Ra3 {The king can now move out of its shelter, but this does not bring White any particular benefit, since it immediately comes under fire:} (3... Kd7 {? , the situation would have changed, and White would have won by freeing his king: %05Note that moving the rook off the b-file was the only way %05of maintaining the balance. Had Black delayed for an %05instant, e.g. by playing} 4. Rb8 {!} Ra3 5. Kb7 Rb3+ 6. Ka6 Ra3+ 7. Kb6 Rb3+ 8. Kc5 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. Kb7 (4. Rb8 {to prepare the emergence of the king, after %05If instead White tries by} Kc7 {he loses this possibility.}) 4... Rb3+ 5. Ka6 Ra3+ 6. Kb6 Rb3+ 7. Ka5 Ra3+ {= , and the king has to go back.})) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/P3k3/8/8/8/8/3R4/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {Even here, against correct defence, White cannot free his king. While he is transferring his rook to b8, to drive the opponent's rook off the b-file, the black king will have time to reach c7, replacing the rook as guard over the enemy king's cage.} 1. Rh2 {%05For example:} Kd7 2. Rh8 Kc7 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Karstedt"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/P4k2/8/8/8/8/4R3/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] {A win is possible only if the black king is cut off from the pawn by 4 files. } 1. Rc2 {%05Here the king is too late in reaching the "dungeon gates":} Ke7 2. Rc8 Kd7 (2... Kd6 {! instead of 2... Kd7. In this case after %05True, Black could have defended more tenaciously, by playing} 3. Rb8 Ra1 4. Kb7 Rb1+ 5. Kc8 {! %05The correct continuation is} (5. Ka6 {%05moving the king to the left does not achieve anything:} Ra1+ 6. Kb6 Rb1+ 7. Ka5 Ra1+) 5... Rc1+ 6. Kd8 Rh1 {!} 7. Rb6+ {!} Kc5 8. Rc6+ {!} (8. Ra6 {? %05It is not too late to go wrong: only a draw results from} Rh8+ 9. Ke7 Rh7+ 10. Kf8 Rh8+ 11. Kg7 Ra8 {=}) (8. Re6 {? %05or} Ra1 9. Re7 Kb6 {=}) 8... Kb5 (8... Kd5 {is met by %05But now} 9. Ra6 Rh8+ 10. Kc7 Ra8 11. Kb7 $18) 9. Rc8 {!} Rh8+ 10. Kc7 Rh7+ 11. Kb8 $18 { and wins.}) 3. Rb8 Ra1 4. Kb7 Rb1+ 5. Ka6 Ra1+ 6. Kb6 Rb1+ 7. Kc5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1782.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ponziani"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/P5R1/2k5/8/8/8/2r5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1782.??.??"] {If the king is not shut in the corner and is supporting the pawn, the defence is usually hopeless.} 1... Rb2+ 2. Kc8 {!} Ra2 3. Rc7+ {! The simplest,} (3. Rg6+ {%05although} Kc5 4. Kb7 Rb2+ 5. Kc7 Ra2 6. Rg5+ Kc4 7. Kb7 Rb2+ 8. Ka6 Ra2+ 9. Ra5 $18 {is also possible.}) 3... Kd6 4. Kb8 Rb2+ 5. Rb7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P6R/3k4/8/1K6/8/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {We will now consider several positions where the kings are at a significant distance from the pawn. In this case the result naturally depends on which king is the first to approach.} 1. Kb5 {%05If White begins, he succeeds in supporting the pawn with his king:} Rb1+ 2. Ka6 Ra1+ 3. Kb7 Rb1+ $18 {~3 ($411410)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P6R/3k4/8/1K6/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Kc6 {= the pawn is lost. %05But if it is Black to move, after} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/PR6/3k4/8/1K6/8/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {It is worth nothing that, if White's rook had been at b7, he would have been unable to win.} 1. Kb5 {%05After} Rb1+ {it transpires that the king cannot get through to c8: its own rook is in the way. And on} 2. Kc4 Ra1 3. Kb3 {Black replies} Kc6 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/PR6/8/8/5k2/8/4K3/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {The idea examined in examples ~3( 1411)-( 1413)~ are synthesized in the following position.} 1. Re7 {! - White cuts off the opponent's king from the pawn, and simultaneously vacates b7. Black has two possibilities: %05White must first prepare a shelter for his king, and in doing so not lose valuable time. The aim is served by} (1. Kd3 {? %05It turns out that the king race -} Ke5 2. Kc4 Kd6 3. Kb5 {- does not achieve anything: Black continues} Rb1+ { , when the king cannot hide from the checks, while} 4. Ka4 Ra1+ 5. Kb3 Kc6 { = leads to a draw.}) 1... Kf5 (1... Ra3 {(Black in turn tries to sever the opposing king's path, but with less success)} 2. Kd2 Kf5 3. Kc2 Kf6 4. Kb2 Ra6 {(otherwise the king attacks the rook with gain of tempo)} 5. Rh7 {!} Ke5 6. Kb3 Kd5 7. Kb4 {A position of mutual zugzwang has arisen. Because of 8. Rh6+ Black cannot reply 7... Kc6. He has to play} Ra1 {, but then comes} 8. Kb5 $18 {, winning.}) 2. Kd3 Kf6 3. Rh7 {! (again the only move; all other rook moves later give Black an extra tempo for the approach of his king)} Ke6 4. Kc4 Kd6 5. Kb5 Rb1+ 6. Ka6 Ra1+ 7. Kb7 Rb1+ 8. Kc8 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1899.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Seyboth"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/P3K3/8/8/1k6/8/8/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1899.??.??"] {The following ancient position is a critical one.} 1. Kd6 {%05If it is White to move, he succeeds in supporting his pawn:} Kb5 2. Kc7 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1899.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Seyboth"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/P3K3/8/8/1k6/8/8/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1899.??.??"] 1... Kc5 {! is correct, depriving the opponent's king of d6, e.g.} (1... Kb5 { ? is a blunder: %05If it is Black to move,} 2. Kd6 Kb6 3. Rb1+ Kxa7 (3... Ka6 4. Kc7 {!} Rxa7+ 5. Kc6 $18) 4. Kc7 $18 {, and he must resign.}) 2. Kd7 Kb6 3. Rb1+ Kc5 {!} 4. Rb7 Rh8 {!} (4... Kd5 {%05but not} 5. Rb5+ Kc4 6. Ra5 Kb4 7. Ra1 Kb5 8. Kc7) 5. Kc7 Ra8 (5... Rh7+ {%05This is simpler than} 6. Kc8 Rh8+ 7. Kd7 Rh7+ {!} (7... Ra8 {? %05Black loses after} 8. Kc7 Rh8 9. Rb1 Rh7+ 10. Kb8 Rh8+ 11. Kb7 Rh7+ 12. Ka6 Rh6+ 13. Ka5 Rh2 14. Rb4 Rh8 15. Rb8 Rh2 16. Rc8+ $18 ) 8. Ke6 Rh6+ 9. Ke7 Rh7+ 10. Kf6 Rh6+ 11. Kg7 Ra6 12. Kf7 Kc6 13. Re7 Kb6 {=}) 6. Kd7 Rh8 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/P7/8/8/8/8/4k2K/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Other positions, in which the kings are a long way from the pawn, reduce to position ~3( 1415)~.} 1. Ra3 {! %05In the first instance White must cut off the opponent's king:} (1. Kg3 {? %05The black king is much closer to the pawn than its %05opponent, and therefore the direct march by the king %05does not achieve anything:} Kd3 2. Kf4 Kc4 3. Ke5 Kc5 {!} 4. Ke6 Kb6 5. Kd6 Rxa7 6. Rb1+ Ka5 {!} 7. Kc6 Rh7 {= , with a draw.}) 1... Kd2 2. Kg3 Kc2 3. Kf4 Kb2 4. Ra6 { ! the only move} (4. Ra5 {? , then %05if} Kb3 5. Ke5 Kb4 6. Ra1 Kc5 {!= with a draw}) 4... Kc3 5. Ke5 Kb4 6. Kd6 Kb5 7. Ra1 Kb6 8. Rb1+ Ka6 9. Kc7 Rxa7+ 10. Kc6 $18 {and wins. The rook can defend the pawn from the rear, from the side, or from the queening square. This last position is the least favourable; in this case a draw is possible even when the weaker side's king is a considerable distance from the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P7/5k2/2K5/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] 1... Kg7 {! To win, White has to relieve his rook from the defence of the pawn, but it is not possible to do this: his king has no shelter. Thus on %05 White is threatening to free his rook with check, so Black must move his king onto the 7th rank. But where? The only way to draw is by} (1... Ke7 {? %05The attempt to approach the pawn is fatal:} 2. Rh8 Rxa7 3. Rh7+ $18 {and wins.}) ( 1... Kf7 {? %05or} 2. Rh8 $18) 2. Kb6 {there follows} Rb1+ {= , and Black begins harassing the king until it moves away from the pawn. Then the rook again takes up position on the a-file, while the black king does not interfere, by manoeuvring between h7 and g7. In such positions there is also another system of defence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5K1/8/5k2/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] 1... Kg5 {! To win White has to move his rook away with check, but Black deprives his king in the "shadow' of White's.} (1... Kg4 {? , this would have lost: %05But had Black played} 2. Kf6 Kf4 3. Ke6 Ke4 4. Kd6 Kd4 5. Kc6 Kc4 6. Rc8 {! (now this ambush is decisive)} Rxa7 7. Kb6+ $18 {, winning the rook.}) 2. Kf7 Kf5 3. Ke7 Ke5 4. Kd7 Kd5 5. Kc7 Kc5 6. Kb7 (6. Rc8 {%05the pawn sacrifice is also unsuccessful:} Rxa7+ 7. Kb8+ Kb6 {=}) 6... Rb1+ {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P2K4/7k/8/8/8/8/6r1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {In the next example Black saves the draw by hiding his king in the "shadow" of his own rook.} 1... Rg7+ 2. Kc6 Kg5 {! (leaving g6 free, so that the rook can harass the opponent's king)} 3. Kb6 Rg6+ 4. Kb5 Rg7 5. Ka5 Kg4 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P4r2/4k3/8/4K3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] 1... Kf6 {! %05 There two ways to end up in the "shadow" by playing 1... Re7 or 1... Kf6. Which should Black choose? It turns out that the only way to draw is by} (1... Re7 {? %05whereas after} 2. Kd4 Rd7+ 3. Kc5 Re7 4. Kb6 $18 { White wins.}) 2. Kd5 Kf5 {!} 3. Kc6 Kf4 4. Kb6 Rf6+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Romanovsky Peter A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P6r/8/1K6/8/8/7k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Kb6 {%05First a tempo must be gained:} (1. Kc5 {? %05White succeeds in weaving a mating net, exploiting the %05fact that the opponent's king is on the edge of the %05board. But the immediate approach towards the black %05king does not achieve anything:} Kh3 2. Kd5 Kh4 3. Ke5 Kh5 4. Kf5 Rf7+ 5. Ke6 Rh7 6. Kf6 Kh6 {= with a draw.}) 1... Rh6+ 2. Kc5 Rh7 3. Kd5 Kh3 4. Ke5 Kh4 5. Kf5 Kh5 6. Rf8 {!} Rxa7 7. Rh8+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gunst"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P6r/8/8/8/8/8/1K5k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {The following position reduces to the same finish.} 1. Kc2 Kh2 {(the white king aims for g6, and Black tries to prevent this)} 2. Kd3 Kh3 3. Ke4 Kh4 4. Kf5 Kh5 {Black has achieved his aim, but opposition of the kings creates another threat.} 5. Rf8 {!} Rxa7 6. Rh8+ $18 {, and mate next move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/K7/P2k4/8/8/8/8/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {If the pawn is on the 6th rank, in the event of an attack by the rook from the rear the stronger side's king can hide in front of it. Then the crucial factor is whether or not it can escape from its shelter.} 1. Rb8 {%05 In the similar position, but with the pawn at a7 and king at a8, White won by 1. Rb8, since his king was able to escape via c5. But here this does not work:} Rc1 2. Kb7 Rb1+ 3. Ka8 Ra1 4. a7 Kc7 {= %04etc. It is evident that, with his king at e7, Black would have been short of one tempo to reach c7, and he would have lost.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/K7/P2k4/8/8/8/8/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1. Rb8 {%05But with his king at d6 Black can draw.} Ra1 2. Kb7 Rb1+ 3. Kc8 Rc1+ {!} (3... Ra1 {%05Black loses after} 4. Rb6+ Kc5 5. Kb7 Rh1 6. Rc6+ Kb5 7. a7) 4. Kd8 Rh1 {! The unfortunate placing of the white pieces allows the rook to take up an active position.} 5. Rb6+ Kc5 6. Re6 Rh8+ 7. Kd7 Rh7+ {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K1k4/7R/P7/8/8/8/8/2r5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {The following two examples are key positions, showing what the stronger side should aim for in such endings.} 1... Rb1+ {%05White's forces are deployed in the best way possible: his king is supporting the pawn, %05while his rook is defending the king and is able to help the pawn.} 2. Rb7 Rc1 3. Rb2 Rc8+ 4. Kb7 Rc7+ 5. Kb6 Kc8 6. Rh2 $18 (6. a7 $18 {%05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/7R/P2k4/8/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1... Rb1+ {%05Here the black pieces are differently placed, but this does not affect the result:} 2. Rb7 Rh1 3. Rc7 {! the only move to win} (3. Rb6+ Kc5) ( 3. Rb2 {%05or} Kc6 {is insufficient}) 3... Rb1+ 4. Kc8 {!} Rh1 5. a7 Rh8+ 6. Kb7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/K6R/P7/8/2r5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {We will require this position later: it can arise in the ending with bishop's pawn and rook's pawn. The black rook is badly placed, and this allows White to win.} 1. Kb6 Rb4+ (1... Kb8 2. Rh8+ Rc8 3. a7+ $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kc6 {!} (2. Ka5 {? %05Only a draw results from} Rb1 3. a7 Ra1+ 4. Kb6 Rb1+ 5. Kc6 Rc1+ 6. Kd6 Rd1+ 7. Ke5 Ra1 {=}) 2... Rc4+ (2... Kb8 3. Rb7+ {!}) 3. Kb5 {!} Rc1 4. Rh8+ Kc7 5. a7 $18 {and wins. Positions where the rook is defending the pawn from the queening square are of great practical importance. As with the pawn on the 7th rank, the result here depends on the placing of the kings, but the play is undoubtedly more complicated an diverse.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/P1K1k3/8/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Kd6 Where then should the black king be in position ~3( 1429)~, for the game to end in a draw? It turns out that there are quite a few such squares: a5, a4, b4 and d4. We will examine the position with the king at b4.} 1... Rc1+ (1... Kf7 {there follows %05What should Black do? a6-a7 is threatened, since his^013^010 %05king is at some distance from g7~3 ($411418)~, and on} 2. Kb7 Rb1+ 3. Ka7 Ke7 4. Rb8 $18 {, when Black is too late. He must begin an immediate attack.}) 2. Kb5 (2. Kb7 {%05or} Kd7 3. a7 {!} (3. Rb8 {?} Rb1+ 4. Ka8 Ra1 {= with a draw}) 3... Rb1+ $18 {%00o^ Rc1+ 7.Kb4 Rb1+ 8.Kc3 Rc1+ 9.Kb2 Rc7 10.Rf8 $18 ) Rb1+ 3.Kc4 Rc1+ 4.Kb3 (!} ({Kd3 , this would have lengthened somewhat the winning path. True, %05Had White played} 3... Rd1 {can be met not only by Grigoriev's Kc2}) ({Kf6 %05or Rb8 Ra7 Rb6+ Kg5 Kd5 (Levenfish and Smyslov). Rd7 Kb3 Kd6 a7 Rc7 a7 Re7 Black tries to hide his king in the "shadow" of his rook, but this fails, since the white king is close to the pawn. Kb4 Ke5 Kc5 ! , and Black is in zugzwang: Ke4 is met by} 3... Ke6 { %04by %05and} 4. Kb6 $18)) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/P1K5/8/1k6/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] 1... Ka5 {! the only way!} (1... Rh1 {? %05after} 2. a7 $18) (1... Rc1+ { ? %05or} 2. Kb6 Rh1 3. Rc8 $18 {Black loses}) 2. Rd8 {!} Rc1+ 3. Kb7 Rb1+ 4. Ka7 Rb5 {! Again the only move. In the first instance Black must defend against checks from the side.} (4... Rh1 {? immediately, then %05If, for example,} 5. Rd5+ Kb4 6. Kb7 Rh7+ 7. Kc6 Rg7 8. Rd7 Rg6+ 9. Kb7 $18 {and wins.} ) 5. Rd1 (5. Rd6 {%05or} Rh5 6. Kb7 Rh7+ {= with a draw.}) 5... Rh5 6. Ra1+ Kb5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/P1K5/8/3k4/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {The position with the black king at d4 is of great theoretical importance, showing a whole arsenal of means at Black's disposal.} 1... Rc1+ {White has many possibilities, but by accurate defence they can all be parried by Black; %05The threat is 1. a7 Kc4 2. Rc8! Ra7 3. Kb6+, so Black must begin his attack immediately:} 2. Kb7 (2. Kb5 Rb1+ 3. Ka4 Ra1+ 4. Kb4 (4. Kb3 Kc5 5. a7 Kb6) 4... Kd5 5. a7 Kc6 {=}) (2. Kd6 Ra1 {!} 3. Ra7 (3. a7 Ra6+ {!} 4. Kc7 Kc5 5. Kb7 (5. Rc8 {%05or} Rxa7+ 6. Kb8+ Kb6) 5... Rb6+) 3... Ra2 {!} 4. Kc6 (4. Kc7 Rh2 {!}) 4... Rc2+ 5. Kb6 Rb2+ 6. Kc7 Kc5 {!} (6... Rc2+ {?} 7. Kb8 $18 { %04etc.}) 7. Rb7 Rh2 8. a7 Rh7+ 9. Kc8 Rh8+ 10. Kd7 Rh7+ {!} (10... Ra8 {?} 11. Kc7 Rh8 12. Rb3 $18 {and wins}) 11. Ke6 Rh6+ 12. Kf7 Ra6 {! =}) (2. Kd7 {!} Ra1 3. Kd6 {!} Ra2 {!} (3... Ra3 {?} 4. Kc6 Rc3+ 5. Kb5 Rb3+ 6. Ka4 Rb6 7. a7 Rd6 8. Kb5 Rd7 9. Kc6 $18) 4. Kc6 Rc2+ 5. Kb5 Rb2+ 6. Ka4 Kc4 {!} (6... Ra2+ { ? %05other moves lose:} 7. Kb3 Ra1 8. a7 $18) (6... Kc5 {? %05or} 7. a7 $18) 7. Rc8+ (7. Ka3 Rb6 8. a7 Rc6 {!} 9. Kb2 Rc7 {!} 10. Ka3 Kc5 11. Ka4 Kb6) 7... Kd5 8. Rc3 Ra2+ 9. Kb5 Kd6 {! Another precise move.} (9... Rb2+ {? %05After} 10. Ka5 {!} Kd6 (10... Ra2+ {%05or} 11. Kb6 Rb2+ 12. Kc7 Ra2 13. Rc6 Rh2 14. Kb7 Rb2+ 15. Rb6 Rh2 16. a7 $18 {White wins.}) 11. a7 Ra2+ 12. Kb6 Rb2+ 13. Ka6 Ra2+ 14. Kb7 Rb2+ 15. Kc8 Ra2 16. Rc7 $18) 10. Kb6 Rb2+ 11. Ka7 Kd7 {= with a draw.}) 2... Rb1+ 3. Ka7 Kc5 {!} 4. Rb8 (4. Rc8+ {%05or} Kd6 5. Rb8 Rc1 6. Kb7 Rb1+ 7. Kc8 Rc1+ {!} (7... Ra1 {?} 8. Rb6+ Kc5 9. Kb7 Rh1 10. a7) 8. Kd8 Rh1 9. Rb6+ Kc5 10. Re6 Rh8+ {=}) 4... Rh1 5. Kb7 Rh7+ 6. Ka8 Kc6 7. a7 Rh1 8. Rc8+ Kd7 9. Rc4 Rb1 {= In this example the black rook operated dynamically, attacking the opponent first from the rear, and then from the side, while at necessary moments the king supported the rook and in no way interfered with it. Such a system of defence against a pawn on the 6th rank is by no means the only one. There is another very important system, in which the entire burden falls on the rook, and the king stays passive, avoiding interfering with the rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vancura"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6k1/P7/1K6/8/8/8/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1... Rf5+ {!} (1... Rb1+ {%05White is threatening to bring his rook into play, so energetic action is required of Black. But if he plays} 2. Kc6 Rc1+ 3. Kb7 Rb1+ 4. Ka7 Kf7 {, after} 5. Rb8 {it is all over.}) 2. Kb4 Rf6 {! (Black should not be carried away into giving unnecessary checks)} 3. Kc5 Re6 4. Kd5 Rb6 5. a7 Ra6 {!= with a draw. Such a transfer of the rook onto the 6th rank, where it is uncommonly active, is in many cases the only possibility of saving the game.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Romanovsky Peter A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6k1/P7/8/8/8/6K1/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(e3:h3)clRed Drawing T2(d2:f2)clRed zone #B(8/8/4D13/5D1D1D1/5D1D1D1/ 4D1D1D1D1/3D1D1D1D1D1/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 1... Ra5 {! %05This position with the white king at g2 was regarded by Tarrasch (1909) and Berger (1922) as lost for Black. But Rauzer and Rabinovich found that by} 2. Kf3 Rf5+ 3. Ke4 Rf6 {!= Black can switch to the system of defence along the 6th rank. Later Romanovsky made a fundamental study of this position. He established that, if the white king is inside the indicated zone, Black to move can draw by transferring his rook to the 6th rank. To check this, we will examine several positions for the white king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6k1/P7/5K2/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1... Ra5+ {! %05We will begin with the king at f5:} (1... Rf1+ {? %05other moves lose:} 2. Ke5 Rf6 3. Rg8+ $18) (1... Rb1 {%05or} 2. Ra7+ Kh6 3. Rb7 { and 4. a7$18}) 2. Ke6 (2. Ke4 Rb5 3. Ra7+ Kg6 4. Rb7 Ra5 5. a7 Kf6 6. Kd4 Ke6 7. Kc4 Kd6 8. Kb4 Kc6 {=}) 2... Rh5 {!! again the only move} 3. Kd7 (3. Ra7+ { %05if now} Kg8 4. Rf7 {, then} Ra5 {!} 5. Ra7 Rh5 {!}) 3... Rh6 4. Kc7 Rf6 {!} 5. Kb7 Rf7+ 6. Kc6 Rf6+ 7. Kb5 Rf5+ 8. Kc4 Rf6 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6k1/P3K3/8/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Rh1 {! leads to a draw, e.g. %05With the king at e6, only} (1... Rf1 { %05Black loses after} 2. Ke5 {!} Re1+ 3. Kd5 Rd1+ 4. Kc5 Rc1+ 5. Kb6 Rb1+ 6. Ka7 Kf7 7. Rb8 $18) 2. Kf5 Rh5+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6k1/P7/4K3/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1... Ra5+ {%05If the king is at e5, Black cannot save the game, e.g.} 2. Kd4 { the simplest,} (2. Kd6 {%05but} Rf5 3. Ra7+ Kf8 4. Ke6 {!} Ra5 5. Ra8+ Kg7 6. Kd7 Rf5 7. Re8 Ra5 8. Re6 $18 {is also possible}) 2... Rb5 3. Ra7+ Kf6 (3... Kg6 4. Rb7 Ra5 5. a7 Kf6 6. Kc4 Ke6 7. Kb4 Ra1 8. Kc5 $18) 4. Rh7 {!} Ra5 5. a7 Ke6 6. Kc4 Kd6 7. Kb4 Ra1 8. Kb5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6k1/P7/8/8/8/2K5/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1... Re1 {%05The game also goes in White's favour with his king at c2:} (1... Ra5 2. Kb3 Rb5+ 3. Ka4 Rb6 4. Ka5 $18) (1... Rh1 {%05Black can play more cunningly:} 2. Ra7+ Kf6 {, but then there follows} 3. Kb3 {!} Rh8 (3... Ke6 4. Ra8 {and 5. a7}) 4. Rb7 Ke6 5. a7 Ra8 6. Kb4 Kd6 7. Kb5 $18 {and wins.}) 2. Ra7+ Kf6 3. Rh7 {!} (3. Rb7 {? %05but not} Ra1 4. a7 Ke6 {= , and the king arrives in time}) 3... Ke6 4. a7 Ra1 5. Kb2 {!} Ra4 (5... Ra5 6. Rh6+ Kd7 7. Rh8 $18 {!}) 6. Kb3 Ra1 7. Kb4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Romanovsky Peter A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6k1/P7/8/8/r7/2K5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1... Rh3 {! %05But if, with the king at c2, Black's rook is at a3, he is able to draw in the way just considered.} 2. Ra7+ Kf6 {(3. Kb3 is not possible!)} 3. Kb2 Rh8 {!} 4. Kb3 (4. Rb7 Ra8 5. a7 Ke6) 4... Ke6 5. Kc4 Kd6 6. Kb5 Rb8+ 7. Rb7 Rxb7+ 8. axb7 Kc7 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kaznelson L"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/7R/4kr1P/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {White wins by an interesting procedure in the following study.} 1. Kg8 { %05Black has no way of exploiting the rather unfortunate placing of the white pieces:} Rg6+ (1... Ke5 {is met by %05there appears to be nothing better:} 2. Re7+ Kd6 3. Ra7 $18) 2. Kf8 Rf6+ 3. Ke8 Kf5 4. Rf7 Kg6 5. h7 Ra6 6. Rf6+ { !$18 and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K1k4/2R5/P7/8/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {With the pawn on the 5th rank, the following is a critical position.} 1. a6 { %04e.g. %05If he begins, White wins by} Rb1+ 2. Rb6 Rc1 3. a7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K1k4/2R5/P7/8/8/8/7r b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1... Rb1+ {%05Black to move is able to draw:} 2. Rb6 Rc1 {!} 3. a6 (3. Rb4 Rc7+ 4. Kb6 Rc6+ 5. Kb5 Kc7 {is no better}) 3... Rc7+ 4. Ka8 Rc8+ 5. Ka7 Rc7+ 6. Rb7 Kc8 7. Ka8 Rc6 8. a7 Rc1 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/2R5/P2k4/8/8/8/7r b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Rb1+ {%05The threat is 1. a6, and neither} (1... Rh7+ {%05or} 2. Kb6 Rh1 3. a6 $18) 2. Kc7 Rh1 3. a6 $18 {is any help. With this position as a guide, Black could have won in the following ending.} * [Event "San Benedetto del Tronto (Ital"] [Site "San Benedetto del Tronto (Ital"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Emden"] [Black "Miller"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7R/8/8/p3K3/2r5/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1. Kd4 Kb2 {! , e.g.} (1... Rc8 {?} 2. Rb7 a3 3. Kd3 Rc1 4. Ra7 Rb1 5. Kc2 { = the game ended in a draw.}) (1... Rc1 2. Kd3) 2. Rh2+ {%05But Black could have a won by} (2. Rb7+ {%05or} Kc2 3. Rh7 a3 4. Rh2+ Kb3 $19 {and wins.}) 2... Kb3 3. Rh8 a3 4. Rb8+ Kc2 5. Rh8 Kb2 6. Rb8+ Rb3 7. Rh8 a2 8. Rh1 Ka3 $19 * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinn Lothar (GDR)"] [Black "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6r1/4K1kp/R7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] {White made an instructive mistake in the following position.} 1. Ke3 { %05White could have drawn by} (1. Ra1 {? %05The game went:} h3 2. Ke3 (2. Rg1+ {%05here White noticed that} Kh4 3. Rxg5 {is met by} h2 $19 {!}) 2... h2 3. Kf2 Ra5 {!} 4. Rxa5 h1=Q {White resigns.}) 1... Rf5 (1... h3 2. Kf2 {=}) (1... Kg3 {%05or} 2. Ke4+ {!} Kh2 3. Ra8 Rg3 4. Kf4 {=}) 2. Ra8 {!} h3 3. Rg8+ Kh4 4. Rh8+ Kg3 5. Rg8+ Kh2 6. Ke2 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Polugaevsky Lev A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K1r4/4k3/PR6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {~5 (RR) Polugaevsky, who analyzed this ending in 1972, ~5 thought it to be won for White. According to the ~5 Nalimov tablebases, however, Black succeeds in ~5 maintaining the balance.} 1. Kc8 {!} (1. Kb6 {%05Where should the king move to? If, for example,} Rd6+ 2. Ka7 Rd7+ 3. Rb7 {, then} Rd1 {!} 4. a6 Kd6 5. Kb8 Kc6 {!} 6. Rc7+ Kb6 {= with a draw.}) 1... Rh7 2. Rb7 {!} (2. a6 { there would have followed %05on} Kd6 {!} 3. Rb6+ Kc5 4. Rg6 Rh8+ {= %04etc.}) 2... Rh8+ (2... Rh1 {?} 3. a6 Kd6 4. Rc7 $18) 3. Kc7 Kd5 {!! ~5 The only saving move.} (3... Rh1 {?} 4. a6 Rc1+ 5. Kb8 Rh1 6. a7 Rh8+ 7. Kc7 Ra8 8. Kb6 $18) (3... Rh7+ {?} 4. Kc6 Rh1 5. Rb4 {!} (5. a6 {%05not} Rc1+ 6. Kb6 Kd6 { ! , when White can no longer win}) 5... Rc1+ 6. Kb7 Kd7 7. Rd4+ Ke6 8. a6 Rb1+ 9. Kc6 Rc1+ 10. Kb5 Rb1+ 11. Ka5 Ra1+ 12. Ra4 $18 {, and White wins.}) 4. a6 Kc5 5. a7 Ra8 {= with a draw.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Belinkov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/R6p/2K1k2r/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {Had White's rook been on the c-file, he could have counted on a draw by achieving position ~3( 1432)~ But here the rook is less well placed, so that a draw is not possible.} 1... Rh1 2. Kb3 {!} h4 3. Kb2 {!} (3. Rc5 {is weaker:} h3 4. Rc4+ Kd5 {!} 5. Ra4 (5. Rc3 h2) (5. Rc2 {%05or} Rg1 6. Rh2 Rg3+ 7. Kb4 Ke4 $19 {with an easy win}) 5... Ke5 $19 {, and by approaching the pawn with his king, Black wins.}) 3... Kf3 {!} (3... h3 {? %05of course, not} 4. Ra3 Kf4 5. Rc3 {= with a draw}) 4. Ra3+ Kf2 5. Rc3 Re1 6. Rh3 Re4 $19 {and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Przepiorka Dawid (POL)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/8/1k1K4/8/2R4p/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1... h3 {White is faced with difficult problems. %05After} 2. Rb4+ {%05How can White prevent the rapid approach to the pawn by the black king? This problem is solved by} (2. Rc1 {%05If, for example,} h2 3. Rh1 {? , then} (3. Rb1+ {!} Ka5 4. Rh1 {= is also possible}) 3... Rh5 {! (for the moment cutting off the opponent's king from the pawn)} 4. Ke6 Kc5 5. Kf6 Kd4 6. Kg6 Rh8 7. Kf5 Ke3 8. Kg4 Kf2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 2... Ka5 3. Rb1 {driving the king to the side of the board.} h2 4. Rh1 Rh5 {!} (4... Kb4 {, then %05If} 5. Ke5 Kc3 6. Kf4 Kd2 7. Kg3 {= with a draw ~3($401416)~.}) 5. Ke6 Kb4 6. Kf6 Kc3 7. Kg6 Rh8 8. Kf5 Kd3 9. Kf4 {! The only move.} (9. Kg4 {? %05Not} Ke3 {!} 10. Kg3 Rg8+ {!} 11. Kh3 Kf2 {!} 12. Rxh2+ Kf3 $19 {%04etc.}) 9... Ke2 10. Kg3 Rg8+ 11. Kf4 { != Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/4k3/8/P7/K2R4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {If the pawn is on the 5th rank, it can also be successfully attacked from the front.} 1. Kb5 {%05Black is saved by the possibility of transporting into a pawn ending:} Rd8 {!} (1... Rb8+ {, then %05In the first instance the d-file must be gained for the %05king. If} 2. Kc6 Rc8+ 3. Kb7 Rc1 4. a6 Rb1+ 5. Kc7 {! } Rc1+ 6. Kb6 Rb1+ 7. Ka5 Ra1+ 8. Ra4 $18 {and wins.}) 2. Rc4 (2. Ra4 Kd7 3. a6 Kc7 {=}) 2... Rb8+ {! but now this is the only way} (2... Kd7 {? %05not} 3. a6 Rc8 4. a7 $18) 3. Ka4 Kd7 4. a6 Rc8 5. Rb4 Rc1 {! simpler than Cheron's recommendation of} (5... Rh8 6. Ka5 Kc7 7. Rb7+ Kc8 {!} 8. Rb5 Rh7 {=}) 6. Ka5 Kc7 {= with a draw. It is clear that, with the black king at e6, 1... Rd8 is not possible, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/5k2/8/8/P7/K3R3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {The possibility of exchanging rooks often saves Black also when the pawn is less far advanced.} 1. Kb4 Re8 2. Rd3 Ke7 3. a5 Rd8 {= %04etc. For a rapid assessment of positions where the rook is attacking the pawn from the front and the king is on the 7th rank, the "rule of eight" put forward by Cheron may prove useful: if the sum of the number of the pawn's rank and the number of files separating the pawn from the enemy king is equal to eight, the position is drawn, if it is more than eight, it is lost. In the two examples considered this sum was in fact equal to eight.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R7/2K1k3/P7/8/8/8/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {This position, with colours reversed, arose in one of the games from the Alekhine - Euwe World Championship Match (1935). The essence of it was fully disclosed by a thorough analysis by Grigoriev.} 1. a6 {! %05The win can be achieved only by} Rc1+ (1... Ra1 2. Ra8 {! -~3($401429)~}) 2. Kb7 {!} Kd7 (2... Kd6 {%05or} 3. Kb8 Ra1 4. Rh7 $18 {~3($401427)~}) (2... Kd5 {%05or, finally,} 3. Kb8 Ra1 4. Rd7+ Ke6 5. Rh7 {!$18 ~3($401427)~.}) 3. Kb8+ {!} Kd8 4. Rh7 $18 {~3($401426)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1K6/P7/1k6/8/1r6/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {As we have already established, it is best for the king to attack the pawn from behind, and for the rook to attack from the side. It is in this way that Black draws in the following position.} 1... Rh2 2. a6 (2. Rb1+ Ka4) 2... Rh6+ 3. Kc7 Rh7+ 4. Kd6 Rh6+ 5. Ke5 Rh5+ {(the opponent's king must be forced to stand on the f-file)} 6. Kf6 Rh8 {!} 7. a7 Ra8 8. Ke7 Kc5 {! "shoulder-charging"} (8... Kb5 {? %05not} 9. Kd6 $18) 9. Kd7 Kb6 10. Rb1+ Kc5 { != Draw. Black was able to exploit the rook's pawn's organic defect - the fact that it cannot cover the king against checks from the side.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/8/2k4P/6P1/6K1/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {~17. ROOK AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST ROOK~ All other things being equal, an advantage of two pawns in this ending ensures a win. But there are a number of exceptions, where a win is not possible either due to the pawns being badly placed, or the pieces being in passive positions. We will consider the following pawn arrangements: ~ 7.1 Connected pawns~ ~ 7.2 Isolated pawns~ ~ 7. 3 Isolated f- and h-pawns.~ ~ 7.4 Doubled pawns.~ ~17.1 CONNECTED PAWNS~ Two connected pawns normally win in all cases, if both pawns can be defended by the king, and the rook is in active position. The win achieved irrespective of how the pawns are placed relative to each other. For other arrangements of the stronger side's pieces, the placing of the pawns may have significance. The best arrangement for the pawns is when they are both on the same rank. In this case the opponent's king cannot attack them from the front. When the pawns are arranged diagonally, the opponent's king may be able to occupy the square in front of the rear pawn, or, as it is said, it can wedge itself between the pawns. This is rightly considered unfavourable for the stronger side, since then the win becomes more difficult, and in certain cases may even prove impossible. We will begin by studying positions where the opponent's king does not stand in the line of advance of the pawns. ~17.11 The opponent's king does not stand in the line of advance of the pawns.~} 1. Rg6 {%05The win is achieved without the help of the king, the pawns being able to advance on their own under the protection of the rook. First the rook protects the square to which the leading pawn must advance, and after the second pawn defends it, the rook is free to carry out the same manoeuvre a rank further up the board.} Kd5 2. h6 Ke5 3. g5 Kf5 4. Rg7 Ra1 5. h7 Ra3+ 6. Kf2 $18 {and wins, since as soon as the king approaches the rook, Black runs out of checks. This winning method is also possible with the pawn pair on other files.} * [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Thomas George A (ENG)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7R/5kP1/7P/8/2K5/6r1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {If the weaker side's king is not on one of the pawns' files, but is hindering their advance, the game is decided by the king approaching to support its pawns.} 1... Rg3+ {%05(with colours reversed) The game concluded} 2. Kd4 Rg2 3. Kd5 Rg1 4. Kd6 Rd1+ 5. Kc6 Rg1 6. Kd7 Ra1 7. Rf7+ Kg5 8. g7 Ra8 9. Ke6 Kh6 10. Re7 Rg8 (10... Ra6+ {%05other moves also fail to save the game:} 11. Kf7 $18) ( 10... Kh7 {%05or} 11. Kf7 Rg8 12. h6 $18 {%04etc.}) 11. Kf6 Kh7 12. h6 Ra8 ( 12... Kxh6 13. Re1 $18) 13. Kf7 Rb8 14. Re8 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Rostov on Don (Russia)"] [Site "Rostov on Don (Russia)"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Furman Semyen A (RUS)"] [Black "Kajev"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6PR/7P/3k4/7r/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {If the weaker side's king does not stand in the path of the pawns, a draw is possible only in exceptional cases, when the opponent's pieces occupy obviously unfavourable positions. Thus here Black was able to draw, by exploiting the position of the opponent's king on the back rank and the awkward position of his rook.} 1... Kc3 2. Kd1 Kd3 3. Ke1 Ke3 4. Kf1 Kf3 5. Kg1 Rg2+ {!} 6. Kh1 (6. Kf1 {is pointless due to} Rh2 {!} (6... Ra2 {? , when the white king returns to the Q-side and by attacking the rook gains a decisive tempo for activating his rook. %05but not})) 6... Kf2 {!= the players agreed to a draw, since White cannot prevent the perpetual check by ... Rg1-g2-g3+. %05After} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Spain"] [Site "Spain"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bielsa"] [Black "Perez H (ESP)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1P6/5k2/4R3/P6r/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ531 %212045826630=4HLJ65049} 1. Ra3 {%05Here too Black draws, by forcing the white rook to %05occupy a passive position, as in example ~3 ($401454)~.} (1. Rb3 Rxa2 2. b6 Ra8 {= %04etc.}) 1... Rb2 2. Ra5 Kf3 3. Ke1 Ke3 4. Kd1 Kd3 5. Kc1 Rb4 (5... Kc3 {??} 6. Ra3+ $18) 6. a4 (6. a3 {! %05Black would have been faced with more problems after} Rb3 {, and only now} 7. a4 { although even in this case White would have been unable to realize his advantage:} Rc3+ 8. Kb2 Rc2+ 9. Kb1 Kc3 10. Ra8 Rb2+ 11. Kc1 Rb4 {!} 12. Kd1 Kd3 13. Ke1 Ke3 14. Kf1 Kf3 15. Rf8+ Ke3 16. a5 Rxb5 17. a6 Ra5 18. Ra8 Kf3 { = with a draw.}) 6... Rc4+ 7. Kb2 Rb4+ 8. Ka3 Kc3 9. Ra6 Rb3+ 10. Ka2 Rb2+ 11. Ka1 Kb3 12. Rf6 Rh2 (12... Ra2+ 13. Kb1 Rxa4 14. b6 Rb4 {= etc. was also possible}) 13. Rf3+ Kxa4 14. b6 Rh7 {= with a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7R/6P1/3k4/8/5r1P/8/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1... Rg3 {%05Black's position seems hopeless, since he cannot halt the advance of the enemy pawns, e.g.} 2. Rh6 {But on a more careful study of the position we note that the white king is badly placed, and may find itself in a mating net. By exploiting this factor, Black is able to draw.} Kc4 {! After forcing the white rook to occupy a passive position, Black begins weaving a matting net. He threatens 3... Kb3.} (2... Ke6 3. h4 Kf6 4. h5 Kg7 5. Rh7+ Kg8 6. Ka2 { !$18 , and as we will see later, White has a won position^013^010 ~3($401481)~. }) 3. Kb2 Rg2+ 4. Ka3 (4. Kc1 {%05Moving onto the 1st rank leads to position %05~3($401454)~, e.g.} Kc3 5. Kd1 Kd3 6. Ke1 Ke3 7. Kf1 Kf3 8. h4 Rh2 9. Kg1 Rg2+ 10. Kh1 Kf2 {= with a draw.}) 4... Rg3+ 5. Ka4 Rg1 6. Ka5 (6. Rh4+ { %05The attempt to free the rook after} Kd5 {does not achieve anything} 7. Rh6 { is met by} (7. Rg4 {%05while after} Rxg4+ 8. hxg4 Ke6 {= Black manages to pick up the g6 pawn in time.}) 7... Kc4) 6... Kc5 7. Ka6 (7. Rh5+ {, then %05if} Kc4 8. Rh4+ Kd5 9. Rh6 Kc5 {%04etc.}) 7... Kc6 8. Ka7 (8. g7+ Kd7 9. Rb6 Ke7 10. Rb7+ Kf6 {and 11. Rg7=}) 8... Kc7 9. Ka6 (9. Rh7+ {there follows %05on} Kd6 10. Rb7 Ke6 {=}) 9... Kc6 {= Draw, since White has exhausted all possible ways of freeing himself.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3PR3/2k1P3/8/r7/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {The weaker side can also defend successfully against central pawns, if the opponent's pieces are passively placed.} 1... Kd3 {%05Thus here Black saves the game by an immediate counter-attack:} 2. Kc1 (2. Ke1 {is futile:} Ke3 3. Kf1 Kf3 4. Kg1 Ra1+ 5. Kh2 Ra2+ 6. Kh3 Ra1 {= with a draw}) 2... Kc3 3. Kb1 Ra6 (3... Ra8 {%05or} 4. d6 {!} Rb8+ 5. Kc1 Rh8 {! %00o^€ ((the only way to win) Ra1+ Rb1 Ra2 e5 Rc2+} ({Re2} 5... Rb3 {! Kxb3} 6. d7 $18 {and wins}) 6. Kd1 { Rd2+ Ke1 Rd5 Rd1 ! Rxe5+ Kf2} Re8 7. d7 Rd8 $18 {Ke3 , and White wins.}) { Rd5 ! Rh1+ ! Rd1 Rh8 e5 Ra8 Kb1 Rb8+} 4. Kc1 Ra8 {= with a draw} 5. Re6 { %05 Now White gains the opportunity to improve the position of his rook with gain of tempo, but the poor position of his king and the lack of advancement of his pawns allow Black to save the draw.} Ra7 6. Rb6 Kd4 7. Rb4+ Kc3 8. Rb2 Kd3 9. e5 Kd4 {= with a draw.} * [Event "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Site "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rozenfeld"] [Black "Nei Iivo (EST)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/4K2p/7r/8/6k1/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {While in example ~3( 1454)~ the poor placing of the stronger side's pieces was obvious, the same cannot immediately be said about the given position. Here the black pieces have great freedom, but White again manages to draw.} 1. Ra2+ Kg3 2. Ra3+ Kg4 {It is pointless to take the king to the Q-side, since, as soon as the king reaches the b-file, White plays his rook to the g-file and wins the g-pawn.} 3. Ra7 {! the only move} Kf3 (3... g6 {is met by %05now} 4. Kf6 {White is saved by the proximity of his king to the opponent's pawns}) ( 3... g5 {%05or}) 4. Ra3+ {! The only way.} (4. Rxg7 {? loses to} Re4+ 5. Kf5 Rf4+ 6. Ke5 h4 7. Rg8 (7. Ra7 Kg3 8. Ra3+ Rf3 9. Ra8 h3 $19) 7... Ra4 8. Rh8 Kg3 9. Rg8+ Rg4 10. Ra8 h3 $19) 4... Kg4 5. Ra7 {!} Rh1 6. Rxg7+ {= , and the game ended in a draw. We will now study positions where the weaker side's king stands in the path of the pawns.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r5k1/6P1/5R1P/1K6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {~17.12 The weaker side's king stands in the path of the pawns.~ ~17.121 Pawns in diagonal formation~ We will first consider positions in which the pawns are arranged diagonally relative to each other. We should first point out that, the further advanced the pawns are, the more difficult the defence. If the leading pawn has reached the penultimate rank and the rook is defending the rear pawn from one of the sides, the stronger side normally wins. A typical example. The black pieces are forced to guard f8, which will immediately be occupied by the rook if one of the black pieces should leave the 8th rank.} 1. Kb6 {(aiming for b7, so as then to exchange rooks) %05White can win in two ways:} Rc8 (1... Rd8 2. Kc6 Rc8+ 3. Kd5 Re8 4. Kd6 Ra8 5. Ke5 Rb8 6. Kf5 { and 7. Kg6$18}) 2. Kb7 Rd8 3. Rc6 {followed by 4. Rc8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K1kP/4R1P1/8/8/8/8/5r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {The stronger side carries out an analogous winning plan, irrespective of the files on which the pawns stand, and irrespective of whether the leading pawn is closer to the side of the board, or vice versa. The position of the white king is also of no importance. Possessing complete freedom of manoeuvre for his king, White can always carry out the winning plan.} 1. Kd6 {%05In this position the pawn formation is more favourable for the defender square on the 7th rank. But even here Black cannot prevent the opponent from carrying out his winning plan.} Rd1+ (1... Rf8 {White would have won by %05The threat was 2. Re8! After} 2. Kd7 {and 3. Re8$18}) 2. Kc5 (2. Ke5 {%05White can also win by taking his king up to his pawns:} Rd8 (2... Re1+ 3. Kf5 Rf1+ 4. Kg4 Rg1+ 5. Kh3 Rh1+ 6. Kg2 Rh6 7. Kg3 Rh5 8. Re8 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Kf5 Kh6 4. Re7 Rf8+ 5. Rf7 Ra8 6. h8=Q+ {! A typical tactical device. White sacrifices one pawn with the aim of queening the other.} Rxh8 7. Kf6 Kh5 8. Rh7+ $18 {%04etc.}) 2... Rc1+ 3. Kd4 Rd1+ 4. Kc3 Rc1+ 5. Kd2 Rc8 {The only way of preventing 6. Re8, but now the white king can go back and force the exchange of rooks.} 6. Kd3 Ra8 7. Kc4 Rc8+ 8. Kb5 Rb8+ 9. Kc6 Ra8 10. Kb7 Rf8 11. Rc6 $18 {, and against 12. Rc8 Black has no defence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K1kP3/1R1P4/8/8/8/8/2r5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {This position is obtained by moving the previous example horizontally to the left. If White begins, he easily wins by 1. Ka6 etc.} 1... Ra1 {, not allowing the king out. To free it, White has to move his rook: %05Things are more difficult with Black to move, since he %05plays} 2. Rb4 Re1 (2... Rd1 3. Re4 Ke8 4. Kc6 Rc1+ 5. Kd5 Rd1+ 6. Ke6 Rd4 {!} 7. Rg4 Re4+ {!} 8. Kf5 $18 {and wins }) 3. Rd4 Re3 4. Kb6 Re5 5. Rd3 Re2 6. Kc5 Re1 7. Ra3 {!} (7. Rf3 {?} Re5+ ( 7... Rc1+ 8. Kb4 $18 {, and White wins.}) 8. Kd4 Re6 {=}) 7... Rc1+ (7... Re5+ 8. Kd4 Re6 9. Ra6 Re2 10. Ra8 $18) 8. Kd4 Rd1+ 9. Ke5 Re1+ 10. Kf6 Rf1+ 11. Kg5 Rg1+ 12. Kf4 Re1 (12... Rg8 13. Ra7+ Ke6 14. d7 Kxe7 15. d8=Q+ Kxd8 16. Ra8+ $18) 13. Ra8 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fila Milos (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/2kP1K2/R1P5/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1... Kd6 {But this is not so. White wins irrespective of the turn to move: %05With Black to move, Cheron (1926) considered this position drawn due to} 2. Ra1 {!} Kxc6 3. Rh1 {!$18 , and we obtain a won position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K1kP4/R1P5/8/8/8/8/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {This position is obtained by moving example ~3( 1461)~ one file to the left. But the plan carried out there by White no longer works here.} 1. d8=Q+ { ! %05White wins by} (1. Ra4 {%05After} Rb2 {the rook cannot move off the a-file because of mate, while} 2. Ka6 {is met by} Rb6+ {, driving the king back to its previous position.}) 1... Kxd8 2. Rb6 {and 3. Kb7$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K1kP4/R1P5/8/8/8/8/1r6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Positions ~3( 1453)~ and ~3( 1464)~ are the only exception where, with the leading pawn on the penultimate rank and the rook defending the rear pawn from the side, the stronger side is not able to win.} {Let us now consider the position with Black to move. How can he defend against the threatened pawn sacrifice?} 1... Rd1 {!! Now White is not able to improve the placing of his pieces and free his king. %05But Black has another way of preventing the sacrifice:} (1... Rb8 {Analysis shows that in this case White can win by %05Let us try} 2. Rb6 {!} Rf8 (2... Rxb6 3. d8=Q+ Kxd8 4. Kxb6 $18) 3. Ka6 Rh8 4. Kb5 Rh5+ 5. Kc4 Rh8 6. Ra6 Rh4+ 7. Kd5 Rh5+ 8. Ke6 Rh6+ 9. Kf7 Rh8 {, and we reach position ~3($411462)~.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/6Pk/7P/8/7K/8/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {We will now consider several examples where the stronger side's rook is behind his pawns. In this case it is more difficult for White to win, especially with rook's pawn and knight's pawn. An important factor in the assessment of such positions is the possibility of transferring the rook to defend the pawn from the side. If this transfer is feasible, the game is normally won; if not, the ending is drawn.} 1. Kh5 {%05White wins, since he is able to transfer his rook to the 6th rank:} Ra5+ 2. Rg5 Ra8 3. Rg6 {!} (3. Rf5 {? would only have drawn after %05It should be noted that} Ra6 {! , when the threat of 4... Rh6+ cannot be parried.}) 3... Ra5+ 4. Kg4 {The rook is immune.} Ra4+ 5. Kf5 Ra5+ 6. Ke4 Ra4+ 7. Kd5 Ra5+ 8. Kc4 Ra4+ 9. Kb5 Ra8 10. Rf6 Kg8 $18 {, and we obtain position ~3($411459)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/5Pk1/6P1/8/6K1/8/8/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {This example is obtained by moving position ~3( 1465)~ one file to the left, with the exception, of the black rook. Here the win is achieved more simply.} 1. Kg5 Ra5+ 2. Rf5 Ra8 3. f8=Q+ Rxf8 4. Rxf8 Kxf8 5. Kh6 $18 {White has transposed into a won pawn ending, a possibility which must always be taken into account in this type of ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/2K3Pk/7P/8/8/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] 1. Rh4 (1. Rg1 {since after %05The winning path is not easily found. Thus, for example, nothing is achieved by} Rg8 {the rook has to return to its former position. The winning method is rather unexpected; it turns out that White has to transpose into position ~3($411465)~.}) 1... Rg8 (1... Ra7+ {%05after} 2. Kb8 Re7 3. Rc4 $18) (1... Kg8 {%05or} 2. Rf4 $18 {White wins by familiar means} ) 2. Kd7 Ra8 3. Rg4 {The first success. The rook's position has been improved, and now it is the king's turn - it has to reach h5.} Ra7+ 4. Ke6 Ra6+ 5. Kf5 Ra5+ 6. Kf4 Ra8 7. Rg5 {!} (7. Kg3 {is premature due to} Rg8) (7. Kg5 {%05as is } Ra6 {, when White has to move his king back.}) 7... Rg8 8. Kf5 Ra8 9. Kg4 Rc8 10. Kh5 Ra8 $18 {, and White wins, as already considered in example ~3($411465) ~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/6kP/6P1/8/6K1/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Kf5 {(threatening 2. h8Q+ Rh8 3. Rh8 Kh8 4. Kf6 etc. To avoid this, Black must drive the king away from f5, e6 and e7) %05White cannot transfer his rook to defend his rook to defend from the side, and so Black is able to draw.} Ra5+ 2. Ke6 Ra6+ 3. Kd7 Ra7+ 4. Kc6 Ra8 5. Rh3 Rf8 6. Rg3 Rf6+ 7. Kd7 (7. Kd5 Rf5+ 8. Ke4 Rh5 {- ~3($411470)~}) 7... Ra6 8. Rh3 Ra7+ 9. Kc6 Ra8 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/6kP/6P1/8/7K/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {Note that, with the king at h4 the winning manoeuvre - the transfer of the rook to the 6th rank - is possible.} 1. Rg1 {%05Here White is able to win:} Ra2 {Black tries to occupy the h-file with his rook.} (1... Rc8 {%05With his rook on the back rank, Black cannot prevent the implementation of White's plan, e.g. } 2. Kh5 Rc5+ 3. Rg5 Rc8 4. Ra5 {and 5. Ra6$18}) (1... Kh6 {%05or} 2. Ra1 {!} Rc8 {%04etc.}) 2. Kg5 (2. Re1 {? %05not} Kxg6 {!} 3. h8=Q Rh2+ {and 4... Rh8=}) 2... Ra5+ (2... Rh2 {does not help:} 3. Ra1 Rg2+ 4. Kf5 Rf2+ 5. Ke4 Rf8 6. Ra6 $18 {, and White achieves his aim.}) 3. Kg4 Ra4+ 4. Kh5 Ra5+ 5. Rg5 Ra8 6. Rb5 Rc8 7. Rb7+ $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kP/6P1/7r/6R1/8/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1. Rg3 {%05Here too White cannot carry out the winning plan of transferring his rook to the 6th rank, and so the position is drawn. But Black has to defend accurately:} Rh6 {!} (1... Rh4 {? is bad due to} 2. Rh3 Rg4+ 3. Kf3) 2. Kf3 (2. Rh3 {? is met by %05but now} Rxg6+ {= with a draw. Thus when White is threatening to switch his rook to the h-file, Black must attack the g-pawn.}) 2... Rh4 3. Rg2 Rh3+ 4. Kg4 Rh6 5. Kf5 Rh5+ 6. Rg5 Rh1 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kP/6P1/7r/6R1/8/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1... Ra5 {! %05If it is Black to move, he is forced to abandon the h-file, but only temporarily, e.g.} (1... Rh6 {? loses to} 2. Rg3 Rh5 3. Rh3 $18) 2. Kh3 Ra3+ (2... Ra8 {? %05not} 3. Kh4 Ra1 4. Kh5 $18) 3. Rg3 Ra1 4. Kg4 Rh1 { ! (the only move)} 5. Rh3 Rg1+ 6. Kh5 {It appears that Black cannot avoid defeat, but after} Kh8 {! followed by 7... Rg6 he gains a draw.} * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1901.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Heilman"] [Black "Bernstein Ossip S (UKR)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1P6/8/PR6/2K5/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1901.??.??"] {In rare instances the defender is able to draw with help of stalemate. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ531 %212045826630=4HLJ65054 %212045826630=4HLJ65056} 1... Rc1+ 2. Kd5 Rd1+ 3. Kc6 Rc1+ 4. Kb6 Rc7 {!} 5. Ka6 (5. a6 {%05if} Rxb7+ {! =}) 5... Rc6+ {= , forcing stalemate} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r5k1/6P1/5R1P/1K6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] {We will now consider positions with pawns on the 5th and 6th ranks, beginning our analysis with rook's pawn and knight's pawn.} 1. Kb5 {%05This position is obtained by moving example %05~3($401459)~^013^010 %05one rank down the board. The winning method remains^013^010 %05the same:} Rd7 2. Kc6 Re7 3. Kd6 Ra7 4. Re5 Ra6+ 5. Ke7 Rb6 6. Rd5 Ra6 7. Rd7 Rc6 8. Kd8+ Kg8 9. Re7 Kf8 (9... Rd6+ { is met by} 10. Kc7 Ra6 11. Kd7 {with the threat of 12. Re6}) 10. Kd7 Ra6 11. Re6 Ra7+ 12. Kd6 Ra6+ 13. Ke5 Ra5+ 14. Kf6 $18 {%04etc. If the position, with the exception of the white king and black rook, is moved up to four files to the left, this does not affect the result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/6P1/2R4P/8/7r/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {In positions of this type, where the white rook defends the rear pawn from the side, Black is not saved by having his rook behind the pawns.} 1. Kg2 { %05If it is White to move, he wins by} (1. Rc7+ {?} Kh8 2. Rh7+ Kg8 {~3 ($411477)~ %08DA}) 1... Rh4 (1... Ra3 2. Rc7+ Kg8 3. h6 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kg3 Rh1 3. Rc7+ Kg8 4. Kg4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/6P1/2R4P/8/7r/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1... Kh6 {%05It does not help Black to have the move:} 2. Rg5 {!} Kg7 (2... Kxg5 {is met by} 3. g7 $18) 3. Kg1 Kg8 (3... Kh8 {%05or}) 4. Kg2 Rh4 5. Kg3 Rh1 6. Ra5 $18 {, and White must win. A draw is possible only if the white pieces are badly placed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r7/6Pk/7P/8/7K/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Kh4 {%05This position is obtained from the study by Horwitz and^013^010 %05Kling ~3($401465)~ by moving all the pieces and pawns %05(with the exception of the white rook) one rank down %05the board. black gains a draw, since White cannot %05transfer his rook to the 5th rank without losing his %05pawns.} (1. Kg4 {%05A raid by the white king into the centre of the board also fails to achieve anything:} Ra4+ 2. Kf5 Ra5+ 3. Kf6 Ra6+ 4. Ke5 Ra5+ 5. Kd6 Ra7 {= Draw.}) 1... Ra4+ (1... Rb7 {is also possible}) 2. Rg4 Ra7 3. Rc4 Ra5 {= , winning the pawns. Moving the K-side pieces and pawns one file to the left does not affect the result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7R/6P1/7P/8/7r/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {If the stronger side's king is cut off by the opponent's rook on the 1st or 2nd rank, and the pawns on the g- and h-files are defended by the rook from in front, the result often depends on the turn to move.} 1. Kg2 {%05This position could have been reached from example^013^010 %05~3($401474)~, had White incorrectly played 1. Rc7+^013^010 %05Kh8! 2. Rh7+? Kg8. It is a position of mutual^013^010 %05zugzwang: for each side the turn to move is^013^010 %05unfavourable.^013^010 %05White must approach the pawns with his king, to free his^013^010 %05rook from their defence. To do this he will in the end be^013^010 %05forced to place his king on the g-file, and this proves^013^010 %05sufficient for Black to gain a draw.} (1. Kf1 {, then %05There is nothing better. If, for example,} Rf3+ (1... Rh2 {is also sufficient -~3($411479)~}) 2. Ke2 Rg3 {!} 3. Kf2 Rh3 {, and the initial position is reached with White to move.}) 1... Ra3 {(the rook can go to any square between e3 and a3)} 2. Rb7 Ra5 {! This is the point! To avoid the loss of one of the pawns, the rook is forced to return to h7. In such positions it is altogether unfavourable for White to have his king on the g- or h-file.} 3. Rh7 Ra3 4. Kh2 Rc3 5. Ra7 Rc5 { !} 6. Rh7 Rc3 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7R/6P1/7P/8/7r/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Ra3 {%05If it is Black to move, he is forced to allow either the king to approach the pawns, or the rook to switch to the 5th rank:} 2. Rc7 Rh3 3. Rc5 Kg7 4. Kg2 $18 {, and White wins ~3($401474)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7R/6P1/7P/8/8/7r/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {We will now consider the case where the stronger side's king is cut off by the opponent's rook on the 1st rank.} 1. Kg1 {%05White to move is unable to win:} Ra2 2. Rc7 Ra5 3. Rh7 Ra2 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7R/6P1/7P/8/8/7r/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1... Ra2 {%05With the opponent to move, White wins:} 2. Rc7 Rh2 3. Rc5 Kg7 4. Kg1 Rh4 5. Kf2 $18 {etc. ~3($401474)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7R/6P1/7P/8/6r1/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {White must aim to obtain position ~3( 1477)~ with Black to move. From the previous analysis it is not difficult to see how this can be achieved. Black's pieces are tied down: his king cannot go to f8 because of Rf7+, when the white rook switches to the 5th rank, which is fatal for Black (~3( 1473)~ and ~3( 1479)~ ), and his rook cannot move away from g3 and h3, from where it prevents not only the switching of the white rook onto the rank of the rear pawn, but also the approach of the white king to the aid of the pawns. The white king, which at the given moment is not restricted in its movements, can decide the outcome. But where should it move to, a2, b1 or b2? To decide this question, let us return to diagram ~3( 1477)~. The white king is on a dark-coloured square (f2), and the black rook on a light-coloured square (h3). For each side it is unfavourable to disturb this opposition. The solution follows from this: the white king must occupy a square on the 2nd rank which is of opposite colour to the square on which the opponent's rook stands at the given moment.} 1. Ka2 {!} Rh3 2. Kb2 $18 {etc.~3($401477)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7R/6P1/7P/8/6r1/8/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {If Black has to choose a place for his rook, he too should occupy a square of opposite colour to the one which the opponent's king stands. This is why, with him to move, he can gain a draw in two ways:} 1... Rg2 {(the rook occupies a light-coloured square with the opponent's king on a dark-coloured)} (1... Ra3+ {this position was reached in a practical game (Minsk, 1953), where the continuation was} 2. Kb1 Rb3+ 3. Kc2 Rg3 {!} 4. Kd1 Rd3+ {!} 5. Ke2 Rg3 {!} 6. Kf2 Rh3 {= Position ~3($411477)~ has been reached with White to^013^010 move.}) 2. Kb1 Rh2 {= etc. ~3($411479).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/7r/Pk6/1P1R4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Kc8 {%05The white king is extremely active, so Black is required to defend carefully:} Rg7 2. Rd7 Rg8+ 3. Rd8 Rg7 4. Kb8 Rh7 5. Rd6+ (5. Re8 {%05Black has fewer difficulties after} Rg7 6. Re6+ Kxb5 7. a7 Rg8+ 8. Kb7 Rg7+ {= with a draw.}) 5... Kc5 {! %05Nevertheless Black has available a move which ensures a draw.} (5... Kxb5 {? %05But now Black loses if he takes the b-pawn, e.g.} 6. a7 Rh8+ 7. Kc7 Rh7+ (7... Ra8 8. Kb7 $18) 8. Rd7 Rh8 9. Kb7 $18) 6. b6 (6. a7 { %05the advance of the a-pawn also fails to give any advantage:} Kxd6 7. b6 Kc5 {%04etc.}) 6... Kxd6 7. Ka8 Rh8+ 8. Ka7 Kc6 9. b7 Kc7 10. b8=R Rxb8 {= -stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/7r/1Pk5/2P1R3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {If the pawns are other than rook's pawn and knight's pawn, the penetration of the stronger side's king onto the 8th or 7th rank is a real threat.} 1. Kd8 Rg7 2. Re7 Rg8+ 3. Re8 Rg7 4. Kc8 Rh7 5. Rg8 Rf7 6. Rg6+ Kxc5 7. b7 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/Pk5r/1P6/2K3R1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {The following example shows a rare drawing possibility.} 1. Rg8 Rh4+ 2. Kd5 Rh5+ (2... Rh7 {, and if %05Black can also get by without this check:} 3. Rb8+ Ka7 4. Re8 Kb6 {= %04etc.}) 3. Kd6 Rxb5 4. Ra8 Rh5 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1Pk4r/2P5/3K2R1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {If the position (apart from the rooks) is moved one file to the right, Black loses.} 1. Kc4 Re6 2. Rd4 Rh6 3. Rd6+ Rxd6 4. cxd6 $18 {, and whichever pawn Black now captures, the other queens under protection by the king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/8/1Pk1K3/2P1R3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {The next few examples show possible ways of parrying White's main threats - penetrating with his king onto the 8th rank, or moving it to the defence of one of his pawns.} 1... Rb8 {%05Here Black cannot parry the threats, even though it is him to move:} (1... Rd1 {%05Or} 2. Ke7 Rd2 3. Ke8 {!} Rd1 4. Re7 Kxc5 5. b7 Rb1 6. Kd8 Kc6 7. Kc8 $18 {, and White wins}) (1... Ra8 {%05or} 2. Ke7 Rb8 3. Kf7 {, and then as in the main variation.}) 2. Kf7 Rh8 3. Re8 Rh7+ 4. Kg6 Rd7 (4... Rb7 {is also insufficient:} 5. Rc8+ Kd7 6. Ra8 Kc6 7. Ra7 Rxa7 8. bxa7 Kb7 9. Kf6 Kxa7 10. Ke7 Kb7 11. Kd7 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Rc8+ Kb7 6. Rf8 { ! (only thanks to this rook manoeuvre can White strengthen his position decisively)} Kc6 7. Rf7 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/8/1Pk1K3/R1P5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {Let us now move the rook, such that it defends the rear pawn from the side is on the side of the leading pawn. This changes the assessment of the position. To draw, it is sufficient for Black to move his rook along the 8th rank (g8 and h8 are the best squares). As soon as the white king defends the c-pawn, it is essential to drive it away by checking along the rank and then immediately return the rook to the 8th rank. For a successful defence, it is most expedient to have the king on the blockading square and the rook on the 8th rank.} 1... Rc8 {? there follows %05The only thing to watch for is that the rook should not %05be placed on the file of the rear pawn. Thus on} 2. Ra7 {!} Kxc5 3. Rc7+ $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/8/2Pk1K2/3P1R2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {Let us now move position ~3( 1487)~ one file to the right.} 1. Kg7 {! %05Compared with position ~3($401487)~, here Back has^013^010 %05more defensive possibilities, since on the Q-side he has^013^010 %05an additional file for rook manoeuvres. But even so, if it %05White to move he easily realizes his advantage in a^013^010 %05familiar way:} Re1 (1... Ra8 2. Rf8 $18) 2. Kf8 {!} Rh1 (2... Ra1 {is met by} 3. Rf6+ Kxd5 4. Ke7 $18) 3. Ke8 {%05there now follows} Rh8+ 4. Rf8 Rh7 5. Kd8 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/8/2Pk1K2/3P1R2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1... Ra8 {! %05Black can only save the game id t is him to move:} 2. Kg7 Ra1 { ! (the 8th rank has temporarily to be abandoned, since 3. Rf8 is threatened)} 3. Kg8 (3. Rf8 Kxd5 4. c7 Ra7 {= also gives no advantage: Black is saved by the position of the white king on the 7th rank}) 3... Ra8+ {! forcing events} ( 3... Ra2 {is also possible, answering} 4. Rf8 {as in the main variation}) 4. Rf8 Ra7 5. Rd8+ Ke7 6. Rb8 Kd6 7. Rb5 (7. Rb7 {is met by} Ra8+ {!} 8. Kf7 Kxd5 {=}) 7... Ra8+ 8. Kf7 Rc8 9. Kf6 Re8 {= ~3($411491).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/8/2Pk1K2/1R1P4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1... Rf8+ {%05Now the simplest defensive plan is not to allow the white king across to the Q-side. With Black to move this is achieved by} 2. Kg5 Ke5 3. Kg6 Kd6 4. Ra5 Ke5 5. Kg7 Rc8 6. Kf7 Kd6 7. Rb5 Ra8 8. Kf6 Rf8+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/8/2Pk1K2/1R1P4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1. Kf5 {%05Even if it is White to move, he is unable to avoid a draw:} Re5+ ( 1... Re1 {is also possible, and if} 2. Rb8 {, then} Re5+ {and 3... Rd5=}) 2. Kf4 Re8 3. Ra5 Re7 4. Kf3 Re8 5. Rb5 Re5 6. Kf4 Re8 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/8/2Pk4/1R1P4/5K2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {Compared with the previous position, only the white king has moved. The defence is not at all simple. If Black keeps his rook on the e-file, trying not to allow the king across to the Q-side, he loses;} 1... Ra8 {! %05But in this case the transfer of the king to the Q-side does not signify a win. What is more important is that it should not be able to support the advance of the leading pawn. Black should play} (1... Re7 2. Rb7 $18) (1... Re5 2. c7 {!} Re8 3. Rb8 $18) (1... Re2 2. Rb8 Rf2+ 3. Ke3 Rf7 4. Rb7 Rxb7 5. cxb7 Kc7 6. Ke4 Kxb7 7. Ke5 Kc7 8. Ke6 $18) (1... Re1 2. Rb8 Rf1+ 3. Kg5 Rg1+ 4. Kf5 Rf1+ 5. Kg6 Rg1+ 6. Kf7 Rf1+ 7. Ke8 Re1+ 8. Kd8 Rh1 9. Kc8 Rh7 10. Rb6 (10. Rb5 { as considered by Cheron; with the king close to the leading pawn, the rook is free to land the decisive blow %05this is simpler than}) 10... Kc5 (10... Rh8+ 11. Kb7 Rh7+ 12. c7+ $18 {%04etc.}) 11. Ra6 Kb5 12. Ra1 Kb6 13. Rb1+ Ka6 14. c7 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Ke4 Ra4+ {!} 3. Kd3 Ra3+ 4. Kc4 Ra4+ {!} 5. Kb3 (5. Rb4 {%05Or} Ra5 {! , and so avoid the loss of the pawns the rook has to go back.}) 5... Ra8 6. Kb4 Ra1 {!= ~3($411494).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2Pk4/1R1P4/1K6/8/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1. Ra5 {%05The white king is not able to penetrate to b6, b7 or b8, which would be fatal for Black.} (1. Rb7 {is not dangerous:} Kxd5 {!} (1... Rb1+ { %05but not} 2. Ka5 Rxb7 3. cxb7 Kc7 4. b8=Q+ Kxb8 5. Kb6 $18) 2. Kb5 Rb1+ 3. Ka6 {!= - draw.}) 1... Rb1+ (1... Rh1 {is also possible, since White cannot play} 2. Ra8 Kxd5 3. c7 {due to} Rb1+ 4. Kc3 Rc1+ {and 5... Rc7=}) 2. Kc3 (2. Ka4 {%05Or} Rb2 (2... Rb8 {%05also possible is} 3. Ra7 Kxd5 4. c7 Rc8 5. Kb5 Kd6 6. Kb6 {= with a draw, since it is Black to move -~3($401322)~}) 3. Rb5 Ra2+ 4. Kb4 Ra1 {= , and White has not achieved anything.}) 2... Rc1+ {!} 3. Kd2 Rh1 {After forcing the white king to step onto the 2nd rank,^013^010 Black makes a waiting move with his rook. If now the^013^010 king moves onto the 3rd rank, it can again be checked^013^010 from the rear, and if in this case it crosses the e-file and^013^010 moves over to the K-side, this leads to a drawn position^013^010 ~3($411491)~.^013^010 The attempt by White to obtain a decisive advantage by^013^010 a rook manoeuvre is easily parried:} (3... Rf1) ( 3... Rg1 {is also possible %05or}) 4. Ra8 Rh7 5. Rd8+ Kc7 6. Rf8 Kd6 7. Rf5 Rh3 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3Pk3/2R1P3/2K5/8/8/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {If position ~3( 1494)~ is moved 1, 2 or 3 files to the right, this changes the assessment. Black can no longer draw, since the white king breaks through onto the 6th or 7th rank and helps the leading pawn to queen.} 1. Rb5 Ra1 2. Kb4 Ra2 3. Rc5 {(making way for the king)} Rb2+ 4. Ka5 Rb1 5. Ka6 Rb2 6. Rc8 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/8/3Pk1K1/2R1P3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {We will now examine some examples with central pawns.} 1... Rg8+ {%05For a successful defence Black must not allow the opponent's king across the f-file. If it is him to move, he easily achieves this:} 2. Kh5 Kf5 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/8/3Pk1K1/2R1P3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1. Kg5 {%05With the opponent to move, Black must manoeuvre subtly with his rook:} Rf5+ 2. Kg4 (2. Kh4 {%05Or} Rf4+ {!} 3. Kh3 Rf3+ {!} 4. Kg2 Rf7 5. Kg3 ( 5. Rc7 Rxc7 6. dxc7 Kd7) 5... Rf5 6. Kg4 Rf8 {! with a draw.}) 2... Rf8 { ! The only way! Other moves lose (cf. variations^013^010 considered in example ~3($411494)~; Black must aim for^013^010 the concluding position of the variation, only with the^013^010 opponent to move). Now White's attempts are in vain.} 3. Kg5 Rf5+ 4. Kg6 Rf8 5. Kg7 Ra8 {= %04etc.} * [Event "Chernowitz (Ukraine)"] [Site "Chernowitz (Ukraine)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Strelchin"] [Black "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/8/3Pk1K1/4P3/8/8/8/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ531 %212045826630=4HLJ65054 %212045826630=4HLJ65056 White's rook can defend his pawn either from the side or the rear, but his king is cut off from the pawns. On the basis of the preceding, it is clear that Black draws if he can keep the opponent's king away from the pawns.} 1. Kg7 Rd8 (1... Rf7+ 2. Kg8 Rd7 3. Re1 Rd8+ 4. Kg7 Rd7+ {would have led to similar variations as in the game.}) (1... Rb8 {is wrong due to %05But ?} 2. Rd1 {!} Rd8 3. d7 {!} Ke7 (3... Kxe5 4. Kf7 $18) 4. Rd6 Rxd7 5. Rxd7+ Kxd7 6. Kf7 $18 {, and White wins.}) (1... Rc8 {?}) 2. Re1 (2. Ra5 Rb8 3. Kg6 Rg8+ {does not achieve anything -~3($411491)~}) 2... Rd7+ {! the only move:} (2... Rb8 {?} 3. Rd1 $18 {, and White wins}) 3. Kg6 Rd8 4. Kg5 Rf8 {!} 5. Kg4 Rf2 6. Rd1 {(a trap)} Rf8 (6... Kxe5 {? %05of course, not} 7. d7 $18 {, winning}) 7. Re1 Rf2 8. Re4 Rf8 9. Re3 (9. Rf4 {does not work due to} Rg8+ 10. Kf3 Kxe5 {=}) 9... Rf1 10. Rd3 ( 10. Rf3 {also achieves nothing due to} Rd1 11. Kf4 Rd4+ {and 12... Ke5=}) 10... Rf8 11. Rf3 $40 {= Drawn. Position ~3( 1498)~ is drawn, irrespective of who it is to move! Positions obtained by moving it one file to the right or to the left will also be drawn (in the latter case the white rook remains at a1). For pawns on the 5th and 6th ranks the following basic conclusion can be drawn: for the stronger side to win, it is sufficient for him to support the leading pawn with his king; the win is achieved irrespective of how the rook defends the rear pawn - from the side or from the rear. This conclusion determines the plans for two sides: the stronger side must aim to break through with his king to the leading pawn, and the defender do everything to prevent this. Note that the defensive resources are improved if the leading pawn is closer to the edge of the board. In other respects the method is the same as for pawns on the 6th and 7th ranks.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/7R/6P1/7P/8/7r/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {Positions where the leading pawn is on the 5th rank have their special features. We will first look at examples with rook's pawn and knight's pawn. If the stronger side's king is cut off on the 1st rank, a draw can be achieved without difficulty.} 1. Kg1 {%05Black does not have to fear} Ra2 2. Rc6 (2. h5 Ra5 {=}) 2... Ra4 {! , when} 3. h5 {is not possible due to} Rg4+ {and 4... Rg5= } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/7R/6P1/7P/8/7r/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1... Ra2 {%05If it is Black to move, he draws by} 2. Rc6 Rh2 3. Rc4 Kg6 { (threatening to occupy the blockade square h5)} 4. Kg1 Ra2 5. Rc6+ Kg7 6. h5 Ra5 7. Rc7+ Kg8 8. Rc8+ Kh7 (8... Kg7 9. h6+ Kh7 10. Rc7+ Kh8 11. Rg7 Ra1+ { = is also possible, when Black has a "desperado" rook}) 9. g6+ Kg7 10. Rc7+ Kg8 11. Rh7 Ra2 {= Draw. Had the h-pawn been the leading one, this would not have affected the result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/6P1/5R1P/7r/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {The possibility of the king occupying the blockade square in front of the rear pawn plays an important role, as is seen from the following example.} 1... Kh5 {! %05Black to move gains a draw:} 2. Kg2 Ra3 3. Re4 Rc3 4. Kf2 Ra3 5. Re8 Kxh4 6. g6 Ra7 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/6P1/5R1P/7r/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] 1. Kg2 {%05If it is White to move, to win it is sufficient for him not to allow the blockade of his pawns:} Ra3 2. Rf6+ Kh5 (2... Kg7 {%05the win is very simple after} 3. Rf3 Ra4 4. Kg3 Rc4 5. Rf4 Rc1 6. h5 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Rh6+ {!} Kg4 4. Kf2 Ra2+ 5. Ke3 Ra3+ 6. Kd4 Ra4+ 7. Kc5 Ra1 8. g6 Kf5 9. h5 Kf6 10. Rh7 Rg1 11. Kd6 $18 {etc.~3($401453)~. The rule put forward earlier - that the stronger side should defend the rear pawn with his rook from the side - also applies to positions with pawns on the 4th and 5th ranks.} * [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "De Greif Boris (COL)"] [Black "Porreca Giorgio (ITA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K1k1/8/4R3/6P1/7P/8/7r/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ531 %212045826630=4HLJ65054 %212045826630=4HLJ65056} 1... Kg7 {(with colours reversed) %05and played instead} (1... Rxh4 {, since after %05Black rejected} 2. Rg6+ Kh7 3. Kf7 $18 {White has a clear win,}) 2. Re4 { %05And now let us see what defending the pawn from the side would have given:} (2. Rh6 {%05 2... Rh4 is threatened. How should be defended - from in front or from the side? White preferred to defend the pawn from in front, and this was the result:} Ra2 3. h5 Ra8+ 4. Kd7 Ra7+ 5. Kc8 Ra5 6. Rg6+ Kh7 7. Kd7 Rb5 8. Kc7 Ra5 9. Kd7 Ra7+ 10. Ke6 Ra6+ 11. Kf5 Rxg6 12. hxg6+ Kg7 {= Drawn.}) 2... Rh1 3. Ke7 Rh2 (3... Kg6 {loses quickly to} 4. Kf8 $18 {!}) 4. Kd6 Rh1 (4... Kg6 {%04with %05to answer} 5. Re6+ {and 6. Rh6, not allowing the king to reach the blockade square h5}) 5. Ke5 Kg6 (5... Rf1 {, then %05Threatening 6. Kf5. If Black parries this by} 6. h5 Rh1 7. Kf5 Rxh5 8. Re7+ Kf8 9. Ra7 Rh1 10. Kg6 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. Ra4 Kh5 (6... Re1+ {, then %05Here the occupation of the blockade square fails to save the game, since the opponent's king is close to the pawns. If} 7. Kf4 Rf1+ 8. Kg3 Rg1+ 9. Kf2 Rc1 10. Ra6+ Kh5 11. Rh6+ Kg4 12. g6 Kf4 13. Rh8 $18 {%04etc.}) 7. Ra8 Re1+ 8. Kf6 $18 {, and White wins easily.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/3r4/1Pk5/2P1R3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {If the pawns are not on the rook's and knight's files, the weaker side loses, when the opponent's king penetrates onto squares on the 7th or 8th rank, not more than 2 files from the rear pawn, since in this case he cannot prevent the breakthrough by the king to the leading pawn, or the sacrifice of the rear pawn with the aim of queening the other.} 1... Rd1 {%05Even if it is Black to move, he cannot save the game;} (1... Rh6 2. Kd7 Rh7+ 3. Re7 Rh6 4. Kc7 { !$18 %04etc.}) (1... Kb6 {, then %05while if} 2. Ke7 {and 3. Re6}) 2. Re7 {!} Kxc4 3. b6 Kc5 4. b7 Rb1 5. Kd8 Kc6 6. Kc8 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/3r4/1Pk5/2P1R3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Rf4 {, and if %05With White to move it is sufficient to play} Rh6 {, then} 2. Kd7 $18 {, hiding from the checks at a5. Moving the position 2 files to the right does not change the assessment. But moving it 3 files to the right leads to a drawn position, since then the rook will drive the king away from the leading pawn with checks from the side.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/8/8/1Pk1K3/2P1R3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] {Even with the best defence Black cannot prevent the white king from reaching the 7th and 8th ranks.} 1... Re8+ 2. Kf5 Rf8+ 3. Kg5 Rf7 4. Rf4 Re7 5. Kf6 Re1 6. Kf5 Re8 {(White has to wait for the black rook to occupy the 7th rank - then driving it off the e-file will be decisive)} 7. Rh4 Re7 8. Re4 Rf7+ 9. Ke6 $18 {, and White wins ~3($401504).~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/8/8/2Pk1K2/3P1R2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {This position is obtained by moving the previous example one file to the right. Due to the lack of sufficient space for his rook on the right, at the critical moment White cannot force the black rook to occupy an unfavourable position on the 7th rank, and therefore his king cannot break through to the lading pawn.} 1... Rf8+ 2. Kg5 Rg8+ 3. Kh5 Rg7 {The only way!} (3... Rg1 { ? is bad in view of} 4. Rg4 Rf1 5. Kg5 Rf8 6. Rh4 {! (forcing the rook to occupy an unfavourable square)} Rf7 7. Rf4 Ra7 8. Kg6 Ra8 9. Kf7 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. Rg4 Rf7 5. Kg6 Rf1 6. Rh4 Rf2 (6... Rf8 {loses to} 7. Kg5 {!}) 7. Kg5 Rf8 {! } 8. Rf4 (8. Rg4 Rg8+ 9. Kh4 Rh8+ 10. Kg3 Rf8 {%04etc.}) 8... Rg8+ 9. Kh5 Rg7 { = Draw. If the position is moved one file to the right, the draw is achieved in the same way. The examples analysed have enabled us to disclose the characteristic features of endings with pawns on the 4th and 5th ranks: (a) The occupation of the blockade square by the weaker side's king acquires great importance, which, incidentally, was not the case with far advanced pawns. (b) The chances of saving the game are improved when the stronger side's king is cut off from the pawns. (c) In certain cases ~3( 1503)~ a draw is possible if the king can be cut off on the 8th(!) rank. (d) With pawns other than rook's pawn and knight's pawn, the basic plan of attack - advancing the king to the aid of the leading pawn - is made easier by the existence of vacant space on the 7th and 8th ranks, and the advance of the king cannot be prevented if the stronger side's rook has 4 squares available along the rank of the rear pawn ~3 ( 1506)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K2/8/4r3/2Pk4/3P1R2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {Against a pawn pair on the 3rd and 4th ranks, for the weaker side to save the game it is sufficient for him to occupy the blockade square in front of the rear pawn with his king, and not allow the opponent's king to approach it.} 1... Re1 {%05If it is Black to move, he draws by moving his rook up and down the e-file:} 2. Rf6 Kxd3 3. c5 Kd4 4. c6 Kd5 {followed by 5... Rc1=, and Black wins the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K2/8/4r3/2Pk4/3P1R2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Kf6 {%05With White to move it is again a draw:} Re8 (1... Re1) (1... Re2 { is also possible %05or}) 2. Kg6 Re1 {%04etc. =} (2... Re6+ {? %05All Black has to avoid are ill-considered checks, e.g.} 3. Rf6 {!} Re5 4. Rd6+ Kc5 5. Rd8 $18 {, when White wins.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r3k/8/6PP/4RK2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {~17.122 Pawns on the same rank~ As we stated at the start, having the pawns on the same rank is more favourable for the stronger side than a diagonal formation, since the opponent's king is not able to wedge itself between them. If the weaker side's king has been driven onto the back rank, there are several ways to win:} 1. Kg5 {%05(a) White can play directly for mate:} (1. Kf6 {%05(b) He can play to exchange rooks:} Rf8+ 2. Ke7 Ra8 3. Rd5 Ra7+ 4. Rd7 Ra8 5. Rd8+ $18 {, winning.}) 1... Kg8 2. h7+ Kh8 3. Kh6 $18 {Moving the position one rank down the board does not change the assessment.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/r7/1R4PP/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] {This position demonstrates the way of driving back the opponent's king with the help of the pawns, which, however must be advanced cautiously.} 1. Kf4 { %05Before moving his pawns, White must use his king to defend those squares which the pawns will cease to control when they advance.} (1. h5+ {%05Thus, for example, it would be a blunder to play ?} Kg5 {, when the black king occupies the vacated square and wedges itself between the pawns, after which White can no longer win.}) (1. g5 {%05or ?} Kh5) 1... Rc5 2. h5+ Kh6 3. Rb6+ Kg7 4. Re6 Ra5 5. Re5 Ra7 6. g5 Rb7 7. Kg4 Ra7 (7... Rb4+ {%05or} 8. Kf5 Rb7 9. h6+ Kh7 10. Kf6 {with the threat of 11. Re7+}) 8. h6+ Kg6 9. Re6+ Kh7 10. Kh5 { Gradually, step by step, without allowing the opponent's king to establish itself between the pawns, or the rook to drive the king away from the pawns, the opponent's king is driven onto the back rank.} Ra5 11. Re7+ Kh8 12. Kg6 Ra6+ 13. Kf5 Ra5+ 14. Re5 Ra8 15. g6 $18 {the aim is achieved: we have reached position ~3($401510)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7k/6R1/6PP/6K1/8/2r5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {We will now consider several exceptional positions where, due to the poor placing of his pieces, the stronger side is unable to win. There are especially many drawing possibilities in "triangular" type positions, as Kasparian has picturesquely called positions where the rook and pawns form a right-angled triangle. This case is shown in the following diagram.} 1... Rc3+ {%05White's rook is badly placed, and the result will depend on whether or not he can improve its position. In the first instance Black aims to drive the opponent's king away from the pawns.} 2. Kf4 Rc4+ {!} (2... Rh3 {? would be a blunder:} 3. h5 {, and White wins}) 3. Kf5 Rc5+ 4. Kf6 Rc6+ 5. Kf7 Rc7+ 6. Ke6 {The king has been driven away from the pawns, and now, by attacking the g-pawn, the rook must be tied to its defence.} Rc4 7. Rg8 Kh7 8. Rg5 Kh6 { = White has not managed to improve the position of his rook. Draw. The result and the method of play do not change if the position is moved one rank up the board. If the position is moved 2 ranks up the board, the result remains the same, but the method of achieving the draw is different.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/6R1/6PP/6K1/8/2r5/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1... Rc5+ {%05Black's king is stalemated, and to draw it is sufficient for him to give up his rook:} 2. Kf6 Rc6+ 3. Ke5 Rc5+ 4. Kd6 Rc6+ {= etc. The white king is unable to escape from the pursuit of the "desperado" rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7k/6R1/6PP/6K1/8/3r4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {There will be a different result in position 489 if the black rook is at d1.} 1... Rd3+ 2. Kf4 Rd4+ 3. Kf5 (3. Kf3 {%05Also possible is} Rd3+ 4. Ke4 Rh3 5. Rh5+ Kg6 6. Kf4 Rh1 7. Kg3 Rg1+ 8. Kf3 Rh1 9. Kg2 Ra1 10. Re5 $18 {winning}) ( 3. Ke3 {in view of %05but not ?} Ra4 {= with a draw.}) (3. Ke5 {? %05or}) 3... Rd5+ 4. Kf6 Rd6+ 5. Ke5 {! In this way White gains an important tempo to transfer his rook to a better position.} Ra6 6. Rf5 $18 {and White wins ~3 ($401511)~. As was first pointed out by Kasparian, for a successful defence by side attacks in such endings, there must be at least 3 vacant files between the weaker side's rook and the opponent's pawn. If the weaker side's king is not on one of the files on which the pawns stand, a successful defence by attacking from the side requires an even greater distance between the rook and the pawns. For a draw, there must be at least 4 files between the weaker side's rook and the opponent's pawn (Kasparian).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/6R1/6PP/6K1/8/1r6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1... Rb3+ 2. Kf2 Rb2+ (2... Rb4 {? %05It is too early to stop driving the king away from the pawns, e.g.} 3. Rf5+ Kg6 4. Kg3 Rb3+ 5. Rf3 $18 {, winning.}) 3. Ke3 Rb3+ 4. Kd2 Rb4 5. Rf5+ Kg7 {= but now White is obliged to return with his rook. Draw.} (5... Kg6 {? due to %05Of course, not} 6. h5+) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/6R1/6PP/6K1/8/2r5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] 1... Rc3+ {%05But with his rook at c1 Black is not able to draw:} 2. Kf2 Rc2+ 3. Ke3 Rc3+ (3... Rc4 {, then %05If} 4. Rf5+ Kg7 5. Rf4 {etc. Therefore Black must drive the opponent's king 2 files away from the g-pawn, but then he can no longer attack the pawn from the side.}) 4. Kd4 Rh3 (4... Ra3 5. Rf5+ { and 6. Ke4$18}) 5. Rf5+ Kg7 6. h5 Kh6 7. Rf6+ Kg7 8. Rg6+ Kh7 9. Ke4 $18 { and wins. Moving the position 1 or 2 ranks up the board does not affect the result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3K1k2/6R1/4r1PP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1. Rg8 {%05The white king is in front o its pawns and cut off from them, and so Black is able to draw:} (1. Rf5+ Kg7 {!} 2. Rg5+ Kf6 {=}) 1... Kf7 {! An essential move.} (1... Ra4 {? , then %05If} 2. h5 {!} (2. g5+ {?} Kf7 3. Rh8 Kg7 4. Rh5 Ra6+ {= with a draw.}) 2... Kf7 3. Rg5 Kf6 4. Rg6+ Kf7 5. Ke5 $18 { and wins.}) 2. Kd5 Ra4 3. Rg5 Kf6 {= Draw. Moving the position one rank up the board does not change the result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3K1k2/6R1/5rPP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {Let us now analyse position ~3( 1517)~, but with the black rook at f4. The rook is less well placed here than at e4, and this allows White to gain an important tempo for improving the position of his rook.} 1. Rg8 Kf7 {Black has two other possibilities, but they are also inadequate:} (1... Ra4 2. h5 Kf7 3. Rg5 Kf6 4. Rg6+ $18 {followed by the approach of the king to the pawns.}) (1... Rd4+ 2. Kc5 Ra4 (2... Rd1 {, Kasparian gives %05if} 3. h5 Kf7 4. Rg6 Rd2 5. g5 Rg2 6. Kd5 $18 {with a won position}) 3. h5 Kf7 4. Rg6 Re4 5. Kd5 Re1 6. g5 Rh1 7. Rf6+ Kg8 (7... Kg7 8. h6+ Kg8 9. Ke6 {%04etc.}) 8. h6 Rh5 (8... Kh7 9. Ke6 Rg1 10. Rf7+ Kg8 11. Rf5 $18 {and wins}) 9. Rf5 Kh7 10. g6+ {!$18 and White wins.}) 2. Ke5 {!} Ra4 3. Rg5 Ra5+ 4. Kf4 {The king returns to its own territory at the most favourable moment.} Ra4+ 5. Ke3 Ra3+ (5... Kf6 {due to %05Black does not have time for} 6. Rf5+ Kg7 7. Kf3 {%04etc.}) 6. Kd2 Ra2+ 7. Kc3 Ra3+ 8. Kb4 Rh3 9. h5 {Thanks to the fact that the black king is temporarily unable to occupy f6, White has managed to advance hi h-pawn. Now it is all over.} Kf6 10. Rg6+ Kf7 11. Kc4 $18 {, and White wins, as shown in the note to Black's 1st move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/5R2/5PP1/5K2/8/r7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] {We will now consider a position with a knight-bishop pawn pair.} 1... Rf2+ { %05Here side checks fail to save Black, since the white king has a shelter - at h5. In general the defence from the side is possible in such positions only when the white king is in enemy territory, and cut off from the pawns by the rook along a rank. (For example, with the white king at d6, Black gains a draw by 1... Ra5, since the king cannot manage to return to its pawns due to the following variation: 2. Ke6 Ra6+ 3. Ke5 Rf6 4. gf+ Kf7 etc.) Black's only other alternative is to attack from the rear.} 2. Ke5 (2. Kg3 {%05White also gains no advantage by} Rf1 3. Kg2 Rf4 4. Kh3 Rf1 {= , when all the same he has to go in for the main variation, since the rook cannot be driven from its positions to the rear.}) 2... Re2+ (2... Rg2 {? is premature due to} 3. Rg6+ Kf7 4. Ra6 Rxg5 (4... Re2+ 5. Kf4 Rf2+ 6. Ke4 Rg2 7. Ra7+ {and 8. Kf4$18}) 5. Ra7+ Kg8 6. Ke6 Rg1 7. Ra8+ Kh7 8. f6 Re1+ 9. Kf7 Rb1 10. Kf8 $18 {and wins.}) 3. Kd6 Rg2 {!} (3... Rd2+ {loses to} 4. Ke7 {!}) 4. Ke6 Re2+ (4... Rxg5 { %05If Black is tempted by the pawn, he loses:} 5. Rf7+ Kh6 (5... Kg8 6. Ra7 Rg1 7. Ra8+ {etc. leads to positions already examined}) 6. Rf8 Rg1 7. f6 Ra1 (7... Re1+ 8. Kf7 Ra1 9. Rh8+ Kg5 10. Kg7 $18 {and wins}) 8. Rh8+ Kg6 9. Rg8+ Kh7 10. f7 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Kd6 (5. Kd7 {%05Black also has an easy draw after} Re5 {!} 6. Kd6 Ra5 7. Ke6 {=}) 5... Rg2 6. Rg6+ (6. Ke7 Rxg5 7. Rf8 Kh7 {!} 8. f6 Re5+ 9. Kf7 Ra5 10. Re8 Ra7+ {= with a draw.}) 6... Kf7 7. Kd7 Rg1 {(White cannot strengthen his position, and so he gives up his g-pawn)} 8. Rf6+ Kg7 9. Ke7 Rxg5 10. Rf7+ Kh6 11. Rf8 Kh7 (11... Rg1 {%05~5 According to the Nalimov tablebases, a draw can %05~5 also be achieved by} 12. f6 Ra1 13. Rh8+ Kg6 14. Rg8+ Kf5 {!!} (14... Kh7 {?} 15. f7 $18) 15. f7 Ra7+ {=}) (11... Rg7+ {%05or} 12. Kf6 Kh7 13. Rf7 Kh8 {!=}) 12. Ke6 Rg1 13. f6 Ra1 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/4R3/4PP2/8/3K4/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {Against a bishop-king pawn pair, and also central pawns, Black's drawing chances become slight since, as Kasparian shows, the "long side" along the rank is reduced, and the black rook does not have sufficient space for its attacks.} 1... Re1 {As mentioned earlier, side checks in such positions lose quickly due to the existence of a shelter for the king (in this case at g5).} 2. Rf6+ Ke7 (2... Kg7 3. Kd4 Rd1+ 4. Ke4 Re1+ 5. Kd5 Rd1+ 6. Ke6 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Kd4 Rd1+ 4. Ke4 Re1+ 5. Kf4 Rf1+ 6. Kg5 Rg1+ 7. Kh6 {!} Re1 8. Ra6 Rxe5 9. Kg6 Re1 10. f6+ $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/3k4/4R3/3PP3/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {Against a central pawn pair Black has almost no chance of drawing. The following case in an exception.} 1... Rb1+ {!} (1... Ra5 {?} 2. Rd6+ Ke7 3. Kc7 $18 {and wins}) 2. Ka7 Rb5 3. Rd6+ Kc7 {!} 4. Rc6+ Kd8 {!} 5. Rd6+ Kc7 { != Draw.} * [Event "Match"] [Site "corr."] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gothenburg"] [Black "Stockholm"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/8/5k2/8/7P/PR4K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {~17.2 ISOLATED PAWNS~ With the exception of f- and h-pawns, which are examined later in section 7.3, endings with two isolated pawns have not been studied as fully as the other sections in this chapter. Here we will give several examples, showing the characteristic features of these endings. We will first examine positions where the isolated pawns are on a rook's file or knight's file. A successful defence is possible only when the defender's king stands in the path of one of the pawns, and the rook is checking the advance of the other. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ533} 1... Ra4 {A move of great strength: the rook blocks the a-pawn, attacks the h-pawn, and suppresses the activity of the white king. %05Black gained a draw by exploiting the passive placing of the white pieces.} 2. Rf3+ Kg6 {!} (2... Ke6 {? %05not} 3. h5 $18) 3. Kf2 {(a forced sacrifice, since White has nothing else; he hopes to win with his a-pawn)} Rxh4 4. Ke2 Ra4 5. Kd2 Ra6 (5... Ra8 {%05Also possible is} 6. Kc2 Rc8+ 7. Kb3 Rb8+ 8. Ka4 Ra8+ 9. Kb5 Rb8+ 10. Kc6 Ra8 {= , and the pawn is stopped.}) 6. Kc2 Rf6 7. Rd3 Kf7 8. Kb3 Ke7 9. Kb4 Rd6 {= Drawn. The result and the method of play do not change if the position is moved one rank up the board (with the black rook staying on the same square, of course).} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sokolsky Alexey (BLR)"] [Black "Budo A (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6k1/8/r5PK/P3R3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ533} 1. Rd2 {%05Here Black's defence is even simpler. The method remains the same:} Kf5 2. Kg2 (2. Kh4 Ra8 {= etc. is pointless}) 2... Kg4 3. Kf2 Rf3+ 4. Ke2 Rxg3 5. Kd1 Kf5 6. Kc2 Ke6 7. Kb2 Rg7 8. a4 Rd7 9. Rc2 Kd6 10. Ka3 Rc7 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/8/5k2/8/8/PR4KP/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] {But if his rook is defending both pawns along the rank, the stronger side normally wins.} 1... Ra4 {%05This is a very common position. Thanks to the fact that the white king is relieved of the responsibility of defending one of the pawns, it is free to manoeuvre.} 2. Rf3+ {(to make the black king determine its position)} Kg5 (2... Ke6 {, then %05if} 3. h4 Ke5 4. h5 $18 { and wins}) 3. Kf2 Re4 {(otherwise the king crosses to the Q-side)} 4. Rg3+ Kf5 5. Rg4 Re6 {(after the exchange of rooks, the pawn ending is lost)} 6. a4 Rb6 7. Kg3 Rb3+ 8. Kh4 Ra3 9. a5 Kf6 10. Rg5 Ra1 11. Kh5 Ra3 12. h4 Ra4 13. a6 $18 {, and White wins. The stronger side wins in similar fashion in positions where either one, or both pawns are not rook's pawns.} * [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Panov Vasily N (RUS)"] [Black "Pogrebyssky Iosif (UKR)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/8/2k5/8/1P3R1P/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Kg4 Rg8+ 2. Kh3 Kd5 3. h5 Ke5 4. Rg4 Rh8 5. Kh4 Kf6 6. b5 {(White advances his pawns in turn)} Kf5 7. Rg5+ Kf6 8. b6 Rb8 9. Rb5 Rb7 10. Kg4 Rg7+ 11. Kf4 Rb7 12. h6 Kg6 13. Ke5 Kxh6 14. Kd6 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Salonika (Greece)"] [Site "Salonika (Greece)"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Short Nigel D (ENG)"] [Black "Jussupow Artur (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/8/8/3k4/8/2PK1R1P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "36"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] {The difficulties which are encountered in such endings are well illustrated by the following practical example:} 1. Ke3 {%05White's plan is to take his king across to the h-pawn and begin advancing it. In doing this, he may be able to give up his other pawn.} Kc5 2. Kf4 Kd5 3. Rd3+ Kc5 4. Kg3 Rg8+ 5. Kh2 Kc4 6. Rf3 Rh8 7. Kg3 {A slight but highly significant inaccuracy. As was shown by Fridstein, the king's advance should have been prepared, by first giving Black the move.} (7. Re3 {%05For example:} Kb3 {! %04best} (7... Kd5 { can be met by} 8. Re1 Kc4 9. Rc1 Rh7 10. Kg3 Rg7+ 11. Kf4 Rh7 12. Kg4 Rg7+ 13. Kf5 Rh7 14. Rh1 {!$18 , when the h-pawn advances}) 8. Rd3 Kc4 9. Rf3 {!} Kb3 10. Kg3 {! (now is the time)} Rg8+ 11. Kf4 Rh8 12. Kg4 Rg8+ 13. Kh5 Rh8+ 14. Kg6 {It transpires that Black is in zugzwang. On} Kc4 {White has the decisive} (14... Ka3 {White wins by %05And on} 15. Kg5 {!} Rg8+ 16. Kf4 Rh8 17. Kg3 Rg8+ 18. Kh2 Rh8 19. c4+ Kb4 20. Rf4 {and 21. h4$18}) 15. Rf4+ {!} Kxc3 16. h4 $18 { Note, incidentally, that with the rook at e3 this variation would have succeeded, since Black answers Re4+ with ... Kd3!}) 7... Rg8+ 8. Kf4 Rh8 9. Kg5 Rg8+ 10. Kh6 Kd5 11. h4 (11. Re3 {White could then have reverted to the continuation just considered. But he prefers a different plan, which allows the black king to become active. %05Of course, by playing}) 11... Ke4 {!} 12. Rh3 {? After the move made by White, Black is able to save the game.} (12. Rf6 {! was correct, deploying the rook in the strongest way possible, such that it can defend its king against checks both along the file, and along the rank. The following continuations would then have been possible: %05The basic principle of rook endings is the activation of %05the rook, and from this viewpoint White's move does not %05look good} Rc8 (12... Rh8+ 13. Kg5 Rg8+ ( 13... Rc8 14. c4) 14. Rg6 Rc8 15. Re6+ {!} Kf3 (15... Kd5 16. Re3 $18) 16. h5 Rxc3 17. h6 $18 {%04etc.}) (12... Ke5 {, but even then after %05Black could have offered the most tenacious resistance by} 13. Rc6 Rh8+ 14. Kg5 Rg8+ 15. Kh5 Rh8+ (15... Kf5 16. Rc5+ Kf4 {, then %05while if here} (16... Kf6 17. c4 $18) 17. Kh6 Rh8+ 18. Kg7 $18) 16. Kg4 Rg8+ 17. Kh3 Kd5 18. Rc7 Kd6 19. Rc4 Kd5 20. Rg4 Rh8 (20... Rc8 21. c4+ $18) 21. Kg3 $18 {White wins roughly as in the previous example}) 13. h5 Rxc3 14. Kg7 $18 {, and the pawn cannot be stopped.}) 12... Kf5 13. h5 (13. c4 Rc8 14. Rc3 {does not help due to} Rh8+ 15. Kg7 Rxh4 16. c5 Ke6 17. c6 Rg4+ 18. Kf8 Rh4 19. c7 Rh8+ 20. Kg7 Rc8 {= with a draw.}) 13... Rc8 {!} 14. Kg7 Kg4 15. Rh1 (15. Re3 {%05There is nothing better. If, for example,} Kxh5 16. Kf6 {, then} Kg4 17. Ke5 Re8+ 18. Kd4 Rd8+ 19. Kc4 Rc8+ 20. Kd3 Kf4 {!= with a theoretical draw ~5(Nalimov tablebases).~} (20... Rd8+ { ?} 21. Kc2 Kf4 22. Rd3 Rh8 23. Rd5 $18)) 15... Kg5 {! A precise reply.} (15... Rxc3 {? %05Black would have lost after} 16. h6 Rc7+ 17. Kf6 Rc6+ 18. Ke5 Rc5+ 19. Kd6 Rc8 20. h7 Rh8 21. Ke6 Kg5 22. Kf7 $18 {%04etc.}) 16. Rh3 (16. h6 { %05Or} Rc7+ 17. Kf8 Kf6 18. Rf1+ (18. Ke8 Rxc3) 18... Kg6 19. Rc1 Kxh6 20. Ke8 Kg6 21. Kd8 Rc4 22. Kd7 Kf5 23. Kd6 Ke4 {= and the c-pawn falls.}) 16... Rc7+ 17. Kf8 Kg4 18. Rh1 Kg5 {= Drawn.} * [Event "Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan)"] [Site "Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan)"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "Bagirov Vladimir (LAT)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/r7/2R2P1K/P4k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] {An interesting saving possibility in this type of ending is shown in the following example, where the stronger side's king is cut off from the pawns. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ533} 1. Rd5 {%05For White to win, his king has to escape from h5, but against correct defence by Black this cannot be done:} Ke4 { (the a-pawn is of course immune)} 2. Rb5 Kf4 3. Rc5 Rd6 4. Ra5 (4. a5 {, Black would have lost after %05Had White played} Rf6 {?} (4... Ra6 {%05The black rook should occupy f6 only when the opponent's rook goes to b5, and so correct is} 5. Rb5 Rf6 {!= with a draw.}) 5. Rb5 Ra6 6. Rb6 {!} Rxa5 7. Kg6 $18) 4... Rf6 5. Ra8 Kxf5 {!} 6. a5 Rf7 {Black sets up a well-known drawn position, with his rook attacking the pawn from the side.} 7. Kh6 Rd7 8. a6 Rf7 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/R6P/8/P6r/5K2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "46"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {This position is of great practical importance. The defence employed here is a copy of the defensive system in position ~3( 1432)~. The point of it is to attack the a-pawn with the rook from the side. The attempt by White to move his rook off the a-file is easily parried. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ533} 1... Rb4 { %05As soon as the king approaches the a-pawn, the black^013^010 %05rook drives it away by horizontal checks, after which it^013^010 %05returns to its initial position. The presence of an extra^013^010 %05pawn compared with example ~3 ($411432)~ does not %05play any part - it is important that the black king should %05be blockading it, and that the rook is attacking, from the^013^010 %05side, the pawn in front of which the opponent's rook^013^010 %05stands.} 2. Ke3 Rc4 3. Kd3 Rb4 4. Kc3 Rf4 {! (the best file for defence)} 5. Kb3 Rf3+ { (an essential move, otherwise the rook moves off the a-file)} 6. Kc4 Rf4+ 7. Kd5 Rb4 {!} (7... Rf5+ {? %05further checks are incorrect:} 8. Ke6 Rf4 9. a5 { %04etc.}) 8. Kc6 Rf4 9. Kd7 Rd4+ 10. Kc7 Rf4 11. a5 Rf5 {(again taking up position on the rank of the pawn)} 12. Kd7 Rd5+ 13. Ke7 Re5+ 14. Kf6 Rc5 15. Ra8 Rd5 16. a6 Rd6+ 17. Ke7 Rxh6 18. Kf7 Rb6 19. Ra7 Kh6 20. Kf8 Rb8+ 21. Ke7 Rb6 22. Ke8 Kg6 23. Kd8 Rf6 24. Kc8 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/P6R/1K5P/8/8/8/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {In the next example the weaker side gained a draw in similar fashion. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ533} 1... Rf5+ 2. Kc4 (2. Kc6 {the draw is achieved most simply by %05after} Kxa6 {and if} 3. Kd7+ Kb7 {~3- ($411432)~}) 2... Re5 3. Kd4 Rg5 4. Ke4 Rc5 5. Kd4 Rg5 6. Rh8 Rf5 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Osnos Viatcheslav (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/P6R/6K1/8/r6P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] 1... Ke7 {! %05A saving guide is provided by the previous position, but for this his king has to reach the distant square a7!} (1... Kg6 {, then %05How should Black continue? If} 2. Rg5+ Kh6 (2... Kf6 3. h4 Ra3 4. Kh5 Ra4 5. a6 $18 {!}) 3. Re5 {!} Rxh2 4. Kf5 Kg7 5. Ke6 {, and the king breaks through to the a-pawn.}) (1... Ke6 {? would have lost after %05The route must be chosen accurately:} 2. a6 {!} Kd6 3. Rh7 {! and 4. a7$18}) 2. Kf4 (2. Kg3 {!} Ra3+ { (otherwise the rook moves off the h-file)} 3. Kf4 Ra2 {!} 4. Ke4 {was more accurate, but even then Black draws in the same way:} Kd7 5. Kd4 Kc7 6. Rc5+ Kd6 {! , and on} (6... Kb7 {?} 7. h4 Ra4+ 8. Rc4 Rxa5 9. Ke4 Rh5 10. Kf3 Rh8 11. Kg4 $18) 7. h4 {there follows} Ra4+ 8. Rc4 Rxa5 {= with a draw.}) 2... Kd7 3. Ke4 Kc7 4. Kd4 Kb7 5. h3 Ra3 {!} 6. Kc4 Ka6 7. Kb4 Rf3 8. Rh6+ Ka7 {, and the goal is achieved. =} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Black "Dubinin Peter V (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7R/P2k3K/1r5P/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {If the weaker side's king does not stand in the path of one of the pawns, his drawing chances are slight.} 1... Ra3 {%05Due to the unfortunate position of his king, Black is unable to employ any of the above defensive methods, and therefore defeat is inevitable.} 2. Ra5 Ke4 3. Kg4 Ra1 4. h4 Rg1+ 5. Kh5 Rg8 6. Kh6 Kf4 7. h5 (7. Rb5 {would have been quickly decisive, and if %05now} Rh8+ 8. Kg6 Rxh4 9. Rb4+ {and 10. Rh4$18}) 7... Kg4 8. Rb5 Ra8 9. a5 Kf4 10. Kg6 Ra6+ 11. Kg7 Ra7+ 12. Kf6 Ra6+ 13. Rb6 {(the sacrifice of one pawn with the aim of queening the other; a typical procedure)} Rxa5 14. h6 $18 {, and White won.} 1-0 [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Black "Salwe Georg H S (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7K/4k2P/P7/3R4/r7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] {There was an interesting mistake in the following ending.} 1. Rf3 { %05Analysis shows that Chigorin could have won this ending. After} (1. Kg5 { is also possible}) 1... Rxa4 {he should have played} 2. Kg5 {!} (2. Kg7 { ? %05The game went} Rg4+ 3. Kf7 Rh4 4. Ra3 Rf4+ 5. Ke7 Rb4 6. Ra5+ Kf4 7. h6 Kg4 8. Ra7 Kg5 9. h7 Rb8 10. Kf7 Kh6 {Drawn.}) 2... Ra1 {, then %05and if} 3. h6 Rg1+ 4. Kh5 Rh1+ (4... Ke6 {is met by} 5. h7 Rh1+ 6. Kg6 Rg1+ 7. Kh6 Rh1+ 8. Kg7 Rg1+ 9. Kf8 Rh1 10. Rf7 $18) 5. Kg6 Rg1+ 6. Kf7 Rh1 7. Rf6 $18 {, followed by Kg7 and Rg6, when the advance of the pawn wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P6k/8/r5PK/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {Positions such as this often occur in practice.} 1. Kg4 {(if it is Black to move, he defends in similar fashion)} Kg7 (1... Ra4+ {%05Best, since it deprives White of any chance, which is possible, for example, in the variation} 2. Kf5 Ra5+ {?} 3. Kf6 Ra6+ 4. Kf7 {and 5. g6$18}) 2. Kf4 Ra1 {= The draw is now achieved as follows: the rook moves up and down the a-file so that, when the king approaches the a-pawn it gives check from the rear, driving the king away from the pawn, and then again returns to its initial position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/8/r6P/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Black carries out the same system of defence in the following example. After the advance of the pawn to h6 White cannot evict the opponent's king from h7. The attempt to free the rook from a8 is parried as in the previous example. If the a-pawn has reached the 7th rank and is blocked by its own rook, the stronger side normally wins if his second pawn is on the e- or f-file.} * [Event "Rostov on Don (Russia)"] [Site "Rostov on Don (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hyutt"] [Black "Alalin"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/8/r4PK1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kf4 {%05Here the win is achieved without the participation of the king - by the advance of the f-pawn:} Ra4+ (1... Kf7 {(Black sets a trap, into which his opponent falls) %05But in the game itself White made a mistake, and it %05ended in a draw:} 2. Rh8 {?} (2. f6 {! would have won}) 2... Rxa7 {!} 3. Rh7+ Kf6 4. Rxa7 {= - stalemate.}) 2. Ke3 Ra3+ 3. Kd4 Ra4+ 4. Kc3 Ra3+ 5. Kb4 Ra6 6. f6+ {, and Black loses after} Kxf6 (6... Kf7 {%05or} 7. Rh8 Rxa7 8. Rh7+ $18) (6... Kh7 {%05or} 7. f7 $18) 7. Rf8+ $40 {and 8. a8Q Curiously enough, this stalemate trap had also occurred earlier ~3( 1536)~.} * [Event "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Site "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bernstein Ossip S (UKR)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/8/5k2/1p3p2/7r/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1... b3 2. Rb8 b2 {?} 3. Rxb2 {with a draw, since after} Rh2+ 4. Kf3 Rxb2 { it is stalemate.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r4p2/p7/8/8/5K2/7k/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {In the following example a stalemate possibility is the only way of saving the game.} 1. Re2+ {%05The position of the black king on the rook's file favours White:} Kh3 2. Re1 Kh4 3. Kf4 Kh5 4. Kf5 Kh6 5. Kf6 Kh7 6. Re5 { ! (a preparatory move for creating the stalemate)} Kg8 7. Re8+ Kh7 8. Re5 {!} a5 (8... Rb7 9. Ra5 {= with a draw}) 9. Rh5+ Kg8 10. Rg5+ {!} Kf8 11. Rxa5 Rxa5 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P7/2k5/8/3P4/r7/2K5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {With the second pawn on the d-file, in many cases Black can defend successfully.} 1... Kb7 2. Rb8+ Kxa7 3. Rb1 Rh3 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/P5k1/r7/6P1/6K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {If the rook's pawn is on the 6th rank, in the majority of cases the stronger side wins irrespective of the file on which the second pawn stands (an exception being ~3( 1541)~ ).} 1... Ra4 {%05White is threatening to take his king up to the a-pawn, so Black must take measures against this pawn:} 2. Kf3 Kg7 3. g5 {!} (3. Ke3 {? is a mistake due to %05The natural} Rxg4 4. Ra7+ Kg6 5. Kd3 {, when Black draws by} Rb4 {= %04etc.}) 3... Ra5 4. Ke4 Rxg5 5. Ra7+ Kg6 6. Kd4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/P6k/r7/6KP/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {Black is also unable to draw in the following example, where both pawns are rooks' pawns.} 1... Ra4+ 2. Kg3 Kh7 3. h5 {!} (3. Kf3 {%05but not} Rxh4 {!}) 3... Ra5 (3... Rb4 {%05The attempt by Black to transfer his rook to the 6th rank is easily parried} 4. Rc8 {!} (4. Ra7+ {? %05not} Kh6 5. Rb7 Ra4 6. a7 Kxh5 {, when the black king reaches the Q-side just in time =}) 4... Ra4 5. Rc6 {%04etc.}) 4. Ra7+ {!} Kh6 5. Kf4 Rxh5 {(as we know, for a draw the king should be at g6at this point, and not h6; now it is all over)} 6. Ke4 $18 { , and White wins thanks to the distant position of the opponent's king. From the analysis of the two previous examples it follows that, in such endings the stronger side has better winning chances if the rook's pawn is supported by the rook from in front, and is on the 6th rank rather than the 7th. Even if both pawns are rooks' pawns, the defender can draw only if he is able to transfer his rook to the 6th rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6k1/P7/8/8/8/r6P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1. h3 {%05The black pieces are ideally placed, and White is unable to win:} (1. Kf1 Rxh2 {= with a draw}) 1... Kh7 2. Kf1 Kg7 3. Ke1 Ra5 {!} 4. Kd2 Rd5+ 5. Kc3 Rd6 {= with a draw. Practice shows that, the smaller the distance between the rook's pawn and the second pawn, the better the drawing chances (this is especially characteristic of h- and f-pawns). We will give a number of examples with h- and e-pawns (or a- and d-pawns). Hardly any theoretical study has been made of them, although their practical value is undisputed.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Najdorf Miguel (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/1R2P2K/4r2P/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {A typical drawn example is shown in this position.} 1... Kf6 {! %05The defensive plan is to exploit the unfortunate position of the white king on the rook's file, stopping the advance of its own pawn. To free his king, White will be forced to sacrifice his e-pawn, which leads to a drawn ending with a rook's pawn.} 2. Ra6 {The move played is more cunning, since it forces the black rook to abandon the e-file, which is so important for defence (otherwise White activates his king).} (2. Rb1 {%05Black has a straightforward draw after} Rxe6 3. Rf1+ Ke7+ 4. Kg7 Re5 5. h6 Rg5+ {%04etc.}) (2. e7+ {%05and he also draws after} Kxe7 3. Kg6 Re1 4. Kg7 Rg1+ 5. Rg6 Rf1 6. h6 Rf7+ {=}) 2... Rf5 { ! (as will later be seen, this is the only move)} 3. Ra3 Kxe6 4. Kg6 Rf6+ { this is why the rook occupied the f-file} (4... Rf1 {%05Black loses after} 5. Re3+ Kd7 6. h6 {%04etc.}) 5. Kg7 Rf7+ 6. Kg8 Rb7 7. Rf3 (7. h6 {, which is met by %05Preventing} Kf6 8. Ra6+ Kg5 {, when Black is assured of giving perpetual check or regaining the pawn.}) 7... Rb5 8. h6 {= , and we reach a drawn position of type ~3($401425)~. Thus in positions of this type the stronger side's main problem is to free his king from the rook's file: if the king succeeds at a favourable moment in moving onto the adjacent file, the advance of the rook's pawn is decisive, otherwise the result is a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/1R2P2K/7P/8/8/8/2r5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {There are two ways for Black to try and keep the king on the rook's file, but neither succeeds:} 1... Kf6 (1... Rg1 2. Kh7 Rg2 3. h6 Rg1 4. Kh8 Rg2 5. h7 Rg1 6. Rb8 Kxe6 7. Rg8 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kh7 Rc7+ {(there is nothing better)} 3. e7+ {!} Kxe7 4. Kg7 {(the king has moved out, and the pawn's path is now free)} Ke8+ 5. Kg6 Rc1 6. Rb8+ Ke7 7. h6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Venice (Italy)"] [Site "Venice (Italy)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Castillo"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/1R6/4P3/7K/5r1P/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {It is not surprising that Black is unable to draw in the following example. (variation from the game)} 1... Re4 2. Rb6 Ke7 3. Kg5 Re1 4. h5 Rg1+ 5. Kf5 {!} (5. Kh6 {? leads only to a draw: %05Kotov's suggestion of} Kf6 6. Kh7 Rg7+ 7. Kh8 Re7 {!} 8. Kg8 Re8+ 9. Kh7 Re7+ 10. Kh6 Kf5 {= , and the white king is securely imprisoned.}) 5... Rf1+ 6. Kg6 Rg1+ 7. Kh7 $18 {, and we reach a won position which was analysed in the previous example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k2K/4P2P/8/8/8/4R3/6r1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {If the stronger side's rook is defending the central pawn from behind, and the king, cut off on the rook's file, is unable to improve its position, the defender gains a draw.} 1. Kh8 {%05To draw, it is sufficient for Black to move his rook up and down the g-file. By sacrificing his e-pawn White can drive the rook off the g-file, but this does not achieve anything:} Rg3 2. h7 Rg1 3. Rf2 Kxe6 4. Rf8 Ra1 {= whereas now the result is a draw.} (4... Ke7 {? %05But not} 5. Rg8 Rh1 6. Kg7 $18 {when White wins}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k2K/4P3/7P/8/8/4R3/6r1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {It should not be thought that positions of this type just examined are always drawn. Had White's pawn been at h5 instead of h6, he would have been able to gain decisive control of the g-file:} 1. Re5 Rg2 2. Kh6 Rg1 3. Rg5 Rh1 4. Kg7 $18 {, and the h-pawn decides matters.} * [Event "Riga (Latvia)"] [Site "Riga (Latvia)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ravinsky Grigory (RUS)"] [Black "Bannik Anatoly (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1K1/4P2R/7P/8/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] 1. Kg8 Rh2 2. Rh7+ {He could have defended successfully, had he avoided capturing the e-pawn on the 2nd move. He should have played} Ke8 {)in such positions it is most important not to give the white pieces scope)} (2... Kxe6 {? %05After} 3. h6 Rg2+ 4. Rg7 Ra2 5. Rf7 Ra8+ 6. Kg7 Ra1 7. Rf6+ Ke7 8. h7 Rh1 9. Rg6 {Black lost.}) 3. h6 {, then %05, and if} Rh1 4. Rh8 Ke7 5. Kg7 (5. h7 { ?} Rg1# {%04mate}) 5... Rg1+ 6. Kh7 Kxe6 {= with a draw. We have been examining examples where the stronger side has tried to queen the rook's pawn under the protection of the king. The defender has had great difficulties to overcome, and his efforts have not always been successful.} * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Szabo Laszlo (HUN)"] [Black "Najdorf Miguel (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7R/5k2/7P/4PK2/8/8/2r5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {The defence is eased if the stronger side's king can be cut off from the pawns by the rook along the 3rd rank. Here is a typical example. (variation from the game with colours reversed)} 1... Rf1+ {%05The white king must first be driven away from the e-pawn:} 2. Ke3 Re1+ 3. Kf3 (3. Kd4 {%05White also achieves nothing by} Rd1+ 4. Kc5 Rc1+ 5. Kd6 Rd1+ 6. Kc7 Re1 7. Rh6+ Kg5 8. Re6 Kxh5 9. e5 Kg5 10. Re8 Kf5 {= %04etc.}) 3... Rf1+ 4. Ke2 Rh1 5. h6 Rh3 { ! (cutting the king off from the pawns, and ensuring a draw)} 6. Rh8 Kg6 7. Kf2 (7. e5 {, then %05If} Rh5 8. Rg8+ Kxh6 9. Rh8+ Kg6 10. Rxh5 Kxh5 {= , and Black stops the pawn in time}) (7. Ra8 {%05or} Kg5 {!} 8. Ra6 Kf4 9. Re6 Re3+ 10. Kf2 Rf3+ 11. Kg2 Rg3+ 12. Kh2 Rg4 13. Ra6 (13. Kh3 Rg3+ {=}) 13... Kg5 14. e5 Rh4+ {and 15... Rh6 with a draw.}) 7... Ra3 8. Rg8+ Kxh6 {= Draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Akopian Gagik (ARM)"] [Black "Oryekhov"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7k/3r3P/3PR1K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {White carries out an interesting winning plan in the following example. (variation from the game)} 1... Rg4+ {%05White has to give up his h-pawn and obtain a won ending %05of rook and pawn against rook. If it is Black to move, he %05loses comparatively quickly, for example: (a)} (1... Kg6 {%05(b)} 2. Rf3 {!} Kh5 3. Kf2 Kxh4 4. Ke3 Rd8 5. d4 $18) (1... Rd8 {%05(c)} 2. Kf4 Rf8+ (2... Kxh4 {, then %05if} 3. Re6 {! followed by 4. Ke4 and 5. d4$18}) 3. Ke5 Re8+ 4. Kd4 Rd8+ 5. Kc3 Rc8+ 6. Kd2 Kxh4 7. Re5 {!$18} (7. d4 {?} Kg5 {!} (7... Kg4 {?} 8. Re5 Rd8 9. Kd3 Kf4 10. Kc4 Rc8+ 11. Rc5 Ra8 12. Rc6 Ra4+ 13. Kc5 Ra5+ 14. Kb4 $18) 8. Rf3 Ra8 {= with a draw ~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~})) 2. Kf2 {!} Rxh4 (2... Kxh4 3. Re5 {!$18 %04etc.}) 3. Rg3 {!} Rf4+ 4. Ke3 Rf8 5. d4 $18 {%04etc. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7k/3r3P/3PR1K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] 1. Re5+ {! %05Thus White's problem is to give his opponent the move.^013^010 %05~5 (RR) He is unable to do this against accurate defence by Black.~} Kg6 2. Re6+ Kg7 {!} (2... Kf5 {! ^013^010 %05or} 3. Re3 Kf6) (2... Kh5 {? ^013^010 %05but not} 3. Re3 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Re3 Kf6 {!} (3... Kg6 {?} 4. Rf3 {!} Kh5 5. Kf2 {!$18 transposing into variation b ~3($401549)~}) 4. Rf3+ Kg6 5. Kh3 Kh5 6. Rf5+ Kg6 7. Rg5+ Kh6 8. Rg3 Kh5 9. Rf3 Rxh4+ 10. Kg2 Kh6 {= ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k3r2/1P6/6P1/8/K7/8/8/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {We will now turn to the analysis of examples where neither pawn is a rook's pawn. In such positions the drawing chances are reduced, since defences exploiting the poor placing of the opponent's king or rook on the rook's file are ruled out. The stronger side's plan is the same as before: to win he must queen one of his pawns. Usually this is achieved after the king has come to its aid. Often the second pawn is sacrificed to divert one of the opponent's pieces or to gain time. The further apart the pawns are, the fewer the defensive possibilities. A splendid illustration of this is provided by the following study.} 1. Rb5 {! %05To win White must first prepare the raid by his king to the g-pawn:} (1. Ka5 {%05 Here the pawns have rather broken away. Neither is supported by the king, and taking it directly up to the b-pawn proves unsuccessful, e.g.} Rf6 2. Rg1 (2. Rb6 Rxb6 3. Kxb6 {= - stalemate}) 2... Rf8 3. Ka6 Rg8 {%04Now} 4. g7 (4. Kb5 {, then %05while if} Kxb7 5. Kc5 Kc7 6. Kd5 Kd7 7. Ke5 Ke7 8. Kf5 Rf8+ 9. Kg5 Rf2 10. Kh6 Kf8 {=}) 4... Rxg7 { again leads to stalemate}) (1. Rb6 {? %05The immediate attempt to take the king across to the %05g-pawn is also parried by Black:} Rf1 2. Ka3 Rc1 3. Kb2 Rc5 4. Kb3 Rc1 {= %04etc.}) 1... Rf6 (1... Rf1 2. Rg5 Rf8 {, and then as in the main variation}) (1... Rg8 {%05or} 2. Rb6 Rf8 3. Kb5 $18 {and wins}) 2. Rg5 Rf8 3. Kb5 {(it is curious how now the king follows the rook across the 5th rank)} Kxb7 4. Kc5 Kc7 5. Kd5 Kd7 6. Ke5 Ke7 7. Rf5 {! This is why the rook was moved onto the 5th rank. Since the exchange of rooks is now impossible, White gains a decisive tempo for cutting off the black king from the pawn.} (7. Rh5 {? , on the other hand, would have been bad:} Rf1 8. Rh8 Rg1 9. Kf5 Rg2 { = with a draw.}) 7... Ra8 8. Rf7+ Ke8 9. Kf6 Ra6+ 10. Kg7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k1r2/8/3P2P1/3R4/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {The next few positions show the situation with d- and g-pawns. Drawn positions are possible here as exceptions ~3( 1554)~.} 1. g6 (1. Rg4 {%05White can also play} Kd6 2. g6 Rf8 (2... Rg7 {transposes into the main variation}) 3. Rg5 Ke7 4. Ke2 Kf6 5. Rg1 Ke5 6. g7 Rg8 7. Kf3 Kxd5 (7... Kf6 8. Kf4 Rxg7 9. Rxg7 Kxg7 $18 {, winning}) 8. Rg6 {!} Ke5 9. Kg4 $18 {, and wins.}) 1... Rg7 { %05But Grigoriev's solution is more elegant:} 2. Rg4 Kd6 3. Kf2 {!} (3. Rg5 { ? due to %05not} Ke7 4. Ke2 Kf6 5. Rg3 Rxg6 6. Rxg6+ Kxg6 {=}) 3... Kxd5 4. Kg3 {!} Ke6 5. Kh4 Kf6 6. Kh5 Rg8 7. Rf4+ Kg7 8. Rf7+ Kh8 9. Rh7# {mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herbstman Alexander I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2rP2R1/6Pk/8/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. d7 {%05To stop the d-pawn, Black is forced to attack it from the rear. After this the white king joins actively in the play, and this secures the win. } Rc1+ 2. Kf2 Rd1 3. Rg7 Kg4 4. Ke2 {! A subtle move, forcing the black rook to occupy an unfavourable position.} (4. Ke3 {? due to %05Not} Kf5) 4... Rd6 5. Ke3 Kf5 6. Rf7+ Kxg5 7. Ke4 Kg6 8. Ke5 Rd1 9. Rf6+ {and 10. Rd6$18, winning.} * [Event "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Site "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Szabo Laszlo (HUN)"] [Black "Boleslavsky Isaac (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/3P1k2/8/6PK/8/3r4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {Difficulties can arise only if the stronger side's king occupies a passive position. The following example shows an interesting saving possibility. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ533} 1... Rd3 {! %05Black forced a draw by blocking the white king's path to the centre of the board:} 2. Rf8+ (2. g5+ Kg6 3. Kg4 Rd4+ 4. Kf3 Kxg5 5. Ke3 Rd1 6. Ke4 Kf6 {= with a draw.}) 2... Kg7 3. Rd8 Kg6 4. Rd7 Kf6 5. Rd8 (5. Kh5 {?} Rh3# {%04mate}) 5... Kg6 6. d7 Kg7 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/3P1k2/8/6PK/8/3r4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1. Kg3 {%05Had it been the opponent to move, Black would have been unable to do this:} Rd3+ 2. Kf4 Rd4+ 3. Ke3 {! (the simplest)} Rd1 (3... Rxg4 {, then %05if} 4. Re8 Rg7 5. Ke4 Ra7 6. Kd5 $18 {, winning}) 4. Ke4 Ke6 (4... Rd2 5. g5+ Ke6 6. d7 Ke7 7. Rh8 $18 {and wins}) 5. g5 Rg1 6. Kf4 Rg2 7. Re8+ Kxd6 8. Kf5 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Larsen Bent (DEN)"] [Black "Torre Eugenio (PHI)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3R4/2P2P2/6K1/8/8/2r5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {White made an instructive mistake in the following example.} 1. Re6+ (1. f6+ { ? , and after %05Instead of this White played} Kf7 2. c6 Kg6 {!} 3. Kf3 Re1 {!} 4. Kf4 Re2 {it transpired that there was no way for the king to support its pawns:} 5. Rd5 Rc2 {!} (5... Kxf6 {? %05It was not yet too late to go wrong:} 6. Rc5 Re8 7. Rf5+ {!} Kg6 (7... Ke7 8. Re5+ Kf7 9. Rxe8 Kxe8 10. Ke5 $18 { and wins}) 8. Re5 {!} Rc8 9. Re6+ Kf7 10. Ke5 $18 {, and White wins.}) 6. Rd6 Re2 {= with a draw.}) 1... Kf7 (1... Kd7 2. c6+ (2. Re5 {%05or})) 2. c6 { would have led to a simple win, since} Rf1 {is met by} 3. Kg5 Rf2 4. Rd6 Rc2 5. f6 $18 (5. Kf4 $18 {, when the white king easily moves across to the c-pawn. %05or}) * [Event "Kharkov (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kharkov (Ukraine)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Makarov"] [Black "Kudrin"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2P1R3/r7/4P3/5k2/7K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ533 In conclusion we will give a further practical example.} 1. c7 {%05Here too the poor position of the white king leads to a draw:} (1. Re8 Rh5+ 2. Kg1 Rg5+ 3. Kf1 Rc5 {= , winning one of the pawns}) 1... Rc5 (1... Rh5+ {is simpler}) 2. Re7 Rc2+ 3. Kh3 Kf4 4. e5 Rc1 5. Kg2 Rc2+ 6. Kf1 Ke4 7. Ke1 Rc1+ 8. Kd2 Rc4 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/4RK1P/8/5P2/8/8/r7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {~17.3 ISOLATED f- AND h-PAWNS~ This is regarded as one of the most complicated of rook endings. For a long time the theory of it lagged behind practice, but at the present moment, thanks to the efforts of Soviet theorists, it has been significantly clarified. The defender can draw if his king is not cut off by the opponent's rook on the back rank. The position of the defender's rook is of great importance. It should be deployed on squares from which it can parry the opponent's threats (the advance of his pawns and the penetration of his king onto the 7th rank). We will begin our analysis with examples where the defender's king is unfavourably placed, i.e. it is cut off by the rook on the 8th rank. Drawing chances are possible only if the rook's pawn is on the 7th rank and is blockaded by the black king, as in ~3( 1558) - ( 1560).~} 1. Re1 {! %05If it is White to move, he wins by} (1. f6 {? %05not} Kxh7 2. Kf8+ Kg6 3. f7 Kf6 4. Kg8 Rg2+ 5. Kf8 Ra2 6. Re8 Ra7 {= with a draw}) 1... Ra7+ 2. Kf8 Ra8+ 3. Re8 Ra6 4. f6 {!} Rxf6+ 5. Ke7+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/4RK1P/8/5P2/8/8/r7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1... Ra5 {!! forcing the f-pawn to advance: %05The only way to draw is by} ( 1... Kxh7 {? meets with a subtle refutation: %05If it is Black's turn to move, he can draw. But what %05should he play? The plausible} 2. Kf8+ {!} (2. f6 {?=} ) 2... Kh6 3. Re6+ {!} (3. f6 {? is bad due to %05the immediate} Kg6 4. f7 Kf6 {with a draw}) 3... Kh7 4. f6 Ra8+ 5. Re8 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. f6 Kxh7 3. Kf8+ Kg6 4. f7 Kf6 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/3R1K1P/8/5P2/8/8/r7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {If the white rook is moved to the left, the resulting position will be drawn irrespective of the turn to move.} 1. Rd1 {%05Black to move plays 1... Ra5!, gaining a draw as in the previous example.^013^010 %05Let us grant White the right to make the first move:} (1. f6 {%05Or} Kxh7 2. Ke8+ Kg6 3. f7 Ra8+ 4. Ke7 Kg7 {=}) (1. Ke8 {%05or} Rf2 2. Rd5 Kxh7 3. Ke7 Kg7 {= with a draw.}) 1... Ra7+ 2. Kg6 (2. Ke8 {Black has only one reply - %05on} Ra6 {!}) 2... Rg7+ (2... Ra6+ {? is bad due to} 3. f6 Rd6 4. Re1 (4. Rxd6 {%05hoping for stalemate after ?}) 4... Re6 5. Re5 {(the simplest)} Rxe5 6. f7 Re6+ 7. Kf5 $18 {, and White wins.}) 3. Kf6 Kxh7 4. Re1 (4. Ke6 Rg2 5. f6 Kg6) 4... Rg2 5. Kf7 Rg7+ 6. Ke8 Rg8+ 7. Kd7 Rf8 {Draw. ! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/3R3P/5K2/5P2/8/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {The position of the black rook affects the result too, as the next example shows.} 1. Rd4 {! %05The black rook is less well placed here, and so White, if he begins, wins:} (1. Kf7 {?} Ra1 {! leads to a draw - ~3($411560)~}) (1. Rd2 Rh2 {is also pointless, since} 2. Rxh2 {is not possible due to stalemate}) 1... Ra1 (1... Rxh7 {is clearly bad due to} 2. Rd8# {%04mate}) (1... Kxh7 {loses after %05while the attempt to activate the king by} 2. Kf7 {! , since the black rook cannot leave the h-file due to mate.}) (1... Rh6+ {, then %05If} 2. Kf7 Rxh7+ 3. Ke6 Rh1 (3... Ra7 4. Rd8+ Kg7 5. f6+ Kh7 6. Rd7+ Rxd7 7. Kxd7 $18 {, winning}) 4. Rd8+ Kh7 5. f6 Re1+ 6. Kf7 Ra1 7. Kf8 {followed by f6-f7, and White gains a decisive advantage.}) (1... Rh4 {is met by the decisive %05And, finally,} 2. Ke5 $18 {!} (2. Rxh4 {?= with stalemate %05but not})) 2. Kg6 { (threatening 3. Rd8 mate)} (2. Kf7 {? is bad due to %05whereas} Ra7+ {with a draw - ~3($411560)~.}) 2... Ra6+ (2... Rd1 {, but then comes %05Black can also choose a more cunning defence, exploiting the fact that his king is stalemated: } 3. Rg4 (3. Rxd1 {? - stalemate}) 3... Rg1 4. Rg5 {!} Ra1 5. f6 Ra7 6. Rf5 Ra6 7. Kg5 $18 {, and the advance of the pawn cannot be prevented.}) 3. f6 Rd6 4. Rf4 Rd4 5. Rf5 Rd5 6. f7 $40 {, and White wins. Comparing examples ~3( 1558)~ and ~3( 1561)~, we see that the best place for Black's rook is on the a- or b-file (usually at a1, a2 or b1, b2), since then he can defend successfully, by attacking the opponent's king or the f-pawn both along the file, and along the rank. This conclusion will also be confirmed in our later analysis. The second conclusion is that White's difficulties in realizing his advantage result from the poor position of his h-pawn on the 7th rank, which gives Black drawing chances.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Belavenets Sergey V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K2k1/1R6/5P1P/8/8/8/8/4r3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {If both pawns are on the 6th rank, the win is usually simple.} 1... Rf1 (1... Kf8 {%05Black's king is passive, and therefore his rook alone is unable to parry the opponent's threats, e.g.} 2. h7 Rh1 3. Rg7 {followed by 4. Rg8+ and 5. h8Q$18}) (1... Kh8 2. f7 $18 {with a simple win}) (1... Rh1 {%05or} 2. Ke8 { , ensuring the advance of the f-pawn.}) 2. h7+ (2. Rg7+ {%05Also possible is} Kh8 3. Rf7 Kg8 4. Ke8 Rf2 5. Rf8+ Kh7 6. Kf7 Ra2 7. Re8 Ra7+ 8. Ke6 Ra6+ 9. Kf5 Ra5+ 10. Re5 Ra1 11. f7 Rf1+ 12. Ke6 Kg6 13. Rg5+ Kxg5 14. h7 Re1+ 15. Kd7 Rd1+ 16. Ke7 Re1+ 17. Kf8 $18 {, and one of the pawns queens.}) 2... Kh8 3. Ke7 {!} (3. f7 {? %05not} Rxf7 4. Rxf7 {= , when Black is stalemated}) 3... Re1+ 4. Kf7 {!} (4. Kf8 {? %05but not} Re8+ {!} 5. Kf7 Rf8+ {with a draw =}) 4... Ra1 5. Rb8+ Kxh7 6. Kf8 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pogosyants E"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K3k1/2R5/5P1P/6r1/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] {But as the following example shows, even with pawns on the 6th rank there drawn positions. For this it is sufficient to change the placing of the pieces in example ~3( 1562)~, moving the white king slightly further away from the pawns.} 1... Rf5 2. h7+ Kh8 3. Rc6 {!} Rd5 {! The only move. The white king must not be allowed to approach the pawns.} 4. f7 Rf5 5. Rc7 Rxf7 {!= Draw.} * [Event "Habana (Cuba)"] [Site "Habana (Cuba)"] [Date "1919.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Kostic Boris (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/1R6/2r5/5PKP/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1919.??.??"] {The following classic ending is of great practical significance.} 1. f6 { %05White easily realized his advantage:} (1. h6 {%05In 1939 the Moscow master Byelavyenets suggested another way - the advance of the pawns to f6 and h6:} Rc1 2. f6 Rg1+ 3. Kf5 {(the king aims for the 8th rank, to use the rook as cover against the opponent's checks)} Rf1+ 4. Ke6 Re1+ 5. Kd6 (5. Kd7 {? %05but not} Kf7 {!} 6. h7 Rh1 {= with a draw}) 5... Rd1+ (5... Rf1 {, then %05If} 6. h7+ Kh8 7. Ke7 Kxh7 8. Kf8+ Kg6 9. f7 $18 {%04etc.}) (5... Rh1 {%05or } 6. Rb8+ Kf7 7. h7 Rxh7 8. Rb7+ Kg6 9. Rg7+ {and 10. Ke7, ensuring the advance of the pawn.}) 6. Ke7 Re1+ 7. Kd8 $18 {, and White wins.}) (1. Rb8+ { Now the black king has three moves, which we will analyse in turn: %05There is also a third way to win, which, in our opinion, is simpler than those given:} Kf7 (1... Kg7 {White wins in similar fashion, if the resulting position is moved one rank down the board. %05It should be borne in mind that after} 2. f6+ {!} Rxf6 (2... Kf7 3. Rb7+ {and 4. Kg6$18}) 3. h6+ {!} Rxh6 (3... Kf7 4. Rb7+ $18) 4. Rb7+ {and 5. Kh6, winning the rook.}) (1... Kh7 {(the most tenacious defence)} 2. f6 Rc5+ (2... Rc7 3. Re8 {and wins}) 3. Kg4 Rc4+ 4. Kf5 Rc5+ 5. Ke6 Rc6+ 6. Ke7 Rc7+ 7. Kf8 Kh6 8. f7 $18 {, and White has a clear win. ^013^010 In this variation the division of roles should be noted: the f-pawn aims to queen, while the h-pawn restricts the black king's mobility. All this ensures a straightforward win. As will be seen in later analysis, having the pawn at h5 simplifies the advance of the bishop's pawn in those cases where the white rook is on the 8th, 7th or 6th rank. In other cases the question of which pawn should be advanced first depends on the specific features of the position.}) 2. h6 Rc1 3. h7 $18 {, and Black must resign.}) 1... Rc1 2. Rg7+ Kf8 (2... Kh8 {%05Moving his king into the corner on the 2nd move would also have failed to save Black, e.g.} 3. Kg6 Rg1+ 4. Kf7 Ra1 (4... Rh1 5. Rg5 Kh7 6. Kf8 Kh6 7. Rd5 Ra1 8. f7 $18) 5. Rg8+ Kh7 6. Re8 Kh6 7. Kf8 Kxh5 8. f7 $18 { , and White wins.}) 3. h6 {and Black resigned, since after} Rg1+ 4. Kf5 Rf1+ 5. Ke5 Re1+ 6. Kd4 Rd1+ 7. Ke3 Rf1 8. h7 $18 {the win foe White is obvious.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/1R6/2r5/5PKP/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] 1... Rc1 {%05We will now analyse a few examples which can arise from the previous position with Black to move. After} 2. Kg6 (2. h6 {%05A more complicated way to win in example %05~3($401564)~ after 1... Rc1 is by advance of the %05rook's pawn:} Rg1+ 3. Kf6 Rh1 4. Rg7+ Kf8 (4... Kh8 {%05Black also fails to save the game after} 5. Re7 {! , e.g.} Rxh6+ (5... Kg8 {, after %05If Black avoids the capture of the h-pawn on the 5th move and plays} 6. Re8+ Kh7 7. Kf7 Ra1 8. f6 Ra7+ 9. Ke6 $18 {White wins as shown in the note to White's 2nd move in example ~3($401562)~.}) 6. Kf7 Ra6 7. f6 Kh7 (7... Ra1 {%05or} 8. Re8+ Kh7 9. Kf8 Kg6 10. f7 Ra7 11. Re6+ Kh7 12. Rf6 $18 {, and against the advance of the pawn there is no defence.}) 8. Kf8+ Kg6 9. f7 Kf6 10. Kg8 $18 { %04etc.}) 5. Kg6 {(regarding 5. Rg6?, cf.~3($401571)~ ) We now reach^013^010 position ~3($401566)~. %08DA}) 2... Rg1+ 3. Kf6 Ra1 {we reach example ~3 ($411565)~. %08DA} 4. Rb8+ {%05Since the rook's pawn is on the 5th rank, the simplest winning plan consists in advancing the bishop's pawn.} Kh7 5. Re8 Ra2 6. Ke6 Ra6+ (6... Re2+ {%05Or, as in the game Keres - Sokolsky (Moscow, 1947):} 7. Kf7 Ra2 8. f6 Ra6 9. Ke7 Ra7+ 10. Kf8 Ra6 11. f7 Ra7 12. Rc8 Ra1 13. Ke7 { Resigns.}) 7. Kf7 Ra7+ 8. Re7 Ra5 9. f6 Ra8 10. Re8 Ra7+ 11. Kf8 $18 {, and White wins as in the Keres - Sokolsky ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6R1/6KP/5P2/8/8/8/7r b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1... Rg1+ {%05White is threatening to advance his f-pawn to the 6th rank, so Black's next move is forced:} 2. Kh7 {!} Rf1 {(if the rook moves onto any other file, 7. f6 follows, and then the white king clears the way for the advance of the h-pawn)} 3. Ra7 Rg1 (3... Rxf5 {loses immediately to} 4. Kg6 $18 ) 4. f6 Rg2 5. Rg7 Rf2 6. Kg6 $18 {, and the advance of the h-pawn is decisive. From this example it is apparent that the rook's pawn can queen in cases where the black king is on the f-file.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4R3/5K1P/5P2/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {We now give some other varieties of positions such as ~3( 1564)~ with Black to move.} 1... Ra2 {%05White's king is preventing the advance of his pawn to the 6th rank, so he must move it off the f-file. Even if it is Black to play, he cannot prevent this.} (1... Ra6+ {does not work due to} 2. Kg5 {followed by 3. f6}) (1... Rh1 {%05nor does} 2. Ke6 (2. h7+ {%05In this last variation} Kh8 {is also sufficient, when White wins ~3($411561)~.}) 2... Rxh6+ 3. f6 $18 { %04etc.}) 2. Ke5 (2. h7+ {? %05Maizelis pointed out some false trails. If, for example, after 1... Ra2 White plays} Kh8 3. Kf7 {, a drawn position ~3($401559) ~ arises.}) (2. Rg7+ {%05Another false trail is} Kh8 3. Kg6 Rg2+ {!} (3... Ra6+ {loses to} 4. Kg5 Rxh6 5. Rg6 {!} Rh7 6. Rh6 $18) 4. Kf7 Rf2 5. Rg5 Kh7 6. f6 Ra2 7. Re5 Kxh6 8. Kf8 Kg6 {= , with a draw as shown earlier.}) 2... Re2+ 3. Kd6 Rd2+ 4. Ke6 Re2+ 5. Kd7 Rd2+ (5... Rf2 {%05or} 6. Re8+ Kh7 7. Ke6 Ra2 8. f6 {, and the rest is familiar}) 6. Ke8 Rf2 7. Re5 Kh7 (7... Ra2 8. f6) (7... Rf1 {%05or} 8. Ke7) 8. Kf7 {!} (8. Ke7 {?} Kxh6 9. f6 Kg6 10. Re6 Rf1 {= leads to a draw}) 8... Kxh6 9. Re6+ {! essential} (9. f6 {? is bad due to %05the immediate} Ra2 10. Kf8 Kg6 11. f7 Kf6 {with a draw}) 9... Kh7 10. f6 Ra2 11. Kf8 Ra8+ 12. Re8 $18 {, and White wins. It should be noted that if in example ~3( 1567)~ the white rook is moved along the rank to the left (e.g. to b7), to win White must attain the initial placing of the pieces. This is simply achieved: 2. Rg7+ Kh8 3. Re7, and after 3... Kg8 White wins, as shown above.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3R4/5K1P/5P2/8/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {If the black rook is on the K-side, White's problem is simplified still further.} 1. h7+ {%05Here White wins by force in three ways:} (1. Rg7+ Kh8 2. Re7 Kg8 3. Re8+ $18 {~3($401565)~}) (1. Rd8+ Kh7 2. Kf7 Ra1 (2... Rxh6 { is met by %05on the h-file the rook is out of it, since} 3. f6 {%04etc.}) 3. f6 Ra7+ 4. Ke8 (4. Ke6 {%05given by Maizelis; the variation suggested by Zek is also good enough to win:} Ra6+ 5. Rd6 Ra8 6. f7 Kxh6 7. Kf6 {followed by Re6-e8$18}) 4... Kg6 5. f7 Rxf7 6. Rd6+ Rf6 7. h7 Rxd6 8. h8=Q $18 {The combination does not work if the white rook is on^013^010 the a-, b- or c-file, since after its capture the black rook^013^010 has the possibility of a check on the 8th rank, which^013^010 prevents the h-pawn from queening. In positions of type^013^010 ~3($401568)~ White wins irrespective of where his rook is on the 7th rank.}) 1... Kh8 $18 {~3($411561)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/1R6/5K1P/5P2/8/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {The general winning method is given in this example.} 1. Rg7+ {!} (1. Rb8+ { ? %05The following line is insufficient:} Kh7 2. Kf7 Ra1 3. f6 Ra7+ 4. Ke8 (4. Ke6 {%05Or} Ra6+ {with a draw, since White cannot hide from the checks.}) 4... Kg6 5. f7 Rxf7 {!} 6. Rb6+ Rf6 {, and} 7. h7 {? is not now possible due to} Rxb6 $19 {, when Black even wins.}) 1... Kf8 (1... Kh8 2. Re7 {!$18 , and so on as shown earlier.}) 2. Kg6 $18 {~3($401566)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3R4/5K1P/8/5P2/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {To conclude our analysis of examples with the black king cut off on the 8th rank, we give two exceptional positions where White is unable to win.} 1. Rg7+ {%05Here the f-pawn is less advanced than in example^013^010 %05~3($401569)~, but this would not stop White winning if %05his^013^010 %05rook's pawn were on he 5th rank, since then Black's^013^010 %05threat of ... Rh5 could be parried by Kg6, mating or^013^010 %05winning the rook. Even with his pawn at h4 White would^013^010 %05win by 1. h5. But here Black is able to draw.} (1. Rd8+ { %05White also fails to win by} Kh7 2. f5 Rxh6+ 3. Kf7 (3. Ke7 Kg7) 3... Ra6 4. f6 Ra7+ {=}) 1... Kh8 {!} (1... Kf8 {? %05not} 2. Kg6 $18 {, and White wins -~3 ($401566)~.}) 2. f5 (2. Kf7 Rf1 3. Rg4 Kh7 {= with a draw}) 2... Rxh6+ 3. Rg6 Rh7 {!} 4. Rg1 Ra7 5. Re1 Ra6+ 6. Kf7 Ra7+ 7. Kg6 Rg7+ 8. Kf6 Rg2 {= a draw results.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/5KRP/5P2/8/8/8/7r b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {This position was formerly considered won, but in fact drawn, whoever it is to move. It is true that the black king is on the "losing" 8th rank, but this is only a temporary state of affairs, since, as soon as White begins improving the placing of his pieces, it will move to f7. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ535} 1... Rh2 { %05For the moment Black has to stick to waiting tactics:} 2. Ke6 Rh1 {The only way!} (2... Rh5 {loses after %05As Botvinnik shows,} 3. f6 Rh1 4. Rg5 Re1+ 5. Re5 Rh1 6. h7 Rxh7 7. Ra5 $18) (2... Re2+ {is also bad:} 3. Kd7 Re7+ (3... Ra2 {, but then White wins by %05Black can play} 4. Rd6 {!} Kf7 (4... Ra7+ 5. Ke6) 5. h7 Kg7 (5... Ra7+ {is met by} 6. Kc8 Ra8+ 7. Kc7 {!} Kg7 8. Rd8 {! , forcing the exchange of rooks}) 6. f6+ Kxh7 7. Ke8 $18 {!}) 4. Kd6 Ra7 5. f6 Ra6+ 6. Ke5 Ra5+ 7. Ke6 Ra6+ 8. Kf5 Ra5+ 9. Kg4 Ra4+ 10. Kh5 Ra1 11. Rg4 { %04etc.}) 3. Kd7 (3. Rf6+ {%05Accurate defence is required if White should choose} Ke8 {!} (3... Kg8 {? %05not} 4. Ke7 Rf1 5. Rf8+ Kh7 6. f6 Kxh6 7. Rh8+ {followed by 8. Rg8 and 9. f7$18}) 4. Kd6 Rd1+ 5. Kc7 Ra1 6. Rd6 Kf7 {= , and Black gains a draw.}) 3... Kf7 {! For some reason analysts did not consider this move, which significantly improves the position of the black king} (3... Rh5 {? , which loses after %05and examined only} 4. Re6 Kf7 5. h7 Kg7 6. f6+ $18 {%04etc.}) 4. Re6 {%05 In itself the idea of attacking the f5 pawn is not bad, but it should be carried out with the black king on the 7th, rather than the 8th rank. Now White can strengthen his position only by improving the placing of his rook.} (4. Rd6 {%05After} Rh5 {! the draw is obvious.}) 4... Ra1 {!} (4... Rd1+ {is also possible, as played with his rook on the 2nd rank by Kotov in a game against Flohr. But after %05Switching the rook to the a-file is the simplest defence.} 5. Rd6 {Kotov replied 5... Rh2?, and the game concluded^013^010 ~3($401573)~.^013^010 ^013^010} Ra1 {? in view of %05Black also loses with} (5... Re1 {! , the idea of which is not to allow the white king onto the e-file. If now^013^010 ^013^010 %04(*) %05The (only!) correct continuation is %08DA} 6. Kd8 {, then} Re8+ 7. Kc7 Re1 {!} 8. Rd8 Rc1+ 9. Kb6 Rh1 10. h7 Rxh7 11. Rd7+ Kg8 12. Rxh7 Kxh7 {= , and Black succeeds in returning his king to the f0file to stop the pawn.}) 6. h7 Kg7 7. f6+ Kxh7 8. Ke8 {! , when the advance of the pawn is assured.}) 5. h7 (5. Re7+ {%05Or} Kf6 6. h7 Ra8 {! followed by 7... Kf5, since} 7. Re8 {is not possible due to} Ra7+ {and 8... Rh7=}) (5. Rd6 {%05In the event of} Ra7+ {(the white king must be forced to move onto the c-file)} 6. Kc8 Ra8+ 7. Kc7 Ra7+ 8. Kc6 Ra1 9. h7 Kg7 10. Rd7+ Kh8 {a theoretical drawn position is reached. =}) 5... Kg7 6. f6+ (6. Rh6 {%05There is also a simple draw after} Ra7+ 7. Kc8 Ra8+ 8. Kb7 Kxh6 9. Kxa8 Kxh7 {=}) 6... Kxh7 7. Ke7 Ra8 {! Draw.} * [Event "Ch URS"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "15"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Result "0-1"] [WhiteElo "2510"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3R4/8/8/5p2/3r3p/3k1K2/8 w - - 0 98"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 98. Rh7 {?} Kd1 99. Kf1 Rf3+ 100. Kg1 Ke2 101. Ra7 Rd3 102. Re7+ Re3 103. Ra7 Rd3 104. Re7+ Kf3 105. Kh2 Kf2 106. Ra7 Re3 107. Ra1 Re1 108. Ra2+ Kf1 109. Kxh3 Re3+ 110. Kg4 f3 111. Kg3 f2+ 112. Kh2 Re8 113. Ra1+ Ke2 114. Ra2+ Kf3 { 0-1, Kotov Alexander A - Flohr S, Moscow 1951 Ch URS} 0-1 [Event "Ch URS"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "15"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [WhiteElo "2510"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3R4/8/8/5p2/3r3p/3k1K2/8 w - - 0 98"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ535} 98. Rh7 {?} (98. Re7 {! ~3($401571)~ %08DA}) 98... Kd1 99. Kf1 Rf3+ 100. Kg1 Ke2 101. Ra7 Rd3 102. Re7+ Re3 103. Ra7 Rd3 104. Re7+ Kf3 105. Kh2 Kf2 106. Ra7 Re3 107. Ra1 Re1 108. Ra2+ Kf1 109. Kxh3 Re3+ 110. Kg4 f3 111. Kg3 f2+ 112. Kh2 Re8 113. Ra1+ Ke2 114. Ra2+ Kf3 {0-1, Kotov Alexander A - Flohr Salomon M, Moscow 1951 19 Ch URS} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K1k/4R2P/5P2/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {We will now turn to examples where the defender's king is not on the back rank. The reader who has carefully analysed the previous example will no doubt have noticed how difficult the defence is when the opponent's king penetrates onto the 7th rank. Here are two more such examples.} 1... Ra8 {%05White is ready to carry out the winning manoeuvre 2. f6 Kh6 3. Kf8, and Black's attempts to prevent this are ineffective.} (1... Ra2 2. Kf8 Ra8+ 3. Re8 { leads to a variation already considered}) 2. Re8 (2. f6 {? %05but not} Kxh6 { with a draw}) 2... Ra7+ 3. Kf8 Kxh6 4. Re6+ Kg5 5. f6 Kf5 6. Rd6 Kg6 7. f7+ Kh7 8. Ke8 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K1k/3R3P/5P2/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {If the white rook is moved to d6, the result changes.} 1... Ra7+ {%05Black saves the game by} 2. Ke8 Ra8+ 3. Ke7 (3. Rd8 Ra6) 3... Ra7+ 4. Rd7 Ra8 5. Rd8 (5. f6 Kxh6 6. f7 Kg7 {=}) 5... Ra7+ 6. Kf6 Ra1 7. Re8 Ra2 {!} 8. Kf7 Kxh6 { = with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K3k/5R1P/5P2/8/8/8/4r3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. Re6 {%05To win, White must achieve position 543:} Rf1 (1... Ra1 {%05Or} 2. Ke7 {!} (2. Ke8 {?} Ra5 {!} 3. f6 Ra8+ 4. Ke7 Kxh6 {=}) (2. f6 {%05or ?} Kxh6 3. Ke7 Ra8 {! =}) 2... Ra8 3. Kf7 {! , and so on as in example ~3($401574)~.}) 2. f6 Kxh6 3. Ke8 {!} (3. Ke7 {?} Kg6 {with a draw}) 3... Kg6 4. f7+ Kg7 5. Re7 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/3K1R1P/5P2/8/8/8/4r3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {Does the result change if the white king is moved to d6? It turns out that the answer is yes.} 1. Re6 Rf1 2. f6 Kxh6 3. Ke7 {(e8 is now inaccessible to the white king)} Kg6 {= with a draw.} * [Event "Match \"Moscow - Leningrad\""] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/4R2P/5P2/5K2/8/r7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {The following examples show how the weaker side parries attempts by the opponent to penetrate with his king onto the 7th rank.} 1... Rg2 (1... Ra1 { %05Maizelis demonstrated another way to draw:} 2. Kg5 Rg1+ 3. Kf6 Rf1 4. Re8 Ra1 {Now the white rook can successfully occupy almost all squares, and Black in return will merely make waiting moves with his rook. But as soon as White play his rook to one of the squares within the a5-a7-e7-e5 rectangle (also to g5 or g7), or moves his king to f7, there comes ... Kh6 with a draw.}) 2. Ke5 Ra2 (2... Re2+ 3. Kf6 Rf2 4. Rd6 Ra2 5. Kf7 {= is also good - ~3($401575)~.}) 3. Kd6 Ra5 4. f6 Kg6 (4... Kxh6 5. Ke7 Ra8 {is simpler =}) 5. Re8 Ra6+ 6. Ke7 Rxf6 7. Rg8+ Kh7 8. Rg7+ Kh8 9. Kxf6 {- stalemate.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bonch-Osmolovsky Mikhail (RUS)"] [Black "Simagin Vladimir P (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1R6/5K1k/5P1P/2r5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ535} 1... Rc6+ {!} (1... Kxh5 {loses to} 2. Rh7+ Kg4 3. Kg6 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kf7 (2. Ke7 {, then %05if} Kg5 {!= with a draw}) 2... Kxh5 3. f6 Kg5 4. Rb5+ Kh6 {= with a theoretical draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Paris (France)"] [Site "Paris (France)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cernetski"] [Black "Molnar Imre (HUN)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/6R1/5P1P/5K2/r7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {(with colours reversed) %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ535} 1... Ra1 2. h6 Rf1+ 3. Ke5 Re1+ 4. Kd6 Rf1 5. h7 Rh1 6. Re6 Rd1+ 7. Kc7 Kg7 {!} (7... Rh1 {? %05not} 8. Kd7 Rd1+ 9. Rd6 Rh1 10. Kd8 $18) 8. Rd6 Rf1 9. f6+ Kxh7 10. Kd8 Kg6 11. Ke7 Rf3 12. Ra6 Rf2 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Panov Vasily N (RUS)"] [Black "Stekbauer, Stalyoraitis"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/5P1P/6K1/6R1/8/7r/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {We will now examine some examples where the white rook is on the g-file. The fact that the pawns are far advanced, and that Black's rook cannot give horizontal checks, makes this position hopeless for him. (with colours reversed)} 1. Rg1 {With Black to play, the same position would be reached after three moves: 1... Rh3 2. Rg2 Rh1 3. Rg3 Rh2 4. Rg1, and then as in the main variation.} Rh3 2. Ra1 {! (after luring the black rook onto the 3rd rank, White moves his rook off the g-file to land the decisive blow)} Rg3+ 3. Kh4 Rg2 4. h7 Rh2+ 5. Kg5 Rg2+ 6. Kf4 Rh2 7. Ra8 {! (forcibly transporting into a pawn ending)} Rxh7 8. Ra7+ Kg6 9. Rxh7 Kxh7 10. Kf5 $18 {and wins. Black's defensive plan in such endings is to place his king on the blockading square in front of the more advanced pawn, and his rook at a1 or b1, so as to have the possibility of both horizontal and vertical checks.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maizelis I"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/7P/5PK1/8/8/6R1/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. f6 {there follows %05Moving his rook between a1 and b1, Black waits for his opponent to take decisive action. When White plays} (1. Re2 {%05or} Rg1+ 2. Kf6 Ra1 {= with a draw.}) 1... Ra5+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/7P/5PK1/8/8/6R1/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] {If Black is unable to meet one of the above conditions, the defence is normally hopeless.} 1... Rb1 {%05Black's king is not blockading the more advanced pawn, and so be loses:} 2. Rg4 {!} (2. Rh2 {? is premature:} Rg1+ 3. Kf4 Rf1+ 4. Kg4 Kg8 5. Kg5 Rg1+ 6. Kf6 Kh7 7. Re2 Ra1 {with a draw}) 2... Ra1 3. Rh4 Rg1+ (3... Kg8 4. f6 Kh7 5. Rf4 {also does not help}) 4. Kf4 Rf1+ 5. Kg4 {!} Rg1+ (5... Kg8 6. Kg5 Kh7 7. f6 Ra1 8. Rf4 {, ensuring the advance of the f-pawn}) 6. Kf3 Rg8 (6... Kg8 7. Rg4+ Rxg4 8. Kxg4 $18) 7. h7 Rh8 8. Kf4 Kg7 9. Kg5 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Site "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Black "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/6k1/8/6KP/5PR1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {The typical methods of attack in such endings are most fully reflected in position 553. (with colours reversed)} 1. Kh4+ {! , when several replies are possible: 1... Kf6, 1... Kh6 or 1... Kh7. The winning idea varies, depending on the 1st move that Black chooses: %05The correct continuation is} (1. h6+ { ? Marshall drew by %05After} Kh7 2. Kh5 Rf8 {!} 3. Rh4 Rg8 {!} 4. f5 Rg1 5. Rf4 Rh1+ 6. Kg5 Rxh6 7. f6 Rg6+ 8. Kf5 Rg1 {=}) (1. Rg1 {? %05A draw also results from} Ra5+ 2. f5 Ra2 {%04etc. =}) 1... Kf6 (1... Kh6 2. Rg6+ Kh7 3. Kg5 Ra1 4. Re6 Rg1+ 5. Kf6 $18 {, and White wins easily ~3($401565)~.}) (1... Kh7 2. f5 { White advances that pawn which is not blocked by the black king. In the first variation, where the king moved onto the f-file, the advance of the h-pawn proved decisive, whereas here it is the advance of the f-pawn that wins, since the king has moved onto the h-file. White's success is aided by the unfortunate position of the rook at a8. Had it been not at a8 but at a1, White would not have had time for the decisive advance of his pawns.} Ra1 {(too late) } 3. f6 Kh6 (3... Rf1 4. Kg5 {and 5. Rf4$18}) 4. Rf4 Ra8 5. Kg4 Rb8 6. Re4 (6. f7 {? is a mistake due to %05both here and on the previous move} Rf8 7. Rf6+ Kg7 {= with a draw}) 6... Ra8 7. Kf5 Rb8 8. Re7 Ra8 9. f7 Kg7 10. h6+ Kf8 11. Re8+ Rxe8 12. fxe8=Q+ Kxe8 13. h7 $18 {and wins.}) 2. h6 Ra1 3. Kh5 Ra5+ (3... Rh1+ {%05Black loses quickly after} 4. Rh4 Rg1 (4... Ra1 5. Kg4 {, and the rook's pawn advances}) 5. h7 Kg7 6. Rg4+ Rxg4 7. Kxg4 Kxh7 8. Kf5 $18) 4. Rg5 Ra1 (4... Ra7 {, then %05if} 5. Kg4) 5. Rg6+ Kf7 (5... Kf5 {is met by} 6. Rg4 Ra7 (6... Rh1+ 7. Rh4 Ra1 8. h7 Ra8 9. Rg4 $18) 7. Rg5+ Kxf4 8. Rg7 Ra5+ 9. Kh4 Ra1 10. Rf7+ Ke5 11. h7 {, winning.}) 6. Rg4 Rh1+ (6... Ra5+ 7. Rg5 Ra1 8. Rf5+ Kg8 9. Kg6 $18) 7. Kg5 Ra1 8. f5 Rb1 9. Rh4 {and wins ~3($401583)~.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Sokolsky Alexey (BLR)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/5k2/8/6RP/6K1/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {Keres accurately exploited the advantages of his position in the following game.} 1. Rf5+ {! the only way} (1. Ra5 {? %04if} Rg8+ 2. Kf5 Kg7 {=}) 1... Kg7 2. Kg5 {(significantly improving the position of his king)} Rg8 3. Rf6 Kh7+ 4. Rg6 Ra8 5. f4 Ra1 6. Re6 Rg1+ {(otherwise the king is pushed back onto the 8th rank)} 7. Kf6 Rf1 (7... Rh1 {, then %05if} 8. f5 Rxh5 9. Re7+ Kh6 10. Re8 Kh7 11. Ke6 $18 {and wins}) 8. f5 {(with the rook's pawn on the 5th rank, the win is achieved by the advance of the bishop's pawn)} Rf2 (8... Kh6 {, then %05if} 9. Kf7+ Kxh5 10. f6 Kh6 11. Kf8 {and 12. f7$18}) 9. Re5 Rh2 (9... Kh6 {%05here too} 10. Kf7 Kxh5 11. f6+ Kh6 12. Re6 $18 {fails to save the game}) 10. Re7+ ( 10. Re8 {the immediate} Rxh5 11. Ke6 {is possible}) 10... Kh6 11. Re8 Kh7 12. Ke6 Re2+ 13. Kf7 $18 {, and White wins ~3($401565)~.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r7/8/5k1P/6R1/5PK1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] {Black is also unable to draw in the following position.} 1... Kf6 (1... Rh7 2. Kh4) 2. h6 Rh7 3. Rh4 Kf7 {(the king makes for h7)} 4. Kg4 Kg8 5. Kh5 Ra7 6. Rg4+ {!} Kh8 (6... Kh7 {is met by %05forestalling Black's plan;} 7. Rg7+ Rxg7 8. hxg7 Kxg7 9. Kg5 $18) 7. f4 Ra1 8. f5 Kh7 {(too late, since White has created a won position)} 9. Rg7+ Kh8 10. Re7 Kg8 11. Kg6 Rg1+ 12. Kf6 $18 { , and White wins (~3($401567)~ and ~3($401568 )~).} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Sokolsky Alexey (BLR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/8/8/5k2/6R1/5PKP/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {We will now examine an earlier position from the Keres - Sokolsky game.} 1... Ra8 {%05The game in fact went:} (1... Kf6 {%05Black could easily have parried the threats by} 2. h4 Rh5 {! , and the rook on the 5th rank guarantees Black a draw^013^010 ~3($411588)~.}) 2. h4 Ra1 {? The recommendation by Maizelis - that of keeping the rook at a1 or b1 - is unjustified here, for several reasons:^013^010 (a) The black king is badly placed on the 5th rank; its best square is f7.^013^010 (b) White's pieces are well placed: they are neutralizing threats by the opponent's rook from the rear, and can ensure the decisive advance of the rook's pawn.^013^010 Therefore the pawn should not have been allowed to advance to h5.} (2... Rh8 {, forcing White to disturb the coordination of his pieces, e.g. %05Botvinnik showed that the correct continuation was !} 3. Rg5+ Kf6 4. Kg4 Ra8 {! (now the transference of the rook to a1 or b1 is the strongest defence)} 5. h5 Ra1 {, and} 6. h6 {? is not possible due to} Rg1+ {, when Black draws.}) 3. h5 {!} Ra6 {an admission of his mistake} (3... Rh1 {, then %05if} 4. Rh4 Rg1+ 5. Kf2 Rg7 6. h6 Rh7 7. Kg3 $18 {- 555}) 4. Rh4 Rh6 {(forced)} 5. Rf4+ Kg5 6. Rg4+ Kf5 (6... Kf6 {%05Or} 7. Rg6+ Rxg6+ 8. hxg6 Kxg6 9. Kg4 $18 {and wins. White's rook manoeuvre has secured his king the important h4 square.}) 7. Kh4 Rh8 (7... Ra6 8. Rg5+ Kf4 9. Rg6 Ra1 10. Rf6+ {and 11. Rf8$18}) 8. Rg5+ Kf6 (8... Kf4 {White wins by %05On} 9. Rg7 {!} Kf5 10. Rg6 {, putting Black in zugzwang:} Ra8 11. Rg5+ Kf6 12. h6 Ra1 13. Rg3 Ra4+ 14. Rg4 Ra1 15. Kg3 {and 16. Rh3$18}) 9. Kg4 Kf7 $18 {, and the position considered in example ~3($411585)~ has been reached. Thus the position of the white rook on the g-file is not so inoffensive: after cutting off the opponent's king from the more advanced pawn, it then supports its advance either from the side ~3( 1585)~, or from the rear ~3( 1583)~. In both cases the white king becomes very active.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/6R1/1r5P/5PK1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "64"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ473 %212045826630=4HLJ535 Practice has shown that Black can draw by deploying his rook on the 5th rank, thus curbing the white king's activity.} 1. Rg5 {%05With the black rook on the 5th rank, White is essentially unable to do anything active. Therefore he evicts it from this position.} (1. f5 {, then %05If} Rb1 { = with a draw. It should be noted that the rook can also be^013^010 driven off the 5th rank by moving the white king onto the^013^010 h-file ~3($411591)~.}) 1... Rb1 2. Rc5 (2. h6 {is not dangerous. Black should reply not} Rg1+ {?} ( 2... Ra1 {! and if %05but} 3. h7 (3. Rh5 {%05or} Kg8 4. h7+ Kh8 {= with a draw in view of the stalemate possibilities.}) 3... Rg1+ 4. Kf5 Rh1 {=}) 3. Kf5 Rh1 4. Rg7+ Kf8 5. Kg6 $18 {when White wins~3($401566)~.}) 2... Kf6 3. Rc6+ Kg7 {!} (3... Kf7 {? loses to} 4. Kg5 Rg1+ 5. Kf5 Rh1 6. Rc7+ {, when the king is pushed back onto the 8th rank. As was shown by Maizelis, the king should stay at f7 until there is a danger of it being pushed onto the back rank. Then it should move to g7, and when the white pawn advances to h6 - to the best square h7. It is to this plan that Black sticks.}) 4. Kg5 Rg1+ {!} 5. Kf5 Ra1 6. Rc7+ (6. Rg6+ Kf7 {with a draw}) 6... Kh6 7. Re7 Rb1 8. Re8 Kg7 9. Re5 Ra1 10. Rd5 Rg1 {(to maintain the balance, it is also sufficient to attack the bishop's pawn from the rear)} 11. Rd4 Ra1 12. Rd6 Ra5+ 13. Kg4 Ra1 (13... Rb5 {is also possible}) 14. Re6 Rg1+ 15. Kf5 Ra1 16. h6+ {Having tried everything else, White attempts to win with his h-pawn, but as we know, the advance of the rook's pawn can win only when the white rook is on the g-file. Here this try is easily parried.} Kh7 {!} 17. Rd6 Ra2 18. Kg5 Rg2+ 19. Kf6 Kxh6 20. Ke7+ Kh7 21. f5 Re2+ 22. Re6 Ra2 23. f6 Ra8 {! The draw is now obvious. The game concluded} 24. Kf7 Kh6 25. Re1 Ra7+ 26. Re7 Ra8 27. Rd7 Kh7 28. Rd1 Ra7+ 29. Ke6 Ra6+ 30. Rd6 Ra8 31. Rd4 Kg8 32. Rg4+ Kf8 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/6R1/1r5P/5PK1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {The following example is of practical importance.} 1. f5 {%05 Theorists used to consider that, With the black king at h7, White would be able to realize his advantage, but analysis shows that Black is able to parry all the threats.} Rb1 2. Kg5 Rg1+ 3. Kf6 Ra1 {Now White has several possible continuations:} 4. Ke6 (4. Rg2 Kh6 5. Re2 Ra7 {!} (5... Ra6+ {?} 6. Kf7 Kg5 {loses to} 7. h6 {!} Rxh6 (7... Kxh6 8. Re6+ $18) 8. Kg7 Ra6 9. f6 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. Re1 Rb7 7. Ke6 Kxh5 8. f6 Kg6 9. Rg1+ Kh7 10. f7 Rb8 {= %04etc.}) (4. Rg7+ Kh6 5. Re7 Ra6+ 6. Re6 (6. Kf7 Kg5) 6... Ra7 7. Re1 Rb7 {!= with a draw.}) 4... Ra6+ 5. Ke5 Ra5+ 6. Kf4 Ra1 {!} 7. Re6 Kg7 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/6R1/1r5P/5P1K/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {It should not be thought that the position of the black rook on the 5th rank always leads to a draw. Example ~3( 1590)~ shows that, with White to move, he can win.} 1. Rg3 {! %05With White to move:} Rb1 (1... Rb6 2. Kg5 Kg7 3. Ra3 $18 ) 2. h6 Rh1+ 3. Kg5 Ra1 4. f5 $18 {, winning as in example ~3($401583)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/6R1/1r5P/5P1K/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1... Rb1 {!} 2. Kg5 (2. Ra6 {%05or} Rg1 3. h6 Rh1+ 4. Kg5 Rg1+ 5. Kf5 Rh1 6. Ra7+ Kg8 {= with a draw ~3($411570)~.}) 2... Rg1+ 3. Kf5 Rh1 4. Kg5 Rg1+ 5. Kh6 Rf1 6. Rg7+ Kf6 {!} (6... Kf8 {%05not} 7. Rg4 Kf7 8. Kg5 $18 {, and then as analysed earlier.}) 7. Rg8 Kf7 8. Rg4 Rh1 {=} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rabinovich Ilya L (RUS)"] [Black "Yates Frederick D (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5k2/6RP/5P2/1r6/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. h5 {%05Compared with position ~3($401587)~, the white king is %05less well placed here, and this allows Black to draw:} Rb7 {!} (1... Rb6 {%05But in the game Black did not find this defence, and he lost after} 2. Kg2 Rh6 3. Rh4 Kg5 4. Kg3 Kf5 5. Ra4 (5. Rf4+ {%05Keres played more strongly against Sokolsky:} Kg5 6. Rg4+ Kf5 7. Kh4) 5... Rb6 6. Ra5+ {? this move throws away the win,} (6. Rh4 {%05which could have been achieved by} Rh6 7. Rf4+ {! %04etc.}) 6... Kf6 7. Kg4 Rb4+ (7... Rb1 {%05simpler is} 8. Ra6+ Kg7 {= with a draw}) 8. f4 Rb7 { ? the decisive mistake} (8... Rb1 {would have drawn}) 9. Ra6+ Kg7 10. Kg5 Rc7 11. f5 Rb7 12. h6+ Kh7 13. Re6 Ra7 14. Re5 {! (preparing the advance of the f-pawn)} Rb7 15. f6 Rb1 16. Re7+ Kh8 17. f7 {Resigns.}) 2. Kg2 Rh7 3. Rh4 Kg5 4. Kg3 Kh6 $40 {= with an obvious draw. The main conclusions from our analysis of endings with isolated f-and h-pawns are as follows: (1) The position of the defender's king on the back rank normally leads to defeat. Exceptions are provided by examples ~3( 1560)~, ~3( 1570)~ and ~3( 1571)~. In the first two - due to the poor position of the h-pawn, and in the third - due to the poor positions of the white rook. (2) The driving of the king onto the back rank can be prevented in three ways: (2a) By placing the rook at a1(a2), retaining the possibility of giving both vertical and horizontal checks. (2b) By placing the rook on the 5th rank. (2c) By placing the king on the blockading square in front of the more advanced pawn. If this set-up is not possible, the function of halting the advance of this pawn must be undertaken by the rook.} * [Event "Poland"] [Site "Poland"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pokojowczyk Jerzy (POL)"] [Black "Doda Zbigniew (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/5PRP/5P2/5K2/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {In the following example White is as many as three pawns up.} 1. Ke4 { %05White decided to take his king on a lengthy journey:} Re1+ 2. Kd5 Rd1+ 3. Kc6 Rf1 4. h6 {!} Rh1 (4... Rxf4 5. Rh5 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Kd7 {!} Rd1+ { ! Black could have neutralized White's plan, since %05But as was shown by a reader from the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR, by} (5... Kf7 {?} 6. Rg7+ Kf6 7. Ke8 {! the decisive move} Kxf5 (7... Rxh6 {, then %05if now} 8. Rf7# {%04mate}) 8. Rf7+ Kg6 9. h7 Ra1 10. f5+ Kg5 11. Kf8 {Resigns.}) 6. Ke8 {can be met by} Re1+ 7. Kf8 Re8+ {with stalemate. !! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/6R1/7r/2KP4/3P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {~17.4 DOUBLED PAWNS~ Compared with the other forms of pawn structure, doubled pawns are less dangerous. We will first consider examples where the defender's king stands in the way of the pawns. In this case the result is normally a draw.} 1. Rb7 {(to drive the opponent's rook off the 6th rank) %05Here the plan of defence is analogous to example^013^010 %05~3($401300).~} Rg6 2. Rb6 Rg4 {! The only move.} (2... Rg1 3. Kc6 {loses}) (2... Rg7 {%05, as does} 3. Rb8+ {!} Kc7 4. Ra8 Rg6 5. d6+ Rxd6 6. Rc8+ $18) 3. d6 (3. Kc6 Rxd4 4. Rb8+ Ke7 {is also inadequate =}) 3... Rg1 4. Kc6 Rc1+ 5. Kd5 Rh1 6. Ke6 Re1+ 7. Kd5 Rh1 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1634.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/6P1/7K/6P1/8/8/6r1/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1634.??.??"] {A stalemate combination saves Black in the next example.} 1... Rh2+ 2. Kg6 Re2 3. Rxe2 {= - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r5k1/8/6PK/8/6P1/8/8/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {If the defender's rook is passively placed or his king does not stand in the way of the pawns, the stronger side usually wins.} 1. Rd6 Rf8 2. g5 (2. g7 { ? %05not immediately} Rf6+ 3. Rxf6 {= , when Black is stalemated}) 2... Ra8 3. g7 Rb8 4. Rf6 Ra8 5. Rf8+ Rxf8 6. gxf8=Q+ Kxf8 7. Kh7 $18 {, and the pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1902.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Duras Oldrich (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/1P1k4/1P6/8/8/r7/2R5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1902.??.??"] 1. Rd2+ {%05 As we know, without the b6 pawn White wins by "building a bridge". The presence of this pawn somewhat complicates the win, which is not difficult, but highly instructive.} Ke7 2. Rd6 {!} (2. Rd5 {%05building a bridge on the 5th rank does not achieve anything:} Ra1 3. Kc7 Rc1+ {etc., so White builds it on the 6th}) 2... Rc3 3. Rc6 {!} Rxc6 4. Ka7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/8/7K/1P6/kP6/2r5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Black's pieces are better placed than in the previous example, and this allows him to save the game.} 1. b6 {%05^013^010} Rh3+ {!} (1... Rc6+ {? , which loses after %05The author considered only} 2. Rg6 Rc4 (2... Rc8 3. b7 Rb8 4. Rb6 $18 {followed by the approach of the king}) 3. b7 Rh4+ (3... Rxb4 4. Rg4 Rxg4 5. b8=Q $18 {and wins}) 4. Kg7 Rxb4 5. Ra6+ Kb3 6. Ra7 Rb6 (6... Kc4 7. Ra4 $18 {!}) 7. Kf7 Kc4 8. Ke7 Kc5 9. Kd7 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Kg6 (2. Kg7 Rd3 3. Rf8 Rd7+ 4. Rf7 Rd6 {= %04etc.}) 2... Rg3+ 3. Kf7 Rh3 4. b7 Rh7+ 5. Rg7 Rh8 6. Ke6 Kb5 7. Kd6 Kb6 8. Kd5 Rh5+ 9. Kc4 Rh4+ 10. Kb3 Ka7 11. Ka4 Rh6 12. Rf7 Rg6 13. Ka5 Ra6+ 14. Kb5 Rb6+ 15. Kc5 Rh6 16. b5 Rg6 17. Rc7 Rg1 { = ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Martin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/1P6/1R6/8/1P6/1k6/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1. Kc1 Kc3 2. Kd1 Kd3 3. Ke1 Ke3 4. Rb5 {! (this move has become possible, thanks to the fact that the black king cannot now attack the rook)} Rh8 5. Kd1 Kd3 6. Kc1 Kc3 7. Rc5+ Kxb4 8. Rc8 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1944.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ljungman"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7K/P7/1k3r2/8/6R1/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1944.??.??"] 1. Rg5 {! %05He wins by sacrificing his rook:} (1. Ra3 {? %05White does not succeed with either} Rf7+ {and 2... Ra7=}) (1. a7 {? %05or} Rf7+ 2. Rg7 Rf8 3. Rg8 Rf7+ {=}) 1... Rxg5 2. a7 Rh5+ 3. Kg7 Rg5+ 4. Kf7 Rf5+ 5. Ke7 Re5+ 6. Kd7 Rd5+ 7. Kc7 Rc5+ 8. Kb7 Rh5 9. a4+ {!$18 This is where the second pawn plays its part!} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Belavenets Sergey V (RUS)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/r7/5Kp1/7k/7P/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {~18. ROOK AND PAWN AGAINST ROOK AND PAWN~ Under normal conditions the game should, of course, end in a draw, and if the pawns are not passed this is usually what happens. But if the pawns are passed, and especially if they are far advanced, the most varied results are possible, depending on the placing of the pieces. We will consider two basic pawn structures: ~ 8.1 The pawns are not passed. ~ ~ 8.2 The pawns are passed. ~ ~18.1 THE PAWNS ARE NOT PASSED~ This ending is very drawish, since, after all, winning the pawn is not sufficient to win the game. A won ending with one pawn has to be reached, and for this a number of conditions have to be satisfied. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ475 %212045826630=4HLJ543} 1... Ra6+ { %05Black wins the pawn by force:} 2. Kg7 Kxh4 {, but after} 3. Re1 {! White easily parries the threat to queen the pawn:} g5 4. Rh1+ Kg3 5. Rg1+ Kf4 6. Rf1+ Ke4 7. Rg1 {= Drawn. Thus the decisive factor here in assessing the position is the resulting ending of rook and pawn against rook.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/8/r4pK1/4kP2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] 1. Re8+ {%05White's pieces are actively enough placed not only to win the pawn, but also to obtain a won ending with one pawn.} Kf4 (1... Kd5 {%05if} 2. Kf7 { , and 3. Re6 cannot be prevented}) 2. Re6 Ra1 (2... Ra5 {is met by} 3. Rxf6 Kg4 4. Rf8 $18) 3. Rb6 {! A precise move. Before capturing the pawn, White improves the position of his rook.} (3. Kxf6 {? would be a mistake due to %05Not only} Ra5 {=}) (3. Rxf6 {in a view of %05but also} Rg1+ {!} 4. Kf7 Ra1 5. Kg7 Kg5 {!} 6. Rf8 Ra5 7. f6 Ra6 {, when after} 8. f7 Rg6+ {the game ends in perpetual check.}) 3... Rh1 4. Rb4+ Ke5 5. Rb5+ Kd6 6. Kxf6 $18 {, and White wins. If the position, with the exception of the white rook, is moved one rank up the board, due to the restricted mobility of his rook Black is able to draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/r4pK1/4kP2/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] 1. Re8+ Kf5 2. Re7 Ra6 {! Here this system of defence, which takes play into^013^010 Horwitz and Kling's position ~3($411351)~, proves highly effective.} 3. Rxf7 (3. Rb7 {, then %05if} Rc6 4. Rb5+ Ke6) 3... Kg5 {!} 4. Rf8 Rb6 5. f7 Rg6+ {= with perpetual check.} * [Event "Yugoslavia"] [Site "Yugoslavia"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Black "Fischer Robert J (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/1K6/1p6/1P6/7r/8/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ475 %212045826630=4HLJ543 The following practical examples are highly instructive. They show typical mistakes, based on an incorrect evaluation of the resulting ending with one pawn. It is clear that Black is bound to lose his pawn, but what type of ending does he do best to go into - pawn or rook?} 1... Rh5 { ! %05It is not difficult to see that by} (1... Rh8 {? is in fact a decisive mistake %05Fridrik Olafsson showed that the first moves by both players were incorrect.} 2. Kxb5 {?} (2. Rc7+ {! %05, since after the correct the ending is lost for Black:} Kd6 (2... Kd8 3. Rc5 Kd7 4. Kb7 Kd6 5. Rxb5 Rh7+ 6. Ka6 Rh8 7. Rb7 $18 {and wins.}) 3. Rc6+ Kd7 4. Kxb5 Rb8+ 5. Rb6 Rh8 6. Rb7+ Kc8 7. Ka6 Rh6+ 8. Ka7 $18) 2... Rb8+ 3. Ka4 Ra8+ 4. Kb3 Rc8 {!= , and the game ended in a draw.}) 2. Rc5 Rxc5 3. Kxc5 Kc7 4. Kxb5 Kb7 {= Black could have gained an easy draw, but he preferred to continue the struggle with the rooks on:} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Varna (Bulgaria)"] [Site "Varna (Bulgaria)"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vukic Milan (YUG)"] [Black "Muller"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/1R6/5pK1/5P2/r7/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] 1... Kf8 {! %05Guided by the drawn position ~3($411306)~, he should %05have played} (1... Ra6 {? An instructive mistake. All the same the f6 pawn cannot be defended, so Black should have been thinking about how to battle against the white f-pawn.} 2. Kg7 {! %05After the move in the game Black's king inevitably ended up on the long side, which led to his defeat.} Rc6 3. Rb8+ Ke7 4. Rb1 Ra6 5. Re1+ Kd8 6. Kf7 Kd7 7. Rd1+ Kc7 8. Ke7 {Resigns.}) 2. Rb6 Rf4 {!} 3. Kxf6 Kg8 {!} 4. Rb8+ Kh7 {= %04etc.} * [Event "Brno (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Brno (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Estevez Guillermo (CUB)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3r2p1/6K1/5RP1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] 1. Kh6 {White created the threat of 2. g5 followed by 3. Kg7 and 4. Rf6, winning both the pawn and the game. %05With} Rf6 {! (the only move)} 2. Ra4 Kf7 {! %05He could have drawn by} (2... g5+ {? All the same Black will have to part with his pawn, so he decides to give it up immediately, but he has evaluated incorrectly the resulting ending.} 3. Kxg5 Rf1 (3... Rb6 {%05moving along the rank does not help:} 4. Rf4 {%04etc.}) 4. Ra7+ Kf8 5. Kg6 Rf2 6. g5 Rb2 7. Ra8+ Ke7 8. Kg7 $18 {, and White won.}) 3. Kh7 (3. Ra7+ Kg8 4. Rg7+ Kh8 5. Rxg6 Rf1 {=}) (3. g5 {%05or} Rf1 4. Ra7+ Kg8 5. Kxg6 Rf8 {=}) 3... Rf1 4. Ra7+ Kf6 5. Ra6+ Kf7 {!} 6. Rxg6 Rh1+ 7. Rh6 Rg1 8. Rh4 Kf8 9. Kh6 Kg8 { = %04etc.} * [Event "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Black "Golombek Harry (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k1K3/8/r4pR1/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1. Ke6 {! White attacked the pawn, and after %05By} Ra6+ {!} 2. Kxf5 Kd8 { Black resigned, since by} (2... Kd7 {! ~5 , and this opinion was refuted only very recently: %05~5 It was considered that Black could have drawn by} 3. Rg6 Ra4 {!} 4. Rf6 (4. Re6 {?} Rxf4+ {=}) 4... Ke7 5. Kg6 Ra1 6. Rf7+ {! ~5 (the decisive improvement pointed out by the^013^010 ~5 tablebases) ~} (6. Kg7 {?} Rg1+ 7. Rg6 Rf1 8. Rg4 Ke8 {=}) (6. Rf5 {?} Rg1+ 7. Rg5 Rf1 8. f5 Kf8 9. Rg2 Rf3 10. Rb2 Rf1 {= %04etc.}) 6... Ke8 7. f5 Rf1 8. Kg7 Rg1+ 9. Kf6 Rg4 10. Ra7 Rf4 11. Ra8+ Kd7 12. Rf8 $18 {~3($401603)~}) 3. Rg6 Ra4 (3... Ra5+ {is no better:} 4. Ke6 Ra6+ 5. Kf7 Ra7+ 6. Kf8 Ra5 7. Rd6+ Kc7 8. Rd4 $18 {and wins.}) 4. Re6 {$18! White decides the game in his favour.} * [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hort Vlastimil (GER)"] [Black "Wade Robert G (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r4p2/8/4PK2/8/6k1/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] 1. Kf6 {^013^010 %05In reply to} Kf4 {? and resigned without resuming, since after %05Black sealed} (1... Kg4 {! , and if %05Black could have drawn by} 2. Rh7 Ra6+ {!} 3. Kxf7 Ra7+ 4. Kg6 Rxh7 5. Kxh7 Kf5 {and 6... Ke5=}) 2. Rh4+ Kg3 3. Rh7 Kf4 {White has the decisive} 4. e6 {!$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/2P5/3K2p1/8/5k2/8/8/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {~18.2 THE PAWNS ARE PASSED~ Under normal conditions the result here is usually a draw. However, as we will see later, an unprecedented wealth of ideas is concealed in this dynamic ending, and frequently the most insignificant nuances in the placing of the pieces and pawns can decisively affect its assessment. If the kings are supporting their pawns, with only a slight difference in the degree of advancement of the pawns usually ends in a draw, since either an exchange of pawns occurs, or else, by giving up rook for pawn, the weaker side can then draw the ending with pawn against rook. This is what happens in the following example.} 1... g5 2. Rf1+ Kg3 {!} 3. Rg1+ Kf4 4. Kd7 Rg8 5. c8=Q Rxc8 6. Kxc8 g4 {= with a draw. Thus in cases where a player has to give up rook for pawn, he must prepare in advance for the coming ending with pawn against rook. The following example is highly instructive.} * [Event "Match"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Bogoljubow Efim D (UKR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/8/1PK2p2/5k2/8/8/8/1R6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {As we know, in the ending of pawn against rook the weaker side should deploy his king, such that it hinders the approach to the pawn of the opponent's king. } 1... Ke4 {! , e.g. %05There fore the correct move was} (1... Kg4 {? , and after %05But Bogoljubow played} 2. b7 f5 3. b8=Q Rxb8 4. Rxb8 f4 5. Kd5 f3 6. Ke4 f2 7. Rf8 Kg3 8. Ke3 {he was obliged to resign.}) 2. b7 f5 3. b8=Q Rxb8 4. Rxb8 f4 5. Kc5 f3 6. Rf8 Ke3 7. Kc4 f2 8. Kc3 Ke2 9. Re8+ Kd1 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k2P/R7/8/4K3/p7/5r2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1... Rh2 {!} (1... Rf8 {? would be a mistake due to} 2. Ke5 {!} Rh8 (2... Kf7 3. Rf6+ $18) 3. Ra7+ Kf8 4. Kf6 $18 {and wins.}) 2. Ra8 Rh4+ {! By attacking the opponent's king, Black forces it to determinate its position, and then plans his further action in accordance with where it moves to.} (2... a2 { ? Now how should Black defend? If, for example,} 3. Rxa2 Rh4+ {, then} (3... Rxh7 4. Ra7+ $18) 4. Kf5 Kf7 5. Ra7+ Kf8 6. Kg6 Rg4+ 7. Kh5 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Kf5 (3. Kd3 {, then %05if} a2 4. Kc2 Rxh7 {=}) 3... Rxh7 4. Ra7+ Kd6 {!} 5. Rxh7 Kc5 {The way is open, and the king hurries to support its pawn. The rest is familiar.} 6. Ke4 Kc4 {!} 7. Ra7 Kb3 8. Kd3 Kb2 {!} 9. Rb7+ Kc1 {Draw.} * [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Winawer Szymon A (POL)"] [Black "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/1R6/5K2/1p2P3/8/8/8/6r1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] {Sometimes the way to save the game is by sacrificing your own pawn, to go into a drawn ending with rook and pawn against rook.} 1... Re1 {! %05In our time any master would unhesitatingly play here} (1... Rh1 {?} 2. Rb8+ Kd7 3. e6+ Kd6 4. Rd8+ Kc5 5. e7 Re1 6. e8=Q Rxe8 7. Rxe8 b4 (7... Kd4 8. Rb8 Kc4 9. Ke5 b4 10. Ke4 {comes to the same king.}) 8. Ke5 Kc4 9. Ke4 Kc3 10. Ke3 b3 11. Rc8+ $18 {, and White won.}) 2. Rxb5 Re2 3. Ke6 Kf8 {!= with a draw. But this system of defence was discovered by Karstedt slightly later - in 1898. Black defended "a la Philidor" and lost by force.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/7P/8/8/5R2/p7/1k3K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Kg2 {! , to free the f-file for the rook, which after %05Correct is} (1. Rb4+ {? there follows %05The poor position of White's king prevents him from^013^010 %05gaining a draw by exchanging pawn for pawn. Thus on} Kc3 2. Ra4 Kb3 3. Ra7 a2 $19) (1. Kg3 {? %05It remains to mention that White fails to save the game %05by} Rxh7 2. Rf2+ Kc1 {!} 3. Rf1+ Kd2 4. Rf2+ Ke1 5. Ra2 Ra7 6. Kf3 Kd1 7. Ke3 Kc1 8. Kd3 Kb1 $19) (1. Kg1 {? %05or} Rxh7 2. Rf2+ Kc1 3. Rf1+ Kd2 4. Rf2+ Ke3 5. Rf8 (5. Ra2 Ra7 $19) 5... Ra7 6. Re8+ Kd2 7. Rd8+ Kc2 8. Rc8+ Kb3 9. Rb8+ Ka4 $19 {, when Black wins.}) 1... Rxh7 {can very effectively attack the king:} 2. Rf2+ Kb3 3. Rf3+ Kb4 4. Rf4+ Kb5 5. Rf5+ Kb6 6. Rf6+ Kb7 { , and, now that the rook defend the pawn from the rear, White plays} 7. Rf3 a2 8. Ra3 {= , eliminating the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/7P/8/8/5R2/p7/1k2K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {Had the white king been a step closer - at e2, another method of defence would have been possible, leading to an exchange of pawns.} 1. Rb4+ Kc3 2. Ra4 Kb3 3. Ra7 a2 4. Kd3 {! This is the whole point! By taking the opposition, White prepares a double attack.} (4. Rb7+ {?} Kc4 5. Rc7+ Kb5 {would have been a mistake, when neither} 6. Ra7 (6. Rc1 {%05nor} Rxh7 7. Kd2 Kb4 $19 {is any help.}) 6... Rxh7 7. Rxa2 Rh2+ $19) 4... Rxh7 5. Rxh7 a1=Q 6. Rb7+ Ka3 7. Ra7+ {= Draw. Black draws in the same way in the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hoppe Udo (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/3k2P1/8/8/8/2r5/1p6/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] 1. Rb1 Rc2 {!} (1... Rb3 {? , then %05If} 2. Kf7 Rf3+ 3. Kg6 Rg3+ 4. Kf6 Rf3+ 5. Ke5 Re3+ 6. Kf4 Re8 7. Rxb2 Rg8 8. Kf5 $18) 2. Kf7 Rf2+ 3. Kg6 Rg2+ 4. Kf6 Kd6 {! Pointed out by Kopayev.} (4... Rf2+ {? %05The composer's continuation was} 5. Ke5 Re2+ 6. Kf4 Rg2 7. Rxb2 Rg1 8. Rb8 $18 {and wins.}) 5. Rxb2 Rxb2 6. g8=Q Rf2+ 7. Kg6 Rg2+ {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/3k1P2/8/8/8/p5r1/8/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {A case which deserves special consideration is where the pawn is prevented from queening by its own king, and the opponent tries to prevent the king from escaping from in front of the pawn.} 1. Rf2 {%05Kopayev's idea was that the king is unable to escape from imprisonment. Here is the variation he gives:} Kd8 2. Rd2+ (2. Re2 {%05But he can set his opponent more difficult problems:} Kd7 3. Re7+ Kc6 {! %05Black can nevertheless draw by taking his king to the support of his pawn:} (3... Kd8 {%05Black is faced with a choice. He loses after} 4. Ra7 {! , when he is in zugzwang. If, for example,} Kc8 {, then} (4... Rf3 {is met by %05while} 5. Ra8+ Kd7 6. Kg7 Rg3+ 7. Kh6 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Ke7 Re3+ 6. Kd6 Rd3+ 7. Kc5 Rf3 8. Ra8+ $18) 4. Ke8 Rf3 5. Re4 a2 6. Re1 Kb5 (6... Re3+ {? %05but not} 7. Rxe3 a1=Q 8. f8=Q $18 {, winning}) 7. f8=Q Rxf8+ 8. Kxf8 Kb4 {= Draw.}) 2... Kc7 3. Ke7 Re3+ 4. Kf6 Rf3+ 5. Ke6 Re3+ 6. Kd5 Rf3 { = , and White has not achieved anything.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R2K2/5P1k/8/8/8/2p1r3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Rc4 {%05This is an important theoretical position:} Rf3 {This move is also good after 1. Rc5} (1... Rh3 {%05although} 2. Rf4 c2 3. Rf1 Rf3 {! is also possible}) (1... Rd3 {? %05but not} 2. Rh4+ Kg6 3. Kg8 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Rh4+ Kg6 3. Rg4+ Kf5 4. Rg1 Ke4 {= with a draw. Black's defence is simple: he moves his rook along the 3rd rank, but occupies e3 only in reply to Rc8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R2K2/5P1k/8/8/8/2p1r3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Kh8 {is met by %05 But if it is Black to move, he is in zugzwang. If, for example, his rook moves off the e-file, the king moves out decisively from in front of the pawn, while} 2. Re8 {!} c2 3. Rxe3 c1=Q 4. Rh3+ {and mate next move.} * [Event "Lvov (Ukraine)"] [Site "Lvov (Ukraine)"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tseitlin"] [Black "Malevinsky Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4R3/8/2pk1P2/5r2/8/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] 1... Kc3 {! , e.g. %05Black had at his disposal a stronger move -} (1... Kd3 { ? %05The game concluded:} 2. Rd6+ {?} (2. Rc6 {! %05Analysis shows that White defended inaccurately. Instead of 2. Rd6 he could have drawn by the standard} Rf1+ 3. Kb2 Rf2+ 4. Kb1 Kc3 5. Rh6 Rf1+ 6. Ka2 Kc2 7. f5 {= , when the f-pawn no longer gets in the way.}) 2... Kc3 3. Kb1 Rf1+ 4. Ka2 Kc2 5. Rh6 c3 6. f5 { (White tries to rid himself of his pawn; without it he has an easy draw)} Kd1 ( 6... Rxf5 {? %05of course, not} 7. Rh2+ {=}) 7. Rd6+ Kc1 8. f6 c2 {The previous position has been reached (with colours reversed), but with White to move, and after} 9. Ka1 Rd1 {he resigned.}) 2. Kb1 Rf1+ 3. Ka2 Kd3 {Even so, White could have drawn in this case by playing} 4. f5 {! instead of 4. Rd6. If, for example,} (4. Rd6+ Kc2 5. Rh6 (5. f5 Rxf5) 5... c3 6. Rh2+ Kd3 7. Rh3+ Kc4 {, and his king is screened from checks by the enemy pawn. After} 8. Rh2 Rd1 { the game is decided.}) 4... Rxf5 {, then} (4... c3 {can be met by %05while} 5. Rd6+ Kc2 6. f6 Kc1 7. Rc6 {!} c2 8. Rd6 {!= We have again reached position 585, but here it is Black to move, and therefore he is unable to win.}) 5. Rh6 {!} Re5 6. Rh1 {=} * [Event "Riga (Latvia)"] [Site "Riga (Latvia)"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ribli Zoltan (HUN)"] [Black "Velimirovic Dragoljub (YUG)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/P3p3/8/5r2/K3R3/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {And now a few more examples where the game ends in a draw, despite one side having a significant positional advantage. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ475 %212045826630=4HLJ545} 1... Rf5 ( 1... Kd1 {? %05Due to the unfortunate position of his king, Black's %05position looks difficult. The immediate sacrifice of his %05pawn does not succeed: if} 2. Rxe5 Kc2 {, then} 3. a6 Kc3 4. a7 Rf8 5. Ra5 Ra8 6. Ka3 Kc4 7. Ka4 Kd4 8. Kb5 $18 {and wins.}) 2. Kb3 e4 {!} 3. Kb4 Re5 4. a6 Re8 5. a7 Ra8 6. Kc3 Kb1 {!} (6... Kd1 {? %05of course, not} 7. Ra2 e3 8. Kd3 $18) 7. Rb2+ Kc1 { !} (7... Ka1 {, e.g. %05As shown by Ribli, Black also saves the game after} 8. Rb7 Ka2 9. Kd4 e3 {!} 10. Kxe3 Ka3 11. Kd4 Ka4 12. Kc5 Ka5 13. Kc6 Ka6 14. Rb1 Rc8+ {= %04etc.}) 8. Rb7 e3 {!} 9. Kd3 e2 10. Kxe2 Kc2 11. Rc7+ Kb3 12. Kd3 Kb4 13. Kd4 Kb5 14. Kd5 Kb6 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Regedzinsky"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/2k2P2/7R/8/8/5r1p/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. Kg8 (1. Rh4 {, then %05If} Kd7 2. Rd4+ Ke6 3. Re4+ Kf5 4. Re1 Kg4 {= , as in example ~3($411617)~.}) 1... Rg3+ 2. Kh8 Rf3 3. Rh7 Kb6 {!} (3... Kd8 { ? %05All other king moves lose, e.g.} 4. Kg8 Rg3+ 5. Rg7 $18) (3... Kc6 {?} 4. Kg8 Rg3+ 5. Rg7 Rxg7+ 6. Kxg7 h2 7. f8=Q h1=Q 8. Qa8+ $18) 4. Kg8 Rg3+ 5. Kf8 Rc3 {! , when %05But Kopayev showed that Black can save the game by the subtle} (5... Kc6 {? %05Here the composer of the study considered only} 6. Ke7 Re3+ 7. Kf6 Rf3+ 8. Kg7 Rg3+ 9. Kh8 Rf3 10. Kg8 {!} Rg3+ 11. Rg7 Rxg7+ 12. Kxg7 h2 13. f8=Q h1=Q 14. Qa8+ $18 {, winning}) (5... Kc5 {? , then %05while if} 6. Rh8 Kd6 7. Ke8 Re3+ 8. Kd8 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. Rh8 (6. Ke7 {Black can play %05It remains to add that on} Re3+ 7. Kf6 Rf3+ 8. Kg6 Rg3+ 9. Kf5 Rf3+ 10. Kg4 Rf1 11. Kxh3 Kc6 12. Kg4 Kd6 13. Kg5 Ke7 {= with a draw.}) 6... Rc8+ {%05is met by} 7. Kg7 Rxh8 8. Kxh8 h2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k4K2/5P1R/8/8/8/p7/5r2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Kg8 {%05The black king is a long way from both pawns, but White is unable to exploit this factor:} (1. Rh1 {it is wrong to play %05After} a2 {?} (1... Ka7 {? is also bad:} 2. Ra1 {!} a2 3. Ke7 Re2+ 4. Kd6 Rf2 5. Rxa2+ $18) (1... Kb7 {! %05Correct is} 2. Rg1 Kb6 3. Kg7 Kb5 {= , when the king approaches its pawn.}) 2. Rg1 Ka7 3. Kg8 $18 {, when White wins.}) 1... a2 {!} 2. Rh1 Rg2+ 3. Kf8 Ka7 {!!} (3... Kb7 {? , then %05If} 4. Re1 Re2 (4... Kb6 5. Ke7 Re2+ 6. Rxe2 a1=Q 7. Re6+ {! and 8. f8Q$18})) (3... Rb2 {? is met by %05while} 4. Re1 Rb1 5. Kg8 a1=Q 6. f8=Q+ Ka7 7. Qf7+ $18) 4. Re1 Re2 {!} (4... Rb2 {? , then %05If immediately} 5. Kg8 Rg2+ 6. Kh7 Rf2 7. Kg7 Rg2+ 8. Kf6 Rf2+ 9. Ke7 Re2+ 10. Rxe2 a1=Q 11. f8=Q Qa3+ 12. Ke8 {!} Qa4+ 13. Kf7 Qf4+ (13... Qc4+ 14. Re6 $18) (13... Qb3+ 14. Re6 $18) 14. Kg8 $18 {and wins.}) 5. Rg1 Rb2 (5... Rg2 { ? %05not} 6. Rxg2 {!} a1=Q 7. Kg8 Qf1 8. Ra2+ $18) 6. Kg8 (6. Ke7 Rb7+ 7. Ke6 Rb6+ 8. Kd5 Rf6 {=}) 6... Rb1 7. Rg7 a1=Q 8. f8=Q+ Rb7 9. Qc5+ Kb8 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tim"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/1P5k/6p1/8/8/8/1K6/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] 1... Rf7 {!} 2. Kc3 (2. Rh8+ {%05The threat of} Kxh8 3. b8=Q+ {proves to be illusory, since after} Kg7 {a theoretical drawn position arises.}) 2... Kg7 3. Kd4 Kf6 {(the pawn should be advanced)} 4. Kd5 Kf5 (4... g5 {%05or} 5. Ke4 (5. Kd4 Kf5 6. Kc5 g4 {=}) 5... Re7+ (5... Re7+ 6. Kd5 Rf7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 6. Kd5 ( 6. Kf3 g4+ 7. Kf4 (7. Kxg4 Ke5 {= ~5 (Nalimov tablebases)}) 7... Ke6 8. Kg3 Ke5 {=}) 6... Rf7 {= with a draw}) 5. Kc6 g5 6. Rg8 Rxb7 7. Kxb7 g4 8. Kc6 Kf4 9. Kd5 g3 10. Kd4 Kf3 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P3R1/2r5/7k/p3K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {In the following position Black again permits the appearance of a queen, but saves the draw in the ending of rook and pawn against queen.} 1. Kd5 { %05Black's position is critical. After} Rc2 {!} (1... Rc3 {? %05he loses with} 2. Kd6 a3 3. Rg3 $18 {!}) (1... Rc1 {%05or} 2. Kd6 a3 3. Rg1 {!} Rc2 4. Rd1 {!} a2 5. Kd7 Rd2+ 6. Rxd2 a1=Q 7. Rd5+ {! and 8. c8Q$18}) 2. Kd6 a3 3. Rg2 (3. Rg1 {, then %05If} Rd2+ 4. Ke7 Rc2 5. Kd8 Rd2+ 6. Kc8 a2 7. Rc1 Kg6 8. Kb7 Rb2+ 9. Kc6 Rb1 {= with a draw.}) 3... Rxg2 {!} 4. c8=Q Rd2+ {!} (4... a2 {? %05of course, not} 5. Qh3+ $18 {, winning}) 5. Ke5 a2 {, and White is unable to win, e.g.} 6. Qh8+ Kg4 7. Ke4 Re2+ 8. Kd3 Rh2 9. Qe5 Rg2 10. Ke3 Rc2 11. Qf6 Rg2 12. Qg6+ Kh4 13. Qf6+ Kg4 14. Qf1 Rc2 15. Ke4 Kg5 {!} 16. Ke5 Re2+ {=} * [Event "Breslau (Poland)"] [Site "Breslau (Poland)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "Bluemich Max (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/R6P/1r6/p6K/1k6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. h6 {%05In the game White conceded defeat, and yet he could have drawn by} Rb6 2. Rh5 {!} a2 3. h7 Rb8 4. Rb5+ {!} Rxb5 5. h8=Q+ {=} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Neishtadt Yakov (RUS)"] [Black "Volkevich"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3K4/7r/2P5/5k2/7p/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {White also failed to take his chance in the following example.} 1... Ke4 { ! , including his king in the battle against the white pawn. %05so Black played } (1... Kg2 2. Rxh2+ {= leads to a clear draw}) 2. Ke6 {! %05It was shown by Ban that White's second move was a decisive mistake. He should have played} (2. c5 {? %05The sequel was} Rh6+ 3. Ke7 Kd5 4. Kf7 Kxc5 5. Kg7 Rh3 6. Kg6 Kd4 7. Kg5 Ke3 8. Kg4 Rh8 9. Kg3 Rg8+ 10. Kh4 Kf3 {White resigns.}) 2... Kd4 (2... Rh6+ 3. Kf7 {!} Kf3 4. Ke7 {!}) 3. Kf6 Kxc4 4. Kg6 Rh8 5. Kg5 {(now it is apparent that White has gained an important tempo)} Kd3 6. Kf4 {!} Ke2 7. Kg3 Rg8+ 8. Kf4 {!= with a draw.} * [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gilg Karl (GER)"] [Black "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7K/7P/8/6r1/4pk2/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {We will now turn to an examination of examples where one side has a positional advantage sufficient for a win. In each case we will try to establish the nature of this advantage, and will also draw attention to the method of realizing it. Winning chances occur in this ending in the following basic cases: (a) When one of the pawns is much closer than the other to the queening square. (b) When the opponent's king cannot either support its own pawn, or effectively help the rook in its battle with the enemy pawn. (c) When the opponent's rook is badly placed, and cannot battle effectively against the pawn. (d) When the opponent's pawn hinders its own pieces in their battle against the enemy pawn. One of the main types of advantage in this ending is the greater degree of advancement of a pawn, the result sometimes depending on a single tempo. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ475 %212045826630=4HLJ545} 1... Rg1 {!} (1... e1=Q {%05In the event of} 2. Rxe1 Kxe1 3. Kh7 {= the game ends in a draw, since the black king is too far away from the opponent's pawn.}) 2. Ra2 Kf3 3. Ra3+ (3. Rxe2 { %05After} Kxe2 {Black's king is only one move closer to the white pawn, but} 4. Kh7 Kf3 5. h6 Kf4 6. Kh8 Kg5 7. h7 Kg6 $19 {now leads to a win for him.}) 3... Kf4 4. Ra4+ Kg3 {!} 5. Ra3+ Kh4 6. Ra4+ Rg4 {(by his king manoeuvre Black has included his rook in the defence)} 7. Ra1 Re4 8. Rh1+ (8. Kg6 {%05Or} e1=Q 9. Rxe1 Rxe1 10. h6 Re6+ 11. Kg7 Kg5 12. h7 Re7+ 13. Kg8 Kg6 $19 {and wins.}) 8... Kg4 9. Rg1+ Kf5 {!} 10. Re1 Kf6 (10... Re7 {%05avoiding a trap:} 11. Rf1+ {!=}) 11. Kh7 Kg5 12. h6 Re7+ $19 {White resigns. It will, of course, have been noted that Black was able to win, only thanks to the fact that White had a rook's pawn. If the position is moved one file to the left, White draws easily. } 0-1 [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1858.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Karaklajic Nikola (YUG)"] [Black "Loewenthal Johann J (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k2P2/2p1K3/8/8/8/5r2/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1858.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ475 %212045826630=4HLJ545 Black has nothing better than to drive the opponent's king in front of the pawn.} 1... Re2+ 2. Kf6 Rf2+ 3. Ke7 Re2+ 4. Kf8 Rg2 (4... c5 5. Rd5 Kc6 6. Rf5 Ra2 7. Ke7 $18 {and wins}) 5. Rd4 {! A familiar manoeuvre -~2 "building a bridge")~} c5 (5... Kb6 {, then %05If} 6. Ke7 Re2+ 7. Kf6 Rf2+ 8. Ke6 c5 (8... Re2+ 9. Kf5 Rf2+ 10. Rf4 $18) 9. Rd5 Rxf7 10. Kxf7 Kb5 11. Ke6 Kb4 12. Ke5 c4 13. Kd4 $18 {, and White wins.}) 6. Rd5 Kc6 7. Rf5 Rh2 8. Ke7 ( 8. Kg7 {%057... Ra2 was more tenacious, since now White could have won more simply:} Rg2+ 9. Kf6 $18) 8... Rh8 9. f8=Q Rxf8 10. Rxf8 Kd5 11. Rd8+ Ke5 12. Kd7 {! (by-pass)} c4 13. Kc6 Ke4 14. Kb5 c3 15. Kb4 c2 16. Rc8 Kd3 17. Kb3 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/3k1P2/1p6/5R2/8/8/8/6r1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {Here the black king is better placed than in the previous example, preventing the opponent's king from escaping from in front of the pawn.} 1. Rh5 {%05The composer's solution was:} (1. Rf4 {%05But, of course, White could also have won here by "building a bridge":} Rg2 (1... b5 {, then %05If} 2. Rf5 b4 3. Rb5 Rg4 4. Rb6 Kd8 (4... Kc7 5. Ke7) 5. Rd6+ Kc7 6. Ke7 $18 {and wins}) 2. Rd4+ Kc6 3. Ke7 Re2+ (3... Rg7 4. Rf4 Kc5 5. Ke6 $18) 4. Kf6 Rf2+ 5. Ke6 b5 6. Rd6+ {!} Kc7 7. Rd5 Rxf7 8. Kxf7 Kc6 9. Ke6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 1... Rg2 2. Rh8 b5 (2... Kd6 {, then %05If} 3. Rh6+ Kc5 4. Ke7 Rg7 5. Rf6 b5 6. Ke6 Rxf7 7. Rxf7 Kd4 8. Rb7 Kc4 9. Ke5 b4 10. Ke4 Kc3 11. Ke3 b3 12. Rc7+ $18 {and wins.}) 3. Rg8 Rf2 4. Rg6 {!} b4 5. Rb6 Rf4 6. Kg7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/4k1P1/2p5/6R1/8/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Kopayev wrongly thought that this position was drawn, since the winning method employed by him in the previous example is not possible.} 1. Rg4 { ! %05But in fact White can also win here by employing the %05"bridge-building" method:} Rh2 (1... c5 2. Rg5 c4 (2... Kd6 3. Kf7 Rh7 4. Kf6 Rxg7 5. Rxg7 $18) 3. Rc5 Rh4 4. Rc6 Kd7 (4... Ke8 5. Re6+ Kd7 6. Kf7 Rf4+ 7. Rf6 $18) 5. Kf7 Kxc6 6. g8=Q $18) 2. Re4+ Kd6 3. Kf7 $18 {%04etc. Undefined game This methods also succeeds in the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/5P2/8/2k5/R7/p5r1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Ke7 {%05The black king is on the pawn's promotion diagonal, and this proves fatal. White's rook is ideally placed, and so there follows:} Re3+ 2. Kd7 {!} ( 2. Kf6 {? %05Not} Kb5 {! , when the king moves off the dangerous diagonal, and after} 3. Rf4 a2 4. Rf1 Rf3+ 5. Rxf3 a1=Q+ {= Black gains a draw.}) 2... Rf3 3. Ke6 Re3+ (3... Kc6 {is met not by} 4. Rxa3 {?} (4. Ra6+ {! and only then 5. Ra3. %05but first}) 4... Rxa3 5. f8=Q Re3+ 6. Kf7 Rf3+ {=}) 4. Kf5 Rf3+ 5. Rf4 Rxf4+ 6. Kxf4 a2 7. f8=Q+ $18 {, and White wins. Let us move the black king to c7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/2k2P2/8/8/R7/p5r1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Ke7 {'ending'It is clear that, with the black king at d7, the result would be a draw ~3 ($401616)~. Here too the poor position of the king leads to defeat.} Re3+ 2. Kf6 Rf3+ 3. Ke6 Re3+ (3... Kc6 4. Ra6+ {! and 5. Ra3$18}) 4. Kd5 {!} Rf3 (4... Rd3+ 5. Ke4 Rd8 6. Ke5) 5. Rxa3 Rf1 6. Ra8 {!} Rxf7 7. Ra7+ $18 {and wins} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/2k2P2/8/8/R7/p7/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Ra5 {! %05The composer's solution was:} (1. Rf4 {! %05However there is a simpler win by the familiar "bridge-building' method:} Re1 (1... a2 2. Rf2 {!} Kd7 3. Rg2 {and 4. Kg8$18}) (1... Kb6 2. Rf2 {!} Rc1 (2... Kb5 3. Kg7 $18) 3. Kg7 Rc7 4. Ra2 $18) (1... Rg1 2. Ra4 Ra1 3. Rc4+ Kb6 4. Rf4 Rb1 5. Kg8 Rg1+ 6. Kh7 Rh1+ 7. Kg6 Rg1+ 8. Kf5 a2 9. f8=Q a1=Q 10. Rb4+ $18) 2. Rf2 {! %04etc.}) 1... Kb6 2. Rf5 Re1 3. Rf2 {!} Kb5 4. Kg8 Rg1+ 5. Kh7 Rh1+ 6. Kg7 Rg1+ 7. Kf6 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/5P1R/1k6/8/8/p7/r7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Rh3 {! %05The rook switches to the f-file, and at the same time prevents the opponent's rook from moving off the a-file.} (1. Rh1 Rf2 {! White can no longer win.}) 1... Kb5 (1... Ra1 2. Rg3 a2 3. Rg2 Kb5 4. Kg8 $18) 2. Rf3 {!} Ka4 {Black's king has moved up to his pawn, and it only remains for him to give up his rook for the white pawn, but...} 3. Rf4+ {! this wins more quickly than} (3. Ke7) 3... Ka5 4. Ke7 Re2+ 5. Kd7 Rd2+ 6. Kc7 Rc2+ 7. Kb7 Rb2+ 8. Ka8 a2 9. f8=Q a1=Q 10. Qc5+ {and mate in two moves.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K3R/3P1k2/8/8/8/p7/8/2r5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1. Rh7+ {%05With the black pawn at a3, b3, f3 or g3 the position would be drawn. For example, with the pawn at a3:} Kf8 2. Rh2 Rc3 3. Rf2+ Kg7 {, and White does not achieve anything by bringing out his king:} 4. Ke7 Re3+ 5. Kd6 Rd3+ 6. Kc7 Rc3+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K3R/3P1k2/8/8/8/3p4/8/2r5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Rh7+ {%05Here the pawn at d3 plays a negative role: it allows the white king to hide from the checks along the file.} Kf8 (1... Kg6 {%05Or} 2. Ke7 (2. Rh2 {?} Rc2 3. Rh1 Rc4 {!} (3... d2 {?} 4. Ke7 Rc1 5. d8=Q Re1+ 6. Kf8 $18 { and wins.}) 4. Rd1 Rd4 5. Kc8 Rc4+ 6. Kb8 Rd4 7. Kc7 Rc4+ 8. Kb6 Rd4 9. Kc6 Kf6 10. Rg1 d2 {=}) 2... Re1+ 3. Kf8 d2 4. Rg7+ Kf5 5. d8=Q d1=Q 6. Qg5+ Ke4 7. Qh4+ Kd3 8. Rg3+ Kc2 9. Qc4+ Kb1 10. Rb3+ $18 {and wins.}) 2. Rh2 Rc4 (2... Rc2 {is met by} 3. Rd2 {!} Rxd2 (3... Rc3 4. Rf2+ Kg7 5. Ke8 $18) 4. Kc7 Rc2+ 5. Kd6 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Rf2+ Kg7 4. Rd2 Rd4 {Black has placed his rook "a la Tarrasch", but the distance between his rook and the white pawn (2 ranks) is too small.} 5. Ke7 Re4+ 6. Kd6 Rd4+ 7. Ke6 {(the rook cannot give another check, so Black has to move his king)} Kf8 (7... Kg6 {%05On} 8. Rg2+ Kh5 { White concludes matters with} 9. Rg8 d2 10. d8=Q d1=Q 11. Qg5# {%04mate}) (7... Kh6 {%05while if} 8. Ke7 Re4+ 9. Kf6 {, threatening mate.}) 8. Rf2+ Kg7 9. Rf4 {!} Rxf4 10. d8=Q $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/P7/1K4k1/8/7p/8/R7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {We will now examine some examples where a pawn on the threshold of queening is blocked by the opponent's rook, whose activity is thereby severely curtailed.} 1. Ra5 {! is correct. By cutting off the king from the pawn, White forces the rook to abandon a8, since 2. Kb7 is now a threat. Black has two possibilities: %05First} (1. Kb7 {? does not succeed: %05The immediate} Rxa7+ 2. Rxa7 (2. Kxa7 Kf5 3. Kb6 h3 4. Kc5 Kf4 5. Kd4 Kg3 6. Ke3 h2 {=}) 2... Kf5 3. Kc6 h3 4. Kd5 Kf4 5. Rh7 Kg3 6. Ke4 h2 {=}) 1... Rf8 (1... Re8 2. Kb7 Re7+ 3. Ka6 Re8 4. Rb5 h3 5. Rb8 {!} (5. Rb3 {%05Here} h2 6. Rh3 Re6+ 7. Kb5 Re5+ 8. Kb4 Re4+ {leads to a draw, since} 9. Kb3 {is not possible due to} Re3+) 5... Re3 6. Rb6+ {! , and then as in the first variation.}) 2. Kb7 Rf7+ 3. Ka6 Rf8 ( 3... Rf6+ {%05If} 4. Kb5 Rf8 {, White can now play} 5. a8=Q Rxa8 6. Rxa8 Kf5 7. Rh8 Kg4 8. Kc4 $18 {, and wins.}) 4. Rb5 {!} h3 5. Rb8 {The simplest way to win, suggested by Shatskes.} (5. Rb3 {%05Things are more complicated after} h2 6. Rh3 Rf6+ 7. Kb5 Rf5+ 8. Kb4 Rf4+ 9. Kb3 Rf3+ 10. Rxf3 h1=Q {, when the white king still has to escape from the checks.}) 5... Rf3 6. Rb6+ {!} Kg5 ( 6... Kg7 7. a8=Q) 7. Rb5+ {and 8. a8Q$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vasiliev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/2p1K1P1/8/8/8/4k3/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] 1. Rg3+ {! %05White's problem is to neutralize the opponent's pawn, and not allow the black king to approach the g-pawn.} (1. Kf7 {? %05The direct attack on the rook leads only to a draw:} Rxg7+ {!} 2. Kxg7 c5 3. Rc1 Kd4 4. Kf6 c4 5. Kf5 Kd3 6. Kf4 c3 {= %04etc.}) 1... Ke4 (1... Kf4 {Black's king is a long way from his pawn, and White wins by %05After} 2. Kf7 Rxg7+ 3. Rxg7 Ke5 4. Rg5+ Kd6 5. Kf6 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Rg4+ Ke5 3. Kf7 {!} Rc8 (3... Rb8 {, then %05Best. If, for example,} 4. Rc4 Kd6 5. Rh4 {!} c5 6. Rh5 {, and Black's king is cut off from his pawn.}) 4. Rg5+ {!} Kd4 5. Ke6 (5. Kf6 {is also possible}) 5... Rg8 ( 5... c5 {, then %05If} 6. Rg4+ Kd3 (6... Ke3 7. Kd5 Rg8 8. Kxc5 Kf3 9. Rg1 Kf4 10. Kd6 Kf5 11. Ke7 $18) 7. Kd5 c4 8. Rd4+ Kc3 9. Rxc4+ $18 {and wins.}) 6. Rg4+ Kd3 7. Kd5 Ke3 8. Re4+ (8. Kc6 {? %05of course, not} Kf3 9. Rg1 Ke4 10. Kxc7 Kf5 {= with a draw}) 8... Kf3 9. Re7 c5 10. Ke6 {!$18 , and White wins.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/r4k1K/7P/p7/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {from a practical game} 1... Ra5 {! %05 Thus, against correct defence by the opponent, for a win Black was short of one tempo, which he could have gained in an original way, pointed out by Gusev:} (1... Kf3+ {%05To win, Black has to capture the white pawn, but in such %05a way that the opponent's king cannot, in turn, eliminate %05the a-pawn.} 2. Kg5 Kg3 3. Kf5 Kxh3 4. Ke5 Kg3 5. Kd5 Kf3 6. Kc5 Ke3 7. Kb5 Ra8 8. Kc4 {!} Kd2 9. Kb3 Rb8+ {White (with colours reversed) has reached the finish to an old study by Seyboth (1899), and after} 10. Kc4 {! } (10. Ka3 {? , and after %05But he played} Kc2 {!} 11. Rxa2+ Kc3 $19 {he was obliged to resign.}) (10. Kxa2 {?} Kc2 $19) 10... Rb2 11. Rh1 {!= a draw would have been inevitable.}) 2. Rf1+ Ke3 3. Ra1 Kf3 {!} 4. Rf1+ Kg2 5. Ra1 Ra4+ 6. Kg5 Kxh3 7. Kf5 Kg3 {Here the black king is one square closer than in the game continuation, which proves decisive.} 8. Ke5 Kf3 9. Kd5 Ke3 10. Kc5 Kd3 11. Kb5 Ra8 12. Kb4 Kc2 $19 {%04etc. As we have already seen several times, when the pawns are equally far advanced the defender has difficulties if his king is a long way from his pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1890.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/2P2R2/k7/8/8/8/2r2p2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1890.??.??"] {The following examples show the procedure of systematically driving back the enemy king. This was first demonstrated in a famous study by Emanuel Lasker.} 1. Kb8 {%05If the black king were at a7, all White's winning attempts would be in vain. The slight difference in the king's position proves fatal.} Rb2+ 2. Ka8 {!} Rc2 3. Rf6+ Ka5 4. Kb7 Rb2+ 5. Ka7 Rc2 6. Rf5+ Ka4 7. Kb6 Rb2+ 8. Ka6 Rc2 9. Rf4+ Ka3 10. Kb6 Rb2+ 11. Ka5 Rc2 12. Rf3+ Kb2 {By each time taking the opposition, White has succeeded in driving the opponent's king onto the 2nd rank. Now comes the decisive blow.} 13. Rxf2 {!} Rxf2 14. c8=Q $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/1K1P4/8/1k6/8/6r1/7p/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] 1. Rf5+ {!} (1. d8=Q {%05White fails to win by either} h1=Q+ 2. Kb8 Rb3) (1. Rh8 {%05or} Rd3 2. Rh5+ Ka4 {!} 3. Kc6 Rc3+ 4. Kb6 Rb3+ 5. Ka6 Rd3) (1. Rf1 { , then %05while if} Rd3 2. Kc7 Rc3+ 3. Kd8 Rg3 {= with a draw.}) 1... Ka4 (1... Kb4 2. Rh5) 2. Ra5+ {! In this way the black king is driven onto the b-file, so that it can then be used as a screen against vertical checks.} Kb4 (2... Kxa5 {, then %05If} 3. d8=Q+ Kb5 4. Qd5+ Ka4 (4... Kb4 5. Qd2+ $18) 5. Qa2+ $18 {, winning the pawn.}) 3. Rh5 Rd3 4. Kc6 Rc3+ 5. Kb6 Rd3 6. Rh4+ Ka3 {The driving-back has begun, but now the black rook must be forced onto the 2nd rank.} 7. Kc7 Rc3+ 8. Kd8 Rc2 {(the rest is familiar)} 9. Ke7 Re2+ 10. Kd6 Rd2+ 11. Kc6 Rc2+ 12. Kb5 Rb2+ 13. Ka5 Rd2 14. Rh3+ Kb2 15. Rxh2 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R3K2k/4P3/8/8/8/p7/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {And now some studies where Lasker's "staircase" is combined with other, already familiar ideas.} 1. Ke8+ {%05After} Kg6 2. e7 {Black is faced with a difficult choice: where to make for with his king?} Kh5 (2... Kh7 {%05If, for example,} 3. Ra3 Kg7 {, White switches his rook to the 2nd rank with decisive effect:} (3... Kg6 {%05The same happens after} 4. Rg3+ Kh5 (4... Kf5 {%05if} 5. Kf7 Re1 6. Ra3 $18) 5. Rg2 Kh4 6. Rd2 $18 {etc.^013^010 Therefore beforehand Black moves his king as far away from the pawn as possible, trying not to allow the rook to switch to the 2nd rank with gain of tempo.}) 4. Rg3+ Kh7 5. Rg2 Kh8 6. Rd2 Kg7 7. Kd7 $18) 3. Ra3 {!} Kh4 4. Ra5 {(emphasizing the unfortunate position of the rook at a1)} Kg4 5. Kf7 Rf1+ 6. Kg6 Re1 7. Ra4+ Kh3 8. Kf6 Rf1+ 9. Kg5 Rg1+ 10. Kh5 Re1 11. Ra3+ Kg2 12. Rxa2+ Kf3 13. Ra7 Re6 { ! White has one last line of defence to overcome.} 14. Kg5 Ke4 15. Rc7 Ke5 16. Rd7 {!} Ke4 17. Rd1 {!} Kf3 18. Rf1+ Ke2 19. Rf7 Ke3 20. Kf5 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zaitsev Igor A (RUS)"] [Black "Dvoretzky Mark (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P7/8/7K/r7/8/4p3/4k3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {Black wins in similar fashion in the following practical example.} 1... Ra6 { ! Now White has a limited number of replies. The game %04went} 2. Kg4 (2. Kh4 { could have been met, as in the game, by %05It remains to add that} Rh6+ 3. Kg5 Rh7 {%04etc.}) (2. Kg5 {, the most tenacious defence, would have allowed the driving-back of the king "a la Lasker": %05And} Kf2 3. Rf8+ Kg3 4. Re8 Ra5+ 5. Kh6 Kf3 6. Rf8+ Kg4 7. Rg8+ Kh4 {!} 8. Re8 Ra6+ 9. Kg7 Rxa7+ 10. Kf6 Ra2 11. Re3 {! (as in the Keres study)} Kg4 12. Ke5 Rb2 {!} 13. Ke4 Rd2 {!} 14. Ke5 Rd8 {!} 15. Kf6 Rf8+ 16. Ke7 Rf2 17. Ke6 Kf4 $19 {and wins.}) 2... Rg6+ 3. Kf5 Rg7 {By carrying out the standard rook transfer, Black has further strengthened his position. He now threatens 4... Kf1, hiding in the white king's "shadow".} 4. Kf6 Rh7 5. Ke6 Rb7 6. Ke5 (6. Kd6 {%05there is nothing better; if} Kd2 7. Kc6 Rxa7 $19) (6. Kf6 {%05or} Kf1 $19) 6... Re7+ 7. Kd6 Kd1 {!} 8. Kxe7 e1=Q+ 9. Kd7 Qa5 $19 {, and Black won.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hasek Vaclav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/4KP2/8/8/8/p5k1/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {The following study demonstrates some interesting subtleties involved with the manoeuvring of the kings.} 1. Kf7 {%05First White must hide his king in front of his pawn, allowing the opponent's king a choice of which direction to move in.} (1. f7 {? %05White fails to win by} Re1+ 2. Kd5 Rd1+ 3. Kc4 Rc1+ 4. Kb3 Rf1 5. Rxa2+ Kg3 6. Ra7 Kg4 {= with a draw.}) 1... Kf3 (1... Kf2 {, then %05If} 2. Ra4 {!} (2. Kf8 Ke3 3. f7 Kd4 {!= with a draw}) 2... Kg1 3. Kg8 {!!} (3. Kg6 {? is unsuccessful:} Kh1 {!} 4. Rh4+ Kg1 5. f7 Rf1 {!} 6. Ra4 Rf2 7. Rxa2 Rxa2 {!} 8. f8=Q Rg2+ {= , with a draw by perpetual check}) 3... Kh1 4. Rh4+ {!} Kg2 (4... Kg1 5. f7 Rf1 6. Ra4 Rf2 7. f8=Q) 5. f7 Rg1 {!} 6. f8=Q a1=Q 7. Rg4+ Kh3 8. Qf3+ Kh2 9. Qf2+ Kh3 10. Qh4# {mate.}) 2. Ra4 {!} (2. Ra5 { %05The king must not be allowed onto the 4th rank. After} Ke4 {!} 3. Ke6 Kd4 4. f7 Re1+ 5. Kd6 Rf1 {= the game ends in a draw.}) 2... Kf2 (2... Ke3 {, then %05if} 3. Ke6 Kd3 4. f7 {, as in the main variation}) 3. Kf8 {!} Ke3 4. f7 Kd3 5. Ke7 {(beginning to climb the "staircase")} Re1+ 6. Kd6 Rf1 7. Ke6 Re1+ 8. Kd5 Rf1 9. Ra3+ Kc2 10. Rxa2+ $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/4P3/6R1/2k5/8/r5p1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Kd7 Rd3+ 2. Kc7 Re3 3. Rg5+ Kb4 4. Kd7 Rd3+ 5. Kc6 Re3 (5... Rc3+ {%05If} 6. Kb6 Re3 {, then} 7. Rg4+ Kc3 8. Rxg3 $18 {and wins. Therefore the black king tries to jump of the "staircase".}) 6. Rg4+ Ka5 7. Kd6 Rd3+ (7... Kb6 {is met not by %05The trappy} 8. Rxg3 {?} (8. Rg8 {! %05but by} Rd3+ 9. Ke6 Re3+ 10. Kd7 Rd3+ 11. Kc8 Rc3+ 12. Kb8 Re3 13. e8=Q $18) 8... Rxg3 9. e8=Q Rd3+ 10. Ke7 Re3+ {= with a draw}) 8. Kc5 {!} Re3 (8... Rc3+ 9. Kd4 Rc8 10. Kd5 $18) 9. Rxg3 {!} Rxe7 10. Ra3# {mate. In this case White was able to exploit the insecure position of the enemy king to create a mating finish. Sometimes, when driving back the king, it is possible to lure it onto the queening diagonal of its pawn, which can also have fatal consequences.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/R2K4/8/2k5/7p/4r3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Ra4+ Kb5 (1... Kb3 {, then %05if} 2. Rh4 Rd2+ 3. Kc5 Rc2+ 4. Kb5 Re2 5. Rxh3+ $18 {, winning}) 2. Rh4 Rd2+ 3. Ke5 {! (and now White "builds a bridge")} Re2+ 4. Re4 Rxe4+ 5. Kxe4 h2 6. e8=Q+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/5P2/8/1K6/2R5/k7/7p/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1. Rh4 {! The unfortunate position of the king is also exploited in the following study. %05Black's king is on the queening diagonal of the white pawn, and by exploiting this White succeeds in eliminating the enemy pawn.} Rb8+ ( 1... Rxh4 2. f8=Q+ Kb3 3. Qf3+ $18) (1... Rf8 2. Rh3+ Kb2 3. Rxh2+ $18) 2. Kc4 {! but now two variations are possible:} (2. Kc6 Rf8 {! throws away the win}) 2... Rf8 (2... Rb4+ 3. Kd3 Rxh4 (3... Rb3+ {, then %05if} 4. Ke2 Rb2+ 5. Kf3 Rb3+ 6. Kg2 Rb2+ 7. Kg3 {!} Rb3+ 8. Kxh2 Rf3 9. Rh3 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. f8=Q+ Kb3 5. Qf7+ Ka4 {!} 6. Qd7+ Kb3 7. Qb5+ Ka3 (7... Rb4 8. Qh5 $18) 8. Kc2 $18 { , with mate in a few moves.}) 3. Rh3+ Ka4 4. Rxh2 Ka5 5. Rf2 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/3R4/5P2/3K4/8/4p3/6r1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {We will now consider some examples where neither pawn is yet on the threshold of queening. We first} 1. Ke6 {%05Without the black pawn this would be an elementary draw, whereas here Black loses:} Kg8 2. f7+ Kg7 3. Ke7 {!} Rf2 4. Ke8 Kg6 5. Re7 $18 {%04etc.} (5. f8=Q {? %05of course, not} Rxf8+ 6. Kxf8 Kf5 { = with a draw.}) * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Eliskases Erich G (AUT)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/1R6/5P2/4K1p1/5r2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ475 %212045826630=4HLJ545} 1... Rf2 {%05With White's king at e3 this would be a certain draw, whereas here his king is able to penetrate decisively to g6.} ( 1... Kf8 {%05there is nothing better; if} 2. Ke6 Kg8 {, then} 3. Rb8+ Kh7 4. f7 $18) 2. Ke6 Re2+ 3. Kf5 g4 4. Kg6 Rf2 5. f7+ Kf8 6. Rb8+ Ke7 7. Re8+ $18 { Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Eisenstadt"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2R3P1/5p2/8/1k6/7K/8/6r1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Kh4 {%04but %05Here White's pawn is much the more dangerous, but to win he must support it with his king, and in reply to} Rg5 {! trying to prevent the king's approach and using his pawn as a support.} (1... f5 {%05Black does not play} 2. Kh5 f4 3. Kh6 f3 4. Rf7 Rg3 5. Kh7 Rh3+ 6. Kg8 Rg3 7. Kf8 $18) 2. Re7 {! The threat is 3. Re4+ and 4. Rg4, and if the king moves onto the 3rd rank, then 3. Re3+ and 4. Rg3. There only remains %05How is White to overcome this line of defence? It turns out that he can exploit the position of the enemy king:} Kc5 {, but then comes} 3. Re5+ {!!} Rxe5 4. g8=Q Kd6 5. Qf7 $18 { , and White wins. Had the black king been, for example, at b5, after 1. Kh4 Rg5 2. Re7 Kc6 all White's winning attempts would have produced no result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/8/8/8/1Ppk4/1r6/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Rh3+ {%05If White begins, he draws, since he can force the opponent to take the pawn:} Kc2 2. Rh1 {!} (2. Rh2+ {? %05the incautious check would have lost:} Kxb3 3. Rh3 Rg2 4. Rh1 Ra2+ 5. Kb1 c2+ $19 {%04etc.}) 2... Kxb3 3. Rb1 {!} Kc2 4. Rc1+ {and 5. Rc3=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/8/8/8/1Ppk4/1r6/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1... Rd2 {! %05But if it is Black to move, he wins by improving the position of his rook:} 2. Rh1 Kc2 3. Ka2 Rd1 4. Rh2+ Kc1 5. Ka3 (5. Ka1 {%05Here the white pawn plays a negative role, preventing the king from going to b3. No better is} c2 6. b4 Re1 7. Ka2 Kd1 $19 {%04etc.}) 5... Kb1 6. b4 c2 7. Rxc2 Kxc2 8. Ka4 Kc3 $19 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "Decin (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Decin (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1976.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Schmidt Paul F (EST)"] [Black "Plachetka Jan (SVK)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6k1/6P1/5p2/6r1/1R5K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1976.??.??"] 1... Kf4 {! would have won, e.g. %05It was shown by Minev that} (1... Kh4 { %05The only essential difference between this position and %05the previous one is that the pawns are on the opposite %05wing:} 2. Rf1 {!} Rg3 (2... Kg3 { , then %05If} 3. Rg1 {! , in analogy with the previous example, e.g.} Kf2 4. Ra1 Rxg4 5. Ra2+ Kg3 6. Kg1 Rb4 7. Rg2+ {!= with a draw.}) 3. g5 {!} Kxg5 4. Ra1 Kg4 5. Ra4+ Kg5 6. Ra5+ Kh4 7. Rf5 Rh3+ 8. Kg1 Kg3 9. Rf8 Rh4 10. Rg8+ { = , and the game ended in a draw.}) 2. g5 Kg3 3. Rg1 Kf2 4. Ra1 Rg4 {! (this is the whole point: White's pawn deprives him of the possibility of playing for stalemate)} 5. Ra2+ Kg3 6. Kg1 Rb4 7. Ra1 Rb2 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "Singapore"] [Site "Singapore"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ravi Sekhar"] [Black "Torre Eugenio (PHI)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/8/5K2/5P2/4pk2/8/6r1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Rg3 {! , setting White certain problems. %05Therefore Black played} (1... e2 {%05It is clear that the immediate win of the rook promises little, e.g.} 2. Rxe2 Kxe2 3. Ke6 Kf3 4. f5 Kg4 5. f6 Kg5 6. f7 Rf1 7. Ke7 {= %04etc.}) 2. Ke5 ( 2. Re5 {loses to %05Thus} Rg8 {!}) (2. Rxe3+ {is also bad: %05and} Kxe3 3. Ke5 Kf3 4. f5 Kg4 5. f6 Kg5 $19) 2... e2 (2... Rg4 {%05not} 3. Kd4 {!} Rxf4+ 4. Kd3 {=}) 3. Kd5 {!! Only this move leads to a draw,} (3. Kf6 {? %05whereas the game went} Rg4 4. Rxe2 Kxe2 5. f5 Kf3 {, and White resigned. Indeed, after} 6. Ke7 Re4+ {!} 7. Kd7 Rf4 8. Ke6 Kg4 9. f6 Kg5 10. f7 Kg6 $19 {it all becomes clear.}) 3... Rg1 (3... Kf2 {%05Black is also short of a tempo in the event of} 4. Rxe2+ Kxe2 5. f5 Kf3 6. f6 Kg4 7. f7 Rf3 8. Ke6 Kg5 9. Ke7 {= %04etc.}) 4. Rxe2 (4. f5 {? %05White loses after} Rd1+ 5. Kc6 Kf2 6. f6 e1=Q 7. Rxe1 Kxe1 8. Kc7 Ke2 9. f7 Rf1 $19 {, when the pawn is stopped}) 4... Kxe2 5. f5 Kf3 6. f6 Kg4 7. f7 Rf1 8. Ke6 Kg5 9. Ke7 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4K3/4P3/2R2pk1/8/4r3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1... Kg4 {! %05It is correct to move the king in the opposite direction:} (1... Kg2 {? %05The direct play for the advance of the pawn does not^013^010 %05succeed:} 2. Kf4 {!} f2 3. Rg3+ Kh2 (3... Kf1 {%05or} 4. e5 Ke2 5. Rf3 f1=Q 6. Rxf1 Kxf1 7. Kf5 Ke2 8. e6 Kd3 9. Kf6 {=}) 4. Rf3 f1=Q 5. Rxf1 Rxf1+ 6. Kg5 {= with a draw.}) 2. Rc2 Ra1 {! It now transpires that White has no useful move, e.g.} 3. Kd5 (3. Kf6 Ra6+ 4. Ke5 Ra5+ 5. Kf6 Kf4 $19) (3. Rc8 f2 4. Rf8 f1=Q 5. Rxf1 Rxf1 $19 {, and in each case Black wins.}) 3... Kf4 {!} 4. e5 Ra5+ $19 {But if the position is moved one file to the right, the influence of the edge of the board allows White to draw.} * [Event "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Site "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Geller Efim P (RUS)"] [Black "Fischer Robert J (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5K2/5P2/3R2pk/8/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] 1... Kh4 2. Rd2 Ra1 3. Rd8 {! %05Correct was} (3. Ke5 {? %05The game went:} Kg4 4. f5 Ra5+ {White resigns.}) 3... g2 (3... Ra5+ 4. Ke4 {!} Kg4 5. Rg8+ Kh3 6. f5 {=}) 4. Rh8+ Kg3 5. Rg8+ Kf3 6. Ke6 {!} g1=Q 7. Rxg1 Rxg1 8. f5 Kf4 9. f6 Kg5 10. f7 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1881.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6P1/8/5p1k/r7/6K1/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1881.??.??"] {An unfortunate king position is the cause of defeat in the following two examples.} 1. Rg1 {!} Kh5 2. g7 Ra8 3. Kf3 Rg8 4. Kxf4 Kh6 5. Kf5 {! it transpires that} Rxg7 {allows} (5... Kh7 {is met by %05while} 6. Kf6 $18) 6. Rh1# {%04mate} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/3P4/6r1/4K1p1/3R4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. d6 g2 2. Rxg2 {!} Rxg2 3. d7 {, and Black's own king prevents his rook from moving onto the 8th or 7th rank. The rest is clear:} Rg3+ 4. Kd2 {!} Rg2+ 5. Kc3 Rg3+ 6. Kc4 Rg4+ 7. Kc5 Rg5+ 8. Kc6 Rg6+ 9. Kc7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Beliavsky Alexander G (SLO)"] [Black "Radulov Ivan (BUL)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5r2/R7/P7/6p1/5k2/1K6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ475 %212045826630=4HLJ545 And now we will show how an unfortunate rook position can be exploited.} 1... Rf5 {! %05To win, Black must exploit the rook's position on the a-file, not allowing it to leave this file.} (1... g3 {? %05The direct} 2. Rg6 g2 3. Kb3 Kf2 4. Kb4 g1=Q 5. Rxg1 Kxg1 6. a6 {= leads only to a draw.}) 2. Ra8 (2. Kb3 {%05if} g3 3. Kb4 {, then} g2 4. Rg6 Rf4+ { and 5... Rg4$19}) 2... g3 3. a6 Rf6 {!} 4. a7 Rf7 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Lvov (Ukraine)"] [Site "Lvov (Ukraine)"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Konstantinopolsky Alexander M "] [Black "Fridman Daniel (LAT)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r7/5PK1/3k4/p7/8/1R6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {In conclusion here are two examples showing the amazing subtleties in which this type of endings abounds. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ475 %212045826630=4HLJ545} 1. Rc2 {! , cutting off the king from the pawn. %05To draw it is sufficient for the black king to support its pawn, so White played} Ke6 2. Rc3 {! Very clever! White forces the pawn to advance, so that the king is unable to support it.} (2. f7 {?} Rxf7 3. Re2+ Kd5 4. Kxf7 Kc4 {= would have only led to a draw.}) 2... a3 3. f7 Rxf7 4. Re3+ Kd5 5. Kxf7 a2 6. Ra3 $18 {, and White won.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taku"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6P1/1k5K/8/R4p2/5r2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. g7 Rg2 2. Kh6 Rg3 3. Rd3 {!! A subtle move! It transpires that Black has little choice.} (3. Rxf3 {? %05White fails to win after} Rxf3 4. g8=Q Rh3+ 5. Kg6 Rg3+ {=}) 3... Kc5 (3... Kc4 {is not possible due to %05but now} 4. Rxf3 Rxf3 5. g8=Q+ $18) 4. Rd2 {but now 5. Kh7 is threatened} (4. Kh7 {%05if} Rh3+ 5. Kg6 Rg3+ 6. Kf7 {, then} f2) 4... Rg4 5. Kh7 Rh4+ 6. Kg6 Rg4+ 7. Kh6 { ! By "triangulation" White puts his opponent in zugzwang.} Kc6 {! (the most tenacious defence)} (7... Rg3 {%05If now} 8. Kh7 Rh3+ 9. Kg6 Rg3+ 10. Kf7 $18) (7... Kc4 {is met by %05while} 8. Rf2 Rg3 9. Rxf3 $18 {!}) 8. Rd4 {! (the rook switches to a stronger position)} Rg3 9. Kh7 {!} Rh3+ (9... Kc5 10. Rf4 Kd5 11. g8=Q+ $18) 10. Kg6 Rg3+ 11. Kf7 f2 12. Rf4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Black "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1r4k1/4R2p/7P/5KP1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {~19. ROOK AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST ROOK AND PAWN~ Endings of this type often occur in practice, but they have been relatively little studied. Depending on the stronger side's pawn formation, it will be expedient to divide the material into the following groups: ~ 9.1 Connected pawns, no passed pawn~. ~ 9.2 Connected pawns, one passed.~ ~ 9.3 Connected pawns, both passed.~ ~ 9.4 Isolated pawns, no passed pawn.~ ~ 9.5 Isolated pawns, one passed.~ ~ 9.6 Isolated pawns, both passed.~ ~19.1 CONNECTED PAWNS, NO PASSED PAWN~ This ending normally results in a draw, provided only that the stronger side is unable to create a dangerous passed pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ547} 1. Kf4 { %05If a pair of pawns is exchanged, the position becomes drawn. White's only hope is to drive the black king back into an inferior position and win the pawn, but he is unable to carry out this plan.} Ra6 2. Re3 Kf6 3. Re4 Rb6 4. Rd4 Ra6 5. Rd5 Kg6 6. Ke5 Ra3 7. Rd6+ Kg7 8. Kf4 Ra4+ 9. Kf3 Rb4 10. Re6 Ra4 11. Re4 Ra6 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khasin Abram (RUS)"] [Black "Ljublinsky Victor (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r5/8/5ppR/5k2/5P2/8/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {The draw is achieved in a curious way in the following example.} 1... Rc2 { %05White's position looks hopeless, since his pieces are badly place, but he is nevertheless able to save the game.} 2. Rh3 Ra2 3. Rh5 Ra4 (3... Kxf3 { %05not fearing} 4. Rxg5 f4 5. Rf5 {= with a draw.}) 4. Kg2 Rb4 5. Rh3 {! This is what should have been played.} (5. Kg1 {? %05The game in fact went} Kxf3 { , and White resigned, since} 6. Rxg5 {is met by} Rg4+ $19) 5... Rb2+ 6. Kg1 { Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r2kp1/8/6PP/R5K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {If the stronger side's pawn advanced to the 5th rank, the defence often proves unsuccessful.} 1. g6+ {%05With White to move:} Kf8 (1... Kf6 {%05or} 2. Rf4+ Ke6 3. h6 gxh6 4. Kh5 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Ra8+ Ke7 3. h6 gxh6 4. g7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r2kp1/8/6PP/R5K1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Rc1 {, and if %05If it is Black to move, he can draw:} 2. g6+ {, then} Kf6 {A draw is possible here only because White's king has no shelter from the checks. Had this not been so, he would have been able to win.} * [Event "Odessa (Ukraine)"] [Site "Odessa (Ukraine)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "Kazakevich"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r4kp1/8/5PP1/1R4K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Kh5 {%05Compared with the previous position, here the white king can improve its position:} Rc7 (1... g6+ {, then %05If} 2. Kh6 {!} (2. fxg6+ {?} Kg7 {= with a draw.}) 2... gxf5 3. g6+ Kf6 (3... Kf8 4. Rb8+ Ke7 5. g7 $18 { %04etc.}) 4. Rb6+ (4. g7 {? %05White fails to win with} Ra1 {!} 5. Rb6+ (5. Kh7 {%05or} Ra7 6. Rb6+ Kg5 7. Rg6+ Kh4 8. Kh6 Rxg7 9. Kxg7 f4 10. Kf6 f3 11. Ke6 f2 {=}) 5... Kf7 {!} 6. Rb7+ Kf6 7. Kh7 Rh1+ 8. Kg8 f4 {!} 9. Rf7+ Ke5 10. Kf8 Rg1 11. g8=Q Rxg8+ 12. Kxg8 Ke4 {= , when he is short of one tempo to win the pawn}) 4... Ke5 5. g7 Ra8 6. Rg6 Rg8 7. Kh7 Ra8 8. g8=Q Rxg8 9. Rxg8 f4 10. Kg6 f3 11. Rf8 Ke4 12. Kg5 Ke3 13. Kg4 $18 {, and White wins.}) (1... Ra1 { %05Other attempts also fail to save the game, e.g.} 2. Rb7+ Kf8 3. Kg6 Ra6+ 4. f6 gxf6 5. gxf6 Ra8 6. Rh7 $18 {%04etc.}) (1... Ra6 {%05If the black rook takes control of g6, even then White wins:} 2. Rb7+ Kf8 3. Rb8+ (3. g6 { ? due to %05not} Ra1 {!} 4. Rb8+ Ke7 5. Rb7+ Kf8 {= with a draw}) 3... Kf7 ( 3... Ke7 {, then %05if} 4. f6+ gxf6 5. g6 Ra1 6. g7 Rh1+ 7. Kg6 Rg1+ 8. Kh7 Rh1+ 9. Kg8 f5 10. Rb7+ Ke6 11. Kf8 Rg1 12. g8=Q+ Rxg8+ 13. Kxg8 f4 14. Rf7 $18 {, and White's king manages to prevent the appearance of a black queen}) 4. g6+ Ke7 5. Rg8 Kf6 6. Rf8+ Ke5 7. f6 {(this move, and especially the following one, pointed out by Chekhover, are splendid)} Rxf6 8. Rf7 {!!} Rf5+ 9. Kg4 Rf6 10. Kg5 Ra6 11. Rxg7 $18 {and wins.}) 2. Rb8 Ra7 3. g6+ Kf6 4. Rf8+ Ke5 5. f6 (5. Rf7 {? , then %05if} Ra1 {! with a draw, since} 6. Rxg7 {? is not possible due to} Kf4 $19 {, when White even loses}) 5... gxf6 6. Kh6 Ra1 7. g7 Rh1+ 8. Kg6 Rg1+ 9. Kf7 $18 {, and Black resigned in view of the variation} f5 10. g8=Q Rxg8 11. Kxg8 f4 12. Kg7 $18 {, when White catches the pawn. A highly interesting and instructive ending! If the king and the pawns are moved one or two files to the left, the result and the method of play do not change. Having the move also fails to save Black, e.g. 1... Ra1 2. Rb7+ Kf8 3. Kh5, and then as shown in the notes to Black's 1st move.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khasin Abram (RUS)"] [Black "Aronin Lev S (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r4kp1/1R6/6P1/5PK1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] 1. Kh5 {? , after which Black was able to prevent the advance of the rear pawn to the 5th rank and gain a draw. %05but he wrongly played} (1. f5 $18 {White could have transposed into position ~3($401666)~ %05By}) 1... Ra5 2. Rb7+ Kg8 { !} (2... Kf8 {? would have lost to} 3. f5 {!} Rxf5 4. Kg6 Ra5 5. Rb8+ Ke7 6. Rg8 Rb5 7. Rxg7+ Kf8 8. Kh7 $18) 3. Kg6 (3. f5 {does not achieve anything due to} Rxf5 4. Kg6 Rf8 5. Rxg7+ Kh8 {=}) 3... Ra6+ 4. Kh5 Ra5 5. Re7 Kh7 6. Rd7 Rb5 7. Kg4 Rb4 {All the time black rook prevents the advance of the f-pawn to the 5th rank.} 8. Kf5 Rb5+ 9. Ke4 Kg6 10. Rd6+ Kh5 11. Rd5 Rb4+ 12. Kf5 g6+ { = Depriving White of his only winning possibility, that of advancing his f-pawn to the 5th rank. Within a few moves a draw was agreed.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r1kp2/1R6/4PK2/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {In the next example Black cannot prevent the advance of the second pawn to the 5th rank, but, by cutting off the white king from the pawns, he gains a draw. from a practical game %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ547} 1. Kg5 {%05This position was adjudicated as a win for White, but Levenfish showed that Black can draw by a method which is typical in such endings.} Rc5 {! First the advance of the f-pawn must be prevented.} (1... Rc1 {? %05Bad is} 2. Rb7+ Kf8 3. f5 {(the goal is achieved)} Rh1 4. Ra7 {!} Rh2 5. Ra8+ Ke7 6. f6+ Kd7 7. Rf8 Rh7 (7... Rg2+ 8. Kf4) 8. Kg4 Kc7 9. Re8 {followed by 10. Re7 and 11. e6$18}) 2. Kh6 (2. Rb7+ Kf8 3. f5 Rxe5 4. Kf6 Re1 5. Rxf7+ Kg8 6. Ra7 Rf1 {= with a draw}) 2... Rc1 {! (defending against 3. Kg7)} 3. Rb7+ Kf8 4. f5 Rg1 {Only by isolating the king from the pawns can Black draw! Other moves lose.} 5. Rb8+ Ke7 6. f6+ Ke6 7. Re8+ Kf5 8. Kh7 Rg2 9. Re7 Rg5 {!} 10. Rxf7 Kxe5 11. Rg7 Kxf6 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Black "Szabo Laszlo (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2R5/1p6/3r1k2/8/8/PPK5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ547 The defence is more difficult if the weaker side's king is cut off from the weaker side's king is cut off from the pawns.} 1... Ra5 { %05The black king is a long way from its pawn, and by the combined efforts of his forces White overcomes his opponent's resistance.} 2. a3 Ke5 (2... Ke6 { due to %05of course, not} 3. Rc6+ {and 4. Rb6$18}) 3. Rd7 {! The king is cut off along the d-file. Now White's task is to advance his pawns with the support of the king, and after the exchange of one of them to obtain a won ending with rook and pawn against rook.} Ke6 4. Rd2 Rh5 5. Kb3 {(White begins carrying out his plan)} Rh4 6. Rd8 Ke7 7. Rd5 {White has further reduced Black's defensive possibilities: his king cannot stand on the 6th rank due to Rb5, winning the pawn.} Rg4 8. Kc3 Rh4 9. b3 Rg4 10. Rd4 Rg3+ 11. Kc4 Rg5 12. Rd5 Rg4+ 13. Kb5 Rg3 14. b4 Rg6 (14... Rxa3 15. Kxb6 Ra8 16. b5 $18 {is hopeless}) 15. Ka6 Rh6 16. b5 $18 {Black resigned, since after a3-a4-a5 the ending is lost.} 1-0 [Event "Match \"Moscow - Budapest\""] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tipary"] [Black "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2R5/1p6/p2k2K1/P7/3r4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "40"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {We will now consider an example which shows the subtleties of the defence with the king cut off.} 1. Rd7+ Kc4 2. Rc7+ Kd4 {It is true that the move played does not throw away the win, but on the other hand it makes it much more difficult.} (2... Kb4 {%05 Here the white king is far enough away from the Q-side, and Black could have won easily by taking his king up to the white pawn, e.g.} 3. Rc6 b5 4. axb5 Kxb5 5. Rc8 (5. Rc1 {%05even worse is} a4 6. Kf4 a3 7. Ke4 Rd8 {, when the advance of the pawn is assured}) (5. Rh6 {%05or} a4 6. Kf4 a3 7. Ke4 Rd8 {%04etc.}) 5... a4 6. Kf4 a3 7. Ke4 Rd6 $19 {%04etc.}) 3. Kf5 Rb3 4. Ke6 Rc3 (4... Rb4 {%05Black plays without a definite plan. It does not require particularly subtle calculation to choose} 5. Rh7 (5. Rc6 Rxa4 6. Rxb6 Rb4 7. Ra6 a4 8. Kd6 Kc4 9. Kc6 Kb3 10. Kc5 a3 11. Ra8 Ra4 12. Rb8+ Kc2 13. Rh8 a2 14. Rh2+ Kd3 $19 {, and by approaching the rook, Black wins}) 5... Kc4 6. Kd6 Rxa4 7. Kc6 Rb4 {, and after overcoming a few tactical tricks by the opponent, Black wins.}) 5. Rh7 Rc4 6. Rh3 Kc5 7. Ra3 Kb4 (7... b5 { %05Black could have won by} 8. axb5 Kxb5 9. Kd5 a4 10. Ra1 Rh4 11. Rb1+ Ka5 12. Kc5 a3 $19 {etc., but for some reason he avoids this variation.}) 8. Ra1 Kc3 9. Rc1+ Kd3 10. Ra1 Kc2 11. Kd5 {(Black has not yet achieved anything, and White has managed to transfer his king from g5 to d5; but the win is still there)} Rb4 12. Rh1 Kb3 (12... Rxa4 {%05not} 13. Rh2+ Kb3 14. Rh3+ Kb4 15. Kc6 { = with a draw}) 13. Ra1 Rxa4 14. Rb1+ Kc2 15. Rxb6 Rh4 16. Rg6 Kc3 {? The decisive mistake, leading to a draw.} (16... a4 {was correct, e.g.} 17. Rg2+ Kb3 18. Rg3+ (18. Kc5 {%05or} a3 {!} 19. Rg3+ Ka4 20. Rg2 Rh1 21. Kc4 Rc1+ 22. Kd3 Kb3 23. Rg8 Rc3+ {!} (23... a2 {%05but not} 24. Rb8+ Ka3 25. Ra8+ Kb2 26. Rb8+ Ka1 27. Ra8 {!}) 24. Kd2 Kb2 $19 {and wins}) 18... Kb4) 17. Kc5 Rb4 (17... a4 {does not help due to %05Now} 18. Rg3+ {, when Black has to agree to perpetual check after} Kb2 19. Rg2+ Kc3 20. Rg3+ {, or lose his pawn after approaching the rook with his king.}) 18. Rg3+ Kb2 19. Rg2+ Ka3 20. Rg1 Ka2 { = Drawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/5p2/7k/4PK2/r4P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {It is only extremely rarely that a draw is possible with the king cut off.} 1. Rg4 {%05Black appears to be in a bad way: his king is cut off from the f7 pawn, and the white pieces are very active.} Rb4 2. Kf6 Kh5 {!} 3. Rg5+ Kh6 (3... Kh4 {? loses to} 4. Kxf7 Rxf4+ 5. Kg6 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. Rf5 Rb7 5. Rg5 Rb4 6. f5 Rb6+ 7. e6 fxe6 8. fxe6 Rxe6+ 9. Kxe6 Kxg5 {Draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/6R1/6Kp/8/3r1PP1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {~19.2 CONNECTED PAWNS, ONE PASSED~ The presence of a passed pawn does of course give the stronger side certain winning chances, but in the majority of cases the game ends in a draw, and a win is more of an exception. The defence is easiest if the connected pawns are on the bishop's file and knight's file, or knight's file and rook's file.} 1. Kf4 {%05Black saves the game by sacrificing a pawn, to go into a drawn ending with f- and h-pawns:} Ra3 2. Rg5 Ra4+ 3. Ke3 Ra3+ 4. Kf2 Ra2+ 5. Kg1 h4 6. gxh4 Kf6 {= with a draw ~3($411588)~. } 1/2-1/2 [Event "Match \"Moscow - Prague\""] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Black "Katetov Mirislav (CZE)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6R1/5p2/5k2/8/3r3P/8/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ549} 1. g3 {%05Here White was unable to realize his extra passed pawn, due to the closeness of Black's king and his active rook:} (1. g4 {is possibly stronger, but even then after} Ra4 2. h5 Ra2+ 3. Kg3 Ra3+ 4. Kh4 Ra1 5. h6 Rh1+ 6. Kg3 Ke6 7. g5 Kf5 {= followed by ... f6 Black gains a draw.}) 1... Ke7 2. h5 f5 3. Kh3 Kf7 4. Rg5 Kf6 5. Rg6+ Kf7 6. Rb6 Kg7 7. Kg2 Rg4 8. Kf3 Ra4 9. h6+ Kh7 10. Rf6 Rb4 11. Rxf5 Kxh6 12. Rf4 Rb3+ 13. Kg4 Kg6 {= Drawn. } 1/2-1/2 [Event "Baden-Baden (Germany)"] [Site "Baden-Baden (Germany)"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "Breyer Gyula (HUN)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4kp2/8/5R2/r7/5KP1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ549} 1. Rf4 Ra2 2. h4 Ra5 3. Kg4 Kf8 4. Rf5 Ra4+ 5. Kg5 Ra3 6. g4 Kg7 {!} 7. h5 Ra6 8. Rd5 Rb6 9. Kf5 Rb1 10. g5 Rf1+ 11. Ke4 Rh1 12. h6+ Kg6 {= Drawn, since the undermining of the pawn chain by 13... f6 cannot be prevented.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/7p/2R2P2/6PK/8/8/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {The following is an interesting example. (with colours reversed) %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ549} 1. Rc7+ {%05Black has sufficient resources to save the game:} Kf6 2. Rc6+ (2. Rh7 {%05or} Rh1+ 3. Kg3 Rg1+ 4. Kf3 Rh1 {= with a draw}) 2... Kg7 3. Rg6+ Kh7 4. Re6 Kg7 5. Kg3 Rf1 6. Re7+ Kf6 7. Rh7 Rh1 8. Kg2 Rh4 9. Kf3 Rh1 10. Rh8 Kg7 11. Rd8 Rf1+ 12. Kg2 Rf4 13. Rd7+ Kf6 14. Rd6+ Kg7 15. Kg3 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bobotsov Milko G (BUL)"] [Black "Juhtman"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/kpp5/6r1/PK3R2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] {from a practical game} 1. Rf8 {! %051... c3+ and 2... Ka3 is threatened, so White must try %05to save the game by a counter-attack.} c3+ 2. Kb1 Rg1+ 3. Kc2 Rg2+ 4. Kb1 Rb2+ 5. Ka1 b3 {(there is simply no other attacking possibility)} 6. Ra8+ (6. axb3+ {was more natural: %05This obvious check does not yet lose, but} Kxb3 (6... Ka3 {, a possible continuation is %05If Black does not take the pawn, but plays} 7. Ra8+ Kb4 8. Rb8+ Kc5 9. Rd8 {, and if} Rxb3 10. Ka2 Rb7 11. Rh8 {= with a draw.}) 7. Rb8+ Kc2 8. Rh8 Rb4 (8... Rb1+ 9. Ka2 Rd1 10. Rh2+ Rd2 11. Rh1 {!= with a draw.}) 9. Rh2+ Kb3 10. Kb1 {!} Rg4 11. Rb2+ {! (only this typical rook sacrifice saves the game)} Kc4 12. Rb8 {%04etc. =}) 6... Kb4 7. Rb8+ Kc4 8. axb3+ Kd3 9. Rd8+ {!} (9. Rh8 {? , since Black replies %05As follows from the analysis of examples %05~3($401651)-($401652)~ , White does not now have time %05to begin an attack from the rear by} Rd2 {!$19 and wins. (Bobocov - Juhtman. Kiev.1964)}) 9... Kc2 (9... Ke2 10. Rh8 Rd2 11. Kb1 {=}) 10. Rh8 Rb1+ (10... Kxb3 11. Rb8+ Kc2 12. Rh8 {=}) 11. Ka2 Rd1 12. b4 Kc1 13. Kb3 c2 14. Rh2 Rd3+ 15. Kc4 Kb1 (15... Rd2 16. Rh3 {=}) 16. Rxc2 Kxc2 17. b5 { = Positions of interest are those where the weaker side's king has been pushed onto the back rank, but his rook is active and is preventing the approach of the opponent's king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/R7/5p2/6rP/5KP1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Ra6 {%05The defence here does not cause any great difficulty, for example:} (1. h6 Rb5 (1... Rg6 {is also possible:} 2. h7+ Kh8 3. Rf7 Rg5 {!} (3... Rh6 {? } 4. Kf5 Rh4 5. Ra7 Rh6 6. Rb7 {!} Rh4 7. g5 {!} fxg5 8. Kg6 $18 {and wins}) 4. Rxf6 Ra5 5. Rh6 (5. Rf7 {leads to a "desperado" rook}) 5... Ra4+ 6. Kg5 Ra5+ 7. Kh4 Ra1 {= with a draw.}) 2. Rg7+ Kf8 {!} (2... Kh8 {? %05not} 3. Rf7 Rb6 4. Kf5 $18) 3. Rg6 (3. Kg3 {%05if} Rb1) 3... Kf7 4. h7 Rb8 5. Rh6 Kg7 6. Rh1 Ra8 { = with a draw.}) 1... Kg7 2. h6+ Kg6 {!} (2... Kxh6 3. Rxf6+ Rg6 4. Kf5 $18 { and wins}) 3. Rxf6+ Kxf6 4. h7 Rxg4+ {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/R7/5p2/6rP/6PK/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] 1. h6 {It is correct to move the rook along the 5th rank: %05On} Rb5 (1... Rg6 {? %05Black loses after} 2. h7+ Kh8 3. Kh5 Rg5+ (3... Rg7 4. Rxg7 Kxg7 5. h8=Q+ $18 {!}) 4. Kh6 {, and there is no defence against the mate.}) 2. Rg7+ Kh8 {!} (2... Kf8 {%05As shown by Levenfish and Smyslov,} 3. Rg6 Kf7 4. h7 Rb1 {!} 5. h8=N+ Kf8 6. Rxf6+ Kg7 {etc. is also possible.}) 3. Rf7 Rb6 4. Kg3 Kg8 5. Rg7+ Kh8 6. Kf4 (6. Ra7 {%05if} Kg8 7. Kf4 Rb5) 6... Rb4+ 7. Kf5 Rb5+ 8. Kg6 {!} Rb6 {!= with a draw. The following two examples, with the pawns moved one file to the left, are of theoretical interest.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/R7/4p3/5rP1/4KP2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] 1. g6 (1. Ra1 {%05The attempt to transfer the king to g4 also fails:} Kf7 2. Re1 Kg6 3. Kf3 (3. Re2 {%05or} Ra5 4. Kf3 Kf5 {, and White has no way of improving his position.}) 3... e5 {!} 4. Rxe5 Rxe5 5. fxe5 Kf5 {! =}) 1... Rf6 {!} (1... Rb5 {Moving the rook along the 5th rank may lose after} 2. Kf3 Rf5 3. Kg4) 2. g7+ Kg8 3. Re7 Rh6 {!} 4. Ke5 Rg6 5. Ra7 Kh7 6. Rf7 Kg8 7. Rf6 Rxg7 8. Kxe6 Rg1 {= , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1984.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/R7/4p3/5rP1/5PK1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1984.??.??"] 1. g6 {%05With the king at g4 this pawn formation is much more dangerous, since the king threatens to invade decisively into the opponent's position.} Rf6 (1... Kg8 {%05No better is} 2. Re7 Rf6 3. Kg5 Rf5+ 4. Kh6 $18) (1... Rb5 { %05or} 2. Rf7+ Ke8 (2... Kg8 3. Rf6 Rb6 4. Kg5 {%04etc.}) 3. f5 {! this wins most simply} (3. Rf6 {%05but} Ke7 4. g7 Rb1 5. g8=N+ Ke8 6. Nh6 $18 {etc. is also possible}) 3... exf5+ 4. Rxf5 Rxf5 5. Kxf5 Kf8 6. Kf6 $18) 2. g7+ Kg8 3. Kg5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/6p1/1R2P3/5PK1/8/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Against a central passed pawn the defence is normally more difficult, if the stronger side's king manages to invade the opponent's position.} 1. Rb7+ { %05This position is obtained by moving diagram %05~3($401675)~ one file to the left. Here White is able to %05realize his passed pawn, since the black king is gradually %05pushed away from it.} Ke6 (1... Kf8 {%05White wins more simply if the king retreats to the 8th rank, e.g.} 2. Kg5 Ra6 3. Rd7 {, and there is no defence against 4. Rd6.}) 2. Kg5 Rg1+ 3. Kh6 Rg4 4. Rb6+ Ke7 5. Rf6 Kd7 6. Kh7 Ke8 7. Kg8 {! (standing in opposition to the enemy king; as will later, this is essential)} Ke7 8. Kg7 Ke8 9. Rf7 Kd8 10. Kf8 Rh4 11. e6 Rh8+ 12. Kg7 Rh4 13. Kxg6 $40 {and wins. It is worth noting that, had Black's rook been at f5, as, for example, in position ~3( 1679)~, he would have been able to maintain the balance.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1944.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Aronin Lev S (RUS)"] [Black "Konstantinopolsky Alexander M "] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1r3kp1/2R5/4PK2/5P2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1944.??.??"] {With his pawns less far advanced, the stronger side again has chances of success.} 1... Rb1 {! %05But Black could have saved the game by switching his rook to the rear of the pawns:} (1... Rb3 2. e5+ Ke6 3. Rc6+ Kf7 4. Rf6+ Kg7 5. Kg5 Re3 6. Rxg6+ Kh7 7. Rh6+ Kg7 8. f4 Rg3+ 9. Kh4 Rg2 10. Rh5 Kf7 11. Rg5 Re2 12. Kg4 {, and White soon won.}) (1... Ra6 {%05No better is} 2. e5+ Kf7 3. Kg5 Ra3 {%00o^ 4.Rc7+ Ke6 5.Rc6+ Kxe5 6.f4+ Ke4 7.Re6+ Kd5 8.Rxg6 $18 (and wins.}) 2. Rc6+ Kf7 3. e5 Re1 4. Rc7+ Ke6 5. Rg7 Rg1 {! =} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lyskov"] [Black "Selezniev Alexei"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1r3kp1/R7/4PPK1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ549 The following position is of great importance. (with colours reversed)} 1... Rb1 (1... Rc6 {, then %05if} 2. e5+ Ke6 3. Kg5 $18 { , winning}) 2. Ra6+ {? This leads to a draw.} (2. e5+ {%05Correct is} Ke6 (2... Kg7 {%05or} 3. Ra7+ Kh6 4. e6 $18 {, and then as in the main variation.}) 3. Ra6+ $18 {~3($401681)~}) 2... Kg7 3. e5 Rf1 {? this loses} (3... Rg1+ 4. Kf3 Re1 {= would have drawn}) 4. Ra7+ Kh6 5. e6 {!} g5 (5... Re1 {is decisively met by %05now} 6. e7 Re6 7. Kf3 Re1 8. Rb7 Re6 9. f5 gxf5 10. Rb6 $18) 6. Kf5 { ! This is what should have been played.} (6. fxg5+ {? %05The game went} Kg6 7. Re7 Re1 8. Re8 Re4+ 9. Kf3 Re1 10. Kf4 Re2 11. Kf3 Re1 12. Kf4 Re2 13. Rg8+ Kh7 14. Rf8 Rf2+ 15. Ke5 Rxf8 16. e7 Ra8 17. Ke6 Kg7 18. Kd7 {= Drawn.}) 6... Rxf4+ (6... gxf4 7. e7 Re1 8. Kf6 f3 9. Ra3 $18) 7. Ke5 Rf1 8. e7 Re1+ 9. Kf6 Rf1+ 10. Ke6 Re1+ 11. Kf7 Rf1+ 12. Kg8 Re1 13. Ra6+ Kh5 14. Kf7 Rxe7+ 15. Kxe7 g4 16. Kf6 g3 17. Kf5 Kh4 (17... g2 {%05or} 18. Rg6 $18 {and wins.}) 18. Rh6# { %04mate} * [Event "Ch Estonia"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Karner Irmgard (GER)"] [Black "Renter"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/R7/6k1/8/8/5pPP/8/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ551 ~19.3 CONNECTED PAWNS, BOTH PASSED~ Two connected passed pawns are a great force, and the result normally goes in their favour. Of course, this depends to a considerable extent on how far advanced both sides' pawns are, and on the relative placing of the pieces. In certain cases the presence of a passed pawn may allow the weaker side to draw.} 1... Re2 2. Ra3 Kg5 {!} (2... Rh2 {? , as in the game, in view of %05But not} 3. h4 Kh5 4. Ra5+ Kg4 5. Rg5+ Kh3 6. h5 Ra2 7. h6 Ra6 8. h7 $18 {. and Black resigned.}) (2... Kh5 {? is a mistake: %05Note also that} 3. Rxf3 Rh2 4. Kg1 Rxh3 5. Kg2 Kg4 6. Rf4+ {and 7. Kh3$18}) 3. Rxf3 {(although White is now two pawns up, there is still no win)} Rh2 4. Kg1 Rxh3 {= , with a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Russia"] [Site "Russia"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Aratovsky Nikolay"] [Black "Kosenkov Vsevolod"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4RK2/7k/5P2/6Pp/8/5r2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Kg6 {! %05Black's plan is to win the g-pawn and then give up his rook for the f-pawn, so as to gain a draw with pawn against rook.} 2. Ke7 Kxg5 {! would have led to a straightforward draw, e.g.} (2... Re3+ {? Black deviates from the correct path. After the mistake in the game, the ending cannot be saved.} 3. Kd7 Rd3+ 4. Kc6 h4 5. Rg8+ Kf7 6. Rg7+ Kf8 7. Rh7 Rg3 8. Kd6 Kg8 9. f7+ Kxh7 10. f8=Q {, and White won.}) 3. Rg8+ Kh6 {!} (3... Kh4 {? loses to} 4. f7 Kh3 5. f8=Q Rxf8 6. Kxf8 h4 7. Kf7 Kh2 8. Kf6 h3 9. Kf5 Kh1 10. Kf4 h2 11. Kg3 Kg1 12. Kh3+ Kh1 13. Ra8 Kg1 14. Ra1+ $18) 4. f7 h4 5. f8=Q+ Rxf8 6. Kxf8 Kh5 7. Kf7 h3 8. Kf6 Kh4 9. Kf5 h2 10. Kf4 Kh3 {= with a draw.} * [Event "Vilnius (Lithuania)"] [Site "Vilnius (Lithuania)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tolush Alexander K (RUS)"] [Black "Zagorjansky Evgeny (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R7/1rkp4/2p5/P7/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ551 Here is another practical example.} 1. a5 Rb7 2. Ra8 Rd7 3. a6 d5 {?} (3... Kb6 {! would have won, e.g.} 4. Rb8+ Kxa6 5. Kc4 Rb7 {!} 6. Rd8 Rb4+ 7. Kc3 (7. Kd5 Rd4+ 8. Kc6 Ka5 9. Rb8 c4 $19) 7... Rd4 8. Rb8 d5 9. Rb1 Rc4+ 10. Kd3 Rb4 $19) 4. Rb8 Rg7 5. Rc8+ {?} (5. Rd8 {! , e.g. %05White drives the king to where it wants to go. He should have played} d4+ (5... Rh7 { %05or} 6. Rb8 Rd7 7. Kd3 Rh7 8. Kc3 {= , and Black cannot strengthen his position}) (5... Ra7 {%05or} 6. Rc8+ Kb6 (6... Kb5 7. Rb8+ Kxa6 8. Rd8 d4+ 9. Kc4 Rc7 10. Rd6+ Kb7) 7. Rd8 (7. Rb8+ {? %05not} Kc7 8. Rb5 Kc6 9. Ra5 Kb6 { !$19}) 7... d4+ 8. Kc4 Rxa6 9. Rd6+ Kb7 10. Rd5 Rc6 11. Rd7+ {= %04etc.}) 6. Kc4 Rg3 7. Rc8+ Kb6 8. Rb8+ Ka7 9. Rc8 Rc3+ 10. Kb5 Rb3+ 11. Kc4 Rc3+ {=}) 5... Kb5 6. Rd8 d4+ 7. Kd3 Rg3+ 8. Ke4 Kxa6 9. Rb8 Ka5 10. Rb7 Ka4 11. Kd5 Rc3 { !$19 White resigns.} (11... d3 {? allows %05a little trap;} 12. Kc4 {= , when White saves the game, but Black is on the alert}) * [Event "Paris (France)"] [Site "Paris (France)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bernstein Ossip S (UKR)"] [Black "Zuckerman Bernard (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/R7/6PP/8/p5K1/r7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {We will now turn to positions where the pawns are on opposite wings, as before the stronger side's pawns being connected.} 1... Ra1 {%05As a rule, positions of this type are favourable to the stronger side.} 2. Ra7+ Kg8 3. h6 {! only this move leads to a win; %05White should have played} (3. g6 a2 4. Kg2 Rb1 {!} 5. Rxa2 Rb5 6. Ra8+ Kg7 7. Ra7+ Kg8 8. Rh7 Rg5+ {, and Black went on to lose.} (8... Rb3 {! Black could have gained a draw ~3($411477)~. %05It was later shown by Kasparian that by})) 3... a2 (3... Kf8 {%05now Black cannot play either} 4. Ra8+ {and 5. h7$18}) (3... Kh8 {%05or} 4. Kg2 Ra2+ 5. Kf3 {!} Ra1 6. g6 $18) 4. Kh2 {!!} (4. Kg2 {throws away the win, since after %05The natural} Rb1 5. Rxa2 Rb5 {= a draw is inevitable. By leaving the g2 square free, White can later occupy it with his rook, in order to defend his pawns.}) 4... Rb1 5. Rxa2 Rb5 6. Rg2 Kh7 7. g6+ {!} (7. Kh3 {? %05hoping after} Kg6 { and 8... Rb6 to obtain a theoretically drawn position.}) 7... Kg8 8. Rg3 {!} Rh5+ (8... Ra5 {%05all the same White provoke this, after, for example, the waiting move} 9. Rb3 {%04etc.}) 9. Rh3 Rg5 10. h7+ Kh8 11. Rg3 Rh5+ 12. Kg2 Kg7 13. Rh3 Rg5+ 14. Kf3 Rf5+ 15. Kg4 Rf8 16. Kg5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/8/2R3P1/p4PK1/r7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] {The stronger side also wins if the connected pawns are less far advanced.} 1... Re2 {%05Black can defend his pawn in two ways, but neither saves the game: } (1... Ra1 2. Ra4 a2 3. Kg2 {! was the only move leading to a win. %05Note that in variation} (3. Kf4 {Black would have drawn, e.g. %05After the "natural" } Kf7 4. g5 Kg7 5. Kf5 Rf1 6. Ra7+ Kg8 7. Rxa2 Rxf3+ 8. Kg6 Rf8 {%04etc.}) 3... Kf6 4. f4 Ke6 5. Ra5 Kf7 6. Ra6 Kg7 7. f5 Kf7 8. g5 Kg8 9. Ra7 Kf8 10. g6 $18 { , and White wins.}) 2. Ra4 a2 3. Ra6 Kf7 4. g5 Kg7 5. Kg4 Kf7 6. f4 Rb2 7. f5 Rg2+ 8. Kf4 Rf2+ 9. Ke4 Re2+ 10. Kf3 Rb2 11. Ra7+ Kf8 12. g6 Ke8 13. Kf4 Rd2 14. f6 $18 {%04etc. White saved the draw in similar fashion in the following game:} * [Event "Manchester (England)"] [Site "Manchester (England)"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Neat"] [Black "Kraidman Yair (ISR)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/3p4/2pk3P/5r2/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ551} 1. h6 Rf3+ 2. Kb2 c4 3. h7 Rf7 (3... Rh3 {%05No better was} 4. Kc2 Kd4 5. Rd8 Rh2+ 6. Kb1 Rxh7 7. Rxd6+ Kc3 8. Rc6 {= , with a theoretical draw.}) 4. Kc3 Rd7 5. Rg8 {!} (5. Kb4 {? %05Of course,} Kd4 6. Rc8 {would have lost to} Rb7+ {and 7... Rh7}) (5. Kc2 {? was also had because of} Kd4 $19) 5... Rxh7 6. Rg5+ Ke4 7. Rg4+ {= with a draw. It should be noted that, if in the initial position Black's pawn had been not at d6, but at d7, he would have been able to win.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/3p4/8/2pk3P/5r2/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. h6 (1. Rh7 {%05 White does not have time to regroup, if he forces Black to play ... d6, e.g.} Rf3+ 2. Kb2 d6 3. h6 Rh3 4. Rh8 Kc4 $19 {%04etc.}) 1... Rf3+ 2. Kb2 Rh3 3. h7 Kd4 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kramer"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1R6/PP6/8/8/1K3k2/7p/5r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {There is an interesting winning method in the following example.} 1. Rf7+ Kg2 {!} 2. Rg7+ Kh1 {!} 3. a7 Rf3+ {(Black is aiming to obtain a "desperado" rook)} 4. Kc4 Rf4+ 5. Kd5 Rf5+ 6. Ke6 Rf6+ 7. Ke7 Re6+ 8. Kf7 Rf6+ 9. Kg8 Rf8+ 10. Kh7 Rh8+ 11. Kg6 Rh6+ 12. Kg5 {!} (12. Kf7 Rf6+ 13. Ke7 Re6+ {would have been a loss of time}) 12... Rh5+ 13. Kf6 Rf5+ 14. Ke7 Re5+ 15. Kd7 Rd5+ 16. Kc7 Rc5+ 17. Kb7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rudakovsky Iosif (RUS)"] [Black "Tolush Alexander K (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/1R6/6PP/1p6/1r6/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {The weaker side can hope to save the game, if he can: (a) cut off the opponent's king on the 1st rank; (b) support the advance of his own passed pawn with his king.} 1... Kg7 {! %05On its own the black king cannot hold out against the opponent's superior forces. At the appropriate moment the rook must come to its aid. It does not matter that after the b3 pawn is lost. As a result of the tempo which White has to waste on capturing this pawn (and its capture is obligatory), Black gains time to attack one of the passed pawns with his rook. This forces the white rook to occupy an unfavourable position to the rear of the attacked pawn. Then the black king occupies the square in front of the rear pawn, and the ending with rook and two pawns against rook is drawn.^013^010 This plan can be carried out, only if one of the pawns steps onto the 5th rank without giving check to the black king. In view of this, the king must step back onto one of three squares: f7, g7 or h7.} (1... Kf7) (1... Kh7 {is also possible %05or}) (1... Rb1+ {%05but not} 2. Kh2 b2 3. Rb6+ Kg7 4. g5 Kh7 5. h5 {%04etc.}) (1... Kf6 {? , when there followed: %05In the game Black did not find this defence and played} 2. h5 Ke6 3. g5 Rb1+ 4. Kg2 Rb2+ 5. Kg3 Rb1 6. Kg2 Rb2+ 7. Kh3 {!} Rb1 8. g6 Kf6 9. Rb6+ Kg7 10. Rb7+ Kg8 11. Kg2 { !} Rb2+ 12. Kf3 {!} Rh2 13. Kg4 b2 14. Kg5 Rg2+ 15. Kh6 Rf2 16. Rb8+ Rf8 17. Rxb2 Ra8 18. Rb5 Rc8 19. Ra5 {Resigns.}) 2. Rb6 Kh7 3. h5 (3. g5 {, but the idea of the defence remains the same as after the text move: %05Now White is forced to advance a pawn, since he has no other way of strengthening his position. He can of course play} Rc2 4. Rxb3 Rc4 {!} 5. Rh3 (5. Rb7+ Kh8 6. Rb8+ Kh7 7. h5 Rg4+ {and 8... Rg5}) 5... Kg6 {!} 6. Kg2 Kh5 {!= with a draw.}) 3... Rc2 {!} 4. Rxb3 Rc4 {!} 5. Rg3 Kh6 {!} 6. Kg2 Kg5 {! Draw. The result and the method of play do not change if the position is moved one file to the left. } * [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/R7/8/7K/pr4PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ551} 1. g4 {%05The black king approaches its pawn in time, and this gives a draw:} Kc6 {!} 2. Kg3 (2. g5 Rb5 3. Ra6+ Kb7 4. Rxa2 Rxg5 5. Rc2 Rg8 {= with a draw}) 2... Kb6 3. Ra8 Kb5 4. h4 Kb4 {(threatening to win by 5... Rb3+ and ... Ra3)} 5. Kf4 Rc2 6. Rb8+ Kc3 7. Ra8 Kb4 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Match"] [Site "?"] [Date "1893.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/R7/7P/p5PK/2r5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1893.??.??"] 1... a2 {! %05It was later shown by Maizelis that the diagram position is drawn. Black should have played} (1... Ra2 {? %05Here Black's 1st move is of decisive importance. Chigorin lost after} 2. Kg4 (2. g4 {%05After the incorrect 1... Ra2? White also had another way to win:} Ra1 3. Ra6+ Kg7 4. h5 a2 5. Kh2 Kh7 6. g5 Kg7 7. Ra7+ Kg8 8. h6 {!$18 %04etc.}) 2... Ra1 3. Ra6+ Kf7 4. Kg5 a2 5. g4 Ke7 6. Ra7+ Ke8 7. h5 Kf8 8. h6 Rb1 (8... Kg8 9. Kg6 $18) 9. Rxa2 $18) 2. h5+ Kf6 (2... Kh6 {does not affect the result}) 3. Kh4 (3. g4 { %05or} Rc5 {!} 4. Rxa2 Kg5 {= with a draw}) 3... Rh2+ 4. Kg4 Rb2 5. Ra6+ Kg7 6. Kg5 Rb5+ 7. Kh4 Rb2 8. g4 Kf7 {!} 9. h6 (9. Ra4 {%05or} Kg7 10. Ra6 Kf7 {=}) ( 9. Ra7+ {%05or} Kf6 {!} 10. g5+ Kf5 11. h6 Rh2+ 12. Kg3 Rh1 13. Rxa2 Kxg5 { = , winning the last pawn.}) 9... Rb6 {! =} * [Event "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Site "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Black "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/8/8/PK6/1P6/6k1/7p/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {Sometimes the stronger side can win after sacrificing his rook for the opponent's passed pawn.} 1. Rxh2 {! %05White could have won by} (1. Kc6 { ? %05Instead of this the game went} Rc1+ 2. Kb6 {?} Rc4 {!} 3. Rxh2 Rxb4+ 4. Kc5 Ra4 {= with a draw.}) 1... Kxh2 2. Ka6 {!} Kg3 3. b5 Kf4 4. b6 Ke5 5. b7 Rb1 6. Ka7 Kd6 7. b8=Q+ Rxb8 8. Kxb8 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Black "Kan Ilya A (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/1p6/p6K/r6P/8/8/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ551} 1... Kd6 2. Kg5 Re4 3. h5 b5 4. h6 Re8 (4... a4 5. h7 Re8 {transposes}) 5. h7 a4 6. Ra1 (6. Kh6 {with the threat of Rg1-g8 was also possible. If then,} a3 7. Rg1 Rh8 (7... a2 8. Ra1) 8. Rg8 Rxh7+ 9. Kxh7 b4 10. Ra8 {(standing just in time to the rear of the leading pawn)} Kc5 11. Kg6 Kc4 12. Kf5 Kb3 13. Ke4 Ka2 14. Kd3 b3 15. Rb8 {= with a draw.}) 6... Rh8 {Since Black will have to sacrifice his rook for the h-pawn, this move, allowing White to gain a tempo, should not have been played.} (6... Kc5 {was stronger, although even then White can draw by} 7. Kh6 {!} Kb4 8. Rg1 Rh8 9. Rg4+ Ka5 ( 9... Kc3 {is pointless, since White gives a series of checks and then attacks the b-pawn}) 10. Rg8 Rxh7+ 11. Kxh7 b4 12. Kg6 a3 (12... b3 13. Rb8 {!= , and Black has to force a draw}) 13. Ra8+ Kb5 14. Kf5 Kc4 15. Ke4 Kb3 16. Kd3 Ka2 17. Kc4 b3 18. Kb4 {= Draw.}) 7. Kg6 Kc5 8. Kg7 Ra8 (8... Rb8 9. h8=Q Rxh8 10. Kxh8 Kb4 {also fails to win - ~3($411059)~}) 9. Rf1 {Drawn., since after} a3 10. Rf8 Ra7+ 11. Rf7 Ra8 12. Rf8 {= White is forced to repeat moves.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smagin Sergey (RUS)"] [Black "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/8/7P/k5P1/1p3K2/8/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {The following examples show some of the curious tactical subtleties which can arise in this ending.} 1... Rh8 {!} (1... b2 {%05Rather than force the win of the rook, Black tries for the moment to halt the advance of the pawn. After} 2. Rb1 Kb3 3. g5 Kc2 4. Rxb2+ Kxb2 5. g6 $18 {the pawns cannot be stopped.}) 2. Kg3 (2. Rb1 {is more logical, following the same method and forcing the black king to go to a2.}) 2... b2 3. Rb1 {In @he previous edition of this book it was stated that this natural move loses time and throws away the win which is^013^010 achieved by 3.Rh1. Nevertheless, the tablebases show that 3.Rh1 also fails to win. %00o^?(! was correct, when} Rh6 $18 {is not possible due to Rxh6 b1Q Rb6+} 4. Kh4 (4. Kf4 Kb3 5. Kg5 Rc6 {Rb1} 6. Rc1 {Rxb2+ Kxb2 = (Nalimov tablebases)}) 4... Kb3 5. g5 Rc6 {Rb1} 6. Rc1 {Rxb2+ Kxb2 = , and Black draws (Nalimov tablebases). Kb3 Kh4 Ra8 ! Black manages to save the game by an original rook manoeuvre.^013^010 ^013^010 g5 Ra1 Rxb2+ Kxb2 Kg4} (6. g6 { %05There is nothing better, e.g. Rg1 = with an immediate draw}) (6. h6 { %05or Rh1+ Kg4} Kc3 {Kf5 Kd4 Kg6 Ke5 Kh7} 7. Rg1 {g6 Kf6 g7 Kf7 = with the same result.}) ({Rh1 ! (the best position for the rook is behind the pawns) g6 Kc3 Kg5 Kd4 g7} 6. h6 {%05Or Ke5 h7}) ({Rg1+ = with a draw. Ke5 ! Kg6 Rg1+ Kf7 Rf1+ Ke7 Ke8} 6. Rg1 {h6 Kf6 Kf8 Ra1 = with a draw}) {Rg1 h6} 6... Rg6 { ! Kf7 Rf6+ Ke8 Re6+ Kd8 Rd6+ Kc8} 7. Rc6 {Drawn. After Kb7 Rg6 ! White could have even lost.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Site "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/5r2/3R4/6k1/1P6/2P3p1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {Positions do occur, extremely rarely, it is true, where the side with the material advantage loses. from a practical game} 1... g2 {%05White is a pawn up, but his pieces are badly placed. His only hope of saving the game is to sacrifice his rook for the pawn, but even in this case his drawing chances are slight.} 2. Rd1 Rf8+ {The simplest,} (2... Rf1 {although Black can also play} 3. Rd8 g1=Q 4. Rg8+ Kf5 5. Rxg1 Rxg1 6. b5 Ke6 {!} 7. b6 (7. Kc7 {%05or} Kd5 $19 {, and wins.}) 7... Kd6 $19) 3. Kc7 Rf1 4. Rd8 Rf7+ (4... Kh6 5. Rg8 Rf7+ { and 6... Rg7 is simpler}) 5. Kc8 Kg6 6. Rd1 Rf1 7. Rd8 Kg7 {White resigns:} 8. Rd7+ {is met by} Kg8 9. Rd8+ Rf8 $19 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5pkp/4r3/5KP1/8/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {~19.4 ISOLATED PAWNS, NO PASSED PAWN~ The normal result here is a draw, the following being a typical example.} 1... Ra4 {%05Black's winning chances are insignificant, e.g.} 2. Kf2 Ra3 3. Kg2 Kg4 4. Rh4+ {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/8/8/5pkp/4r3/3K2P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {The situation changes if the weaker side's pieces are badly placed; say, if his king is cut off from his pawn.} 1... Rg4 {%05White's position looks difficult, since the opponent can attack his pawn. But he is saved by the active position of his rook:} (1... Kg4 2. Rg8+ Kf3 {(this king invasion constitutes the greatest danger to White)} 3. Rg5 Re5 (3... f4 {, then %05if} 4. gxf4 h4 5. f5 Rf4 6. Rh5 Kg4 7. Rh8 Rxf5 8. Ke2 {= with a draw}) 4. Kd4 Ra5 5. Kd3 h4 {(it is doubtful if there is anything better)} 6. gxh4 Ra3+ 7. Kd4 f4 8. Ke5 Ke3 9. Kf6 f3 10. h5 f2 11. Rf5 {= Draw.}) 2. Rg8+ (2. Ke2 Rxg3 3. Kf2 { = is also possible, transposing into an ending with f- and h-pawns, but 2. Rg8+ is stronger}) 2... Kf6 3. Rxg4 hxg4 (3... fxg4 4. Ke3 Ke5 (4... Kf5 {%05or } 5. Kf2 {! and White maintains the balance}) 5. Kd3 {! =}) 4. Kd2 Ke6 5. Ke2 { !} Ke5 6. Ke3 {= with a draw. Let us now move the rook from f8 to h1. This worsens White's position, and Black is now able to realize his advantage.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Black "Kan Ilya A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5pkp/4r3/3K2P1/8/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1... Re8 {%05 White has no chance of saving the game, since his king is cut off from the pawns, and the opponent's pieces are ideally placed.} (1... Kg4 { %05Simpler is} 2. Rh4+ Kxg3 3. Rxh5 Re5 4. Kd4 Ra5 $19 {%04etc.}) 2. Rh4 Re1 3. Rf4 Re4 4. Rf2 Kg4 5. Rf1 Ra4 6. Ke2 Ra2+ 7. Ke3 Ra3+ 8. Ke2 Rxg3 $19 {, and Black had a straightforward win.} * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zinn Lothar (GDR)"] [Black "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/8/4r1kp/4p3/4K1P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] {~19.5 ISOLATED PAWNS, ONE PASSED~ The passed pawn gives the stronger side some winning chances, but the result will depend on many factors: on the distance between the stronger side's pawns, on how the pieces of both sides are placed, and on their degree of activity. If the distance between the stronger side's pawns is not more than 2-3 files, then with the defender's pieces actively placed he can normally count on a draw, since it is easier to defend on a narrow front and to maintain the balance in a resulting ending of rook against rook and pawn.} 1. Rg8+ Kf5 2. Rf8+ (2. g4+ {! %05Here White could have drawn by a pawn sacrifice:} hxg4 3. Rf8+ Kg5 (3... Kg6 4. Rg8+) 4. Rg8+ Kh4 5. Kf4 {!}) 2... Kg4 3. Rg8+ Rg5 4. Ra8 Kxg3 5. Kxe4 h4 6. Ra3+ { Therefore Black played} Kg4 {, setting a clever trap.} (6... Kf2 {can be met by %05Now} 7. Kf4 {!} Rg3 8. Ra2+ Kg1 9. Ra1+ Kh2 10. Ra2+ Rg2 11. Ra1 h3 12. Kf3 {= with an elementary draw.}) 7. Ke3 {! , would have led to a draw, e.g. %05As is considered in detail in example ~3($401444)~.^013^010 %05instead of the incorrect 7. Ra1,} (7. Ra1 {was met by %05Thus the incorrect} h3 {! , when if} 8. Rg1+ (8. Ke3 {%05White played} h2 9. Kf2 {, but lost after} Ra5 {!}) 8... Kh4 9. Rxg5 {Black has the decisive} h2 {!}) 7... h3 (7... Kg3 {%05or} 8. Ke4+ {=}) (7... Rf5 {%05or} 8. Ra8 {! , and the active position of White's rook enables him to save the game.}) 8. Kf2 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/R7/7p/4P3/4K1P1/8/8/2r5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {The following two positions may prove useful in the analysis of endings with three pawns against two on one wing.} 1. Rh7 {%05All White's winning attempts are in vain, although the defence requires accuracy, e.g.} (1. Kf5 Rf1+ 2. Kg6 (2. Ke6 Rf4) 2... Rg1 (2... Rf4 {?} 3. Kh5 Re4 4. Ra6 Rxe5+ 5. Kxh6 Kg8 6. Ra8+ Kf7 7. g5 $18 {leads to a win for White}) 3. Ra4 Rh1 4. Kf6 Rf1+ 5. Ke6 Rg1 6. Rf4+ Ke8 {!} 7. Kf6 (7. Rf6 Rxg4 8. Rxh6 Kf8 {leads to the 1st variation}) 7... Rh1 8. Kg7 Ke7 9. Rf6 Rh4 10. Rg6 h5 {!} 11. g5 Rg4 12. Kh6 h4 13. Kh5 Re4 { = with a draw.}) 1... Re1+ 2. Kf5 Rf1+ 3. Ke6 Rf4 4. Rxh6 Rxg4 5. Kd7 Re4 {!} 6. Rf6+ Kg7 7. Ke6 Re1 8. Rf7+ Kg6 9. Ra7 Re2 {= , with a draw as in example ~3($411362)~.} * [Event "Riga (Latvia)"] [Site "Riga (Latvia)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ravinsky Grigory (RUS)"] [Black "Bannik Anatoly (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r3k3/6R1/3KP2p/7P/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] 1... Ra6+ {%05 Objectively this pawn formation is less favourable for the weaker side, since it is difficult to defend the h-pawn. But Black is nevertheless able to save the game, by exploiting the poor placing of the opponent's pieces.} 2. Ke5 Ra1 3. Rb7 (3. Kf6 {, then %05if} Rf1+ 4. Kg6 Re1) 3... Rf1 {! For the moment the king must not be allowed across to the pawn.} ( 3... Re1+ {%05For example, Black loses after} 4. Kf6 Rf1+ 5. Kg6 Re1 6. Rb6 Ke7 7. Kxh6 $18 {~3($401543)~}) 4. Rh7 Re1+ {! (now is the time!)} 5. Kf6 Rf1+ 6. Kg7 (6. Kg6 Re1) 6... Ke7 {!} 7. Rxh6 Rh1 {= with a draw ~3($411547)~.} * [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rosselli Del Turco Stefano (IT"] [Black "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7R/3kp3/r6p/7P/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {~5 Previously published analyses failed to rightly reflect ~5 critical moments of this ending.} 1. Rh8 {! ~5This rook manoeuvre was considered to be the only ~5 saving move. The game move, however, is also ~5 sufficient for a draw. ~} (1. Ke2 {, and after %05Rosselli played} Ra2+ {~5 committed a decisive mistake ~} 2. Kd1 {? ~5 Instead he had two plans which allowed him to save ~5 the game.} (2. Kf3 {%05White sacrifices the h3 pawn:} e4+ 3. Kg4 (3. Ke3 {^013^010 %05Even simpler is} Ra3+ 4. Ke2 Rxh3 5. Rh8 {which leads to the same variations}) 3... Rg2+ 4. Kf4 {!} (4. Kxh4 {? %05but not} e3 5. Rh8 e2 6. Re8 Kd4 7. Kh5 Kd3 8. h4 Rg3 $19) 4... Rf2+ 5. Ke3 Rf3+ 6. Ke2 Rxh3 7. Rh8 { ! An important theoretical position: Black is unable to win. %08DA} Rh1 (7... e3 8. Rd8+ Ke4 9. Re8+ Kf4 10. Rf8+ Kg3 11. Kxe3 {=}) 8. Rd8+ Ke5 9. Re8+ Kf4 10. Rf8+ Kg3 11. Rg8+ Kh2 (11... Kh3 12. Re8 Kg3 13. Rg8+) 12. Kf2 h3 (12... e3+ 13. Kxe3 {=}) 13. Re8 Ra1 (13... Rg1 14. Rxe4 {=}) 14. Rxe4 {=}) (2. Kf1 { %05The white king retreats closer to the h3-pawn in order to support it at the appropriate %05moment.} Ke4 3. Rxh4+ Kf3 4. Kg1 e4 5. Rh8 e3 6. Rf8+ Ke2 7. h4 Ra4 {!} 8. h5 {!} (8. Rh8 {? %05but not} Rg4+ 9. Kh2 Kd3 {!} 10. Rd8+ Rd4 $19 { , and Black wins.}) 8... Rh4 {%09DB} (8... Rg4+ 9. Kh2 Rh4+ 10. Kg3 Rxh5 11. Ra8 {=}) 9. Rf5 (9. Ra8 {?} Rxh5 $19) (9. Kg2 {?} Rxh5 $19) 9... Kd1 (9... Rg4+ 10. Kh2 Kd3) 10. Rd5+ (10. Kg2 Rd4) 10... Ke1 11. Kg2 e2 12. Ra5 Re4 13. Kf3 Kf1 14. Ra1+ e1=Q 15. Rxe1+ Rxe1 16. Kf4 {=}) 2... Ke4 {! %05In the game Nimzowitsch precisely realized his advantage:} 3. Rxh4+ Kd3 {(by the mate threat Black has gained an important tempo for the advance of his pawn)} 4. Ke1 e4 5. Rh8 Ra1+ 6. Kf2 e3+ 7. Kg3 e2 8. Rd8+ Kc4 9. Re8 e1=Q+ 10. Rxe1 Rxe1 11. h4 Kd5 12. Kg4 Rh1 {White resigns.}) 1... Ra2+ {%08DA} 2. Kg1 {! , and White draws, e.g.} Ke4 3. Rxh4+ Kf3 4. Rh8 e4 5. Rf8+ Kg3 (5... Ke3 {%05or} 6. Re8 {= }) 6. Kf1 {= ^013^010} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khasin Abram (RUS)"] [Black "Aronson Lev (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6R1/7p/1r2p2P/4k3/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ555} 1. Kg2 {! %05Here White is able to eliminate the enemy h-pawn in time:} Rd4 2. Rg5 Kd2 3. Rxh5 e3 4. Re5 Rxh4 (4... e2 {, then %05If} 5. Kf2 {!} Rf4+ 6. Kg3 Rf1 7. h5 {= with a draw.}) 5. Ra5 {!} Rf4 (5... Rc4 { White replies %05on} 6. Kf3 {!}) 6. Ra2+ {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Match \"Moscow - Budapest\""] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Black "Benko Pal C (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/r6k/6Rp/4PK2/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Rg3 {%05Here the poor position of Black's king should have led to his defeat.} Ra8 2. e5 Rf8+ 3. Ke4 Rh8 4. Kf5 (4. e6 {%05Simpler was} h4 5. Rg4 Kh5 6. Rf4 Rg8 7. Ke5 Rxg2 8. e7 $18 {, when the advance of the pawn is decisive.}) 4... Rf8+ 5. Ke6 h4 6. Rg4 Kh5 7. Rg7 Kh6 8. Rf7 Re8+ 9. Kd6 {!} (9. Kf6 { ? ^013^010 %05not} Rg8 10. e6 Rxg2 {= with a draw}) 9... Rd8+ 10. Ke7 Rd2 11. Rf8 Kg7 12. Rf4 Rxg2 13. Rxh4 Kg6 14. Ra4 {!} (14. e6 {? ^013^010 %05but not} Ra2 {, as in the game, when Black gained a draw}) 14... Rb2 15. Ra7 {and 16. e6, winning ~3 ($401338)~.} * [Event "The Hague/Moscow"] [Site "The Hague/Moscow"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p1r5/6pk/P7/3R2K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ555} 1... Rc4 {! %05The white king is blocking the passed pawn, so it would be simply pointless to follow Tarrasch's rule and place the rook behind the passed pawn. Black carries out a typical plan: by attacking the pawn on the other side with his rook, he forces the white rook to occupy a passive position, and then heads for this pawn with his king.} 2. Ra3 (2. a5 Ra4 3. Rd5 {would be even worse, since after} Ra3+ 4. Kg2 Kh4 $19 {Black wins quickly.}) 2... a5 3. Kh3 Rb4 4. Kg3 Rf4 5. Ra1 Rg4+ 6. Kh3 Re4 7. Ra3 Kg6 8. Kg3 Kf5 9. Kf3 Ke5 {Black's waiting play is explained by the approach of adjournment time. But now, after analysis, he finally sets about transferring his king to the Q-side.} 10. Kg3 Rd4 11. Ra1 Kd5 12. Rb1 Rb4 {!} (12... Rxa4 { %05Avoiding the trap ?} 13. Rb5+ Kc4 14. Rxg5 Ra1 15. Kh2 {!= with a theoretical draw ~3($401432)~.}) 13. Rf1 Ke4 14. Re1+ (14. Kg4 Rxa4 15. Kxg5 Rc4 $19 {and wins}) 14... Kd4 15. Kh2 Rxa4 16. Rg1 Rc4 17. Rxg5 a4 18. Kg2 Kc3 19. Kf3 a3 20. Ra5 Kb3 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r7/P7/8/5K1p/7k/R6P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] {In certain cases the weaker side may carry out a plan of active counter-play: entrusting the battle against the pawn entirely to the rook, he tries to penetrate with his king to the opponent's pawn.} 1... Rf7+ {%05In this case the stronger side's problem is to parry the opponent's basic threat - the sacrifice of the rook for two pawns to obtain a drawn ending with pawn against rook.} 2. Kg5 Rg7+ (2... Ra7 {, then %05This check is forced. If} 3. Ra3+ Kxh2 4. Kxh4 $18 {and wins.}) (2... Rf2 {%05Playing for stalemate is also unsuccessful -} 3. Ra3+ Kxh2 4. a7 {%04etc.}) 3. Kf6 Ra7 4. Ke6 Ra8 (4... Kg4 5. Ra3 {, and White wins by taking his king to the a-pawn}) 5. a7 Re8+ 6. Kf7 Ra8 7. Ke7 Rxa7+ 8. Rxa7 Kxh2 9. Kf6 h3 10. Kg5 Kg1 11. Kg4 h2 12. Ra1+ Kg2 13. Ra2+ Kg1 14. Kg3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/P7/8/8/8/1K3p2/R4P1k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {The following example, where the threat of sacrificing the rook for the pawn is very real, is much more complicated. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ555} 1. Kc4 { %05The idea of Black's defence is clear: to give up his rook for the a-pawn. Therefore, in taking his king up to the a7 pawn, White must constantly reckon with the possibility of this sacrifice.} Kg2 2. Kc5 {!} (2. Kb5 {%05Not} Rxa7 3. Rxa7 Kxf2 {= with a draw.}) 2... Rc8+ (2... Rxa7 {%05but now the rook sacrifice does not work:} 3. Rxa7 Kxf2 4. Kd4 {%04etc.}) 3. Kb6 Re8 4. Kc6 {!} (4. Kb7 {%05If} Re7+ 5. Kc6 {, then} Rxa7 {!= with a draw}) (4. Rc2 {%05while in the event of} Re6+ 5. Kb7 Re2 {! Black again saves the game.}) 4... Kf1 5. Kb7 Re7+ 6. Kb6 Re8 7. Rc2 {! (as in the previous examples, the rook switches to a more favourable position)} Kg2 8. Kc7 {!} Re7+ (8... Re2 {fails to} 9. Rxe2 {!} fxe2 10. a8=Q+ $18) 9. Kb8 {!} Re8+ 10. Rc8 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r5p1/8/6KP/p2k4/R7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {The following example is of interest for its mistakes.} 1... Kc4 {! was insufficient to win. The following analysis, however, refutes this opinion. %05The position has much in common with the preceding^013^010 %05ones: here too Black has to reckon with the possibility^013^010 %05of a rook sacrifice. During the game Black thought that} (1... Ra6 {, trying to cut the king off from the pawn, and the sequel was %05Black he played} 2. Kf5 Kc4 3. Rg3 { ! During the game I had overlooked this reply.} Rf6+ (3... a3 {%05It transpires that after} 4. Rxg7 a2 5. Rg1 {= the ending is drawn.}) (3... Ra7 { ! %05However, by calmly playing} 4. Kg6 {%05and if} Kd5 {!} 5. Ra3 Ke4 6. Kg5 Ra6 7. Kg4 Ra5 8. Kg3 Kf5 9. Kh4 Kf4 $19 {Black would have von very easily.}) 4. Ke5 (4. Kg5 Ra6 5. Kf5 Ra7 $19 {could have transposed into the variation given in the note to the previous move.}) 4... Rh6 {? A mistake which throws away the win} (4... Rf7 {! %05The correct continuation was} 5. Rg4+ Kb5 6. Rg3 Ra7 7. Kf5 a3 8. Kg6 a2 9. Rg1 {, and now not} a1=Q {?} (9... Kc4 {! , when Black wins, e.g. %05but} 10. Rg4+ (10. Ra1 {%05or} Kb3 11. Rg1 Rc7) (10. Rf1 { %05or, finally,} Rb7 11. Ra1 (11. Rf4+ Kb3 12. Rf1 Rc7 {!} 13. Kh7 Kb2 14. Rf2+ Kb1 15. Rf1+ Rc1 $19 {and Black wins.}) 11... Kb3 12. Rg1 Rc7) (10. Kh7 g5+ {!} 11. Kg6 a1=Q 12. Rxa1 Rxa1 13. Kxg5 Kd5 $19) 10... Kd5 {!} 11. Rg1 a1=Q 12. Rxa1 Rxa1 13. Kxg7 Rg1+ {!} 14. Kf6 Rh1 15. Kg6 Ke6 $19) 10. Rxa1 {= with a draw.}) 5. Rg4+ Kb3 6. Rg3+ Kc2 7. Rg2+ Kd3 8. Rg3+ Kc4 9. Rg4+ Kb5 10. Rxg7 {? } (10. Kd4 {! the game should have ended in a draw. But White too misses his chance and immediately makes a decisive mistake. %05The king has nevertheless had to go back, and after the correct}) 10... a3 {!} 11. Ra7 (11. Rg1 {%05no better is} Rxh5+ 12. Kd4 Kb4 13. Rb1+ Ka4 14. Kc3 a2 15. Rg1 Ka3 {%04etc.}) 11... Ra6 12. Rb7+ (12. Rg7 {%05Or} a2 13. Rg1 Rh6 {!} 14. Ra1 (14. Kd4 Kb4) 14... Rxh5+ 15. Kd4 Rh2 16. Kc3 Ka4 {%04etc.}) 12... Ka4 13. Rg7 Ra5+ 14. Kf6 a2 15. Rg4+ Kb3 {!} (15... Kb5 {%05only not} 16. Rg1 {with a draw}) 16. Rg3+ Kc4 {!} 17. Rg4+ Kd3 18. Rg3+ Ke4 19. Rg4+ Ke3 (19... Kf3 {was simpler}) 20. Rg1 Rxh5 21. Rg3+ Kd4 22. Ra3 Rh2 23. Kf5 Rf2+ 24. Kg4 Kc4 25. Kg3 Rc2 $19 { and Black won.}) 2. Kg6 Kb4 3. Rg3 a3 {seemed insufficient to me due to} 4. Rg2 {But when, a quarter of a century later, I began analysing this ending, I realized that Black had no reason to hurry with the advance of his pawn, but should move his king back.} Kc4 {! %05After} (4... a2 {is met by %05when} 5. Rxa2 Rxa2 6. Kxg7 {= with an obvious draw.}) 5. Ra2 Kd5 {!} 6. Rxa3 {^013^010 %05the opponent can no longer play} (6. Rd2+ {%05There is nothing else for White to do, but to check} Ke5 7. Re2+ Kf4 (7... Kd6 {^013^010 %05If} 8. Ra2 {! }) 8. Rf2+ Kg3 9. Ra2 Kh3 {!} 10. Kh7 (10. Rxa3+ {%05after} Rxa3 11. Kxg7 Kg4 12. h6 Kg5 13. h7 Ra7+ 14. Kg8 Kg6 {a well-known theoretical position is reached, where even the promotion of his pawn to a knight does not help White} 15. h8=N+ Kf6 $19) (10. Kf5 {also does not help in view of} Kg3 11. Kg6 Kf3 12. Kf5 Ra6 13. Kg5 (13. Ke5 Kg4 $19) 13... Ke3 $19 {and by taking his king across to the a-pawn, Black wins}) 10... Kg4 11. Kg6 Ra6+ 12. Kxg7 Kxh5 {and Black wins (Nalimov tablebases) e.g.} 13. Kf7 Kg5 14. Ke7 Kf5 15. Kd7 Ke5 16. Kc7 Kd5 17. Kb7 Ra4 $19) 6... Rxa3 7. Kxg7 Rg3+ {! %05because of} 8. Kf6 Rh3 9. Kg6 Ke6 {!} 10. h6 Rg3+ $19 {%04etc, Such endings, especially with a small number of pawns, abound in subtleties and demand great accuracy, since the boundary between a draw and a win can prove very narrow.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jussupow Artur (GER)"] [Black "Malaniuk Vladimir P (UKR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/8/8/6p1/1R4P1/5k2/P7/1K6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] 1... Rf8 {(Black first activates his rook, threatening 2... Rf4)} 2. Kc2 {!} Kg3 {Also correct. The rook must have the possibility of attacking the opponent's king from the side.} (2... Rf4 {can be met by %05Well played. Now} 3. Rxf4+ gxf4 4. g5 Ke3 5. Kd1 {! , winning.}) 3. a4 Rf2+ {! %05As was shown by Salov and Ionov, instead of 3... Rf4? the correct move was} (3... Rf4 { ? This natural move loses: in the resulting queen ending White is able to force the exchange of queens.} 4. Rxf4 gxf4 5. g5 f3 6. g6 f2 7. g7 f1=Q 8. g8=Q+ Kh4 (8... Kh3 {%05It remains to add that Black would not have saved the game after either} 9. Qh7+ Kg4 (9... Kg2 10. Qg6+ Kh2 11. Qd6+) 10. Qd7+ {!} Kh4 11. Qd8+) (8... Kh2 {%04or} 9. Qh7+ Kg1 10. Qg6+ Kh1 (10... Kh2 11. Qd6+) 11. Qh6+ Kg2 12. Qd2+) 9. Qd8+ {! Black resigned, since} Kg4 {is met by} (9... Kh3 {%04by %05and} 10. Qd3+) 10. Qd1+) 4. Kc3 Rf3+ 5. Kb2 (5. Kd2 {, the simplest is %05if} Rf2+ 6. Kd1 Ra2 7. Kc1 Rf2) 5... Rf4 {(here this is possible)} 6. Rxf4 gxf4 7. g5 f3 8. g6 f2 9. g7 f1=Q 10. g8=Q+ Kh4 {, and White's chances of winning are highly problematic.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mikenas Vladas I (EST)"] [Black "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/5R2/1kp4p/8/3K4/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ555} 1... Rg8 {%05White must place his king at c2, and his rook on the h-file, when he will be able to defend successfully.} 2. Rf3 Rg4+ 3. Kc3 Kb5 4. Kc2 {! To avoid the capture of the g-pawn with check, White moves his king onto the 2nd rank in advance. Now he can manoeuvre with his rook, such that on the capture of the g-pawn he will immediately pick up the h-pawn.} Rg5 5. Rf6 h5 6. Rf4 c5 7. Rh4 c4 8. Rh1 {(while keeping the h-pawn under attack, the rook prepares to drive back the black king, if it should occupy b4)} Kc5 9. Rh4 Kb4 10. Rh1 Rf5 11. Rb1+ Kc5 12. Rh1 Rg5 13. Rh4 Kb4 14. Rh1 Rxg3 {With no possibility of strengthening his position, Black exchanges a pair of pawns, and after} 15. Rxh5 {= a draw was soon agreed. When defending such endings the following arrangement of the pieces should always be adhered to: the king in the path of the opponent's passed pawn, and the rook on squares from which it only defends its own pawn, but also threatens the other enemy pawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow/Leningrad"] [Site "Moscow/Leningrad"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/kp5p/8/r7/2K3RP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ555 When the weaker side's king is on the same rank as his pawn, this is unfavourable, since the rook tied to the defence of this pawn, becomes passive and is unable to create counter-threats.} 1. Kb2 Rf3 2. Re2 h4 3. Rd2 h3 {It is only because the white rook is unable to leave the 2nd rank owing to the loss of the pawn that Black has quickly managed to carry out his winning plan.} 4. Re2 Ka4 5. Kb1 Rf1+ 6. Kc2 b4 7. Kd3 Rd1+ 8. Kc2 Rg1 { !$19 , and White resigned, since after 9. ... Rg2 he loss his h-pawn. he loses his h-pawn.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/8/5p2/5P2/8/r7/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] {Also of interest are positions where the passed pawn has reached the 7th rank, but the rook is on the queening square, in a passive position. The following is a classic example.} 1. Kd1 {%05White wins, since Black cannot defend his pawn.} Kh7 2. Kc1 Kg7 3. Kb1 Ra6 4. Kb2 Ra5 5. Kb3 Ra1 6. Kb4 Ra2 7. Kb5 Ra1 8. Kb6 Rb1+ 9. Kc6 Ra1 10. Kd6 Ra6+ 11. Ke5 Ra5+ 12. Ke6 Kh7 13. Kf6 $18 {, and Black is in zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/8/8/5p2/5P2/r7/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] {It is a different situation with the f-pawns one rank further down.} 1. Kd1 { %05Here a zugzwang position cannot be created:} Kh7 2. Kc1 Kg7 3. Kb1 Ra4 4. Kb2 Ra6 5. Kb3 Ra1 6. Kc4 Ra4+ 7. Kd5 Ra5+ 8. Ke4 Ra4+ 9. Ke5 Kh7 10. Kf5 Kg7 { = %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P3K1p1/8/5Pk1/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {Here everything depends on who it is to move. If it is White, he wins immediately by1.f6! If it is Black's move, he draws by} 1... Kf4 {!} 2. Kd7 { %05for example,} (2. Kf7 Kxf5 {=}) 2... Ra2 3. Kc6 Ra1 4. Kb6 Rb1+ 5. Kc5 Rc1+ 6. Kd5 Ra1 {= ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish & Smyslov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/1PR2p2/1r3P2/6K1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {Some interesting positions of mutual zugzwang have been found by Soviet researchers.} 1... Ra5 {%05White's position is very strong, and if Black begins he loses:} (1... Rb4+ 2. Kh5 Rb1 3. Rc7+ Kd6 4. Kg6 Rxb6 5. Rf7 Ke5 6. Re7+ Kf4 7. Re6 $18 {~3($401602)~.}) (1... Rb1 2. Rc7+ Kd6 3. Kh5 {!} Ke5 (3... Rg1 4. Rc8 Rb1 5. Re8) 4. Kg6 Rg1+ 5. Kf7 Kxf5 6. Rc5+ Ke4 7. Rb5 $18 {%04etc.} ) 2. Rc7+ Kd6 3. Rc8 Rb5 4. Re8 {!} Kd5 5. Re6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/1PR2p2/1r3P2/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] 1. Rc7+ {%05But if it is White to move, there is no way for him to realize his advantage! For example:} (1. Re6+ {%05He can try to give his opponent the move by} Kf7 2. Rd6 {But Black has a better possibility:} Kg7 {!} (2... Ke7 {%05e.g. } 3. Rc6 {! and the goal is achieved.}) 3. Rc6 Rb1 {!} 4. Kf4 Rb4+ 5. Ke3 Kh6 { !} 6. Rxf6+ Kg5 7. Rc6 Kxf5 8. Kd3 Ke5 9. Kc3 Kd5 {= , and the king is just in time.}) (1. Kf4 {%05If is played, Black saves the game by the subtle} Ra5 { ! , keeping control over the f5 pawn, e.g.} 2. Re6+ Kf7 3. Rd6 (3. Ke4 { %05After} Rb5 {! example ~3($411720)~ is reached.}) 3... Ke7 4. Rc6 Ra4+ 5. Ke3 {!} Ra5 6. Rc8 Rb5 7. Rb8 Kd6 8. b7 Kc6 {!} 9. Rf8 Rb3+ {!} 10. Kf4 Rb4+ 11. Kg3 Kxb7 12. Rxf6 Kc7 13. Re6 Kd7 {= %04,etc}) 1... Kd6 2. Ra7 {!} (2. Rf7 { %05White also achieves nothing by} Rb4+ 3. Kh5 Ke5 4. Kg6 Rg4+) (2. Rg7 {%05or} Rb4+ 3. Kh5 Ke5 4. Rg4 Rxb6 5. Kg6 Rb1 6. Rg2 Re1 {! with a draw.}) 2... Rb1 {! } (2... Rxb6 {%05not} 3. Kh5 {!} Ke5 4. Kg6 Rc6 5. Re7+ {%04etc.}) 3. Kh5 Rg1 { ! (an excellent move, demonstrating all the resources of the defence)} 4. Kh6 Rg5 5. Ra1 Kc6 6. Rb1 Kb7 7. Rb5 Rg1 {White's rook is ideally placed, but the trouble is that his king is cut off from the pawns and is quite unable to take any part in the play.} 8. Rd5 Rg5 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish & Smyslov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/1P2Rp2/1r3P2/4K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] 1. Rd6 {%05This too is a position of mutual zugzwang. If it is to move, there is no way for him to win:} Ke7 2. Rc6 Re5+ 3. Kf4 (3. Kd4 {%05if} Rxf5 4. Kc4 { , then} Rf1 5. Kb5 Kd7 {= , and Black has nothing to fear}) 3... Ra5 4. Kg4 Rb5 {= , and we returned to example ~3($411719)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/1P2Rp2/1r3P2/4K3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Rb4+ {%05It is a different picture if Black begins:} (1... Ra5 2. Rd6 {!} Rb5 (2... Ke7 {%05No better is} 3. Rd5 {!} Ra4+ 4. Rd4 Ra1 5. Rb4 $18) (2... Re5+ {%05or} 3. Kd4 {!} Rxf5 4. Rd5 Rf1 5. Rb5 Rd1+ 6. Kc5 Rc1+ 7. Kd6 Rd1+ 8. Kc6 Rc1+ 9. Rc5 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Kd4 {!} Ke7 4. Kc4 Rxf5 5. b7 $18 {, and wins.}) (1... Kg7 2. Rd6 Re5+ 3. Kd4 Rxf5 4. Rd5 $18 {, winning in the same way as in the note to the previous variation.}) 2. Kd5 Rb5+ 3. Kc6 $18 { and wins.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarasov I (RUS)"] [Black "Kopylov I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7r/7P/7R/5k2/4p1p1/8/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {~19.6 ISOLATED PAWNS, BOTH PASSED~ Such endings, where all three pawns are free to advance, are difficult to classify. Of course, an important part here is played by the degree of advancement of the pawns, but of no less importance is the placing of the pieces, especially the activity of the rooks. The following example shows some interesting tactical possibilities which arise with far-advanced pawns.} 1... Re7 {! %05A clever way to win was found by Goldberg:} (1... Kg4 {?! %05The game went} 2. Re5 {!} Rf7+ {? This move misses a win.} (2... Kf4 {! %05Correct is} 3. Re6 Kf3 4. Kg1 (4. Rf6+ Kg4 5. Kg2 e2 6. Re6 Rxh6 7. Re4+) 4... Rf7 5. h7 Rxh7 6. Rf6+ Ke4 7. Re6+ Kf4 $19) 3. Kg2 Rf2+ 4. Kg1 Kf3 5. Rf5+ Ke4 6. h7 Rh2 7. Rf7 e2 8. Re7+ {= with a draw.}) 2. h7 e2+ 3. Ke1 g2 4. Rh4+ Kf5 5. Rh5+ Kg6 6. Rh6+ Kf7 {!} (6... Kxh6 {%05of course, not } 7. h8=Q+) 7. h8=N+ Kg8 8. Rg6+ Rg7 $19 {, and Black wins.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/2K5/2P5/P6R/8/8/7p/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {The following well-known study is of great theoretical importance.} 1. Rh7 { %05In spite of the poor placing of the black pieces, it is extremely difficult for White to win. First he must advance his c-pawn to the 7th rank.} Ka7 (1... Rg1 {is obviously weak:} 2. Rxh2 Rg7+ 3. Kb6 Rg8 4. Rd2 Rb8+ 5. Kc7 Ka7 6. Kd7 Rh8 7. c7 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kc8+ Ka6 (2... Ka8 {does not change matters, since} 3. c7 Ka7 {leads to a position which we analyse below}) 3. c7 Ka7 (3... Kxa5 { %05It is bad now for Black to take the a-pawn, e.g.} 4. Kb7 Rb1+ 5. Ka7 Rc1 6. Rh5+ {, and the king is driven onto the 2nd rank, after which White wins the h-pawn.}) (3... Rg1 {%05The following continuation comes to the same thing:} 4. Kb8 Rb1+ 5. Ka8 Rc1 6. Rh6+ $18 {%04etc.}) 4. a6 {! (what an annoying pawn! - here too it cannot be taken, on account of the variation given above)} Ka8 ( 4... Rg1 {, e.g. %05Pretty variations result after} 5. Kd7 {!} (5. Rxh2 { %05there is also a second solution:} Rg8+ 6. Kd7 Rg7+ 7. Kd6 Rg6+ 8. Kd5 Rg5+ 9. Ke6 {!} Rg6+ 10. Kf5 {!} Rc6 (10... Rg8 {%05or} 11. Rc2 Rc8 12. Ke6 Kxa6 13. Kd7 $18 {and wins}) 11. Rh7 Kb6 12. a7 Kxa7 13. c8=Q+ $18) 5... Rd1+ 6. Ke6 Re1+ 7. Kd6 Rd1+ 8. Kc5 {!} Rc1+ (8... h1=Q {, which is met by %05White is not afraid of} 9. c8=N+ Kxa6 10. Ra7# {%04mate}) 9. Kb5 h1=Q (9... Rb1+ 10. Ka4 Ra1+ 11. Kb3 Rc1 12. c8=Q+) 10. c8=N+ Ka8 (10... Kb8 11. a7+ Kxc8 12. Rxh1 $18) 11. Nb6+ Kb8 12. a7# {mate.^013^010 A rare instance in endings of this type, where only the promotion of a pawn to knight ensures a win.}) 5. Rh8 Ka7 6. Rh6 {These manoeuvres have the aim of forcing the black king to occupy a7, at the point when the rook will be at h7 with White to move.} Ka8 (6... Rg1 {, then %05if} 7. Rxh2 {, and the subsequent course of events is shown in the note to Black's 4th move}) 7. Rh7 {!} Ka7 (7... Rg1 {%05Black also loses after} 8. Rxh2 Rg8+ 9. Kd7 Rg7+ 10. Kd6 Rg6+ 11. Ke5 Rg5+ 12. Kf6 Rg8 (12... Rc5 13. Rh8+ { and 14. c8Q}) 13. Rc2 Rc8 14. Ke7 Ka7 15. Kd7 $18) 8. Kd7 $18 {, and White wins as shown in the note to Black's 4th move. A highly instructive winning method!} * [Event "Russia"] [Site "Russia"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khodos German (RUS)"] [Black "Polugaevsky Lev A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/7k/P7/6K1/6P1/r6p/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ557} 1. Ra7+ {! %05The poor position of the opponent's rook allows White to win:} Kg8 2. Kg6 {!} Kf8 3. Ra8+ Ke7 4. a7 h2 5. Rh8 Ra6+ 6. Kg7 Rxa7 7. Rxh2 Ke6+ 8. Kg6 Ke5 9. Rf2 Ra6+ 10. Kh5 $18 {Resigns. But if the rook had been more actively placed, for example at b3 or c3, White's attempts would have been parried by checks from b6 or c6.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Suetin Alexei S (RUS)"] [Black "Moisieev Oleg L (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/5R2/p2KP3/1rP5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ557} 1... Rb1 2. Rf7+ Kd8 3. Ra7 Rd1+ 4. Ke6 (4. Kc6 { followed by 5. Kb5 %05both here and later there was a simpler win by approaching the opponent's pawn with the king:}) 4... Ra1 5. Kd6 Rd1+ 6. Ke6 Ra1 7. c5 $18 {%00o^ ( 8...Ra2 9.c7+ Kc8 10.Ke7 Ra3 11.e6 $18 ) 9.c7+ Kc8 10. Ke7 Ra2 11.e6 Ra1 12.Ke8 a2 ( 12...Re1 (is also inadequate: e7 Re3 Kf7 Rf3+ Kg6 Re3 Ra8+ Kxc7 e8Q Rxe8 Rxe8 e7} Rf1 $18 {Rxa2 , and White won.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korchnoi Viktor (SUI)"] [Black "Aronin Lev S (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3k3/8/8/2R1KP2/2P5/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "52"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ557} 1... a5 {%05Since White's rook is defending both his pawns, to win it is sufficient for him to transfer his king to the Q-side, to capture the opponent's pawn.} 2. Kd5 {!} a4 3. Kc5 Ke6 4. Kb5 Ra3 (4... a3 { also does not help:} 5. Kb4 Kd5 6. Rd4+ Kc6 7. Kb3 {followed by 8. Ra4}) 5. Kb4 Ra1 6. Re4+ Kd6 7. Rc4 Kd7 8. Kb5 Ra3 {again defending against the threat of 9. Rxa4, wich is met by 9. ... Rxc3} 9. Kb4 Ra1 10. Kb5 Ra3 11. Ka5 Kd6 12. Kb4 Ra1 13. Ka5 Ra3 14. f5 Ra1 (14... Kd5 {, then %05Now it is all over. If, for example,} 15. f6 Kxc4 16. f7 {, and the appearance of a new queen is inevitable }) (14... Ke5 {%05or} 15. Kb4 Ra1 16. Rc5+ Kf6 17. Ra5 $18 {, winning the a-pawn.}) 15. Rxa4 {%05 Black chooses a third way, but it too is hopeless.} Rf1 16. Kb6 Rf3 17. Rc4 Rxf5 18. Rd4+ Ke7 19. c4 Rf1 20. Kb5 Rf8 21. c5 Rb8+ 22. Ka6 Rb1 23. c6 Rb2 24. c7 Rc2 25. Kb7 Rb2+ 26. Kc8 Rh2 27. Rb4 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Black "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/2R5/3P2p1/2p3r1/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ557 The simplest and most effective method of defence in this ending is as follows: the king tackles one pawn, and the rook the other, while simultaneously not allowing the opponent's king to approach his pawns.} 1. Kf2 {%05White's rook is actively opposing the c-pawn, and so his king moves across to tackle the g-pawn:} Rh3 2. Kg2 Rd3 3. Kh2 Kf6 4. Kg2 Ke6 5. Kh2 Kd6 6. Kg2 Rd2+ {there is nothing better, and Black sets a little trap.} 7. Kg3 c2 8. Kh4 {! the only reply, but a sufficient one;} (8. Kxg4 {? would have lost to %05of course,} Rxd4+ $19) 8... Rg2 9. Kg5 {! White manoeuvres correctly with his king. His rook must remain at its post, cutting off the black king from the pawns.} Rg1 10. Rxc2 Kd5 11. Kf4 Kxd4 12. Rd2+ {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kluger Gyula (HUN)"] [Black "Sandor Bela (HUN)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/5k2/P6p/5P2/5K2/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ557} 1... Kf5 {%05This ending resembles a study. At first sight it appears that White wins by a5-a6-a7 and Rf8+, since the black king cannot occupy g7 because of f4-f5-f6+. But Black can create counter-play.} 2. a6 Ra3+ {!} 3. Kg2 Kg4 {!} 4. a7 Ra2+ 5. Kg1 Kf3 6. Kh1 {!} h4 {!} 7. f5 Kg3 { !!} 8. Rg8+ Kh3 {!} 9. Kg1 Rg2+ {!= Drawn. since after the forced capture of the rook it is stalemate.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Black "Pirc Vasja (YUG)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/2K5/8/1P1P1r2/8/5p2/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ557 We now give several examples where passed b- and d-pawns are opposed by an enemy passed pawn.} 1... Ke8 {%05White's king is active, but his rook passively placed. Exploiting this factor, Black succeeds in transferring his king to a frontal position in front of the pawns.} (1... Rxd4 {%05of course, not} 2. Rxf2+ {and 3. b5}) 2. b5 Rf6+ {!} 3. Kc7 Rf7+ 4. Kc8 Ke7 5. Kc7 (5. b6 {is met by %05 By his rook manoeuvre Black has driven away the opponent's king and cleared a path for his own king to the pawns. In passing, he has neutralized the threat of the b-pawn's advance. Thus.} Kd6 {, and} 6. b7 {? is not possible due to} Rf8# {mate.}) 5... Ke8+ 6. Kc6 Rf6+ 7. Kb7 Rf7+ 8. Ka6 Kd7 9. b6 (9. d5 {also promises little:} Kd6 10. b6 Rf3 {!} 11. b7 Ra3+ 12. Kb6 Rb3+ 13. Ka7 Ra3+ 14. Kb8 Rf3 {!=}) 9... Kc8 10. d5 Rf3 {!} 11. d6 Ra3+ ( 11... Kd7 {is also sufficient for a draw}) 12. Kb5 Rb3+ 13. Kc5 Rc3+ 14. Kd5 Rd3+ 15. Ke5 Re3+ 16. Kd4 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Site "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rellstab Ludwig (GER)"] [Black "Matanovic Aleksandar (YUG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/7P/8/6p1/2K1p3/8/5k2/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {White's position is difficult, since his king is at some distance from the opponent's pawns} 1. Kd4 {, and after %05He played the direct} (1. Rh2+ { ! , but this is not so - Black wins by %05It was stated that, instead of the incorrect 1. Kd4?, White could have drawn by the %05preparatory} Kf3 2. Rh3+ Kf4 {!} (2... Kg2 {? White draws by %05after} 3. Rh5 e3 4. Kd3 Kf2 5. Rxg5 e2 6. Rf5+ Ke1 7. Re5 Rd8+ 8. Kc2 {=}) 3. Kd4 g4 4. Rh6 g3 5. Rf6+ Kg4 6. Rg6+ Kf3 (6... Kf4 {? %05not} 7. Rf6+ Kg5 8. Rf7 Kg6 9. Rf4 {= with a draw}) 7. Rf6+ Ke2 8. Rg6 Rxh7 {!} (8... Kf2 {%05or} 9. Rf6+ Ke2 {!} (9... Kg1 {? %05not} 10. Rh6 g2 11. Kxe4 {= %04etc.}) 10. Rb6 g2 {%00o^ 10.Rf6+ Kg1 11.Kf3 g2 $19 ) Kf2 10. Rg5 e3 $19 ) e3 2.Rh2+ Kf3 3.Rh3+ Kg2 (! Rh5} ({Rxe3 %05no better is} 10... Rxh7 $19 {Re2+ Kh3 Re3+ Kh4 Re1 Rd7+}) {e2 ! Rxg5+ Kf1 Rf5+ Ke1} 11. Kc3 { (due to the threat of 7... Kd2, White does not have time for 7. Rf7)} Rxh7 { Black won.^013^010 ^013^010})) * [Event "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Site "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Date "1912.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leonhardt Paul S (GER)"] [Black "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6R1/8/3p2P1/1p1k4/8/6r1/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1912.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ557} 1. g6 {The position of the pawn on the 6th or 7th rank is an essential condition for a successful defence. Now a curious position of mutual zugzwang has been reached: the necessity to make a move is unfavourable for Black, and leads only to a draw.^013^010 Unfortunately for Black, he is not able to give his opponent the move. %05In spite of the poor position of the white king, Black cannot win, since the g-pawn is a long way forward:} Kd3 2. Rd7 d4 3. g7 {This placing of the rook and pawn on the 7th rank is the most favourable, and is sufficient for a draw.} Rg6 (3... Rg1+ {%05Essentially an admission of a draw, but White is also safe after} 4. Kb2 Ke3 5. Re7+ Kd2 6. Rd7 d3 7. Re7 Kd1 8. Rd7 d2 9. Re7 {= followed by Kb1-b2.}) (3... Kc3 { %05Another possibility is} 4. Rc7+ Kb3 5. Rd7 Rg1+ 6. Kd2 {= with a draw.}) 4. Kb2 Rg1 5. Kb3 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6R1/6P1/3p4/1p1k4/8/6r1/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Kd1 {%05If it were White to move, Black would win as follows:} (1. Kb1 Kc3 2. Rc7+ Kb3 3. g7 Rg1+ 4. Rc1 Rxg7 $19) (1. Rg8 Kc3 2. Rc8+ Kb3 3. Rg8 (3. Rc6 {%05@r %00o^?Kb2 6.Kd3 b3 7.Kd4 Rg5 8.Ke3 Kb1 9.Kf4 Rg1 10.Ke5 b2 11.Kxd5 Kc2 12.Rc6+ Kd3 13.Rb6 Rg5+ 14.Kc6 Rxg6+ $19 ) d4 4.g7 d3 5.Kd1 d2 6.Rd8 Rxg7 7. Rd3+ Ka2 8.Rxd2+ Ka3 $19 ) Kc3 2.Rg8 ( 2.Rc7+ Kd3 (, winning the g-pawn}) ({ b3 Rc8+} 3. g7 {b2 Rc8+ Kd3 , and against mate from two sides there is no defence}) ({Kb2 Rc6} 3. Rg8 {Kb1 g7 b2 Ke1} d4 {Kf1 Rg6 Ke2 Re6+ Kd3 Re7 followed by 10... Ra7 and ... Ka1$19}) {Kb1 Rb6 b2 Ra6} 3... d4 $19 {Rc6 Ka2 %04etc.}) * [Event "Match"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Black "Landau Salo (POL)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/R6P/1p1pk3/1r6/8/8/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {We will now consider a slightly different arrangement of the white pieces. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ477 %212045826630=4HLJ557} 1... Rf4+ {%05To improve the placing of his pieces, Black played} 2. Ke2 Kd4 {Forced. However, the move played gives White time to advance his pawn to the 7th rank.} (2... Rh4 {, then %05If} 3. Rb6 b4 4. h7 Rxh7 5. Rxb4 {= with a draw.}) 3. Rb6 (3. h7 {%05Here is a possible variation:} Rh4 4. Ra7 Rh2+ 5. Kd1 Kd3 6. Kc1 d4 7. Rb7 b4 8. Rc7 (8. Rxb4 {? %05not} Kc3 $19) 8... b3 9. Kb1 {etc.^013^010 The system of defence chosen by White is more complicated, but it too is sufficient for a draw.}) 3... Kc5 4. Rb8 Rh4 5. Rh8 Kd4 6. h7 {This is the set-up in question. The white rook is lying in ambush: as soon as the opponent's king steps onto an open file, a rook check followed by h7-h8Q will immediately follow. Now it only remains for White to bring his king to the Q-side, to halt the advance of the passed pawns.} Rh2+ 7. Kd1 Kd3 8. Kc1 d4 9. Kb1 b4 10. Ka1 (10. Kc1 {%05or %00o^€ (! Kb1 Rc7 Kb2 Re7 Kb3 Rb7} {Kb2} b3 11. Kb1 b2 12. Rd8 Rxh7 13. Kxb2 {= ~5(Nalimov tablebases)~}) 10... Kd2 11. Kb2 {! The only move.} (11. Rd8 {? is in fact a blunder: %05The seemingly good move} Rxh7 12. Rxd4+ Kc3 {!} (12... Kc2 {? %05but not} 13. Rc4+ {!} Kb3 14. Rc1 {= with a draw}) 13. Rd1 Kc2 $19) 11... d3 12. Kb3 Rh4 13. Ka4 {! The only way.} (13. Kb2 {? , after %05Had White played} Rh3 {!} 14. Kb3 Kd1 15. Kxb4 d2 {a position would have been reached from the study by Keres (with colours reversed), which is won for Black ~3($411644)~.}) 13... Kd1 14. Rd8 Rxh7 15. Rxd3+ Kc2 16. Rg3 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mikenas Vladas I (EST)"] [Black "Poljak Franjo (CRO)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7R/1pkp3P/8/7r/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. Rh8 (1. Rh7 {%05White could have drawn easily by} Kc4 2. h6 Rh2+ 3. Kc1 Kc3 4. Rc7+ {followed by h6-h7 ~3($401731)~ Instead he chose another continuation, also sufficient for a draw, but only with accurate play.}) 1... Kc4 2. Rc8+ { ! %05But here it was essential to play} (2. h6 {? An imperceptible mistake, which has fatal consequences. White can allow his king to be driven onto the 1st rank, only with his rook and pawn on the 7th rank (cf. the previous note).} Rh2+ 3. Kc1 Kc3 4. Rc8+ Kb3 {The correct decision: after the exchange of the h- and d-pawns, Black has a straightforward win with a knight's pawn.} 5. Rc5 Rh1+ (5... b4 {! is simpler, and if} 6. Rxd5 Rxh6 7. Rd3+ Ka2 8. Rd2+ Ka1 9. Kc2 Rh3 $19 {!}) 6. Kd2 b4 7. Rc6 {With his king cut off on the 1st rank, White's defensive position along the 6th rank is not justified. Black's plan is simple: to advance his pawn to the 2nd rank with the support of his king, and then to move his king off the 1st rank and clear the way for the pawn.} Rh3 {(a superfluous move, since after 8. Kc1 the rook would had to go back} (7... Kb2 {was better %05the immediate}) 8. Ra6 Kb2 9. Rb6 b3 10. Ra6 Kb1 11. Rb6 Rh2+ {!} 12. Kd1 (12. Kd3 {also fails to save the game after} b2 13. Ra6 Kc1 14. Rc6+ Kd1 15. Rb6 Rh3+ 16. Kd4 Kc2 17. Rc6+ Kb3 (17... Kd2 18. Rb6 Rh4+ 19. Kxd5 Kc2 {etc. is another reliable way}) 18. Rb6+ Ka2 19. Ra6+ Ra3 20. Rxa3+ Kxa3 21. h7 b1=Q 22. h8=Q Qb2+ {followed by 23... Qh8$19}) 12... b2 13. Ra6 d4 14. Ra7 Rxh6 15. Kd2 Rh2+ 16. Kd1 d3 17. Ra8 Rc2 18. Ra7 d2 19. Ra5 Rc1+ 20. Kxd2 Rc8 {White resigns.}) 2... Kb4 3. Rh8 {, when to improve his position Black will have to advance his d-pawn, e.g.} d4 4. h6 d3+ 5. Kd2 Kb3 6. Rb8 {!} (6. h7 {? %05not} b4 7. Kd1 Rh2 8. Ke1 Kb2 9. Kd1 d2 10. Rd8 Rxh7 11. Rxd2+ Ka3 ) 6... b4 7. Rb6 Ka3 8. Ra6+ Kb2 9. Rb6 b3 10. Ra6 Kb1 11. Rb6 b2 12. Rc6 { ! The only move to draw.} (12. Ra6 {? %05If} Rh2+ {! , and White loses:} 13. Kxd3 (13. Kd1 d2 14. Rc6 Ka2 15. Ra6+ Kb3 16. Rb6+ Kc3 17. Rc6+ Kd4 18. Rb6 Rh1+ 19. Kxd2 b1=Q $19 {%04etc.}) 13... Kc1 14. Rc6+ Kd1 15. Rb6 Rh3+ 16. Ke4 Kc2 17. Rc6+ Rc3 {!} 18. Rb6 Rb3 $19) 12... Rh5 13. Kxd3 {!} (13. Ra6 {? %05but not} Rh2+ {! , and then as shown above}) 13... Rb5 14. h7 Rb8 (14... Ka2 {%05an interesting draw results after} 15. h8=Q {!} b1=Q+ 16. Rc2+ {! - were it not for this check, White would lose}) 15. Rb6 $40 {Draw. From the analysis of examples ~3( 1731)- ( 1734)~ it can be concluded that a rook and isolated b- and d-pawns do not normally win against a rook and h-pawn (or g-pawn), if the weaker side is able to position his rook and pawn on the 7th rank, and his king in front of the opponent's pawns. This conclusion is also valid for isolated pawns on other files.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Black "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6R1/8/3k1pP1/3p4/6r1/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1... Ke4 {, threatening to drive back the opponent's king onto the 1st rank. But this is not dangerous if the pawn is on the 6th rank and supported from in front by the rook. White should have played %05Black played} 2. g6 {!} (2. Re7+ {? %05Therefore instead of the losing} Kf4 3. Rd7 d3 4. g6 Rxg6 5. Rd4+ Kf3 6. Rxd3+ Kg2 7. Rd4 Re6 8. Ra4 Kg3 9. Ra3+ Kf2 {%04etc.}) 2... Rg2+ {%05We will consider a possible variation:} (2... f4 {%05Or} 3. Re7+ Kf3 (3... Kf5 4. Rf7+ Ke5 5. Re7+ Kf6 6. Rf7+ Kxg6 7. Rxf4 {=}) 4. g7 Rg6 (4... Kf2 5. Re2+ Kf1 6. Re1+ Kg2 7. Re2+ Kh3 8. Rf2 {!} Rxg7 9. Rxf4 {=}) 5. Ke1 {with a draw.}) 3. Ke1 Kd3 4. Kf1 {!} Rg4 5. Kf2 Re4 (5... Kd2 {%05Black gains no advantage by} 6. Rd7 {!} d3 7. g7 Kc2 8. Ke3 f4+ 9. Kf3 Rg1 10. Kxf4 d2 11. Rc7+ {=}) (5... Kc2 { %05or} 6. Rc7+ {and 7. g7 With the white rook and pawn on the 7th rank, there is no question of Black winning.}) 6. Kf3 Re6 (6... Kd2 7. Rd7 d3 8. g7 Rg4 9. Kf2 Kc2 10. Ke3 {, and then as in the previous note}) 7. Kf4 {, winning the f-pawn with a draw.} * [Event "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Site "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "O'kelly De Galway Alberic (BEL"] [Black "Nezhmetdinov Rashit (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/6R1/3P4/4KPp1/6r1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Rg2 {! Black's move is at first sight not the best, but it involves a clever tactical defensive idea.} 2. Kf5 g3 3. Kf6 {? This mistake allows Black to activate his rook and thus to save the game.} (3. Rg5 {! , after which, depending on circumstances, the white king either goes to g6 in order to support the f-pawn's advance, or attacks the g3-pawn by Kg4-f3. In the latter case the black pawn perishes, and White obtains a theoretically won ending with d- and f-pawns. %05Correct is} Rg1 {%05For example,} (3... Kf7 4. Kg4 Kf6 5. Kf3 $18) 4. Kg6 {!} (4. Kg4 {?} g2 5. Kf3 Rd1 {=}) 4... g2 (4... Rd1 5. Rxg3 Rxd5 6. f5 $18) 5. f5 Kf8 6. f6 Rd1 7. Rxg2 Rxd5 8. Rh2 $18) 3... Kf8 4. Rh6 Rh2 {! It was for this intermediate attack that Black was aiming when he played 1...Rg2.} 5. Rg6 Rd2 6. Ke6 (6. Rh6 Rh2 {!}) 6... g2 7. d6 Re2+ 8. Kd7 Kf7 9. f5 Rd2 10. Kc7 Rc2+ 11. Kd8 Rc6 12. Kd7 Rc2 13. Rg3 Kf6 {= Drawn. ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/k7/p1P5/K7/8/4p3/2R5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {Sometimes, after parting with his lone pawn, the weaker side can save an ending two pawns down.} 1. c7 {! %05The correct way is as follows:} (1. Re2 { %05 The e-pawn looks much more dangerous than the c-pawn, and the first impression is that White will be unable to save the game, e.g.} Re4 {!} 2. c7 Kb7 3. c8=Q+ Kxc8 4. Kxa6 Kc7 5. Kb5 Kd6 $19 {and wins.}) 1... Kb7 2. c8=Q+ {!} Rxc8 3. Rc4 (3. Re2 {, then %05If} Re8 4. Kb4 a5+ {!} 5. Kc3 a4 6. Kd3 a3 { %04etc.}) 3... e2 (3... Re8 {, then %05If} 4. Re4 {!}) (3... Rg8 {can be met by %05while} 4. Re4 Rg3 5. Re6 Kc7 6. Rxa6 Kd7 7. Kb4 {%04etc.}) (3... Rf8 { , then %05Finally, if} 4. Re4 Rf3 5. Kb4 a5+ (5... Kc6 6. Kc4 a5 7. Kd3) 6. Kc3 Kc6 7. Kd3 Kb5 8. Rxe3 {with a draw.}) 4. Re4 Rc2 5. Kb4 a5+ 6. Kb3 Rd2 7. Kc3 Ra2 8. Kb3 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ban J"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7R/6PK/4r3/3p4/4k1p1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {In exceptional cases the decisive factor may be not the material advantage, but the more active placing of the pieces.} 1. g7 {Black finds a pretty resource: %05After} Re6+ 2. Kh5 Rg6 {!} 3. Kxg6 g2 4. Rh3+ Kf4 5. Rh4+ Kf3 6. Rg4 {!} Kxg4 7. g8=Q Kg3 8. Kh5+ $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/1pR2r2/pP6/P7/8/1K6/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {~110. ROOK AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST ROOK AN TWO PAWNS~ We will consider the following pawn formations: ~ 10.1 Endings without passed pawns: ~ ~ 10.11 Blocked pawns. ~ ~ 10.12 Pawns on adjacent files. ~ ~ 10.2 Endings with passed pawns: ~ ~ 10.21 One side has a passed pawn. ~ ~ 10.22 Both sides have passed pawns ~ ~ 10.23 All the pawns are passed. ~ ~110.1 ENDINGS WITHOUT PASSED PAWNS~ The normal outcome of such endings is a draw, especially if the pawns are on a rook's file and knight's file. The preconditions for a win are an actively placed king and far advanced pawns. ~110.11 Blocked pawns ~ To clear the way for his pawns to the queening square, the side with a positional advantage has to win at least one of the opponent's pawns. This is the only way to win.} 1... Kf8 {! %05Black's defensive plan consists in driving the rook from c7:} (1... Kg7 {? %05not} 2. Kc4 Kf6 3. Kd5 Re7 4. Kd6 $18) 2. Kc4 Ke8 {, and in view of the threat of 3... Rc7 the white rook is forced to abandon its favourable position. If the position is moved horizontally, the draw is achieved in analogous fashion. It is sufficient to move the white king from b3 to c4 for Black to be too late in carrying out his defensive plan.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/1pR2r2/pP6/P7/2K5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Kf8 2. Kd5 Ke8 3. Ke6 $18 {and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/pR3r2/Pp6/1P6/8/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {With blocked pawn formations other than that in example ~3( 1739)~, the defence is more complicated.} 1. Kb2 Kf7 (1... Kg6 {? is bad due to} 2. Kc3 Kf5 3. Rxf6+ {!} Kxf6 4. Kd4 Ke6 5. Kc5 Kd7 6. Kb6 Kd6 7. Kxa6 Kc6 8. Ka7 Kc7 9. a6 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kc3 Rf3+ {!} (2... Ke7 {? loses to} 3. Rxf6 {, and then as in the previous variation}) 3. Kd4 Rf4+ 4. Kc5 Rc4+ 5. Kd6 Rxb4 6. Rxa6 Ra4 {!} (6... Rb1 {? %05not} 7. Rb6 b4 8. a6 b3 9. Kc7 b2 10. Kb7 $18) 7. Kc5 b4 8. Kb5 Ra1 9. Kxb4 Ke7 {Draw. If the position is moved one rank up the board, White has a pretty win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lazard"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/pR3r2/Pp6/1P6/8/8/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] 1. Kb3 Kg7 (1... Kf8 {%05In contrast to the previous example, here it is insufficient to approach with the king along the 8th rank:} 2. Kc4 Re7 3. Kd5 Ke8 4. Kd6 $18 {and wins.}) 2. Kc4 Kf6 3. Kd5 (3. Rxf7+ {? %05Only a draw results from} Kxf7 4. Kd5 Ke7 5. Kc6 Ke6 6. Kb7 Kd7 7. Kxa7 Kc7 {=}) 3... Re7 4. Kd6 {!} Rf7 5. Kc6 Re7 (5... Ke6 {is not possible due to} 6. Rxf7 Kxf7 7. Kb7 {, when the black king does not manage to shut in its opponent on the rook's file.}) 6. Rxa7 {! %05But what should White play now? Only the sacrifice of his rook leads to a win.} Rxa7 7. Kxb6 Rh7 8. a7 Rh8 9. Ka6 Ke5 10. b6 $18 {, and one of the pawns queens. Thus in positions with blocked pawns the decisive role is played by the kings: if the weaker side can parry the threat of the opponent's king penetrating to help its rook, the result is a draw, otherwise he loses. The less advanced the pawns are, the easier it is to parry this threat.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r3p1/R5Kp/3k3P/6P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {We will now consider some examples where the king has already penetrated into the opponent's pawn formation.} 1. Kh7 {and 2. Rg6$18 %05 If White begins, he wins after} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r3p1/R5Kp/3k3P/6P1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] 1... Ke5 {! (this insignificant approach towards the pawns would not appear to achieve anything, but...) %05But if it is Black to move, he can put up a stubborn resistance by} 2. Kh7 g5+ {! (by a surprise sacrifice of both pawns, Black seriously hinders White the achievement of victory)} 3. Kxh6 Kf4 4. Ra4+ (4. Kg6 {%05There is no win after} Kxg4 5. h6 Kh4 6. h7 Rc8 7. Ra1 g4 8. h8=Q+ Rxh8 9. Rh1+ Kg3 10. Rxh8 Kf2 {=}) 4... Kg3 5. Kxg5 Rc5+ {Now Black's problem is to establish his king on the^013^010 blockading square g5. White is unable to prevent this.} 6. Kf6 Rc6+ (6... Kh4 7. Re4 $18) 7. Ke5 Rc5+ 8. Ke6 Rc6+ ( 8... Kh4 9. Re4 Rc8 10. Kf6) 9. Kd7 {! An important improvement.} (9. Kd5 { %05In the previous edition of this book this ending was considered to be a draw:} Rb6 (9... Rh6 {%05but not} 10. Re4 Ra6 11. Ke5 {, winning}) 10. Rc4 Kh4 11. Rc6 Rb5+ 12. Kc4 Rg5 13. Rg6 Kxg4 {= with a draw.}) 9... Rb6 (9... Rh6 10. Re4 Kh4 11. Re6 Rh7+ 12. Re7 Rh6 13. Rg7) 10. Re4 Kh4 11. Re6 Rb7+ 12. Kc6 Rg7 13. Rg6 $18 {^013^010} * [Event "Malta"] [Site "Malta"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Trabattoni Franco (ITA)"] [Black "Barlov Dragan (YUG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/4R2p/7P/6Pk/3r4/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {Thanks to a stalemating possibility, White could have saved the following position.} 1. Re6 {! was correct, after which Black can no longer win, e.g.} ( 1. Rg5 {? %05The game concluded:} Rg2+ 2. Kh1 Rf2 {!} (2... Rxg3 3. Rxg6 {!}) 3. Kg1 Rf6 {! (White is in zugzwang)} 4. Ra5 Rf3 5. g4 Rg3+ 6. Kh1 Kxg4 7. Ra4+ Kh3 {White resigns.}) 1... Rg2+ 2. Kh1 Rxg3 (2... Rf2 {%05or} 3. Kg1 {%04etc.}) 3. Rxg6 {=} * [Event "Szlin"] [Site "Szlin"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Thelen"] [Black "Florian"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/Kp6/8/PP3k2/8/7R/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] 1. Kxa7 Rxa4+ 2. Kb7 {! %05White should have played} (2. Kxb6 {? %05and instead of} Rxb4+ {with a draw,}) 2... Kg3 (2... Rxb4 3. Rh4+ {and 4. Rb4$18}) 3. Rb2 $18 {and wins. Black could have lost only on account of his king's poor position: with his king at f5 it would have been a draw.} * [Event "Romania"] [Site "Romania"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Galic"] [Black "Giobanu"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k1p2/4rPp1/R3P3/4K3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {In conclusion we give an ending which formally does not belong in this section (Black has a passed pawn), but which essentially reflects the same ideas. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ479 %212045826630=4HLJ559 %212045826630=4HLJ563} 1... Rb6 {%05White's pieces are actively placed, his pawns are far advanced, and this enables him to win.} ( 1... Rc6 {, then %05if} 2. Ra7+ Rc7 3. Rxc7+ Kxc7 4. e6 $18 {, winning}) 2. Ra7+ Ke8 3. Kf4 {(the decisive by-passing manoeuvre: the king breaks through to g7)} Rb1 4. Ra8+ (4. Kg5 {?} Rh1 {=}) 4... Kd7 5. Rf8 Rf1+ (5... Ke6 6. Re8+ Kd5 7. Rd8+ Kc6 8. e6 fxe6 9. Kg5 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. Kg5 Rf5+ 7. Kh6 Rxe5 8. Rxf7+ Ke6 9. Kg7 Kf5 10. Rb7 (10. Re7 {is simpler}) 10... Kg5 11. f7 Rf5 12. Rb1 Kh5 13. Rh1+ Kg5 14. Rg1+ {Resigns. This example shows that, if the stronger side does not have a rook's pawn, he acquires an additional winning chance by means of a by-pass.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dawson"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/2p2p2/2P2P2/3r4/4R3/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {The following position is an exceptional one: White succeeds in carrying out a mating attack.} 1. Ra4 {! %05The play is forcing:} (1. Rh4 {? %05not} Re5+ 2. Kd2 Re6 {= , and Black saves the game}) 1... Ke8 2. Rh4 {!} Re5+ 3. Kd2 Kd8 4. Ra4 {!} Rd5+ 5. Ke3 Ke8 6. Rh4 {!} Re5+ 7. Kd4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1r1k2pp/8/5PKP/4R3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {~110.12 Pawns on adjacent files~ Here the stronger side's task reduces to the creation of a passed pawn.} 1. h6 {Now Black has four possibilities, but none of them saves the game: %05White must immediately advance his pawn to h6, to set %05up a passed pawn on the f-file. Any delay will lead to a %05draw, since Black can forestall this plan by 1... Rb6 or %051... Rb1.} Kd6 (1... Kd8 2. hxg7 Rxg7+ 3. Kf6 Rc7 (3... Rd7 4. Rg4 Rd6+ 5. Kf7 Rd7+ 6. Kf8 h5 7. Rf4 $18) 4. Rg4 {!} h5 (4... Rc6+ 5. Kf7 Rc7+ 6. Kf8 Rc6 7. Rf4 {with a straightforward win.}) 5. Rg8+ Kd7 6. Rg7+ Kd6 7. Rxc7 Kxc7 8. Kg5 {!} Kd7 9. Kxh5 $18) (1... gxh6+ {(the most tenacious defence)} 2. Kf6 {!} Kd8 3. Rg4 h5 (3... Rb6+ { %05after} 4. Kg7 Rb7+ 5. Kg8 Rb6 6. Rf4 Ke7 7. Kg7 {the pawn cannot be stopped} ) 4. Rg8+ Kd7 5. Rg7+ Kc6 6. Rxb7 Kxb7 7. Kg5 {! (the resulting pawn ending is a veritable study, in which White has a subtle win)} Kc7 8. Kxh5 Kd6 9. Kh6 {!} Ke5 10. Kg5 Kd5 (10... Kd6 11. Kf6 h5 12. Kg7 {, and the white pawn queens first with check}) 11. Kf6 h5 12. Kg7 h4 {(now the black pawn also queens, but due to the position of the king at d5 it is immediately lost)} 13. f6 h3 14. f7 h2 15. f8=Q h1=Q 16. Qa8+ {and 17. Qh1}) (1... g6 {(seeking a tactical way of saving the game)} 2. fxg6 {!} (2. f6 {? %05not} Rb5+ 3. Kg4 Rf5 4. Re7+ Kd6 5. Rxh7 Ke6 6. Rh8 Rh5 {!} 7. h7 Kxf6 {= with a draw}) 2... Rb5+ 3. Kg4 (3. Kf6 {? } Rb6+ 4. Kg7 Rxg6+ 5. Kxh7 Rg1 {= with a draw}) 3... hxg6 4. Re3 {!} Rh5 5. Rh3 Ke7 6. h7 $18) 2. hxg7 Rxg7+ 3. Kf6 Ra7 (3... Rg1 4. Rd4+ Kc6 5. Rh4 { %04etc.}) 4. Re6+ Kd5 5. Re7 Ra6+ 6. Kg7 $18 {, and the advance of the f-pawn is decisive.} * [Event "Lodz (Poland)"] [Site "Lodz (Poland)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Gawlikowski Stanislaw (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/7p/2K5/6p1/P3k3/8/R6P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ479 %212045826630=4HLJ561 %212045826630=4HLJ567 ~110.2 ENDINGS WITH PASSED PAWNS~ The presence of passed pawns significantly sharpens the play. The defence is more complicated if, apart from a passed pawn, the other side also has the more active pieces. ~110.21 One side has a passed pawn~ A good illustration of this theme is provided by the following ending.} 1. a5 {%05The plans for the two sides are clearly marked: the side with the passed pawn will try to %05queen it, while to obtain counter-chances the opponent must create a passed pawn.} g4 {?} (1... Kf3 {! , and only then the advance of the pawn. But both here and later White fails to exploit his opponent's mistakes. %05The correct continuation was}) 2. Kb7 {?} (2. Ra3 {! %05This move is bad, since it deprives Black of the %05possibility of obtaining a passed pawn supported by his %05king, e.g.} h5 3. a6 h4 4. Kb7 {!} Rh8 5. a7 g3 (5... Rh7+ 6. Kc6 Rxa7 7. Rxa7 Kf3 8. Kd5 g3 9. h3 $18 {and wins}) 6. hxg3 h3 7. g4 h2 8. Ra1 Kf3 9. Rh1 Kg2 10. Rxh2+ Kxh2 11. a8=Q $18 {, and White wins.}) 2... Rg8 3. a6 {?} (3. Ra3 {!$18}) 3... Rg7+ {?} (3... Kf3 {! %05The only correct move is}) (3... h5 { ? , suggested by Levenfish and Smyslov as leading to a draw, is also wrong: after} 4. Ra3 {!$18 White wins.}) 4. Kc6 Rg6+ (4... Ra7 {%05Black also loses after} 5. Ra3 h5 6. Kb6 Ra8 7. Kb7 Rg8 8. a7 h4 9. a8=Q Rxa8 10. Kxa8 Kf4 11. Kb7 g3 12. Ra4+ Kf3 13. Rxh4 g2 14. Rh3+ {and 15. Rg3$18}) 5. Kc5 (5. Kd7 { %05There is also a win by} Rg7+ 6. Ke6 Ra7 7. Kf6 Kf4 8. Ra3 {! putting Black in zugzwang,} (8. Ra4+ {? %05whereas after} Kf3 9. Kg5 Kg2 10. Ra2+ Kh3 { = he gains a draw}) 8... h5 9. Ra4+ Kf3 10. Kg5 $18) 5... Rg5+ 6. Kc4 {This move, condemned by some commentators, does not at all throw away the win. It is later that White makes the decisive mistake.} Rg8 7. a7 Ra8 8. Kb5 {?} (8. Ra3 {!}) 8... h5 {?} (8... Kf3 {!}) 9. Kb6 {?} (9. Ra3 {! %05White misses the last chance to move his rook to the 3rd rank, which would have won, e.g.} h4 10. Ka6 Rh8 11. Rb3 $18 {with the threat of 12. Rb8.}) 9... Kf3 {!} (9... h4 { would have lost to %05at last Black makes the correct moves! - note that} 10. Ra3 {!$18}) 10. Kb7 Rxa7+ 11. Kxa7 (11. Rxa7 {%05or} Kg2 12. Ra2+ Kh3 { followed by ... h4 and ... g3 with a draw. =}) 11... h4 12. Ra4 h3 13. Ra2 g3 14. Ra3+ Kg2 15. hxg3 h2 16. Ra2+ Kxg3 {Drawn.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5kp1/6p1/1R4P1/1P3K2/r7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Re4 {! %05 Here Black's defence is very difficult, since the pawn formation does not allow him to create a passed pawn. All his attempts must therefore be directed towards not allowing the advance of the b-pawn.} Ra8 (1... Rb2 { ! %05 Cutting off the opponent's king from the pawn, and threatening to bring his own king to its aid. It was later shown by Keres that Black could have neutralized this plan by} 2. b4 Rd2 {(an important point: the rook cuts off the white king from the pawn)} 3. Ke3 Rd1 4. Ke2 Rd6 5. b5 Rb6 6. Rb4 Ke5 7. Kd3 Kd5 8. Rb1 Kc5 9. Ke4 Re6+ 10. Kd3 Rb6 {= , with a draw in view of the treat of 11... Rb5.}) 2. b4 Rb8 {? the decisive mistake;} (2... Rd8 {!} 3. Ke3 Rd1 {was correct}) 3. Ke3 Rd8 {(after the loss of several tempi the rook has occupied the d-file, but now this fails to save the game)} 4. b5 Rb8 5. Rb4 Ke5 6. b6 Kd5 7. b7 Kc5 8. Rb1 Re8+ 9. Kd3 Rd8+ 10. Kc3 Rb8 11. Rb2 {! (a waiting move)} Kd5 (11... Kc6 12. Kd4 Kc7 13. Kc5 Rxb7 14. Rxb7+ {, and the pawn ending is easily won for White}) 12. Rb4 {! (it is too early to allow the king across to the g-pawn)} Kc5 13. Kb3 Kd5 14. Rb5+ {!} (14. Ka4 {? %05but not} Kc6 {, and after the capture of the b-pawn the game is drawn}) 14... Ke4 15. Ka4 Kf3 16. Rb4 Rxb7 (16... Kg3 {%05The result is unaffected by} 17. Ka5 Rxb7 18. Rxb7 Kxg4 19. Kb4 {, and then as in the game.}) 17. Rxb7 Kxg4 18. Kb3 Kf3 19. Kc3 g4 20. Kd2 g3 21. Ke1 Kg2 22. Rg7 {Resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1890.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mieses Jacques (GER)"] [Black "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p7/1p1k4/r2P1K2/8/P2R4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1890.??.??"] {We will now consider an example where the black pieces are so active that White's passed pawn does not play any part.} 1... Ra3 {! , cutting off the white king from the pawns, e.g. %05Black could have won the subtle} (1... Rxd4+ {%05Here Black hastily took the pawn, but after} 2. Ke3 {!} Rxd2 3. Kxd2 { it transpired that the pawn ending could not be won. The game concluded:} Kd4 4. Kc2 Kc4 5. Kb2 Kb4 6. Kb1 {!} a5 7. Kb2 a4 8. Kb1 Kc3 9. Kc1 Kc4 10. Kc2 Kd4 11. Kd2 {Drawn.}) 2. Kf5 b4 3. Kf4 a5 4. Kf5 a4 5. Rb2 b3 6. axb3 axb3 7. Rd2 Ra2 8. Rd3 b2 9. Rb3 Kxd4 $19 {, and wins.} * [Event "Margate (England)"] [Site "Margate (England)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alexander Conel H O'd (ENG)"] [Black "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/6k1/2R3p1/2P5/PK6/5r2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {~110.22 Both sides have passed pawns~ In such endings an outside passed pawn is an important advantage. In this case the stronger side does not have to fear a pawn ending, since after the exchange of rooks his king will be the first to attack the opponent's pawns. The plan for realizing the advantage is therefore clear: to restrict the opponent's rook to the maximum extent by the advance of the passed pawn, after which the king supported by the rook breaks through to the enemy pawns.} 1... g4 2. Rc8 Rf7 {! (defending the a-pawn, and preparing to switch the rook to the g-file)} 3. Rd8 Rg7 4. c5 g3 5. Rd1 Kf5 6. Kc4 g2 7. Rg1 Ke6 {After forcing the opponent's rook to occupy an unfavourable square in front of the passed pawn, Black switches his king to attack the white pawns.} 8. Kb5 Kd7 9. a4 Kc7 10. Ka6 Rg4 11. Ka5 Kc6 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R7/1p1k2K1/3p1P2/3P4/4r3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ479 %212045826630=4HLJ561 %212045826630=4HLJ569} 1. f6 {%05White's passed pawn is further advanced than Black's and is supported by his king. This advantage suffices for a win.} Rg3+ {Black tries to drive the opponent's king in front of the pawn, but White has the possibility of covering with his rook.} 2. Kh7 Rf3 (2... Rh3+ 3. Kg8 Rg3+ {does not help due to} 4. Rg7 $18) 3. f7 Rf4 4. Kg7 Rg4+ 5. Kf6 {! A precise move.} (5. Kf8 {? %05After} Rxd4 {= the game would have ended in a draw.}) 5... Rf4+ 6. Kg5 Rf1 7. Kg6 Rg1+ (7... Rf4 {is met by} 8. Ra8 $18) 8. Kf6 Rf1+ 9. Kg7 Rg1+ 10. Kf8 Rd1 11. Ke8 Re1+ 12. Kd8 Rf1 13. Rd7+ (13. Re7 {, then %05if} Ra1 {!}) 13... Kc6 14. Ke8 Rf4 15. Re7 Kb5 16. Rc7 {!$18 Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Site "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chukaev E (RUS)"] [Black "Shagalovich"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/1r2k3/8/p4P1P/8/3K4/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1... Ra6 {But White failed to exploit all his defensive resources. The correct plan was to blockade the a-pawn not with the rook, but with the king: %05Black has an undisputed positional advantage: he has an outside passed pawn which his rook can support from behind, and also an active king.} 2. Rg1 {! (switching the rook to an active position)} (2. Ra3 {%05The game continuation was} Kf5 3. Ke3 Kg4 4. h5 Kxh5 5. Ke4 Ra5 6. Kf3 Kg6 7. Kg4 Kf6 8. f5 Ra8 9. Kf4 Ra7 10. Kg4 Ra5 11. Kh5 Kxf5 12. Rg3 Kf4+ 13. Kh4 Rh5+ {White resigns.}) 2... Kf5 (2... a3 {%05White does not have to fear} 3. Kc2 a2 4. Kb2 a1=Q+ 5. Rxa1 Rxa1 6. Kxa1 {, when his king reaches f1 in time.}) 3. Rg5+ Kxf4 4. Kc2 h6 (4... a3 {%05Or} 5. Kb1 Rh6 6. Ra5 Rxh4 7. Ra4+ Kg5 8. Ra5+ Kf6 9. Ra6+ Ke5 10. Ra5+ Kd6 11. Ra6+ Kc5 12. Rxa3 {with an obvious draw.}) 5. Rg8 Ra5 6. Rg6 a3 ( 6... Rh5 {%05if} 7. Ra6 {, joining the above analysis}) 7. Kb1 Rh5 8. Ka2 Rxh4 9. Rc6 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/4r2P/1p6/5p2/1K6/2P1k3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {We will now consider some examples where one side has a passed pawn on the 7th or 6th rank, supported by the rook from the queening square. Such positions contain a great deal of venom.} 1. Kb5 {%05White is threatening to win the b-pawn and drive the %05opponent's rook off the 7th rank, after which the black %05king will be forced to occupy one of the squares in the %05path of the f-pawn, whereas the c-pawn will have a free %05road to the queening square.} f4 2. Kc6 {!} (2. Kxb6 {?} f3 3. Kc6 f2 4. Rf8 Rxh7 {with a draw.}) 2... Kf2 (2... f3 {is met by} 3. Kd6 f2 4. Kxe7 f1=Q 5. Rf8 $18) 3. Kxb6 f3 4. Kc6 Rf7 5. Kd6 Rf6+ 6. Kd5 {!} Rf5+ 7. Ke6 {!} Rh5 8. Kd6 Rh6+ 9. Kc5 Rh5+ 10. Kb4 {, and by advancing his pawn White wins, since the black king cannot move, e.g.} Kf1 11. Rf8 Rxh7 12. Rxf3+ Ke2 13. Rf5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "Match \"Czechoslovakia - Poland\""] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Foltys Jan (CZE)"] [Black "Makarczyk Kazimierz (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P7/5p2/4p3/5kP1/3K4/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {Black draws by setting up a defensive position along the f-file (cf. position ~3( 1421)~.} 1. g5 Rd1+ 2. Kc4 Rd7 3. gxf6 Ke4 4. Kb5 Rf7 5. Kc5 (5. Kb6 Rxf6+ 6. Kc5 Rf7 {with a draw}) 5... Kf5 6. Kd5 Rd7+ {! This should have been played. } (6... Kxf6 {? %05Black continued} 7. Ke4 {!} Kg7 {and after} 8. Rg8+ { he resigned. The e5 pawn played a negative role: had it not been there, 7... Re7 and 8... Rf7 would have drawn.}) 7. Kc6 Rf7 {Draw.} * [Event "Margate (England)"] [Site "Margate (England)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Alexander Conel H O'd (ENG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5kp1/p2r4/8/4P3/3PK3/8/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {~110.23 All the pawns are passed~ Connected pawns often prove stronger than isolated pawns.} 1. Ra5 {! %05Black is threatening to play ... g5 and then ... Rg6, but it is White to move:} Rb6 2. d4 Rb3+ 3. Kf4 Rb4 4. d5 Rb6 5. Rc5 Rb4 6. Rc7+ Kf8 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/8/5P1p/6p1/r7/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {In positions where both sides have passed pawns, general considerations often become of secondary importance. Everything is decided by specific calculation, and a slight change in a position may have a decisive effect on its assessment. } 1. f6+ {%05If it is White to play, he wins by a standard procedure:} Kf7 2. Rh8 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/8/5P1p/6p1/r7/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1... h4 {%05But with Black to move, after} 2. f6+ Kf7 {!} (2... Kh7 {?} 3. f7 h3+ 4. Kf1 h2 5. Rh8+ Kxh8 6. f8=Q+ {and 7. a8Q$18}) 3. Rh8 {%05White's threat proves not to be dangerous, e.g.} h3+ 4. Kh2 Ra2+ 5. Kg3 h2 {!} 6. Rxh2 Ra3+ {! } 7. Kxg4 Kxf6 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P6k/8/5P1p/6p1/r7/8/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1... Ra1+ {%05But Black has a clever way of neutralizing White's threat:} (1... h4 {%05 The position differs from the previous one, only in that the kings are differently placed. This change appears to favour White, e.g.} 2. f6 h3 3. f7 Ra1+ 4. Kh2 Ra2+ 5. Kg3 h2 (5... Rg2+ {%05or} 6. Kf4 Rf2+ 7. Kxg4 Rxf7 8. Rh8+ Kxh8 9. a8=Q+ $18) 6. Rh8+ Kxh8 7. f8=Q+ {and 8. a8Q$18}) 2. Kg2 Ra2+ 3. Kg3 Ra3+ 4. Kh4 Kg7 {! It transpires that} 5. f6+ {is not dangerous, since} Kxf6 6. Rf8+ Kg6 {! is possible, when White has to agree to give perpetual check.} * [Event "Zagreb (Croatia)"] [Site "Zagreb (Croatia)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Black "Filip Miroslav (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2R5/6kp/p7/4P3/5PK1/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {In the following example White has the more active position.} 1. Kf4 {%05As was shown by Vukovic, White should have played} (1. f4 {%05The game ended in a draw after} a4 2. Rc6+ Kh5 3. Rc5+ Kg6 4. Rc6+ Kh5 5. Rc5+) 1... a4 2. Rc6+ { , with the following alternatives:} Kh5 (2... Kh7 3. Kf5 a3 4. f4 a2 5. Rc2 h5 6. e5 Kg7 7. e6 h4 8. Rg2+ Kf8 (8... Kh6 9. Re2 $18) 9. Kf6 {, and the threat of 10. e7+ is decisive.}) (2... Kg7 3. Kf5 a3 4. Rg6+ {!} Kf8 (4... Kf7 { is met by} 5. f4 a2 6. Rg2 h5 7. e5 h4 8. e6+ Kf8 9. Kf6 $18) (4... Kh7 { %04by %05and} 5. f4 a2 6. Rg2 h5 7. e5 h4 8. e6 h3 9. Re2 {and wins}) 5. f4 a2 6. Ra6 h5 7. e5 h4 8. Kf6 {!} Kg8 9. e6 Rf1 10. e7 {!} Rxf4+ 11. Ke5 $18 { , and White wins.}) 3. Kf5 a3 4. f4 a2 5. Ra6 Kh4 6. Rxh6+ Kg3 7. Rg6+ Kf3 8. Ra6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/5p2/2P3p1/1P4R1/4K3/7r/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {If both sides have connected passed pawns, the result is often difficult to foresee.} 1. c6 {%05Which side is stronger here? Let us examine the %05position more carefully. White's pawns are one rank %05further forward than Black's, and in addition it is his turn %05to move. This tells us that the stronger side is White, but %05are these advantages sufficient for a win?} Ke7 2. Rd4 {! %05We will now consider White's best continuation:} (2. b5 {? %05The game went} Rb2 3. Rc4 Kd8 4. Rc5 g4 5. Kf4 Rb4+ 6. Kg3 Kc7 7. Kh4 Kc8 8. Rh5 Kc7 9. Rh7+ Kc8 10. Rb7 Rc4 11. Kg3 f5 12. Kh4 Rc5 {Drawn.}) 2... Rc2 (2... Rb2 {is met by} 3. Kd3 Rb1 4. Kc2 Ra1 5. c7 Ra8 6. b5 $18) 3. b5 Rc5 4. Rb4 { ! The best move!} (4. Rd7+ {, then %05If} Ke6 5. Rb7 g4 6. Kf4 f5 7. c7 Rc4+ 8. Kg3 Rc3+ 9. Kh4 g3 10. Kh3 f4 11. b6 {and 12. Rb8$18, but this complicates matters.}) 4... Kd8 5. b6 Kc8 6. b7+ Kb8 7. Rb6 f5 8. Ra6 $18 {and wins. The isolation of the opponent's king from a passed pawn (cf. 2. Rd4!) is of great importance in many types of rook ending.} * [Event "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Site "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Petrosian Tigran V (ARM)"] [Black "Fischer Robert J (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/2p5/7R/3k4/2p2PP1/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {A case where two connected pawns are opposed by doubled pawns is seen in the following practical example.} 1. Rh7 {! was correct, e.g. %05As was shown by Levenfish and Smyslov,} (1. Rh1 {? This natural move is a loss of time, and by energetic play Black is able to exploit this factor.} c3 2. g5 c5 3. Rd1+ (3. g6 {can be met by} Rg8 4. f5 Ke5 5. Kg4 Kf6 6. Rc1 Rd8 7. Rxc3 Rd4+ 8. Kh5 c4 9. Rg3 Rd3 {! %04etc.}) 3... Kc4 4. g6 c2 5. Rc1 (5. Rg1 {%05no better is} Rd8 6. g7 Rg8 {, when against the capture on g7 there is no defence}) 5... Kd3 6. f5 Rg8 7. Kf4 Kd2 8. Rxc2+ Kxc2 9. Kg5 c4 10. f6 c3 11. f7 {Drawn. Indeed} Rxg6+ 12. Kxg6 Kb2 13. f8=Q c2 {leads to a draw.}) 1... c6 (1... c5 {, then %05If instead Black replies} 2. Rd7+ Kc6 3. Rd1 Kb5 4. g5 c3 5. g6 $18 {%04etc. }) 2. Rd7+ Kc5 3. Rd1 c3 4. g5 Kc4 5. g6 c2 6. Rc1 Kd3 7. f5 Rg8 8. Kf4 $18 { with an extra tempo compared with the game.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R6K/P6p/8/7p/2P5/8/3k3r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {In conclusion here is a study which shows an interesting possibility in rook endings.} 1. Rg7 {! %05White queens his a-pawn by force:} Kc2 (1... Re1 { , trying to penetrate with his rook onto the 8th rank, there follows %05If Black plays} 2. Rg1 {!} Rxg1 3. a7 $18 {Therefore he vacates the 1st rank.}) 2. Rg2+ Kb3 3. Ra2 {!} Kxa2 4. a7 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Site "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/r5pp/P7/3R3P/6P1/5PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "53"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 ~111. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (material advantage)~ ~1 11.1 EXTRA PASSED PAWN In rook endings an extra pawn is not such a great advantage as it is in, say, minor piece or especially pawn endings. The point is that the rook is a powerful, dynamic piece, and its degree of activity strongly influences the assessment of a position. As a rule, an extra pawn can be realized in a rook ending only if the pieces, and in particular the rook, are actively placed. If the rook is passively placed, this may lead to the material advantage being devalued. In his time Tarrasch put forward a rule, that a rook should always be deployed behind a passed pawn. If it is your own pawn, the rook as though urges it on, while if it is an enemy pawn, the rook restrains it and at the same time retains the possibility of mounting attacks from the side. As we see below, Tarrasch's rule is applicable in many cases, but is by no means universal. Usually this rule is correct only when it is the rooks that are involve in the battle with a pawn. But if a passed pawn is being opposed by the enemy king, the rook is better placed at the side, when it not only defends the pawn, but also takes part in the play on the opposite wing.} 1. Ra4 {! A very strong move. Alekhine deploys his rook in accordance with Tarrasch's rule. The black rook cannot move from a6 and is forced to remain passive, otherwise the pawn will immediately advance.^013^010 Now White's problem is to bring up his king and drive away the opponent's rook. Therefore Black must send his king to the aid of his rook. %05We will begin by studying positions where the stronger side's rook is actively placed.} Kf6 2. Kf3 Ke5 3. Ke3 h5 4. Kd3 Kd5 5. Kc3 Kc5 {(for the moment Black succeeds in not allowing the opponent's king up to the pawn)} 6. Ra2 {! White openly waits for his opponent to run out of moves and end up in zugzwang. Black cannot win the a-pawn: this leads to a hopeless pawn ending.} Kb5 {Capablanca finds the best defence: he blockades the pawn with his king, freeing his rook for active play. } (6... Ra8 {is met by} 7. a6 $18) 7. Kd4 {! Expoiting the fact that the black king has been diverted by the passed pawn, the white king heads for the opponent's pawns on the opposite wing. This procedure is widely employed in the most diverse types of endings.} Rd6+ 8. Ke5 Re6+ 9. Kf4 Ka6 10. Kg5 { ! White has achieved a major success: his king has broken into the opponent's pawn position. For this reason, 3... h5 seems to me to a poor move: without real necessity Black has weakened the approaches to his pawns.} Re5+ 11. Kh6 Rf5 12. f4 {This allows Black to drag out the resistance somewhat.} (12. Kg7 { ! %05Playing for zugzwang would have immediately decided the game:} Rf3 13. Rd2 {! (suggested by Klaman), e.g.} Kxa5 {(the threat was 14. Rd6+ and 15. Rf6)} 14. Rd5+ Kb4 (14... Kb6 15. Rd6+) 15. Rd4+ {and 16. Rf4$18}) 12... Rc5 {!} 13. Ra3 Rc7 14. Kg7 Rd7 15. f5 (15. Kf6 {%05Other ways were also possible. The simplest would seem to be} Rc7 16. Rf3 Kxa5 17. f5 $18) 15... gxf5 16. Kh6 f4 { (Capablanca defends desperately, but all the same he cannot save the game)} 17. gxf4 Rd5 18. Kg7 Rf5 19. Ra4 Kb5 20. Re4 {! The decisive move. The a-pawn has played its diverting role, and it can now be given up with a clear conscience.} Ka6 21. Kh6 (21. Kg8 {%05The most thematic way to win was by} Rf6 22. Kf8 Rf5 23. Kg7 {, when Black suffers decisive loss of material.}) 21... Rxa5 (21... Kb7 {%05White also wins easily after} 22. Re5 Rxf4 23. Kxh5 f6 24. Re1 Ka6 25. Rh1 $18) 22. Re5 Ra1 23. Kxh5 Rg1 24. Rg5 Rh1 25. Rf5 Kb6 26. Rxf7 Kc6 27. Re7 $18 {, and Black resigned: his king cannot take part in the battle against the pawns. Thus we see that the standard plan for realizing an extra pawn, which we have considered in other types of endings, is also applicable in rook endings: the stronger side creates a passed pawn, and with the support of the rook tries to advance it. If the pawn is stopped by the opponent's rook the king heads towards the pawn, to drive the rook away. But if the pawn is stopped by the opponent's king, the stronger side should defend the pawn with his rook from the side, and try to penetrate with his king or rook into the opponent's pawns on the opposite wing. In the example just considered the king was easily able to penetrate into the opponent's position. Sometimes, to clear the way for the king, a breach has to be made in the enemy pawns. How this is done is shown in the following example.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Boleslavsky Isaac (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/1k4pp/1P6/8/6K1/7P/6P1/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 1. Re1 {! %05White must first improve the position of his own rook.} (1. Kf5 {%05 Black is securely blockading the b-pawn with his king, and is intending to activate his rook. Therefore it would be a mistake to play immediately} Rf8+ 2. Ke6 {?} Rf2 3. g4 Rf3 {= , when the rook is markedly more active.}) 1... Rg8 (1... Kxb6 {%05of course, not} 2. Rb1+ $18 { , when the pawn ending is easily won for White}) 2. Re6 {!} Ka6 3. Kg5 Kb7 { (Black can merely wait to see what White will do)} 4. h4 {! A typical plan in such positions: the h-pawn plays the role of a battering-ram.} Ka6 5. h5 Kb7 6. g4 Ka6 7. Kh4 Kb7 8. h6 {(all the necessary preparations are complete, and the assault commences)} gxh6 9. Rxh6 Rg7 10. Kh5 Ka6 11. Rc6 Re7 12. Rc7 Re5+ 13. g5 Kxb6 14. Rxh7 $18 {, and White won.} 1-0 [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khavin Abram Leonidovich"] [Black "Goldberg Grigory A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pk/r4p2/P4K1P/R5P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {We will now consider some examples where the weaker side has possibilities of counter-play.} 1. Ke3 {%05Compared with example ~3($401737 )~ , here the %05passed pawn is not very far advanced, which naturally^013^010 %05improves Black's defensive chances. White's plan is^013^010 %05clear: he must move his king across to the aid of his^013^010 %05pawn.^013^010 %05Black cannot prevent this, but his king is able to attack^013^010 %05the enemy pawns on the opposite wing.} Kh5 (1... g5 {! %05Stronger was} 2. hxg5+ {(otherwise 2... gh 3. gh Kh5)} Kxg5 3. Kd4 f4 {! (by this series of exchanges Black obtains a drawn ending)} 4. gxf4+ Kxf4 5. Kc4 Ke5 6. Kb4 Ra8 7. Rd3 Ke6 8. a5 Ke7 9. Kb5 Rd8 {!} 10. Rc3 Kd7 11. a6 Rb8+ 12. Ka5 Rc8 {= %04etc.}) 2. Kd4 Kg4 {And this counter-attack is too late.} (2... f4 {! %05Extreme measures were called for:} 3. gxf4 Kxh4 4. Ra1 Kg3 5. Ke3 (5. Ke4 Ra8 6. Rg1+ Kf2 7. Rxg6 Rxa4+ {!= with a draw (Nalimov tablebases)}) 5... Kg2 6. Ke4 Kg3 7. Ra2 Ra8 {!} 8. a5 Re8+ 9. Kd5 Kxf4 10. a6 Ra8 {= with a draw.}) 3. Kc4 f4 4. gxf4 Kxh4 (4... Kxf4 { is also inadequate:} 5. Kb4 Ra8 6. Rd3 Kg4 7. Rd4+ Kh5 8. a5) 5. Ra1 {!} Kh3 ( 5... Kg4 {is completely bad:} 6. Kb4 Ra8 7. Rg1+ Kxf4 8. Rxg6 Ke5 9. a5 $18) 6. Kb3 {! A necessary finesse.} (6. Kb4 {? %05After} Rf5 {the f4 pawn is captured with check, and Black gains a draw.}) 6... Kg2 7. Rc1 {A familiar procedure: the pawn is supported by the king, so the rook can be moved to a more favourable position.} Ra6 8. Rc4 Kf3 9. Kb4 Ke3 10. Kb5 Rf6 11. a5 Kd3 12. Rc6 Rxf4 13. Rxg6 Rf1 14. a6 $18 {, and White won.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r4pK1/2k1p1p1/p3P3/R4P1P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {In such endings an important defensive resource is the ability, in turn, to create a passed pawn. In this case the play may become much more sharp, and the result will depend on the specific situation.} 1. f5 {!! %05White's position looks hopeless, since the standard 1... Kb5 followed by the advance of the a-pawn is threatened. And yet, by sacrificing a pawn but creating a passed pawn, White can save the game.} (1. Kf6 Kb5 2. Ra1 a4 3. f5 {White delayed his breakthrough, and the extra tempo allowed Black to win.} exf5 4. e6 fxe6 5. Kxg6 f4 {!} 6. h5 f3 7. h6 e5 {!} 8. Re1 {!} (8. h7 {there would have followed %05on} Rxh7 9. Kxh7 e4 10. Rf1 a3 11. Kg6 a2 12. Kf5 e3 {!} 13. Ke4 e2 $19) 8... a3 9. Rxe5+ Kc4 10. Re1 a2 11. h7 Ra8 {! Accuracy to the end.} (11... Rxh7 {? %05Had Black immediately given up his rook for the pawn -} 12. Kxh7 f2 {after} 13. Rf1 Kd3 14. Ra1 {!= he would have had to agree to a draw.}) 12. Kg7 (12. Ra1 Kb3 13. Rf1 f2 14. Kg7 a1=Q+ 15. Rxa1 Rxa1 16. h8=Q Rg1+ $19) 12... f2 13. Ra1 Kb3 14. Rf1 a1=Q+ 15. Rxa1 Rxa1 16. h8=Q Rg1+ {White resigns.}) 1... exf5 (1... gxf5 {White immediately acquires a passed pawn %05after}) 2. e6 fxe6+ 3. Kxg6 Kb5 4. Ra1 f4 5. h5 e5 (5... f3 {%05No better is} 6. Rf1 {!} a4 7. Rxf3 a3 8. Rf1 a2 9. Ra1 Kc4 10. h6 Kb3 11. h7 Ra8 12. Re1 {!} Kb2 13. Re2+ Kb3 14. Re1 {= , and the draw is obvious.}) 6. Re1 {!} Kc4 (6... a4 7. Rxe5+ Kc6 8. Re4 a3 9. Rxf4 a2 10. Rf1 {= %04etc.}) 7. Rxe5 Kd3 8. h6 f3 9. h7 Rxh7 10. Kxh7 f2 11. Rf5 Ke3 12. Rf8 a4 13. Re8+ Kf3 14. Rf8+ Kg2 15. Rg8+ Kh3 16. Rf8 {= with a draw. But none of this happened in the game.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Borisenko Georgy K (UZB)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r7/5pp1/p4k1p/R7/5PP1/7P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1. g4+ {! The best continuation was most probably %05 At first sight this position is a typical example on the theme of realizing an extra pawn. Indeed, if it were Black to move, he would play 1... Ke5, beginning to march his king over to the a-pawn. But it is White to play, and he lands a counter-blow.} Ke6 {, not exchanging pawns. It is true that then Black acquires a weakness which gives the opponent some counter-play.} (1... hxg4 {%05How should Black continue? He replied} 2. fxg4+ Ke5 {, but this allowed White to create a passed pawn on the h-file:} (2... Kg5 {, White would have drawn after %05Couldn't Black have played more strongly? Let us see. If, for example, instead of 2... Ke5 he had replied} 3. Kg2 Kh4 4. Kg1 {!} Kh3 5. Kh1 f5 (5... Rb7 6. Ra3+ Kxg4 7. Rxa5 {=}) 6. gxf5 gxf5 7. Kg1 f4 8. Kf2 {%04etc.}) 3. h4 {! } Kd5 4. h5 gxh5 5. gxh5 {Now moving the king across to the a-pawn no longer succeeds:} Kc5 (5... Ke6 {%05He therefore decided to tackle the h-pawn with his king:} 6. h6 Kf7 7. Rg4 Kf8 8. Rf4 Ra6 9. Rg4 Ra7 10. Rf4 Kg8 11. Rxf6 a4 12. Rf2 Kh7 13. Ra2 Kxh6 14. Kf2 Kg5 {= , and draw was agreed.}) 6. h6 Kb5 7. Rh4 Rh7 8. Rh5+ Kb4 9. Rh4+ Kb3 10. Rh3+ Kb2 11. Rh4 {, and Black can make no progress.}) 2. gxh5 {%05The game could have continued:} gxh5 3. Kf2 Kd6 4. Ke3 Re7+ {(otherwise the white king, in turn, will head for the f- and h-pawns)} 5. Kd3 Re5 6. Rf4 Rd5+ {!} (6... f5 {%05Other commentators considered only} 7. Rh4 Kd5 8. Rxh5 f4 9. Rh4 Re3+ 10. Kd2 Rxf3 11. Rh5+ {and 12. Ra5 with a draw.}) 7. Ke3 {%05 But things are by no means so simple. Black's plan is to give up a pawn at a point when the a-pawn will become dangerous. Here are some possible variations:} (7. Kc3 Kc6 8. Ra4 Rf5 9. Kd3 Kd6 (9... Rxf3+ 10. Ke4 Rf2 11. Rxa5 {with a theoretical draw}) 10. Ke4 Rd5 11. Ke3 Kc6 12. Rf4 f5 13. Rh4 Kb5 $19 { %04etc.}) 7... f5 8. Rh4 Kc5 9. Kf2 Kb5 10. Rxh5 a4 11. Rh8 a3 12. Re8 f4 13. h4 Kb4 14. Re1 a2 15. Kg2 Ra5 16. Ra1 Kc3 17. Kh3 Kb2 $19 {It should be noted that, in defence too an actively placed rook often compensates for a material deficit.} * [Event "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Site "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/7p/Rp4k1/5p2/4p3/2P5/PP3P1P/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 1... Rd2 {! %05The only way to save the game is by active play!} (1... Rd6 {is met by %05Black is already a pawn down, and is threatened with the loss of a second. Passive defence is no use:} 2. Ke2 { followed by 3. a4 with the threat of 4.a5}) 2. Rxb6+ Kg5 3. Ke1 (3. a4 { ? %05White is two pawns up, But Black intends by f4-f3 to create mating threats, e.g.} f4 4. a5 (4. Ke1 Rc2 5. a5 f3 6. h4+ Kf4 7. Rb7 Re2+ 8. Kf1 Rc2 {=}) 4... f3 5. Ke1 Re2+ {, and White is obliged to repeat moves since} 6. Kd1 {?} Rxf2 7. a6 e3 8. a7 Rd2+ 9. Kc1 f2 $19 {etc. is dangerous for him. He therefore has to think in terms of defence.}) 3... Rc2 4. Rb5 {!} Kg4 {!} 5. h3+ {! An essential move. Had White allowed ... f4, in view of the threat of .. . Kf3 he would have been in danger of losing.} Kxh3 6. Rxf5 Rxb2 7. Rf4 Rxa2 8. Rxe4 h5 {White has managed to retain his material advantage, but Black has acquired a new trump - a passed pawn supported by his king. This proves sufficient to save the game.} 9. c4 Kg2 10. Rf4 Rc2 11. Rh4 Kf3 12. Kd1 Rxf2 13. c5 Ke3 14. Rxh5 Kd4 {Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Site "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Date "1976.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dvoretzky Mark (RUS)"] [Black "Kupreichik Viktor D (BLR)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1r6/5pp1/P2k4/4R1PK/5P2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1976.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 Am exceptional saving resource in such endings is shown in the following position.} 1... Rb3 {! %05It appears that, by placing his rook behind the a-pawn, White will obtain a won ending. That would be so, if his king were at g3.^013^010 Black found a splendid defensive resource:} 2. Ra4 Rxf3 3. a6 Ke6 {!} 4. g5 (4. a7 {? loses to %05, and it transpires that} g5+ 5. Kh5 Kf7 $19 {with inevitable mate.}) (4. Rb4 {, then %05If instead} Ra3 {=}) 4... fxg5+ 5. Kxg5 Rf8 {= with a draw. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 With the exception of the last two positions, up till now we have been considering examples where the defender's rook has been restricted: it has been placed in front of the enemy passed pawn, and its main role has been to prevent the advance of this pawn. For such a powerful piece as a rook, such a role is too small, and does not allow it to display its powers to the full. What if the weaker side's rook occupies a more active position? Tarrasch considered that a rook was best placed behind the opponent's passed pawn, and so we will now turn to a study of positions where the rook is deployed ~2 "according to Tarrasch"~.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/5pk1/6pp/P7/7P/6P1/r4PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Compared with diagram ~3( 1766)~, here it is essentially only the placing of the rooks that has changed. The weaker side's rook is now attacking the passed pawn from the rear, while the opponent's rook is supporting it from in front. It is not hard to demonstrate that such an arrangement of the pieces is more favourable to the weaker side, since his rook is now active and can simultaneously fulfil two tasks: fight against the passed pawn and attack the opponent's pawns on the opposite wing. How is White to realize his extra pawn? If he advances it to a7, this does not improve his chances, since all the same his rook cannot break out from a8. In this case marching the king up to the aid of the pawn also does not help: as soon as it reaches b6 or b7, the rook drives it away with checks from the rear, and then again takes up position behind the pawn. White can try a different plan: to leave his pawn at a6, retaining a7 as a shelter for his king. But then he runs up against other difficulties. When advancing towards the passed pawn, the king will be forced to abandon his K-side pawns to their fate. The opponent will be able to attack them, and while the king is "en route", win one or even two of them.} 1. a6 { %05If Black plays sufficiently actively, this plan of White's will also not succeed:} Kf6 2. Kf3 h5 3. Ke3 (3. Ke4 {is risky} Rxf2 4. Kd5 Ra2 {!} 5. Kc6 Kf5 6. Kb7 Kg4 7. Rf8 Kxg3 8. Rxf7 Kxh4 9. a7 g5 {, and Black cannot lose.}) 3... Kf5 {%05Before advancing his king towards the passed pawn. White improves the placing of his K-side pawns.} 4. f3 Ra3+ 5. Kd4 Rxf3 6. Rf8 (6. Kc5 { is weaker:} Ra3 7. Kb6 Kg4) 6... Ra3 (6... Kg4 {is dangerous:} 7. a7 Ra3 8. a8=Q Rxa8 9. Rxa8 Kxg3 10. Ke3 {, when Black has difficulties}) 7. Rxf7+ Kg4 8. Rf6 Kxg3 9. Rxg6+ Kxh4 {Black has achieved material equality, but the rather unhappy position of his king, obstructing his own pawn, complicates the defence somewhat.} 10. Kc5 Kh3 11. Kb6 h4 12. Rg5 Rxa6+ (12... Kh2 {%05the simplest, although Black also does not lose after} 13. Ra5 Rxa5 14. Kxa5 h3 15. a7 Kg1 16. a8=Q h2 {=}) 13. Kxa6 Kh2 14. Kb5 h3 15. Kc4 Kh1 16. Kd3 h2 17. Ke2 {- stalemate.} * [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Unzicker Wolfgang (GER)"] [Black "Lundin Erik R (SWE)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/P4pp1/5k1p/7P/r4PP1/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 Here are some more examples demonstrating the features of such endings.} 1. a7 {! Were Black's pawn at f7, his king could now return to g7, after which all White's winning attempts would be in vain. But here there is no way back for Black's king, and he is obliged to await the development of events. %05The pawn structure very much resembles the previous one, the only difference being that the black pawn is not at f7, but f6. This difference has a fatal effect on the outcome - Black loses.} Ra2+ (1... Ra6 { %05Black could also have defended differently:} 2. Kd3 Rd6+ 3. Kc4 Rd7 { , trying to prevent the white king from reaching h6, but after} 4. Kb5 {!} Re7 5. Kc6 {! he is in zugzwang, and is forced to go into the variation already considered:} Re6+ 6. Kd7 Ra6 $18) 2. Kd3 Ra1 3. Kd4 Ra5 4. Kc4 Ra3 5. Kc5 Ra1 ( 5... Rxf3 {%05Black loses after} 6. Rf8 Ra3 7. a8=Q Rxa8 8. Rxa8 Kg4 9. Ra3 g5 10. hxg5 fxg5 11. Kd4 h4 12. gxh4 gxh4 13. Ke3 Kg3 14. Ra8 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. Kd6 Ra3 {? The g6 pawn is a weakness in Black's position, and it is for this that the white king is aiming. But Black's lat move was a mistake} (6... Ra6+ { was correct, although} 7. Ke7 Ra5 8. Kf8 {!} Ra6 9. Kf7 $18 {etc. transposes into the game}) 7. Ke7 (7. Rc8 {with the threat of 8. Rc5 mate White could have immediately concluded matters. %05since by}) 7... Ra6 8. Kf7 Ra3 9. Kg7 Ra1 (9... g5 {does not help:} 10. hxg5 Kxg5 11. Kf7 Kf5 12. g4+ hxg4 13. fxg4+ $18) 10. Kh6 {!} Ra6 11. Rb8 Rxa7 12. Rb5+ Ke6 13. Kxg6 Ra8 14. Kxh5 Rg8 15. g4 Rh8+ 16. Kg6 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/8/5p1p/5PpP/6P1/r7/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] {Usually in such positions the advance of the passed pawn to the 7th rank is a threat, if the opponent has undefendable weakness. Here two classic examples.} 1. Kd1 {%05Black cannot defend his f-pawn, e.g.} Kh7 2. Kc1 Kg7 3. Kb1 Ra6 4. Kb2 Ra5 5. Kb3 Ra1 6. Kb4 Ra2 7. Kb5 Ra1 8. Kb6 Rb1+ 9. Kc6 Ra1 10. Kd6 Ra6+ 11. Ke5 Ra5+ 12. Ke6 Kh7 13. Kf6 $18 {%04etc. In this example White won a second pawn, after putting his opponent in zugzwang.} * [Event "Yugoslavia"] [Site "Yugoslavia"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nemet Ivan (SUI)"] [Black "Sokolov Vladimir (YUG)"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2310"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/7p/1R4pP/6P1/8/1p4K1/1r6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 Sometimes the procedure involves a pawn sacrifice, with the aim of exchanging rooks and transposing into a won game ending.} 1... Kc6 { %05Here the weakness of the g4 pawn is not as marked as the weakness of the f5 pawn in the previous example. Nevertheless Black is able to exploit it in a pawn ending.} 2. Rb8 Kd5 3. Rb4 Kc5 (3... Ke5 {is met by} 4. Kh2 {, when the king has to return, since Black fails to win after} Re1 {?} 5. Rxb2 Kf4 6. Rb6 Kxg4 7. Rxh6 Re2+ 8. Kg1 Kg3 9. Rf6 {= %04etc.}) 4. Rb8 Kc4 {, and White resigned in view of the possible continuation} 5. Rb7 Kc3 {!} 6. Rc7+ Kd3 7. Rd7+ (7. Rb7 {, then %05if} Rc1 {!} 8. Rxb2 Rc2+ $19) 7... Ke3 8. Rb7 Rd1 {!} 9. Rb3+ Rd3 10. Rxb2 Rd2+ $19 {, and the pawn ending is hopeless for White.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/4K2p/r4p2/6p1/6P1/5P1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Had White's pawn been at f4, he would have won exactly as in example ~3( 1775) ~, But the pawn is at f2, and this gives Black defensive resources.} 1... Ra2 { ! ^013^010} (1... h5 {%05or} 2. Kd6 (2. Re8 Ra6+ {!} 3. Kxf5 Rxa7 4. Kg5 Ra5+ 5. Kf4 Ra2 {leads to a draw}) 2... Ra2 {!} 3. Ke5 Re2+ {= with a draw}) 2. Kxf5 Rxf2+ 3. Kxg4 Ra2 {= %04Draw} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/6p1/r7/5KPP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {White is also unable to realize his big material advantage in the following position.} 1. Ke4 Ra1 2. Kd4 Rd1+ 3. Kc3 Ra1 4. Kb4 Rb1+ 5. Kc5 Rc1+ 6. Kd6 Rd1+ 7. Ke6 Re1+ {, and the king has to return without achieving anything.} ( 7... Ra1 {? %05of course, not} 8. Rd8 Rxa7 (8... Ra6+ {%05or} 9. Rd6 $18) 9. Rd7+ $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/6p1/4K2p/7P/5PP1/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {The following position is also an important drawing guide in the ending with pawn at a7 and rook at a8.} 1. Kf4 {, threatening 2. g4 hg 3. Kg4 followed by 4. f4 and 5. h5, Black replies %05White is two pawns up, but he is not able to exploit his advantage. It is pointless to play 1. g4: creating a second passed pawn on the g- or h-file does not win here.^013^010 %05He can try to create a passed pawn on the f-file, but how can this be done? If} Ra4+ 2. Ke3 Ra3+ 3. Kf2 Ra2+ 4. Kg1 Ra1+ (4... Ra3 {%05It seems dangerous for Black to wait:} 5. g4 hxg4 6. f4 {, e.g.} g3 (6... Kh7 {is stronger, when after %05But} 7. h5 gxh5 8. f5 {Black can draw by clever defence ~3($401761)~.}) 7. Kg2 {!} Kh7 8. Kh3 Kg7 9. h5 gxh5 10. f5 h4 11. f6+ $18 {and wins.}) 5. Kg2 Ra2+ 6. Kh3 {The threat now is 7. g4 hg 8. Kg4, but this is most simply parried by} Ra4 {!} (6... Ra3 { %05But what if, instead of 6... Ra4, Black replies} 7. f4 Ra2 {, giving White the opportunity to play} 8. g4 {~3($401780)~.}) 7. f4 {, then %05and if} Ra3 { ! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/6p1/7p/5PPP/7K/r7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1... Ra3+ {%05Now comes} 2. Kg2 {, and here, according to analysis by Kholmov, Black has even two ways of maintaining the balance:} hxg4 (2... Ra2+ 3. Kf3 Ra3+ 4. Kf2 (4. Ke4 hxg4 5. h5 g3) 4... Ra2+ 5. Ke1 (5. Ke3 hxg4) 5... Ra1+ 6. Kd2 Ra2+ 7. Kd1 Ra1+ {, and} 8. Kc2 {is dangerous in view of} hxg4 9. h5 g3) 3. h5 gxh5 4. f5 {, and we reach example 719 in which by} h4 {Black gains a draw.} * [Event "Olomouc (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Olomouc (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mokry Karel (CZE)"] [Black "Pribyl Josef (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/6p1/3K3p/r3p2P/6P1/5P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] {On the basis of example ~3( 1779)~, it is not difficult to analyse the following endings.} 1... Ra1 {! %05It remains to clarify whether or not White can make a similar pawn sacrifice, by declining to capture on e4, e.g.} (1... Kh7 {? , and after %05 From previous analysis it is clear that Black can afford to part with his e-pawn. Therefore 1... Ra1! is correct, leaving the pawn undefended. But Black played} 2. Ke6 {!} Ra2 3. Rd8 {!} Rxa7 (3... Ra6+ 4. Rd6) 4. Rd7+ Rxd7 5. Kxd7 g5 6. Ke6 {he resigned.}) 2. Kc6 Rc1+ 3. Kd6 Rd1+ 4. Ke6 Ra1 5. Rd8 {In this case, as shown by Kholmov, Black can save the draw:} Rxa7 6. Rd7+ Rxd7 7. Kxd7 Kf6 {!} 8. Kd6 g5 9. hxg5+ Kxg5 10. Kd5 e3 11. fxe3 Kg4 12. e4 Kxg3 13. e5 h4 {= , and the queens appear simultaneously.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/P5k1/3K2p1/r3p2p/7P/5PP1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] 1... Ra1 {%05Here too Black draws easily, by parting with his e-pawn:} (1... Ra6+ {is also possible}) 2. Rc8 {(capturing on e5 leads to a draw)} Ra6+ 3. Rc6 Rxa7 4. Rc7+ Rxc7 5. Kxc7 Kf7 6. Kd7 Kf6 7. Kd6 Kf5 8. Kd5 (8. Ke7 {, then %05If} g5 {!} 9. hxg5 Kxg5 10. Ke6 e4 {!} 11. fxe4 Kg4 12. e5 Kxg3 {= with a draw.}) 8... Kf6 9. g4 hxg4 10. fxg4 e4 {!} 11. Kxe4 Ke6 {= with a drawn pawn ending.} * [Event "Pavlodar (Kazakhstan)"] [Site "Pavlodar (Kazakhstan)"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "Timoscenko Gennadij (SVK)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5pp1/7p/3k3P/R5K1/p5P1/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {We have made the acquaintance of some important drawn positions, in which an advantage of even two pawns cannot be realized on account of the poor position of the rook. Therefore the question of whether in such situations the passed pawn should be advanced to the 7th rank, restricting one's options, should be decided in each specific instance on the basis of the features of the position. Consider, for example, the following position.} 1. Kh2 {! and 2. g3 White could have drawn.} (1. Ra4+ {%05Instead he played} Kc3 {!} 2. Ra8 f5 {!} 3. Ra7 (3. Kh2 {is too late owing to} f4) 3... f4+ 4. Kh2 (4. Kf2 {also does not help; Black wins in the same way as in the game, by taking his king to g4}) 4... Kd4 5. Ra4+ Ke5 6. Ra3 Kf5 7. Ra6 Kg4 8. Rxg6+ Kxh4 9. Ra6 Kg5 10. Ra8 h4 11. Rg8+ Kf6 12. Ra8 h3 {!} 13. gxh3 f3 14. Ra3 Ke5 {White resigns.}) * [Event "Zagreb (Croatia)"] [Site "Zagreb (Croatia)"] [Date "1965.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bisguier Arthur B (USA)"] [Black "Udovcic Mijo (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/6pk/P4p2/4p2p/4P2P/5P2/6PK/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1965.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 1. g4 {%05For the moment there are no weaknesses apparent in Black's position, and so in the first instance White must try to expose them. The most accurate and thematically correct plan was 1. g3 followed by 2. f4 and 3. fe, as shown by Levenfish and Smyslov. After this White can play a6-a7, to restrict the opponent's rook, and then take his king up to the e5 pawn.^013^010 But in the game White chose a rather different plan, which also led to a win, but in a more complicated way.} hxg4 2. fxg4 Ra4 3. a7 {(here this is forced)} Ra2+ 4. Kg3 Ra3+ 5. Kf2 Ra2+ 6. Ke3 Ra3+ 7. Kd2 Kg6 8. h5+ Kg5 9. h6 {!} Kg6 10. hxg7 Kxg7 11. Kc2 Ra2+ 12. Kb3 {A weakness has been created in Black's position - the f6 pawn, and it is for this that the white king makes.} Ra1 13. Kb4 Ra2 14. Kb5 Rb2+ 15. Kc6 Ra2 16. Kd6 Ra6+ 17. Ke7 Ra5 18. Ke6 Ra3 19. g5 {! This is the whole point. White breaks up the opponent's pawn chain and wins the e5 pawn.} fxg5 20. Kf5 {!} Rf3+ 21. Kxg5 Rf7 (21... Ra3 {%05Black also have lost after} 22. Kf5 Ra5 23. Ke6 Kh7 24. Kf6 $18 {, when the e5 pawn falls.}) 22. Rg8+ {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish & Smyslov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/5k2/P5p1/5p1p/5P1P/r5P1/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {If advancing the pawn to the 7th rank does not bring any special advantage, the stronger side has to carry out a different plan: move his king up to the passed pawn, using the square in front of the pawn as a shelter. This plan is double-edged, since it leaves the pawns on the opposite wing unattended. It is clear that the defending side must counterattack actively, otherwise the passed pawn supported by the king will become dangerous.} 1. Ke2 Kg7 {!} (1... Rxg3 {%05For the moment it is bad to take the pawn:} 2. a7 Ra3 3. Rh8 {! etc. Therefore in the first instance the threat of a6-a7 must be neutralized.}) 2. Kd2 Rxg3 3. Rb8 Ra3 4. Rb7+ Kf6 5. Rb6+ (5. a7 Ke6 {, and the black king becomes dangerous}) 5... Kg7 6. Kc2 g5 {!} (6... Ra4 {, then %05How can Black defend against the white king's threatened advance to b7? If, for example,} 7. Kb3 {, and the pawn is immune. His only chance is to sacrifice a pawn with the aim of creating a passed pawn.}) 7. fxg5 f4 8. Kd2 {(this is the result - the king is forced to move back)} f3 9. Rb7+ Kg6 10. a7 Ra2+ 11. Ke1 Kf5 12. Rf7+ Kg6 13. Rxf3 Rxa7 {= , and Black gains a draw.} * [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Polugaevsky Lev A (RUS)"] [Black "Vasiukov Evgeni (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/6k1/6pp/1P2p3/1r5P/6K1/5PP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 We will now consider some positions with the passed pawn on the knight's file.} 1. h5 {! %05If the black pawn were at h5, it is doubtful whether White would be able to win this ending. But the pawn is at h6, and this allows White to carry out a standard plan: sacrifice a pawn by h4-h5 and then create a passed pawn on the f-file.} gxh5 (1... g5 {, then %05if} 2. Rb6 {followed by 3. Rg6+ and 4. b6}) 2. b6 {%05An accuracy, which could have thrown away the win} (2. Kf3 {was more accurate %05As was shown by Polugaevsky, }) 2... Rb3+ {! , Black could have drawn, e.g. %05whereas now, by playing} ( 2... h4+ {? %05But Black missed his chance, playing} 3. Kf3 Kh7 (3... Kg6 { %05But why not} 4. b7 Kh5 {? Then would have come} 5. g4+ {and 8. g5!}) 4. b7 Kg7 5. Ke3 e4 (5... Kh7 {, then %05There is no way of saving the game. If} 6. Kd3 Kg7 7. Kc3 Rb1 8. Kc4 Rb2 9. Kd5 {, when either Black loses e-pawn after which the f-pawn advances, or after} Rb5+ 10. Kc6 Rb1 11. Rd8 {the b-pawn queens.}) 6. Kf4 Kh7 7. Ke5 Kg7 8. Kd5 Rb2 (8... Kh7 {, then %05The e-pawn cannot be defended. If} 9. Kc5 Rb2 10. Kc6 {!} Rc2+ 11. Kd5 Rb2 12. Kxe4 { %04etc.}) 9. Kxe4 Rb4+ 10. Kd3 Rb3+ 11. Kc4 Rb1 12. f4 Rc1+ 13. Kd3 Rb1 14. f5 Rb6 15. f6+ $18 {Resigns.}) 3. f3 (3. Kh4 {%05or} e4 {!} 4. Kxh5 Rb4 {!} 5. f4 e3 6. f5 e2 7. Re8 Rxb6 8. Rxe2 Rb1 {= with the same result.}) 3... e4 4. b7 ( 4. Kf2 Rb2+ 5. Ke3 Rxg2 6. b7 Rb2 7. fxe4 h4 {=}) 4... h4+ 5. Kxh4 e3 6. Kg3 Rb4 {! , and White finds himself in zugzwang. If} 7. f4 {, then} e2 8. Kf2 Rxf4+ {= with a draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Kopylov I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/6p1/1P4k1/5p1p/5P1P/1r4P1/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 In many cases with a knight's pawn, sacrificing can be achieved by the plan involving taking the king up to this pawn and sacrificing pawns on the K-side. This shows that, compared with a rook's pawn, a knight's pawn promises more winning chances, although, of course, everything depends on the specific situation.} 1. Ke2 Rxg3 2. Kd2 {! As shown by Kopayev, this is what White should have played. In the game he went 2. Rc8, which is considered later.} (2. Rc8 {? %05Now let us see what happened in the game:} Rb3 3. Rc6+ Kf7 4. Kd2 Ke7 {! (the correct plan: the king joins the battle against the pawn)} 5. Kc2 Rb5 6. Kc3 Kd7 7. Rg6 (7. Rc7+ {is no better:} Kd8 8. Rb7 Kc8 9. Kc4 Rb1 10. Rc7+ Kb8 11. Kc5 Rf1 {!=}) 7... Rb1 {? This loses,} (7... Kc8 { ! %05whereas after} 8. Kc4 Ra5 9. Kd4 (9. Rxg7 Ra4+ 10. Kc5 Rxf4) 9... Kb7 10. Rxg7+ Kxb6 {= Black would have drawn.}) 8. Rxg7+ Kd6 (8... Kc8 {no longer helps: %05Here} 9. b7+ Kb8 10. Rf7 Rf1 11. Rxf5 Kxb7 12. Kd4 Kc6 13. Ke5 Kd7 14. Kf6 Ke8 15. Kg6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 9. Kc4 Rc1+ 10. Kb5 Rb1+ 11. Ka6 Ra1+ 12. Kb7 Ra4 13. Rg5 Rxf4 14. Rxh5 Rf1 15. Kc8 Rc1+ 16. Kb8 f4 17. b7 Ke6 18. Ka7 $18 {Resigns.}) 2... Rb3 {This causes the opponent the most difficulties,} (2... Rf3 {%05e.g.} 3. Rc8 Rb3 4. Rc6+ Kf7 5. Kc2 Rb5 6. Kc3 Ke7 7. Kc4 Rb1 8. Kc5 Kd7 9. Rc7+ Kd8 10. Kc6 $18) (2... Kf7 {%05or} 3. Kc2 Rg2+ 4. Kc3 Rg1 5. Kc4 Rb1 6. Kc5 Ke7 7. Rb7+ Kd8 8. Rc7 $18 {and wins.}) 3. Kc2 Rb5 4. Kc3 Kf7 5. Kc4 Rb1 6. Kc5 Rc1+ {(this check is forced: otherwise the white rook improves its position)} 7. Kd6 Rb1 8. Kc6 Rc1+ 9. Kb7 Rc4 {Black cannot prevent the promotion of the pawn: his chances lie in the ending of pawns against rook.} 10. Rh8 Rxf4 11. Kc6 Rc4+ 12. Kb5 Rxh4 13. b7 Rh1 14. b8=Q Rb1+ 15. Kc4 Rxb8 16. Rxb8 $18 {, and White wins, since the black pawns are not very far advanced. This same plan wins in the following example.} * [Event "Sochi (Russia)"] [Site "Sochi (Russia)"] [Date "1965.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spassky Boris V (FRA)"] [Black "Antoshin Vladimir S (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1R3pk1/6p1/1P5p/7P/4K1P1/1r3P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "45"] [EventDate "1965.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 1. Kd4 {!} Rxf2 2. Re7 {!} Rb2 (2... g5 3. hxg5 Rf5 { does not work due to} 4. Re5 Rf3 5. Re3 Rf5 6. Rb3 Rxg5 7. b6 $18 {, when the pawn cannot be stopped.}) 3. Kc4 Kf6 4. Re3 Kf5 {(Black tries to invade the enemy position with his king)} 5. Rb3 {! Precisely calculated! The pawn ending is lost for Black:} Rc2+ (5... Rxb3 6. Kxb3 Ke5 7. Kb4 Kd6 8. Ka5 Kc7 9. Ka6 Kb8 10. Kb6 f6 11. Kc6 g5 12. Kd5 Kc7 13. Ke6 Kb6 14. Kxf6 gxh4 15. gxh4 Kxb5 16. Kg5 Kc6 17. Kxh5 Kd7 18. Kg6 Ke8 19. Kg7 $18 {%04etc.}) 6. Kd5 Kg4 7. b6 Rc8 8. b7 Rb8 9. Ke5 {! In this way Black's counter-play on the K-side is suppressed.} (9. Kc6 {%05There is also another way to win:} f6 10. Kc7 Rg8 11. b8=Q Rxb8 12. Rxb8 (12. Kxb8 {? %05but not} g5 13. Kc7 gxh4 14. gxh4 Kxh4 15. Kd6 Kg4 16. Kd5 h4 17. Ke4 h3 18. Ke3 h2 19. Rb1 Kg3 {=}) 12... g5 (12... Kxg3 13. Rg8 g5 14. hxg5 fxg5 15. Rxg5+ $18) 13. Rg8 Kf5 14. Kd6 $18) 9... f5 10. Kf6 f4 11. gxf4 Kxh4 12. Kxg6 Kg4 13. f5 h4 14. f6 h3 15. f7 h2 16. Rb1 Rxb7 ( 16... Kg3 {%05there is nothing better; if} 17. Kg7 $18) 17. Rxb7 h1=Q 18. Rb4+ Kh3 19. f8=Q Qg2+ 20. Kh7 Qc2+ 21. Kh8 Qc3+ 22. Kg8 Qg3+ 23. Qg7 {Resigns. ^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Site "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Black "Romanishin Oleg M (UKR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/1R4pp/1P2r3/8/7P/5PP1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {It should be noted that, in cases where the advance of the king towards the passed pawn is a threat, it may prove effective for the defender to have his rook not behind the pawn, but to the side of it.} 1. g3 {%05For the moment White is unable to break through to the b-pawn, and so, in preparation for a later journey by his king, he fixes the K-side pawns.} h5 2. h4 Kh7 3. Kg2 Rf5 {! Black intuitively hits on the correct plan. Until the pawn reaches the 7th rank, it is advisable to keep the rook to the side of the pawn, preventing the opponent's king from moving across to it.} 4. Rb7 Kg7 5. b6 Rb5 {? Black deviates from the correct path.} (5... Rf6 {! %05After} 6. Kf1 Re6 {all White's winning attempts could have been in vain. ! =}) 6. Kf3 {%05But now play reduces to a standard situation, where by giving up a pawn White succeeds in breaking through to his passed pawn.} Rb2 7. Ke4 {!} Rxf2 8. Rc7 Rb2 9. b7 { ~3($401790)~} * [Event "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Site "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Black "Romanishin Oleg M (UKR)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1PR2pk1/6p1/7p/4K2P/6P1/1r6/8 b - - 0 9"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 9... Kf6 {%05Now a race begins: while White's king is hurrying to the b-pawn, Black's makes for the g3 pawn. But the white king succeeds on the both fronts.} 10. Kd5 Kf5 11. Rxf7+ Kg4 12. Rg7 Kxg3 13. Rxg6+ Kxh4 14. Kc6 Kh3 15. Rg5 {! simpler than} (15. Kc7 Rxb7+ 16. Kxb7 h4 17. Kc6 $18 {, which also wins}) 15... Rxb7 {(16. Rb5 was threatened)} 16. Kxb7 h4 17. Kc6 Kh2 18. Kd5 h3 19. Ke4 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "7th Correspondence Olympiad"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hollis"] [Black "Florian"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1R3pk1/1P4p1/7p/7P/1r4P1/5PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kf1 {%05Here too White carries out the standard plan - giving up a pawn on the K-side, he transfers his king to the Q-side.} Rb2 2. Ke1 Kf6 3. f3 Rb3 4. Kd2 Rxf3 5. Kc2 {~3($401792)~} * [Event "7th Correspondence Olympiad"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hollis"] [Black "Florian"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1R3p2/1P3kp1/7p/7P/5rP1/2K5/8 b - - 0 5"] [PlyCount "21"] 5... Re3 {! %05And yet there was a way to save the game by a modest rook manoeuvre:} (5... Rf5 {, but after %05To defend against the threat of 6. Rf7+ Kf7 7. b7, Black played} 6. Rc7 Rb5 7. b7 {it transpired that the outwardly active position of his rook was preventing his king from approaching the opponent's pawns. But after} Ke6 (7... Kf5 {there follows %05Thus on} 8. Kc3 { ! , and if} Kg4 {, then} 9. Rc4+ {!} Kxg3 10. Rb4 Rxb7 11. Rxb7 Kxh4 (11... f5 12. Rg7) 12. Rxf7 Kg3 13. Kd2 g5 14. Ke1 $18 {, and White wins.}) 8. Kc3 f6 9. Kc4 Rb1 10. Kc5 Kf5 {White replied} 11. Rd7 {! The game concluded} Rc1+ (11... Kg4 {to decide the game immediately by the rook manoeuvre %05threatening on} 12. Rd4+ {and 13. Rb4$18}) 12. Kd6 Rb1 13. Kc7 Rc1+ 14. Kd8 Rb1 15. Kc8 Kg4 16. Rd6 g5 17. Rxf6 gxh4 18. gxh4 Kxh4 19. Rg6 {!} Kh3 20. Kc7 {, and Black resigned.}) (5... Rxg3 {If, for example, %05But why couldn't Black have coolly played} 6. Rxf7+ (6. Rc7 {! , and if %05But even so, 5... Rg3 would not have saved the game. %05White replies} Rg2+ 7. Kb3 Rg1 {, then} 8. Kb2 Rg2+ 9. Rc2 { !} Rg4 10. Rc3 Rxh4 11. Ka3 Re4 12. b7 Re8 13. Rc8 Re3+ 14. Kb2 Re2+ 15. Kc3 Re3+ 16. Kc2 Re2+ 17. Kd3 Rb2 18. b8=Q Rxb8 19. Rxb8 Kf5 20. Rf8 f6 21. Ke3 g5 22. Kf3 $18 {, and wins.}) 6... Kxf7 7. b7 {, then by} Rg2+ {!} 8. Kc3 Rg3+ 9. Kc4 Rg4+ 10. Kc5 Rf4 {!} 11. b8=Q Rf5+ 12. Kd6 Kg7 {! Black creates an impregnable fortress.}) 6. Rc7 Re8 7. b7 Rb8 {Hollis thought that White would win by} 8. Kd3 Kf5 {!} 9. Rxf7+ Kg4 10. Rf4+ Kxg3 11. Rb4 {However, the} g5 { ! breakthrough leads to a draw.} 12. hxg5 {, then} h4 13. g6 h3 14. g7 h2 15. Rb1 Kg2 {= In such situations, where the opponent's king is threatening to support its passed pawn, it is very important to be able to create counter-play on the opposite wing.} * [Event "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Site "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Date "1976.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Portisch Lajos (HUN)"] [Black "Petrosian Tigran V (ARM)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1R3pk1/6p1/7p/1P5P/5KP1/1r3P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1976.??.??"] 1... Kh6 {! Black is aiming for active counter-play. His plan includes playing ... f6 and ... g5 followed by the march of his king to the weakened white pawns.} 2. Ke3 f6 3. Rb6 Kg7 4. Rb7+ Kh6 5. Rb8 g5 6. b5 gxh4 7. gxh4 Kg6 8. b6 Kf5 {! (the king threatens to attack the h4 pawn)} 9. Kd4 {! (White's last hope is to advance his pawn more quickly than the opponent) After the correct} Kg4 {! play could have developed as follows:} (9... Rxf2 {?! An inaccurate move, by which Black creates great difficulties for himself.} 10. Ra8 {!} Rb2 11. Kc5 Rc2+ (11... Kg4 {%05The murderous 12. Ra4 was threatened, e.g.} 12. Ra4+ Kg3 13. Rb4 Rc2+ 14. Kd5 Rc8 15. Ke6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 12. Kd4 {!} Rb2 13. Ra5+ Ke6 {? The decisive mistake! This move merely worsens Black's position, since all the same his king cannot take part in the battle against the passed pawn.} (13... Kg4 {! , when on the seemingly decisive %05He could have drawn by the natural} 14. Ra4 {! he would have had to find the study-like reply} Kh3 {!! (suggested by I. Zaitsev). After} (14... Kg3 {?} 15. Kc5 f5 16. Rb4 Rc2+ 17. Kd6 Rc8 18. b7 Rb8 19. Kc7 Rf8 20. b8=Q Rxb8 21. Rxb8 f4 (21... Kxh4 22. Kd6 $18) 22. Kd6 f3 23. Ke5 f2 24. Rb1 $18) 15. Kc5 f5 16. Rb4 { it transpires that Black can play} Rxb4 17. Kxb4 f4 18. b7 f3 19. b8=Q f2 { = , reaching a well-known theoretical position, where thanks to his control over g4 Black gains a draw.}) 14. Kc5 Rc2+ 15. Kb5 Kd6 16. Ka6 Kc6 17. Ra1 Rc4 18. b7 Rb4 19. Rc1+ Kd7 20. Rc8 {Resigns.}) 10. Rg8+ Kxh4 11. Kc5 Rc2+ { ! It is essential to drive the king in front of the pawn, so that the f2 pawn can be captured with gain of tempo. For example:} 12. Kd6 Rb2 13. Kc7 Rc2+ 14. Kb8 Rxf2 15. b7 Rb2 16. Kc7 f5 17. b8=Q Rxb8 18. Rxb8 f4 19. Kd6 f3 20. Ke5 f2 21. Rf8 Kg3 22. Ke4 Kg2 {= with a draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Kopylov I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5kpp/5p2/8/1R3P2/1P3K2/1r4PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1... h5 {! The correct plan. Black threatens h4-h4, breaking up White's K-side pawns. %05For the moment the b-pawn is not very far advanced, and before taking his king over to it White must limit the opponent's possibilities on the K-side. Black, in turn, must play very precisely, to avoid being late with his counter-play.} 2. h4 g6 {! is better, e.g.} (2... Rb1 {%05It is not hard to show that waiting play is doomed to failure:} 3. f5 Rb2 4. Rb7+ Kg8 5. g3 Rb1 6. b4 Rb3+ 7. Kf4 Rb1 8. b5 Rb2 9. b6 Rb3 10. Ke4 Rxg3 11. Rc7 Rb3 12. b7 Kh7 13. Kd5 {, and Black is lost, since} Kh6 {is met by} 14. Rc8) (2... f5 { is evidently a decisive mistake, leading to defeat.} 3. Rb7+ Kf6 4. Kg3 Kg6 5. Rb6+ Kf7 6. Kf3 Rb1 7. Ke3 {The last few moves were made in time trouble. Here the game was adjourned, and then continued after home analysis.} Rb2 8. Kf3 Rb1 9. b4 Rb3+ 10. Kf2 Rb2+ 11. Kg3 Rb3+ 12. Kh2 {(the king hides, to allow the b-pawn to advance)} Ke7 13. b5 Kf7 14. Rb8 Kg6 15. b6 Kf7 16. Kg1 Rb2 17. Kf1 Kg6 18. g3 Rb3 19. Ke2 {, and White should win, as shown earlier ~3($401787)~.} ) 3. Rb6 {!} Ke7 {, and now} 4. g3 (4. b4 Rb3+ 5. Ke4 Rb2 6. g3 Rb3 7. Kd5 Rd3+ 8. Kc5 (8. Kc6 Rxg3 9. b5 g5 {!} 10. fxg5 fxg5 11. hxg5 Rxg5 12. Rb8 Rg6+ 13. Kc7 Rg7 14. Rh8 Kf6+ 15. Kc8 Kg5 16. b6 h4 17. b7 Rxb7 18. Kxb7 Kg4 19. Kc6 h3 20. Kd5 Kg3 21. Ke4 Kg2 22. Ke3 h2 {= with a draw.}) 8... Rxg3 9. b5 Rf3 10. Rb8 Rxf4 11. b6 Kd7 12. Rg8 Rf5+ {= with a draw. These variations are fairly complicated, but note that in each of them an important role is played by the K-side pawns.}) 4... Rb1 5. Ke4 Rg1 6. Kd5 Rxg3 7. Rb7+ Kd8 8. b4 Rg4 {=} * [Event "Match \"Bulgaria - Ukraine\""] [Site "?"] [Date "1965.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tringov Georgi P (BUL)"] [Black "Nikolaevsky Yuri V (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P4R1/5pp1/4pk2/8/7P/1r3PP1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1965.??.??"] {We will now consider a rather different arrangements of the pieces, where the defender's rook attacks the pawn from behind, and the stronger side's rook defends it from the sides. We will begin with positions where the pawn has already reached the 7th rank. The plan for realizing the advantage here is the same as with the rook in front of the pawn - take the king up to the passed pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 1. Ke1 {%05White carries out his plan without difficulty, since Black does not have sufficient counter-play:} Kg5 (1... Ke6 { %05things are not improved by} 2. h4 {!} Kf5 3. g3 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Kd1 f5 3. Kc1 Rb5 4. Rf7 {!} Kf4 5. Kd2 Ke4 6. Rd7 {! By his precise rook moves White has prevented the black king from pushing away his own king. Now the way to the pawn is clear.} g5 7. Kc3 f4 8. Kc4 Rb1 9. f3+ {! Accuracy to the end!} Kf5 {is met by %05Now} (9... Ke3 {%04by %05and} 10. Rd3+ Kf2 11. Rb3 $18) 10. Kd5 { and 11. Kc6$18 Therefore Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "Bad Kissingen (Germany)"] [Site "Bad Kissingen (Germany)"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Black "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/PR4p1/5k2/7p/4p3/7P/r4PP1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {In certain cases the weaker side can try not to allow the opponent's king across to the passed pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 1. Ke1 g6 2. Kd1 Ke5 {White takes his king across to the a7 pawn, and Black tries to prevent this.} 3. Kc1 Kd5 4. Kb1 Ra6 5. Kb2 Kc6 6. Rg7 Kc5 7. h4 Ra5 8. g3 {(before the decisive offensive, White fixes the K-side pawns)} Ra6 9. Kc3 Ra3+ 10. Kd2 {The king has not managed to reach the a7 pawn, but now White threatens 11. Rg6 Ra7 12. Ke3, when the black pawns become easy booty.} Kd4 11. Rd7+ Kc5 {This loses quickly, since Black ends up in zugzwang.} (11... Ke5 {! was rather more tenacious:} 12. Kc2 Ke6 13. Kb2 Ra6 14. Rg7 Kd5 15. Kc3 Kc5 {, but here too White can play} 16. Rxg6 Ra3+ (16... Rxa7 17. Rg5+ Kd6 18. Kd4 $18) 17. Kd2 Rxa7 18. Ke3 $18 { %04etc.}) 12. Ke2 Kc6 (12... Kc4 {can be met roughly as in the game:} 13. Rg7 Kd4 14. Rxg6 Rxa7 15. Rd6+ Ke5 16. Rh6 Kd4 17. Rxh5 $18) 13. Rg7 Kd5 14. Rxg6 Rxa7 15. Rg5+ Kd4 16. Rxh5 Ra2+ 17. Kf1 e3 (17... Ra1+ {%05if} 18. Kg2 Ra2 { , then} 19. Rf5 {!} e3 20. Rf4+ Ke5 21. Rf3 e2 22. Re3+ $18) 18. fxe3+ Kxe3 19. Rg5 Kf3 20. Kg1 $18 {, and White won.} 1-0 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Black "Yudovich Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P2R2pp/6k1/4pp2/8/r3P2P/5PPK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. Kg3 {was correct, trying to penetrate to the Q-side with his king as quickly as possible. %05However, White could have played more strongly.} (1. h4 {%05The game went:} h5 2. Rb7 Kf6 3. f3 Ra1 {!} 4. Kg3 Ra2 {! (Black prevents the king from approaching the a-pawn)} 5. f4 e4 {! This move was not in fact played. The following possible variation is by Kopayev:} (5... g6 {, and in the end he lost. %05Black continued with the weaker}) 6. Kh2 Ra1 7. g3 g6 8. Kg2 Ra2+ 9. Kf1 Ke6 10. Ke1 Kd5 11. Rc7 (11. Rg7 {%05it is dangerous to play} Kc4 12. Rxg6 (12. Rd7 {%05or} Kc3 {, when the white king's path to the Q-side is blocked}) 12... Kd3) 11... Kd6 12. Rg7 Kd5 13. Rxg6 Rxa7 {, and Black's active pieces enable him to draw.}) 1... Kf6 2. Kf3 {%05If on} Ra2 (2... h5 { , not allowing 3. g4, possible continuation is %05Black replies} 3. Ke2 g6 4. Kd2 Ke6 5. Rg7 Kd5 6. Kc2 Kc4 7. Kb2 Ra6 8. Rxg6 Rxa7 9. Rf6 $18 {, and White has every chance of success.}) 3. g4 fxg4+ 4. hxg4 Ra4 5. g5+ {!} Kxg5 6. Rxg7+ Kh6 7. Re7 Kg6 8. Rxe5 Rxa7 9. Kg4 $18 {, and White must win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P2R4/6kp/6p1/6P1/r6P/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {Apart from attempts to prevent the opponent's king from moving across to the pawn, the defender may also have other drawing possibilities, such as, for example, simplifying or invading with the king into the enemy position. It is in this way that Black saves the following position.} 1... h5 {! %05If Black sticks to passive tactics, White wins by taking his king to the a7 pawn. But Black has a very simple way of drawing.} 2. Kf2 (2. gxh5+ {, then %05If} Kxh5 3. Kf2 g4 {!} 4. hxg4+ Kxg4 5. Rf7 Kg5 6. Ke2 Kg6 7. Rb7 Kf6 8. Kd2 Ke6 9. Kc2 Kd6 10. Kb2 Kc6 11. Rh7 Ra5 12. Kb3 Kb6 {= with a draw.}) 2... hxg4 3. hxg4 Kf6 4. Ke2 Ke5 5. Rf7 Ke6 6. Rb7 Ke5 7. Kd2 Kf4 8. Kc2 Kxg4 {= , and a draw can be agreed.} * [Event "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Site "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/4p1p1/P5Rp/5P1P/r7/4K1P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {We will now consider some examples where the passed pawn is not very far advanced. If, while defending the passed pawn from the side, the rook is able simultaneously to defend the pawns on the opposite wing, the realization of the advantage is usually a straightforward matter. The plan remains the same: taking the king to the support of the passed pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 1. Kd2 { %05Black's position is hopeless, since he cannot prevent the march by the opponent's king up to the passed pawn. The white rook is ideally placed: it is not only defending its pawns, but also attacking the g6 pawn. The white king is free of all obligations, and can calmly set off to the support of the passed pawn.} Ke7 2. Kc2 {! Black was offering to exchange the a5 and g6 pawns, but White's passed pawn deserves a better fate.} Kd6 3. Kb2 Ra4 4. g3 Kc6 5. Kb3 Ra1 6. Kb4 Rb1+ 7. Kc4 Ra1 8. Kb3 $18 {, and Black resigned, since he either loses a second pawn, or is forced to allow the white king up to the a-pawn, which then advances.} 1-0 [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rabinovich Ilya L (RUS)"] [Black "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/p4rp1/7p/7P/8/8/6PK/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {In the following example Black carries out a clear-cut plan of realizing his advantage. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 1... Rf5 {!} 2. g4 Rg5 3. Kg3 a5 {Black's rook has taken up a favourable position, and now his king goes to the aid of his pawn.} 4. Kf3 Ka7 5. Ra4 Kb6 6. Ke3 Rd5 {! Now the rook switches to another position. The white king must not be allowed across to the a-pawn.} 7. Rf4 (7. Ke4 {%05Or } Rb5 {!} 8. Ra1 Rg5 9. Kf4 Kb5 10. Rb1+ Kc4 11. Ra1 (11. Rb7 {%05No better here is} a4 12. Ra7 Kb4 13. Rb7+ Rb5 14. Rxg7 a3 $19 {%04etc.}) 11... Kb3 $19 { and wins.}) 7... Rd7 8. Rf5 a4 9. g5 hxg5 10. Rxg5 a3 11. Ke4 a2 12. Rg1 Kb5 13. Ra1 Ra7 14. Kd3 (14. Kf5 Ra6 $19) 14... Kb4 15. Kc2 Ka3 16. Rg1 Rc7+ 17. Kd3 Kb2 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lipnitsky Isaak (RUS)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/6pp/8/2r2p2/P4P1P/3R2P1/8/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 If the stronger side's rook is not able to defend the pawns on both wings, play becomes much more complicated and the realization of the advantage becomes exceptionally difficult, and in many cases simply impossible. The methods of attack and defence in such endings are demonstrated in the following two examples.} 1... Rc1+ {! %052. Ra3 is threatened, and so:} 2. Ke2 Ra1 3. Rd4 (3. Rd8+ {%05if} Kf7 4. Ra8 {, then} Kg6 {= with sufficient counter-play}) 3... Ra3 {!} 4. Kd2 Kf7 {All the same the g-pawn will not run away, and so it is useful first to activate the king.} 5. Kc2 Kg6 6. Kb2 Rxg3 7. a5 Kh5 8. a6 Rg6 {Black exploits to the maximum the mobility of his rook - it manages to get everywhere.} 9. a7 (9. Ra4 {, then %05If now} Rb6+ 10. Kc3 Rb8 11. a7 Ra8 12. Kd4 Kxh4 13. Ke5 Kg4 14. Ra1 g5 15. Rg1+ Kf3 {= with a draw. }) 9... Ra6 10. Rd7 g6 {!} (10... Kxh4 {? %05Of course, not} 11. Rxg7 h5 12. Kb3 Kh3 13. Kb4 h4 14. Kb5 {, when Black can only lose.}) 11. Rxh7+ Kg4 12. Kb3 Ra1 13. Kb4 Kxf4 14. Kb5 Kg3 15. Kb6 f4 {= , and the game ended in a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Ch World (match)"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5pk1/1R5p/6pP/1p1r2P1/5P2/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 The game was adjourned in this position and on resumption it ended in a draw. Numerous commentators were simply unable to demonstrate a win. All their analyses were summed up by Grigoriev, who concluded with correct defence White should not lose. As we already know, Black's problem is to support his passed pawn with his king. If the h4 and h5 pawns were not on the board, there would be an elementary solution: after placing his rook to the b3 pawn. But here he has to abandon his h-pawn to its fate, which, in turn, allows White to gain counter-play. Thus a sharp struggle is in prospect, where both sides have to play actively.} 1. Ke2 {%05Let us see how the resumption of the game proceeded:} Rf3 2. Ke1 {!} (2. Rd5 {? is bad because of %05In waiting, White must play accurately. For example,} Rf5 3. Rd2 Rb5 {$19! %04etc.}) (2. Rb7 {? is loss of time: %05and} Kf5 3. Rb5+ Ke4 4. Rxh5 Kd4 5. Rb5 Kc4 6. Rb8 Rf5 {!} 7. Ke3 Kc3 8. Rc8+ Kb2 9. Rh8 Kc2 10. Rc8+ Kb1 11. Rh8 b2 12. h5 Rf3+ 13. Kd2 Ka2 14. Ra8+ Ra3 15. Rb8 b1=Q $19 {, and White is too late.}) 2... f5 (2... Rc3 {%05Black also had another possibility:} 3. Kd2 Rc2+ 4. Ke3 b2 {, but in this case too White has sufficient counter-chance after} 5. f3 {, e.g.} Rg2 (5... Rc3+ 6. Kf2 Rxf3+ 7. Kg2 {, and the b-pawn is lost =}) 6. fxg4 Rxg3+ (6... hxg4 {; then comes %05Black can try to improve this variation by playing} 7. Kf4 f5 8. h5+ Kh6 {!} 9. Kxf5 Rxg3 10. Kf4 {!!} ( 10. Rxb2 {?} Kxh5 {!} 11. Rh2+ Rh3 12. Rf2 Kh4 13. Kf4 Rh1 $19 {and wins}) 10... Rg2 11. Ke3 {!= , and White gains a draw.}) 7. Kf4 {!} Rxg4+ (7... Rg2 8. Kf3 Rc2 9. g5) 8. Kf3 Rxh4 9. Rxb2 {= , and we reach a theoretically drawn ending with f- and h-pawns.}) 3. Rb6+ Kf7 4. Rh6 {! A timely moment to switch to counter-attack.} f4 (4... Ke7 {, then %05If now} 5. Rxh5 Kd7 (5... b2 6. Rh7+ Kd6 7. Rb7 {=}) 6. Rh8 Kc7 7. Rh7+ Kc6 8. Rh8 Kc5 9. Rb8 Kc4 10. h5 { = , and White's passed pawn gives him equal chances.}) (4... Rc3 {! The correct continuation is %05White would have had the most difficult problems after} 5. Kd2 {!} (5. Rxh5 {? %05, since it is bad to play} b2 6. Rh7+ Kg6 7. Rb7 Rc1+ $19) 5... Rc2+ 6. Ke3 b2 7. Rb6 Ke7 8. f4 {! (in this way White activates his king)} Kd7 9. Kd4 Kc7 10. Rb3 Kc6 11. Rb8 (11. Ke5 {?} Rc5+ 12. Kf6 Rb5 $19) 11... Rg2 12. Rb3 {!} (12. Ke5 {%05not ?} Rd2 13. Kf6 Kc7 { ! followed by 14... Rd6+ and 15... Rb6$19}) 12... Rxg3 13. Rxb2 Rh3 14. Ke5 Rxh4 15. Rg2 {!} (15. Kxf5 {? %05much stronger than the line suggested by certain analysts:} g3 16. Rg2 Rg4 17. Ke4 h4 18. Kf3 Rg8 $19 {, when a draw is no longer apparent !}) 15... Rh3 16. Kxf5 g3 17. Ke4 h4 18. Kf3 Kd6 19. Re2 {!} Rh1 20. f5 Rf1+ 21. Kg4 Rf2 22. Re1 g2 23. Rg1 {= , and after all White gains a draw.}) 5. Rxh5 {!} (5. gxf4 {? %05White loses after} Rxf4 6. Rb6 (6. Rxh5 Rb4 $19) 6... Rf3 7. Rb5 Rc3 8. Kd2 Rc2+ 9. Ke3 b2 $19 {, when his king is tied to the f2 pawn if it moves, ... g3 proves decisive.}) 5... Rc3 (5... fxg3 {%05White is not afraid of losing his g-pawn:} 6. fxg3 Rxg3 7. Kf2 Rh3 8. Rb5 b2 9. Kg2 {= with a draw.}) 6. Rb5 f3 7. Kd2 Rc2+ 8. Ke3 b2 9. Kf4 Rc4+ 10. Ke3 Rc2 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Black "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pr2k1pp/8/R7/8/4PK2/P5PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] {We will now consider the case where the extra passed pawn is not on the wing, but in the centre.} 1. Ra6 {! An important point. Before starting to advance his pawn, White starting to advance his pawn. White, as usual, first strengthens his position. And at a6 the rook is ideally placed: it ties down Black's rook to the defence of his a-pawn and restricts the mobility of his king. %05Here it is very significant that White's rook is more actively placed than the opponent's For this reason he is able to realize his advantage:} Kf8 2. e4 Rc7 3. h4 {!} Kf7 4. g4 Kf8 5. Kf4 Ke7 {Thus White has activated his king and improved the placing of his pawns. He now has to create a breach in the enemy position.} 6. h5 {!} h6 {Now there is a weak point in Black's position at g6, to where in the end the white king penetrates.} (6... Kf7 { If Black had stubbornly tried not to weaken his K-side, there could have followed} 7. g5 Kf8 8. e5 Ke7 9. Kf5 Rb7 10. g6 {After the forced} h6 {, with the black king at e7 and rook at b7, White would have played} 11. Re6+ { , setting Black a difficult choice:} Kf8 {is met by} (11... Kd7 {, then %05and if} 12. Rf6 {!} Ke8 (12... gxf6 13. g7 Rb8 14. exf6 $18) 13. Rf7 {!} Rxf7+ 14. gxf7+ Kxf7 15. e6+ $18 {, with a won pawn ending.}) 12. Rc6 Ke7 13. Rc8 { and 14. Rg8$18}) 7. Kf5 Kf7 8. e5 Rb7 9. Rd6 Kf8 10. Rc6 Kf7 11. a3 {! Resigns. If} Re7 {, then} (11... Ke7 {is met by %05while} 12. Kg6 Kf8 13. Rc8+ Ke7 14. Kxg7 $18) (11... Kf8 {is also hopeless: %05Finally} 12. Kg6 Rb3 13. Rc8+ Ke7 14. Kxg7 Rxa3 15. Kxh6 $18) 12. e6+ Kg8 13. Kg6 Re8 14. e7 $18 {!} 1-0 [Event "Leipzig (Germany)"] [Site "Leipzig (Germany)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fischer Robert J (USA)"] [Black "Ghitescu Theodor (ROM)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p4kp1/2r2p1p/2PR4/8/P4PPP/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573} 1. f4 Ke6 {?!} (1... h4 {!? %05perhaps Black should have sought chances by} 2. Kc2 g5 $16) 2. Kc2 Rc8 3. Kc3 Rb8 4. c5 Rb1 { With passive defence Black would have finally ended up in zugzwang, so he makes a desperate attempt to activate his rook.} 5. Rd6+ Kf7 6. Rxa6 Rc1+ 7. Kd4 Rc2 8. g3 Rxh2 9. Kd5 Rg2 (9... Rd2+ 10. Kc6 $18) 10. c6 Ke7 11. Ra8 $18 { Resigns.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kivlan Ivars (LAT)"] [Black "Kochyev Alexander (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r1k1/5pp1/p7/1p6/8/P6P/1PR2PP1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ573 The following position shows a case where the extra pawn is on the K-side.} 1... Re1+ {%05Thanks to his active rook, Black is able to maintain the balance:} 2. Kh2 b4 {! By temporarily sacrificing a pawn, black achieves a significant reduction in the material on the board.} (2... a5 { %05Worse would have been} 3. Rc5 Re2 4. Rxb5 Rxf2 5. Kg3 Rc2 6. a4 {= , when the transfer of White's king to the Q-side should win for him.}) 3. axb4 Re4 4. Rc8+ (4. Kg3 {%05Little is promised by} Rxb4 5. Kf3 a5 6. Ke3 a4 7. Kd3 Rb3+ 8. Kc4 {(otherwise 8... a3)} g6 {, and due to the passive position of his rook White has no winning chances.} (8... g5 {%05or})) 4... Kh7 5. Rc7 f6 6. Rb7 Re2 7. b5 {!} (7. Kg3 {%05White is resourceful:} Rxb2 8. Rb6 Ra2 {= with the threat of 9... a5 was quite unpromising.}) 7... a5 {!} (7... axb5 {? %05Stronger than} 8. Rxb5 Rxf2 9. Kg3 $16 {, when White retains some winning chances.}) 8. Ra7 Rxf2 9. b4 {!} Rb2 {!} (9... axb4 {? would have been met not by} 10. b6 (10. Ra4 $18 {, when White must win %05but !}) 10... Rf5 {!}) 10. bxa5 Rxb5 11. h4 Rb4 12. Kh3 Ra4 13. Ra8 (13. g4 {was somewhat better, but even then, by keeping his rook at a4, Black easily maintains the balance.}) 13... f5 14. Ra6 Ra3+ 15. Kh2 g6 16. Ra8 Kh6 17. a6 f4 (17... Kh5 {? %05White was hoping for} 18. a7 Kg4 19. h5 $18 {!}) 18. a7 Kg7 {= Black gains a draw even after giving up his f4 pawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pkp/2r3p1/4R3/8/5P2/5K1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ575 ~111.2 PAWNS ON ONE WING~ Positions where all the pawns are on one wing have their characteristic features. In this case the defensive possibilities are normally improved, since it is easier to defend on a restricted front, than where there is play on both wings. In addition, the creation of a passed pawn usually leads to pawn exchanges.} 1... Rc4 2. Kg3 Kf6 3. f4 {! In this way White prevents the opponent from improving his position.} (3. Ra5 {%05After} g5 {!= he would have had to work hard to gain a draw.}) 3... Rc3+ 4. Kg2 Kg7 {(Black tries to take his king up to the opponent's pawns via the h-file)} 5. h3 Rc7 6. Kg3 Kh6 7. Ra5 f5 8. Ra3 Kh5 9. Rb3 h6 10. Ra3 Rc4 11. Rb3 g5 {(there is no other way to improve the position)} 12. fxg5 hxg5 13. Rb8 {! The correct move.} (13. Ra3 {? %05Passive defence could have led to defeat, e.g.} f4+ 14. Kg2 Kh4 $19 {%04etc.}) 13... f4+ 14. Kg2 {= , and the game ends in a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "The Hague/Moscow"] [Site "The Hague/Moscow"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/5pkp/2R5/4r3/8/5P1P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "73"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. Kg2 {%05White easily gains a draw:} h5 2. h3 f5 3. Rc6+ Kg5 4. Rc7 g6 5. Rc6 {! By attacking the rear pawn, White prevents the enemy king from going to h4.} Rd4 6. Ra6 h4 7. Rb6 Rd3 8. Ra6 Kh5 9. Ra8 Rd6 10. Rh8+ Kg5 11. Kf3 Rd3+ 12. Kg2 Rd4 {(otherwise the king cannot be freed from the defence of the pawn)} 13. Kf3 Kf6 14. Rf8+ Kg7 15. Ra8 Rd3+ 16. Kg2 g5 17. Ra6 Rd7 18. Rb6 Re7 19. Ra6 Kf7 20. Rh6 Re6 21. Rh8 Kg7 22. Rh5 Kg6 23. Rh8 Rc6 24. Rg8+ Kf6 25. Rf8+ Ke5 26. Rg8 Kf4 {It may seem that Black has made some progress, but now White forestalls the opponent's basic threat - ... g4.} 27. Rh8 Rc5 28. Rh5 Rc6 29. Rh8 Rg6 30. Rh7 Ke5 31. Rh8 Kf6 32. Rf8+ Ke6 33. Rh8 Kf7 34. f4 {Drawn. If} gxf4+ {, then} (34... Kf6 {is met by %05while} 35. Kf3 g4+ 36. Kg2 {=}) 35. Kf3 Rg3+ 36. Kxf4 Rxh3 37. Kxf5 {=} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorelov Sergey G (RUS)"] [Black "Sveshnikov Evgeny (LAT)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/4k1p1/3p3p/5P1P/1r6/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ575} 1. f6+ {%05White finds an interesting saving resource, creating a passed pawn on the h-file.} (1. Rg8 {? %05White's position looks difficult. He loses, for example, after} Kf6 2. Rf8+ Kg5 3. Rf7 Rf4+ 4. Kg3 Rxf5 5. Rxg7+ Kxh5 $19 {, when with two pawns Black in the end wins.}) 1... gxf6 (1... Kxf6 2. Rxd6+ Kf5 3. Rd5+ {= leads to an immediate draw}) 2. Rh8 Ke6 3. Rxh6 Kf5 4. Rh8 Rb3+ 5. Ke2 Rh3 6. h6 Kf4 (6... Kg6 7. Rg8+ Kh7 8. Rc8 {=}) 7. h7 f5 8. Kf2 Rf3+ 9. Kg2 Rg3+ 10. Kf2 Rg7 11. Rd8 Rxh7 12. Rxd6 {Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Site "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fischer Robert J (USA)"] [Black "Sherwin James T (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/4p2R/4P1P1/4KP1p/7r/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "36"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {In view of the exchanges resulting in the creation of a passed pawn, one often has to reckon with an ending arising with rook and pawn against rook.} 1... Kf6 {! %05Black's passed pawn gives him drawing chances, since the opponent's king is not able to support the passed g-pawn.} 2. Kd3 Kg6 {!} 3. Rh8 (3. Rxe5 {, then %05If} Rh1 4. Rh5 h2 {, and White loses his rook}) (3. Kc4 {can be met by %05while} Kf6 4. Kd5 Rd2+) 3... Kg7 4. Rh4 Kg6 5. Rh5 Kf6 6. Ke3 Ke6 (6... Rh1 {? %05Of course, not} 7. Kf2 {and 8. Kg3, winning the black pawn. }) (6... Kg6 {is also bad:} 7. Rxe5 Rh1 8. Rh5 h2 9. Kf2 $18) 7. f4 {%05Now White tries his last chance.} exf4+ 8. Kxf4 Rh1 9. Kg3 Re1 10. Kxh3 Rxe4 11. Rf5 Ra4 12. Rf8 {A known theoretical position has been reached, where against correct defence White is unable to win.} Ke7 {!} 13. Rf3 {~3($401380)~} Ke6 { ? The decisive mistake.} (13... Ra8 {! %05After the correct} 14. g5 (14. Rf4 { %05or} Rf8 {!= the game would have ended in a draw.}) 14... Rf8 {! =}) 14. Kh4 Ra8 15. g5 Rh8+ 16. Kg4 Ke7 17. g6 Rf8 18. Rf5 {!} Rh8 19. Kg5 {Resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopaev Nikolay Antonovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/1R5p/4PK2/r4PP1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {If the stronger side can create a passed pawn on one of the central files, the defence is usually more complicated, especially if his pieces are actively placed.} 1... Rc4 {%05The defensive plan is to exchange pawns, to reduce the offensive power of White's pawn phalanx.} 2. Rb7 Kf8 {(3. e6 was threatened)} 3. Rb3 (3. g5 hxg5 4. Kxg5 f6+ {! with a draw}) 3... Kg7 4. Re3 Rc6 {!} 5. Ke4 Rc4+ 6. Kf3 Rc6 7. f5 (7. Ra3 {, then %05If} f6 8. Ra7+ Kf8 9. Ke4 fxe5 10. fxe5 (10. Kxe5 Rb6) 10... Rc1 {, and the remaining play is considered in the analysis of example ~3($411703)~.}) 7... Kf8 8. Ra3 Rc1 9. Ra8+ Ke7 10. f6+ Ke6 11. Re8+ Kd5 12. e6 Rc6 {!= with a draw. But if the black pawn had been not at h6, but only at h7, the defence would have been a hopeless matter, since in this case White has a plan to strengthen his position decisively.} * [Event "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Site "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Black "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pkp/5R2/4PKP1/5P2/8/8/6r1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ575} 1... Rf1 (1... Ra1 {%05Euwe showed that other continuations would also have lost for Black, e.g.} 2. Rc6 Ra4 3. Rc7 Kf8 4. Kg4 Ra1 5. f5 {!} Rg1+ 6. Kf4 Rf1+ 7. Ke4 Re1+ 8. Kd5 Rd1+ 9. Kc6 Rc1+ 10. Kd7 Rd1+ 11. Kc8 Rd5 (11... Rg1 12. f6 Rxg5 13. Kd7 $18) 12. f6 Rxe5 13. Kd7 {!} Rd5+ 14. Kc6 Rd8 15. Rd7 Ra8 16. Kb7 Re8 17. Kc7 $18 {, and by exchanging rooks White forces a won pawn ending.}) 2. Rc6 Kf8 3. Rc8+ Kg7 4. Rd8 Rf2 (4... h6 {, then %05The best plan of defence would be to exchange pawns, %05but it cannot be carried out. If} 5. gxh6+ Kxh6 6. Rd7 Kg7 7. e6 $18) 5. Rd1 {! White must advance his pawn to f5, and for this he needs to drive the opponent's rook off the f-file.} Rf3 6. Ke4 {!} Rf2 7. Ke3 Ra2 8. f5 {!} Rg2 9. Rd7 {!} Rxg5 10. Kf4 Rg1 11. e6 Rf1+ 12. Ke5 Re1+ 13. Kd6 h5 14. Rxf7+ Kg8 15. Ke7 $18 {, and White won.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Najdorf Miguel (POL)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1r3kp1/5p1p/5K1P/4PPP1/8/R7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ575 A classic example of the realization of an extra pawn with the pawns on one wing is provided by the following position.} 1. Ra5 { %05White's king is ready to invade the enemy position, but %05for the moment the invasion point (g6) is inaccessible: it %05is covered by the opponent's king. White's plan is of a %05standard nature: he must create a passed pawn on the %05e-file, then advance it to divert the opponent's king, and %05break through with his own king to g6. But before %05starting to carry out this plan, White improves the %05position of his rook.} Rc7 2. Rd5 Ra7 3. e5 fxe5 4. fxe5 Ke7 {(the threat was 5. Rd7+ Rd7 6. e6+, transposing into a won pawn ending)} 5. e6 Ra4 {! The only possibility.} (5... Ra6 {, then %05If} 6. Rd7+ Kf8 7. Kg6 {!} Rxe6+ 8. Kh7 $18 {, and Black loses both pawns.}) 6. g5 {! And this the only winning possibility.} (6. Rd7+ {%05Nothing is achieved by} Kf8 7. e7+ (7. Rf7+ {%05If instead of 7. e7+ White continues} Kg8 8. g5 {? , Black replies not } hxg5 (8... Ra5+ {%05but} 9. Ke4 Ra6 {= with a draw.}) 9. Kg6 $18) 7... Ke8 8. Rb7 Ra5+ 9. Kg6 Rg5+ {= with a draw.}) 6... Ra7 {! was a better defence.} (6... hxg5 {? This capture loses quickly, since White is able to use the g5 pawn as a screen for his king (regarding the better 6... Ra7, cf. below).} 7. Rd7+ Kf8 8. Rf7+ Kg8 9. Kg6 g4 10. h6 {! (here there are also other ways, but this is undoubtedly the most elegant)} gxh6 11. e7 Ra8 12. Rf6 {Resigns. The following was a possible finish:} Re8 13. Rd6 {!} Rxe7 14. Rd8+ $18) 7. Re5 {! (found by Botvinnik) After %05White wins by} (7. gxh6 {? %05If White hurries to win a second pawn by} gxh6 8. Rb5 Rc7 9. Rb6 Rc5+ 10. Kg6 Re5 {!} 11. Kxh6 {, after} Kf6 {!= a familiar drawn position is reached ~3($411542)~.}) 7... hxg5 { there are two possibilities:} (7... Kd6 {%05worse is} 8. gxh6 gxh6 9. Kf6) ( 7... Ra6 {%05or} 8. Kg6 Kf8 9. Kh7 hxg5 10. e7+ Ke8 11. Kxg7 g4 12. h6 $18 { %04etc.}) 8. Kxg5 (8. Kg6 Kd6 (8... g4 9. Kxg7 g3 10. h6 g2 11. Rg5 Kxe6+ 12. Kg6 $18) 9. Re1 g4 10. h6 {!} gxh6 11. Kf6 g3 12. e7 Rxe7 13. Rxe7 h5 14. Rg7 $18 {(Kopayev).}) 8... Ra1 (8... Kd6 9. Kf5 Rb7 10. h6 {!} gxh6 11. Kf6 $18) 9. Kg6 Rf1 (9... Rg1+ 10. Rg5 $18) 10. Kxg7 Rg1+ 11. Kh6 Rg2 12. Rg5 Rf2 13. Kg7 Kxe6 14. h6 Rf7+ 15. Kg8 Ra7 16. h7 $18 {(Botvinnik) In this example White's forces were very well placed: he was able to create a passed pawn without difficulty, and his king occupied an important strong point on the approaches to the enemy position; Black was restricted to passive defence. Against correct defence these advantages are usually insufficient for a win. Here is an example showing how the defence should be conducted.} 1-0 [Event "Match \"Moscow - Budapest\""] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Black "Benko Pal C (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pp/r4pk1/8/1R2P3/5P2/6PP/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "59"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ575} 1... Ra2 2. Rb7 h5 {! The advance of this pawn to the 5th rank is very important: it prevents White from advancing his pawns, and severely restricts his attacking possibilities.} 3. h4 {(otherwise Black himself could play h4)} Re2 4. Kh2 Kh6 5. Kg3 Kg6 6. Rb1 Kf7 7. Rf1 Kg6 8. Rf2 {The black rook is excellently placed on the 2nd rank. To activate his pawns, White has to drive it from this favourable position.} Re1 9. Ra2 Kh6 10. Kf4 Rh1 11. Kg3 Re1 12. Rd2 Kg6 13. Kf2 Rh1 14. g3 Ra1 15. f4 Ra3 {! (again cutting off the king)} 16. Re2 Kf7 17. Re3 Ra4 18. Kf3 {Step by step the white king advances. But for the moment it is not able to support the potential passed pawn.} Ra5 19. Rb3 (19. e5 {%05the immediate advance} Ke6 20. exf6+ Kxf6 {= does not achieve anything}) 19... Kg6 20. g4 hxg4+ 21. Kxg4 Ra1 22. h5+ Kh7 23. e5 fxe5 24. fxe5 {White has at last created a passed pawn and pushed back the opponent's king, but Black has sufficient resources to save the game.} g6 25. Rb7+ Kh6 26. e6 Ra4+ 27. Kf3 gxh5 28. e7 Ra8 29. Rd7 Re8 30. Kf4 Kg6 { = Drawn. As we see, against correct defence this ending cannot in general be won. It will therefore be useful to examine some examples where the weaker side did not defend in the best way, in order to become familiar with the typical mistakes.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Yates Frederick D (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pkp/6p1/1r6/8/R3P1P1/5PKP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {The following example is regarded as a classic.} 1. Ra6 Rb4 2. h3 Rc4 3. Kf3 Rb4 4. Ra5 Rc4 {Black has decided to stick to waiting tactics, trying merely not to allow the advance of the opponent's king. This does not lose, but it complicates the defence. It would have been correct to play ... h5 at the first opportunity, after which White's attacking possibilities are severely restricted.} 5. g4 {!} h6 6. Kg3 Rc1 {Black switches to active play. If he had continued to wait, there could have followed 7. h4 and 8. h5, further weakening the black position.} 7. Kg2 Rc4 {reverting to his former tactics;} ( 7... g5 {was the soundest}) 8. Rd5 Ra4 9. f4 Ra2+ 10. Kg3 Re2 11. Re5 Re1 12. Kf2 Rh1 13. Kg2 Re1 14. h4 Kf6 {This move also does not lose, but it allows White to improve his position somewhat.} (14... f6 {! Here is one of his variations: %05As was shown by Kopayev, Black could have greatly simplified his defence by} 15. Re7+ Kf8 16. Re6 Kf7 17. f5 gxf5 18. gxf5 h5 19. Kf2 Ra1 20. Rb6 Ra5 {!} 21. Rb7+ Kg8 22. e4 Ra3 {!= , and there is no way for White to realize his material advantage.}) 15. h5 Re2+ 16. Kf3 Re1 17. Ra5 Kg7 {(the threat was 18. Ra6 and 19. hg, creating a passed pawn on the e-file)} 18. hxg6 Kxg6 {! An essential move.} (18... fxg6 {%05After} 19. Ra7+ Kg8 (19... Kf6 20. Rh7 Rh1 21. Rxh6 {!}) 20. e4 {!} Rf1+ 21. Ke3 Rg1 22. f5 {!} Rxg4 23. f6 Rg1 24. Kd4 $18 {White must win.}) 19. e4 {~3($401815)} * [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Yates Frederick D (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/6kp/R7/4PPP1/5K2/8/4r3 b - - 0 19"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 19... Rf1+ 20. Kg3 Rg1+ 21. Kh3 Rf1 22. Rf5 Re1 {? Here at last is the decisive mistake.} (22... f6 {! %05A draw could still have been gained in two ways, the first of which was pointed out by Rabinovich:} 23. Kg2 Re1 24. Kf3 ( 24. e5 {%05after} fxe5 25. Rxe5 {Black can transpose into a drawn pawn ending:} Rxe5 26. fxe5 h5 {=}) 24... Rf1+ 25. Ke3 Rg1 {etc. By attacking in turn the opponent's undefended pawns, Black forces a draw by repetition.}) (22... Ra1 { %05There is also a second way:} 23. e5 (23. Kg3 Ra3+ 24. Kh4 Re3 25. Re5 Rf3 26. f5+ Kf6 27. Ra5 Re3 {with an easy draw}) 23... Ra3+ 24. Kg2 (24. Kh4 Rf3 25. Rf6+ Kg7 26. f5 Re3) 24... Ra2+ 25. Kf3 Ra3+ 26. Ke4 Ra4+ 27. Kd5 Rb4 28. Rf6+ Kg7 {, and White is unable to improve his position.}) 23. e5 {! Now White switches his rook to a better position and then also advances his f-pawn to the 5th rank. There is no way for Black to counter this plan.} Re3+ 24. Kg2 {!} (24. Kh4 {%05not} Rf3 25. Rf6+ Kg7 26. g5 hxg5+ 27. Kxg5 {with a draw}) 24... Ra3 25. Rf6+ Kg7 {~3($411816)~} * [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Yates Frederick D (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/5R1p/4P3/5PP1/r7/6K1/8 w - - 0 26"] [PlyCount "53"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 26. Rb6 {? %05 This position can well be called a study, where it is White to play and win. But on the way there are a number of pitfalls, and at the first of these White stumbles.} (26. Rd6 {! should have been played, to use the rook as a shelter for the king. %05Usually in rook endings it is best to keep the rook as far away as possible from the opponent's king, but here}) 26... Re3 ( 26... Ra4 {! %05Now Black could have played} 27. Kf3 (27. Kg3 Ra3+ 28. Kh4 Ra4 29. f5 Ra5 30. e6 fxe6 31. fxe6 Kf6 {with an easy draw}) 27... Ra3+ 28. Ke4 Ra4+ 29. Kf5 {, and we reach the drawn position ~3($401810)~. But Black failed to exploit his opponent's mistake.}) 27. Rb4 (27. Rb1 {! , not allowing Black's rook to occupy the 1st rank, and thus depriving him of his most active defensive possibility. This is what could then have happened: %05White's plan is to transfer his rook to the 8th or 7th rank and then advance his f-pawn. But to do this he must first drive the opponent's rook off the e-file. This is most easily achieved by} Re4 (27... Re2+ 28. Kf3 Rh2 29. f5 h5 30. Rb7 hxg4+ 31. Kg3 Rh5 32. Kxg4 Rh1 33. e6 $18 {%04etc.}) 28. Kf3 Ra4 29. Rb8 {!} Ra3+ 30. Kg2 Re3 31. Re8 {!} Re2+ 32. Kf3 Re1 33. f5 Rf1+ 34. Ke2 Rf4 35. Ke3 Rxg4 36. f6+ Kh7 37. e6 {!$18 and wins.}) 27... Rc3 {%05The move played also wins, but in a more complicated way.} 28. Kf2 {?} (28. Rb1 {! %05The correct continuation was again}) 28... Ra3 {? %05But now, in view of the fact that White has lost control over h3, the game could again have ended in a draw.} ( 28... h5 {! %05Black could have gained excellent drawing chances by} 29. g5 h4 {, when the passed pawn acquired by Black restricts the opponent's attacking possibilities. For example:} 30. Rb7 (30. Kg2 h3+ 31. Kh2 Rf3) 30... Kg6 31. Rb6+ Kg7 {!} 32. Rh6 h3 33. Kg1 (33. f5 Rc5 34. f6+ Kg8 35. g6 (35. e6 { %05instead of 35. g6 White can play} fxe6 36. Rg6+ Kf8 37. Kg3 {, but after} Rc3+ 38. Kh2 Rf3 39. Rh6 e5 40. Rxh3 Rf5 41. Rh8+ Kf7 42. Rh7+ Kf8 43. Rg7 Rf3 {!} 44. Kg2 e4 {- draw. =}) 35... fxg6 36. Rxg6+ Kf7 {!} 37. Rg7+ Kf8 38. Re7 Rc2+ 39. Kg1 h2+ 40. Kh1 {with a theoretical draw =}) 33... Rf3 34. Rh4 Kg6 { and 35... Kf5 Black saves the game.^013^010 In this variation the black king could have taken an active part in the game, whereas after the move played it becomes a target for attack.}) 29. Rb7 Kg8 30. Rb8+ {! (at last White has hit on the correct plan)} Kg7 31. f5 {Threatening 32. f6 Kh7 33. Rf8 Ra7 34. Kg3 Rb7 35. Kh4 Ra7 36. Kh5 Rb7 37. g5! hg 38. e6! fe 39. Re8 Rf7 40. Re7 Kg8 41. Kg6} Ra2+ 32. Ke3 (32. Kg3 {%05Transferring the king to h4 would have been simpler, e.g.} Ra3+ 33. Kh4 Re3 (33... Ra5 34. f6+ Kg6 35. Rg8+ Kh7 36. Rg7+ Kh8 37. Rxf7 Rxe5 38. Re7 {!} Ra5 39. Re8+ Kh7 40. f7 $18) 34. Re8 Re1 35. Kg3 Re4 36. f6+ Kh7 37. Kf3 Re1 38. Kf4 Rf1+ 39. Ke4 {, and White wins by taking his king to f7.}) 32... Ra3+ 33. Ke4 Ra4+ 34. Kd5 Ra5+ (34... Rxg4 35. f6+ Kh7 36. Rf8) 35. Kd6 Ra6+ 36. Kc7 Kh7 (36... Ra7+ {%05if} 37. Kb6 {, and if the rook moves - 38. f6}) 37. Kd7 Ra7+ 38. Kd6 Kg7 39. Rd8 Ra5 40. f6+ Kh7 41. Rf8 Ra7 42. Kc6 Kg6 43. Rg8+ Kh7 44. Rg7+ Kh8 45. Kb6 Rd7 46. Kc5 Rc7+ 47. Kd6 Ra7 48. e6 {!} Ra6+ 49. Ke7 Rxe6+ 50. Kxf7 Re5 51. g5 {!} hxg5 52. Kg6 {Resigns.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ionov Sergey (RUS)"] [Black "Karasev Vladimir I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3R1pk1/6p1/4P2p/5P1K/r5P1/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {The following example is of interest for the mistake made by Black, showing that even when he has played ... h5 he still has to play carefully.} 1... Ra6 { ! The correct continuation was} (1... Re3 {? and after %05Black played} 2. Kg5 Re2 3. Re7 {!} Re4 4. e6 {!} Rxe6 5. Rxe6 fxe6 6. h3 {!} Kf7 7. Kh6 Kf6 8. g4 { he found himself in a hopeless pawn ending. The conclusion was brief:} h4 9. g5+ {!} Kf5 10. Kg7 Kxf4 11. Kxg6 e5 12. Kf6 e4 13. g6 e3 14. g7 e2 15. g8=Q e1=Q 16. Qg4+ {Resigns.}) 2. Re7 Rb6 {!} 3. Kg5 (3. e6 {%05nothing is achieved by} Kf6 {!} 4. Rxf7+ Kxe6) 3... Rb5 {! , e.g.} 4. f5 gxf5 {!} 5. e6 (5. Kxh5 { %05or} Kf8 {and 6... Re5=}) 5... f4+ 6. Kxf4 Kf6 7. Rxf7+ Kxe6 {=} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Black "Rjumin N (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r1k/6p1/p6p/1p2R3/2pP4/6P1/PP3PKP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ577 ~1 11.3 BOTH SIDES HAVE PASSED PAWNS~ We have already stated that one effective measure against an enemy passed pawn is to create a passed pawn on your own. In this case the play is sharpened, the material advantage becomes of secondary importance, and the result depends on whose passed pawn is the more dangerous. We will first consider an example where the weaker side is only threatening to create a passed pawn.} 1. Rc5 {! %05Black intends to play 1... Rd8 2. d5 b4, setting his pawns in motion. but it is White to move, and by a rook manoeuvre he succeeds in neutralizing this threat. } Kg8 (1... Rd8 {, then %05if} 2. d5 Kg8 3. Kf3 Kf7 4. Kf4 Ke7 5. Ke5 $18 { %04etc.}) 2. a4 Rd8 3. axb5 axb5 4. d5 Rb8 {White has achieved his aim: the opponent's pawns are halted, and his rook occupies a passive position.} 5. Kf3 Kf7 6. Ke3 Ke7 7. Kd4 Kd7 8. Kc3 Kd6 9. Kb4 Rf8 (9... Re8 {%05The other attempt at active play is also too late:} 10. Rxb5 Re2 11. Kxc4 Rxf2 12. Rb6+ Ke5 13. Re6+ Kf5 14. b4 Rxh2 15. Re3 $18 {%04etc.}) 10. f4 g5 11. fxg5 hxg5 12. Rxb5 Rf2 13. Kxc4 Rxh2 14. Rb6+ Kd7 15. Rg6 Rxb2 16. Rxg5 $18 {, and White won. } 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hort Vlastimil (GER)"] [Black "Vaganian Rafael A (ARM)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pp1/3k3p/P2p4/1P1R1P2/6P1/5K1P/2r5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ577} 1. Rd2 {! %05White has two connected passed pawns, but Black's rook is active, and in addition his d-pawn may have something to say. But White has a plan for activating his forces, in the end leading to a position of zugzwang.} Rb1 (1... Ra1 {was evidently more tenacious, and if} 2. Rb2 (2. Ke3 {%05or} Ra3+ 3. Rd3 Ra2) 2... d4) 2. a6 Ra1 3. b5 Kc5 4. Rb2 {!} Kb6 {Black has managed to stop the pawns with his king, but now the white king becomes active.} 5. Ke3 Ra4 6. f5 {!} h5 7. Kd3 f6 (7... Ra1 {%05if} 8. Kd4 $18 ) (7... Rc4 {%05or} 8. Ra2 $18) 8. Rb1 Ra2 9. Kd4 Rd2+ 10. Kc3 Ra2 (10... Rxh2 {is met by} 11. Ra1 Ka7 12. b6+) 11. Kd4 Rd2+ 12. Kc3 Ra2 13. Rb4 {! (the decisive rook manoeuvre)} Ra1 14. Kb2 {! Resigns. If} Ra5 {, then} 15. h4 d4 16. Kc2 Ra3 17. Kd2 $18 {%04etc.} 1-0 [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/5p2/r2p2p1/P2k4/7P/3K1P2/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ577 In the following example White has a strong trump - an outside passed pawn, which Black has to blockade with his pawn, which Black has to blockade with his rook. However, by exploiting the active position of his king, Black is able to carry out an interesting plan for strengthening his position.} 1... Kc4 {%05Black carries out a typical plan: he transfers his king to a5, when his rook is freed to attack the opponent's weak pawns.} 2. Ke3 {?} (2. Rc1+ {! %05The strongest defence was} Kb4 3. Rb1+ (3. Rc7 Rxa4 4. Rxg7 Kc5 5. Rf7 Rf4 $17) 3... Kxa4 (3... Ka3 {%05or} 4. Rb7 Rxa4 5. Rxg7 Rf4 6. Ke2 Kb3 7. Rc7 {!$17 %04etc.}) 4. Kd3 $17 {, activating the pieces}) 2... d4+ 3. Kd2 Rf5 {!} 4. Ke1 (4. a5 Rxf2+ 5. Ke1 Rb2 6. a6 Rb8 $19 {%04etc.}) 4... Kb4 5. Ke2 Ka5 6. Ra3 Rf4 7. Ra2 {This leads to the loss of a second pawn,} (7. Kf1 { %05but no better is} Kb4 8. Ra1 Rh4 9. Kg2 d3 10. a5 d2 11. a6 Rh8 $19) 7... Rh4 8. Kd3 Rxh3+ 9. Kxd4 Rh4+ 10. Kd3 Rxa4 11. Re2 Rf4 {(the rest is merely a question of time: all Black has to do is to take his king up to the pawns)} 12. Ke3 Kb6 13. Rc2 Kb7 14. Rc1 Ra4 15. Rh1 Kc6 16. Rh7 Ra7 17. Ke4 Kd6 18. Kf5 g6+ {!} 19. Kxg6 Rxh7 20. Kxh7 Ke5 21. Kg6 g4 {White resigns.} * [Event "Match"] [Site "?"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vogt Lothar (GER)"] [Black "Espig Lutz (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1r6/1P2k1P1/3pp2P/8/1R2K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ577 The following example shows an interesting case where all the pawns are passed.} 1. h5 {%05In this sharp position White's connected pawns prove stronger than Black's, although the latter can be supported by their king.} Kf5 {This simplifies White's task, of course, since now both black pieces are passively placed.} (1... Kf4 {as leading to a draw, e.g. %05"Chess Informant" suggests} 2. g6 d3+ 3. Kd2 Rd6 {!} 4. Rb4 {!} Kf3 5. Rxe4 Kxe4 6. g7 Rd8 7. h6 Ra8 8. h7 Ra2+ 9. Kc3 d2 10. g8=Q d1=Q 11. Qxa2 {?} (11. Qe6+ {! White nevertheless wins, as the following variations show: %05But it was established by Nunn that after the preparatory} Kf4 (11... Kf3 12. Qxa2 Qc1+ (12... Qe1+ 13. Qd2 Qe5+ (13... Qa1+ {%05or} 14. Kc4 Qa4+ 15. Qb4 $18 { %04etc.}) 14. Kc2) 13. Qc2 Qe1+ 14. Kb2 $18) 12. Qxa2 Qc1+ (12... Qf3+ 13. Kb4 $18) 13. Qc2 Qe3+ (13... Qa3+ 14. Kc4 $18) (13... Qa1+ {%05or} 14. Kb3 $18) 14. Kb2 Qe5+ 15. Qc3 Qxb5+ 16. Ka3 (16. Kc1 {%05or} Qf1+ 17. Kc2 $18) 16... Qa6+ 17. Kb3 $18 {!}) 11... Qd4+ 12. Kb3 Qd5+ 13. Ka3 Qc5+ {= with perpetual check.} ) 2. g6 Kf6 (2... Kg5 {%05No better} 3. g7 Rb8 4. Rb1 {!} Kh6 (4... Kxh5 5. g8=Q Rxg8 6. Rh1+ Kg6 7. Rg1+ Kf7 8. Rxg8 Kxg8 9. b6 $18) 5. Rg1 Rg8 6. b6 Kh7 7. b7 e3 8. Kd3 Kh6 9. Rb1 Rb8 10. g8=Q $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Rb4 Rd6 (3... Kg7 4. Rxd4 Rxb5 5. Rd7+ $18 {, winning}) 4. b6 d3+ 5. Kd1 {!} e3 6. b7 d2 7. Rb1 Rd8 8. b8=Q e2+ 9. Kxe2 d1=Q+ 10. Rxd1 Rxb8 11. Rd7 Kg5 12. Rh7 {Resigns. Up till now we have been considering examples where, in spite of the opponent's passed pawns, the stronger side has nevertheless managed to realize his material advantage. This is by no means always the case. Often a passed pawn completely neutralizes material advantage.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r3pk/2PR3p/p7/8/4KP2/6PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ577} 1... a4 2. Kd3 a3 3. Kc2 {The king aims to halt the opponent's passed pawn.} (3. Kc3 {was weaker:} Ra7 {!}) 3... Re7 {! (a timely moment to activate the rook)} 4. Kb3 (4. Rd7 {%05Little promised by} a2 5. Kb2 Re2+ 6. Ka1 Rxg2 7. c7 Rc2) (4. Kb1 {, but even then he could have drawn by %05As was shown by Kopayev, Black would have had greater difficulties after} Re3 5. c7 Rc3 6. Rd7 h5 {, e.g.} 7. h4 Kh6 8. g4 hxg4 9. fxg4 g5 {!} 10. h5 a2+ 11. Kxa2 Rxc7 {!= %04etc.}) 4... Re3+ 5. Kb4 (5. Ka2 Rc3 {=}) 5... a2 6. Rd1 Re2 7. Kb3 Re6 8. c7 Rc6 9. Kxa2 Rxc7 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bohm Hans (NED)"] [Black "Timman Jan H (NED)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/P3p3/8/1PK5/4k1P1/4p3/R4r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ481 %212045826630=4HLJ577 In conclusion, here is an example where the material advantage plays altogether no part, since the opponent's passed pawn is close to the queening square. However, by skilfully using his pawns to divert the opponent's pieces, White saves the game.} 1. Ra3+ {!} (1. Ra5 {? , then %05How is White going to draw? If, for example,} Rc1+ 2. Kb3 Kd4 $19) 1... Ke4 (1... Kf2 2. Ra2 {=}) 2. a7 Rf8 3. Ra6 {! The only move.} (3. Ra1 {%05Not} Ra8 4. Re1 Kf3 $19 {, when 5... Ra7 inevitably follows.}) 3... e5 4. Ra1 Ra8 5. Re1 Kf3 6. Kd5 {! This is the whole point! By forcing the pawn to advance, White has gained the opportunity to attack it with his king.} Rxa7 7. Kxe5 {(now White's king succeeds in supporting one of his pawns)} Rb7 8. g4 {!} Kxg4 9. Ke4 (9. Rxe2 Re7+ 10. Kd6 Rxe2 11. b5 {was also possible =}) 9... Re7+ 10. Kd5 { = Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/8/6p1/1pkp4/5PP1/3K4/1P6/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ579 ~112. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (positional advantage)~ A positional advantage in a rook ending is determined by the features of the pawn formation and the degree of activity of the pieces. It is expedient to pick out the following four types of positional advantage: ~0(a) The possession of an outside passed pawn, or the possibility of creating one. ~ ~0 (b) Organic weaknesses in the opponent's pawn formation. ~ ~0(c) More active rook ~. ~0(d) Better king position. ~ Of course, these factors are not constant, they are related one to another, and in the course of play their role may change sharply. Their influence on the final result may also vary. The examples have been selected such that one of these four forms of positional advantage is the main one - it is this that determines the assessment of the position, the plan of play, and the final result. ~112.1 OUTSIDE PASSED PAWN~ The presence of an outside passed pawn in a rook ending is a significant factor in the assessment of the position. But it can become decisive only if the pieces are active, if the king and rook can effectively support its advance. This is the situation in the following example.} 1. f5 { %05By f4-f5 White can create an outside passed pawn, with %05his rook occupying an active position. It is deployed "a la %05Tarrasch", as though urging on the passed pawn from %05behind, whereas the black rook is passively placed: it %05stands in the path of the opponent's passed pawn, %05securely blocking it.} gxf5 2. gxf5 Rf6 (2... d4 {%05The pawn has to be stopped. After} 3. f6 Kd5 4. f7 Ke5 5. Rf2 Kd5 6. Rf5+ Ke6 7. Rf4 Ke5 8. Re4+ Kd6 9. Rxd4+ Ke6 10. Rf4 Ke5 11. Rf3 $18) 3. Rf4 b4 (3... d4 {Black could have tried to complicate the play somewhat, e.g. %05By} 4. Ke4 Rd6 (4... Kc4 5. Ke5 Rf8 6. Rxd4+ Kb3 7. f6 $18) 5. Rf3 Kc4 6. f6 {!} Re6+ (6... d3 7. f7 Rd4+ 8. Ke3 d2 9. f8=Q d1=Q 10. Qc8+ Kb3 11. Qc3+ $18) (6... Rd8 7. b3+ Kc5 (7... Kb4 8. f7 d3 9. Rxd3 Rf8 10. Rf3 $18) 8. Rf5+ Kc6 9. f7 Rf8 10. Kxd4 $18) 7. Kf5 Re8 (7... Re3 8. Rf4 Re8 9. f7 Rf8 10. Ke5 Kb3 11. Kxd4 Kxb2 12. Kc5 $18 Kc3 13. Rf3+ Kd2 14. Kxb5 Ke2 15. Rf6 $18) 8. f7 Rf8 9. b3+ Kd5 10. Kf6 Ke4 11. Ke7 {!} Rb8 (11... Rxf7+ 12. Rxf7 d3 13. Ke6 Kd4 14. Rb7 $18) 12. f8=Q Rxf8 13. Rxf8 $18) 4. b3 Rf7 (4... Kc6 {%05Black is in zugzwang:} 5. Kd4 Kd6 6. Rf2 $18 {would have led to roughly the same continuation as in the game.}) 5. f6 Kd6 6. Kd4 Ke6 7. Rf2 {(White prepares the decisive transfer of his rook for an attack from the side) } Kd6 8. Ra2 {!} Rc7 (8... Rxf6 {is met by} 9. Ra6+ $18 {with a won pawn ending }) (8... Rb7 {%04by %05and} 9. Ra6+ Kd7 10. Kxd5 $18) 9. Ra6+ Kd7 10. Rb6 { , whereas now Black resigned. Indeed,} (10. Kxd5 {%05or} Rc3 11. Ra8 Rf3 12. f7 Rxf7 13. Ra7+ Ke8 14. Rxf7 Kxf7 15. Kc5 $18) 10... Rc3 11. Rxb4 Rf3 12. Ke5 Rf1 13. Rf4 $18 {leads to an easy win for White.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Black "Boleslavsky Isaac (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r5k1/2p3p1/P1P2pP1/1K6/5R2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ579} 1. Ra3 {! (threatening 2. a6 and 3. Ka5) %05 The a5 pawn, which can be supported by White's pieces, is much more dangerous than black's passed pawn. In addition, Black's passed pawn. In addition, Black's passively placed pieces have no way of supporting his pawn. White wins by an extremely instructive rook manoeuvre.} Ra6 {(the pawn is blocked, but the black rook is now immobilized)} 2. Rd3 Kf7 3. Rd6 {!} Kg7 4. Rd7+ Kg8 5. Ka4 { ! Black's position has further deteriorated, since the white rook has broken into it. By this move White prepares the transfer of his rook to b6,} (5. Rb7 { could have been met by %05since the immediate} f4) 5... Kf8 6. Rb7 {!} f4 (6... Kg8 {, then %05if} 7. Rb6 Ra8 8. Rxc6 Kg7 9. a6 f4 10. Rf6 $18 {%04etc.}) 7. Rb4 {White's mobile rook manages to get everywhere, and easily copes with the opponent's passed pawn.} Ke7 8. Rxf4 Ke6 9. Rf6+ Kd5 10. Kb4 {Resigns. If} Ra7 {, then} 11. Rd6+ Ke5 12. Rxg6 $18 {%04etc.} 1-0 [Event "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Site "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kirilov Valentins (LAT)"] [Black "Breitman"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/P7/7p/4ppk1/8/2K5/R5PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ579} 1. Kc4 {%05Thanks to the superior placing of his pieces, White carries out a typical plan: exploiting the fact that the opponent's counter-play is too late, he succeeds in taking his king up to his passed pawn. } Kf4 2. Kc5 e4 (2... Ke4 {, then %05If} 3. Ra3 f4 4. Kb6 Kd4 5. Kb7 Re8 6. a8=Q Rxa8 7. Kxa8 e4 8. Kb7 e3 9. Kc6 e2 10. Ra1 Ke3 11. Kd5 Kf2 12. Ke4 Kxg2 13. Kxf4 Kf2 14. h4 $18 {and wins.}) 3. Kb6 Ke3 4. Kb7 Rg8 5. a8=Q Rxa8 6. Rxa8 {!} (6. Kxa8 {? %05not} f4 7. Kb7 f3 8. gxf3 exf3 9. Kc6 f2 10. Ra1 Ke2 11. Kd5 f1=Q {= with a draw}) 6... Kf2 (6... f4 {does not help: %05Now} 7. Kc6 f3 8. gxf3 exf3 9. Kd5 f2 10. Ra1 Ke2 11. Ke4 f1=Q 12. Rxf1 Kxf1 13. h4 $18 {%04etc.} ) 7. Ra2+ Kf1 8. Kc6 e3 9. Kd5 e2 10. Rxe2 Kxe2 11. Ke5 Kf2 12. Kxf5 Kxg2 13. h4 Kf3 14. h5 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Site "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Panno Oscar (ARG)"] [Black "Najdorf Miguel (POL)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r4k2/P3p3/R4p1p/6p1/4PP2/4K2P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {%05The white king cannot support its pawn, since Black has counter-chances on the K-side. but White has another, highly effective plan: to weaken the opponent's pawns and attack them with his king.} h4 {In trying not to allow the white king into his position, Black makes things somewhat easier for his opponent.} (1... Kg6 {%05But even after} 2. e4 Kg5 3. Ke3 { White again wins, e.g.} Kh4 4. exf5 exf5 5. Kf4 Kh3 6. Ra2 h4 (6... Kh4 7. Ra3 $18) 7. fxg4 fxg4 8. Ra3+ g3 (8... Kxh2 9. Kxg4) 9. hxg3 Rf7+ 10. Ke4 Re7+ 11. Kf3 Rf7+ 12. Ke2 Re7+ 13. Kf2 Rf7+ 14. Kg1 $18 {, and wins.}) 2. e4 Kg6 3. exf5+ exf5 4. Ke3 Kg5 (4... g3 {, then %05if} 5. hxg3 hxg3 6. f4 Kh5 7. Kf3 Kh4 8. Ra1 g2 9. Kxg2 Kg4 10. Ra4 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. fxg4 Kxg4 6. Ra2 Re7+ (6... f4+ 7. Kf2 Kh3 8. Kf3 {and wins}) 7. Kf2 Ra7 8. Ra3 Kf4 9. Ra4+ Ke5 10. Kf3 Kd5 11. Kf4 Kc5 12. Kxf5 Kb5 13. Ra2 h3 14. Kg4 Rxa6 15. Rxa6 Kxa6 16. Kxh3 $18 { , and by reaching g7 with his king, White won.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Konstantinopolsky Alexander M "] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/4k1pp/p4p2/2P5/1p1K4/8/PP4PP/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ579} 1. Re1+ (1. c6 {? %05White has the more active king and has already created a passed pawn, but the attempt to force matters does not succeed:} Kd6 2. c7 Rc8 3. Rc5 Rxc7 4. Rxc7 Kxc7 5. Kc5 a5 6. Kb5 Kd6 7. Kxa5 Kc5 {= , and there is no way that White can win. Therefore he first improves the placing of his pieces.}) 1... Kd7 2. Kd5 Rb5 {!} 3. Re4 {! Exploiting the fact that the black pieces have been diverted by the c-pawn, White intends to attack the K-side pawns with his rook.} (3. Re6 {? , on which there now follows %05the only defence against the threat of} Rxc5+ {=}) 3... g6 4. h4 f5 5. Rf4 h5 {6. h5 was threatened, but now the pawns are fixed and White can set about attacking the g6 pawn.} 6. Rd4 Kc7 7. b3 {(defending against the threat of 7... Ra5)} Rb8 8. Kc4 Re8 {Black has also managed to activate his rook, but White is the first to begin attacking.} 9. Rd6 Re4+ (9... Re2 10. Rxa6 Rxg2 11. Kxb4 Rg4+ 12. Kb5 Rxh4 13. Rxg6 $18 {%04etc.}) 10. Kd5 Rxh4 11. Rxg6 Rg4 12. Rxa6 Rxg2 13. Ra7+ Kb8 14. Rh7 Rxa2 15. Rxh5 (15. Kc6 {%05A more direct line was also possible:} Ra6+ 16. Kb5 Rf6 17. c6 f4 18. Kb6 Rf8 19. Rb7+ $18) 15... Rc2 16. Kc6 Ka7 {(17. Kb6 was threatened)} 17. Kb5 Re2 18. Rh7+ Kb8 19. Kb6 Re8 20. c6 f4 21. Rb7+ Kc8 22. Ra7 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Site "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "Stahlberg Gideon (SWE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/r2p1p2/P4P2/2K1P2p/8/R7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {Against an outside passed pawn, actively supported by the rook from the rear, a draw is possible only in exceptional cases.} 1... Ra7 {! (Euwe), e.g. %05 White's passed pawn, supported by his pieces, is stronger than the opponent's h-pawn. Nevertheless Black can maintain the balance. This was most simply achieved by} (1... Ra8 {, which, contrary to the opinion of Euwe and Bronstein, with accurate defence should also have led to a draw: %05The game went} 2. a6 Kc6 3. a7 h3 {This also does not lose,} (3... Kb6 {was more forcing, e.g. %05but} 4. Rh2 (4. Kd5 {%05or} Rxa7 5. Rh2 (5. Rb2+ Kc7 6. Ke6 Ra4 {!} 7. Re2 h3 8. Kxf6 Kd7 {=}) 5... Re7 6. Rxh4 Kc7 7. Rh6 Re5+ 8. Kd4 Kd7 9. Rxf6 Ke7 { , again with a draw.}) 4... Rxa7 5. Rxh4 Re7 6. Kd4 Kc7 7. Rh6 Kd7 8. Rxf6 Re5 9. Rf7+ Ke8 {with a draw ~3($411679)~}) 4. Kd4 Kc7 {? This passive reply leads to defeat.} (4... Kb6 {, e.g. %05It was not yet too late for !} 5. Rh2 (5. Kd5 {%05or} Rxa7 6. Rh2 Kc7 7. Rxh3 Ra5+ 8. Ke6 Re5+ 9. Kxf6 Rxe4 {= with a draw.}) 5... Rxa7 6. Rxh3 Re7 {!} 7. Rh6 Kc7 8. Rxf6 Kd7 9. Rh6 Re5 {~3($411679)~}) 5. Kd5 Kd7 {The black pieces are passively placed, and White wins by achieving a zugzwang position.} 6. Ra3 h2 7. Ra1 {!} Re8 8. Rh1 Re5+ 9. Kd4 Ra5 10. Rxh2 Kc6 11. Rh7 Ra4+ 12. Ke3 Ra3+ (12... d5 {, then %05if} 13. e5 fxe5 14. f6 Kd6 15. f7 {%04etc.}) 13. Kf4 Ra1 14. Rf7 Kc5 15. Rxf6 Rxa7 16. Re6 {Black's position is hopeless: his king cannot take part in the battle against the opponent's passed pawn.} Ra1 17. f6 Kc6 18. Kf5 Kd7 19. Re7+ Kd8 20. Ke6 { Resigns.}) 2. a6 Kc6 3. Ra3 h3 4. Rxh3 Rxa6 5. Rh6 Kd7 {!} 6. Rh7+ Ke8 7. Kd5 Ra5+ 8. Ke6 (8. Kxd6 Re5) 8... Re5+ 9. Kxf6 Rxe4 {%04etc.} * [Event "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Site "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2r5/8/4k1p1/6Pp/2p1PK1P/2R5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ579} 1. Ke3 {%05Black's positional advantage is obvious, and it appears %05that this example differs in no way from position %05~3($401824) ~. But there is a difference.} Ke5 2. Rc2 {!} c3 3. Kd3 {!} Rd8+ (3... Rc6 { Analysis shows that in this case White can play %05But why not} 4. Rxc3 Rxc3+ 5. Kxc3 Kxe4 6. Kc4 Kf4 7. Kd5 Kg4 8. Ke6 Kxh4 9. Kf6 Kg4 10. Kxg6 h4 11. Kf6 { = , and the pawns queen simultaneously. It is because of this that Black is unable to win here.}) 4. Ke3 {!} (4. Kxc3 {%05After the move in the game it would be dangerous to play} Kxe4 {, when, in view of the fact that White's king is cut off, he risks losing.}) 4... Rd4 5. Rxc3 Rxe4+ 6. Kf3 Rxh4 7. Rc6 Rf4+ (7... Kf5 {%05no better is} 8. Rc5+ Ke6 9. Rc6+ Kf7 10. Rc7+ Kf8 11. Rc6 { = %04etc.}) 8. Ke3 Re4+ 9. Kf3 Kf5 10. Rf6+ Kxg5 11. Rxg6+ {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Baguio (Philippines)"] [Site "Baguio (Philippines)"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korchnoi Viktor (SUI)"] [Black "Karpov Anatoly (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/5pkp/P7/5p2/3p4/5P2/6PP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ579} 1. Ra1 {, but there followed %05At first sight it is not clear how Black can hold the game after} d3 {!} 2. Kf2 (2. a7 {, then %05If } d2 3. Kf2 Re8 {!= , analogous to the game continuation.}) 2... Re8 {! The saving move! The opponent's king must not be allowed across to the black pawn.} (2... d2 {? %05After} 3. Ke2 Kf6 4. Kd1 Ke5 5. a7 {= White wins easily.}) 3. Ra2 (3. a7 d2 {=}) 3... Re7 {!} (3... Kf6 {?} 4. a7 $18) 4. Rd2 Re6 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/2pk4/P1p4p/2Pp1K2/r4P2/8/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "49"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ579} 1. a7 {! %05Here White's passed pawns are opposed by two enemy %05passed pawns. In addition the black rook is fairly active, %05which cannot be said about its opposite number. %05Nevertheless thanks to his active king which is able to %05deal with the opponent's pawns, by accurate play White %05succeeds in winning. But he must not lose his f-pawn, %05and Black is threatening by 1... d4! 2. Ke4 d3 3. Kd3 %05Rf4 to carry out an exchanging operation. This means %05that in the first instance he must tie the black rook to %05the a-pawn.} h5 2. b3 {! (the rook must be driven from a4, to obtain the opportunity to manoeuvre with the king)} Ra1 3. Ke5 Re1+ 4. Kf6 Ra1 5. Ke5 Re1+ 6. Kd4 Rd1+ 7. Kc3 Ra1 8. f5 Ke7 9. Kd4 {(now the king again goes to the aid of the f-pawn)} h4 10. Ke5 Re1+ (10... h3 {there could have followed %05On} 11. Rh8 Rxa7 12. Rxh3 Ra1 13. f6+ Kf7 14. Rh7+ Kf8 15. Rxc7 $18 {%04etc.}) 11. Kf4 Ra1 12. Kg5 Rg1+ (12... h3 {has already been considered %05There is nothing better:}) (12... d4 {is met by %05while} 13. f6+ Kf7 14. Rd8 Rxa7 15. Rd7+ Kf8 16. Kg6 $18) 13. Kxh4 Ra1 14. Kg5 Rg1+ 15. Kf4 Ra1 16. Ke5 Re1+ 17. Kd4 Ra1 18. Kc3 Ra3 19. Kb2 Ra6 20. b4 Kf7 21. Kb3 Ra1 22. f6 Ra6 23. b5 {!} cxb5 24. Kb4 {Resigns:} c6 {is decisively met by} 25. Rh8 $18 1-0 [Event "Barmen (Germany)"] [Site "Barmen (Germany)"] [Date "1905.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Black "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5kpp/p4p2/1p6/2rP1P2/P3K1P1/1R5P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1905.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ581 ~112.2 WEAKNESSES IN THE OPPONENT'S PAWN FORMATION~ the possession of weak pawns in a rook ending is usually a major disadvantage, since the pieces which are forced to defend these weaknesses lose significantly in strength. Thus the possession of weaknesses tells adversely on the activity of the king and especially the rook.} 1... Ke6 {The pawn will not run away, and first the position of the king must be improved. %05Therefore Black quite rightly declined the sacrifice by playing} (1... Rc3+ {? Black can immediately win a pawn, but after %05White has weak pawns at a3 and d4, both of which require defending. It would appear that by} 2. Ke4 Rxa3 3. Kd5 $15 {, from being a weakness the d-pawn is transformed into a dangerous passed pawn supported by the pieces, and White has every reason to count on a favourable result.}) 2. Rb3 Kd5 3. Rd3 f5 4. h3 h5 5. Ke2 {White is in zugzwang.} (5. h4 {%05After} g6 $19 {all the same he would have to part with a pawn.}) 5... Rxd4 6. Rc3 Re4+ 7. Kd2 h4 8. Rc7 {(a desperate attempt to start a counter-attack)} hxg3 9. Rxg7 Rxf4 10. Rxg3 Ke5 11. Ke2 Rc4 12. Rg6 Ra4 13. Rg3 f4 14. Rb3 Rc4 (14... Ke4 {? would have been a bad blunder, since after} 15. Rb4+ {the pawn ending is bound to result in a draw.}) 15. Kd1 Ke4 16. h4 f3 17. Ke1 Kf4 18. h5 Rc1+ 19. Kf2 Rc2+ 20. Ke1 Kg3 $19 {, and Black won.} 0-1 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p4kp/2p5/5r2/p2PR3/P7/1P4KP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "67"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1... Rb5 {%05 The drawbacks to White's position are glaringly apparent. He has three pawn "islands" against two for Black, and his pawns at b2, d4 and in some cases h2 all require defending. In addition, there is a weak square in White's position at b3, to which the opponent's rook can easily penetrate.} 2. Re2 Rb3 {! By occupying this square, Black has tied the white rook to the defence of the b2 pawn, while simultaneously restricting the white king.} 3. Kf2 Kf6 4. Ke1 h6 {! White is already in zugzwang.} 5. Rg2 (5. Kf2 {is decisively met by} Rd3 {, so he himself is forced to move his rook, allowing the black king across to the d4 pawn.}) (5. Kd1 {%05or}) 5... Ke6 6. Kd1 Kd5 7. Kc2 Rh3 {!} (7... Kxd4 {would have been met by} 8. Rg4+ {and 9. Rh4, but Black has no reason to hurry: the d4 pawn is doomed}) 8. Rd2 Kc4 9. Kb1 h5 10. Ka2 Rh4 11. Rf2 Kxd4 12. Rf7 b5 13. Rf2 {Black is a pawn up with his pieces active. All this proves sufficient for a win.} Rh3 14. Rd2+ Rd3 15. Rf2 Kc4 16. Rc2+ Kd5 17. Rg2 Rh3 18. Rd2+ Kc5 19. Rc2+ Kb6 {(to assist the advance of the c-pawn, the king is forced to retreat for the moment)} 20. Rf2 c5 21. Rf6+ Ka5 22. Rf2 c4 {The advance of the c-pawn has the aim of opening up the 2nd rank, after which h4-h3 followed by the switching of the rook to g2 will be decisive. } 23. Rg2 (23. Rc2 {, preventing 23... c3, then %05if} b4 24. axb4+ Kxb4 { and 25... a3 is possible}) 23... c3 24. b4+ axb3+ 25. Kxb3 c2+ {!} 26. Kxc2 Rxa3 27. Kb2 Rf3 28. Re2 h4 29. Rd2 h3 30. Re2 Ka4 31. Kb1 Rf1+ 32. Kc2 b4 33. Kd3 Rd1+ 34. Kc2 Rg1 {White resigns: against 35... Rg2 there is no defence.} 0-1 [Event "USSR"] [Site "USSR"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sergievsky Vladimir D (RUS)"] [Black "Bannik Anatoly (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/4k1p1/5p1p/1r3P1P/RP1K2P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ581} 1... Kd6 {%05White's weak pawns at b3 and g3 restrict his own pieces, whereas the active black pieces are mobile and can attack the opponent's weaknesses.} 2. Kc3 Re4 3. Kd3 (3. b4 {? %05A hopeless pawn ending results from} Re3+ 4. Kb2 Rxa3 5. Kxa3 b5 6. Kb3 Kd5 7. Kc3 Ke4 $19) 3... Re1 4. b4 Re4 {!} 5. Rb3 {?} (5. b5 {! came seriously into consideration, e.g. %05The pawn sacrifice} Kc5 (5... Rb4 {%05or} 6. Kc3 Rxb5 7. Ra8 $17) 6. Rc3+ Kxb5 7. Rc7 b6 8. Rg7 Re6 9. Kc3 $17 {In both cases the white pieces become active, and the realization of Black's material advantage becomes a difficult matter.}) 5... b6 {%05But now the white rook has taken up a passive position, and Black can calmly increase the pressure.} 6. Kc2 Kc6 7. Rc3+ Kb5 8. Rd3 Rc4+ {! Not allowing the opponent any counter-play.} (8... Rxb4 {was weaker due to} 9. Rd6) 9. Kd2 Rc6 10. Rd4 Ka4 11. Ke2 b5 12. Kd3 Kb3 {! (Black wishes to win the pawn in the most favourable circumstances)} 13. Kd2 Rc2+ (13... Rc3 {%05not } 14. Rd5 {!} Kxb4 15. Rxb5+ {= with a draw}) 14. Ke3 Rc3+ 15. Kf2 Rc6 {!} 16. Ke2 Kc3 {White resigns: the b4 pawn cannot be defended.} * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p3kp1/p1p5/5P2/3r4/P5P1/1P2R1K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ581 Black's positional advantage proved insufficient in the following ending.} 1... Rd5 (1... Kf6 {, as shown by Kopayev, White can play %05 White has weak pawns at f5 and b2, but thanks to the active position of his rook the black g- and b-pawns are also potential weaknesses. On} 2. Kh3 {!} (2. Kf3 {%05weaker is} Kxf5 3. Re7 Rd3+ 4. Kg2 Rd2+ 5. Kh3 Rxb2 6. Rxg7 Rb3 $17 {with advantage to Black}) 2... Kxf5 3. Re7 {= with equal chances.}) 2. g4 Rd3 3. Kf2 Rb3 4. Rd2 a5 (4... Kf6 {, then %05Black cannot manage to attack the pawns with his king. If} 5. Rd6+ Ke7 (5... Kg5 6. Rg6+) 6. Rd2 {= %04etc.}) 5. Ke1 {The correct plan: to free his rook from the defence of the b2 pawn, White transfers his king to c2.} a4 6. Kd1 Kf6 7. Rd6+ Ke7 8. Re6+ Kf7 9. Kc2 Rg3 10. Rg6 {(the white pieces' duties have been allotted: the king defends the b-pawn, and the rook the g-pawn)} Rf3 11. Rd6 Rf4 12. Rd7+ Kf6 13. g5+ {(forcing the draw)} Kxf5 14. Rxg7 Rc4+ 15. Kd3 b5 16. Rg8 Kg4 17. Rg7 {Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r4k2/5pp1/3p2p1/8/3P4/P1R4P/5P1K/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ581} 1... Ra4 {%05White is essentially a pawn up, since on the K-side his two pawns are holding the three black pawns. But the advantage is with Black, since all the opponent's pawns are weak and can be attacked.} 2. Rd3 Ke7 3. Kg3 Ke6 4. Kf3 Kd5 5. Ke2 g5 {!} (5... Rxd4 {? %05Black avoids a cunning trap: if} 6. Ke3 {! , and only White can win}) 6. Rb3 f6 (6... Kxd4 { ? there would have followed %05On} 7. Rb7 f6 8. Rxg7 Rxa3 9. h4 {!} gxh4 10. Rg4+ Kc3 11. Rxh4 $15 {with good drawing chances.}) 7. Ke3 Kc4 8. Rd3 d5 9. Kd2 Ra8 10. Kc2 Ra7 11. Kd2 Re7 12. Rc3+ (12. Kc2 {is met by %05the pawn has to be given up:} Re2+ 13. Rd2 Rxd2+ 14. Kxd2 Kb3 $19 {%04etc.}) 12... Kxd4 13. a4 Ra7 14. Ra3 Ra5 15. Ra1 $19 {etc. ~3($401820)~} 0-1 [Event "Belgrade (Yugoslavia)"] [Site "Belgrade (Yugoslavia)"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Janosevic Dragoljub (YUG)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3R2pr/4p3/2p3p1/4P1K1/6PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] 1... c3 {! %05It was correct to activate not the rook, but the king:} (1... Rh8 {%05 All Black's pawns are weak. His problem, after losing a pawn, is to improve the placing of his pieces to the maximum. The game went} 2. Rc6 Ra8 3. Rxc4 Ra3 4. Re4 {, and after also losing his g4 pawn, Black in the end lost the game.}) 2. Rc6 e4 {!} 3. Rxc3 Kf6 4. Rc8 {White aims to transfer his rook to f4, in order to win a pawn.} Rh7 5. Rf8+ Ke5 6. Rf4 g5 {!} 7. Rxg4 Kf5 { By giving up a pawn Black has significantly improved his position and trapped the white rook.} 8. h4 gxh4+ 9. Rxh4 Rg7+ {!} 10. Kf2 (10. Kh3 Ra7 11. g4+ Ke5 12. Rh5+ Ke6 13. Kg3 Rf7 {! %04etc.}) 10... Ra7 11. Rf4+ Ke5 12. g4 Ra3 {!} 13. Rf8 {(White's last chance is to advance his g-pawn)} Rb3 14. Re8+ Kd5 15. g5 Ra3 16. g6 Ra7 {! with a draw.} * [Event "Bad Kissingen (Germany)"] [Site "Bad Kissingen (Germany)"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Black "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2r5/pp3pk1/4p3/3p1pP1/3P1P2/P4R2/1P4P1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ583 ~112.3 ACTIVE ROOK~ We will consider some examples where one player's positional advantage consists mainly in his more active rook. As we have repeatedly emphasized, the rook's activity is one of the most important factors in the assessment of rook endings. We established in the previous chapter that the significance of a material advantage varies strongly, depending on the degree of activity of the rook.} 1... Rc1+ {%05Black has been the first to occupy the open file, and he now breaks through with his rook into the opponent's position:} 2. Kh2 Rd1 3. Rb3 Rxd4 {?! In this way Black also wins, but the game is greatly prolonged.} (3... b6 {! would have been quicker, e.g. %05As was shown by Nimzowitsch,} 4. Rb4 Rd3 5. Kg1 Rd2 6. Kh2 Kg6 7. Kg3 Kh5 8. Kh3 Rd3+ 9. g3 Rd2 $19 {and Black wins material.}) 4. Rxb7 Rxf4 5. Rxa7 Rf2 6. b4 Rb2 7. Rb7 Ra2 8. Ra7 Kg6 9. b5 d4 {!} 10. b6 Rb2 11. Ra4 Rxb6 12. Rxd4 Rb3 13. Ra4 Kxg5 {Black aimed for this ending, rightly assuming that his central pawn group would be stronger then White's uncoordinated pawns. } 14. Ra8 f4 15. a4 f3 {this natural move is evidently an inaccuracy;} (15... Kf5 {! %05after} 16. a5 f3 {Black would have won easily}) 16. Rg8+ Kh6 (16... Kf4 {, then %05Alas, the king has to retreat to the h-file. If} 17. Rg3 {!} f2 18. Rxb3 f1=Q 19. Rf3+) 17. gxf3 Rxf3 18. Rg3 {!} Rf5 19. Rg4 {This simplifies things for the opponent.} (19. Ra3 {%05After the natural} Ra5 20. Kg3 {Black would have had to work hard for a win, since his rook cannot actively support his pawns.}) 19... Rc5 20. Rb4 Rc3 {! (Black is on the right path: in such positions the rook is best deployed "a la Tarrasch")} 21. Kg2 Kg6 22. Kf2 f5 23. Ke2 e5 24. Kd2 Ra3 25. Kc2 f4 26. Kb2 Rh3 27. a5 f3 28. Kc2 (28. a6 { , then %05If} f2 29. a7 f1=Q 30. a8=Q Rh2+ {with a decisive attack.}) 28... Rh2+ (28... Rh1 {would have been immediately decisive, since the pawn cannot be stopped. %05But now}) 29. Kd3 Re2 30. Rb8 (30. a6 {is now met by %05Black is obliged to resort to tactics.} e4+ {!} 31. Rxe4 Rxe4 32. Kxe4 f2 33. a7 f1=Q 34. a8=Q Qh1+ $19 {, winning the queen.}) 30... Kf7 {! (for the moment the white rook must not be allowed onto the f-file)} 31. Rb7+ Ke6 32. Rb6+ Kd5 33. a6 e4+ 34. Kc3 Ra2 35. Rb5+ Kc6 36. Rf5 Kb6 {!} 37. Kd4 Re2 {(the game is decided: with the support of the rook, the pawns queen of their own accord)} 38. Rf6+ Ka7 39. Kc5 f2 40. Kb5 Rb2+ 41. Ka5 Ra2+ 42. Kb5 e3 43. Rf7+ Kb8 44. Kb6 Rb2+ 45. Ka5 Rb1 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Coburg (Germany)"] [Site "Coburg (Germany)"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Forgacz"] [Black "Bernstein Ossip S (UKR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/5kp1/3pR2p/2pP1K1P/2P3P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] {In this example it is the difference in activity of the rooks that is the determining factor. White's positional advantage is undisputed: Black's rook is forced to define the d6 pawn and occupies a passive position, while his king has to guard g6 against invasion by the enemy king. But there is no zugzwang: Black can move his rook between d8 and d7.} 1. g5 {%05White could have won by a manoeuvre which Smyslov and Levenfish aptly call "widening the bridgehead":} (1. Re1 {, hoping to switch his rook to a6. Passive defence loses here, and Black correctly decided to activate his rook: %05How can White win? If his rook were at a6, then, even if the black rook were at d7, any rook move along the 6th rank would lead to zugzwang. He therefore played} Rf8 2. Ra1 {Black intends to reply %05On} (2. Re6 {and if %05It would have been best here for White to return his rook to e6,} Kg8+ 3. Kg6 Rf4 {! , then not} 4. Re8+ (4. Rxd6 {%05but !} Rxg4+ 5. Kf5 Rxc4 6. Ra6 {with excellent winning chances (pointed out by Platonov).}) 4... Rf8 {= with a drawn pawn ending,}) (2. g5 { %05After} Kg8+ 3. Kg4 hxg5 4. Kxg5 Rf2 {!} 5. Re6 Rc2 6. Rxd6 Rxc4 {the players soon agreed a draw.}) 2... Ke7+ 3. Kg6 Rf4 {! , e.g.} 4. Ra7+ Kf8 5. Ra8+ Ke7 6. Kxg7 Rxg4+ 7. Kxh6 Kf6 {, when the excellent placing of his pieces guarantees him against defeat.}) 1... hxg5 2. Kxg5 Rd7 3. h6 {!} gxh6+ 4. Rxh6 {This is the point of exchanging pawns! The white rook has become more active, and has gained the possibility of attacking from the side.} Kg7 5. Rg6+ Kf7 6. Kf5 Ra7 {!} (6... Rd8 {%05Black's only chance lies in a counter-attack. With passive defence he would have lost quickly:} 7. Re6 Rd7 8. Rh6 Kg7 9. Ke6 { ! %04etc.}) 7. Rh6 Ra4 {%00@^?( 7...Kg7 8.Rxd6 Ra4 9.Rd7+ Kf8 10.Ke6 Rxc4 11. Rd8+ Kg7 12.d6 (, and White queens his pawn.} 8. Rh7+ Kg8 9. Rc7 Rxc4 10. Ke6 Re4+ 11. Kxd6 c4 12. Kc6 Kf8 {!} (12... c3 {^013^010 %05White's task is simpler after} 13. d6 {!} c2 14. Kd7 Re2 15. Kd8 $18 {, and White wins}) 13. d6 Rd4 14. Kd7 Kf7 15. Rc6 Kf6 16. Rc5 Kf7 17. Rf5+ Kg6 18. Rf2 c3 19. Rc2 Rc4 20. Ke6 Rc6 21. Kd5 $18 {^013^010 In this example, by exchanging pawns, White widened the bridgehead for his rook. Sometimes this has to be done to open a way for the king.} * [Event "Venice (Italy)"] [Site "Venice (Italy)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Pachman Ludek (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/r3k2p/2p2pp1/2Pp4/6PP/4PK2/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ583} 1. Rd6 {%05The weakness of Black's pawn formation leads to a worsening in the position of his rook:} Ra6 2. g5 {! A typical procedure. White fixes the opponent's K-side pawns and clears the way for his king.} fxg5 3. hxg5 Kf7 4. Kg3 (4. Kf4 {would have been a loss of time, since after %05The immediate} Ra4+ {White cannot play 5. Ke5 on account of mate.}) 4... Ke7 5. f3 Ra3 6. Kf4 Ra4+ 7. Ke5 Ra3 {a trap:} 8. Rxc6 {!} (8. Re6+ {%05if} Kd7 9. Kf6 { , then} d4) 8... Rxe3+ 9. Kxd5 Rd3+ (9... Rxf3 10. Rc7+ Ke8 11. Rxh7 Rf5+ 12. Kd6 Rxg5 13. c6 Rg1 14. Rh8+ Kf7 15. c7 $18 {%04etc.}) 10. Ke4 Rc3 11. f4 Rc1 12. Rc7+ Kd8 13. Rxh7 Rxc5 14. Rf7 $18 {, and Black resigned, since the loss of the g6 pawn is inevitable.} 1-0 [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Black "Vidmar Milan Sr (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r7/p1pk2pp/R7/1P3K2/P7/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ583} 1. h4 {%05The black rook is tied to the defence of the a6 pawn and occupies a passive position. For White to win, he must penetrate with his king into the enemy position.} Ke6 2. Kg4 Ra8 3. h5 {! In this way White breaches the opponent's pawns.} g5 (3... gxh5+ {%05If now} 4. Kxh5 Rg8 5. g4 {! %05, then} Kd6 6. Rxa6 $18) 4. g3 Ra7 5. Kf3 Ra8 6. Ke4 Ra7 7. Re5+ { ! (a subtle manoeuvre; the black king has to move either to the left or to the right, and White's king breaks through on the opposite side)} Kd6 (7... Kf6 { %05No better is} 8. Rc5 Rc7 9. Ra5 Ra7 10. Kd4 Ke6 11. Kc5 Rd7 12. Rxa6 Rd3 13. Rxc6+ Kf7 14. a4 Rxg3 15. Rxh6 $18 {and wins.}) 8. Re8 c5 (8... Re7+ 9. Rxe7 Kxe7 10. Ke5 $18 {is completely hopeless}) 9. Rd8+ Kc6 (9... Kc7 {is met by} 10. Rh8 cxb4 11. Rh7+ Kb8 12. Rxa7 Kxa7 13. axb4 Kb6 14. Kf5 Kb5 15. Kg6 Kxb4 16. Kxh6 a5 17. Kg6 a4 18. h6 $18) 10. Rc8+ Kb6 11. Rxc5 Rh7 12. Re5 Kc6 13. Re6+ Kb5 14. Kf5 Rf7+ 15. Rf6 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Telegraph Match"] [Site "?"] [Date "1886.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "St. Petersburg"] [Black "London"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/r4pp1/pR6/P4KP1/5P2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1886.??.??"] 1... Rc6 {! %05 More than 60 years later, when the theory of rook endings had made great advances, Fine suggested for Black an immediate pawn sacrifice with the aim of activating his rook:} (1... Ra7 {%05In this position the game was cut short and was not resumed, since London resigned the^013^010 %05match. In a French chess journal Chigorin published an analysis, in which he %05demonstrated^013^010 %05a win for White. Here are his main variations:} 2. Ke4 Ra6 3. Kd4 Ra7 4. f4 {, with two possibilities:} Ra6 (4... Kd6 5. Rb6+ Ke7 6. Kc5 Rc7+ 7. Kb5 Rc1 8. g5 f5 9. Rxg6 Rf1 10. Kxa5 Rxf4 11. Rf6 {!} Rf1 12. Kb6 f4 13. a5 Rg1 14. Rxf4 Rxg5 15. a6 Rg1 16. a7 Ra1 17. Rf5 {and 18. Ra5}) 5. Rb7+ Kd6 6. f5 gxf5 7. gxf5 Ra8 8. Rb6+ Ke7 9. Kc5 Rd8 10. Rb5 {etc.^013^010 Chigorin was able to show that with passive defence Black would have lost. This conclusion is not surprising: White's king and rook are active enough to be able to exploit the passive placing of the opponent's pieces. But the legitimate question arises: couldn't Black have defended more actively?}) 2. Rxa5 Rc4+ 3. Ke3 {~3($401844)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/5pp1/R7/P1r3P1/4KP2/8/8 b - - 0 3"] [PlyCount "15"] 3... Kf7 {! Having activated his rook, Black now solves the problem of his king: %05And yet Black could have drawn. The correct continuation was found by Levenfish and Smyslov:} (3... Rc3+ {%05Fine goes on to consider the following continuation:} 4. Ke4 Rc4+ 5. Kd5 Rf4 6. Ra7+ Kd8 {, and concludes his analysis here, regarding the position as drawn.^013^010 Levenfish and Smyslov disagreed with this conclusion. They continued Fine's variation:} 7. Kd6 {!} Kc8 8. Rc7+ Kd8 9. Rf7 {!} Ke8 10. Ra7 Rxf3 11. a5 f5 12. a6 {!} Ra3 13. Ke6 Kd8 14. g5 f4 15. Kf6 f3 16. Kg7 {!} f2 17. Rf7 Ra2 18. Rf8+ Ke7 19. a7 Rxa7 20. Rxf2 Ra6 21. Rf6 {and wins.^013^010 Thus the variation beginning with 3... Rc3 fails to draw, since the opponent's king becomes very active, whereas the black king is pushed back onto the last rank.}) 4. Ra8 (4. Ra7+ Ke6 5. a5 Ra4 6. a6 Ke5 7. f4+ Kd5 8. Ra8 Ra3+ 9. Kf2 Ke4 {with the same result. =}) 4... Kg7 5. a5 Ra4 6. a6 Kh6 {!} 7. f4 (7. a7 {%05if} Kg7 {, while after other move the black king penetrates to g5}) 7... g5 8. fxg5+ fxg5 9. Kd3 Kg7 10. Kc3 Rxg4 { with a draw. = This example once again confirms a basic rule of rook endings: active placing of the pieces is usually worth a pawn.} * [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/p1p4R/1pr5/3p1pP1/P2P1P2/2P2K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ585 ~112.4 BETTER KING POSITION~ As we have already seen several times, the position of the king in rook endings plays an enormous role. An active king restricts its rook and pawns, and penetrates into the enemy position. Together with the rook and pawns it can often create a mating net around the enemy king. And on the contrary, a passively placed king is not only unable to participate in the events taking place, but often itself becomes a target for attack. The following is a classic example of exploiting a better king position.} 1. Kg3 {!! %05At first sight it is not easy to assess the chances of the two sides. The black rook is about to invade the enemy position, and White must lose at least one pawn. But the black king is badly placed, and it is this factor that offers White hopes of success; in addition he has a strong passed pawn on the g-file. If the king can also be included in the attack, Black's position may soon become critical.} Rxc3+ 2. Kh4 Rf3 {?!} ( 2... a6 {!? (V. Goldin)} 3. Kh5 {!} b5 4. a5 {%02!$16 ( G. Fridstein ~4 "64" 3/ 2000)~ %08DA}) 3. g6 {!} Rxf4+ 4. Kg5 Re4 {(before it is too late, the rook must be transferred to the defence)} 5. Kf6 {! The f5 pawn will not run away. It is much more important to create immediate threats against the opponent's king.} Kg8 6. Rg7+ Kh8 7. Rxc7 Re8 8. Kxf5 Re4 9. Kf6 Rf4+ 10. Ke5 Rg4 11. g7+ Kg8 12. Rxa7 Rg1 13. Kxd5 Rc1 14. Kd6 Rc2 15. d5 Rc1 16. Rc7 Ra1 17. Kc6 Rxa4 18. d6 $18 {Resigns.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Black "Lisitsin Georgy M (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3r2k/1pR4p/1P3p2/P4K2/6P1/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ585 Here too White's king is very active, which in combination with his well placed rook and the presence of pawn weaknesses in the opponent's position proves quite sufficient for a win.} 1... Rf7 {%05There is nothing for Black to do but wait.} (1... Re4+ {%05Active play is unfavourable for Black, e.g.} 2. Kxf5 Rxa4 3. Rc7+ Kg8 4. Kg6 $18) (1... Re2 { is no better: %05and} 2. Rc7+ Kg6 3. Rxa7 Rxh2 4. Rb7 $18) 2. h4 {! (white intends to advance his pawn to h5, and then invade with his king)} Rg7 3. h5 Rg4+ {The only chance of complicating matters.} (3... Rf7 {%05The following line is completely bad:} 4. Ke5 Kg7 5. Rg6+ Kh7 6. Re6 $18) 4. Kxf5 Rxa4 (4... Rxg3 5. Rc7+ Kg8 6. Rxa7 Rg5+ 7. Kf6 Rxh5 8. a5 Rxb5 9. Rg7+ Kf8 10. a6 $18 { %04etc.}) 5. Rc7+ Kg8 6. Kg6 Rg4+ 7. Kxh6 Rxg3 8. Rxa7 Rb3 9. Rb7 {!} Rxb5 { Black has managed to maintain material equality, but it is here that the difference in placing of the kings becomes the telling factor.} 10. Kg6 Kf8 11. h6 Re5 12. Rb8+ $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Site "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Olafsson Fridrik (ISL)"] [Black "Tal Mikhail N (LAT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/R4p2/8/p2PK1p1/6P1/r4P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Kd6 {%05White's pieces are much better coordinated than Black's. His rook and king are actively supporting his passed pawn, whereas the black king is cut off and itself becomes a target for attack.} Kf8 (1... f6 {%05No better is} 2. Ke6 Re3+ 3. Kxf6 Rxf3+ 4. Kxg5 Ra3 5. Kf6 a4 6. g5 Rf3+ 7. Kg7 a3 (7... Rf5 8. g6 Rxd5 9. Rxa4 $18 {%04etc.}) 8. g6 Rh3 9. Kg8 Rg3 10. g7 Rh3 11. d6 { and wins.}) 2. Kd7 a4 (2... Rxf3 3. d6 f5 4. Ke6 fxg4 5. Ra8+ Kg7 6. d7 Rd3 7. d8=Q Rxd8 8. Rxd8 Kg6 9. Rg8+ Kh5 10. Kf5 {%04etc.}) 3. d6 Kg7 4. Ke8 {!} (4. Kc8 {%05not} Rc3+ 5. Kd8 a3 {with a draw.}) 4... Rxf3 (4... Re3+ {, then %05If} 5. Re7 {!} Rxe7+ 6. Kxe7 a3 7. d7 a2 8. d8=Q a1=Q 9. Qf8+ Kg6 10. Qxf7+ Kh6 11. Qf6+ {and wins.}) 5. Rxa4 {? This complicates matters.} (5. d7 {! was more accurate:} Re3+ 6. Kd8 a3 7. Ra8 {! (found by Konstantinopolsky), e.g.} f5 ( 7... a2 {%05or} 8. Rxa2 f5 9. Ra5 {and wins.}) 8. Kc7 Rd3 9. Rxa3) 5... Re3+ 6. Kd8 f5 {!} 7. Ra5 {!} (7. gxf5 {? This throws away the win, which could have been gained by the study-like 7. Ra5!} Kf6 8. Ra6 (8. Ra5 g4 9. d7 Rc3 10. Rd5 Kf7) 8... Kxf5 9. Kc7 g4 10. d7 Re7 11. Kd6 Rxd7+ 12. Kxd7 g3 13. Kd6 g2 14. Ra1 Ke4 {Drawn.}) 7... Kf6 (7... f4 {, there can follow %05If on 7. Ra5 Black replies} 8. d7 f3 9. Rf5 {!} Rd3 (9... Kg6 10. Rf8 Kg7 11. Kc7 {!}) 10. Ke7 Re3+ 11. Kd6 Rd3+ 12. Ke6 Re3+ (12... Kg6 {, then %05if} 13. Rf6+ {!} Kg7 14. Rxf3) 13. Re5 Rxe5+ 14. Kxe5 f2 15. d8=Q f1=Q 16. Qxg5+ Kf7 (16... Kh8 17. Qf6+ ) 17. Qf5+ {and wins.}) 8. Rxf5+ Ke6 9. Ke8 {!!} (9. d7 Rd3) 9... Kxd6+ 10. Kf7 {, e.g.} Re4 11. Rxg5 Rf4+ 12. Kg7 Ke7 $18 {, and then as in example ~3 ($411388)~.} (12... Ke6 13. Rg6+ Ke5 14. Kh6) * [Event "Velden (Austria)"] [Site "Velden (Austria)"] [Date "1983.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Huebner Robert Dr (GER)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k5p/3R1p2/p6P/2KP2P1/5r2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1983.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ448 %212045826630=4HLJ483 %212045826630=4HLJ585} 1. Kb5 {! %05Here the difference in the placing of the kings is especially marked: White's king is supporting his passed pawn, whereas the enemy king may itself become a target for attack.} (1. Rd7+ { %05After} Kb6 2. Rxh7 a4 3. Rh8 (3. Re7 {also does not help:} a3 4. Re2 Rg3 5. Rh2 Rxg4 6. h6 a2 {=}) 3... Kb7 4. h6 a3 {= Black's passed pawn becomes no less dangerous than White's.}) 1... h6 {!} 2. Rd7+ Kc8 3. Ra7 (3. Rh7 {there would have followed %05On} a4 {!} 4. Kxa4 (4. Rxh6 a3 5. Rh8+ Kb7 6. Rh7+ Kb8 { != with perpetual check, since} 7. Re7 {?} Rb3+ {%05is dangerous due to} 8. Kc6 a2 $19 {and 8. ... Rb1}) 4... Rf4 5. Rxh6 Rxd4+ 6. Kb5 Rxg4 {= with a draw.}) 3... Rf4 4. d5 Rxg4 5. Rxa5 Kb7 {!} 6. Kc5 Rg5 7. Kd6 Rxh5 {(Black has even managed to win a pawn, but now White's lone pawn becomes extremely dangerous)} 8. Rc5 (8. Ke6 {, then %05If} Re5+ 9. Kxf6 (9. Kd7 Kb6) 9... Rg5) 8... Rg5 {!} 9. Rc7+ Kb6 10. Rc1 (10. Rf7 {is met by} Rf5 11. Rh7 h5 12. Rh8 Kb7 {=}) 10... Kb7 {! (Black must not allow his king to be pushed two files away)} 11. Rf1 f5 12. Ke7 Rg7+ 13. Kf6 Rd7 {!} 14. Ke6 Kc7 15. Rxf5 Rd6+ 16. Ke5 Rg6 {= , and within a few moves a draw was agreed.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh & Petrosian"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p4p/2K2p1k/5P2/rP2R2P/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {(analysis)} 1... Kh5 {%05The white pieces are very active, but nevertheless Black finds an unexpected saving possibility.} 2. Kxc7 h6 {!! , and all is revealed: against 3... Rb4! with stalemate there is no defence. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/P2K2b1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {~1BISHOP ENDINGS~ ~11. BISHOP AGAINST PAWNS~ ~11.1 BISHOP AGAINST PAWN ~} 1. Ke4 {! %05The bishop is a long-range piece, and can restrain a %05pawn from afar, by attacking the square in front of it.^013^010 %05The side with the pawn can win only in two exceptional %05cases:^013^010 %051) If the bishop is prevented? either by its own king or %05the opposing king, from stopping the pawn.^013^010 %052) If the pawn can cross a square of the colour of the %05enemy bishop the bishop can attack that square.^013^010 %05This position shows the conclusion of a well-known %05study by Otten.^013^010 %05^013^010 %05It appears that Black can easily stop the pawn by 1... %05Be3, but it is White to move, and he prevents this by} Bh4 2. Kf3 $18 {, when Black is helpless. !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1795.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Allgaier Johann"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4B3/3p4/8/2k1K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1795.??.??"] 1... d3+ $19 {and 2... d2^013^010 ^013^010 Normally the draw is achieved very simply, and only in rare cases is a certain accuracy required. %05Black wins by } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1853.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling & Horwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1Pk3b1/K7/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1853.??.??"] 1. Ka6 {the only way to draw is by %05After} Be4 {!} 2. b7 Kc7 {= After other moves Black is unable either to eliminate the pawn, or to stop it.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/2PK4/2P2b2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~11.2 BISHOP AGAINST TWO PAWNS~ The normal result here is a draw. We will consider the three possible types of pawn formation. ~11.21 Doubled Pawns~ With doubled pawns it is possible to win if the opposing king is unable to come to the assistance of the bishop, and the bishop can be won for one of the pawns, resulting in a won pawn ending.} 1. Ke7 {followed by 2. c7 and 3. Kd8, winning easily. %05White plays} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/2PK4/2P2b2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Kf7 {%05Black to move can draw by frustrating this plan by} 2. Kc7 (2. c7 {%05or} Bc8 3. Kc6 Ke6 4. Kb6 Kd5 {=}) 2... Ke6 3. Kd8 Kd5 {= , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nadareishvili Gia"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/8/6k1/p7/p2B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {Against doubled rook's pawns, even a very remote position of the defending side's king may not prove fatal, as the following study illustrates.} 1. Bc4 { ! %05White draws by accurate play:} (1. Bb1 {?} Kf4 2. Kg7 Ke3 3. Kf6 Kd2 4. Ke5 Kc1 5. Ba2 Kb2 $19 {, and wins}) 1... Kf6 {! (blocking the white king's path, while approaching the pawns)} 2. Bg8 {! (the only way; the bishop is removed from the black king's line of advance, to avoid losing a tempo)} Ke5 3. Kg7 Kd4 4. Kf6 Kc3 5. Ke5 Kb2 6. Kd4 a2 7. Bxa2 Kxa2 8. Kc3 {= %04Draw} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k4b/8/2PPK3/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {~11.22 Connected Pawns~ It is natural that, the nearer the pawns are to queening, the more dangerous they are. Thus if two connected pawns have reached their 6th rank, the bishop can stop them only with the help of the king. Here is a typical example.} 1... Bc3 {%05The bishop is badly placed, and is at present taking no part in the battle against the pawns. White threatens to advance his king to e7, after which the pawns cannot be stopped.^013^010 %05^013^010 %05So let us try bringing the bishop into play:} (1... Kd8 { ? does not help after %05What is Black to do?} 2. c7+ Kc8 3. Ke7 $18 {, when White wins, since the bishop is unable to provide assistance.}) (1... Bb2 { %05(also possible is}) (1... Bd4 {, with the same aim). %05or}) 2. Ke7 { Black has only one reply, but it proves sufficient %05After} (2. d7+ {%05White also fails to win after} Kd8 {!} 3. c7+ Kxc7 4. Ke7 Bf6+ {! =}) 2... Bb4 { != when by means of the pin he stops the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/1B6/5k2/8/1pp5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {If two connected pawns have only reached the 5th rank, a bishop is able to stop them on its own, and the result will depend on the placing of the kings. Black is threatening to queen one of his pawns by 1... c3 2. Be4 b3 etc. Determined measures are therefore necessary, and first the pawns must be immobilized.} 1. Bd5 {!} c3 2. Bb3 Ke5 {The black king heads for d3, so as to win the bishop after ... c2.} 3. Ke7 {!} Kd4 4. Kd6 Kd3 5. Kc5 {= Just in time, and thus forcing a draw. But if in the initial position the kings were at g8 and g6 respectively, White would no longer be able to save the game, since the black king would require only three moves to reach d3, whereas to reach c5 the white king would require four.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/2K5/8/PP6/8/8/4b3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {If the defending side's king is a long way from the pawns, victory is possible even with pawns on the 4h rank.} 1. a5 {! %05White wins by} (1. b5 { ? %05but not} Kd8 2. Kb7 Kd7 3. b6 Ba5 {!} 4. Ka6 Bxb6 {= , with a draw}) 1... Kd8 2. a6 Bf2 3. Kb7 $18 {Black only lost because he was unable to co-ordinate his forces and stop the pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1916.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Henneberger Sven (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3b4/8/PPK1k3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1916.??.??"] {(from a study)} 1... Bf4 {! when there are two main continuations: %05This aim is met by} (1... Ke5 {? %05Black's king is badly placed, and therefore in the first %05instance one would like to transfer it for a frontal attack %05on the pawns. However, this plan is unsuccessful:} 2. a5 Ke6 3. a6 Bb8 4. Kc5 Kd7 5. Kb6 Kc8 6. a7 $18 {, and White wins.^013^010 As we see, in this case Black is unable to co-ordinate his forces. It is correct to improve the position of the bishop initially, so that it can combat the pawns more effectively.}) (1... Bg3 {or even %05(}) (1... Bh2 {is also possible)}) 2. Kc5 (2. a5 Be3 {!} 3. b5 Ke5 4. b6 Kd6 5. Kb5 Kd7 6. Ka6 (6. a6 Kc8 7. Kc6 Bxb6 {=}) 6... Kc6 (6... Kc8 {is also possible}) 7. Ka7 Bf2 {= , and White cannot improve his position.}) 2... Be3+ 3. Kc6 Kd4 {!} 4. b5 Kc4 5. a5 (5. b6 Kb4 6. b7 Ba7 {=}) 5... Kb4 6. a6 Ka5 {= , and the allocation of responsibilities is implemented - the bishop deals with the far-advanced pawn, and the king with the less-advanced.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1853.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling & Horwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/8/3k4/8/8/6pB/5p2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1853.??.??"] {When the king has to attack the pawns from the rear, it is extremely important that there should be a defined allocation of responsibilities between the pieces: as we have already seen, it is best for the bishop to tackle the far-advanced pawn, and the king the less-advanced one. If this can be done, the defence has every chance of success. Here are two further examples of this type.} 1. Bg2 {! The only move. Now the black king has to go to e2, which takes four moves. Let us check: %05The pawns are immobilized, and therefore Black's king must come to their aid. He threatens in three moves to reach f3 and then to play ... g2. How is this to be prevented?} Ke6 2. Ke8 Ke5 3. Kf7 Kf4 4. Kf6 Ke3 5. Kf5 Ke2 6. Kg4 {= White's king has arrived in time - draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/4p3/8/8/2B2p2/4k3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {The following position reveals some interesting possibilities in the battle between a bishop and two connected pawns.} 1. Be6 {!! (the pawn must be immobilized) %05Only the following instructive manoeuvre leads to a draw:} (1. Kc7 {? %05The white king is a long way from the pawns, which are %05mobile. If White immediately rushes to assist with his %05king, he loses:} e5 2. Kd6 Kd4 { !} (2... e4 {?} 3. Ke5 f3 4. Bf1 f2 5. Bg2) 3. Be6 (3. Ba6 {, then %05if} e4 4. Ke6 f3 5. Kf5 e3 $19) 3... e4 4. Bg4 f3 5. Ke6 f2 6. Bh3 e3 7. Bf1 Kc3 {!} 8. Ke5 Kd2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 1... f3 2. Kc7 f2 3. Bh3 (3. Bc4 {?} e5 4. Kd6 e4 5. Ke5 Kf3 {followed by 6... e3$19}) 3... Kf3 {! This move looks very dangerous for White. Black is threatening to queen his e-pawn.} (3... e5 {%05if } 4. Kd6 Kd4 {, then} 5. Ke6 e4 6. Kf5 e3 7. Bf1 Kc3 8. Kf4 Kd2 9. Kf3 {=}) 4. Kc6 {! (the only move)} e5 5. Kd5 e4 6. Kd4 e3 7. Kd3 e2 {White seems to be too late, but unexpectedly there follows} 8. Bg4+ {!} Kxg4 9. Kxe2 Kg3 10. Kf1 Kf3 {= - stalemate!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P2k3/2K5/3Pb3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~11.23 Isolated pawns~ Diagrams ~3( 1862) and ( 1863)~ show the basic drawing positions, for which the defender should aim if the opponent has isolated pawns. In both positions the actions of the black pieces are co-ordinated.} 1. d6+ {there follows %05Both pieces are simultaneously battling against the pawns. Black's king can also be at a6, since on} Bxd6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1P3P2/2K4b/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Here the functions of the pieces are strictly divided, each dealing with one pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5BK1/8/8/4pkp1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {White's king is a long way from the pawns, but nevertheless he succeeds in coordinating the actions of his pieces and in drawing the game.} 1. Kg7 (1. Kh7 {is also possible, but bad is}) (1. Bc5 {?} g4 2. Kg7 g3 3. Kh6 Kg4 {!} 4. Kg6 e4 5. Kf6 Kf3 6. Kg5 e3 7. Kh4 g2 $19) 1... g4 2. Kh6 {!} g3 3. Kh5 {!} g2 4. Bc5 Kf4 5. Kh4 Kf3 6. Kh3 e4 7. Kh2 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2K5/1P6/2k2P1b/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {In this example Black was unable to prevent the necessary placing of the white pieces. When the pawns are separated by more than two files, it is more difficult for the bishop to exercise simultaneous control over both pawns. In such cases the functions should be divided. The defending side must control one pawn with his bishop, and take his king to the pawn which is not defended by the opposing king.} 1. b5 {%05In this position Black carries out such a plan, and gains a draw:} (1. f4 {%05Or} Kd3 {!} 2. Kd5 Bg2+ {!} 3. Ke5 Kc4 { ! (the black king goes to the undefended pawn)} 4. f5 Bf3 5. f6 Bh5 {=}) 1... Kd3 {!} (1... Bc8 {? %05Bad is} 2. f4 Kd3 3. Kd5 {(the white king prevents the necessary re-grouping)} Ke3 (3... Bb7+ 4. Ke5 Kc4 5. f5 Kc5 6. f6 Bd5 7. b6 $18 ) 4. Ke5 $18 {, and white wins.}) 2. b6 Bc8 {= , and the f-pawn is lost.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2K2b2/1P6/2k2P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {This position differs from the preceding one only in the placing of the bishop. White succeeds in hindering the co-ordinated action of the black pieces.} 1. b5 Kd3 2. Kd5 {!} Ke3 3. Ke5 {! (this gain of tempo is the whole point)} Bc8 4. f4 Kd3 5. f5 Kc4 6. f6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4B3/4K3/1p5p/4k3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] {White is in zugzwang - any move leads to a worsening of his position. And even so, thanks to an exact differentiation of the functions of his pieces, he succeeds in drawing.} 1. Kd6 {!} (1. Kf6 {? %05A loss results from} Kf4 2. Kg6 Kg3 3. Kf5 h3 4. Ke4 h2 $19 {, since White's king gets in the way of his bishop.}) 1... Kd4 {!} 2. Kc6 {!} Kc3 3. Kd5 {! (White has diverted the black king, and now heads for the h-pawn)} b3 4. Ke4 b2 5. Ba2 {= , and White stops the pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1892.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Otten"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6b1/5k2/8/P3K1P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1892.??.??"] {We will now consider a few examples where, for some reason or another, co-ordination cannot be achieved, and the defending side loses.} 1. a5 { %05If it were Black to move, he would draw after 1... Ke6, moving towards the a-pawn with his king and controlling the g-pawn with the bishop, as well as after 1... Kg6 2. a5 Bf8 3. Kd5 Bh6 4. a6 Be3, when the bishop stops the a-pawn. But it is White's move, and he manages to win by exploiting the unfortunate position of the black king.} Bf8 2. Kd5 Bh6 3. g5+ {!} Bxg5 $18 { , and we reach position ~3($411850).} (3... Kxg5 4. a6 $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1P6/2k2K2/7P/5b2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {(conclusion of a study)} 1. Kf4 {! %05The bishop is overloaded by having to stop the two pawns simultaneously. After} Bd5 2. Ke5 {! the king occupies e5 with gain of time, and after} Bf3 3. h5 $18 {one of the pawns queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lewitt"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7P/kP1K4/8/8/8/1b6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {(conclusion of a study)} 1. Kc7 {!} (1. Kc6 {?} Be5 {!= , and White is in zugzwang}) 1... Be5+ 2. Kc6 {But now it is Black who is in zugzwang, and on any move by the bishop there follows} Bd4 3. b7 Ka7 4. Kc7 Be5+ 5. Kc8 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K5k/8/5p2/2p5/8/5B2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Be3 {, and draws. %05White's king is unable to take part immediately in the battle against the pawns, but if it is his move he stops both pawns by =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K5k/8/5p2/2p5/8/5B2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... f4 {, and after %05But if it is Black to move, he plays} 2. Bd4 f3 3. Kc6 c3 $19 {one of the pawns queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4p2p/7B/3K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {One might assume, on reading this chapter, that in such endings the side with the bishop is always the defender. This is not altogether correct.} 1. Ke6 { ! %05In this conclusion to a well-known study by Troitsky, White wins by} Kh8 2. Kf7 $18 {, when mate cannot be prevented. But this is an exception.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/3p4/3Kp3/5p2/5B2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {~11.3 BISHOP AGAINST THREE OR MORE PAWNS~ ~11.31 Connected Pawns~ If the pawns are connected, the defending side should aim for one of the following basic drawing positions (diagrams ~3( 1874), ( 1875)~ and ~3( 1880)~. White's pieces are deployed as actively as possible. His king is attacking Black's one weakness, the d5 pawn, so that the black king is tied to its defence and therefore immobilized. Irrespective of the location of the pawns, the evaluation of the position remains constant.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/3p4/4p3/5p2/3K1B2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Ke5 {%05After} 2. Kc3 Kf5 3. Kd4 {= position ~3($401874)~ is reached.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k3/3p4/4p3/5p2/3K1B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {But if position ~3( 1875)~ is moved down the board by one rank, the evaluation of the resulting position will depend on who it is to move.} 1. Ke2 {%05White to play draws by} (1. Kc2 {%05or}) 1... Ke4 2. Bg2+ Kf4 3. Bf1 Kg3 4. Kd3 Kf3 5. Be2+ Kg2 6. Kxd4 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k3/3p4/4p3/5p2/3K1B2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Ke4 {%05Black to play wins by} 2. Kc2 (2. Bg2+ Kd3 3. Bf1+ Kc3 4. Ke2 Kc2 5. Bg2 d3+ 6. Kxe3 d2 $19) 2... d3+ {!} 3. Bxd3+ (3. Kd1 Kd4 $19) 3... Kf3 4. Kd1 Kg2 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6k1/5p2/6p1/7p/5K1B b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {With the leading pawn on its seventh rank, only corner positions will be drawn.} 1... Kg4 {%05After} 2. Ke2 f3+ 3. Bxf3+ Kh3 4. Kf1 {= Black has no possibility of breaking in with his king. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1k6/p7/1p6/2p5/K1B5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1... Kb4 {there follows %05On} 2. Bd2+ (2. Ba3+ {%05As was shown by A. Streltsov (1962), White can also draw by playing for stalemate:} Kc3 3. Bb2+ Kd2 4. Bc1+ Kd1 5. Ba3 c1=Q+ 6. Bxc1 Kxc1 {= - stalemate.}) 2... Kc4 (2... Ka3 {%05or} 3. Bc1+) 3. Kb2 Kd3 4. Bh6 Ke2 5. Bg5 Kd1 6. Bf4 {= , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2k1p3/3p1p2/3K1B2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {But if the position is moved down by one rank, the evaluation changes.} { Black can attempt to break through at g2.} 1... Kd5 2. Ke3 Ke5 3. Be1 Kf5 4. Bd2 Kg4 5. Be1 Kh3 6. Kf2 {! and Black has nothing better than to retrace his steps.} (6. Bd2 {? , then %05if} Kg2 7. Be1 f2 8. Bxf2 d2 $19 {, and wins}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/2k1p3/3p1p2/3K1B2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {White is unable to regroup his forces, and Black wins by breaking through with his king to g1.} 1... Kd4 2. Ke2 Ke4 3. Bh3 Kf4 4. Bg2 Kg3 5. Bf1 Kh2 6. Kd1 Kg1 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3k1p2/4p1p1/4K1B1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {It would appear that Black is unable to break through to h1, but this is not so.} 1... Ke4 {%05After} 2. Bh2 Kf5 3. Kf2 Kg4 4. Bg1 Kh3 5. Ke1 Kg3 $19 { White is in zugzwang, and is forced to allow the black king through to h1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/4k1p1/5p1p/5B1K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Only in this corner position is there no possibility of a by-pass, and Black is therefore unable to win. It is interesting that, if the king and bishop change places, the evaluation of the position does not change.} 1... Kd2 { %05After} 2. Kg2 Ke1 3. Kh1 Kxf1 {= White is stalemated. A knowledge of the basic drawing positions enables the remaining examples to be more easily understood.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5ppp/6k1/8/5BK1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {We will first consider a position with connected pawns on their third rank.} 1. Be2 f5 (1... Kf5 2. Bd3+) 2. Bf3 Kf6 (2... h5 {%05if} 3. Bd1 Kf6 {, then either} 4. Be2 (4. Kh4 {%05or else the simpler} Ke5 5. Kg5 f4 6. Kxg6 {=}) 4... Ke5 5. Bf3 Kd4 6. Kf4 h4 7. Bg2 Kd3 8. Kg5 Ke3 9. Kxg6 {=}) 3. Kf4 g5+ 4. Kg3 Ke5 5. Bh5 Ke4 6. Bf3+ Ke3 7. Bh5 f4+ 8. Kg2 {= , and we have one of the basic drawing positions. White defended by mainly adopting waiting tactics. But what happens if the position moved down by one rank?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5ppp/6k1/8/5BK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Suppose that White continues to play as in previous example.} 1. Be1 f4 2. Bf2 h4 (2... Kf5 {, then not %05if} 3. Kf3 {?} (3. Bb6 {! %05but} Ke4 4. Bd8 g4 5. Bh4 {=} (5. Kf2 {%05or} g3+ 6. Kg2 Ke3 7. Bg5 {= with a draw})) 3... h4 { !$19 , when Black wins,}) 3. Bb6 {! %05On 2... h4 he draws by immediately switching the bishop to attack the g- and h-pawns:} (3. Be1 {?} Kf5 (3... f3+ { ? %05It would be wrong to play} 4. Kg1 {!! the only move!} (4. Kf2 {? %05if} h3 5. Kg1 Kf4 6. Bd2+ Kf5 {, then White is unable to set up a drawing position:} 7. Ba5 Ke4 {!} 8. Bc7 Ke3 9. Kf1 f2 {!} 10. Bb6+ Kf3 11. Bxf2 h2 $19) 4... Kf5 (4... Kf4 5. Bd2+ Kf5 6. Ba5 {=}) 5. Ba5 g4 6. Bd8 h3 (6... g3 7. Bxh4 Kf4 8. Kf1 {!} Kg4 9. Bxg3 {=}) 7. Bc7 Ke4 8. Kf2 {= , and White has achieved a basic drawing position.}) 4. Bf2 (4. Kh3 {%05the attempt to play actively does not work:} Ke4 5. Kg4 Ke3 6. Ba5 f3 $19 {%04etc.}) (4. Ba5 {%05Thus after the placing of the pawns on squares of the same colour as the bishop, the %05by-passing manoeuvre becomes a threat. But perhaps White can attack the pawns, and %05not allow the by-pass? Let us try doing this on the 4th move:} g4 (4... Ke4 {there follows %05on} 5. Bd8) 5. Bd8 h3+ 6. Kh2 (6. Kf2 g3+ 7. Kf3 h2 8. Kg2 Kg4 9. Bb6 (9. Bc7 f3+ 10. Kh1 f2 $19) 9... f3+ 10. Kh1 Kh3 $19) 6... Ke4 7. Bb6 Kf3 8. Bc7 Ke3 9. Bb6+ Ke2 10. Bc5 f3 11. Kg1 f2+ 12. Bxf2 h2+ $19 { , and Black wins.}) 4... Ke4 5. Be1 Ke3 6. Bf2+ Ke2 7. Bc5 f3+ 8. Kg1 h3 $19 { , and Black wins.}) 3... Kf5 (3... f3+ 4. Kf2 Kh3 5. Kxf3 g4+ 6. Kf2 Kh2 7. Bc7+ g3+ 8. Kf3 Kh3 9. Bb6 g2 10. Bg1 {=}) 4. Bd8 {!= , and Black cannot undertake anything.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5ppp/6k1/8/5BK1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {The position looks difficult for White, for example:} 1. Bb5 f3 (1... h3 { %05But perhaps Black could have played more strongly? Let us check:} 2. Bd7 f3 3. Be6 {!} Kf4 (3... h2+ 4. Kh1 f2 5. Bc4 {=}) 4. Bd7 Ke3 5. Bxg4 f2+ 6. Kf1 h2 7. Bf3 {!= , again with a draw.}) 2. Bd7 Kf4 3. Be6 g3 4. Bd7 (4. Kf1 {! %05Also possible is a rather different system of defence, by which Black's king is altogether unable to reach e1:} Ke3 5. Bh3 {! This move is essential, since Black was threatening to win by 5... g2+ 6. Kg1 Ke2 7. Bg4 h3!, but now he is unable to improve his position, since} f2 {= leads to a basic drawing position.}) 4... Ke3 5. Be6 Ke2 6. Bh3 {! he can achieve a position like No. 27, and thus draw. For example: %05But in 1962 A. Streltsov showed that White's 6th move is a mistake, and that by} (6. Bg4 g2 7. Bh5 h3 8. Bg4 h2+ 9. Kxh2 Kf2 $19) 6... Ke1 7. Bf1 {!} f2+ 8. Kh1 {! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3B4/8/5p2/4pkp1/8/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] {Berger, and after him Cheron, thought this position to be won for Black, but this is not so. White succeeds in maintaining the balance as follows:} 1... Kg5 (1... Ke5 {%05nothing is achieved by} 2. Bc8) 2. Bc6 Kh4 {! The pawns are ready to advance, and White is unable to prevent this. But the battle is not yet over, since White finds salvation in basic drawing positions.} 3. Kg2 { (the opposing king must not be allowed any further)} e3 {The strongest.} (3... g3 {, when he has two ways to draw: %05White has less difficulties after} 4. Bd5 (4. Bd7 f4 5. Bc6 f3+ 6. Kg1 f2+ (6... g2 7. Kh2 {! =}) 7. Kf1 e3 8. Bg2 Kg4 9. Ke2 {= , with a draw.}) 4... Kg4 (4... e3 5. Bf3 f4 6. Be2 Kg5 7. Kf3 { = , with a draw.}) 5. Bc6 Kf4 6. Bb7 Ke3 7. Kxg3 f4+ 8. Kg2 f3+ 9. Kf1 { = , with a draw.}) 4. Bb5 {! (4... f4 was threatened, so the bishop switches to a position from which it can prevent the further advance of the f-pawn)} Kg5 (4... f4 {%05Nothing is achieved now by} 5. Be2 {!} Kg5 6. Bd1 Kf5 7. Be2 g3 8. Kf3 Ke5 9. Bf1 Kd4 10. Ke2 {= , with a drawing fortress.}) 5. Bd3 Kf4 6. Be2 { The simplest, although} (6. Bb5 Ke4 7. Bd7 {! is also possible, when Black again cannot pierce his opponent's defences.}) 6... Ke5 7. Kg3 Ke4 8. Bf1 f4+ 9. Kxg4 f3 10. Kg3 e2 11. Bxe2 fxe2 12. Kf2 Kd3 13. Ke1 Ke3 {= Stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p2/6p1/6Kp/4k3/6B1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {If in this position it were White to move, he would lose quickly after either } 1. Bh2 (1. Bd4 {%05or} f4+ 2. Kh2 f3 3. Kg1 f2+ 4. Bxf2 h2+ $19) 1... Kf1 2. Kf4 Kg2 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5p2/6p1/6Kp/4k3/6B1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {But it is Black to move, and in order to win he must give White the move. This position, but with the addition of white and black pawns at h3 and a4 respectively, occurred in a game Sozin - Botvinnik (1929). The winning idea was indicated by Botvinnik.} 1... Kd2 {!} (1... Ke1 {? would be a mistake, since after} 2. Be3 {!} Kf1 (2... Ke2 {%05after} 3. Bf4 {! White sets up a drawing position}) 3. Bf4 Kg1 4. Be3+ Kh1 5. Bf4 h2 6. Be3 {= Black is unable to win.}) 2. Bh2 (2. Kf2 Kd3 {!} 3. Bh2 Ke4 4. Kg3 (4. Bg3 {%05, and no better is} f4 5. Bh2 Kf5 6. Bg1 g3+ 7. Kf3 h2 $19) 4... Ke3 5. Bg1+ Ke2 $19) 2... Ke1 {!} 3. Bg1 Ke2 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1918.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weenink Henri G (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3p1B2/4p3/5p2/5K1k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1918.??.??"] {This position is an exception to the rule. Only because the black king is badly placed is White able to draw.} 1. Bg3 d3 2. Bxf2 d2 3. Be1 {!!} d1=R ( 3... d1=Q {= - stalemate}) 4. Ke2 Ra1 5. Bc3 Ra3 6. Bd4 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4b3/8/PPP5/6k1/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {If the kings are remote from the pawns, the bishop is unable to stop pawns which have crossed the 4th rank.} 1. c5 {%05After} Kf4 {! %05Drawing chances lie in the swift march of the king.} (1... Bd7 {, since White plays not %05it is pointless playing} 2. a5 {?} (2. b5 {%05but} Kf4 3. c6 Be8 4. a5 Ke5 5. a6 Kd6 6. a7 $18 {%04etc.}) 2... Bb5) 2. a5 (2. b5 Ke5 3. b6 Bd5 4. a5 Bb7 5. c6 Bxc6 6. a6 Kd6 7. b7 Kc7 {=}) 2... Bc4 (2... Ke5 {%05or} 3. a6 Bd7 {!} (3... Bc8 {?} 4. b5 Ke6 (4... Kd5 {%05or} 5. a7 Bb7 6. c6 Ba8 7. c7 $18) 5. c6 $18 { %04etc.}) 4. a7 Bc6 5. Kf2 Ba8 6. Ke3 Kd5 7. Kd3 Kc6 8. Kc4 Kb7 {=}) 3. c6 Ke5 4. c7 Ba6 5. b5 Kd6 {!!= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6Pb/7P/8/8/8/1K5P/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {Even if the bishop should succeed in blocking the pawns, the result will depend on the placing of the kings. With the pawns blockaded, the kings now enter the battle.} 1. Kc3 Kf2 2. Kd4 Kf3 {!} 3. Ke5 Kg4 4. Kf6 Kh5 {(Black appears to be safe, but bitter disillusionment awaits him)} 5. g8=Q {!} Bxg8 6. Kg7 Kg5 7. h3 {!} Kh5 8. h4 $18 {, and Black loses due to zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/8/1k6/1P1P1P2/2K5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~11.32 Isolated Pawns~ If the pawns are isolated, it is difficult to determine basic drawing positions. A typical position is shown in diagram ~3( 1893)~.} 1... Be7 {%05Irrespective of who it is to move, White cannot win, for example:} 2. Kd4 Bf6+ 3. Ke4 Kxb5 4. d6 Kc6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/8/1k6/1P1P1P2/2K5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. f6 {%05or} Bd6 2. f7 Bf8 3. Kd4 Kxb5 4. Ke5 Kc5 5. Ke6 Bd6 {= If the f5 pawn is moved to h5, the evaluation of the resulting position is unchanged.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/8/1k6/1P1P3P/2K5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {%05With White to move:} Bg7+ {The simplest,} (1... Kxb5 {%05but also possible is} 2. Ke5 Kb6 {!} (2... Kc5 {?} 3. Ke6 Kb6 4. d6 Kc6 5. d7 Kc7 6. Kf7 Bh6 7. Ke8 Bg5 8. h6 $18 {%04etc.}) 3. Ke6 (3. Kf6 Kc7 4. Ke6 Kd8 {= , with a draw}) 3... Kc5 4. Kf7 Bd6 {=}) 2. Ke4 Kxb5 3. Kf5 Kc5 4. Ke6 Bf8 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/8/1k6/1P1P3P/2K5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Ka5 {%05With Black to move:} (1... Kc7 {%05or} 2. Kd4 Kb6 (2... Kd6 { ? , then %05If} 3. b6 Bh6 4. Ke4 {!} (4. Kc4 Bf4 {!} 5. Kb5 Kxd5 6. b7 Ke6 {!} 7. h6 Kf7 {= , with a draw}) 4... Bg7 5. Kf5 Kxd5 6. b7 Be5 7. h6 $18) 3. Ke5 Kxb5 4. Kf6 Kb6 {!} 5. Kf7 Bh6 (5... Bb4 {?} 6. h6 Kc7 7. h7 Bc3 8. Ke7 {!} Be5 9. d6+ {!!} Bxd6+ 10. Ke6 $18) 6. d6 Kc6 7. Ke7 (7. Ke6 Bg5 {! , and White is in zugzwang}) 7... Bg5+ 8. Ke6 Kb6 {!} (8... Kb7 {?} 9. Kd7 {!} Bf4 10. Ke7 Bg5+ 11. Ke8 Kc8 12. d7+ Kc7 13. h6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 9. Kd7 Kc5 10. Kc7 Kd5 11. d7 Ke6 {=}) 2. Kd4 (2. d6 {%05If} Bxd6 3. Kd5 {, then} Bf4 4. Kc6 Be3 { =}) (2. h6 {%05while if} Bxh6 3. Kc5 {, then} Be3+ 4. Kc6 Bb6 {=}) 2... Kxb5 { , and subsequently as in the note to the previous variation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1K6/3k4/4p3/4B3/6p1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {The position differs from the previous one in that the black king has greater freedom of movement, but by exact play White parries the opponent's threats:} 1. Kb5 {!} (1. Kxb7 {? %05bad is} Kc4 2. Kc6 Kd3 3. Bg1 e3 $19) 1... Ke5 2. Kc5 (2. Kb6 {?} Kf5 3. Kxb7 Kg4 4. Kc6 Kf3 5. Bg1 e3 $19) 2... Kf5 3. Kd5 b5 4. Kd4 {!} (4. Kc5 {?} Kg4 5. Kxb5 Kf3 6. Bg1 e3 $19) 4... b4 5. Kc4 Kg4 6. Kxb4 {!} Kf3 7. Bg1 e3 8. Kc3 e2 9. Kd2 {= %04etc.} * [Event "Reggio Emilia (Italy)"] [Site "Reggio Emilia (Italy)"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Martorelli Antonio (ITA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p6B/8/2p1p1K1/8/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] {White also succeeds in co-ordinating his forces in the battle with the pawns in the following example.} 1. Kf5 c4 2. Kxe5 c3 3. Kd4 Kb3 {!} (3... Kb2 4. Kc4 {!} a5 5. Kb5 {=}) 4. Bb1 {! The only move to draw.} (4. Kd3 {? %05Bad is} a5 { !} 5. Ke2 Kb2 6. Kd1 a4 $19) 4... a5 (4... Kb2 {, then %05if} 5. Kd3 {!}) 5. Kd3 a4 6. Bc2+ Kb4 7. Bxa4 {= , with a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lewitt"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1b5P/kP6/8/5K2/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {In the following elegant study we meet some already familiar devices.} 1. Ke4 Bd8 2. b6 {!!} Ka6 (2... Kxb6 {deprives the bishop of the b6 square, and after} 3. Kf5 {the h-pawns queens}) 3. Ke5 {!} Bg5 4. h7 Bc1 5. Kd6 {!} Bxb2 {, and we have reached a familiar position which is won for White (cf. No. ~3($411870) ~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/p7/k1B5/p7/p7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {In exceptional cases the side with the lone bishop can even win. This is possible if the enemy king is restricted by its own pawns, and a mating net can be created around it. In this conclusion to a study, White gives mate in four moves.} 1. Kc7 a3 2. Ba4 a2 3. Kc6 a1=Q 4. Bb5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3p4/3Kp3/5p2/6p1/6B1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Four pawns normally win against a bishop, although there are characteristic drawing positions if the pawns are blockaded. White's pieces are ideally placed, and Black is unable to win.} 1... Kf6 2. Kxd6 Kf5 3. Kd5 e4 4. Bxe4+ Kg4 5. Kd4 f3 6. Ke3 {= , with a draw. Positions obtained by moving No.~3( 1901)~ to right or left will also be drawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/3p4/3Kp3/5p2/6p1/6B1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Kf5 {%05This position, obtained by shifting the previous position down by one rank, is also drawn. After} 2. Kxd5 Kf4 3. Kd4 e3 4. Bh2+ (4. Bxe3+ { ? %05White loses after} Kg3 5. Kd3 f2 $19) 4... Kg4 {%05, but he has the saving intermediate move} 5. Kxe3 {= , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6B1/p7/p7/p1K5/8/8/1pk5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kc4 {%05White to play draws by} b1=Q 2. Bh7+ Kb2 3. Bxb1 a4 {!} 4. Ba2 {!} a3 5. Kd3 {! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1868.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Loyd Samuel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1p5/3p4/p3p3/k4p2/2K3pB/7p/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1868.??.??"] {Positions can occur in which even a large number of pawns fails to win.} 1. Bd7+ Ka3 2. Bc6 {!} Ka2 3. Kc2 {! = Black's pawns are immobilized, his king is unable to come to their aid, and White draws. A veritable triumph for the blockade!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1782.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ponziani"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Bk6/1P6/2K5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1782.??.??"] {~11.4 KING, BISHOP AND PAWN AGAINST KING~ A king, bishop and pawn fail to win against a lone king only in two exceptional cases: 1) when the opposing king occupies a square in front of the pawn, from which it cannot be dislodged. 2) when he opposing king manages to win the pawn. Positions ~3( 1905)~ and ~3( 1906)~ illustrate the first case. Attempts to dislodge the opposing king lead merely to stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/1K6/P7/3B4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/8/1k6/8/1P6/8/6B1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {This is typical of the second case. Neither the bishop, nor the king can defend the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/7P/8/4K2B/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] {Sometimes, in order not to allow the above exceptions, exact play is required, and there may be only one way to win. Thus in this position White does not allow the black king into the corner.} 1. Be6 {!} Ke7 2. h6 {!} Kf6 3. Bf5 {!!} Kf7 4. Bh7 {!} Kf6 5. Kf4 Kf7 6. Kg5 Kf8 7. Kf6 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "B7/8/K7/2k5/8/2P5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {Here the bishop succeeded in cutting off the retreat of the enemy king. This device, called path-severance, is of great importance, is of great importance in bishop endings.} 1. Bd5 {! %05Black threatens to win the pawn by 1... Nc4, and there is only one way to prevent this:} Kxd5 2. Kb5 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3b4/p2k4/P7/1K6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {~11.5 BISHOP AND PAWN AGAINST PAWN~ King, bishop and pawn normally win against king and pawn. In brief, the winning plan is as follows: 1) If the pawn is passed, one of the pieces supports its advance, while the other deals with the opponent's pawn. 2) If the pawn is not passed, the opponent's pawn must first be won, transposing into an ending with bishop and pawn against a lone king. Exceptions, when a draw nevertheless results, occur in the following basic instances: 1) The enemy pawn cannot be won, and consequently it is also not possible to obtain a passed pawn. 2) After the winning of the pawn the opponent attains a drawn ending with bishop and pawn against a lone king. 3) The pawns are exchanged. 4) The poor positioning of the pieces prevents the winning plan from being carried out. We will consider these in more detail in the examples.} 1... Kc3 {%05Despite the fact that the corner square is of the same colour as the bishop, there is no win:} 2. Kc1 Be3+ 3. Kb1 Kd2 4. Ka1 Kc2 {= leads to stalemate. Note that, with his pawn at a4, Black would have played his king to a3, capturing the a2 pawn with an easy win. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4b3/1p6/1P3k2/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {In positions ~3( 1911)~ and ~3( 1912)~ Black is unable to win the b2 pawn, and therefore also the game.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3b4/1p6/1P2k3/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Impregnable positions of this type are called "fortresses".} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5b2/8/8/1p3k2/3K4/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {The construction of a "fortress" is an important tactical device in endings. A knowledge of such positions is very important, enabling many mistakes to be avoided.} 1. Kd4 {! The threat is 2. b3! B:b3 3. Kc5, so that Black is forced to reply %05How is White to save this position? Using position^013^010 %05~3 ($401911)~, we easily find the solution -} b3 {And now that Black has helped White to build a "fortress", the king must immediately be evacuated there -} 2. Kd3 {!= , with an obvious draw.} (2. Kc3 {?? %05It would be wrong to play} Ke3 $19 {, when White's king is driven away from the pawn.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weenink Henri G (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/6P1/K7/8/1kB5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {White wins elegantly in this position.} 1. Bb1 {!! %05The solution is} (1. Bh7 {? there follows %05His bishop is attacked. On} Kc3 2. Kb5 Kd4 3. Kc6 Ke5 4. g6 (4. Kd7 {%05or} g6 {!} 5. Ke7 Kf5 {= with a draw}) 4... Ke6 {!} 5. Bg8+ Ke7 { = , and Black constructs a "fortress".}) (1. Kb4 {? %05No better is} Kxc2 2. Kc4 Kd2 3. Kd4 Ke2 4. Ke4 Kf2 5. Kf4 Kg2 6. Kg4 g6 {! =}) 1... Kxb1 (1... Kc3 2. Kb5 Kd4 3. Kc6 Ke5 4. Kd7 {!} g6 5. Ke7 {!$18 , and f5 is inaccessible to he black king}) 2. Kb3 Kc1 3. Kc3 Kd1 4. Kd3 Ke1 5. Ke3 Kf1 6. Kf3 Kg1 7. Kg3 Kf1 (7... g6 8. Kf4 Kg2 9. Ke5 Kg3 10. Kf6 $18) 8. g6 Ke2 9. Kf4 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4b3/8/p7/8/1P1k4/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Kc2 {White plays %05After} 2. b4 {, and since} (2. b3 {%05or}) 2... axb3 { = leads to stalemate, he is able to draw. Thus, if the pawn is rook's pawn, and its queening square is of the opposite colour to that of the bishop, it is not possible to win if the weaker side/s king occupies the queening square of the enemy pawn.} * [Event "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Site "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Date "1888.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Paulsen Louis (GER)"] [Black "Metger Johannes (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Bpk5/8/P2K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1888.??.??"] {A win is possible if the weaker side's king is cut off from the queening square. White's task is to play his king to b6 and to win the pawn, without allowing the black king to reach a8. This is achieved as follows:} 1. Kd4 {!!} (1. Kc5 {? %04then %05White must play accurately. If} b6+ {!} 2. axb6+ Kb7 {=}) (1. Kc4 {? %05The game actually went} b5+ {!= , with a draw.}) 1... Kc6 (1... b6 {, then %05If} 2. a6 Kc6 3. Kc4 Kd6 4. Kb4 Kc6 5. Bb8 b5 6. Ba7 {!} Kc7 7. Kxb5 $18 {, and White wins}) (1... b5 2. a6 Kc6 3. Kc3 Kd6 4. Kb4 Kc6 5. Ka5 $18) 2. Bb6 {!} (2. Kc3 {? %05not} b6 3. a6 Kb5 {=}) 2... Kd6 (2... Kb5 3. Kd5 Ka6 4. Kd6 Kb5 5. Kc7 Ka6 6. Kb8 $18) 3. Kc4 Kc6 4. Kb4 Kd6 5. Kb5 Kd7 6. Kc5 Kc8 7. Ba7 Kc7 8. Kb5 Kd7 9. Bb8 Kc8 10. Bf4 Kd7 11. Kb6 Kc8 12. Bg3 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kosek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/5k2/8/6K1/8/6BP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {The win is more difficult in this position.} 1. Kh5 {! %05Black is threatening to play 1... g6 and 2... Kg7, with a draw.} g5 (1... Kf7 {, then %05If} 2. Bd5+ Kf6 3. Bg8 g5 (3... Kf5 4. Bh7+ Kf6 5. Bg6 Ke7 6. Kg5 Kf8 7. Bh7 {leads to the previous position}) 4. Kh6 Kf5 5. h3 {!} Kf6 (5... g4 6. Be6+ {!} Kxe6 7. hxg4 $18) 6. Bd5 Kf5 7. Kg7 {!} Ke5 (7... g4 8. Be6+ {!}) 8. Kg6 Kf4 9. Be6 $18) 2. Kh6 g4 {!} (2... Kf5 {%05In the event of} 3. h3 Kf6 (3... Kf4 4. Kg6 {!}) 4. Bd5 Kf5 5. Kg7 $18 {White wins. The move played prolongs Black's resistance, since White has to win the g4 pawn and not allow the black king to reach h8.}) 3. Be4 Kf7 (3... Ke5 {White wins most quickly by %05On the active} 4. Kg5 {!} Ke6 (4... Kxe4 5. Kxg4 Ke5 6. Kg5 Ke6 7. Kg6 Ke7 8. Kg7 Ke6 9. h4 Kf5 10. h5 $18) 5. Kg6 Ke5 (5... Ke7 6. Bf5 Kf8 7. Kh7 $18) 6. Bb7 Kf4 7. Kf6 g3 8. h3 $18 {!}) 4. Bh7 Kf6 (4... Ke6 {there follows %05On} 5. Bg8+ Kf6 6. Bd5 Ke5 7. Bb7 Kf5 8. Bc6 Kf4 9. Kg6 g3 10. h4) (4... Kf8 {, then %05while if} 5. Kg6 Ke7 6. Bg8 Kd6 7. Kf6 {and 8. Be6.}) 5. Bg6 Ke6 (5... Ke5 {, then %05If} 6. Kg5 Ke6 7. Bh5 Ke7 8. Kh6 Kf8 9. Kh7 $18) (5... Ke7 {there follows %05while on} 6. Bf5 Kf7 7. Kh7 $18) 6. Be8 Ke7 (6... Kf5 7. Bc6 Kf6 8. Bd7 $18 {etc, as already examined}) 7. Bc6 Kf8 8. Bd5 Ke7 9. Kg7 Kd6 10. Bb7 Ke5 11. Kg6 Ke6 12. Bc8+ $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Duras Oldrich (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3p4/8/8/8/B7/P7/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] {And now an elegant study on the same theme.} 1. Bb4 {!} Kf7 2. a4 Ke6 (2... Ke8 3. a5 Kd8 4. Bd6 {!} Kc8 5. a6 $18 {, and Black can resign}) 3. a5 Kd5 4. a6 Kc6 5. Ba5 {!! White has securely cut off the black king from a8, and the remainder presents no difficulty. When the white king approaches, Black runs out of moves with his d-pawn, and his king is forced to abandon c6. A classic study on the theme of "path-severance"! Curiously enough, without the d-pawn Black draws: 1. Bb4 Kf7 2. a4 Ke6 3. a5 Kd7! 4. a6 Kc7 etc. The pawn hinders its own king, by depriving it of the d7 square.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/8/8/8/B7/P7/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {Curiously enough, without the d-pawn Black draws:} 1. Bb4 Kf7 2. a4 Ke6 3. a5 Kd7 {!} 4. a6 Kc7 {= etc The pawn hinders its own king, by depriving it of the d7 square.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/k1K5/8/pB6/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {This position is a modification of a study by Kling and Horwitz (1851). In order to win, White must win the a4 pawn and not allow the black king to reach a8.} 1. Bc5 Ka5 2. Kb7 Kb5 3. Bb6 {! The obtaining of this type of opposition is an important tactical device in such endings. Black is forced back by one rank.} Kc4 4. Kc6 Kb3 (4... Kd3 5. Kb5 Ke4 6. Kxa4 Kd5 7. Kb5 Kd6 8. Ka6 Kc6 9. a4 Kd7 10. Kb7 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Bc5 Kc4 6. Bd6 (6. Be3 {%05The continuation given by Kling and Horwitz is also possible:} Kb3 7. Bc1 Kc4 8. Bb2 Kb3 9. Kb5 {!}) 6... Kd4 7. Kb5 Kd5 8. Bh2 Ke6 9. Kxa4 Kd7 10. Kb5 Kc8 11. Kc6 $18 { %04etc. Although the black king was close to a8, it was unable to reach it.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5KB1/p7/P4k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] {An analysis of endings with rooks' pawns was made by the Soviet master Rauzer. Here, in condensed form, we give the results of his researches. Let us first examine a classic position of Kling and Horwitz. Both Kling and Horwitz (1851), and Berger (1921), thought that White won only if it was him to move. It was only in 1928 that Rauzer demonstrated that White wins irrespective of who it is to move. With White to move, the win is achieved as follows:} 1. Bf4 {!} Kg2 {!} (1... Kf2 {%05After} 2. Ke4 Kg2 3. Kd4 Kf3 4. Bh2 Kg4 5. Kc4 Kf5 6. Kb4 Ke6 7. Kxa4 Kd7 8. Kb5 Kc8 9. Kc6 $18 {White is in time to prevent the black king from reaching a8.}) 2. Kg4 {!} (2. Ke4 Kh3 3. Kd4 Kg4 {is a waste of time, when White does best to return his king to the bishop, since after} 4. Bh2 {?} Kf5 5. Kc4 Ke6 6. Kb5 Kd7 {= it is pointless to capture the pawn; as will be seen later, White can no longer win. For this reason he does not hurry, but first endeavours to drive the enemy king as far away as possible.}) 2... Kf2 3. Bc1 {! This bishop manoeuvre has the aim of gaining a tempo, and of obtaining the set-up Kg4, Bf4/Kg2, but with White to move. Then there follows Bg3, and the black king is forced onto the last rank.} Ke2 4. Kf4 {Now Black has several possibilities:} Kf2 (4... Kd3 5. Be3 {!} Kc4 6. Ke5 Kb3 7. Bc5 Kc4 8. Kd6 Kb5 9. Kd5 Ka5 10. Kc6 Ka6 11. Bg1 Ka5 12. Kb7 Kb5 13. Bb6 $18 {, and so on as in position ~3($401920)~.}) (4... Kd1 5. Be3 Kc2 6. Ke5 {!} (6. Ke4 { ? , then %05if} Kb3 7. Bc5 Kc4 8. Be3 Kb3 9. Bc1 Kc4 {= , with a draw}) 6... Kb3 7. Bc5 Kc4 8. Kd6 Kb3 9. Kc6 Kc4 10. Bd6 $18 {, again as in position ~3 ($401920)~.}) 5. Be3+ Kg2 6. Kg4 Kh2 (6... Kh1 7. Bf4 Kg2 8. Bg3 {followed by 9. Kf3, as in the main variation}) 7. Bf4+ Kg2 8. Bg3 Kg1 9. Kf3 Kh1 10. Bb8 {! } Kg1 {Due to lack of space, Black is unable to begin a by-pass on the right flank. This is White's basic plan.} 11. Ke3 Kg2 12. Kd3 Kf3 13. Kc4 Ke4 14. Kb5 Kd5 15. Bh2 Kd4 16. Kxa4 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5KB1/p7/P4k2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {If in this position it is Black to move, White's task is rather more complicated. In order to win, he must gain a tempo and obtain the same position, but with White to move. The winning manoeuvre was found by Rauzer.} 1... Kg3 2. Bf6 {!} Kf3 (2... Kh3 3. Kf4 Kh2 4. Kf3 Kh3 5. Bg5 Kh2 6. Kg4 Kg2 7. Bf4 {leads to a position already examined.}) 3. Be5 Ke3 4. Bb2 {! The only move to win.} (4. Bb8 {? %05Berger considered only} Kd4 5. Ke6 Kc5 6. Kd7 Kb6 7. Kc8 Kc6 8. Bc7 Kd5 9. Kd7 Kc5 10. Bd8 Kd5 11. Be7 Ke5 {, when as we will see below, the black king has reached the drawing zone.}) 4... Kd3 (4... Kf3 { %05After} 5. Bc1 Kg3 6. Bg5 Kf2 7. Kf4 Ke2 8. Ke4 Kf2 9. Bf4 Kg2 10. Kd4 {!} Kf3 11. Bh2 $18 {White wins, as already examined.}) 5. Ke5 Ke3 (5... Kc4 6. Bd4 Kb3 7. Bc5 {has already been considered}) 6. Bc1+ Kf3 7. Kf5 Kg3 8. Bg5 Kf3 $18 {, and White has achieved his goal.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rauzer Vsevolod A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4K3/4B3/p3k3/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {The solution of this position no longer presents any difficulty.} 1. Bh2 { %05With White to move:} Kd4 2. Kd6 Kc4 3. Kc6 Kb3 (3... Kd4 4. Kb5 Kd5 5. Bg3 { and 6. K:a4$18}) 4. Bd6 Kc4 5. Bc5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rauzer Vsevolod A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4K3/4B3/p3k3/P7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1... Kf3 {! (attempting to go round on the right flank) %05With Black to move:} 2. Kf5 Ke3 3. Bb2 {!$18 , and so on as in position ~3($401921)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/2K5/8/pB6/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "66"] {In position ~3( 1920)~ let us move the black king from a6 to c8, and see how this reflects on the evaluation of the position. White's first move is obvious: the king must not be allowed into the corner.} 1. Bd6 Kd8 2. Kb7 Kd7 3. Bc7 Ke6 (3... Ke7 {%05Black does not allow the immediate driving back of his king, which would happen after} 4. Kc6 Ke6 5. Bd6) 4. Kc6 Ke7 5. Bb6 Ke6 6. Bc5 Ke5 7. Bf8 {Here Black has several continuations, one of which we^013^010 will examine in detail.} Ke6 {(7. ... Kf6 is also sufficient for a draw ) %05Incidentally, instead of} (7... Kd4 {? %05but not} 8. Bd6 {!} Ke4 9. Kb5 Kd5 10. Bh2 Kd4 11. Kxa4 Kc5 12. Ka5 Kc6 13. Ka6 $18) 8. Bd6 Kf7 9. Kd7 Kf6 10. Bh2 Kf7 (10... Kf5 11. Ke7 Kg5 {leads to similar play,} (11... Ke4 {? loses after %05whereas} 12. Ke6 Kd4 13. Kd6 Kc4 14. Kc6 Kd4 15. Kb5 Kd5 16. Bg3 $18)) 11. Be5 Kg6 12. Ke6 Kg5 13. Bd6 Kg6 (13... Kg4 {?} 14. Kf6 Kh5 15. Bf4 {!} Kg4 16. Bc1 Kh5 17. Bg5 Kg4 18. Kg6 Kf3 19. Kf5 $18 {leads to position ~3($401921)~.}) 14. Be7 Kg7 15. Bb4 Kg6 16. Bc3 Kg5 17. Be5 {!} Kg6 (17... Kg4 {?} 18. Kf6 Kf3 19. Kf5 Ke3 20. Bb2 $18 {%04,etc}) 18. Bf6 Kh6 {Thus White has managed to drive the black king to the edge of the board. But what next?} 19. Kf7 Kh7 20. Be5 Kh6 21. Bg7+ Kh7 22. Kf8 {(otherwise the king cannot be evicted from the corner)} Kg6 23. Kg8 Kf5 24. Kf7 Kg5 25. Bf8 Kf5 26. Be7 {At last the king has come out of the corner, but now it heads for a8.} Ke5 27. Ke8 {(trying to prevent the king from reaching a8)} Ke6 28. Bf8 (28. Kd8 Kf7 {repeats what has already happened}) 28... Kf6 29. Bb4 Kg7 30. Bc3+ Kg6 31. Ke7 Kf5 32. Kd6 Kg6 33. Be5 (33. Kc6 {%05White has failed to drive away the black king to such an %05extent that it no longer threatens to make for one of the %05corners - a8 or h8. The bishop is not on the h2-b8 %05diagonal, so that only a draw results from} Kf7 34. Kb5 Ke8 35. Kxa4 Kd7 36. Kb5 Kc7 {=}) 33... Kf7 {= , and the game can go on like this only up to move 50, when it will be pronounced a draw. The conclusion is that there exists a drawing zone, within which the black king is able to draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1899.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Teichmann & Rauzer"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/K7/8/p7/6B1/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "52"] [EventDate "1899.??.??"] {This position has an interesting history. It was published in 1900 by Teichmann, who regarded it as a win for White. His solution was too brief and was unconvincing, so that in 1912, on the basis of an incorrect evaluation, the position was declared drawn. It was only in 1928 that Rauzer demonstrated convincingly that White wins. White's plan is as follows: if the black king does not move out of the drawing zone, he stalemates it, so as to force ... a3, and then win this pawn. If the king moves out of the drawing zone and can be isolated from it, White himself plays a2-a3 and obtains the ending already analyzed.} 1. Kb6 Kd7 2. Kb7 Kd8 (2... Ke7 {%05Or} 3. Kc6 Kd8 4. Bd6 Ke8 5. Kc7 Kf7 6. Kd7 {%04etc.}) 3. Kc6 {!} Ke7 {!} (3... Kc8 {? %05or} 4. Bc7 a3 5. Bd6 Kd8 6. Bxa3 $18) 4. Bc7 Ke6 5. Bd6 Kf5 (5... Kf6 {, then %05If} 6. Kd7 Kf5 7. Ke7 Ke4 8. Ke6 Kd4 9. Ba3 {(a repeatedly occurring bishop manoeuvre - a step back, so as to then make two forward)} Kc4 10. Kd6 Kd4 (10... Kc3) (10... Kb5 { %05or} 11. Bc5) 11. Bb2+ Ke4 (11... Kd3 12. Kd5 Kc2 13. Bd4 a3 14. Kc4 Kb1 15. Kb3 $18) 12. Ke6 Kf4 13. Bf6 {, joining the main variation after move 16.}) 6. Kd7 Kf6 7. Ba3 (7. Bh2 {%05Also possible is} Kf5 {!} 8. Ke7 Kg5 {!} 9. Ke6 Kg6 10. Bd6 Kg7 11. Be7 Kg6 {!} 12. Bf6 {! %04etc.}) 7... Ke5 8. Be7 Kf5 (8... Kd5 {, then %05if} 9. Bd6 Ke4 {!} 10. Ke6 Kd4 11. Ba3 {and so on}) 9. Kd6 Kg6 (9... Ke4 10. Ke6 Kf4 (10... Kd4 {%05or} 11. Ba3 {%04etc.}) 11. Bf6) 10. Ke6 Kg7 11. Bd8 Kg6 {!} (11... Kf8 {, then %05If} 12. Bf6 Kg8 {!} 13. Ke7) (11... Kg8 { there follows %05while on} 12. Kf6 Kf8 13. Be7+ {, and the black king is stalemated.}) 12. Bf6 Kh6 {! Black intends to answer 13. Kf5 with 13... Kh7, while on 13. Kf7 he slips out by 13... Kh5.} 13. Kf7 {White is faced with a difficult problem. He has to drive the king out of the h8 corner, without allowing it to reach a8. To do this he must occupy f6 with his king, threatening to stalemate the enemy king. But to do this is not easy.^013^010 White has to obtain the following set-up: Kf5, Bf6/Kh6, with him to move. Then he can play his bishop away from f6, vacating this square for his king.} Kh5 14. Be7 Kg4 (14... Kh6 {, then %05If} 15. Kf6 Kh5 {!} 16. Bf8 Kg4 17. Bh6 { %04etc.}) 15. Ke6 Kf4 (15... Kh5 {there follows %05On} 16. Kf5 Kh6 17. Bf8+ Kh5 {!} 18. Bg7 Kh4 19. Bh6 {%04etc.}) 16. Bf6 Ke4 (16... Kg4 {, then %05If} 17. Ke5 Kh5 18. Kf5 Kh6 19. Bb2 Kh7 20. Kf6 Kh6 21. Bc1+ Kh5 (21... Kh7 {leads to stalemate}) 22. Kf5 Kh4 23. Bf4 Kh3 24. Bg5 Kg3 25. a3 {, and so on.}) 17. Be5 Kf3 {Black attempts a by-pass on the right flank.} (17... Ke3 {%05After}) ( 17... Kd3 {there follows %05or} 18. Kd5 {, and the a4 pawn is won.}) 18. Bh2 {! } (18. Kf5 Ke3 {, and after} 19. a3 {?} Kd3 20. Ke6 Kc4 {Black breaks into the drawing zone.}) (18. a3 {also wins, but after this Black forces position ~3 ($401921)~ with him to move, which prolongs the game. %05Since the black king has been forced out of the zone,}) 18... Kg4 {!} 19. Kf6 Kh5 (19... Kf3 {%05Or} 20. Kf5 Ke3 (20... Kg2 21. Bf4 Kh3 22. Kg5 {%04etc.}) 21. Ke5 Kd3 22. Kd5 a3 23. Be5 Kc2 24. Kc4 $18) (19... Kh4 {, then %05If} 20. Kf5 Kh5 21. Bf4 Kh4 22. Bc1 Kg3 23. Bh6 Kh4 (23... Kf3 24. Bg5 Kg3 25. a3) 24. Bf4 Kh3 25. Bg5 Kg3 26. a3 $18) 20. Bf4 Kg4 21. Bg5 Kg3 22. Kf5 Kf3 23. Bf4 Kg2 24. a3 Kf3 25. Bh6 Kg3 26. Bg5 Kf3 $40 {, and White has finally achieved his goal. In position ~3( 1921)~, which we have managed to obtain, the pawn may be lost as late as the 19th move. Thus in position ~3( 1927)~ the pawn is won only on the 45th(!!) move. The analysis of Teichmann's position allows the following conclusion to be drawn, facilitating the evaluation of this type of ending: "With the white pawn at a2, Black can draw only if he is able to force a2-a3, and then return in time to the drawing zone" (Rauzer).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rauzer Vsevolod A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/P7/2K5/8/6b1/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {This is illustrated by the following study.} 1. Kb5 {! Now Black has two main continuations:} (1. Kc5 {? %05Bad is} Kc2 2. Kd6 Kc3 3. Kc7 Kb4 4. a6 Kb5 $19 { , when Black wins.}) 1... Bf1+ (1... Bb7 2. Kc5 Be4 (2... Kd2 {%05Or} 3. Kd6 a6 {!} 4. Ke5 Ke3 5. Kf5 Bf3 6. Kg5 {%04etc.}) 3. Kd6 {!} (3. Kb5 {? %05but not} Bd3+ $19 {, and Black wins}) 3... Bd3 4. Kc7 a6 {!} 5. Kd6 Kd2 6. Ke5 Kc3 7. Kf4 {, with a draw. =}) 2. Kc6 Kd2 3. Kc7 {!} (3. Kb7 {? %05White loses after} a6 4. Kc6 Kc3 5. Kd5 Bd3 6. Ke5 Kb4 {!} 7. Kd4 Bh7 $19 {%04etc.}) 3... a6 { ! (4. a6 was threatened)} 4. Kd6 Bg2 {Black tries not to allow the white king into the drawing zone, bounded here by the squares a1, a2, d5, e4, f5, h3 and h1.} (4... Kc3 {, then %05If} 5. Ke5 Bd3 6. Kf4 Kb4 7. Ke3 Bh7 8. Kd2 {, with a draw. =}) 5. Ke5 Ke3 6. Kf5 Bf3 7. Kg5 {!} (7. Ke5 {? %05not} Be4 {, and wins }) 7... Ke4 8. Kh4 Kf4 9. Kh3 Bc6 10. Kh2 {!= But now the position is drawn, since the white king is inside the drawing zone.} (10. Kh4 {? %05It was not yet too late to go wrong:} Bg2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k4K2/8/4P1p1/8/8/8/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {As was mentioned earlier, one of the ways of gaining a draw is by exchanging pawns. Sometimes this exchange is achieved by the use of various study devices. } 1. Ke7 {!! At first sight this move is incomprehensible, but in fact it is perfectly logical.^013^010 A basic geometric rule of the chess board is that the path of a king in a straight line is equal to that in a zig-zag. In chess a straight line is not always the shortest distance between two points, a factor which must constantly be borne in mind. %05How is white to catch the black pawn? It appears to be an impossible task...} g5 2. Kd6 g4 (2... Bh5 { %05If} 3. Ke5 Kb7 4. e7 {! %05, but} (4. Kf5 {? %05then not} g4 5. Kf4 Kc7 $19) 4... Kc7 5. Kf5 g4 6. e8=Q {= , with a draw.}) 3. e7 {!} Bb5 4. Kc5 {! By luring the bishop to b5, White has gained the necessary tempo, and now catches the g-pawn.} Bd7 5. Kd4 Kb7 6. Ke4 Kc6 7. Kf4 Kd6 8. e8=Q {= , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jigis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7p/4k3/8/6PK/1b6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {(conclusion of a study) White exchanges pawns by utilizing a stalemating opportunity.} 1. Kh3 (1. Kg3 {?} Bc2 2. Kh4 Bd1 $19) 1... Kf4 {!} (1... Kf5 2. Kh4 Kg6 3. g4 {=}) 2. Kh4 Bg6 {One gains the impression that Black has avoided the exchange of pawns, but} 3. g4 {! resolves any doubts, since} hxg4 {= leads to stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K2/5P2/2p5/2k5/8/8/2b5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {A poor deployment of the pieces may seriously hinder the achievement of victory. In cases where the placing of the pieces cannot be improved, it may be altogether impossible to win.} 1. Kg6 {! %05The first impression is that Black must win, but White continues:} (1. Ke6 {?} Bh6 $19 {, and wins}) 1... Bf4 2. Kf5 {!} Bd6 3. Ke6 {!} Bf8 4. Kf7 Bh6 5. Kg6 {= , and the bishop cannot escape from the white king's pursuit. Draw. The movement of Black's bishop was restricted by his own pawn. This motif, when one piece constantly pursues another, bears the name of "perpetual pursuit".} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Batuev Andrey M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1k6/3pK3/B7/1P6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1... Kc4 {! White is again unable to regroup, and it proves impossible to win. For example: %05After} 2. Bf8 (2. Kf3 {%05or} Kb3 {!} 3. Ke2 Kc2 {= %04etc.}) 2... Kb3 3. Ba3 Kc4 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/3P4/pp1K4/8/6B1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~11.6 BISHOP AND PAWN AGAINST TWO PAWNS~ In the material sense a bishop and pawn are much stronger than two pawns, and so, all other things being equal, the side with the bishop normally wins. The winning plan is as follows: 1) If the pawn is passed, it must be queened, while at the same time the threat of an advance by the opposing pawns is neutralized. 2) If the pawn is not passed, the obstructing enemy pawns must first be eliminated, and the pawn then queened. The detailed implementation of the winning plan will be examined in the following examples. White's pawn is blockaded, and the black pawns are threatening to advance. White's problem is to immobilize the enemy pawns, so that the black king will then be forced to lift the blockade. This is achieved as follows:} 1. Bf1 {!} (1. Kc4 {there follows %05on} a3 2. Kb3 Kc5 {, when, despite the fact that the black pawns are immobilized, White has not managed to lift the blockade, since his king cannot support the advance of his pawn)}) 1... b3 2. Bc4 {! (again the only move; 2... a3 was threatened)} b2 3. Ba2 a3 4. Bb1 Kd7 {Thus White has achieved his aim - Black has lifted the blockade, and the pawn can now advance.} 5. Kc5 Kc7 6. d6+ Kd7 7. Kd5 Kd8 8. Kc6 Kc8 9. d7+ Kd8 10. Ba2 $18 {, and White wins. It should be noted that the functions of White's pieces were strictly divided. His bishop stopped the enemy pawns, while his king supported the advance of his own pawn. Such a division of duties is a characteristic feature of such endings, as we will repeatedly see in what follows.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Trifunovic Petar (YUG)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2B5/1Pk1p3/4K1p1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Be8 {%05Here we see the opposite picture. The bishop is defending the pawn, while the king is controlling the enemy pawns. It is clear that, in order to win, White's pieces must exchange roles. The author's solution goes:} (1. Ke3 { %05But this is not the only way to win. Also possible is} Kb6 2. Kd3 {!} Kc5 ( 2... g3 3. Kc4) 3. Ke4 {, joining the author's solution. White gave Black the move by utilizing the principle of "triangulation".}) (1. Kd3 {%05but not} g3 2. Ke3 e4 {! , with a draw}) 1... Kb6 2. Bd7 Kc5 3. Bc6 {The same position has been reached, but with Black to move.} Kb6 (3... Kd6 4. Kf5 g3 5. Kg4 Kc5 6. Kxg3) 4. Kd5 {!} g3 5. Kc4 {, and the remainder is obvious.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1895.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/4p2p/6P1/3K4/8/4B3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1895.??.??"] 1. Bh6+ {%05An elegant study, in which the white pieces again "exchange roles". } Kg8 2. g7 e6+ {!} (2... Kf7 {%05The subtle point is that} 3. g8=Q+ {!!} Kxg8 4. Ke6 Kh8 5. Kf7 {leads to mate. Black therefore attempts to give up his superfluous pawn.}) 3. Kd6 {!} Kf7 (3... e5 4. Ke6 e4 5. Kf6 {%04etc.}) 4. Ke5 {!} Kg8 5. Kf6 e5 6. Bg5 h5 7. Kg6 {"The exchange of roles" has taken place, and the curtain can be rung down.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k2B1/2pp2P1/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {If the enemy king is able to support his own pawns, it will often happen that the bishop alone will be unable to stop them, so that the combined action of bishop and king will be required. Only when the enemy pawns are immobilized and securely blockaded by the bishop, or else eliminated, can the king go to the support of its own pawn. Here is a typical example.} 1. Bf6 {! (White tries to provoke the advance of the pawns)} c3 2. Bg7 Kc4 (2... c2 3. Bh6 Kc4 4. Bc1 Kc3 5. g5 d3 6. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Ke2 d3+ 4. Ke3 d2 5. Ke2 Kb3 6. Kd1 Kc4 7. Kc2 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/Pb4k1/1P6/6K1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {In certain cases, even if the bishop succeeds in blocking the pawns, it may prove impossible to carry out the typical winning plan.} 1... Kf6 {%05With Black to move it is all very simple:} 2. Kf4 g5+ 3. Ke4 Ke6 {, and with the help of king and bishop the pawn quickly queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/Pb4k1/1P6/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Kf4 {%05With White to move the play develops differently:} Kf6 2. Ke4 Ke6 3. Kf4 g6 4. Kg5 Kf7 5. Kf4 Kf6 6. Ke4 {White attempts either to break through with his king to the support of his pawns, or else to attack the enemy pawn. Black has no way of forestalling both of these threats.} g5 (6... Ke6 {%05Let us try moving the bishop to a7:} 7. Kf4 Ba7 {Then there follows} (7... Bg1 { Here too a draw results from} 8. Kg5 Kf7 9. Kf4 Kf6 10. Ke4 g5 11. Kd5 g4 12. Kc6 g3 13. b6 g2 14. a7 {, since the bishop prevents the pawn from queening!}) (7... Bf2 {If now White plays the routine %05It remains to try} 8. Kg5 Kf7 9. Kf4 Kf6 10. Ke4 {? he loses after} (10. Kf3 {! , destroying the co-ordination of Black's forces. Wherever he moves his bishop, Black is unable to win: the g1-a7 diagonal proves to be too short! %05Correct is}) 10... g5 {!} 11. Kd5 g4 12. Kc6 g3 13. b6 g2 14. a7 g1=Q 15. a8=Q Qg2+) 8. Kg5 Kf7 9. Kf4 Kf6 10. Ke4 { , and again} g5 {fails to win after} 11. Kd5 g4 12. Kc6 g3 13. b6 g2 14. bxa7 g1=Q 15. Kb7 {with a draw.}) 7. Kd5 {!} g4 8. Kc6 g3 9. Kxb6 g2 10. a7 g1=Q+ 11. Kb7 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/1P6/P3k3/6p1/4K3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {The following is an instructive position.} 1... Ba7 {White is immediately in zugzwang. %05With Black to move, after} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/1P6/P3k3/6p1/4K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {! %05But if it is White to move, after} Ba7+ 2. Ke4 {it is Black who is in zugzwang, for example:} Kf6 3. Kd5 g4 4. Kc6 g3 5. Kc7 g2 6. b8=Q Bxb8+ 7. Kxb8 g1=Q 8. a7 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/4k1p1/8/1P2K3/P7/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1... Ba5 {! %05Here Black is unable to prevent the break-through of the opposing king to the pawns, but victory is nevertheless possible.} 2. Kd5 g6 ( 2... Kd7 {%05 It should be noted that, instead of 2... g6, the plan involving the transfer of the black king to a5 does not work. For example:} 3. Ke5 Kc7 4. Kf5 Kb6 5. Kg6 Bc3 6. Kf5 Ka5 7. Kg5 Bd4 8. Kg6 {! with a draw.}) 3. Ke5 Bc7+ 4. Kd5 g5 5. Kc6 Ba5 6. b6 Bxb6 7. Kxb6 g4 8. a5 g3 9. a6 g2 10. a7 g1=Q+ { , Black wins, since his king is well placed, for example:} 11. Kb7 Kd7 {!} 12. a8=Q Qb1+ 13. Ka6 Qa2+ 14. Kb7 Qb3+ 15. Ka6 Qa4+ 16. Kb7 Qb5+ 17. Ka7 Kc7 { [%eval -550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1775.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/2pp4/8/2P5/1K2B3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1775.??.??"] {An ancient position} 1. Kb4 (1. Bf4 {%05not} c5 2. Ka4 Kc6 {, when after ... d5 Black exchanges pawns}) 1... Kb7 2. Ka5 d5 (2... Kc7 3. Ka6 Kd7 4. Kb6 c5 5. Bf4 Ke6 6. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. c5 Ka7 4. Kb4 Kb7 (4... Ka6 5. Kc3 Kb5 6. Kd4 Kb4 7. Ke5 Kc4 8. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kc3 Kc7 6. Kd4 Kd7 7. Ke5 Ke7 8. Bg5+ Kd7 9. Bf6 Kc7 10. Ke6 Kc8 11. Kd6 Kb7 12. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1841.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Walker George (ENG)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/1pp5/8/2P5/2K1B3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1841.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {%05This position differs slightly from the previous one. Here there is no possibility of a by-pass by the white king on both flanks, and the advance of the king via d4 and e5 is unsuccessful, for example:} Ka6 {and White is unable to avert the exchange of pawns after ...c5 and ...b5. The evaluation of the position remains unchanged if the white pawn is at b4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2B5/4kp2/6p1/4K3/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Bd7 {! %05First White must block the black pawns.} (1. Bb7 {after %05It is not easy for White to approach the enemy pawns with his king. The waiting attempt} f4+ 2. Ke2 (2. Kd3 g3 {, with a draw.}) 2... Kf5 {leads to a position where the advance of White's king to the black pawns is no longer dangerous. For example:} 3. Bh1 {(the only way of freeing the king and of forestalling the threat of ...g3)} Kg5 4. Kd3 Kf5 5. Kd4 f3 {!} (5... Kg5 6. Ke4 f3 7. Ke3 { leads to a win for White}) 6. Ke3 Ke5 {! White has approached the pawns with his king, but has not achieved anything:} 7. Bxf3 gxf3 8. Kxf3 Kf5 {leads only to a draw.}) 1... f4+ 2. Ke2 g3 {(clearly forced)} 3. f3 Kd4 4. Bh3 {Again the same idea. The bishop controls the advanced pawn, while the king intends to head for the f4 pawn.} Kc3 {(Black tries not to admit the white king)} 5. Bg2 { !} (5. Kd1 {? leads only to a draw after} Kd3 6. Ke1 Kc3 7. Bg2 Kd3) 5... Kc2 6. Bf1 {! White has deployed his bishop in the best way possible. It controls the g-pawn and deprives the black king of the square d3. Black is unable to carry out his plan.} Kc3 (6... Kc1 7. Kd3 Kd1 8. Ke4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kd1 {! } Kd4 8. Kd2 Ke5 9. Kc3 Kd5 10. Kd3 Ke5 11. Kc4 {, and White wins. If the bishop is unable simultaneously to control the enemy passed pawn, and to support the king in its advance to the pawns, it may prove impossible to realize the advantage.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3B4/8/4kpp1/8/5KP1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] 1... f4 {! %05Correct is} (1... Kf6 {%05Passive defence here leads to defeat: ? } 2. Ke2 Ke5 3. Kd3 Kf6 4. Kd4 Kg6 5. Ke5 {, and White wins.}) 2. g4 Kd4 { Black tries to prevent the advance of the white king to the g5 pawn.} 3. Ke2 Kc3 4. Bf5 Kd4 5. Kd2 Kc4 6. Be4 Kd4 7. Bd3 {White appears to have been successful - the opposing king is forced to retreat.} Ke5 8. Kc3 {In helping its king, the bishop has weakened its control over the opposing passed pawn, a factor which Black can exploit.} f3 9. Bf5 Kf4 10. Kd2 Kg3 11. Ke1 Kg2 12. Be4 Kg3 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Neishtadt Yakov (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1pk1K3/2p5/8/1P5B/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {Sometimes one has to reckon seriously with the threat of exchanging the lone pawn. In the following example this threat can be successfully neutralized only by the sacrifice of the bishop.} 1. Bg1+ {!} (1. Bg3 c3 {!} 2. bxc3 b4 { leads to a draw}) 1... Kb4 2. Bd4 Kb3 (2... Ka4 {%05No better is} 3. Kd5 {!} Kb3 4. Bc3 b4 5. Kd4 {!}) 3. Bc3 b4 4. Kd4 {! , and White wins. We have already seen that positions with a rook's pawn whose queening square is of the opposite colour to that of the bishop do not allow the general rule. There are great difficulties in achieving the win if both opposing pawns are also rook's pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rauzer Vsevolod A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/8/p7/k7/p7/P7/8/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Be3 {! %05The win is achieved as follows:} (1. Kc7 {there follows %05White's problem here is the same as in positions with one black a-pawn: he must not allow the black king into drawing zone. But here matters are complicated by the fact that he does not have b5 for his king.^013^010 %05 Black is threatening to enter the drawing zone by ...Kb5. On the natural} Kb5 2. Be3 Kc4 3. Kd6 Kd3 4. Bg1 Ke4 5. Ke6 Kf4 6. Kd5 {%04etc.}) 1... Kb5 2. Kd7 Kc4 3. Ke6 Kd3 4. Bg1 Kc4 (4... Ke4 {, then %05This move give White the most difficulties. If} 5. Bh2 Kf3 6. Kd5 Kg4 7. Kc5 Kf5 8. Kb4 Ke6 9. Kxa4 Kd7 10. Ka5 Kc8 11. Kxa6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kd6 Kb5 6. Bf2 Ka5 7. Kc7 Kb5 8. Bb6 Kc4 9. Kc6 Kb3 10. Bc5 Kc4 11. Bd6 Kd4 12. Bh2 {Were it not for the a6 pawn, White would win simply by 12. Kb5, whereas now he has to reach b4 with his king, and this is by no means simple.} Kc4 13. Be5 {!} Kb3 14. Bd6 Kc4 15. Bc5 Kd3 16. Kd5 Kc3 17. Bd6 Kd3 18. Be5 Ke3 19. Kc4 Kf3 20. Bh2 Ke4 21. Bg3 {, and White can at last approach the pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling & Horwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/1p1K4/1p3B2/8/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Bd2 {! %05 The direct attempt to attack the enemy pawns with the king and eliminate them would be pointless, since all the same it would be impossible to evict the black king from the a8 corner. Therefore White must first attempt either to stalemate the black king, so as to force the advance of the b-pawn and thereby obtain a passed pawn on the b-file, or else to drive the king away, and only then win both pawns, at the same time not allowing the opposing king into the corner.^013^010 %05 This plan is typical of such positions, and leads to a win.} (1. Kd6 {? %05It would be a mistake to play} Ka5 {!} 2. Kc5 Ka4 3. Bc1 b3 4. a3 Ka5 5. Bb2 Ka4 {, with a draw.}) 1... Kc7 (1... Ka5 {there would have followed %05On} 2. a3 {!}) (1... Kb7 {, then %05If} 2. Kd6 Kb6 3. Be1 Kb7 4. Bh4 Kb6 5. Bd8+ Kb7 6. Bc7 Ka8 7. Kc6 Ka7 8. Bd8 Ka8 9. Kb6 Kb8 10. Bc7+ Kc8 11. Kc6 b3 12. axb3 b4 13. Bd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Bg5 Kd7 3. Kc5 Kc7 4. Bh4 Kc8 5. Kb6 Kb8 6. Bg3+ Kc8 (6... Ka8 {, then %05if} 7. Bd6 b3 8. axb3 b4 9. Bxb4) 7. Bf4 Kd7 8. Kxb5 Kc8 9. Kb6 Kd8 10. Kb7 Kd7 11. Bd2 Kd6 12. Bxb4+ Kd5 13. a4 Kc4 14. a5 {, and so on. An interesting point is that, if Black had only one pawn, White would be unable to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1841.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Walker George (ENG)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1p1/6Bp/7P/8/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1841.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {%05One can cite a series of positions with rooks' pawns, %05where the defending side's second pawn plays a %05negative role. The winning plan in them is roughly the %05same as in position ~3($401947)~.^013^010 %05 White wins by} Kd6 2. Ke4 Ke6 3. Kf4 Kf6 4. Bf5 Kf7 5. Ke5 Kg8 (5... Ke7 6. Be6 Kf8 7. Kf5 Ke7 8. Ba2 Ke8 9. Kg6 Kf8 10. Bb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke6 Kf8 7. Bg6 Kg8 8. Ke7 Kh8 9. Bf7 g5 (9... Kh7 10. Kf8 Kh8 11. Bg8 g5 12. hxg6 h5 13. g7#) 10. hxg6 Kg7 11. Ke6 h5 12. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1885.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/8/1pK1B3/p7/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1885.??.??"] 1. Kc6 {%05I order to win, White must be able to stalemate the opposing king, and thus force ...b4, a problem which is not difficult to solve.} Ka6 (1... Ka8 {%05The goal is achieved immediately after} 2. Kb6) 2. Bb8 (2. Bd4 {%05or}) 2... Ka5 3. Bc7+ Ka6 4. Bb6 b4 5. axb4 a3 6. b5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/8/1pK1B3/p7/P7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Kb7 {%05 Horwitz analyzed this position only with White to move. It is much more interesting to examine it with Black to move, since in this case Black's king can attempt to break out of the danger zone, where it is threatened with mate.} 2. Kd6 {!} Kc8 (2... b4 {%05The attempt to exchange pawns does not succeed. If} 3. axb4 Kb6 {, then} 4. Bb2 {!} Kb5 5. Ba3 Kc4 6. Kc6 Kb3 7. b5 {, and White wins.}) 3. Bf6 {!} Kb7 {(there is no way to the right, so the king is forced to return)} 4. Bd8 Kc8 5. Bb6 Kb7 6. Kc5 Kc8 7. Kc6 Kb8 8. Ba5 Ka8 9. Kc7 Ka7 10. Bb6+ Ka6 11. Kc6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/3K4/1p6/p7/P7/1B6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Bf6 {play reduces to the solution of the previous position. %05With White to move, after} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/3K4/1p6/p7/P7/1B6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Kd8 {%05If it is Black to move, he naturally takes his king to the right} 2. Bg7 (2. Bf6+ {%05But couldn't White have tried to stalemate the black king in some other place? Let us try driving the king into the h8 corner.} Ke8 3. Be7 Kf7 4. Kd7 {! The king is driven further away.} Kg6 5. Ke6 Kg7 6. Bh4 Kg8 7. Ke7 Kg7 8. Bf6+ Kg6 9. Ke6 Kh6 {Black's king has been forced to retreat onto the rook's file.} 10. Kf5 Kh7 (10... Kh5 {%05of course, not} 11. Bg5) 11. Bc3 Kg8 12. Ke6 (12. Kf6 {? White can force the king to the left, but Black does not have to fear this. After %05By playing} Kf8 {!} (12... Kh7 {%05not} 13. Bd2 {!} Kg8 14. Bh6) 13. Bb4+ Ke8 {!} (13... Kg8 {%05not} 14. Be7 Kh7 15. Bf8 {, when again Black's king cannot avoid stalemate}) 14. Ke6 Kd8 15. Bd6 Kc8 16. Ke7 {he draws by} b4 {!} (16... Kb7 {, and only on %05 Also possible is} 17. Kd7 b4 18. axb4 Kb6 19. Ke6 Kb5 20. Kd5 a3 {, with the same result.}) 17. axb4 Kb7 18. Ke6 Kc6 {! etc. Incidentally, Black need not hurry with ... b4.}) 12... Kf8 13. Bf6 Kg8 14. Ke7 Kh7 15. Kf7 Kh6 16. Be7 Kh5 {!} (16... Kh7 { %05Again the only move. Bad is} 17. Bf8 {or 17. Bg5}) 17. Kf6 Kg4 18. Ke5 Kf3 ( 18... Kh5 {leads to the same result after} 19. Kf5 Kh6 20. Bf8+ Kh5 21. Bg7 Kh4 22. Bh6 Kg3 23. Bg5 Kf3 {%04etc.}) 19. Bg5 Kg4 20. Bf4 Kh5 21. Kf5 Kh4 22. Bh6 Kg3 23. Bg5 Kf3 {~3($411954)~ %08DA}) 2... Ke8 3. Ke6 Kd8 {The king is forced to return, and one gains the impression that White is again close to success.} 4. Bf6+ Kc7 {!} (4... Ke8 {loses immediately to %05The only move, since} 5. Be7 ) (4... Kc8 {%04to %05and} 5. Kd6) 5. Be7 Kc6 6. Bd6 {It appears that White has achieved his goal, but this is not so!} b4 {!} 7. axb4 a3 8. Be5 Kb5 { The exchange of pawns is inevitable. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p3KB1/p7/P4k2/8/8 w - - 0 24"] [PlyCount "14"] 24. Bf4 {%05The similar position without the b5 pawn is won for White %05(cf. example ~3($401921)~), but here things are %05different.} Kg2 25. Kg4 (25. Ke4 {%05The immediate approach of the king to the b5 pawn is unsuccessful} Kh3 {!} 26. Kd4 Kg4 27. Bh2 Kf5 28. Kc5 Ke6 29. Kxb5 Kd7 {, with a draw.}) 25... Kf2 26. Bc1 Ke2 27. Kf4 Kd3 {! The only way!} (27... Kf2 {is bad in view of} 28. Be3+ {, and now:} Kg2 (28... Ke2 29. Ke4 Ke1 30. Kd3 Kf1 31. Kc3 Ke2 32. Bg1 Kf3 33. Bh2 {!} Ke3 34. Kb4 Ke4 35. Kxb5 Kd5 36. Bg3 {, and again White wins.}) 29. Kg4 Kh2 30. Bf4+ Kg2 31. Bg3 Kf1 (31... Kg1 32. Kf3 Kh1 33. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 32. Kf3 Kg1 33. Bh4 Kh2 34. Bf2 Kh1 35. Kg3 {, and wins.}) 28. Ke5 Kc4 29. Bd2 {White defends against the threat of ... b4. But nevertheless there follows} b4 {!} 30. Bxb4 Kb5 {with a draw, since the king has broken into the saving zone. A general rule can be made for such situations, to facilitate the evaluation of a position.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Potapov Evgeny A (RUS)"] [Black "Volovich"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/3B4/1p1K4/p7/P7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ589 %212045826630=4HLJ609} 1... Ke8 2. Ke6 Kd8 3. Bf8 Kc8 {? The decisive mistake.} (3... Kc7 {! %05Correct is} 4. Be7 Kc6 5. Bd6 b4 {!= as already examined.}) 4. Kd6 {!} Kd8 5. Be7+ Kc8 6. Kc6 $18 {, and White won.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/p7/1p1K4/1B6/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Ba5+ {%05Here Black is threatening to gain an immediate draw by 1... a5, therefore White plays:} Kb7 2. Kd6 Kc8 3. Kc6 Kb8 4. Kb6 Ka8 {! , when Black draws: %05Correct is} (4... Kc8 {? %05Now Black is faced with the problem of where to keep his king. Thus, for example, he loses after} 5. Ka7 {!} Kd7 6. Kxa6 Kc6 7. Bb6 Kd7 8. Kb7 Kd6 9. Ba5 Kd7 10. Bc7 Ke6 11. Kc6 Ke7 12. Kxb5 Kd7 13. Kb6 Kc8 14. a4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kc7 Ka7 6. Kc8 Ka8 7. Bb6 a5 8. Bc5 b4 9. Bxb4 a4 {!! , and everything falls into place.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling & Horwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/Pp1K4/8/8/8/P4B2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. a4 Kb8 2. Be3 Ka8 (2... Ka7 {?} 3. a5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. a7 Kb7 4. Kd7 Ka8 5. Kc6 b5 {! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling & Horwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/2p5/1pB5/1K6/8/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. a3 Ka6 2. Kc3 Ka5 3. Kd4 Ka6 {!} (3... Ka4 4. Bb4 {! , and wins}) 4. Ke5 Kb7 5. Kd6 Kc8 6. Bb6 c5 7. Kc6 b4 {! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kajev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/8/7p/1KPk4/8/B7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. c5 {! %05He wins by} (1. Bb1 {%05 The normal winning plan, whereby the bishop neutralizes the passed pawn, and the king approaches the other pawn, does not work here.} h4 2. Bf5 d6 3. Bh3 Kd3 4. Bf1+ Kd4 5. Kb5 Kc3 {! , and on } 6. Kc6 {there follows} h3 7. Kd5 (7. Kxd6 h2 8. Bg2 Kxc4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 7... h2 8. Bg2 Kd3 {, when it turns out that White cannot win the d6 pawn without losing his c4 pawn. Draw.}) 1... h4 2. Be6 {!} dxe6 3. c6 h3 4. c7 h2 5. c8=Q h1=Q 6. Qc3+ {!} Kd5 7. Qc5+ Ke4 8. Qc6+ {, winning the queen. Here White won by making use of a study-like feature. Normally? if the winning plan given earlier proves inapplicable for some reason, the weaker side gains a draw. We will show this in some examples.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hanschin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/3P4/1b3p2/3K4/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {! %05White gains a draw by accurate manoeuvring with his king.} (1. Kd4 {?} Bc5+ 2. Ke4 Be3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 1... Bd2 2. Kd3 {!} (2. Kd4 {?} Bc1 3. Ke4 Be3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Bc1 3. Kd4 {!} Be3+ 4. Ke4 Ke7 5. Kf5 Bd2 6. Ke5 Bc1 7. d6+ {!} (7. Ke4 {?} Kf6 8. Kd4 Kf5 9. d6 Ke6 10. Kc5 Ba3+ {, and wins}) 7... Kd7 8. Kd5 Ba3 9. Ke4 {Draw. In this example we encounter an interesting case of corresponding squares between bishop and king. With the bishop at d2 the white king must stand at d3, with the bishop at c1 the king must be at d4, and, finally, if the bishop stands at e3 the king must be at e4. White succeeds in maintaining the correspondence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/3P4/1b3p2/3K4/4P3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {But the position obtained by moving No.~3( 1961)~ up the board by one rank turns out to be won for Black.} 1. Ke5 Bd3 2. Kd4 Bc2 3. Kd5 Bb1 {! , and after } 4. Ke5 Be4 {White loses his d-pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/K7/1P6/8/6p1/8/7P/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1. Kb8 {! This is the conclusion to a study by Chekhover. In order to win, Black must eliminate the h-pawn, but this proves to be impossible. White draws by} Bf5 2. Kc7 Be4 3. Kd6 {!} Kg2 4. Ke5 Bf3 5. Kf4 Kh3 6. Kg5 Bb7 7. Kh5 Bc8 8. Kg5 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alapin Semyon Z (LTU)"] [Black "NN"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/5k2/P7/8/7b/5K1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ589 %212045826630=4HLJ609} 1. a6 {%05After} Bc8 2. a7 Bb7 3. Kg3 Kg5 4. Kh3 { Black cannot drive out the white king, with the aim of winning the h-pawn, since} h5 (4... Be4 {%05Taking the black king over to the a-pawn also does not work:} 5. Kg3 Kf5 6. Kh4 Ke5 7. Kh5 Kd6 8. Kh6 Kc7 9. a8=Q Bxa8 10. Kxh7 { = Draw.}) 5. Kg3 h4+ 6. Kh3 {= leads to stalemate.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hanschin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/8/4k3/7P/p7/8/1P6/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Ka2 {! %05White manages to exchange off Black's lone pawn, although exact play is required.} (1. Kc2 {? , then %05If} Kd5 2. b3 a3 3. b4 Bxb4 4. h6 Kc4 5. h7 Bc3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 1... Kf5 2. Kb1 {!} (2. h6 {? %05Not} Kg6 3. Kb1 Bxh6 4. Kc2 Bg7 5. b4 Kf5 6. Kb1 Bf8 7. b5 Ke6 8. b6 Kd7 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Ke5 3. Ka2 {!} Ke6 {!} 4. h6 {! The only move that draws.} (4. Kb1 {, then %05If} Kd5 {!} 5. Ka2 Kc4 6. h6 Kb4 7. h7 Bg7 {, and Black wins.}) 4... Kf7 5. h7 {!} (5. Kb1 {?} Bxh6 6. Kc2 Bg7 7. b4 Ke6 8. Kb1 Kd5 9. Ka2 Kc4 10. Ka3 Kb5 {, and wins.}) 5... Kg7 6. Kb1 Kxh7 7. Kc2 Bg7 8. b4 Kg6 9. Kb1 {!} (9. b5 { %05After} Kf5 10. b6 Ke6 11. b7 Be5 12. Kb1 Kd5 13. Ka2 Kc4 14. Ka3 Kb5 { Black wins.}) 9... Bf8 10. b5 Kf5 11. b6 Ke6 12. b7 Bd6 13. Ka2 Kd7 14. b8=Q Bxb8 15. Ka3 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hanschin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5bp1/8/5P2/5P2/3k4/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Kg2 {%05Black is unable to avoid the exchange of his lone pawn.} (1. Kf2 {?} Bh4+ 2. Kg2 Ke3 3. Kh3 Kxf3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 1... Ke3 2. Kg3 Bh4+ 3. Kg4 (3. Kxh4 {loses}) 3... Bd8 4. f5 {!} g5 5. Kg3 Kd4 6. f6 {!} (6. f4 {?} Bc7 7. f6 gxf4+ 8. Kf3 Ke5 9. f7 Bd6 {[%eval -550,0]}) 6... Bxf6 7. f4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hanschin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/3k4/4pK1B/8/3P4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1... Kd5 {%05The weaker side draws by exchanging the opponent's pawn.} 2. Be8 Kd4 3. Bb5 Kc5 (3... c5 {?} 4. Ba6 Kd5 5. Kg4 {!} Kd4 6. Kf3 Kd5 7. Ke3 Kd6 8. Ke4 Ke6 9. Bc4+ Kd6 10. Bb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Bc4 Kd4 5. Ba6 Kd5 6. Kg4 Kd4 { !} 7. Kf3 c6 {!} 8. Ke2 (8. Bc4 {%05If instead} e4+ 9. dxe4 Kxc4 10. Kf4 { , then} Kb3 (10... c5 {%05or immediately} 11. e5 Kb3) 11. e5 c5 12. e6 c4 13. e7 c3 14. e8=Q c2 {, with a draw.}) 8... e4 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wotawa"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7b/5k2/7p/8/6K1/6P1/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Kh5 {%05The poor positioning of the opponent's pieces allows White to draw.} Bg7 2. g4 Kf6 3. g5+ {!} hxg5 4. g4 Bh8 (4... Bf8 {- stalemate}) 5. Kh6 {!} Bg7+ 6. Kh5 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/5k2/3P1p1P/3K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kc6 {!! %05Because of the far-advanced enemy pawns, Black is unable to carry out his winning plan.} (1. h7 {?} Kg7 2. Ke6 Kxh7 3. Kd7 Ba5 4. Ke6 Kg6 { , and wins}) 1... Ba5 (1... f5 2. Kd5 Bf6 3. d7 {!} Ke7 4. d8=Q+ Kxd8 5. Ke6 { leads to a draw}) 2. Kd5 Bc3 {Black attempts to improve the position of his bishop, but he is unable to place it such that it simultaneously controls both pawns, since they are too far advanced.} 3. h7 {!} f5 4. d7 Ke7 5. d8=Q+ {!} Kxd8 6. Ke6 {!} f4 7. Kd5 {!} f3 8. Kc4 {! Draw. In exceptional cases, when the opposing pawns are strongly advanced and the king cannot come to its aid, the bishop alone may be unable to cope with the passed pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1895.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/2K5/P5p1/1P6/8/8/4b3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1895.??.??"] 1. a6 {%05After} Bf2 2. b5 g4 3. b6 g3 4. a7 g2 5. a8=Q+ Ke7 (5... Kf7 6. Qa2+ Ke7 7. Qxf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qa3+ Ke8 7. b7 g1=Q 8. b8=Q+ Kf7 9. Qaf8+ Ke6 ( 9... Kg6 10. Qg8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qbd6# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/8/PP3b2/7k/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1. b6 {with the threat of 2. a6, forces the bishop to take up an extremely bad post at c8. Then there follows %05In this conclusion to a study by Reti,} Bc8 2. Kf4 {!} Kh5 3. Ke5 Kg5 4. Kd6 Kf6 5. Kc7 Bh3 6. a6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hanschin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/3Kb3/1kP1P3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. c6 {White wins: %05Black's downfall is caused by the unfortunate position of his bishop at e6. By} dxc6 2. Kxe6 c5 3. Kd6 c4 4. e6 c3 5. e7 c2 6. e8=Q+ { [%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/ppp3PB/8/8/3K4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~1 1.7 BISHOP AND PAWN AGAINST THREE PAWNS~ According to the scale of values established by practice, a bishop and pawn are stronger than three pawns. However, the weaker side often has good drawing chances, and the evaluation normally depends on the peculiarities of the particular position. We will begin our analysis by examining a position where the side with the bishop has a passed pawn, and the opponent has three connected pawns.} 1. Ke4 {%05White's plan is to neutralize the black pawns, immobilize them, and then advance his own pawn. Therefore the white king heads for the g-pawn, and the task of stopping the black pawns is entrusted to the bishop.} a5 (1... b5 2. Bd2 {!} Kg7 3. Kf5 c5 4. Be3 c4 5. Bd2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... c5 {%05or} 2. Bg5 {!} c4 3. Bd8 b5 4. Ba5 {, and the pawns are immobilized.}) 2. Bg5 {!} (2. Bf4 { is also possible. Black's pawns must be stopped as early as possible, otherwise they may become dangerous.}) (2. Kf5 {? %05For example:} b5 3. Bd2 b4 4. Be1 c5) (2. Be3 {%05or ?} c5 {!} 3. Kf5 a4 {, and the bishop alone can no longer cope with the pawns.}) 2... a4 3. Bd8 b5 4. Be7 Kg7 5. Kf5 Kh8 6. Kf6 Kg8 7. Ba3 Kh8 8. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] The evaluation of such endings depends basically on whether or not the bishop on its own can stop the opposing pawns. If these pawns are immobilized, as in the preceding example, the stronger side normally wins, although exception are possible.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/6p1/4P1k1/1P6/P5K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. e7 {! %05The correct defence lies in the immediate sacrifice of a pawn} (1. Kf4 {%05The immediate attempt by White to break through with his king to the support of his pawns does not succeed:} Kf6 2. Ke4 (2. e7 {does not help, because after %05Sacrificing a pawn on the second move by} Kxe7 {!} 3. Ke5 Ba5 {Black wins as in position 81.}) 2... Kxe6 3. Kd4 g5 4. Kc5 g4 5. b6 g3 6. Kc6 Bxb6 7. Kxb6 g2 8. a5 g1=Q+ {, and Black wins.}) 1... Bxe7 2. a5 {! %05The only way to draw is by} (2. b6 {? loses to %05The pawn is sacrificed to allow the connected pawns to advance. But which pawn should be moved first? It turns out that} Bb4 {!} 3. Kf4 (3. b7 {%05or} Bd6 4. a5 Bb8 5. a6 Kf6 {[%eval -550,0] }) 3... Kf6 4. Ke4 Ke6 5. Kd4 (5. Kf4 {, then %05if} Kd6 6. Kf5 Kc6 7. Kg6 Bc3 8. a5 Kb7 {, and White is in zugzwang}) (5. b7 {%05No better here is} Bd6 6. a5 Bb8 7. a6 g6 {!} 8. Kd4 Ba7+ 9. Ke4 g5 {, with the same result.}) 5... Kd6 6. Kc4 {, and here the simplest is} g5 7. Kxb4 g4 8. Kb5 g3 9. Ka6 g2 10. b7 Kc7 11. Ka7 g1=Q+ {, when Black wins.}) 2... Bc5 (2... Bb4 {, then %05If} 3. a6 Bc5 4. Kf4 Kf6 5. Ke4 Ke6 6. Kf4 {, with a draw, as in example ~3($401938)~.}) 3. b6 {!} (3. a6 {%05bad is} Kf6 4. Kf4 g5+ 5. Ke4 Ke6) 3... Kf6 4. Kf4 g5+ (4... g6 {%05Or} 5. Ke4 Ke6 6. Kf4 Bf2 7. Kf3 {! , as in position ~3($401938)~.}) 5. Ke4 Ke6 6. b7 Ba7 7. a6 {, with a draw as in position ~3($401940)~. If the bishop cannot stop the pawns on its own, much depends on how close to he pawns is the stronger side's king. But here, of course, concrete factors are of decisive importance, and any result is possible.} * [Event "Voronezh (Russia)"] [Site "Voronezh (Russia)"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leonidov Vitaly (RUS)"] [Black "Zagorovsky Vladimir (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K7/1PP3kp/8/5b2/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ589 %212045826630=4HLJ611} 1... Kf6 {! A strong move! Black intends to bring his king across to battle against the enemy pawns.} (1... h4 {%05If Black advances his pawn immediately, then after} 2. c6 h3 3. c7 Bg4 4. b6 h2 5. b7 {= White easily draws.}) 2. Ka7 {! As we will see below, this is the only saving move. The king intends to support the pawn from b8.} (2. c6 {? %05What should White do now? Bad, for example, is} Ke7 3. Kb7 (3. c7 Kd7) 3... Kd6 4. a4 h4 5. a5 h3 6. a6 h2 7. a7 h1=Q 8. a8=Q Bxc6+ {!} 9. bxc6 Qxc6+ 10. Ka7 Qc5+ 11. Ka6 Qa3+ 12. Kb7 Qb4+ 13. Kc8 Qc5+ 14. Kb7 Qb5+ 15. Ka7 Kc7 $19 {, when Black wins.}) ( 2. b6 {? %05No better is} h4 3. b7 Bxb7+ 4. Kxb7 h3 5. c6 h2 6. c7 h1=Q+ $19) 2... Ke5 {!} (2... Ke7 {, then %05If} 3. Kb8 Kd7 4. a4 h4 5. a5 h3 6. c6+ { = %04etc.}) (2... h4 {%05Black fails to win after} 3. c6 h3 (3... Ke7 {?? even loses to %05while} 4. c7 Bg4 5. b6 h3 6. b7 $18) 4. c7 Bg4 5. b6 h2 6. b7 h1=Q 7. c8=Q {=}) 3. a4 (3. Kb8 {? %05After} Kd4 4. c6 Kc5 5. c7 Bg4 6. a4 Kb6 $19 { Black succeeds in stopping the pawns.}) 3... h4 4. c6 Kd6 5. a5 Bxc6 {!} 6. b6 {!} (6. bxc6 {? %05This is the whole point. After} Kc7 {! White gets mated, for example:} 7. a6 h3 8. Ka8 h2 9. a7 Kc8 10. c7 h1=Q#) 6... h3 7. a6 h2 8. b7 h1=Q 9. b8=Q+ Kd7 {!} 10. Qc7+ {!} (10. Qe5 {? %05Unexpectedly the white king finds itself in a dangerous situation. Bad, for example, is} Qg1+ 11. Kb8 Qb6# {But there is a saving move!}) 10... Kxc7 {stalemate! If the pawn is not passed, the winning plan is exactly the same as in the ending with bishop and pawn against two pawns - the advance of the king with the aim of capturing the enemy pawns and creating a passed pawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/3p2p1/3K2k1/8/6P1/6B1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Bf2 {White defends against the threat. %05The black king is actively placed, and threatens by 1... Kg3 to win White's lone pawn.} (1. Bh2 {, this could have seriously complicated his task, for example: %05If White had played} Kh4 2. Bc7 (2. Bd6 Kg4 3. Ke3 c5 4. Kf2 c4 5. Be5 Kf5 6. Bg7 Ke4 {, and the black pawns are very dangerous}) 2... Kh5 {!} (2... Kg4 3. Bd6 {! wins for White}) 3. Ke3 Kg4 {!} 4. Kf2 c5 5. Bb6 c4 6. Bd4 Kf4 {, and it is unlikely that White can win.}) 1... Kf4 2. Be1 Kf5 {!} (2... Kg4 {loses quickly after} 3. Ke5 Kh5 4. Kf5 c5 5. g4+ Kh6 6. Bd2 {White's problem is to transfer his king to the defence of his pawn, and to free the bishop.}) 3. Bg3 {!} (3. Ke3 {%05Black's chances are improved by} Kg4 4. Kf2 c5 5. Bc3 Kf4 6. Bd2+ Kg4) 3... Ke6 { (Black does not allow the bishop to reach d6)} 4. Bb8 Kf5 5. Bc7 {!} Kg4 6. Bd6 {! White has deployed his bishop in the best way possible, and now he can move his king.} Kf5 (6... Kh4 {%05If} 7. Ke3 c5 {, then} 8. Kf3 c4 9. Be5 Kh5 10. g4+ {%04etc.}) 7. Ke3 Kg4 8. Kf2 Kf5 (8... d4 9. Ke2 Kf5 10. Kd3 Ke6 11. Bc5 { %04etc.}) 9. Kf3 d4 10. g4+ Ke6 11. Bc5 Kd5 12. Be7 c5 13. Bxg5 c4 14. Bf6 { , and White wins (cf. position ~3($401936)~ ).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1841.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Walker George (ENG)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/4p3/4P3/6p1/4B3/6k1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1841.??.??"] 1. Ke2 {%05White's king has to get through to the f7 and e6 pawns, and the implementation of this plan is a difficult task.} Kh3 2. Bg5 Kg3 (2... g3 3. Kf3 g2 4. Be3 Kh2 5. Kg4 g1=Q+ 6. Bxg1+ Kxg1 7. Kg5 {%04etc.}) 3. Ke3 Kg2 4. Bh4 {!} Kh3 5. Be1 g3 (5... Kh2 {%05or} 6. Kf4 Kh3 7. Bg3 f5 8. exf6 e5+ 9. Kxe5) 6. Kf4 g2 7. Bf2 Kh2 8. Kg5 Kh3 {!} 9. Kh5 {!} (9. Kf6 Kg4 10. Kxf7 Kf5 { , with a draw}) 9... Kh2 10. Kh6 {!} Kh3 11. Kg5 {!} Kh2 12. Kf6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Batuev Andrey M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4B3/2k5/8/pp1pK3/8/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Bf6 {!} (1. Bxb4 {there follows %05Black is threatening by 1... a3 to exchange White's lone pawn. On the natural} Kb5 {, and if} 2. Bf8 {, then not} Kc4 (2... a3 {!! %05but} 3. Bxa3 Kc4 {! , reaching position 74, which is known to be drawn.}) 3. Ba3 d3 4. Ke3 {and wins,}) 1... Kc5 {!} (1... b3 2. Be7) ( 1... a3 {%05or} 2. b3 {followed by Bd4.}) 2. Kd3 (2. Bxd4+ {?} Kc4 3. Be5 Kb3) 2... b3 3. Bg7 {!} (3. Bxd4+ Kb5 4. Kc3 a3 {leads to a draw.}) 3... Kd5 4. Bf8 Ke5 5. Kc4 Ke4 6. Kb4 d3 7. Bh6 {Once again the familiar picture: the bishop neutralizes^013^010 the passed pawn, while the king eliminates the^013^010 remaining pawns. If the pawns are tripled, the win is achieved without difficulty, as in the ending with bishop and pawn against pawn. As always, difficulties arise if the pawn is a rook's pawn, and its queening square is of the opposite colour to that of the bishop.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rauzer Vsevolod A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p7/p7/p7/P7/8/1KBk4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "38"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/7I1/6I1I1/5I1I1I1/4I1I1I1I1/3I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Rauzer deduced the following rule: "With a white pawn at a3, and black pawns at a4, a5 and a6, White is assured of a win only when the black king is restricted to the h1 corner and the squares in the immediate vicinity, bounded by the c1-h6 diagonal" (cf. position ~3( 1979) ~) . If the king is on any other square, a win is possible only in exceptional cases.} 1... Ke1 2. Kc2 Ke2 3. Bd2 Kf2 4. Kd3 {!} (4. Bxa5 {%05Not} Kf3 { , when the king escapes into the drawing zone.}) 4... Kf3 5. Be3 Kg3 6. Ke4 Kg4 7. Bd2 Kh4 8. Kf4 Kh5 9. Kf5 Kh4 10. Bxa5 Kh5 11. Bd2 {!} Kh4 12. Bf4 Kh3 ( 12... Kh5 {, then %05If} 13. Bg5 a5 14. Bd2 Kh4 15. Bxa5 {, and the remainder has already been examined has already been examined in the chapter "Bishop and pawn against pawn".}) 13. Kg5 Kg2 14. Kg4 Kf2 15. Bc1 Ke2 16. Kf4 Kd3 17. Be3 Kc4 18. Ke5 Kb3 19. Bc5 Kc4 20. Kd6 {, and White wins as in position ~3 ($401947)~. In certain cases the win is achieved by study-like means.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1750.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "del Rio"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p4/4p2B/4P3/8/4K1kp/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1750.??.??"] 1. Bf3+ {%05Only the bishop sacrifice leads to a win.} Kg1 2. Bh1 {!} Kxh1 3. Kf1 d5 4. exd5 e4 5. d6 e3 6. d7 e2+ 7. Kxe2 Kg1 8. d8=Q h1=Q 9. Qd4+ Kh2 10. Qh4+ Kg2 11. Qg4+ Kh2 12. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/p7/k1B5/pp6/8/8/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. a4 {! %05White creates a mating net around the black king, by sacrificing his only pawn:} bxa4 {, and we have reached position ~3($411900)~, where after} (1... Kb6 2. Bxb5 {, winning easily}) 2. Kc7 {Black is mated in three moves. As we have already stated, in such endings the weaker side has considerable drawing chances.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling & Horwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5Bp1/8/2k3P1/1p6/pK6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. g5 {%05White to move wins by} Kb4 2. Bg7 Kc4 (2... Ka4 3. Bc3) 3. Ka3 { , when thanks to his well-placed bishop he wins both black pawns with his king. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5Bp1/8/2k3P1/1p6/pK6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1... g5 {!! %05But if it is Black to move, the picture changes:} 2. Bxg5 Kd4 3. Bf6+ Ke4 4. g5 Kf5 {, and White is unable to regroup, since on} 5. Kxb3 { there follows} a1=Q 6. Bxa1 Kxg5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jigis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/8/4P3/8/2k3PP/1b5K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. h4 {%05~5 (RR) In the author's solution White draws by exchanging Black's only pawn.~} Kd3 2. h5 {!} gxh5 3. Kh2 Kxe4 {~5 (?) (RR) This allows White to save the game.~} (3... Bc2 {%05~5 The study is refuted by} 4. e5 (4. g4 hxg4 5. Kg3 Bd1 6. Kf4 Kd4 $19) (4. Kg3 Kxe4 5. Kh4 Bd1 $19) 4... Ke4 $19) 4. Kh3 (4. Kg3 {?} Bc2 5. Kh4 Bd1 {, and wins}) 4... Kf4 (4... Kf5 5. Kh4 Kg6 6. g4) 5. Kh4 Bg6 6. g4 {!! (nevertheless!)} hxg4 {stalemate! White is again saved by a stalemating possibility in the following study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gurvich Abram S (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/3k1P2/P7/P7/8/3K3b/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {White is saved by a stalemating possibility in the following study.} 1. f7 { ! %05With the black king threatening to approach his pawns, White's position looks hopeless. But there follows} Bf4+ (1... Ke7 {, then %05if} 2. Kc3 Kxf7 3. Kb4 Ke7 4. Kb5 Kd7 5. a6 {therefore Black intends to hold the f-pawn with his bishop, and take his king to the Q-side}) 2. Kc3 Bh6 3. f8=Q+ {(an unexpected stroke!)} Bxf8 4. a6 {!! (another stroke!)} bxa6 5. Kb4 Kc6+ 6. Ka5 Kb7 { stalemate. A most elegant stroke!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/2P5/b4k1p/3P4/6P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. d6 {%05The draw is given by} (1. Kb8 {%05White can win the bishop by} Ke5 2. c8=Q Bxc8 3. Kxc8 {, but after} Kxd5 4. Kd7 Ke5 {the pawn ending is lost for him.}) 1... Ke6 2. d7 {!!} Kxd7 3. Ka7 Bc8 (3... Kxc7 4. Kxa6 Kd6 5. Kb5 Ke5 6. Kc4 Kf4 7. Kd3 Kxg4 8. Ke2 Kg3 9. Kf1 {, with a draw}) 4. Kb8 Ba6 5. Ka7 { , with the already familiar "perpetual pursuit". We have already seen how very often it is only the combined action of bishop and king that can stop dangerous passed pawns. Therefore, if the king is remote, it may turn out that the bishop alone is unable to restrain the passed pawns, and in this case the side with the bishop loses. We will consider several such examples.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1884.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K4k1/8/1pp5/p7/P7/2B5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1884.??.??"] 1... c4 {!} 2. Kb6 b4 {! !} 3. axb4 a3 4. Bb1 c3 5. Kc5 a2 6. Bxa2 c2 {[%eval -550,0] Endings where a bishop battles against passed pawns demand exact calculation.} * [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Thomas George A (ENG)"] [Black "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1K2p2/8/3p4/2k5/6P1/8/2B5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1... d4 {%05Black obtained this position by sacrificing a piece.^013^010 %05 There followed:} 2. Kd6 {?} (2. Bd2 {! %05Correct is} Kd3 3. Ba5 Ke2 4. Kd6 d3 5. g4 d2 6. Bxd2 Kxd2 7. Ke7 Ke3 8. Kxf7 Kf4 9. Kf6 Kxg4 10. Ke5 {=}) 2... a5 { !} 3. g4 a4 4. g5 d3 5. Ke7 a3 {!} 6. Bxa3 d2 7. Kxf7 d1=Q 8. Be7 Kd5 9. g6 Qf3+ 10. Bf6 Qf5 11. g7 Qe6+ $19 {, and White resigned.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1K2p2/8/3p4/2k5/6P1/8/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. Kd6 {%05If it had been White to move, he would have saved the game:} d4 2. Ke7 a5 3. Kxf7 a4 4. g4 d3 5. g5 a3 6. g6 a2 7. Bb2 d2 8. g7 d1=Q 9. g8=Q { As we already Know, a bishop alone is unable to cope with two advanced and widely-separated pawns. The following study is a good illustration of this.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/1P2K3/P6P/5b2/5k2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1. Kf5 {!! , when Black has two possibilities: %05The solution is:} (1. Kf4 Be2 {! with a draw}) 1... Be2 (1... Ke3 2. a5 Kd4 3. b6 axb6 4. axb6 Kc5 {and we reach example 19, where White wins after} 5. Kf4 Bd5 6. Ke5 {!}) 2. Kf4 { !! (Black is in zugzwang!)} Kg2 3. Kg5 Kf3 4. h5 Ke3 5. h6 Bd3 6. a5 {[%eval 550,0] Connected pawns should normally be supported by their king, as otherwise their advance can be paralyzed by the bishop. Supported by their king, connected pawns considerable force.} * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1897.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Charousek Rezso (HUN)"] [Black "Caro Horatio (ENG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b1k3/p1P5/3K4/8/1P6/8/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1897.??.??"] 1. Kc6 (1. b5 {%05The most exact, although White also wins by} Bb7 2. a3 {!} ( 2. a4 {? leads to a draw after %05But} a6 {!} 3. b6 a5 {, since it is White who gets into zugzwang:} 4. Kc5 Kd7 5. Kb5 Kd6 6. Kxa5 Kc5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... a6 3. b6 a5 4. a4 {!!}) 1... Ke7 2. b5 Ke6 3. a4 Ke5 4. a5 Kd4 5. b6 {[%eval 550,0]} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/8/p1K5/P1P5/1P6/8/4b3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1. Kb6 {! %05~5(RR) In the author's solution White wins, because the black~^013^010 %05~5king is too late in coming to the bishop's aid.~} (1. Kc6 Kf7 2. c5 Bb4 3. Kb6 Ke7 4. c6 Kd8 5. Kb7 Bd6 {=}) 1... Kf7 2. c5 Ke7 (2... Bf2 3. Kxa5 Bxc5 4. Kb5 {followed by 5. a5, and White wins}) 3. Kc7 {!} Bg3+ 4. Kc8 {!} Ke6 {~5 (?)~} (4... Bh4 {!! ^013^010 %05~5 (RR) The study is refuted by~} 5. Kc7 (5. c6 {?} Kd6 $19) 5... Bg3+ {=}) 5. c6 Kd6 6. Kb7 Kc5 7. c7 Bxc7 8. Kxc7 Kb4 9. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2pp4/2p2k2/2K3p1/6P1/6P1/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "47"] {~11.8 ENDINGS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF PAWNS~ In the preceding sections we have considered endings in which the side with the bishop has had either no pawns, or else only one. Here we will be examining endings in which the side with the bishop has two or more pawns. In this section we have not set ourselves the task of giving examples which will exhaust the basic instances. We have presented here only a few characteristic positions, showing the methods of attack and defence in endings with a large number of pawns. The basic principles of playing endings where a bishop is opposed by pawns, which were laid out in the preceding sections, are also applicable here. Therefore in the analysis of the examples we will pay attention to the special features which apply to endings with a large number of pawns.} 1. Bf4 {%05White has a material advantage - a piece for two pawns. It is true that his pawns are doubled, but the g2 pawn, as we will see, plays a highly important role: it controls f3 and does not allow the black king to approach the g3 pawn.^013^010 %05 In order to win, White must win the g4 pawn and create a passed pawn, and then advance it with the support of his king.} (1. Kd3 {%05But the direct attempt does not succeed, since the pawns are too dangerous, for example:} Ke5 2. Ke3 d5 {, and the white king cannot break through to f4, since on} 3. Bb2+ { there follows} d4+ 4. Kd3 Kd5 {Therefore White carries out a plan, typical of such positions, which consists of three stages:^013^010 1) By threatening to approach the g4 pawn with his king, White forced ... d5, after which the c5 pawn is weakened.^013^010 2) By attacking the c5 pawn with his bishop, White forces ... c4, after which his king can approach the Q-side pawns.^013^010 3) White wins one of the Q-side pawns, at the same time ensuring that, in breaking through the centre, the black king does not eliminate his main reserve - the g3 pawn.^013^010 4) When the black pawns have become less dangerous, the white king leads for the g4 pawn and wins it.^013^010 5) After winning the g4 pawn, the white king and bishop beat off Black's last counterattacking attempt - the advance of the two pawns supported by his king. ^013^010 Now let us see feasible this plan is in practice.}) 1... Ke6 2. Kd3 Kd5 3. Kc3 {!} Ke6 (3... c4 {leads to the loss of a pawn after} 4. Kb4 { , for example:} c5+ (4... Kd4 {%05Or} 5. Bxd6 c3 6. Kb3 Kd3 7. Be5 c2 8. Bf4 c5 9. Kb2 c4 10. Bc1 c3+ 11. Kb3 Ke2 12. Kxc2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kc3 Kc6 6. Kxc4 d5+ 7. Kc3 Kb5 8. Bd6 Kc6 9. Be7 Kb5 10. Bf8 Kc6 11. Kd3 {(now the king goes to the g4 pawn)} Kb5 12. Ke3 Kc4 13. Kf4 d4 14. Kxg4 Kd5 15. Kf3 c4 16. g4 c3 17. Bg7 Kc4 18. Ke4 d3 19. Ke3 {, and White wins.}) 4. Kc4 Ke7 5. Kd3 Ke6 6. Ke4 d5+ (6... Ke7 {%05For a long time Black has resisted, but he is finally forced to make this move, since} 7. Kf5 {simplifies White's task.}) 7. Kd3 Ke7 {Black attempts to prevent any further weakening of his pawns, and stops Bd6.} 8. Bb8 Ke6 9. Ba7 Kd6 10. Bb6 c4+ 11. Kd4 {The black pawns have been weakened, and White's king can approach them. However, great accuracy is still required of him.} Ke6 12. Bc7 {!} (12. Kc5 {? %05Not} Ke5 13. Kxc6 Ke4 14. Ba5 Ke3 15. Kxd5 Kf2 16. Bc7 c3 17. Ke4 c2 18. Bf4 c1=Q 19. Bxc1 Kxg3 {, with a draw.}) 12... Kf5 13. Bd6 {!} Ke6 14. Kc5 {! Now is the time!} c3 (14... Kf5 15. Kxc6 Ke4 (15... d4 16. Kd5 d3 17. Bb4) 16. Kc5 c3 (16... Ke3 17. Kxd5 c3 18. Ke5 {!} c2 19. Ba3 Kf2 20. Kf4) 17. Bf4 {%05If the g2 pawn were not there, Black would easily draw by continuing, for example, in this variation 17... Kf3 18. Kc5 c2 19. Ke5 c1Q 20. Bc1 Kg3.} c2 18. Bc1 Kd3 19. Kxd5 Ke2 20. Ke4 Kf2 21. Kf4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 15. Bf4 Kf5 16. Kd4 {!} (16. Kxc6 {??} d4 17. Kd5 d3 {, and it is Black who wins}) 16... c2 17. Kd3 (17. Bc1 Ke6 18. Kc5 {?} Ke5 19. Kxc6 Kd4 {!} 20. Kd6 Kc4 21. Ke5 d4 22. Ke4 Kc3 {!} 23. Kf4 Kd3 24. Ke5 Ke2 {!} 25. Kxd4 Kf2 {%04draw}) 17... c5 18. Kxc2 Ke4 19. Kc3 c4 20. Bc1 Ke5 21. Bd2 Ke4 22. Bf4 Kf5 23. Kd4 Ke6 24. Bb8 {, and White wins. Let us now move the g4 pawn to g5, and see how this affects the evaluation of the position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Havasi Kornel (HUN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2pp4/2p2kp1/2K5/6P1/6P1/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1. Be3 {%05In the previous example Black's play was based on attacking the g3 pawn, and White's problem was not to allow the black king to break through to this pawn. Here Black has the possibility of a direct attack on the g3 pawn with his king, and hence his chances are improved. Nevertheless, White succeeds in overcoming his resistance. The author's solution is as follows:} Kg4 2. Bf2 Kf5 3. Bg1 {!!} Kg4 (3... Ke4 {! %05The author did not consider any alternative continuation, although White again wins:} 4. g4 d5+ {!} 5. Kxc5 Kf4 6. Kd4 (6. Kxc6 Kxg4 7. Bf2 d4 8. Kd5 d3 {, with a draw}) 6... Kxg4 {, and we reach position ~3($411976)~ which is won for White.} (6... Kg3 7. Ke5 Kxg2 8. Bb6 Kf3 9. Kf5 {, winning the g-pawn})) (3... g4 {%05Finally,} 4. Be3 {leads to the previous position.}) 4. Bh2 {! (the bishop is transferred to the most favourable position)} Kf5 5. g4+ {!} Ke6 6. Bg3 Ke7 7. Be1 Ke6 8. Bd2 Kf6 9. g3 {! (Black has two weaknesses, at d6 and g5, so that the remainder is not difficult; with his last move White diverts the black king still further)} Kg6 10. Ba5 Kf6 11. Bd8+ Kg6 12. Be7 {, and the black pawns fall one after another. The breaking up of Black's pawn formation, then an attack by the bishop on the pawn weaknesses, and the resulting creation of a zugzwang position - this is the plan carried out in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Godes Dmitry R (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4p3/1p1k3p/2p1p2P/p3P2P/4P3/2K5/B7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] 1. Kb2 {!} (1. Bc3 {%05not} b5 2. Ba5 b4 {, when the black pawns become dangerous}) 1... b5 2. Ka3 Ke6 3. Bb2 Kd6 4. Bc1 Kc6 5. Bd2 Kb6 6. Be1 { ! By threatening 7. Bg3, White forces the opposing king to concede control of a5, from where the bishop can make an effective attack on the black pawns.} Kc7 7. Ba5+ {!} Kc6 8. Bd8 Kd7 9. Bb6 Kc6 10. Ba7 Kd6 11. Bb8+ Ke6 12. Bc7 { (zugzwang!)} Kf6 13. Bb6 c4 14. Kb4 Ke6 15. Kxb5 a3 16. Ba5 {! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Godes Dmitry R (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/8/2p2P2/2p2P2/2pp4/5KB1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] 1. Ke1 {%05White's problem is to create a zugzwang situation.^013^010 %05He tries to achieves this by a subtle bishop manoeuvre, but^013^010 %05first the black pawns must be stopped.} Kf6 2. Bh3 {!} (2. Be4 {%05Nothing is achieved by } c2 3. Kd2 c3+ 4. Kc1 c4 {= , when it is White who is in zugzwang.}) 2... Ke7 3. Kd1 {!} (3. Bg4 {%05But not} c2 4. Kd2 c3+ 5. Kc1 Kf7 6. Bh3 Kf6) 3... Kf6 4. Bg4 {!} c2+ 5. Kc1 c3 6. Bh3 Ke7 7. Bf1 c4 {Now comes the decisive bishop manoeuvre.} 8. Bg2 {!} Kd6 {! ~5 (RR) This move refutes the study. Black threatens Kd6-c5-b4-b3 followed by d3-d2#,~5^013^010 ~5 and so White is forced to give up his pawns.~5} (8... Kf6 {%05The author's solution is as follows:} 9. Be4 Ke7 10. Bd5 Kf6 11. Be6 {!$18 , and White has achieved his goal.}) 9. f6 Ke6 10. f7 Kxf7 11. Bd5+ Kg6 12. Bxc4 Kf5 13. Bxd3+ Kxf4 {= ^013^010} * [Event "Stalinogorsk"] [Site "Stalinogorsk"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarenko F"] [Black "Ostrovsky Alexander (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5kP1/8/pp4B1/2p5/K1P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ589 %212045826630=4HLJ613} 1. Bf5 {! (Parrying both threats) %05Black is threatening by 1... b3 2. cb ab 3. Kb3 Kg6 to exchange all the pawns. By subtle play White nevertheless wins.} Kg7 2. Be6 {!} Kxg6 3. Bb3 {!} axb3+ ( 3... a3 4. Bc4 Kf5 5. Kb3 Ke4 6. Kxb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kxb3 Kf6 5. Kxb4 Ke6 6. Kxc3 $18 {, with a won pawn ending. In several earlier examples we saw how the side with the bishop was unable to realize his advantage, because the opponent constructed a "fortress", and attempts to drive the king out of the "fortress" led only to stalemate. A greater number of pawns, as we already know, may prove unfavourable to the weaker side, since the existence of pawn moves can prevent the creation of a stalemate position.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling & Horwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k1K4/1p6/pP2B3/P4p2/6p1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Kd7 {%05Were it not for the f- and g-pawns, the position would be drawn, since 1. Bd5 Ka8 2. Kc7 would lead to stalemate, and 1. Bc4 Ka8 2. Ba6 ba! to a drawn pawn ending. ^013^010 %05The win is achieved by} (1. Bxf5 {?? %05Therefore it would be a mistake to play} g3 2. Be4 g2) 1... g3 (1... f4 { %05or} 2. Bxg4 f3 3. Bh3 {!} f2 4. Bf1 Ka8 5. Bxa6 {, as in the main variation} ) 2. Bd5 f4 3. Bf3 g2 4. Bxg2 f3 5. Bf1 f2 6. Kd8 Ka8 7. Bxa6 {!!} Kb8 (7... bxa6 8. Kc7 {, and mate in two moves}) 8. Bf1 Ka8 9. Bg2 Kb8 10. Kd7 Ka8 11. Kc7 f1=Q 12. Bxb7# {With a rook's pawn whose queening square is of the opposite colour to that of the bishop, extra pawns may prove disadvantageous to the defending side, by depriving the king of necessary squares.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herbstman Alexander I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5B2/p7/3p4/PPk5/8/8/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. b6 {%05With White's king remote, and his pawns attacked, Black seems to have an easy draw, but White has an ingenious way to win.} axb6 2. a6 {!} Kc6 3. Be7 {!!} (3. Bxd6 {?} b5 4. Bc5 b4 {!} 5. Kd3 b3 {!} 6. Kc3 Kc7 7. Ba7 Kc6 { with a draw}) 3... Kc7 (3... b5 {%05The black b-pawn is playing a negative role, by blocking the b6 square, and} 4. Bd8 b4 5. Kd3 d5 6. Kd4 b3 7. Kc3 { does not help.}) 4. Bxd6+ Kc6 5. Kd3 b5 6. Bc5 Kc7 7. Ba7 Kc6 8. Kc3 $40 { [%eval 550,0] A further example on the same theme is provided by position ~3( 2000)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Duras Oldrich (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5p2/5p2/5P2/3p3B/5k1P/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] 1. Bg2 {! %05 Black has only a pawn for a piece, and his f-pawns are doubled, but he is threatening to capture the f4 pawn and then take his king to h8. How is White to defend against this threat?} Ke3 2. h4 Kxf4 3. Bf3 {! White has lost his f4 pawn, but he intends not to allow the black king to reach h8. Here the pawns at f6 and f5 play an important role, by blocking these squares.} Ke5 4. h5 Ke6 5. Bd5+ {! (the bishop constantly hinders the black king)} Ke7 6. h6 Kf8 7. Kd2 f4 8. Kxd3 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Tylor Theodore (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6p1/3k4/B5PP/8/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {(variation)} 1. Be8 {! %05To win, White must avoid the ending with rooks' pawns. This is achieved in a study-like way:} Ke5 2. h5 Kf6 3. hxg6 hxg6 4. Bd7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "Sousse (Tunisia)"] [Site "Sousse (Tunisia)"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Portisch Lajos (HUN)"] [Black "Stein Leonid Z (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3B1p1p/5kp1/8/8/6PP/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ589 %212045826630=4HLJ613} 1. Be8 {! (gaining an important tempo)} (1. Ke3 { %05 The first impression is that Black's registration is that Black's resignation is due, since he has only a pawn for a piece. But the win is by no means as simple as it may seem. White only needs to play} Ke5 2. Bb5 {, when the win is no longer there} f5 {!} 3. Bd3 g5 4. Kf3 f4 {!} 5. g4 h5 {! , and Black draws, for example:} 6. gxh5 (6. Bg6 hxg4+ 7. hxg4 {= , and we have the drawn position ~3($401945)~.^013^010 None of this occurred in the game, however, sinceWhite demonstrated an exact winning plan.}) 6... Kf6 7. h6 Kf7 8. Bh7 Kf6 9. Kg4 Kf7 10. Kxg5 f3 {= , and Black's king reaches the saving h8 corner.}) 1... Ke7 2. Bb5 f5 (2... Kd6 {, then %05If} 3. Bc4 f6 4. Bg8 h6 5. Bh7 g5 6. Kf3 $18 {, and the rest is easy.}) 3. Ke3 Kf6 4. Kd4 h5 (4... Kg5 5. Ke5 h5 {would have set more problems, when White has only one way to win:} 6. h4+ {!} Kg4 7. Kf6 {!} Kxg3 8. Kg5 f4 9. Be8 f3 10. Bxg6 f2 11. Bd3 Kh3 12. Be2 Kg3 13. Bf1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Ke3 h4 6. g4 Ke5 7. Bf1 Kf6 8. Kf4 g5+ 9. Ke3 Ke5 10. Ba6 $18 {, and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Utiatsky Anatoly (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5p2/4pP2/3pP3/k2B4/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] 1. Kd2 {%05The win is gained by a by-pass with the king on the right, but it has to be carried out accurately.} (1. Bc4 {%05 In order to win, White must break through with his king to the f6 pawn. How is this to be done? It turns out that the break-through on the left is unsuccessful:} Kb4 2. Ba2 Ka3 3. Bb3 Kb4 4. Kb2 Kc5 5. Ka3 d3 {!} 6. Kb2 Kd4 7. Bd5 Ke3 8. Kc1 Ke2 {, with a draw as in position ~3($411945)~.}) 1... Kb3 2. Ke1 {!} Kb2 3. Kf2 Kc3 4. Ke2 { (this would also have followed on 3... Kc1)} Kb3 5. Kf3 Kc3 6. Bb5 {!} Kd2 { ! %05But Black can play more strongly:} (6... d3 {, the return of the king wins easily: %05 The author reaches this position in a slightly different way: 1. Ba6 Kb4 2. Kd2 Ka5 3. Bc8 Kb4 4. Ke2 Kc4 5. Ba6 Kc3 6. Bd3 Kb3 7. Kf3 Kc3 8. Bb5 The path indicated by us is shorter.^013^010 %05 At this point the author terminates his analysis, leaving the reader to find the further solution himself. Let us attempt to do this.^013^010 %05 If Black plays} 7. Ke3 {!} (7. Kg4 {%05On the other hand, advancing the king does not succeed:} Kd4 8. Kh5 Kxe4 9. Kg6 Kd4 10. Kxf6 e4 {, with a draw.}) 7... d2 8. Ba4 Kb4 9. Bc2 Kc3 10. Bd1) 7. Kg4 Ke3 8. Kh5 Kxe4 9. Kg6 d3 10. Kxf6 d2 {, but here White wins by} 11. Ba4 Kd4 12. Kg5 {!} e4 13. Kf4 e3 14. Bd1 {! +5.50 In exceptional cases the side with the bishop can win by utilizing mating threats, in spite of the opponent having a material advantage. Consider the following study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lomov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1p1p4/PK2p3/5p1p/6pP/8/8/5B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] 1. a7+ {%05After} Ka8 {, in order to win White must manage to attack b7 with his bishop before one of the black pawns queens.} 2. Bb5 {!} g3 {(otherwise 3. Bd7 and Bc8)} 3. Bf1 e5 {!} (3... d5 {, then %05The only move: if} 4. Bg2 f4 5. Bf3 {, and in the end Black will be forced to play ... e5.}) 4. Bh3 {!} (4. Bg2 {?} e4 5. Bh3 d5 6. Bg2 d4 7. Bh3 d3 8. Bxf5 g2) 4... e4 (4... d5 5. Bg2 e4 6. Bh3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Bg2 {!} d6 6. Bf1 d5 7. Bh3 d4 {(the pawn has blocked the a7-g1 diagonal)} 8. Bxf5 {!} g2 9. Bc8 g1=Q 10. Bxb7# {We already know that a bishop draws against three pawns, provided they are not far advanced. With a larger number of pawns for both sides, this condition still holds. The following position shows one such instance.} * [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "Kevitz Alexander"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/8/1K3k2/2P2Pp1/P2b2P1/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ589 %212045826630=4HLJ613} 1. Kc6 Ke4 2. Kxc7 Bxc4 3. a4 Kd5 (3... Ke3 {? %05It would be a blunder to play} 4. a5 Kf2 5. f5 Kxg2 6. f6 Kxg3 7. a6 $18 {, when one of the pawns queens.}) 4. a5 Ke6 (4... Kc5 5. Kd7 Kb5 {?} 6. f5 Kxa5 7. f6 Kb4 8. Ke7 $18 {leads to a loss for Black}) 5. Kb7 Bd5+ {!} 6. Kc7 (6. Kb6 Kd6 7. a6 Bxg2 8. a7 Bc6 {= also leas to a draw}) 6... Bc4 7. Kb7 $19 {= Draw. Note that the doubled g-pawns played their part. Had it not been for the g2 pawn, Black would have won: 1. Kc6 Bc4 2. Kc7 Ke4 3. a4 Kf3! 4. f5 Kg3 5. f6 Kf4 6. a5 Ke5 7. a6 Kf6 8. a7 Bd5 . In exceptional cases, in spite of the opponent having insufficient material compensation, the advantage of the extra piece cannot be realized. This may be due either to the piece being badly placed, or to the strong position of the opposing king or pawns, fully compensating for the material deficit, and not allowing winning manoeuvre to be carried out.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k1K2/4p3/3p2P1/5P2/2b5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {(conclusion of a study)} 1. g6 {%05Black is a piece up, yet White can save the game.} Kd6 2. Kf8 {!} Bb2 3. Kf7 Bh8 4. Kg8 Bf6 5. Kf7 {, with a draw, since Black cannot advance his d-pawn without blocking the bishop's diagonal.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1p2kb2/pPp5/P1P1K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1. Kd1 {%05White draws by exploiting a stalemating possibility.} Ke3 2. Ke1 Bg3+ 3. Kd1 Kf2 4. Kc1 Ke2 5. Kb1 Kd2 6. Ka1 $40 {Draw. If in position ~3( 2007)~ the pawns at a2 and a3 are removed, White loses, since there is no stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Birnov Zinovi M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6b1/2K5/8/P1p2k2/2P4p/2P5/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. a6 {%05White gains a draw, thanks to his strong passed pawn and the unfortunate position of the black king.} Bxc4 2. e4+ {!! (the saving move; White lures the king onto the bishop's diagonal)} Kxe4 3. a7 Bd5 4. c4 { ! (restricting the bishop still further)} Ba8 5. Kb8 Bc6 6. Kc7 {, with the familiar "perpetual pursuit". The problem of blocking the opposing pawns arises when the king of the side with the bishop cannot lend any assistance, and the bishop has to tackle the pawns on its own.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/ppp2k1P/5P2/8/7B/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {A far advanced passed pawn can prove stronger than a bishop, especially if the king cannot come to the bishop's aid. This also applies when both sides have a greater number of pawns. The tactical devices which can be employed in the battle between a passed pawn and a bishop are: interference of the bishop's diagonal, restriction of its radius of action, blockade, and diversion. The following study by Troitsky is a classic example of interference and blockade.} 1. Bg3 {%05Black has only a pawn for a bishop, but the white king is merely a helpless observer of what is happening. The lone bishop can stop the three connected pawns, which are on their initial squares. But can it fulfil yet another task - deprive the black king of the square f8, and force to allow the white king out of captivity?} (1. Bf2 {%05The strongest. After} a5 2. Bc5 b5 3. Be7 b4 {! White does best to play} 4. Bxb4 {! , agreeing to a draw.}) 1... c5 2. Bf2 b6 3. Bg3 c4 {!} 4. Be5 (4. Bb8 {%05Or} c3 (4... b5 5. Bxa7) (4... a5 {%05and} 5. Bc7 {both lose}) 5. Bxa7 {??} c2 { [%eval -550,0]}) 4... Kf8 5. Bd6+ Kf7 6. Z0 (6. Bb4 {there follows %05With a draw, since on} a5 7. Bc3 a4 8. Bb4 b5 {, when it is White who has to force a draw by stalemate.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/6b1/P1P5/k2P4/3p4/2P5/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. c6 {! (interference)} dxc6 2. a6 d2+ (2... Be4 3. d5 {!} cxd5 4. cxd3 Bh1 5. d4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kxd2 Be4 4. d5 {!} Bxd5 (4... cxd5 5. Ke3 {!} Bh1 6. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. c4 {!} Bh1 6. c5 {A brilliant study!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3p3/K2PkP2/1P6/5b2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. f7 {%05This study demonstrates the theme of sacrificing a pawn to restrict the bishop's activity. After} Kxf7 2. b6 {!!} axb6 3. d7 Bc7 4. Kb7 Bd8 5. Kc8 {White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P1p5/8/3b4/3k3P/1P2p3/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] 1... Ba8 {! , for example: %05He could have drawn by the subtle} (1... Kc5 { %05 This example is on the theme of division of duties - the bishop must tackle one pawn, and the king the other. But if the king heads for the a7 pawn, Black loses:} 2. h5 Kb6 3. h6 {, and one of the pawns queens.^013^010 The following rule comes to our aid: in the battle against two pawns, it is normally best for the king to control the less advanced pawn, and the bishop the further advanced one. On this basis the king should make for the h-pawn. But first the bishop must be moved away, so as not to give White an extra tempo when his king goes to the help of his a-pawn.}) (1... Bb7 {, but after %05Black played} 2. h5 Ke5 3. b4 Kf5 4. Kxe3 Bc6 5. Kd4 Kf6 6. h6 Kg6 7. Ke5 { he had to resign, since his king is not in time to come to the aid of his bishop.}) 2. h5 Ke5 3. Kxe3 Kf5 4. Kd4 Kg5 5. Ke5 Kxh5 6. b4 Kg6 7. Ke6 c6 {!} 8. Kd7 Kf7 9. Kc7 Ke7 10. Kb8 Kd8 11. Kxa8 Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] A bishop may not be able to cope with three far advanced pawns, even with the help of its king.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ilyin-Zhenevsky Alexander F (R"] [Black "Miasoedov"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p2/4p3/P4p2/3P3p/5P1P/5KP1/1b6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ589 %212045826630=4HLJ613} 1. d5 {! %05White's position is lost. To win, Black needs merely to improve the position of his bishop and bring his king to the centre. White tries his last chance.} (1. Ke3 {? %05After} Ba2 2. Kf4 f6 3. a6 Bd5 4. g3 hxg3 5. Kxg3 e5 6. dxe5 fxe5 7. Kh4 e4 8. fxe4 fxe4 $19 {Black wins.} ) 1... Bd3 {? A routine move, after which Black can no longer win.} (1... f4 { ! , for example: %05He should have stopped White creating another passed pawn by} 2. a6 Ba2 3. dxe6 fxe6 4. a7 Bd5 5. Ke2 e5 $19 {, and White can resign.}) 2. d6 Kf8 3. g3 {!} f4 {? And this even loses.} (3... hxg3+ {%05After} 4. Kxg3 Ke8 5. h4 Kd7 6. h5 Kxd6 7. h6 f4+ 8. Kxf4 f6 9. Ke3 Bf5 10. a6 Kc6 11. a7 Kb7 12. Kd4 Kxa7 13. Kc5 Kb7 14. Kd6 Kb6 15. Ke7 Kc5 16. Kxf6 Kd6 17. f4 Kd5 18. Kf7 {= the game ends in a draw, since Black is unable to improve his position.} ) 4. gxh4 Ke8 5. Ke1 {! The bishop at d3 is operating along two diagonals; therefore it must be driven away from this square.} (5. h5 {? %05Here White could still have gone wrong:} Kd7 6. h6 Kxd6 7. a6 Kc6 $19 {, and it is Black who wins.}) 5... e5 6. Kd2 e4 7. h5 Bb1 8. a6 $18 {, and White won. On average a bishop is worth three pawns, but, depending on the placing of the pieces and pawns, a bishop may prove stronger or weaker than three pawns.} * [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p5k1/2p5/3b1KP1/3PpP2/P3P3/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ589 %212045826630=4HLJ613} 1. b4 {%05White has only three pawns for the bishop, but the black e-pawn is weak, and White's king is much more active than his opponent's. This positional advantage is quite sufficient for a win.} a6 2. Kg4 {(White strengthens his position still further, by placing his pawn at f5)} Bc4 3. f5 Bb3 4. Kf4 Bc2 5. Ke5 Kf7 6. a4 {!} Kg7 (6... Bxa4 7. Kxe4 $18 {is also hopeless}) 7. d5 Bxa4 (7... cxd5 {%05or} 8. Kxd5 Bxa4 9. Kxe4 $18 {, and the three connected pawns on the 5th rank also win}) 8. d6 c5 9. bxc5 Bc6 10. Ke6 a5 11. f6+ $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1874.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Shumov Ilia S"] [Black "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5kb1/pp6/4p3/1P1p1pKP/P2P1P2/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1874.??.??"] 1. Kf6 {Black has more difficulties than he can cope with, although he has a solid material advantage - a bishop for a pawn. %05Black's king and bishop are cramped, and this makes his material advantage insignificant.} Bh7 2. h6 {?} ( 2. Kxe6 {! %05Correct is} Bg8+ 3. Kd6 Bf7 4. Kc7 Bxh5 5. Kxb7 $18) 2... Bg8 3. a5 b6 4. a6 {!} (4. axb6 {? %05White avoids a subtle trap. If} axb6 5. g3 { , then} Ke8 {!!} 6. Kg7 Bh7 {!!} 7. Kxh7 Kf7 {= , and the white king is trapped.}) 4... Bh7 5. Kxe6 Ke8 {~5 ? (RR)} (5... Bg6 {!} 6. Kf6 Bh7 7. g3 Kg8 8. Ke6 Bg6 9. Kd7 Kh7 10. Kc7 Kxh6 11. Kb7 Be8 12. Kxa7 Bxb5 13. Kxb6 Bxa6 14. Kxa6 Kh5 {= ~5 (RR)~}) 6. Z0 (6. Kxd5 {%05Here White could have won most simply by} Kd7 7. Ke5 Ke7 8. d5 Bg6 9. d6+ Kf7 10. d7 Ke7 11. d8=Q+ {!} Kxd8 12. Kf6 Bh7 13. Kg7 Ke7 14. Kxh7 Kf7 15. g3 {[%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/2Pp1k2/p2Pp3/4P3/7p/5Pp1/4K1B1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {In exceptional cases a bishop is unable to stop a passed pawn, but it is nevertheless possible to draw by creating a position in which the appearance of the new queen is not decisive.} 1. f3 {! %05He draws by creating a "fortress": %05^013^010 %05^013^010} (1. Kd2 {%05White loses if he attempts to stop the passed pawn with %05his king:} Kg5 2. Bh2 g1=Q 3. Bxg1 Kf4 4. Bh2+ Kxe4 5. Kc3 Kxd5 6. Kb3 Kxc6 7. Ka4 Kd5 $19) 1... a4 (1... Kg5 {?} 2. Be3+ Kg6 (2... Kh4 3. Kf2 $18) 3. Kf2 a4 4. Bc5 dxc5 5. d6 a3 6. dxc7 a2 7. c8=Q a1=Q 8. Qg8+ {=}) 2. Kf2 {!!} (2. Kd2 Kg5 3. Be3+ Kh5 4. Bg1 h2 5. Bxh2 Kh4 6. Kc3 (6. f4 a3 7. Kc3 a2 8. Kb2 exf4 $19) 6... Kh3 7. Bg1 Kg3 8. f4 Kxf4 $19) 2... a3 3. Kg3 a2 4. Kxh3 a1=Q 5. Kxg2 {, when it is easily shown that the black king cannot penetrate. For example:} Qb2+ 6. Bf2 Kg5 7. Kg3 Qc1 8. Ba7 {! the only move; the black king cannot go either to f4,^013^010 or to a7} Qf4+ 9. Kg2 Kh5 10. Bf2 Qg5+ 11. Kh2 {= ^013^010 In spite of his enormous material superiority, Black is unable to win. An amazing position!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5Bp1/7k/8/4pPKP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Bg4 {!! %05White also draws by isolating the black king in the conclusion to another study by Chekhover.} e1=Q (1... Kxg4 2. f3+ Kh4 3. Kf2 {= , with a draw.}) 2. h3 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/3b4/3P1K2/8/8/8/8/3B4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {~12. BISHOPS OF THE SAME COLOUR~ ~12.1 Bishop and pawn against bishop~ ~12.11 General considerations ~ The evaluation of such endings depends on how effectively the weaker side is able to counter the advance of the pawn.} 1... Ke8 {! and 2... Kd8, after which the draw becomes obvious, since the white pawn cannot advance. %05If it is Black to move, he plays A position of this type, in which the weaker side's king occupies a square in front of the pawn and invulnerable to the enemy bishop, we will call the first basic drawing position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/3b4/3P1K2/8/8/8/8/3B4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1. Bh5 {, not allowing the black king to go to e8. %05If it is White to move, he plays} Bh3 {(a move along the a4-e8 diagonal is also possible). Now on} 2. Bg6 {Black loses after} (2. Ke5 {%05White can attempt to make a by-passing manoeuvre with his king to c7. If Black then adopts waiting tactics} Bd7 (2... Kg7 {%05If the white king heads for c7, the black king should aim to reach c5. From this we easily find the solution.} 3. Kd5 (3. Be8 {, attempting to occupy a more favourable position with his bishop and to gain a tempo. But Black has a tempo in reserve, and after %05White could have played} Bg4 (3... Kf8 { , and if %05But Black could have played even more strongly:} 4. Bb5 {, then} Kf7 5. Kd5 Bg2+ {!} 6. Kc5 Ke6 {! , when White is altogether unable to reach c7.}) 4. Kd5 Kf6 5. Kc6 Ke5 6. Kc7 Kd4 {our second basic drawing position is reached.}) 3... Kf6 4. Kc6 Ke5 5. Kc7 Kd4 (5... Bf5 {%05Black could even delayed the transfer of his king to c5.} 6. Be8 {, only then} Kd4 (6... Bh3 { %05Note that 6... Kd4 was the only move. Any other would have lost, for example:} 7. Bd7 Bf1 8. Bc8 Bb5 9. Bb7 Kd4 10. Bc6 {, blocking the diagonal.}) 7. Bd7 Bc2 8. Bc8 Ba4 9. Bb7 Kc5 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 6. Be8 Kc5 {, and we have obtained the second basic drawing position.}) 3. Kd5 Ba4 4. Kc5 Bd7 5. Kb6 Ba4 (5... Bf5 {does not help; White continues} 6. Kc7 Bh3 7. Bf3 Ke8 8. Bb7 { and 9. Bc8, driving the bishop off the h3-c8 diagonal}) 6. Kc7 Bb5 {[%eval 550, 0] , the resulting position turns out to be lost out for him.}) 2... Bg4 {?} ( 2... Bd7 {, so as to answer %05but he has an adequate reply in} 3. Bf5 {%04with } Ke8 {= , and a draw.}) 3. Bf5 Bxf5 4. Kxf5 Kf7 5. Ke5 Ke8 6. Ke6 Kd8 7. d7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/2K5/3P4/1b5B/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 7"] [PlyCount "7"] 7. Bf3 {%05White plays} Ba4 8. Bc6 Bxc6 9. Kxc6 Ke8 10. Kc7 {, and queens his pawn. We have seen that, without the help of his king, the weaker side's bishop is unable to stop the enemy pawn. The opponent carries out a typical manoeuvre, either blocking out the bishop or driving it away. A position of this type, where the weaker side's king cannot occupy a square in front of the pawn and invulnerable to the bishop, and cannot prevent the blocking out of his bishop and hence the advance of the pawn, we will call the first basic winning position. But perhaps in this example Black's king could have prevented the blocking of his bishop's diagonal? White blocked the diagonal by Bc6. Black could have prevented this only if his king were at c5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/3P4/1bk4B/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Bg4 {%05After} Ba4 2. Bd7 Bd1 3. Bc6 Bg4 {it turns out that White has not improved his position. He is powerless to drive the black bishop of two diagonals; this position is drawn. A position of this type, in which the weaker side's king cannot occupy an invulnerable square in front of the pawn, but can prevent the blocking of his bishop's diagonal, we will call the second basic drawing position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3Pk3/1BK5/8/8/6b1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Bh3 {%05If he wishes, Black can convert this position into the second basic drawing position by} 2. Kc6 Ke5 {!} 3. Kc7 Kd4 {! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling & Horwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/4P3/5kB1/1b6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Be8 {%05If White's bishop were at h5, he would win by 1. Bg4 and 2. Bd7. But the bishop is at g6...} Be2 {!} (1... Bd3 {or 1... Bc4, then %05the only move; if} 2. Bh5 {!} Bb5 3. Bg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Bf7 Bb5 3. Bh5 Ke5 {!} 4. Bg4 Kd6 {, and the second basic drawing position has been reached.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/1b6/1P1K4/8/8/8/8/1B6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {If position ~3( 2018)~ is shifted one file to the left, for the new situation all our arguments remain in force, as the reader can check for himself. With a knight pawn Black achieves his goal rather differently.} 1. Bf5 {only a move with the bishop along the h1-a8 diagonal will draw. Let us consider this case in more detail. %05After} Bf3 (1... Ba6 {? loses in interesting fashion. White continues} 2. Kc6 {!} Bc8 3. Bd3 {! It is with a knight's pawn that this move is the most effective, since the bishop has no more squares on the a6-c8 diagonal. After} Bg4 4. Kb7 {! and 5. Ka7 White obtains the first basic winning position.^013^010 In position ~3($402024)~ the by-passing manoeuvre of the white king to a7 does not normally work. After Kb5 Black plays ... Bb7, altogether preventing it from reaching a6.}) 2. Be6 Bb7 {!} 3. Kc5 (3. Bd5 Kc8 {!}) 3... Bf3 (3... Ke7 {White wins by %05a bishop move along the diagonal is the only possibility; on} 4. Bd5) 4. Bd5 Be2 5. Bb7 {(otherwise 5... Kc8)} Kd7 $40 {, with a draw. We will now try to establish what will be the evaluation of such endings, depending on the file or rank on which the pawn is located. Let us move position ~3( 2021)~ one file to the left.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/2P5/bk4B1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Here the black bishop's diagonal has become shorter, but the bishop nevertheless has two free squares. Now consider the position with a knight's pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/bP6/k4B2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Bg4 {%05Here the black bishop has only one free square on the short diagonal, so that any waiting move by the white bishop on the h3-c8 diagonal (except 1. Bc8) will put Black in zugzwang. For example:} Kb5 2. Be2+ {[%eval 550,0] A position of this type, where the weaker side's king prevents the blocking of his bishop's diagonal, but the diagonal is too short and he gets into zugzwang, we will call the second basic winning position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K7/bP6/k4B2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Let us try shifting position ~3( 2026)~ down the board by one rank. The black bishop has two free squares, so that zugzwang is not possible. The following conclusion can be drawn: "If on the short diagonal the black bishop has two free squares, the position will be drawn, but if less than two, the position is won for White" (this conclusion was drawn in the mid-19th century by Centurini). In order to check this rule, we will examine a few more characteristic positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1847.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Centurini"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2KB4/1P6/2k5/8/8/8/7b/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1847.??.??"] 1. Bh4 {%04with %05 Here the short diagonal consists of only two squares, and if the white bishop should succeed in reaching a7, then after 1. Bb8 Bg1 2. Bg3 Ba7 3. Bf2 White wins. But Black can attempt to stop the bishop reaching a7, by answering} Kb5 {!} 2. Bf2 Ka6 3. Bc5 {! (depriving the black bishop of the square d6) %05But White can play more strongly:} (3. Be3 {, so as after %05The black king prevents the blocking of the diagonal at c7, and does not allow the bishop to reach a7. Suppose that White makes the waiting move} Bg3 ( 3... Bd6 {! , and after %05Instead of 3... Bg3, however, Black continues} 4. Bg5 Kb5 5. Bd8 Kc6 6. Be7 Bh2 {! again nothing is achieved, because the black king controls c5.}) 4. Bg5 Kb5 5. Bd8 Kc6 6. Bh4 {!} Bh2 7. Bf2 {to gain a decisive tempo.}) 3... Bf4 4. Be7 Kb5 5. Bd8 Kc6 6. Bg5 {!} Bh2 7. Be3 { [%eval 550,0] , and the white bishop penetrates to a7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1K6/P7/1k2B3/8/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Bb7 {%05Here the short diagonal consists of three squares. It follows that, if the black bishop can be deprived of two squares, Black will end up in zugzwang and will lose. This is achieved as follows:} Bb5 2. Ba6 Bc6 3. Bd3 Bb7 4. Bb5 {!} Bc8 5. Bc6 $40 {! , and Black is in zugzwang. Note that it is not enough to take away the bishop's free squares; it is also essential that Black should have no free move with his king. This explains the manoeuvre 5. Bc6. On any move by the king there follows 6. Bb7, since the black king has moved away from the pawn. For such positions, where the weaker side's king is preventing the blocking of his bishop's diagonal (i.e., with the kings in vertical opposition), the following convenient rule can be given for evaluating the position: if the white pawn has not yet crossed the boundary, defined by the line a4-b5-c6-d7-e6-f5-g4-h3 for a white-squared bishop, or a3-b4-c5-d6-e7-f6-g5-h4 for a black-squared bishop, the position will be drawn (cf. positions ~3( 2030)~ and ~3( 2031)~) .} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/7P/6k1/4b3/8/4B3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Black draws, since his bishop cannot be driven off the long diagonal.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6k1/2b1B3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Bg7 Bb4 2. Bf8 Bd2 (2... Bc3 {%05or} 3. Bc5 Bg7 4. Be3) 3. Bc5 Bh6 4. Bd4 { , and Black is in zugzwang. But if the kings are moved to e8 and e6 respectively, the result, contrary to the rule, changes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/5P2/3bk2B/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Bf8 {%05After} Be5 2. Bc5 Bg7 3. Be3 {White has deprived the bishop of all its free squares, but he has not placed Black in zugzwang, and there follows} Kd6 (3... Kf5 {%05also possible is} 4. Ke7 Kg6 (4... Bf6+ {%05not} 5. Kf8 { , and White's king reaches g8}) 5. Ke6 {another drawn position ~3($402035)~ is reached.}) 4. Bd4 Bh6 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Pb1/4K1k1/8/8/4B3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {If the pawn has not yet reached the 6th rank, it might seem that the typical winning plan - driving away the bishop or blocking its diagonal - is not a threat, since it leads merely to the exchange of bishops and a drawn pawn ending. Position ~3( 2036)~, obtained from example ~3( 2029)~ by moving the black king from b4 to d6, together with position ~3( 2037)~, will acquaint us with this type of drawn position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1K1k4/P7/4B3/8/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Both on Bb7-a6, and on Bc6-b5, Black exchanges and then plays ... Kc7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/6K1/5P2/1B1b4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1. Bd2 {the only way to draw is by %05After} Kf8 {! (the threat was 2. Bh6 and 3. Bg7, forcing out the bishop)} 2. Bg5 Kg8 {!} 3. Bf6 Bf2 4. Be5 Bh4 {, and if } 5. Bf4 Be7 6. Bg5 {, then} Bxg5 {!} 7. Kxg5 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] Summing up, we can state that there exist three types of drawn position in endings with bishop and pawn against bishop: 1) The weaker side's king occupies a square invulnerable to the bishop in front of the pawn. 2) The weaker side's king can prevent the driving away of his bishop or the blocking of its diagonal. 3) The attempt to drive away or block the diagonal of the bishop leads only to an exchange of bishops and a drawn pawn ending. A knowledge of the basic positions allows more complicated endings, with a variety of piece arrangements, to be more easily understood. As the basis of our classification, we will take the file on which the pawn stands.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/3PK3/8/3B3b/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~12.12 Pawn on one of the central files~ It follows from diagrams ~3( 2030)~ and ~3( 2031)~ that central pawns are the least dangerous, but even here accuracy in defence is required.} 1... Kf8 {! , escaping from the danger zone. For example: %05The only way to draw is by} (1... Kd8 {? %05It would be wrong to play} 2. d7 Kc7 3. Bc5 Bd8 4. Be7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Bd8 {? %05or} 2. Bg7 {!} Bg5 3. d7+ Kd8 4. Bd4 Kc7 5. Bc5 Bd8 6. Be7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. d7 Bd8 3. Bf6 Ba5 4. Bh4 Bb6 5. Kd6 Kf7 6. Kc6 Ba5 7. Kb7 Ke6 8. Kc8 Kd5 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/3P4/3K4/3B4/8/3b4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1. Ke6 {White is threatening to queen his pawn directly. What should Black play? The only way to draw is by %05After} (1. Kc6 {the only way to draw is by %05On the contrary, after} Bg5 {! As we see, the defence here has to be accurate.}) 1... Ba5 {! , for example:} (1... Bg5 {loses to the manoeuvre just examined:} 2. d7 Kc7 3. Bc5 Bd8 4. Be7) 2. Bf6+ Kc8 {!} (2... Ke8 {%05but not} 3. Be7 Bb6 4. d7#) 3. d7+ Kb7 4. Ke7 Kc6 5. Ke8 Kd5 {, and the black king reaches e6. An instructive mistake was made by Black in the following ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6B1/4P3/2b2K2/8/4k3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1. Ke5 {!} (1. Kf6 {%05It is clear that} Ke4 2. Kf7 Kf5 {leads to a simple draw, so White tries taking his king to the other side.}) 1... Bb4 2. Kd5 Kd3 { ?} (2... Kf4 {was also bad, in view of %05 Unexpectedly, this turns out to be a decisive mistake. Now White makes a favourable regrouping, and carries out a winning manoeuvre. Of course,} 3. Be5+ {and 4. Bd6}) (2... Be7 {! %05but Black could have drawn by} 3. Be5 Kd3 4. Bc7 Bh4 5. Kd6 Ke4 6. Kd7 Kd5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3. Bf6 {! Note how helpless Black is. He is unable to prevent the transfer of the bishop to c7, and is obliged to wait.} Ba3 4. Bd8 Bb4 5. Bc7 {!} Be7 { Otherwise there is no defence against the threat of 6. Bd6.} 6. Kc6 Ke4 7. Kd7 $18 {, and Black resigned. Depending on which side he moves his bishop to, White wins by either 8. Bd6 or 8. %04Bd8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1856.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Centurini"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/2K1P3/b7/8/8/7B/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1856.??.??"] {Here is an exceptional position which does not fit the general rules.} 1. e7 { appears to force the promotion of White's pawn, but there follows} Bd8 { ! , and he cannot promote to queen or rook because of stalemate.} 2. e8=N (2. e8=B {, then %05if} Ba5 {!} 3. Bg3 Kd8 4. Bd7 Ke7 {, with a draw}) 2... Bh4 {!} (2... Ba5 {and 2... Bg5 both lose to} 3. Nd6+ {!}) (2... Be7 {there follows %05while on} 3. Bc7 Bf8 4. Nf6 {and 5. Nd5$18}) 3. Bc7 Be7 4. Ng7 Bd8 5. Bf4 Bc7 {! +0.00 It is interesting that, if White's bishop stood initially at g3, f4 or e5, after 2. e8B Ba5 he would give mate in two moves by 3. Bd7} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1880.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/5Pb1/3B2K1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1880.??.??"] {~12.13 Bishop's pawn~} 1. Bg8+ {%05To win White must gain a tempo, which he achieves as follows:} (1. Kf4 {%05 In order to win White must penetrate with his king to e7 without allowing his opponent to reach e5. But nothing is achieved by the immediate march:} Kh6 2. Ke5 Kg5 3. Ke6 Kf4 4. Ke7 Ke5 { , with a draw.}) (1. Be6 {%05No better is} Be8 {! (2. Bf5 was threatened)} 2. Kf5 Kh6 3. Bd5 Bh5 (3... Bd7+ 4. Ke5 Kg6 5. f7 Kg7 6. Kd6 {!} Bb5 7. Ke7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke6 Kg5 5. Ke7 Kf4 6. Bf7 Bd1 7. Be8 Bb3 8. Bd7 Ke5 { ! , and the black king arrives just in time.}) 1... Kh8 2. Be6 {!} Be8 (2... Bh7 {there follows %05On} 3. Bf5) (2... Bd3 {, then %05while if} 3. Kf4 Bb5 4. Ke5 Be8 5. Kd6 Kh7 6. Ke7 Kg6 7. Bd7 Bf7 8. Bf5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf5 Kh7 4. Bd5 Kh6 (4... Bd7+ 5. Ke5 Kg6 {is met by} 6. f7 Kg7 7. Kd6 Bb5 8. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Bh5 {%05No better is} 5. Ke6 Kg6 6. Ke7 Kf5 7. Bf7 Bd1 8. Be6+) 5. Ke6 Kg5 6. Ke7 Bh5 7. Bf7 Bd1 8. Be8 Bb3 9. Bd7 Kf4 10. Be6 {%04etc.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sokolsky Alexey (BLR)"] [Black "Lipnitsky Isaak (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/B2k4/2pb4/7K/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {Two further variations on the same theme are shown in positions ~3( 2045)~ and ~3( 2046)~.} 1... Ke4 {%05In order to obtain a basic winning position, Black must advance his pawn to c2 and at the same time reach b1 with his king.} 2. Kg2 (2. Kg4 {%05no better is} Kd3 3. Kf5 Be3 4. Ke6 Bd2 {, when White is too late}) 2... Kd3 3. Kf1 Bc3 4. Bd8 Bb4 5. Bf6 Kc2 {Black transfers his king to b3 and then plays ... Bb2 followed by ... c2 and ... Kb1. White is powerless to prevent the implementation of this plan.} 6. Ke2 Kb3 {!} 7. Be5 Ba3 8. Bf6 Bb2 9. Bg5 Z0 (9... c3 {! %05Now Black had the immediately decisive} 10. Bh6 c2 11. Kd3 Ba3 12. Bg5 Kb2 13. Kc4 Kb1 14. Kb3 Bc1 {[%eval -550,0]}) 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1856.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Centurini"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3K4/1BP5/8/5b2/5k2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1856.??.??"] 1... Ke3 {%05If in this position it were Black to move, he would draw by} 2. Bc6 Bh5 {!=} (2... Be2 {? %05but not} 3. Bg2 Bb5 4. Kc7 Kd4 5. Kb6 Be8 6. Bf1 $18) 3. Bg2 Be8 4. Kc7 Kd4 5. Kb6 Kc3 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1856.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Centurini"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3K4/1BP5/8/5b2/5k2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1856.??.??"] 1. Bc6 {%05But it is White's move, and the extra tempo enables him to win.} (1. Bc4 {%05Also possible is} Ke3 2. Bd5 Be2 3. c6 Kd4 4. c7 Ba6 5. Kc6 Bc8 6. Bg2 Ke5 7. Bf1 {! , when Black is unable to prevent the advance of the white king to b8, and hence the attainment of the second basic winning position.}) 1... Be2 2. Bd5 Bb5 3. Be6 Ke3 4. Bd7 Ba6 5. c6 Kd4 6. c7 Kc4 7. Bh3 Kb4 8. Kc6 Ka5 9. Bg4 Kb4 10. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Crum"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2P4B/8/5K2/3k4/5b2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] 1. c6 {%05The result again depends on whether or not Black can prevent the white king from reaching b8.} Kc3 (1... Ba6 {%05No better is} 2. Ke4 {!} (2. c7 {?} Bb7+ {!} 3. Kf4 Kd3 4. Ke5 Kc4 5. Bf3 Bc8 6. Kd6 Kb5 {with a draw; in this variation Black removed his bishop from a6 with gain of tempo, gaining the opportunity to move his king via c4 to b5, thereby not allowing the white king to reach b8)}) 2... Kc3 3. Kd5 Kb4 4. Bg4 {!} Ka5 5. Kc5 {!} Bb5 6. c7 Ba6 7. Kc6 {, and White wins.}) 2. c7 Ba6 3. Ke3 {!} Kb4 (3... Kc4 {Moving to c4 would give a draw, except that it loses to} 4. Be2+) 4. Be2 Bc8 5. Kd4 Bb7 6. Bf1 Bc8 7. Kd5 Bb7+ 8. Kd6 Ka5 9. Kc5 {!} Bc8 10. Kc6 Bg4 11. Kb7 Bf5 12. Kb8 { [%eval 550,0] White succeeded in pushing the opposing king away from the pawn, using his bishop and king to sever its path. Cutting the path of the enemy king is a highly dangerous device in situations where the result depends on whose king reaches its goal more quickly.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4B1b1/6P1/5K1k/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {~12.14 Knight's pawn~} 1. Bg5 {! %05In order to win, White must reach f7 with his king, since then he obtains a basic winning position.} Bf8 {(bishop moves on the a1-h8 diagonal are decisively met by 2. Bf6)} 2. Kf6 Be7+ 3. Kf7 { [%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4B1b1/6P1/5K1k/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1... Kh6 {%05The task is slightly more difficult with Black to move.} 2. Bf6 Bf8 3. Bd4 Be7 (3... Bg7 4. Be3+ Kh5 5. Bg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Bb4 {%05or} 4. Kf6 {and 5. Kf7}) 4. g7 Kh7 5. Ke6 {!} Bb4 6. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hallstrom"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b3B3/8/1P6/k1K5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Bc5 {%05Here White is unable to carry out the standard winning plan.} Bb8 2. b6 (2. Bb6 Bf4 3. Bf2 Bc7 {!} 4. Kc5 Kb3 {!} 5. Kc6 Kc4 {, with a draw}) 2... Ka5 3. Kd5 {(the unfortunate position of the bishop at c5 prevents White from transferring his king to c6)} Kb5 {!} 4. b7 Bc7 {[%eval 0,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/5K2/6Pb/8/3B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. Bc4 {Black's position appears critical, since on %05After} (1. Bg6 Be2 2. Bf7 Bd3 3. Be6 Bc2 4. Bf5 {also does not work because of} Bxf5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Bg6 {!!= White's "ambitious" plans prove to be unrealizable. %05But after} (1... Be8 {or 1... Kh7 there follows} 2. Bf7 $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1P6/7b/7k/7B/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {This is a study on the theme of "path-severance".} 1. b6 {%05White wins by} Bf2 2. b7 Ba7 3. Bg1 Bb8 4. Bf2 {!} Bh2 {!} (4... Kg4 {, then %05if} 5. Kg2 Kf5 6. Bg3 {!} Ba7 7. Kf3 Ke6 8. Ke4 Kd7 9. Kd5 Kd8 {, and Black's king has failed to break through to the white pawn}) 5. Be1 {!} Bb8 6. Kg1 Kg4 7. Kg2 Kf5 8. Bg3 Ba7 9. Kf3 Ke6 10. Ke4 Kd7 11. Kd5 Kd8 12. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/8/8/3K1k2/1P6/2B5/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {This position is taken from the game Capablanca - Janowski (New York, 1916). Black's position appears completely hopeless, and so Janowski resigned. But if he had been familiar with the basic drawing positions, he would have been able to draw! Black should take his king round to the rear, in order to obtain the second basic drawing position.} 1... Kf4 {!!} 2. Bd4 (2. Be5+ Ke3 3. b5 Kd3 4. Kc6 Kc4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Kf3 {!!} 3. b5 (3. Bc5 Ke2 {!!} 4. Kc6 Kd3 {!} 5. Kd7 Bg5 6. b5 Kc4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Ke2 {!!} 4. Kc6 Kd3 5. Bb6 Bg5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1BK5/1P4b1/8/3k4/8/8 w - - 0 6"] [PlyCount "8"] 6. Kb7 {!} (6. Bc7 {%05Little is promised by} Be3 7. Bd6 (7. Kd5 {! Now after %05 An interesting attempt to refute Black's defensive manoeuvre has been made by V.Issler (West Germany). he suggests going back with the king} Kc3 (7... Bd2 {! The point is that %05But this attempt can also be parried. On 7. Kd5! Black has a single but adequate reply in} 8. b6 {fails to} (8. Bd8 {, then %05while if} Be3 9. Be7 Bb6 10. Kc6 Ba5 {, with a draw.}) 8... Ba5 {!}) 8. Bd6 Kb3 9. Bc5 Ka4 10. Kc6 {White wins.}) 7... Kc4 {, so White makes a further attempt to win.}) 6... Kc4 7. Ka6 Kb3 {!} 8. Bf2 Bd8 9. Be1 Ka4 {! , and the black king has arrived in time.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/8/8/3K1k2/1P6/2B5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Be5 {%05If it were White to move, then he would easily win by} Kg4 2. b5 Kf3 3. Kc6 Ke4 4. Bc7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/8/8/3K1k2/1P6/8/3B4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1... Kg4 {%05Note that, with his bishop at d2 (instead of c3), White wins even if it is Black to move.} 2. b5 Kf3 3. Kc6 Ke4 (3... Ke2 {, since White does not continue %05Black's misfortune is that he cannot gain a tempo by} 4. Bb4 Kd3 5. Bd6 Kc4 {with a draw,}) 4. Kb7 {!! (the only move to win) %05but} Kd3 5. Be1 {!} Kc4 6. Ka6 Kb3 7. Ba5 Bg5 8. b6 {, obtaining the second basic winning position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6b1/8/2B2K2/7k/8/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Bf3+ {%05 Here the black king is not far from the pawn, but it is White to move, and, due to the poor position of his bishop, Black loses.} Kh6 2. g4 Kh7 (2... Bh7 {is met by %05Black cannot switch his bishop to the b1-h7 diagonal, since} 3. g5#) 3. g5 Bc4 4. g6+ Kg8 (4... Kh6 5. Be4 Bb3 6. g7 Bc4 7. Bg6 Bg8 8. Be8 Kh7 9. Bf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. g7 Kh7 6. Bh5 Kg8 7. Be8 Bb3 8. Kg6 Bc2+ 9. Kh6 Bb3 (9... Bg6 10. Bb5 Bf7 11. Bd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Bg6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2B5/8/1P5k/2K5/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. Bd5 {%05In order to win, White must advance his pawn to b6 and reach a7 with his king, without allowing the black king across to b8. By accurate play he succeeds in obtaining this basic winning position.} (1. Kd4 {%05Only a draw is given by} Kg5 2. Bd5 Kf6 3. Bc4 Bg4 {!} 4. Kc5 Ke7 5. Ba6 (5. b5 Kd8 6. Kb6 Bd7 7. Ka7 Bxb5) 5... Bf3 6. Kb6 Kd8 7. Ka7 Bc6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Kg5 2. Bc4 Bg4 {!} (2... Bf3 {%05White's task is simpler after} 3. b5 Kf6 4. Kb4 {!} Ke7 5. Ka5 {, when the king reaches a7.}) 3. b5 Kf6 4. b6 Bc8 5. Kd4 Ke7 6. Kc5 Kd7 (6... Bb7 {White wins by %05on} 7. Bd5 Bc8 8. Kc6) 7. Bb5+ {!} (7. Bf1 {%05Not} Bb7 {!} 8. Bh3+ Ke7 {, with a draw.}) 7... Kd8 8. Kc6 {!} (8. Kd6 {%05Only a draw results from} Bb7 {!} 9. Bd7 Bg2 {!} 10. Be6 Bb7 {!}) 8... Bd7+ 9. Kd6 {!} Bc8 10. Bc4 {! (suggested by A.Khachaturov)} (10. Bc6 {leads only to a draw after %05The author's continuation} Bf5 11. b7 Bc8 {!!}) 10... Bb7 11. Be6 { ! , and White wins as shown earlier.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/8/K4B1P/8/8/b7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {~12.15 Rook's pawn~ The basic positions with a rook's pawn were sufficiently well covered by us at the start (~3( 2029)~,~3( 2032)~ and ~3( 2036)~. Here we will consider a study by Grigoriev, demonstrating an already familiar theme - severing the path of the enemy king.} 1. h6 {%05White severs the king's path by } Bg8 2. Bc8 Bh7 (2... Kb8 {, then %05if} 3. Be6 {!} Bh7 4. Kb6) 3. Ba6 {!} Bg6 4. Bb5 Kb7 5. Kb4 {!} Kb6 6. Ba4 {!} Bh7 {there follows %05Now on} 7. Kc4 { , and the white king reaches g7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/8/K4B1P/8/8/b7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Kb7 {%05Black to move obtains a draw after} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4bk2/8/8/3B1PP1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~12.2 BISHOP AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST BISHOP~ ~12.21 Connected pawns~ Two connected pawns normally win without any great difficulty. Here is a typical position.} 1. Ke2 {%05White wins easily:} Kg4 2. Be1 Bd6 3. f3+ Kf4 4. g3+ Kf5 5. g4+ Ke6 (5... Kf4 {%05Or} 6. Bd2+ Kg3 7. g5 Be5 8. g6 Bg7 9. Ke3 Kh4 10. Ke4 Kh5 11. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kd3 Kd5 7. Bd2 Bc7 8. f4 Bb6 {Otherwise White plays 9. Ke3, 10. Kf3, 11. g5 and 12. Kg4.} 9. Bc3 Bc5 10. g5 Bb6 11. g6 Ke6 12. Ke4 Bd8 13. f5+ Ke7 14. Kd5 Kf8 15. Ke6 Bg5 16. f6 {, and White wins. This is not the only way to win. All that White must concern himself over is not allowing his pawns to be blockaded. It is in the possibility of such a blockade that Black's drawing chances lie. Thus, for example, White is unable to win in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6b1/1Pk5/2P5/2K5/4B3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Kd1 (1. Kb2 {%05or} Bf4 2. Ka3 Bg5 3. Ka4 Bd8 {(the king must not be allowed to reach a5)} 4. b5 Bb6 {A classic example of a blockade!}) 1... Kd3 2. b5 Bd8 {followed by 3... Kc4 Let us try shifting this position one rank up the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6b1/1Pk5/2P5/2K5/4B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Kb3 {%05Here White wins by} Bf5 2. Ka4 Bd7 3. Ka5 Bc8 4. b6 (4. Bf3 { %05There is also another winning plan, involving the sacrifice of a pawn:} Kxc4 5. Kb6 Kb4 6. Bc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4... Bb7 5. Bf1 Bc8 6. Bh3 {!} Bb7 7. Be6 { , when Black, who is in zugzwang, is forced to lift the blockade. In positions with rook's pawn and knight's pawn the weaker side may have additional drawing chances.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/pp1b4/8/8/1K6/3B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Ba6 {! %05White gains a draw by The following example is more complicated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5B2/pp6/kb6/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. Ka1 {! For example: %05Black's material advantage proves insufficient to win after} Ba2 (1... Bc4 {%05or} 2. Bd3 {!}) (1... Bd1 {%05or} 2. Bc2 {! with a perpetual attack.}) 2. Bc2 {!} b3 3. Bxb3 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/3b4/3P1K2/3P4/8/8/8/3B4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~12.22 Doubled pawns~ If the weaker side's king can reach a square invulnerable to the bishop in front of the pawn, the result will be a draw. If this is not possible, the stronger side normally wins. All this is clarified by an examination of this position.} 1... Ke8 {and 2... Kd8= %05Black to move plays} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/3b4/3P1K2/3P4/8/8/8/3B4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Bh5 {%05White to play wins by} Bh3 (1... Bb5 {%05or} 2. Ke6 Be8 3. d7) 2. Bf7 Bd7 {(3. Be6 was threatened)} 3. Bg6 {!} Bb5 (3... Bg4 {%05or} 4. Bf5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke6 Be8 5. d7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/b7/P1K5/P7/8/8/8/B7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Be5 Be3 (1... Bb8 2. Bd4 {, and White wins}) 2. Bc7 Ba7 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4kP2/8/5b2/2BP4/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {~12.23 Isolated pawns~ With isolated pawns a win is again normally possible.} 1. Kd2 {! %05After 1. ... Bg6 Black are threatening to win a pawn, but White prevents this threat playing} Bg6 2. Kc3 Bf5 (2... Bxf7 {%05If} 3. Bxf7 { %05then} Kxf7 4. Kc4 Ke6 5. Kc5 $18 {%04wins}) 3. Kb4 Bg4 4. Kc5 Bf5 5. Kc6 Bg4 6. Kc7 Bf5 7. d5 {With the king on c7 White can sacriface a pawn.} Kxf7 8. d6+ Kf6 (8... Ke8 {%05No better was} 9. Bb5+ Kf8 10. Bd7 Bc2 11. Bh3 Ba4 12. Bg2 Ke8 13. Bc6+ Bxc6 14. Kxc6 Kd8 15. d7 $18 {%04wins}) 9. Bb5 Ke5 10. Bd7 Bc2 11. Bh3 Ba4 12. Bg2 Kd4 13. Bc6 $18 {%04wins} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5b2/5k2/5P2/3PB3/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {Here White wins easely moving his king to the Q-side.} 1. Kd3 Ke7 (1... Kg5 { %05No better} 2. Kc3 Kf4 3. Bd3 Bh5 4. Kc4 $18 {%04,etc}) 2. Kc3 Kd6 3. Bd3 Bh5 4. Bc4 Bg4 5. f6 {and 6. f7$18 White can abtain example ~3($402068)~. %05and after} (5. Be6 {%05or} Bh3 6. Kd3 Bg2 7. Ke3 Ke7 8. Kf4 Kf6 9. d5 $18 {, wins}) * [Event "Baku (Azerbaijan)"] [Site "Baku (Azerbaijan)"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k3/2b5/4KBP1/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] 1. Bg4 {!} Bb5 2. Bc8 Bc6 3. g4 Bd5 4. Bf5 Bc6 {Not allowing the white king to go to f3, when White's task would be eased considerably, but he finds another possibility. It is worth mentioning that the manoeuvre employed by White in the ~3($412068)~ does not work here: %08DA} 5. Kf2 {%05Here Kholmov found the only move to win: !} (5. Bd3 Bb7 6. g5 Bd5 7. g6 Kf6 8. Kf4 {%08DA} Be6 { ! White cannot take the important diagonal by 9. Bf5 %05Because his pawn has not yet reached the seventh rank, after} 9. Kg3 {%05, and he can no longer win, for example:} Kg7 {!} 10. Kh4 Kh6 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and White is unable to lift the blockade. A by-passing manoeuvre by the king does not help. Black manoeuvres with his bishop along the h3-c8 diagonal, and as soon as the white king reaches e8, he answers ... Kg7. If the white goes to d6, Black again plays his king to f6.}) 5... Kf4 6. e3+ Kg5 7. Kg3 Ba4 8. Kf3 (8. e4 {%05Also possible was the immediate} Bd1 9. e5 {, since} Be2 {is met by} 10. Kf2 Bd1 11. Ke3 {, when White's king goes to the aid of his e-pawn.}) 8... Bc6+ 9. e4 Ba4 10. Ke3 Bc6 11. e5 Bb7 12. Kd4 Kf4 13. e6 Bc6 14. Kc5 Ba4 15. Kd6 Kg5 16. e7 Be8 17. Kc7 {, and Black resigned.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k3/2b5/4KBP1/4P3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] 1... Be6 {! he could have attempted to complicate White's task. Correct is %05If in position it had been Black to move, by} 2. Bh5 {!} (2. g4 {%05Now a draw results from} Bd7 3. Kf2 Kf4 4. e3+ Kg5 5. Ke2 Kf6 6. e4 (6. Kd3 Ke5) 6... Ke5 7. Ke3 Bc6 8. g5 (8. Bg2 Bb7 {!} 9. g5 Bc6 10. g6 Be8 11. g7 Bf7 {, with the same result}) 8... Be8 9. Be2 Bg6 10. Bd3 Bh7 11. Kf3 Bg6 12. Kg4 Be8) 2... Kf5 {%05 with the intention of playing 3. Kf3 and threatening to seize the important h3-c8 diagonal by 4. Bg4, when 3... Bd5 can be met by 4. Kg4, and the king breaks out of the blockade.} 3. Kd4 Bc8 4. e4+ Kg5 5. Be2 {!} Bb7 { (the threat was 6. e5 Kf5 7. Kd5)} 6. e5 Kf5 7. g4+ Ke6 8. Bc4+ Ke7 9. Ke3 { , and White wins. Thus it can be concluded that, in positions such ~3( 2070)~ with a knight's pawn, where there is no possibility of a by-pass from the side, the threat of a blockade is very real. We will give a further couple of examples, where, because of the blockade, a win proves impossible.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/4P1P1/5BK1/8/1b6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] 1. Bg4 {%05Let us try for the moment refraining the advance of the e-pawn:} (1. e7 {%05 In order to win, White must move his king over to the support of his e-pawn, but against correct defence this cannot be done. For example:} Ba4 2. Be4 Be8 3. Bd3 Bd7 {!} 4. Be2 Be8 5. Bh5 Bd7 6. Kf4 Kf6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Bc4 {! %05But after} (1... Bc2 {? %05If now Black abandons the a2-g8 diagonal, he loses:} 2. Bh5 {!} Bd3 3. e7 Bb5 4. Kf5 Bd7+ 5. Ke5 Ba4 (5... Be8 6. Kd6 Kf6 7. g7 {!}) 6. Kd6 Kf6 7. Bg4 {!} Be8 8. Bf5 {!} Kg7 9. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. e7 (2. Kf5 Bxe6+ {!}) 2... Bb5 3. Bh5 (3. Kf5 Bd3+ 4. Ke6 Bxg6) 3... Bd7 {! Black maintains the balance.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/8/8/4Pk2/3K4/5BP1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] 1. Bd1 {%05White appears to be close to success: in order to win, he has to penetrate with his king to d6. But how is this to be done?} Be6 {! The bishop must control d5 only from this square.} (1... Bb7 {is met by the immediately decisive} 2. g4+ Kf4 3. e6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Be2 Bf7 3. Bf3 Be6 4. Bd5 Bd7 { ! The only move!} (4... Bc8 {? %05Black loses after} 5. e6 Kf6 {!} (5... Kg4 6. e7 Bd7 7. Be6+) 6. Ke3 {!} (6. Ke4 {?} Bxe6 {! , with a draw}) 6... Ba6 {!} 7. Kf4 Be2 8. g4 Ke7 9. g5 Bd3 10. Ke5 Bc2 11. Bf3 Bg6 12. Bg4 Bc2 13. Bf5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. e6 Be8 6. Kc5 (6. Ke3 {%05Instead of the pawn sacrifice 6. Kc5, White could have moved his king to the other side} Kg4 7. Kf2 Kf5 8. Kf3 Bh5+ 9. Kg2 Kf6 {!} 10. Bf3 (10. Kh3 Kg5) 10... Bg6 11. Bg4 Be4+ 12. Kf2 Bd5 13. Ke3 Bb3 14. Kf4 Bc2 {! , when a position similar to example 200 is obtained.}) 6... Kg4 7. Kd6 Kxg3 8. Ke7 Ba4 {!} (8... Bh5 {%05Bad is} 9. Kf8 Bg4 10. e7 Bd7 11. Bf7 Kf4 12. Be8 Bg4 13. Bb5 Bh5 14. Bc4 {, when White wins.} ) 9. Kd8 Kf4 10. e7 Ke5 {, and Black's king succeeds in reaching d6. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4Pk2/8/5KB1/6P1/2b5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Black has a simple system of defence: if White's king is at f4, the bishop manoeuvres on the b1-h7 diagonal, while if the king moves to d4 the bishop switches to the a2-g8 diagonal. Finally, if the king moves towards h3, the bishop must be on any square of the a2-g8 diagonal, except a2. Then, if with his bishop at b3 the white king goes to h3, Black can play his king to g5. If one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, and its queening square is not controlled by the bishop, the realization of the advantage is hindered by the fact that the defender is threatening to give up his bishop for the other pawn, leaving his king in the safe corner.} * [Event "Olympiad"] [Site "Siegen (Germany)"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Larsen Bent (DEN)"] [Black "Patterson Nicholas J (IRL)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K1k/7P/4bP2/8/8/3B4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ627 %212045826630=4HLJ647} 1. Bg4 {%05All White's winning attempts proved unsuccessful.} Bd3 2. Bf5 Be2 3. Bg6 Bg4 4. Bf7 Bh3 5. Bg6 Bg4 6. Be8 Bh3 7. Ke7 Bf5 (7... Bg4 {but this required exact calculation, for example: %05White was threatening 8. Bd7, but Black is on the alert. Also possible was} 8. Bd7 Bxh5 9. f5 Kg5 {!} 10. f6 Bg6 {!} 11. Be6 Kf4 12. Bf7 Bd3 13. Be8 Bc4 14. Bd7 Ke5 {!= , with a draw.}) 8. Bd7 Bd3 9. Bg4 Bc2 10. Kf6 Bd3 11. Bf3 Bc2 12. Ke5 Kg7 13. Be2 Kh6 14. Bg4 Bd3 15. Bd1 Kg7 16. Bf3 Bc2 17. Bc6 Bd1 18. Be8 Bg4 19. Bg6 Kh6 20. Kf6 {= White has made no progress, and the game soon ended in a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Site "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fischer Robert J (USA)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/6b1/8/5KB1/5P1P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {The win is easier when the pawns are separated by more than one file. Difficulties can arise only if one file. Difficulties can arise only if one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, and its queening square is of the opposite colour to that of the bishop.} {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ627 %212045826630=4HLJ647} 1. Kg5 { %05Were it Black to play, he would easily draw by 1... Kh6. But it is White to move, and by reaching g5 with his king, he wins in instructive fashion. !} Bd3 2. f4 Be4 3. h4 Bd3 4. h5 Be4 5. h6+ Kh8 6. Bf5 Bd5 7. Bg6 Be6 8. Kf6 Bc4 9. Kg5 Be6 10. Bh5 Kh7 11. Bg4 {!} Bc4 {The exchange of bishops would have led to an elementary pawn ending.} 12. f5 Bf7 13. Bh5 Bc4 14. Bg6+ Kg8 15. f6 { , and Black resigned.} Z0 (15... Bb3 {%05The finish could have been:} 16. Kf4 Kh8 17. Ke5 Bc4 18. Kd6 Bb3 19. Ke7 Bc4 20. Bf7 Bd3 21. Be8 {!} Bc4 22. Bd7 $18 {, and against 23. Be6 there is no defence.}) 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sokolsky Alexey (BLR)"] [Black "Lipnitsky Isaak (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2pb4/3k4/8/4B2p/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1... Be5 {%05This is most easily achieved by a bishop manoeuvre:} (1... c5 { would be a blunder, in view of} 2. Bxc5 {with a draw. Black's plan is to give up his h-pawn to obtain a won ending with one pawn.}) 2. Bb6 Bd4 3. Ba5 c5 4. Kh2 c4 5. Kxh3 {, when we reach position ~3($402043)~, which is won for Black. But there is no rule without exceptions!} * [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Goglidze Viktor A (RUS)"] [Black "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4KBk1/8/4P2P/8/8/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ627 %212045826630=4HLJ647} 1. Be8 {%05The necessity of defending his h-pawn restricts White's manoeuvring freedom, and, despite his material advantage, he is unable to win.} (1. e6 {, then %05if,} Bg4 {and 2... Be6}) (1. h6+ {%05If White tries the manoeuvre Kd6-d5-e4-f5-g5, Black must be able to answer Ke4 with ... Kg5!^013^010 %05 Finally, on} Kxh6 2. Kf6 {there follows} Bg4 3. Bg6 Be2 4. e6 Bc4 5. e7 Bb5 6. Kf7 Kg5 {!= , when Black attains a basic drawing position.}) 1... Bg4 2. Kd8 (2. Kd6 {%05Or} Kh6 3. Bd7 Bxh5 4. e6 Kg7 5. e7 Kf6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Kh6 (2... Be6 {%05Also possible is } 3. Bd7 Bf7 4. Bg4 Bb3 5. Ke7 Bc4 6. Kd6 Bb3 7. Bf3 Bf7 8. Bd5 Bxh5 9. e6 Kf6 10. e7 Be8 {= , with a draw.}) 3. Bd7 Bxh5 4. e6 Kg7 5. e7 Kf6 {!} (5... Bg6 { %05Black loses after} 6. Be8 Be4 7. Bh5 Bc6 8. Bg4) 6. Be8 Be2 7. Bg6 Bb5 { = Draw (cf. position ~3($412023)~).} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4KBk1/8/4P3/7P/8/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] 1. Be8 {%05If White's pawn were at h4, he would win easily, for example:} Bg4 2. Kd6 Kh6 3. Bd7 Bh5 4. e6 Kg7 5. e7 Kf6 6. Bb5 Bg6 7. Kd7 Ke5 8. Kd8 Kd6 9. Be8 Bd3 10. Bf7 Bb5 11. h5 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "Reykjavik (Iceland)"] [Site "Reykjavik (Iceland)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Benedictsson Benony (ISL)"] [Black "Olafsson Fridrik (ISL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p3/4B3/1b6/3k3p/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1... Bc3 {%05The special feature of this position is that, against correct defence, Black is unable to advance his e-pawn.^013^010 %05 The game continued: } 2. Bd6 Ke4 3. Be7 Be5 4. Bb4 Bc7 5. Bc3 {! Black's winning attempts would have been unsuccessful. %05Had White now played} (5. Be7 {? %05But there followed} Kf5 6. Bh4 Bf4 {!} 7. Be1 e5 8. Bc3 e4 {, when Black, with his opponent's help, had crossed the decisive boundary. The game concluded:} 9. Bd4 Kg4 10. Bf2 Kf3 11. Bh4 e3 12. Bf2 e2 13. Be1 Bg3 14. Bb4 Kf2 15. Bc5+ Kf1 16. Bb4 Be1 17. Be7 Bd2 18. Bh4 Be3 {, and White resigned.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yaroslavtsev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4B3/7b/8/3k4/4p3/1p6/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. Bf7+ {%05After} Kd4 2. Bxb3 {Black appears to win by} Kc3 {, when there is no defence against 3... e3 and ... e2. But White draws by} 3. Bc2 {!!} e3 4. Kc1 e2 5. Bd1 {! , as in the Centurini study (example ~3($402041)~).^013^010 An elegant study!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/3Kp3/4P3/B1b5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~12.3 BISHOP AND PAWN AGAINST BISHOP AND PAWN~ In such endings the normal result is a draw. A win can be gained only in the following exceptional cases: 1) If the enemy pawn can be won, and a winning ending with an extra pawn obtained. 2) If the pawns are passed, and one succeeds in queening first, or else the pawns promote simultaneously but the resulting ending can be won.} 1. Ke7 (1. Bd7+ {%05Even fewer chances are offered by} Kd8 2. Bxe6 Be2 3. Bf5 Bc4 4. Be4 Bb3 {, when on} 5. Bd5 {there follows} Bxd5 6. Kxd5 Kd7 {, with a draw.} ) 1... Kc7 2. Bd7 Bb3 3. Bxe6 Bd1 4. Bf5 Bb3 5. Kf6 Bc4 6. Bg6 Bb3 7. Bf7 Ba4 8. e6 Kd6 9. e7 Bb5 10. Bh5 Ba4 11. Kf7 Ke5 12. Kf8 Kf6 {A basic drawing position has been reached.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/4Kp2/5P2/1B1b4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {If position ~3( 2082)~ is shifted one file to the right, it turns out that the evaluation of resulting ending will depend on who it is to move.} 1... Ke8 {! %05If it is Black to move, he continues} 2. Be7 Bc3 3. Bxf6 Bd2 4. Bh4 Bc3 ( 4... Kf8 {%05Also possible is} 5. f6 Bh6 {!} 6. Bf2 Kg8 {!} 7. Bc5 Kh7 { [%eval 0,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/4Kp2/5P2/1B1b4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kf7 {! %05White to move wins:} Kd7 2. Be7 Bc3 3. Bxf6 Be1 4. Bg5 Bc3 5. Kg6 {! , and Black is helpless against Bh6-g7 and f5-f6, after which the second basic position is reached..} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/5Kp1/6P1/2B1b3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {It is curious that the position obtained by shifting position ~3( 2084)~ one file to the right will again be drawn, irrespective of who it is to move.} 1. Kg7 {%05After} Ke7 2. Bf7 Bd3 3. Bxg6 Bb5 4. Kh6 Kf8 5. Bh5 Bd3 {all White's attempts are doomed to failure, since he has no possibility of reaching h7 with his bishop, without allowing the enemy bishop to seize the h5-e8 diagonal. In the previous example this was achieved by the manoeuvre Bg5-h6-g7, but with a knight's pawn there is no square corresponding to h6.} * [Event "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Site "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Teichmann Richard (GER)"] [Black "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6bp/4K1k1/6P1/5B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] 1. Bb5 {! %05Meanwhile, he could have drawn the game.} (1. Ke4 {? , and after %05In the game White played} Bc8 2. Ke3 Bd7 {! he resigned, since on} 3. Ke4 { there follows} (3. Kd2 {, then %05while if} Kf2 {!} 4. Bc4 Kxg2 5. Ke1 Kg1 {!} (5... h3 6. Bf1+) 6. Bf1 Be6 7. Bb5 h3 8. Bc6 h2 9. Be4 Bh3 10. Bd5 Bg2 { [%eval -550,0]}) 3... Bc6+ 4. Ke3 Bxg2) 1... Kxg2 (1... Be6 {%05Or} 2. Bc6 Bc4 3. Be4 Bf1 4. Bd5 Bxg2 5. Be6 {, and position ~3($402036)~ is obtained with colours reversed.}) 2. Kf4 {!} (2. Bc6+ {%05But not} Kg3 {followed by ... h3-h2 and ... Bh3-g2.}) 2... Be6 3. Bc6+ Kf2 (3... Kh2 {%05After} 4. Bb7 h3 5. Be4 Kg1 6. Kg3 h2 {position ~3($412032)~ is reached with colours reversed.}) 4. Bd5 {!} Bd7 (4... Bxd5 {%05or} 5. Kg4) 5. Bc6 {!} Bh3 6. Bd5 Bg2 7. Be6 { Draw. In the following studies the better placing of White's pieces enables him to queen his pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Isenegger"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/4p3/P7/6B1/1b6/7K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. a6 Bd5 2. Kg3 e5 3. Bc8 {! Now White has created a threat from the other side. Against 4. Bb7 Black has only one defence.} (3. Bf3 {%04with %05Black intends answering} e4 4. Bg2 Ke7 5. Kf4 Kd6 6. a7 Kc7 {, when the pawn is stopped.}) 3... Bc4 4. a7 Bd5 5. Bh3 {! Now that White's pawn is one step away from the queening square, he reverts to his initial plan.} Ke7 6. Bg2 e4 7. Kf4 e3 8. Bf3 Kd6 9. Kxe3 {, and the pawn cannot be stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4K1bp/P7/7k/8/6B1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] 1. a5 Bh4 (1... Kg3 {, then %05If} 2. Kf5 {!} Bf4 3. Bh2+ {!}) (1... Bd8 { there follows %05while on} 2. Bb6) (1... Kg4 {, then %05Finally, if} 2. a6 Bf4+ 3. Kd5 {!} Bb8 4. Kc6 Kg3 5. Kb7 Kg2 6. Kxb8 Kxg1 7. a7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. a6 Bg3+ 3. Ke4 Bb8 4. Kf3 {!} Kh4 (4... h4 5. Bf2 {leads to the loss of the pawn.} ) 5. Be3 {! Unexpectedly Black is in zugzwang.} Kh3 6. Bf2 Kh2 (6... h4 {%05or} 7. Bg1) 7. Bg3+ {[%eval 550,0] In this study a great impression is created by the play of the centralized king, which has time to go to both sides of the board. In the following position White's pawn is again much more dangerous than the black one, but if Black can manage to play ...e4, he will draw without difficulty.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hauacker"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1B6/8/7P/4p3/3b3k/8/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. Ba7 {! %05White finds an artistic way of preventing ...e4.} Ba1 2. Kb1 Bc3 3. Kc2 Ba1 4. Bd4 {!! This move deserves even three exclamation marks. Both after} exd4 (4... Bxd4 {%05and after} 5. Kd3 Ba1 6. Ke4 {, Black is powerless to stop the pawn.}) 5. Kd3 {A classic example on the theme of interference!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Issler"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/3B4/5P2/6p1/8/3bk3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] 1. Kf7 {!! White threatens to queen his pawn after 2. Be6 and 3. Kg7, so Black has no time to lose. %05The win is achieved by the subtle} Be2 {, so as to transfer the bishop onto the e8-h5 diagonal. %05There only remains} (1... g4 { %05The sacrifice of his pawn suggests itself, so as to gain time to bring his king up to the pawn:} 2. Bxg4 Kf4 {, but after} 3. Be6 Kg5 4. Ke7 {!} Bg6 5. Bf7 Bc2 6. Be8 Bb3 7. Bd7 {it turns out that there is no defence against 8. Be6.}) 2. Ke7 {!} Bh5 3. Be8 g4 4. Bxh5 g3 5. Bf3 {! (this spectacular move is the whole point)} Kxf3 6. f7 g2 7. f8=Q+ {, and wins. We will now consider an instance where both sides queen, but one of the queens is immediately lost.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cohn G"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/1P6/2k5/7p/8/6b1/8/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. Be3 {%05If Black did not have his h-pawn, this would be a won position for White, as stated earlier. It turns out that the pawn does not save Black.} Be5 (1... h4 {there follows %05Black is forced to move his bishop, losing a tempo, since on} 2. Bf2 {!} Bh2 3. Bxh4) 2. Ba7 h4 3. Bb8 Bxb8 4. Kxb8 h3 5. Kc8 h2 6. b8=Q h1=Q 7. Qa8+ {There is a similar finish to the following study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Liburkin Mark S (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/bp5P/8/B7/8/4k2K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. h6 Bc3 (1... Bd2 {%05Black loses immediately after} 2. h7 Bc3 3. Bb4) 2. Bf8 b4 3. Bg7 {A position of tension has been reached. White's plan is to play his king to g6 followed by h6-h7, which Black tries to prevent.} Kf2 4. Kh2 Kf3 5. Kh3 Kf4 {Black's idea would appear to have been successful, but there follows} 6. Bxc3 {!} bxc3 7. h7 c2 8. h8=Q c1=Q 9. Qh6+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/bp5P/8/B7/4k3/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] 1. h6 {%05But if black king were at e2, then} Bd2 {would draw. For example:} 2. h7 Bc3 3. Kg2 Kd3 4. Kf3 Kc4 5. Bd6 b4 6. Kf4 b3 7. Be5 Bxe5+ 8. Kxe5 b2 { [%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "B3K3/8/8/P1p5/8/8/2b4k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. a6 {%05This study concludes with a similar finish, but only after more complicated play.} c4 2. a7 c3 3. Bh1 {!} Ba4+ (3... Bg6+ {, then %05If} 4. Ke7 c2 5. a8=Q c1=Q 6. Qg2#) 4. Kf7 {! (only this move wins)} Bc6 {! Black gives up his piece, hoping to draw with queen against queen and bishop.} 5. Bxc6 c2 6. a8=Q c1=Q 7. Qa2+ Kg3 {!} 8. Qg2+ Kf4 (8... Kh4 {there follows %05On} 9. Qf2+ Kg4 (9... Kg5 10. Qg3+) (9... Kh5 {%05or} 10. Bf3+ Kg5 11. Qg3+) 10. Bd7+ Kh5 11. Qf3+ {, with a quick mate.}) 9. Qf3+ Kg5 (9... Ke5 {%05or} 10. Qf6#) 10. Qg3+ Kf5 11. Qg6+ Kf4 12. Qh6+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Santasiere"] [Black "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K1k3/2B4p/P7/1P6/8/4b3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {~12.4 BISHOP AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST BISHOP AND PAWN~ The side with the extra pawn wins if he succeeds in: 1) queening a pawn, or at least winning the bishop for it, obtaining a won ending with an extra bishop. 2) winning the opposing pawn, obtaining a won ending with bishop and pawn against bishop. 3) after the exchange of a pair of pawns, obtaining a won ending with bishop and pawn against bishop. 4) exchanging bishops and obtaining a won pawn ending. Of course, we have covered here only the basic cases. One of the characteristic features of a position is its pawn formation, and we will take this as basis of our analysis. We will consider the following instances, with regard to the two pawns: ~ 2.41 connected pawns, both passed ~ ~ 2.42 connected pawns, one passed. ~ ~ 2.43 connected pawns, neither passed.~ ~ 2.44 isolated pawns, both passed.~ ~ 2.45 isolated pawns, one passed. ~ ~12.41 Connected pawns, both passed~ With two connected passed pawns against one, a win is normally gained without great difficulty. If necessary, one can even give up the bishop for the opponent's lone pawn. Here is a typical instance.} 1. b4 h4 2. b5 Bg3 3. Bg1 h3 4. a5 Kf5 (4... h2 {, then %05if} 5. Bxh2 Bxh2 6. a6 Bb8 7. b6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. b6 Ke4 6. a6 Kf3 7. a7 Kg2 8. Bc5 {(the simplest)} h2 9. a8=Q h1=Q 10. Kd7+ Kh2 11. Qxh1+ Kxh1 12. Bd6 {, and Black resigned. Difficulties can arise only when the opponent's passed pawn is far advanced.} 1-0 [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Black "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/2B5/P1K5/1P3p2/8/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ631 %212045826630=4HLJ649} 1. b5 {%05Black is threatening by the advance of his pawn to win the bishop. White nevertheless succeeds in neutralizing this threat.} f3 2. a6 {!} (2. b6+ {%05not} Kb8 {, when White's pawns lose their mobility)}) 2... f2 3. b6+ Kd8 4. a7 f1=Q 5. a8=Q+ Ke7 6. Qe8+ Kf6 7. Qf8+ $18 {, followed by the exchange on f1. For this reason Black terminated his resistance after 2. a6. But there is no rule without its exceptions.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mikhailov Aleksei I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b7/8/8/1p3B2/p2P4/1k6/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Bd3 {%05White saves the game by exploiting a stalemating possibility.} b4 2. d5 {!} Bxd5 3. Bc2+ {!! (an unexpected blow!)} Ka3 4. Be4 {!} Bg8 5. Bh7 {!} Ba2 6. Bc2 {!} Bb3 7. Be4 Bd1 8. Bc2 {! , with a draw as in example ~3($402064) ~. A far-advanced passed pawn may altogether prove stronger than two, if it cannot be securely stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "Duras Oldrich (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/1K6/P7/k7/6p1/5p2/5B2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] {(conclusion of study)} 1. Bh4 {! %05After} Kb5 2. Be1 {!} g3 3. Bxg3 Bxg3 4. a7 f2 5. a8=Q f1=Q 6. Qa6+ {Black loses his queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3B4/k7/PpK5/1P6/8/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~12.42 Connected pawns, one passed~ If only one of the pawns is passed, the result will normally depend on whether or not the stronger side can win the opposing pawn.} 1. Bf5 {%05White's problem is to place the opponent in zugzwang, for which his possibilities have to be restricted. First the black bishop is forced onto the short diagonal.} Bf1 2. Kd4 Be2 3. Bd3 {!} Bg4 4. Kc5 Bd7 {The bishop has only two squares - e8 and d7. If it can deprived of one, Black will be in zugzwang, and this indeed proves possible.} 5. Bf1 Be8 6. Bh3 {!! Black has no useful move. For example:} Ka7 (6... Bf7 {%05or} 7. Bc8+ { , and the pawn is lost.}) 7. Bg2 Ka6 8. Bc6 {[%eval 550,0] Shifting this position one file to the right, we again obtain a won position:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4B3/1k6/1PpK4/2P5/8/5b2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Bg5 {Black can play %05After} Bd4 2. Ke4 Bc3 3. Be3 Bb4 4. Kd5 Ba3 {, but then the bishop is lacking in space. White continues} 5. Bg5 Bb4 (5... Kb7 { %05or} 6. Be7 Kb6 7. Bd8+ Kb7 8. Ba5) 6. Be7 Ba3 7. Bd8+ Kb7 8. Ba5 {! , and again Black is in zugzwang.} Ka7 {%05He loses both after} (8... Bb4 {%05, and after} 9. Bxb4 cxb4 10. Kd4 Kb6 11. Kd3 Kc5 12. Kc2 Kb6 13. Kb2) 9. Kc6 { [%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5B2/2k5/2PpK3/3P4/8/6b1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {But this position turns out to be drawn, since the black bishop has a sufficient number of squares on the a2-c4 diagonal.} 1. Bh5 Be4 2. Kf4 Bd3 3. Bf3 Bc4 4. Ke5 Bb3 5. Bh5 Bc4 6. Bf7 Bb3 7. Be8+ Kc7 8. Bb5 Ba2 {, and White has not achieved anything.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6B1/3k4/3PpK2/4P3/8/7b/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Shifting position ~3( 2101)~ a further file to the right, we again obtain a winning position, since a new attacking possibility.} 1. Bf8+ {%05White continues} Kd7 2. Bc5 Bg3 3. Ba7 {, winning easily, since he threatens 4. Bb8,} Kc7 {there follows %05and on} 4. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/p7/2K5/PP6/5b2/2B5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {~12.43 Connected pawns, neither passed~ Here, all other things being equal, the stronger side has few winning chances.} 1. Bd3 {%05All White's aggressive attempts are easily parried.} (1. b5 {%05or} axb5 2. axb5 Kb7 3. b6 Kb8 { [%eval 0,0]}) 1... Bd1 2. a5 Kb7 {, with a clear draw,} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/p7/2K5/PP6/5b2/2B5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1. b6 {^013^010 %05Winning chances appear if position ~3($402103)~ is^013^010 %05moved one rank up the board.^013^010 %05The black king has been pressed onto the back rank, %05and the white pawns have become more dangerous.^013^010 %05Exact defence is demanded of Black.^013^010 %05 Thus on} Kb8 {! when only a draw results from %05The correct continuation is} (1... axb6 {%05he loses after } 2. axb6 Kb8 3. b7 Bg3 4. Kb6 Bc7+ 5. Ka6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Bf6 Bg3 3. Bd8 Bf4 4. Bc7+ Bxc7 5. bxc7+ Kc8 6. Kd6 a6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/1p6/3K4/1PP5/6b1/3B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {If position ~3( 2105)~ is shifted one file to the right, the resulting position will again be dangerous for Black.} 1. c6 {%05After} (1. Bc4 {, when Black loses after %05Instead of 1. c6, there is also the possibility of} Bf5 {? } (1... Bh3 {%05or ?}) (1... Bd7 {! %05But Black nevertheless draws by} 2. b6 Ba4 3. Be6 Bb5 {, when White is unable to improve his position.}) 2. b6 {!} (2. Be6 {%05Also possible is} Bd3 3. c6 (3. Bd7 {also wins %05Note that} Be4 4. b6 Bg2 5. Be6 (5. c6 {??} Bxc6 6. Bxc6 Kc8 {!!}) 5... Bf3 6. Bd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3. b6 {%05but not} Bb5 {! , with a draw}) 3... bxc6 4. bxc6 {, and wins.}) 2... Bg4 (2... Kc8 3. Be6+) (2... Be4 {%05or} 3. Bd5) (2... Bc2 {%05or else} 3. c6 {!} bxc6 4. b7) 3. Bd5 (3. c6 {%05but not} Kc8 {, with a draw}) 3... Kc8 4. Be6+ {, with a won pawn ending.}) 1... Kc8 {!} (1... bxc6 {?} 2. bxc6 {leads to a lost ending}) 2. Bg6 {Black obtains a draw by} Kb8 (2... Bh3 {%05passive defence by} 3. Be8 Bg4 {loses for Black. White continues} 4. Bd7+ Bxd7 5. cxd7+ Kd8 6. Ke6 b6 7. Ke5 {!} Kxd7 8. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 3. Be8 bxc6 {!} 4. bxc6 Ka7 {, for example:} 5. Ke7 Kb6 6. Kd8 Kc5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/2p5/4K3/2PP4/7b/4B3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] 1. Bd4 {! An important move. White does not allow the black king to reach c8. %05White wins in an extremely interesting and instructive way.} (1. d6 { does not win after %05This position is even worse for Black, but here too the direct} cxd6 {! (in contrast to the preceding positions, only this exchange gives a draw).} (1... Kd8 {%05Black loses after} 2. d7 Be7 (2... c6 3. Kd6 Be7+ 4. Kxc6 Bxc5 5. Bg5+) 3. c6 Bf6 4. Bf4 Bh4 5. Be5 Bg5 6. Bg3 Bf6 7. Bxc7+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. cxd6 {, and position ~3($402038)~ is reached, where} Kf8 { ! gives a draw.}) 1... Be7 {! The strongest move, making it difficult for White to realize his advantage.} 2. c6 {!} Ba3 3. Bf6 {! (the king must not be allowed to reach c8)} Bb4 4. Kf5 Kf7 (4... Bd6 {, then %05if} 5. Be5) 5. Bg5 {! } Bc5 6. Ke4 Kg6 (6... Bd6 {can be met by %05White has positioned his pieces so that} 7. Bf4 {, exchanging bishops, and he now intends to take his king to c8 and win the black pawn. Therefore Black can no longer continue playing passively. He must quickly take his king up to the d-pawn, so as to attempt to obtain a drawn ending with bishop against bishop and pawn.}) 7. Bf4 Bb6 8. Kd3 Kf5 9. Bg3 Ba5 10. Kc4 Ke4 11. Bh2 {%05The win is achieved by:} (11. d6 { %05White seems to win now by} cxd6 12. Kb5 Bd8 {!} 13. Bf2 Bc7 14. Bb6 Bb8 15. Ba7 {!} Bc7 16. Ka6 d5 17. Kb7 {, but after} Bh2 {!!} 18. Bb8 d4 19. Bxh2 d3 { the pawns queen simultaneously.}) 11... Bb6 12. Bg1 {!} Ba5 (12... Bxg1 { , then %05If} 13. d6 Bh2 14. d7 {, and Black's bishop is powerless to stop the d-pawn.}) 13. Kc5 {! This continuation, suggested by Dzhenandian, wins most easily.} Bb6+ (13... Bc3 {, then %05If} 14. d6 cxd6+ 15. Kb5) (13... Ke5 { , then %05while if} 14. Bh2+ {followed by} Ke4 15. Bxc7 Bxc7 16. d6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kb5 Bxg1 15. d6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3B4/6b1/6P1/2p5/P1k5/8/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {~12.44 Isolated pawns, both passed~ If the two pawns are isolate, and the opposing pawn is also passed, the stronger side wins if he is able to block the opposing pawn with his king or bishop, while simultaneously advancing his own passed pawns. The following study is an excellent illustration of this.} 1. Ba5 {! %05Black is threatening to play 1... Kb4 2. a5 Kb5, tying White's bishop to the defence of his a-pawn, after which both of his pawns will be stopped.^013^010 %05 White therefore continues} Kb3 (1... Kd5 2. Ke2 Kc6 3. Kd3 Kb7 4. Bc3 Bh6 5. Ke4 {!} Kb6 6. Kd5 Bf8 7. Bd2 Bg7 8. Be3 Ka5 9. Bxc5 Kxa4 10. Bd4 Bh6 11. Ke6 Kb4 12. Kf7 Kc4 13. Be3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Bc3 {!!} Kxc3 (2... Bxc3 3. a5 {, and the bishop cannot cope with the pawns}) 3. a5 Kb2 4. a6 c4 5. a7 c3 6. a8=Q c2 7. Qb7+ Ka2 8. Qf7+ Ka3 9. Qc7 Kb3 10. Ke2 Bh6 11. Kd3 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/5b2/1P1K2p1/8/4BP2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {~12.45 Isolated pawns, one passed~ If the stronger side manages to win the opposing pawn, the win is normally beyond doubt. The following example shows a typical position.} 1. Bd3 {%05White wins most simply by} Bd7 2. Ke4 Bc6+ 3. Kf4 Bf3 4. Bf5 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sokolsky Alexey (BLR)"] [Black "Lipnitsky Isaak (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/2B2k2/1P6/7p/8/b6K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ631 %212045826630=4HLJ657} 1... Be5 2. Bf8 Ke4 3. Be7 Kd5 4. Bh4 Bd6 {!} 5. Be1 Kc4 6. Bd2 Bxb4 7. Bf4 Kd5 {!} 8. Be3 Bd6 $19 {We have reached position ~3($412077)~. Black cannotplay ... c5 because of Bc5, but he wins by sacrificinghis h-pawn, as already examined. We know that in certain cases a bishop and two pawns do not win against a bishop. One such exception is shown in the following position.} 0-1 [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Goglidze Viktor A (RUS)"] [Black "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5B2/4p2k/2K1P2P/8/5b2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ631 %212045826630=4HLJ657} 1. Kd6 {%05White wins the opposing pawn by} Bg4 2. Kd7 Kg7 3. Ke7 Bd1 {!} 4. Kxe6 {but after} Bg4+ (4... Bb3+ 5. Ke7 Bxf7 {?} 6. h6+ Kg6 7. h7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Ke7 Be2 {= we reach position ~3($412078)~, which is drawn. It is not always possible for the stronger side to win the opposing pawn without giving up one of his own. Sometimes an exchange of pawns occurs, leading to an ending with bishop and pawn against bishop, where the result will depend on the evaluation of this ending.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Boston (USA)"] [Site "Boston (USA)"] [Date "1918.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Santasiere"] [Black "Kashdan Isaac (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/1P1K1p2/3B4/5Pb1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1918.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ631 %212045826630=4HLJ657} 1. Ke7 {%05If White's bishop were at e4, he would be able to play 1. f5 and 2. Ke6, winning the black pawn. ^013^010 %05 But now this does not work, since Black answers 1. Be4 with 1... f5, when the pawn is defended by the bishop. Nevertheless, White succeeds in winning, although, as we will see, the result depends on a single tempo.} f5 2. Kf6 Bh3 3. Ke5 (3. Kg5 {? , then %05If} Kc8 4. Be6+ Kb7 5. Bxf5 Bg2 6. Bd3 Bh3 7. Be2 Kxb6 8. Bg4 Bf1 9. f5 Kc5 10. f6 Bc4 11. Kg6 Kd6 12. Kg7 Ke5 13. Bh5 Kf4 {!= , with a draw.}) 3... Kc8 (3... Bg4 {, since %05more tenacious is} 4. Be6 { ?} (4. Bg2 {! %05But even this would not have saved the game. White has a very elegant win:} Kc8 5. Kf6 {!} Kb8 6. Kg5 Kc8 7. Be4 {!!} Kb8 (7... fxe4 8. Kxg4 Kb7 9. f5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Bxf5 Bf3 9. Bh7 Kb7 10. f5 Kxb6 11. f6 Bd5 12. Kg6 Kc5 13. Kg7 Kd6 14. Bg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4... Kb7 5. Bxf5 Be2 6. Be6 Kxb6 7. f5 Kc5 8. f6 Bh5 {= leads only to a draw.}) 4. Be6+ Kb7 5. Bxf5 Bf1 6. Be6 Kxb6 (6... Bd3 {? %05The game took a different course:} 7. Kd4 $18 {, and Black resigned.}) 7. f5 Kc7 8. f6 Kd8 9. Bf7 {!} Kd7 10. Kf5 Kd6 11. Kg6 Bb5 12. Kg7 Ke5 13. Bg8 $18 {, and Black is one tempo short. Both at g4 and at h3 the black bishop proved to be badly placed. White was able to exploit it each time to gain a decisive tempo for the resulting ending of bishop and pawn against bishop. With the black bishop at d3, White is no longer able to win, although Black's defence has to be very exact.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/1P1K1p2/3B4/5P2/3b4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Ke6 f5 2. Ke5 Bc2 3. Be6 (3. Kd4 {Then the natural %05White can try to squeeze the black bishop off the b1-e4 diagonal by playing} Bb1 {loses, although it is true that White has to find a study-like way to win.} (3... Bd1 {! , White's plan would be unrealizable, since on %05But if Black plays the correct} 4. Bc4 {there follows} Kb7 5. Kc5 Bc2) (3... Kc8 {, and if %05Also possible is} 4. Bc4 {, then} Kb7 5. Bd3 Bd1 {!} 6. Kc5 Bg4 {, when White again cannot win, for example:} 7. Bc2 Kb8 8. Kd4 Kb7) 4. Bc4 {!} Kb7 5. Bd3 Ba2 6. Kc5 Be6 7. Bc2 {!} Bc8 (7... Kb8 {%05Or} 8. Kd6 Bc8 9. Ke5 Ba6 10. Bxf5 Kb7 11. Be6 Kxb6 12. f5 Kc7 13. f6 Kd8 14. Bf7 Kd7 15. Kf5 Kd6 16. Kg6 Bd3+ 17. Kg7 Ke5 18. Bg8 {, and wins.}) 8. Bb3 Bd7 9. Bd5+ Kb8 10. Bc4 {!} Kb7 (10... Kc8 { %05No better is} 11. Kd6 Ba4 12. Be6+ Kb7 13. Bxf5 Kxb6 14. Be4 Be8 15. f5 Kb5 16. f6 Kc4 17. Ke7 Bh5 18. Bc6 Kd4 19. Be8) (10... Ba4 {%05or} 11. Bd3 Bd7 12. Kd6 Bc8 13. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Bb3 {!} Kb8 (11... Bc8 {%05Or} 12. Bd5+ Kb8 13. Kd4 {!!} Ba6 14. Bc4 {!} Bc8 15. Ke5 Bd7 16. Bd5 Bc8 17. Bc6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 12. Kd6 {!} Be8 (12... Bb5 {loses to} 13. Bc2 Kb7 14. Bxf5 Kxb6 15. Be4 Be8 16. f5 Kb5 17. f6) 13. Be6 Kb7 14. Bxf5 Kxb6 15. Bd3 {!} Kb7 16. f5 Kc8 17. Ke7 Bh5 18. f6 {, and wins.}) 3... Kb7 4. Bxf5 Bd1 5. Be4+ Kxb6 6. f5 Kc7 7. f6 Bh5 {, and from the foregoing it is clearly pointless to attempt to win. The following position is even more difficult to evaluate. Again White cannot win the black pawn without giving up his own passed pawn. It is true that the pawns are more widely separated, so that after the exchange the black king will be further away from White's pawn. On the other hand, the b3 pawn has to cross the black bishop's diagonal three times (at b4, b6 and b8), which allows Black to approach with his king.} * [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1916.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Janowski Dawid M (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/6P1/1p1K4/3B4/1P6/3b4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1916.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {is a typical Capablanca move. He is in no hurry to force events, but first tries every chance. %05Capablanca played} (1. Kc5 {%05But why not} b4 2. Kc4 Be1 3. Bc5 Kg7 4. Bxb4 {? A thorough analysis shows that in this case Black can draw.} Bg3 {! (as we will see below, the most exact move)} (4... Bf2 {also does not lose, although in this case the draw is achieved in study-like fashion. After} 5. Bc3+ Kxg6 6. b4 Kf7 7. Bd4 Bg3 8. b5 Bc7 {!} 9. Kd5 Ke7 10. Kc6 Kd8 11. Bb6 {Black is saved by} Kc8 {!!}) (4... Bh4 {loses: %05It is curious that only} 5. Bc3+ Kxg6 6. b4 {, and now:} Kf7 (6... Kf5 7. Kd5 Bd8 8. b5 Kf4 9. Be5+ Ke3 10. Kc6 Kd3 11. Bc7 Bg5 12. b6) 7. b5 Bd8 (7... Ke6 8. b6 Kd7 9. Kb5 Bg3 10. b7 Kc7 11. Ka6) 8. Kd5 Ke8 9. Kc6 {followed by Bc7 and b6-b7.}) 5. Bc3+ Kxg6 6. b4 Kf7 7. b5 Bc7 {! It should be clear from the foregoing that with the pawn at b7 the position is won.} 8. Kd5 Ke7 9. Kc6 Kd8 10. Kb7 Kd7 {, and the drawn position has been reached.}) 1... b4 2. Be3 Bc3 3. Kd3 Be1 4. Bd2 Bf2 5. Ke4 Bc5 {?} (5... Kg7 {%05After} 6. Kf5 Bc5 7. Bf4 Bf2 8. Be5+ Kg8 {White would have had nothing better than to take his king to the c4 pawn, which should have led only to a draw. The move played allows White to gain the extra tempo he needs.}) 6. Kd5 {!} Be7 (6... Bf2 {fails to} 7. Bxb4 Kg7 8. Bc3+ Kxg6 9. b4 Kf7 10. Bd4 Bg3 11. b5 Bc7 12. Kc6 Ba5 13. Be5 Ke8 14. Bc7 Bb4 15. b6) 7. Kc4 Kg7 8. Bxb4 Bd8 9. Bc3+ {?} (9. Bd2 {! , as shown in our analysis of position ~3($402052)~. %05White could have forced a win by}) 9... Kxg6 10. b4 Kf5 11. Kd5 {We have reached position ~3($402052)~, in which^013^010 Janowski resigned, although, as we have established,^013^010 he could have drawn. This example shows clearly that in such endings the realization of the advantage often involves considerable difficulties, since at times the result can depend on a single tempo.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/4p3/2P5/3KBP2/7b/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {It is not surprising that White is unable to win in this position.} 1. Bc2 { %05We will examine some possible variations.} Bg4 2. Ba4+ Kc7 {! The only move. } (2... Ke7 {%05After} 3. Ke5 Bh3 4. c6 (4. Bb5 Bg2 5. c6 Bf3 6. c7 Bb7 7. Ba4 Ba6 8. Bb3 Kd7 9. Bxe6+ Kxc7 {=}) 4... Bg2 (4... Bf1) 5. c7 Bb7 6. Bb5 {!} Bc8 7. Bc4 {Black can resign.}) 3. Ke5 Bh3 {!} (3... Bf5 {loses to} 4. Bb3 Kd7 5. Bd5 {!!} exd5 (5... Bh3 6. c6+ Ke7 (6... Kc7 {%05or} 7. Bxe6 Bg2 8. Bd5) 7. Bb3 Bg2 8. Ba4 Bf3 (8... Bf1 9. c7 Ba6) 9. c7 Bb7 10. Bb5 {!}) 6. Kxf5 Kc6 7. Ke5 Kxc5 8. f5 Kc6 9. f6 Kd7 10. Kxd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Bb3 (4. Kf6 {, then %05If } Kd8 {!} 5. Kf7 (5. c6 Kc7 6. Ke7 Bg4 7. Bb3 e5 {!}) 5... Bg4 6. Bb5 Bf5 7. Be8 Bg4 8. Kf8 Be2 {!} 9. c6 Bc4 10. Bd7 Bd5 11. Kg7 Ke7 {, with a draw.}) 4... Kd7 5. c6+ Kxc6 6. Bxe6 Bf1 7. f5 Bd3 8. f6 Bg6 9. Bb3 (9. Kf4 {, then %05If} Kd6 10. Kg5 Be8 11. Bb3 Ke5 {with a draw.}) 9... Kc5 10. Kf4 Kd6 11. Kg5 Be8 12. Kh6 Ke5 13. Kg7 Kf4 {= Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7p/4k3/8/4PB1K/6P1/5b2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] {Whie's attempts to win were unsuccessful in this position .} 1. Kh4 Kf6 2. Kh5 Kg7 3. e4 Bd3 4. e5 Bg6+ 5. Kg4 Kf7 6. Bd5+ Ke7 7. Kf4 Bh7 8. g3 Kf8 (8... Kd7 {%05or} 9. Be4 Bg8 10. Bf5+ Ke7 11. Bc8 Bh7) 9. Be4 Bg8 10. Bf3 Ke7 11. Kg4 Ke6 12. Kf4 (12. Kh5 Kxe5 13. Kxh6 Be6 {with a draw}) 12... Ke7 13. Bg4 Bb3 14. Bc8 Kf7 {Draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Veresov Gavriil (BLR)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1b2k2p/1P2B2P/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {The following ending is highly instructive.} {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ631 %212045826630=4HLJ657} 1... Ba4 {%05If one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, and its queening square is of the opposite colour to that of the bishop, additional difficulties arise in trying to realize the advantage.^013^010 %05 Here White's pawn cannot advance, and his king cannot break through to the enemy pawn on account of the black king's strong position. And even so White manages to win, by exploiting the fact that the black pawn is on a square of the same colour as the bishop. If the pawn were at h6, White would evidently be unable to win.} (1... Be8 {, then %05If} 2. Bf3 Kf5 3. Be2 {!} (3. Kd4 {?} Kf4 4. Bd5 Kg3 5. Kc5 Kxh4 6. Bc6 Bxc6 7. Kxc6 Kg4 8. b5 h4 {= , with a draw}) 3... Ke5 4. Bd3 {!} Kd5 (4... Bd7 5. Bg6 Kd5 6. Bxh5 Kc4 7. Be2+ Kxb4 8. h5 Bf5 9. Bd3 Be6 10. h6 Bg8 11. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kf4 Kd4 6. Be2 Kc3 7. Bxh5 {! } Bxh5 8. b5 $18 {and so on.}) 2. Bg6 Bd1 3. b5 Kd5 4. Kf4 Kc5 5. Kg5 {!} Be2 { !} (5... Kxb5 {there follows %05In the event of} 6. Bxh5 Bc2 7. Be8+ Kc5 8. h5 Kd6 9. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 6. Be8 {!} (6. Bxh5 {? %05Not} Bxb5 7. Bg4 Be8 8. Bf5 Kd6 9. Bg6 Ke7 {!= with a draw.}) 6... Kb6 7. Bxh5 Bxb5 8. Bg4 Be8 9. Bf5 Kc7 10. Bg6 Kd8 11. Kf6 {!$18 , and Black resigned.} (11. Bxe8 {? would have led to draw. %05It was not yet too late to go wrong}) 1-0 [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Eliskases Erich G (AUT)"] [Black "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/1P5p/K7/7P/3B4/6b1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ631 %212045826630=4HLJ657} 1. Ba6+ Kc6 {? Curiously enough, this move is the decisive mistake.} (1... Kb8 {! , this manoeuvre would not have won. For example: %05While is intending to take his king over to the K-side, in order to win the black h-pawn, but if Black had played the correct} 2. Kb4 Bb7 {!} 3. Be2 (3. Kb5 h5 {!=}) (3. Bxb7 {%05or} Kxb7 4. Kc5 h5 { != with a drawn ending}) 3... Bg2 4. Kc5 Kb7 5. Kd6 Kxb6 6. Ke6 Kc6 7. Kf6 Kd6 8. Kg6 Ke7 9. Kxh6 Kf8 {= , with a draw.}) 2. Bc8 {!} Bf1 {(3. Ka6 was threatened)} 3. Bg4 Bd3 (3... Kb7 {? %05Black no longer draws after} 4. Bf3+ Kb8 5. Kb4 Ba6 6. Kc5 Bb7 7. Bxb7 Kxb7 8. h5 {!$18}) 4. Bf3+ Kd6 5. Bb7 Be2 6. Ba6 {! The battle for the diagonals between the bishops is most instructive. White restricts the black bishop's field of activity by driving it off the f1-a6 and c8-a6 diagonals.} Bf3 7. Bf1 Bb7 8. Bh3 Ke7 (8... Kc5 {%05If} 9. Bg4 Kc4 {, then} 10. Be2+ Kc5 11. Ba6 Bf3 12. Bc8 $18 {, and the white king penetrates to a7.}) 9. Kb5 Kd6 10. Bg4 Ke7 11. Kc5 Bg2 12. Bc8 Kd8 13. Ba6 Bf3 (13... Kd7 {%05No better is} 14. Bc4 Kc8 15. Bd5 Bxd5 16. Kxd5 Kb7 17. Ke5 $18) 14. Kd6 Bg2 15. Bc4 Kc8 16. Bd5 Bf1 {(at last the white king has cleared itself a way)} 17. Ke6 Be2 18. Kf6 Kd7 19. Kg6 h5 20. Kg5 Kd6 21. Bf7 Kc6 22. Bxh5 $18 {, and Black resigned. This example is instructive in that it demonstrates the difficulties arising in the realization of an extra pawn. Despite the fact that there were five files between the pawns, the win was rather complicated.} * [Event "corr."] [Site "corr."] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Seibold"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/8/2B1pkb1/8/P1K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "47"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ631 %212045826630=4HLJ657 In this position the distance between the pawns is three files. Let us see how this reflects on the evaluation of the position.} 1. Bd5 {?} (1. Kd2 {! %05 But in the course of the play White made a mistake, which Black failed to exploit. Thus 1. Bd5 was wrong, a draw being given by} e3+ 2. Ke1 {=}) 1... e3 2. Kd3 Bf5+ {?} (2... Bd7 {! (or 2... Bc8!) was correct, for example: %05Black in turn went wrong with 2. .. Bf5, instead of which} 3. Ke2 Bb5+ 4. Ke1 a5 5. a3 Ke5 6. Bb3 Kd4 7. a4 (7. Bc2 {%05Or} Kc3 8. Bd1 Bc4 9. a4 Bb3 $19 {, and wins.}) 7... Bd7 8. Ke2 (8. Bc2 Kc3 9. Bd1 Be8 $19) 8... Bg4+ 9. Ke1 Kc3 10. Bd5 Bd7 11. Ke2 Bxa4 {!} 12. Kxe3 Bb5 {!} 13. Kf2 a4 14. Ke1 Kc2 15. Be4+ Kc1 16. Bd5 a3 17. Be6 Ba4 18. Bd5 Kc2 19. Ke2 Bb3 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 3. Ke2 Bd7 4. Bc4 Ke4 (4... a5 {%05Note that Black would not have won by} 5. Bd3 a4 6. a3 {!} Bc6 7. Bc2 Bb5+ 8. Ke1 Ke5 9. Bd1 Kd4 10. Bc2 Kc4 11. Bd1 Kc3 {, as White draws by study-like} 12. Bc2 {!!=}) 5. Bd3+ Kd4 6. Ba6 Bg4+ 7. Ke1 Kc5 8. a4 (8. Bb7 {%05Black was threatening ... Kb4-a3, for example:} Kb4 9. Bd5 Ka3 10. Bc4 a5 11. Bb3 a4 12. Bc2 Kb4 13. Be4 a3 14. Bd5 Kc3 15. Bf7 Kb2 16. Bd5 Bf5 17. Ke2 Bb1 18. Kxe3 Bxa2 {[%eval -550,0]}) 8... Kb4 9. Bb5 Ka5 10. Be8 a6 11. Bc6 Kb6 12. Be8 Kc5 13. Kf1 Be6 14. Ke2 Kd4 15. Bc6 Bc4+ 16. Ke1 Kc5 17. Bd7 Kb4 18. Bc6 a5 19. Bd7 {Black has carried out the standard plan. He has taken his king up to the white pawn, and is now ready to win it. The defence which White has chosen is undoubtedly the best. The pawn must be on a square of the same colour as the bishop, so that it can be defended.} Bb3 20. Ke2 Bxa4 21. Bg4 {!! The only move to draw.} (21. Be6 {?} Bb5+ 22. Kxe3 Kc3 $19) (21. Bf5 {! %05and} Bb5+ 22. Kxe3 Kc3 $19 {both lose.}) 21... Kc3 (21... Bb5+ {there follows %05On} 22. Kxe3 a4 23. Kd2 {= , with a draw.}) 22. Kxe3 Bb5 23. Bd1 Bc4 24. Ba4 {= Draw. Here the position of the black bishop on the d1-b3 diagonal proved decisive. To conclude with, we will examine two positions in which the passed pawn is a rook's pawn. We know that a passed pawn is especially effective if it can be supported by the king.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Site "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4bkBK/5p2/5P2/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ631 %212045826630=4HLJ657} 1. Kh7 {%05White's king is both supporting his passed pawn, and hindering its advance. The result will depend on whether or not Black can succeed in not allowing the enemy king out of the cage.} Bd5 2. h4 Bc4 3. h5 Bd5 4. Be8 {!} (4. h6 {? %05of course, not} Bf7 { != with a draw}) 4... Be6 5. h6 Bf7 6. Bd7 {!} Bc4 7. Bxf5 {! (this is the whole point)} Kf7 8. Bd7 Bd3+ 9. f5 Kf8 10. Be6 $18 {, and so on.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5pB1/8/3k1Pbp/8/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ631 %212045826630=4HLJ657} 1... Be1 {%05Black's king has great freedom of movement, but it is powerless to support the passed pawn or attack the enemy pawn.^013^010 %05 Black tried his last chance:} 2. Kg1 { Black was unable to achieve anything: %05But after} (2. Bh6 {? %05Now White loses after} Bd2 {!} 3. Bg7 Ke3 4. Bh6+ Kxf3 5. Bxd2 h2 $19) 2... Bd2 3. Bf6 Ke2 4. Kh2 Kxf3 5. Kxh3 {= , with a draw. The fact that Black had a rook's pawn proved unfortunate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4pB2/8/2k1Pbp1/8/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... e4 {followed by 2... Kd3 wins easily %05If position ~3($412120)~ is shifted one file to the left} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/2b2pp1/p6p/8/8/7P/PP3PP1/4B1K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {~12.5 ENDINGS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF PAWNS~ In this chapter we will be examining positions where each side has at least two pawns. ~12.51 Exploitation of an extra pawn~ In endings with a large number of pawns, an extra pawn is normally enough to win. The winning plan can be divided into the following basic steps: 1) The king and bishop take up their best positions. 2) The pawns are arranged in the most advantageous way possible - the creation of a passed pawn is prepared. 3) Having improved the positioning of the pieces and pawns, a passed pawn is created and advanced with the king's support. Subsequent events depend on the plan of defence: 4) If the opponent attempts to blockade the pawn with his bishop, the king and bishop drive away or block out the bishop, thus ensuring the further advance of the pawn. 5) If the pawn is blockaded by the enemy king on a square inaccessible to the bishop, the further advance of the pawn is impossible. But, exploiting the fact that the enemy king has been diverted by the pawn, the stronger side takes his king to the pawns on the opposite flank, where it makes a decisive gain of material. We will meet with various details of the following examples.} 1. Kf1 { %05Observe how White realizes his advantage.} Kf8 2. Ke2 Ke8 3. Kd3 {! The king heads for the best square, c4, where it can support the creation of a passed pawn.} Kd7 4. Kc4 {! (improving the king's position has been carried out)} Kc6 5. Bc3 g6 6. b4 Bb6 7. f3 Bc7 8. a4 Bb6 9. Bd4 {The bishop has also taken up a strong central position, from where it can support the future passed pawn on the b-file.} Bc7 10. b5+ {Since the pieces and pawns are positioned as well as possible, the next step can begin.} axb5+ 11. axb5+ Kb7 ( 11... Kd7 {%05The attempt to stop the pawn with the bishop is unsuccessful:} 12. b6 Bg3 13. Kd5 Bf4 14. Be5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Kd5 {All according to plan. With his passed pawn White has diverted the black king, gaining the opportunity to take his king over to the enemy pawns.} Bb8 (12... Bf4 {%05If} 13. Be5 Be3 {, then} 14. Kd6 {, and in return for the b-pawn White wins at least two pawns on the K-side.}) 13. b6 Bh2 14. Be5 Bg1 15. Kd6 Kxb6 16. Ke7 Kc5 17. Kxf7 Kd5 18. Bg7 h5 19. Kxg6 {[%eval 550,0] This was an idealized example. White carried out his plan without difficulty, and Black had no way of countering it. In practice it more often happens that the implementation of the plan involves certain difficulties - the weaker side has counter-chances, which have to be reckoned with. We will subsequently examine a number of such positions.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nei Iivo (EST)"] [Black "Kan Ilya A (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/4pp1p/3p2p1/3P2P1/p4P1P/1bP2B2/1K6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ670 In this position Black has no need to create a passed pawn - he already has one. He must first improve the position of his king.} 1... Ke8 2. Ka3 Kd8 3. Kb4 Kc7 4. Be4 Kb6 {The one square through which the black king can penetrate (c5) is defended by the opposing king. Black therefore sacrifices his passed pawn to divert the white king, so as to break in with his king via c5, which is bound to lead to a material advantage.^013^010 The game continued:} 5. Bg2 Bc2 6. Bf3 Bb3 7. Be4 Bd1 8. Bg2 (8. c4 {, then after %05If} a3 {!} 9. Bb1 Bc2 {!} 10. Ba2 Bf5 11. Bb3 Bb1 12. Kxa3 Kc5 13. Kb2 Kb4 {!} (13... Bf5 {?} 14. Kc3 {= , and the black king cannot break through}) 14. c5 dxc5 15. d6 exd6 16. Bxf7 Be4 17. Bg8 d5 18. Bxh7 d4 19. h5 d3 20. Bxg6 d2 $19 {Black again wins.}) 8... a3 {!} 9. Kxa3 Kc5 10. Be4 Be2 11. f5 Bc4 12. fxg6 hxg6 13. Bf3 Bxd5 14. h5 gxh5 15. Bxh5 Kc4 16. Kb2 Kd3 17. g6 fxg6 18. Bxg6+ Kd2 19. Be8 Bc4 20. Bh5 e5 21. Bg6 d5 $19 { , and White resigned. Here we encountered an important device: for the sake of a positional advantage (active king) Black sacrificed his material advantage (his extra pawn). In turn, the active king led to new material gains. It would not be an exaggeration to say that, in endings with bishop of the same colour, an active king is worth a pawn. This interesting device, which can be called a transformation of advantages, will be encountered in many subsequent examples. White's task is more difficult in the following position.} 0-1 [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "Kashdan Isaac (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3bk1p1/p3p2p/2P1P3/4B3/P5P1/7P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "51"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ670} 1. Kf2 {%05It seems impossible for White's king to break through to the black pawn on the Q-side but it is this plan leads to a win} (1. c6 {! %05Readers of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR found an alternative winning plan:} Bc8 2. a4 a5 {(otherwise 3. a5)} 3. Bd3 {!} Kd8 4. Kf2 Kc7 5. Bb5 Kb6 6. Ke3 Kc5 7. Ke4 $18 {A pawn sacrifice with the aim of invading the enemy position with the king is a typical endgame device. In the following example a sacrifice of this type leads to a won pawn ending.}) 1... Kd8 2. Ke3 Kc7 3. Kd4 {The king has been centralized, but that is not the aim of its journey. It has to approach the black a-pawn.} a5 { After 4. Kc4 Black would all the same have been forced to play this, in view of the threat of 5. Kb4.} 4. Bd3 {White begins improving the position of his bishop, which has to help the king penetrate to b5.} Be8 5. Bc4 Bd7 6. Bb3 {!} Bc8 (6... Kb7 {there follows %05This forces Black's reply, since on} 7. c6+ {!} Bxc6 (7... Kxc6 8. Ba4+ Kc7 9. Bxd7 Kxd7 10. Kc5 $18 {, with a won pawn ending} ) 8. Bxe6 Kc7 9. Kc5 $18 {, with an easy win.}) 7. Ba4 {!} Ba6 {! Now how is White to break through? To free a path for his king he has to sacrifice his passed pawn.} (7... Bb7 {%05the game went} 8. Kc4 Ba6+ 9. Bb5 Bb7 10. Kb3 $18 { , when Black resigned, since he loses his a-pawn}) 8. c6 {!} Kb6 {!} 9. c7 {!} Bc8 10. Be8 Kxc7 11. Kc5 {By the pawn sacrifice White has improved still further the position of his king.} Ba6 12. Ba4 g5 13. Bb3 Bc8 14. Kb5 Bd7+ 15. Kxa5 {Thus White has achieved his aim: he has exchanged his c-pawn for the a-pawn. The way for the white king is open, and the rest does not cause any difficulty.} Kb7 16. Ba4 Bc8 17. Kb5 Bd7+ 18. Kb4 Bc8 19. Kc5 Kc7 {(otherwise 20. Kd6)} 20. Bb3 Bd7 21. a4 Bc8 22. a5 Bd7 23. a6 Bc8 24. Bc4 Bd7 25. Bb5 Bc8 26. g4 $18 {, and Black can resign.} 1-0 [Event "Habana (Cuba)"] [Site "Habana (Cuba)"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Donner Jan-Hein (NED)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/5p2/6p1/7p/2kp2PB/5P1P/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] {Note that all White's troubles here resulted from the weakness of his f-pawn. If, for example, his g4 pawn had been at g2, his f3 pawn would have been unable to realize his material advantage.} {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ670} 1... Bh6+ {%05In order to win, Black must be able to break through to the K-side pawns with pawns with his king. The way that he fulfils this task is instructive.} 2. Kc2 d3+ 3. Kd1 Kd4 4. Bf2+ Kc3 5. Bb6 d2 {! (otherwise the K-side cannot be reached)} 6. Bf2 Kd3 7. Bb6 Bf4 8. Bf2 Be5 9. Bg1 h4 {! Black arranges his pawns in readiness for the coming pawn ending.} 10. Bf2 Bc3 11. Bg1 Bd4 {!} 12. Bxd4 (12. Bh2 {%05Or} Ke3 13. Bg1+ Kxf3 {!} 14. Bxd4 Kg2 15. Kxd2 Kxh3 16. g5 Kg2 17. Ke3 h3 18. Be5 h2 $19 {, and again Black wins.}) 12... Kxd4 13. Kxd2 Ke5 14. Ke3 g5 $19 {, and White resigned.} 15. Z0 ( 15. f4+ {%05The finish could have been:} gxf4+ 16. Kf3 f6 17. Kf2 Ke4 18. Ke2 f3+ 19. Kf1 Ke3 20. Ke1 f2+ 21. Kf1 Ke4 {!} 22. Kxf2 Kf4 $19 {, when Black wins.}) (15. Ke2 Kf4 16. Kf2 f6 $19) 0-1 [Event "Match-Tournament"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pp/p1k2p2/3pb3/P7/3KBP1P/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "67"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1... f5 {%05 Black has to decide on how to attack the enemy pawns. He has two possibilities: he can attempt to break through either on the Q-side, or on the K-side.} (1... Bd6 {%05As Botvinnik showed, simpler was} 2. Bf2 Bc5 3. Be1 Kb6 4. Bd2 Bd6 5. Kd4 Kc6 6. Be1 Be5+ 7. Kd3 Kc5 8. Bd2 Ba1 9. Be1 d4 10. Bd2 Bc3 { ! (the familiar sacrifice of a pawn, with the aim of creating invasion squares) } 11. Bxc3 dxc3 12. Kxc3 a5 {, and in the end White will be forced to give way to the black king.^013^010 After the move played, this plan no longer works: 2. Bf2 Bd6 3. Bd4 g6 4. Be3 Bc5 5. Bg5, and by attacking the opposing king from the rear, the bishop does not allow it to approach. However, Black has an alternative, although more complicated plan - a break-through with his king on the K-side. But for this he must create invasion squares there.}) 2. Bf2 Kd6 3. Ba7 Ke6 4. Be3 Kf6 5. Bd2 Kg6 6. Ke2 Kh5 7. Be1 Kg5 8. Bd2+ Kh4 9. Be1+ Bg3 10. Bc3 g5 {Black consistently carries out his plan. He has brought his king up to the starting point for a breakthrough, and now intends to open lines.} 11. Bd4 g4 12. Bf6+ Kh5 13. hxg4+ fxg4 14. Bd8 Bf4 15. Be7 gxf3+ {!} (15... g3 { ? , eliminating the possibility of a break-through, and after %05In the game Black played} 16. Kd3 Kg6 17. Kd4 Kf7 18. Bh4 Ke6 19. Bd8 h5 20. Bh4 Kd6 21. Bf6 Kc6 22. Bh4 {it became clear that the black king's entry was blocked, and that there was no longer a win.}) 16. Kxf3 Be5 17. Bd8 Kg6 18. Be7 Kf5 19. g4+ {(otherwise 19... h5)} Kg6 20. Bd8 Bf6 21. Ba5 Kg5 {At last the invasion squares on the K-side have emerged. It is true that, with few pawns remaining, definite accuracy is required of Black.} 22. Be1 d4 23. Kg3 Be5+ 24. Kf3 Bc7 25. Bd2+ Kh4 26. Be1+ Kh3 27. Bd2 Bd8 28. Bf4 d3 29. Bd2 Be7 30. Bf4 Bb4 31. g5 Be7 32. Ke3 Kg4 33. Be5 Bxg5+ 34. Kxd3 Kf3 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Petrosian Tigran V (ARM)"] [Black "Zeinalli A"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kp1b4/2p1p1p1/P1P1Pp1p/1KB2P2/6PP/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ670} 1. a6 {! %05Although White has only the slight material advantage of a doubled pawn, he ha a solid positional advantage. Black's pieces are cramped, and his pawns are on squares of the colour of his bishop, which means that they can become targets for attack. ^013^010 %05 White's task would not be difficult if he had some entry squares into the enemy position, but there are none. The attempt to break through on the K-side by playing his king to f2 and advancing g3-g4 is frustrated by ... h4. His only chance is to sacrifice a pawn with the aim of vacating squares on the Q-side.} bxa6 (1... b6 {%05or} 2. a4 $18 {followed by 3. cb and 4. a5}) 2. Ka5 Kb7 {!} (2... Bc8 {%05All the same the pawn cannot be defended. In the game Black played the weaker} 3. h4 Bd7 4. Bxa6 Be8 5. Bc8 Bf7 6. Bd7 Kb7 7. a4 Kc7 8. Ka6 {!} Kxd7 9. Kb7 $18 {, when he was powerless to stop the a-pawn. 2.. . Kb7 is significantly stronger.}) 3. Bxa6+ Kc7 4. Bc4 Kb7 {! White has improved his position and has created a passed pawn. But Black continues to prevent the breakthrough of the king, and for the moment it is not clear how White is to achieve this.} 5. h4 Kc7 (5... Bc8 {is decisively met by} 6. Ba6+) (5... Ka7 {%04by %05and} 6. Ba6 Be8 7. Bc8 Bf7 8. Bd7 Kb7 9. a4 $18 {, as in the game. Black intends to allow the white king to reach a7 or a8, since there it will all the same be in the way of its own passed pawn.}) 6. Ka6 Bc8+ 7. Ka7 {(step by step White carries out his plan)} Bd7 8. a4 Bc8 9. a5 Bd7 10. Ba6 Be8 11. Bc8 {!! A surprise blow, which wrecks Black's plan.} Kxc8 (11... Bf7 { , then %05Clearly forced, since if} 12. Bd7 {!! (the bishop feels perfectly at home in the enemy position)} Bg8 13. Be8 Bh7 14. Bf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Kb6 Kb8 13. a6 Ka8 {!} (13... Bd7 {%05Or} 14. a7+ Ka8 15. Kc7 Be8 16. Kd8 Bf7 17. Ke7 Bg8 18. Kf8 Bh7 19. Kg7 {(cramped by its own pawns, the normally swift-moving bishop cannot escape from the king!)} Kxa7 20. Kxh7 Ka6 21. Kxg6 Kb5 22. Kf6 Kxc5 23. Kxe6 Kd4 24. Kxf5 c5 25. e6 $18 {, and the white pawn queens first.}) 14. Kc7 Ka7 15. Kd8 Bf7 16. Ke7 Bg8 17. Kd7 {!} (17. Kf8 Bh7 18. Kg7 {prolongs the game, since after} Kxa6 19. Kxh7 Kb5 20. Kxg6 Kxc5 21. Kxh5 Kd5 {Black also queens.}) 17... Bf7 (17... Kxa6 {there follows %05On} 18. Kxc6 Bf7 19. Kd7 {, when Black has to give up his bishop for the c-pawn.}) 18. Kxc6 Be8+ 19. Kd6 Kxa6 20. c6 Kb6 21. c7 Kb7 22. Ke7 {!$18 , and White wins. We have seen that the existence or absence of invasion squares is an important factor in the evaluation of bishop endings. In fact this is a highly important feature in almost every type of ending. Even a big material advantage may prove useless, if there are no invasion squares into the opponent's position.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/b1p2p1k/1pP2P1p/1P3K1P/6P1/8/3B4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] 1. Bf3 {! %05 Apart from his extra pawn, White also has a positional advantage. The black pawns can be attacked by his bishop, and the black pieces are cramped. White has an advantage in space - he has more manoeuvring freedom. But there are no invasion squares, and it seems impossible for him to win. ^013^010 %05 The attempt to create a passed pawn by 1. g4 has no effect, since the black king will securely blockade it. But even so White can win.} Bb7 2. Ke3 Ba8 3. Ke4 Bb7 4. Kf4 {!} Ba8 {By means of "triangulation" White has forced the bishop to occupy the very worst square - a8.} 5. Bxh5 {!! Exploiting the poor position of the black bishop, White sacrifices a piece so as to invade with his king and create a passed pawn.} Kxh5 6. g4+ {Now Black has two possibilities:} Kxh4 (6... Kh6 7. g5+ Kg7 8. h5 {!} Bb7 9. h6+ Kf7 10. gxf6 {!} Kxf6 11. h7 Kg7 12. Ke5 {!} Kxh7 13. Kd6 {, and White wins.}) 7. g5 fxg5+ 8. Ke4 {!} Kh5 (8... g4 9. f6 g3 10. Kf3 Kh3 11. f7 g2 12. f8=Q g1=Q 13. Qh8#) 9. Ke5 g4 10. f6 g3 11. f7 g2 12. f8=Q g1=Q 13. Qh8+ {, and wins. In the examples considered the stronger side experienced difficulties in realizing his advantage, due to a direct breakthrough with his king being impossible. He had to resort to sacrifices of material in order to make the breakthrough. If the opponent has a passed pawn or the possibility of creating one, this can lead to serious counter-play, and the material advantage will not play such an important role. Victory goes to the side which is able to queen a pawn first.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Duras Oldrich (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/KPb5/8/P5p1/5p2/3k4/7P/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] 1. Ba3 {%05Black is threatening to win by 1... f3, so that White's first move is forced: he has to deploy his bishop so as to combat the f-pawn in the best way possible.} Kc4 2. Be7 {!} f3 3. Bd8 {! An extremely important move, gaining a tempo. The loss of the h-pawn is unimportant.} Bxh2 4. Bb6 Kb5 5. a6 g4 6. Bf2 Bc7 7. b8=Q+ {!!} Bxb8+ 8. Kb7 {! The roles are reversed. Now Black is a pawn up, but his bishop is badly placed, and this proves decisive.} Ka5 { (position ~3($412098)~)} 9. Bh4 {!} Kb5 10. Be1 {! Black is in zugzwang. He is forced to continue} g3 11. Bxg3 Bxg3 12. a7 f2 13. a8=Q f1=Q {, and after} 14. Qa6+ {he loses his queen.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Estrin Yakov B (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3kb3/8/p7/P1PBp1p1/6P1/2K2P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ670 Positional defects may be so serious that it will be impossible to realize a material advantage. This is the case in this position.} 1. Bc3 {%05White is a passed pawn to the good, and his king must either support its advance or else break through to the black pawns. But neither the one, nor the other, proves possible, since he must constantly concern himself with the defence of his weak pawn at f2. For example:} (1. Kd2 Bg5+ 2. Ke2 Kc6 3. Bc3 Kb6 {!} (3... Kc5 {? , then %05It is interesting that if} 4. Bxa5 Kxc4 5. Bb6 {!} Kb4 6. a5 Kb5 7. Kd1 Be7 8. Kd2 {! } Bg5+ 9. Kc3 Bf6+ 10. Kb3 Bg5 11. Be3 Be7 12. a6 Kxa6 13. Kc4 $18 {, and White wins.}) 4. c5+ Kxc5 5. Bxa5 Kc6 {! Black must not permit Bb6 followed by a4-a5.} 6. Bd2 Bd8 7. Be3 Ba5 8. Bd2 (8. Kd1 {, then %05If} Kd5 9. Kc2 Kc4) (8. Ba7 {%05Black's task is more difficult after} Kd5 9. Ke3 {, when he draws by} Ke5 10. Bb8+ Kd5 11. Kf4 Bb6 12. Kxg4 Bxf2 13. a5 Kc6 14. a6 Bxg3 {!=}) 8... Bd8 9. a5 Kb5 10. Bc3 Bg5 {= , and the white king cannot approach the pawns.}) 1... Bc5 2. Be1 Kc6 3. Kd1 Bb6 4. Ke2 Kc5 5. Ke3 Kxc4+ 6. Kxe4 Kb3 7. Kf4 Kxa4 8. Kxg4 Kb3 9. Bxa5 Bxf2 {= , with a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Site "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3b4/3k3p/5p2/2BP1P2/8/5K1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] 1. Kg3 {%05White has a clear plan - to attack the h6 pawn with his king. Can black prevent this?} Be8 2. Kh4 Kc6 3. Be6 Bg6 4. Bb3 Kd6 5. Bd1 {!} Ke7 {!} ( 5... Kd5 {loses after} 6. Bh5 Bh7 7. Bf7+ Kxd4 8. Kh5 Ke4 9. Kxh6 Kxf4 10. h4 Kg4 11. h5) 6. Bh5 (6. Be2 {the only way to draw is by %05In the game this move was made later. Note that after} Kf8 {!} (6... Kf6 {, then %05If instead} 7. Bh5 Bh7 8. Be8 Ke7 9. Kh5 {!!} Kxe8 10. Kxh6 Bg8 11. Kg6 {, and White wins.} )) 6... Bh7 7. d5 (7. Be8 Kxe8 8. Kh5 Kf7 9. Kxh6 Bg8 10. Kg5 Ke6 11. h4 { leads only to a draw, for example:} Bf7 12. h5 Bg8 13. h6 (13. Kg6 Bf7+) 13... Bh7 14. d5+ Kxd5 15. Kf6 Kd6 16. Kg7 Ke7 {!} 17. Kxh7 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 7... Kd6 {! The only move to draw, which Black failed to find. Now White's winning attempts are unsuccessful:} (7... Bg8 {? %05The game went} 8. Bg6 Bxd5 9. Kh5 Kf6 10. Kxh6 Be6 11. Kh7 {, and White won (position ~3($402119)~)}) 8. Be8 (8. Bf7 Ke7 9. Kh5 (9. Be6 {, then %05if} Bg6 10. Kg3 Kd6 11. Kf2 {, and here} Bh5 {gives a draw, since after the exchange of pawns a drawn ending is reached}) 9... Kxf7 10. Kxh6 Bg8 11. d6 Kf6 {!=}) 8... Ke7 9. Kh5 Kxe8 10. Kxh6 Bg8 11. d6 Kd7 12. h4 Bf7 {!=} * [Event "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Site "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stahlberg Gideon (SWE)"] [Black "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4kp1p/2b3p1/4P3/1K3P2/6P1/B6P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {When all the pawns are on one wing, again it often proves impossible for the king to break through to the enemy pawns. In this case the game ends in a draw. Here is a typical example.} 1... f6 2. Kc5 Bd7 3. Bg8 h6 4. Kd5 Ba4 5. Kd4 Bd7 6. Bc4 Ba4 7. Bd3 Be8 8. h4 g5 {[%eval 0,0]} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Parnu (Estonia)"] [Site "Parnu (Estonia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Black "Tolush Alexander K (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4B3/p5k1/3p2p1/7p/2b4P/4K1P1/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {We already know that an active king position is often worth a pawn. In order to obtain this position, White sacrificed a pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ670} 1. a3 {%05After} Bf7 2. Bb5 Kf6 3. Kd4 g5 4. Bd3 gxh4 5. gxh4 Be6 6. Be2 Bg4 7. Bd3 Bf3 {= a draw was agreed. The strong position of the^013^010 opposing king together with the weakness of the h5^013^010 pawn prevent Black from winning.^013^010 ^013^010} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4B3/7b/8/P2p2p1/8/3P4/4kP1p/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {~12.52. Positional advantage~ The evaluation of a bishop ending will depend on the pawn formation, and on the positions of the bishops and kings. These factors, in turn, are interdependent, and can change. Of them the most definite and stable is the pawn formation, and it is for this reason that we take the arrangement of the pawns as the basis of our classification. Earlier we saw that a positional advantage can be equivalent to a material one, and that one form of advantage can be transformed into the other. Here we will examine positions where one of the sided possesses a definite positional advantage, and we will set ourselves the task of establishing the nature of the advantage and its method of realization. ~12.521 Passed pawn~ The existence of a passed pawn, or the possibility of creating one, is one of the important factors in the evaluation of a position. In this position White has a dangerous passed pawn, which Black can stop only with his bishop.} 1. a6 Bxd3 2. a7 Be4+ 3. f3 {!} Bxf3+ (3... Kxf3 {, then %05If} 4. Bg6 {! , diverting the bishop from its main task of stopping the passed pawn.}) 4. Kxh2 d4 5. Bh5 {!} g4 6. Bxg4 $18 {The bishop cannot cope with the passed pawn. A classic example of the creation of an outside passed pawn is provided by the following example. } * [Event "Riga (Latvia)"] [Site "Riga (Latvia)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Goglidze Viktor A (RUS)"] [Black "Bannik Anatoly (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/pk3ppp/3B4/1P1pPPPP/8/3K4/5b2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {It happens more often that the opposing king is able to take part in the battle against the passed pawn. Then it is very important to divert the king from fulfilling this task, or, on the contrary, to use the passed pawn to divert the king and break through to the opponent's pawns.} 1. e5 {!} (1. g5 { , and after %05In the game itself White played} fxg5 2. fxg5 hxg5 3. hxg5 Kb5 4. Bf7 Kxb4 5. Bxg6 Kc5 6. Bh7 Bc4 7. g6 Kd6 {a draw was agreed.}) 1... fxe5 2. f5 gxf5 3. g5 {!!} hxg5 4. hxg5 Z0 (4... e4 {%05In spite of his big material advantage, Black is powerless to save the game. For example:} 5. g6 e3+ 6. Ke1 Bb5 7. g7 d3 8. g8=Q d2+ 9. Kd1 Ba4+ 10. Bb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Balogh Janos"] [Black "Barcza Gedeon (HUN)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p4kp/p1b3p1/5p2/1PP5/3B2PP/1P6/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ674} 1... Kf6 { %05Black has the possibility of creating a passed pawn on the K-side, and his king is much more active than the opponent's.^013^010 %05 Two of White's Q-side pawns are doubled, so that he is unable to create a passed pawn. Thus Black has virtually an extra pawn, and therefore he wins.^013^010 %05 The winning plan does not differ in any way from the one already examined. Black first improves the positions of his pieces, and then creates a passed pawn, which diverts the enemy king, after which the black king goes across to the opponent's pawns, gaining a material advantage. Thus the method of realizing a positional advantage consists of transforming it into a decisive material advantage.^013^010 %05 There followed:} 2. Kf2 Ke5 3. h4 (3. Ke3 {, then %05If} g5 4. Bf1 f4+ 5. gxf4+ gxf4+ 6. Kd3 Be4+ 7. Kc3 f3 $19 {, and the black king advances to g3.}) 3... Kd4 4. Be2 Be4 5. c5 h6 6. Bf1 g5 7. hxg5 hxg5 8. Be2 f4 9. gxf4 gxf4 10. Bf1 Bc6 11. Be2 Ke4 12. Bc4 f3 {!} 13. Be6 Kd3 14. Bb3 Kd2 $19 {, and White resigned, since he loses all his Q-side pawns.} 0-1 [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Eliskases Erich G (AUT)"] [Black "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k4p/p1p1bp2/8/1P2PP2/4K3/7P/5B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ674} 1. Kd4 {!} ( 1. Bxa6 {?! %05White can win the a-pawn, but after} Kb6 2. Bd3 c5 3. bxc5+ Kxc5 $16 {Black gains drawing chances, in view of the active position of his king and the small number of pawns. Therefore White first improves the placing of his pieces.}) 1... Kb6 2. Bc4 {!} Bg4 3. e5 fxe5+ 4. fxe5 h6 5. h4 Bh5 6. e6 Be8 {, and here the simplest way to win was by} 7. e7 {, for example:} Bh5 8. Ke5 c5 9. bxc5+ Kxc5 10. Bxa6 $18 {, and the e-pawn will cost Black his bishop. If both sides can create or already have passed pawns, then, all other things being equal, the more distant passed pawn will be the stronger.} 1-0 [Event "Petropolis (Brazil)"] [Site "Petropolis (Brazil)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Geller Efim P (RUS)"] [Black "Tan Lian-Ann (SIN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p4k1p/1b1B2p1/1P1p1p2/P7/8/5PPP/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ674} 1. Ke2 { %05In order to win, White must create an outside passed pawn, divert the opponent's king with it, and break through with his king to the K-side pawns. The one thing that he has to fear is that the opponent may set up a fortress, since in this case a breakthrough may prove impossible.} Ke6 2. Bb4 d4 { Apparently an anti-positional move: Black voluntarily places his pawn on a square of the colour of his bishop, which is normally unfavourable. But in the given position there is a reason for this - Black's king becomes active, and may gain the possibility of attacking White's Q-side pawns.} 3. Kd3 {?} (3. a5 {! , for example: %05 Natural moves such as this are usually made without much thought, but in fact this move by White is a poor one, which loses him the greater part of his advantage. The correct continuation was} Bc7 4. Bc5 {!} Kd5 5. Bxa7 Bxa5 6. Kd3 Bc3 7. Bb6 Bb2 8. Bd8 Kc5 9. b6 Kc6 10. Bf6 $16 {, and after winning the d-pawn White must win, although not without overcoming technical difficulties.}) 3... Kd5 4. Bf8 (4. a5 {%05After} Bc7 {the bishop can no longer go to c5, which means that White is faced with the new problem of how to create a passed pawn on the Q-side.}) 4... Ba5 5. Bg7 Bb6 6. f3 h5 7. h4 (7. Bf6 {fails to win after %05 One feels inclined to attach a question mark to this move, since it is obviously antipositional. However, I can understand why Geller decided on it. The point is that} Kc5 {!} 8. Bxd4+ Kb4 { , when Black succeeds in exchanging his weak d-pawn for a healthy opposing pawn, and he fully equalizes. Seeing that he will be unable to win by normal means (the result of his mistake on the 3rd move), Geller resorts to extreme measures - he earmarks for the h4 pawn the role of a bait, and simultaneously fixes the pawn at g6, hoping to approach it with his king.}) 7... Bc5 {?} (7... Kc5 {%05The bait plays its part! This move loses, whereas after} 8. Bf8+ Kd5 9. Bb4 Bd8 10. Be1 Kc5 {= Black would have had no worries about the future.}) 8. a5 Bb4 9. b6 axb6 10. a6 {?} (10. axb6 {! %05White stumbles over easy ground. After the natural} Kc6 11. Kxd4 {Black seems unable to save the game, for example:} Be7 (11... Kxb6 12. Kd5 Be7 13. Ke6 Bxh4 14. Kf7 f4 (14... g5 15. Bf6 $18) 15. Kxg6 Kc5 16. Kxh5 Bg3 17. Kg4 Kd5 18. Kf5 $18 {, with the same result. }) 12. Ke5 Bxh4 13. Ke6 Bd8 14. b7 {!} Kxb7 15. Bf6 Bb6 16. Kf7 Kc6 17. Kxg6 f4 18. Kxh5 Kd5 19. Kg4 Be3 20. Kf5 $18 {, and White must win.}) 10... Kc6 11. Bxd4 Be1 {?} (11... b5 {! %05Once again the bait has an effect! This move loses, whereas after} 12. Bf2 Ba5 13. Kc2 Bb4 14. Kb3 Bd2 {!= Black maintains the balance.}) 12. a7 Kb7 13. Bxb6 Bg3 (13... Bxh4 {%05No better is} 14. f4 Bg3 15. Be3 $18 {, when the white king approaches the g6 pawn. Now everything has fallen into place - White's outside passed pawn plays the deciding role by diverting the opposing king.}) 14. Ke2 Be5 15. Bf2 Bd6 16. Kd3 Bc7 17. Kc4 f4 18. Kd5 Bd8 19. Ke5 g5 20. hxg5 Bxg5 21. Kf5 Bh6 22. Bc5 $18 {, and Black resigned.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Veresov Gavriil (BLR)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/1pb3p1/4k2p/2P1p3/PP2K1P1/4B2P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ674} 1. h4 { ! Black's pawns must be fixed on white squares. %05On a static evaluation of this position, it might seem that %05Black has the advantage: he has a passed pawn, his %05king is the more actively placed, and White's Q-side %05pawns are on squares of the colour of his bishop. But in %05the endgame it is very important to be able to evaluate a %05position dynamically - taking account of the changes %05that can take place. Examining this position from this %05point of view, we see that Black's passed pawn is %05blockaded by the king, while White's Q-side pawns can %05advance and create a more dangerous passed pawn, %05since it is further away from the opposing king. Also, %05Black's K-side pawns can be fixed on white squares, and %05it follows that they will have to be defended, which in %05turn will tie down the black pieces. Thus in fact White %05has a big positional advantage.} Bd7 2. Bf1 a5 3. Bg2 {!} Bc6 (3... Bf5 {leads to zugzwang after} 4. Bh1 {!}) 4. Bh3 {! With every move White improves his position. His bishop is becoming more and more active, while Black's bishop, which is forced to defend his weak pawns, becomes more and more passive. A bishop whose activity is restricted is called "bad". Thus a "bad" pawn formation leads to a "bad" bishop.} b5 (4... Ba8 5. Bd7 Bb7 6. b4 axb4 7. axb4 Ba8 8. c5 bxc5 9. bxc5 Kd5 (9... Bd5 {%05Or} 10. Be8 Kf5 11. c6 {! } Kg4 12. c7 Be6 13. Bxg6 Kxg3 14. Bxh5 Kxh4 15. Bf7 {!} Bc8 16. Kxe4 Kg5 17. Ke5 Ba6 18. Be6 Bb7 19. Bh3 Ba6 20. Kd6 Kf6 21. Kc6 $18) 10. Be8 g5 {!} (10... Kxc5 {%05Or} 11. Bxg6 Kd6 12. Bxh5 Ke5 13. Bg6 Bc6 14. g4 $18) 11. hxg5 Kxc5 12. Bg6 {!} Bd5 13. Bxe4 Bg8 14. Kf4 Kd6 15. Kf5 Ke7 16. Kg6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 5. cxb5 Bxb5 6. Bc8 Bc6 7. b4 axb4 8. axb4 Bb5 9. Bb7 g5 (9... Bd3 { there follows %05The best chance. On} 10. Bc6 Kf5 (10... g5 11. hxg5 Kf5 12. g6 $18) 11. b5 Kg4 (11... Bxb5 12. Bxb5 Kg4 13. Kf2 e3+ 14. Kg2 {!$18}) 12. b6 Ba6 13. Kf2 e3+ 14. Kg2 $18 {, and wins.}) 10. Bxe4 gxh4 11. gxh4 Ba4 $18 {, and we reach position ~3($412116)~, which is won forWhite. We must once again mention the important feature of a passed pawn - its ability to divert the enemy king. It is this that constitutes its strength.} 1-0 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lisitsin Georgy M (RUS)"] [Black "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/1p2B2p/1b2K2P/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. f4 {! he could have drawn, for example: %05But White's 1st move was not the strongest. By} (1. Bg3 {%05 Black has an outside passed pawn, and in addition the white h-pawn is a weakness which has to be defended. In White's favour are the fact that there is little material left, and that the queening square of Black's h-pawn is of the opposite colour to that of his bishop.} Bc3 2. Kd3 Be5 3. Be1 Kf5 4. Ke3 Bf6 {! Zugzwang! If} 5. f4 (5. Ke2 {, then} Kf4 {, when a bishop move leads either to the loss of the h-pawn, or to the advance of the b-pawn.}) 5... Bb2 (5... Kg4 6. Ke4 Be7 7. f5 b4 8. Bxb4 Bxb4 9. Ke3 Kg3 10. Ke2 Kg2 11. f6 {leads to a draw.}) 6. Bd2 Bg7 7. Bb4 Bf6 8. Be1 Be7 {! (forcing White to move his king)} 9. Kf3 Bd6 10. Bd2 Bc7 {!} 11. Bc3 Bxf4 12. Bb4 Be5 13. Ba5 Bf6 14. Be1 Be7 {!} 15. Kg3 Ke4 {, and Black wins most simply by taking his king directly over to the b-pawn. For example:} 16. Ba5 Kd3 17. Be1 Kc4 18. Kf3 Bb4 19. Bg3 Bc3 20. Bd6 Bd4 21. Be7 Bc5 22. Bd8 b4 23. Ke2 b3 24. Kd2 Be3+ 25. Kd1 Kd3 26. Bf6 Bd4 27. Bxd4 Kxd4 28. Kd2 Kc4 {[%eval -550,0]} ) 1... Be1 2. f5+ Kf7 3. Kd5 {!} Bf2 (3... Bxh4 4. Kc5 Bf2+ 5. Kxb5 h4 6. Kc4 Bg3 7. Kd3 {!!} Bxe5 8. Ke2 h3 9. Kf2 Bh2 10. Kf3 {, with a draw.}) 4. Kc6 {!} (4. Bc3 {%05Not} Bxh4 5. Kc5 Bg3 6. Kxb5 h4 7. Bd4 h3 8. Bg1 Kf6 9. Kc4 Kxf5 10. Kd3 Bc7 {!} (10... Kf4 {?} 11. Ke2 Ke4 12. Kf1 Kf3 13. Bf2 {!} h2 14. Bg1 { ! , with a draw}) 11. Ke3 Kg4 {!} 12. Kf2 Bd6 13. Kf1 Kf3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 4... b4 5. Kb5 Be1 (5... b3 {%05Or} 6. Kc4 Bg3 {!} 7. Kxb3 Bxe5 8. Kc4 { , with a draw.}) 6. Kc4 Bxh4 7. Kxb4 Be1+ 8. Kc4 h4 9. Kd3 {Draw. In positions where both sides have passed pawns, the evaluation will depend on the proximity of the pawns to the queening squares, and on how effectively the pieces can prevent their advance.} * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/P7/2pb1p1B/5k1P/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1. a7 {%05The plans of both sides are fairly simple: to attempt to advance their passed pawns as far as possible, seeing to it that they do not become blockaded. The side that wins is the one whose passed pawns are the more dangerous.} Ke5 2. Bf7 {!} Bb7 3. h5 {!} f4 (3... Kf6 {%05no better is} 4. Bg6 Bd5 5. Kd3 {!} Kg5 6. Bf7 {!} Ba8 7. Kc4 f4 8. Bd5) 4. h6 Kf6 5. h7 Kg7 6. Kc4 f3 7. Bg6 {!} (7. Bd5 {?? %05the game went} f2 {, when White was forced to resign}) 7... f2 8. Bd3 Ba6+ (8... f1=Q 9. Bxf1 Kxh7 10. Kxc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kxc5 Bxd3 10. a8=Q {, and White wins. We will now examine some examples in which each side has two connected passed pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/p6p/2B3p1/2P1k3/1P1pp3/8/P4KPP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {Shakhmatny Listok} 1... Bg4 {! %05Here Black's pawns are the more dangerous, since they are farther advanced and his king is better placed. After} 2. b5 e3+ 3. Ke1 d3 4. Bf3 Be6 5. b6 axb6 6. cxb6 Kd6 7. a4 Bb3 {!} 8. Z0 (8. Bd1 { %05Black wins, since he threatens 8... d2 9. Kf1 Bc4 10. Kg1 e2, and} Bc4 { does not help.}) * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k2p/1P4p1/2Pbp3/3p2P1/3B4/5K1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ674} 1... e4 { %05Here, on the contrary, the flank pawns are more dangerous that the central ones (the analysis is by Alatortsev)} (1... g5 {%05The game in fact went} 2. Ba6 Kd8 3. Bb5 Ke7 4. c6 Kd6 5. c7 Bb7 6. Bd3 Kc5 7. Bf5 Kxb6 8. c8=Q Bxc8 9. Bxc8 e4 10. Bf5 e3+ 11. Kf3 h6 12. Bd3 $18 {, and Black resigned.}) 2. Ba6 {!} Kd8 3. Bb5 g5 (3... Ke7 {%05or} 4. g5 {!} Kd8 5. c6 e3+ 6. Kg3 {!} Be4 7. Kf4 e2 8. c7+ Kc8 9. Bxe2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. c6 h6 5. h3 e3+ 6. Ke2 Be4 7. c7+ Kc8 8. Ba6+ Bb7 9. Bd3 {!} Bc6 10. Bf5+ Bd7 11. Kd3 $18 {, and White wins. When there are passed pawns on both wings, the most varied situations are possible, depending on how far advanced they are. The following study contains an idea which has more than once been applied in practice.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Duras Oldrich (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/KPb5/P7/1k6/6p1/5p2/5B2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] 1. b8=Q+ {!} Bxb8+ 2. Kb7 {!} Ka5 (2... g3 {, then %05if} 3. Bxg3 Bxg3 4. a7 f2 5. a8=Q f1=Q 6. Qa6+) 3. Bh4 Kb5 4. Be1 {! , and Black loses due to zugzwang.} * [Event "Riga (Latvia)"] [Site "Riga (Latvia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Strandstrem"] [Black "Belova Tamara (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/8/PPkb2P1/4pK2/5p2/8/5B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ674 In the battle against passed pawns, the most effective method is to blockade them with the king. It is for this reason that two connected pawns may be weaker than two isolated ones, since the former may be blockaded by the king.} 1. Ke3 Kd6 2. Bh3 {Having securely blockaded the enemy pawns, White can get down to the next step - that of activating his bishop before beginning to advance his pawns.} Kc5 (2... Ke7 {there would have followed %05On} 3. Bf5 Kd6 4. Kd4 Ke7 5. Bg4 Kd6 6. g6 $18 {, when White wins, since the bishop alone cannot cope with two far-advanced and widely-separated pawns.}) 3. Bd7 Bc4 (3... Kd6 { there follows %05on} 4. Be8 Ke7 5. Bh5 {!} Ke6 6. Kd4 Kd6 7. g6 $18) 4. g6 Kd6 5. Be8 Ke7 6. a6 {!} bxa6 7. b6 {!} Bd5 8. g7 Kd8 9. b7 Kc7 10. Bc6 {! (the remainder is simple)} Bg8 11. Bxe4 a5 12. Bc6 {!} a4 13. Bxa4 Kxb7 14. Kxf3 Kc7 15. Kf4 $18 {, and White wins.} 1-0 [Event "Tula (Russia)"] [Site "Tula (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fridstein"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2B5/8/8/p1kPp1pb/1p2P3/3K3P/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ674} 1... a4 { %05Whose position is better? White has a protected passed pawn, but all his pawns are on squares of the colour of his bishop, and require defending. Black has an actively placed king and the possibility of creating an outside passed pawn. It becomes clear that White has no winning chances, but does Black? We will consider some possible variations.} 2. Bf5 (2. Kc2 {, then %05if} Bg6 $19) (2. Bg4 {%05But didn't White have a stronger alternative? For example:} Be8 3. a3 {! , and if} b3 {? , then} (3... Bb5+ {! %05No, in this case Black wins in similar fashion:} 4. Kc2 bxa3 5. Bf5 Bd3+ 6. Kc3 Kd6 {!$19 , and the march of the king to g7 is again decisive.}) 4. Kc3 {= with a draw.}) 2... Be2+ {!!} 3. Kc2 a3 {! At first sight a surprising decision. Black does not create a passed pawn, but, on the contrary, eliminates the possibility of creating one. In fact, this is the strongest move. Black fixes the weak pawn at a2, and ties White's king to the defence of it.} 4. Kb1 (4. Bg6 {loses immediately to} Bd3+ 5. Kc1 b3 6. axb3 Kd4 {!} 7. d6 Kc3 8. d7 a2 $19) 4... Bd3+ 5. Ka1 {! Black has markedly improved his position. White's king cannot move, and his bishop is tied to the defence of his e4 pawn. But how is all this advantage to be realized?} Kd6 {! An unusual solution. By placing his king at g7, Black puts his opponent in zugzwang.} 6. Bh7 Ke7 7. Bg6 Kf6 8. Bh7 Kf7 {!} 9. Bf5 Kg7 { The problem is solved, and now White has to advance his d-pawn.} 10. d6 Kf6 11. d7 Ke7 12. Bg6 Kxd7 $19 {, and Black wins by advancing his king to d4.} 0-1 [Event "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Site "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Black "Zagorovsky Vladimir (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4b3/6k1/1p1pP3/p2P3p/6p1/1P4K1/P1B4P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Bd3 {! This restricts the black bishop, and in fact prevents it from moving. The exchange of bishops after 1... Bg6 leads to a won pawn ending for White. %05This position is also difficult to evaluate. White has a strong protected passed pawn and the more active king, but his central pawns are on white squares and have to be defended. As for Black, he has the possibility of creating a passed pawn on the K-side. The continuation was:} a4 2. b4 a3 3. b5 {! Cramping Black's bishop to the maximum extent, so that he has only king moves left.} Kg8 4. Kf4 Kf8 5. Kf5 Kg8 6. Kf6 h4 (6... Kf8 {, then %05If} 7. e7+ Kg8 8. Bg6 Bxb5 9. Bxh5 Bd7 10. Bxg4 Be8 11. Be6+ Kh7 12. Bf7 Bd7 13. e8=Q {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Ke7 {! %05Black tries his last chance - he attempts to create an outside passed pawn.} (7. e7 {%05The game went ?} g3 8. hxg3 hxg3 9. Bf1 Bd7 {, when the black bishop came to life, after which White no longer had a win.}) 7... g3 8. hxg3 hxg3 9. Be4 Bxb5 10. Kxd6 {The position is still sharp, but White's pawns are the more dangerous.} Kf8 11. Ke5 Bc4 12. d6 Bxa2 13. e7+ {, and White wins. We will conclude this section on passed pawns with an elegant study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/7K/8/5B2/2p1pP2/2P2b2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] 1. Bd6+ {%05Black has a strong passed pawn, which is threatening to advance. White finds the one possibility of halting its advance.} Kf7 2. Bc5 Ke6 3. Bd4 Be1 {!} 4. Bxe3 Bd2 {(Black has created a new threat)} 5. Bg5 Kf5 6. f4 Bxf4 7. Kh5 {!} Bxg5 {stalemate!} * [Event "corr."] [Site "corr."] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kamyshov M (RUS)"] [Black "Shamaev Leonid (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/1p5p/p4k2/2PB2p1/1P6/4K3/6PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {~12.522 Opposing pawns on squares of the colour of the bishop~ If in the endgame one side has his pawns on squares of the colour of his bishop, this is normally a defect in the position. Firstly, these pawns can be attacked by the opponent's bishop, and so have to be defended. Secondly, the squares between the pawns are inaccessible to the bishop, which may allow the enemy king to approach the pawns. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ676} 1. Kd4 {%05Black has a weak pawn at b7, to which his bishop is tied. Thus we see that a pawn weakness can lead to a reduction in the activity of the piece defending it. The bishop becomes "bad".} h5 2. h3 Kf5 3. Bf7 {!} h4 4. Bh5 Kf4 (4... Kf6 {%05or} 5. Bf3 {, and Black is in zugzwang; he has to allow the white king in at e5}) 5. Bf3 Kg3 (5... Bxh3 6. Bxb7) (5... g4 {%05or} 6. hxg4 h3 7. gxh3 {!} Kxf3 8. Ke5 {!$18 , and White wins}) 6. Ke3 Kh2 7. Kf2 {!} Kh1 8. g3+ {!} Kh2 9. gxh4 gxh4 10. Bg4 {[%eval 550,0] Pawn weaknesses lead to a reduction in the activity of the pieces, which in turn can lead to zugzwang.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p5pk/1p3pbp/2p5/2P5/1P2PBPP/P6K/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {The examples considered demonstrate the method of playing for a win in such endings: ~2 1) Fix the opponent's weak pawns.~ ~2 2) Tie the opponent's forces to the defence of the weak pawns. ~ ~2 3) Improve the position of your own king, by occupying the approaches to the enemy position. ~ ~2 4) The culminating point of the plan is to put the opponent in zugzwang, when any move is bound to lead to a decisive weakening of the position, to a breakthrough by the king, or to direct loss of material. ~} { %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ676} 1... Bb1 { %05Black has an undisputed advantage. White's Q-side pawns need defending, and it follows that his bishop will be restricted. In addition, Black has the better pawn formation on the K-side, and he realized his advantage as follows:} 2. a3 a5 {! (fixing the pawns on white squares)} 3. Bd1 Kg6 4. Kg2 Kf5 5. Kf3 Ke5 {White's bishop is immobilized, so that sooner or later he will run out of moves and end up in zugzwang.} 6. a4 g5 7. Ke2 Bf5 {!} 8. g4 (8. h4 {there would have followed %05Clearly forced. On} Bg4+ {, with a won pawn ending.}) 8... Bb1 9. Kf3 f5 10. gxf5 (10. Ke2 {, there follows %05If White avoids the exchange and plays} Be4 11. Kf2 f4 {, when after} 12. exf4+ Kxf4 {he is immediately in zugzwang, and is forced to allow the enemy king into his position.}) 10... Kxf5 11. Kf2 Be4 12. Kg3 Kg6 {The last reserve, the h-pawn, goes into action.} 13. Kf2 h5 14. Kg3 h4+ 15. Kf2 Bf5 16. Kg2 Kf6 17. Kh2 Ke6 18. Z0 (18. Kg2 {%05White resigned, since after} Ke5 19. Kh2 Bb1 20. Kg2 Ke4 { the black king breaks into his position, for example:} 21. Kf2 Kd3 22. Kf3 Kd2 23. Be2 Bf5 24. e4 Bxe4+ 25. Kxe4 Kxe2 26. Kf5 Kf3 27. Kxg5 Kg3 {[%eval -550,0] %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ676}) 0-1 [Event "corr."] [Site "corr."] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Estrin Yakov B (RUS)"] [Black "Ivashin"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4b1k1/1p3p2/4pPp1/p2pP1P1/P2P4/1P1B4/8/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {Sometimes, when there is no possibility of a direct breakthrough, one has to resort to sacrifices to open the way for the king.} {As usual, highly important factor in the implementation of the plan is the possibility of a breakthrough by the king. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ676} 1. b4 {! %05White has an obvious superiority, but if it were Black to move he would draw by 1... b6, since the white king would be unable to break into the opposing position. Therefore White plays:} axb4 (1... b6 2. bxa5 bxa5 3. Bb5 {!} Kf8 4. Kb2 $18 {, and Black is in zugzwang}) 2. Bc2 {!} Bc6 3. Kb2 b6 4. Kb3 Kf8 5. Kxb4 Ke8 6. a5 {!} Z0 (6... bxa5+ {%05Black resigned, since after} 7. Kxa5 Kd8 8. Kb6 Be8 9. Kc5 Kc7 10. Bd3 $18 {he ends up in zugzwang.}) 1-0 [Event "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Site "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Baslavsky Ilia (RUS)"] [Black "Kondratiev Pavel E (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1b2k1/p1p1p1p1/2P1P2p/1P3P1P/P2B1K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ676} 1. Ke3 { %05Black's pieces are restricted by his own pawns, but it seems impossible for the white king to break in. White carries out an interesting plan and succeeds in winning.} Kf7 2. Kd4 Be8 3. Kc3 Ke7 4. Kb3 Kd8 5. Ka4 Kc7 6. Ka5 Bf7 { Black's king cannot move from its post, and his bishop also has few moves.} 7. Bc4 {!} Bg8 {If White could simultaneously attack the e- and g-pawns with his bishop, he would immediately put Black in zugzwang, since he has free moves with his pawns. But this cannot be done, and so, by advancing his pawns, White creates another weakness in Black's position at b7, to the defence of which the black king is tied. Then he takes his king over to the other side, and breaks through by the pawn sacrifice f4-f5.} 8. a4 Bf7 9. b5 axb5 10. axb5 Bg8 (10... cxb5 11. Bxb5 Bg8 12. Be8 Bh7 13. Bf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. b6+ {!} Kd8 12. Kb4 Bf7 {Black's pieces are cramped, and he is unable to regroup by defending the b-pawn with his bishop and the g-pawn with his king.} 13. Kc3 Kd7 14. Kd4 Kd8 (14... Ke7 {, then %05If} 15. Ba6 $18) (14... g5 {%05The game went} 15. fxg5 Bg6 16. Ke3 Bc2 17. g6 Bxg6 18. Kf4 Bf5 19. Be2 $18 {, when Black resigned.}) 15. Ke3 Kd7 16. f5 {!} gxf5 17. Kf4 Bg6 18. Kg5 Be8 19. Kf6 f4 20. Be2 $18 {, and White wins.} 1-0 [Event "Odessa (Ukraine)"] [Site "Odessa (Ukraine)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Furman Semyen A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/2k3p1/p1p2pBp/P2p4/1P1P4/5P2/6PP/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "63"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ676} 1. g4 { ! The invasion square is g6, and it is for there that the white king leads. %05Black's weak pawn at a6 has to be defended by his bishop, which is also restricted by the pawns at c6 and d5.^013^010 %05 In order to win, White has to break into the opponent's position with his king. How is this to be done?} Kd6 2. Kf2 Ke7 3. Kg3 Kf8 4. Kh4 Be6 5. Kh5 Bc8 (5... Bf7 {, then %05If} 6. Bxf7 Kxf7 7. f4 Kf8 8. Kg6 Kg8 9. h4 Kf8 10. Kh7 Kf7 11. g5 {!} hxg5 12. hxg5 f5 13. Kh8 Kg6 14. Kg8 $18 {, and White wins.}) 6. Bd3 Kf7 7. h3 Kf8 8. Kg6 { The king has occupied the invasion square, but the battle is not yet won: White's task is to reach the Q-side pawns with his king.} Kg8 9. Bf1 {! White sets the tempo-winning mechanism into operation.} Kf8 10. Be2 {!} (10. Kh7 { is premature in view of} f5 {!}) 10... Kg8 11. Bd3 Kf8 12. Kh7 Kf7 13. Bg6+ Kf8 14. Kh8 {White has conceived a complicated plan of penetrating into the enemy position, involving a piece sacrifice.} (14. h4 {%05White has conceived a complicated plan of penetrating into the enemy position, involving a piece sacrifice.^013^010 %05 Rather simpler was} Bd7 15. Bd3 Bc8 16. Be2 Kf7 17. f4 Kf8 18. g5 hxg5 19. hxg5 fxg5 20. fxg5 Kf7 21. Bh5+ Kf8 22. g6 Bd7 23. Be2 Bc8 24. Bf1 Bb7 25. Bh3 $18 {, when Black is in zugzwang.}) 14... Bd7 15. f4 Bc8 16. f5 Bd7 17. Bh5 Bc8 18. Be8 {!} Kxe8 (18... Bb7 {%05There is nothing better. Totally bad is} 19. Bd7 {!} Ba8 20. Bc8) 19. Kxg7 h5 (19... Ke7 {%05The main variation of the combination was} 20. h4 {!} (20. Kxh6 {?} Kf7 {, with a draw}) 20... Bd7 21. g5 {!} hxg5 22. hxg5 Be8 23. gxf6+ Kd6 24. f7 {, and White wins.} ) 20. Kxf6 hxg4 21. hxg4 Kf8 {Thanks to White's strong king position, in this position the two pawns prove stronger than the bishop.} 22. g5 Kg8 23. g6 Kf8 24. Kg5 Bd7 25. f6 Be8 26. Kf5 Kg8 27. g7 Bf7 28. Ke5 Bg6 29. Kd6 Bd3 30. Kxc6 Kf7 31. Kd6 Bf5 32. b5 $18 {, and Black resigned. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ676} 1-0 [Event "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Site "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Teichmann Richard (GER)"] [Black "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5pb1/4k1p1/2K4p/5P1P/4B1P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ676 In carrying out the winning plan, the result will often depend upon whether or not the opponent can be put in zugzwang. Even a big positional advantage may be impossible to realize, if the opponent has adequate defensive resources and does not run out of useful moves.} 1... Bf7+ {? %05Black has the superior pawn formation and the more actively placed king, which has a free path into the enemy position.} (1... Bb1 {! , not allowing the king to defend the pawns, for example: %05It seems totally improbable that White could have achieved a draw in this position, and indeed, analysis shows that Black did not play the strongest moves.^013^010 %05There was an easy win by} 2. Bf1 (2. Bd3 Ba2+ {!} 3. Kc5 Kf4 4. Kd4 Kg3 $19) 2... Kf4 3. Kd4 (3. Kd5 {%05counterattack does not work:} Kg3 4. Ke6 f5 5. Kf6 Kf2 6. Bc4 Kxg2 7. Kxg5 Kxh3 8. f4 Kg3 $19) 3... f5 {! (zugzwang: White is forced to allow the black king in at f2, which is decisive)} 4. Kd5 Ke3 5. Ke6 Kf2 6. Bc4 Kxg2 7. Kf6 Kxh3 8. Kxg5 Kg3 $19 { , and the h-pawn queens.}) 2. Kd3 Kf4 3. Bf1 {!} Kg3 4. Ke3 Bd5 5. Ke2 f5 { Black has broken into the enemy position with his king, tying down the bishop, but the white king is free: it is defending f2 and has three free squares. There is no zugzwang, and so Black has to advance his pawns, but this leads to a reduction in the number of pawns.} 6. Ke3 Be6 (6... f4+ 7. Ke2 Bb7 8. Ke1 Bxf3 9. gxf3 Kxf3 10. Be2+ Kg2 11. Bf1+ Kg3 12. Ke2 {= leads to a draw.}) 7. Ke2 g4 8. hxg4 (8. fxg4 {! %05} fxg4 9. Ke3 {, which would indeed have drawn, for example} gxh3 10. gxh3 Bd7 11. Ke2 Bb5+ 12. Ke1 Bc6 13. Ke2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... fxg4 9. Ke3 {? It is interesting that in the course of the game both players made mistakes.} (9. fxg4 {! %05Thus instead of 9.Ke3?, which was the decisive mistake, White should have played} Bxg4+ 10. Ke1 {!} (10. Ke3 { ? %05but not} Bd7 $19) 10... Bd7 11. Ba6 Bc6 (11... Kxg2 12. Bb7+ Kg1 13. Ke2) 12. Bc8 Bxg2 13. Bf5 {= ~5 (Nalimov taablebases)~}) 9... Bd7 {?} (9... gxf3 { ! %05Black missed a win on his 9th move. The correct continuation was} 10. gxf3 {, and only then} Bd7 {, when both after} 11. f4 (11. Ke2 {%05and after} Bb5+ 12. Ke1 Bc6 13. f4 Be4 {!} (13... Bg2 {?} 14. f5 h3 15. f6 {=}) 14. Ke2 Bf5 {!} 15. Ke1 Bg4 {!$19 Black wins.}) 11... Bg4 {! (zugzwang)} 12. Ke4 Kf2 {[%eval -550,0]}) 10. fxg4 {!} Bxg4 {(position ~3($412086)~)} 11. Ke4 {?} (11. Bb5 { != , the game would have ended in a draw! %05But if White had played}) 11... Bc8 12. Ke3 Bd7 $19 {, and White resigned. All this went unnoticed at the time, and Euwe, who cited this position in one of his books, also disregarded these possibilities.} * [Event "Belgrade (Yugoslavia)"] [Site "Belgrade (Yugoslavia)"] [Date "1961.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Matanovic Aleksandar (YUG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/5p1p/p1k3p1/P2p4/1K6/3BPPP1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1961.??.??"] {White's bishop is trained on two of the opponent's weaknesses - the obvious one at a6 and the potential one at g6. If he succeeds in also fixing this second weakness, he will be able to win, since his bishop will then have freedom to manoeuvre, and Black will inevitably end up in zugzwang.} 1. f4 f5 ( 1... h6 {! If now the white bishop leaves the b1-h7 diagonal, Black immediately plays 2... f6! and 3... g5, ridding himself of his weakness. ^013^010 White has two ways to develop his initiative, but both are insufficient: %05Now White's task is significantly simplified: there is now a second obvious weakness in Black's position. Correct was} 2. e4 (2. h4 Kd6 3. g4 Bxg4 (3... Bb7 4. Kc3 Kc5 5. g5 {, with a decisive advantage}) 4. Bxa6 f6 5. Bb7 g5 6. a6 Kc7 7. Bxd5 Kb6 8. hxg5 hxg5 9. fxg5 fxg5 10. Bc4 Bc8 {[%eval 0,0] with the same result.}) 2... dxe4 3. Bxe4+ Kd6 4. Kc4 Bg4 5. Kd4 Be2 6. h4 Bg4 (6... Bb5 7. g4 {and 8. g5}) 7. Bd3 Bc8 8. g4 Bxg4 9. Bxa6 f6 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black plays ... g5 with a draw.}) 2. h4 Kd6 (2... h5 {fails to %05The attempt to block the K-side by} 3. Bc2 {, when against Ba4-e8 there is no satisfactory defence.}) 3. h5 gxh5 (3... Kc6 {, then %05There is nothing better. If} 4. h6 Kd6 5. Kc3 Kc5 6. Be2 Bb7 7. g4 fxg4 8. Bxg4 Kb5 9. f5 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 4. Kc3 {! A step back/ so as to then make two steps forward.} Z0 (4... Kc5 {%05Black resigned, since after} 5. Bf1 {!} Bb7 6. Be2 Bc8 7. Bd3 {! White repeatedly employs this zugzwang mechanism, and easily obtains a decisive material advantage. Black is not helped by the pawn sacrifice} d4+ 8. exd4+ Kd5 9. Bc4+ Kd6 10. d5 Kc5 {, attempting to prevent the invasion of the opposing king into his position. White immediately returns the pawn:} 11. d6 {!} Kxd6 12. Kd4 {, and after} Bb7 {he again uses the zugzwang mechanism -} 13. Bf1 Bc8 14. Bd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5b2/p2k4/1p1p1p1p/1P1K1P1P/2P1PB2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Black's defensive resources are close to exhaustion. His bishop is defending his weak pawns, and his king is preventing the enemy king from advancing. White's problem is to give Black the move, since then he will be forced either to give up a pawn, or to let in the white king. But how is this to be done? We will make a thorough analysis of this position.} 1. Be2 Be8 {! This is the only correct reply, enabling Black to prolong the resistance.} (1... Bg6 { %05After} 2. Bd3 Bh7 3. Bf1 {! he immediately finds himself in zugzwang:} Bg6 ( 3... Bg8 {%05or} 4. Be2 Bf7 5. Bf3) 4. Bg2 Bf7 5. Bf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Bd3 Bg6 {Again the best move.} (2... Bd7 {there follows %05On} 3. Bc2 Be6 (3... Bc8 4. Bd1 {, winning a pawn}) 4. Bd1 Bf7 5. Bf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Bc2 Bh7 { You will probably have noticed that all the black bishop's moves are forced. It is therefore not difficult to guess that we have here a typical instance of corresponding squares, where to each move by the white bishop there corresponds only one definite reply by the black bishop. It can be said that f3 and f7 are corresponding squares, as are e2-e8, d3-g6 and c2-h7.^013^010 By the following instructive manoeuvre White wins the battle for the corresponding squares, and puts Black in zugzwang.} 4. Bb3 {!} Bg8 5. Bd1 {!} Bf7 6. Bf3 {[%eval 550,0] , and the initial position has been reached, only with Black to move.^013^010 Black lost because his bishop was restricted to two squares, as opposed to three for White's. White succeeded in breaking the correspondence by using this third square.^013^010 For the solving of complex blocked positions, again one can successfully use the method of corresponding squares. Let us work through the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4b3/p1k5/P1p1p1p1/P1K1P1P1/BP6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/604I1/502I2/8/8/ 205D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) White must give his opponent the move, since 1... Bd6 or 1... Bf8 is met by 2. Bc1 Be7 3. Be3, winning a pawn. Which square corresponds to b2? Obviously, f6. If the black were at d6, White would win immediately by 1. Bc1 Be7 2. Be3 etc. The only square corresponding to c1 is d8, and to d2-f6. Which square corresponds to e1? Not h8, since after 1. Bf2 the c5 pawn is lost; not d8, since after 1. Bf2 Be7 2. Be3 White immediately gives the opponent the move; again not e7, since after 1. Bc3 Bf6 (1... Bd6 2. Bd2 Be7 3. Be3) 2. Bb2 Bg7 3. Ba3! Bf8 4. Bc1! Be7 5. Be3 the turn to move is again transferred. It follows that the only square corresponding to e1 is g7. Then it is clear that c3 and h8 are corresponding squares, as are f2-f8 and a1-g7. Let us now try to find the square corresponding to g3. This can only be g7. But g7 also corresponds to e1. We see that White has two identical squares, and moreover he can go from one to the other in one move. It follows that Black is unable to maintain the correspondence. Let us compile a table of corresponding squares. a3 - e7; d2, b2 -f6; c1 - d8; a1,g3,e1 - g7; c3 -h8; f2 - f8. From a glance at the table, the solution is immediately apparent:} 1. Bb2 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/604I1/502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/ 04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} (1. Bc1 {%05But also possible is %15 N #B(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/604I1/502I2/8/8/ 01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Bd8 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/401I104I1/502I2/8/8/ 01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Bd2 { %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/401I104I1/502I2/8/ 8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Bf6 { ! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/401I104I1/ 502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 3. Be1 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/401I104I1/ 502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Bg7 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/401I104I1/ 502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 4. Bg3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/401I104I1/ 502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) !! Incidentally, it will not be out of place to mention that, if in this position a white and a black pawn are added at h3 and h4 respectively, g3 will be inaccessible to the white bishop, and so on White will be unable to win, since Black can maintain the correspondence.}) (1. b4 {%05Only a draw results from ?? } cxb4 2. Bxb4 Bxb4 {, when the white king cannot break in.}) 1... Bf6 { ! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/401I104I1/ 502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 2. Bc3 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/401I104I1/ 502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Bh8 {!} 3. Be1 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/ 401I104I1/502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} Bg7 {! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(303I106I105I/ 401I104I1/502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 4. Bg3 {!! %15 N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (303I106I105I/401I104I1/502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Bf6 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (303I106I105I/401I104I1/502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 5. Bf2 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (303I106I105I/401I104I1/502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Be7 {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C (303I106I105I/401I104I1/502I2/8/8/01D105D101D104D1/102D102D106D2/04D103D104D3) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 6. Be3 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ilyin-Zhenevsky Alexander F (R"] [Black "Stepanov Nikolay (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/p4p2/1p2bP1p/2p5/4B2P/1PP5/P7/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ591 %212045826630=4HLJ633 %212045826630=4HLJ672 %212045826630=4HLJ678 ~12.523 Superior king position~ In the endgame the king is normally an active piece. It can support passed pawns, or break into the opponent's position and capture enemy pawns. A superior king position, as we have already seen many times, is of great importance in endings. Thus in position Black is helpless, since his king is unable to take part in the play on the Q-side.} 1. Kd2 Kg8 2. Ke3 Kf8 ( 2... Bd7 3. Kf4 Kf8 4. Ke5 Ke8 5. Bd5 {!$18}) 3. Bc6 {!} Bf5 4. Kf4 Bb1 5. a3 Kg8 6. Ke5 Bc2 7. Bd5 Kf8 8. Kd6 Ke8 9. Kc7 Bd1 10. b4 cxb4 11. cxb4 Ba4 12. Kb7 $18 {, and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b1p5/5B1p/p5p1/k1K5/8/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {In exceptional cases a badly-placed king may even itself become a target for attack. Then even a big material advantage may prove useless. An example is provided by the following study.} 1. Be7 {%05Black is three pawns up, but his king is in a dangerous position.} c5 2. Bf8 Bb6 (2... g4 3. Bxh6 g3 4. Bc1 g2 5. b3#) 3. Bd6 {!} (3. Bxh6 {%05of course, not} Bd8 4. Bg7 g4 5. Bh6 Bf6 6. Bc1 Bxb2 {, with a draw}) 3... Ba7 4. Bc7 {! (now Black is forced to move his pawns)} h5 5. Bd6 h4 6. Be7 h3 7. Bxg5 h2 8. Bc1 h1=Q 9. b3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/P7/6b1/8/5K1B/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {~13. BISHOPS OF OPPOSITE COLOUR~ ~13.1 Bishop and pawn against bishop~ In endings with opposite-coloured bishops, a bishop cannot help a pawn to cross a square attacked by the opposing bishop, and it follows that, as in endings with a bishop against pawns, a bishop on its own restrain a pawn from afar. The side with the pawn can win only in the following exceptional cases: 1) If either king hinders the bishop in its battle with the pawn. 2) If the pawn can cross a square of the colour of the enemy bishop before the bishop can attack that square. Usually the defending side is able to draw.} 1. a6 {, for example: %05At first sight Black's position seems critical after} Bf5 2. Kf3 (2. Ke3 { %05White can also play differently:} Bh3 3. Kf3 {, but then there follows} Bf1 4. a7 Bc4 {and 5... Bd5=}) 2... Bd3 {! %05^013^010} (2... Kd5 {?} 3. a7 Be4+ 4. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 3. a7 Bc4 4. a8=Q Bd5+ {= On the basis of these variations Berger rightly considered this position to be drawn, but through some misunderstanding Fine gives it as an example of rare win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1899.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/2PK3B/2P5/6b1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1899.??.??"] {~13.2 Bishop and two pawns against bishop~ While in all other endings, with rare exceptions, two pawns constitute a big advantage ensuring a win, in endings with opposite-coloured bishops this is not so. ~13.21 Doubled pawns~ Against doubled pawns, a draw is most simply achieved if the defending side's king can occupy a square in front of the pawns and of the opposite colour to that of the enemy bishop.} 1... Kd8 {and 2... Kc8, after which further play is completely pointless, since it is impossible to drive the black king from c8. %05Black to move plays} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/2PK3B/2P5/6b1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1. Bg5 {, not allowing the black king across to c8. After this White is himself threatening to take his king to b7 or b8, and, after winning the bishop for one pawn, to queen the other pawn. Therefore Black cannot adopt waiting tactics.^013^010 For example: %05If it is White to move, he plays} Bf5 2. c7 {!} (2. Kc7 {%05No better for White is} Be4 3. Kb7 Bf3 4. Kb6 Be4 5. c7 Kd7 {, with a draw.}) 2... Bh3 (2... Bg4 {%05It should be noted that after} 3. Kc6 {, only} Bf3+ {! leads to a draw} (3... Bc8 {%05bad is} 4. Kb6 Kd7 5. Bf4 Ke6 6. Ka7 Kd5 (6... Kd7 7. Kb8 Ba6 8. Bd6 {, and Black is in zugzwang}) 7. Kb8 Ba6 8. Bd6 {[%eval 550,0]})) 3. c6 Bg4 {?} (3... Bc8 {%05But as I.Rabinovich showed as long ago as 1937, Black can draw by defending actively. Black plays} 4. Kc5 Kf7 {!} 5. Kb6 Ke6 {!} 6. Ka7 Kd5 {!} 7. Kb8 Ba6 {= Draw.}) (3... Kf7 { , which transposes %05also possible is}) 4. Kc5 Bh3 5. Kb6 Bc8 6. Ka7 {and 7. Kb8, 8. c8Q$18. For this reason both Berger (1899) and Fine (1941) regarded this position, with White to move, to be won.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/4PP2/4K3/1b6/8/4B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {~13.22 Connected pawns~ A systematic analysis of such endings was made by Tarrasch, and we give here the results of his researches. When advancing connected pawns it is very important not to allow the opponent to blockade them. The famous French player Philidor established the following rule: "If my bishop controls the white squares, I must place my pawns on black squares: in this case the bishop can drive away the enemy pieces which attempt to establish themselves between the pawns". In accordance with this rule, in the endings under consideration one should first advance that pawn which by its move will occupy a square of the colour of the enemy bishop. If the other pawn is advanced first, it will be impossible to control the squares of the opposite colour, the pawns will be blockaded, and, with rare exceptions, it will not be possible to win the ending. The further advanced the pawns, the more dangerous they are. ~13.221 Pawns on the sixth rank are especially powerful.~} 1. Bb5+ {%05According to Philidor's rule, it is the e-pawn that should advance, but this is not possible yet because of 1... Be7. To win, White's king must reach d7 or f7, in order to support the advance of the pawn. This is achieved very simply. White gives check with his bishop at b5 or h5. If Black plays 1... Kf8, the white king goes via d5 and c6 to d7; if 1... Kd8, then the king goes via f5 and g6 to f7. Black would be able to forestall this plan only if he could attack the f-pawn with his bishop and prevent the march of the king via d5 and c6 to d7. But this is not possible, since after} Kf8 2. Kd5 Bc3 {there follows} 3. e7+ Kf7 4. e8=Q+ {[%eval 550,0] The bishop must not only attack the f-pawn, but also control e7, and therefore it must stand at d8. Consider the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3bk3/8/4PP2/4K3/8/8/4B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Bb5+ {%05After} Kf8 {the white king cannot go to d7, but the black bishop's diagonal is too short. After} 2. Kf5 {Black loses due to zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/6PP/6K1/3b4/8/6B1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {But a win with pawns on the sixth rank is not always possible. Let us shift position ~3( 2164)~ two files to the right.} 1. Bd5+ Kf8 {the manoeuvre of the king to f7 does not work, and Black gains a draw. Note that the black bishop could also have been at f8. After 1. Bd5 Kh8 2. Kh5 there is no zugzwang, since there follows 2... Bh6!, with stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/6PP/6K1/2b5/8/5B2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {If White has a black-squared bishop, i.e. he controls the corner square, he wins.} 1... Kg8 {there follows %05Here the h-pawn cannot be stopped. On} (1... Bg8 {%05and on} 2. Bc5+ Ke8 3. h7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. h7+ Kg7 3. Bd4+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/4P3/5P2/5K2/8/8/3bB3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {~13.222 One pawn on the 6th rank, one on the 5th~} 1. Ke5 {and 2. f6. %05White to move wins easily by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/4P3/5P2/5K2/8/8/3bB3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] 1... Kd6 {Then White brings his king in from the right: %05If it is Black to move, he can hinder the realization of the advantage by} 2. Kg5 Be2 3. Bg3+ Kd5 (3... Ke7 {%05or} 4. Kf4 Kd6 5. Ke3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. e7 {(exploiting the fact that the black king is remote and that his pawns cannot be blockaded, White succeeds in queening a pawn)} Bb5 5. Kg6 Be8+ 6. Kg7 Kc6 7. f6 Kd7 8. f7 Kxe7 9. f8=Q+ {, and White wins. If the white king stood at d4, Black to play would draw by 1... Kf6 2. Ke4 Bc2} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/6P1/7P/7K/8/8/5bB1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {Let us shift position ~3( 2168)~ two files to the right.} 1. Kg5 {and 2. h6$18 } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/6P1/7P/7K/8/8/5bB1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Kf6 {! it turns out that there is no square corresponding to g5 in position ~3($412167)~, and hence no possibility of a by-pass. The continuation %05But if it is Black to move, then after} 2. Bd4+ Kf5 3. g7 Bc4 {leads only to the pawns being blockaded. The result is therefore a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/6P1/7P/6K1/8/8/5bB1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Kf6 {%05But if White's king stood initially at g4, then after} 2. Bd4+ Ke6 3. Kg5 {he would win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/7P/6P1/6K1/8/8/6bB w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Kh5 {%05White is unable to win, for example:} Kg8 {!} (1... Bd4 {? loses to} 2. Bd5 {!} Bc3 3. g6+ Kh8 4. Kg4 {! , when the white king goes to f7.}) 2. Bd5+ Kf8 {!} 3. Kg6 Be3 {! , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/7P/6P1/6K1/8/8/6bB b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Be3 {and 2... Bg5 %05If it is Black to move, he draws most simply by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1916.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Henneberger Sven (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/8/4PP2/4K3/1b6/3B4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1916.??.??"] {~13.223 Pawns on the 5th rank~ With pawns on the 5th rank, White's plan is the same as with pawns on the 6th - drive the black king away with the bishop, and then advance the king with the aim of supporting the advance of one of the pawns.} 1. Bg5+ {! %05With his bishop at c8 or d7, rather than b3, Black can draw.} (1. Bb4+ {achieves nothing after} Kf7 {!} 2. Kd4 Bc2 {!} 3. e6+ Kf6 { , when Black forces a draw. Therefore White places his bishop so that after e5-e6 the black king cannot go to f6.}) 1... Kd7 (1... Kf7 {the advance of the king on the left is decisive: %05On} 2. Kd4 Ba2 3. Kc5 {!} Bb3 (3... Bb1 4. e6+ Ke8 5. f6) 4. Kd6 {, then 5. e6 and 6. f6.}) 2. Kf4 Ba2 3. Bh4 Bf7 4. Kg5 Ke7 5. Kh6+ Kd7 6. Kg7 Bd5 7. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] Black could have prevented White's plan if he were able to attack the f-pawn and not allow e5-e6. To do this his bishop must be at c8 or d7. It is easy to check that after 1. Bg5 Kf7! White cannot win, since his king is tied to the f-pawn, and is unable to make the necessary by-pass on the left. With pawns on the 6th rank this method of defence did not work: the bishop's diagonal was too short, and Black ended up in zugzwang. Thus we have succeeded in obtaining a highly important rule for the construction of a defensive position: in the battle against two connected passed pawns the bishop must be placed such that it attacks one pawn, and together with the king prevents the advance of the other. Such a method of defence leads to a draw, provided only that Black does not end up in zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1916.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Henneberger Sven (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/8/5PP1/5K2/2b5/4B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1916.??.??"] {Let us shift position ~3( 2174)~ one file to the right, and see how this reflects on its evaluation.} 1. Bh5+ {%05In the previous position White needed the h-file (5. Kh6) %05in order to win. Here it can therefore be expected that %05White will be unable to win, since he is short of %05manoeuvring space on the right. For example:} (1. Kg4 {%05White can try an alternative method of attack:} Bb2 2. Kh5 Kg7 {!} 3. Bb5 Bc3 4. Be8 Bb2 5. Bg6 Bd4 6. Kg4 {! After forcing the black king to go to g7, White intends after 7. Bh5 to make the king march f3-e4-d5-e6. Passive tactics cannot save Black; determined measures are required. At the present moment White cannot play f5-f6, and Black exploits this factor to improve the position of his bishop. The best place for the bishop is on the d8-f6 diagonal, i.e. at e7 or d8, and so here follows} Bb6 {!!} (6... Bc5 {! %05or}) 7. Bh5 Bd8 {! , with a draw (pointed out by Berger).} ) 1... Ke7 {!} (1... Kg7 {there follows %05on} 2. Ke4 {, with a by-pass from the left}) 2. Bg6 Bb2 3. Kg4 Bc3 4. Kh5 Bg7 {!} 5. Bh7 Kf7 {By defending actively, Black has not allowed the white king in on the right. With bishop's pawn and knight's pawn, difficulties arise only when the colour of the defending side's bishop is such that it controls the nearby corner square. If this is not the case, the win is straightforward.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4b3/6k1/8/5PP1/5K2/8/5B2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] 1. Bd4+ {%05White to move plays} Kh7 (1... Kf7 2. g6+) (1... Kg8 2. g6) 2. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4b3/6k1/8/5PP1/5K2/8/5B2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Bh5 {there follows %05With Black to move, on} 2. Bd4+ Kf7 3. Bf6 {, when Black is in zugzwang. The most active position for the bishop at h7 also fails to draw here. There follows 1. Bd4 Kf7 2. Bc3, and again Black is in zugzwang. We reach the conclusion that, with bishop's pawn and knight's pawn on the 5th rank, if the defending side's bishop does not control the nearby corner square, he loses irrespective of the method of defence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/6PP/7K/3bB3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {In positions with rook's pawn and knight's pawn, if the black pieces are well placed White is unable to win.} 1. Bd4+ {%05Here the draw is obvious:} Kf7 { , and White is powerless to undertake anything.} (1... Kh7 {, since on %05The black king could also have gone to h7} 2. Kg3 {there follows} Be2 3. g6+ Kh6 { [%eval 0,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/8/3P4/b3P3/4K3/3B4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {~13.224 One pawn on the 5th rank, one on the 4th~ Since we are examining only positions where Black's bishop is unable to blockade the pawns, the advance of both white pawns to the 5th rank cannot be prevented. It follows that the result will depend on whether or not the weaker side can manage to obtain a drawn position with pawns on the 5th rank.} 1... Be8 {! %05Black plays} 2. Bb4+ Kd7 {!} 3. e5 (3. Kd4 {%05If White tries to attack the black bishop by} Bf7 4. Ke5 {, his plan fails after} Bg6 (4... Ke8 {%05But Black can even play} 5. Kf6 Bg8 {!} (5... Bh5 {?} 6. e5 Bf3 7. d6 Bg4 8. e6) 6. Kg7 Bf7 7. Ba3 Bh5 8. e5 Bf3 9. d6 Bg4 10. Kf6 Kd7 {, and the pawns are blockaded.}) 5. Ba3 Bh7) 3... Bf7 {! , occupying the best position with his bishop.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/8/4P3/1b3P2/5K2/4B3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {If position ~3( 2179)~ is shifted one file to the right, even an actively placed bishop and king does not help.} 1... Bf8 {%05On} 2. Bc4+ Ke7 {there follows} 3. Ke4 {!} (3. f5 {%05but not} Bg7 {, with a draw}) 3... Bg7 4. Kf5 Bh6 5. Kg4 {! (Black is in zugzwang)} Bf8 6. Kg5 Bg7 7. Kg6 Kf8 (7... Bf8 8. f5 ) (7... Bh8 {%05or} 8. Kh7 {!}) 8. Kh7 {, and White wins. The black bishop did not have enough space.^013^010 In the previous position Black had the move 7... Bh5, but here there is no corresponding square. With bishop's pawn and knight's pawn an active bishop position again does not help, if the defending side's bishop does not control the nearby corner square (cf. example ~3( 2176) ~). Against the correct placing of the defending side's pieces, a win with rook's pawn and knight's pawn on the 4th and 5th ranks is impossible, since it cannot be achieved even with both pawns on the 5th rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/6K1/7P/6P1/2bB4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {White can win if he succeeds in cutting off the black king from the corner, reaching h7 with his king, and then advancing his g-pawn. But against correct defence this plan cannot be carried out.} 1. Bc4 Bd4 2. g5 Be3 {! the only move } (2... Bb2 {%04then %05if} 3. Kh7 {followed by g5-g6, h5-h6 and g6-g7}) 3. h6 {(3. Bg5 was threatened)} Bd2 4. Kh5 Be3 5. g6 Bd4 {! , and we reach position ~3($412165)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/8/3PP3/4K3/8/4Bb2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~13.225 Pawns on the 4th rank~ Against pawns on the 4th rank, Black has even better drawing chances. If the pawns are on the central files, the defending side is able to draw in two cases: 1) When he can set up a defensible position against pawns on the 4th rank. 2) When he can set up a defensible position against pawns on the 5th rank. To set up the first defensible position, Black's bishop must immediately reach c6, so as to prevent d4-d5. To set up the second defensible position, the black bishop must succeed in reaching f7 when the white pawns cross to the 5th rank. A straightforward analysis shows that, if Black begins, he can draw, provided only that his bishop is not at g2 or h1, since then he is unable to set up the necessary defensible is at f1.} 1... Bc4 {! %05We will consider one of the most difficult cases, when the black bishop is at f1.} (1... Bb5 {? loses to} 2. Bb4+ {! , when Black is unable to set up the necessary position, for example:} (2. Bg3+ {?} Ke7 {!} 3. d5 Be8 4. e5 Bf7 5. Kd4 Kd7 {, with a draw}) 2... Kc7 (2... Ke6 {%05or} 3. d5+ Ke5 4. Bc3+ Kd6 5. Kd4 Be8 6. e5+ {and 7. e6$18}) 3. d5 Be8 4. e5 Bf7 5. e6 { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. Bg3+ {!} (2. Bb4+ {, then after %05It should be noted that, if White had not played 2. Bg3, but} Ke6 3. Kd2 Bb3 4. Kc3 Ba2 5. Ba3 {Black could have played} Bb1 {!} 6. d5+ Ke5 {, with a draw.}) 2... Kc6 {! The only move.} (2... Kd7 {? , then %05If} 3. d5 {4. Kd4 and 5. e5}) (2... Ke6 {White wins by %05On} 3. Kd2 Bb3 4. Kc3 Ba2 5. Bh2 {, when the black pieces are in each other's way. It is for this reason that 2... Kc6 is the best move: Black's king does not interfere with his bishop's manoeuvring.}) 3. Kf4 Bg8 4. Ke5 Kd7 5. d5 Bh7 {!} (5... Bf7 {%05This is simpler than} 6. Kf6 Ke8 {!} 7. Bf4 Bg8 {!}) 6. Kf4 Bg6 7. e5 Bf7 {[%eval 0,0] ! If the bishop stands initially at g2, then on 1... Bf1 or 1... Bh3 there follows 2. Bb4 Kd7 3. d5, when Black is unable to regroup.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/8/4PP2/5K2/3b4/5B2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(1XI1XI1XI2/XI1XI1XI3/1XI1XI4/ XI1XI5/1XI6/XI7/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) With a bishop's pawn and a central pawn, two basic cases can be picked out: 1) The defending side's bishop controls the nearby corner square. The defending side draws if he is able immediately to set up the necessary defensible position Black draws if his bishop can reach the d6-b8 diagonal in one move. Squares from which this is possible are marked on the diagram with crosses. If the bishop is on an unfavourable square, or it is the stronger side to move, the game is lost.} 1... Bc3 {%05With the bishop at d2, for example, after} 2. Bh3+ Kd6 3. Kg4 Bg7 4. Kf5 Ke7 5. e5 {position ~3($402180)~, which is won for White, is reached.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/8/4PP2/4K3/8/1b2B3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {2) If the defending side's bishop does not control the nearby corner square, he is able to draw if he can set up a basic defensible position on the 4th or the 5th rank Analysis shows and that Black draws with his bishop on any square, except h1.} 1... Bc2 {!} (1... Ba2 2. Bh4+ Ke6 3. f5+ Ke5 4. Bg3+ Kf6 5. Kf4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. Bh4+ Kf7 {!} 3. f5 Ba4 {!} 4. e5 Bd7 {! with a draw. Against a bishop's pawn and knight's pawn, when the defending side's bishop controls the nearby corner square, it is insufficient to take up the first defensible position, since the defender ends up in zugzwang. Thus with the bishop at h6, on 1... Kf6 there follows 2. Bd3, and Black is forced to break up his formation. But he can regroup to the second defensible position by 2... Bf8 3. g5 Kg7 4. f5 Be7 etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/8/5PP1/5K2/4B2b/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {Consider the case when the bishop is at h2.} 1... Bg1 {%05A draw is given by} 2. Bd3+ Kg7 (2... Kf6 {%05the simplest, but also possible is} 3. g5+ Kg7 {!} 4. Kg4 Be3 5. f5 Bd4 6. Kf3 Bb2 7. Ke4 Bc1 8. f6+ Kg6 {, with a draw}) 3. g5 Bc5 4. f5 Be7 {[%eval 0,0] In general, if the bishop controls the corner square, the defending side can almost always set up a defensible position in time. But if the bishop does not control the corner square, a draw can be achieved only if the defender can immediately occupy the best position with his bishop. With rook's pawn and knight's pawn, if Black defends correctly it is impossible to win. The method of setting up a defensible position was considered earlier.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k1b3/2P5/3KPB2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {~13.23 Isolated pawns~ If the pawns are isolated, the distance between them is of great importance for evaluating the position.} 1. Ke6 {%05Here the distance between the pawns is one file. White is unable to win, for example:} Bb4 2. Be4 Kd8 3. Kf7 Ba3 4. e6 Bb4 $40 {[%eval 0,0] From d8 the black king can simultaneously prevent the advance of both pawns. In position ~3( 2187)~ the king cannot do this.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k1b3/2P5/3K1P1B/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] 1. Bf3 {%05After} Kd8 2. Ke6 Bb4 3. f6 Ba5 4. f7 Bb4 5. Kf6 Bc3+ 6. Kg6 Bb4 7. Kg7 {White wins. On the basis of these two positions, certain theorists began asserting that two pawns separated by two files or more always win. But it can be shown that this condition, although, is not sufficient. Consider the following two positions. They differ only in that Black's king and bishop change places.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2kB4/2P5/6b1/4K3/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. f4 {%05Here White wins:} Bh4 2. Kd5 Bd8 3. Ke6 Bh4 4. f5 {[%eval 550,0] Changing the places of the black pieces alters the evaluation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2bB4/2P5/6k1/4K3/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {White is unable to win, since the black bishop, with the support of the king, halts the advance of both pawns. White's king cannot support the advance of his pawns. If it goes to b7, the black king will stand at d8, and the balance is maintained. Thus if the defender can deploy his bishop so that from one diagonal it restrains both pawns, and simultaneously prevents the invasion of the stronger side's king, the game ends in a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/8/2P5/6KB/8/4kP2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {Compared with the previous example, the white king is much more active. Nevertheless Black can maintain the balance.} 1. Kf5 Kd4 2. Ke6 (2. f4 Ke3) 2... Kc5 3. Kd7 (3. Be8 {, then %05if} Bc7 {!}) 3... Kb6 4. Be8 Bc7 {!} 5. Kc8 Bd6 6. Kd7 Bc7 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/8/2P5/6KB/8/4kP2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1... Bc7 {! %05If it is Black to move, the only move to draw is} (1... Bh2 { ? %05bad, for example, is} 2. Kf5 {!} Kd4 3. f4 {and 4. c7$18}) 2. Kf5 Kd4 {!} 3. Ke6 Kc5 4. Kd7 Kb6 5. Be8 Bb8 {!} 6. Ke6 Kc5 7. Kf5 Kd4 8. Kg4 Ke3 9. Bh5 Bc7 {! The following position can be assigned to the same group.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1b6/1P6/4Bk2/3K1P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {Here the distance between the pawns is three (!) files, and yet the position is drawn, since White's king is powerless to help the pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b3k3/8/P7/2K1B3/3P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Kb6 {%05White to play wins easily:} Kd7 2. Ka7 Bd5 3. Kb8 {, and the pawn has a free advance.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b3k3/8/P7/2K1B3/3P4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] 1... Kd7 {After %05Lisitsin showed that Black to move can draw by} 2. d5 { Black's bishop is immobilized, and White can attempt to obtain a zugzwang position:} (2. Kb6 {achieves nothing after %05Now} Kc8) 2... Ke7 3. Kd4 Kd7 4. Bb8 Kc8 5. Bd6 Kd8 {!} (5... Kd7 {is bad because of} 6. Ke5 Kc8 7. Ke6 Kd8 8. Be5 Kc8 9. Bf4 Kd8 10. d6 Bc6 11. a7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke4 Kc8 7. Ke5 Kd7 8. Bb8 Kc8 9. Ba7 Kd7 {!} 10. Bb6 Kc8 {Draw. Here an important part was of course played by the fact that a8 was inaccessible to the white bishop. From time to time Black threatened to reach this square, and this prevented White from setting up a zugzwang position.} * [Event "Lucerne (Switzerland)"] [Site "Lucerne (Switzerland)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bhend Edwin (SUI)"] [Black "Leepin"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/P3K3/3P4/8/b7/4B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ593 %212045826630=4HLJ682 %212045826630=4HLJ702 White's bishop controls a8, but nevertheless Black succeeds in maintaining the balance.} 1. Bb5 (1. Bf3 { , then %05if} Kb6 {=}) 1... Bb4 2. Bc6 Kb6 3. Bb5 Kc7 {!} 4. Bc6 Kb6 5. Bb7 Kc7 {= Draw. Here Black's king fought successfully on two fronts - it controlled the a-pawn, and supported the bishop in the battle with the d-pawn. But if in this position White's king were at b5, the result would be different.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/P7/1K1P4/8/b7/4B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] 1. Bf3 {! , threatening 2. d6, White wins, for example: %05By} Bd6 2. Be4 Bg3 3. d6+ {!} Kb8 4. d7 Bh4 5. Kc6 Ka7 6. Bd3 Bd8 7. Kd6 Kb8 8. Ke6 Bh4 9. Kf7 Kc7 10. Ke8 Bg5 {It remains for White o overcome the last line of defence.} 11. Be4 Kb6 12. Bb7 Kc7 13. Bc8 {! The rest is obvious - Black can defend against the threat of 14. a7 only by moving his king to b6 or b8, and this allows 15. d8Q Positions exist where the opponent's bishop controls only one pawn, but a win is not possible, because the king cannot break through to support the advance of the pawns.} * [Event "Arkhangelsk (Russia)"] [Site "Arkhangelsk (Russia)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger"] [Black "Kotlerman S"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5B2/1p3b2/2k1p3/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ593 %212045826630=4HLJ682 %212045826630=4HLJ702} 1. Ke2 b3 2. Kd1 Kb4 3. Bh7 Ka3 4. Bg6 Kb2 (4... b2 {, then %05if} 5. Bb1 {!= , and the black king cannot break through to the pawn's queening square, and hence cannot support its further advance}) 5. Bf7 {!} Ka2 6. Be6 Ka3 7. Bf5 {!= Draw. We can now formulate a rule for endings with opposite-coloured bishops, where one side has two isolated pawns: ~2 1) When the distance between the pawns is one file, the game ends in a draw.~ ~2 2) When there are two or more files between the pawns, the stronger side wins if it is possible to break through to one of the pawns with his king, and ensure its advance to the queening square ~. Positions with a rook's pawn are exceptions to the rule. If one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, and the queening square is of the colour of the weaker side's bishop, then, as was shown by Berger, if the weaker side's king reach that square, the game naturally ends in a draw, since the bishop can then be sacrificed for the other pawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3b4/8/2Bp4/4p1k1/5p2/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "44"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {~13.3 Bishop and three pawns against bishop~ With opposite-coloured bishops, even three extra pawns do not guarantee a win. Tripled pawns win if the opposing king is unable to reach a square invulnerable to the bishop in front of the pawns. Three connected pawns normally ensure an easy win, but in advancing them a blockade should not be allowed. If they are blockaded the win is considerably more difficult, and in exceptional cases may altogether prove impossible.} 1. Kf2 {! An essential move.} (1. Bf2 {, then %05If} Bb5 2. Be3 Kg3 {!} 3. Bf2+ Kg2 4. Be3 f2+ {!} 5. Bxf2 Kf3 6. Bc5 e3 {, then ... Ke4 and .. . d4, with an easy win. After 1. Kf2 it is pointless for Black to attempt to approach via the K-side. In order to advance his pawns, he must break through on the Q-side.}) 1... Kf4 2. Bd4 Bh3 3. Bc5 Ke5 4. Ke3 Bf1 (4... f2 {%05not} 5. Bd4+ {! , with a draw}) 5. Ba7 Kd6 6. Kd2 Kc6 7. Kc3 Kb5 8. Kb3 {White's king is on guard, and prevents the entry of the black king.} Bc4+ 9. Kc3 (9. Ka3 { , then %05If} Ba2 {!} 10. Kxa2 Kc4 11. Kb2 d4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 9... Ka4 10. Bc5 Ba6 11. Bg1 Ka3 {! Step by step the king invades the opposing position.} 12. Kd4 Bc4 13. Kc3 Ka2 14. Bd4 Kb1 15. Kd2 Bb5 16. Kd1 Bc6 17. Kd2 Ba4 { For the umpteenth time White is in zugzwang, and is forced to allow the black king even further into his rearguard.} 18. Kc3 (18. Bf2 {%05Or} Kb2 {, and the black king reaches c4, allowing ... d4.}) 18... Kc1 19. Bg1 Kd1 20. Kd4 Ke2 21. Kxd5 e3 22. Kd4 f2 {, and Black wins. We have seen that for his manoeuvring Black required the rook's file.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2b5/8/1Bp5/3p1k2/4p3/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {Let us shift position ~3( 2198)~ one file to the left, and see whether or not Black can carry out his winning plan.} 1. Ke2 {! %05Can the black king now break through on the Q-side?} Ke4 2. Bc4 Bg3 3. Bb5 Kd5 4. Kd3 Be1 5. Ba6 Kc6 6. Kc2 Kb6 7. Bc4 Ka5 8. Kb3 $40 {, and the way is closed to the black king. There was insufficient space to achieve the win. Positions obtained by shifting position ~3( 2199)~ one or two files to the left will similarly be drawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3B4/8/6b1/3k4/2p1p3/3p4/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Black are threatening to win by means of 1. ... c3+ 2.Kxc3 e3 or 1. ... e3+ 2. Kxe3 c3 It is clear , that White's bishop must help to his King. How it can be done ?} 1. Bb6 {! %05White has to ways to eascape a loss.} (1. Bg5 {%05After natural} Ke5 {%05Black wins playing} 2. Bh6 (2. Ke3 c3 $19) 2... Kf5 $19 { , and Black's King arrives on f3}) (1. Ba5 {%05Not better is} Kc5 $19 {, and Black's King arrives on b3}) (1. Bf6 {! %05or} Kc5 2. Kc3 {!} e3 {%04then %05, and if} 3. Bd4+ {=}) 1... Ke5 2. Ke3 {!} c3 {%05, and Black cannot play} 3. Bd4+ {= %05because of In both cases White can coordinate his pieces against opponent's pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2b5/5k2/2p1p3/3pK3/3B4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Ke5 {Black are winning because White cannot coordinate his pieces. %05After} 2. Bc3+ {%05For instance,} Kd5 3. Bb4 Be8 {! This bishop must be on h7-f5 diagonal.^013^010} 4. Bd2 Bg6 5. Bb4 Bh7 6. Be1 Kc5 7. Bd2 Bg6 {!} (7... Kb5 {is refuted by %05Imediate} 8. Kd4 {!}) 8. Be1 Kb5 9. Kd4 Ka4 10. Kxc4 e3 $19 {, etc} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2k1b3/3p4/2pKp3/8/3B4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1... Kb4 {%05The attempt to approach with the king again fails:} (1... Kd6 { %05or} 2. Bc2 Ke6 3. Bd1 Kf5 4. Bc2 Kf4 5. Ke2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Kc2 {[%eval 0, 0] The characteristic feature of all the drawn positions we have examined was that the black king was unable to break through to support the advance of the pawns. These positions demonstrate clearly the strength of the blockade, neutralizing a big material advantage. If one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, and its queening square is inaccessible to the stronger side's bishop, this creates additional drawing possibilities.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4b3/4B3/2p5/1p1k4/p7/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {If one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, and its queening square is inaccessible to the stronger side's bishop, this creates additional drawing possibilities.} 1... c3 {there follows %05Black cannot win, since on} 2. Bxc3 {[%eval 0,0] ! If the pawns are separated, the win is fairly simple. Only in the event of a blockade, with the stronger side's king being unable to break through to the pawns, may it prove impossible to win. The following study shows one such exceptional position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/6B1/1k6/8/1p2p3/3b4/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Be8 {!} Kc6 2. Ke2 Bc1 3. Kd1 Bb2 4. Ke2 Bd4 5. Kd1 Kd6 6. Bf7 {!} b2 7. Bg6 Kc5 8. Ke2 d5 9. Bf5 Kb4 10. Bg6 Ka3 11. Bb1 {!} Kb3 12. Kd1 Kc3 13. Ke2 Bc5 14. Kd1 d4 15. Ke2 Kb3 16. Kd3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b3k1/5pp1/p6p/8/8/8/PP3PPP/4B1K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "42"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~1BOTH SIDES HAVE PAWNS~ In endings with opposite-coloured bishops, an extra pawn, and sometimes even two, does not always lead to a win. The position is very similar to a typical position with bishops of the same colour (No.~3( 2122)~). There White won easily, whereas here we have an elementary draw. Let us check:} 1. Kf1 {^013^010 White improves the position of his king, and prepares to create a passed pawn on the Q-side.} Kf8 {%05^013^010} 2. Ke2 Ke8 3. Kd3 Be6 {^013^010 The first unpleasantness. The king cannot go to c4.} 4. b3 {%05^013^010} (4. a4 {, then %05if} Bb3 5. a5 Ba4 {[%eval 0,0] , and the extra pawn has no part to play}) 4... Kd7 5. Bb4 {^013^010 The second unpleasantness $6 White's bishop cannot help in the creation of a passed pawn.} g6 { %05^013^010} 6. Kc3 Kc6 7. a4 Kb6 8. Bf8 h5 9. b4 Bd5 10. g3 Be6 {^013^010 White has no way of obtaining a passed pawn. But perhaps it is worth immediately taking the king over to the K-side?} 11. Kd4 {%05^013^010} Bb3 { ! (it is useful to stop the opposing pawns)} 12. a5+ Kb5 13. Ke5 Be6 14. Kf6 Kc6 {^013^010 White has diverted the black king to the Q-side, but even without the help of the king the black bishop can cope with the defence of the K-side pawns, since not one of the pawns can be attacked by the white bishop.} 15. Kg5 Kb5 16. h4 Kc6 17. f3 Bd5 {!} (17... Kb5 {, then %05Black is on the alert. If} 18. g4 {!} hxg4 19. fxg4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White creates a dangerous passed pawn, obtaining a won ending.}) 18. Kf4 Kb5 19. g4 Kc6 20. gxh5 gxh5 21. Kg3 Kb5 {[%eval 0,0] etc. There is nothing that White can do. In this example the special features of endings with opposite-coloured bishops are clearly apparent. The first feature is that the advance of a passed pawn cannot be supported by the bishop, since squares attacked by the enemy bishop are inaccessible to it. The second feature is that the bishop cannot attack enemy pawns which are on squares of the opposite colour. Therefore, if the weaker side can occupy a square in front of a passed pawn which is invulnerable to the enemy bishop, and defend his pawns on both flanks with his bishop, a win will not be possible, provided only that the stronger side cannot create another passed pawn. The following example shows the ~2first typical drawn position~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/3P2p1/1p2Kb1p/pB5P/P5P1/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Black draws by adopting passive tactics. The white king has great scope for manoeuvring, but here this is worthless.} * [Event "Bad Kissingen (Germany)"] [Site "Bad Kissingen (Germany)"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Black "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4b3/1k2B2p/1p6/2p2p2/4p3/7P/PPP2PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {It is curious that this position has been given in a number of books on the ending as a win for White. The basis of the first method of defence is a strict division of functions: the bishop defends the pawns, and the king deals with the enemy passed pawn. If the stronger side can break through to his own passed pawn before the enemy king is able to blockade it, then, as in other endings, this leads to a win, provided that the king can ensure the advance of the pawn.} {The position appears to satisfy the typical symptoms of a drawn position. Black's king is on the Q-side, where White is threatening to create a passed pawn, and his K-side pawns are on squares of the colour of his bishop, so it seems that the black bishop should be able to defend them all simultaneously. Let us see how the game went. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ593 %212045826630=4HLJ686} 1. Kh2 c4 ( 1... Bb5 {!! %05Can our first impression have been incorrect? Couldn't Black have played more strongly?^013^010 %05White's basic plan was to approach the opponent's weak pawns with his king. This can be prevented only by attacking the weak white pawns at g2 and h3.} 2. Kg3 (2. g4 fxg4 3. hxg4 Be2 4. Kg3 Bf3 { [%eval 0,0]}) 2... Bf1 {!! After} 3. h4 h5 {!} 4. Kf4 Bxg2 5. Kxf5 {[%eval 0,0] the black bishop on its own copes excellently with the defence of the K-side pawns. White is unable to win.}) 2. Kg3 Kc8 3. Kf4 Kd7 4. Bb4 Ke6 5. Bc3 Bd7 ( 5... Bg6 {? It turns out that after %05Why does Black avoid the thematic} 6. Kg5 Kd5 7. g3 b5 8. h4 Kc6 9. b3 cxb3 10. cxb3 Kb6 11. a4 bxa4 12. bxa4 Ka6 13. a5 Kb5 14. h5 {! %05White plays} Be8 15. Kxf5 Bxh5 16. Kxe4 {[%eval 550,0] , and with another passed pawn he wins. But now, to defend his f-pawn. Black has to bring up his king. True, he hopes that his bishop will be able to prevent the creation of a passed pawn on the Q-side.}) 6. g3 b5 7. Kg5 Kf7 8. h4 Bc8 9. Kh6 Kg8 10. b3 cxb3 11. cxb3 Bd7 12. Be5 {!} Z0 (12... Bc8 {there follows %05Black is in zugzwang. On} 13. a4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (12... Be8 {%05and on} 13. Kg5 Bd7 14. Kf6 Kf8 15. Bd6+ Kg8 16. Ke7 Bc8 (16... Bc6 17. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 17. a4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White's king can support the advance of his a-pawn. White wins.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kazantsev Alexander P (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/4p3/7P/8/3P4/1Bb4P/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {White wins if he reaches g7 with his king, since he wins the bishop for one of the h-pawns, and queens the other. Black draws if his king can reach g8, since then the enemy pawns will be stopped. Thus the battle resolves itself into a usual king race. Who will arrive first?} 1. Bh8 {!! (the study theme ~2"path-laying"~; White clears the way for his king)} Kb7 2. Kb2 Bxd3 {(a forced move, which, however, leads to a loss of time, and the white king outstrips his opponent)} 3. Kc3 Bf5 4. Kd4 Kc6 5. Ke5 Kd7 6. Kf6 Ke8 7. Kg7 e5 8. h6 e4 9. h7 e3 10. Kh6 e2 11. Bc3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P7/1P2k3/5pK1/4bP2/8/5B2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {White will win if he can succeed in approaching the Q-side pawns with his king and supporting their advance. Let us try doing this.} 1. Kg6 Bc6 2. Kg7 Bd5 3. Kf8 Kd7 {!} (3... Bc6 {loses to} 4. Bg1 Kd7 5. Kf7 Be4 6. Kf6 Kc8 7. a8=Q+ Bxa8 8. Kxf5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 4. Bh4 Kc8 {!} 5. Ke7 Kb7 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and Black has set up a basic defensible position. White cannot win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P7/P3k3/5pK1/4bP2/8/5B2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {Let us change position ~3( 2209)~ slightly, by moving the b6 pawn to a6. This apparent worsening of White's pawn formation leads to a change in the evaluation. White wins, since Black is unable to reach a8 with his king and set up a defence.} 1. Kg6 Bc6 2. Kg7 Bd5 3. Kf8 Kd7 4. Bb6 {!} Bc6 (4... Ba8 { , then %05If} 5. Kf7 Kc6 6. Bf2 Kb5 {(Black attempts to defend actively)} 7. Ke7 {!} Kxa6 8. Kd7 {!} Kb7 9. Be3 Ka6 10. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins} ) 5. Kf7 Be4 6. Kf6 Kd6 7. Be3 (7. a8=Q {%05Not} Bxa8 8. Kxf5 {, since Black draws by reaching a8 with his king and giving up his bishop for the f-pawn:} Bf3 9. Kg5 Kc6 10. Bf2 Kb5 11. a7 Ka6 {!} 12. f5 Kb7 13. f6 Bd5 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 7... Kd7 8. Bc5 {!} Kc7 {(the black king is gradually pushed back)} 9. Ke6 Kd8 10. Bb6+ {!} Ke8 (10... Kc8 {, then %05If} 11. Ba5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the f5 pawn is lost.}) 11. Kd6 {, followed by 12.Kc7 and 13.Kb8$18.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4b1p1/2Bp3p/5P1P/1pK1Pk2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {The position appears to satisfy all the symptoms of a first type of drawn position White's king is dealing with the passed pawn, and his bishop is defending the pawns in the centre and on the K-side. But in fact White's fortress is easily 'pulled down': by a pawn sacrifice Black creates another passed pawn, which decides the issue.} 1... g5 {!!} 2. fxg5 (2. hxg5 { %05Totally bad is} h4 3. Bd6 Bf5 4. g6 Bxg6 5. f5 Bxf5 6. Kxb3 Kg2 {[%eval -550,0] , when the h-pawn will cost White his bishop.}) 2... d4+ {! ^013^010 Precisely played: it is extremely important for Black to retain his b-pawn.} 3. exd4 {%05^013^010} Kg3 4. Ba3 (4. Be7 {%05No better is} Kxh4 5. g6+ Kg4 { [%eval -550,0]}) 4... Kxh4 5. Kd3 Kxg5 6. Ke4 h4 7. Kf3 Bd5+ {[%eval -550,0] , and White resigned.} 0-1 [Event "Coburg (Germany)"] [Site "Coburg (Germany)"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Black "Lewitt"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/4B2p/5PbP/3k2P1/p7/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] {If the king succeeds in breaking through to a passed pawn and ensuring its advance, this leads to a win, with only very rare exceptions. This position is one such exception: after the sacrifice of the bishop for the passed pawn, a draw nevertheless results. White cannot prevent the advance of the opposing king to b2, so he heads for the opposing pawns with his king.} 1. Kf3 {!} Kc3 2. Ke4 Kb2 3. Ke5 Bf6+ 4. Kd6 a2 5. Bxa2 Kxa2 6. Ke6 Kb3 7. Kf7 Bc3 8. Kg6 Bf6 9. g5 {!} hxg5 10. h6 {!} gxh6 11. Kxf6 g4 12. Kg6 {!} g3 13. f6 g2 14. f7 g1=Q+ 15. Kxh6 {[%eval 0,0] Draw. In endings with opposite-coloured bishops, the fact that the king is able to break through to a passed pawn does not in itself signify anything. It is important that the king should be able to support the advance of the pawn. If the opposing king and bishop are able jointly to stop the pawn, then in the absence of any weaknesses in the position this is also sufficient to draw. The following diagram shows the ~2second typical drawn position~.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/2K5/3P2p1/1p3b1p/pP5P/P1B3P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Here both black pieces are battling against the passed pawn, with the bishop simultaneously defending its own pawns.} 1. Kb6 Bd7 {[%eval 0,0] , and White cannot achieve anything.} (1... Bd3 {%05It is wrong to play} 2. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , when White wins.}) * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Ljublinsky Victor (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3b1kp1/3P1p2/1pK4p/p7/P1B2PP1/1P5P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "52"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {However, the presence of just one weakness in the defender's position can change the evaluation decisively.} 1. Kb6 {Black was faced with the problem of where to move his king: to e8 or to e6? If the black pawns were at f5 and g6, both moves would be equivalent, since White would have absolutely no prospects on the K-side. %05After} Ke8 {! %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05Correct is} (1... Ke6 {^013^010 This move is the decisive mistake. %05In the game Black played} 2. Kc7 Be8 3. h4 {!} Bd7 (3... g6 {because of %05Black cannot play} 4. Bxf6 { [%eval 550,0] !}) 4. g4 {! ^013^010 This is the point. Thanks to the unfortunate placing of Black's K-side pawns, White is able to create another passed pawn.} hxg4 5. fxg4 Be8 6. h5 {. Black resigned, since on} Bd7 {White wins by} 7. Bxf6 {!} gxf6 8. h6 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 Because of the poor placing of his bishop and king, Black was unable to hinder White's K-side play. }) 2. Kc7 Be6 {$6 is White able to win? Let us examine a possible continuation. } 3. h3 {! %05^013^010} Bf5 4. g4 hxg4 5. fxg4 Bd7 {^013^010 The impression is that White has no way of approaching Black's one weakness $6 his g7 pawn. After all, the white bishop cannot reach f8!} 6. Bd4 Be6 7. Ba7 Bd7 8. Bb8 { ^013^010 At first sight the manoeuvres of the white bishop seem absurd.} Be6 { %05^013^010} 9. Kb6 Kd7 {! %05^013^010 %05Now Black has to defend precisely. The correct continuation is} (9... Bd7 {%05Black loses if he continues to adopt passive tactics:} 10. Bc7 Kf7 (10... f5 {!! %05There is also a draw by} 11. gxf5 Bxf5 12. Kxb5 Bc2 13. Kc6 Be4+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 11. Bd8 { ! ^013^010 Surely the bishop cannot force its way through to the g-pawn?} Ke8 12. Be7 Kf7 13. Kc7 Ke8 14. Bf8 {!! ^013^010 Unbelievable, but true!} g6 15. Bg7 f5 16. g5 {!} f4 17. h4 f3 18. Bd4 Bf5 19. Bf2 {!} Be6 20. h5 gxh5 21. g6 { [%eval 550,0] , with an easy win.}) 10. Kxb5 Bb3 {!} 11. Bc7 Bd1 {^013^010 If White's b-pawn stood at b4, he would win easily, whereas now the unfortunate placing of his pieces leads to draw, in spite of the two extra pawns. ^013^010 For example:} 12. Kc5 {%05^013^010} Bf3 13. Ba5 Bg2 {! (it is important to eliminate the threats on the K-side)} 14. h4 Bf3 15. g5 fxg5 16. hxg5 Bd1 17. Bc3 g6 18. b4 axb3 19. Bb2 {(by sacrificing a pawn, White has created another passed pawn)} Bc2 20. a4 Bd1 21. a5 Be2 22. Ba3 Bf1 23. Kd5 Be2 24. Ke5 Bf1 25. Kf6 Bd3 26. Kf7 b2 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. It should be noted that Black gained a draw only because White had a backward b-pawn. If this pawn had been at b4. Black would have been unable to avoid defeat.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herbstman Alexander I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K1k3/3pP2b/3B1P2/7p/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {When the bishop and king are dealing jointly with a passed pawn, it is very important that their actions should be co-ordinated, and that their manoeuvrability should not be too restricted. If Black had time to play 1... Bg7 or 1... Bg5, it would be a draw, but it is White to move...} 1. f6+ {!} Kxf6 2. Kd7 Bf8 {^013^010 We have reached a familiar set-up, with both black pieces stopping the opposing pawn. It turns out that the pawn at d6 has an exceptionally unfortunate role to play.} 3. Ke8 {! %05^013^010} Be7 (3... Kg7 { [%eval 550,0] %05or}) 4. h3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and Black is in zugzwang. In endings with opposite-coloured bishops, the advance of passed pawns can be supported only by the king. Therefore, if the defender should succeed in preventing the opponent's king from approaching these pawns, it will normally be impossible to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b7/P7/6p1/5k1p/1P1K1B2/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {In the drawn positions examined earlier, the defender stuck mainly to passive tactics. The third drawn position is typified by active play with the king.} { This position is a ~2third typical drawn position~. In spite of his two extra pawns, White cannot win, since the black king prevents the approach of the opposing king.} 1. Kc5 Ke6 2. Kb6 Kd7 3. b5 Kc8 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw.} (3... Bf3 {%05It would be wrong to play} 4. a8=Q {!} Bxa8 5. Ka7 Bf3 6. Kb8 { ! (by sacrificing a pawn, White has broken through with his king, and now he promotes his b-pawn)} Bg2 7. b6 Kc6 8. Ka7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/b1kP2p1/P5P1/8/BK6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {If it is White to move, he penetrates on the K-side, and then puts Black in zugzwang.} 1. Kc3 Bf1 2. Kd4 Be2 3. Ke5 Kd7 4. Kf6 Bd3 5. Kf7 {!} (5. a6 { %05Nothing is given by} Bxa6 6. Kxg6 Bc4 7. Kg7 Ke8 8. g6 Bd3 {!} 9. Kh6 Bc4 { [%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw, as in position ~3($412197)~.}) 5... Kd8 6. Bb4 {!} Kd7 7. Bc5 Kd8 8. Bb6+ Kd7 9. Bc7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/b1kP2p1/P5P1/8/BK6/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {But if it is Black to move, he succeeds in regrouping, and in setting up the third drawn position. This is how it is done:} 1... Kd7 {!} 2. Kc3 Ke6 3. Kd4 Bb7 {! ^013^010 Black is not afraid of the enemy king going to the Q-side.} 4. Kc5 {%05^013^010} Kd7 5. Kb6 Bf3 6. a6 Kc8 {!} (6... Bg2 {, then %05Accurate defence is required. If} 7. Ka7 Kc8 8. d7+ Kxd7 9. Kb8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 7. Ka7 Bg4 {!} (7... Bc6 {? %05Again the only move to maintain the balance. Bad is} 8. Bb4 {! when Black is in zugzwang. After} Bd7 9. Kb6 Bf5 {White wins by} 10. d7+ {!} Kxd7 (10... Bxd7 11. a7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kb7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kb6 Bf3 {!} 9. Kc5 Kd7 10. Kd4 Ke6 {[%eval 0,0] ! It is easy to see that White cannot break through. By accurate manoeuvring. Black's king succeeds in defending all the invasion points.} * [Event "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Site "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "Yanofsky D A (CAN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/B4kpp/2pp4/P7/4P3/1b6/1P4PP/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "38"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ593 %212045826630=4HLJ686 The stronger side can nevertheless win in positions of the third type, if he succeeds in hindering the active manoeuvring of the enemy king. How this can be done, we will now see.} 1... Bc2 {? , and after %05Here Black played the careless} (1... Bc4 {!?=}) 2. Bc5 {! he was forced to part with another pawn. The game continued:} Bd3 {%05^013^010} 3. Bxd6 Bxe4 4. a6 c5 {!} 5. Bxc5 h5 {! ^013^010 Black will be saved if he can set up the third drawn position.} 6. Kf2 {%05^013^010} Bd3 {! ^013^010 It is important that the white king should not be able to reach a7.} 7. a7 {%05^013^010} Be4 8. g3 Ke6 9. Ke3 Bg2 {? ^013^010 It seems improbable, but now White succeeds in breaking through to the Q-side pawns, by first initiating play on the K-side, and then cutting off the black king.} (9... Kf5 {! , defending the important invasion square f4, would have drawn, for example:} 10. Bf8 g6 11. Kd4 Ba8 12. Kc5 Ke6 {!} 13. Kb6 Kd7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 10. Kf4 {!} g6 11. g4 {!} hxg4 12. Kxg4 Bh1 13. Kg5 Kf7 14. Bd4 Bg2 15. h4 Bh1 16. b4 Bg2 17. b5 Bh1 18. Bf6 {! ^013^010 The main move in White's plan. The bishop cuts off the black king from the Q-side pawns, and controls the advance of the h-pawn.} Bg2 19. h5 gxh5 20. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] ! Black resigned, since he is powerless to prevent the approach of the Q-side by the white king.} * [Event "Sverdlovsk (Russia)"] [Site "Sverdlovsk (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Solomenko"] [Black "Bessmertny"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p4p/6p1/6k1/2B2p2/p4P1P/1bP1K1P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {The direct attempt by Black to take his king over to the Q-side does not succeed here, but the same plan as in the previous game is possible.} 1... Kh4 {!} 2. Kf2 Bd4+ 3. Kf1 Kg3 4. Bg8 h5 5. Bf7 g5 6. Be6 c6 7. Bc4 g4 8. hxg4 hxg4 9. fxg4 Kxg4 10. Be6+ Kg3 11. Bc4 Bf2 {! ^013^010 A familiar device. Black cuts off the white king.} 12. Be6 {%05^013^010} f3 13. gxf3 Kxf3 14. Bg8 Ke3 { [%eval -550,0] , and after 15...Bh4 the black king goes to b2. The situation is more complicated in the following example, but Black wins in similar fashion.} 0-1 [Event "Lvov (Ukraine)"] [Site "Lvov (Ukraine)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Makarichev Sergey (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/5p1p/5Bp1/3k4/2p2PbP/4K1P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] 1... Ke5 2. Bc2 Kf4 3. Bb1 Bh2 4. Kf2 Bg1+ {!} 5. Ke2 (5. Kxg1 {%05An important point. The bishop cannot be taken: after} Ke3 6. Kf1 Kd2 {[%eval -550,0] Black's king goes to the support of his Q-side pawns.}) 5... Kg3 6. Kf1 Bf2 {!} 7. Bc2 f5 {!} 8. Bb1 (8. Bxf5 {, then %05If} Kf4 9. Bc2 Ke3 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 8... f4 9. Bg6 Be3 10. Bc2 h5 11. Bf5 c5 12. Bg6 h4 13. Bf5 g4 {!} 14. hxg4 (14. fxg4 {%05or} f3 15. gxf3 Kxh3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 14... h3 15. gxh3 Kxf3 16. g5 Kg3 17. g6 Bd4 18. h4 f3 19. h5 Bg7 20. Ke1 f2+ {[0:1]} 21. Kf1 {%05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05White's connected pawns are halted, and after} Kf3 {the black king crosses over to the Q-side. White resigned.} 0-1 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "Dubinsky Alexander"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4Bp2/2k1p1p1/3bP3/p4P2/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "44"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] {The diversion of the enemy king from the task it is fulfilling be it blockading a passed pawn or defending invasion squares is one of the typical ways of playing for a win in such endings. The diversion can be carried out in various ways. If there are weaknesses on other parts of the board, which can be defended only by the king, an attack on them will divert the king. This aim can also be served by the creation of a second passed pawn. White can cope successfully with the passed a-pawn, but if Black should succeed in creating a second passed pawn on the K-side, this will decide the game. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ593 %212045826630=4HLJ686} 1. Kd3 Kd6 2. Bg8 Ke7 3. Bc4 Kf8 4. Kc2 Kg7 5. Kb3 Bb2 6. Bb5 (6. Be6 {%05 White intends to stop the passed pawn with his king, and to use his bishop to prevent ... f5 and the penetration of the black king into his position. If with this aim he plays} Kg6 7. Bg4 {, the black king reverses its steps $6} Kf7 {!} 8. Kc2 Ke7 9. Bh5 Kd6 10. Bf7 {(otherwise the threat of . .. Kc5-d4 cannot be parried), and now the break} f5 {!} 11. exf5 e4 12. fxe4 Ke5 {is possible, for example:} 13. Kd3 Kf4 14. Bd5 Kg3 15. Ke2 g4 16. Kf1 Kh2 {[%eval -550,0] , and one of the black pawns queens.}) 6... Kf7 7. Kc2 Bd4 8. Kb3 Bb2 (8... Bc5 {? Henkin erroneously thought in this case White would save the game after %05But why not} 9. Bd7 {, since Black's bishop prevents the advance of his king to d4. But after} Ke7 10. Bg4 Kd6 11. Bf5 Bb4 12. Bg4 Kc5 13. Be6 {Black can play} Kd4 {!} 14. Kxb4 Ke3 15. Kxa3 Kxf3 {[%eval -550,0] , and wins.}) 9. Kc2 Kg7 (9... f5 {? %05Here the break is not dangerous:} 10. exf5 e4 11. fxe4 Kf6 12. Kb3 Ke5 13. Be2 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 10. Kb3 Kg6 11. Be8+ Kh6 {!} 12. Bf7 (12. Kc2 {, then %05If instead} Bd4 {!} 13. Kb3 Bc5 14. Bf7 {, and the break is possible $6} f5 {!} 15. exf5 e4 16. fxe4 g4 17. Bc4 Kg5 18. Bf1 Kf4 19. Bg2 Kg3 20. Bh1 (20. e5 Kf4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 20... Kh2 21. e5 Kxh1 22. f6 Bd4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 12... Kg7 13. Bh5 (13. Be8 Kf8 14. Bb5 Ke7 15. Bc4 Kd6 16. Kc2 Kc5 17. Kd3 {no longer helps, because of} f5 {!} 18. exf5 g4 {!} 19. f6 e4+ 20. fxe4 g3 {[%eval -550,0] , when Black wins.}) 13... Kf8 14. Bg6 Ke7 15. Kc2 Kd6 16. Bf7 f5 {!} 17. exf5 e4 18. fxe4 Ke5 19. Bc4 Kxe4 20. Bd3+ Ke3 {, and White resigned, since after} 21. Bc4 Be5 22. Kb3 Bd6 { [%eval -550,0] he has to give up his bishop for the g-pawn. The question arises: couldn't White have set up the third drawn position, watching the passed pawn with his bishop, and using his king to prevent both the pawn breakthrough, and the penetration of the enemy king into his position? Let us return to the initial position, and consider this system of defence.} 0-1 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "Dubinsky Alexander"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4Bp2/2k1p1p1/3bP3/p4P2/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "62"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] 1. Kd3 Kd6 2. Bc4 Ke7 3. Ke2 Kf8 (3... f5 {break does not achieve anything: %05Here the} 4. exf5 Kf6 5. Be6 e4 6. fxe4 g4 (6... Ke5 7. Kf3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 7. Kf1 Ke5 8. Kg2 Kf4 (8... Kxe4 9. Kg3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 9. Bd5 Be5 10. Kf2 Bf6 11. Kg2 Bd4 12. Be6 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw.}) 4. Kf1 Kg7 5. Kg2 Kg6 6. Be6 Kh5 7. Kg3 (7. Kh2 {? %05The black king must not be allowed to reach h4, since White will end up in zugzwang. For example:} Kh4 8. Kg2 Bc3 9. Kf2 Bd2 10. Kg2 (10. Ke2 Kg3 {[%eval -550,0] !}) 10... Be1 11. Kh2 g4 {!} 12. fxg4 Kg5 13. Kg2 Kf4 14. Bd5 Kxg4 15. Kf1 Bb4 16. Ke2 Kf4 17. Kd3 f5 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.}) 7... Kh6 {! %05Black tries to gain a tempo.^013^010 %05^013^010} 8. Ba2 Kg6 9. Kg4 {!} (9. Be6 {, then %05If} Kg7 {!} 10. Kg2 Kf8 11. Kf1 Ke7 12. Ba2 f5 {! , and here the break is decisive:} 13. exf5 Kf6 14. Be6 e4 15. fxe4 Ke5 16. Bd5 Kf4 17. Kg2 {^013^010 Black's pawns prove to be stronger than White's.} Bf6 18. Kh3 Be5 {!} 19. Kg2 Ke3 {!} 20. Kf1 Kf3 {!} 21. f6 Kg3 22. f7 Bd6 23. e5 Bc5 24. e6 Kh2 {[%eval -550,0] , and the black pawns cannot be stopped.}) 9... Kg7 10. Kf5 {^013^010 The first impression is that White has achieved a lot, but Black has a possibility of improving his position.} Bf2 {! %05^013^010} 11. Bc4 Bh4 {!} 12. Bb3 Kf8 {! (now the f6 pawn is immune)} 13. Ke6 Ke8 14. Ba2 Kd8 15. Kd6 Bf2 {!} (15... Kc8 {%05This is more accurate than} 16. Kc5 {!} f5 (16... Be1 {%05or} 17. Kc4 Bd2 18. Kd3 { [%eval 0,0] , when Black has to start again from the beginning}) 17. Kb4 g4 18. fxg4 fxg4 19. Kxa3 g3 20. Be6+ {and 21.Bh3= with a draw.}) 16. Ke6 Bd4 {!} 17. Kd5 (17. Kxf6 {, then %0517...f5 is threatened, but if} Kd7 18. Kxg5 Be3+ 19. f4 (19. Kg4 Bf4 20. Kh3 Kd6 21. Kg2 Kc5 22. Kf1 Kd4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 19... Bxf4+ 20. Kg4 Kd6 21. Kf3 Kc5 22. Ke2 Kd4 {[%eval -550,0] , and the white king is one move too late.}) 17... Ke7 18. Kc4 Kf8 19. Kb3 {!} (19. Kd3 { %05It is too late to go to the K-side:} Kg7 20. Ke2 Kg6 {[%eval -550,0] , and the black king breaks through to h4.}) 19... Bb2 20. Kc2 Kg7 21. Be6 { (otherwise the threat of the king breakthrough cannot be parried)} Kg6 22. Bg4 Kf7 {!} 23. Bh5+ Ke6 24. Bg6 Kd6 25. Bf7 f5 {! %05^013^010 %05We have already considered a similar position in the note to White's 6th move in the game. Here the break is possible:^013^010 %05^013^010} 26. exf5 e4 27. fxe4 Ke5 28. Kd3 Kf4 29. Bd5 Kg3 30. Ke2 g4 31. Kf1 Kh2 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b7/P7/P3k1p1/2B2p1p/5K1P/5PP1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {This position could have occurred in the game Smyslov Averbakh (Moscow, 1950). It constitutes a highly subtle study.} 1. Kg5 Kf7 (1... Bxf3 {, then %05If} 2. Kxg6 Ke5 3. Be3 Ke6 4. Bf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses one of his pawns, after which the win is simple.}) 2. f4 {!! ^013^010 A strange and surprising move. White's plan is, in the end, to break through to the Q-side pawns. Therefore he first ... shuts in his king on the K-side. What nonsense!, the reader may say. But see what happens next.} (2. g4 {%05Incidentally, we should mention that nothing is achieved by} hxg4 {!} 3. fxg4 fxg4 {!} 4. Kxg4 Ke6 5. Kg5 Be4 {!} 6. a8=Q Bxa8 7. Kxg6 Kd7 8. h5 Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] , when Black draws by giving up his bishop for the h-pawn.}) 2... Be4 {!} 3. Bf2 {!} (3. Bd4 Bf3 4. g4 hxg4 {!} 5. h5 gxh5 6. Kxf5 h4 {[%eval 0,0] leads to a draw.}) 3... Kg7 ( 3... Bf3 {, then all the same %05If} 4. g4 {!} hxg4 (4... fxg4 5. Bg3 {!} Kg7 6. f5 gxf5 7. Kxh5 f4 8. Bxf4 g3+ 9. Kg5 g2 10. Be3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins easily by transferring his king to the Q-side}) 5. h5 {!} gxh5 6. Kxf5 { [%eval 550,0] , winning more easily than in the main variation.}) 4. g4 {!!} hxg4 (4... fxg4 {there follows %05On} 5. f5 gxf5 6. Kxh5 Kf6 7. Bg3 Bf3 8. Kh6 Be4 9. h5 Bf3 10. Bh4+ Kf7 (10... Ke5 11. Kg5 f4 12. h6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kg5 Be4 12. Bg3 Kg7 13. Be5+ Kf7 14. h6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 5. h5 {!} gxh5 6. a8=Q {!} Bxa8 7. Kxf5 Kf7 {^013^010 White has given up his extra pawns, and now wins an ending with an equal number of pawns.} 8. Kg5 {%05^013^010} Bf3 ( 8... Ke7 {, then %05If} 9. f5 Kd7 10. f6 Bd5 11. a7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 9. a7 Ba8 10. Bh4 Bf3 {!} 11. f5 (11. Kxh5 g3+ {and 12...g2= leads only to a draw. }) 11... Kg7 12. Bg3 Kf7 13. Be5 {!} Be4 {!} (13... Kf8 {, then %05If} 14. Kf6 h4 15. Bd6+ Kg8 (15... Ke8 {%05or} 16. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kxh5 {!!} g3 15. Bxg3 Kf6 16. Kg4 {!} Bxf5+ 17. Kf4 {! , and the a-pawn queens. We have already examined a couple of examples where both sides had passed pawns, but one side's were the more dangerous. We will now dwell in more detail on such positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1895.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4B3/8/4k3/P5p1/1PK5/8/8/4b3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1895.??.??"] {White has two connected passed pawns against one.} 1. Kc5 Ke7 (1... g4 { , then %05Had Black played} 2. Kc6 g3 3. Bd7+ Ke7 4. Bh3 Kd8 5. a6 Bf2 6. b5 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Kc6 {!} (2. Bh5 {, then %05If} Kd7 3. a6 Kc7 4. b5 Bf2+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw; therefore it is important not to allow the black king across.}) 2... Kxe8 3. a6 Bf2 4. b5 g4 5. b6 g3 6. a7 g2 7. a8=Q+ Ke7 {!} 8. Qa3+ Ke8 9. b7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Norlin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pkP3P1/3B4/8/3K4/1b6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {Here White has two separated passed pawns against one. If he takes his king over to the g-pawn immediately, Black will begin advancing his a-pawn. In order to win, White must position his bishop such that it blockades the a-pawn and defends the pawn at c7, i.e. at a5. By accurate manoeuvring, White achieves this.} 1. Kc3 Bf7 2. Kb4 Be6 3. Be5 Kc8 (3... Bf7 {, then %05If} 4. Kc5 Bb3 (4... Kc8 {%05or} 5. Kc6 {!} Be8+ 6. Kd6 Bf7 7. Bc3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 5. Kd6 {!} Kc8 6. Bc3 {and 7.Ba5$18.}) 4. Kb5 {! (threatening 5.Ka6)} Kb7 5. Kc5 Bb3 6. Kd6 Kc8 7. Bc3 {[%eval 550,0] , and so on. In positions with passed pawns it is very important to allocate correctly the duties of the pieces. As in endings with bishop and pawns against pawns, it is best to control the enemy pawns with the bishop, and aim to support one's own passed pawn with the king. We have already seen many times that, when there are passed pawns on both sides, it is important to blockade the enemy pawns and to try not to allow one's own pawns to be blockaded. The following two examples show instructive mistakes.} * [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1881.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Polner"] [Black "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/pp6/2pPb3/P1P1P3/5Kp1/8/1B6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1881.??.??"] 1... b5 {!} 2. axb5 axb5 3. cxb5 {^013^010 From a formal viewpoint White has a material advantage, but in fact Black's two pawns are much more dangerous than the three white pawns. Black's bishop is blockading all the enemy pawns, so that his king is free and can go to the help of his own pawns.} Kd7 {? ^013^010 This is a mistake, after which Black should not have been able to win. %05^013^010} (3... c4 {! %05Correct is} 4. Ba2 c3 5. Bb1 Kd7 {[%eval -550,0] , when the king heads for the c-pawn.}) 4. Bd3 Kc7 5. Bf1 Kb6 6. Kg2 {? ^013^010 A mistake in reply. It was essential for White to regroup his forces.} (6. Ke3 {! %05He could have maintained the balance by} Ka5 7. Kd2 Kb4 8. Kc2 c4 9. Bg2 Kxb5 10. Bf3 {[%eval 0,0] , and if Black penetrates with his king to f2, and wins the bishop, White can eliminate the last black pawn by advancing his d-pawn.}) 6... Ka5 7. Kf3 Kb4 8. b6 c4 9. b7 c3 10. Bd3 Kb3 11. Kg2 c2 { [%eval -550,0] , and Black won.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3k3/1p1p4/2pP4/1P2P2p/2B1K3/P5b1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {Black has an outside passed pawn and also the possibility of creating a second passed pawn on the Q-side. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ593 %212045826630=4HLJ686} 1. bxc5 bxc5 {? ^013^010 An error. Black forgot that passed pawns on opposite wings can become more effective if they can be supported by the king. But here Black's pawn at d6 is weak, so that his king is unable to go to the help of his pawns.} (1... dxc5 {!! , for example: %05Instead of 1 ... bxc5, Black could have won by} 2. Be1 h3 3. Bg3 b5 4. Kd3 a5 5. Bh2 a4 6. Bg3 a3 7. Bh2 b4 8. Kc4 Bxe4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Be1 {! (correct, otherwise the e4 and d5 pawns are lost) %05The game continued:} h3 3. Bg3 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black was unable to improve his position. To win in an ending with opposite-coloured bishops, it is normally sufficient to create two connected passed pawns. True, one must take care that the opponent does not blockade them.} * [Event "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Site "San Sebastian (Spain)"] [Date "1912.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leonhardt Paul S (GER)"] [Black "Schlechter Carl (AUT)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5B2/p2k3p/2pp4/4p3/4Pp2/2Pb1P2/1P3K1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1912.??.??"] {Certain peculiarities of the battle with a rook's pawn are demonstrated by the following examples.} {Black easily realized his advantage, by creating two connected passed pawns.} 1... d5 2. exd5 cxd5 3. b4 Ke6 4. Bc5 a6 5. Bb6 Kf5 6. Bc7 Bb5 {! (the bishop is transferred to h5, so as to attack the f-pawn)} 7. Bd6 Be8 8. Be7 Bh5 9. Bh4 e4 {!} 10. fxe4+ dxe4 11. c4 Bf7 12. c5 Be8 13. Be7 e3+ 14. Ke1 Kg4 {[%eval -550,0] White resigned.} 15. Z0 {%05^013^010} (15. Bd6 {there follows %05Since on} f3 16. Bg3 Kh3 17. Kf1 Bb5+ 18. Ke1 Kg2 {and 19... f2$19.}) 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6b1/p2k2P1/3B4/4p1K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {This position could have occurred in the game Sherwin - Gufeld (Helsinki, 1961). It appears that Black should win easily, for example:} 1. Bxe3 (1. Bb6 { !! (in this way he wins an important tempo) %05But Black correctly did not go in for this continuation. White can in fact play more strongly:} a4 2. Kf3 a3 3. Kxe3 Kc4 4. Bd4 Kb3 5. Kd2 Ka2 6. Kc1 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and the king is not in time to help the pawn to queen.}) 1... a4 2. Kf3 a3 3. Bc1 a2 4. Bb2 Kc4 5. Ke3 Kb3 6. Bf6 Kc2 {[%eval -550,0] Black wins the bishop and the game.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vorotnikov Vladislav V (RUS)"] [Black "Kaminsky Oleg M (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/p7/PbK5/2p5/6B1/3P4/2P5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {Black's bishop, defending both pawns, is of course badly placed, but if it were his move he would easily draw by} 1... c4 {! ^013^010 The pawn sacrifice enables him to set up the first drawn position, for example:} 2. dxc4 { %05^013^010} Bf2 {(it is important for the bishop to escape to freedom)} 3. c5 Be3 4. Kd6 Bf4+ 5. Kc6 Be3 6. Kd5 Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black has achieved his goal.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vorotnikov Vladislav V (RUS)"] [Black "Kaminsky Oleg M (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/p7/PbK5/2p5/6B1/3P4/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ593 %212045826630=4HLJ686} 1. c4 {! , not allowing the opponent to free his bishop, and creating a position of zugzwang. %05But it was White to move, and he played^013^010 %05^013^010} Ke7 {%05^013^010} (1... Ba5 {! , when by sacrificing a pawn he improves the position of his bishop. For example: %05But Black did not exploit all his defensive possibilities. As was later shown by Voronkov. Black could have drawn by} 2. Kxc5 {%05^013^010} Bb6+ 3. Kc6 Be3 { ! ^013^010 Now, in order to advance his pawns, White must retreat his king to the 5th rank, and this allows the black king to occupy c7.} 4. c5 {%05^013^010} Bf2 5. Kd6 Bg3+ 6. Kd5 Kc7 {!} 7. Kc4 Be5 8. d4 Bf6 9. d5 Be7 {!} 10. d6+ { %05^013^010 %05Black's defensive set-up is complete. ^013^010 %05After} Bxd6 11. cxd6+ Kxd6 {[%eval 0,0] the draw is obvious, and White has no other way of improving his position.}) 2. Bh3 Kd8 3. Bf5 Ke7 4. d4 {!} cxd4 5. c5 Ba5 6. Kb7 Kd8 7. Bd3 {! ^013^010 The only move to win.} (7. Kxa7 {? %05Black is pinning all his hopes on} Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) (7. c6 {, then %05If immediately} d3 {!} 8. Bxd3 Bb6 9. c7+ Bxc7 10. Kxa7 {[%eval 0,0] , and any move on the d6-h2 diagonal leads to a draw. It is extremely important for White that the a7-gl diagonal should be closed.}) 7... Kd7 8. c6+ Kd6 (8... Kd8 {, then %05If} 9. c7+ {! (by forcing the bishop to capture the pawn, White prevents Black from occupying c7 with his king)} Bxc7 10. Kxa7 Kc8 11. Bf5+ Kd8 12. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the a-pawn queens.}) 9. Bb5 {!} Bb6 10. c7 {!} Bxc7 11. Kxa7 Kc5 12. Kb7 Bb6 13. Bd3 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herbstman & Gorgiev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p3p/3B3k/P1Pp1p1P/8/8/5P2/1b5K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {If a bishop on its own is battling against a passed pawn, it is very important that it should be free in its movements, otherwise the pawn may queen even without the support of the king. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ587 %212045826630=4HLJ593 %212045826630=4HLJ686} 1. c6 {!} Be4+ {!} 2. f3 {!} Bxf3+ 3. Kh2 dxc6 4. a6 c5 (4... d4 {, then %05If} 5. Kg3 Bd5 (5... Be4 6. Bc5 d3 7. a7 d2) 6. Bc5 {!} d3 7. a7 d2 8. a8=Q d1=Q 9. Qf8+ Kg5 (9... Kxh5 10. Qxf5+ Kh6 11. Bf8#) 10. Be7+ Kxh5 11. Qxf5+ Kh6 12. Bf8#) 5. Kg3 Be4 6. Kh4 {! (an unexpected danger; 7.Bf8 mate is threatened)} Kg7 7. Be5+ Kf7 8. Bd4 {[%eval 550,0] In rare instances, a badly placed king may itself become a target for attack. Here a restricted bishop may play an unfortunate role, not only doing nothing to aid the defence, but even depriving the king of important squares.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/2pB4/8/k1K1p3/8/1P6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. b4+ {%05After} Ka6 2. Kc6 e4 (2... Ka7 3. Bf5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Be6 {!} e3 4. Bc4+ Ka7 5. b5 Ka8 6. Bd5 Ka7 (6... e2 7. b6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Bf3 Ka8 { White gives mate in two moves:} 8. b6 cxb6 9. Kxb6# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herbstman Alexander I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/8/K6b/1P6/B7/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Here the object of attack is the restricted white bishop.} 1. Ka3 Bg5 (1... Bf6 {%05But perhaps it would have been stronger to play} 2. b4 Bb2+ 3. Kb3 b5 { ? White is again in zugzwang, but after} 4. Bb1 {!!} Kxb1 {[%eval 0,0] it is again stalemate.}) 2. b4 Bc1+ 3. Kb3 Bb2 4. b5 Bf6 5. Ka3 Be7+ 6. Ka4 {!! %05^013^010} (6. Kb3 {? %05But not} Bg5 {!} 7. Ka3 Bc1+ 8. Kb3 Bb2 $19) 6... Kxa2 {= it is stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/1n6/8/P2K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {~1KNIGHT AGAINST PAWN~ ~1 1. Knight Against Pawns~ If the opposing king can blockade the pawn, the position will be an elementary draw. Winning chances appear for the side with the pawn when the opposing king is remote, and the knight on its own has to combat the pawn supported by the king. It is with such positions that we will begin our analysis. A knight can stop a pawn by attacking one of the squares in its path. To do this it must be not far away. Note that the placing of the knight close to the pawn does not necessarily mean that it is able to stop the pawn.} 1. a6 {the pawn queens, since the knight cannot attack a square in front of it, and is also preventing its own king from stopping the pawn. This position is an exception. %05After Let us move it one file to the right.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/2n5/8/1P2K3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. b6 {%05Here White can no longer win, since after} Na6 {[%eval 0,0] Black controls a square in front of the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P1n4/8/3K4/8/3k4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Kd6 {%05Here too White is unable to win:} Nb8 2. Kc7 Na6+ 3. Kb6 Nb8 { [%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P1n5/8/2K5/8/2k5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {It is easily established that moving position ~3( 2238)~ one or two files to the right has no effect on the result. But if it is moved one file to the left, the resulting position will be lost for Black.} 1. Kc6 Na8 2. Kb7 {[%eval 550, 0] , and the knight has no square analogous to a6 in the previous example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/P1n5/8/2K5/8/2k5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {A lone knight cannot stop a rook's pawn, if it has reached the 7th rank. But against a rook's pawn on the 6th rank, a knight copes excellently with its duties.} 1. Kc5 Na7 2. Kb6 Nc8+ 3. Kb7 Nd6+ 4. Kc7 Nb5+ 5. Kb6 Nd6 {! The only move, but sufficient. White can make no progress, since on} 6. a7 {there follows} Nc8+ 7. Kb7 {%04and} Nxa7 {[%eval 0,0] It can be stated that ~2a knight can independently stop any pawn, with the exception of a rook's pawn on the 7th rank, if it can once occupy a square in front of the pawn~. We will now examine a number of positions where the knight is not able to occupy a square in front of the pawn, but can attack the square.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/8/8/8/5N2/8/2p5/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {Here White can draw.} 1. Ne2+ (1. Nd3+ {loses after} Kd2 2. Nc5 Kc3 3. Ne4+ Kd4 4. Ng3 Kd3 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 1... Kd1 (1... Kd2 {, then %05If} 2. Nd4 {!} c1=Q 3. Nb3+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 2. Nc3+ Kd2 3. Na2 {[%eval 0,0] White has occupied a square which is unapproachable to the black king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/8/8/4N3/8/1p6/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {Moving position ~3( 2241)~ one or two files to the right does not change the evaluation, but if it is moved one or two files to the left. Black wins.} 1. Nd2+ Kc1 2. Nb3+ Kd1 {[%eval -550,0] , and here there is no square corresponding to a2 in the previous position. If the pawn has not reached the 7th rank, and the knight is some distance away, it is easy to determine whether or not it can catch the pawn. Here the following rule may prove useful: ~2if a pawn has not yet advanced beyond its 4th rank, a knight can catch up with it from any square on the board~. This rule is correct for all pawns except rooks' pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3K4/1P6/5n2/8/6k1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {The problem becomes more complicated if the opposing king stands in the knight's path. Thus in this diagram Black's position appears critical. But he is saved by the fact that a pawn at b7 can be stopped by a knight not only from c6 and d7 (which in the given case are inaccessible), but also from a6.} 1... Nd3 {!} 2. b6 (2. Kd5 {, then %05If} Kf3 3. Kd4 Nf4 4. b6 Ne6+ {and 5... Nd8=}) 2... Nb4 3. b7 Na6 {[%eval 0,0] Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rey Ardid"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K5/P7/4n3/8/5k2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {Here Black loses, since the squares from which the knight could stop the pawn, b6 and c7, are inaccessible. Sometimes, when the knight cannot directly catch the pawn, he is helped by ... the enemy king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K3k1/1P6/8/8/8/8/4n3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {If White's king were somewhere to one side, say at hi, he would win, since his pawn would queen. But here, exploiting the position of the white king. Black draws after} 1... Nd3 {!} 2. b7 (2. Kd6 {%05If} Nb4 3. b7 Na6 {[%eval 0, 0]}) (2. Kc6 {%05or} Ne5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Nc5 3. b8=Q Na6+ {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/1P6/8/8/8/7K/4n3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Note that if the white king were at h2, Black would again save the game by} 1... Nf3+ {!} 2. Kg3 Nd4 3. b7 Nc6 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc. The ability of a knight to gain time by means of a check is an important factor in knight endings.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1N1k4/1p6/8/7K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {(conclusion of a study) Black threatens by 1...Kc5 to drive away the knight and then advance his pawn. White's problem is to manoeuvre with the knight so that, when the black pawn reaches b2, he can play his knight to a3, c3 or d2.} 1. Nc7+ {%05^013^010 %05This is achieved as follows:} Kc4 2. Ne8 {! (the knight occupies a key square; depending on the position of the black king it will choose its route to b1, which may vary from c7-b5-a3 to f6-e4-d2; Black is unable to prevent this)} Kc5 {%05^013^010} (2... b3 {, then %05If} 3. Nd6+ Kb4 (3... Kd3 {%05or} 4. Nb5 {and 5.Na3=}) 4. Ne4 {and 5.Nd2=.}) 3. Nf6 Kd4 ( 3... b3 4. Ne4+ {and 5.Nd2=.}) 4. Ne8 {!} Ke5 5. Nc7 {!} Kd6 6. Ne8+ {! again the saving check} (6. Nb5+ {loses to} Kc5 7. Nc7 b3 8. Ne6+ Kc4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 6... Kc5 7. Nf6 Kd4 8. Ne8 b3 9. Nd6 Kc3 10. Ne4+ {!} (10. Nb5+ { %05But not} Kb4 {[%eval -550,0] !}) 10... Kc2 11. Nd6 {!} b2 12. Nc4 {!} b1=Q 13. Na3+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1944.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Blatter & Hefele"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1p1k4/6N1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1944.??.??"] 1. Kd1 {%05In this position too White draws by saving checks:} b2 2. Nf4+ Kc3 3. Ne2+ {!} (3. Nd5+ {?} Kb3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... Kb3 4. Nc1+ {[%eval 0,0] ! In certain positions an accurate choice of square for the king can determine the result of the game.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K3k2/8/1P6/8/8/6n1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {Here White wins.} 1. b6 {! ^013^010 White chooses the square for his king, depending on the move by the knight:} (1. Ka8 {? %05Otherwise the knight stops the pawn, for example:^013^010 %05a)} Ne3 {!} 2. b6 Nc4 3. b7 Nb6+ {and 4... Nd7=}) (1. Ka7 {? %05 b)} Nf4 2. b6 Ne6 3. b7 Nd8 4. b8=Q Nc6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) ( 1. Ka6 {? %05 c)} Nf4 2. b6 Ne6 3. b7 Nc5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (1. Kc8 {? %05 d)} Ne3 2. b6 Nc4 3. b7 Nd6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Ne3 (1... Nf4 {%05or} 2. Kc8 {!} Nd5 3. b7 Nb6+ 4. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Ka6 {!} Nd5 3. b7 Nc7+ 4. Ka5 {[%eval 550,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4P3/2k5/6K1/8/2n5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1. e6 Ne2+ 2. Kh2 {[%eval 550,0] ! Now the knight cannot stop the pawn.} (2. Kf2 {%05But White must not play} Nc3 3. e7 Ne4+ {and 4...Nf6=}) (2. Kg4 {%05or} Nc3 3. e7 Nd5 4. e8=Q Nf6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K4/8/3P4/7k/8/8/1n6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. d6 {^013^010 Now Black has two main continuations:^013^010 ^013^010 %05^013^010} Nc3 (1... Nd2 {%05or} 2. Kc7 {!} (2. Ke7 {? %05but not} Nc4 3. d7 Ne5 4. d8=Q Nc6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Ne4 3. d7 Nc5 4. d8=Q+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kc6 {! (the only move; all others lead to a draw, as can easily be checked)} Ne2 3. d7 Nd4+ 4. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] ! White only won thanks to the unfortunate position of the opposing king. We have already seen that a rook's pawn presents the greatest danger to a knight: the proximity of the edge of the board tells on its fighting qualities. We will examine such positions in more detail.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "n7/PK6/8/4k3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%15N T2(a5:d6)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) It follows from the analysis of position ~3( 2239)~ that a lone knight cannot cope with a rook's pawn on the 7th rank. The help of the king is needed in order to obtain a draw.} 1... Kd6 {! %05It is easy to show that Black gains a draw here, if his king is inside the rectangle a8-a5-e5-e8.^013^010 %05 For example, with the king at e5 there follows} 2. Kxa8 Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. This rule is an important guide, enabling the result to be determined and a plan established in endings with rook's pawns, if the king is some way from the pawn, and the knight is restraining it only on the penultimate rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/8/8/1n5P/5k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. h6 {%05Thus here White wins:} Nd6 2. h7 Nf7+ 3. Ke7 Nh8 4. Kf6 $6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and by taking the opposition White does not allow the black king into the drawing zone. Another important property of a knight should also be known its ability to erect 'barriers' in front of the enemy king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P7/1n2K3/8/8/8/7k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {The squares marked with crosses are inaccessible to the white king. It turns out that the white king can get from e6 to b7 not in three moves, but only in five. ~2If the black king is on one of the squares marked by a dash, White wins~. %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8/ D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(2XA5/3XAXA3/3XA4/3XA4/XA1XA5/8/8/ C C C C C C C C) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P1n5/8/4K3/8/8/7k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {~2Crosses signify squares which are inaccessible to the white king. ~2If the black king is on one of the squares marked by a dot, White wins~. The white king is forced to by-pass the 'barrier' created by the knight, thus it can reach b7 from e5 only in five moves instead of three. An analysis of positions ~3( 3254)~ and ~3( 3255)~ allows an extremely valuable conclusion to be drawn: ~2in both positions, if it is White to move, he wins only if the black king is on the 1st rank, when it is unable to reach the drawing zone~. An interesting point is that in position ~3( 3254)~ with the black king at h1, White can win by taking either of these two routes with his king: f7-e8-d8-c7-b7, or e5-d4-c5-c6-b7. For other positions of the black king on the 1st rank, only the e5-d4-c5-c6-b7 route wins. At the same time, in position ~3( 3255)~ only the route f6-e7-d7-c6-b7 leads to a win. Below we give a number of studies where the weaker side saves the draw, thanks to the fact that the opposing king has to waste time in making a by-pass. As a result the weaker side's king has time to reach the drawing zone. %15N #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8/8/D1D1D1D1D1D1D1D1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(4XA3/8/ XA2XAXA3/1XA1XA4/3XA4/8/8/ C C C C C C C C) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7N/2K5/8/8/7p/2k5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] 1. Nf7 h3 2. Ng5 h2 3. Ne4+ Kc2 (3... Kd3 {, then %05If} 4. Ng3 {[%eval 0,0] ! with a draw}) (3... Kd4 {%05or} 4. Nf2 {[%eval 0,0] ! with the same result.}) 4. Ng3 {! The only way.} (4. Nf2 {fails to} Kd2 5. Kd6 Ke2 6. Nh1 Kf3 {[%eval -550,0] , when White is too late.}) 4... Kd1 5. Kd6 Ke1 6. Ke5 Kf2 7. Kf4 $40 { = %04etc. The same theme is treated in positions ~3( 2257)~ and ~3( 2258)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selman"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K4N/8/8/1k6/7p/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Nf7 h3 2. Nd6+ Kb6 {!} 3. Ne4 h2 4. Nf2 {!} Kc6 5. Kb8 {!} Kd6 6. Kb7 Ke6 7. Kc6 Kf5 8. Kd5 Kf4 9. Kd4 {[%eval 0,0] , as considered earlier.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4K2n/8/8/P7/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. a4 Ng7 2. a5 Ne8 3. a6 Nc7 4. a7 Kg2 5. Kf6 Kf3 6. Ke7 Ke4 7. Kd7 Na8 8. Kc6 Ke5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. If the kings are disregarded, a rook's pawn which has not yet crossed the 4th rank can be overtaken by a knight from any square, apart from the diagonally opposite corner to the pawn's queening square. As we already know, in catching the pawn the knight is sometimes helped by ... the opposing king!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K3N/8/8/p7/8/1k6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Ng6 {! %05Thus after} a4 2. Nf4 Kc3 (2... a3 3. Nd3 {!} Kc2 4. Nb4+ { [%eval 0,0] , with a draw position.}) 3. Nd5+ Kb3 4. Nf4 {[%eval 0,0] White gains a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rey Ardid"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K2n/8/8/8/8/P7/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. a4 {%05Here too Black's knight catches the pawn:} Ng5 2. Kd6 (2. a5 Nf3 {!} 3. a6 Nd4 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 2... Nf3 {!} 3. Kd5 Nh4 {!} 4. a5 Nf5 {!} 5. Kc6 Nd4+ 6. Kb6 Nf5 {[%eval 0,0] ! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K6p/8/8/4k3/N7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {White has to be able to stop the pawn either from g4 or from f1. But for the moment it is impossible to reach f1, so initially the knight heads for g4.} 1. Nb4 {! ^013^010} (1. Nc3 {? %05but not} h5 2. Nd5+ Kf3 3. Nc7 h4 4. Ne6 Kg4 { [%eval -550,0] , and the pawn cannot be stopped}) 1... h5 {%05^013^010} 2. Nc6 {!} Ke4 {(in the battle with a knight it is useful for the king to take the diagonal opposition)} (2... h4 {, then %05if} 3. Ne5 h3 4. Ng4+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 3. Na5 {!! ^013^010 ^013^010 The only move, although at first sight it is incomprehensible. White finds the key square, from which his knight can reach either g4 or f1. The black king is powerless to prevent this.^013^010 ^013^010 %05^013^010} h4 4. Nc4 {!} h3 5. Nd2+ {and Nf1=, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/p2N4/k1K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {It is not always that the side with the knight is the defender. If the opposing king is in a corner and shut in by its own pawn, it may be possible to cast a mating net around it.} 1. Nb4+ {%05^013^010 %05Mate in 3 moves:} Ka1 2. Kc1 a2 3. Nc2# {This position was known as long ago as the 13th century!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/4K2p/4N2k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {Troitsky's study is more complicated.} 1. Kf3 {!} (1. Kf2 {%05after} Kh1 { [%eval 0,0] White cannot give the opponent the move, since the knight alone is unable to win a tempo}) 1... Kh1 2. Kf2 Kh2 (2... h2 3. Ng3#) 3. Nc3 Kh1 4. Ne4 Kh2 5. Nd2 Kh1 6. Nf1 h2 7. Ng3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/3KPP2/8/7n/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {~1 1.2 KNIGHT AGAINST TWO PAWNS~ ~1 1.21 Connected pawns~ Connected pawns on the 6th rank can be stopped by a knight only in conjunction with the king.} 1... Ng6 {! The only move!} (1... Ke8 {? %05Alternatives lose:^013^010 %05a)} 2. f7+ Kf8 3. e7+ {!} Kxf7 4. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Nf3 {? %05 b)} 2. f7 { ! , and Black ends up in ~2zugzwang~, for example:} Nd4 (2... Kg7 3. Ke7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. e7+ Kxf7 4. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Nf5+ {? %05 c)} 2. Kd7 {followed by 3.e7$18.}) 2. Kd7 (2. f7 {, then simply %05if} Ne7 {[%eval 0, 0]}) (2. e7+ {can be met by %05while} Ke8 {[%eval 0,0]} (2... Nxe7 {[%eval 0,0] %05or})) 2... Ne5+ 3. Kd8 (3. Kc7 Ng4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Nc6+ 4. Kc7 (4. Kc8 Nd4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Nd4 5. Kd7 (5. e7+ Ke8 {and 6...Nf5=}) 5... Nxe6 {!} 6. Kxe6 Ke8 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/4K3/8/8/4pp2/8/8/2N5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Connected pawns on the 5th rank can be stopped by a knight on its own. In this case the result will depend on the positions of the kings.} 1. Nb3 { ! %05The pawns are halted as follows:} (1. Ne2 {? fails to} f3 2. Ng3 e3 { [%eval -550,0] , when Black wins}) 1... f3 (1... e3 2. Nd4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Nd2 f2 3. Nf1 {[%eval 0,0] , and the draw is obvious.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/8/5pp1/2k2N2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {In exceptional cases a knight on its own can cope with two pawns, if, on account of the unfortunate position of the opposing king, it is able to eliminate one of them, after which a drawn ending with knight against pawn results.} 1. Ne6 {! %05^013^010 %05(Conclusion of a study)^013^010 %05^013^010 %05At first sight White's position seems hopeless, but there follows:} g4 2. Ng7 {!} f4 (2... g3 {, then %05if} 3. Nxf5 g2 4. Ne3+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3. Nh5 {!} f3 4. Nf6 g3 (4... f2 5. Nxg4 f1=Q 6. Ne3+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 5. Ne4 {!} g2 (5... f2 6. Nxg3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 6. Nd2+ {and 7.Nxf3=, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1634.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvio"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4N3/8/6p1/8/8/7p/5K1k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1634.??.??"] {A general characteristic of knight endings is the use of the 'fork'. If one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, then, if the opposing king is badly placed, the side with the knight may even be able to create a mating net.} 1. Nf6 { %05White succeeds in mating the black king:} Kh1 (1... g5 2. Ng4+ Kh1 3. Kf1 h2 4. Nf2#) 2. Ng4 h2 3. Kf1 g5 4. Nf2# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1634.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvio"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4N3/8/6p1/8/8/7p/5K1k/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1634.??.??"] 1... g5 {%05If in the previous example it is Black to move, two variations are possible:^013^010 %05^013^010} (1... Kh1 {%05or} 2. Nf6 Kh2 3. Ng4+ Kh1 4. Kf1 g5 5. Kf2 h2 6. Ne3 g4 7. Nf1 g3+ 8. Nxg3#) 2. Nf6 g4 (2... Kh1 3. Ng4 h2 4. Ne3 {!} g4 5. Nf1 g3+ 6. Nxg3#) 3. Nxg4+ Kh1 4. Kf1 h2 5. Nf2# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k2N/7p/8/1p6/8/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {~1 1.22 Isolated pawns~ Against two widely separated pawns, the side with the knight can draw only if the king comes to its aid. Here co-ordinated action is highly important: the king must deal with one pawn, and the knight with the other. As in endings with knight against pawn, it is very important to find the key square from which the knight can catch the pawn. This proves possible in the following position.} 1. Kd3 Kf7 2. Kc4 Kg6 {!} (2... Kg7 {, then simply %05if} 3. Kxb4 Kxh7 4. Kc4 {[%eval 0,0] , and the king arrives in time}) 3. Nf8+ (3. Kxb4 {there follows not %05but now on} Kxh7 {[%eval 0,0] ?} (3... h5 { ! %05but} 4. Nf8+ Kf5 {[%eval -550,0] , and the knight cannot stop the pawn})) 3... Kf5 4. Nd7 h5 (4... b3 5. Kc3 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 5. Nc5 {!! (the key point is found, and the knight heads for f1)} (5. Nb6 {? %05after} h4 6. Nd5 Ke4 { [%eval -550,0] ! the h-pawn queens}) 5... h4 6. Nb3 {!!} (6. Nd3 {? %05bad is} h3 7. Nf2 h2 8. Kxb4 Kf4 9. Kc4 Kf3 10. Nh1 Kg2 11. Kd3 Kxh1 {[%eval -550,0]}) 6... h3 7. Nd2 h2 8. Nf1 {!} h1=Q 9. Ng3+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. A knight can stop two isolated pawns on the 6th rank, if there is not more than one file between them; otherwise one of the pawns queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3n4/3P4/P7/4k3/7K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. a5 {is decisive after} Kd4 2. a6 Nc8 (2... Nb5 3. d6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. d6 {!} Nb6 (3... Nxd6 4. a7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. a7 Kd5 5. d7 {[%eval 550,0] , when one of the pawns queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1837.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jaenisch Karl A"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5p2/5N1p/8/5K1k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1837.??.??"] {With isolated pawns too, if one of them is a rook's pawn a mating position can arise. White to play gives mate not later than the 10th move.} 1. Ne5 {!} Kh2 (1... h2 2. Ng4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kf2 f3 (2... Kh1 {%05or} 3. Ng4 f3 4. Kf1 f2 5. Nxf2+ Kh2 6. Ne4 Kh1 7. Nf2+ {[%eval 550,0] , transposing into the main variation}) 3. Ng4+ Kh1 4. Kf1 f2 {!} 5. Nxf2+ Kh2 6. Ne4 Kh1 7. Kf2 Kh2 8. Nd2 Kh1 9. Nf1 h2 10. Ng3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1pk5/pNp5/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~1 1.3 KNIGHT AGAINST THREE OR MORE PAWNS~ Only with complete co-ordination between king and knight, and even then not always, can the advance of the pawns be stopped. Against three pawns a draw is possible if the total co-ordination of king and knight enables the pawns to be blockaded, or if a pawn can be won and a drawn ending with knight against two pawns obtained, or if the knight can be given up for two of the pawns, and a drawn pawn ending reached. Of course, we have listed here only the most basic cases. ~1 1.31 Connected pawns~ If the pawns are connected, there are two basic drawn positions for which the defender should aim (~3( 2272)~ and ~3( 2274)~ ). The defence here is very simple. The knight manoeuvres between a2 and b4. If the black king tries to approach from the side, the white king prevents any further advance by occupying c2. Note that the evaluation does not depend on who it is to move, and is not affected by moving the position to the right.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2pk4/1pNp4/3K4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Here too Black is unable to win.} 1... Kc6 {the simplest way to draw is by %05On} 2. Kc2 {!} Kb5 3. Kb3 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2pk4/1pN5/pK6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Here White's task is more difficult.} 1. Ne3+ {! %05If it is him to move, there is only one way to draw:} Kd4 (1... Kc6 2. Kc4 a2 3. Nc2 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 2. Nc2+ {!} Kd3 3. Na1 {!} (3. Ne1+ {loses to} Ke2 4. Nc2 Kd2 5. Na1 Kc1 6. Ka2 c4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... Kd2 4. Kc4 {!} Kc1 5. Nb3+ Kb2 6. Nxc5 a2 7. Nb3 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2pk4/1pN5/pK6/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {In the previous edition of this book (1985) this position was considered to be won for Black.} 1... Kc6 {!} (1... a2 {? only draws after} 2. Ne3+ Ke4 3. Nc2 Kd3 4. Na1 Kd2 5. Kxa2 c4 6. Nb3+ Kc2 7. Nd4+ Kd3 8. Nb3 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) (1... Kd4 {? %05similarly, nothing is achieved by} 2. Nd6 Kd3 3. Nc4 Ke2 4. Nd6 Kd1 5. Ne4 c4+ 6. Kxb4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Ne3 {!} (2. Kc2 {?} Kb5 3. Nd6+ Ka4 4. Nc4 b3+ 5. Kc3 a2 6. Kb2 Kb4 7. Ne3 c4 8. Nd5+ Kc5 9. Nc3 Kd4 { We have reached position, which was analyzed as long ago as 1880 by Horwitz. ~3($412276)~}) 2... Kb5 3. Nd5 {!! By this paradoxical move White saves the draw.} (3. Nc4 a2 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... c4+ (3... Kc6 4. Ne3 Kd6 5. Kc4 a2 6. Nc2 {=}) 4. Ka2 Kc5 5. Ne3 Kd4 6. Nc2+ Kc3 7. Ne3 Kd4 8. Nc2+ Kc3 9. Ne3 Kd4 10. Nc2+ Kc3 11. Ne3 Kd4 12. Nc2+ Kc3 13. Ne3 {= , with a draw.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2pk4/1pN5/pK6/8 w - - 0 10"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Here we have the start position moved down the board by one rank. This alters the assessment, since the knight lacks the space to regroup, and Black wins.} 10. Ne2+ (10. Ka1 {%05Horwitz considers} b2+ {!} 11. Kxb2 a1=Q+ {[%eval -550,0] }) (10. Na4 {, then %05if} c3+ 11. Nxc3 a1=Q+ 12. Kxa1 Kxc3 {[%eval -550,0]}) ( 10. Nb5+ Kd3 11. Ka1 Kc2 12. Nd4+ (12. Na3+ Kc3 {!} 13. Nb5+ Kd3 14. Kb2 c3+ { [%eval -550,0]}) 12... Kd2 {!} (12... Kc3 {?} 13. Nxb3 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw}) 13. Kb2 Kd3 14. Nb5 c3+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 10... Kd3 11. Nc1+ Kd2 12. Ka1 b2+ 13. Kxb2 a1=Q+ {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marble"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1kp5/pp6/3K4/2N5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {White must impede the opponent's pawns, and he achieves this as follows:} 1. Ne4 a4 2. Nc5 {!} Ka5 (2... Kc7 {, then %05If} 3. Ke5 a3 4. Nb3 {!} a2 5. Kd4 Kd6 6. Kc3 {[%eval 0,0] , picking up the a2 pawn.}) 3. Kc3 b4+ 4. Kc4 b3 (4... a3 {there follows %05on} 5. Nb3+ Ka4 6. Nc5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 5. Kc3 {!} Kb5 6. Nxb3 axb3 7. Kxb3 {[%eval 0,0] Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1kp5/pp6/3K4/2N5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {But the position obtained by shifting position ~3( 2277)~ one rank down the board will be lost for White.} 1. Ne3 a3 {^013^010 Now White does not have the important blockading move Nc4 because of ... a2. He is therefore powerless to prevent the advance of the pawns.^013^010 ^013^010} 2. Kc2 c4 3. Nd1 (3. Nd5 b3+ 4. Kc3 a2 5. Kb2 Kc5 6. Nc3 Kd4 {[%eval -550,0] leads to the losing position ~3($412276)~}) 3... b3+ 4. Kc3 a2 5. Kb2 Kb4 6. Ka1 Ka3 7. Nb2 c3 8. Nc4+ Kb4 9. Na5 b2+ 10. Kxa2 Kxa5 {[%eval -550,0] Fine put forward the rule that three connected pawns win against a knight, if at least two of them have reached the 5th rank. It follows from positions 389 and 391 that this is not altogether correct. It would be correct to say that ~1three connected pawns win if all of them can be advanced to the 5th rank~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5nk1/8/5PPP/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {White to move is able to win.} 1. f5+ {!} (1. g5 {? %05But not} Nd5 2. Ke4 Ne7 {!} 3. Ke5 Kh5 {!} 4. f5 Kxh4 5. Kf6 (5. g6 {%05or} Kg5 6. g7 Ng8 7. Ke6 Nf6 { [%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 5... Nd5+ 6. Kg6 Ne7+ {[%eval 0,0] , with the same result.}) 1... Kg7 2. g5 Nd5 3. h5 Nc3 (3... Kf7 {%05or} 4. h6 Nc3 5. h7 Kg7 6. g6 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 4. Kf4 Ne2+ 5. Ke5 Ng3 6. f6+ Kg8 7. h6 Nh5 8. g6 Ng3 9. h7+ Kh8 10. f7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5nk1/8/5PPP/5K2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {It is a quite different picture with Black to move.} 1... Nd5 {! , with two variations:^013^010 ^013^010} 2. h5+ (2. f5+ {%05or} Kf6 3. Ke4 Nc3+ 4. Ke3 (4. Kd3 Nb5 5. Kc4 Nd6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (4. Kd4 {%05or} Ne2+ 5. Ke3 Ng3 {[%eval 0,0] also leads to a draw}) 4... Ke5 5. h5 Nd5+ 6. Kf3 Nf6 7. h6 Nh7 {[%eval 0,0] , and a basic drawn position ~3($412272)~ is reached.}) 2... Kh6 {!} (2... Kf6 { ? %05bad is} 3. h6 Kg6 4. g5 Ne7 5. Kg4 Nf5 6. h7 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 3. Ke4 (3. Kg3 Ne3 4. Kh4 (4. Kh3 {%05or} Nd5 5. f5 Kg5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Ng2+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 3... Nc3+ 4. Ke5 (4. Kd4 {, then %05if} Nd1 { [%eval 0,0] , threatening ...Nf2}) (4. Kd3 {%05while a draw also results from} Nd5 {[%eval 0,0]}) (4. Ke3 {%05or} Nd5+ 5. Kf3 Nc3 6. Kg3 Ne2+ 7. Kh4 Nxf4 { [%eval 0,0]}) (4. Kf5 {%05or} Nd5 5. Ke5 Ne3 6. g5+ Kxh5 7. Kf6 Nd5+ {[%eval 0, 0]}) 4... Nd1 5. Kf6 (5. g5+ {%05White also fails to win after} Kxh5 6. f5 Nf2 7. f6 Kg6 8. Ke6 Ne4 {[%eval 0,0]}) (5. f5 {%05or} Ne3 6. Kf4 Nd5+ 7. Ke4 Nf6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Ne3 6. g5+ Kxh5 7. g6 (7. f5 Ng4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 7... Ng4+ 8. Kg7 (8. Kf7 Nh6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... Nh6 9. Kh7 Nf5 10. g7 Nxg7 11. Kxg7 Kg4 {[%eval 0,0] Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/6p1/8/5p2/5N2/4p3/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {The white king is a long way from the pawns, and it seems that Black should win easily. But thanks to the unfortunate position of the opposing king. White is able to win one pawn, and then draw with the help of some subtle points.} 1. Nd5 {^013^010 Now Black has four possible replies:^013^010 ^013^010} e2 { ^013^010} (1... g5 2. Nxe3 f4 3. Ng4 Kb3 4. Nh2 {^013^010} (4. Kb7 {? %05Not} Kc4 5. Kc6 Kd4 6. Kd6 f3 7. Ke6 Ke4 8. Kf6 Kf4 {[%eval -550,0] , when Black wins.}) 4... Kc2 {^013^010 %05^013^010} (4... Kc4 {is now met by %05Obviously} 5. Nf3 g4 6. Ne5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 5. Kb7 {%05^013^010} Kd1 6. Kc6 Ke2 7. Kd5 Ke3 8. Ke5 f3 9. Kf5 {[%eval 0,0] %04Draw}) (1... f4 {%05^013^010} 2. Nxf4 Kb3 3. Kb7 Kc4 4. Kc6 g5 5. Ng2 e2 6. Kd6 Kd4 7. Ke6 Ke4 8. Kf6 Kf3 9. Ne1+ Kf2 10. Nd3+ Ke3 11. Ne1 g4 12. Kg5 g3 13. Kg4 Kf2 14. Nd3+ Kg2 15. Nf4+ Kf1 16. Nxe2 { [%eval 0,0] %04Draw}) (1... Kb3 {%05^013^010} 2. Nxe3 f4 3. Nf5 g5 4. Nd4+ {!} Kb4 {(b2) ^013^010} (4... Kc4 5. Nf3 g4 6. Ne5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (4... Kc3 { %05^013^010 %05or} 5. Ne6 f3 6. Nxg5 f2 7. Ne4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (4... Ka4 { %05^013^010 %05or, finally,} 5. Kb7 g4 6. Kc6 f3 7. Nf5 f2 8. Ng3 Kb4 9. Kd5 Kc3 10. Ke4 Kd2 11. Kf4 {[%eval 0,0] all lead to a draw}) 5. Nf3 {%05^013^010} g4 6. Ne5 g3 7. Nd3+ {and 8.Nxf4=. Draw.}) 2. Nc3+ {%05^013^010} Kb3 3. Nxe2 Kc4 4. Nf4 {!} (4. Ng3 {? %05Other continuations lose, for example:} f4 5. Nh5 g5 {and then ... Kd5-e4$19}) (4. Kb7 {? %05or} g5 {[%eval -550,0]}) (4. Ng1 { ? %05or} Kd3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 4... g5 (4... Kc3 {there can follow %05on} 5. Ne6 g6 6. Nf4 g5 7. Ne6 g4 8. Ng7 f4 (8... g3 9. Nh5 {!} g2 10. Nf4 g1=Q 11. Ne2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 9. Nh5 f3 10. Nf6 f2 11. Ne4+ Kd4 12. Nxf2 g3 13. Nh3 { [%eval 0,0]}) 5. Ne6 {[%eval 0,0] , and for the continuation cf. position ~3 ($402266)~.} * [Event "Riga (Latvia)"] [Site "Riga (Latvia)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sidorov Anatoly (RUS)"] [Black "Aleksandrovich"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p4/2pN1p2/6k1/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~1 1.32 Isolated pawns~ It is even more difficult for a knight to draw against three isolated pawns than against three connected pawns, since here it is more difficult to co-ordinate the king and knight. A draw is possible if the pawns are not widely separated. White succeeds in co-ordinating his pieces, and Black is unable to win. The game continued:} 1... Kg2 2. Nf3 c3 3. Nd4 Kg3 (3... c2 {%05if} 4. Nxc2 f3+ 5. Kd3 f2 {, then} 6. Ne3+ Kf3 7. Nf1 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 4. Nf5+ Kg4 5. Nd4 {^013^010 Here a draw was agreed, since on} f3+ {there follows %05^013^010} 6. Nxf3 {!} c2 7. Ne5+ {and 8.Nd3=.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Site "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hug Werner (SUI)"] [Black "Calvo Minguez Ricardo (ESP)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/1K6/P1P5/1n1P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {If it were White to move he would win easily after} 1. c6 Nd5+ 2. Kc5 Nc7 3. d5 Na6+ 4. Kb6 Nb4 5. d6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Site "Palma de Majorca (Spain)"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hug Werner (SUI)"] [Black "Calvo Minguez Ricardo (ESP)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/1K6/P1P5/1n1P4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "51"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {But it was Black to move, and the game continued:} 1... Nd5+ {!} 2. Kc6 Ne7+ 3. Kd6 Nf5+ 4. Ke5 Ne7 5. d5 Kd7 6. a6 Nc8 {^013^010 ^013^010 Black has succeeded in co-ordinating his king and knight, and all White's winning attempts are easily parried.^013^010 ^013^010} 7. Kd4 Na7 8. Kc4 Kc7 9. Kb4 Nc8 10. Ka5 Na7 11. Ka4 Nc8 12. Kb3 {(White is convinced that his king cannot approach from the left, and he returns it to the centre)} Na7 13. Kc3 Nc8 14. Kd3 Kd7 15. Ke4 Na7 16. Kf5 Nc8 17. Kf6 Ne7 {!} 18. Ke5 (18. a7 {, then %05if} Nxd5+ 19. Ke5 Nc7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 18... Nc8 19. Ke4 Na7 20. Kf4 Nc8 21. Ke5 Na7 22. Kf6 Nc8 23. Kf7 Na7 24. Kf8 Nb5 25. c6+ Kd6 26. Ke8 Nc7+ {[%eval 0,0] Draw. } 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p4/1p1N1p2/6k1/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Three widely separated pawns normally prove stronger than a knight. Thus if in position ~3( 2282)~ the c4 pawn were at b4, the result would be different.} 1... Kg2 2. Nf3 b3 3. Nd2 b2 4. Kd1 Kf2 {!} (4... f3 {%05of course, not} 5. Kc2 f2 6. Kxb2 f1=Q 7. Nxf1 Kxf1 8. Kc3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 5. Kc2 Ke2 6. Nb3 f3 7. Nd4+ Ke3 8. Nf5+ Kf4 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/8/8/1p6/1N5p/4k3/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {The presence of doubled pawns undoubtedly eases the defender's task. Despite the fact that White's forces are scattered, he manages to draw, since Black has doubled pawns.} 1. Na5 Kf3 (1... Kd2 {(e3) %05In other variations a pawn is immediately lost, and the other is stopped by the knight:} 2. Nxb7 b3 3. Na5 b2 4. Nc4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (1... Kd1 2. Nxb7 b3 3. Nc5 b2 4. Na4 b1=Q 5. Nc3+ { [%eval 0,0] (the black king blocks the 1st rank, so that the pawn has promoted without check)}) (1... Ke1 {(f2)} 2. Nxb7 b3 3. Nc5 b2 4. Nd3+ {[%eval 0,0]}) ( 1... Kd3 2. Nxb7 b3 3. Nc5+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) (1... b6 2. Nc6 b3 3. Nd4+ { [%eval 0,0]}) (1... Kf1 2. Nxb7 b3 3. Nc5 (3. Na5 {%05also possible is} b2 4. Nc4 b1=Q 5. Nd2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... b2 4. Ne4 b1=Q 5. Nd2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Kh2 (2. Nxb7 {? no longer works: %05Now} b3 3. Na5 b2 4. Nc4 b1=Q+ {[%eval -550,0] , and White has no time to play Nd2.}) 2... Kg4 (2... Kf4 {, then %05if } 3. Nxb7 b3 4. Nc5 b2 5. Nd3+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3. Nb3 b6 (3... Kf4 {%05Or} 4. Nc5 {!} Kg4 5. Nb3 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black has not achieved anything}) (3... b5 {, then %05while if} 4. Nd4 Kf4 5. Nxb5 Ke5 6. Kxh3 Kd5 7. Nc7+ Kc4 (7... Kd6 8. Ne8+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 8. Ne8 {!} b3 9. Nd6+ Kd5 10. Nb5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 4. Nd2 Kf5 (4... Kf4 {%05On} 5. Nc4 b5 (5... b3 6. Nxb6 b2 7. Nd5+ {and 8.Nc3=}) 6. Nd6 Ke5 7. Nxb5 Kd5 8. Nc7+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw (cf. position ~3($402247)~).}) 5. Kxh3 Ke6 6. Kg3 Kd5 7. Kf3 Kd4 8. Ke2 Kc3 9. Kd1 b3 10. Kc1 b2+ 11. Kb1 {[%eval 0,0] Draw. We are already acquainted with the valuable property of the knight in being able to create 'barriers' in front of the opposing king. The following position is a good illustration of this.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p4p1p/8/1k6/p5N1/8/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {White's forces are scattered, but Black is not able to exploit this. The black king is unable to cross the c-file without losing one of his K-side pawns, as the reader can check for himself. Squares on the diagram marked with a cross indicate that the occupation of them leads to the loss of a pawn. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(2XA5/2XA5/2XA5/1XAXA5/2XA5/1XAXA5/ 2XA5/2XA5) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kb3 {there follows %05On} 2. Ne4 f5 3. Ng3 f4 4. Ne2 f3 5. Nd4+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1832.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mendheim"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4pN2/6p1/5p2/7p/8/5K1k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1832.??.??"] {Even against a large number of pawns, it is possible to win if the opposing king is in a mating net. White gives mate not later than the 9th move.} 1. Ng4 f3 (1... e5 {%05no better is} 2. Nxe5 Kh2 3. Kf2 Kh1 4. Ng4 f3 $18) 2. Kf2 e5 3. Nxe5 Kh2 4. Ng4+ Kh1 5. Kf1 f2 6. Kxf2 {!} h2 7. Ne3 g4 8. Nf1 g3+ 9. Nxg3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4N3/7k/5Kpp/8/4p3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {The cramped position of the opposing king may provide the basis for a surprising save, even when resignation seems due. White can no longer catch the e-pawn, but he nevertheless draws:} 1. Kf7 e3 2. Nf6+ Kh8 3. Nd5 e2 4. Nf4 e1=Q 5. Nxg6+ Kh7 6. Nf8+ Kh8 7. Ng6+ {[%eval 0,0] , with perpetual check!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1N6/8/8/8/8/1P6/4k3/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {~1 1.4 KING, KNIGHT AND PAWN AGAINST KING~ With a lone king against king, knight and pawn, it is possible to draw in the following three cases: 1) If the pawn can be won. 2) If against a rook's pawn on the 7th rank the king can occupy the square in front of it, from which it cannot be evicted. 3) If the opposing king occupies the square in front of a rook's pawn on the 7th rank, and cannot escape from the corner. White is unable to defend his pawn:} 1... Kd3 2. Nc6 Kc3 3. Na5 Kb4 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2N5/8/8/8/8/2P5/5k2/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {But if position ~3( 2290)~ is shifted one file to the right, White manages to win. White's problem is to defend his pawn with his knight from as far away as possible. Then, when the opposing king is attacking the knight, he can approach the pawn with his own king and defend it. This plan is carried out as follows:} 1... Ke3 2. Nb6 {!} Kd3 3. Na4 {!} Kc4 4. Kg2 Kb3 5. Kf3 {!} Kxa4 6. Ke4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/N7/P7/2k5/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {If the king is remote, the pawn must be defended by the knight from behind. White wins by} 1. Nb2 {!} (1. Nb6 {? %05Not} Kb3 2. a4 Kb4 3. Kd2 Ka5 {[%eval 0,0]}) (1. Nc5 {? %05or} Kc3 2. Ke2 Kc4 {and 3 ... Kb3=, with a draw}) 1... Kb3 2. a4 {[%eval 550,0] , followed by the approach of his king to the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/P7/8/1N6/1K6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {The pawn is defended by the knight from the rear, and White wins by bringing up his king:} 1. Kc4 Kb6 2. Kd5 Ka7 3. Kc6 Ka8 4. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/P7/8/1N6/1K6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {But if this position is moved up the board by one rank, White can no longer win, since the attempt to evict the king from the corner leads to stalemate.} 1. Kc5 Kb7 2. Kd5 Ka8 3. Kc6 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate. Therefore it is not always advantageous to advance a rook's pawn to the 7th rank.^013^010 ^013^010 We will consider two further positions on this theme.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/8/3K4/8/7p/7n/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {! Black is unable to win. %05After} Z0 (1... Ng4 {%05For example:} 2. Kf3 Kg7 3. Kg3 h2 4. Kg2 {[%eval 0,0]}) (1... Kg7 {%05or} 2. Kf4 Nf1 3. Kf3 Kg6 4. Kf2 h2 5. Kg2 {[%eval 0,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/8/8/8/4K2p/8/6n1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. Kf2 {he wins by %05On} Ne2 {[%eval -550,0] ! , creating a 'barrier', and not allowing the white king to approach the pawn.} (1... h2 {? %05Black must not play} 2. Kg2 Nf3 3. Kh1 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/5k1P/8/8/8/8/1N6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {This position demonstrates the third case. In order to win, White must free his king. If it is his move, this is possible:} 1. Nd3 Kf8 2. Ne5 {[%eval 550, 0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/5k1P/8/8/8/8/1N6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {But if it is Black to move, the king cannot escape from the corner:} 1... Kf8 2. Nd3 Kf7 3. Ne5+ Kf8 {[%eval 0,0] ^013^010 It is White to move, and he is forced to concede f7 to^013^010 the opposing king. Draw. In order to win, White would have to give his opponent the move, and this is impossible. Here we have encountered a significant negative property of a knight: a knight on its own is unable to gain a tempo. For positions such as ~3( 2297) - ( 2298) ~ it is useful to remember this rule: ~2the weaker side draws if, when he moves, he is able to place his king on a square of the same colour as that occupied by the knight~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/7K/8/2N5/1p5P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {~1 1.5 KNIGHT AND PAWN AGAINST PAWN~ King, knight and pawn usually win easily against king and pawn. The winning plan is simple: 1) If the pawn is passed, the stronger side's king will normally support the advance of the passed pawn, and the knight will blockade the enemy pawn. 2) If the pawn is not passed, the enemy pawn must first be won before one's own pawn can be queened. Positions sometimes occur in which the implementation of this plan encounters certain difficulties, and is sometimes altogether not possible. Since White's pawn is a rook's pawn, his king alone is unable to help it to queen, since the black king will blockade it. It follows that White must first win the black pawn, in order to free the knight.} 1. Kg5 {! %05White must play} (1. Nb1 {%04. %05Let us try} Kf6 {! %05There follows} 2. Kg4 (2. Nd2 Kf5 3. Kh4 Kf4 4. Kh3 Kg5 { [%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 2... Kg6 (2... Ke5 {%05also possible is} 3. Kf3 Kf5 {[%eval 0,0] ! , again with a draw} (3... Kd4 {%05but not} 4. Ke2 Ke4 5. Nd2+ Kd4 6. Kd1 Kd3 7. h4 Ke3 8. Kc2 Kf4 9. Nf3 {[%eval 550,0] , when White wins})) 3. Nd2 Kh6 {[%eval 0,0] , and White is unable to win the black pawn without losing his own.}) 1... Kf7 (1... Kh7 2. Kf4 {%05The direct approach of the king to the b2 pawn does not win, for example:} Kh6 3. Ke3 Kh5 4. Kd2 Kh4 5. Kc2 Kh3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. Therefore White must transfer his knight to d2, so as to have the possibility of defending his h2 pawn by Nf1.}) 2. Nb1 Kg7 (2... Ke6 {, then %05if} 3. Kg6 Ke5 4. h4 Ke4 5. h5 Kd3 6. h6 Kc2 7. h7 Kxb1 8. h8=Q {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 3. Nd2 Kh7 4. Kf5 Kh6 5. Ke4 Kh5 6. Kd3 Kh4 7. Kc2 Kh3 8. Nf1 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. Clearly, if the white pawn were at h3, it would not be possible to defend it with the knight, and hence White would be unable to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/7P/6K1/1N6/p7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {This example shows another interesting possibility in positions with a passed rook's pawn. White is unable to queen his pawn, but, if it is his move, he is able to mate the black king.} 1. Na2 {!} Kf8 2. Kf6 {!} (2. Kg6 {? , then %05if } Kg8 3. h7+ (3. Nb4 {%05no better is} Kh8 4. Nc6 a2 5. Ne5 a1=Q 6. Nf7+ Kg8 7. h7+ Kf8 {[%eval 0,0] , when the black queen defends h8}) 3... Kh8 4. Nb4 a2 5. Nxa2 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate}) 2... Kg8 3. Kg6 Kh8 4. Nb4 Kg8 5. h7+ Kh8 6. Nc6 a2 7. Ne5 a1=Q 8. Nf7# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/7P/6K1/1N6/p7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {If it is Black to move, he draws by} 1... Kg8 {!} 2. Kg6 (2. Kf6 Kh7 3. Kg5 Kg8 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Kh8 3. Na2 Kg8 {[%eval 0,0] , as considered above.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/3k4/1p6/8/3N4/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {Here White must securely defend his pawn. If it is his move, he easily achieves this:} 1. b4 Kd5 2. Nc5 Kc4 3. Na6 Kd5 4. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the white king approaches.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/3k4/1p6/8/3N4/1P6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1... Kd5 {%05White's task is more difficult if it is Black to move:^013^010 %05^013^010} 2. Kg7 Kd4 3. Nc1 {!} (3. Ne1 {%05not} Kc4 4. Kf6 Kb3 5. Nd3 Kc2 { [%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 3... Ke3 4. Nb3 {!} Kd3 5. Na5 {!} Kc2 6. b4 {!} Kc3 7. Nc6 Kc4 8. Kf6 Kd5 9. Na5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4N3/8/7p/3K1k2/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] 1. h3 {%05After} Kg3 2. Ng5 {White manages to defend his pawn, but Black continues} Kf4 3. Ne4 Kf3 {!} 4. Kd4 Kf4 {!} 5. Kd5 Kf5 {! tying up the white pieces, and not allowing the king to approach the h4 pawn.} 6. Nc3 {! %05The knight must be sacrificed at g1, by playing} (6. Nf2 {%05The one winning possibility consists now of sacrificing the knight with the aim of diverting the black king. But if} Kf4 7. Kd4 Kf3 8. Ke5 Kxf2 9. Kf4 {, then after} Ke2 10. Kg4 Ke3 11. Kxh4 Kf4 {[%eval 0,0] the result is a draw.}) 6... Kf4 7. Ne2+ Kf3 8. Ng1+ Kg2 9. Ke4 {!} Kxg1 10. Kf3 {!} Kf1 11. Kg4 Ke2 12. Kxh4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. It should be mentioned that the diversion of the king by a knight sacrifice is typical of such positions. We will consider a few more examples.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2N5/4p3/8/8/4P3/8/K5k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {By subtle play White succeeds in winning.} 1. e4 {!} (1. Nxe6 {%05not} Kf2 2. e4 Ke3 3. Ng5 Kf4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 1... Kf2 2. Nd5 {!! ^013^010 An important move, depriving the black king of the square e3.} (2. Nb5 {, then %05if} Ke3 3. Nc3 Kd3 {!} 4. Kb2 Kd2 {!} 5. Kb3 Kd3 6. Kb4 Kd4 {, and White can do nothing, for example:} 7. Kb5 Kxc3 8. Kc5 Kd3 {, and he has to play} 9. Kd6 {[%eval 0,0]} (9. e5 {?? loses to %05since} Ke4 {[%eval -550,0]})) 2... Kf3 (2... Ke2 3. e5 Kd3 4. Nf6 Kd4 5. Nd7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Nc3 Ke3 4. Ka2 {!! ^013^010 We have here a typical case of corresponding squares: d2 and b2 correspond, as do d3-b3 and e3-a2.} Kd3 {%05^013^010} 5. Kb3 {!} Kd4 6. Kb4 Kd3 (6... e5 {%05or} 7. Kb5 {!} Kxc3 8. Kc5 Kd3 9. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] , winning }) 7. Kc5 {!} Kxc3 8. Kd6 Kd4 9. e5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "Match"] [Site "Match"] [Date "1881.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Blackburne Joseph H (ENG)"] [Black "Zukertort Johannes (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/8/5kP1/4N3/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1881.??.??"] {White to move wins:} 1. Kf2 {!} g5 (1... Ke4 2. Ng2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Ke2 Ke4 3. Kd2 Kf4 4. Kd3 Kf3 5. Kd4 Kf4 6. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] !} 1-0 [Event "Match"] [Site "Match"] [Date "1881.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Blackburne Joseph H (ENG)"] [Black "Zukertort Johannes (GER)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/8/5kP1/4N3/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1881.??.??"] {If it is Black to move, after} 1... Kg3 {! he occupies the corresponding square, and White is not able to improve his position, for example:} 2. Kd1 Kf3 {!} 3. Kd2 Kf2 {!} 4. Kd3 Kf3 5. Kd4 Kf4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ebralidze Archil (GEO)"] [Black "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/3K1N2/6k1/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {White's task is somewhat complicated by the fact that he has to reckon with the advance of the black pawn. But even so, if it is his move he is able to win. The game continued:} 1. Ke5 {!} (1. Ke4 {? %05Not} h5 {! , with a draw, since it is now White to move. For example:} 2. Ke5 Kg5 3. Ke6 Kg6 {(Black retains the opposition)} 4. Ke5 Kg5 5. Ne3 h4 6. g4 h3 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 1... Kf3 (1... h5 {White plays %05Now on} 2. Ke4 {, when it is Black to move, and after} Kg5 3. Ne3 h4 4. g4 h3 5. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] White wins}) (1... Kg5 {%05The result is the same after} 2. Ne3 h5 3. Ke4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... h6 { %05or} 2. Kf6 {!} Kh5 3. Nxh6 {!} (3. Ne3 {? $6 stalemate %05but not}) 3... Kxh6 4. g4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kf6 {^013^010 An inaccuracy.} (2. Ke6 {! %05White should have played} Kg4 {, and only then} 3. Kf6 Kh5 4. Ne3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2... Kg4 3. Ke6 {? ^013^010 Now it is no longer possible to win} (3. Ke5 {%05He could have repaired his mistake by again playing} Kf3 {, and then} 4. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3... Kg5 {!} 4. Ke5 (4. Ne3 {%05or} h5 5. Nf5 Kg6 { [%eval 0,0] ! , taking the opposition, with a draw}) 4... h5 5. Ke6 Kg6 6. Ne3 (6. Ke5 {%05or} Kg5 7. Ke4 Kg4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 6... Kg5 {[%eval 0, 0]} 7. Z0 (7. Ke5 {%05with a draw:} h4 8. g4 h3 {[%eval 0,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4n3/5k1p/7P/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {In conclusion we will consider several positions with rooks' pawns.} 1. Kg1 { %05Here we have a typical 'fortress'. After} Nf2 2. Kf1 {[%eval 0,0] a draw is inevitable since Black cannot evict the white king from the corner.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3n4/4k1p1/6P1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {Incidentally, the position obtained by moving position ~3( 2309)~ one file to the left is no longer a 'fortress'.} 1. Kf1 Kd2 (1... Nf3 {%05Also possible, incidentally, is} 2. gxf3 Kxf3 3. Kg1 g2 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Kg1 Ke2 3. Kh1 Nf3 {[%eval -550,0] ! Black destroys the 'fortress', and gives mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2K5/p1N5/Pk6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {White wins by sacrificing his pawn and creating a mating net.} 1. Kd3 Ka1 2. Nb5 {!} Kb2 3. Kd2 Kb1 4. Kc3 Kxa2 5. Kc2 Ka1 6. Nd4 Ka2 7. Ne2 Ka1 8. Nc1 a2 9. Nb3# {If the defender's pawn is a rook's pawn, drawn positions are possible even with pawn against knight and two pawns. Thus in the following position, in spite of his considerable material advantage, Black is unable to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/8/8/3K4/5p1p/7P/3n4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {(conclusion of a study)} 1. Kd3 Ke6 2. Kd2 f2 (2... Ke5 3. Kxd1 Ke4 4. Kd2 Kd4 5. Ke1 Ke3 6. Kf1 f2 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate}) 3. Ke2 Ke5 4. Kf1 Ke4 5. Ke2 Kf4 6. Kf1 Ne3+ (6... Ke3 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate}) 7. Kxf2 Ng4+ 8. Kg1 { [%eval 0,0] , and the drawn position ~3($402309)~ is reached.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/2K5/8/2p5/8/2n4p/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {(conclusion of a study) White wins the c-pawn by giving up his h-pawn, after which a familiar drawn position is reached.} 1. Kc6 {!} (1. Kb6 {? %05not} Ne4 {[%eval -550,0]}) (1. Kd6 {? %05or} Na4 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins}) 1... Ne4 (1... Kg7 {%05or} 2. Kxc5 Kf6 3. Kd4 Nd1 4. Kd3 Kf5 5. Ke2 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 2. Kd5 Ng5 (2... Kg7 3. Kxe4 Kf6 4. Kd5 Kf5 5. Kxc5 Kf4 6. Kd4 { [%eval 0,0] does not affect the result}) 3. Kxc5 Nf3 4. Kd5 Nxh2 5. Ke4 Ng4 6. Kf3 Kg7 7. Kg3 h2 8. Kg2 {[%eval 0,0] Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/1P6/1K2pp2/8/8/2N5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {~1 1.6 KNIGHT AND PAWN AGAINST TWO OR MORE PAWNS~ A knight and pawn are stronger than two pawns, and therefore, if the weaker side does not have some serious positional advantage, he loses. The winning plan, in its most general form, is as follows: 1) If the pawn is passed, it must be queened, while simultaneously neutralizing the threat of the opposing pawns advancing. 2) If the pawn is not passed, it is necessary first to eliminate the obstructing enemy pawns, and then to queen one's own pawn. When the opponent's pawns are connected and passed, a knight on its own can stop them, if they have not yet advanced beyond the 5th rank.} 1. Nb3 {! White stops the opposing pawns, and wins. For example: %05After} f3 (1... e3 2. Nd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Nd2 f2 3. Nf1 {[%eval 550,0] Note the strict division of duties between the white pieces: the knight stops the opposing pawns while the king supports the advance of its own pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/k7/P7/K3pp2/8/8/2N5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {If the pawn is a rook's pawn, it is not possible to queen it with the support of the king alone. White wins only if he can mate the opposing king.} 1. Nb3 e3 {%05. By continuing} (1... f3 {? %05Therefore in reply to the first move, Black must not play} 2. Nc5+ Ka7 3. Nxe4 Ka6 {, since after} 4. Nf2 Kb7 5. Kb5 Ka7 6. a6 Ka8 7. Kb6 Kb8 8. Ne4 Ka8 9. Ng5 f2 10. Ne6 f1=Q 11. Nc7+ Kb8 12. a7+ Kc8 {White gives mate in three moves:} 13. a8=Q+ Kd7 14. Qe8+ Kd6 15. Qe6#) 2. Nd4 f3 {!} (2... Kb7 {%05this sacrifice is also possible after the preliminary} 3. Kb5 Ka7 4. a6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Nxf3 e2 {[%eval 0,0] Black draws, since the knight can no longer reach c7 in time.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yakhontov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/4k3/6P1/1p5P/8/8/n7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {How can White possibly save this hopeless position? After all, the black pawn is bound to queen, while the white pawns can easily be stopped. But let us look at the solution:} 1. h6 Kf6 2. h7 {!} Kg7 3. Kc7 b4 4. Kd6 {!} Nc3 (4... b3 {there follows %05White has also acquired some threats. On the direct} 5. Ke7 b2 6. h8=Q+ {and 7.Kf7=, with a draw}) 5. Kc5 {!} b3 6. Kb4 {!} b2 7. Ka3 { !} b1=Q 8. h8=Q+ Kxh8 9. g7+ Kxg7 $40 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate. This stalemating idea was first implemented in a study by Troitsky (cf. position ~3 ( 2355)~). Against isolated pawns it is very important to deploy the knight in such a way that it can stop both of the opposing pawns. Thus in the following position White must reach f2 or f1 with his knight, after which he wins by approaching with his king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5N1p/8/k7/8/K3Pp2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Nd6 {! ^013^010 It is essential to deprive the black king of b5.} (1. Ne5 { ? , then %05If} Kb5 {!} 2. Nxf3 (2. Nd3 {also fails to win after} Kc4 3. Nf2 Kc3 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 2... Kc4 3. e4 h5 4. Kb2 h4 5. Kc2 (5. Nxh4 Kd4 { [%eval 0,0]}) (5. e5 {%05or} Kd5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... h3 6. Kd2 h2 7. Nxh2 Kd4 { [%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 1... f2 {(the best chance, otherwise, Ne4, Kb3 etc.)} 2. Nc4+ Kb5 3. Nd2 f1=Q {! ^013^010 An interesting possibility, which complicates the game.} (3... h5 {, then %05If} 4. Kb3 h4 5. Kc3 h3 6. Nf1 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 4. Nxf1 Kc4 5. Kb2 Kd3 6. Kc1 Ke2 {! (otherwise 7.Kd1, winning)} 7. e4 Kxf1 {^013^010 It now appears that Black will draw, but} 8. Kd2 {! (this surprising manoeuvre ensures the win) %05^013^010} (8. e5 {%05after} h5 9. e6 h4 10. e7 h3 11. e8=Q h2 {[%eval 0,0] a theoretically drawn position is reached}) 8... h5 (8... Kf2 9. e5 h5 { [%eval 550,0] leads to similar variations}) 9. Ke3 {!} Kg2 {^013^010 This has to be played.} (9... h4 {there follows %05on} 10. Kf3 h3 11. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0] , when White wins}) (9... Kg1 {, then %05while if} 10. Kf3 {!} (10. Kf4 { ? %05but not} Kg2 11. Kg5 Kg3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw})) 10. e5 h4 11. e6 h3 12. e7 h2 13. e8=Q h1=Q 14. Qg6+ {(Black loses due to the poor position of his king)} Kh3 (14... Kh2 15. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (14... Kf1 {%05or} 15. Qf5+ Kg2 16. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0] also loses}) 15. Qh5+ Kg2 16. Qg4+ Kh2 (16... Kf1 17. Qe2+ Kg1 18. Qf2#) 17. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. Isolated pawns, separated by a distance of four files or more, cannot be stopped by a knight.} * [Event "Baden-Baden (Germany)"] [Site "Baden-Baden (Germany)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2N2k2/1p1P2p1/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {In this case one of the pawns must be tackled by the king, when the best position for the knight will be one from which it simultaneously defends its own pawn and stops the enemy pawn. This is how the knight is deployed in this position. White's problem is to win the g-pawn and free his king. If it were Black to move, he would lose his g-pawn immediately, since 1...Kg6 fails to 2. d6. White must therefore give his opponent the move, and this is most simply done by means of 'triangulation':} 1. Kg3 Kf5 2. Kf3 Kf6 3. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} 1-0 [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ekdom"] [Black "Lindolf"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/8/7P/pP1K4/8/1n6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] {In order to win, Black must transfer his knight to the better square b6, and this is achieved by the following knight manoeuvre:} 1... Nd1 {!} (1... a3 { %05The following line is insufficient:} 2. Kc3 Nc4 3. Kb3 Kf7 4. b5 {[%eval 0, 0]}) 2. Kc4 Ne3+ 3. Kc3 Nd5+ 4. Kb2 Nb6 {[%eval -550,0] , and the game is decided. If the opposing pawns are far advanced and cannot be stopped, only a counter-attack will save the game.} 0-1 [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1749.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Philidor Francois A D (FRA)"] [Black "Bowdler"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/3KP3/8/p7/8/5p2/5N2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1749.??.??"] {It is a counter-attack that saves White.} 1. Ne3 {!} a3 2. Nd5 {!!} (2. e7 { %05not} f1=Q {!} 3. Nxf1 a2 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins}) 2... f1=Q 3. Nc7+ Kf8 {!} (3... Kd8 {%05of course, not} 4. e7+ Kc8 5. e8=Q+ Kb7 6. Qa8+ Kb6 7. Nd5+ Kb5 8. Qc6+ Ka5 9. Qb6+ Ka4 10. Qb4#) 4. e7+ Kg7 5. e8=Q Qf8+ 6. Qxf8+ Kxf8 7. Ne6+ {[%eval 0,0] , and the knight catches the pawn. We will now examine some examples in which the stronger side does not have a passed pawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Monte Carlo (Monaco)"] [Site "Monte Carlo (Monaco)"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fleischmann Alfred (AUT)"] [Black "Mieses Jacques (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/p1N5/3K2p1/6P1/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] {White must create a passed pawn, i.e. win the g3 pawn. The a-pawn must first be eliminated, without the g2 pawn being lost. This plan is most simply carried out as follows:} 1. Nd6 {!} (1. Ke3 {achieves nothing after %05the direct} Kc2 {!} 2. Kf3 Kb3 {[%eval 0,0] , since the a-pawn is too dangerous}) 1... Ke1 (1... Kc1 2. Kc3 {and 4.Kb4$18}) 2. Nf5 Kf2 3. Nh4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/5p2/2kP1K2/5N2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] {Again White must first eliminate the opposing passed pawn. He must first improve the placing of his pieces. The first move is forced, since the black king must not be allowed to go to d5.} 1. Ke5 (1. Kxf5 {there follows %05on} c5 {[%eval 0,0] , exchanging White's only pawn}) 1... Kd3 {^013^010 What to do next? Black is threatening to play ...Ke3 followed by ...f4, and it follows that the knight must first be transferred to f4.} 2. Ne1+ {! %05^013^010} (2. Kxf5 {, then %05If} Ke3 {!} 3. Kg4 Ke4 {[%eval 0,0] and then ...c5}) (2. Kd6 { %05a draw also results from} Ke3 3. Kxc6 Kxf3 4. d5 f4 5. d6 Kg2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Kc4 (2... Ke3 {fails to %05It turns out that} 3. Nc2+ Kd3 4. Nb4+ Ke3 5. Nxc6 f4 6. Kd5 {!} f3 7. Ne5 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.}) 3. Ng2 {!} Kd3 4. Nf4+ Kc3 5. Ne6 {! ^013^010 White has transferred his knight to the most advantageous position: it defends the d4 pawn, prevents ...c5, and hinders the advance of the pawn to f4. Now he can capture the f-pawn.} Kc4 {%05^013^010} 6. Kxf5 Kd5 7. Kf6 Kd6 8. Nf4 {! (the final finesse)} c5 9. d5 c4 10. Kf5 c3 11. Ke4 c2 12. Ne2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maric Rudolf (YUG)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/6p1/6K1/p5P1/5N2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] {White can win only by combining threats of zugzwang and mate.} 1. Kf7 {!} (1. Nd3 {%05nothing is promised by} a4 2. Kf7 a3 3. Nb4 Kh7 4. Na2 Kh8 {[%eval 0,0] }) 1... a4 (1... Kh7 {, then %05if} 2. g6+ Kh6 (2... Kh8 3. Nd3 a4 4. Ne5 a3 5. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] leads to mate}) 3. Nd3 a4 4. Nb4 a3 5. Na2 {[%eval 550,0] , and the g7 pawn is lost}) 2. Ng6+ Kh7 3. Ne5 {!} a3 4. g6+ {!} Kh6 (4... Kh8 { there follows %05on} 5. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] and 6.Nf7 mate}) 5. Ng4+ Kg5 6. Ne3 a2 7. Nc2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/n3k1K1/P4p2/5P2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {Black must eliminate the opposing passed pawn, but this can be done only by the king. It follows that the king and knight must exchange roles: the knight must defend the f4 pawn, and the king win the a-pawn. If it is Black to move, then by} 1... Nc4 2. Kg4 Ne3+ 3. Kg5 Ng2 4. a5 Kd5 {[%eval -550,0] the exchange of roles succeeds, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/n3k1K1/P4p2/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {If it is White to move, then} 1. Kg4 Nb3 {!} 2. Kg5 Nd4 3. Kg4 (3. a5 Nxf3+ 4. Kg4 Nd4 5. a6 Nb5 $19) 3... Ne2 4. a5 Kd5 {, and Black wins too.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ilyin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2N3k1/6p1/8/6P1/8/K3p3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {The e-pawn cannot be stopped, and White appears to have no possibility of counter-attack. But even so, by constructing a 'fortress' and confining the black king inside it, White manages to draw.} 1. Ne7+ Kh7 (1... Kf7 { %05otherwise White stops the pawn, for example:} 2. Nc6 e2 3. Ne5+ {[%eval 0,0] }) (1... Kh8 {%05or} 2. Ng6+ {and 3.Nf4=}) 2. g6+ Kh8 (2... Kh6 {%05but not} 3. Nf5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3. Kb4 {! %05Now there are no more checks, the pawn cannot be stopped, and it seems time for White to resign. But there follows^013^010 %05^013^010} e2 4. Kc5 {!} e1=Q 5. Kd6 {[%eval 0,0] , and it turns out that the black king is shut out of the game, while the queen alone is unable to force the white king away from the knight $6 draw. An elegant finish! If there are no passed pawns, the stronger side's task is firstly to deprive the opposing pawns of their mobility, and then to eliminate them. This typical plan is carried out by White in the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pp/5k2/7P/5NK1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] 1. Nh2 {!} h5 {^013^010 Black attempts to maintain the active position of his king.} (1... g5 {%05If} 2. h5 g4 (2... Kf6 {%05Not better is} 3. Ng4+ Kg7 4. Kf3 Kh7 5. Ke4 Kg7 6. Kf5 Kh7 7. Kf6 $18) 3. Kh4 {%05then} g3 4. Nf1 {!} g2 5. Ne3+ $18) (1... Ke5 2. Ng4+ $18) 2. Nf3 Ke4 3. Ng5+ Ke3 4. Nh3 Ke4 5. Kf2 { ! With such manoeuvre White succeeds in driving away the opponents's king.} Kd5 6. Kf3 {!} (6. Nf4+ {%05Of course not} Ke5 7. Nxg6+ Kf5 8. Nf8 Kg4 {= with a draw.}) 6... Ke5 7. Ng5 Kf5 8. Ne4 Ke5 9. Ng3 {, and White wins.} g5 {^013^010 %05If} 10. hxg5 h4 11. Ne4 h3 12. Kg3 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti & Mandler"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3p4/2k1p3/2N1P3/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {In order to win White must win both of the enemy pawns. To do this he must take his king up to the d-pawn. But White is cramped, and it proves no easy matter to carry out this plan, especially since he has constantly to reckon with the threat of... d3.} 1. Ne1 Kb2 (1... Kc4 {%05or} 2. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) (1... Kb3 {%05after} 2. Nd3 Kc3 {[%eval 550,0] the main variation is reached}) 2. Nd3+ Kc3 (2... Kb1 {leads to a transposition of moves:} 3. Nc1 Kb2 4. Na2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) (2... Kb3 {there follows %05on} 3. Nf4 Kc3 (3... Kb2 4. Nd5 {[%eval 550,0] shortens the solution}) 4. Ke1 Kc2 5. Nd3 {!} (5. Kf1 {%05but not} Kd2 6. Kg2 d3 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw}) 5... Kc3 6. Kf1 Kd2 7. Nf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black is in zugzwang. White wins by approaching the black pawns via g2 and f3.}) 3. Nc1 (3. Kc1 Kb3 4. Kb1 Kc3 {achieves nothing}) 3... Kb2 4. Na2 {!} Kb1 (4... Kxa2 {, then %05if } 5. Kc2 {and 6.Kd3$18}) (4... Kb3 {there follows %05while on} 5. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 Thanks to the move 4.Na2, White has deprived the black king of c3.}) 5. Nb4 Kb2 6. Nd5 Kb3 (6... Kb1 {%05after} 7. Nc7 Kb2 8. Nb5 {[%eval 550, 0] the pawn is lost}) 7. Nc7 {!} Kc3 8. Nb5+ Kc4 9. Nd6+ Kc3 (9... Kd5 {%05or} 10. Nf7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the white king reaches c2}) (9... Kb3 {transposes after} 10. Ne4 Kb2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Ne4+ Kb2 (10... Kb3 11. Kc1 {and 12. Kc2$18}) 11. Nc5 Kc3 {^013^010 Black has all the time been manoeuvring so as not to allow the white king to reach c2. He has succeeded in doing this, but now the king approaches from the other side.} 12. Ke1 {%05^013^010} Kc2 {(c4)} 13. Nd3 Kc3 14. Kf1 Kd2 15. Nf4 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 Black is in zugzwang. Any king move is answered by 16.Kg2, when White takes his king to e4 and wins. The knight had to accomplish a considerable amount of work, in making the journey e1-d3-c1-a2-b4-d5-c7-b5-d6-e4-c5-d3-f4!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti & Mandler"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5p2/4k1p1/4N1P1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {This position is obtained by moving position 437 two files to the right. Here the white king is unable to approach from the right, and hence White wins only if he is able to reach e2 with his king.} 1. Ng1 Kd2 {!} (1... Kd3 {, then %05if} 2. Nf3 Ke3 3. Ne1 Kd2 4. Nc2 {[%eval 550,0] !! , joining the main variation after the 10th move}) 2. Nf3+ Kd3 {!} 3. Ke1 (3. Ne1+ {there follows %05on} Ke3 4. Nc2+ Kd2 5. Nb4 Ke3 6. Nd5+ Ke4 7. Nf6+ Ke3 {, when White has achieved nothing, since ...f3 is threatened.}) 3... Ke3 4. Ne5 Ke4 (4... Kd4 { , then %05if} 5. Ng4 Kd3 6. Kd1 {, and the white king goes to e2, since} f3 { fails to} 7. Ne5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Nc4 Kd3 (5... Kd4 {is decisively met by} 6. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Nd2 Ke3 7. Nf3 Kd3 8. Kf1 {^013^010 The same position is reached as on the 2nd move, but now it is Black to move, and this is of decisive significance.} Ke3 {%05^013^010} 9. Ne1 Kd2 10. Nc2 {!} Kd1 11. Nb4 {!} Kd2 12. Nd5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. In the following example the active position of the black king prevents White from winning.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smejkal Jan (CZE)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/8/6k1/8/4NKP1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ767 %212045826630=4HLJ787} 1. Ng2 Kf5 (1... h5 {!?} 2. Nf4 f6 3. Ne6+ Kf5 4. Nc5 Kg5 5. Ne4+ Kf5 6. Nf2 Kg5 7. Nh3+ Kf5 8. Ng1 Kg5 9. Kf2 f5 {=}) 2. Nf4 Kg5 3. Nh3+ Kf5 4. Nf2 {^013^010} (4. g4+ {, but then comes %05The only way to evict the black king from the fifth rank is by} Kg6 5. Ke4 (5. Kf4 {, then %05if} h5 6. g5 f6 {[%eval 0,0]}) (5. Nf4+ {%05or} Kg5 {[%eval 0,0] , with the threat of 6...f5}) 5... f6 {, and} 6. Kd5 {can be met by} f5 7. g5 h6 {[%eval 0,0] , exchanging White's only pawn.}) 4... Kg5 {%05White leaves his pawn where it is, and tries to drive the opposing king off the fifth rank by piece manoeuvres, but this proves to be impossible.^013^010 %05^013^010} 5. Ke4 h6 {?} (5... h5 { !?} 6. Kf3 f6 (6... h4 7. Ne4+ Kh5 8. g4+ Kg6 9. Nd6 f6 10. Kg2 $18) 7. Ne4+ Kf5 8. Nd2 Kg5 9. Kf2 f5 10. Nf3+ Kg4 11. Ne5+ Kh3 12. Ng6 Kg4 13. Kg2 f4 14. gxf4 Kf5 {=}) 6. Ke3 {?!} (6. Kf3 {!?} Kf5 (6... h5 7. Ne4+ Kf5 8. Nd6+ Ke6 9. Nb7 Kf5 10. Nd8 $18) 7. Ng4 h5 (7... Kg5 8. Ne5 f6 9. Nc6 f5 10. Ne5 h5 11. Nf7+ Kf6 12. Nd8 $18) 8. Nf2 Kg5 9. Ne4+ Kf5 10. Nd6+ Ke6 11. Nb7 $18) 6... Kf5 {?!} (6... h5 {!?} 7. Ke4 (7. Kf3 f6 {=}) 7... f5+ 8. Kf3 h4 {=}) 7. Kf3 Kg5 8. Ke4 {%02~5 (?)} (8. Kg2 {%05~5 (RR) White wins by} f6 (8... Kf5 {%05or} 9. Kh3 Kg5 10. Ne4+ Kh5 11. Nd6 f6 12. Ne4 f5 13. Nc5 Kg5 14. Nd3 Kh5 15. Kh2 {! %08DA }) 9. Ne4+ Kf5 10. Nc5 Kg5 11. Kh3 f5 12. Nd3 Kh5 13. Kh2 {%08DA} Kg4 14. Ne5+ Kh5 15. Kg2 Kg5 16. Kf3 h5 17. Ke3 $18) 8... h5 9. Kf3 Kf5 10. Nh3 f6 { ^013^010 Black has advanced his pawns, but this has not improved White's chances, since the threat of exchanging his pawn has increased.} 11. Nf4 { %05^013^010} Kg5 12. Ne6+ Kf5 13. Nc5 Kg5 14. Ne4+ Kf5 15. Nf2 Kg5 16. Nh3+ Kf5 17. Nf4 Kg5 18. Ne6+ {[%eval 0,0] Drawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smorodsky Andrey Alexandrovich"] [Black "Breitman"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p5k/1N5P/p1p3K1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ767 %212045826630=4HLJ787 Although theoretically a knight and pawn are stronger than three pawns, all things being equal the weaker side has considerable possibilities both in attack and defence. We will consider several typical examples. Here we see a familiar pattern. The knight has stopped the pawns, and in two moves can reach f7. Therefore, if Black should retreat his king, he will end up being mated. It follows that Black has to give up one of his pawns, but in such a way as to avoid falling again into a mating net.} 1... a3 { ? , and after %05Black played} (1... c3 {, since after %05Black could have drawn by} 2. Nxc3 a3 3. Na2 b5 4. Nb4 Kh7 5. Kg5 Kg7 6. h6+ Kf7 7. Kf5 Kg8 8. Kg6 Kh8 9. Nc6 {?} (9. Na2 {=}) 9... a2 10. Ne5 a1=Q 11. Nf7+ Kg8 12. h7+ Kf8 $19 {the h8 square is defended by the black queen.}) 2. Nxa3 c3 3. Nc2 b5 4. Nb4 Kh7 5. Kg5 Kg7 6. h6+ Kf7 7. Kf5 Kg8 8. Kg6 Kh8 9. Nc6 {!} c2 10. Ne5 c1=Q {he was mated in five moves:} 11. Nf7+ Kg8 12. h7+ Kf8 13. h8=Q+ Ke7 14. Qd8+ Ke6 15. Qd6# * [Event "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Site "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kashdan Isaac (USA)"] [Black "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p3/3kPpNp/5K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {As we have seen, in knight endings it is sometimes possible to create a mating net. The following position provides another example.} {White must win the e-pawn, which can be done only by reaching f6 with the king. The game continued:} 1. Nf3 Kc4 2. Kg5 {!} (2. Nh4 {%05Why not} Kd5 3. Nxf5 exf5 4. Kxf5 h4 5. e6 h3 (5... Kd6 {%05it turns out that Black can save the game by} 6. Kf6 {[%eval 0,0] , and only then 6...h3}) 6. e7 h2 7. e8=Q h1=Q 8. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2... Kd5 3. Kf6 f4 4. Nh4 {^013^010 The white knight is ideally placed, blocking both pawns. Black is in zugzwang and has to give up his e-pawn, but his passed pawns are dangerous.} Ke4 {%05^013^010} 5. Kxe6 f3 6. Nxf3 {!} Kxf3 7. Kf5 {!} h4 8. e6 h3 9. e7 h2 10. e8=Q Kg2 11. Kg4 {[%eval 550, 0] Black resigned} Z0 (11... h1=Q {there follows %05since on} 12. Qe2+ Kg1 13. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0] , with inevitable mate.}) 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pp/7p/8/6Pk/5K2/5N2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] {Black is threatening to exchange White's only pawn by 1...h4. White wins as follows:} 1. Ne3 {, with two variations:} (1. Kf3 {%05The direct attempt does not work:} h4 2. g4 h5 3. g5 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate!}) 1... g5 (1... h4 { %05or} 2. g4 h5 3. g5 Kh2 4. Nd5 h3 (4... Kh3 {, then %05if} 5. Kf3 Kh2 6. Nf4 Kg1 7. Nxg6 h3 8. Nf4 h2 9. Nh3+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 5. Nf4 h4 6. Nxg6 Kh1 7. Ne7 {!} h2 8. Nf5 h3 9. Ng3#) 2. Kf3 g4+ (2... Kh2 3. Nf5 g4+ 4. Kf2 Kh3 5. Nh4 Kh2 6. Ng6 Kh1 7. Nf4 Kh2 8. Nxh5 Kh3 9. Nf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 3. Kf2 {!} h4 4. Ng2 {!!} hxg3+ 5. Kg1 h5 6. Kh1 h4 7. Nf4# {If the pieces are badly placed, three pawns may sometimes prove stronger than a knight and pawn.} * [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "Najdorf Miguel (POL)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pp/8/4Np2/5P2/6k1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {Four pawns are normally superior to a knight and pawn. The following two examples are exceptions.} {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ767 %212045826630=4HLJ787 The black pawns are not very far advanced, but White's pieces are powerless to contain them. There followed} 1. Ke2 h5 2. Ng5 h4 3. Ne6 g5 {!$19} 4. Z0 (4. Nxg5 {%05since after} h3 5. Nxh3 Kxh3 6. Kf2 (6. Kd3 {%05or} Kg2 7. Ke4 Kg3 $19) 6... Kh2 $19 {the f3 pawn is lost, and Black wins}) 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korolkov Vladimir (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/4p3/6p1/p7/8/Pp4N1/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {White creates a 'barrier' along the d-file.} 1. Kc2 a3 2. Ne3 {!} Kb7 3. Ng4 Kc6 4. Ne5+ Kc5 (4... Kd5 5. Nf3 g4 6. Nh2 g3 7. Nf1 g2 8. Ne3+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 5. Kb1 Kb5 6. Kc2 Kb4 7. Ng4 Kc4 8. Ne5+ {! = Here we have a positional draw, since the black king cannot cross the d-file without the g-pawn being lost.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/8/5p2/p1k5/Pp6/1K2N3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {White wins one of the pawns by force, since the black king runs into a fork.} 1. Nf4 {!} (1. Nc3 {%05Other moves lose, for example ?} g5 {!} 2. Nxa4 g4 3. Nc3 Kd3 {!} 4. Nd5 Ke4 5. Nc3+ Kf3 6. Nb5 g3 7. Nd4+ Kg4 8. a4 g2 9. Ne2 f4 10. a5 f3 11. a6 fxe2 12. a7 e1=Q 13. a8=Q Qf2+ 14. Kxb3 Qf3+ {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 1... g5 (1... Kb5 {%05or} 2. Ne6 g6 3. Kc3 {[%eval 0,0] , and the black king cannot approach the K-side pawns without losing one of them, while if he wins the knight for the g- and f-pawns, a theoretical draw results}) 2. Ne6 g4 3. Ng7 {!} f4 (3... g3 4. Nxf5 g2 5. Ne3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Nh5 f3 5. Nf6 g3 (5... f2 {, then %05if} 6. Nxg4 f1=N {!} 7. Ne5+ Kb5 8. Nf3 Ne3 9. Nd2 Nd1+ 10. Kc1 Nf2 11. Kb2 Nd3+ 12. Kc3 Nc5 13. Kd4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 6. Ne4 g2 7. Nd2+ {followed by 8.Nxf3=. Draw.} * [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/1pp3pp/8/1P2K1P1/3N4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {~1 1.7 ENDINGS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF PAWNS~ In this section we will be considering endings in which the side with the extra knight has not less than two pawns. The basic principles, expounded in the preceding chapters, of playing endings where a knight opposes pawns, are also perfectly applicable here, but the large number of pawns naturally introduces certain special features, to which we will endeavour to draw attention in the analysis. White has both a material and a positional advantage: he has a knight for two pawns, and his pieces are well placed. In order to realize his advantage, White must create a passed pawn. This is most easily done on the K-side, where the black pawns are undefended. Thus White's problem is to eliminate the opposing pawns there, and to queen his g-pawn.} 1. Ne4 h4 2. g4 {! ^013^010 This pawn is destined to become a queen, therefore it must be retained.} h3 {%05^013^010} 3. Kf3 b4 (3... c4 {, then %05if} 4. b4 {!} Kc6 5. Nc3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , with a straightforward win}) 4. Nxg5 c4 5. Ne4 {!} cxb3 (5... c3 6. Nf2 {[%eval 550,0] }) 6. g5 b2 7. Nd2 Kc5 8. g6 h2 9. Kg2 Kd4 10. g7 Kd3 11. g8=Q Kxd2 12. Qa2 Kc2 13. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kuchuk"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4N3/k7/8/p7/P7/P5p1/7p/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {For White to win here, it is insufficient to capture the a5 pawn and create a passed pawn, since without the support of the king it is unable to advance. His task is therefore to manoeuvre with the knight so as to win the g3 pawn without losing both of his pawns. This plan proves feasible.} 1. Nd6 Kb6 2. Nc4+ Ka6 3. Kg2 {!} Ka7 4. Nxa5 Ka6 5. Nb3 {!} Kb6 6. a5+ Kb5 7. a4+ Ka6 8. Kh1 {!} Kb7 9. Nc5+ Ka7 10. Kg2 {!} Ka8 11. Ne4 Ka7 12. Nxg3 Ka6 13. Ne4 Kxa5 14. Nc3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Oltetsian"] [Black "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k2p1/5pPp/2PKnP1P/4P3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ767 %212045826630=4HLJ789 Here too Black succeeds in creating a passed pawn, by winning the h5 pawn.} 1... Nd3 2. c6+ Ke7 {?} (2... Kc7 {! %05Correct is} 3. Ke6 (3. e5 Nf4+ 4. Ke4 Nxh5 5. e6 Ng3+ 6. Kf4 Ne2+ 7. Ke3 Nc3 8. Kd4 Nb5+ 9. Kd5 Nd6 $19) 3... Nf4+ 4. Kf7 Nxh5 $19) 3. c7 {%02~5 ? (RR) This loses.} (3. Kc4 {! %05Interesting variations arise after} Nf4 {? ~5(RR) If Black wins the h5 pawn, he loses the game,^013^010 ~5 therefore the ending is drawn.} (3... Nf2 4. Kd5 Nxe4 5. Kxe4 Kd6 {=}) 4. e5 {!} (4. Kc5 {? %05} Kd8 5. Kb6 Kc8 6. e5 fxe5 7. f6 Nd5+ $19) (4. Kb5 Kd8 5. e5 fxe5 6. f6 Ne6 7. f7 Kc7 $19) 4... Nxh5 5. Kb5 {!!} (5. e6 {?} Ng3 6. c7 Nxf5 7. c8=Q Nd6+ $19 {, and Black wins.}) 5... Kd8 (5... fxe5 6. Ka6 $18) 6. Kb6 Kc8 7. e6 Nf4 8. Kc5 $18) 3... Kd7 4. c8=Q+ Kxc8 5. Ke6 Nf4+ 6. Kf7 Nxh5 $19 {, and Black won.^013^010 %04} 0-1 [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Thomas George A (ENG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p5p/p1p2k2/2Pp4/PP1PpN2/4PpK1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "49"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ767 %212045826630=4HLJ789 White has a knight for two pawns, but the activity of his pieces is restricted by the opponent's strong protected passed pawn. But White has a strong possibility involving the advance of his b-pawn.} 1. b5 {!} axb5 2. axb5 Ke7 {^013^010 A great achievement by White. In view of the threat of 3.b6 and 4.Nxd5 Black is forced to keep his king close to the c6 and b7 pawns, thus allowing the white pieces to penetrate into his position.} (2... cxb5 {is no better. Fine gives the continuation %05It should be noted that} 3. Nxd5+ Kf5 {!} 4. Nb4 {!} h5 5. d5 h4+ 6. Kf2 Ke5 7. d6 Ke6 8. Nd5 {!} Kd7 9. Nc3 b4 10. Nxe4 Kc6 11. Kxf3 b3 12. Kg4 b2 13. Nd2 b6 14. cxb6 Kxd6 15. Kxh4 Kc6 16. Kg4 Kxb6 17. Kf3 Kb5 18. e4 Kb4 19. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] , when White wins.}) 3. b6 {!} Kd7 4. Nh5 Kd8 (4... Ke7 {is slightly more accurate, although after} 5. Ng7 Kd7 6. Nf5 Kc8 7. Nd6+ Kb8 8. Ne8 {[%eval 550,0] all the same White's knight reaches f6}) 5. Nf6 h6 6. Ng4 h5 7. Nf2 Kd7 8. Kh4 Kd8 9. Kxh5 {^013^010 Now the win is comparatively simple.} Ke7 {%05^013^010} 10. Kg4 Ke6 11. Kg3 Kd7 {^013^010 White chose a different way:} 12. Nh3 { %05^013^010} (12. Ng4 {%05As was shown by Dedrle, the simplest now was} Ke7 13. Ne5 Kd8 14. Nxf3 exf3 15. Kxf3 Ke7 16. e4 dxe4+ 17. Kxe4 Ke6 18. d5+ {!} cxd5+ 19. Kd4 Ke7 20. Kxd5 Kd7 21. Ke5 $18 {, and White wins easily.}) 12... Kd8 13. Nf4 Kd7 14. Nh5 Ke6 15. Ng7+ Kd7 16. Nf5 Kc8 17. Nd6+ Kb8 18. Nf5 Kc8 19. Kf4 Kb8 20. Ke5 Kc8 21. Ke6 Kb8 22. Kd7 Ka8 23. Ng3 {!} Kb8 24. Nf1 Ka8 25. Kc8 $18 {, and Black resigned. In this ending White's basic problem was to neutralize Black's passed pawns. Things did not even get as far as him creating his own passed pawns. Even in endings with a larger number of pawns, there can be a danger of all the pawns being exchanged.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/p1p2k2/1pPp4/PP1PpN2/4PpK1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {If Black's b-pawn stood at b5, White would altogether have no possibility of improving his position, and the game would end in a draw. For example:} 1. axb5 axb5 2. Nh3 h6 {!} 3. Kg4 Kg6 4. Kf4 Kf6 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and the white king cannot break through to the c6 pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bron Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3Npp2/8/4P3/4P3/2k5/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {Black is threatening to force a draw by ...Kd4xe4-d5-e6.} 1. e6 {! %05The only way to win is by} (1. Ka2 {%05It appears that White can play} Kd4 2. Kb3 Kxe4 3. Kc4 {, but then there follows} f5 {!} 4. e6 f4 5. Kc3 Ke3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 1... fxe6 (1... f6 2. Nxf6 {!} Kd4 3. Nd7 Kxe4 4. Kc2 Kf5 5. Nf8 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. e5 {!} Kb3 3. Kc1 {!} (3. Ka1 {%05Not} Kc4 {!} 4. Kb2 Kd5 5. Kc3 Kc6 6. Nf8 Kd5 7. Ng6 Ke4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 3... Kc3 4. Kd1 Kd3 5. Ke1 Ke3 6. Kf1 Kf3 7. Kg1 Kg3 {^013^010 Black tries not to release the king from the back rank.} 8. Kh1 {! %05^013^010} Kh3 9. Nf8 Kg4 10. Kh2 {!} Kh4 11. Nd7 Kg4 12. Kg2 Kf4 13. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/4p3/4P1k1/K5P1/8/5N2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ767 %212045826630=4HLJ789} 1. Nd3 {? and after %05White played} (1. Kb4 {! would have won, e.g. %05Gawlikowski showed that} Kf4 (1... f5 2. gxf5 Kxf5 3. Nd3 Ke4 4. Kc5 $18) 2. Nd3+ Kxg4 3. Nc5 {and 4.Nd7$18}) 1... f6 {!} 2. exf6 Kxf6 3. Nf2 Kg5 4. Kb4 e5 5. Kc4 e4 {[%eval 0,0] the game ended in a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/N7/1p1k1p1p/8/P5K1/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {White is faced with a difficult problem: he has to win the b5 pawn without losing his own pawns. The main thing here is to neutralize Black's passed pawns.} 1. b4 {! ^013^010 This fixes Black's pawn and restricts his king.} Kc6 {%05^013^010} (1... Kd6 {[%eval 550,0] %05or}) (1... Kc4 {there follows %05on} 2. Nc7 {[%eval 550,0] , when Black is immediately in zugzwang}) (1... Kd4 { %05also bad is} 2. Nc7 Kc4 3. Kf4 h4 4. Kf3 h3 5. Kg3 f4+ 6. Kxh3 Kd3 7. Nxb5 f3 8. Kg3 Ke3 9. Nc3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 2. Kf4 h4 3. Nc5 Kd5 4. Nb7 {!} Kc6 (4... Kc4 {again loses to} 5. Nd6+ Kd3 6. Nxb5 h3 7. Kg3 f4+ 8. Kxh3 f3 9. Kg3 Ke3 10. Nc3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Nd8+ Kd5 6. Nf7 {! ^013^010 Now, in view of the knight check at d6, the invasion of the king at c4 is not possible, while on} Ke6 {there follows} 7. Ng5+ Kd5 (7... Kf6 {%05or} 8. Nf3 h3 9. Kg3 Ke6 10. Nd4+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 8. Kxf5 Kc4 {(here this attempt at active play is easily parried)} 9. Ke4 Kc3 (9... Kb3 {%05no better is} 10. Kd4 Kxa3 11. Kc5 Ka4 12. Nh3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 10. Kd5 Kd3 11. Kc5 Ke3 12. Kxb5 Kf4 13. Nh3+ Kg3 14. a4 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White's pawn queens first.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5N2/8/1p1k1p2/1P3K1p/P7/8/8 w - - 0 7"] [PlyCount "21"] {White's problem in the position is more difficult if it is his turn to move. The winning path is highly instructive White has to arrange a strict division of duties between his pieces.} 7. Ne5 {!} (7. Ng5 {fails to win after} Kc4 8. Ke5 f4 {!} 9. Ke4 (9. Kxf4 Kb3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 9... Kc3 {! , and if} 10. Kd5 { , then} Kd3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 7... h3 (7... Kd4 {there can follow %05on} 8. Kxf5 h3 9. Ng4 Kc3 10. Ke4 Kb3 (10... Kc2 11. Kf3 Kb3 12. Ne5 Kxa3 13. Nc6 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 11. Kd4 Kc2 12. Kc5 Kd2 13. Kxb5 Ke2 14. a4 Kf3 15. Nh2+ {! } Kg2 16. a5 Kxh2 17. a6 Kg1 18. a7 h2 19. a8=Q {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 8. Nf3 Kc4 9. Kg3 {!} Kb3 10. Nd4+ {^013^010 White's plan is a typical one $6 his king deals with the K-side pawns, while his knight sets off to defend the b4 pawn.} Kxa3 {%05^013^010} 11. Nc6 Kb3 12. Kxh3 Kc4 13. Kg3 Kd5 14. Nb8 Ke4 ( 14... Kc4 {%05very simple is} 15. Na6 Kd5 16. Kf4 Ke6 17. Nc7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Kf2 f4 16. Na6 Ke5 17. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/N1k5/1p4pp/1P6/P5K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {This position is similar to the preceding one, but Black's pawns appear stronger. Nevertheless, here too White is able to win.} 1. Nc5 Kd5 2. Nb7 { ! ^013^010 White's plan is the same as in example ~3($402344)~ $6 to approach with his knight from the rear with the aim of creating a zugzwang position.} Ke5 (2... Kc6 {%05Weaker is} 3. Nd8+ Kd5 4. Nf7 g4 5. Kf4 Ke6 6. Ng5+ Kd5 7. Ne4 h4 8. Nf6+ Kc4 9. Nxg4 Kb3 10. Ne5 Kxa3 11. Nc6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Nd8 {!} g4 4. Nb7 Kd5 5. Kf4 Kc6 6. Nc5 Kd5 7. Ne4 {! ^013^010 Note how successfully the knight manoeuvres around the key square d6. Black is now in zugzwang.} h4 {%05^013^010} 8. Nf6+ (8. Nc3+ {%05Also possible is the sharper line suggested by Euwe:} Kc4 9. Nxb5 {!} g3 (9... h3 10. Nd6+ {and 11.Nf5$18}) 10. Nd6+ Kd5 11. Nf5 {!} g2 12. Ne3+ Kc6 13. Nxg2 h3 14. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 8... Kc4 9. Nxg4 Kb3 10. Ne5 Kxa3 11. Nc6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4kpp1/8/2KPP3/8/6P1/n7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {Exploiting the unfortunate position of the enemy knight, White succeeds in exchanging all the black pawns. The solution of the study* is as follows:} 1. d5+ {!} (1. Kc3 {%05*The composer's initial solution contained a transposition of moves:} f5 2. d5+ Ke5 {?} (2... Kf6 {! %05But A. Khachaturov showed that, instead of 2...Ke5, Black wins by} 3. exf5 Kxf5 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3. d6 { [%eval 0,0] etc.^013^010 Here we give Botvinnik's corrected solution.}) 1... Ke5 2. Kc3 f5 (2... Kd6 {, White loses after the immediate %05if} 3. Kb2 (3. g4 {! , and only then 4.Kb2=. %05But he draws by}) 3... f5 {!} 4. exf5 gxf5 5. Kxa1 Kxd5 6. Kb2 Kd4 7. Kc2 Ke3 8. Kc3 f4) 3. d6 {!} Kxd6 4. exf5 gxf5 5. g4 {! } fxg4 6. Kd4 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and White eliminates the last black pawn. In the endgame an active king position can more than compensate for a material deficit, and this is fully applicable to knight endings.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zukertort Johannes (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/2p3p1/1p2N1p1/1P6/Pk3K1P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {White has only one possible plan to attempt to create a passed h-pawn and to queen it. But the black king has already approached the Q-side pawns, so that this typical plan leads only to a draw.} 1. Kg4 Kxa3 2. Nd3 {!} Kb3 3. Kxg5 Kc3 4. Kxg6 Kxd3 5. h4 c5 6. bxc5 b4 7. h5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. If the opponent has a strong passed pawn, this can restrict the activity of the pieces and prevent the realization of a knight advantage.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pp/8/P3p3/2n1K3/2k3PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ767 %212045826630=4HLJ789 Black is a knight up, but White's passed pawn creates considerable difficulties in the realization of the advantage.} 1... Kd1 {?} ( 1... Nxa4 {! %05As was later shown by N. Kopayev, Black should have immediately eliminated the a-pawn.^013^010 %05After} 2. Kxe4 Nc5+ 3. Ke5 (3. Kd5 Kd3 {!} 4. Kxc5 Ke3 $19 {, with a won pawn ending}) 3... Kd3 4. Kf6 g5 5. Kg6 Ke4 6. Kxh6 Kf5 7. Kh5 Ne6 8. g4+ Kf4 9. h4 Ng7+ $19 {Black wins.}) 2. a5 Ke1 3. a6 Nb5 4. g4 Kf1 5. Kxe4 Kg2 6. Kd3 (6. Kd5 {%05of course, not} Nc7+ $19 ) 6... Kf3 (6... Kxh2 {, then %05if} 7. Kc4 Nc7 8. a7 h5 9. gxh5 gxh5 10. Kc5 h4 11. Kc6 Na8 12. Kb7 h3 13. Kxa8 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 7. Kc4 Nc7 8. a7 Ke4 9. Kc5 Ke5 10. Kc6 Na8 11. Kb7 Kd6 12. Kxa8 Kc7 13. h4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} * [Event "Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan)"] [Site "Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan)"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sakharov Yuri N (RUS)"] [Black "Vasiukov Evgeni (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/5pk1/2N3Pp/3p1K1P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] {Here again White's basic problem is to neutralize the opposing passed pawn.} 1. gxf5 {%05^013^010 %05White played weakly} (1. Nd2 {, trying to avoid any expansion of the operational arena. For example: %05The most exact move was} fxg4+ (1... Kf6 2. Ke3 fxg4 3. hxg4 Kg5 4. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 2. hxg4 Kf6 (2... h3 3. Kg3 h2 4. Ne4+ Kh6 5. Kxh2 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 3. Kf4 {!} (3. Ne4+ {%05White can no longer win after} Ke5 4. Ke3 h3 5. Ng5 d2 {!} 6. Nf3+ Kd5 7. Kxd2 Ke4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Ke6 (3... h3 4. Ne4+ {!} Ke7 5. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke3 h3 5. Nf3 Kf6 6. Kxd3 h2 7. Nxh2 Kg5 8. Ke3 Kh4 9. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 1... Kxf5 2. Ne3+ {?} (2. Ke3 { ~3($402351)~}) 2... Ke5 3. Kg4 (3. Nf1 {!?} Kf5 {!} (3... Kd4 {?} 4. Kf4 Kd5 ( 4... Kc3 5. Ke3 Kc4 6. Nd2+ Kc3 7. Nf3 $18) 5. Nd2 Ke6 (5... Kd4 6. Nf3+ Kc4 7. Ke4 Kc3 8. Ke3 $18) 6. Nf3 Kf6 7. Ke3 g5 8. Ke4 $18) 4. Nd2 Ke5 5. Kg4 Kd4 6. Kf4 Kc3 7. Ke3 Kc2 $13) 3... Kd4 4. Nd1 Ke4 {! ^013^010 Subtle play.} (4... d2 {%05If Black had played} 5. Kxh4 Kd3 {immediately, after} 6. Kg5 Ke2 7. Nb2 Kf3 8. h4 Kg3 9. Nd1 Kh3 10. Ne3 {[%eval 550,0] ! (or 10.Ne3$18) he would have had to admit defeat.}) 5. Nb2 d2 6. Nd1 (6. Kxh4 {%05An immediate draw results from } Kf4 {!} 7. Nd1 g5+ 8. Kh5 Kg3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 6... Ke5 (6... Kd3 {was also possible, for example:} 7. Kxh4 Ke2 8. Nb2 Kf3 9. Kg5 Kg3 10. h4 Kh3 11. Nd1 Kg3 12. Ne3 Kf3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 7. Nf2 Ke6 8. Kxh4 Kf5 9. Kg3 g5 10. Kf3 {^013^010 The first impression is that White must win: he has won one pawn, and is now ready to eliminate the second. But Black has perfectly adequate defensive resources.} Kg6 {! %05^013^010} 11. Ke2 Kh5 12. Kxd2 Kh4 13. Ke1 Kg3 14. Kf1 Kh2 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw. But nevertheless White could have won! Let us return to the position after Black's 1st move (the next position).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/5k2/2N4p/3p1K1P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] {White has a study-like way to win.} 1. Ke3 {!} g5 (1... Kf6 {is met by} 2. Kxd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kg5 {%04by %05and} 2. Ke4 Kf6 3. Kxd3 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 2. Kf3 Ke6 (2... g4+ 3. hxg4+ Kg5 4. Nd2 h3 5. Kg3 h2 6. Nf3+ {[%eval 550, 0]}) 3. Kg4 Kf6 4. Nd2 Kg6 5. Ne4 Kh6 6. Kf5 Kh5 7. Nf6+ Kh6 8. Ng4+ Kh5 (8... Kg7 {, then after %05If Black leaves his pawn to its fate and replies} 9. Kxg5 d2 10. Nf2 {and 11.Kxh4 White's king heads for the d2 pawn, while his knight will defend the pawn at h3.}) 9. Kf6 {!! %05But now the black king finds itself in a mating net.} d2 10. Kg7 d1=Q 11. Nf6# * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6p1/5k2/7P/5KP1/2p5/2N5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {(variation from the game) If it were White's move, by} 1. g4+ Ke5 2. Ke3 h5 3. Nd3+ Kd5 4. gxh5 gxh5 5. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] he would win the h-pawn, and in the end give mate.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/6p1/5k2/7P/5KP1/2p5/2N5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {(variation from the game) But it is Black's move, and he plays} 1... h5 { ! , preventing the advance of the g-pawn. Now White must win the c-pawn, which is restricting his actions, and the whole question is whether or not Black can do anything in the meantime.} 2. Nd3 Kf6 3. Kf4 Ke6 4. Nc1 Kf6 5. Ne2 Kf7 6. Ke3 (6. Kg5 Kg7 7. Nc1 Kf7 8. Kh6 Kf6 9. Kh7 Kf5 10. Kg7 g5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 6... Kf6 7. Ke4 Kf7 8. Kd3 Kf6 9. Kxc2 g5 {! ^013^010 The only move.} (9... Kf5 {loses after} 10. Kd3 g5 11. Nd4+ Kg4 12. hxg5 Kxg5 13. Ke4 Kg4 (13... h4 14. Nf3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Nf5 Kg5 15. Ke5 Kg4 16. Kf6 { [%eval 550,0]}) 10. Nd4 gxh4 11. gxh4 Ke5 12. Kd3 Kf4 13. Ke2 Kg4 {!} 14. Nf3 Kg3 15. Ke3 Kg4 16. Kf2 (16. Ke4 {%05no better is} Kg3 17. Kf5 Kxf3 18. Kg5 Ke4 19. Kxh5 Kf5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 16... Kh3 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1976.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stekbauer, Stalyoraitis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p2k2/8/2P1K3/8/3p4/1p1N4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1976.??.??"] {This position shows the conclusion of a study by Stekbauer.} 1... Kg6 { ! %05A draw results from} (1... Ke7 {%05After the composer's solution} 2. Kd5 Kd7 3. Nb1 c6+ (3... Ke7 {!} 4. Kc6 Ke6 {undoubtedly better, but even in this case White wins by} 5. Nd2 {, when the e5 square is 'mined', for example:} Ke5 {%05^013^010} (5... Kf5 {(this by-passing manoeuvre also fails to save Black, since White queens first)} 6. Kxc7 Ke5 7. c6 Kd4 8. Kd6 Kc3 9. Nb1+ Kc2 10. c7 Kxb1 11. c8=Q d2 12. Qf5+ Kc1 13. Qc5+ Kd1 14. Qb4 Ke1 15. Qe4+ Kf2 16. Qb1 Ke3 17. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 6. Nc4+ Kd4 7. Nxb2 d2 8. Kb5 Kc3 9. Nd1+ Kd4 10. c6 Kd5 11. Nb2 Kd4 12. Ka6 Kd5 13. Kb7 Kd6 14. Nc4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke5 Ke7 5. Nd2 Kd7 6. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] White wins easily.^013^010 But even so, the idea of taking Black's king to the support of his pawns is correct, but, as shown by Stalyoraitis, it must be carried out immediately.}) 2. Ke6 (2. Kd4 {%05 But White does not have to hurry over approaching the c7 pawn. It is worth while first trying to neutralize Black's passed pawns. Let us see:} Kf5 3. Kxd3 Ke5 4. Kc4 c6 {! ^013^010 The only move to maintain the balance.} (4... Ke6 {%05Bad is} 5. Kd4 c6 6. Nb1 Kf6 7. Nc3 Ke6 8. Kd3 Ke5 9. Kc4 {!} (9. Kc2 { ?} Kd4 10. Na4 Kc4 11. Kxb2 Kb4 {[%eval 0,0] leads only to a draw}) 9... Kf5 10. Kb3 Ke5 11. Kxb2 {(now this is possible)} Kd4 12. Na4 Kc4 13. Ka3 Kb5 14. Kb3 Ka5 15. Nc3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 5. Nb1 Ke4 6. Nc3+ Ke5 7. Kd3 b1=Q+ 8. Nxb1 Kd5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 2... Kg5 3. Kd7 Kf4 4. c6 Kg3 5. Kxc7 Kf2 6. Kd6 Ke1 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1898.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/2P4K/1P3p2/6p1/6n1/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1898.??.??"] {Black is intending to carry out the standard plan of winning the K-side pawn, creating a passed pawn, and queening it. White's position appears hopeless, but he has an amazing saving possibility.} 1. f3 Ne5 2. Kg7 Nxf3 (2... f5 { , then %05if} 3. Kf6 g4 4. Kxe5 gxf3 5. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0] , and it is White who wins}) 3. Kxf6 g4 {^013^010 What should White do now?} 4. Kf5 {! %05^013^010} (4. Ke6 {there follows %05on} g3 5. Kd6 g2 6. b7+ Kxb7 7. Kd7 Ne5+ 8. Kd8 Nc6+ {and 9...Na7$19}) 4... g3 5. Kg4 {!} g2 6. Kh3 {!} g1=Q (6... g1=R {[%eval 0,0] %05or}) (6... g1=B {there follows %05note that on} 7. Kg2 { [%eval 0,0] , when one of the pieces is lost}) 7. b7+ Kxb7 8. c8=Q+ Kxc8 { [%eval 0,0] Stalemate!! It is well known that the value of a knight varies depending on its degree of mobility.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1880.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p3/4P3/4p1k1/3pP3/3P4/4KN2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1880.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {%05After} Kf5 2. Kg3 Kxe5 3. Kg4 Kd6 4. Kf4 Kd5 5. Ng3 {[%eval 550,0] White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1880.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p3/4P3/4p1k1/3pP3/3P4/4KN2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1880.??.??"] 1... Kf3 {! %05If it is Black to move, he can exploit the cramped position of the knight by} 2. Kd1 Kf2 3. Nh2 Kg3 4. Nf1+ Kh3 {!} 5. Ke1 Kg2 {[%eval -550,0] White loses his knight, and with it the game.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1843.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bledow Ludwig E (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k1pp/1p3p2/1N1K1P1P/p7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1843.??.??"] {The knight is tied down by the a-pawn, and on the K-side White has constantly to reckon with the ...g4 breakthrough. This forces us to evaluate the position in Black's favour.} 1. Ke2 (1. Kc4 {%05White fails to save the game by} g4 {!} 2. fxg4 Ke4 3. g5 f3 4. g6 f2 5. Nd2+ Kf4 6. g7 f1=Q+ 7. Nxf1 a1=Q 8. g8=Q Qa2+ {[%eval -550,0]}) (1. Na1 {%05or} Kf5 2. Ke2 g4 3. hxg4+ hxg4 4. Nb3 gxf3+ 5. Kxf3 Ke5 {[%eval -550,0] , when White is helpless}) (1. Kc2 {! is possible, for example:} Kd5 {! ^013^010 %05^013^010} (1... Kf5 2. Kb2 g4 3. hxg4+ hxg4 4. fxg4+ Kxg4 5. Kxa2 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 2. Kb2 (2. Kd3 g4 3. fxg4 hxg4 4. hxg4 f3 5. g5 f2 6. Ke2 Kc4 7. Na1 b3 8. g6 b2 9. g7 f1=Q+ 10. Kxf1 bxa1=Q+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Kc4 3. Kxa2 Kd3 4. Nc5+ Ke3 5. Ne6 Kxf3 6. Nxg5+ Kg2 7. Kb3 f3 {[%eval -550,0] , and wins.}) 1... Kf6 2. Kd3 g4 3. fxg4 hxg4 4. hxg4 Kg5 5. Ke2 Kxg4 6. Kf2 f3 7. Na1 Kf4 8. Nb3 Ke4 9. Kf1 Kd5 10. Kf2 Kc4 { [%eval -550,0] , and Black won. In conclusion we will examine an example where a draw proves possible, in spite of the opponent's strong passed pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3N4/8/3k1P2/8/8/2p2p1p/7P/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] {It appears that one of the black pawns must inevitably queen, but White nevertheless manages to draw.} 1. f7 Ke7 2. Ne6 {!} Kxf7 3. Ng5+ Kf6 4. Nxf3 {! } (4. Ne4+ {%05of course, not} Ke5 5. Nxc3 f2 {[%eval -550,0] , when Black wins }) 4... c2 5. Ng1 c1=Q {[%eval 0,0] (R) Stalemate!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3KPk1n/8/8/8/8/8/N7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {~1 2. KNIGHT AGAINST KNIGHT (WITH PAWNS)~ ~1 2.1 Knight and pawn against knight~ We will begin our analysis with positions where the pawn has already reached the seventh rank. This position demonstrates the basic method of defence. Black to play gives perpetual check:} 1... Nf8+ 2. Kd8 Ne6+ {! %04etc. This is the only saving possibility if the opposing pawn is on the seventh rank, and the king supporting it controls the queening square. Being tied to the pawn, it is unable to escape from the pursuit of the knight.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3KPk1n/8/2N5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {White can defend against the threat of perpetual check if his knight is at c7, c5, d4 or f4, controlling e6. In this case he wins. Take, for example, the position with the knight at c5.} 1... Nf6+ {(Black reverts to passive defence, and attempts to maintain control of the queening square)} 2. Kd8 Ne8 {(any king move would be answered by 3.Nd7, diverting the knight from the defence of e8)} 3. Ne6 {! (the decisive move)} Nd6 (3... Nf6 {, then %05if} 4. Ng5+ { and 5.Ne4!$18, diverting the knight}) 4. Kd7 Ne8 5. Ng5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. In order to understand better this typical winning method, consider the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1867.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling Josef (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/KP1n4/2k5/8/5N2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1867.??.??"] {White has to divert the opponent's pieces from the defence of b8. This is most simply achieved by:} 1. Ne6 {^013^010 Threatening to win immediately by 2. Nf8, so that Black's next move is forced.} (1. Ng6 {accompanying it with an exclamation mark, and then: %05Kling began his solution with} Kd5 2. Nf8 Ne5 3. Kb6 {(again with an exclamation mark)} Nc6 4. Nd7 Kd6 5. Ne5 Nb8 6. Ka7 Kc7 7. Nc4 Nc6+ 8. Ka8 Nb8 9. Nb6 {(only now!)} Na6 10. Nd5+ {and 11.Ka7$18^013^010 But in the start position almost any knight move wins. It is important to be able to divert the enemy pieces, and this is most simply achieved if the knight reaches b6.}) 1... Kd5 2. Nf8 {!} Ne5 3. Ka8 Nc6 4. Nd7 Ke6 (4... Kd6 { %05or} 5. Nb6 {!} Kc7 (5... Kc5 6. Nc8 {and 7.Na7$18}) 6. Nd5+ {and 7.Nb4$18}) 5. Nb6 {! ^013^010 The seizure of this key square (the equivalent of e6 in example ~3($402361)~ is an important feature of White's plan: from the key square the knight can best carry out its task of diversion.} Kd6 {%05^013^010} 6. Nc8+ Kc7 7. Na7 Nb8 8. Nb5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. Here the diversion of the black pieces from control of the queening square is achieved by the sacrifice of the knight. This is a typical device in such endings.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/2NP4/8/3K4/8/n7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {If the pawn is on the 6th rank and the defender's king is in front of it, the result will depend upon how effectively the defender's knight can support his king. It is clear that the king alone cannot cope with the opponent's superior forces. This means that everything will depend upon whether or not Black can bring his knight into play.} 1... Ke8 2. Kd5 Kd7 (2... Nc3+ {%05The attempt to approach with the knight,} 3. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] , leads immediately to defeat. }) 3. Nb8+ {!} Kc8 (3... Kd8 4. Ke6 Nb4 5. d7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. d7+ Kc7 5. Ke6 Nb4 6. Na6+ Nxa6 7. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kan Ilya A (RUS)"] [Black "Goldenov Boris"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3NP3/3K4/8/8/1n6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {It may sometimes be unfavourable to keep the king in front of the enemy pawn: it may end up in a mating net.} 1. Nc8+ {? Black played %05After} (1. Nf5+ { ! %05As was shown by S. Zibakov the right way was} Kf6 (1... Kd8 {%04(e8)} 2. e7+ Kd7 3. Ke5 Nc4+ 4. Kf6 $18) 2. e7 Kf7 3. Kc5 {!} Nd1 (3... Ke8 {%05Now if} 4. Kd6 {%05then} Nc4+ 5. Ke6) (3... Na4+ 4. Kc6 $18) (3... Nd3+ 4. Kd6 $18) 4. Kd6 $18) 1... Kd8 {?} (1... Kf6 {, and if %05The correct continuation was} 2. e7 Kf7 3. Kd6 {, then} Nc4+ 4. Kd7 Ne5+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 2. e7+ { %05This natural move led to his resignation after} Kd7 3. Ke5 {! , since on} Nc4+ {(d3) there follows} 4. Kf6 Ke8 5. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] and mate next move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3KPk1n/8/2N5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {This position is obtained by shifting position ~3( 2361)~ down the board by one rank. Here Black can draw.} 1... Ng8 (1... Nf5+ {%05The simplest, but also possible is} 2. Kd7 Ne7 3. Ne5 {!} Nf5 4. Ng4+ Kg7 5. Ne3 Nxe3 6. e7 Nd5 { [%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw.}) 2. Kd7 Kg7 3. Ne3 Kf8 4. Nd5 {! ~3($402366)~ %08DA} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5kn1/3K4/4P3/3N4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 4"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 4... Kg7 5. Ke8 Nh6 {[%eval 0,0] ! , when it turns out that 6.e7 leads to the loss of the pawn. But if this example is shifted one file to the right, in the resulting position White wins, since the black pieces lack manoeuvring space.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6kn/4K3/5P2/4N3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {White wins, whoever it is to move. For example, with Black to move:} 1... Kh7 2. Kf8 Kh6 3. Kg8 Kg5 4. Kg7 Kf5 5. Nd7 Ng6 6. f7 Kg5 7. Ne5 Nf4 8. Kg8 Ne6 9. Nf3+ {and 10.Nd4$18 If it is White's move, he plays 1.Ke8, and then as in the main variation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4K3/5P2/4N1n1/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {The position differs from the preceding one only in that the black knight is more actively placed.} 1... Kh7 {, when White must try to divert the black knight from the control of f7.^013^010 Let us transfer the knight to d6. %05Black has only one move,} 2. Nc4 {! %05^013^010} (2. Nf3 {immediately, then %05if he plays} Nxf3 3. f7 Ne5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.^013^010 This means that White must not sacrifice his knight from e5, but from some other square. Such a square is d6, when the diverting knight sacrifice will be made by Ne4.}) 2... Kg6 {!} (2... Kh8 {^013^010 We will suppose that Black sticks to waiting tactics.} 3. Nd6 {%05^013^010} Kg8 {^013^010 White has completed his task.} 4. Ke8 {^013^010 %05 In order to win, he must give the opponent the move, which is done by 'triangulation'. We have here a typical example of corresponding squares: e7-g8, e8-h7, and two squares, d7 and d8, correspond to h8.} (4. Ne4 { does not yet work because of} Nf7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Kh7 5. Kd7 Kh8 6. Kd8 {!} Kh7 7. Ke8 Kg8 8. Ke7 Kh7 {^013^010 At last White can set about diverting the black knight!} 9. Ne4 {! %05^013^010} Nf3 {!} 10. f7 Ne5 11. Nf6+ {[%eval 550, 0] ! , and the black king either walks into a check, or is forced to occupy g6. ^013^010 So, White wins? No, it turns out that he doesn't (in the main variation) . In this variation Black lost only because his king in the corner got in the way of his knight.}) 3. Nd6 Kh5 {! (this 'flight' by the king was also possible after the 5th and 7th moves), White would have been unable to carry out his winning plan, since on} 4. Ne4 {there would have followed} Nf3 5. Ke6 (5. f7 Ne5 6. Nf6+ Kh4 {[%eval 0,0] , and the g6 square is free}) (5. Nc5 { [%eval 0,0] ! , and the following example is reaching}) 5... Kg6 6. f7 Nd4+ 7. Ke7 Nf5+ 8. Ke8 Ng7+ 9. Kf8 Nf5 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/5P2/2N4k/8/5n2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {If it is White to play, he wins by} 1. Nd3 Ng5 2. Nf4+ Kg4 3. Ne6 Nf3 4. Kd6 Nh4 5. f7 Ng6 6. Nd4 {!} Kg5 7. Ke6 Nf8+ 8. Ke7 Nh7 (8... Ng6+ 9. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 9. Ne6+ Kh6 10. Nc7 Kg7 11. Ne8+ Kh8 {!} 12. Nf6 Nf8 {!} 13. Ke8 {!} Ng6 (13... Ne6 {%05or} 14. Nh5 Kh7 15. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 14. Nh5 Kh7 15. Nf4 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/5P2/2N4k/8/5n2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {Black to play evacuates his king from the danger zone.} 1... Kg4 {! ^013^010 The only move.} (1... Ng5 {there follows %05on} 2. Ne6 Nf3 3. f7 Ne5 4. Nf4+ { [%eval 550,0] ! , when White wins}) 2. Ne6 (2. Nd3 {%05After} Ng5 3. Nf2+ Kh5 { ! %05Black can save a game playing only} (3... Kh4 {is losing because of} 4. Ne4 Nf3 5. Kd6 {!$18}) 4. Ne4 Nf3 5. Kd6 Kg6 {=}) 2... Ne5 {!} 3. Nd4 Kf4 4. Ne6+ Ke4 {[%eval 0,0] , and by defending his knight, Black gains a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4K3/5P1n/4N3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {It is interesting that, if in position ~3( 2368)~ Black's knight were at h6. White again would be unable to win. For example, with White to move:} 1. Ke8 ( 1. Ng4 {, then %05if} Nf7 2. Ke8 Nd6+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 1... Kh7 2. Kd7 ( 2. Ng4 Kg6 3. Ke7 Ng8+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Kh8 3. Kd8 Kh7 4. Ke8 Kg8 5. Ke7 Nf5+ 6. Ke8 Ng7+ {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4K3/5P1n/4N3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {If it is Black to move, he immediately gives perpetual check:} 1... Nf5+ { [%eval 0,0] %04etc. Thus the knight is best placed at h6: from there it not only stops the pawn, but also threatens perpetual check. Shifting position ~3( 2368)~ a further file to the right, we obtain position ~3( 2373)~, in which White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/5K2/6P1/5N1n/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {The original analysts thought that White could win only if it was Black to move. In fact, White to move can also win, as follows:} 1. Nd6 (1. Nh6 { %05simpler is} Ng7 2. Ke7 Nh5 3. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] ! $6 G. Lommer}) 1... Ng7 2. Ne4 Ne8 {!} 3. Kf8 Ng7 4. Ke7 {!} Kg8 (4... Ne8 {%05or} 5. Kf7 Ng7 6. Nd6 Nf5 7. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and wins}) 5. Nf6+ Kh8 6. Kf7 Nf5 7. Ne4 Ng7 8. Nd6 Ne8 9. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/5K2/6P1/5N1n/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {With Black to move the solution is very simple:} 1... Ng7 2. Nd6 Ne8 3. Kf8 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "Cheboksary (Russia)"] [Site "Cheboksary (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Petrov Vladimir (LAT)"] [Black "Aronin Lev S (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3n4/2K1k3/8/4N1p1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {If the king is unable to support the knight in its battle with the pawn, the win is normally achieved without difficulty.} 1. Ng2 Nf5 2. Kc4 Ke4 3. Kc3 Kf3 4. Ne1+ Ke2 5. Ng2 Kf1 {%02~5 ? (RR)} (5... Kf2 $19 {~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~ (the white king is far away, and Black wins easily by the^013^010 familiar method)^013^010 ^013^010 %05~5 Correct is}) 6. Nf4 Ne7 7. Kd2 {~5 ? (RR)} (7. Kd3 {!} Kf2 8. Nh5 g2 9. Nf4 {=}) 7... Ng6 {!} 8. Nh3 (8. Nd5 {%05or} Kf2 9. Ne3 Ne5 10. Nd1+ Kf3 11. Ne3 Nc4+ 12. Nxc4 g2 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 8... g2 9. Ke3 Ne5 $40 {[%eval -550,0] , and White resigned. If the pawn is on the 5th rank, the defender's drawing chances naturally increase. Thus, for example, if position ~3( 2367)~ is moved down the board by one rank. Black's pieces obtain more space, the pawn becomes less dangerous, and as a result the position will be drawn.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K1k/8/6P1/5N1n/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {This position, obtained by a corresponding shift of position ~3( 2374)~, will also be drawn. Here the restricted position of Black's king proves favourable for him:} 1... Ng6 {[%eval 0,0] ! he draws.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k1P2/8/N5K1/7n/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {If the defender's pieces are badly placed, it may be possible to win even with the pawn on the 5th rank.} 1. Nc4 {!} Nf1+ (1... Kxc4 2. f6 {[%eval 550,0] }) 2. Kf4 Nh2 3. Ne3+ Kd6 4. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0] , winning the knight.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pongracz Gabriel (SUI)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/8/2K5/1P2N3/n7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {If the defender's king is really remote, a win may be possible even with a pawn on the 4th rank.} 1. Nd2 Kg7 2. Nc4 Nb1 (2... Nc2 3. b5 Ne1 4. b6 Nd3+ 5. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kd4 {!} (3. b5 {? %05but not} Nc3 4. b6 Na4+ {[%eval 0, 0]}) 3... Kf7 4. b5 Ke7 5. b6 Kd7 6. Kc5 Nc3 7. Ne5+ Kc8 8. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins by force.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/P7/1nk5/8/4N3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {A rook's pawn is the most dangerous for a knight: the proximity of the edge of the board affects its mobility. Therefore we will give special consideration to positions with a rook's pawn. If a rook's pawn has reached the seventh rank, and the stronger side's king controls the queening square, the win does not present any difficulty, provided only that there is no immediate possibility of perpetual check. Black is threatening by 1...Nd7= to force a draw by perpetual check. White's first move parries this threat.} 1. Nf6 {!} Na8 {! ^013^010 The only way to resist.} (1... Kc5 {%05if} 2. Kb7 Kb5 { , then} 3. Nd5 {[%eval 550,0] , with an immediate win}) 2. Nd5 {!} (2. Kxa8 { %05of course, not} Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 2... Kd7 3. Kb7 Kd8 4. Nb6 Nc7 5. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/P7/1nk5/8/4N3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {With a rook's pawn on the 6th rank, there are again very good winning chances. This position is obtained by shifting position ~3( 2379)~ one rank down the board. White wins easily by forcing the opposing pieces away from the pawn.} 1. Nf5 {!} Kb4 (1... Kc4 {%05Black could have defended differently:} 2. Kb6 Kb4 3. Ne7 Kc4 4. Nd5 {!} Nd6 5. Nc7 {[%eval 550,0] , and despite the fact that it is Black to move, play transposes into the following variation.}) 2. Kb6 Kc4 3. Nd4 {!} (3. Ne3+ {%05 It is worth noting that the given position is not a study, and therefore this is not the only way to win. For example. White can manage without any sacrifice, although then the win requires more moves:} Kb4 4. Nd5+ Kc4 5. Nc7 {!} Nd6 6. Kc6 Nc8 7. Kb7 Nd6+ 8. Kb8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3... Nd6 4. Kc7 Ne8+ 5. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn cannot be stopped.} * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1905.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Scheve Theodor (POL)"] [Black "Estorch"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2Nk4/PKn5/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1905.??.??"] {Even with this more favourable arrangement of his pieces, Black is unable to stop the pawn.} 1. Nb5 Ne7 {!} 2. Kb7 Nc6 (2... Nc8 {%05or} 3. Kb8 Ne7 4. Nd4 Nd5 5. a7 Nc7 6. Kb7 Na8 7. Ne6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and wins}) 3. Nd4 {!} Na5+ 4. Kb8 Nc4 5. a7 Nb6 6. Kb7 Na8 7. Ne6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and Black resigned. The win is technically more difficult in the following position.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K2n4/8/P7/8/2k5/8/2N5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {~5 ( RR) White wins, but not without difficulty.} 1. Ka7 {!! The only winning move.} (1. Kb8 {? %05The author's solution} Kb5 {!} 2. Nb4 Nc6+ {%05is refuted by} (2... Kxb4 3. Kc7 Ne6+ 4. Kb6 $18) 3. Kc7 Nxb4 4. a7 Nd5+ {= with a draw.}) 1... Kb5 (1... Kc5 2. Nd4 {!!} Nf7 3. Kb8 Ne5 4. a7 Nd7+ 5. Kc7 Nb6 6. Kb7 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Nb4 {!!} Ka5 (2... Ne6 3. Kb8 Kb6 4. a7 Nc7 5. Nd5+ $18 ) 3. Kb8 Nc6+ 4. Kb7 Nd8+ 5. Kc7 $18 {, and White wins. Reti - , 1929} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/P7/kn6/4N3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {If it is Black to move, after} 1... Kb4 2. Kb6 Kc4 3. Nc3 {!} Nd6 4. Kc7 Kc5 5. a7 {[%eval 550,0] White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/P7/kn6/4N3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {Therefore White must give his opponent the move, which is achieved as follows: } 1. Nc5 {!} (1. Nd2 {, for example, there follows %05On other knight moves,} Nd6+ 2. Ka7 Nc8+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 1... Kb4 (1... Nd6+ {%05No better is} 2. Kc7 {!} Nb5+ 3. Kc6 {!} Na7+ 4. Kb7 Nb5 5. Ne4 {[%eval 550,0] , when the initial position is reached, but with Black^013^010 to move.}) 2. Kb6 Nd6 3. Ne4 {!} Nc8+ 4. Kc7 {!} (4. Kb7 {? allows a draw by %05Accuracy is required here:} Kb5 5. Nc3+ Ka5 6. Ne4 Kb5 7. Nf6 Nd6+ 8. Ka7 Nc8+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 4... Kb5 5. Kb7 Ka5 6. Nc5 Nd6+ 7. Kc7 Nb5+ 8. Kc6 Na7+ 9. Kb7 Nb5 10. Ne4 {[%eval 550,0] White has carried out the first part of his plan, and the initial position has been reached with Black to move. The rest has already been analyzed. In all the examples considered. White won by forcing away the black pieces. This cannot be done only in exceptional cases, one of which is the following.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/P2n4/k1N5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {If White's knight were at c5, then after} 1. Kb8 Nb5 2. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0] position ~3($402383)~ (after 1.Nc5) is reached, where he wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K1N5/P2n4/k7/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {At c7 the knight is much worse placed, interfering with the manoeuvring of its king, and this factor proves decisive.} 1. Kb8 Nb5 {!} 2. Kb7 Nd6+ 3. Ka7 Nf7 {! ^013^010 The only move: the knight takes up an important key position.} 4. Ne6 {^013^010 White attempts to improve the position of his knight, but it is too late: the regrouping does not succeed. %05^013^010} (4. Kb8 {[%eval 0,0] }) (4. Ka8 {is now answered by %05or} Nd8 {[%eval 0,0]}) (4. Kb7 {, then %05while if} Nd6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Kb5 {!} (4... Nd6 {%05Not} 5. Nc5 Nb5+ 6. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0] , when position 487 after 1.Nc5 is reached.}) 5. Nd4+ Ka5 6. Nc6+ Kb5 7. Nb4 {!} Nd8 {!} (7... Kxb4 {%05After} 8. Kb8 {!} Ne5 9. Kc7 { [%eval 550,0] White wins.}) 8. Kb8 Nc6+ {!} 9. Kb7 Na5+ 10. Kc7 Nc6 {[%eval 0, 0] ! , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1K6/P7/1nk5/8/4N3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {If the pawn is on the 5th rank, the defender's drawing chances are considerably better. However, the position obtained by shifting example~3( 2379)~ two ranks down the board will still be lost for Black. The winning method is roughly the same.} 1. Nf4 {!} Kb3 (1... Kc3 {%05If Black defends differently $6} 2. Kb5 Kb3 {, White has an adequate reply in} 3. Ne6 Kc3 4. Nd4 Nd5 5. Nc6 Kb3 6. Kc5 Nc7 7. Kb6 Ne8 (7... Nd5+ 8. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. a6 Nd6 9. Ne7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Kb5 Kc3 3. Nd3 {!} (3. Ne2+ {%05In this case too there is a second possible winning method, and here it wins more quickly.} Kb3 4. Nd4+ Kc3 5. Nc6 {!} Nd5 6. Kc5 Nc7 7. Kb6 Ne8 (7... Nd5+ 8. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. a6 Nd6 9. Ne7 Nc4+ 10. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 3... Nd5 4. Kc6 Ne7+ 5. Kb7 Nf5 6. a6 Nd6+ 7. Kc7 Nb5+ 8. Kb6 Nd6 (8... Kc4 9. Ne5+ Kb4 10. Nc6+ Ka4 11. Nd4 {!} Nd6 12. Kc7 Ne8+ 13. Kc6 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 9. Ne5 Kb4 (9... Nc8+ 10. Kc7 Na7 11. Nc6 Nb5+ 12. Kb6 Kc4 13. Nd4 { [%eval 550,0] !}) 10. Nc6+ Kc4 11. Ne7 Nb5 12. Nd5 Nd6 13. Kc6 Nc8 14. Nb6+ { [%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2Nk4/PKn5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {In this position, obtained by moving position 485 down by one rank, Black can now draw.} 1. Nb4 Ne6 {!} (1... Nb3 {%05not} 2. a6 Kc7 3. Nd5+ Kb8 4. Kb6 { [%eval 550,0] , when White queens}) 2. Kb6 Nc5 {, and White has achieved nothing, since on} 3. Nd3 {there follows} Nxd3 4. a6 Nb4 5. a7 Nd5+ {and 6... Nc7= With a pawn on the 5th rank, and the opposing pieces closely placed, a win is possible only in exceptional cases, one of which is shown in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/4N3/5n1P/8/8/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Ng7+ {! %05After} Nxg7 2. h6 Kf8 3. h7 {[%eval 550,0] the pawn queens. If the opposing king is very remote, a win may be possible even with a pawn on the 4th rank. Here it is useful to remember that when a rook's pawn reaches the 6th rank, this normally leads to a win.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Simagin Vladimir P (RUS)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4N1kp/K3n3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {Ke3 %05or Nd4 ! Nd2 Kg2} {The simplest way to win was:} 1... Kf5 (1... Nd2 { , immediately taking control of f3. %05Black played} 2. Kb4 {%05^013^010} Kf5 { ? But this allowed White to save the game in elegant fashion.} (2... Kf4 { ! %05~5 (RR) Correct is} 3. Ng6+ {%00o^ Kf5 (%00o^ Nf3 (%00o^ Nd2 (%00o^ Kf5 (%00o^ (%00o^ The saving tempo. Now the king succeeds in coming to the aid of the knight. Ne4+ %05^013^010 Kd4 Ng5 Nd3} Kg4 4. Ne5+ Kf5 5. Nd3 {^013^010 The black pawn has not yet moved, and White has already brought up his king. The draw is obvious.} Kg4 {%05^013^010} 6. Ne5+ Kg3 7. Ng6 {Ne6+ Ke3 Nf8 (this no longer wins) Nxf8} h4 {Ne6 h3 Ng5 +0.00 . Draw.}) 3. Nf3 Kf4 4. Nh4 Kg4 5. Ng6 (5. Ng2 {Nd6 ! Kb3 Nf5 Kc3} Kg3 6. Ne1 h4 {[%eval -550,0]}) {Nc5+ Kb4 Ne6 Kc3 Nf8 ^013^010 Not the only winning move. Nf4 %05Also possible is Ne5+ Kg3 Kd2 h4 Nc4 h3 Ne3 Nd5 Nf1+ Kf2 Nh2 Nf6 Ne5+ Nxf8 h4 Ne6 h3 Nc5 h2 Nd3 Kf3 -5.50} 5... Kg3 {[%eval -550,0] Kd2 h4 Ke2 h3 Nf3 Ne6 Nd2 Kg2 Nf1 Nd4+ Ke1 Nf5 Ke2 Ng3+ -5.50 , and Black wins.}) * [Event "Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan)"] [Site "Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan)"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Podgaets Mikhail (UKR)"] [Black "Tal Mikhail N (LAT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/5K2/8/5n1P/1N6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] {The black king is a long way from the pawn, and White's problem is to drive away the opposing knight. This could have been most simply achieved by the subtle} 1. Nd4 {! , for example:} (1. Nc5+ {%05But White incorrectly decided to force matters:} Kc6 2. Nd3 Nh5+ {! ^013^010 It is not obligatory to capture the knight. It now turns out that the knight is badly placed at d3, and has to adopt a new approach in order to continue its battle with the enemy knight.} 3. Kg6 Ng3 4. Nf2 Kd6 5. Nh1 Ne2 {! ^013^010 Black declines the gift, and White again has to take evasive action with his knight. And Black's king is closer to the pawn than before.} 6. Kf6 {%05^013^010} Nf4 7. Ng3 Kd7 {^013^010 An inaccuracy, which complicates Black's task.} (7... Nd5+ {, e.g. %05Correct was} 8. Kf7 (8. Kg5 {, then the black king comes into the action - %05while if} Ke7 9. h5 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 8... Nf4 {, when} 9. Ne2 {can be answered by} Nxe2 10. h5 Nf4 11. h6 Ne6 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 8. Kf7 (8. Ne2 {. Of course, the knight cannot be taken, and Black would have had to play %05Even so, White should have tried} Nd5+ 9. Kf7 Ne3 10. h5 Ng4 {. Here the pawn has not yet reached the 6th rank, so Black should be able to draw, for example:} 11. Ng3 Ne5+ 12. Kf6 Ng4+ 13. Kg5 Ne5 14. Kf5 Nf7 15. Kf6 Nh6 (15... Ke8 {%05also possible is} 16. Kg7 Ke7 17. Nf5+ Ke6 {!} (17... Ke8 {?} 18. Kg8 Ng5 19. h6 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 18. Nd4+ Ke7 19. Nc6+ Ke8 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 16. Kg6 Ng4 {[%eval 0,0] , and White has not achieved anything.}) 8... Kd6 {!} 9. Ne2 Nxe2 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.}) 1... Kc8 (1... Kc7 2. Ne6+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kf5 Nh5 (2... Nd5 {%05No better is} 3. h5 Ne7+ 4. Ke6 Ng8 5. Nf5 {[%eval 550,0] , when the knight is trapped.}) 3. Ne2 {! (threatening to win the knight)} Ng7+ 4. Kf6 Ne8+ 5. Kg6 Nc7 (5... Kd7 6. h5 Ke7 7. h6 Nf6 8. Nf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 6. Nf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn cannot be stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1K6/P7/1nk5/8/4N3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {This position, obtained by moving example ~3( 2379)~ down by three ranks, once again shows that in this type of ending the defender's king is badly placed to the rear of the pawn. The solution is of a standard nature.} 1. Nf3 { ! , with two possibilities:} Kb2 {%05^013^010} (1... Kc2 {%05or} 2. Kb4 Kb2 { , and White wins by a subtle knight manoeuvre:} 3. Ne5 Kc2 4. Nd3 (4. Nd7 { [%eval 550,0] is also possible}) 4... Nd4 5. Nc5 {~3($402393)~}) 2. Kb4 Kc2 3. Ne1+ {!} (3. Nd2 {%05Here} Nd4 {is less clear}) 3... Kb2 4. Nd3+ Kc2 (4... Ka2 5. Nc1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Nc5 Nd4 6. Kc4 Nc6 (6... Nf5 7. Nb7 Ne7 8. a5 Nc8 9. a6 Kb2 10. Kc5 Kb3 11. Nd6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 7. Kb5 Na7+ ( 7... Nd4+ 8. Kb6 Kc3 9. a5 Kc4 10. a6 Nb5 11. Ne4 Kb4 12. Nc3 {!} Nd6 13. Kc7 { [%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 8. Kb6 Nc8+ 9. Kc7 Ne7 (9... Na7 {, then %05If} 10. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (9... Kc3 {%05no better is} 10. Kxc8 Kb4 11. Kb7 {!} Kxc5 12. a5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. a5 Nd5+ 11. Kc6 Nb4+ 12. Kb5 Kc3 (12... Nd5 { %05No better is} 13. Ne6 {!} Ne7 14. a6 Nc8 15. Nd4+ Kd3 16. Nf5 Ke4 17. Ne7 { [%eval 550,0] !}) 13. Ne6 {! %05But now we have reached a position which is very %05similar to example ~3($402387)~. The simplest way to %05win here is by a standard knight manoeuvre.} Kb3 14. Nd4+ Kc3 15. Nc6 Nd5 16. Kc5 Nc7 17. Kb6 Ne8 18. a6 Nd6 19. Ne7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn cannot be stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2N5/PK1n4/8/2k5/8 b - - 0 5"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {We have already analyzed this position with White to move. It turns out that having the move makes things no better for Black.} 5... Kb2 {makes no essential difference, in view of %05^013^010} (5... Nc6+ {, then %05if, for example,} 6. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] , as already examined}) 6. Kc4 Nc6 7. Kb5 Na7+ 8. Kb6 Nc8+ 9. Kc7 Ne7 10. a5 Nd5+ 11. Kc6 Nb4+ 12. Kb5 Ka3 {^013^010 This move was not possible in the previous analysis, but it too does not help.} 13. Ne6 {! %05^013^010} Kb3 14. Nd4+ Kc3 15. Nc6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins in the same way as after 1...Kb2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5nk1/8/6PP/5NK1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {~1 2.2 KNIGHT AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST KNIGHT~ The win with two extra pawns does not normally demand any great efforts.} 1. Ne6+ {%05After} Kg8 2. g6 Ne5+ 3. Kf5 Nf3 4. h6 Nh4+ 5. Kf6 Nf3 6. Ng5 {[%eval 550,0] White wins. The winning method, which consists of the gradual advance of the pawns, is simple and does not require any explanation. The one thing that has to be guarded against is the opponent giving up his knight for both pawns. Below we will examine some examples where the advance of the pawns is difficult or altogether impossible.} * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Landau Salo (POL)"] [Black "Grau Roberto (ARG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4n3/7P/3kN3/6P1/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {Ne4 ! Ne6 Kf7 +5.50 , and White wins. The following position shows an exceptional case, where two extra pawns prove insufficient for a win.} { White's king is a long way from his pawns, whereas the black king is ready to eliminate them. Despite this, White succeeds in winning, by exploiting his far-advanced h-pawn. ~5 (RR) Computer analysis shows that Black manages to save the game.~} 1. h6 {!} Nf8 2. Nf6 {!} Ke3 {%02~5 ? (RR)} (2... Ke5 { there follows %05If Black were able to eliminate the h-pawn, he would draw, but this is not possible: on} 3. Nd7+ Nxd7 4. h7 {[%eval 550,0] , when White wins.}) (2... Ng6 {! %05~5 (RR)~ %00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ 3.Kc3 Kf3 4.Kd4 (!} { Kh4 Kf5 ^013^010 White has given up his less important pawn, but on the other hand he has markedly improved the position of his king.} 3. Nh7 {%05^013^010 Kg6} (3. Nh7 {[%eval 0,0] ? Kh5}) ({Ng5 Nf8+ %05or Kf7 Kg5} 3. Ng4 {Ng6 h7} Nh8 {Kg7 Ng6} 4. Ne5 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins})) * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Spassky Boris V (FRA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K2/4pp2/5k2/5n2/8/8/6N1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Nf3 {!!} Kg4 (1... e5 {, then %05if} 2. Nh4+ Kg5 3. Nf3+ Kg4 4. Kxf6 e4 5. Ne5+ Kg3 6. Nc4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) (1... Ke4 {there follows %05while on} 2. Nd2+ Kd3 3. Nf1 f5 (3... Ke2 4. Kxf6 Kxf1 5. Ke5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 4. Kf6 {[%eval 0,0] followed by Ng3}) 2. Nh2+ Kh3 3. Nf1 f5 4. Kf6 { [%eval 0,0] , and in view of the threat of Ne3, a draw was agreed.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yegorov"] [Black "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6n1/4p1k1/8/5K1p/7N b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {The plan, typical of positions with isolated pawns, is carried out by Black in this example. One of the pawns is normally sacrificed with the aim of diverting the enemy pieces.} 1... Kh3 {!} 2. Kf1 {!} (2. Ke2 {, then %05if} Kg2 3. Ke3 Kxh1 4. Kf2 e3+ 5. Kf1 e2+ {[%eval -550,0] , and wins}) 2... e3 3. Ke2 Kg2 4. Kxe3 Ne4 {!} 5. Ke2 Ng3+ {[%eval -550,0] ! , and White resigned.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2n5/8/1PN1Pk2/8/4K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {In view of the threat of ...Nd6, one of the pawns is lost, but by subtle play White nevertheless manages to win.} 1. b7 {!} (1. e7 {? %05not} Kf7 2. b7 (2. Kd5 {%05or} Nxb6+ 3. Kd6 Nc8+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 2... Nd6+ 3. Ke5 Nxb7 4. Kd5 Na5 {[%eval 0,0] ! , when the draw is obvious}) 1... Nd6+ 2. Kd4 (2. Kd5 { ? %05After} Nxb7 {White is in zugzwang.} 3. e7 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 2... Nxb7 3. Kd5 {! (now it is Black who is in zugzwang)} Kg7 (3... Nc5 { , when White wins by %05Black could also have played} 4. e7 Ne6 (4... Na6 5. Kd6 Kf7 6. Nd8+ Ke8 7. Ne6 Kf7 8. Ng7 {!} Nc7 9. Kd7 Kf6 10. Ne8+ {[%eval 550, 0]}) 5. Kd6 Ng7 6. Kd7 Kf5 (6... Kf7 7. Nd8+ {and 8.Ne6$18, winning}) 7. Nd4+ Ke5 8. Ne6 Nh5 9. Kd8 Nf6 10. Nf8 {and 11.Nh7$18}) 4. Nd8 {! ^013^010 The deciding move.} (4. Na5 {? %05Bad is} Nxa5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 4... Nxd8 (4... Na5 {%05or} 5. e7 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 5. e7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kaminer Sergey"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5N2/6p1/3P3k/1n6/8/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {~1 2.3 KNIGHT AND PAWN AGAINST KNIGHT AND PAWN~ In endings of this type a win is possible only in exceptional cases, in particular if the enemy pawn can be eliminated, and a won ending with an extra pawn obtained. We will consider two examples. After} 1. d6 Nc6 2. d7 {, in view of the threat of Ne5, the black king is unable to go to g6 or g4. Therefore by exact play, by putting Black in zugzwang. White wins:} Kh4 (2... g5 {%05or} 3. Kh2 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 3. Kh2 {!} (3. Kg2 {? %05not} g5 4. Kh2 g4 5. Kg2 g3 {, when it is White's move, which is unfavourable for him; after} 6. Kg1 Kh3 7. Kh1 g2+ 8. Kg1 Kg3 { [%eval 0,0] the result is a draw}) 3... g5 (3... Kh5 {%05or} 4. Kg3 g5 5. Kh3 g4+ 6. Kg3 Kg6 7. Ne5+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 4. Kg2 g4 5. Kh2 g3+ 6. Kg2 Kh5 (6... Kg4 7. Ne5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kxg3 Kg6 8. Ne5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k2N3/p7/K3P3/8/8/8/7n/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {Black also loses because of zugzwang in this position. The win is achieved by familiar methods.} 1. e7 {!} (1. Nf6 {?} Ng4 {!} 2. Nxg4 Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] $6 draw}) 1... Ng4 2. Kb5 {!} (2. Ka5 {?} Ne5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 2... a5 3. Ka4 {!} (3. Kxa5 {?} Ne5) (3. Nd6 {? %05or} Nf6 4. Kxa5 Kc7 {[%eval 0,0]}) ( 3. Kc6 {? %05or} a4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Ka7 4. Ka3 {^013^010 White gives his opponent the move.} (4. Kb3 {%05also possible is} Kb8 5. Ka3 Ka7 6. Ka4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4... Kb8 (4... Kb6 {%05or} 5. Nc7 Nf6 6. Nd5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 5. Kb3 Ka7 6. Ka4 Kb8 7. Kb5 {!} Ka7 8. Nd6 {! (with the black king at a7 this move is possible!)} Nf6 9. Kxa5 Kb8 10. Ne4 {!} (10. Kb6 {?} Nd5+ { [%eval 0,0]}) 10... Ne8 11. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bron Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K1nk/7p/8/7P/8/4N3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {This shows another exceptional case. White succeeds in exploiting the cramped position of the black pieces, although the win is achieved only by very subtle play.} 1. Kf7 Nh6+ 2. Kf8 Ng8 3. Ng4 h6 (3... Nh6 {%05after} 4. Ne5 {[%eval 550,0] Black is mated in two moves}) 4. Kf7 Kh7 5. Ne5 Kh8 6. Nc4 {!} (6. Ng6+ {%05Nothing is achieved by} Kh7 7. Nf8+) 6... Kh7 {%05 In order to put the opponent in zugzwang. White must reach g6 with his knight when the black king is at h7, or f8 with the black king at h8, i.e. he must give the opponent the move. But a knight on its own is not able to gain a tempo. Therefore White takes his king away, and transfers his knight to e8, so as to keep the black pieces under lock and key.} 7. Nd6 Kh8 8. Ne8 {!} Kh7 9. Ke6 {!} Kh8 10. Kd6 {! } Kh7 11. Kd7 {!} Kh8 12. Ke6 Kh7 13. Kf7 {^013^010 Having gained the necessary tempo, White returns his king to its former post.} Kh8 {%05^013^010} 14. Nc7 Kh7 15. Ne6 Kh8 16. Nf8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. If the pawns are passed, one of the sides may queen first. We will examine some positions where, despite the fact that one side queens his pawn, a draw is nevertheless achieved.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k5N/8/1K6/2P5/8/2p5/2n5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Ng6 (1. c6 {%05White's knight must approach the black pawn, since he loses after} Ne3 {!} 2. c7+ Kc8 3. Ng6 Nd5+ 4. Kc6 c2 {[%eval -550,0] , when the black pawn queens first.}) 1... Nb4 2. Nf4 Nd5+ 3. Nxd5 c2 4. c6 c1=Q 5. c7+ Ka8 6. c8=Q+ {! It is a way out!} (6. Ne7 {, since after %05It turns out that White cannot play} Qe3+ 7. Kc6 Qe6+ 8. Kb5 Qd7+ 9. Kb6 Qd6+ 10. Nc6 Qe6 { [%eval -550,0] Black wins.}) 6... Qxc8 7. Nc7+ Kb8 8. Na6+ {[%eval 0,0] , with perpetual check.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bron Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4n3/8/5P2/2K5/8/8/4p3/2k4N w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {There is also a surprising finish in this position.} 1. f7 Nc7 {!} 2. Nf2 Kc2 {!} 3. Nd3 {!} (3. Kc4 {there follows %05on} e1=Q 4. f8=Q Qc3# {; it was for this reason that Black played 1...Ne7, and not 1...Ng7}) 3... Kxd3 4. Kd6 e1=Q 5. f8=Q Qb4+ 6. Ke5 {!} Qxf8 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate. In conclusion, an example in which the draw is achieved only after several subtleties.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kivi"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2N4K/8/6kP/1n6/8/p7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. h7 Kf7 (1... a2 {, then %05if} 2. Kg8 a1=Q 3. Ne7+ {! and 4.h8Q=} (3. h8=Q { ? fails to %05the immediate} Qa2+ 4. Kf8 Qf7#)) 2. Nd6+ {!} Kf8 (2... Nxd6 { [%eval 0,0] White is stalemated %05after}) 3. Nxb5 a2 4. Nd4 {!} (4. Nc3 { ? %05not} a1=R {! and ...Ra8$19, winning}) 4... a1=R (4... a1=Q {[%eval 0,0] White is stalemated %05after}) 5. Ne6+ Kf7 6. Nd8+ Kg6 (6... Kf6 7. Kg8 { [%eval 0,0]}) (6... Kf8 7. Ne6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 7. Kg8 Ra8 8. h8=N+ {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw. An unexpected finish!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5nk1/8/3p4/3N1KPP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {~1 2.4 KNIGHT AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST KNIGHT AND PAWN~ Here a win is possible if one can: 1) queen one of the pawns, or at least win the knight for it, and obtain a won ending with an extra knight. 2) win the opposing pawn, and obtain a won ending with knight and two pawns against a knight. 3) after the exchange of a pair of pawns, obtain a won ending with knight and pawn against knight. 4) exchange knights and obtain a won pawn ending. Of course, these are only the main cases. We will consider the following pawn configurations : a) connected pawns, both passed. b) connected pawns, one passed. c) connected pawns, neither passed. d) isolated pawns, both passed. e) isolated pawns, one passed. In contrast to a bishop, a knight is unable to prevent the advance of passed pawns from far away. Therefore, in knight endings with two connected passed pawns against one, the proximity of the pieces to the pawns is of greater significance than in bishop endings. If the stronger side can deploy his pieces so that they prevent the advance of the opposing pawn and support the advance of his own pawns, the win is normally achieved without difficulty. This position is typical.} 1. Nf5+ Kf6 (1... Kh7 {%05or} 2. h5 Nd8 3. Ke5 { and 4.Kxd5$18}) 2. g5+ Kg6 3. Ng3 Nd8 4. h5+ Kg7 5. Nf5+ Kg8 6. g6 Ne6+ 7. Ke5 Nc7 8. h6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. Difficulties can arise if the opposing passed pawn is far advanced.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tapionlinna"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5n2/8/7P/4k1P1/p4N2/8/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {There is nothing else for White than to advance his pawns.} 1. g6 (1. Nd3+ { %05The attempt to stop the a-pawn leads to an immediate draw, for example:} Kf5 {and 2...Kxg5=}) 1... Kf6 2. g7 Kf7 3. Nd5 {! A new attacking resource. The threat is 4.Nf6.} (3. gxf8=Q+ {%05White's initiative seems to have come to an end, since after} Kxf8 {[%eval 0,0] he loses his h-pawn.}) 3... Nh7 (3... Nd7 { [%eval 550,0] %05or}) (3... Ne6 {there would again have followed %05It should be pointed out that on} 4. Ne7 Nxg7 5. h7 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and wins.}) 4. Ne7 Nf6 5. g8=Q+ {!!} Nxg8 6. h7 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White queens his pawn. A far advanced passed pawn can prove altogether stronger than two opposing pawns, if the opposing pieces are unable to block it securely.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Liburkin Mark S (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6N1/6P1/6n1/6k1/1p6/pK6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {(from a study)} 1. Ka2 {Black unexpectedly finds himself in zugzwang. For example: %05After} Kh4 (1... Kf4 {%05or} 2. Nf6 Ne7 3. Nd5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Nh6 Ne7 3. Nf5+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6N1/5nP1/4k3/8/1p6/pK6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Ka2 {he will again be in zugzwang, since on %05If Black's king is moved to e6, and his knight to f7, then after} Kd6 {there follows} (1... Ke5 {%05or} 2. Nf6 Nh6 3. Ng4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Ne7 Nh6 3. Nf5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins. It is curious that both positions occur in two variations of one and the same study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3B4/8/6pp/8/5k1P/5n2/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ893} 1. h4 {!? , and now: %05Black is threatening to win easily by 1... h4 and 2...Kg3. But it is White to move, and he tries to save the game by a %05temporary pawn sacrifice} gxh4 (1... g4 2. Be8 {!} g3 3. Bxh5+ Kg2 4. Ke2 Kh3 5. Bf3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 2. Be8 {!} h3 3. Bxh5+ Ke3 {! This winning move, shown by the tablebases, refutesthe study. Earlier this move was found by the readers of journal "Shakhmaty v SSSR".} (3... Kg2 { ? %05The author's solution is as follows:} 4. Ke2 h2 5. Bf3+ Kg1 6. Bb7 Ng4 7. Ke1 Ne3 8. Bh1 {[%eval 0,0] ! etc.~3($402629)}) 4. Be8 h2 5. Bc6 Ne4 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5n1k/5Pp1/6P1/4K3/5N2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {If in the previous example it were Black to move, he would draw by} 1... Kg7 { , for example} 2. Kf3 Nd7 3. Ke4 (3. Ne4 Ne5+ {!} 4. Kg3 Kh6 {[%eval 0,0] , and White has achieved little}) 3... Nf6+ 4. Ke5 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5n1k/5Pp1/6P1/4K3/5N2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {Let us now move position ~3( 2409)~ one rank up the board. Here the task is simpler, since the black knight has less scope. White wins both by} 1. Kd5 (1. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0] %05and by}) 1... Kg8 2. Ke6 Kf8 3. Kd7 {!} Kg8 4. Ke7 Nh8 5. Ne5 Kh7 6. Kf8 Nf7 7. Kxf7 {[%eval 550,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5n1k/5Pp1/6P1/4K3/5N2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {Even if it is Black to move, this does not save him, for example:} 1... Kg8 2. Kf4 {!} (2. Kd5 Kf8 3. Ke6 Ke8 {[%eval 0,0] merely loses time}) 2... Nd8 3. Ke5 Nf7+ 4. Ke6 Kf8 5. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1880.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horowitz Israel A (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5n1k/5Pp1/6P1/4K3/5N2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1880.??.??"] {If position ~3( 2412)~ is moved one rank up the board, Black's king will be stalemated, which should give him additional drawing chances. White nevertheless manages to win.} 1... Ne6 2. Kd6 {!} Nf8 3. Ke7 Ne6 4. Nh5 {!} Nf8 5. Ke8 {!} Ne6 (5... Nxg6 {, then %05if} 6. Nf4 {[%eval 550,0] !}) (5... Nd7 { is met by %05while} 6. Nxg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Nf6 {!!} gxf6 (6... Nf8 { fails to} 7. Kxf8 gxf6 8. g7+ {[%eval 550,0] , with an immediate win.}) 7. f8=Q+ {!} Nxf8 8. Kxf8 f5 9. g7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5n2/5kp1/8/5KPP/6N1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {If the pawns are connected, but neither is passed, there are few winning chances. Black easily maintains the balance, for example:} 1. Ne4+ (1. Ke4 { %05White also achieves nothing by} g5 {!} 2. h5 Ne5 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 1... Ke7 (1... Ke6 {? loses after} 2. Ng5+ Kf6 3. Nxf7 Kxf7 4. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] !} ) 2. Ng5 Nd6 3. Nf3 Kf6 4. g5+ Kf7 5. Ne5+ Kg7 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5n2/5kp1/8/5KPP/6N1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {But if position ~3( 2414)~ is moved one rank up the board, White will have a considerable advantage in space, and the defence will require great accuracy.} 1. Ne5+ {! the only move to draw is %05After} Kg8 {!} (1... Ke7 {%05Black loses after} 2. Ng6+ Kf7 3. Nxf8 Kxf8 4. Kg6 Kg8 5. h6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Ke8 {%05or} 2. g6 Kd8 3. h6 {!} Nxg6 4. hxg7 Ne7+ 5. Ke6 {!} Ke8 6. Ng4 Kd8 7. Nf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. g6 Kh8 {^013^010 White has cramped Black's pieces to the maximum extent, but has not put him in zugzwang.} 3. Nd3 {%05^013^010} Nd7 {! ^013^010 Again the only move.} (3... Kg8 {there follows %05on} 4. Nc5 Kh8 5. Ke5 Kg8 6. Kd6 Kh8 7. Ke7 Kg8 8. Ne4 Kh8 9. Nf6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and wins}) 4. Ke6 Nf6 {!} (4... Nb6 {loses after} 5. h6 Nc4 (5... Kg8 6. h7+ Kh8 7. Ne5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kf7 Nd6+ 7. Kf8 Nf5 8. Ne5 Nxh6 9. Nf7+ Nxf7 10. gxf7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. Nf4 (5. h6 Ng4 6. h7 Ne5 {[%eval 0,0] ! is a blow in thin air}) (5. Kf7 {%05as is} Nxh5 6. Kf8 Nf4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Kg8 6. Ke7 Ng4 { ! ^013^010 Black must be on the alert.} (6... Kh8 {there follows %05on} 7. h6 Kg8 (7... Ng8+ 8. Kf8 Nxh6 9. Ne6 Ng8 10. Ng5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Nh7 {%05or } 8. Ne6 gxh6 9. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] also loses}) 8. Ne6 {!} Nd5+ 9. Kd6 Ne3 10. h7+ {and 11.Ng5$18, winning}) 7. Nd5 Ne5 8. Ke8 Ng4 9. Ne7+ Kh8 10. Kf8 Ne5 11. h6 Nd7+ 12. Ke8 Ne5 13. Kf8 Nd7+ 14. Kf7 Ne5+ 15. Ke6 Nxg6 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. White's chances were associated with a pawn sacrifice and the obtaining of a strong passed pawn, as well as with mating threats. By accurate defence Black was able to parry these threats. We will now examine two practical examples, where the defence was not up to the mark.} * [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1866.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Anderssen Adolf (GER)"] [Black "Steinitz Wilhelm (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5n2/6p1/3k1p2/2N2P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1866.??.??"] 1. Nb4+ {%05After} (1. Na3 {? , on which there followed %05Instead, he played} g3 2. Nb5 g2 {, and Black won, since any move is answered by 3...Nd4.}) 1... Ke2 2. Nd5 g3 3. Nf4+ Ke1 4. Nd3+ Kd2 5. Nf4 {[%eval 0,0] White could have drawn.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Goldenov Boris"] [Black "Kan Ilya A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2N5/8/8/3kp1n1/5p2/5P2/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {Exploiting the remoteness of the white knight, Black tried his last chance:} 1... e3 {!} 2. fxe3+ {?} (2. Ne6+ {%05Now White could save a game playing} Ke5 3. Ng5 exf2+ 4. Kf1 Kf4 5. Nxf3 {!} Kg3 (5... Ke3 6. Kg2 {=}) 6. Ke2 {=}) 2... Ke4 {! Now White should lose.} (2... Kxe3 3. Nd5+ {[%eval 0,0] leads to an immediate draw}) 3. Kf1 {%05It folowed} Nxe3+ 4. Kf2 Nd1+ {? ^013^010} (4... Ng4+ {! %05Correct is} 5. Kg3 f2 6. Kg2 Kd4 {!$19 ~3($412364)~}) 5. Ke1 {?} (5. Kg3 {! %05whereas} Ke3 6. Nd5+ Ke2 7. Nf4+ {[%eval 0,0] would have led to a draw}) 5... f2+ {!} 6. Ke2 Kf4 {[%eval -550,0] White resigned. Cases with isolated passed pawns are demonstrated in the following examples.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p7/4kpN1/8/1n2K2P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {White intends to tackle the a-pawn with his king, and the f-pawn with his knight, but with his first move Black prevents the king from approaching any closer to the Q-side:} 1... Nc4 {! ^013^010 White has two main defences, but neither is able to save him from defeat:} 2. Nf2+ {%05^013^010} (2. h4 {%05or} a4 3. h5 (3. Nf2+ Kd4 {!} 4. h5 a3 5. h6 a2 6. h7 f3+ {!} 7. Kxf3 Ne5+ 8. Kg2 Nf7 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... a3 4. h6 a2 5. Nf6+ Kf5 6. h7 a1=Q 7. h8=Q Qb2+ { [%eval -550,0]}) (2. Kd1 {there follows %05on} Ne3+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Kd4 3. Nh3 (3. Kd1 {, there follows %05If now the king approaches the a-pawn,} Ke3 4. Ng4+ Kf3 5. Nf6 Kg2 6. h4 f3 7. Ne4 Nd6 {!} 8. Nd2 f2 9. h5 Ne4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 3... f3+ 4. Kxf3 a4 5. Nf4 a3 6. Ne2+ Kd3 7. Nc1+ Kc2 8. Na2 Kb3 9. Nc1+ Kb2 10. Nd3+ Kb1 11. Nb4 Ne5+ 12. Ke4 Nc6 {!} 13. Nd5 Kb2 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black's pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7N/p7/4kp2/8/1n1K3P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {Here the white king is not far from Black's outside passed pawn, but nevertheless, by shutting the enemy knight out of the game, Black succeeds in winning.} 1... Nc4+ {!} 2. Kc3 Ne5 {!} 3. Ng8 Ng4 {!} 4. h3 f3 {!} 5. Kd2 Nh2 { !} 6. Nf6+ (6. Ke1 Ke3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 6... Ke5 7. Nh5 f2 8. Ng3 f1=Q 9. Nxf1 Nxf1+ 10. Kc3 Kd5 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5N2/8/p7/4kp2/2n5/7P/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {Here too Black's pawns, supported by his pieces, bring him victory.} 1... f3 2. Nd6+ Kd3 3. Nf7 Kd4 {! ^013^010 By this subtle king manoeuvre Black prevents the white knight from taking an active part in the game.} 4. Nd8 { , but then there follows %05^013^010 %05The most tenacious move is} (4. Ng5 { , for example, then %05If now} Ke3 5. h4 f2+ 6. Kf1 a4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.} ) 4... a4 5. Nc6+ Ke4 6. h4 a3 7. Nb4 a2 8. Nxa2 Nxa2 9. h5 Nb4 10. h6 Nd3+ 11. Kf1 Ne5 12. h7 Nf7 {[%eval -550,0] , and the pawn is stopped. In conclusion we examine a few positions with isolated pawns, only one of which is passed.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chernikov Oleg L (RUS)"] [Black "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/3n4/3k4/4p3/4K3/7P/5N2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {In the following example the play is over the whole board, since the pawns are on opposite flanks.} {This is a typical example. If, instead of the knights, there were like-coloured bishops, say at g2 and g6. Black would be unable to win. But with the knights the win is a matter of straightforward technique. An essential point is that all the play here takes place on a narrow sector of the board.} 1... Ke5 2. Nd2 Nf5+ {^013^010 Black forces back the enemy pieces, aiming to advance his e-pawn.} 3. Ke2 {%05^013^010} e3 4. Nf3+ Kf4 5. Ne1 Ke4 6. Kf1 Nd4 7. Kg2 Ne2 8. Nf3 Kd3 9. Ne5+ Kd4 {!} (9... Kc3 {there follows %05On the immediate} 10. Kf3 Kd2 11. Nc4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 10. Nf3+ Kc3 {!} 11. Ne5 {^013^010 This simplifies Black's task.} (11. Kf1 { was tenacious, although even then after} Nf4 12. Ke1 Kd3 13. Ne5+ Ke4 14. Nc4 Kf3 15. Ne5+ Kg2 16. h4 h5 {[%eval -550,0] Black wins a second pawn, and with it the game.}) 11... Nf4+ 12. Kf3 e2 13. Kf2 Nd3+ 14. Nxd3 (14. Kxe2 {%05Or} Nxe5 15. Ke3 Ng6 16. Ke4 Kd2 17. Kf5 Ke3 18. Kf6 Kf3 19. Kg7 Nf8 {[%eval -550, 0] ! , and Black wins.}) 14... Kxd3 15. Ke1 Ke3 {[%eval -550,0] ^013^010 White resigned} 16. Z0 (16. h3 {there follows %05since on} h5 {!} 17. h4 Kf3 { [%eval -550,0]}) (16. h4 {%05, and on} h6 {[%eval -550,0] !}) 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2N1n3/7p/p1k4P/8/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {How should White defend here?} 1. Kc1 {%05The most tenacious is} (1. Na5+ { %05Also possible is} Kb5 {!} 2. Nb7 Kb4 3. Kc1 a3 4. Kb1 Nd4 5. Ka2 Nf5 { [%eval -550,0] ! , joining the main variation}) (1. Ne5+ {, then %05If, for example,} Kb3 2. Nd3 {!} a3 3. Nc1+ Kb2 4. Nd3+ Kb1 5. Nb4 Nf4 {! , and Black wins, since} 6. Ke3 {is met by} (6. Kc3 {%04by %05and} Nd5+ {[%eval -550,0] !}) 6... Ng2+ 7. Ke4 Nxh4 8. Kf4 Ng6+ 9. Kg5 h4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 1... a3 { !} 2. Na5+ Kc3 3. Kb1 Nd4 4. Ka2 Kb4 5. Nb7 Nf5 {!} 6. Nd8 Nxh4 7. Nc6+ Ka4 8. Nd4 Ng2 9. Ne6 h4 (9... Ne3 {%05Also possible is} 10. Nc5+ Kb5 11. Ne4 Nc4 { [%eval -550,0] , when Black's king goes to the aid of the h-pawn.}) 10. Nc5+ Kb5 11. Nd3 h3 12. Kxa3 h2 13. Nf2 Kc4 14. Kb2 Ne1 {!} 15. Nh1 Kd3 16. Kb3 Ke3 17. Kc3 Nd3 {[%eval -550,0] ! , and Black wins.} * [Event "Monte Carlo (Monaco)"] [Site "Monte Carlo (Monaco)"] [Date "1903.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mason James (ENG)"] [Black "Reggio Arturo (ITA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1PnNK1k1/6p1/8/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1903.??.??"] {In some cases Black can attack the pawn at f2, so White first forestalls the opponent's counter-play, and eliminates the g4 pawn.} 1. Nf6 Kh4 (1... Nd3+ { %05if} 2. Kd4 Nxf2 {, then} 3. Ne4+ Nxe4 4. Kxe4 Kh4 5. b6 g3 6. Kf3 Kh3 7. b7 g2 8. b8=Q g1=Q 9. Qh8#) 2. b6 Kh3 3. Kf5 Kg2 4. Ne4 Nd7 5. b7 Kf3 6. Nf6 Nb8 7. Nxg4 {^013^010 White has fulfilled his task. He now sacrifices his f-pawn, and transposes into a won ending with an extra pawn.} Na6 {%05^013^010} 8. Nf6 {!} Kxf2 9. Ke5 Ke3 10. Kd5 Kd3 11. Nd7 Kc3 12. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0] Black resigned: against 13.Kb6 there is no defence. However, it is by no means always true that the stronger side is able to support the advance of his pawn. In the following position, for example, White completely neutralizes the opponent's threats, by attacking the f-pawn with his knight and forcing the black king to defend it.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Lisitsin Georgy M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1n4/3k4/5p2/1K3P2/2N5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {(variation)} 1. Ne1 Kd4 2. Ng2 Ke5 3. Kb4 Kf5 4. Ka4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khachaturov Andrey Andreevich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/P7/1K4p1/6P1/8/7n/8/N7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {This position illustrates some interesting subtleties, arising from the fact that one of the kings is stalemated Black's king is in a mating net.} 1. Nc2 { ! ^013^010} Nf4 {%05Black attempts to bring his knight over to the defence, exploiting stalemating threats, and a very sharp situation arises.} (1... Nxg5 {, in view of %05it is wrong to reply} 2. Nd4 Nf7 3. Nb5 {[%eval 550,0] , and mate next move}) 2. Nb4 Nd5+ {!} 3. Kc5 (3. Nxd5 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate %05of course, not}) 3... Nb6 {!} 4. Nd5 {!} Nd7+ 5. Kd6 Nf8 6. Nf6 {[%eval 550, 0] ! An unexpected finish. The knight is trapped, and White wins easily.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/p1n2ppp/8/8/8/8/PP3PPP/4N1K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {~1 2.5 ENDINGS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF PAWNS~ In this chapter we will again consider examples where each side has at least two pawns. ~1 2.51 Exploitation of an extra pawn~ An extra pawn in a knight ending with a large number of pawns can normally be realized almost as simply as in a pawn ending. The winning method, in its most general form, is as follows: 1) The king and knight take up their best positions. 2) The pawns are arranged in the most favourable way, and the formation of a passed pawn is prepared. 3) After improving the positions of the pieces and pawns, a passed pawn is created, and with the support of king and knight it is advanced. Subsequent operations depend on the plan of defence: 4) If the opponent attempts to blockade the passed pawn with his knight, the king and knight force it away, ensuring the further advance of the pawn. 5) If the opponent attempts to stop the pawn with both his king and his knight, the simplest way to win is normally by taking the king over to the pawns on the opposite wing, where a decisive material advantage is gained.} 1. Kf1 Ke7 2. Ke2 Kd6 3. Kd3 Kc5 {^013^010 Black attempts to prevent the creation of a passed pawn.} 4. Nc2 {%05^013^010} Nd5 5. g3 a5 6. b3 f5 7. a3 g6 8. b4+ {!} axb4 9. axb4+ Kd6 (9... Nxb4+ {%05Black has a lost pawn ending after} 10. Nxb4 Kxb4 11. Kd4 Kb3 12. f4 Kc2 13. Ke5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 10. Kd4 {^013^010 Thus White has created a passed pawn, but now the enemy king attempts to prevent its advance, while at the same time not allowing the white king to break through to the K-side pawns.} Nc7 {%05^013^010 } 11. f4 Nb5+ 12. Kc4 Nc7 {^013^010 Black is forced to stick to waiting tactics.} 13. Ne3 {%05^013^010} (13. b5 {also wins, but is requires deep and exact calculation. For example:} Nxb5 {!} 14. Kxb5 Kd5 15. Ne1 Ke4 16. Kc5 Ke3 17. Kd5 Kf2 18. Ke5 {!!} Kxe1 (18... Kg1 {%05or} 19. Nf3+ Kg2 20. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 19. Kf6 Kf2 20. Kg7 Kg2 21. Kxh7 Kxh2 22. Kxg6 Kxg3 23. Kxf5 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 13... Kc6 14. Kd4 Kd6 15. Nc4+ Kc6 (15... Ke6 {, then %05If} 16. Ne5 Kd6 17. Nf7+ Ke7 18. Ng5 h6 19. Nf3 Kf6 20. Kc5 Ne6+ 21. Kd6 g5 22. b5 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.}) 16. Ke5 Kb5 17. Ne3 Na6 (17... Kxb4 18. Nd5+ {[%eval 550,0] , with a won pawn ending}) 18. Nd5 Kc4 19. Nf6 h5 20. Nd5 Nb8 21. Ne7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White picks up all the K-side pawns.} * [Event "Moscow/Leningrad"] [Site "Moscow/Leningrad"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/5ppp/8/8/2n5/2P5/5PPP/4N1K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {Here White already has a passed pawn. He must now bring up his king.} 1. Kf1 Ke7 2. Ke2 Kd6 3. Nc2 Ke5 4. Ne3 Nb2 5. Nd1 Na4 6. Kd3 Kd5 7. Ne3+ Kc5 8. Nf5 { ! ^013^010 White creates weaknesses in the opponent's position, so as to then break through with his king to the K-side pawns.} g6 {%05^013^010} 9. Nh6 f5 10. Nf7 Kd5 11. Ng5 Nc5+ 12. Ke3 h6 13. Nf3 g5 14. g3 Ne4 15. Nd4 Nxc3 (15... Ke5 16. f4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 16. Nxf5 h5 17. f4 {!} (17. Ng7 { ? , and after %05In the game White played} h4 18. gxh4 gxh4 19. f4 h3 {[%eval 0,0] ! Black managed to draw.}) 17... g4 {%05The given continuation was suggested by Fine.^013^010 %05^013^010} (17... gxf4+ 18. Kxf4 Ne4 19. h4 {!} Nf6 20. Ng7 Kd6 21. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White gains a second pawn, with an easy win}) 18. Ng7 Kd6 19. Nxh5 Ke6 20. Ng7+ Kf6 21. Ne8+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. In the examples just considered, in spite of Black's active king position he found it difficult to defend on two fronts. We will now consider several positions where the pawns are all on one wing.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pkp/3n2p1/8/3NP3/5P2/4K1PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1... Kf6 2. g3 Ke5 3. Nc6+ Ke6 4. Ke3 {^013^010 Now Black can choose one of three main continuations:} Kd7 {%05^013^010} (4... f5 {(Black attempts to exchange as many pawns as possible) %05or} 5. Nd4+ Kf6 (5... Ke7 {, then %05if} 6. e5 Nc4+ 7. Kf4 h6 8. h4 Nb2 9. Nxf5+ {!} gxf5 10. Kxf5 Kf7 11. f4 Nd3 12. h5 Nf2 13. g4 Nh3 14. g5 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 6. exf5 gxf5 7. Kf4 Kg6 8. Ke5 Nf7+ 9. Ke6 Nd8+ 10. Ke7 Nb7 11. Ne6 {!} (11. f4 {%05This is stronger than the line given by Fine:} Nc5 12. Nf3 Kh5 13. Ne5 {, since Black plays} h6 {!} 14. Kf6 Ne4+ 15. Kxf5 Nxg3+ {!! , with drawing chances}) 11... Na5 12. Nf4+ Kg5 13. h4+ Kh6 14. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) (4... g5 {%05or} 5. Nd4+ Kf6 6. f4 {!} gxf4+ 7. gxf4 Nc4+ 8. Kf2 {!} Kg7 9. e5 Kg6 10. Ke2 Nb2 11. Kf3 Nc4 12. Ke4 Nd2+ 13. Kd5 Nf1 14. f5+ Kg5 15. e6 {!} fxe6+ 16. Kxe6 Nxh2 17. f6 { [%eval 550,0] , and the pawn queens}) 5. Nd4 f6 6. f4 Ke7 7. h4 Nf7 8. g4 Kd7 9. Kd3 Ke7 10. Kc4 Kd6 11. g5 {!} fxg5 12. hxg5 Ke7 (12... h6 {there follows %05on} 13. e5+ Ke7 14. gxh6 Nxh6 15. Kd5 Ng4 16. Nc6+ Ke8 (16... Kd7 17. e6+ Ke8 18. Kd6 Nf6 19. Nb4 Ne4+ 20. Ke5 Nf2 21. Nd5 Ng4+ 22. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 17. Ke6 Ne3 18. Nb4 Ng2 19. Nd5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins the g6 pawn}) 13. e5 Nd8 14. Kd5 Nf7 15. Nc6+ Ke8 16. e6 Nh8 17. Ke5 Kf8 18. Kf6 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Boleslavsky Isaac (RUS)"] [Black "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/4n3/4pNpp/4P3/3K1PP1/7P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {Black is seriously cramped, so that White is able to win without any great difficulty.} 1. Kc5 Kf7 2. Kd6 Nc8+ 3. Kc7 Na7 4. Kb6 {! (White does not allow the knight out of the cage)} Nc8+ 5. Kb7 Ne7 6. Kc7 Kf8 (6... Nd5+ {loses immediately to} 7. Nxd5 exd5 8. Kd7 {and 9.e6$18}) 7. Kd6 Kf7 8. Kd7 {! ^013^010 The result of Black's cramped position is that he is now in zugzwang.} g5 {%05^013^010} (8... h5 9. Ne4 {and 10.Ng5$18}) 9. fxg5 Ng6 10. Kd6 hxg5 11. Ne4 Nf4 12. Nxg5+ Kg6 13. h4 Ng2 14. Nf3 Ne3 15. h5+ Kf7 16. g5 Nc4+ 17. Kc6 Ne3 18. h6 Nd5 19. Nh4 Nf4 20. g6+ {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "Paris (France)"] [Site "Paris (France)"] [Date "1900.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marco Georg (AUT)"] [Black "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/1p1p4/1P1P4/p1P1k3/1nK5/2N5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1900.??.??"] {Here too White's cramped position is the cause of his defeat. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ791 %212045826630=4HLJ801 %212045826630=4HLJ803} 1... Nd3 {!} 2. Nb3 (2. Nxd3 { %05or} a2 3. Kb2 Kxd3 {[%eval -550,0] and wins}) (2. Na2 {, then %05while if} Ke2 {!!} 3. Kb3 Kd2 4. Kxa3 Kc2 {[%eval -550,0] , winning a piece}) 2... Ne1+ 3. Kd1 Kd3 {!} 4. Kxe1 Kxc3 5. Na1 {!} Kxd4 (5... Kb2 {? there follows %05on} 6. Kd1 {!} Kxa1 7. Kc1 Ka2 8. Kc2 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 6. Nc2+ Kc3 7. Kd1 (7. Nxa3 {%05after} Kb2 {[%eval -550,0] the knight has no retreat}) 7... a2 8. Kc1 d4 9. Na1 d3 10. Nc2 c5 {[%eval -550,0] , and White resigned.^013^010 ^013^010 The following conclusion may be drawn: ~2an advantage of four pawns against three on one wing is normally sufficient to win, although the realization of the advantage demands considerable accuracy~.} 0-1 [Event "Baku (Azerbaijan)"] [Site "Baku (Azerbaijan)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guldin"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/3n1k1p/4p3/6PP/4K3/8/5N2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {With three pawns against two on one wing, if the stronger side has a passed pawn he again has good winning chances. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ791 %212045826630=4HLJ801 %212045826630=4HLJ803} 1... g5 {! It is essential to fix the white pawns.} 2. h5 (2. hxg5+ {%05Black utilizes the fact that he wins after} Kxg5 3. Kf3 (3. Nh2 e4 4. Kd4 Kf4 5. Nf1 Nb5+ 6. Kc5 e3 7. Nxe3 Kxe3 8. Kxb5 Kf3 9. Kc4 Kxg4 10. Kd3 Kf3 {[%eval -550,0] , and wins}) 3... e4+ 4. Kg3 Nc4 {!} 5. Nh2 Nd2 6. Kf2 Kf4 7. Ke2 Kg3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Ke6 3. Kd3 Kd5 4. Ne3+ Kc5 5. Nc2 (5. Nf5 {, then %05if} Nxf5 6. gxf5 Kd5 7. Ke3 g4 {[%eval -550,0] , and wins}) 5... e4+ 6. Ke3 Kc4 {!} (6... Kd5 {? fails to %05The immediate} 7. Nb4+ Ke5 8. Nc6+ {[%eval 0,0] , when the white knight becomes dangerous.}) 7. Nd4 Kd5 {!} 8. Ne2 (8. Nf5 {%05Here White had the possibility of playing for a trap:} Nxf5+ 9. gxf5 Ke5 10. f6 Kxf6 11. Kxe4 Ke6 12. Kf3 {, and if} Kf5 {, then} (12... Ke5 { ! %05correct is} 13. Kg4 Ke4 14. Kg3 Kf5 15. Kf3 g4+ 16. Kg3 Kg5 {[%eval -550, 0] Black wins easily}) 13. Kg3 g4 14. Kh4 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw}) 8... Nc4+ 9. Kf2 Ne5 {!} 10. Kg3 Kc4 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black won. If, with three pawns against two on one wing, there is no passed pawn, and the formation of it leads to exchanges, the defender normally has good drawing chances, although here too accurate defence is required. The following position shows a classic example.} 0-1 [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "Najdorf Miguel (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pp/5n2/4Np1k/5P2/6KP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {White could have put up a successful defence by %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ791 %212045826630=4HLJ801 %212045826630=4HLJ803} 1. Nf2 (1. h3 {? , which weakened his K-side. Now Black sacrifices his knight to win the h-pawn, thereby obtaining a dangerous passed pawn which decides the game. %05In the game White played} Ne3+ {%05^013^010} 2. Kh2 Nc2 3. Kg2 Ne1+ 4. Kf2 {(White obviously assumed that the black knight would have to move away, when his king would return to g2)} Kxh3 {!!} 5. Kxe1 Kg2 {~3($412334)~} 6. Ke2 h5 7. Ng5 h4 8. Ne6 g5 {[%eval -550,0] ! , and White resigned.}) 1... Ne3+ 2. Kg1 Nc2 3. Nd3 g5 4. Kf2 Kh3 5. Kg1 {[%eval 0,0] ^013^010 In this variation it is important that the pawn is at h2.} * [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Byvshev V M (RUS)"] [Black "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p2k4/1pn4P/3K1NP1/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {Here the possibility of creating a passed pawn on the Q-side gives Black counter-chances, and therefore White must play energetically. His plan is to advance his passed pawns so as to divert the black pieces to the K-side, and then to try to win the a- and b-pawns with his king and knight, after which the passed a-pawn should decide the game.} 1. h5 Nd6 2. h6 Nf7 3. h7 a4 4. Kd2 {^013^010 Vacating d3 for the knight.} Nh8 {%05^013^010} (4... b3 {there follows %05on} 5. a3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Ne1 Ke6 {^013^010 The king heads for the h-pawn. If it should remain on the Q-side, White will advance his g-pawn, and with the help of his knight the two K-side pawns will decide the game.} 6. Nd3 {%05^013^010} Kf7 (6... b3 7. a3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Nxb4 Kg7 8. Kc3 Kxh7 9. Nd5 Kg6 10. Kb4 Kf5 11. Kxa4 Kg4 12. Kb4 Nf7 13. a4 {^013^010 The plan has been carried out, and the win is now simple.} Nd8 {%05^013^010} 14. Kb5 Nb7 15. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White won.} 1-0 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "Rabinovich Ilya L (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k1p/8/4KPP1/p6P/N7/3n4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {Black has a passed pawn, which ties down the white knight. Nevertheless, thanks to the fact that his pawns are far advanced, White is able to win.} 1. h5 Nf3+ 2. Kf4 Nd4 3. h6 {!} Nc6 4. Nc4 Ne7 5. Ke5 Nc6+ 6. Ke4 Ne7 7. Kf4 Nc6 8. g6+ {! %05^013^010 %05Here Rabinovich showed that White could have forced a win by} (8. f6 {? %05The game went} Kg6 9. Kg4 a3 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw. }) 8... Kg8 (8... hxg6 {, then %05if} 9. Nd6+ Kf6 (9... Kg8 10. fxg6 Ne7 11. Kg5 a3 12. Nf7 a2 13. h7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 10. Ne8+ {!! and 11.h7$18 }) 9. Kg5 Ne7 10. g7 Nc6 11. Kf6 Nd8 12. Nd6 a3 13. Nc8 Nc6 14. Ne7+ Nxe7 15. Kxe7 a2 16. f6 a1=Q 17. f7# * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1965.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zotkin Yuri P (RUS)"] [Black "Kudrin"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2N2kpp/2n2p2/5PP1/3pK2P/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1965.??.??"] {If the stronger side is unable either to support the advance of his passed pawn with his king, or to approach the opposing pawns on the opposite wing with his king, the realization of the extra pawn will be a very difficult, and sometimes impossible task. Here Black cannot support his passed pawn with his king, while White is threatening move his knight from b4 and then capture on d3. Black's only chance is to attempt to create a passed pawn on the opposite wing.} 1... fxg4 2. hxg4 h5 3. g5+ {^013^010 In this way White drives the opposing king back to g7.} Kg7 {%05^013^010} (3... Kf5 {there follows %05since on} 4. Ne7+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (3... Ke6 {%04 - %05on} 4. Nd4+ Kd5 5. Nf3 {, while if} Kc4 {, then} 6. f5 {!} gxf5 7. g6 {[%eval -48,0] %04etc.}) 4. Nd4 h4 5. f5 {!} h3 (5... d2 {!! would have won. The point is that the pawn is immune. %05The natural question arises: couldn't Black have played more strongly, since, after all, his passed pawns looked very strong?^013^010 %05I. Zaitsev showed that} 6. f6+ {%05White is forced to play} (6. Kxd2 Nb3+ {!} 7. Nxb3 h3 { [%eval -550,0] , and the pawn cannot be stopped}) 6... Kf8 7. Ke2 h3 8. Nf3 { , but after} Ne4 9. Nh2 (9. Kd1 {%05totally bad is} Nf2+ 10. Kxd2 Ng4 {[%eval -550,0] followed by ...h2}) 9... Kf7 10. Kd1 Nxg5 11. Kxd2 Kxf6 12. Ke3 Kf5 { [%eval -550,0] Black is in the end bound to realize his advantage.}) 6. f6+ Kf7 (6... Kf8 {%05No better is} 7. Nf3 Ne4 8. Kxd3 Nxg5 9. Nh2 Kf7 10. Ke3 Kxf6 11. Kf4 {[%eval 0,0] , when Black cannot win.}) 7. Nf3 Ke6 8. Kd2 Kf5 {^013^010 Black attempts to break through with his king to the support of his h-pawn.} 9. f7 {%05^013^010} Nd7 10. Kxd3 Kf4 11. Ke2 Kg3 {^013^010 White appears to be lost.^013^010 But he has a defence!} 12. Ne5 {%05^013^010} (12. Ke3 {, then %05if} h2 13. Nxh2 Kxh2 14. Ke4 Kg3 15. Kd5 Kg4 16. Ke6 Nf8+ 17. Kf6 Kh5 { [%eval -550,0] , and White loses}) 12... Nf8 13. Nd3 {!} h2 14. Nf2 Kg2 15. Nh1 {[%eval 0,0] ! Draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Lisitsin Georgy M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3n3/1p1k4/1P2p1p1/PN1pPp1p/5P1P/3K2P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {(variation) Black is a protected passed pawn to the good, but how is he to utilize it? From d3 the knight can blockade the passed pawn, and can prevent the opposing king from approaching the a- and b-pawns. Let us try transferring the black knight to c5.} 1... Ng6 (1... Kc5 {, then %05if} 2. Nd3+ {, and the king has to go back}) 2. Kd3 Nf8 3. Kc4 Ne6 4. Nd3 Z0 (4... Nc5 {there follows %05It turns out that on} 5. Nxc5 bxc5 6. a5 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V. & M."] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2N5/2p2p2/kP1p4/8/7P/2n2p2/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {~1 2.52 Positional advantage~ ~1 2.521 Passed pawn~ One of the important features here which determines the evaluation of a position is the existence of a passed pawn, or the possibility of creating one. The knight is not a long-range piece, therefore it is difficult for it to take part in play which is proceeding on opposite flanks. Thus if the opponent has a far-advanced passed pawn, a knight will be essentially tied to this pawn. An important conclusion follows from this: ~2in knight endings an outside passed pawn has the same importance as in pawn endings; what's more, this pawn does not even need to be defended, since all the same the knight alone cannot win it~. A strong outside passed pawn can more than compensate for even a big deficit in pawns. Black is powerless to stop the opposing passed pawn, since by the now standard knight sacrifice White succeeds in diverting the enemy knight.} 1. bxc7 (1. h5 {%05Not} Ne4 2. h6 (2. bxc7 Kb7 3. Nxd6+ Nxd6 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Ng5 (2... Nf6 {? %05but not} 3. bxc7 Kb7 4. Nxd6+ Kxc7 5. Ne8+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. bxc7 Kb7 {[%eval 0,0] , when there is no win.}) 1... Nd5 { %05Now two main continuations are possible:^013^010 %05^013^010} (1... Kb7 { %05or} 2. Na7 {!} (2. Nxd6+ {?} Kxc7 3. Nb5+ Nxb5 4. h5 Nd6 5. h6 f6 6. h7 Nf7 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Kxc7 3. Nb5+ {!} Nxb5 (3... Kd7 4. Nxc3 Ke6 5. h5 Kf6 6. Nd5+ Kg5 7. Nf4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. h5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. h5 Kb7 {(3.Nxd6 was threatened)} 3. Nb6 {!} (3. h6 {? %05But not} Ne3+ 4. Kg1 f2+ {!} 5. Kxf2 Ng4+ {and 6...Nxh6=}) 3... Ne3+ (3... Nxb6 {%05on}) (3... Nxc7 {there follows %05or} 4. h6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kf2 Ng4+ 5. Kg3 (5. Kxf3 {? %05not} Ne5+ {and 6... Kxc7=}) 5... Kxc7 6. Kxg4 f2 7. Nd5+ Kd7 8. Ne3 Ke7 9. h6 Kf6 (9... f5+ 10. Kf3 f4 11. h7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (9... Kf8 {%05or} 10. Kf3 Kg8 11. Kxf2 Kh7 12. Nf5 { [%eval 550,0] also loses}) 10. Kh5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1n4N1/8/4p1P1/kp2p3/p3P3/8/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {Here there is a similar win.} 1. Ne7 Nd7 2. Nc6+ Kb6 (2... Ka6 3. Nb8+ {!} Nxb8 4. g7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Nxe5 Nf6 {(it appears that all Black's difficulties are behind him)} 4. Nd7+ {!!} Nxd7 5. e5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins.} * [Event "Tartu (Estonia)"] [Site "Tartu (Estonia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "Ebralidze Archil (GEO)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "n7/P6p/2k2p2/2N1pp2/2Kp4/7P/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {In positions where both sides have passed pawns, the evaluation depends mainly on how far advanced the pawns are, and on how effectively the pieces can combat them.} {White's positional advantage, in the form of his passed a7 pawn and the active placing of his pieces, proves sufficient to save the game. } 1... h6 (1... f4 {, when there could have followed %05The most dangerous move for White was} 2. Ne4 f5 3. Nc5 Nb6+ 4. Kb4 Kd5 5. Nd7 {!} Na8 6. Kb5 { (with the threat of 7.Nb6)} Kd6 7. Nb6 Nc7+ 8. Kc4 Kc6 9. Nd5 {!} Na8 10. Ne7+ Kb6 11. Nxf5 Kxa7 12. Nxd4 {!} exd4 13. Kxd4 {and 14.Ke5=, with a draw.}) 2. g3 Nb6+ 3. Kb4 e4 4. Na4 {!} Na8 5. Kc4 d3 6. Kd4 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.} Z0 (6... h5 {%05Indeed, after} 7. g4 {!} fxg4 8. hxg4 h4 (8... hxg4 {%05or} 9. Kxe4 d2 10. Nc3 Kb6 11. Ke3 Kxa7 12. Kxd2 Nb6 13. Ke3 {[%eval 0,0] , when White can give up his knight for both black pawns, since the black king is a long way from its pawns}) 9. Kxe4 d2 10. Nc3 h3 11. Kf3 {[%eval 0,0] the draw is obvious.}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "corr."] [Site "corr."] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wolf"] [Black "Balogh Janos"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kP/6p1/1p1pP3/pP6/P1n2K2/2N5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {If both sides have passed pawns, then, all other things being equal, the more outside passed pawn will be the more dangerous. The great importance of a passed pawn is that it diverts the opposing forces, and thus allows a decisive blow to be struck on the opposite wing.} {Here White's pawns are much more dangerous than Black's.} 1. e6 Ne4 2. e7 Nd6 3. Nd4 Kxh7 4. Nxb5 Ne8 5. Nc7 { ! ^013^010 Gaining a decisive tempo.} (5. Nd6 {?? , with the same idea, then %05if} Nxd6 6. b5 Kg7 7. b6 Kf7 {[%eval -550,0] and it is Black who wins}) 5... Nxc7 6. b5 Kg7 (6... Ne8 7. b6 Nd6 8. b7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. b6 {, and White wins} Z0 (7... Kf7 {there follows %05since on} 8. bxc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lebedev Sergey F (RUS)"] [Black "Romanovsky Peter A (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/p4pp1/6p1/2P2n2/5P2/2P4P/7N/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {Black carries out the typical plan of advancing his a-pawn. He diverts the white pieces, and then gains a decisive material advantage on the other wing.} 1... a5 2. Nf3 a4 3. Nd2 a3 4. Kf2 Kg8 {(the king goes across to tackle the c-pawn)} 5. Ke2 Kf8 6. Kd3 a2 7. Nb3 Ke7 8. Kc2 {(otherwise White cannot free his knight)} Ne3+ 9. Kb2 Ng2 10. Kxa2 Nxf4 11. Ka3 {(all the same the h3 pawn cannot be defended)} Nxh3 12. Kb4 Kd7 13. Nd4 Nf4 14. Kc4 (14. c6+ Kc7 15. Kc5 Ne6+ 16. Kd5 g5 {[%eval -550,0] also fails to save the game}) 14... g5 15. c6+ Kc7 16. Nf5 g4 17. Kd4 Ne6+ 18. Ke4 Kxc6 19. Ng3 Kc5 20. Kf5 Kc4 21. Kxg4 g6 { [%eval -550,0] , and Black soon won.} 0-1 [Event "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Site "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2n5/8/pk2P2p/7N/1PK5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {Black has an outside passed pawn, and his pieces are actively placed. But there is little material remaining, so that the realization of the advantage demands great accuracy.} 1... Nd4+ 2. Kb1 (2. Kd3 {%05If White defends his K-side by} Ne6 3. Ke3 {, he loses after} Kb3 4. Z0 (4. Nf4 {%05for example,} Kxb2 5. Nxe6 a3 {[%eval -550,0]})) 2... Ne6 {%05He therefore prefers to defend his Q-side, but now the black king approaches the enemy knight.^013^010 %05^013^010} 3. Ka2 (3. Kc2 Kc4 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins}) 3... Kc4 4. Ka3 Kd4 5. Kxa4 Kxe4 6. b4 Kf3 {^013^010 Play has reduced to an ending with knight and pawn against knight and pawn. Black has calculated accurately that his position will be superior.} 7. b5 Kg2 {, and White resigned} 8. Z0 (8. b6 { %05since on} Kxh3 9. b7 {there follows} Nc5+ {[%eval -550,0]}) (8. Ng5 { Black replies %05while after} Nxg5 9. b6 Ne6 10. Kb5 Nd8 {[%eval -550,0] , stopping the pawn.}) 0-1 [Event "Vilnius (Lithuania)"] [Site "Vilnius (Lithuania)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mikenas Vladas I (EST)"] [Black "Zagorjansky Evgeny (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/5p2/n1NK2pp/P6P/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {In order to win, White must evict the knight from a5, without allowing Black to create any significant threats on the K-side. The centralized placing of White's pieces allows him to carry out combined play on both wings.} 1. Ne6 Kg6 2. Nd4 {!} f5 {(attempting to create counter-chances)} 3. Ke5 Nc4+ 4. Ke6 f4 5. gxf4 gxf4 (5... gxh4 6. f5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 6. Nf3 {!} Nb2 (6... Na5 7. Ke5 {and 8.Kxf4$18}) 7. Ne5+ Kg7 8. a5 Na4 9. Kf5 Nc5 10. Kg5 Ne6+ 11. Kxh5 Kf6 12. Nf3 Kf5 13. a6 Nc7 14. a7 Na8 15. Nd4+ Ke5 16. Kg4 {!} Kxd4 17. Kxf4 Kd5 18. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned. If the side with an outside passed pawn succeeds in preventing the opponent from creating a passed pawn on the opposite wing, the win is normally achieved without difficulty. The following position shows a typical example.} 1-0 [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Black "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pkp/1n4p1/1P6/3K2P1/2N4P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] 1. Nd5 {! %05After} Nd7 2. g5 {! White paralyzed Black's K-side play.} h6 { %05^013^010 %05The game continued:} 3. Nf6 Nb6 4. h4 hxg5 5. hxg5 Kf8 6. Kc5 Na4+ 7. Kd6 {!} Kg7 (7... Nb6 8. Nd7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 8. Kc6 Kf8 9. b6 Nxb6 10. Kxb6 Ke7 11. Kc7 Kf8 (11... Ke6 12. Kd8 Kf5 13. Nh7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 12. Kd7 Kg7 13. Ke7 Kh8 14. Ne8 (14. Kxf7 {[%eval 0,0] ? $6 stalemate! %05but not}) 14... Kg8 15. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Barcza Gedeon (HUN)"] [Black "Simagin Vladimir P (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/N5pp/8/3k4/3pnP2/6P1/P6P/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {White has an extra pawn, and, moreover, an outside passed pawn. But here this is not the decisive factor. Black's passed pawn, supported by both pieces, proves to be much more dangerous, since White is unable to unite his forces to combat it. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ746 %212045826630=4HLJ791 %212045826630=4HLJ801 %212045826630=4HLJ805 %212045826630=4HLJ807} 1... d3 {!} 2. Kf1 Nc3 3. Ke1 Kd4 4. Kd2 Ne4+ 5. Kc1 (5. Kd1 {loses immediately to} Ke3 { [%eval -550,0] !}) 5... Nd6 {!! The only way to win.} (5... Ke3 {? %05A draw results from} 6. Nb5 d2+ 7. Kc2 Ke2 8. Nd4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 6. Kd2 (6. Nc6+ { %05or} Kc3 {!} 7. Ne7 d2+ 8. Kd1 Ne4 9. Nd5+ Kc4 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins (Simagin)}) 6... Nc4+ 7. Kc1 d2+ 8. Kc2 Ke3 9. Nb5 Na3+ {[%eval -550,0] !! , and White resigned. We will conclude this section on the passed pawn with an ending which might well be called "the triumph of the passed pawns".} 0-1 [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1895.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pillsbury Harry N (USA)"] [Black "Gunsberg Isidor A (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1n6/4k2p/p3ppp1/1pPp4/3P1PP1/3NP3/P3K2P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1895.??.??"] {White has a strong protected passed pawn, but if the black knight were at c6, it might prove impossible to realize the advantage. The unfortunate placing of the black pieces allows White to begin immediately a decisive breakthrough.} 1. f5 {!} g5 (1... gxf5 2. gxf5 exf5 3. Nf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 2. Nb4 a5 3. c6 {!!} Kd6 (3... axb4 4. c7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. fxe6 {!} Nxc6 (4... axb4 5. e7 Kxe7 6. c7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Nxc6 Kxc6 6. e4 {! ^013^010 White obtains two connected passed pawns.} dxe4 {%05^013^010} 7. d5+ Kd6 8. Ke3 { followed by 9.Kxe4$18, and White wins.} 1-0 [Event "The Hague/Moscow"] [Site "The Hague/Moscow"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/2n2ppp/1p6/1p1p4/p2P4/P3P3/1P1N1PPP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "61"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {~1 2.522 Superior pawn formation~ Here we will examine a few examples where one side has an undisputed positional advantage, thanks to defects in the opponent's pawn formation. The defect of Black's position is not so much that his pawns are doubled. Much more important is the fact that two white pawns on the Q-side hold three black pawns, so that White is able to create a passed pawn in the centre.} 1. Nb1 Kf8 {^013^010 In view of the threat of 2.Nc3, Black is unable to manoeuvre with his knight. Therefore he takes his king to the defence of his b5 and d5 pawns, so as to free his knight.} 2. Kf1 { %05^013^010} Ke7 3. Ke2 Kd6 4. Kd3 Kc6 5. Nc3 Ne8 {(Black plans to transfer his knight via d6 to c4)} 6. Na2 {!} f6 (6... f5 {leads to the creation of fresh weaknesses. As shown by Keres, there can then follow %05The attempt to prevent the formation of a passed pawn by} 7. Nb4+ Kd6 8. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0] followed by 9.Nd3, and the weakness of the b4 and e5 squares decides the game.} ) 7. f3 Nc7 8. Nb4+ Kd6 9. e4 dxe4+ 10. fxe4 Ne6 {^013^010 White has succeeded in transforming one form of positional advantage into another: he has acquired a passed pawn.} 11. Ke3 {%05^013^010} Nc7 12. Kd3 Ne6 13. Nd5 Kc6 14. h4 { ^013^010 White deprives the knight of g5, and prepares an attack on Black's K-side pawns.} Nd8 {(Black is running out of useful moves) %05^013^010} 15. Nf4 Kd6 16. Nh5 Ne6 17. Ke3 Ke7 18. d5 Nc5 19. Nxg7 Kd6 20. Ne6 {!} Nd7 21. Kd4 Ne5 22. Ng7 Nc4 23. Nf5+ Kc7 24. Kc3 Kd7 25. g4 Ne5 26. g5 fxg5 27. hxg5 Nf3 28. Kb4 Nxg5 29. e5 h5 30. e6+ Kd8 31. Kxb5 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "Bradley Beach (USA)"] [Site "Bradley Beach (USA)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Turover"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4n2p/1p1k1p2/5p1P/P1K5/5PP1/4N3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {In this position Black has weak pawns on both wings. Being forced to defend these weaknesses, the black pieces will have to take up passive positions. Thus a superior pawn formation can lead to the enhancement of a positional advantage to an increase in the activity of one's own pieces, and a reduction in that of the enemy pieces. It is instructive to follow how White gradually improves his position.} 1. Kb5 Nd5 2. f4 {^013^010 Threatening 3.Nd4, so that the black pieces are forced to retreat.} Kc7 {%05^013^010} 3. Nd4 Nc3+ 4. Kb4 Nd5+ 5. Kc4 Ne7 6. Kb5 Kb7 7. Ne6 {!} Nc8 (7... Nc6 {, then %05if} 8. Ng7 Ne7 9. Ne8 Ng8 10. Nd6+ {and 11.Nxf5$18}) 8. Kc4 {%05Black therefore attempts a counter-attack.^013^010 %05^013^010} Nd6+ 9. Kd5 Ne4 10. h6 {!} Nf2 (10... Nxg3 {, since after %05Black avoids} 11. Nf8 Ne2 12. Nxh7 Nxf4+ 13. Kd4 Ng6 14. Nxf6 Kc6 15. h7 {[%eval 550,0] White wins easily.}) 11. Nf8 Ng4 12. Ke6 Nxh6 13. Kxf6 Ka6 14. Kg5 Ng8 15. Kxf5 Ka5 16. Nd7 {!} Kxa4 17. Nxb6+ Kb5 18. Nd5 Kc6 19. Ke6 Nh6 20. Nf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rudenko Lyudmila V (RUS)"] [Black "Langosh"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/1pp2np1/p4p2/2P5/1N1K1P2/PP4P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {White's advantage is that by 1.c5 he is able to break up Black's Q-side pawns. But if it were Black to move, by 1...c5 he would be able to strengthen his pawns, and deprive White of the greater part of his advantage.} 1. c5 {!} a4 ( 1... Nd5 2. cxb6 a4 3. Na5 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 2. Nd4 Nd7 3. Nxc6 (3. cxb6 {there would have followed %05on} c5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Nxc5+ {^013^010 Black has managed to parry the immediate threats, but now the way has been opened for White's king to approach the Q-side pawns.} 4. Kc4 {%05^013^010} Ke6 (4... g5 5. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 5. f4 {! (fixing Black's K-side weakness $6 his pawn at g6)} Kd6 {(this simplifies White's task, but in view of his weaknesses on both wings, Black could hardly have saved the game)} 6. Ne5 g5 7. Nf7+ Kc6 8. fxg5 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black soon resigned.} 1-0 [Event "Copenhagen (Denmark)"] [Site "Copenhagen (Denmark)"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Black "Saemisch Friedrich (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/5p2/1n1N2p1/2p5/6P1/1P3PKP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {~1 2.523 Superior king position~ As we have seen many times, in knight endings a superior king position is of great importance. White's king can come quickly into play and attack the c4 pawn.} 1. Kf3 Kf7 2. Nc3 (2. Ke4 { %05Simpler is} Ke6 3. g4 {, when after 4.Nc3$18 White in the end wins the c4 pawn, and with it the game.}) 2... Nd4+ 3. Ke4 Nb3 4. Kd5 {^013^010 At first sight White seems to have improved his position considerably. But in fact his king has strayed too far from his K-side pawns, which allows Black to create counter-threats there.} Nd2 {%05^013^010} 5. h3 {^013^010 Preventing the fixing of his pawns by ...g4.} f5 {%05^013^010} 6. Nd1 Kf6 7. Ne3 Ne4 8. Nxc4 Nxf2 9. b4 {^013^010 White has transformed one form of advantage into another: he has acquired an outside passed pawn. But it is not yet far advanced, and his K-side pawns are weak.} Ke7 {After this incorrect move White realizes his advantage without difficulty. %05^013^010} (9... Ne4 {(pointed out by V. Platonov) %05if Black had played the active} 10. b5 Nc3+ 11. Kc6 Nxb5 12. Kxb5 f4 {[%eval 550,0] White could hardly have managed to win.}) 10. b5 Kd7 11. b6 Ne4 {^013^010 Too late. The knight can no longer undertake any activity on the opposite wing, but has to hurry to the help of its king.} 12. Ne5+ {%05^013^010 } Kc8 13. Kc6 Nf6 14. Nd3 {! (threatening 15.b7 Kb8 16.Ne5 etc.)} Nd7 15. b7+ Kd8 16. Kd6 Nb8 17. Nb4 Nd7 18. Nc6+ Ke8 19. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned. In certain cases a badly placed king can itself be the object of attack.} 1-0 [Event "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Site "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1N1k3p/8/6p1/5n1p/PP3P2/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {Black is threatening to create mating threats by advancing his K-side pawns. But White also has chances, with his two connected passed pawns.} 1... h5 {!} 2. Nc4+ {^013^010 White takes his knight to the aid of his king.} (2. a4 { , Black would have won by the ingenious move %05Had White played} Nd2 {[%eval -550,0] !! (cf. example ~3($412452)~ )}) 2... Kd5 3. Ne3+ Ke4 4. a4 (4. b4 { is more consistent, when Black should play %05As was shown by Botvinnik,} Nd4 { [%eval -550,0] ! followed by ...Kf3} (4... Kd3 {fails to win after %05since} 5. b5 Ke2 6. b6 Kxf2 7. Nf5 h4 8. Nxh4 g3 9. Nxf3 Kxf3 10. b7 Kf2 11. b8=Q g2+ 12. Kh2 g1=Q+ 13. Kxh3 {[%eval 0,0] , when the g3 square is defended})) 4... Kd3 5. Nd5 Ke2 6. Nf4+ Kxf2 7. Nxh3+ (7. Nxh5 {leads to mate:} g3 8. Nxg3 Kxg3 9. a5 h2 10. a6 Ng5 11. a7 Ne4 12. a8=Q Nf2#) 7... Kf1 8. Nf4 g3 9. Ng2 Kf2 10. a5 h4 11. Nf4 Kf1 12. Ng2 h3 13. Ne3+ Kf2 14. Ng4+ Ke2 {[%eval -550,0] , and White resigned.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/2p3p1/P1N5/1P5p/P7/4K1n1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. Ne7 {!} h4 (1... g6 {? there follows %05on} 2. Kd4 {!! , and now:} Nf5+ { %05^013^010} (2... h4 {%05or} 3. Kc5 {!} Ne4+ (3... h3 4. Nd5 {!!} h2 5. Nxc7+ Kb8 6. Kb6 h1=Q 7. a7+ Kc8 8. a8=Q+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 4. Kc6 Nc3 5. Kxc7 Nxa4 6. b6 Nxb6 7. Kxb6 {[%eval 550,0] followed by Nd5-c7, winning} ) 3. Nxf5 gxf5 4. Kc5 h4 5. Kc6 h3 6. Kxc7 h2 7. b6 h1=Q 8. b7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 2. a5 h3 3. b6 cxb6 4. axb6 h2 5. b7+ {!} Ka7 6. Nc6+ Kxa6 7. b8=Q h1=Q 8. Qa7+ Kb5 9. Nd4+ {[%eval 550,0] , with a quick mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k3N2/1n2K3/3p4/2pPp3/1pP5/1P1P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {White's pieces have broken into the opposing position, and the d6 pawn is doomed. But Black can eliminate the b3 pawn, after which his passed pawn will become dangerous.} 1. Nd7+ Kc7 (1... Ka7 {, then White's task would have been much more difficult. %05If} 2. Ke6 {! , not determining for the moment the position of the knight, when Black has three possibilities: %05The best continuation is} Ka8 {(the strongest), when there can follow %05^013^010} (2... Na5 3. Kxd6 Nxb3 4. Kc7 {!} Nc1 5. Nxc5 b3 6. Nxb3 {!} Nxb3 7. d6 Nc5 8. d7 Ne6+ 9. Kd6 Nd8 10. Kxe5 Kb6 11. Kd6 Nb7+ 12. Ke7 Kc7 13. d4 Nd8 14. d5 Nb7 15. c5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) (2... Ka6 {(Black defends passively)} 3. Nb8+ Kb6 (3... Ka7 {is decisively met by} 4. Nc6+ {!} Ka6 5. Kd7 Kb6 6. Kc8 Ka6 7. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kd7 {!} Na5 5. Kxd6 Nxb3 6. Nd7+ Kb7 (6... Ka7 7. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] leads to a variation already considered}) 7. Ke7 Na5 8. Nxc5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and Black can well resign}) 3. Nb6+ Kb8 4. Kd7 Na5 5. Kxd6 Nxb3 6. Nd7+ {!} Kc8 7. Ke7 Na5 8. Nxc5 b3 9. Na4 e4 10. dxe4 Nxc4 11. d6 Ne5 12. Nb2 Nc6+ 13. Ke8 Ne5 14. Nc4 {!} Nd7 15. Ke7 Nb8 16. e5 Nc6+ 17. Kf6 Kd7 18. e6+ Ke8 19. d7+ Kd8 20. Na5 {!} Nxa5 21. e7+ Kxd7 22. Kf7 {[%eval 550, 0] , and White wins.}) 2. Nf6 Na5 3. Ne8+ Kb6 (3... Kb8 {%05It is worth checking whether or not 3...Kb6 was a mistake:} 4. Nxd6 Nxb3 5. Ne4 Nd4 (5... Na5 {%05Black could have played more strongly,} 6. Nxc5 b3 7. Na4 e4 {!} 8. dxe4 Nxc4 {, but even here he loses after} 9. d6 Ne5 10. d7 Nc6+ 11. Ke8 Kc7 12. e5 Nd8 13. Nb2 Nb7 14. e6 Nd6+ 15. Kf8 Kd8 16. Nc4 {!} Nf5 17. Na5 { [%eval 550,0] !}) 6. Nxc5 b3 7. Na4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White's passed pawns decide.}) 4. Nxd6 Nxb3 5. Nc8+ {(White's plan is clear $6 to queen his pawn)} Kb7 6. d6 Nd4 7. d7 b3 {! Black uses his trumps.} (7... Nc6+ {%05Weaker is} 8. Ke8 b3 9. Ne7 b2 10. Nxc6 b1=Q 11. d8=Q {, when White wins, since} Kxc6 { fails to} 12. Qc8+ {[%eval 550,0] , when Black either loses his queen or is mated.}) 8. Nd6+ {!} (8. Ke8 {%05weaker is} Ne6 {!}) 8... Ka6 {!} 9. Ne4 b2 10. Nxc5+ Ka7 11. Kd6 {!} Nf5+ 12. Kxe5 Ne7 13. Kd6 Nf5+ 14. Ke6 Nd4+ 15. Kd5 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/8/3P3n/2KB4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {~1 BISHOP AGAINST KNIGHT ENDINGS~ ~1 1. BISHOP AND PAWN AGAINST KNIGHT~ We will begin by analyzing positions where the defender's king occupies a square in front of the pawn and inaccessible to the bishop. In the ending with bishop and pawn against bishop these positions were an elementary draw, where the position of the defender's bishop was of no consequence (provided, of course, that it was not attacked). But things are different when the bishop is opposed by a knight. Here the position of the knight can be significant. %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Be5 {! Black's knight is trapped. He then ends up in zugzwang, and is forced to allow the advance of the pawn: %05After} Ke7 2. Kc5 Kd7 3. d6 (3. Kb6 {%05but not} Nf6 {!} 4. Bxf6 Kd6 {with a draw}) 3... Ke6 4. Kc6 {, and White wins without difficulty.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k3n/8/2BPK3/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kf6 Kc8 2. Kg7 Kd8 3. Kxh8 {%05The knight's poor position can also be exploited in this position. White wins by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/3PK3/n2B4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {But if the knight is not immobilized, the blocking of the pawn by the king on a square inaccessible to the bishop is perfectly sufficient for a draw. It should also be noted that, even with his knight cut off, the defender is not bound to lose. %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Kf5 {White is unable to drive away the opposing king and to queen his pawn, nor is he able to win the knight, e.g. :} Kd8 2. Ke4 Kd7 3. Ke5 Kd8 {!} (3... Ke8 {?} 4. Ke6 {!} Kd8 5. d7 $18) 4. Kd4 Ke8 5. Kc5 Kd7 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3n1k2/3P4/5K2/8/8/3B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {We will now turn to a systematic study of positions where the defender is unable to block the pawn with his king. We will first analyze cases where the pawn has already reached the 7th rank.} 1. Be4 {%05Here all the responsibility rests on the knight, since the king is merely guarding the approaches to the pawn. Black cannot cope with his defensive problems.^013^010 White wins by} Nf7 2. Bf3 Nd8 3. Bd5 Nf7 {!} 4. Ke6 {!} Nd8+ 5. Kd6 Kg7 6. Ke7 {The winning method - that of restricting the mobility of the knight, leading to a zugzwang position - is a typical one.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/2kP1n2/8/8/8/3B4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1... Nd6+ {%05 Here both black pieces are stopping the pawn, and the result depends upon who it is to move. Black to play gives perpetual check:} 2. Ke7 Nc8+ 3. Ke8 (3. Ke6 Nb6 {=}) 3... Nd6+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/2kP1n2/8/8/8/3B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Ke7 {! %05 But this result is determined not so much by the placing of the black pieces, so much as the unfortunate position of the opposing king. White to play improves the position of his king and wins:} Nd8 2. Be4 Nf7 3. Bf3 Nd8 4. Bd5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/1kP1n3/8/8/8/2B5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {The following position is obtained by moving position ~3( 2459)~ one file to the left. %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Kd7 {%05This position is an exception, since here restricting the mobility of the black pieces leads only to stalemate:} Nc8 2. Bd4 Ne7 3. Be3 Nc8 4. Bc5 Ka8 {!} 5. Kc6 Nb6 {! , and there is nothing more that White can do.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1852.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7N/5b2/5k1K/5p2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1852.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Ng3 {! %05Familiarity with position ~3($402460)~ allows the solution %05to the following study to be found without difficulty.} Be5 2. Nf1 Ke2 3. Kg2 Bf4 4. Kh1 {!} Kf3 5. Ng3 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/8/K2N3b/8/3p4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 The solution of this position is similarly straightforward. (conclusion of a study)} 1. Nf5+ {%05After} Kf6 2. Ne3 Kg5 { %05but Black plays} (2... Ke5 {fails to %05it transpires that} 3. Nc4+ { (the barrier theme)}) 3. Kb3 Kf4 4. Nd5+ {%05but White saves the draw by} (4. Nd1 {loses to %05Now the natural} Kf3 5. Kc2 Ke2) 4... Kf3 5. Kc2 Ke2 6. Nf4+ { , with perpetual check.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/3P4/3kn3/8/8/2B5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {We will mow examine a number of positions where the bishop can attack the square in front of the pawn.} 1. Bb4+ {%05This is a basic drawn position. Note the relative placing of the white king and black knight. Incidentally, the knight may also be at f7.^013^010 After} Kc6 {White is powerless to undertake anything. Let us now move the knight to c6.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/3P4/2nk4/8/8/2B5/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Ne7+ {%05Black to move is able to regroup:} (1... Na7+ {%05or}) 2. Kd8 Nc6+ 3. Ke8 Ke6 {, and we have the basic drawn position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/3P4/2nk4/8/8/2B5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Bb4+ {%05If it is White to play, he quickly puts the opponent in zugzwang:} Ke6 2. Kc7 Kd5 3. Ba3 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/1n1P4/3k4/8/8/2B5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Bb4+ {%05The knight is also badly placed at b7, since then White wins by} Kc6 2. Bc5 $18 {Conclusion: ~2 for a successful defence in such situations, the defender must endeavour to deploy his knight as far away as possible from the opposing king.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/1P6/nk6/8/8/B7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 In the position obtained by moving No. ~3( 2465)~ two files to the left, White to play wins rather differently.} 1. Bd6 {! %05The win is achieved by} Kc6 2. Ka7 Kb5 3. Bc7 $40 {%04etc. With black to move, he draws as in No. ~3( 2464)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Brenev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4N3/3b4/8/6K1/5p2/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {We will now examine a curious position, which demonstrates the exceptional case of the pawn queening, but the defender nevertheless succeeding in drawing. (conclusion of a study)} 1. Nf4 {! %05It seems time for White to resign, but there follows} f1=Q (1... Be6 2. Ne2+ Kf1 3. Nf4 Bf5 4. Kf3 {! with a draw}) 2. Nh3+ Kh1 3. Nf2+ {, and Black cannot avoid perpetual check.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3n4/2kPK3/8/3B4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {If the pawn is on the 6th rank, the defender's drawing chances are significantly improved. This same position, only moved one rank up the board, was lost for Black irrespective of the turn to move. But here we have an elementary draw, since the knight cannot be deprived of all its squares. Moving this position two files to the right or left does not affect the result, but if it is moved three files to the right it will again be lost for Black.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6n1/5kPK/8/6B1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1... Ne8 {%05 The number of squares available to the knight is reduced, and White to move is able to create an immediate zugzwang position by 1. Bd7. ^013^010 With Black to move the win is slightly more difficult:} 2. Bd7 Ng7 3. Kh7 Nh5 4. Bg4 Ng7 5. Bh3 Nh5 6. Kh6 Ng7 (6... Nf4 7. g7 Kf7 8. Kh7 {%04etc.}) 7. Bd7 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/5Kn1/6P1/8/6B1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {We will examine a few more positions with a knight's pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1... Nf5 {and 1... Nh5 are possible. %05The knight is cramped, but White is unable to win, since %05the black king is stalemated, and both But if the white pieces change places, in the resulting position Black loses his knight.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/5Bn1/6P1/8/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 Having made the acquaintance of this position, it is not difficult to solve the following study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "n6k/8/8/6P1/3K4/3B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Kc5 {%05Black is threatening 1... Kg7, a move which White must do everything possible to prevent.} Nc7 {(2. Kc6 was threatened)} 2. Kd6 Ne8+ 3. Ke7 {!} (3. Kd7 {? Analysis shows that Black draws after %05But why not} Ng7 4. Bg6 Kg8 5. Ke7 Kh8 6. Kf7 Nf5 {!}) 3... Ng7 (3... Nc7 4. Kf7 Nd5 5. g6) 4. Bg6 {%05 White has managed to prevent the opposing king from occupying g7. Now he must set up position 16, and by accurate play he is able to do this.} Kg8 5. Bf7+ Kh7 6. Kf6 Kh8 7. Ke5 (7. Kg6 {%05not} Ne6 {!}) 7... Kh7 8. Ke4 {!} Kh8 9. Kf4 Kh7 10. Kg4 Kh8 11. g6 {, and we have position ~3 ($402473)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2N5/2k5/K1b5/1p6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {The following study shows an interesting drawing possibility.} 1. Na5 { %05It appears that the pawn cannot be caught, but there follows} b2 2. Nb3+ Bxb3+ 3. Ka3 {!!} b1=Q {Stalemate!} (3... b1=R {=}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/3P4/2nk4/8/8/2B5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {This position is obtained by moving position ~3( 2465)~ one rank down the board. Here White is unable to win. %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Bb3+ {%05With White to move:} Ke5 2. Bc4 (2. Kc6 Nxb3 3. d7 Nd4+ 4. Kc7 Ne6+ {=}) 2... Kd4 3. Bf7 Na6+ 4. Kc6 Nb8+ 5. Kc7 Na6+ 6. Kb6 Nb8 {= %04etc. Black to play immediately gives perpetual check: 1... Na6. Let us now move the knight to b6.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/1n1P4/3k4/8/8/2B5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Be4+ {%05This changes the evaluation. White to move is able to put the opponent in zugzwang:} Ke5 2. Kc6 Ke6 3. Bf5+ Ke5 4. Bh3 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1n6/2K5/3P4/3k4/8/8/2B5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {The same happens if the knight is at b8 %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Bb3+ Kc5 2. Bc4 $18 {The knight has too few squares on which tomanoeuvre.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandeleil"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5n2/4K3/3P4/3k4/8/8/2B5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {In position ~3( 2475)~, instead of 1... Na6 2. Kd7 Nb8 with perpetual check, Black could have played 1... Ne6 2. Kd7 Nf8, which is less strong, but is also good enough to draw. Let us consider the position after White plays 3. Ke7 %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1... Kc6 {! %05Black has to play very exactly.} (1... Kc5 {%05the only move, since he loses after} 2. Be4 {!}) (1... Ke5 {%05or} 2. Be4 {!} Ne6 3. d7) 2. Ba4+ Kc5 3. Be8 Kd5 4. Bf7+ Kc6 5. Bh5 Kc5 {! =} (5... Kd5 {would have lost to %05Again the only move.} 6. Bf3+ Kc5 7. Be4) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bron Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/3P1n2/3k4/8/8/2B5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {Here the knight is less well placed at f6, since the white king has greater scope.} 1. Bb3+ {%05White manages to cripple the knight, without allowing the formation of the previous position.} Kc5 2. Be6 Kc6 3. Bc4 Kc5 4. Bb3 {!} Kc6 5. Ke6 {!} Nh7 (5... Kc5 6. Bd5 {!} Nh7 {comes to the same thing}) 6. Bd5+ Kc5 7. Ke7 Nf6 (7... Nf8 8. Be4) 8. Bf3 Ng8+ 9. Ke6 Nf6 10. Be4 {! , and Black is in zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bron Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/3P1n2/4k3/8/8/2B5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 An interesting procedure for driving away the king is shown in the following example, which differs from No. ~3( 2479)~ only by the slightly different position of the black king.} 1. Bb3 {!} Kf5 2. Bf7 Kg5 (2... Ke5 {being bad because of %05forced,} 3. Be6) 3. Be6 Kg6 4. Kf8 {!} Nh7+ (4... Kh6 {%05weaker is} 5. Kf7 Kg5 6. Bh3 {%04etc.}) 5. Ke8 {!} Nf6+ 6. Ke7 { By king manoeuvres White has succeeded in giving his opponent the move.} Kg7 7. Bf7 Ng4 {! (Black's last resource, which is easily parried)} 8. Bd5 Ne5 (8... Nf6 {%05or} 9. Be4 {!} Ng8+ 10. Ke6 Nf6 11. Bf5 {%04etc.}) 9. Be4 Kg8 10. Ke6 Nf7 11. d7 {, and White wins (cf. example ~3($402457)~)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3P1n2/4KB2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1... Ne8 {or 1... Nh5 is met by %05Black to play loses immediately:} (1... Kg7 {%04by %05and} 2. Ke6) 2. Bg6+ {!$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3P1n2/4KB2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Be6+ {%05White to play succeeds in driving away the knight:} (1. Bh3 {or 1. Bc8, then %05if} Ne8 {!} 2. d7 Ke7 {with a draw}) 1... Kg6 2. Bc8 Kg7 (2... Kf7 3. Bf5 {%04etc.}) 3. Bh3 {!} Kg6 4. Ke6 Kg7 (4... Ne4 5. Bf5+ $18) 5. Bf5 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/2P5/1nk5/8/8/1B6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 Moving a position with a central pawn one file to the left reduces the defensive resources and can reflect on the evaluation, since the knight does not always scope for manoeuvre.} 1. Be5 {! %05In contrast to example ~3($402475)~, the result here %05depends on the turn to move. White to play can put his %05opponent in zugzwang:} Kd5 2. Kb6 Kc4 (2... Na7 {%05or} 3. c7 Nc8+ 4. Kb7 Ne7 5. Bf6 Nf5 6. Kb8 Nd6 7. Be7 $18) 3. Bf6 Kb4 4. Bh4 Kc4 ( 4... Nc3 5. Be1 $18) 5. Be1 Nd6 6. c7 Kd5 7. Bb4 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/2P5/1nk5/8/8/1B6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1... Nd6+ {! %05Black to play can successfully regroup:} 2. Kc7 Nb5+ 3. Kd7 Kd5 {, and White's attempt to return his king to b7 does not succeed, e.g.:} 4. Bc1 Kc5 5. Be3+ Kd5 6. Bf2 Ke5 7. Kc8 Kd5 8. Kb7 Nd6+ 9. Kc7 Nc4 {! with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1856.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chess Player's Chronicle"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4n3/3K4/2P5/2k5/8/8/1B6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1856.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 The evaluation of the following position also differs from that of No. ~3( 2478)~.} 1... Kb6 {%05Here, in comparison with position ~3($412478)~, the %05decisive role is played by the fact that the bishop has %05sufficient scope on the K-side.^013^010 %05 With Black to move:} 2. Be5 Kc5 3. Bc3 {!} Kb6 4. Ba5+ Kb5 5. Bd8 Kc5 6. Bh4 Kb5 7. Bg5 {! (the bishop had insufficient space for this waiting move in example 21)} Kc5 8. Be3+ Kd5 9. Bd4 Nd6 10. c7 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4n3/3K4/2P5/2k5/8/8/1B6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Bc3 {%05White to play wins more quickly by} Kb6 2. Ba5+ {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Edward (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/2P1n3/3KB3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] {Thanks to the fact that his bishop has greater manoeuvring possibilities than in position ~3( 2482)~ , White wins more simply in the following example. %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Bg3 {!} (1. Bh2 {? %05but not} Nd8 2. c7 Kd7 { with a draw}) 1... Kf7 2. Bh2 {!} Ke7 3. Be5 Kf7 4. Kd6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/1P6/nk6/8/8/B7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {In positions such as No. ~3( 2475)~, only with a knight's pawn, the defender's chances are roughly the same as with a bishop's pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1... Nc6+ {%05Black to play succeeds in regrouping to a basic drawn position:} 2. Kb7 Na5+ 3. Kc7 Kc5 4. Be6 Kb5 5. Bd7+ Kc5 6. Be8 Kb4 {! , and if} 7. Kb8 {, trying to play the king to a6 and to drive away the knight, then} Nc4 8. b7 Nd6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/1P6/nk6/8/8/B7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Bd5 {%05White to play wins by} Kc5 2. Ka6 Kb4 3. Be6 Ka4 (3... Nc6 4. b7 Kc5 5. Bh3 Kd6 6. Kb6 {leads to position ~3($402457)~.}) 4. Bg4 Kb4 5. Bd1 {!} Nc6 6. b7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3n4/2K5/1P6/1k6/8/8/B7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 In the following position White wins exactly as in No. ~3( 2485)~..} 1... Ka6 {%05For example, with Black to move:} 2. Bf7 Kb5 3. Be8+ Ka5 4. Bd7 Ka6 5. Bf5 Ka5 6. Bg4 Kb5 7. Be2+ Kc5 8. Bc4 Nc6 9. b7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1K6/2P5/1nk5/8/8/1B6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 With the pawn on the 5th rank winning positions become exceptional. ~2 If the square in front of the pawn is inaccessible to the bishop, for the defender to draw it is sufficient for him to control this square with king and knight, since here there are no zugzwang positions (the bishop cannot take all the squares away from the knight), and the pawn is securely blockaded.~ ~2 If the square in front of the pawn can be attacked by the bishop, in many cases it turns out that the advance of the pawn leads merely to a drawn position with the pawn on the 6th rank.~ There is a typical example.} 1. Be4 {%05This position is obtained by moving No.~3($402483)~ %05one rank down the board. Here White to play can no %05longer win:} Kd4 2. Kb5 Na2 {!} (2... Kc3 {%05simpler than} 3. Bg6 Kb3 4. Bh5 Kc3 5. Bd1 Nd5 6. c6 Kd4 7. Bb3 Ne7 8. c7 Nc8 {!} 9. Kc6 (9. Be6 {%05or} Ne7 {, with a draw}) 9... Na7+ {!} 10. Kb6 Nc8+ {=}) 3. c6 {fails to %05and} Nc3+ 4. Kb6 Nxe4 {But if example 30 is moved one file to the left, the resulting position will be lost for Black.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K7/1P6/nk6/8/8/B7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] 1. Bd4 Kc4 2. Ka5 Kb3 3. Bf6 Ka3 (3... Nc5 {comes to the same thing %05the immediate}) 4. Bg5 Kb3 5. Bc1 Nc5 6. b6 Kc4 7. Ba3 Nd7 8. b7 Kd4 9. Kb5 Kd5 10. Bc1 Kd6 11. Bf4+ Kd5 12. Bg3 Ke6 13. Kc6 Ke7 14. Kc7 Ke6 15. Bd6 {! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/8/3bp3/4k3/1N6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 ~2If the pawn has not yet advanced beyond the 4th rank, there can be winning chances only if the opposing pieces are badly placed, and in particular if the defending king is a long way from the pawn.~ In this case the result will depend upon whether or not the defender can set up a drawn position on one of the subsequent ranks.} 1. Nc1 {! %05White's pieces are disunited, and his king is a long way %05from the pawn.^013^010 %05 But in order to queen his pawn, Black needs time. %05White's problem is to bring up his king in time, and to %05unite his pieces in the battle against the pawn. From the %05preceding analysis it is clear that the pawn must be %05stopped no later than on the 3rd rank.^013^010 %05 The placing of the pieces suggests that White should %05aim for a position in which his king attacks the pawn %05from behind, and the knight halts it from in front. Such a %05position is No. ~3($402478)~.^013^010 %05 Thus White can draw if he succeeds in setting up %05position ~3($402478)~ (with colours reversed). Let us %05attempt to do this. ^013^010 %05 The plan is clear. The knight must be placed at c1, and %05the king transferred to f4, e4 or f3. Since his knight is %05attacked, White must play} (1. Nc5+ {%05The composer of the study thought that} Kd4 2. Kb6 {would not work because of} Kc4 {! , when White is in zugzwang and must allow the further advance of the pawn, for example:} 3. Nd7 e4 4. Ne5+ Kd4 5. Ng4 (5. Ng6 {! %05But it was established by viewers of Soviet Television's Chess School that instead of 5. Ng4 correct is} e3 6. Nf4 Bc4 7. Nh3 {! , and if} e2 {, then } 8. Ng1 {!= , while otherwise White again establishes his knight at g1, with an even simpler drawn position.}) 5... Be6 6. Nh2 Bh3 {!} 7. Kc6 Kd3 8. Kc5 e3 9. Nf3 e2 {, and Black wins.}) 1... Ke3 {(threatening 2... Kd2, therefore the king must be brought up)} 2. Kb6 Kd2 3. Kc5 Bg8 4. Kd6 e4 5. Ke5 e3 6. Ke4 { ! , and we reach position ~3($402478)~ with colours reversed. In 1977 Kasparian published a new variation on this theme:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/6b1/1N1kp3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] 1. Kb7 {%05The solution is: !} Bd3 2. Nc3+ Kd4 3. Na2 {!} e4 (3... Kc4 4. Kc6 e4 5. Nc1 {!} Kc3 6. Kd5 Kb2 7. Ne2 {! , with a draw}) 4. Kc6 Bc4 5. Nc1 Kc3 6. Kd6 {!} Kd2 7. Ke5 e3 8. Ke4 {%04etc. ! = Of course, it is not always that a drawn position can be set up.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K2/8/1k3P1n/8/4B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. Kg5 {%05After} Ng2 2. f5 Kc5 3. f6 Kd6 4. Kh6 {!} (4. Kg6 {%05White does not play} Nf4+ 5. Kg7 Ne6+ 6. Kf7 Nd8+ {with a draw, but}) 4... Ne3 { %05Therefore Black plays} (4... Nf4 {there follows %05Now on} 5. f7 Ke7 6. Kg7 Ne6+ 7. Kg8 {, and wins.}) 5. Kg6 {%05but there follows} (5. f7 {%05and if} Ke7 6. Kg7 Nf5+ {with a draw}) 5... Nd5 (5... Ke6 6. Bd3 Ng2 7. Bf5+ Kd6 8. f7 Nf4+ 9. Kh7) 6. f7 Nf4+ 7. Kg7 Ne6+ 8. Kg8 {, and White wins. We have seen repeatedly that, to battle successfully against the pawn, the king and knight must unite their actions. If co-ordination between the pieces cannot be achieved, the stronger side is normally able to queen his pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Blandford"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k2K4/8/8/8/2B5/2P5/5n2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Bd4+ {%05Despite the fact that his pawn is on its initial square, White is able to win.} Ka8 {(an attempt to play for stalemate)} 2. c4 Nd2 3. c5 Nb3 4. c6 {!} Na5 5. c7 Nc6 {!} 6. c8=R+ {! , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1n6/k7/8/PK6/8/7B/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {We have seen that, the closer the pawn is to the edge of the board, the more difficult things are for the knight. The rook's pawn is the most dangerous, and therefore we will make a special study of such positions. The best defensive procedure is to blockade the pawn with the king, although it is important that the knight should not be deprived of its mobility. The following is a typical example. %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1... Kb7 {or 1... Na6, as well as by the clever 1... Nc6 %05The black pieces appear to be actively preventing the pawn's advance, and Black to play does indeed draw easily by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1n6/k7/8/PK6/8/7B/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Bc8 {he puts Black in zugzwang, and wins. %05But if it is White to move, by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "n1k2B2/P7/2K5/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {If the defender has been unable to blockade the pawn with his king, the result will mainly depend on how far advanced the pawn is. With his pawn on the 7th rank the stronger side usually wins.} 1. Bb4 {%05White wins by the standard method:} Nc7 2. Bc3 Na8 3. Ba5 Nc7 4. Kb6 Na8+ 5. Ka6 Kd7 6. Kb7 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K4B1/P7/1nk5/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Nd7+ {%05This example shows the only drawing possibility. Black to move gives perpetual check:} 2. Kc8 Nb6+ 3. Kb8 Nd7+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K4B1/P7/1nk5/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Be6 {! %05White to play wins in the usual way, by driving away the knight:} Kc5 2. Kb7 Kb5 3. Bf7 Kc5 4. Be8 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K5B1/P1k5/8/8/8/8/8/7n w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {With a pawn on the 7th rank there is one exception, when the side with the bishop is not only unable to win, but is even forced to defend.} 1. Be6 { %05White's king has fallen into a trap, and he must try to prevent the knight from reaching b6. Since White is not able to control this square, he must prevent the knight from going to one of the five squares which is a knight move away from b6. These are a4, c4, d5, d7 and c8. It is not difficult to guess that we have here a typical example of corresponding squares. White must manoeuvre with his bishop such that, whenever the knight threatens to reach one of these critical squares, he is able to defend it.^013^010 Let us try to determine how the bishop should be manoeuvred.^013^010 If the knight is at e7, threatening to go either to c8 or to d5, the bishop must be at e6 or b7. If the knight is at f6, the bishop must be at e6 or c6. Thus we have established that the squares corresponding to e7 are e6 and b7, and those corresponding to f6 are e6 and c6. Continuing the analysis, we obtain the results in the table. ^013^010 Knight Bishop^013^010 e7 e6,b7^013^010 f6 e6,c6^013^010 d6 e6, a6^013^010 c5 from a4 to e8^013^010 e5 e6,b5^013^010 c3 b3,c6^013^010 e3 from a2 to g8^013^010 b2 b3,b5^013^010 a5,a3,b4,d2,f4 from a2 to g8^013^010 ^013^010 From the table it is apparent that to each knight move the bishop has at least two correct replies. This shows that White's task is not a difficult one.^013^010 Now, on the basis of the table, we will try to establish the simplest way for White to manoeuvre. It is easy to see that, apart from the case when the knight is at c5, one of the required squares is always on the a2-g8 diagonal. Only when the knight is at c5 should the bishop switch to the neighbouring a4-e8 diagonal. So that it is always possible to do this, the bishop should manoeuvre on the squares b3-f7. In addition, when manoeuvring along the diagonal, the bishop should not occupy e6 or b3 until the knight occupies one of the corresponding squares. We reach the conclusion that the bishop should manoeuvre between the squares c4, d5 and f7. Now let us consider a possible continuation.^013^010 As long as the knight is some distance away, any first move is possible, for example} Nf2 {, but then White must play accurately:} 2. Bf7 Nd3 3. Bc4 Nc5 4. Bb5 {!} Ne4 5. Bc4 Nd6 6. Be6 Nb5 7. Bc4 Nc3 8. Bb3 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k2B3/n7/PK6/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {When the pawn is on the 6th rank Black acquires drawing chances.} 1. Bd7 { %05In this position, where the square in front of the pawn is inaccessible to the bishop, the result depends on the turn to move.^013^010 White to play wins by} Ka8 2. Kc7 {, when the knight is lost.} (2. Be6 {%05this is simpler than} Kb8 3. Bf5 Ka8 4. Be4+ Kb8 5. Bb7 {, when Black is in zugzwang}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k1B4/n7/PK6/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1... Nc8+ {%05But if it is Black to move, after} 2. Kc6 Ka7 {! the draw is obvious.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K4B1/P1nk4/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {The following example is typical of the case where the square in front of the pawn can be attacked by the bishop. %212045826630=4HLJ841} 1. Be5+ {Black is faced with a difficult choice. The bishop is immune, but where should he move his king: to c5, d5 or d7? We will analyze each of these continuations: %05After} Kd7 (1... Kc5 2. Bc7 Kd5 (2... Kb5 {loses immediately to %05clearly,} 3. Bb6 {, when Black is in zugzwang}) 3. Kb6 Ne7 {!} 4. Bg3 Nc6 5. Bf4 {!} Ne7 6. Bc1 Nc8+ (6... Kd6 {there follows %05had White played 5. Be1 instead of 5. Bf4, Black would have drawn by 5... Kd6 and 6... Kd7, as we already know; but now on} 7. Ba3+ Kd7 8. Bxe7) 7. Kc7 Nd6 (7... Kc5 {%05or} 8. Ba3+ Kb5 9. Kb7 Ka5 10. Bf8 {!} Kb5 11. Bb4 {! , and White achieves his aim}) 8. Ba3 Nb5+ 9. Kb6 Kc4 10. Bf8 {, and White wins.}) (1... Kd5 2. Kb6 {! the only move to win;} (2. Bc7 {%05after} Kc5 3. Bb6+ (3. Bf4 {%05while} Kb5 4. Bd2 Nd8+ 5. Ka7 Nc6+ { allows perpetual check}) 3... Kb5 {it is White who is in zugzwang}) 2... Ne7 3. Bb2 {!} Nc6 (3... Nc8+ 4. Kc7 {is considered in variation "b"}) 4. Ba3 { , and wins.}) 2. Bc7 {(Black appears to be in zugzwang, but he finds the one good reply)} Na7 {!} 3. Bf4 Nc6 {!} (3... Nb5 {%05he loses after} 4. Kb6) (3... Nc8 {%05or} 4. Bg3 Kd8 5. Bh4+ Kd7 6. Be7 {!}) 4. Kb6 Ne7 5. Bg3 (5. Bc1 { , then %05if immediately} Nc8+ 6. Kb7 Nd6+ 7. Kb8 Nb5 {, and White has achieved little}) 5... Nc6 6. Be1 Kc8 {!} 7. Bg3 Kd7 {= etc.^013^010 Thus by moving his king to d7 Black draws. But what if his king goes to c5 or d5? We can conclude:~2 if the pawn is a rook's pawn, and the square in front of it can be attacked by the bishop, in order to draw the defender should aim for the horizontal opposition of the kings (b7-d7). ~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K4B1/P7/1nk5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1... Nd6+ {%05This position is obtained by moving example %05~3($412500)~ down the board by one rank. Here too %05Black to move draws by} 2. Kc7 Nb5+ 3. Kc8 Kb6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K4B1/P7/1nk5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Be5 {! %05If it is White to move, he wins by} Kb4 2. Kb6 Kc4 3. Bf4 Kb4 4. Bg5 Kc4 (4... Nd6 5. Be7) 5. Be7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1K4B1/P1nk4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 With a rook's pawn on the 5th rank and the square in front of it inaccessible to the bishop, the rule made for all other pawns will hold: to draw it is sufficient to control the square in front of the pawn with both pieces.} 1. Be8 {%05Therefore White plays} (1. Be4+ {there follows %05This position is obtained by moving example %05~3($402505)~ one rank down the board. The plan which %05worked there is no longer possible: on} Nxe4 2. a6 Nd6 3. a7 Nc8+ {=}) 1... Kd4 (1... Kd6 {will now draw, as in example ~3 ($412505)~. Let us see what happens if Black plays differently: %05It is clear that}) (1... Kc4 2. Bc6 Kd4 (2... Kb4 {%05after} 3. Bb5 {! we have a typical zugzwang position, and White wins, e.g.} Ne4 4. a6 Nd6 5. Bd7 Nc4+ 6. Kc7 { %04etc.}) 3. Kb5 Ne6 {!} 4. Bg2 Nc5 5. Bf3 Ne6 6. Bh5 Nc7+ {!} (6... Nc5 { , then %05if} 7. Bf7 {!} Ne4 8. a6 Nd6+ 9. Kc6 Nc8 10. Be6 Na7+ 11. Kb6 { , and wins}) 7. Kb6 {!} (7. Kc6 {?} Kc4 {!} 8. Be2+ Kb4 9. Kb6 Na8+ 10. Ka6 Nc7+ {= , and Black gives perpetual check.}) 7... Nd5+ 8. Kc6 Nb4+ 9. Kb5 Nd5 10. Bf7 Nc7+ 11. Kb6 $18) 2. Bf7 Nd7+ (2... Na4+ {%05not} 3. Kb5 Nc5 4. Bg8 { , when Black is powerless to stop the pawn}) 3. Kc6 Nb8+ {!} (3... Nc5 { loses to} 4. Kb5 {%04etc.}) 4. Kb5 (4. Kb7 {%05nothing is achieved by} Kc5 {!} 5. Be8 Kb4 6. Kb6 Kc4 7. Bf7+ Kb4 8. Be6 Ka4 {, when is unable to improve his position}) 4... Kc3 {Black's system of defence is very simple. When the white king attacks his knight, his king must attack the pawn. Therefore he must keep his king close to the pawn.^013^010 White is unable to win. For example, on} 5. Be6 {Black can even play} Kb2 6. Kb6 Ka3 7. Kb7 Kb4 {= %04etc. We reach the interesting conclusion ~2that against a rook's pawn on the 5th rank there are several types of drawn position.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K1k3/6B1/P1n5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] 1... Na6+ {%05Here, due to the remote position of his king, Black is unable to set up a drawn position. For example:} (1... Ke6 {%05Or} 2. Kc6 Na6 3. Bd3 {!} Nb4+ 4. Kb5 Nxd3 (4... Nd5 5. Bc4) 5. a6 Nf4 6. a7 Nd5 7. Kc6 {, and White wins.}) 2. Kb6 Nb8 {!} (2... Nb4 {%05the strongest, White's task being simplified by} 3. Be4 {!} Kd7 4. Kb5 Na2 5. a6 Nc3+ 6. Ka5 {, when the pawn queens}) 3. Kb7 Nd7 4. Bf5 {!} Nc5+ 5. Kc6 {!} Na6 6. Kb6 {!} Nb4 (6... Nb8 7. Kb7) 7. Be4 {!} Kd7 8. Kb5 Na2 9. a6 Nc3+ 10. Ka5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sevitov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/6B1/7n/P7/1K6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841 If the defender is not able to stop the pawn on the 5th rank, the result will depend upon whether or not he is able to obtain a drawn position on the 6th or 7th rank. We will consider one such example.} 1. Be5 { , when the following two continuations are possible: %05The composer's plan was } Ng4 (1... Nf5 2. a6 Ne7 3. Kc5 Nc8 {(Black has managed temporarily to stop the pawn, but a draw is possible here only with the knight at c6 and the king at d7)} 4. Kc6 Na7+ 5. Kb7 Nc8 (5... Nb5 6. Kb6) 6. Bf6+ Kd7 7. Be7 {! , and wins.}) (1... Nf7 {! %05 However, readers of the magazine Shakhmaty v SSSR found that against accurate defence by Black there is no win. The correct continuation is:} 2. Bf4 Kd7 {!} 3. Kc5 Nd8 {!} 4. a6 Nc6 5. Kb6 Ne7 6. Kb7 Nc6 7. Bc7 Na7 {! , with a draw as in example ~3($412505)~.}) 2. Bg3 Nf6 3. a6 Kc8 4. Kc5 Nd7+ (4... Ne4+ 5. Kc6 Nxg3 6. a7) 5. Kb5 Nf6 6. Kc6 Ne8 7. a7 Nc7 8. Be1 {, and White wins ~3($402499)~.} * [Event "Vancouver (Canada)"] [Site "Vancouver (Canada)"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Behting Carl"] [Black "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K2/3kn3/6B1/7P/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ841} 1... Kd6 {%05It appears that Black should have little difficulty in gaining^013^010 %05a draw. He has to achieve a drawn position such as No.^013^010 %05~3($412505)~ or No.~3($412508)~. Moreover, it is^013^010 %05important that in certain cases he can give up his knight^013^010 %05to reach h8 with his king.^013^010 %05 Possible, for example, is} (1... Nd3 {%05There is also another way:} 2. h4 Nf4 3. Kf5 Kd6 {= %04etc.}) (1... Ke4 {? , and after %05But Black played the incorrect} 2. Bc8 {! it transpired that on} Nf3 {there follows} (2... Nd3 {%05and on} 3. Bf5+) (2... Kf4 {%05Black had to play} 3. h4 Nf3 4. h5 Ng5 {, but} 5. Bf5 Nf3 6. h6 Ng5 7. Kg6 {led to zugzwang and to defeat.}) 3. Bb7+ Kf4 4. Bxf3 Kxf3 5. Kg5 $18) 2. Be2 (2. Bc8 Nf3 3. Bb7 Nh4 4. Kg5 Ke7 5. Kxh4 Kf6) 2... Nd7+ 3. Kf7 Ne5+ (3... Ke5 {%05even simpler is} 4. h4 Nf6) 4. Kg7 Ke7 5. h4 Nd7 6. h5 Nf6 7. h6 Ne8+ 8. Kg6 Nf6 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1843.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bledow Ludwig E (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3B4/8/7K/5k2/7P/3n4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1843.??.??"] {(Bledow has the pawn at h3)} 1. Kg5 {%05 Here, owing to the unfortunate placing of his pieces, Black is unable to prevent the advance and queening of the pawn, although it is in its initial position.} Nf2 2. h4 {!} Ne4+ 3. Kg6 Nxd6 (3... Nf2 4. h5 Ng4 5. Kg5 {%04etc.}) 4. h5 Nc4 5. h6 Ne5+ 6. Kg7 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2bP4/2N1K3/8/8/8/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] {~1 2. KNIGHT AND PAWN AGAINST BISHOP~ In the struggle against a passed pawn a bishop is much stronger than a knight. %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Ke6 { %05Black's king is far away, and the bishop on its own must prevent the advance of the pawn.^013^010 To win White must either drive the bishop off the a4-e8 diagonal, or attempt to block the diagonal. It turns out that neither is possible.^013^010 Even without the help of his king, Black can prevent the advance of the pawn. For example:} Bb5 2. Ke7 Bc6 3. Kd8 Bb5 4. Kc7 Kg1 5. Nd3 Kh1 6. Ne5 Be8 {! (7. Nc6 was threatened)} 7. Nd7 Kg1 8. Kd8 Bg6 9. Ke7 Bf5 { (White has evicted the bishop from one diagonal, but it has switched to another, even longer one)} 10. Nc5 Bc8 {!} 11. Nd7 Kh1 12. Kd8 Ba6 13. Kc7 Bb5 14. Ne5 Be8 {!= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1bP5/1N1K4/8/8/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {In this and the following position Black is again able to prevent the advance of the pawn without using his king. Thus there is a whole series of drawn positions in which the defender, with his bishop alone and without the help of his king, can prevent the advance and queening of the pawn. The characteristic feature of all these positions is that the diagonal on which the bishop stands has not less than five squares, and the knight and king can deprive it of only four. %212045826630=4HLJ843} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/bP6/N1K5/8/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/8/8/8/8/8/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N #B(8/8/3I14/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I1I12/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) For rapid orientation and calculation we offer the following rule: ~2 if the white pawn has not yet crossed the boundary outlined by b4-c5-d6-e5-f4-g3 for a white-squared bishop, or b3-c4-d5-e6-f5-g4 for a black-squared bishop~ ~3 (this and the following position)~ ,~2 and the bishop controls the square in front of the pawn, the game is drawn, even if the black king is unable to support the bishop.~ %212045826630=4HLJ843 For a white-squared bishop} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/8/8/8/8/8/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {For a black-squared bishop %15N #B(8/8/4I13/3I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I1I11/ 1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) If the bishop does not control the square in front of the pawn, the rule, of course, does not apply.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dimentberg"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b3K3/8/3P4/4k1N1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kd7 {he threatens 2. Kc7 and 3. d7. On the forced %05Here the pawn has not yet crossed the indicated boundary, but White is able to win. After} Kd5 {there follows} 2. Kc7 Bc6 3. Ne4 {! , when Black is in zugzwang and loses. It is useful to note that, if position of this example is moved one file to right, the black bishop acquires an extra square and there will be no zugzwang. The black king in position of this example was playing a double role. It defended the bishop, but simultaneously hindered it, since the bishop could not from c6 due to a fork. It is logical to assume that there may be other positions where the king prevents the bishop from fulfilling its task. Consider the following one.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k3b3/2K5/3P4/8/8/2N5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Nd5 {%05Due to the unfortunate position of his king, after} Ka7 (1... Bb5 2. Nb4 Be8 3. Nc6) 2. Nb4 Ka8 3. Nc6 {Black gets into zugzwang and loses.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/2K5/3P4/8/b7/8/8/1N6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {The study had the following position (with flanks reversed): %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nc3 {%05The solution:} Be8 (1... Bb5 {! Black is able to draw, e.g. %05But Cheron showed that after} 2. Nd5 Ka7 3. Nb4 Be8 4. Nc6+ Ka6 {, and the king escapes from the corner. =}) 2. Nd5 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kalinin Alexander"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k1KN4/8/3P4/8/8/5b2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {The following study is a development of Horwitz and Kling's idea.} 1. Ne6 Bc6 (1... Bg4 2. Kd7 {and 3. Ke7}) 2. Nd4 Be8 (2... Bg2 3. Kd7 {!} Bh3+ 4. Ne6 Bf1 5. Kc6) 3. Kd8 Ba4 4. Kc7 Be8 5. Nc6 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/2KN4/3P4/8/b7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Ne5 {(or 1. Nb8), and it transpires that the black king prevents the bishop from carrying out its functions. After %05White plays} Bb5 2. Nc6 $40 {White wins. Therefore the reservation must be made that the rule is completely valid controls the square in front of the pawn, and the black king does not interfere with it. We will now turn to a systematic study of positions where the pawn has already crossed the boundary (~3( 2516)~ and ~3( 2517)~ ).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2bP4/2N1K3/8/8/8/8/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%15N T2(a1:g1)clBlack Losing zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/I17/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) The bishop has only four free squares, of which two (d8 and a5) are controlled by the knight. In order to drive away the bishop, it must be deprived of two further squares (b6 and c7) This can be done by taking the king along the route d5-c5-b5-a6-b7. The result will depend on the position of the black king. If he can prevent White's manoeuvre, Black will draw, if not, he will lose. Let us consider various positions of the black king. With the king at a1 or b1 it is obvious that the march of the opposite king to b7 cannot be prevented.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2bP4/2N1K3/8/8/8/8/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T1(d1:h1)clBlack Losing zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/I17/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd5 {? %05If the black king is at c1, the march of the white king %05leads only to a draw. For example:} (1. Ke7 {, for example: %05But White has an alternative way of attacking the bishop. He wins by} Kd2 (1... Kb2 2. Nd4 {!} Ba5 3. Ne6 Bb4+ (3... Kc3 4. Kd6 Bb4+ 5. Nc5 Ba5 6. Nb7 Bb6 7. Kc6) 4. Kf6 {!} Bc3+ 5. Kf5 Ba5 6. Ke4 Kb3 7. Kd5 {, followed by 8. Kc6 and 9. Nc7$18.}) 2. Nd4 {!} Ke3 3. Ne6 Bg3 4. Ke8 Bh4 5. Nf8 Ke4 6. Ng6 Bg5 7. Ne7 $18) 1... Kd2 2. Kc4 Ke3 3. Kb5 Ke4 4. Ka6 Kd5 5. Kb7 Kd6 {= %04etc. White wins in exactly the same way, by 1. Ke7 followed by 2. Nd4 and 3. Ne6, when the black king is on any square from d1 to h1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2bP4/2N1K3/8/8/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T1(d1:h1)clBlack Losing zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/I17/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd5 {%05With the king at a2 after} (1. Ke7 {? leads only to a draw, for example: %05It should be noted that} Kb3 {!} 2. Nd4+ Kc4 3. Ne6 Ba5 4. Kd6 Bb4+ {By reaching c4 the black king prevents Ne6-c5.}) 1... Ka3 (1... Kb3 2. Nd4+ {followed by 4. Ne6 5. Kc6 and 6. Nc7, blocking the diagonal}) 2. Kc4 {!} Ka4 3. Kc5 {Black ends up in zugzwang and is forced to allow the white king through to b7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2bP4/2N1K3/8/8/8/1k6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%15N T1(d1:h1)clBlack Losing zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/I17/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd5 {Black should play %05With his king at b2, after} (1. Ke7 {Black plays %05On} Kc3 2. Nd8 { , and draws by controlling c5, as already examined.}) 1... Kc3 {!} (1... Kb3 { %05but not} 2. Nd4+ {and 3. Ne6}) (1... Ka3 {%05or} 2. Kc4 {!} Ka4 3. Kc5 { ! , and in both cases White wins}) 2. Kc5 Kd3 {!} 3. Kb5 Ke4 {!} 4. Ka6 Kd5 5. Kb7 Kd6 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2bP4/2N1K3/8/8/8/7k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {%15N T1(d1:h1)clBlack Losing zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/I17/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke7 {%05With the king at h2 it is again a draw:} (1. Kd5 {%05or} Kg3 2. Kc5 Kf4 3. Kb5 Ke4 4. Ka6 Kd5 5. Kb7 Kd6 {=}) 1... Kg3 {!} 2. Nd4 Kg4 3. Ne6 Ba5 (3... Bg3 {?} 4. Ke8 Bh4 5. Nd4 {! followed by 6. Nc6 and 7. Ne7}) 4. Kd6 Kf5 {!} 5. Nc7 Bb4+ {!} 6. Kc6 Be7 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2bP4/2N1K3/8/8/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N T1(d1:h1)clBlack Losing zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/I17/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kd5 {%05We will also consider the position of the king at a3:} Bb6 {!} (1... Ka4 {%05the only move; Black loses after} 2. Kc5) (1... Kb3 {%05or} 2. Nd4+ { and 3. Ne6}) 2. Kc4 (2. Nd4 {! %05Similarly, nothing is achieved by} Bd8 { ! Again the only move.} (2... Ka4 {%05Black loses after} 3. Ne6 Kb5 4. Kd6 $18) ) 2... Ka4 $40 {! , and it is White who is in zugzwang. We have succeeded in determining the zone for Black's king, inside of which he is guaranteed against defeat. Positions ~3( 2523)-( 2528)~ are a reference position for many other positions with the most varied piece arrangements.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2KP4/8/8/3N3b/8/8/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nc6 {%05After} Kf2 2. Kd6 {Black is forced to play} Bg3+ (2... Ke3 {loses immediately to %05since the move considered by Fine,} 3. Ne7 Bg3+ 4. Kc6) 3. Kc5 {! , after which both %05Where should White move his king? Knowing %05position ~3($402523)~ we easily find} (3. Ke7 {%05Instead of 3. Kc5, there is a more complicated win by} Ke3 {!} 4. Ne5 {!!} (4. Nd8 { %05but not} Ke4 {!} 5. Ne6 Bh4+ {, with a draw}) 4... Ke4 5. Ke8 Bh4 6. Nc6 { (or 6. Ng6) and 7. Ne7.}) 3... Bh4 (3... Bc7 {%05and} 4. Kb5 Ke3 5. Ka6 Ke4 6. Kb7 {lead to a quick win.}) 4. Kd5 Ke3 5. Ke6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/N2P4/8/4K3/8/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {The following three studies are elaborations on the already familiar-zugzwang position.} 1. Kd5 Ba5 (1... Ka4 2. Nc6 {!} Bb6 (2... Bc7 {%05or} 3. Kc5) 3. Kc4 {!}) 2. Nb5+ Kb4 3. Nd4 Ka4 4. Nc6 Bb6 (4... Bc7 5. Kc5) 5. Kc4 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/3P4/8/4N3/4K3/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Nc6 Bc7 2. Nd4 Ba5 (2... Bd8 3. Kd5 Ka4 4. Nc6 Bc7 (4... Bb6 {%05or} 5. Kc4 {!}) 5. Kc5 {!}) 3. Ne6 Ka4 4. Ke5 {!} Bc3+ 5. Kf5 Ba5 6. Ke4 {!} Kb4 7. Kd4 Kb5 8. Kd5 Bb6 9. Kd6 Ba5 10. Nc7+ {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kosek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4b3/4P3/8/8/4N3/8/8/4K2k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Nf6 Bg6 (1... Bf7 {%05or} 2. Kf2 {!} Kh2 3. Kf3 Kh3 4. Kf4 Kh4 5. Kf5 $18) ( 1... Ba4 {%05or, finally,} 2. Kd2 {!} Kg2 3. Kc3 Kf3 4. Kb4 Bc6 5. Kc5 Ba4 6. Kd6 {and 7. Nd7$18}) 2. Kf1 {!} Kh2 3. Kf2 Kh3 4. Kf3 Kh4 5. Kf4 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/1bP5/1N1K4/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Let us now move position ~3( 2523)~ one file to the left. Draw only if the black king is inside the zone %212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(a4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/1I11I1I13/I11I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke6 {%05Here the bishop has only three free squares, and so it is to be expected that White threatens to play 1. Kd7 followed by 2. Na4 and 3. Nc5, driving away the bishop, or else 1. Na4, 2. Nc5, followed by 3. Ke7, 4. Kd8 and 5. Nd7, blocking off the bishop from c8.^013^010 In order to maintain the balance, Black must use his king to prevent this regrouping. The boundary indicates the zone within which the black king can do this. 1. Kd7 is prevented if the king is at e8, when White is indeed unable to win. For example:} Ba6 {! We will check a few further positions of the black king:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1bP2k2/1N1K4/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N T2(a4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/1I11I1I13/I11I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd7 Kf6 2. Na4 Ke5 3. Nc5 Bf3 4. Kd8 Bg4 5. Nd7+ { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1bP5/1N1K1k2/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N T2(a4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/1I11I1I13/I11I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd7 (1. Nd7+ {%05Or} Kf7 2. Nc5 Bc8 {, again with a draw.}) 1... Ke5 {!} 2. Na4 Kd5 {, and 3. Nc5 is not possible!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1bP5/1N1K4/5k2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%15N T2(a4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/1I11I1I13/I11I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nd7 {!} Bc8 2. Ke7 {followed by 3. Kd8 and 4. Nc5, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1bP5/1N1K4/8/8/5k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N T2(a4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/1I11I1I13/I11I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Na4 Ke3 2. Nc5 Bc8 3. Ke7 Kd4 4. Kd8 Bg4 5. Nd7 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1bP5/1N1K4/8/8/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%15N T2(a4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/1I11I1I13/I11I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nd7 (1. Kc5 {%05or} Kb3 {!} ( 1... Ba6 {?} 2. Nc4+ Ka4 3. Nd6 Ka5 4. Kc6 Kb4 5. Kb6 $18) 2. Nc4 Bc8 {! , with a draw.}) 1... Kb4 2. Nc5 Bc8 3. Kc6 Ka5 4. Nd7 Ka6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kbP5/1N1K4/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(a4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ 1I11I1I13/I11I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nd7 Ba6 2. Nc5 Bc8 3. Ke7 Kb6 4. Kd8 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mugnos"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1bP5/1N6/2K5/8/5k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {Having studied the method of play in position ~3( 2533)~, it is not difficult to solve the following study. %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nc4 (1. Kd6 {does not achieve anything, since by %05It is clear that} Ke4 {or 1... Ke3 the black king enters the zone (62). White's problem is to drive away the bishop, while preventing up to a certain time the approach of the black king.}) 1... Bc8 2. Kd5 {! Now the following variations are possible:} Kf4 (2... Bb7+ 3. Ke6 { ! (it is important to leave d6 for the knight)} Bc8+ (3... Kf4 4. Nd6 Ba6 5. Kd5 Ke3 6. Kc6 {and 7. Nb7}) 4. Ke7 {(The brief solution of the study, given in M. Czerniak's book on the endgame (Buenos Aires, 1941) terminates at this point. In fact things are still by no means simple, and so we have decided to give a fuller solution. The subsequent variations are our own.)} Ba6 5. Nd6 Kf4 6. Kd7 Be2 (6... Ke5 7. Kc6 Ke6 8. Nb7) 7. Nc4 {!} Bg4+ 8. Kd8 Ke4 9. Nb6 { and 10. Nd7, winning.}) (2... Ke2 {%05It remains to check whether or not Black can immediately bring up his king to c5.} 3. Nd6 {!} (3. Nb6 {?} Bb7+ 4. Kd6 Kd3 {leads only to a draw}) 3... Bg4 4. Ne4 Bc8 (4... Kd3 5. Nf2+) 5. Nc5 Ke3 6. Ke5 {!} Kd2 7. Kd6 Kc3 8. Ke7 Kc4 9. Kd8 {, and wins.}) 3. Kc6 Kf3 (3... Kg5 {%05or} 4. Nb6 Ba6 5. Kd7 Kf5 6. Na4 Ke5 7. Nc5 Be2 8. Kd8 Bg4 9. Nd7+) 4. Nb6 Ba6 5. Nd7 Ke3 {(the king attempts to attack c5, but this does not succeed)} 6. Nc5 Bc8 7. Kd5 {!} Bh3 8. Kd6 Bc8 9. Ke7 Kd4 10. Kd8 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/2PK4/3N4/8/8/6b1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 (with flanks reversed)} 1. Kd7 {! %05 Black cannot prevent c6-c7, and the entire battle will rage around the move c7-c8. The composers of the position thought that after} Ka7 2. c7 Bh3+ (2... Bf1 { ! %05But in 1927 R. Bianchetti showed that Black can save the position by} 3. Kd8 Ba6 {, when, as is clear from example ~3($412533)~, Black's king is inside the drawing zone and controls c5. After} 4. Nf6 Kb6 {!} 5. Nd7+ Kb5 {!= the draw is completely obvious.}) 3. Kd8 Kb7 {White would succeed in blocking the diagonal by} 4. Nf4 {!} Bf5 (4... Bg4 5. Nd3 (5. Ng6 {, followed by 6. Ne5 and 7. Nd7 %05or})) 5. Ng6 {!} Bh3 6. Ne5 {and 7. Nd7$18.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kalinin Alexander"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1kP5/2NK4/8/8/5b2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {In the following study on attempt is made to synthesize the idea of Horwitz & Kling with that of Bianchetti. (with flanks reversed) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Na5+ Kc8 2. Nc4 {!} Kb7 (2... Bg4 {%05no better is} 3. Kc6 Bf3+ 4. Kb6) 3. Kd7 Ka7 {Defence "a la Bianchetti".} (3... Bg4+ {%05If} 4. Kd8 Kc6 {, then} 5. Ne5+ ) 4. Nb2 {!! an exceptional subtle move;} Bg2 (4... Kb6 {, then %05if now} 5. Na4+ Kb5 6. Nc5 {!} Bg4+ 7. Ne6 {, and the pawn queens}) 5. Kd8 Bh3 (5... Bb7 { %05or} 6. Na4 {and 7. Nc5.}) 6. Nc4 Kb7 7. Ne5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/bP6/N2K4/8/8/8/8/7k b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Draw only with the black king at a4 or a5 This position, obtained by moving example ~3( 2533)~ one file to the left, will be even worse for Black. White threatens to play 1. Kd7, 2. Kc8, 3. Nc7 and 4. Nb5, driving away the bishop, or 1. Nc7, 2. Nb5, 3. Kb6, 4. Nc7 and 5. Na6, driving away the bishop, and then 6. Nc7, blocking its diagonal. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/8/XI7/XI7/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/bP6/N1K5/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/XI7/XI7/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd6 {! he is in zugzwang, and is forced to allow the white king in at c7. After %05 Black is not saved by having his king at d8, since after} Ke8 2. Kc7 Ke7 3. Nb4 Bf2 4. Kc8 Bg3 5. Na6 {White wins. With other positions of the black king:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/bP6/N1K5/8/8/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/XI7/XI7/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 Kb4 2. Nb5 Bb8 3. Kb6 {!} Kc4 4. Nc7 Kd4 5. Na6 Bf4 6. Nc7 { (it is the same with the king at b3, d3 or c4), and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/bP6/N1K5/8/3k4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/XI7/XI7/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 Ke5 2. Kd7 Bb8 3. Kc8 Ba7 4. Nb5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/bP6/N1K1k3/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/XI7/XI7/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc7 {! %05but a win results from} (1. Nc7+ Ke7 2. Nb5 Bb8 3. Kb6 Kd8 {does not work,}) 1... Kd5 2. Nb4+ Kc4 3. Nc6 Be3 4. Ne5+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/bP6/N1K5/8/k7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/XI7/XI7/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 {%05Only with his king at a4 or a5 does Black draw, e.g. (with his king at a4):} (1. Kc7 {%05or} Kb5 2. Nb8 Be3 3. Nc6 Bf4+ {=}) 1... Ka5 2. Nb5 Bb8 {= We have examined the basic positions with pawns on the 7th rank, with the exception of the rook's pawn. In the main the result depends on the position of the black king. The closer the pawn is to edge of the board, the more restricted the bishop is, and the greater the stronger side's winning chances.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/3K4/1bP5/1N6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%15N T2(a3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) We will now turn to a study of positions with pawns on the 6th rank. We have already established that a d- or e-pawn on the 6th rank can be stopped by a bishop without the help of its king. We will therefore begin our analysis with the bishop's pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc8 {%05White threatens by Na3-c4 to drive away the bishop and win. Black can hold the position if he can prevent the knight from reaching c4. This makes it easy to find the boundary of the drawing zone, as the reader himself can check. We will consider only the positions of the black king at d8 and b8. In the first case White has a study-like win: !} Bc5 {!} (1... Ba5 2. Nd6 Ka7 3. Nc4 Be1 4. Kd7 Bg3 5. Nd6 $18) 2. Na3 {!} Bd6 (2... Bxa3 3. Kd7 $18) 3. Kd7 Bf4 4. Nb5 Bb8 5. Ke7 Bf4 6. Nd6 Kb8 7. Kd7 Bxd6 8. Kxd6 Kc8 9. c7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/3K4/1bP5/1N6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N T2(a3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Na3 {%05With his king at b8 Black gains a draw, e.g.:} Ba5 {!} 2. Nc4 Bc7 3. Nd6 Ba5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/1bP5/1N1K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Draw only if the black king is inside the zone %15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Now it is not difficult to make an analysis of this position. White threatens by Kd6-d7 to transpose to position ~3( 2549)~. We will consider some possible positions of the black king:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/1bP5/1N1K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd6 Kf7 2. Kd7 {, and wins ~3($402550)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/1bP5/1N1K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Ke6 {!} Kg6 2. Kd7 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1bP3k1/1N1K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Ke6 {!} (1. Kd6 {%05but not} Kf5 2. Na3 Ke4 3. Nc4 Bd8 4. Kd7 Kd5 {, with a draw.}) 1... Kg5 2. Kd7 {, and wins} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1bP5/1N1K2k1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd6 (1. Ke5 {%05or} Ba5 {, with a draw.}) 1... Kf4 2. Na3 Ke4 3. Nc4 Bd8 4. Kd7 Kd5 {= From g4, g3 and g2 the king also succeeds in reaching d5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1bP5/1N1K4/8/8/8/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd6 Kf2 2. Na3 Kf3 3. Nc4 Bd8 4. Kd7 {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1bP2k2/1N1K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kd6 Kf5 2. Na3 Ke4 3. Nc4 Bd8 4. Kd7 Kd5 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/1bP5/1N1K4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] {%15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nd6 {!} Bc7 2. Ke6 Bb8 3. Kd7 Kg7 4. Ne8+ Kg6 5. Nc7 Kf5 {!} 6. Kc8 Ba7 7. Nb5 Bb6 8. Kd7 Ke5 {, with a draw. Thus the drawing zone is defined. Black maintains the balance if he can control c4 with his king, or else reach b8, c8, d8 or e8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/1K6/2P5/1N6/8/8/8/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Apart from positions ~3( 2549)~ and ~3( 2551)~, two further characteristic positions are possible with a pawn at c6. Draw only if the black king is inside the zone %212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(a3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B (I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) Here we have a somewhat different deployment of the white king and black bishop. White threatens 1. Nd4, 2. Ne6 and 3. Ka6, driving the bishop off the a5-d8 diagonal. The line indicates the boundary of the zone, within which the black king must be to prevent this manoeuvre. Let us check a few positions of the black king:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/1K6/2P5/1N6/8/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nd4 Ka3 2. Ne6 Ba5 3. Ka6 Kb4 {, with a draw. Reaching a4 or b4 with the king guarantees a draw, and hence moving the black king to one of these squares saves the position when it starts at b2, c2 or d2. Only from e2 is the king powerless to prevent the winning manoeuvre.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/1K6/2P5/1N6/8/5k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(a2:g4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nd6 {! %05White wins by transposing into position 67: } (1. Nd4+ {? %05Only a draw results from} Ke4 2. Ne6 Ba5 3. Ka6 Kd5) 1... Kf4 2. Kc8 Ba5 3. Kd7 $40 {followed by 4. Nc4. White also wins by 1. Nd6 with the king at f4. With the king on the squares g5-g8, White wins by the immediate transposing into position ~3( 2549)~ by 1. Kc8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/1K6/2P5/1N3k2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Kc8 {%05With the king at f5 this plan does not work, for example:} Bb6 2. Kd7 Ke5 {!} 3. Nd6 Kd5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K4/2P5/1N6/8/8/8/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {The diagram, as usual, indicates the zone inside which the black king must be to secure a draw. %212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B (I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Here the bishop is most favourably placed. However, if the black king cannot come to its help, White will drive the bishop onto less favourable squares by 1. Nc7 followed by 2. Kc8, and on 2... Ba7 there follows 3. Nb5 Bb6, after which he can transpose into position ~3( 2549~ or ~3( 2551)~ by 4. Kd7 or 4. Kb7. If 1... Ba7, then 2. Na6 Bb6 3. Nc5, followed by 4. Na4, 5. Nb2 and 6. Nc4. Let us consider various positions of the black king:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b3k2/3K4/2P5/1N6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 Kf7 2. Kc8 Ba7 3. Nb5 Bb6 4. Kd7 {, and the black king is outside king is outside the drawing zone ~3($402549)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K1k2/2P5/1N6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 Kf6 2. Kc8 Ba7 3. Kb7 Bf2 4. Nd5+ {and 5. c7, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K4/2P2k2/1N6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 Ke5 2. Na6 (2. Kc8 Kd6) 2... Bd6 3. Nc7 Bc5 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K4/2P3k1/1N6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nc7 Kf5 2. Kc8 Ba7 3. Nb5 Bb6 4. Kd7 Ke5 {, with a draw. Black's king is inside the drawing zone ~3($412549)~. It is also a draw with the king at g5 or g4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K4/2P5/1N6/8/6k1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 Kf4 (1... Kf3 { %05or} 2. Kc8 Ba7 3. Nb5 Bb6 4. Nd6 {! , winning.}) 2. Kc8 Ba7 3. Kb7 Bd4 4. Nd5+ {and 5. c7$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K4/2P5/1N6/8/5k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 Ba7 2. Na6 Bb6 3. Nc5 Ke3 4. Na4 Ba5 5. Nb2 Kd4 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K4/2P5/1N6/8/8/5k2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 Ba7 {!} (1... Kf3 {? %05Black loses after} 2. Kc8 Ba7 3. Nb5 Bb6 4. Nd6) 2. Na6 Bb6 3. Nc5 Ke3 4. Na4 Ba5 5. Nb2 Kd4 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K4/2P5/1N6/8/8/8/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc7 Ba7 2. Na6 Bb6 3. Nc5 Ke2 4. Na4 Ba5 5. Nb2 {and 6. Nc4, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K4/2P5/1N6/8/8/8/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nc7 Ba7 2. Na6 Bb6 3. Nc5 Kd2 {!} 4. Na4 Ba5 5. Nb2 Kc3 {= , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "kb6/3K4/2P5/1N6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N T2(a3:f4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Ke7 Bf4 2. Nd6 Kb8 3. Kd7 Bxd6 4. Kxd6 Kc8 5. c7 $40 {, and wins. Black draws whenever he is able to take control of c4. From a comparison of positions ~3( 2549)~,~3( 2559)~ and ~3( 2563)~, it is easy to establish that the most favourable for Black is position ~3( 2563)~, and the most unfavourable ~3( 2549)~. Positions ~3( 2549)-( 2563)~ are basic ones, demonstrating the typical methods of attack and defence. Familiarity with them enables them many others to be easily worked out. We will now turn to an examination of such positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/4B3/8/8/8/2n2p2/5k2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Bc5+ {! %05White's problem is to obtain one of the basic positions %05with his king inside the drawing zone. A comparison of %05these positions shows that he must obtain No. %05~3($402563)~, since there the drawing zone is the %05largest, and the white king is closest to it. Hence he %05must play} (1. Bh4+ {A comparison of diagrams ~3($402549)~ and ~3 ($402559)~ leads us to conclude that Black should play %05Let us now check what happens if White plays} Kg2 {! , since in this case the white king is further from the drawing zone. Indeed, after} (1... Ke2 {? Then by %05It remains for us to establish what happens after} 2. Kc7 {!} Nd5+ 3. Kd6 {!} Ne3 4. Ke5 {! White succeeds in drawing.}) 2. Kc7 Ne4 3. Be1 {(otherwise 3... Ng3)} Nc5 4. Kd6 Nd3 5. Bh4 Kh3 {Black wins.}) 1... Ke2 2. Bg1 {, and after} Nd1 3. Kc7 {! he draws, since his king has entered the drawing zone.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/b7/2P5/8/8/6N1/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kc7 {, and now: %05 Black's king is inside the drawing zone, but for the moment his bishop is not controlling the square in front of the pawn. Black in fact is not able to do this, and White queens his pawn.} Bd4 (1... Be3 2. Ne2 { !} (2. Ne4 {?} Kb3 3. Nd6 Bd2 4. Kb6 Ka4 5. Kb7 Ba5 6. Nc4 Bd8 7. Kc8 Kb5) 2... Bc5 3. Nc1+ {!} (3. Nc3+ {?} Kb3 4. Ne4 Be3) 3... Ka3 4. Nd3 Bg1 5. Ne5 {!} Bh2 6. Kd6 {, and wins.}) 2. Ne4 {!} (2. Nf5 {?} Bc3 3. Nd6 Ba5+ 4. Kd7 Kb3) 2... Kb3 3. Nd6 Bc5 (3... Bc3 4. Kb6 Ka4 5. Nc4) 4. Nc8 {! (a subtle move, which brings success)} Bf2 (4... Bb4 {%05or} 5. Kb7 {!} Be1 6. c7 Bg3 7. Nd6) 5. Kd7 {!} Be1 6. c7 Ba5 7. Nb6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kosek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/2P5/b7/8/2N3k1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kb7 {, when Black has a choice: %05This means that White must play} (1. Nd5 {%05Black's king is not yet inside the drawing %05zone ~3($402549)~ and ~3($402559)~. To win, White %05must obtain one of these positions with the opposing %05king outside the zone. Black is threatening to play 1... %05Bc7, so that either 1. Nd5 or 1. Kb7 must be played.^013^010 %05 After} Bd8 2. Kb7 Kf3 3. Nc7 Ke4 4. Ne6 Ba5 5. Ka6 Kd5 { a draw results (the king has arrived in time).}) 1... Kg4 (1... Kf3 {%05Black tried to prevent the knight from reaching e6, but it went instead to c4. He can try to prevent it from reaching c4:} 2. Na4 {!} Bd8 3. Nc5 {! (a new idea; the knight goes to e6)} Ke3 4. Ne6 Ba5 5. Ka6 $18) (1... Bd8 {%05Let us try waiting:} 2. Kc8 {!} Ba5 {(transferring the bishop to the h2-b8 diagonal would lead to a draw, except that on 2... Bf6 or 2... Bg5 White wins by 3. Ne4)} 3. Ne4+ Kf4 4. Nd6 {, and Black is powerless to prevent 5. Kd7 and 6. Nc4.}) 2. Nd5 {!} Bd8 {(the black king is ready to take control of e6, but White regroups)} 3. Kc8 {!} Bh4 {!} (3... Ba5 {, then %05forced; if} 4. Ne3+ Kf3 5. Nc4 Be1 6. Kd7) 4. Ne3+ {!} Kf3 (4... Kg5 5. Nf1 Be1 6. Kd7 Ba5 7. Ne3 { and 8. Nc4$18}) 5. Nf5 {!} Be1 6. Kd7 Ba5 7. Nd6 $40 {After a study of the typical positions ~3( 2549)- ( 2563)~, the following study seems elementary.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kosek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2PK4/4N3/8/7b/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nd6 {%05Events develop by force:} Bg1 2. c6 Bb6 3. Ke6 Bc7 (3... Kg2 {%05totally bad is} 4. Kd7 {and 5. Nc4$18}) 4. Kd7 Bb8 5. Nb5 {, and White wins, since the black king is outside the drawing zone ~3($402563) ~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/bP6/N7/8/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(XI7/8/8/2XI5/XIXI6/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc6 Ka4 2. Nb8 Bf1 3. b7 Bg2 4. Nc6 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/bP6/N7/3k4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(XI7/8/8/2XI5/XIXI6/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc6+ {%05With king on d4 or d5} Kc5 2. Nb8 Bc8 3. Nd7+ Bxd7 4. b7 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/bP6/N7/k7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(XI7/8/8/2XI5/XIXI6/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc6 Kb5 2. Nb8 Bc8 3. Nd7 Ba6 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/bP6/N7/1k6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(XI7/8/8/2XI5/XIXI6/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc6+ Kb5 {!} 2. Nb8 Bc8 3. Nd7 Ba6 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/bP6/Nk6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(XI7/8/8/2XI5/XIXI6/8/8/8) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc6 {(zugzwang)} Kc5 2. Nb8 Bc8 3. Nd7+ {, and wins. After an examination of the remaining king positions, we conclude that Black draws only when his king is at a4, b4, c5 or a8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b2k2/K7/1P6/N7/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T1(c6:e7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb8 {!} Ba6 2. Kc7 {and wins ~3($402578)~. It is the same with the king at f7, f6 or f5. With the king at e8, e7 or e6 Black draws after 1. Kb8 Kd7, e.g. 2. Nb7 Kc6.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/K7/1P6/N3k3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T1(c6:e7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kb8 Ba6 2. Kc7 Kd5 3. Nc6 {, and wins ~3($402578)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/K7/1P6/N2k4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N T1(c6:e7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 1. Kb8 Kc5 2. Kc7 Ba6 {! with a draw} (2... Kb5 {%05but not} 3. Nb7 Ka6 4. Nd6 {, when White wins.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/K7/1P6/N7/1k6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T1(c6:e7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) } 1. Nc6+ Kb5 2. Ne7 Ba6 3. Nf5 Ka5 4. Nd6 {, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b7/2K5/1P2k3/N7/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N T2(b4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nb7 {%05With his king at e6, e5 or e4, black draws by reaching c6, for example:} Kd5 2. Kb8 Kc6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b7/2K5/1P6/N7/8/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%15N T2(b4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nb7 {%05With his king at a3, b3, c3 or d3 Black maintains the balance by reaching b5 with his king:} Kb4 2. Kb8 Kb5 3. Ka7 Kc6 4. Nd8+ Kb5 {, with a draw. With the king at e3 this does not succeed: 1. Nb7 Kd4 2. Kb8, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b7/2K5/1P6/N7/8/4k3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%15N T2(b4:e5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) With the king at e3 this does not succeed} 1. Nb7 Kd4 2. Kb8 $40 {, winning. A comparison of the three preceding positions shows that the most favourable for Black is No. ~3( 2589)~, and the most unfavourable No. ~3( 2578)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/bP6/N1K5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(a3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc6 {! %05With the king at e8 White wins:} Bb7 2. Kd6 Ba8 3. Kc7 Kf7 4. Nd8+ Kf6 5. Nb7 Ke5 6. Kb8 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/bP6/N1K5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N T2(a3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc6 {%05It is the sane with the king at e7:} Kd8 2. Nb7+ {!} Kc8 3. Nc5 Be2 4. b7+ Kb8 5. Nd7+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/bP2k3/N1K5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(a3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc6 {%05With the king at e6 White wins, but in a different way:} Ke5 2. Kc7 Kd5 3. Nc6 {~3($402578)~. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/bP6/N1K1k3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N T2(a3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc6 {%05With the king at e5 it is a draw:} Kd4 2. Kc7 (2. Nb3+ {%05or} Ke5 {!} 3. Kc7 (3. Nc5 Bc4) 3... Kd5 4. Na5 Kc5 5. Nc6 Kb5 {=}) 2... Kc5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/bP6/N1K5/8/8/4k3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N T2(a3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc6 {%05It is also a draw with the king at e4 or e3, but with the king at e2 White again wins:} Kd3 2. Kc7 Kd4 3. Nc6+ Kc5 4. Nb8 Bc8 5. Nd7+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kosek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1PK5/3N4/8/6b1/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nc6 {%05After the above analysis, the solving of this study is quite straightforward:} Bf1 2. b6 Ba6 3. Kd6 (3. Na5 {, obtaining position ~3($402593)~, again with the king outside the zone. The dual solution can be removed if in the initial position the black king is at f2. All the sane it cannot reach the drawing zone, but the solution becomes unique, since 3. Na5 fails to 3... Ke3, when the king enters the zone. %05Also possible is %15 N T2(a3:e4)clBlack^013Drawing^013zone^013^013 #B(I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)}) 3... Bb7 4. Kc7 Ba8 5. Na5 Kf2 {, and we have obtained position ~3($412589)~ with the black king outside the drawing zone. %15 N T2(b4:e5)clBlack^013Drawing^013zone^013 #B(I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k3/BK4p1/5n2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Bd7 {! %05Cheron thought that by exact play White obtains a position with his king inside the drawing zone,^013^010 %05but the tablebases have refuted his opinion.^013^010 %05^013^010} g3 2. Bh3 Ne1 {!!} ( 2... Kd4 3. Bg2 Nh4 4. Bh1 Ke3 5. Kc3 Kf2 6. Kd4 {= or 6. Kd3 with a draw, since the king is inside the zone -^013^010 No. ~3($402589)~.}) (2... Nh4 3. Kc5 {! (a very subtle move; the king must approach from the rear -~3($402578)~} (3. Kc3 {? would have lost after %05Had White played} Ke4 4. Kd2 Kf3 5. Ke1 Ng2+ 6. Kf1 Nf4 7. Bd7 g2+ $19) 3... Ke4 4. Kd6 Kf3 5. Ke5 {!} Ng6+ 6. Kd4 {!} (6. Kf5 {?} Nf4 7. Bf1 Ng2 8. Kg5 Kf2 9. Bb5 Ne1 10. Bc6 Nf3+ {, and Black wins }) 6... Kf2 (6... Nf4 7. Bf5 {!}) 7. Ke4 Nh4 8. Kf4 {! , and the king reached the necessary square ~3($402578)~ .}) 3. Kc3 Ke4 4. Kd2 Nf3+ 5. Kd1 (5. Ke2 Ng1+ $19) 5... Ke3 6. Bg2 Kf2 7. Bh1 Ne1 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kosek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/bP6/k7/8/8/4N3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] 1. Nd4 {%05This study also reduces to positions we have already studied:} Ka4 ( 1... Bc8 {, and if %05Black could have played} 2. Nc6+ Ka6 3. Nb8+ {, then} (3. Nd8 {! %05But White wins by} Ka5 4. Nb7+ Ka6 5. Nd6) 3... Kb5 4. Nd7 Ba6 5. Kb8 Kc6 6. Ka7 Bc8 {, with a draw.}) 2. Kb8 Kb4 3. Ka8 {!} Ka4 4. Nc6 Bc8 5. Ka7 Kb5 6. Ne7 Ba6 7. Nf5 Ka5 8. Nd6 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kosek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Kb6/1Pk5/8/7N/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] 1. Nf5 {! %05Here White is able to exploit the unfortunate position of the black pieces:} Ba8 2. Nd4+ Kc5 3. Ne6+ Kc6 4. Nc7 Bb7 5. Nd5 {! , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yakimchik Vitold V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1P1k2N1/1K6/8/1b6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {In the following study White wins thanks to the fact that the bishop is unable to attack the square in front, although the black king is alongside.} 1. Ne7 {!} (1. Nf4 {?} Bd1 2. Nd5 Be2+ 3. Ka5 Kc6) 1... Bd1 (1... Bc2 2. Nd5 {!} Bd3+ 3. Ka5 Kc6 4. Nb4+ {, winning}) 2. Nf5+ {!} Kd7 3. Nd4 Bg4 (3... Kc8 4. Ka6 Ba4 5. Ka7) 4. Ka6 Kd8 5. Nc6+ {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/2K5/bP6/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Let us now consider positions with the pawn on the 5th rank. From diagrams ~3 ( 2516)~ and ~3( 2517)~ it is clear that the advance of a bishop's pawn on the 5th rank can be prevented without the help of the king. Therefore it remains to consider positions with a knight's pawn. Draw only if the black king is inside the zone %212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(d5:g6)clBlack Drawing zone #B (I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) White threatens by Nc5-b7 to evict the bishop and then to advance his pawn further. Let us see what the result will be for various positions of the black king:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/2K5/bP6/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%15N T2(d5:g6)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc5 Kg7 2. Nb7 Be1 3. b6 Kf8 4. Nd6 Bf2 5. b7 Ba7 6. Nb5 Bb8 7. Kd7 {and 8. Kc8, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/2K5/bP6/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%15N T2(d5:g6)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nc5 Kf7 2. Nb7 Bc3 {!} (2... Be1 3. b6 Ke7 4. Nd6 Bg3 (4... Bf2 5. b7 Ba7 6. Nc8+ $18) 5. Nf5+ $18) 3. b6 Ke7 4. Nd6 Be5 5. Nb5 Kd8 {= , with a draw. With the king at g7, g6, g5 or g4 the position is again a draw. The king succeeds in reaching e7 or d8, preventing the last blocking of the diagonal.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K5/bP6/N7/6k1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {%15N T2(d5:g6)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc5 Kf4 2. Nb7 Bc3 3. b6 Be5 4. Nd6 Bd4 5. b7 Ba7 6. Nb5 Bb8 7. Kd7 Ke4 8. Kc8 Bh2 9. Nc7 {, winning White wins similarly with the black king at f3 or e3.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K5/bP6/N7/3k4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N T2(d5:g6)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc5+ Kc4 2. Nb7 Bc7 {! , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K5/bP6/N7/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%15N T2(d5:g6)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nc5 Ka3 2. Nb7 Be1 3. b6 Ka4 4. Nd6 Bf2 5. b7 Ba7 6. Nb5 Bb8 7. Kb6 {!$18 , and White wins as shown earlier ~3($402543)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b3k/8/K7/1P6/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Once again the drawing zone can be determined. Draw only if the black king is inside the zone %15N T2(c4:f5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Here the knight can drive the bishop off the a5-d8 diagonal by reaching e6. We will again analyze various positions of the black king:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b3k/8/K7/1P6/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(c4:f5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc5 Kg8 { !! The only move !} (1... Bc7 {?} 2. Kb7 {!} Bd8 (2... Ba5 3. Kc6 Kg7 4. Nb7 Bc3 5. b6 Bd4 6. Nc5 Be5 7. b7 $18) (2... Bd6 3. Kc6 Be5 4. b6 $18) 3. Ne6 Bh4 4. Kc6 Bf2 5. Nc5 Bg3 6. b6 Kg8 7. b7 $18) 2. Ne6 Bh4 3. b6 Bg3 4. Nc7 Kf7 5. Kb5 Ke7 6. Kc6 Kd8 {= , with a draw The result is the same with the king at h7, h6 or h5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/8/K7/1P6/N6k/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(c4:f5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc5 Bc7 2. Ne6 Bg3 3. b6 Kg4 4. Kb5 Kf5 5. Nc7 Kf6 6. Kc6 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/8/K7/1P6/N7/6k1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(c4:f5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc5 Bc7 2. Ne6 Be5 3. b6 Kg4 4. Kb5 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/8/K7/1P6/N7/5k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(c4:f5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc5 Bc7 2. Ne6 Bg3 3. b6 Ke4 4. Nc7 Kf5 5. Kb5 Kf6 6. Kc6 $18 {, and wins. It is the same with the king at e3.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/8/K7/1P6/N7/3k4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(c4:f5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc5+ Kc4 2. Ne6 Bh4 3. b6 Bg3 4. Nc7 Kc5 {= , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/8/K7/1P6/N7/8/3k4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(c4:f5)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I14/ 8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nc5 { %05After} Kc3 (1... Bc7 2. Ne6 Bg3 3. b6 Kc3 4. Kb5 $18) 2. Ne6 Bh4 3. b6 Kb4 { !} 4. b7 Bg3 5. Kb6 Bf2+ 6. Kc6 Ba7 7. Kc7 {!} (7. Nc7 {?} Ka5 {= , with a draw.}) 7... Ka5 (7... Kb5 8. Nd4+ Ka6 9. Nc6 $18) 8. Nd8 {!} Bf2 9. Nc6+ Ka6 10. Nb4+ {!} Ka5 11. Kc8 Bg3 12. Nd5 $18 {White wins. Undefined game With the king at a2 or c2 Black also loses.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/b7/2K5/1P6/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Draw only if the black king is inside the zone %15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) White threatens 1. Nb6 and 2. Kb7, exchanging the bishop. If on 1. Nb6 Black plays 1... Bb8, then 2. Nc8 and 3. b7, transposing into familiar positions. As usual, we consider various positions for the black king:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/2K5/1P6/N7/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nb6 Kb3 2. Kb7 Kb4 3. Ka6 Kc5 4. Nc8 Bb8 5. b6 Kc6 {= , with a draw. It is the same with the king at c2 or d2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/2K5/1P6/N7/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nb6 Bb8 2. Nc8 Kb2 3. b6 Kc3 4. Kc5 {! (it is important not to allow the king's approach!)} Kb3 5. b7 Ka4 6. Kb6 Kb4 7. Na7 Kc4 8. Nb5 Kd5 9. Nc7+ Ke5 10. Na6 Bd6 11. Nc7 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/2K5/1P6/N7/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nb6 Bb8 2. Nc8 Kc2 3. b6 Kd3 4. Nd6 Kd4 5. Nb5+ Ke5 6. Nc7 $18 {, and wins. It is the same with the king on any square from c1 to h1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/2K5/1P6/N7/8/4k3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nb6 Bb8 2. Nc8 Kd3 3. b6 Kc4 4. Ne7 (4. b7 {%05or} Kb4 5. Kb6 Bg3 6. Ne7 Bf2+ 7. Kc6 Ba7 8. Kc7 {and 9.Nc8$18}) 4... Bg3 (4... Kb4 5. Nd5+ Ka5 6. Nc7 Ka4 7. Na6 Bg3 8. b7 $18 {and wins}) 5. Nd5 Bf2 6. b7 Ba7 7. Nc7 Kb4 8. Nb5 Bb8 9. Kb6 $18 {%16 , and wins ~3($402543)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/2K5/1P6/N7/5k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nb6 Bb8 2. Nc8 Ke4 3. b6 Kd4 4. Nd6 Kc3 5. Nb5+ Kb4 6. Nc7 Ka5 (6... Ka4 {%05or} 7. Na6 Be5 8. b7 { and 9. Nc7, winning.}) 7. Kb7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/2K5/1P6/N7/4k3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nb6 Kd4 {!} 2. Kb7 (2. Nc8 {%05or} Bc5 3. Nb6 Bb4 {, with a draw.}) 2... Kc5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/2K5/1P6/N4k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nb6 Bb8 2. Nd5+ Ke4 3. b6 Bg3 (3... Kd4 4. Nc7 Kc4 5. Kb7 Kc5 6. Na6+) 4. Nc7 Bf2 5. b7 Ba7 6. Nb5 Bb8 7. Nc7 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/2K5/1P3k2/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Nb6 Bb8 2. Nc8 Ke6 3. b6 Bg3 4. Na7 Bf2 {= Black gains a draw in the same way with his king at f7, but with his king at f6 or f8 he loses, since on 1. Nb6 Bb8 there follows 2. Nd7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/b7/2K5/1P6/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nb6 Bb8 2. Nc8 Kf7 3. Kd7 {!} Kf6 4. b6 Ke5 5. Ne7 Kd4 6. Kc6 {!} Kc4 7. Nd5 Bg3 8. Nc7 Bf2 9. b7 Ba7 10. Nb5 Bb8 11. Kb6 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b5k1/2K5/1P6/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {%15N T2(b3:e4)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I11I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I11I11/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I14/8) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Nb6 Bb8 2. Nc8 Kf6 {!} 3. Kd7 {!} Ke5 {!} 4. Ne7 Kd4 5. Kc6 Ba7 6. Nc8 Bc5 { = , with a draw. Black gains a draw in the same way if his king is at g6, g5 or g4. Only if his king is on the h-file does he lose. Thus we obtain a drawing zone with a special square - f6, where the black king must not be.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1885.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "b7/P7/1K2k3/N7/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1885.??.??"] {%15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843 We will now study positions with a rook's pawn. Draw only if the black king is inside the zone} 1. Kc7 {%05White's plan is to transfer his king to b8, drive out the bishop, and then block the long diagonal with his knight at b7.} Ke7 2. Kc8 {!} (2. Kb8 {%05it transpires that straightforward play does not achieve anything:} Kd8 {!} 3. Kxa8 (3. Nb7+ {%05or} Kd7 {=}) 3... Kc7 {! , and Black achieves a well known drawn position}) 2... Ke8 (2... Kd6 {, then %05if} 3. Kb8 Kd7 4. Nb7 { ! , and Black is in zugzwang; on} Kc6 {there follows} 5. Kxa8 Kc7 6. Nd6 { !$18 White's problem is to obtain this zugzwang position}) 3. Nc4 {!} Ke7 { (clearly the only move, since on a bishop move there follows 4. Nd6 and 5. Nb7) } 4. Kb8 {!} Kd8 5. Nd6 Kd7 6. Nb7 $18 {White has achieved the necessary zugzwang position,^013^010 and he wins as shown above. Horwitz - , 1885 It is easy to show that Black maintains the balance in this ending only if his king is on one of the four squares c8, d8, d7 and d6. Thus the drawing zone is again determined. The winning procedure carried out by White in example is typical of such positions. It is therefore a basic position. We will now examine several studies, the solutions to which are based to a greater or lesser extent on knowledge of this basic position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1860.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Loyd Samuel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/B6n/7p/6k1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1860.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Bd7 {! %05Black threatens to queen his pawn after 1. .. Kg1 and 2... Ng2.^013^010 White frustrates this plan by} h2 2. Bc6+ Kg1 3. Bh1 {!} Ng2+ 4. Ke2 {We have reached a familiar position, but with Black to move. The reader can check for himself that Black is unable to give his opponent the move. Therefore after} Kxh1 5. Kf1 {!= the result is a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1885.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "bN6/P1K5/8/8/1k6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1885.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kb6 {! %05Therefore in the first instance White prevents the approach of the black king:} (1. Na6+ {%05White's threat of taking his king to b8 is easily parried, for example:} Kb5 2. Kb8 Bg2 3. Nc7+ Kb6 4. Ne6 Bf3 5. Nd8 Bg2 {, and the bishop cannot be shut out.}) 1... Kc4 2. Na6 Kd4 3. Nc7 Bg2 4. Ne6+ Ke5 5. Nd8 Ba8 6. Kc7 Kd5 7. Nb7 Ke6 8. Na5 $18 { , and we have obtained position ~3($402628)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/P7/4K3/8/N3b3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {This position is rather more complicated than the preceding ones.} 1. Ke5 {!} (1. Kd6 {%05We already know that to win White must penetrate with his king to c7. The direct attempt fails:} Kd8 2. Nb6 Bb7 {, and White has not achieved anything. He must obtain the same position, but with Black to move.}) 1... Ba8 (1... Bc6 {is met by %05Black's one reply, since} 2. Kd6 Bg2 3. Kc7) (1... Bb7 {%04by %05and} 2. Kd6 Kd8 3. Nb6) 2. Nb6 Bb7 3. Ke6 {!} Kd8 4. Kd6 Ke8 5. Kc7 Bg2 6. Nc8 {!} Ba8 7. Kb8 Kd8 8. Nd6 Kd7 9. Nb7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/P7/1K2k3/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {Draw only if the black king is inside the zone %15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 1. Kc6 {%05Here White wins without any difficulty at all:} Ke6 2. Kb7 Be3 3. Nb6 {, 4. a7 and 5. a8Q Black does not even have the chance of giving up his bishop. The drawing zone is also easily determined.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/b7/P7/1K6/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N #B(I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc6 {%05It should be noted that, with the king at e8, after} Kd8 2. Kb7 Be3 3. Nb6 Bxb6 4. Kxb6 Kc8 5. a7 $18 {White again wins. With a rook's pawn on the 6th rank White always wins if he can reach b7 with his king, and prevent the opposing king from reaching b5 or a5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Holm Sejer (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/1B6/4n3/8/7p/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Bg1 {%05Here the bishop is badly placed, and after} Nf3 {it appears that White must lose.^013^010 And yet there is a way to save the draw:} 2. Bh2 {!} Nxh2 3. Ke2 {!} Kf6 4. Kf2 Ng4+ 5. Kg3 h2 6. Kg2 { = , reaching a well known theoretical position. It should be noted that Black was unable to win, only because his king was too far away. Had it been at g6, he would have won easily after 3... Kf5 4. Kf2 Kf4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/b7/P7/1K2k3/N7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 Let us try moving position ~3( 2632)~ one rank down the board.} 1. Kc5 {%05This operation has significantly changed the evaluation of the position. After} Ke5 2. Kb6 Bf1 (2... Bc8 {%05This is not the only way. Even simpler is} 3. Nb5 Ke6 4. Na7 Kd7 5. Nxc8 Kxc8 6. a6 Kb8 {=}) 3. Nb5 Ke6 4. a6 Kd7 5. a7 Bg2 {= the result is a draw, as is clear from the preceding analysis. We will consider several other positions of the black king:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/b7/P7/1K3k2/N7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc5 Ke5 {= leads to the same variations as with the king at e4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/b7/P7/1K4k1/N7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc5 Kf5 2. Nb5 {!} Ke5 {!} (2... Kf6 {%05 Black loses after} 3. Kb6 Bc8 4. Nd6 Be6 5. a6 Ke7 6. a7 Bd5 7. Nb7 $18 {; it is important for Black to control d6 with his king}) 3. Kb6 Bc8 4. Nc3 {! %15N LA4(c3:a4) LA4(a4:c5) LA4(c5:b7) #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} Kd4 (4... Bg4 5. a6 Bf3 6. Na4 Be2 7. a7 Bf3 8. Nc5 Ba8 9. Nb7 $18) 5. Na4 Kd5 6. Nc5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/b7/P7/1K5k/N7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc5 Kg5 2. Kb6 Bf1 (2... Bc8 3. Nb5 Kf6 4. Nd6 Be6 5. a6 Ke7 6. a7 Bd5 7. Nb7) 3. Nb5 Kf6 4. a6 Ke6 5. a7 Bg2 6. Kc7 $18 {, and wins. White also wins with the black king on squares from h5 to h8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/b7/P7/1K6/N5k1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc5 Kf4 2. Kb6 Bf1 (2... Bc8 3. Nc4 {! and 4. Nd6}) 3. Nb5 Ke5 4. a6 Ke6 5. a7 Bg2 6. Kc7 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/b7/P7/1K6/N4k2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ843 %15N T2(c6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone T2(c6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/2I1I1I1I1I11/3I1I1I1I11/ 3I1I1I12/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc5 Ke4 2. Kb6 Bc8 {!} (2... Bf1 {%05 Black loses after} 3. Nb5 Ke5 4. a6 Ke6 5. a7 Bg2 6. Kc7 $18) 3. Nb5 Kd5 4. Nc3+ {!} Kc4 5. Ne4 Kd5 (5... Kb4 6. Nd6 $18) 6. Nc5 {and 7.Nb7$18^013^010 ^013^010 With the king at e3 or d3 Black also loses. Now the drawing zone can be inserted.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/8/b7/P7/1K6/N7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {In conclusion we will examine the case of a rook's pawn on the 4th rank. White wins if the black king is at f1, g1 or h1. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Here Black loses only if his king is very badly placed. We will analyze the most interesting cases.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/b7/P7/1K6/N6k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc4 Kg3 2. Kb5 Bd8 {!} (2... Be1 {?} 3. Nb4 Kf4 4. a5 Ke4 5. a6 Bf2 6. Kc6 Ba7 7. Nd5 Kd4 8. Nb6 $18 {, and White wins} ) 3. Nb4 Kf4 4. Nd5+ Ke5 5. Nb6 Kd6 6. a5 Kc7 7. a6 Kb8 {= , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/b7/P7/1K6/N7/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/5XIXIXI) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) %212045826630=4HLJ843} 1. Kc4 Ke2 2. Kb5 Bd8 3. Nb4 Ke3 4. Nd5+ Kd4 5. Nb6 Ke5 6. a5 Kd6 7. a6 $18 {, and wins. The result is the same with the king at g1 or h1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K2/8/5N1P/3b2k1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {The following position is an exception.} 1. Kg5 {the pawn reaches h6 by force, and Black's king is outside the drawing zone. For example: %05Thanks to the unfortunate position of the bishop, after} Bh7 2. h5 Kf3 3. Ng6 Kg3 4. h6 Bg8 5. Kf6 Kg4 6. Kg7 Kg5 7. Ne7 {, and wins. Here we can sum up. In the ending with knight and pawn against bishop we have shown that there two basic types of drawn position: in one the bishop alone stops the pawn without any help from the king, and in the other only with its help. In the latter case we have determined the drawing zones. Only if it inside these zones can the king effectively support the bishop in its battle with the opposing pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3nP3/3PK3/8/3B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {~13 BISHOP AND PAWNS AGAINST KNIGHT~ ~13.1 Two connected pawns~ Here connected pawns normally ensure a win. The winning plan is simple enough, and consists of advancing the pawns to the queening square. But the pawns must be advanced in such a way that the opponent is unable to blockade them on squares inaccessible to the bishop. With only rare exceptions, a win is not possible when the pawns are blockaded. %212045826630=4HLJ859} 1. Kd4 {%05 This is a typical position with blockaded pawns. The black pieces are firmly established on squares inaccessible to the bishop. White would win if he were able to put Black in zugzwang, but this is not possible, for example:} Ne8 2. Kc5 Nd6 3. Kc6 Ne8 4. Bg6 Nd6 {The knight cannot be deprived of all its squares. Moving this position to the right does not affect the result in any way, but if it is moved three files to the left White can win in the resulting position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/nP6/PK6/8/B7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {%212045826630=4HLJ859} 1. Bd6 $18 {White immediately takes all the squares away from the^013^010 knight, and puts the opponent in^013^010 zugzwang. It should be noted that positions obtained by^013^010 moving this example up or down^013^010 the board will also be lost for Black.^013^010 ^013^010 %05After} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/3nP3/3PK3/8/3B4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%212045826630=4HLJ859 If position ~3( 2645)~ is moved one rank up the board, this reduces the number of squares available to the knight, and White is able to put Black in zugzwang.} 1. Kd5 {%05The winning procedure is not difficult:} Nb8 2. Ba7 Nd7 (2... Na6 {, but after %05Black could have played} 3. Kc4 {!} ( 3. Ke6 Nc7+ {!}) 3... Kd7 4. Kb5 {this would have led to the loss of the knight.}) 3. Kc6 Ne5+ 4. Kc7 Nd7 5. Bd4 {, and the goal is achieved.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5nP1/5PK1/8/5B2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%212045826630=4HLJ859 Let us try moving position ~3( 2647)~ to the right. The knight acquires additional squares, which must undoubtedly make it more difficult for White to win. As an example, consider the following position.} 1. Kf5 Nd8 2. Bc7 Nc6 (2... Nf7 {%05after} 3. Ke6 Ng5+ 4. Ke7 Nf7 5. Bf4 {it should be borne in mind that} Kh7 6. Kxf7 {? leads to stalemate;} (6. Kf8 { ! %04wins %05only})) 3. Ke4 {! (nevertheless!)} Kf7 4. Kd5 Nb4+ 5. Kd6 Nd3 ( 5... Kg8 6. Ba5 Nd3 7. Ke7 Ne5 8. Bc7 Nf7 9. Bf4 $18) 6. g8=Q+ Kxg8 7. Ke7 { , and Black cannot prevent the queening of the pawn. This idea - the sacrifice of one pawn with the aim of queening a second one - is typical of many endings. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/6nP/6PK/8/6B1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ859 If position ~3( 2548)~ is moved one file to the right, the proximity to the edge of the board leads to stalemate possibilities, and this creates additional difficulties in realizing the advantage.} 1. Kg5 Ne8 2. Bd7 {, when Black has three possibilities:} Nd6 (2... Nf6 3. Bc6 {!} Nxh7+ 4. Kh6 {!} Nf6 5. g7+ Kg8 6. Kg6 {and 7. Bd5 mate.}) (2... Ng7 3. Kf6 Nh5+ 4. Kf7 Ng7 {We have reached position ~3($412650)~, which was analyzed by Ward in 1915 (Ward considered the position with the bishop at e2, which does not affect the solution).}) 3. Bc6 {!} (3. Kf4 {%05but not} Kg7 4. Ke5 Kxg6 {! , with a draw.} ) 3... Kg7 4. h8=Q+ {!} Kxh8 5. Kf6 Kg8 6. Bd5+ {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/3B1KnP/6P1/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Bg4 {%05With White to move:} Nf5 2. Kf8 Ng7 3. Ke7 {, and the knight is trapped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/3B1KnP/6P1/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] 1... Nf5 {! %05With Black to move:} 2. Kf8 Ng7 3. Ke7 Nh5 4. Kf7 Ng7 5. Bg4 {!} Nh5 (5... Nf5 6. Kf8 Ng7 7. Ke7 {%04etc.}) 6. Kf8 Nf6 7. g7+ Kxh7 8. Kf7 Ng8 9. Bf5+ {, and White wins.} * [Event "Dresden (Germany)"] [Site "Dresden (Germany)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sefc Jan (SVK)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pk/7p/5K2/5N2/2b5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ845 %212045826630=4HLJ859} 1... Bf5 {%05We have already seen the strength of blockading positions, but nevertheless this example may seem surprising. ^013^010 Were the white king at h4, we would have a typical drawn position. here the king is less well placed, but nevertheless Black is unable to win. ^013^010 The game continued:} 2. Ng5 h4 3. Nf3 Kh5 4. Ng5 Bd7 (4... h3 5. Nf3 Bg4 6. Nh2 {, with a draw}) 5. Ne4 {!} (5. Nf3 {? %05not} Bc8 6. Ng5 h3 7. Nf3 Bb7 8. Nh2 Kh4 9. Nf1 g5+ 10. Ke3 Bg2 11. Nh2 Kg3 $19 {, when Black wins}) 5... Bc8 6. Nf6+ Kh6 7. Ne4 Bf5 8. Ng5 Kh5 9. Nh7 {!!} (9. Nf3 {? %05the only saving move; White loses after} Bc8 10. Ng5 h3 11. Nf3 Bb7 12. Nh2 Kh4 $19 { %04etc.}) 9... h3 10. Kg3 {= , with a draw. With his pawn at g7 instead of g6, Black would have been able to win.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/7k/7p/5K2/5N2/2b5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%212045826630=4HLJ859} 1... Ba4 2. Ng5 Be8 3. Ne6 Bd7 4. Ng5 h4 5. Nf3 Kh5 6. Ng5 h3 7. Nf3 Bc6 $19 {etc. Here the pawn's control over f6 played the decisive role.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/1n6/8/3PP3/1B2K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] {Having made the acquaintance of blockaded positions, we can now examine the general procedure for advancing connected passed pawns.} 1. e4 {! %05The correct continuation is:} (1. d4 {?? %05 The pawns should be moved, following the rule formulated at the end of the 18th century by the famous French player Philidor: "If my bishop controls the white squares, I should place my pawns on black squares; in this case the bishop can drive off the enemy pieces if they attempt to establish themselves between the pawns"^013^010 According to Philidor's rule, it would be a blunder to play} Kd5 2. Kd3 Nd6 3. Ba3 Ne4 { , when the black pieces cannot be driven off the white squares.}) 1... Kc5 2. Ke3 Kd6 (2... Kb4 {is most simply parried by %05the attempt at active counter-play by} 3. Bg7 {and 4. d4} (3. d4 {%05although also possible is the immediate} Kb3 4. Ba1 Ka2 5. d5 Kxa1 6. e5 Nc7 7. d6 Ne6 8. Ke4 Kb2 9. Kf5 Nd4+ 10. Kf6 {%04etc.})) 3. d4 Nc7 4. Kd3 (4. Bc3 {and 5. Ba5 is also possible}) 4... Kc6 5. Kc4 Kd6 6. d5 Ne8 7. e5+ Ke7 8. Ba3+ Kf7 9. Kc5 Ng7 10. Kd6 Ne8+ 11. Kd7 Ng7 12. e6+ Kg6 13. Bb2 Nf5 14. e7 {, and White wins. However, we must warn the reader against blindly adhering to Philidor's rule. In positions where there is no danger of a blockade, the pawns can be moved without conforming to the rule. This relates in particular to positions with wing pawns, when the rook pawn's queening square is inaccessible to the bishop.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/4n3/8/6PP/4B2K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ859} 1. g4 {! is in fact the simplest way to win. %05Here} ( 1. h4 {"according to Philidor", the play could have gone %05Had White played} Kh6 2. Kg2 (2. g4 {?} Nxg4+) 2... Kg7 3. Bd1 (3. Kf2 {? , which after %05Fine considers only} Ng6 {!} 4. h5 {(4... Nh4 was threatened)} Ne5 5. Ke3 Kh6 6. Kf4 Nf7 7. Bc4 Ng5 {leads to a draw, and concludes that after 1. h4 White can no longer win. In fact it is 3. Kf2 which is to blame.}) 3... Ng6 4. Kh3 {! (White must defend against the threat of ... Nh4, until his bishop transfers to the b1-h7 diagonal)} Ne5 5. Bc2 Nc4 {!} (5... Kh6 {%05after} 6. Kg2 Kh5 { the simplest is} 7. Bf5 {, after which White plays his king to f4, winning easily}) 6. Bd3 Ne3 7. Kh2 Kf6 8. Kg1 Ke5 9. Kf2 Ng4+ 10. Kf3 Nh2+ 11. Ke2 Ng4 12. Ba6 Ke4 13. Bb7+ Ke5 14. Bc8 Nf6 15. Kf3 {(after heroic efforts, White has nevertheless managed to push back the black pieces)} Kd6 16. Bf5 {!} (16. Kf4 { ?} Nh5+ {and 17... Ng3}) 16... Ke5 17. Bg6 Ke6 18. Kf4 Nd5+ 19. Kg5 Nf6 20. h5 {, and White wins.}) 1... Nc6 {%05Therefore Black continues} (1... Kg5 { , then %05if} 2. Kg3 Ng6 3. Bd3 Nh4 4. Be4 {%04etc.}) 2. Kg3 {%05, but after} Nd4 3. Bd3+ Kf6 4. h4 Ne6 5. Bc4 Nc5 6. Kf4 Nd7 7. Bd3 Kg7 8. g5 Nf6 {!} 9. Be4 (9. gxf6+ {%05not} Kxf6 {, with a draw}) 9... Nh5+ 10. Kg4 Nf6+ 11. Kf5 Nh5 12. Bf3 Ng3+ 13. Kf4 Nf1 14. h5 {White wins. Although 1. h4 does not relinquish the win, it is obviously weaker than 1. g4. The analysis of this example shows that, if in positions with wing pawns the rook pawn's queening square is inaccessible to the bishop, this gives rise to an additional drawing chance: in certain cases it is possible to give up the knight. This is how Black saves the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3n4/6k1/8/6PP/8/6K1/4B3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1... Nf7 {%05After} 2. g6 (2. Kf4 Nxg5) 2... Ne5 {White cannot prevent ... Ng6. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1b6/8/8/1p6/p4k2/K7/5N2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] {In the following position White draws by exploiting stalemating possibilities. } 1. Nd2+ Ke2 2. Nb1 {but now 3. Na3 is threatened} (2. Nb3 {or 2. Nc4 there follows %05on} Bd5) 2... Bd5+ 3. Ka1 Kd1 (3... a2 {, then %05if} 4. Nc3+ { !! with a draw}) 4. Nxa3 Kc1 5. Nc4 {! , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yakimchik Vitold V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/5p2/8/2k3p1/8/4N1K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {In exceptional cases the defender can save the game by winning one of the pawns and going into a drawn ending a pawn down.} 1. Kg3 {%05White manages to exploit the lack of coordination between Black's pieces and pawns.} Kd3 2. Nf4+ Ke4 3. Nh5 {!} (3. Kxg4 f5+ {loses the knight}) 3... Kf5 {!} (3... f5 4. Nf6+ { and 5. Ng4}) 4. Nxf6 Bb8+ 5. Kh4 g3 {White's position appears critical, but he finds a problem-like saving manoeuvre:} 6. Nh5 {!} g2 7. Ng3+ Bxg3+ 8. Kh3 {!} g1=Q {-stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Butler"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2B5/2PPk3/1K2n3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] {Black has a very simple draw in the following example. %212045826630=4HLJ859} 1... Kd5 2. d7 Nxc6 3. Kb6 Nd8 {!} 4. Bxd8 Kd6 {and 5... Kd7=.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokhorovich Taras"] [Black "Voronkov Boris"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2n5/2P2k2/5P2/4BK2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {~13.2 Two isolated pawns~ It is more difficult to blockade isolated pawns, and therefore the win is normally easier her than with connected pawns. Only in the most exceptional cases can the defender draw, although there are a number of positions where the realization of the advantage involves certain difficulties, and demands accuracy. It is such positions that will interest us in particular. %212045826630=4HLJ861} 1. Bf3 {%05White's plan is very simple. He must take his king over to that pawn which the knight is blockading. As soon as the knight is pushed away, the pawn will advance and queen. If the black king goes to the help of the knight, the other pawn will advance. But before beginning to move his king, White should improve the position of his bishop to the maximum extent.^013^010 At e4 the bishop interferes with the movements of its king, and therefore it should be transferred to d7, where it supports the pawns, does not interfere with the king, and deprives the knight of the important e8 square.^013^010 White wins as follows:} (1. Ke3 {This move makes the win much more difficult, since it allows Black to activate his pieces: %05But what if he immediately sets off with his king? That is how the game in fact continued.} Ke5 2. Kd2 {!} Ne8 (2... Kxe4 3. f6 Kd5 4. f7 Ne6 5. c7 {, and wins}) 3. Kc2 (3. Kd3 {! , e.g. %05a loss of time; correct is} Nc7 4. Kc4 Kd6 5. Kb4 Ne8 6. Kb5 Kc7 7. Kc5 Nf6 8. Bf3 Ne8 9. Kd5 Nf6+ 10. Ke6 { %04etc.}) 3... Kd6 4. Kb3 {?} (4. Kc3 {! %05The final mistake. White could still have won by} Ke5 (4... Nf6 {%05or} 5. Kd3 Ne8 6. Kd4 Nf6 7. Ke3 {!} Ne8 8. Kf4 Nf6 9. Bf3 Ne8 10. Kg5 Ke7 11. Kg6 Nf6 12. c7 {%04etc.}) 5. Kd3 {!} Kd6 6. Kc4 Ke5 7. Kc5) 4... Nf6 {! (exploiting the distant position of the white king, Black attacks the pawns)} 5. Bf3 Ng8 {! White has no satisfactory way of parrying 6... Ne7! - draw.}) 1... Ne8 (1... Ke7 2. Ke5 Ne8 3. Bd5 Nf6 4. c7 Nd7+ 5. Kf4 Nb6 6. Be6) 2. Bd5 Nc7 3. Bc4 Ne8 4. Be6 Nc7 5. Bd7 Nd5+ 6. Ke4 { (now the king can go to the aid of the c-pawn)} Nc7 7. Kd4 Nb5+ 8. Kc5 Nc7 9. Kb6 Nd5+ 10. Kb7 Ke7 11. c7 {White won without the least difficulty.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1n6/1P4k1/6P1/5BK1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {The greater the separation of the pawns, the easier it normally is to win. The plan for realizing the advantage is the same - take the king over to the pawn which the knight is blockading. But here too there may be various technical difficulties, which we will meet in this example. %212045826630=4HLJ861} 1. Be2 {%05White must first improve the position of his bishop, and only then move his king:} Na2 2. Bf3 Nb4 3. Kf1 Na2 4. Bb7 {!} (4. Ke2 {%05White has to be careful. He loses a pawn after} Nc1+) (4. Ke1 {%05or} Nc1 5. b4 (5. Bd5 Nxb3 {!}) 5... Nd3+) 4... Kf4 5. Kf2 Nc1 6. Bd5 {!} Nd3+ 7. Ke2 Nc1+ 8. Kd2 {The king has emerged, and the reader can see for himself how easy the win now is.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/n1k5/P1P5/2K5/B7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {We will now examine several positions where there is a minimal distance between the pawns.} 1. Bb3 {%05The black pieces seem to be very well placed, but White nevertheless succeeds in lifting the blockade.} Nc6 2. Bc2 Ne5 3. Bd3 Nd7 (3... Nc6 4. Be4 Ne5 5. Bd5 Nd7 6. a5 Nb8 7. Bb7 Nd7 8. a6 Kb6 9. Kd4 Nc5 10. Kd5 Nd7 11. Bc8 Nf6+ 12. Ke5 Ne8 13. c5+ Ka7 14. Kd5 Nc7+ 15. Kd6 Nb5+ 16. Kd7 Kb8 17. c6 Ka7 18. c7 {%04etc.}) 4. a5 Ne5 5. a6 Kb6 (5... Nc6 6. Be4 Na7 7. Bb7) 6. c5+ {!} Ka7 7. Bb5 {The rest is easy, e.g.:} Ng6 8. Kd4 Ne7 9. Ke5 Kb8 10. Ke6 Nc8 11. Bd7 Na7 12. Kd6 Ka8 13. Kc7 {Also unsuccessful in such positions is the attempt to create a fortress.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k1n5/P1P5/8/5K2/3B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Ke5 {%05To win, White must break through to b8 with his king. This can be done.} Kb6 2. Kd6 Na8 3. Bc4 {!} (3. Kd7 {%05but not} Nc7 4. Kc8 Nxa6 {!}) 3... Nc7 4. Kd7 Na8 5. Kc8 {!} Kxc6 (5... Nc7 6. a7 Kxc6 7. Kb8 Kb6 8. Bf1 Kc6 9. Bg2+ Kb6 10. Bb7) 6. Kb8 {!} (6. a7 {%05not} Nb6+ 7. Kb8 Nd7+ 8. Kc8 Nb6+ 9. Kd8 Kb7 {with a draw}) 6... Nb6 7. Be6 {!} Kb5 8. Kb7 Ka5 9. a7 Kb5 10. Bg4 Ka5 11. Be2 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1892.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Behting Carl"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6B1/5P2/5Knk/8/7P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1892.??.??"] {If the square of the rook's pawn is inaccessible to the bishop, this normally creates additional drawing chances.} 1. Ke6 {!! , for example: %05White wins by exceptionally subtle play.} (1. h5 {appears to win, since %05 How is White to realize his material advantage? His bishop is very badly placed, and the corner square is inaccessible to it. At first sight} Kxh5 {fails to} (1... Nf8 {%05But in fact 1. h5 leads only to a draw, since Black is able to play for stalemate. For example:} 2. Ke7 Kg7 3. Ke8 (3. h6+ Kh8) 3... Ne6 4. Bh7 (4. h6+ {%05or} Kh8 {!} 5. Ke7 (5. Bh7 Kxh7 6. Ke7 Nf4) 5... Nf8) 4... Nc7+ 5. Ke7 Nd5+ ) 2. Kg7 Kg5 3. Bh7 Nf4 4. Bf5) (1. Bh7 {%05No better is} Kxh7 2. h5 Ne5 {!} 3. Kxe5 Kg7 4. Ke6 Kf8 {! , with a draw.}) 1... Kg7 (1... Kh5 2. Bh7 {!} Nf8+ 3. Kf6 Kh6 4. Bf5 Ng6 {!} 5. Be4 {!} Nf8 6. Ke7 Kg7 7. h5 Nd7 8. h6+ {!} Kh8 9. Bd5 {, and White wins.}) 2. h5 Nf4+ 3. Kd6 {!!} Kf8 4. h6 Ng6 5. Ke6 Ne7 6. Ke5 Ng6+ 7. Kf5 Nh8 8. Kf6 Nxf7 {(Black has regained one pawn, but White goes into a won ending with one pawn; the rest is not difficult)} 9. h7 Nh8 10. Be6 Nf7 11. Kg6 Nh8+ 12. Kh6 Ke7 13. Bg4 {!} Kf7 14. Bf3 Kf6 15. Bh5 Ke7 16. Kg7 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/5P2/6K1/8/4n1BP/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] {In positions where one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, and its queening square is inaccessible to the bishop, the realization of the advantage usually demands great accuracy. The following examples are typical.} 1... Nc5 {!} (1... Nf6 {%05this creates the maximum difficulties; White's task is easier after} 2. Be6 {!} Ne4 3. h5) 2. Bf5 {!} (2. h5 {%05a draw results from} Nd3 {!} 3. Be6 Ne5+ 4. Kf6 Nxf7 {!}) 2... Nb7 3. Be6 {!} (3. h5 {%05White avoids a clever trap. He appears to win easily by} Nd8 4. h6 Nxf7 5. h7 Ne5+ 6. Kf6 {, but Black has the saving move} Nd7+ {!!}) 3... Nc5 4. Ba2 Nd7 5. Kf5 {!} Kg7 (5... Nf6 6. Bb3 Nh5 7. Kg5 Ng3 8. h5 Ne4+ 9. Kg6 Nf6 10. h6 {%04etc.}) 6. Ke6 Nf8+ 7. Ke7 Ng6+ 8. Ke8 Nf8 9. h5 Nh7 10. Ke7 Nf8 11. h6+ {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2n3k1/8/4P1K1/2B4P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1. h5 {Now Black has a choice:} Na8 (1... Kh7 2. Kf6 {!} Kh6 (2... Na8 3. e6 Nc7 4. e7 Kh6 5. Bf7 Kh7 6. Ke5 Kg7 7. Bg6 Kh6 8. Kd6 Nb5+ 9. Kd7) 3. Ke7 Kxh5 (3... Na8 4. Kd8 Nb6 5. Bb3 {! and e6-e7-e8Q}) 4. Kd7 Na8 5. Kc6 Kg5 6. Kb7 Kf5 7. e6 {, and White wins.}) 2. e6 Nc7 (2... Kf8 3. Kf6 Nc7 4. e7+ Ke8 5. Bf7+ Kd7 6. e8=Q+ Nxe8+ 7. Bxe8+ Kxe8 8. Kg7) 3. e7 Ne8 4. h6+ Kh7 5. Bd3+ Kh8 6. Bg6 Nc7 7. Kf5 {followed by Ne5-d6, and wins.} * [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sandor Bela (HUN)"] [Black "Benko Pal C (USA)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/b7/p7/4N3/k7/7p/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ845 %212045826630=4HLJ861} 1. Nc6 {Black was faced with a difficult problem. His bishop is attacked. and if it moves there follows 2. Nb8 a5 3. Nc6 with a draw. But Black was able to exploit the distant position of the white king by %05After} Kb5 {!!} 2. Nxa7+ Kc5 {!} 3. Nc8 a5 4. Ne7 a4 5. Nf5 a3 6. Ne3 a2 7. Nc2 Kc4 $19 {, and White resigned, since on its own the knight is unable to stop the pawn.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1902.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1N6/7p/8/b3p2K/8/7k/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1902.??.??"] {In conclusion we will examine two positions where the material advantage proves insufficient to win.} 1. Nd7 {%05The position looks absolutely hopeless for White, but there follows} e4 2. Nf6 e3 3. Nd5 Bb6 (3... e2 4. Nf4+ Kg3 5. Nxe2+) 4. Nxe3 Bxe3 {- stalemate!!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1789.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stein"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Bk4/3P4/P3K3/1n6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1789.??.??"] 1. Bb7 {%05Due to the unfortunate placing of his pieces, White is unable to retain his material advantage. For example:} (1. Kd5 {%05or} Na7 2. Kd6 Nxc8+ 3. Kc6 Na7+ 4. Kb6 Kxd7 5. Kxa7 Kc7 {%04etc.}) 1... Nc7+ 2. Kd6 Nxa6 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/3n4/3PK3/8/3B4/3P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {~13.3 Doubled pawns~ With doubled pawns the winning chances are significantly reduced. If the defender's king can occupy a square in front of the pawns which is inaccessible to the bishop, then, as in the ending with one pawn, the draw is obvious. It is important only that the knight should not be immobilized or trapped. Of greatest interest are positions in which the defender's pieces blockade the leading pawn on a square inaccessible to the bishop. It should be noted that, in comparison with the ending with one pawn, the second pawn nevertheless improves the winning chances, since it enables the knight to be deprived of important squares. The following example is typical. %212045826630=4HLJ863} 1. Ke7 {%05Without the second pawn this position would be drawn, since the bishop and king are unable to take away all the knight's squares. But with the help of the d3 pawn this can be done.} Nb8 2. Ba7 Nc6+ (2... Nd7 3. d4) 3. Ke8 Ne5 4. d4 {!} Nd7 5. Ke7 {, and Black is in zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/2n5/2PK4/8/2B5/2P5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {But it would be hasty to conclude that it is always possible to win with doubled pawns if the opponent can be placed in zugzwang. Consider the position obtained by moving No ~3( 2670)~ one file to the left. %212045826630=4HLJ863} 1. Kd7 {%05"Why a draw?" the surprised reader may ask. It turns out that White can put his opponent in zugzwang, but that this leads only to stalemate!} Na8 2. Bb5 Nb6+ 3. Kd8 Na8 4. c4 Nc7 5. Kd7 Na8 6. Ba6 Nb6+ 7. Kd8 Na8 8. Bb7 Nc7 { !} (8... Nb6 9. c7+ {!} Kxb7 10. c5 Nc8 11. c6+ {, and White wins}) 9. Kd7 Ka7 {!! %04Now} 10. Kxc7 {leads immediately to stalemate} (10. Ba8 {or 10. Ba6 Black does not take the bishop, but plays %05while on} Kb8) (10. Kc8 {%05Also, nothing is achieved by} Kb6 11. Kb8 (11. c5+ Ka7) 11... Ne8 12. Ba8 Kc5 13. Kc8 Nd6+ 14. Kd7 Nxc4 15. c7 Nb6+ 16. Ke6 Nc8 {, with a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/1n6/1PK5/8/1B6/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {Thanks to the possibility of stalemate, Black is also able to save the following position.} 1. Kc6 Nc8 2. Be6 Nb6 (2... Ne7+ {%05Black loses after} 3. Kd7 {! and 4. Kc7}) 3. b3 Na8 4. Bc8 (4. Bd5 {%05or} Nb6 5. Bh1 Na8 6. Bg2 Nb6 7. Kc7 Nd5+ {!}) 4... Nb6 {!} (4... Kb8 5. b6 {!} Kxc8 6. b7+ {and White wins}) 5. Bb7 Kb8 {! , with a draw.} (5... Nd7 {! %05also good is} 6. Kc7 Nb6 7. Bc6 Nc4 {!} (7... Na4 {%05or})) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4N1p1/5p1p/6bK/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {~13.4 Three or more pawns~ With bishop and three pawns against a knight the win is normally quite elementary, but even here situations are possible in which the advantage is not decisive. %212045826630=4HLJ865} 1. Nf2 {! , and if %05White easily draws by} g3+ 2. Kxg3 h2 {, then} 3. Kxh2 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p6/1N6/pKp5/1b6/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {If the stringer side's king is badly placed in a corner, surrounded by its own pawns, it can itself become the target of a mating attack. Here the pawns play an unfortunate role, by trapping their own king. Here are two piquant examples.} 1. Kc2 {! Black has no defence against a mate in six moves. For example: %05After} Bc1 (1... a2 {%05White's task is simpler after} 2. Nc6 Ba3 3. Nd4 {and 4. Nb3 mate}) 2. Kxc1 c2 3. Kxc2 a2 4. Nd3 b4 5. Nc1 b3+ 6. Nxb3# { mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarenko F"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3N4/8/8/8/2b3pp/6pk/6p1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {(conclusion of a study)} 1. Nc6 {! %05 To win White must play his knight to one of nine squares - h7, h5, g6, f7, e6, d5, e4, d3 or e2. Can Black prevent this? We have here a problem on the theme of corresponding squares. The bishop must move along the a2-g8 diagonal, controlling e6 and f7. Then the knight has c6 and b7 available, and hence also c5, d6, d4, e5 and e7.^013^010 %05 Let us try to determine in each case where the bishop must be.^013^010 %05 With the knight at c5 - only at f5.^013^010 %05 With the knight at d6 - at d5 or g6. ^013^010 %05 With the knight at d4 - only at c4.^013^010 %05 With the knight at e5 - only at g6.^013^010 %05 With the knight at e7 - at f7 or e4.^013^010 %05 Finally we reach f6, and find that there is no corresponding square for the bishop, since it cannot simultaneously defend h5, h7, d5 and e4.^013^010 %05 Thus for White to win it is sufficient for his knight to reach f6.^013^010 %05 It is easy to understand that for this it is sufficient to reach e5, since after the bishop's only move to g6 White has Nd7 followed by Nf6. But the knight can reach e5 from c6. Hence the solution:} Bd3 2. Ne5 {!} Bg6 3. Nd7 Bc2 4. Nf6 {!} Bg6 5. Nd5 {and 6. Nf4 mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3Pk3/4P3/1b2K3/N7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {~14 KNIGHT AND PAWNS AGAINST BISHOP~ ~14.1 Two connected pawns~ Two connected pawns normally ensure a win, although there are a number of examples where significant difficulties have to be overcome. There are also a few exceptional blockade positions, where the advantage cannot be realized, since the advance of the pawns is either altogether impossible, or else it leads to their loss. We will begin by analyzing positions where the pawns are in diagonal formation, with the leading pawn on the 7th rank. %212045826630=4HLJ867} 1. Nb6 {! %05The main threat with which the stronger side has to reckon is the bishop being given up for the two pawns.^013^010 White's knight is attacked, and simultaneously 1... Bd7 is threatened. He can defend against these threats by 1. Nb6 or 1. Nc5. Which is correct?} (1. Nc5 {allows Black to draw by %05The natural} Bc6 {! , for example:} 2. Kd4 Kd8 3. Kc4 Ke7 4. Kb4 Bd5 {!} 5. Nb7 { (the only chance, otherwise Black plays 5... Be6)} Bxb7 6. Kc5 Be4 7. Kb6 Kd8 { ! %04etc.}) 1... Bc6 2. Nd5+ Kd8 3. Kd6 {!} Bxd7 4. e7+ {White wins, since} Kc8 {is met by} (4... Ke8 {%04by %05and} 5. Nf6+) 5. Nb6+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4b3/4P3/3P4/3k1N2/5K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {If the stronger side's pieces are tied to the defence of the pawns, this may make it altogether impossible to realize the advantage. %212045826630=4HLJ867} 1. Kg5 {%05This is one such rare position. White is unable to win, for example: } (1. Kg4 {%05or} Ke5 2. Kg5 Ke6) 1... Ke5 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/2K1P3/1N1P4/1b6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {If the defender is not directly threatening the pawns, it is normally easy to win with the leading pawn on the 6th or 7th rank.} 1. Na7 {%05White realizes his advantage without difficulty:} Ba3 2. Nc8+ Kd8 3. d6 (3. e7+ {is also possible}) 3... Kxc8 4. e7 {%04etc. Moving the position to right or to left does not affect the result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/2K1P3/1N1P4/1b6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Let us now turn to an analysis of positions with the leading pawn on the 5th rank.} 1. Na6 {%05Here it is not easy for White to win, and the winning procedure is exceptionally interesting and original. We will consider some possible variations:} Ba2 2. Nc7+ Kd7 3. Nd5 (3. d5 {%05Nothing is achieved by} Kxc7 4. e6 Kd8 (4... Bxd5 {%05but not ?} 5. Kxd5 Kc8 6. Kc6 {!} Kd8 7. Kd6) 5. Kd6 Bxd5 {, with a draw.}) 3... Ke6 4. Ne3 {!} Bb1 5. Kc4 {! (White intends to transfer his king to f4, so as to then play d4-d5)} Be4 6. Kc3 Bf3 7. Kd2 Be4 { This same position would have been reached if, instead of 4... Bb1, Black played 4... Bb3 5. Kb4 Ba2 6. Kc3 Bb1 7. Kd2 Be4.} (7... Bc6 {! %05Black could have played more strongly on his 7th move.} 8. Ke2 Kf7 {!} 9. Nc2 {(White again finds a way to regroup)} Ke6 10. Ke3 Kf5 11. Nb4 {!} Bh1 {! The only move which allows Black to prolong his resistance. Other moves lose more quickly, by allowing White to transpose into the previous variation,} (11... Ba4 {(11... Bb7 or 11... Bg2 is no better)} 12. Nd3 {! and 13. Nc5, cutting off the king.}) (11... Bb5 {(or 11... Be8)} 12. Nd5 {! and 13. Nc7.}) (11... Ba8 12. Na6 {! and 13. Nc7.}) 12. Nd3 {! %05It is interesting that everywhere the knight manages to catch up with the bishop!} Ke6 {(13. Nc5 was threatened)} 13. Kf4 {!} Kd5 14. Nb4+ {!!} Kc4 (14... Kxd4 {%05Or} 15. e6 Be4 16. Kg5 { ! , and the pawn queens.}) 15. d5 {!} (15. e6 {%05The only move to win. After} Kxb4 16. Ke5 Kc4 17. Kd6 Bf3 18. e7 Bh5 19. d5 Be8 20. Ke6 Kc5 21. d6 Bc6 { the result is a draw.}) 15... Kxb4 16. d6 Bc6 17. e6 {, and White wins.}) 8. Ke2 Kf7 {!} 9. Kf2 Kg6 {But now, thanks to the distant position of the opposing king, White is able to regroup.} 10. Nc4 {!} (10. Kg3 {%05Black tries to prevent the white king from going to f4, e.g.} Kg5 {!}) 10... Bd5 11. Nd6 {! } Kg5 (11... Kg7 {%05 Since 10... Kf7 and 10... Kf5 are ruled out, the black king is cut off from the saving e6 square. The attempt to return to e7 no longer draws, for example} 12. Ke3 Kf8 13. Kf4 Ke7 14. Nf5+ {and 15. Ne3 followed by d4-d5.}) 12. Ke3 Kg4 13. Kd3 Kf4 (13... Kg5 {%05Passive defence also does not help:} 14. Kc3 Kf4 15. Kb4 Ke3 16. Kc5 {! %04etc.}) 14. Kc3 Ke3 15. Nb5 Ke4 16. Nc7 {and e6-e7-e8Q$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/3K1P2/2N1P3/2b5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ867} 1. Nb6 {%05In this position, obtained by moving example %05~3($402679)~ one file to the right, White again wins. %05The winning plan is exactly the same. We give a typical %05example:} Bb2 2. Nd7+ Ke7 3. Ne5 Kf6 4. Nf3 Bc1 5. Kd4 Bf4 6. Kd3 Bd6 7. Ke2 Bb8 8. Kf2 Kg7 9. Nd2 {! } Kf6 10. Nc4 Kg5 11. Kf3 Ba7 {(the bishop did not have this square in the previous example)} 12. Ne5 Kf6 13. Nc6 $40 {! and 14. Kg4 followed by e4-e5. It is useful to note that in position ~3( 2679)~ and ~3( 2680)~ White wins irrespective of where the bishop is.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/1K1P4/N1P5/b7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {Another example with bishop's pawn and central pawn is obtained by moving position ~3( 2679)~ one file to the left %212045826630=4HLJ867} 1. Nb6 { and 1. Nc3 Black is in zugzwang, and is forced to allow the advance of the pawns.^013^010 It would be quite logical to ask whether or not the cause of Black's defeat was the unfortunate position of his bishop at a3. We will move the bishop to a1 and see whether White can still win. %05Here White wins very easily. After both} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/1K1P4/N1P5/8/8/b7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ867} 1. Nc5 {%05The typical plan of a by-pass manoeuvre with the king in %05combination with a sacrifice of the knight, which was %05employed by White in example ~3($402679)~, cannot %05be carried out here. For example:} Bd4 (1... Bb2 {, although even then White is able to break his opponent's resistance in the same way: %05In turns out that 1... Bd4 is not the strongest move. More tenacious is} 2. Ne4+ Ke5 3. Ng5 Kd6 4. Nf7+ Ke7 5. Nh6 {!} Kd6 6. Nf5+ Ke5 7. Ne7 Kd6 8. Nc8+ Kc7 9. Nb6 {!$18 , and there is no defence against 10. c5.}) 2. Nd3 (2. Ne4+ {! %05In comparison with position~3 ($402679)~ the bishop %05has acquired the square h2, which increases Black's %05defensive resources.^013^010 %05 But, as was found by F. Barasz (1959), after 1... Bd4 %05White can nevertheless win, by using the h-file for %05manoeuvring with his knight, e.g.} Ke5 3. Ng5 {!} Kd6 (3... Be3 {in view of %05No better} 4. Nf7+ Kf6 5. Nd6 Ke5 6. Nb7 {%04etc.}) 4. Nf7+ Ke7 5. Nh6 { !$18 %04etc.}) 2... Ba7 3. Kb4 Bd4 4. Kb3 Be3 5. Kc2 Bb6 6. Kd2 Ke7 {!} 7. Nb2 Kd6 8. Kd3 Ke5 9. Na4 Bg1 10. Nc3 Kd6 {, and on} 11. Ke4 {there follows} Kc5 12. Na4+ Kxc4 (12... Kb4 13. c5 Kxa4 14. c6 Bh2 {is also possible}) 13. d6 Bh2 14. d7 Bc7 {, with a draw.} * [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pereni"] [Black "Loewenthal Johann J (HUN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5b2/3P4/2Pk4/NK6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ867 It will not now b difficult for us to analyze the following old example.} 1. Nb5+ {%05The game concluded:} Kc5 2. Nc3 Bd8 (2... Bh4 {, although after %05Secondly, instead of 2... Bd8, more tenacious would have been} 3. Na4+ Kd6 4. Kb4 Bf2 5. Nc3 {!$18 White wins as in example ~3 ($402682)~.}) 3. Ne4+ Kd4 4. Nd6 Bg5 5. Ka4 {?} (5. Nb7 {! with the threat of 6. d6 he would have won easily, for example: %05A straightforward analysis shows that the play of both sides was by no means the best. Firstly, White's last move was incorrect. After} Ke5 6. d6 Ke6 7. Kb4 Kd7 8. Kb5 $18 {%04etc.}) 5... Bf4 {= with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Barasz Zsigmond (HUN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/4K1P1/3N1P2/8/8/3b4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {Now let us consider the case of bishop's pawn and knight's pawn.} 1. Ke4 { %05White succeeds in transferring his king to h4:} Ba4 (1... Bg4 {%05More tenacious is} 2. Ke3 Bd1 (2... Bd7 {, White wins by %05If on 2. Ke3 Black replies} 3. Kf2 Kh5 4. Kf3 Be8 5. Nf5 Kg6 6. Nd6 Bd7 7. Kg3 Kh5 8. Nc4 {!} Be6 9. Ne5 {, when the black king is cut off and White takes his king to f6.}) 3. Kf2 Kh5 4. Kg2 {! %05but White plays} (4. Kg3 {, then %05and if} Ba4 5. Nf5 Kg6 ) 4... Kh4 (4... Ba4 5. Kg3 {, as in the first variation}) 5. g6 Bh5 6. Nf5+ Kg4 7. g7 Bf7 8. Nh6+ $18) 2. Kf3 Kh5 3. Kg3 Be8 (3... Bd7 4. Nf3 {and 5. Ne5}) 4. Nf5 Kg6 (4... Bd7 5. Ne7 {, and the king proceeds to f6}) 5. Nd6 Bd7 6. Kh4 {followed by 7. f5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7k/5K1P/4N1P1/4b3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {New possibilities appear with rook's pawn and knight's pawn.} 1. Nd6 {%05Here the position of the bishop is of great importance. Only with his bishop at e3, c1, a3 or b4 is Black able to draw! For other bishop positions White wins. ^013^010 If the bishop is at e7 (also h4, d8, h8 or g7) White wins by 1. Nf6, while for all other bishop positions 1. g5! Kh5 2. Nf6 Kh4 3. g6 and 4. g7 decides the game.^013^010 Let us see how Black draws with his bishop at e3.} ( 1. Kf6 {%05No better would have been} Bd4+ 2. Kf7 Be3 3. Nf6 Kg5 4. Ng8 Kxg4) 1... Bc1 {! The only move; all other lose:} (1... Bd2 2. Kf6 {!} Bc3+ (2... Bg5+ 3. Kf7 Bd2 4. Nf5+ Kh7 5. Kf6 Bc3+ 6. Kg5 Bd2+ 7. Kh4 Be1+ 8. Ng3 { and 9. g5}) 3. Kf7 Kg5 4. Ne4+ {!} Kxg4 5. Kg6 {!} Bg7 6. Ng5 Kh4 7. Ne6 Bh8 8. h6 Kg4 9. h7 {%04etc.}) (1... Bf2 2. Kf6 Bh4+ 3. Kf7 Bg5 4. Nf5+ Kh7 5. Ke6 Bd8 (5... Bd2 6. Kf6 {has already been considered,}) (5... Kg8 {there follows %05while on} 6. Nd6 Kh7 7. Kf5 Be7 8. Ne4 Kh6 9. Nf6 {and 10. g5}) 6. Ne7 Kh6 7. Kf6 {8. Nf5 and 9. g5}) (1... Bd4 2. Kf4 {! followed by 3. Nf5 and 4. g5.}) (1... Bc5 2. Nf7+ Kg7 3. Ke6 {!} Be3 4. Nd6 {!} (4. g5 Bxg5 5. Nxg5 Kh6 { would have been a bad mistake, but now White is able to exploit the poor position of the bishop to make a favourable regrouping}) 4... Bg5 5. Kf5 Be7 6. Ne4 Kh6 7. Nf6 {and 8. g5.}) 2. Nf7+ Kg7 3. Ng5 (3. Ke6 {%05Nothing is achieved by} Bf4 4. Kf5 Bc1 5. Ne5 Kh6 6. Nd3 Bg5 {!} 7. Nc5 Bc1 8. Ne6 Ba3) 3... Kh6 4. Ne6 Ba3 {!} 5. Nf4 (5. g5+ {there follows %05Again the only move, in view of the threat of 5. Nf4. Now on} Kxh5 6. Kf6 Bb2+ 7. Kf7 Bc3 8. g6 Kg4 {, with a draw.}) 5... Be7 6. Nd5 Bg5 7. Nf6 Bc1 {Black succeeds in parrying White's threats.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7k/5K1P/1b2N1P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] 1. g5+ {%05Had the bishop been at b4 (or a3), White could not have won by} (1. Ng5 {(with the bishop at b4) Black has only one reply, although it is adequate: %05After} Ba3 {!} (1... Bd2 {%05not} 2. Nf7+ Kg7 3. Nd6 Kh6 4. Kf6 {!} Bc3+ 5. Kf7 Kg5 6. Ne4+ {, winning as already considered}) 2. Nf7+ Kg7 3. Ke6 Bc1 { %04etc.}) 1... Kxh5 2. Nf6+ Kh4 3. g6 {in view of} Bf8 {, e.g.} 4. Ne8 Kh5 5. Kf6 Kg4 6. Kf7 Bh6 7. Nf6+ Kg5 {!} 8. Ng8 Bf8 9. Ne7 Bh6 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh & Geller"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K1k/8/5NbP/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ867} 1... Bd7 {A similar position, but one rank further up the board, was^013^010 reached in variations "a" and "b" in the analysis of^013^010 example ~3($412686)~. The evaluation remain the^013^010 same: White wins even if it is Black to move.} (1... Bd1 {loses quickly after} 2. Kf5 Bc2+ 3. Kg4 Bd1+ 4. Kh3 {and 5. g4}) 2. Ke5 Bg4 3. Ke4 {!} Bc8 (3... Kg7 {White has the quickly decisive %05Black is forced to leave g4, since on} 4. Nd5 Kh6 5. Kf4 Be6 6. Ne3 Kh5 7. Nf5 {and 8. g4}) (3... Bd7 {, then %05If instead} 4. Nd5 Be6 5. Ke5 {!} (5. Ne3 Kh5 6. Kf4 Bb3 {!}) 5... Bc8 6. Kf4 Kh5 7. Ne3 Ba6 8. g4+ {! , winning as in variation "b" below.}) 4. Nd5 Kh5 5. Ke5 {! Black has a choice of three continuations, but none is good enough:} Kg4 (5... Kh6 6. Kf4 Kh5 7. Ne3 Ba6 (7... Bh3 8. Nf5 {%04etc.}) 8. g4+ {!} Kxh4 9. Nf5+ Kh3 10. g5 Bc4 11. g6 Bb3 12. Kg5 Bc4 13. g7 $18) (5... Bh3 6. Nf4+ Kg4 7. Nxh3 $18) (5... Bb7 {or 5... Ba6 loses immediately to %05This is the whole point: now} 6. Nf6+ {and 7. g4}) (5... Bd7 {loses the bishop. %05while}) 6. Nf6+ Kxg3 7. h5 Ba6 8. h6 Bd3 9. Ne4+ Kh4 10. h7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7k/5K1P/4N1P1/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ867} 1. Nd5 {%05This position is obtained by moving example %05~3($402685)~ one rank down the board. Here the %05bishop's diagonal is too short, a factor which White is %05able to exploit (in the 1st edition of this book (1958) this %05position was considered to be a draw. The author found %05the winning path only twenty-two years later, but then %05learned that Cheron had discovered the win earlier.)} Bd1 {!} (1... Ba6 {%05The best reply. Black loses after either} 2. Nf6+ Kg6 3. Ne8 Kh5 4. Ng7+ Kg6 5. Nf5) (1... Bb5 {%05or} 2. Nf6+ Kg6 3. Ke5 Be2 4. Nd5 {and 5. Nf4, transposing into position 136.}) 2. Nf6+ Kg6 3. Ke5 Bf3 {!} (3... Be2 {, then %05Again the best reply. If } 4. Nd5 {and 5. Nf4}) (3... Kh6 {%05while on} 4. Kf5 Bc2+ 5. Kg4 Kg6 (5... Bd1+ 6. Kh3 Kg6 7. Nd5 {, and otherwise 6. h5}) 6. Nd5 Bf5+ 7. Kf4 {White plays g3-g4.}) 4. Nd5 Kh5 5. Ne3 {! Now, since the king cannot move because of 6. Kf4 and 7. g4, Black has two bishop moves:} Be2 (5... Bc6 6. Nd5 {!} Kg4 { (the threat was 7. Nf6 and 8. g4)} 7. Nf6+ Kxg3 8. h5 Bb5 9. h6 Bd3 10. Ne4+ Kh4 11. h7 {, and wins.}) 6. Kf4 {! Giving Black the move is the point of White's manoeuvres. The bishop is forced to withdraw.} Bb5 (6... Bd3 {or 6... Ba6, then %05If} 7. g4+ Kxh4 8. Nf5+ Kh3 9. g5 Bc4 10. g6 Bb3 11. g7 {and White wins, e.g.} Bg8 12. Kg5 Bh7 13. Nh6 Kg3 14. Nf7 Kf3 15. Kh6 Bg8 16. Kg6 Kf4 17. Nh6 Bc4 18. Nf7 Bd3+ 19. Kh6) 7. Nf5 {!} Be2 8. Ng7+ Kg6 9. Ne6 {!} Kh5 (9... Bc4 10. Ke5 Kh5 11. Kf5 {comes to the same thing}) 10. Kf5 {!} Bd3+ ( 10... Bg4+ {%05White's task is simpler after} 11. Kf6 Bd1 12. Nf4+ Kg4 13. h5 { ! , when the pawn cannot be stopped.}) 11. Kf6 Kg4 (11... Bh7 {%05No different is} 12. Nf4+ Kg4 13. h5 Kxg3 14. Kg5 {! , joining the main variation.}) 12. Nf4 Kxg3 13. Kg5 {! , and we reach position ~3($402644)~ which is won for White.} * [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1b6/5N2/5kP1/7P/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ847 %212045826630=4HLJ867 The following is an interesting drawn position.} 1. Kd3 { %05White therefore decided to start his king off on a lengthy raid:} (1. Kf1 { with the threat of 2. Kg2 there can follow %05To win, White must bring his king across to his pawns, but this is not easily done. For example, on} Kf3 {!} 2. g5 Bd8 3. g6 Bf6 {, and if} 4. g7 {, then} Bxg7 5. Nxg7 Kg3 {= , winning the h-pawn.}) 1... Bd8 2. Kd4 Bf6+ 3. Kd5 Bh8 4. Kd6 Be5+ 5. Ke6 Ba1 6. Ke7 Bb2 7. Kf7 Kg5 {!= White was threatening to win quickly by 8. Kg6 and 9. g5. Once Black had parried this threat, there was nothing else for White to do than agree a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6b1/8/8/1k6/8/1PP5/3K4/2N5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] {Now that we are familiar with the features of diagonal positions, we can consider the general procedure for advancing connected passed pawns.} 1. Kc2 { %05We know that in positions with pawns in diagonal formation there can be difficulties over realizing the advantage. Therefore here White should move his pawns so as to avoid diagonal positions, and this he is able to do.} Be6 2. Nd3 Bg8 3. Kb2 Be6 {(Black has to wait passively)} 4. Ka3 Bg8 5. Nb2 Bf7 6. b4 {!} Be8 (6... Bg8 {is all the same met by %05Since} 7. c4+ {, Black regroups.}) 7. c4+ Ka6 8. Kb3 Kb6 9. Kc3 Bd7 10. Kd4 Bc6 11. Nd1 Be8 12. Nc3 {(White prepares to advance his pawns a further rank forward)} Kc6 13. c5 Bd7 14. b5+ Kb7 15. Kc4 Kc7 16. Nd5+ Kb7 17. Kb4 Be8 18. Ka5 Bd7 19. Nb4 Be8 20. b6 Bh5 21. c6+ {and 22. b7. This winning plan may be not the quickest, and it is not of course the only one, but it undoubtedly gives Black no chances. It is useful for the reader to note how White's king and knight "sealed" the gaps between his pawns, preventing the black pieces from becoming established there.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/8/8/k7/8/PP6/2K5/1N6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Here the white king here required the rook's file for its manoeuvres; therefore in positions with rook's pawn and knight's pawn this plan will not work.} 1. Kb2 {%05In the initial stage White has significant difficulties to overcome.} Be7 2. Nc3 {Now Black has three possibilities:} Bf8 (2... Bc5 3. Nd5 Kb5 {!} 4. Nf4 {!} (4. b4 {%05not ?} Kc4 {! with a draw}) 4... Bf8 5. Nd3 Bg7+ 6. Ka2 Bf8 (6... Bf6 {, then %05if} 7. a4+ Ka5 8. Ka3 {and 9. b4}) 7. b4 Kc4 8. Ne5+ {!} (8. Nb2+ {? %05but not} Kc3 9. Na4+ Kc4 10. Nb6+ Kb5 11. Nd5 Kc4 12. Ne3+ Kc3 {, when White has not made any progress.}) 8... Kc3 (8... Kd5 { , then %05if} 9. Nd7 {and 10. Kb3}) 9. b5 {!} (9. Nc6 {%05White does not achieve anything by} Kc4 10. Na5+ Kc3) 9... Kd4 10. Nd7 Bd6 11. b6 {, and White wins the bishop for the pawn.}) (2... Bd6 3. Nd5 Kb5 4. b4 Kc4 5. Ne3+ Kd3 6. Nf5 Bf8 7. Kb3 Ke4 {(a desperate attempt to win the knight, but it is easily parried)} 8. Nh4 Be7 9. Ng6 Bd6 10. Kc4 Kf5 11. Kd5 {, and White wins easily.}) 3. Nd5 {!} Bg7+ (3... Kb5 {%05or} 4. b4 Kc4 5. Ne3+ Kd3 6. Ng4 Kc4 7. Ne5+ Kd5 8. Ng6 Bd6 9. Kb3 Kc6 10. Kc4 {, joining the main variation}) 4. Ka2 Kb5 (4... Be5 {, then %05If} 5. b4+ Ka4 6. Nb6+ Kb5 7. Nd7 Bd4 8. Kb3 {%04etc.} ) (4... Bd4 {there follows %05while on} 5. b4+ Ka4 6. Nf4 {!} Bc3 7. Nd3 { followed by 8. Nb2 and 9. Kb3.}) 5. Nf4 {!} Bf6 (5... Bf8 6. Nd3 Bd6 7. Kb2 {!} Be7 8. b4 Kc4 9. Kc2 {, then 10. Nb2 and 11. Kb3}) 6. Nd3 {!} Be7 7. b4 Kc4 8. Nb2+ Kc3 9. Na4+ Kc4 (9... Kc2 {%05after} 10. b5 Bd6 11. b6 {the pawn queens}) 10. Nb6+ Kb5 11. Nd5 {!} Bd8 12. Kb3 {The first stage has been completed, and the pawns can now advance. The rest is much simpler.} Kc6 13. Kc4 Bg5 14. a4 Bd8 15. a5 Kd6 16. a6 Kc6 17. b5+ {, and White wins. Thus we have established that against connected pawns the defender can gain a draw only in certain diagonal positions. If the pawns are on the same rank, the stronger side normally wins. With rook's pawn and knight's pawn additional efforts are required to ensure their successful advance.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1894.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Neustadtl"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/3K4/2P3N1/8/6k1/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1894.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ869 ~14.2 Two isolated pawns ~ With isolated pawns the stronger side normally wins. However, if his pieces are badly placed this can create significant difficulties in realizing the material advantage. There are also some exceptional positions where the win is altogether impossible. The stronger side has to defend (usually with his knight) the pawn which is opposed by the enemy king, and advance the other pawn with the support of his king.} 1. Kc8 {%05The g-pawn is threatened, but White succeeds in defending it: } (1. Ne7 {%05This was the composer's idea: to defend the pawn by %05accurate play. But this winning procedure is not the only %05one. Often an alternative plan is possible, in which one %05of the pawns is sacrificed to divert the opposing king, %05when a won ending with one pawn is reached. %05 In ~0this position~ this plan is also feasible. For %05example:} Kg3 (1... Kf4 {, then %05If instead} 2. Nd5+ Ke4 3. Nc3+ Kf4 (3... Kd3 {%05or} 4. g4) 4. Ne2+ Ke3 5. g4) 2. Nd5 Kxg2 {, and instead of giving the remainder of the solution we refer the reader to position ~3($412563)~. The black king is outside the drawing zone, and after} 3. Nc7 {White wins.}) (1. Nf8 {%05Also possible is the winning method given by Fine:} Kf5 (1... Kg3 2. Ne6 Kxg2 3. Nc7) 2. Ne6 Bg3 3. Nd4+ Ke4 4. Ne2 Be5 5. c7 $18 {%04etc.}) 1... Bd6 (1... Bg3 {White would have played %05Note that on} 2. Kb7 Bd6 3. Ne7 {!} Kf4 4. Nd5+ Kg3 5. Ne3 Kf2 6. g4 Kxe3 7. g5 {%04etc.}) 2. Ne7 {!} Be5 (2... Bxe7 {%05not} 3. Kd7) (2... Kg3 {%05or} 3. Nf5+) 3. Kd7 Bb8 (3... Kg3 4. Nf5+ Kxg2 5. Nd6) 4. Nd5 Kg3 5. Ne3 {White has achieved his aim. He threatens 6. c7, and on} Kf2 {he wins by} 6. g4 Kxe3 7. g5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1849.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "De Guise"] [Black "Preti"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2N1Pb2/3K4/8/k7/P7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1849.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ847 %212045826630=4HLJ869 It is thanks to the possibility of a pawn sacrifice that White wins in the next two positions.} 1. Ke5 {! %05The pawn cannot be defended, but it is in fact a "Greek gift". The continuation was} Bh5 (1... Kxa3 {? It turns out that capturing the pawn allows White a tempo for a decisive knight manoeuvre: %05But why not} 2. Kf6 Bh5 3. Nb5+ {!} Kb4 4. Nd6 Kc5 5. Nf7 $18) 2. Kf6 Ka5 3. Kg7 Kb6 {(Black has decided to give up his bishop for the e-pawn, and then attempt to combat the a-pawn with his king)} 4. Nd5+ {!} (4. e8=Q {? %05of course, not} Bxe8 5. Nxe8 Ka5 {= , with a draw}) 4... Kc5 5. Nf6 Kd6 6. Nxh5 Kxe7 7. Nf4 {(the rest is simple)} Kd6 8. Nd3 Kd5 9. Nb4+ Kc4 10. Nc2 $18 {, and White wins.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kalinin Alexander"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k3K3/N7/1P6/4P3/3b4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] 1. e6 {%05After} Bxb6 {White exploits the unfortunate position of the enemy king in the corner:} (1... Kb7 {%05But what if Black does not immediately take the pawn? Let us see:} 2. Nb5 Bf2 (2... Bc5 {%05if} 3. Nc3 Bxb6 4. Ne4 Kc8 5. Nd6+ Kc7 6. Kf7 {, and White wins}) 3. Nc3 {!} Kxb6 4. Kf7 Bh4 (4... Bc5 5. Na4+) 5. Nd5+ Kc6 6. Nf6 $18) 2. Kd7 Bc5 3. Nc8 Bf8 4. Kc7 {!} Ba3 5. Nd6 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Veurman"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K1k5/P7/8/7P/8/4N1b1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ869} 1. Nc4 {! %05 This is achieved as follows:} (1. h6 { ? %05At first sight White's task does not seem difficult. Black's %05forces are scattered: his king is blocking in the %05opposing king, while his bishop has to stop the h-pawn. %05With the support of the knight the h-pawn can advance %05to the queening square, when the bishop has to be %05given up for it, after which the knight goes to the aid of %05its king and drives away the black king. Let us try this %05direct plan:} Bf4 2. h7 Be5 3. Nc4 Ba1 4. Nd6+ Kc7 5. Nf7 Kc8 {!} 6. h8=Q+ Bxh8 7. Nxh8 Kc7 {! We have succeeded in winning a piece, but we are unable to win the game, since the knight is powerless to drive the king from c7 and c8. For example:} 8. Nf7 Kc8 9. Nd6+ Kc7 {= In order to drive away the king, White would have to give his opponent the move, but this is impossible since the knight alone cannot gain a tempo. Now White's task becomes clear. he must not only win the piece, but must also obtain the position after Black's 7th move with the king at c8. Then after 8. Nf7 Kc7 9. Nd6 Black will be in zugzwang and will be forced to allow the white king out of the corner.}) 1... Kc7 (1... Bf4 {%05No better is} 2. Nb6+ Kc7 3. Nd5+) ( 1... Bh4 2. h6 Bf6 3. Nd6+ Kc7 4. Ne8+) (1... Bf2 {%05or} 2. h6 Bd4 3. Nd6+ Kc7 4. Nb5+) 2. h6 Bh4 3. Nd6 {!! A splendid move, which is also decisive if on his 2nd move Black plays 2... Bf2 or 2... Be1. The squares f6, d4 and c3 are now inaccessible to the bishop because of a fork. Black has one way of stopping the pawn, but it allows White to win the necessary tempo.} Bg3 4. h7 Be5 5. Nf7 {!} Ba1 6. h8=Q Bxh8 7. Nxh8 Kc8 {, and the aim is achieved.} * [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "Sultan Khan Mir (IND)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6B1/8/8/3pn3/1pk5/8/2K5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ847 %212045826630=4HLJ869 If the pawns are close to each other, it is more difficult to separate the defender's pieces, and the win normally requires the advance of both pawns. The features of such endings are well illustrated by the following examples.} 1... b3+ {%05Black's king is rather tied to the defence of his d-pawn to free his king for active play, Black must deploy his knight such that it defends his d-pawn and supports the advance of his b-pawn. This can be done from b6, and so Black transfers his knight there.} (1... Nd7 { %05The knight could also have been transferred to b6 more quickly, for example by} 2. Be6 (2. Bh7 {there could have followed %05On} b3+ 3. Kd2 Nb6 4. Bd3+ Kd4 {! and 5... Nc4}) 2... Nb6 3. Bf7 b3+ 4. Kb2 Kb4 $19 {%04etc.}) 2. Kb2 Nd3+ 3. Kb1 (3. Ka3 {Black wins quickly by %05On} b2 {!} 4. Ka2 Kc3 {!} 5. Kb1 (5. Bxd5 Nb4+) 5... Nb4 6. Bf7 d4 7. Bg6 d3 8. Bh5 d2 9. Bd1 Nd3 $19 {and 10... Nf2.}) 3... Nc5 {!} 4. Bf7 Na4 5. Be8 Nb6 {!} 6. Kb2 Kb4 7. Bf7 Nc4+ 8. Kc1 Kc3 { !$19 , and White resigned.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/8/PK6/2PN4/8/8/5b2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {From the standpoint of overcoming technical difficulties, the most interesting positions are those with rook's pawn and bishop's pawn, and we will look at these in some detail. %212045826630=4HLJ869} 1. Nc2 {! , when there are two main variations: %05This position is reached (with colours reversed) by %05moving position ~3($402696)~ one file to the left.^013^010 %05 The simplest way to win is by the knight manoeuvre just %05examined:} Bd3 (1... Bh3 2. a6+ Ka7 (2... Kc7 {, then %05if} 3. Na3 Bd7+ 4. Kc5 {followed by 5. Nb5, as in variation "a"}) 3. Ka5 Bc8 {(the threat was 4. Na3 and 5. Nb5)} 4. Nb4 Bd7 (4... Be6 {there can follow %05on} 5. Nc6+ Ka8 6. c5 Bc8 7. Ne7 {!} (7. Kb6 {%05but not} Bxa6) 7... Be6 8. Kb6 {and c6-c7-c8}) 5. c5 Be8 6. c6 {(also possible is Nd5-c3-b5, transposing into variation "a")} Bh5 7. c7 Bg4 8. Nc6+ Ka8 9. Kb6 Bc8 10. a7 (10. Ne7 {%05but not} Bxa6) 10... Bd7 11. Nd4 Bc8 12. Nb5 Bd7 13. c8=Q+ Bxc8 14. Nc7# {mate.}) 2. Na3 Be2 3. a6+ Ka7 (3... Kc7 4. Kc5 {!} Bf3 5. Nb5+ Kb8 6. Kb6 {comes to the same thing}) 4. Ka5 Bf3 5. Nb5+ Kb8 6. Kb6 Kc8 7. a7 {and 8. Nc7, with an easy win. Here White's pieces were well placed, and so it was fairly easy for him to win, although at the end he had to reckon with stalemating possibilities. If the pieces are badly placed the win is made more difficult. The following is a typical example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3N4/k7/8/PKP5/8/8/6b1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {This position could have occurred in the game Boleslavsky - Rudakovsky (Moscow, 1945).} 1. c6 {%05How is White to realize his advantage here? Boleslavsky gives the following variation:} Bf1+ 2. Kc5 Ka6 3. c7 Bh3 4. Nc6 Bc8 5. Kd6 Bb7 (5... Kb7 {, after which White's task is much more difficult. Then he has the following plan: %05But these variations by no means exhaust Black's defensive possibilities. Instead of 5... Bb7, possible is} 6. Ne5 {!} Ka6 7. Nc4 Kb5 8. Nb6 Ba6 9. Nd7 Bb7 10. Nc5 Bc8 11. a6 {!} Kb6 12. a7 {!} Kxa7 13. Ke7 Kb6 14. Kd8 {, and wins.}) 6. Kd7 Kb5 {It would appear that Black has achieved a great deal - White loses a pawn. But there follows} 7. Ne5 {!} Kxa5 (7... Ba6 {, when White has only one way to win: %05It should be added that instead Black could have played} 8. Nc4 {!} Kxc4 9. Kc6 {!} Kd4 10. Kb6 Bc8 11. a6 {%04etc.}) (7... Kb4 {there could have followed %05Finally, on} 8. Nf7 {!} Kxa5 (8... Kc5 {%05if} 9. Nd6 Ba6 {, then} 10. c8=Q+ Bxc8+ 11. Kxc8 {!}) 9. Nd6 Ba6 10. Kc6 {followed by 11. Nb7.}) 8. Nc4+ Kb4 9. Nd6 Bg2 10. Ke6 Bh3+ 11. Nf5 {, and White wins. This is correct.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/P7/1KP5/3N4/8/6b1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Here White carried out a plan which we have already considered: he sacrificed a pawn, diverted the opposing king, and obtained a won ending with just one extra pawn. But to the very last moment the success of the plan hung by a thread, and depended on a single tempo. %212045826630=4HLJ869} 1... Bf1+ { %05On looking at this diagram it is difficult to believe that Black loses only because his bishop %05has insufficient squares on the long diagonal. But, as we will see later, this is indeed so. %05Let us ponder over the position. Is White threatening 2. c6? It turns out that he is not: %05Black plays 2... Bf1 3. Ka5 Bg2! and after 4. a7 the bishop sacrifice 4... Bc6! 5. Nc6 %05Kb7 gives him a well known drawn position. White's main threat is the manoeuvre 2. %05Ne6 Kd7 3. Nf4! and 4. Kb6, with an easy win.^013^010 %05 Black defends against this threat by} 2. Ka5 Bg2 {!} 3. Kb4 {!! A quiet move, difficult to find, which wins by force! Black is unexpectedly in a position of complete zugzwang. Any move is unfavourable for him! Consider the main continuations:} Bf1 (3... Be4 4. Nb5+ Kd7 {!} (4... Kc6 {loses quickly to} 5. a7 Kd7 6. Ka5 { and 7. Kb6}) 5. Nd6 {!} Ba8 {!} (5... Bg2 {is met by %05a bishop move to any square from d5 to h1} 6. Kb5 Kc7 7. Ne8+ Kd7 8. Kb6 {!} Kxe8 9. c6) (5... Bc6 { , then %05while if} 6. Ka5 Kc7 7. Nb5+ {and 8. Kb6}) 6. Nc4 {!} Kc7 7. Nb6 { , 8. a and 9. a8Q$18}) (3... Bd5 4. Kb5 Be4 5. Ne6+ (5. c6 {? %05but not} Bd3+ 6. Ka5 Be4 {!} 7. a7 Bxc6 8. Nxc6 Kb7 {, with a draw}) 5... Kd7 6. Ng5 { ! and 7. Kb6$18}) 4. Nb5+ Kc6 5. a7 Kb7 6. c6+ {!} Ka8 7. Ka5 Bxb5 (7... Bg2 8. Kb6 Bxc6 9. Nc7# {%04mate}) 8. Kxb5 Kxa7 9. Kc5 Kb8 10. Kd6 $18 {Up till now we have been considering positions with a bishop's pawn and rook's pawn, where the corner square in front of the rook's pawn has been accessible to the bishop. We will now study a few examples where it is inaccessible.} * [Event "Opatija (Croatia)"] [Site "Opatija (Croatia)"] [Date "1912.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cohn Erich (GER)"] [Black "Lowtzky Mojsesz (POL)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3B4/8/5p2/6k1/7p/8/2n5/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1912.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ847 %212045826630=4HLJ869} 1... Nd4 2. Kf2 Nc6 {! (before beginning active play, Black has to break the pin)} 3. Bb6 Kg4 4. Bc7 f5 5. Bd6 f4 6. Bc7 Nd4 7. Bd6 { (White can only wait to see what Black will do)} Kf5 (7... h3 {%05But in the given example there was no need for Black's showy play. He could have won more prosaically by} 8. Bc5 Nf3 9. Bb6 Ne1 {!} 10. Kg1 Nd3 11. Kh2 f3 12. Kg1 Kg3 13. Ba7 (13. Bc7+ {%05or} Nf4 14. Bb6 Ne2+ 15. Kh1 f2) 13... h2+ 14. Kh1 f2 15. Bxf2+ Nxf2# {mate.}) 8. Bc7 Ke4 9. Kg2 Nf5 10. Kh3 (10. Bb6 {%05 Black is threatening with the support of his king to begin advancing his f-pawn, and so White launches into a counter-attack. Passive defence also does not help, e.g.} Ne3+ 11. Kg1 f3 12. Bc7 h3 13. Bd6 Ng4 14. Bg3 (14. Bc7 {, then %05if} f2+ 15. Kf1 Kf3) 14... Ke3 15. Bh4 Ke2 16. Bg3 f2+ 17. Bxf2 Nxf2 18. Kh2 Kf3 $19 { %04etc.}) 10... Ke3 11. Kg4 f3 {(Black can even permit himself this luxury)} 12. Bh2 f2 $19 {White resigns. The knight sacrifice, with the aim of obtaining two advanced pawns which the bishop cannot stop, is also a typical procedure in this ending.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gurvich Abram S (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kP/8/3b1PK1/8/6N1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {The further advanced the pawns are in such endings, the greater the various drawing chances with the proximity to the edge of the board.} 1. Nh5+ {%05Here White has constantly to reckon with Black's stalemating attempts, although by exact play he is able to suppress them.} Kh8 2. Kh6 {!} (2. Kg6 {? %05not} Be4 {and 3... Bf5}) 2... Be4 (2... Bf7 {%05or} 3. Nf4 Be8 4. f6 Bf7 5. Nd3 Bg6 6. Ne5 {!} Be8 7. f7 Bxf7 8. Nxf7# {%04mate}) 3. f6 Bxh7 4. f7 Bg8 {!} 5. f8=B {!} (5. f8=Q {or 5. f8R leads to stalemate}) 5... Bd5 6. Nf6 {and 7. Bg7 mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7P/8/4K1N1/5P2/3b4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {Positions ~3( 2702) - ( 2704)~ show some rare instances where the material advantage cannot be realized. %212045826630=4HLJ869} 1. f5 {because of %05White cannot play} (1. Ne4 {%05Equally unpromising is} Kxh7 2. f5 Bxe4 3. Kxe4 Kg7) 1... Bxf5 {, with a theoretical draw. If his pawn were already at f5, White would win: 1. f6 Bg6 2. Ke6 Bh5 3. Ke7 Bg6 4. Ne6! Bh5 5. Nf4 etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k1K/7P/8/6N1/5P2/3b4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1. Nf3 {%05The black king has blocked in its opposite number, which has no way of breaking out of the trap. For example:} Bb1 2. Nd4 Kf7 3. Nb5 Kf8 4. Nd6 Bc2 5. f5 Bxf5 {!} (5... Bd3 {%05the simplest, although} 6. f6 Bb1 {is also possible, when White is unable to strengthen his position}) 6. Nxf5 Kf7 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3b4/5P1k/7P/7K/6N1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {But had the pawn been at f4, White would have been able to win.} 1. Ne2 { %05Here too all White's aggressive attempts are parried by accurate defence:} Be8 2. Nf4 Bf7 (2... Bd7 {would been a mistake, since after} 3. f7 {!} Kg7 4. Ng6 Kxf7 {White wins.}) 3. Kg4 Bb3 4. Kf5 Bf7 {!} 5. Ke4 Kg5 {!} 6. Ke5 Bg8 { != , whereas now White is unable to do anything.} (6... Be8 {loses to} 7. Ke6 { !} Kxf4 8. h6) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3b4/7k/7P/5P1K/6N1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Ne4 {! %05The correct continuation is} (1. f5 {would be a mistake in view of } Ba4 {!} 2. Kg4 (2. f6 Bd7 {!}) 2... Bd1+ 3. Kf4 Bb3 4. Ke5 Kg5 5. Kd6 Bc2 { with a draw.}) 1... Be8 2. Nf6 Bf7 3. Ng4+ Kg7 4. Kg5 {, with an easy win. Therefore the pawns must be advanced extremely cautiously in this ending, to avoid the creation of the blockade positions just examined.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3b4/5k2/8/5P1P/4K1N1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Kf3 {%05Thus the attempt to approach from the rear is unsuccessful. The winning procedure is in fact extremely complicated and instructive.} (1. Ke4 { %05 White's basic difficulty here is whether he can use his king to support the advance of his pawns. Let us try doing this, by approaching with the king from the rear:} Bc6+ {! (the threat was 2. f5 with an easy win)} 2. Kd4 Bd7 3. Kd5 Ba4 4. Kd6 Bc2 {!} (4... Bb5 {%05the attempt to prevent the advance of the king could have a sad end:} 5. h5 Ba4 6. f5 Kg5 7. Ke7 {, and White wins}) 5. Kd7 Bd3 6. Ke8 Bc2 7. Kf8 Bd3 8. Kg8 Kg6 9. h5+ Kf6 10. h6 (10. f5 Kg5 11. Kg7 Bxf5) 10... Kg6 11. h7 Bc4+ 12. Kh8 Bf7 {, and we reach position 152.}) 1... Bc8 {(Black cannot move his bishop off the h3-c8 diagonal, since then f4-f5 gives White a quick win)} 2. h5 Bd7 (2... Ba6 {White wins by %05on} 3. Kg4 { and f4-f5}) 3. Ne4+ Kf5 (3... Kg7 {there would have followed %05On} 4. Kg3 Bc6 (4... Kh6 5. Kh4 Be8 6. Nf6 {and 7. Ng4}) 5. Nf2 Kf6 6. Ng4+ Kf5 7. h6 Kg6 8. Ne5+) 4. Nd6+ {!} Kf6 {!} (4... Ke6 {%05or} 5. h6 Kf6 6. f5 {, and wins}) 5. Kg3 {!} Be6 {!} (5... Ba4 {would have made things easier for White. Incidentally this move conceals a subtle trap. %05As we will see later,}) 6. Ne4+ (6. h6 {, and if %05 It appears that White now wins by} Kg6 (6... Bg8 { ! %05but after} 7. f5 Kg5 {! the game ends in a draw.}) 7. f5+) 6... Kf5 7. Ng5 {!} Bc8 {!} (7... Bb3 {%05This is Black's best defence, the alternatives being} 8. h6 Kg6 9. h7 Kg7 10. f5 {!}) (7... Bd7 {%05or} 8. Nf3 Kf6 9. h6 {!} Be6 ( 9... Kg6 10. Ne5+) 10. Nh4 {!} Bg8 11. Kg4 {and 12. f5}) (7... Bg8 {%05or, finally,} 8. Nf3 Kf6 9. Nh4 Kg7 10. Kg4 {%04etc.}) 8. Nf3 Kf6 {!} 9. Nh4 {!} Kg7 {!} 10. Ng2 {!} (10. f5 {%05it is not yet too late to go wrong;} Kh6 11. Kg4 Ba6 {!} 12. f6 Be2+ {leads only to a draw}) 10... Kf6 11. Ne3 {!} Ba6 {!} ( 11... Bd7 {there follows %05Bitter necessity forces the bishop to abandon the h3-c8 diagonal: there are insufficient squares on it! In fact, on} 12. Ng4+ Kf5 13. h6 Kg6 14. Ne5+) (11... Be6 {%05and on} 12. Kh4 {!} Bc8 (12... Bg8 { or 12... Bb3, then %05if} 13. f5) (12... Bd7 {, then %05while if} 13. Ng4+ Kf5 14. h6) 13. Nd5+ {!} Ke6 (13... Kf5 14. Ne7+) 14. Kg5 {, and White wins.}) 12. Kh4 {!} Bd3 13. Ng4+ Kf5 14. Ne5 {!} Be4 (14... Bb5 {%05The bishop cannot move of the b1-h7 diagonal:} 15. h6 Kf6 16. f5 {!}) (14... Bc2 {, then %05while if} 15. Kg3 {!} Bb3 (15... Kf6 16. Ng4+ {!}) 16. Nf3 Kf6 17. Nh4 Kg7 18. Kg4 Kh6 19. Nf5+) 15. Kg3 {! After this prosaic move Black is in zugzwang: %05But now the bishop has insufficient squares on the b1-h7 diagonal.} Bb1 (15... Bc2 16. Ng4 Bb1 (16... Ba4 17. Ne3+ Kf6 18. Kg4 {! and 19. f5}) 17. Ne3+ Kf6 (17... Ke4 18. f5 {%04etc.}) 18. Kg4 {and 19. f5$18}) 16. Ng4 Bd3 (16... Be4 17. Ne3+ Kf6 18. Kg4 {! and 19. f5}) 17. h6 Kg6 18. Ne5+ $18 {As a result of truly titanic efforts White succeeded in breaking the blockade ring, approaching the pawns with his king, and supporting their advance. But this cannot always be done.} * [Event "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Site "Zurich (Switzerland)"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Black "Bernstein Ossip S (UKR)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5b2/8/8/8/1PKNkP2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ847 %212045826630=4HLJ869} 1. b4 {%05This position is a classic example of a blockade. The game concluded:} (1. Ne1 {! (here and subsequently the exclamation marks are Alekhine's) %05In the tournament bulletin Alekhine suggested the following variation, which in his opinion led to a win. It was then reproduced in numerous works on the endgame.} Be8 2. Kb4 Ke2 3. Kc5 {!} Kxe1 4. b4 Ke2 5. f4 Ke3 6. f5 Ke4 7. f6 Ke5 8. b5 {! , and White wins. ^013^010 However, it was pointed out by A. Nogovitsin that after} Ke6 {!!} 9. b6 Kd7 {!!= the result is quite obviously a draw.}) 1... Be8 {!} 2. Ne1 (2. f4 {the only way to draw was by %05This ending was the subject of numerous analyses, including ones by Rinck and Cheron. They established that after} Bd7 {!!} (2... Bb5 {loses after} 3. f5 {!} Ke4 4. f6 Be8 5. b5 Kd5 6. Kb4 Ke6 7. b6 Bc6 8. Ne5 Ba8 9. f7 Ke7 10. Kb5 Bb7 11. Nc4) 3. Ne5 (3. Kc4 Be6+ 4. Kc5 Kxd3 5. b5 Ke4 6. b6 Bc8 {= , with a draw}) 3... Bf5 (3... Bh3 {is also possible}) 4. b5 Kxf4 5. Kd4 Be4 6. Nc6 Bg2 7. Kc5 Bf1 8. b6 Ba6 9. Na5 Ke5 {!} 10. Kc6 Kd4 11. Kc7 Kc5 12. Nc6 Kb5 13. Nb8 Bc8 {!= , with a draw.}) 2... Bb5 {!} 3. Nc2+ Kf4 4. Kd2 Bc4 5. Ne1 Ba6 {= Drawn. In the following position Black draws in the same way, by attacking the knight and then overtaking the pawns.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/k3K3/P2P4/2N5/6b1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1... Kb4 {!} (1... Bf3 {%05any delay would be fatal:} 2. d5 Kb4 3. d6 Bc6 4. Ke6 Kxc3 5. a5 Kb4 6. a6 Kb5 7. a7 Kb6 8. a8=Q {!} Bxa8 9. d7 Kc7 10. Ke7 { %04etc.}) 2. d5 Kxc3 3. d6 Bc6 4. a5 Kb4 5. a6 Kb5 6. a7 Kb6 7. d7 Kc7 { ! , and Black catches the pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1943.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Schultz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k1K5/1n3p2/5B2/8/8/3p4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1943.??.??"] 1. Bg4 {! the only move! %05White gains a draw thanks to the poor placing of the black pieces, which are unable to support their pawns.} (1. Bc2 {loses to} f5 2. Kc6 f4 3. Bd1 Nc4 4. Kc5 Ne3 5. Be2 d1=Q 6. Bxd1 Nxd1 7. Kd4 Ne3 8. Ke4 Nd5) 1... f5 (1... Nc4 {%05or} 2. Be2 {! this is the best square for the bishop } f5 3. Kc6 Ne3 4. Kc5 {!} d1=Q 5. Bxd1 Nxd1 6. Kd4 Kb6 7. Ke5 Ne3 8. Kf4 { , with a draw}) 2. Be2 {! Again the only move!} (2. Bh5 {loses to} Nc4 3. Kc6 { or 3. Kd7} Ne5+ {! and 4... Ng4}) (2. Bf3 {%04to %05and} Nc4 {, when the threat of ... Ne5 gains Black a decisive tempo.}) 2... Nd5+ 3. Kd6 Nc3 4. Bh5 { ! (as we will see later, this is again the only move)} Kb6 {(Black intends to give up his f-pawn, but bring up his king)} 5. Ke5 Kc5 6. Kxf5 Kd4 7. Kf4 {!} Kd3 8. Bg6+ {! Draw. Had White played 4. Bf3, he would not have had this last move, and would have been unable to defend against the threat of ... Ne2, blocking the diagonal.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/8/3P4/3KN3/3P4/7b/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {~14.3 Doubled pawns~ It should be expected that with doubled pawns the winning chances are reduced. We will first consider an example with central pawns. Fine considers a position with bishop's pawns, but with White to move this is of no significance. %212045826630=4HLJ871} 1. Kc5 {%05White to play wins easily:} Bg1+ {(the threat was 2. d6, 3. Kd5 and 4. Nc5)} 2. d4 Be3 3. Nf6+ Ke7 4. Ng4 Bg1 (4... Bc1 5. Kc6) 5. Ne5 Be3 6. d6+ {Now Black has two possibilities, but they both lead to the same finish:} Ke6 (6... Ke8 7. Kc6 {!} Bxd4 8. d7+ Ke7 9. Kc7 {%04etc.}) 7. Kc6 {!} Bxd4 8. d7 Ke7 9. Kc7 {!} Bxe5+ 10. Kc8 {, and the pawn queens. On the basis of this analysis Fine stated that doubled pawns (with the exception of rook's pawns) always win, even if the opposing king stands in their path. This generalization is incorrect, as is easily shown.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/8/3P4/3KN3/3P4/7b/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] 1... Bg1+ {%05Fine analyzed a similar position only with White to move. Let us examine it with Black to move. He naturally continues} 2. Kc4 Bb6 {, trying to keep the opposing king out of c5.} 3. Nc5+ Kd6 4. d4 Ba7 (4... Bc7 {%05The a7-g1 diagonal cannot be abandoned, since after} 5. Ne4+ Kd7 6. Kc5 {White would win. But now he has to regroup.}) 5. Ne4+ Kd7 6. Nc3 Bb6 7. Nb5 Ke7 { the only move;} 8. Kd3 (8. d6+ {there follows %05now on} Ke6) 8... Ba5 { ! (the white king is aiming for e5, and the bishop must prevent this)} 9. Ke4 Be1 10. Ke5 Bg3+ 11. Ke4 Kd7 12. Kd3 Bh4 13. Kc4 Be7 {, and White has failed to achieve his goal. But if this position is moved one file to the left, the evaluation changes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/8/2P5/2KN4/2P5/6b1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1... Bf1+ {%05White to play wins, as in the previous position, by 1. Kb5. ^013^010 If it is Black's move, after} 2. Kb4 Ba6 3. Nb5+ Kc6 4. c4 {it turns out that the bishop has insufficient manoeuvring space: on} Bb7 (4... Kb7 { or 4... Kd7, then %05if} 5. Ka5) 5. Nd4+ Kc7 6. Kb5 {followed by the inevitable 7. c6 etc. White wins even easily with knight's pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/8/1P6/1KN5/1P6/5b2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {%212045826630=4HLJ871} 1... Be1+ {%05After} 2. Ka4 {Black cannot prevent 3. b4 followed by the penetration of opposing king to a5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/1k6/8/1P6/1KN5/1P6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {It is very important that such an attack by the bishop from the front is possible whatever file the pawns are on, and this, in turn, means that, against correct defence, doubled pawns are altogether insufficient for a win, provided that they are not far advanced. We will examine one further position with knight's pawns.} {But the cause of Black's defeat in all the examples considered was not the white pawns, but the poor position of his bishop, which allowed the opposing king to occupy a strategically important square. In order to demonstrate this, it is sufficient to move the bishop in diagram ~3( 2713)~ to d8. %212045826630=4HLJ871} 1. Ka3 {%05This defence of the invasion squares from the front is the strongest, although the position is one of mutual zugzwang, where the right to move is a disadvantage to either side. If it is Black to move, he is forced to allow the white king in at a5 or c5 with decisive effect. But if it is White to move, he is unable to win:} Kb8 2. Ka4 Ka7 {!} (2... Kb7 3. Kb4 {, and White wins}) 3. Ne3 Bb6 {!} (3... Kb7 4. Nd5 Bh4 5. Ka5 Bf2 {is also possible, but the bishop move is simpler}) 4. Nd5 Bd4 5. Ka5 Kb7 {, and} 6. b6 {can be met by either} Kc6 (6... Bg1 {%04or} 7. Kb5 Bf2) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yakimchik Vitold V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3b4/1P1k4/8/2K4N/1P6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ871} 1. Ng6 {! , when Black has two possibilities: %05The only correct move is} (1. Kb4 {%05 Here the b6 pawn has broken away from its king, and for the moment the distant knight is unable to support it. White nevertheless succeeded in coordination his forces. Nothing is gained by} Be6 {! } 2. Ng6 Bxb3 {!}) 1... Be6+ (1... Bf5 {!} 2. Ne7 {!} Be4 3. Nc8+ Kc6 (3... Kd7 4. Na7) 4. Kb4 {!} (4. b7 {?} Kc7 5. Nd6 Bg2 {, with a draw}) 4... Bc2 5. Ka5 { !} Kd7 (5... Kb7 6. Nd6+ Kc6 7. Ka6 {, and White wins.}) 6. Ne7 {!} Bxb3 7. Ka6 $18) (1... Bc6 2. Kb4 Be4 3. Nf4 Bc2 {fails to} 4. Ka5 {!} Bxb3 5. Ka6 { , when the pawn cannot be stopped}) 2. Kb5 {!} Bxb3 {, and we reach position ~3($412603)~ in which} 3. Ne7 {! wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K7/1pp2k2/2n5/1p6/8/3B4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] {~14.4 Three pawns~ This is normally a win, a draw being possible only in exceptional cases. %212045826630=4HLJ873} 1. Kxb5 (1. Bxb3 {%05Black wins after } Na3) 1... Na3+ 2. Ka4 b2 3. Kxa3 {!} b1=Q 4. Bc2+ Qxc2 {- stalemate!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Filaretov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4Kp1k/4B3/5P2/8/8/8/3n4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {~15 BISHOP AND PAWN AGAINST KNIGHT AND PAWN~ Such endings normally end in a draw, but a number of instances are known where one of the sides succeeds in winning. The chances are significantly affected by the placing of the pawns, and on how the pieces coordinate in their battle with the pawns. It will be expedient to divide these endings into two groups: ~ 5.1 The pawns are not passed.~ ~ 5.2 The pawns are passed.~ ~15.1 The pawns are not passed~ With such a pawn formation there two main winning chances: 1) If the pawn can be won, and a winning ending obtained with an extra pawn. 2) If the opposing piece is restricted in mobility, and can be won. %212045826630=4HLJ875} 1. f6 { %05Therefore White first advances his pawn, and then, depending on what move the knight makes, chooses how to capture the pawn.} (1. Kxf7 {%05Black's pawn cannot be defended, but its immediate capture leads only to a draw:} Nf2 2. f6 Ne4 {!} 3. Bf5+ Kh8 4. Bxe4 {- stalemate}) (1. Bxf7 {%05or} Ne3 2. f6 Nf5+ 3. Ke6 Nh6 {=}) 1... Nf2 (1... Ne3 2. Kxf7 Ng2 3. Ke8 Nf4 4. Bf5+ Kh8 5. f7 { %04etc.}) 2. Bxf7 Ng4 3. Bg6+ Kh8 {! (a clever saving try)} 4. f7 Nh6 {!} 5. f8=B {!} (5. f8=Q+ {? %05The only winning move, since} Ng8+ 6. Ke8 {and stalemate}) (5. f8=R+ {? %05or} Kg7 6. Bb1 Ng8+ 7. Ke8 Nf6+ {! =}) 5... Ng4 { %05 In the resulting position the two bishops prove stronger than the knight, since the black king is in a mating net. The rest is not difficult.} 6. Bf5 Ne5 7. Kf6 Kg8 8. Bh6 Nf7 9. Be6 Kh7 10. Bf8 Nh8 11. Bf5+ Kg8 12. Bb4 Nf7 13. Be6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k2p4/8/2PKB3/8/8/4n3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kd6 {Black is unable to defend his pawn. In addition his knight is badly placed: for it to join in the battle with the pawn, time is required. White wins easily, although accurate play is demanded of him: %05After} Nc1 2. Bd4 {! } (2. Kxd7 {%05of course, not} Nd3 {with a draw}) 2... Ka8 (2... Nb3 {, then %05if} 3. c6+ Nxd4 4. cxd7 {%04etc.}) 3. Kxd7 Nb3 4. c6 Na5 5. c7 Nc6 {(a last try)} 6. c8=R+ $18 (6. c8=Q+ {%05but not} Nb8+ 7. Kd8 {, and stalemate.}) * [Event "Barmen (Germany)"] [Site "Barmen (Germany)"] [Date "1905.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/2pK4/2P4n/5B2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1905.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ849 %212045826630=4HLJ875} 1. Be5 {! Black now has to fight with his king alone, and this is bound to end in failure. After %05The attempt to win the pawn is unsuccessful, since Black brings his knight across and stops the opposing pawn. But White has at his disposal a very strong move, after which the knight is cut off, namely} Ke8 2. Kxc6 Ke7 3. Kb7 (3. Kd5 {%05It should be noted that the alternative} Kd7 4. c6+ Ke7 5. Kc5 Ke6 {would have prolonged the solution. White all the same has to sacrifice his bishop by} 6. Kb6 $18 (6. Kd4 {? %05since he only draws after} Nf6 7. Bxf6 Kd6 {=}) (6. c7 {%05or} Kd7 7. Kb6 Kc8 8. Kc6 Nf6 {=})) 3... Ke6 4. c6 Kxe5 5. c7 $18 {White wins. Here, thanks to the fact that the black knight was cut off, White won without any particular difficulty.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/2pK4/2P4n/5B2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] {But if position ~3( 2720)~ is moved on rank down the board, the fact that the knight is crippled is no longer decisive. Although exact play is demanded of Black. %212045826630=4HLJ875} 1. Be4 {%05Here after} Ke7 2. Kxc5 Ke6 3. Kd4 { %05White can try} (3. Kb6 {there follows %05the bishop sacrifice no longer wins. On} Ke5 {, and if} 4. c5 {, then} Kxe4 5. c6 Nf5 6. c7 Ne7) 3... Kd6 4. Kd3 Ke5 {%05But Black plays} (4... Kc5 {%05, when Black loses after} 5. Kc3 Kd6 6. Kd4 Ke6 7. c5 Ke7 8. Kd5 Kd7 9. c6+ Kc7 10. Kc5 Kc8 11. Kd6 Kd8 12. c7+ Kc8 13. Bd3 {%04etc.}) 5. Ke3 Ke6 6. Kd4 Kd6 {, when White has not achieved anything, since on} 7. c5+ {there follows} Ke6 8. Kc4 Ke5 {!} 9. c6 (9. Kd3 Nf5 10. Bxf5 Kd5) 9... Kxe4 10. c7 Nf5 {with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "N2k4/p7/8/8/4K3/8/P7/6b1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Kd5 {(with the threat of 2. Kc6) there follows %05The knight is trapped, and at first sight it is not apparent how it can be saved. On} Kd7 {, and if} 2. a4 {(with the threat of 3. a5 and 4. Nb6), then} a5 {, when White's position seems hopeless. But it is here that his elegant plan is revealed. After} 3. Kc4 Kc6 {the knight unexpectedly sacrifices itself by} 4. Nc7 { !! , and on} Kxc7 {White continues} 5. Kb5 Bb6 6. Ka6 {, forcing Black to stalemate him by} Kc6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1pKN4/1P6/8/8/7k/6b1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {%212045826630=4HLJ875 We have examined several positions where the defending side has been the one with the knight. One can also imagine positions where the side with the bishop is the defender. We have in mind positions where the pawns is lost, and on its own the bishop cannot stop the opposing pawn. Of decisive importance here is the distance of the defending king from the pawn. As we already know, it is important that after the loss of the pawn the defender's king should be able to enter the drawing zone.} 1. Nc8 {%05Black's king is a very long way from the pawns, but to^013^010 %05win White must not only capture the black pawn, but also^013^010 %05ensure the queening of his own pawn. He has to twice^013^010 %05block the bishop's diagonal, and to do this the unwieldy^013^010 %05knight requires time.^013^010 %05 To draw Black must support the bishop with his king,^013^010 %05since the bishop alone cannot stop the pawn^013^010 %05~3($402517)~. The king must be brought up, but to^013^010 %05where?^013^010 %05 The first blocking of the diagonal cannot be prevented,^013^010 %05which means that Black must attempt to prevent the^013^010 %05second blocking. To do this his king must reach d8.^013^010 %05Despite the fact that it is a long way from this square, it^013^010 %05succeeds in arriving there just in time. For example:} Kg3 2. Nxb6 Kf4 3. Nd7 Kf5 {!} (3... Ba7 {loses after} 4. Nb6 Bb8 5. Nd5+ {!} Kf5 6. b6 Bg3 7. b7 Bb8 8. Nc7 Kf6 9. Kd7) 4. Nc5 Kf6 5. b6 Ke7 6. b7 Bh2 7. Na6 Kd8 {= But if Black's king started at h1, he would be too late: 1. Nc8 Kg2 2. Nb6 Kf3 3. Kd7 Ke4 4. Nc5 Ke5 5. b6 Kf6 6. b7 Bh2 7. Na6 and 8. Nc7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1K5/P7/5k2/8/1bN5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] {%212045826630=4HLJ875} 1. Nb5 {%05Due to the poor position of his king, Black loses his %05pawn, after which White wins by familiar means %05~3($402628)~, since the black king fails to reach the %05drawing zone.} Kf6 (1... Bc4 { loses the bishop to %05a sad necessity;} 2. Nd6+) 2. Nxa7 Bc4 3. Nb5 {!} Ke7 4. a7 Bd5 5. Nd6 Ba8 6. Nc4 {! ~3($402628)~} Bd5 7. Kc8 Be4 8. Na5 Ba8 9. Nb7 Ke8 10. Nd6+ Ke7 11. Kc7 Ke6 12. Nc4 Ke7 13. Kb8 Kd8 14. Na5 Kd7 15. Nb7 Kc6 16. Kxa8 Kc7 17. Nd6 {! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7b/8/5pK1/5P2/8/6N1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Kh6 {! %05 This is an exceptional case. How is it possible to win here? After all, winning the pawn leads to a drawn pawn ending. But nevertheless White wins, thanks to the extremely unfortunate position of the bishop.} Kh8 2. Nh4 Kg8 3. Nf3 Kh8 {(both the king, tied to the defence of the bishop, and the bishop, tied to the defence of the king, are forced to await passively the development of events)} 4. Ne5 Kg8 5. Nc6 (5. Nd7 {%05White can also play} Kh8 6. Nf8) 5... Kh8 6. Ne7 Bg8 7. Ng6# {mate! A totally incredible finish! Unfortunately, the study is slightly spotted by the existence of a dual on the 5th move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/Pn6/8/8/6kp/8/6KB w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {~15.2 The pawns are passed~ There are much greater winning possibilities with passed pawns. For example, one can win by queening before the opponent. In positions with passed pawns the bishop is usually stronger than the knight, since, thanks to its long range, it is easier for it to battle on two fronts, supporting its own pawn and preventing the advance of the opposing pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ877} 1. a7 {it transpires that the opposing king can be gradually driven back, White's king approaches his pawn, and then Black ends up in zugzwang and loses. %05This is a typical example. It might appear that the black king is very active, and that White has no hope of success. But after } (1. Bb7 {%05Returning to the position in the diagram, we should point out that 1. a7 was the only winning move. Only a draw is given by} Kf4 2. Kf2 Ke5 3. Ke3 Kd6 4. Kd4 Kc7 5. Kc5 Nc8 {In this case the bishop is unable to support the advance of its pawn.}) 1... Kg4 2. Kf2 (2. Kh2 {%05of course, not} Kf4 3. Kxh3 Ke5 4. Kg4 Kd6 5. Kf5 Kc7 6. Ke5 Na8 {!} 7. Bxa8 Kb6 {, with a draw.}) 2... Kf4 3. Ke2 Kf5 (3... Kg3 {%05attempting to win the bishop is hopeless:} 4. Ke3 Kh2 5. Bb7 Kg1 6. Kd4 h2 7. Kc5 {, and White wins}) 4. Ke3 Ke5 5. Kd3 Ke6 6. Kc3 Kd6 7. Kb4 Kd7 8. Kb5 Kc7 9. Ka6 {, and White has achieved his aim. In this example the reader had a striking demonstration of the superiority of the bishop over the knight when there was play on both wings. The bishop's task - stopping the opposing pawn and supporting its own - was carried out ideally.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lisitsin Georgy M (RUS)"] [Black "Zagorovsky Vladimir (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3P1KBp/4n3/5k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ849 %212045826630=4HLJ877} 1. Bf5 {! , allowing the pawn to advance a little. This move in fact wins. At f5 the bishop best of all fulfils its task. It restricts the mobility of the black pieces, supports its own pawn, and halts the opposing pawn.^013^010 The game continued: %05This means that White must play} (1. Be8 {, since there follows %05The bishop is much stronger than the knight. However, at this point White has to make a crucial choice.^013^010 Black is threatening 1... Nd7 2. Ke6 Nb6, after which it will be impossible to drive away the knight. This threat cannot be parried by} h5 {! , and if} 2. Bxh5 Nd7+ {= and 3... Nb6 with a draw.}) 1... h5 2. Ke6 h4 3. Kf6 {(Black has taken the opportunity to advance his pawn, and has ended up in zugzwang)} Nc6 (3... h3 { %05sacrificing the pawn, with the aim of improving the placing of the pieces, does not succeed; after} 4. Bxh3 Ke4 5. Ke6 Kd4 6. Bf5 {Black is again in zugzwang}) 4. d7 Nd8 5. Be6 Ke4 6. Bh3 Kf3 {(the last attempt at resistance)} 7. Ke7 Nb7 (7... Nc6+ {there would have followed %05as Lisitsin shows, on} 8. Kd6 Nd8 9. Kc7 Nf7 10. Be6 $18) 8. Bf1 Kg3 9. Ba6 Nc5 10. d8=Q {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Munich (Germany)"] [Site "Munich (Germany)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Colliander"] [Black "Krassing"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/6K1/8/6nP/1pB5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ877} 1. h5 {%05Here White was again able to demonstrate the superiority of bishop over the knight. After} Kf8 {?} (1... Ke7 {!! Then the poor position of his bishop at c3 would have prevented White from winning. ^013^010 For example: %05But Black's defence was not the best. Thanks to the possibility of sacrificing his bishop, White was able to make an important advance of his pawn. Black could have prevented this, if instead of 1... Kf8 he had played} 2. Kg5 (2. Bb2 {%05improving the bishop's position does not achieve anything} Ke6 {!} 3. Kg5 Ne5 {, with an easy draw}) 2... Nf2 3. Bd4 (3. h6 {%05now the following line no longer works:} Ne4+ 4. Kh5 Nxc3 5. h7 b2 6. h8=Q b1=Q) 3... Kf7 {!} 4. h6 Ne4+ 5. Kf5 Ng3+ (5... Nd6+ {is also possible}) 6. Kg5 Ne4+ 7. Kh5 Nf6+ {, with a draw.}) 2. Kg5 Nf2 3. h6 {!} Ne4+ (3... Kf7 { would also not have saved the game after %05It should be noted that} 4. h7 Ne4+ 5. Kf5 {!} Nxc3 6. h8=Q b2 7. Qh7+ {%04etc.}) 4. Kg6 Nd6 5. Bg7+ Ke7 6. h7 Nf7 7. Bb2 {Black resigned. Thanks to the unfortunate position of the bishop, Black was able to coordinate his forces in the battle against the pawn. By the threat of a fork he gained an important tempo. In a number of positions the side with the knight is saved by its forking ability. Consider the following example.} * [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nazarevsky"] [Black "Simonenko"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6b1/3k4/7P/4K3/1p1N4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ849 %212045826630=4HLJ877} 1. h5 {! %05We already know that the result in such positions depends upon whether or not Black can put his opponent in zugzwang. In he can, he wins, if not, the game ends in a draw.} Bh7 (1... Bxh5 2. Kd3 { = , with an immediate draw}) 2. h6 Kc5 3. Ke2 Kd4 4. Kd1 Kc3 (4... Kd3 { there could have followed %05As was shown by Konstantinopolsky, on} 5. Ke1 Kc3 6. Ke2 {!} (6. Kd1 {?} Bd3 7. Ke1 Kc2 $19 {, and White loses}) 6... Kc2 { Now it appears that White cannot save the game, since} 7. Ke1 {is met by} (7. Ke3 {%04by %05and} Kd1) (7. Nc4 {!! %05But there follows} Bd3+ 8. Ke3 Bxc4 9. h7 b1=Q 10. h8=Q {= , and Black cannot win.}) 7... Bd3 $19) (4... Bd3 {%05 Thanks to the possibility of 7. Nc4 with the threat of a fork, White was able to avoid a zugzwang position. ^013^010 Instead of 4... Kc3 Black could have played} 5. Ke1 Ke3 {Then White loses after} 6. Kd1 (6. h7 {%05but he is again saved by} Bxh7 7. Nc4+ {=}) 6... Kf2 $19) 5. Ke1 Kc2 6. Ke2 Bd3+ 7. Ke1 {!} (7. Ke3 {? loses after} Kc3 $19) 7... Kc1 8. Nb3+ Kb1 9. Kd1 {!} (9. Nd2+ {? %05It was not yet too late to go wrong, for example:} Kc2) (9. Kd2 {%05or ?} Ka2 10. Nc1+ Ka3 {!$19}) 9... Bc2+ 10. Ke2 Bh7 11. Kd1 Bc2+ 12. Ke2 Bg6 13. Kd1 Bh5+ 14. Kd2 Ka2 15. h7 b1=Q 16. Nc1+ Ka3 17. h8=Q $40 {= Drawn. Finally, it is important to note that White's first move was the only one to draw. He was saved, only because he succeeded in advancing his pawn to h6. In order to convince ourselves of this, we will examine position ~3( 2729)~, which arises from the previous one after 1. Ke2? Kd4.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6b1/8/3k3P/8/1p1NK3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%212045826630=4HLJ877} 1. Kd1 {%05 Here White can no longer draw, since the bishop copes excellently with the play on two fronts, and the threat of a fork is not dangerous, since the white pawn is not so close to the queening square. ^013^010 Consider some possible continuations:} (1. Ke1 Kc3 2. Kd1 Bh5+ 3. Ke1 Kc2 $19) (1. Kf2 Kd3 {!} 2. Ke1 Kc3 {!} 3. Ke2 Kc2 4. Ke3 Kd1 $19 {%04etc.}) 1... Kc3 2. Ke1 (2. Ke2 Kc2 3. Ke3 (3. Ke1 {%05or} Bh5) 3... Kd1) 2... Kd3 {!} (2... Kc2 {%05the only move to win; nothing is given by} 3. Ke2 Bd3+ 4. Ke3 Kc3 5. h5 {, transposing into a variation from position ~3($402728)~}) 3. Kd1 (3. Nb1 Kc2 4. Nd2 Bh5 {comes to the same thing}) 3... Bh5+ 4. Ke1 Kc2 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P6/1K5N/4b3/8/2p5/3k4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {The following example shows a curious drawing possibility.} 1. Nf5 {%05The bishop appears to be coping excellently with the play on two fronts, but White is able to show that this is not so.} Kd3 (1... c2 {%05a draw results from} 2. b8=Q Bxb8 3. Nd4 c1=Q 4. Nb3+) 2. Ne7 {!} Kc4 (2... c2 {%05or} 3. Nc6 Bd6 4. b8=Q Bxb8 5. Nb4+) 3. Nc6 Bh2 4. Na5+ Kb4 5. Nc6+ Ka3 6. Nd4 {, with a draw. If the side with the knight is able to occupy with his king a square in front of the opposing pawn which is inaccessible to the bishop, as in the ending with bishop and pawn against knight this must automatically lead to a draw, provided only that the knight cannot be caught.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k3n/8/2BP3p/4K3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kf6 {his knight is unable to escape from the corner. Even the advance of the h-pawn does not help, since the splendidly placed bishop successfully copes with the play on two fronts, until the king comes to the aid of the pawn: %05Black cannot draw, since after} h5 2. Kg7 h4 3. Kxh8 h3 4. Kg7 h2 5. Kf6 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7P/8/5N2/1k6/1p3b2/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] {If the knight is centrally placed, and the bishop has to stop the opposing pawn on its own, it is often unable to cope with this task. Thus in the following position Black is unable to stop the pawn.} 1. Ne6 {! %05There follows} (1. Ne2 {? %05the only move which wins; after} Bh4 {followed by 2... Bf6 Black draws}) 1... Bh4 (1... Bg3 {there would have followed %05On} 2. Nd4+ Kc4 3. Nf3 {! , when again the bishop is deprived of all its squares.}) 2. Nc5+ Kc4 3. Ne4 {! The knight has occupied this central square with gain of tempo, and prevents the bishop from reaching the c3-h8 diagonal.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vecsey"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2K5/6k1/3p4/3N2b1/8/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {The strength of a centralized knight is well demonstrated by the following study. %212045826630=4HLJ877} 1. b4 {%05White's pieces are ideally placed. The knight blockades the opposing pawn and deprives the bishop of squares in the centre, thus assisting the advance of its own pawn. The king deprives the bishop of the c8 square, and is ready to support the advance of its pawn. ^013^010 %05 After the preliminary moves} Bh3 2. b5 Bf1 3. b6 Ba6 {we reach Vecsey's position. Black has parried the first onslaught, and has managed to stop the pawn. Now the whole question is whether or not White can drive the bishop from its position.} 4. Nc6 {!} Kh7 {A strange move at first sight, but in fact it is the only one. It transpires that the king cannot come to the aid of its pawn.} (4... Kf5 5. Nb4 d4 {(obviously the only move)} 6. Nxa6 {!} d3 7. Nb4 d2 8. Nd5 {!} d1=Q 9. Ne3+ $18 {%04etc.}) (4... Kf6 5. Nb4 d4 6. Nxa6 d3 7. Nc5 d2 8. Ne4+ $18) (4... Kf7 5. Nb4 d4 6. Nc6 {!} d3 7. Ne5+ Ke6 8. Nxd3 { and 9. Nb4$18}) (4... Kg7 {%05But perhaps the king can remain on the g-file? Let us check:} 5. Ne7 d4 6. Nf5+ {and 7. Nd4$18}) (4... Kg5 5. Nb4 d4 6. Nxa6 { !} d3 7. Nc5 d2 8. Ne4+ $18 {Thus we have established that any king move onto the f- or g-file leads to the loss of the pawn. Now we will consider moves onto the h-file:}) (4... Kh6 5. Ne7 d4 6. Nf5+) (4... Kh5 5. Kb8 {! Now it turns out that the black king does not have a single square on which it can avoid being overtaken by the "all-powerful" knight:} Kh6 (5... Kg6 6. Ka7 Bc8 7. Ne7+ Kh7 8. Nxc8) (5... Kg5 6. Nb4 d4 7. Nxa6 {!} d3 8. Nc5 d2 9. Ne4+) ( 5... Kg4 6. Nb4 d4 7. Nxa6 d3 8. Nc5 d2 9. Ne4 d1=Q 10. Nf2+) (5... Bb5 6. Kb7 {!} Kg4 7. Nd4 {, and White queens his pawn, since bishop moves on the a6-f1 diagonal are met by 8. Ka7, and} Bd7 {%04by} 8. Kc7) 6. Ne7 d4 7. Nf5+ { , winning the pawn.}) 5. Kb8 {!} Kh8 (5... Kg7 {or 5... Kh6 there follows %05Again the only way to avoid the loss of the pawn. On} 6. Ka7 Bc8 7. Ne7 d4 8. Nxc8 d3 9. Nd6 d2 10. Nf5+ Kf6 11. Ne3) (5... Kg6 {or 5... Kg8 is met by %05while} 6. Ka7 Bc8 7. Ne7+ Kg5 8. Nxc8) 6. Ka7 Bc8 7. Ne7 d4 8. Nxc8 { ! Until the black king went to h8 the ending with queen and knight against queen was drawn. But now White is able to exploit the poor position of the opposing king.} d3 9. b7 d2 10. b8=Q d1=Q 11. Ne7+ Kg7 12. Qg8+ Kf6 (12... Kh6 13. Qg6# {%04mate}) 13. Nd5+ Ke5 14. Qg7+ Kd6 15. Qe7+ Kc6 16. Qc7+ $40 { , and Black loses his queen. But as was later found by Z. Byuzandyan, White has an alternative, highly prosaic way to win. Let us return to the position after Black's 5th move. ~3( 2734)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K5k/8/bPN5/3p4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 6"] [PlyCount "15"] 6. Ka8 {! %05After} Kh7 (6... Bb5 7. Kb7 {and 8. Nd4}) 7. Ka7 Bc8 8. Kb8 Ba6 9. Kc7 {White gives his opponent the move. In reply to} Kh8 {(other moves lose the pawn) there follows} 10. Nb4 d4 11. Nxa6 d3 12. b7 d2 13. b8=Q+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1N1k4/8/4PK2/6p1/8/5b2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {If the pawns are far-advanced, general considerations fade into the background, and everything depends on the specific situation. %212045826630=4HLJ877} 1. e7+ {%05The difference in the positions of the kings gives White a decisive advantage.} Ke8 2. Na6 {!} Kd7 (2... Bh5 3. Ke6 {!} Bg4+ 4. Kd6 Kf7 5. Nc7 {, and the pawn queens}) 3. Nc5+ Ke8 4. Ne6 {!} Kd7 (4... Bh5 5. Ng7+) 5. Ng7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sevitov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3B4/3p1K2/8/8/P7/5k2/1n6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {We will now consider several examples in which the pawn cannot be queened directly, but in the course of play the opposing pawn can be won. In this case the result obviously depends on the evaluation of the resulting ending with an extra pawn.} 1. a5 Nc4 2. a6 Ne5+ (2... Nd6+ {%05White's task is easier after} 3. Ke7 Nb5 4. Kxd7 Ke4 5. Kc6 Na7+ 6. Kb7 Nb5 7. Kb6 Nd6 8. Bc7 Nc8+ 9. Kb7 { %04etc.}) 3. Ke8 {! By this move White gains an important tempo.} (3. Ke7 { ? %05Only a draw results from} Nc6+ 4. Kd6 Ke4 5. Bc7 Kd4 6. Kxd7 Kc5 7. Kc8 Kb5 8. Kb7 Kc5 9. Bb6+ Kb5 (9... Kd6 {%05or})) 3... Nc6 4. Bc7 Ke4 5. Kxd7 Kd5 6. Kc8 Ke6 {! is much stronger, %05 But from chapter 1.2 we know that against a rook's pawn on the 6th rank Black should aim for the horizontal opposition of the kings. Therefore} (6... Kc4 {%05The composer's solution continues} 7. Bb6 Kb4 8. Kc7 Kb5 9. Kb7 {, when Black is in zugzwang.}) 7. Bf4 {%05However, even in this case White wins:} (7. Kb7 {%05e.g.} Kd7 {with a draw (41)}) (7. Bg3 {or 7. Bh2 is also possible}) 7... Kd5 8. Kb7 {!} (8. Kc7 Kc5 9. Kb7 Kb5 10. Bc7 Kc5 {, with a draw}) 8... Kc5 9. Bc7 Kd5 10. Kb6 Ne7 11. Bg3 Nc6 12. Bf4 {!} Ne7 13. Bc1 Nc8+ 14. Kc7 Nd6 (14... Kc5 {%05or} 15. Ba3+ Kb5 16. Kb7 Ka5 17. Bf8 {!} Kb5 18. Bb4) 15. Ba3 Nb5+ 16. Kb6 Kc4 17. Bf8 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1915.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/P1p5/1n2K3/8/4B3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1915.??.??"] 1... c6 {! %05 White has an undisputed advantage, but to win he must queen his pawn, and he is a long way from doing this. If it were Black's move he would draw by sacrificing his pawn, so as in turn to break through to the opposing pawn:} 2. Bxc6 {(otherwise 2.. Kb7)} Kc7 3. Be4 {!} Na8 {!!} 4. Bxa8 Kb6 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1915.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/P1p5/1n2K3/8/4B3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1915.??.??"] 1. Bc6 {!} Kd8 2. Kf5 (2. Kf6 {%05the attempt to put the opponent in zugzwang could have %05led to an immediate draw, e.g.} Nc8 {!} 3. a8=Q {- stalemate!}) 2... Ke7 3. Ke5 {White's plan is to break through with his king to b7, support his pawn, and win the opposing pawn. Black has no way of opposing this.} Kf7 4. Kd4 Ke6 5. Kc5 Ke5 6. Kb4 {!} Ke6 7. Ka5 {!} Kd6 8. Kb5 Ke6 9. Ka6 Ke7 10. Kb7 Kd6 11. Bg2 Kd7 12. Bf3 Kd6 13. Bc6 {Black is in zugzwang and is forced to give up his pawn, after the loss of which he is no longer able to maintain his knight at b6} Kc5 14. Kxc7 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5b2/8/7p/8/1PK3k1/8/2N5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {Can White save the game? %212045826630=4HLJ877} 1. Ne2+ {Now Black has two main continuations:} Kf2 (1... Kf3 {! (this looks much stronger than the previous continuation; it is important not to allow the knight to f4)} 2. Kd2 ( 2. Nd4+ {is met by %05A sad necessity. White has to defend his pawn with his %05king, since} Kf2 3. Nf5 Bg6 4. Ne7 Be4 5. Kd4 h4 {[%eval -550,0]}) (2. Ng1+ {%04by %05and} Kg2 3. Ne2 h4 4. Kd4 Kf3 {!} 5. Ng1+ Kf2 6. Nh3+ Kg3 7. Ng5 Bxb3 {(White has managed to establish his knight at g5, but^013^010 from chapter 1. 1 we know that this is not as strong a^013^010 position as f4)} 8. Ke5 (8. Ke3 Bd5 9. Ke2 Kg4 10. Nh7 h3 11. Nf6+ Kg3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 8... Bc2 9. Ke6 Kg4 10. Kf6 Bd3 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.}) 2... h4 {!} (2... Bxb3 { , and concludes that after %05Euwe considers only} 3. Nd4+ Kg2 4. Ke3 h4 5. Ne2 {!} Bd1 6. Nf4+ Kg3 7. Ke4 {White draws. Indeed, Black is unable to win, either after} Bc2+ (7... Bg4 {%05or} 8. Ke3 Bf3 9. Nh3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 8. Ke3 Kg4 9. Nd5 h3 10. Kf2 Be4 11. Nf6+ {[%eval 0,0] But in taking the pawn Black loses an important tempo, which allows White to bring up his king. After 2... h4 he is not able to do this.}) 3. Ng1+ (3. Ke1 Bxb3 4. Nd4+ Kg2 5. Ke2 (5. Ne2 Bc4 6. Nf4+ Kg3 7. Nh5+ Kf3 {[%eval -550,0]})) 3... Kg2 4. Ne2 Kf2 {!} (4... Bh5 {%05as was shown by Voronkov,} 5. Nf4+ Kg3 6. Nxh5+ Kf3 7. Nf4 {[%eval 0,0] ! leads only to a draw}) 5. Nf4 Bxb3 {, and we reach (with colours reversed) position 44, in which the extra pawn is sufficient to win.}) 2. Nf4 h4 3. Kd4 { ! (a splendid move!; White gives up his pawn, but sets up a drawn position which we examined in chapter 1.1)} Bxb3 4. Ke5 Bd1 5. Kf5 Kg3 6. Ke5 (6. Kg5 { %05Of course, not} Bg4 {, when White loses.}) (6. Ke4 {, e.g. %05Euwe gives 6. Ke5 an exclamation mark, but this is %05quite unnecessary, since White can also play} Bg4 7. Ke3 {!} Bf3 8. Nh3 {! %04etc.}) 6... Bc2 7. Ne2+ Kf3 8. Ng1+ {!} (8. Nd4+ {%05this is indeed the only move, since White loses after} Kf2 9. Kf4 h3 10. Nf3 Bd1 11. Nh2 Kg2 {[%eval -550,0]}) (8. Nf4 {%05or} Kg4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 8... Kg4 9. Kf6 Bd3 10. Kg7 {(even this is possible)} Kg3 11. Kh6 Kg2 12. Kg5 {= , with a draw.^013^010 Thus after 1... Kf2 White manages to draw. But^013^010 perhaps Black can prevent the setting up of the drawn^013^010 position with the knight at f4? We therefore conclude that, against correct play by the opponent, White was unable to save the game.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3N1b1P/8/k2pK3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1. Ne8 {! %05The poor position of the black king, which is far away^013^010 %05from the main theatre of events, gives White the^013^010 %05advantage. But at first sight it is not clear how he can^013^010 %05exploit this advantage. ^013^010 %05 White succeeds in winning, by exploiting the rather^013^010 %05cramped position of the bishop.} (1. Nf5 {%05The attempt to win the pawn leads only to a draw, for %05example:} Kb5 2. Nxd4+ Kc5 3. Nf5 Bg5 4. h7 Bf6 5. Nh6 Kd6 6. Kf5 Bc3 7. Kg6 Ke7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Bh8 (1... Be5 {fails to %05the only way to retain the bishop;} 2. Kxe5 {!} d3 3. Nd6 d2 4. Nc4 d1=Q 5. Nb2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Ng7 {! (the bishop is unexpectedly trapped)} Kb3 3. Kxd4 Kc2 4. Ke5 Kd3 5. Kf6 Ke4 6. Kf7 {!} Kf4 7. Kg8 Kg5 8. Kh7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/1n6/8/1p1PP3/1B2K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {~16 BISHOP AND PAWNS AGAINST KNIGHT AND PAWN~ To win such an ending it is normally sufficient either a) to queen one of the pawns or at least win the knight for it, or b) to win a second pawn. We will divide the material in accordance with the stronger side's pawn formation. ~16.1 Two connected pawns, both passed~ The long-range bishop is able to operate simultaneously on two fronts, and therefore, if the opposing pawn is not far advanced and the bishop can blockade it and also support its own pawns, the stronger side normally wins easily. Consider a typical example: %212045826630=4HLJ879} 1. e5 { %05White fulfils his task without the slightest difficulty.} Kc6 2. Ke4 Kb5 { (passive defence loses quickly, so Black tries for a counter-attack)} 3. d5 Nc4 4. Kd4 Nd2 5. Bc2 b3 6. Bd3+ Kb6 7. e6 Kc7 8. Kc5 b2 9. d6+ Kc8 10. e7 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yakimchik Vitold V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2B3K1/8/8/p2nk3/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ879 It is worth noting that in endings with passed pawns it is not so much a material advantage which is important, as how far advanced the pawns are and how the pieces are able to combat them.} 1. Ba5 {! %05Despite the fact that White has a material advantage, he^013^010 %05is the defending side, since Black has a far-advanced^013^010 %05pawn and his pieces are more actively placed.^013^010 %05In the author's solution by ingenious play White is able to draw.} Kd3 {!} (1... a3 2. Bb4 a2 3. Bc3 {[%eval 0,0] leads to a quick draw.}) 2. Bb4 Kc4 3. Ba3 Kb3 4. Bc1 Ne2 5. Bg5 a3 6. Bf6 {!} (6. h4 {loses to} Nxg3 {!} 7. Kf7 Ne4 8. Bh6 a2 9. Bg7 Nc3 10. h5 a1=Q 11. h6 Qb1 12. Kg8 Nd5 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 6... Nc3 7. h4 a2 8. h5 a1=Q 9. h6 { An amazing position! According to the composer, Black fails to win, in spite of his extra queen.} Qa6 {!! This move refutes the study.} (9... Qa7+ {%05The author's solution goes} 10. Kg6 {!} Qc7 11. h7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 10. h7 (10. g4 Ne4 11. Bh4 (11. g5 Qb7+ 12. Kg6 Nxf6 13. gxf6 Qg2+ 14. Kf7 Qd5+ 15. Kg6 Qg8+ 16. Kf5 $19) 11... Qb7+ 12. Kg6 Qc8 13. g5 Qg4 $19) 10... Ne4 {!} 11. h8=Q Qxf6+ 12. Kg8 Qg6+ 13. Kf8 Ng5 14. Qg8+ Ne6+ $19 {^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fedotov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/5ppP/2N5/8/8/1b6/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {In exceptional cases, when the bishop and pawns are badly placed, it may even be possible for the side with the knight to queen a pawn and win. Here are two such examples.} 1. Kc2 {%05Here the extra pawn at f6 is in fact a disadvantage to %05Black, hindering his bishop in its battle with the %05dangerous opposing passed pawn. %05 White's plan is to reach f5 with his knight before Black %05himself plays ... f5. This is achieved as follows:} Bd4 2. Nb3 Be5 3. Na5 {! } Kc7 (3... Kc8 {, then %05if} 4. Nc6 Ba1 5. Kd3 f5 6. Nd4 {[%eval 550,0] , blocking out the bishop}) 4. Nc4 Bd4 5. Kd3 Ba1 6. Ne3 Be5 {(due to the threat of 7. Nd5 and 8. Nc3, Black does not have time for ... f5)} 7. Nf5 {[%eval 550, 0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/P3p1N1/8/6k1/1b6/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] 1. Ne7 {%05The unfortunate position of the black king allows White %05to win the bishop with a fork:} Bc2 (1... Bd1 {, then %05if} 2. Nc6 {!} Bf3 3. Ne5+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. Nd5 Be4 3. Nf6+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Somov"] [Black "Nasimovich"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/8/5N2/K3P3/1p6/2b5/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] 1. Nd4 {%05This example is an exception to the rule. In spite of the %05dangerous enemy passed pawn, White gains a draw:} c5 {!} 2. Nxb3 {!} c4 3. e5 cxb3 4. Ka3 Kd2 5. e6 Kc3 6. e7 Bg6 7. e8=Q Bxe8 {- stalemate!} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1n1k4/8/1Pp2K2/2P5/2B5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {~16.2 Two connected pawns, one passed~ %212045826630=4HLJ881} 1. Ke5 {%05Here the basic plan is to attack the enemy pawn. If it can %05be captured, this normally leads to a win. %05 After} Kc7 2. Kd5 Kb6 3. Be5 Nd8 4. Bd6 Nb7 5. Be7 {[%eval 550,0] White puts the opponent in zugzwang and wins the c5 pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1n6/3k4/1Pp2K2/2P5/2B5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kf6 {%05Had the black king been at d6, the winning procedure %05would have been equally simple:} Nd8 2. Be5+ Kd7 3. Bg3 Ne6 4. Ke5 Nc7 5. Bh4 {[%eval 550, 0] , and the white king goes to d5. With this type of pawn formation it is only in the most exceptional cases that a direct advance of the passed pawn can be made.} * [Event "Westphalia"] [Site "Westphalia"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mohnke"] [Black "Heinrich"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6p1/3b2P1/5K1p/4N2k/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ851 %212045826630=4HLJ881} 1... Be3 {!} 2. Ng3 (2. Kxe3 {%05the bishop is clearly immune, since after} Kg2 $19 {the pawn queens}) 2... Bd2 {!} 3. Ne2 (3. Nf1+ { %05if} Kg1 4. Nxd2 h2 {[%eval -550,0]}) (3. Kf2 {%05or} Be1+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... Be1 4. Nd4 Kh1 5. Ne2 h2 6. Nd4 Kg1 7. Ne2+ Kf1 8. Ng3+ Bxg3 9. Kxg3 h1=R {!$19 , and Black won.} (9... h1=Q {? - stalemate}) 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lewitt"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/1P3p2/2BP1K2/8/2n5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {~16.3 Two isolated pawns, both passed~ The possible plans in such endings are clearly demonstrated by the following examples. %212045826630=4HLJ883} 1. b7 { %05The b-pawn is the more advanced, but the white king %05cannot support it, and so White sacrifices it to divert the %05black king and ensure the advance of the d-pawn.} (1. d6 {%05also possible is} Kc6 2. b7 {, simply transposing}) 1... Kc7 2. d6+ Kxb7 3. d7 Kc7 4. Ke6 Nd5 5. Bf2 {, and Black is in zugzwang, e.g.} Nf4+ (5... Kd8 {%05or} 6. Kd6 f5 7. Bh4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... f5 { %05or finally,} 6. Bg3+ f4 7. Bh4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke7 Nd5+ 7. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokhorovich Taras"] [Black "Voronkov Boris"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/n1P5/4k2p/4B3/4KP2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ851 %212045826630=4HLJ883} 1. f4+ {%05Black's pieces are actively placed, and his passed pawn %05is threatening to advance. Therefore, before setting %05about queening one of his own pawns, White must %05eliminate the opposing passed pawn.} Kd6 2. f5 Ke5 (2... Nb8 {he wins by %05White's 2nd move was forced, since 2... Nb8 and 3... %05Nc6 was threatened. But now on} 3. Kf4 Nxc6 4. Bxc6 Kxc6 5. Kg5 Kd7 6. Kxh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf3 Kf6 (3... Nc7 {could have been met by} 4. Kg3 {, since the bishop is immune due to the threat of f5-f6}) 4. Kf4 Nc7 5. Bf3 h4 6. Bg2 Ne8 7. Kg4 Nc7 8. Be4 Ne8 9. Kxh4 Nc7 10. Kg4 Ne8 11. Kf4 Nc7 $18 {, and we reach position ~3($412660)~ in which Whitecould have realized his advantage without difficulty.} 1-0 [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Byrne Robert E (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p7/1b3k1p/5P2/6K1/3N4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ851 %212045826630=4HLJ883} 1... Be8 {%05The game in fact continued:} (1... a5 { there follows %05Black has an outside passed pawn, but for the moment, %05due to the unfortunate position of his bishop, it cannot %05advance, since on} 2. Nb3 a4 3. Nd4+ {=}) 2. Nc4 Bf7 3. Nd6+ Ke6 (3... Kf6 {! %05It was shown by Bondarevsky that Black could have won %05by} 4. Nb7 (4. Ne4+ Ke7 5. Nc5 a5 6. Kh4 Kf6 7. Ne4+ Kf5 {!} 8. Nd6+ Kxf4 9. Nxf7 a4 10. Ng5 a3 11. Ne6+ Ke3 12. Nc5 Kd2 13. Nb3+ Kc2 14. Nd4+ Kb2 {[%eval -550,0]}) 4... Bd5 5. Na5 Ke6 6. Kh4 Kd6 7. Kxh5 Kc5 8. Kg5 Kb5 9. Kf5 Kxa5 10. Ke5 Bg8 11. Kd4 Kb4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 4. Nb7 Kd5 {?} (4... Kf5 {! %05Black chooses an incorrect plan, after which he can no^013^010 %05longer win. Correct was} 5. Nd6+ (5. Na5 {%05or} Ke4 $19 { (Bondarevsky)}) 5... Kf6 {!$19}) 5. Kh4 {! A comical position has arisen. The black king cannot go to c4, since in every case it runs into a fork.} Be8 (5... Bg8 {%05since a1 is inaccessible to the bishop, no better is} 6. Kxh5 Kc6 7. Kg5 {!} Kxb7 8. Kf5 a5 9. Ke4 a4 10. Kd3 a3 11. Kc2 Ba2 12. Kc3 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 6. f5 Kc6 7. Na5+ Kb6 8. Nc4+ Kc5 9. Na5 Kb6 10. Nc4+ Kc5 11. Na5 Bf7 (11... Kb4 {, then %05if} 12. Nb7 a5 13. f6 Bf7 14. Nd8 Bd5 15. Nc6+ {!} Kb5 16. Nxa5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 12. Nb7+ Kb6 (12... Kb4 {%05or} 13. f6 a5 14. Nd8 {!} Be8 15. Nb7 a4 16. Nd6 {=}) 13. Nd6 Bd5 14. f6 a5 15. f7 Bxf7 16. Nxf7 a4 17. Ne5 Kb5 {= Drawn.} * [Event "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Site "Buenos Aires (Argentina)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Eliskases Erich G (AUT)"] [Black "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/1P1np3/8/3K1P2/3B4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {~16.4 Two isolated pawns, one passed~ If the stronger side is able to support the passed pawn with his king, he normally wins without particular difficulty. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ851 %212045826630=4HLJ885} 1. Kc5 Nb7+ 2. Kb5 Nd8 3. Ka6 Kc6 (3... Kc8 {would have lost very simply after %05Black attempts to launch a counter-attack. Passive %05defence by} 4. Ka7 Nc6+ 5. Ka8 Na5 6. Bb5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Be4+ Kc5 5. Bh1 {! (since the f-pawn is threatened, White cannot play b6-b7)} Kd4 6. Ka7 {! } e5 (6... Ke3 {, then %05White's main strength is his b-pawn, which is destined to %05become a queen. If now} 7. Kb8 Kxf4 8. Kc7 {, driving away the knight.}) 7. f5 e4 8. Kb8 (8. f6 {is also possible}) 8... e3 9. Bf3 Nc6+ 10. Kc7 Nb4 11. Kd6 $18 {, and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Black "Jankowski"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4n3/3k4/1P4p1/3KB3/8/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] {If the defender's king attempts to stop the passed pawn, this usually allows the stronger side's king to break through to the opposing pawn. It is this plan that White carries out in the following position. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ851 %212045826630=4HLJ885} 1. b6 { %05Here the win is simple:} g4 (1... Nc6+ 2. Bxc6 Kxc6 3. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. b7 Kc7 3. Ke5 g3 4. Kf4 Ng8 5. Kxg3 Nf6 6. Bf3 Nd7 7. Kf4 Kd6 8. Kf5 Ke7 9. Bc6 Nb8 10. Bb5 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2n5/1K1k3p/P7/8/8/B6P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] {We will now examine several positions where the passed pawn is on a rook's file and its queening is inaccessible to the bishop. Additional difficulties arise in such endings, since often winning the knight for the defender's king is then able to reach the saving corner.} 1. h4 {%05To win White must first advance his h-pawn:} (1. a6 {would be a blunder because of} Nxa6 2. Kxa6 Ke7 { [%eval 0,0]}) (1. Bb3 {%05But perhaps White can put Black in zugzwang by} Na8+ 2. Kb7 Nc7 3. Ba4 Ne6 4. Kb6 Nc7 5. Bc6 {It turns out that for the moment the answer is no. Black plays} Na6 {! , leading after} 6. Kxa6 Kxc6 {to a drawn pawn ending.}) 1... Na8+ (1... h5 {in view of %05Black cannot play} 2. Bf7 Kd7 3. Bxh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kb7 Nc7 3. Bb3 Kd7 4. Ba4+ Kd6 5. Bc6 Ne6 6. Kb6 Nc7 7. h5 {! , and here} Na6 8. Kxa6 Kxc6 {leads to a lost pawn ending:} 9. Ka7 Kc7 10. a6 Kc8 11. Kb6 Kb8 12. Kc6 Ka7 13. Kd6 Kxa6 14. Ke6 Kb6 15. Kf6 Kc6 16. Kg6 Kd6 17. Kxh6 Ke7 18. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1n1/8/4P2p/2B1K2P/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] 1... Ne8 {%05To win the game White must first win the h-pawn. If Black %05plays passively, the white king will proceed via f4 and g5 %05to g6, when Black will be in zugzwang and will be forced %05to give up his pawn. All he can do is abandon the h-pawn %05to its fate, and try in turn to win the e-pawn, or give up %05his knight for it and reach h8 with his king.} 2. Kf5 Nc7 3. Kg5 Na8 4. Kxh5 Nb6 5. Bb5 {! (having gained a dangerous passed pawn on the h-file, White does not need to cling on to his second pawn)} Ke6 6. Kg6 Kxe5 (6... Nd5 {there follows %05on} 7. Bc4) 7. h5 Nd5 8. h6 Nf6 (8... Nf4+ {, then %05if} 9. Kf7 Ne6 10. Bd7 Ng5+ 11. Kg6 Kf4 12. Bc8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Bc4 Nd7 10. Kf7 Nf6 11. Bd3 {, and White wins. From the analysis it is clear that, had the black pawn stood at h6, White would have been unable to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Black "Pachman Ludek (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/7p/1Bn1K3/5P2/8/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ885} 1... Nb7 {%05Were the knight at f6, this would be an elementary draw, %05since White would be unable either to advance his %05f-pawn or attack the black h-pawn. But here the knight is %05obviously badly placed. Can White exploit this factor to %05realize his advantage?} 2. f5 Nd8 3. h4 {! After the text move White is successful even against the best defence, although the win is far from easy.} (3. f6+ {? %05In the game White played the weaker} Kg6 4. Bd3+ Kg5 5. Be4 {, and after} h5 {!} 6. Bd5 h4 7. h3 Kg6 8. Be4+ Kg5 9. Bg2 Nf7+ 10. Ke6 Nh6 11. Be4 Kf4 12. Bh7 Kg3 13. Bf5 Kf4 14. Bg4 Kg5 {? %05But Black played the weaker} (14... Ke4 {! ^013^010 %05Black could have drawn by} 15. f7 {%05,since on} Nxf7 16. Kxf7 Ke5 {,when his king is inside the drawing zone}) 15. f7 Nxf7 16. Kxf7 Kh6 17. Bf5 $18 {White won, since the black king has gone outside the drawing zone.}) 3... Nf7+ {%05We will examine the possible continuation} (3... Kf7 {, there can follow: %05If Black opposes the advance of the white king by} 4. Bc4+ Ke7 5. Bd5 {!} Kd7 6. f6 h5 7. Kf5 Kd6 8. Ke4 {!} Kd7 (8... Kc7 9. f7) 9. Ke5 Ke8 10. Kf5 Kf8 11. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] , with an easy win.}) 4. Ke6 Kf8 {! (the white king must not be allowed in at e7)} 5. Ba4 (5. f6 Nd8+ 6. Kf5 Nf7 7. Bc6 h5 8. Bd5 Nh6+ 9. Kg6 Ng4 10. Ba2 $18) 5... Nd8+ (5... h5 {%05Or} 6. f6 Nh6 7. Bb3 {!} Ke8 8. Ke5 { !$18 and White's king will in the end reach g6, after which he^013^010 wins roughly as in the main variation.}) 6. Kf6 Nb7 7. Kg6 Nd6 8. f6 Ne4 9. Bb3 {!} h5 (9... Nc5 {%05Or} 10. Ba2 Nd7 (10... Ne4 11. h5 Nd6 12. Kxh6 $18 {%04etc.}) 11. h5 Ne5+ 12. Kxh6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 10. Bd5 Ng3 11. Bf3 {!} Kg8 12. Bxh5 Ne4 13. f7+ Kf8 14. Bg4 {! , and we reach position ~3($402665)~, which is won.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zedek Alois (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1Pb5/8/8/N5pk/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {If attempts to queen the passed pawn or win the opposing pawn prove fruitless, this ending normally ends in a draw.} 1. Nc2 {%05There is no way of driving the white king from g1. %05Therefore Black's only chance is to attack the b-pawn. %05His bishop cannot do this, which means that his king %05must be brought across. But if in this time the knight can %05reach a8, this attempt will also prove fruitless. This %05means that Black must aim to prevent the knight from %05reaching a8. %05 This example, like many others, can be solved by %05employing the method of corresponding squares. %05 So that the knight should not reach c7, the bishop %05must guard the squares b5, d5, e6, e8, and also %05possibly a6, since if the bishop is not at c8 or on the %05a8-h1 diagonal, the knight move to a6 will be possible. %05Suppose that the knight has gone to d6. Where in this %05case should the bishop stand? The answer is perfectly %05clear. It can defend the b7 pawn and the squares b5 and %05e8 only from c6. And if the knight is at c5? In this case %05the bishop must be at d5. It turns out that, if the bishop %05is at c8, White plays 1. Ne4 Bd7 (2. Nd6 was %05threatened) 2. Nc5 Bc8 3. Ne4, forcing a repetition of %05moves. Let us continue our analysis further. Which %05square correspondence to d4? Unsuitable is d7, since %05then there follows a repetition of moves after 1. Nb3 %05Be6 (2. Nc5 was threatened) 2. Nd4 Bd7 3. Nb3 %05etc. This can be avoided only if the bishop is at c4. It is %05easy to establish further that the squares %05corresponding to f5 are b5 and d5. Now that we have %05investigated the most important squares, we will %05consider a possible continuation:} Bb5 2. Nd4 Bc4 {!} 3. Nf5 Bb5 (3... Bd5 {%05or}) (3... Be6 { %05The composer considers the following continuation, in %05which Black breaks with the correspondence, and %05shows that in this case the knight succeeds in reaching %05a8:} 4. Nd4 Bd7 5. Nb3 {!} g2 6. Na5 (6. Nc5 {%05also possible is} Bc8 7. Ne4 {!} Bd7 (7... Be6 {%05or} 8. Nd6 Bd5 9. Ne8 Bc6 10. Nc7 {[%eval 0,0] }) 8. Nc5 Bc8) 6... Bc8 7. Nc4 Be6 (7... Bd7 8. Na5) 8. Nd6 Bd5 9. Ne8 Bc6 10. Nc7 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 4. Nd4 Bc4 5. Nf5 Bb5 {Black prevents the knight from reaching a8, by sticking^013^010 precisely to the corresponding squares, but he is not^013^010 able to do any more.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gavrilov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p1N5/P1p5/1b6/1k3K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {White has an interesting possibility in the following position. Nevertheless, Black wins.} 1. Ke4 {!} c4 2. Kd5 {!} c3 (2... Bc3 {%05or} 3. Kc5 Bf6 4. Kb6 c3 5. Kxa6 c2 6. Kb7 c1=Q 7. a6 Ka4 8. a7 Kb5 9. Nb8 Qh1+ 10. Kc7 Qa8 $19) 3. Nd4+ Ka3 {! A decisive improvement.} (3... Kb2 {? %05Gavrilov analyzed only} 4. Kc6 Bxa5 5. Kb7 {! The white king has accomplished an heroic march to the a-pawn, which Black was unable to defend. The rest is simple.} Bd8 6. Kxa6 Bf6 7. Ne2 c2 8. Kb5 Kb3 9. Kc5 Be7+ 10. Kb5 Bf6 11. Kc5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 4. Nc2+ (4. Kc6 Bxa5 5. Kb7 Bd8 6. Kxa6 Kb4 $19) 4... Ka4 5. Kc4 Bxa5 6. Ne3 Ka3 7. Kd3 Kb3 $19 * [Event "Voroshilovgrad (Ukraine)"] [Site "Voroshilovgrad (Ukraine)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Simagin Vladimir P (RUS)"] [Black "Chukaev E (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7p/5kb1/3p4/4pK1P/8/4N3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "57"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ851 %212045826630=4HLJ887 ~16.5 Three pawns~ This is usually an easy win. Here we examine two exceptional positions where the advantage cannot be realized.} 1. Nc2 {%05Without the pawns on the h-file this would be an %05elementary draw. It turns out that the presence of these %05additional pawns does not change the evaluation, since %05Black is unable to break into the opposing position %05without substantial loss of material. %05 The game continued:} Ke5 2. Ne1 h5 3. Nd3+ Kd5 4. Nb2 Be7 5. Nd3 Bd6 6. Ne1 Bc5 7. Nd3 Kc4 8. Ke2 Bd6 9. Ne1 Kd5 { Realizing that he cannot break through on the Q-side, Black decides to take his king across to the h-pawn.} 10. Kf3 Ke5 11. Ng2 Bc5 12. Nf4 Kf5 13. Nd3 Bb6 14. Nf4 Kg5 15. Ng2 d3 {Having convinced himself that he will not win by simple means, Black sacrifices a pawn.} 16. h4+ {!} (16. Nxe3 {? %05An important zwischenzug, driving back the black kingand thereby saving the game. White would have lostafter} Bxe3 17. Kxe3 Kh4 18. Kxd3 Kxh3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 16... Kf6 17. Nxe3 d2 {Black has managed to activate his d-pawn, but this proves insufficient for a win.} 18. Nd1 Kf5 19. Ke2 Kg4 20. Kxd2 Kxh4 21. Ke2 Kg3 22. Kf1 h4 23. Nc3 Kh2 (23... h3 24. Ne4+ Kf4 25. Nf2 {= , with a draw}) 24. Ne4 Bd4 25. Nf2 Ba7 26. Ne4 Bb6 27. Nf2 Kg3 28. Kg1 h3 29. Kh1 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Marianske Lazne (Czech Republi"] [Site "Marianske Lazne (Czech Republi"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Torre Carlos (MEX)"] [Black "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/1b6/7p/6p1/8/7P/4NKp1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ851 %212045826630=4HLJ887} 1. Kg3 {? %05White succeeds in devaluing the opponent's pawn majority. The game continued:} (1. h4 {! %05Correct is} Kg7 (1... gxh4 2. Nf4 Kg7 3. Kg1 {=}) (1... g4 2. Ng3 Kg7 3. Nf5+ Kg6 4. Ng3 Kf6 5. Nh5+ Kf5 6. Ng3+ Ke5 7. Ne2 Bf3 8. Ng3 {=}) 2. hxg5 hxg5 3. Kg1 {=}) 1... Kg7 2. h4 gxh4+ ( 2... Kg6 {%05or} 3. hxg5 Kxg5 4. Ng1 h5 5. Nh3+ Kf5 6. Ng1 Ke5 {!} (6... h4+ {? } 7. Kxh4 Kf4 8. Nh3+ Ke3 9. Kg3 {= , with a draw.}) 7. Ne2 Ke4 8. Kxg2 (8. Kf2 Kf5 9. Kg3 Kg5 10. Kh3 h4 11. Kh2 Kg4 $19) 8... Ke3+ 9. Kf1 Ba6 10. Ke1 h4 $19 {~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~} 11. Ng1 {%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ Kf5 6.Nf2 ( 6. Kg3 h5 7.Kh4 ( 7.Ng1 Ke5 8.Ne2 Ke4 9.Kf2 Kf5 10.Kg3 Kg5 11.Kh3 h4 12.Ng1 Kf4 13.Kh2 Kg4 $19 ) Ke5 $19 ) h5 (! A decisive improvement. Nd3 h4 Ne1} {Kf4 ? %05In the game, events developed as follows: Nd3+ Kg4 Ne1 g1Q+ Kxg1 Kg3 Ng2 = Drawn. Nh3 Kg4 Nf2+ Kf3 Kg1 h4} h3 $19 {Nd3 Bf3 Nf2 Bg4 Kg1 Kf4 Kh2 Kf3 Kg1 Bf5 ^013^010}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3b4/5k2/3p4/3N1KPP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {~17 KNIGHT AND PAWNS AGAINST BISHOP AND PAWN~ The stronger side normally wins if he is able to carry out one of the three basic winning plans: 1) Queen one of the pawns, or at least win the bishop for it, and obtain a won ending with knight and pawn against pawn. 2) Win a second pawn and obtain a won ending with two extra pawns. 3) After the exchange of pawns, obtain a won ending with knight and pawn against bishop. The choice of plan depends to a considerable extent on the pawn formation, and so we will divide the material in accordance with the stronger side's pawn formation. ~17.1 Two connected pawns, both passed~ Here the result depends mainly upon whether the stronger side can effectively stop the opposing passed pawn, while simultaneously advancing his own pawns. The following position shows a classic example. %212045826630=4HLJ889} 1. h5 {(the simplest, although other moves are also possible) %05White's forces are well placed; the black pawn is not %05dangerous, and the knight can support the advance of %05the white pawns. The win is achieved without difficulty.} Kg7 (1... Be8 {, then %05if} 2. Nf5 Bd7 3. g5+ Kf7 4. Ke5 d4 5. g6+ Kf8 6. Nxd4 Bg4 7. h6 {, winning}) 2. Nf5+ Kh7 3. g5 Be8 4. Kg4 Bf7 5. Kh4 Be8 6. Nd6 {!} Bd7 (6... d4 7. Nxe8 d3 8. Nf6+ Kg7 9. Ne4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. g6+ Kg7 8. Kg5 d4 9. h6+ Kf8 10. h7 Kg7 11. Nf7 { , and White wins. But if this position is moved one rank down the board, it becomes impossible to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3b4/5k2/3p4/3N1KPP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] 1. h4 {%05White is unable to unite his forces, for example:} Kg6 2. Nf4+ Kh6 3. g4 (3. Ke4 {%05The attempt to win the pawn proves unsuccessful:} Bb4 {!} 4. Kxd4 (4. g4 Be7 {!} 5. Ng2 d3 {!} 6. Kxd3 Bxh4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Be1 5. Ne2 Kh5 6. Ke5 Kg4 7. Ke4 Bxg3 8. Nxg3 Kxh4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Be7 {!} 4. Kg3 Bf6 5. Kh3 (5. Ne6 {, then %05if} d3 6. g5+ Bxg5 7. hxg5+ Kh5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Be7 {, and White cannot make any progress.} * [Event "Monte Carlo (Monaco)"] [Site "Monte Carlo (Monaco)"] [Date "1904.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Black "Marco Georg (AUT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/8/8/1kp5/8/6PK/1N5P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1904.??.??"] {Here too is difficult for White to unite his forces. The knight has to watch the dangerous enemy passed pawn, and the king has to support its own pawns. But for the moment the black pieces are a long way from White's pawns. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ853 %212045826630=4HLJ889} 1. Kg2 {%05The game continued:} c4 2. Kf3 c3 3. Nd3 Kc4 4. Ne1 Kd4 5. h4 Bd6 (5... Ke5 {! %05Black's king was unable to support his bishop in the %05battle against the passed pawns. This happened %05because of Black's poor manoeuvring with his king. %05Against correct defence White would have been unable %05to realize his advantage. The simplest way to draw was %05by} 6. g4 Kf6 {! , bringing the king across to the pawns, when it is difficult for White to pierce Black's defences. For example:} 7. g5+ Kf5 8. Nc2 Ba7 9. Ne3+ Kg6 10. Ke2 Kh5 11. Ng2 Bb8 (11... Bf2 {? %05but not} 12. Kxf2 c2 13. Kg3 {!} Kg6 14. Nf4+ Kg7 15. Ne2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Kd3 Bg3 13. Kxc3 Bxh4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 6. g4 Be7 {?} (6... Ke5 {!} 7. Nc2 Be7 8. h5 Bd8 9. Kg3 Bg5 10. Ne1 Ke4 11. Kh3 Ke3 12. Kg2 Kf4 13. Kh3 Bh6 {=}) 7. g5 Ke5 8. Kg4 {White has made an important advance with his pawns, and for the moment has not allowed the opposing king across.} Bf8 9. Nc2 Ke4 10. h5 Kd3 (10... Ke5 11. h6 Ke6 12. Kh5 Kf7 13. g6+ Kg8 (13... Kf6 {?} 14. Nd4 Be7 15. h7 Kg7 16. Ne6+ Kh8 17. Kh6 $18) 14. Nd4 Kh8 15. Kg5 Be7+ (15... Kg8 16. h7+ Kh8 17. Kf5 $18) 16. Kf5 Bf8 17. h7 Bd6 18. Kf6 Bf8 19. Ne6 Bg7+ 20. Kf5 Bf6 21. Kxf6 c2 22. g7+ Kxh7 23. Kf7 Kh6 24. g8=Q c1=Q 25. Qg6#) 11. Na1 {!!} (11. Ne1+ {? leads only to a draw after} Kd2 {!} 12. Nf3+ Ke3 13. Ne1 Kd2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 11... Ke4 12. h6 Ke5 13. Kh5 Kf5 14. Nc2 {Black is in zugzwang. He is forced either to move his king and allow the opposing king in at g6, or else to move his bishop.} Bd6 15. Nd4+ {!} Ke4 16. Ne2 c2 17. g6 Ba3 18. g7 Kd3 19. g8=Q Kxe2 20. Qa2 {Resigns.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Romanovsky Peter A (RUS)"] [Black "Verlinsky Boris M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4bk2/5p2/5K1P/4N1P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ891 ~17.2 Two connected pawns, one passed~ Here the battle is bound to revolve around the f5 pawn. In order to win it, White must push back the opposing king and break through with his own king to e5 or g5. But for the moment Black's king is covering these squares, and his bishop not only defends the pawn, but also guards the black king against checks which would divert him from his main task. If it were Black to move, he would immediately be in zugzwang, since on 1... Kg6 there follows 2. Ke5, and on 1... Bd7 or 1... Bc8 - 2. Nd5+ Ke6 3. h5!} 1. Nc2 {%05Let us first see how the game went.} (1. h5 {, it is he who ends up in zugzwang after %05But it is White to move, and if he plays} Bf7 {!} 2. h6 Be6 {! , e.g.} 3. Nc2 Bg8 4. Nd4 Bh7 {[%eval 0,0] , with an easy draw.}) 1... Bf7 (1... Bc8 {, when 2. Na3 can be met by 2... Ba6. Then a possible continuation is %05We have been able to establish that, with the knight at %05b6, Black is powerless to prevent White from carrying %05out his basic threat. But perhaps Black can prevent the %05knight from reaching b6? Let us return to position 210, %05and on 1. Nc2 let us play} 2. Nd4 Bd7 {!} 3. Nb3 Bb5 4. Nc5 Bc6 {!} 5. Na6 Bd5 (5... Be8 {%05or}) 6. Nc7 Bf7 {! Black has managed to occupy the corresponding square f7 with his bishop, but now} 7. Na8 {!! - and nevertheless the knight reaches b6!}) 2. Na3 Bd5 3. Nb5 Be6 (3... Ba2 {%05Let us finally try to clarify whether or not Black could %05have defended more effectively by keeping his bishop %05on the b1-h7 diagonal. I. Rabinovich and Fine think not, %05and give the following variation:} 4. Nd6 Bb1 5. Ne8+ Kf7 6. Nc7 Kg6 7. Nd5 Bc2 8. Ke5 Kh5 9. Nf4+ Kh6 (9... Kg4 {%05if} 10. Kf6 {!} Kxg3 11. h5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 10. Kf6 Bb1 {~3($412768)~}) 4. Nd6 { ! (White has managed to put Black in zugzwang)} Bd7 5. h5 {!} Be6 6. Ne8+ {!} Kf7 7. Nc7 Bc8 8. Kg5 Bd7 9. Nd5 Kg7 10. Ne3 Kh7 11. Nxf5 $18 {Resigns. %212045826630=4HLJ891 The conclusion of this game has been the subject of numerous analyses, and is given in many works on the endgame as a classic example of how to realize such an advantage. Since up till now there has been no exhaustive analysis of this ending, we will examine it in some detail. White's main threat is to create a position in which he can advance his h-pawn or break through with his king to e5 or g5. An important tactical means of attaining this is a knight check diverting the enemy king. In the game White was able to achieve such a position after his 4th move. But perhaps Black can manoeuvre with his bishop so as to prevent the knight check diverting the king, and simultaneously control the advance of the h-pawn? To decide this, let us try using the method of corresponding squares. We have already established that with the knight at e3 the bishop must be at e6. It is easy to see that if the knight is at d4 the bishop must be at d7 or g6. Let us determine where the bishop should be if the knight has occupied d6. In this case the bishop must control h5 and e8, and simultaneously defend the f5 pawn. It is clear that the bishop can cope with this task from g6. Let us consider some more of the corresponding squares. The only square which corresponds to c7 is f7. If the bishop is at c6, White wins by 1. h5 Be4 2. Ne8 .} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1N2bk2/5p2/5K1P/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {Let us now try to find the square for the bishop if the knight reaches b6. If Black's bishop is at e6, he loses.} 1. h5 {!} Bg8 (1... Bf7 2. Nd7+ Ke6 3. h6 { is even worse}) 2. Nd7+ Ke6 3. h6 {!} Kxd7 4. Kxf5 Ke7 5. Kg6 Kf8 6. h7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5b2/1N3k2/5p2/5K1P/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {Perhaps the place for the bishop is at f7? %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ853 %212045826630=4HLJ891} 1. Nd7+ { %05 A straightforward analysis shows that after} Ke6 2. Ne5 Be8 3. Nc4 Kf6 4. Ne3 {!$18 Black loses the correspondence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6b1/8/1N3k2/5p2/5K1P/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {It remains to consider the case with the bishop at g8. This position constitutes an elegant study. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ853 %212045826630=4HLJ891} 1. Nd7+ {%05By subtle play White forces a win:} Ke6 (1... Kg6 {%05if} 2. h5+ {!} Kh6 3. Kxf5 Bf7 4. Nf6 { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. Nc5+ {!} Kf6 3. h5 {!} Bh7 {! Now White has to put the opponent in zugzwang, but this is not easily done.} (3... Bf7 {%05Black's strongest defence. He loses quickly after} 4. Nd7+ Ke6 5. h6) 4. Nd7+ (4. Nb7 { %05Nothing is achieved, for example, by} Bg8 5. Nd6 Bh7 {!}) 4... Ke7 5. Ne5 Kf6 6. h6 {!} (6. Nf3 {%05Only this continuation leads to a win. The following is a %05nice false trail:} Bg8 7. Nh4 Bf7 {?} (7... Be6 {! %05but the correct reply} 8. h6 Bc8 {! frustrates this plan.}) 8. h6 Be6 9. h7 Kg7 10. Ng6 { !$18 , and White wins}) 6... Bg8 {%05Now Black has two possibilities:} (6... Ke6 {!} 7. Nf3 Kf6 8. Nh4 {! Here too Black ends up in zugzwang, and is forced either to allow the white king to reach g5, or to give up the f-pawn. The rest is comparatively simple, for example:} Bg8 9. Nxf5 Bh7 10. g4 Kg6 11. g5 Kh5 12. Ng3+ Kg6 13. Kg4 Bg8 14. Ne2 Bb3 15. Nf4+ Kh7 16. Kf5 Bc2+ 17. Kf6 Bb1 18. Ne6 Bc2 19. Nf8+ Kg8 20. g6 {!} Kxf8 21. h7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 7. Nd7+ {! (the knight goes to d7 for the third time, this time with decisive effect)} Kg6 (7... Ke7 8. Kxf5 {leads to continuations already considered}) 8. h7 {!! The h-pawn has made an irresistible advance, and both after} Bxh7 (8... Kxh7 9. Nf6+ {[%eval 550,0] White wins.}) 9. Nf8+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K1k/5p2/5N1P/6P1/8/1b6 w - - 0 11"] [PlyCount "26"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ853 %212045826630=4HLJ891} 11. Ne6 {%05White has pushed the black king, and he is able to win %05the f-pawn:} Kh5 (11... Bc2 12. Ng7 Bd1 {!} 13. Nxf5+ Kh5 14. Ng7+ Kh6 {!} 15. Ne6 Bg4 {!} (15... Kh5 16. Nf4+ Kh6 (16... Kg4 17. h5 Kxg3 18. h6 Bc2 19. Ng6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 17. Kf5 {!} Bc2+ 18. Kg4 Bd1+ 19. Kh3 {and 20. g4$18}) 16. Nf4 {!$18 , and we reach position ~3($402687)~, which is won forWhite.}) 12. Kg7 Kg4 {!} (12... f4 {?} 13. Nxf4+ Kg4 14. h5 Kxg3 15. Ng6 { [%eval 550,0]}) 13. Nf4 {!} Kxg3 14. h5 {! ^013^010 In the previous edition of this book (1985) the analysis stopped here with the conclusion that White wins. It would seem that the ending has been analyzed completely, but the tablebases show a miraculous draw.} Kxf4 15. h6 Kg3 {!} 16. h7 f4 17. h8=Q f3 18. Qb8+ Kg2 {, and White is powerless to undertake anything, for example} 19. Qb7 Bf5 {!} 20. Kf6 Bc8 {!} 21. Qe4 Kg3 {!} 22. Qe5+ Kg2 23. Qg5+ Kh2 $40 {!= ~5 (Nalimov tablebases). ~^013^010 ^013^010 Thus we can now definitely say that in position ~3( 2764)~ Black draws.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7N/4kp2/8/7P/6P1/7b/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {When there is only one passed pawn, its direct advance succeeds only in the most exceptional cases. Here is one of these.} 1. h6 Kf8 (1... Bxg4 {, then %05if} 2. Ng6+ fxg6 3. h7) 2. h7 Kg7 3. Nxf7 {, and Black can defend against 4. h8Q only by} Kxh7 4. Ng5+ {[%eval 550,0] wins his bishop. %05but then} * [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/8/3b4/5PP1/8/7K/4N3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {If the passed pawn cannot be promoted, and it is not possible to win the opposing pawn, the game normally ends in a draw. The following example is typical. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ853 %212045826630=4HLJ891} 1. Kg3 {White was unable to realize his advantage:} Kf6 2. Nf3 Be4 3. Ne5 Bc2 4. Kh4 h6 5. Nd7+ Kg7 6. f5 Ba4 {!} 7. Nc5 Bd1 8. Kg3 Kf7 9. Kf4 Be2 10. Ne4 Bd1 11. Nc3 Bb3 12. Ke5 Bc4 {= , and a draw was agreed.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1885.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k1K2/4p3/4P3/5P2/1b6/8/8/1N6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1885.??.??"] {~17.3 Two connected pawns, neither passed~ In this case the result depends mainly on whether the stronger side can win the opponent's only pawn, or after the exchange of pawns obtain a won ending with one extra pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ893} 1. Kf7 {%05White wins by eliminating the e7 pawn:} Kc7 ( 1... Be1 {%05There is a similar finish after} 2. Na3 Bc3 3. Nc4 Bd4 4. Nd6 {!} Be5 5. Nc8 Bf6 6. Nxe7 {!} Bxe7 7. f6 Bxf6 8. Kxf6 Ke8 9. e7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Nd2 {!} Kd8 (2... Bxd2 {%05or} 3. f6 Bb4 4. fxe7 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black can resign}) 3. Nf3 Bd6 4. Nh4 Ba3 5. Ng6 Bb4 6. Nxe7 {!} Bxe7 7. f6 Bxf6 8. Kxf6 Ke8 9. e7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1k/b4P2/2K5/8/8/4P1N1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {There is also a straightforward win in the following example.} 1. e4 {!} Kg6 ( 1... Bb7 {, when White wins by %05The composer's main idea was} 2. e5 {!} Bxg2 3. e6 fxe6 4. Kd6 Bf3 5. f7 {[%eval 550,0] , queening the pawn.}) 2. e5 Kf5 3. Kd6 Bc8 4. Ne3+ Kg6 (4... Ke4 {also fails, e.g. %05The attempt at active play by} 5. Nd5 Be6 6. Nc7 Bb3 7. e6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , winning.}) 5. Ke7 Be6 6. Nc2 Bc4 7. Nd4 Bd5 8. e6 Bc4 {!} 9. Ne2 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1944.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5kpK/8/6P1/7N/7P/3b4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1944.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ893} 1. Nf3 {! %05Here it is much harder to carry out the winning plan of %05attacking the g7 pawn.} Bf4 (1... Bc3 {%05On the 1st move Black could have played} 2. h4 {!} Bb2 (2... g6 {, then %05if} 3. Nh2 Bb2 4. Ng4 {with the threat of 5. Nh6$18}) 3. h5 Bc3 4. Nh4 {!} Bd2 5. g6+ Kf6 6. Nf5 {(a fresh sacrifice!)} Kxf5 7. Kxg7 Kg5 8. Kh7 {!} (8. h6 {? %05but not} Kh5 9. h7 Bc3+ 10. Kf7 Kh6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... Bc3 9. h6 {[%eval 550,0] , again winning.}) 2. h4 Bg3 (2... g6 {can be met by %05Black has to stick to waiting tactics;} 3. h5 {!}) 3. h5 Bf4 4. g6+ {(now is the right time for this)} Kf6 ( 4... Kf8 {loses to the familiar manoeuvre Nd4-f5-g7 followed by h5-h6}) 5. Ne5 {!! (a spectacular deciding move)} Kxe5 (5... Bxe5 {White wins by %05on} 6. h6 {!}) (5... Bc1 {, there again follows %05while if Black does not take the knight, but plays for %05example} 6. h6 {!} Bxh6 7. Ng4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kxg7 Ke6 7. h6 Ke7 8. h7 $40 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. In the above examples White was prepared to sacrifice his knight to win the opponent's only pawn. This was possible, because the white pawns were well advanced and constituted a formidable strength, with which the black pieces were unable to cope. Let us move the pieces in position ~3( 2771)~, with the exception of the knight, one rank down the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k1K2/4p3/4P3/5P2/1b6/8/1N6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Nc3 {%05White is no longer able to win, since he cannot win the %05pawn, and the sacrifice of the knight for it leads only to a %05draw. It is true that Black has to defend accurately.} Bc2 {!} (1... Bc4 {%05For the moment the knight must be prevented from %05going to e4. After} 2. Ne4 Kc6 {(3. Nc5 was threatened)} 3. Ke7 {and 4. Ng5$18 White wins very easily.}) 2. Ne2 Bd1 (2... Be4 {%05also possible is} 3. Nd4 Bd5 4. Kf6 Bc4 5. Nf3 Be2 6. Ng5 Bg4 {!}) 3. Ng3 (3. Nd4 {the only way to draw is by %05It should be mentioned that after} Bh5+ {!} (3... Bg4 {%05Black loses after} 4. Kf6 Bh3 5. f5 exf5 (5... Bxf5 { %05or} 6. Nxf5 exf5 7. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 6. e6+ Kd8 7. Nb5 f4 8. e7+ Ke8 9. Nd6+ {[%eval 550,0]})) 3... Bf3 {!} (3... Bc2 {%05The only move! After} 4. Nh5 Bb3 (4... Bf5 5. Ng7 {!} Bg4 6. f5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 5. Nf6+ Kc6 (5... Kd8 6. Nh7 Kd7 7. Nf8+ Kd8 8. Nxe6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke7 Bc4 7. Ne4 {and 8. Ng5 White wins the pawn.}) 4. Kf6 Bg4 5. Ne4 {(at last the white knight has reached e4, but now it is no longer dangerous)} Kc6 {!} 6. Ke7 Bf5 7. Ng5 Kd5 8. Kf6 Bg4 9. Nxe6 {(here this sacrifice leads only to a draw)} Bxe6 (9... Ke4 {, when White is in zugzwang %05or even}) 10. f5 Bg8 {!} (10... Bc8 11. e6 Kd6 12. e7 Bd7 13. Kf7 Ke5 14. f6 Kf5 15. Kg7 Ke6 16. f7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. e6 Kd6 12. e7 Kd7 13. Kg7 Kxe7 {[%eval 0,0] ! with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "kb6/8/4p3/4P3/2NP4/K7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1. Kb4 {! %05It is difficult for White to approach the e6 pawn. He is %05saved only by the poor position of the black bishop. By %05combining threats to the bishop with an attack on the %05e-pawn, White is able to win.} (1. Nb6+ { %05only a draw results from} Kb7 2. Nd7 Ba7 3. Nc5+ Kc6 4. Nxe6 Kd5 {[%eval 0, 0]}) 1... Kb7 (1... Ba7 {loses quickly to} 2. d5 {!} Kb8 3. d6 Kc8 4. Kb5 Kb7 5. Na5+ Kc8 6. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kb5 Kc7 {!} (2... Ba7 {, then %05If} 3. Na5+ Kc7 4. Nb3 Kd7 5. Nc5+ Ke7 6. Ka6 Bb8 7. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Na5 {!} ( 3. Nd6 Ba7 {!} 4. Ka6 Bxd4 5. Nb5+ Kc6 6. Nxd4+ Kd5 7. Nf3 Ke4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Kd7 4. Nb7 {!} Bc7 5. Kc5 {!} (5. Nc5+ {, then %05The last precise move. If} Ke7 6. Ka6 Kf7 7. Nb7 Kg6 8. Nd6 Kg5 9. Kb7 Ba5 10. Kc6 Kf4 11. Kd7 Bc3 { [%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 5... Bb8 6. Kb6 Bc7+ 7. Kb5 Bb8 8. Nc5+ Ke7 9. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his bishop.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2B5/6p1/5k1p/4n3/5KP1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {We will now examine two examples where the pawn cannot be won, and the exchange of pawns leads to a draw.} 1... Ng4+ {%05Black succeeds in pushing the opposing king back to %05the edge of the board, but he is unable to achieve %05anything more. For example:} 2. Kg1 Kg3 3. Bb7 Ne3 4. Bc6 g4 5. Bd7 {!} (5. Bb7 {, then %05Waiting tactics could have proved fatal. If} h3 6. gxh3 gxh3 7. Kh1 Ng4 8. Kg1 h2+ 9. Kf1 Ne3+ 10. Ke2 Ng2 {[%eval -550,0]}) 5... h3 { does not work %05But now} (5... Nxg2 {there follows %05while on} 6. Bxg4 { [%eval 0,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keeble"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3B4/8/6pp/8/5k1P/5n2/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ893} 1. h4 {!? , and now: %05Black is threatening to win easily by 1... h4 and 2...Kg3. But it is White to move, and he tries to save the game by a %05temporary pawn sacrifice} gxh4 (1... g4 2. Be8 {!} g3 3. Bxh5+ Kg2 4. Ke2 Kh3 5. Bf3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 2. Be8 {!} h3 3. Bxh5+ Ke3 {! This winning move, shown by the tablebases, refutesthe study. Earlier this move was found by the readers of journal "Shakhmaty v SSSR".} (3... Kg2 { ? %05The author's solution is as follows:} 4. Ke2 h2 5. Bf3+ Kg1 6. Bb7 Ng4 7. Ke1 Ne3 8. Bh1 {[%eval 0,0] ! etc.~3($402629)}) 4. Be8 h2 5. Bc6 Ne4 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/8/pPKN4/b2P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {~17.4 Two isolated pawns, both passed~ Here, as in the case with connected passed pawns, the result depends on whose pawns are the more dangerous. %212045826630=4HLJ895} 1. Nf6 {%05White wins by the rapid advance of his pawns. } Bb3 2. d5 a4 3. d6 a3 (3... Be6 4. Kb4 Kb6 5. d7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. d7 a2 5. d8=Q a1=Q {(the queens have appeared simultaneously, but now White gives mate)} 6. Qb6+ Ka8 (6... Kc8 7. Qc6+ Kb8 8. Nd7+ Ka7 9. Qb6+ Ka8 10. Qb8#) 7. Qc6+ Ka7 8. b6+ Ka6 9. Qa8# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k4b/P7/8/8/2N2PKp/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {The strength of a centralized king position is well demonstrated by the following study.} 1. Nd4+ {! %05He wins by an original manoeuvre:} (1. Kxh2 { in view of %05White cannot take the pawn,} Kb5 {followed 2... Ka5}) 1... Kc5 ( 1... Kb7 {, White would have easily won the ending with two extra pawns after %05Had Black played} 2. Kxh2 {, e.g.} Ka6 3. Nb3 Bf4+ 4. Kh3 Kb5 5. Kg4 Bb8 6. f4 Kb4 7. f5 Kxb3 8. f6 Kb4 9. f7 Bd6 10. a6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kh1 {!! , and Black is unexpectedly in zugzwang. Moving the king to b4 or a5 allows the a-pawn to queen, while} Kd6 {or any bishop move leads to the loss of the bishop. A fascinating position! In such endings where both sides have passed pawns, a material advantage is often not important. Cases are possible where the side with the bishop wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/2p5/4P3/4B3/6p1/8/2n3K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] 1. Bd3 {! (threatening 2. e6) %05White exploits the unfortunate positioning of the black %05pieces as follows:} (1. e6 {%05The immediate} Ne2+ 2. Kf1 { fails to win after} g2+ {!} 3. Bxg2 Ng3+ 4. Kf2 Nf5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Kb7 2. Bc4 {!} Kb6 3. Kg2 Kc5 4. Kxg3 {!} Kxc4 5. e6 Ne2+ 6. Kh2 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the white pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2N2k2/3P2p1/4K1P1/8/5b2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {~17.5 Two isolated pawns, one passed~ Depending on the placing of the defender's pieces, there can be the most varied plans for realizing the advantage.} 1. Kd4 {%05The black king is cut off from the d-pawn. White's plan is %05to advance his d-pawn towards the queening square, %05without losing his g-pawn. To do this his king has to %05make a lengthy to c8.} Bc6 2. Kc5 Bd7 3. Kb6 Ba4 {This is Black's best defensive plan. The king cannot move because of 4. Nd5, and the white king must not be allowed in at c6.} 4. Ka7 {!} (4. Kb7 { does not achieve anything after %05White has to play very exactly. The direct} Bd7 {! , for example:} 5. Nd5 (5. Kb8 Bf5 {!} (5... Ba4 {? loses to} 6. Kc8 { and 7. d7}) (5... Bh3 {? %05as does} 6. Nd5 Ke6 7. Nf4+ Kxd6 8. Nxh3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Bg4 {? %05or} 6. Nd5 Ke6 7. Nf6 {!} Kxd6 8. Nxg4 Ke6 9. Nf6 Kf5 10. Nh7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Nd5 Ke6 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 5... Ke6 6. Kc7 Ba4 7. Ne7 Be8 8. Nxg6 Kf5 {!} 9. Kd8 Ba4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 4... Bc6 5. Kb8 Bd7 6. Kb7 {(here it is Black's move, and this is his downfall) } Bf5 7. Nd5 Ke6 8. Kc6 {! (with the king at b8, 8. Kc6 was not possible)} Ke5 9. Nf6 (9. Ne7 {%05At the very end there was more than one way to win. On %05his 9th move White could also have played} Be6 (9... Bc2 10. Kc7 Ba4 11. Nc6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Nxg6+ Kf5 11. Nf8 Bc8 12. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 9... Kf4 10. Nh7 {[%eval 550,0] The g-pawn is defended, and for the d-pawn Black has^013^010 to give up the bishop. White has achieved his aim. It is useful for the reader to note that this example is won for any position of the white king and the black bishop (with the exception, of course, of the white king being at h7 or h8).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3N2k1/4P2p/5K1P/8/6b1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] {%212045826630=4HLJ897 If position ~3( 2781)~ is moved one file to the right, in the resulting position White is again able to win.} 1. Ke4 Bd6 2. Kd5 Be7 3. Kc6 Ba3 4. Kb7 {!} Bb4 5. Kc8 {!} Be7 6. Kc7 {!} Bg5 7. Ne5 Kf6 8. Kd6 {!} Kf5 9. Nf7 {!} (9. Ng6 Kg4 {would have been pointless, since here there is no^013^010 square for the knight corresponding to h7 in example ~3($412781)~.}) 9... Bf6 10. Nxh6+ Kg5 11. Ng8 Bd8 12. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/3p1N2/8/P1P4b/8/8/7K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {If the defender's pieces are badly placed, it may sometimes be possible to gain a decisive advantage even without bringing the king up to the pawns.} 1. c6 {! (the second pawn is sacrificed to hinder the bishop as much as possible in its battle with the a-pawn) %05Black's pieces are not yet in a position to halt the %05dangerous passed a-pawn. His king is some distance %05away, and his bishop too requires a tempo to halt the %05pawn's advance. Exploiting the advantages of his %05position, White gains a decisive advantage.} dxc6 2. a6 Bf3 3. Ng5 Bd5 4. Ne6 {! (threatening the deadly 5. Nc5, so that Black's reply is forced)} c5 5. Nc7+ Kd7 6. Nxd5 Kc8 {!} 7. Nb6+ Kb8 8. Nd7+ Ka7 9. Nxc5 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fedotov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6K1/6N1/p4P2/1k6/5b2/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. Nf4 {%05Black's king is not in time to take part in the battle %05against the passed f-pawn, which has to be stopped by %05his bishop. But by attacking the b-pawn with his king, he %05can obtain a passed pawn on the a-file. To win, White %05must be able to parry this threat, and this is achieved as %05follows: } Bd1 2. Nd5+ Kb3 3. f6 Bh5 4. Nf4 Kxb2 {!} (4... Be8 {, then %05the only possibility of putting up a resistance; if} 5. Kf8 Bb5 6. Ke7 Bc4 7. Ne6 { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. Nxh5 a4 6. Nf4 {!} a3 7. Nd3+ Kc3 8. Nb4 {!} Kxb4 9. f7 a2 10. f8=Q+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6b1/8/8/1P2k3/4p3/4N3/4P3/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {With its forking ability, the knight is a very cunning piece. This is well shown in examples ~3( 2785)-( 2787)~, where in each case the advance of the passed pawn is decisive. %212045826630=4HLJ897} 1. b6 {%05The black bishop has a mass of squares available to it, %05and it is hard to imagine that within a few moves it will be %05caught. The solution goes:} Kd6 2. Nf5+ Kd7 3. Ne7 {!} Ba2 {!} (3... Bh7 {Black is in zugzwang after %05If} 4. Kd2) (3... Bf7 { leads after %05while a move to any of the four squares f7, e6, c4 or b3} 4. b7 Kc7 5. Nc6 {!} Kxb7 6. Nd8+ {to a fork and the loss of the bishop.}) (3... Bc4 4. b7 Kc7 5. Nc6 Kxb7 6. Na5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kd2 Bb1 {The a2-g8 diagonal unexpectedly proves too short! There are insufficient squares for the bishop on it.} 5. Kc1 Ba2 6. Kb2 {, and the bishop is caught! +5.50 Slightly earlier, this theme was introduced in the following study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kp6/8/3P4/3N4/1P6/8/1b1K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] 1. d6 Kb6 (1... Kb8 {can be met either by the game continuation, or by} 2. Nf3 Kc8 3. Ne5 {and the approach of the king to the d-pawn (indicated by Chekhover) .}) 2. Kc1 {, and the bishop is caught, since if} Ba2 (2... Bd3 {it is lost after %05while if it moves to one of the squares d3, e4, g6 or h7} 3. d7 Kc7 4. Ne6+ Kxd7 5. Nc5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Bg6 3. d7 Kc7 4. Ne6+ Kxd7 5. Nf8+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kb2 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Liburkin Mark S (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k6b/P7/2N3K1/8/3p4/3P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {The bishop can also be caught in the following position. (from a study)} 1. Kf7 Kb7 2. a8=Q+ {! (the pawn is sacrificed to create a zugzwang position)} Kxa8 3. Kg6 {!} Kb7 4. Nd8+ Kb6 5. Nf7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kosek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/8/2P5/6N1/2K2p2/5P2/6b1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {It more often happens that the direct advance of the passed pawn does not succeed. In this case the stronger side must combine the threat of advancing his passed pawn with an attack on the enemy pawn.} 1. Kd3 {%05To win White must transfer his knight to d3, and then win^013^010 %05the black pawn. Can Black prevent this? This is the^013^010 %05once again a problem of corresponding squares.^013^010 %05 We have already established that with the white king at^013^010 %05c4 Black's king must be at c8, and the square^013^010 %05corresponding to d4 is b7, and that to d5 is c7. Now let^013^010 %05us determine which square corresponds to d3. It is^013^010 %05adjacent to c4 and d4, and hence the squares^013^010 %05corresponding to it must be c7 and b8. ^013^010 %05 But b8 will not do, since then 1. Ke3 Kc7 2. Ne5^013^010 %05wins the black pawn, and c7 is already occupied by the^013^010 %05king. Now the solution becomes completely obvious:} (1. Kc4 {%05The attempt to queen the pawn immediately does not %05succeed:} Kc8 {!} (1... Kc6 {, then %05if} 2. Ne5+ Kc7 3. Nd3 Kc6 4. Kd4 Kc7 5. Ke3 {, picking up the black pawn with an easy win. }) 2. Kd4 Kb7 {!} (2... Kc7 {there would have followed %05on} 3. Kd5 Kd7 4. Ne5+ Kc7 5. Nd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kd5 Kc7 {!} 4. c6 Kc8 5. Kd6 Kd8 6. c7+ Kc8 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 1... Kc6 2. Kc4 {!} Kb7 3. Kd4 {!} Kc7 4. Kd5 Kd7 5. Ne5+ Kc7 6. Nd3 Bh2 7. Ke4 Kc6 8. Kxf3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k1N2/8/3P1Kp1/6P1/8/8/2b5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. d7 {! %05The win is achieved by combined play:} (1. Nxg6 {? %05White is attacking the enemy pawn, but its immediate %05capture does not lead to a win:} Kd7 2. Ne7 Kxd6 3. Nf5+ Kd7 4. g6 Bb3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a clear draw.}) 1... Bf5 2. Kf7 {! , and Black must either give up his pawn or allow the white king to reach d6. In each case the win becomes elementary. It is interesting that in this position White wins irrespective of where the bishop is, and also if his knight is at b8, c5 or e5, since in each case with the king at d6 there is a threat of mate by the knight.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3P1Np1/4K1P1/8/8/b7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ897 After our acquaintance with positions ~3( 2781)~ and ~3 ( 2789)~, it is not difficult to work out the following example.} 1. Nd5 Ke8 { (2. d7 was threatened)} 2. Nc7+ Kd7 {!} 3. Na6 {!} Ke8 4. Nb8 Kf7 {! (otherwise after 5. Kf6 position 233 is reached)} 5. Kd4 Bb3 (5... Ke6 { %05Black loses quickly after both} 6. d7 Ke7 7. Kc5 {and 8. Kc6}) (5... Ke8 { %05and} 6. Kc5 Kd8 7. Kc6 {and 8. d7}) 6. Kc5 (6. d7 {? there follows %05Now on } Ke7 7. Kc5 Ba4 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw.}) 6... Ba4 {!} 7. Kd5 {!} (7. Kb6 {can be met by %05a subtle waiting move;} Ke6 8. Kc7 Be8 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw}) 7... Bb5 8. Nc6 {!} Ke8 9. Ne5 Ba4 10. Ke6 {and 11. d7, with an easy win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3P1Np1/4K1P1/8/8/8/3b4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {In position ~3( 2790)~ White also wins for other positions of the bishop. We will consider two of them (d1 and h3). %212045826630=4HLJ897} 1. Nd5 Ke8 2. Nc7+ Kd7 3. Na6 {!} Ke8 {!} 4. Nb8 {!} Kf7 {! (as yet, everything proceeds as before)} 5. Kd5 Bf3+ (5... Ba4 {, then all the same %05if} 6. d7 {!} Ke7 7. Kc5 {!} Bxd7 8. Nxd7 Kxd7 9. Kd5 {, and White wins}) 6. Kc5 Ke8 {!} 7. d7+ {!} (7. Kb6 {%05The attempt to win a piece after} Kd8 8. Nc6+ Kc8 {!} 9. d7+ Kxd7 10. Ne5+ {leads only to a draw:} Ke6 11. Nxf3 Kf5 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 7... Ke7 8. Nc6+ Bxc6 (8... Kxd7 9. Ne5+ Ke6 10. Nxf3 Kf5 11. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 9. Kxc6 Kd8 10. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3P1Np1/4K1P1/8/7b/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. Kd5 {!} (1. Nd5 {%05Grigoriev thought this to be the only way, but White can %05also win by} Ke8 2. Ne7 {!} (2. Nc7+ {%05but not} Kd7 3. Na6 Ke8 4. Nb8 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Kf7 3. Kd5 Bd7 4. Nc6 {! The move made by us is stronger, and after it Black can no longer save the draw, e.g.:} (4. Kc5 { %05Grigoriev considered only} Ke6 {!} 5. Nxg6 Kf5 6. Nf8 Bc8 7. g6 Kf6 { and 8... Kg7, with a draw.}) 4... Be6+ 5. Kc5 Bf5 6. Ne5+ Ke6 7. d7 Ke7 8. Kc6 {%04etc.}) 1... Bg2+ 2. Kc5 Ke6 3. Nh7 {!} Be4 {Black defends against the threat of 4. Nf8 and 5. Ng6.} (3... Bh3 {is met by} 4. Kc6) (3... Kf7 {%05and} 4. Kb6 {%05by}) 4. Nf8+ Kf7 5. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/6K1/p7/P2N4/6bP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {In rare cases, when the pawns are widely separated, it sometimes proves possible to sacrifice a pawn with the aim of diverting the opposing king, and obtaining a won ending with knight and pawn against bishop.} 1. Kf5 {%05The simplest win is} Kh7 2. Ke4 Kg6 3. Kd5 Kh5 4. Kc4 Be1 (4... Kh4 5. Nf5+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kb5 Bc3 6. Nc6 Kh4 7. Nxa5 Kxh3 8. Nc6 Kg4 9. Nb4 Kf5 10. a5 Ke6 11. a6 Bd4 12. Kc6 Bf2 13. Nd5 Ba7 14. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hey"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7P/6K1/p7/P2N4/6b1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] {Up till now we have been examining examples where, with a greater or lesser degree of difficulty, the stronger side was able to realize his advantage. However, it is by no means always that this is possible. We will now turn to an analysis of positions in which correct defence a draw can be achieved.} 1... Bd6 {! %05This position is an exception. White's plan is to combine mating threats with an attack on the a5 pawn. By accurate play Black is able to maintain the balance.^013^010 %05 To determine Black's best replies here it is very convenient to use the method of corresponding squares. Thus on 1. Nc6 Black must play 1... Bc7, defending both the pawn and squares d8 and e5. This means that the square corresponding to c6 is c7. With the knight at e6 the bishop must be at e7 or h4, parrying the threats of Ng5 and Nd8.^013^010 %05 In this way we can compile a table of corresponding squares.^013^010 %05^013^010 %05Knight Bishop^013^010 %05 c6 c7^013^010 %05 e6 e7,h4^013^010 %05 f5 f4,f8^013^010 %05 f3 f4^013^010 %05^013^010 %05 We see that the bishop must remain on the h2-b8 diagonal, but must also have the possibility of reaching either e7 or h4. There two such squares on the diagonal: g3 and d6. The bishop is already at g3, and hence the only move to maintain the correspondence is^013^010 %05^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k1N1/8/4P1Kp/7P/8/8/3b4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {%212045826630=4HLJ897} 1. e7 {%05This example is obtained by moving %05position~3($402789)~ one file to the right. White can no %05longer win, since after} Bg5 2. Kg7 (2. Nxh6 {Black draws by %05In the event of} Bxe7 3. Nf5 Bb4 4. h6 Bc3 5. Ng7+ Kf8 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Bxe7 {%05Black has} 3. Kxh6 Ba3 4. Kg6 Bc1 {with a draw. The draw result in this position means that the following is also a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/4P1Np/5K1P/8/8/1b6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1. Ne5 Kf8 2. Nd7+ Ke7 3. Nb6 Kf8 4. Nc8 Ke8 {(here this is possible)} 5. Kg6 Bc1 6. e7 Bg5 7. Kg7 Bxe7 {! %04etc.} * [Event "Detroit (USA)"] [Site "Detroit (USA)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marchand"] [Black "Shipman Walter (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4B3/3n4/4pk1p/7P/5K2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {Even with a far-advanced pawn it is not always possible to win, so that it is not surprising that a draw is possible in the following two examples. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ853 %212045826630=4HLJ897} 1... Ke6 {%05The continuation was} 2. Bd8 Kd5 3. Be7 Nf5 4. Bd8 Kd4 5. Bf6 Kd5 6. Bd8 Nd4+ 7. Ke3 Ne6 8. Be7 e4 9. Bf6 Nf8 10. Kf4 Ng6+ 11. Kf5 {= Drawn} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Torre Carlos (MEX)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/b3N3/P2p4/1K1P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ853 %212045826630=4HLJ897} 1. Nc7 {%05Despite the possible win of a second pawn, White is unable to gain a decisive advantage.} Bc4 2. Kc5 Bb3 {!} 3. Kc6 (3. Nxd5 Ka6) 3... Bc4 4. a6 Be2 {!} (4... Bb3 {? %05avoiding the trap} 5. Kb5 {!} Bc4+ 6. Ka5 {and 7. Nb5$18}) 5. Kxd5 Kb6 6. Kd6 Bg4 7. d5 Bf3 {!= , and White cannot prevent 8... Bd5! with a draw. The reader should note that the defender was able to draw, thanks to the fact that his lone pawn was on a square of the same colour as his bishop, so that he was able to defend it. In the next example White draws by exploiting a stalemating possibility.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kopnin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2p5/k1P5/p7/K2B1n2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {We will now examine two examples, where inaccurate play by the defender in a drawn position led to his defeat.} {(conclusion of a study)} 1. Be2 {! (1... Nd2 was threatened)} Ne3 2. Bd1 {!} Ng2 3. Be2 Ne1 4. Bd1 Nd3 5. Be2 Kb3 6. Bd1+ Kxc3 7. Bb3 {!! the draw becomes obvious. %05But after} (7. Kxa2 {there follows %05Black appears to have been successful, since on} Kd2 8. Ba4 (8. Bb3 Nc1+) 8... Nc5 9. Bb5 c3 {[%eval -550,0]}) * [Event "Vilnius (Lithuania)"] [Site "Vilnius (Lithuania)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Zhukhovitsky Samuel (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5b2/2kP2p1/4K3/4NP2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1... Kd6 {he could have drawn: %05But by the continuing, say} (1... Bb2 { ? and after %05Black carelessly played} 2. d6 Kc6 (2... Bf6 3. Kf5 Bd8 4. Ke6) 3. Nc4 Bc1 4. Ke5 Bf4+ 5. Ke6 {he resigned.}) 2. Nc4+ Kc5 {!} (2... Kd7 3. Kf5 Bd8 4. d6) 3. Ne5 Kd6 4. Nf7+ Ke7 5. Nh6 Kd6 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1888.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Judd Max (USA)"] [Black "Mackenzie George H (SCO)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/3B4/7P/4k1p1/4n3/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1888.??.??"] 1... Nf5 {defending against this threat, which should have been met by %05White is threatening 2. Bf8 Nf5 3. Bg7, with an elementary draw. Black played} 2. Bc7 {%05e.g.} (2. Bf8 {? , when the sequel was %05But White decided to take the initiative, and attacked the g-pawn by} g3+ 3. Kg1 Kf3 {!} 4. Bxg7 Nxg7 {!} 5. h6 Ne6 6. h7 Nf4 7. h8=Q Ne2+ 8. Kf1 g2+ 9. Ke1 g1=Q+ 10. Kd2 Qc1+ 11. Kd3 Nf4+ 12. Kd4 Qa1+ {, winning the white queen.}) 2... Nd4 3. Bd6 Kf5 ( 3... Ne6 4. Kg3 Kf5 5. Kh4) 4. Bf8 Ne6 5. Bxg7 {! , with a draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Black "Torre Carlos (MEX)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/Pk6/2Np4/PK1P4/8/4b3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ853 %212045826630=4HLJ899 ~17.6 Three pawns~ This is normally a win. Here we will examine a few positions where for various reasons it proves impossible to realize the advantage.} 1. Kc3 {! %05Stronger was} (1. a5+ {%05Capablanca played} Ka7 2. Ne6 {, and after} Bxa6 {the drawn position ~3($412798)~ was reached.}) 1... Bf3 2. Kd2 Bg2 3. Ke3 Bh3 4. Kf4 Bg2 5. Ke5 Bf3 6. Ke6 Be4 7. Kd7 Bf5+ {! he is able to save the game, for example: %05But even here, by playing} (7... Bf3 {? %05If Black continues to defend passively, he loses, for a example:} 8. Kc8 {!} Ka7 {(9. Kb8 was threatened)} 9. Kc7 Be2 10. Kc6 Bf3 11. Kb5 Bg2 12. Ne6 {!} Bf1+ 13. Ka5 Bxa6 14. Nc7 Bc4 15. Nb5+ Kb8 16. Kb6 $18 { followed by a5-a6, and White wins.}) 8. Kd6 Be4 9. Ne6 Kxa6 10. Nc7+ Ka5 11. Nxd5 Bf3 12. Nc3 Kb4 {!} 13. d5 Kxc3 14. Kc5 Bxd5 {!= , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarenko F"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/8/6k1/3K4/P1p5/8/1n3B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1. Bd3 {%05White succeeds in neutralizing the opponent's material advantage:} Nxa3 2. Kxc3 Kf4 3. Kb3 Ke3 4. Ba6 {! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/4p2p/p3B2p/5K2/7P/7n/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {! %05Black is as many as three pawns up here, but it does not help. After} Nf2+ 2. Ke3 Nd1+ 3. Kd2 Nb2 4. Kc3 Na4+ 5. Kb4 Nb6 6. Kc5 Na4+ {it becomes clear that there is nowhere for the knight to hide from the persistent pursuit of the white king.} * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Black "Janowski Dawid M (POL)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3n1p2/5kpp/1P6/5P2/1B4KP/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ901 ~18. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (MATERIAL ADVANTAGE)~ In this chapter and the following one we will be considering endings in which each side has at least two pawns. We have not set ourselves the task of exhausting all possible cases. Using a comparatively small number of characteristic positions, we wish to show the basic methods of attack and defence when there is a large number of pawns. An extra pawn in such endings constitutes a serious advantage, and in the majority of cases ensures a win. The realization plan has its special features, depending on which piece-bishop or knight-the stronger side possesses. Therefore it is sensible, as was done earlier, to divide the positions into two groups. In the first of these the stronger side will have the bishop, and in the second group he will have the knight. ~18.1 Realization of an extra pawn with bishop against knight~ Fully applicable here is the same winning plan as with bishops of the same colour. In the general case this plan consists of five basic steps: ~2 1) The king and bishop take up their best positions.~ ~2 2) The pawns are arranged in the most advantageous way possible, and the creation of a passed pawn is prepared. ~ ~2 3) Having deployed the pieces and pawns as well as possible, a passed pawn is created and advanced with the king's support.~ Subsequent events depend on the plan of defence: ~2 4) If the opponent attempts to stop the pawn with his knight, the bishop and the king drive away the knight, ensuring the queening of the pawn or the win of the knight for it. ~ ~2 5) If the enemy king takes part in the battle against the passed pawn, its further advance normally becomes impossible. In this case, exploiting the fact that the enemy king has been diverted by the passed pawn, the stronger side's king attacks the opposing pawns on the opposite wing, with the aim of obtaining there a decisive advantage. It is very important to be able to create weaknesses in the opponent's pawn formation, so that the king should be able to approach the pawns. ~ Of course, not carried out. In each specific case there can be special features which affect the evaluation of the position and the plan. All this we will see in our analysis of individual examples.} 1. Kf3 {%05Here White has already created a passed pawn. Now he must improve the positioning of his pieces. In the first instance his king sets off to help the passed pawn. } Ke7 2. Ke3 f6 3. Kd4 Kd6 4. Bd1 {Now the position of the bishop is improved. It is deployed such that it can support the passed pawn and attack the opposing pawns.} Nb6 5. Bf3 Nc8 6. h4 {For the moment Black is preventing the further advance of the passed pawn, and therefore White has to break through with his king to the black pawns. By this move he tries to weaken the opposing pawns.} Ne7 (6... Nb6 {, then %05If} 7. Be4 g5 8. fxg5 fxg5 9. h5 Nd7 10. Bf3 Nb6 11. Ke4 {(the king attempts to approach the h6 pawn)} Ke6 12. Bg4+ Kf6 13. Kd4 {! Since the black king has been diverted to the defence of the invasion squares on the K-side, White takes his king to the aid of his passed pawn, which quickly decides the game.}) 7. Be4 g5 (7... f5 {%05After} 8. Bf3 Nc8 9. Bd5 Ne7 10. Bf7 {Black is in zugzwang, and is forced to allow the king in at f6.}) 8. fxg5 fxg5 9. hxg5 hxg5 $18 {, and we reach position ~3($412753)~, where Whitewins by capturing the g-pawn. This was not a difficult example. Black had no counter-play, and was doomed to passive waiting. It more often happens that various difficulties arise in the process of realizing the material advantage. The opponent acquires counter-play, which has to be reckoned with. It is such positions that will interest us.} 1-0 [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Black "Krejcik"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp6/3p1k2/2pPn3/2P5/P2B2KP/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "53"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ901} 1. Kf4 {%05The bishop is forced to defend the c4 pawn, when restricts it somewhat. Nevertheless, White is able to win. He first improves the position of his king, and then begins advancing his passed pawn.} a6 2. Be2 {(White withdraws his bishop, so as not have to reckon with the threat of 2... b5 3. cb Nd3 4. cd ab)} b6 3. h4 Nf7 4. h5 Nh6 5. Bg4 Nf7 6. a4 Ne5 7. Be2 Nf7 8. Bd3 a5 9. Be2 Ne5 10. h6 {!} Ng6+ {White sacrifices his passed pawn so as to break through with his king to e6, but Black declines the sacrifice.} 11. Kg4 Ne5+ 12. Kh5 Nf7 13. h7 Kg7 14. Bd3 Kf6 15. Kg4 Ne5+ 16. Kf4 Nf7 17. Be2 Kg6 18. Bf3 {!} Nh8 (18... Kxh7 {%05Black again declines the sacrifice, since after} 19. Kf5 Kg7 20. Be2 $18 {the white king breaks through. }) 19. Bg4 Nf7 20. Be6 Nh8 21. Bd7 {!} Kxh7 (21... Nf7 {loses to %05this time Black is forced to take the pawn, since the immediate} 22. Be8 $18) 22. Kf5 Kg7 23. Be8 {!} (23. Ke6 {%05White does mot want to have to calculate the variations after} Nf7 24. Be8 Ne5 25. Kxd6 Nxc4+ {, and prefers to go into a won pawn ending}) 23... Kf8 24. Bh5 Ke7 25. Kg5 Nf7+ 26. Bxf7 Kxf7 27. Kf5 { Resigns. In this example, for the sake of a positional advantage (active king position) White sacrificed material - his extra pawn. In turn, his active king position led to further gain of material. This procedure is known as transformation of advantages.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bonch-Osmolovsky Mikhail (RUS)"] [Black "Konstantinopolsky Alexander M "] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5n2/8/1p1k1p1p/p1p2P2/P4KPP/2P5/1P2B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ901} 1. g5 {%05White has everything prepared for the creation of a passed pawn. The game continued:} hxg5+ 2. hxg5 fxg5+ 3. Kxg5 Ke5 4. Bd3 (4. f6 {?} Nh7+ {=}) 4... Nd7 5. Kg6 Nf6 6. Kf7 {(the king embarks on a lengthy journey, the aim of which is to attack the b6 pawn)} Nd5 7. Bc4 (7. Ke8 {is simpler %05the immediate}) 7... Ne3 8. Be6 Ng4 (8... Nxf5 {leads to a lost ending}) 9. Ke7 Nf6 10. Bc8 Ne4 11. Kd7 Kxf5 12. Kc6+ Ke5 13. Kxb6 {White has managed to break through with his king to the black pawns. The remainder is straightforward technique.} Nd6 14. Ba6 Kd5 15. Bb5 Nc8+ 16. Kxa5 Kd6 17. Ba6 Ne7 18. Kb6 Nd5+ 19. Kb7 Ne3 20. Be2 c4 21. a5 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Godai"] [Black "Becker Albert (AUT)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pp/pp1k1p2/3bp3/1P6/P3KPP1/5N1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ901} 1... Kc6 {%05Black is a pawn up, but at present it is not advantageous for him to set up a passed pawn, since it will be difficult to support it with his king. But he is helped by the fact that White's Q-side pawns can be attacked by the king, and require defending.^013^010 %05 Without for the moment creating a passed pawn, Black's king makes for the white pawn, Black's king makes for the white pawns on the Q-side. He has to hurry, since 2. Nd1 and 3. Nc3! is threatened, defending the approaches to the pawns.} 2. Nd1 Kb5 3. Nb2 g5 {!} 4. f4 (4. Ke2 {%05 White prefers a quick death, by helping Black to obtain a dangerous outside passed pawn. Against passive defence Black would in the end have succeeded in breaking through with his king to the opposing pawns. For example:} a5 5. bxa5 bxa5 6. Ke3 h5 7. Ke2 Kc5 8. Ke3 Bc6 $19 {, and White is in zugzwang.}) 4... exf4+ {!} (4... e4 {? would have been a strategic mistake, after which it would have been difficult for Black to support his passed pawn, since d4 would have been available to the white king.} ) 5. gxf4 g4 6. f5 h5 {(threatening... h4 and ... g3 etc.)} 7. Kd4 Bf3 {!} ( 7... h4 {?? %05Avoiding the trap} 8. Kxd5 g3 9. hxg3 hxg3 (9... h3 10. Nd1 Ka4 11. Nf2) 10. Nd1 {!} Ka4 (10... g2 11. Nc3#) 11. Ne3 $18) 8. Ke3 h4 9. h3 (9. Kf4 {%05or} a5 10. bxa5 bxa5 11. Ke3 Bc6 12. Kf2 Kc5 $19 {%04etc.}) 9... Bc6 10. hxg4 h3 11. Nd3 h2 $19 {White resigns. We have already seen how important it is, in carrying out the winning plan, to be able to create weaknesses in the opponent's position. From this point of view following position is interesting.} 0-1 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Konstantinopolsky Alexander M "] [Black "Panov Vasily N (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p1k1np2/4p2p/1KP1P2P/4BP2/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ901} 1. Ka5 {%05 White has an extra pawn - at c4, but he is unable to advance it very far. For the moment it is also impossible to break through with his king to the opposing pawns on the K-side. On the other hand, Black has a significant weakness - his pawns at f6 and e5, which are on squares of the colour of the bishop. It is only thanks to the existence of these weaknesses that White is able to realize his material advantage. This is achieved as follows:} Kb7 2. Bb6 Ng7 {!} (2... Nf8 {%05The only possibility of putting up a resistance. After} 3. Bd8 Nd7 4. a3 Ka7 5. c5 Kb7 6. Kb4 Kc6 7. Be7 Kc7 8. Kc4 Kc6 9. Bd6 {Black can resign.}) 3. Bd8 f5 {!} 4. Kb4 (4. Bf6 fxe4 {!} 5. fxe4 Ne6 6. Bxe5 Nc5 {comes to roughly the same thing}) 4... fxe4 5. fxe4 Ne6 6. Bf6 {!} (6. Be7 {, after which Black was able to draw: %05But in the game all of this did not happen. On his 6th move White delayed by playing} Kc6 7. c5 Nd4 {!} 8. Kc4 Kd7 9. Bf6 Ke6 10. Bd8 (10. Bg5 {is more accurate, but this too would not have won}) 10... Nc6 11. Bg5 Na5+ 12. Kb4 Nc6+ 13. Kc4 Na5+ 14. Kd3 Nc6 15. Bd2 Nd4 16. Be1 Nf3 17. Bg3 Nd4 18. Kc4 Nf3 {!} ( 18... Nc6 {%05Black has to play actively. He loses after} 19. Be1 {!} Nd4 20. Bb4 {!} Nc6 (20... Nf3 21. c6 Nxh4 22. Kc5 Ng6 23. Kb6) 21. a4 {!} Nd4 22. a5 Nc6 23. Bc3 Ne7 24. c6 {! (again a transformation of advantages; to activate his king White sacrifices a pawn)} Nxc6 25. Kc5 Nb8 26. Kb6 Nd7+ 27. Kxa6 Nc5+ 28. Kb6 Nxe4 29. Bb4 {, and the a-pawn queens.}) 19. Bf2 Nd2+ 20. Kd3 Nf3 21. Kc3 Nh2 22. Kc4 Ng4 23. Bg3 Nf6 {! (the knight begins attacking from the other side)} 24. c6 {(the last attempt, which is accurately neutralized by Black)} Nxe4 25. c7 Nd6+ 26. Kc5 Nc8 27. a4 e4 28. Kd4 Kd7 29. Kxe4 Ne7 {!} 30. a5 Ng6 31. Kd5 Nxh4 {!} 32. Kc5 Nf5 33. Bh2 Kc8 34. Kb6 Ne3 35. Bg3 h4 36. Bxh4 Nd5+ { Drawn.}) 6... Kc6 (6... Nf4 7. Kc5 {!}) 7. Bxe5 Nc5 8. Kc3 Nxe4+ 9. Kd4 Nc5 { Having cleared the board of superfluous pawns, White takes his king across to the h-pawn. Black's only drawing chance is to give up his knight for the h- and c-pawns, but White can prevent this. The following variation is possible:} 10. Ke3 Nb7 {!} 11. Kf4 Kc5 12. Kg5 Kxc4 13. Kxh5 Kd5 14. Bh2 Ke6 15. Kg6 Nd8 16. h5 Nf7 {, and we reach position ~3($412754)~ (with flanks reversed), which is won for White.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk2p/6p1/4P3/3KB3/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {~5 (RR) This ending was perfectly elaborated by ~5 grandmaster Shipov in his article "Knight in ~5 zugzwang, or a few words in Fine's defence".~ ~3( 4103)~ %212045826630=4HLJ901} 1. Bd5 {%05White manages to win, only because he is able to attack the black pawns with his king. Fine gives the following variations.} Nb8 2. Bg8 {!} h6 (2... Kf8 {is met by the sacrifice} 3. Bxh7 {!} Kg7 4. Kd5 {!} Kxh7 5. Kd6 Kg7 6. e6 Kf8 7. Kc7 {!} Ke7 8. Kxb8 Kxe6 9. Kc7 Kf5 10. Kd6 Kg4 11. Ke6 Kh3 12. Kf6 $18 {, and White wins.}) 3. Bd5 Nd7 4. Be4 {!} Nf8 (4... g5 {opens the way for White's king to the black pawns:} 5. Bd5 Nb6 6. Ke4 Nd7 7. Kf5 Nf8 8. h3 Nd7 9. g4 Nf8 10. e6 Nh7 11. Kg6 Nf6 12. Bc4 {, winning.}) 5. Kd5 Kd7 6. h4 {! Now Black has two possibilities, but both of them lose:} Ke7 (6... h5 7. Bc2 {!} Ke7 8. Bb1 {! (before approaching the black pawns with his king, White improves the position of his bishop)} Kd7 9. Ke4 Ke7 (9... Ne6 {%04then %05there is nothing better; if} 10. Ba2 {!} Nc5+ 11. Kd4 Na4 12. Bf7 {%04etc.}) 10. Ba2 Nd7 11. Kf4 Kf8 (11... Nc5 {, then %05if} 12. Kg5 Ne4+ 13. Kxg6 Nxg3 14. Bc4 {!} Kf8 15. Kg5 Ne4+ 16. Kxh5 Nc5 17. Bb5 {! } Ke7 18. Kg6 Ke6 19. h5 Kxe5 20. h6 Ne6 21. Bc4 Nf8+ 22. Kg7 Kf5 {!} 23. Bb3 Kg5 24. Bf7) 12. Bb1 Kf7 13. Bc2 Nf8 14. Bb3+ Kg7 15. Ke4 {! (since the black king has moved away from the pawn, White immediately exploits this)} Nd7 16. Kd5 Kf8 17. Kd6 Nb6 18. Kc7) 7. h5 gxh5 8. Bf5 {! (an important device-depriving the knight of its mobility)} h4 (8... Nd7 {, then %05if} 9. Bxd7 Kxd7 10. e6+ Ke7 11. Ke5) (8... Kd8 {is met by %05while} 9. Kd6 Ke8 10. e6 h4 {!} 11. e7 {!} hxg3 12. Be4) 9. gxh4 Kd8 (9... h5 {White wins most easily by taking his king to g5 %05after}) 10. Kd6 Ke8 11. h5 Kf7 12. Bc2 Kg8 (12... Ke8 13. Bg6+ {!$18}) 13. Ke7 Kg7 14. Bf5 {!} Kg8 15. Kf6 Kh8 16. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 If in the initial position the black pawn had been at g7. White would have been unable to realize his material advantage.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1pp/8/3BP3/3K4/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {~5 (RR) This ending was perfectly elaborated by ~5 grandmaster Shipov in his article "Knight in ~5 zugzwang, or a few words in Fine's defence". ~3( 4103)~ %212045826630=4HLJ901} 1. Be4 {Black continues %05Thus after} h6 {! , avoiding weakening his pawns. A possible variation is:} 2. Bf5 Nb6 3. Bc2 Nd7 4. Bb3 Nb6 5. Ke4 Kf8 {!} 6. Kf5 Nc8 7. Ke6 (7. Kg6 {%05Equally unpromising is the break-through with the king to the pawns:} Ne7+ 8. Kh7 Nc6 9. e6 Ne7 {The black pieces fulfil their duties splendidly: the king defends the g7 pawn, and the knight blocks the e-pawn.}) 7... Ne7 8. Kd6 Ng6 9. e6 Ne7 10. Bc2 Nc8+ 11. Kd7 Ne7 12. h4 Ng8 {= White cannot improve his position any further - draw. Here we encountered a highly interesting phenomenon. White was able to break through with his king either to the passed pawn, or to the opposing pawns, but this did not lead to a win, since it did not put Black in zugzwang. The play was concentrated in too small an area, and the defender was able to maintain the coordination of his pieces. If all the pawns are one wing, this naturally improves the defender's chances, since it is easier for him to coordinate his king and knight, preventing the advance of an opposing passed pawn and defending his own pawns. The following is a typical example.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korchnoi Viktor (SUI)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p1p/4p1p1/8/1b4P1/5P2/1N4KP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ901} 1... Bd6 {%05Along with the fact that all the pawns are on one wing, another significant factor is that the queening square of the h-pawn is inaccessible to the bishop. This increases the drawing chances even more, and Black is unable to win.} 2. Nd3 f6 3. h3 Kf7 4. Kf2 e5 5. Ke3 Ke6 6. Ke2 f5 7. gxf5+ gxf5 8. Kf2 Kd5 {is stronger, but also insufficient:} (8... Kf6 {%05The alternative was} 9. Kg2 Kg5 10. f4+ {!} exf4 11. Ne1 {= and 12. Nf3, with a clear draw.}) 9. Ke3 Bc5+ 10. Ke2 Kd4 11. Ne1 e4 12. Ng2 Ke5 13. fxe4 fxe4 (13... Kxe4 14. Nh4 f4 15. Nf3) 14. Kd2 Be7 15. Ke2 Bg5 16. Kf2 Kd4 17. Ke2 {= , with a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Pitsunda (Georgia)"] [Site "Pitsunda (Georgia)"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chiburdanidze Maia (GEO)"] [Black "Gaprindashvili Nona (GEO)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p5/1bP1p1k1/4P2p/4NK2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] {If the position is blocked, this normally improves the defender's chances, since then it is usually difficult to advance the king to support the passed pawn or attack the enemy pawns.} 1. Nd1 {! White's position is critical, but she finds a clever way of erecting a last barrier in the path of the enemy king.} h3 {! %05Correct was} (1... Bc4 {? This loss of time costs Black dearly: White now has time to regroup and prevent the invasion.} 2. Nf2 Bf1 3. Nh1 Bh3 (3... h3 {%05it is too late for} 4. Kg3 h2 {, in view of} 5. Nf2 Be2 6. Nh3+ Kh5 7. Nf2 {with a draw}) 4. Nf2 Be6 5. Nd3 Bg4+ 6. Kf2 Kf6 7. Nb4 Bd7 8. Kf3 h3 9. Kg3 Ke7 10. Nd3 Kf6 11. Nb4 {, and a draw was soon agreed.}) 2. Kg3 h2 3. Nf2 Bf1 {!} 4. Nh1 Bd3 5. Kf3 (5. Nf2 h1=Q) 5... Kh4 6. Nf2 Bc2 7. Nh1 (7. Kg2 h1=Q+ {!} 8. Kxh1 Kg3) 7... Bd1+ 8. Kg2 Be2 {!} (8... Bh5 {%05but not} 9. Nf2 Be2 10. Kxh2 {, with a draw}) 9. Nf2 h1=Q+ {!} 10. Nxh1 Kg4 11. Kf2 Bf3 12. Ng3 Kf4 {, and, having won the pawn, Black must gradually win the game.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/1B3pn1/P2p2p1/2pP2P1/2P5/2P3K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1... Kc8 {! %05 White has an obvious advantage. He has an outside passed pawn, and the black pawns on the K-side are weak, since they can be attacked by the bishop. But it is not easy for White to bring his king into play, and without it a win does not seem possible.^013^010 %05 As was shown by Botvinnik, Black could have drawn by} (1... f5 {, which is a serious positional mistake, since it opens the way for the white king.^013^010 The game continued: %05Instead of this Black played} 2. a6 Kc6 3. a7 Kb7 4. Kf3 Nh4+ 5. Kg3 fxg4 (5... f4+ { %05"After} 6. Kf2 Ng6 7. Bd8 Kxa7 8. Bxg5 Kb7 9. Kf3 Kc6 10. Bxf4 Kd7 11. g5 Ke6 12. Kg4 Ne7 13. Kh5 {White breaks through with his king either forwards, or (after the sacrifice of the g-pawn) along the 5th rank" (Botvinnik).}) 6. Kxg4 Ng2 7. Kxg5 Ne3 8. Kf4 Nxc2 9. Ke5 Ne3 10. Bc5 Ka8 11. Ke6 {! (White gradually reduces his opponent to zugzwang)} Kb7 12. Kd6 Nd1 (12... Ka8 {%05or} 13. Kc6) 13. Kxd5 Nxc3+ 14. Kxc4 Ne4 15. d5 Ka8 16. Kd4 Nf6 17. d6 Kb7 18. Kc4 {Resigns.}) 2. Bc5 (2. a6 {, then %05if} Nf4+ 3. Kf3 Ne6 {followed by the transfer of the knight to e8, and if possible via d6 to e4}) 2... Kb7 3. Kf3 Ka6 4. Bb6 Nf8 5. Bd8 Nd7 6. Ke2 Kb5 7. Kd2 Ka6 8. Kc1 Kb5 9. Kb2 Ka6 10. Ka2 Kb5 11. Ka3 Nf8 {!} 12. Bxf6 Ne6 13. a6 {!} Kxa6 14. Ka4 Kb6 15. Kb4 Ka6 16. Bxg5 Nxg5 17. Kc5 Ne4+ 18. Kxd5 Nf6+ 19. Kxc4 Nxg4 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Plater Kazimierz (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k1B1n1/p7/1p6/2pPpPp1/2P1P3/P1P2P2/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "81"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. d6 (1. Kg3 {there follows %05 Here White is as many as two pawns ahead, but the position is blocked, and it is not apparent how his king can support their advance.^013^010 %05 On} Nf6 {, while the attempt to take the king to b5 is neutralized by ...a6. If Black should be allowed to play 1... Kc7, White's chances will be reduced to nought, and therefore his 1st move is forced.}) 1... Nf6 2. Bc6 Kd8 3. Ke2 {(White attempts to reach b5)} Kc8 4. Kd2 Kd8 5. Kc2 Kc8 6. Kb3 Kb8 7. Ka4 a6 {! The king obviously could not be allowed in at b5, but now White exchanges his d-pawn for the black a-pawn, to obtain an invasion square on the Q-side. It is true that, to prevent ...g4, he first has to return his king to g3.} 8. Kb3 Kc8 9. Kc2 Kb8 10. Kd2 Kc8 11. Ke2 Kb8 12. Kf2 Kc8 13. Kg2 {Had Black plated ...g4 during the white king's journey, White, with his pawn still at d6, would have gained the opportunity of invading with his king via g3 and h4.} Kb8 14. d7 Kc7 15. Bb7 {!} Kxd7 (15... a5 {White plays %05if Black does not take the pawn, but plays} 16. Bc6 {followed by the march of his king to b5 and a6}) 16. Bxa6 Kc7 {White would win easily if his bishop were reach d5, but he is unable to achieve this. Therefore he now transfers his bishop to g4, so as to defend against the threat of ...g4 and simultaneously threaten to go to h5 if the knight should move from f6.} 17. Bb5 Kd6 18. Ba4 Kc7 19. Bd1 Kd6 20. Kf2 Kc7 21. Ke3 Kc6 22. Kd3 Kb7 23. Be2 Ka7 24. Bf1 Kb7 25. Bh3 Ka7 26. Kc2 Ka6 {? An imperceptible mistake. A zugzwang situation is imminent, and therefore Black has to play very accurately.} (26... Kb7 {! %05Correct, as shown by Kotov, was} 27. Kb3 Ng8 {!} 28. Ka4 Ka6 29. Bg4 Nf6 {! , when there is no zugzwang. In this case White was intending to continue.} 30. Bh3 Ng8 31. Bf1 {!} Nf6 32. Bg2 {!} g4 {! , when Black gains a draw. %05But on the "super-subtle" 32. Bg2 there follows} (32... Ng8 {, then %05and if} 33. Bh3 {!} Nf6 34. Bg4 {!} Ng8 35. Bh5 Nf6 36. Bf7 g4 37. fxg4 Nxg4 38. Be6 {!} Nf6 39. Bc8+ Ka7 40. Kb5 Nxe4 41. Kc6 Nf6 42. Be6 e4 43. Bd5 Nxd5 44. cxd5 e3 45. f6 e2 46. f7 e1=Q 47. f8=Q {, winning})) 27. Kb3 Ka5 (27... Ka7 {, then %05if} 28. Ka4 Ka6 29. Bg4 {! , and Black is in zugzwang}) 28. Bg4 {!} Ka6 29. Ka4 Ka7 30. Kb5 Kb7 31. a4 {!} Ne8 32. a5 Nd6+ 33. Ka4 Ne8 34. Bh3 { ! The final finesse, by which White succeeds in breaking up Black's solid position. After} Ka6 (34... Nf6 35. Kb5) 35. f6 {!} Nxf6 36. Bc8+ Ka7 37. Kb5 bxa5 38. Kxc5 a4 39. Kb4 Kb8 40. Bf5 Kc7 41. Kxa4 {White's two extra pawns assure him of a win. In the following two examples the defender succeeds in building up a fortress, into which the enemy king is unable to penetrate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2n3p1/2Pk1p1p/5P1P/B2K4/6P1/5P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1... Na6 {%05 The favourable placing of the black pieces prevents White from realizing his material advantage. The white king is unable to break through to the opposing pawns, and the attempt to support the passed pawn with the king is also unsuccessful.^013^010 %05 For example:} 2. Kc4 Nc7 3. Kb4 (3. g4 {%05or } Nd5 4. Bd1 Ne7 {!} 5. Bf3 Nxc6 6. Bxc6 Kxc6 {, with a drawn pawn ending}) 3... Nd5+ 4. Ka5 (4. Kb5 {%05or} Nc3+ 5. Ka5 Nxa4 6. Kxa4 Kxc6 {, again with a draw}) 4... Nc3 5. Bb5 Nd5 6. Ka6 Kc7 7. Ba4 Nc3 8. Bb5 Nd5 {%04etc.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Fridstein"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p3b2k/1p1p2p1/1P1Pp3/P3N1K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ901} 1... g4 {%05In this position a draw was agreed. Indeed, Black is not able to win, in spite of his two extra pawns. For example:} 2. Kh4 {!} (2. Ng2 {? %05after} e3 {!} 3. Nxe3 Kg5 4. Ng2 Kf5 $19 {the black king succeeds in breaking into the fortress}) 2... Kg6 3. Kg3 Kh5 4. Ng2 {!} Kg5 ( 4... e3 {??} 5. Nf4+ $18) 5. Ne3 Kg6 6. Kh4 {!} Kf6 7. Kg3 Kg5 8. Ng2 {= , and Black has not achieved anything.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spielmann Rudolf (AUT)"] [Black "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1b4/p2k3p/P4p2/1P3P2/2N1K1PP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ903 ~18.2 Realization of an extra pawn with knight against bishop~ If the stronger side has a knight, in general terms the plan for realizing the material advantage is the same as with a bishop. First one should aim to deploy the pieces and pawns as well as possible. However, one should not be in a particular hurry to create a passed pawn, and especially to advance it. The bishop is a long-range piece, and therefore the creation and advance of a passed pawn may in certain cases not lead to any reduction in the bishop's mobility. The most important thing here is to waken the opponent's pawn formation, with the aim of creating invasion points for the approach of the king to the enemy pawns and for obtaining a second passed pawn. In this case the passed pawn, or the threat of creating one, plays a mainly diversionary role. Only when the opponent is tied to the defence of his weaknesses does it usually prove possible to begin advancing or setting up a passed pawn.} 1. Kd4 {!} (1. Kf3 {can be met both by %05 White has not only an extra pawn, but also a significant positional advantage: Black's pawns at a6, b7 and f5 are on squares of the colour of his bishop, so that his king is forced to defend the approaches to them against the opposing king. However, the attempt by White to create a passed pawn immediately does not succeed, since} Bc6+ {and by 1... h5.}) 1... Be6 (1... Bc6 {can be met by} 2. g4 fxg4 ( 2... Bg2 3. gxf5 Bxh3 4. Ne4+ Ke7 5. Ke5) 3. hxg4 Bf3 4. Ne4+ Ke6 5. f5+ Ke7 6. Nf2 Kf6 7. Ke3 Bd5 8. Kf4 $18) 2. Na4 h5 3. Nc5 Bd5 4. Nd7 (4. Nd3 {is also possible %05the less showy}) 4... Bb3 5. Ne5 Bc2 6. Nc4+ Kc6 7. Ke5 {!} (7. Ne3 {%05As Fine rightly points out, this is simpler than the game continuation} Bb1 8. Nd1 Kd6 9. Nc3 Bc2 10. Kc4 Kc6 11. h4 Kd6 12. b5 {!} axb5+ 13. Nxb5+ Ke7 14. Kc5 Be4 15. Nd6 $18 {, when White also won.}) 7... Bd3 (7... Kb5 {%05or} 8. Na3+ Kxb4 9. Nxc2+ Kxa5 10. Kxf5 Ka4 11. Ke4 Kb3 12. Kd3 b5 13. f5 a5 14. f6 $18 {%04etc.}) 8. Nd6 Bb1 9. Nxf5 Kb5 10. Nd6+ Kxb4 11. Nxb7 Bd3 12. f5 $18 { , with an easy win. Here White did not even need to set up a passed pawn; his task reduced to exploiting the weaknesses present in the opponent's position. It is thanks to the possibility of attacking the black pawns that White also wins by force in the following position.} 1-0 [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Black "Rauzer Vsevolod A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k3p1/5p2/2KP3p/2N1bP1P/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ903} 1. Nd5 {! %05White played correctly:} (1. Nb5 {%05Wrong would be} Bf2 2. d5+ {?} Kd7 $16 {, when it is difficult for White to improve his position.}) 1... Bg5 2. f4 {!} Bd8 3. Nb4+ Kd6 4. Nd3 g5 5. Ne5 Ke6 6. d5+ Kf6 7. Kc5 gxf4 8. Nc6 {Resigns. The creation and attacking of weaknesses in the enemy position is the key to such endings.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Rjumin N (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1b3pp/8/2p1k3/8/1P2PKP1/P2N3P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ903} 1. g4 {Depriving the opposing king of f5, and simultaneously removing the pawns from black squares, so that later, when the king moves away, the bishop will not be able to attack them. %05White has an extra passed pawn in the centre, but to advance it would be premature. He first endeavours to improve the placing of his king and his pawns.} Kd5 2. h3 Bd8 3. Ke2 Bc7 4. Kd3 {(White intends to take his king to c4 or e4)} Bg3 5. Ne4 Be1 6. Ng5 {(it never does any harm to weaken the opposing pawns)} h6 7. Ne4 Bh4 8. Nc3+ Kc6 (8... Ke5 {%05After} 9. Kc4 Bf2 10. Nd1 Bg1 11. Kxc5 {White wins easily, e.g.} Ke4 12. b4 {!} Kd3 13. Kd5 Kd2 14. e4 Kxd1 15. e5 Bb6 16. e6 Bd8 17. a4 Kc2 18. b5 Kb3 19. a5 Kb4 20. b6 $18 {, and one of the pawns queens. }) 9. Ke4 {(White has still further improved the position of his king)} Bf6 10. Nb1 Kd6 11. Na3 Ke6 {Black tries not to allow the white king into his position, but now the knight begins attacking the opposing pawn weaknesses.} 12. Nb5 {!} a5 13. Nc7+ Kd7 14. Nd5 Bb2 15. Nb6+ {Black resigned, since after Z0} ({Ke6} 15. Kd3 Ba3 16. Kc4 {Ke5 Kb5} Bb4 $18 {Nc4+ Ke4 Nxa5 White wins easily.}) 1-0 [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Panov Vasily N (RUS)"] [Black "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/6p1/4k1p1/4pp2/1pP1P2P/1P1NK1P1/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ903} 1. Kf3 {%05White has a passed pawn, but for the moment he is unable to support it with his king. First White must relieve his king of its temporary burden - that of defending the e4 pawn. To do this he must clarify the pawn formation on the K-side.} Be7 2. g4 {!} f4 (2... Bf8 {%05Had Black been stubborn, h4-h5 would nevertheless have forced him to determine the position of his pawns. For example:} 3. h5 fxg4+ 4. Kxg4 gxh5+ 5. Kxh5 Kf6 6. c5 g6+ 7. Kg4 Be7 8. c6 Ke6 9. Nxe5 $18 {Therefore Black prefers to block the position on the K-side.}) 3. h5 {!} g5 (3... gxh5 {would have allowed White to break through with his king on the K-side:} 4. gxh5 Bf8 5. Kg4 Be7 6. c5 Bf8 ( 6... Kf6 7. c6 Ke6 8. Nxe5 {%04etc.}) 7. c6 Bd6 8. Kg5 Kf7 9. Nxb4 f3 10. Nd3 $18 {, and wins.}) 4. Ke2 {%05But now the first task has been carried out. The black pawns at e5 and g5 are weak, and can be attacked by the knight from f3. On this square the knight is ideally placed, since it blocks the opponent's passed pawn and simultaneously attacks his other pawns. Now the white king heads for the Q-side, to support the passed b-pawns which will be created there.} Bf8 5. c5 Be7 6. Nxb4 {!} (6. c6 {%05But we must disappoint the reader. The continuation given after Black's 5th move did not %05occur in the game, where White played the weaker} Bd8 7. Nxb4 Kd6 8. Nd3 Bf6 9. Ne1 Kxc6 10. Kd3 { , which allowed Black to activate his king. There followed:} Kb5 11. Kc3 Bd8 12. Nf3 Be7 {!} 13. b4 {!} (13. Nxe5 {?} Bf6 14. Kd4 f3 $19) 13... Bd8 14. Kb3 (14. Kc2 {! %05and here more accurate is} Bf6 (14... Kxb4 {%05or} 15. Nxe5 Bf6 16. Nf3 Kc4 17. b3+ Kb4 18. e5 Be7 19. Nd4 $18) 15. Kb3 $18) 14... Bf6 15. Ne1 Be7 16. Nf3 Bf6 17. Kc3 Bd8 18. Nd2 Be7 19. Kd3 {!} Bd8 (19... Kxb4 {, then %05if} 20. Nc4 Bf6 21. Nd6 Be7 22. Ne8 Bf8 23. Nc7 $18) 20. Nc4 Bc7 21. Kc3 Kc6 (21... Bb8 {is decisively met by %05As a result of colossal efforts White has finally managed to drive back the black king, since} 22. Nd2 {!} Bd6 23. Nf3 $18) 22. Na3 {%05The remainder is simpler:} Bd8 23. Kc4 Bb6 24. b5+ Kd6 25. Kd3 Kc5 26. Nc4 Bc7 27. b6 {!} Bxb6 28. Nxe5 Bd8 29. Nf3 Bf6 30. e5 Bd8 31. Ke4 Kc6 32. Nd4+ Kd7 33. Nf5 Bc7 34. Nxg7 f3 35. e6+ Ke7 36. Kxf3 Be5 37. Nf5+ Kxe6 38. b3 Kd5 39. Ng3 Bg7 40. Ne4 Bh6 41. Ke3 Ke5 42. b4 Bf8 43. b5 {Resigns.}) 6... Bxc5 7. Nc2 Be7 (7... Bd4 {, then %05if} 8. Ne1 {!} Bxb2 9. Nf3 Kf6 10. b4 Ba3 11. b5 Bc5 12. Kd3 $18 {, and with the support of the king the b-pawn advances, since Black's king is tied to the defence of his pawns}) 8. Kd3 Kd6 9. Kc4 { , and there are no particular difficulties for White to overcome. Thus, for example, on} Kc6 {there follows} 10. Ne1 Bd8 11. Nf3 Bf6 12. b4 Kb6 13. b5 Kb7 14. Kc5 Be7+ 15. Kd5 Bf6 16. Ke6 $18 {, and in view of the threat of h5-h6 Black suffers heavy loss of material. The difficulties which can arise in such endings in the realization of the material advantage are well illustrated by the following example.} 1-0 [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/1bN3p1/8/4p3/1P5P/5PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "47"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ903} 1. Nb4 {%05 It is difficult for White to support his passed pawn with his king, and therefore if he advances the pawn immediately he risks losing it. The black pieces are more promisingly placed than White's. The bishop can simultaneously stop the passed pawn and attack the f2 pawn, and the black king quickly reaches the centre. And even so, in spite of the favourable placing of the opposing pieces, White's material advantage can be realized.} Kf7 2. Nd5 Bd4 3. Kf1 Ke6 4. Ne3 Bc5 5. Ke2 h5 (5... Ke5 {Fine gives the following variation: %05On} 6. Nc2 Kd5 7. b4 Bf8 8. b5 Bc5 (8... Kc5 {%05or} 9. Ke3 Kxb5 10. Kxe4 Kc6 11. Ke5 Kd7 12. Kf6 Ke8 13. Ne3 {, and White's king finally attacks the h7 pawn}) 9. Ne3+ Kd4 10. h4 Bb6 11. Ng4 { (exploiting the fact that the bishop has been diverted by the passed pawn, the knight attacks the pawns on the opposite wing)}) 6. Nc2 g5 7. b4 Bd6 8. g3 Ke5 9. b5 Bc5 10. Ne3 Kd4 11. Nf5+ Ke5 (11... Kc4 {would have lost the two K-side pawns after} 12. Ng7 Kxb5 13. Nxh5 Kc4 14. Nf6 Kd4 15. f3 {!} exf3+ 16. Kxf3 Be7 17. Ng8 {!} Bd8 18. Nh6 Bf6 19. Kg4 Kd5 20. Nf7 {etc. (Fine)}) 12. Ng7 h4 13. g4 {(fixing the black pawns on the K-side)} Bb6 14. Nf5 Bc5 15. Ne3 Kd4 16. f3 {!} (16. Nf5+ {? %05In the game White played the weaker} Kc4 17. Nh6 Kxb5 18. Nf7 Kc4 {!} 19. Nxg5 {, and after} Kd5 {!} 20. f3 exf3+ 21. Nxf3 Ke4 {!!} 22. Nxh4 Kf4 23. Nf5 Bb6 {Black managed to draw, in spite of the opponent's two extra pawns ~3($412689).~}) 16... Bb6 (16... exf3+ {%05or} 17. Kxf3 Ke5 18. b6 {!}) 17. Nf1 {!} Ke5 (17... exf3+ {%05after} 18. Kxf3 Kc4 19. Ke4 Kxb5 20. Kf5 Bd8 21. Nd2 Kc6 22. Nf3 {, White wins easily}) 18. Nd2 exf3+ 19. Kxf3 Kf6 20. Nc4 Bc7 21. b6 Bf4 22. b7 Ke6 23. Ke4 Kd7 24. Kf5 {, and White wins. We will now consider the case where all the pawns are on one wing. Here, even with three pawns against two, it is normally possible to win if the king can break through to the opposing pawns.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Liskov"] [Black "Beilin M (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/6p1/6k1/7p/4nB1P/6P1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ903} 1... Kf4 {%05To win, Black must reach g3 or f2 with his king. This can be done:} 2. Kf2 Nf5 3. Bb7 Nd6 {!} 4. Bd5 Ne4+ 5. Kg1 f6 6. Bc6 Ke3 7. Be8 g5 8. Bd7 (8. Kf1 {was rather more tenacious, when if} Nd2+ { ? , then} (8... Kf4 {! %05The correct continuation would have been} 9. Bc6 Nc5 10. Kf2 Nd3+ 11. Ke2 Ne5 {!} 12. Bb7 Kg3 13. Kf1 f5 $19 {, followed by ...f3, and then roughly as in the game.}) 9. Ke1 {, not allowing the black king in at e2. Then Black cannot win by} f5 10. Bd7 f4 11. Bc8 f3 12. gxf3 Nxf3+ 13. Kf1 Nd4 14. Kg2 Ne2 15. Bg4 {!} Nf4+ 16. Kf1 {= , when king cannot reach g3.}) 8... Ke2 9. Bc8 Ng3 10. Bd7 Ke1 {!} 11. Bc8 Ne2+ 12. Kh2 Kf2 {Black has managed to drive back the opposing king and break through to f2. The rest is very simple.} 13. Bd7 Nd4 14. Kh1 f5 15. Be8 f4 16. Bd7 f3 {(the f-pawn serves as a battering-ram, to break up the enemy fortress)} 17. gxf3 Nxf3 18. Bg4 Kg3 19. Bf5 Nd4 20. Bg4 Nc2 21. Kg1 Ne1 22. Be2 Ng2 $19 {White resigned, since after 23... Nf4 the h3 pawn falls.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pp/5p2/3nkP2/6KP/8/8/1B6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1... Ne3+ {there follows %05 This position is an exception. Black has approached the opponent's weak pawn with his king, and would appear to be able to win it. But on} 2. Kh5 {! , and the pawn is immune, since} Kf4 {! , locking in the white king, and threatening 3... Nf1 and 4... Ng3 mate. %05Therefore Black plays} (2... Nxf5 3. Bxf5 Kxf5 {is stalemate!}) 3. Bd3 {%05White cannot defend against the mating threats without losing material. For example:} Kg3 {! } 4. Be4 {(the threat was 4... Ng2 and 5... Nf4 mate)} Nd1 5. Bd3 Nf2 6. Bf1 Nh1 {, and there is no satisfactory defence against mate in two moves. Note that with his pawn at h6 instead of h7, Black would have been unable to win, since after 1. Ne3 2. Kh5 White would have had the dangerous threat of 3. Kg6. How to realize the material advantage when the opponent has an outside passed pawn is well illustrated by the following example.} * [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kajev"] [Black "Konstantinopolsky Alexander M "] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4B3/7p/3kp1p1/5p2/P7/6PP/1n6/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ903} 1... Nc4 {(the pawn must not be allowed to advance too far, since it might then tie down the black pieces) %05The game went:} 2. Kf2 g5 {(preparing to create two connected passed pawns)} 3. Bb5 Kd5 4. Ke2 e5 5. Bd7 (5. Kd3 {%05 Taking the king to the support of the passed pawn similarly fails to save the game, since the two black pawns are too strong, e.g.} e4+ 6. Kc3 Na5 7. Bd7 f4 8. gxf4 gxf4 9. Kb4 f3 10. Bg4 Nc6+ 11. Kb5 Ne5 12. a5 Nxg4 13. a6 f2 14. a7 f1=Q+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 5... f4 6. gxf4 gxf4 7. Kf3 Nd2+ 8. Kg4 Nb3 9. Be8 (9. Kf3 {%05Or} Nd4+ 10. Kg4 (10. Kf2 {, then %05if} e4 11. a5 e3+ 12. Kf1 Kc5 13. Bc8 f3 {%04etc.}) 10... h5+ {!} 11. Kxh5 e4 {, and one of the black pawns queens.}) 9... Ke4 10. Bc6+ Ke3 11. Bd5 Nc5 {!} (11... Na5 { %05or} 12. Kf5 f3 13. Kxe5 f2 14. Bg2 Nc4+ 15. Kf5 (15. Kd5 Nb6+ $19) (15. Kf6 Ke2 16. h4 Ne3 17. Bh3 Kf3 $19) 15... Ke2 16. Ke6 Ne3 17. Bc6 Ke1 18. Bb5 Nd1 19. a5 Nc3 20. Bd3 Ne2 $19) 12. a5 e4 13. Bc4 h5+ 14. Kf5 (14. Kxh5 {, then %05If} f3 15. Kg4 (15. Bf1 Kf2 16. Bc4 e3) 15... Nd3 16. a6 Ne5+ 17. Kg3 Nxc4 18. a7 Nb6 {, and Black wins.}) 14... f3 15. Bf1 (15. a6 {%05This simplifies things for Black. White could have resisted longer by} Nd3 16. a7 f2 17. Bxd3 exd3 18. a8=Q f1=Q+ 19. Kg6 d2 $19) 15... Kf2 16. a6 Nxa6 17. Kxe4 Nc5+ 18. Kf4 Ne6+ 19. Ke4 Ng5+ $19 {White resigns. Here Black had constantly to reckon with the threat of the passed pawn advancing. In certain cases such a pawn can level the chances, and prevent the realization of the material advantage.} 0-1 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k2p/2Bp2p1/1P3p2/4pP2/4n1PP/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ855 %212045826630=4HLJ903} 1. b6 {! %05Black is unable to win:} Kd8 2. Kf2 Nc4 3. b7 Kc7 {In itself the passed pawn is not dangerous, but on the K-side Black has weaknesses which have to be defended, and the white pawn will, as usual, play a diverting role.} 4. Bd5 Nb6 5. Bc6 {! accurately played!} (5. Bg8 { ? %05after} Nd7 6. Bxh7 Nf8 7. Bg8 Kxb7 $19 {Black would have won}) 5... Nc4 6. Bd5 Na5 7. Ke3 Nxb7 8. Bg8 {(now this is possible)} h6 9. Bf7 Kd7 10. Bxg6 Ke6 11. g4 fxg4 12. hxg4 d5 13. g5 {!} hxg5 14. Bxe4 {!} dxe4 15. Kxe4 gxf4 { = Drawn. If the defender can block the passed pawn and prevent the opposing king from approaching his pawns, the game normally ends in a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/pP1k2p1/Pb3p1p/1N1P1P1P/2K3P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] 1. Nd3 {%05White has both a material and a positional advantage. He is a pawn up, and the opposing pawns are on the same coloured squares as the bishop. But this proves insufficient to win the game, since White's king is unable to penetrate into the opposing position. We will consider some possible variations.} (1. d5 {%05Also unsuccessful is the attempt to open the way for the king by sacrificing the pawn:} Kc5 {!} 2. Nc6 Bxc6 3. dxc6 Kxc6 4. Kc4 Kd6 5. Kd4 Ke6 {!} (5... Kc6 {%05 White has won the battle for the 5th rank, but this is insufficient to win the game. Black's last move is the only one; he loses after} 6. Ke5 Kb5 7. Kd6 {!} Kxa5 8. Kc7 Kb4 9. Kxb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kc5 Ke7 7. Kd5 Kd7 8. Ke5 Ke7 {, with a draw.}) 1... Kd5 2. Ne5 Be8 3. Kd3 Bb5+ 4. Kd2 Be8 5. Kc3 Kd6 {!} (5... Ke4 {%05The attempt to attack the opposing pawns would have been fatal:} 6. Kc4 Ke3 7. d5 Kf2 8. d6 Kxg3 9. Nxg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kc4 Bb5+ 7. Kc3 Be8 8. Nd3 Kd5 9. Nc5 Bc6 10. Kd3 Kd6 11. Kc4 Bd5+ 12. Kc3 Bc6 13. Nd3 Be8 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/pP1k2p1/Pb3p1p/1N1P1P1P/2K3P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Bd7 {%05Curiously enough, if it is Black to move, White wins:} (1... Be2 { %05or} 2. Nd3 Bd1 3. Ne5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. d5 Kc5 3. Nxa6+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1915.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Holm Sejer (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3pk3/5p2/P1P1P3/8/1b6/N7/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1915.??.??"] {In conclusion we will examine a study, in which the stronger side either queens a pawn without the support of his king, or else wins a piece by the advance of a pawn.} 1. c6 {! %05Black requires only one bishop move to stop the opposing passed pawn, but, unfortunately for him, it is White's turn to move.} dxc6 (1... Bc4 {, White again wins after %05This creates an obstruction in the path of the bishop, but if Black declines the sacrifice by} 2. c7 Ba6 3. Nb4 Bc8 4. exf6+ Kxf6 5. a6 Ke7 6. a7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. a6 Bd5 3. Nc3 Bf3 4. Kf2 Bh1 5. Ke3 f5 (5... c5 {%05if} 6. Ne4 f5 {, then} 7. Nxc5 {and 8. Kf4 with an easy win; but now comes an unexpected stroke!}) 6. Nd5+ {!!} Bxd5 7. Kd4 Bg2 8. Kc5 {!} f4 9. a7 f3 10. a8=Q f2 11. Qa7+ Kf8 12. Qb8+ Kg7 13. Qc7+ Kh6 14. Qd6+ Kh5 15. Qd1+ Kh4 16. e6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Goldberg Grigory A (RUS)"] [Black "Tolush Alexander K (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pk3p1B/1p1p1P2/2pP2p1/2n5/P1P3P1/7P/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ909 ~19. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (POSITIONAL ADVANTAGE)~ In this chapter we will examine a number of examples, where one of the sides possesses a certain positional advantage. In each case we will endeavour to establish clearly the nature of the advantage, and the methods of realizing it. The evaluation of a position in such endings depends on the placing of the pieces and the pawns, with all these factors, in turn, being linked with one another. Therefore a positional advantage may be the sum of a number of small advantages. We will pick out on of the factors, which we consider the most important, and classify the material on the basis of it. ~19. 1 Realization of a positional advantage with bishop against knight~ ~19.11 Passed pawn ~ If one of the sides has a passed pawn or can create one, this is a significant advantage in many endings, including minor piece endings. A passed pawn is a particular danger to the king and knight if they are at some distance from it. Here are some typical examples.} 1. h4 {! %05If the black king were at f8, it would be doubtful whether White stood better. But in fact the king is a long way from the K-side, and the possibility of creating a passed pawn on the h-file, together with the weakness of the f7 pawn, give White a big positional advantage. The game continued:} gxh4 (1... Ne5 {%05or} 2. Bf5 $18) 2. gxh4 Ne5 3. Bf5 {!} Nf3+ 4. Kf2 Nxh4 5. Be4 {(by sacrificing his pawn, White has trapped the knight)} Kc7 6. Kg3 Ng6 7. Bxg6 fxg6 8. f7 $18 {Resigns. The threat of shutting out of play a knight on the edge of the board is one of the tactical devices employed in such endings.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yudovich Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p5k1/4pp1p/1p4p1/2bPP3/5P1P/P5PK/2N5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ909} 1... a5 {! %05Here again Black's advantage lies in the possibility of creating a passed pawn, which wins by force thanks to the remoteness of the white king. The game continued:} 2. Kg3 b4 3. Kf2 a4 {Black has to hurry, since the white king is hastening to the aid of the knight. But the merciless rules of the game do not permit it to go any faster.} 4. Ke3 Bxa2 {!} 5. Kd3 (5. Nxa2 {%05After} b3 6. Nc3 a3 $19 {Black would have queened one of his pawns.}) 5... Bb1+ (5... a3 {? %05 But now 6. Na2 was threatened, e.g.} 6. Nxa2 b3 7. Nc1 b2 8. Kc2 $18) 6. Kc4 b3 7. Kc3 f5 {! The white king has at last reached the Q-side and stopped the passed pawns, but now the battle transfers to the opposite wing.} 8. Kb2 Bc2 9. exf5 exf5 10. f4 Be4 11. g3 gxf4 12. gxf4 Bg2 13. h4 Bf1 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6n1/7k/2p2p2/8/P2P4/8/8/2B4K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Ba3 {%05Black's pieces are a long way from the passed pawn. At the moment the knight can still catch the pawn, but by severing the knight's path, White wins.} (1. d5 {immediately, Black would have drawn by %05Had he played} cxd5 2. Ba3 d4 {!} 3. Kg2 f5 {!} 4. a5 Nf6 5. a6 Nd5 6. a7 Nc7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... f5 2. d5 {! (a familiar device: White erects barriers in the path of the knight)} cxd5 3. a5 Nf6 4. a6 Ne8 (4... Nd7 {, the same sacrifice %05Had Black played} 5. Bc5 {!} Nxc5 6. a7 {would have followed. Note that the move order chosen by White was the only correct one.}) 5. Bd6 {!} Nxd6 6. a7 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kuznetsov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1n2B3/5p2/4kp2/8/K3P2P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] 1. h5 {%05Black's king can catch the passed pawn, but after} Ke7 (1... f5 { %05Therefore Black plays} 2. h6 Kf6 3. exf5 {!} (3. e5+ {? %05Now White does not reply} Kg6 4. e6 Kxh6 5. e7 Na6 6. Bc6 Nc7 {with a draw, but}) 3... Na6 4. Kb5 {!!} Nc7+ 5. Kc5 Nxe8 (5... Na6+ {, the simplest win is by %05If Black does not take the bishop, but plays} 6. Kc4 Nc7 7. Bc6 Na6 8. Kb5 Nc7+ 9. Kb6 Ne6 10. fxe6 fxe6 11. Be8 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 6. Kc6 {A comical position! In spite of his material advantage, Black is in zugzwang, and is forced to allow the queening of the pawn.}) 2. h6 Kf8 3. Kb5 {White traps the knight on the edge of the board, e.g.} Kg8 4. Kb6 Kh7 5. Kb7 Kxh6 6. Kxb8 Kg6 7. Bd7 { [%eval 550,0]} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Plater Kazimierz (POL)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/1pbkpp2/p6p/2P2P1P/1P6/1P2NKP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "44"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ909} 1. Nd4 {%05Black has a significant positional advantage. He has the possibility of creating a passed pawn in the centre, whereas on the Q-side his two pawns hold the three white pawns. But the white king may be able to blockade the passed pawn. Therefore Black's plan is to break through with his king to the Q-side pawns. The game continued:} (1. f5 {is parried by %05The counter-attacking attempt} exf5 (1... e5 {? %05but not} 2. Ng3 Be8 3. Ne4+ {= , and White is saved}) 2. Nf4 Be8 3. Nd5 {!} b5 {!} 4. Ne3 Ke5 $19 {%04etc.}) 1... g6 2. g3 e5 3. fxe5+ fxe5 4. Nc2 Be4 5. Ne1 Kc5 {(the knight has been pushed back, and the way for the black king is open)} 6. Ke3 Bf5 7. Nf3 Kb4 8. Nd2 Bc2 {Black has carried out his plan, and now gains a material advantage.} 9. Kf3 Bxb3 10. Ke4 Bxc4 11. Kxe5 Bd3 12. Kd4 Bf5 13. Nc4 b5 14. Nd2 a4 15. Kd5 Bh3 (15... a3 16. bxa3+ Kxa3 17. Kc5 b4 18. Nc4+ Kb3 19. Ne3 Be6 $19 {would also have won, but Black wishes to queen his a-pawn.}) 16. Kd4 Bg2 17. Kd3 Kc5 18. Kc3 b4+ 19. Kd3 Bd5 20. Nb1 Be6 21. Nd2 Bf5+ 22. Ke3 Bc2 $19 {White resigns.} * [Event "Santa Monica (USA)"] [Site "Santa Monica (USA)"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spassky Boris V (FRA)"] [Black "Fischer Robert J (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p5k1/6p1/2p5/2n1B2P/8/P5P1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ909} 1. Ke2 {? %05This is a standard position, demonstrating the superiority of bishop over knight. The play will be on two wings, with White having the possibility of creating an outside passed pawn. For the moment Black's passed pawn. For the moment Black's passed pawn is not dangerous, and is a target for attack. White's basic plan is to penetrate with his king to the a7 pawn, but highly accurate technique is required.} (1. Kf2 {! was correct. What is the difference? It turns out that the move played deprives the bishop of an important square, and Black could have exploited this by %05This natural move is inaccurate, and gives Black counter-play.}) 1... Ne5 {?} (1... Kh6 {! If now} 2. g4 {, then} (2. Kd3 { %05Of course, 2. g4 is not the best move, but even after} Ne5+ 3. Ke3 g5 4. hxg5+ Kxg5 {the active position of Black's king, together with the small number of pawns remaining, would have given Black certain drawing chances. But he missed this chance.}) 2... Ne5 3. Bf3 g5 {!} 4. h5 c4 5. Ke3 c3 {= , and Black has nothing to fear.}) 2. Ke3 Kf6 3. Kf4 (3. Bc2 {is simpler, freeing e4 for the king}) 3... Nf7 4. Ke3 {?!} (4. Bd5 {!? , and if %05Again not the best move. Quite wrongly, White is afraid of ...g5. Perfectly possible was} g5+ { , then} 5. hxg5+ Nxg5 6. Bc4 $16) 4... g5 {?!} (4... Nh6 {%05 Black tries to gain counter-play, but this merely accelerates his defeat, since White acquires a dangerous outside passed pawn. But even after Gligoric's more tenacious recommendation of} 5. Kd3 Nf5 6. Kc4 Nxh4 7. Kxc5 Ke5 8. Bb7 Kf4 9. Kb5 Kg3 10. Ka6 Nxg2 11. Kxa7 $18 {it is easy to see that the knight alone cannot stop White's passed pawn.}) 5. h5 Nh6 6. Kd3 Ke5 7. Ba8 Kd6 8. Kc4 g4 9. a4 Ng8 10. a5 Nh6 11. Be4 g3 12. Kb5 Ng8 13. Bb1 Nh6 14. Ka6 Kc6 15. Ba2 $18 { Resigns.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Spassky Boris V (FRA)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/1b6/1P6/1p1kp3/1P6/P2NK3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] 1. Nf1 {! preparing to set up a fortress. On %05The correct continuation was} ( 1. Nc4 {, controlling b2, but after %05Black is essentially a pawn up, and his king is threatening to break through to the a2 pawn. Therefore White played} Kc3 2. Kd1 Bd4 3. Ke2 e3 {he found himself in zugzwang, and was forced to allow the opposing king through to the pawn. After} 4. Na5 Kb2 5. Nc6 Bc5 6. Ne5 Kxa2 7. Nd3 Be7 {White admitted defeat.}) 1... Kc3 {there follows} (1... Bc7 {, then %05If instead} 2. Ne3 Bf4 3. Ng4 Bg5 4. Nf2 Ke5 5. Ng4+ Kf5 6. Nf2 Bc1 7. Nh3 Bb2 8. Ke3 {!} Ke5 9. Ke2 Bd4 10. Ng5 {!} Kf5 11. Nf7 {, and as before Black is a long way from his goal.}) 2. Ng3 {!} e3 3. Kd1 Kb2 4. Ne2 Kxa2 5. Kc2 {, with a certain draw.} * [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Liverpool"] [Black "Glazgow"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2n5/5k1p/P1p4P/4K1B1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ909 If both sides have passed pawns, the result depends mainly on how far advanced these pawns are, and on how effectively the pieces can stop or support them. In such positions the superiority of bishop over knight is normally especially marked, since it is easier for the bishop to engage in play on two fronts. This is confirmed by the following positions.} 1. Be2 {%05White has an outside passed pawn and a slightly more active king, and his bishop can support his passed pawn and simultaneously stop the opposing pawn. These advantages are perfectly sufficient for him to win. The game continued:} Ke6 2. Bc4+ {!} Kd6 (2... Kf6 { , then %05Black is forced to allow the white king across to his h-pawn, and to pin all his hopes on his c-pawn. If} 3. Kf4 {, and Black is forced to retreat his king, but in an even more unfavourable situation.}) 3. Kf5 Nd5 4. Kg6 Ne3 5. Be2 c4 6. Kxh6 c3 7. Bd3 Ng4+ (7... c2 {%05If} 8. Bxc2 Nxc2 {, then} 9. Kg6 Nd4 10. Kf6 {!} (10. h6 {?} Ne6 11. h7 Nf8+ {= leads only to a draw}) 10... Ne6 11. a6 {!$18 , and White wins.}) 8. Kg5 Ne5 9. Bc2 Nc4 10. a6 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Bled (Slovenia)"] [Site "Bled (Slovenia)"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kashdan Isaac (USA)"] [Black "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/p1N2k1p/7P/5P2/b4K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ909} 1... Ke5 {%05Black's material advantage - an extra doubled pawn - is of no significance here. Much more important is the fact that he has a dangerous outside passed pawn, the more active king, and a bishop which can battle simultaneously on two fronts. ^013^010 %05 Black takes his king to the support of his passed pawn.} 2. Ke3 Kd5 3. Ne4 Kc4 4. f4 a4 5. f5 a3 6. f6 Kb4 7. Kd2 Bf7 8. Kc1 Bg6 {! Black has deployed his bishop in the best way possible. It supports his own passed pawn (and prevents the approach of the opposing king to it), and simultaneously stops the opposing pawn.} 9. Nd2 Kc3 {! (threatening 10... a2, and 10. Ne4 Be4 11. f7 a2 does not work for White)} 10. Nb1+ Kb3 11. Nd2+ Kb4 12. Ne4 Kc4 {!} 13. Nd2+ Kd3 14. Nb3 Kc3 $19 {White resigns. Compared with the powerful bishop, in this example the knight made a quite pitiful impression. If both sides have two or more passed pawns, the superiority of bishop over knight is normally even more marked.} 0-1 [Event "Match"] [Site "?"] [Date "1862.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dubois Serafino (ITA)"] [Black "Steinitz Wilhelm (CZE)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/8/6P1/5b2/1kp2N2/7P/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1862.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ909} 1. Nd4+ {%05Here the bishop easily stops White's passed pawns, whereas his king and knight eventually end up in zugzwang. Even the fact that it is White to move does not help him.} Kb2 2. g6 Bh6 3. h4 a5 4. h5 a4 5. Nc2 a3 6. Nd4 a2 7. Nc2 Bg7 {!} (7... a1=Q+ { ? %05It was not yet late to go wrong. After} 8. Nxa1 Kxa1 9. Kc2 Bg7 10. h6 { = the game would have ended in a draw. But now White's desperate attempt to shut the black king in the corner is easily parried.}) 8. Na1 Kxa1 9. Kc2 Bh6 10. g7 Bxg7 11. Kc1 c2 12. Kxc2 Bh6 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kp5n/8/7P/p7/5P2/7K/5B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ909 In positions with several passed pawns, an exact and concrete calculation is of decisive importance, especially if pieces have to be given up for pawns in the course of the play.} 1. h6 {%05This position is given by Grigoriev as an example demonstrating the superiority of bishop over knight. He gives the following possible variation:} a3 2. Bc4 b5 (2... Kb6 { %05In Grigoriev's opinion, bringing the king across to help the knight is no better. He gives the following continuation:} 3. Kg3 Kc5 4. Bg8 Kd6 5. Kf4 Ke7 6. Kf5 Kf8 7. Ba2 Ke7 8. Kg6 Nf8+ 9. Kg7 Ne6+ 10. Kg8 Nf8 11. f4 Nd7 12. Kg7 Nf6 13. Kg6 {, ending it with the words: "... and Black, who is in zugzwang, is bound to lose as his moves run out".^013^010 This is incorrect, since White is unable to achieve a zugzwang position, e.g.} b5 14. f5 b4 15. Be6 Nd7 {!} 16. Bxd7 (16. Kg7 {%05No better is} Nf6 17. Bf7 {, since then there follows} Nh7 {! Thus, by taking his king across to the aid of his knight, Black manages to save the game.}) 16... a2 17. f6+ Kxd7 18. h7 a1=Q {= , and Black does not lose.}) 3. Bg8 Kb6 4. Kg3 {!} Kc5 (4... b4 5. Kf4 Kb5 6. Bb3 {!$18}) 5. Kf4 Kd4 6. Kf5 Kc3 7. Kg6 b4 8. Kxh7 b3 9. Kg6 {!} a2 10. h7 a1=Q 11. h8=Q+ $18 { , and White wins. The evaluation of such endings is usually a difficult matter, since general considerations fade into the background, and everything is decided by exact and concrete calculation, with the result often depending on one tempo. The following two examples are extremely instructive.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sherbakov"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/pp4K1/4k2P/8/4n1P1/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ909 The game was adjourned in this position, and Black, with an extra pawn, was anticipating a favourable outcome to the ending, having calculated the following variations:} 1. g4 {!! %05These two variations show that both 1. Bb2 and 1. Kg6 are a loss of time, and in positions with passed pawns this is always liable to have unpleasant consequences. In his adjournment analysis Black found his opponent a move (which, incidentally, was in fact sealed by White) which also assists the advance of the passed pawns, but without loss of time.} (1. Bb2 {?} b4 2. g4 ( 2. Kxg6 a4 3. h5 a3 4. Bg7 Nf4+ 5. Kg5 Nxh5 6. Kxh5 b3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Nf4 {!} 3. Bc1 (3. h5 gxh5 4. gxh5 Nxh5) 3... b3 {!} 4. Ba3 a4 5. Bc1 Kf3 6. Ba3 Nh3+ 7. Kxg6 Kxg4 8. h5 Nf4+ 9. Kf6 Kxh5 10. Ke5 b2 11. Bxb2 Nd3+ 12. Kd4 Nxb2 13. Kc3 a3 14. Kb3 Nc4 {[%eval -550,0]}) (1. Kxg6 Nxc1 2. h5 Nd3 3. h6 Ne5+ 4. Kg7 Kf5 5. h7 Ng6 6. g4+ Kg5 {[%eval -550,0]}) 1... Nxc1 {This reply is forced. Now it transpires that Black stands on the edge of the abyss, since his passed pawns are clearly too slow.} 2. h5 gxh5 3. gxh5 b4 (3... Nd3 { %05the knight can no longer catch the pawn:} 4. h6 Ne5 5. h7 Nf7+ 6. Kf6 Nh8 7. Kg7 $18 {, and White wins}) 4. h6 b3 5. h7 b2 6. h8=Q Nd3 {!} (6... b1=Q { ?? would have lost to %05A study-like finesse, which saves the game} 7. Qh7+ $18) 7. Qh1+ {%05Now, in spite of his big material advantage, White is unable to win, e.g.} Ke3 8. Qb1 a4 9. Kf5 a3 10. Ke6 Kd2 11. Qa2 Nc1 {= Therefore a draw was agreed without the game being resumed.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1895.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3b4/pp6/8/8/2k1K1P1/2p5/P3N2P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1895.??.??"] 1. Nxc3 {! %05 This position is also difficult to evaluate without a concrete calculation. The advantage appears to be with Black, since his passed pawn is the further advanced. In spite of this, analysis shows that White could have drawn by the immediate sacrifice of his knight:} (1. Kf5 {? , a mistake which should have lost after %05Instead, White played} c2 (1... Kd3 {? , a fatal loss of tempo which decided the game in White's favour: %05But Black not only failed to exploit his opponent's error, but himself played} 2. Nxc3 {!} Kxc3 3. g5 Bb6 (3... Bxg5 {%05it is now too late for} 4. Kxg5 Kb2 5. h4 {, when White queens first}) 4. h4 Bd4 5. h5 b5 6. h6 b4 7. g6 a5 8. g7 a4 9. g8=Q {Resigns.} ) 2. g5 Bxg5 3. Kxg5 Kd3 4. Nc1+ Kd2 5. Nb3+ Kd1 6. a4 a5 7. Kg4 b5 {!} 8. axb5 a4 9. b6 axb3 10. b7 b2 11. b8=Q c1=Q {, and Black must win the resulting ending.}) 1... Kxc3 2. Kf5 Kb2 3. g5 Bxg5 4. Kxg5 Kxa2 5. h4 b5 {, and after both pawns promote a drawn queen ending is reached.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/1p1p1k2/2pPp1p1/P1P1PpPp/2P2P1P/1Nb2K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] {~19.12 Weaknesses in the opponent's pawn formation~ Weaknesses in a pawn formation can be of two types: 1) Direct pawn weaknesses - weak pawns, which have to be defended by pieces. 2) Weak squares between pawns - invasion squares, which also have to be defended by pieces against the penetration of the enemy king. In each case the pieces become passive, lose their mobility, and decline significantly in strength. Therefore weaknesses in the pawn formation are a serious drawback to a position, which often result in defeat. If the opponent has several weak pawns, the winning plan is to tie his pieces to the defence of his pawns, and then attack one of them with king and bishop to gain a decisive material advantage. Here is a typical example. %212045826630=4HLJ911} 1... Ke7 {%05White has weak pawns at a4, c4, f3 and h3, together with those at e4, g4 and d5. The knight is tied to the defence of the a-pawn and the king cannot come to its aid. Black wins by making the long journey with his king to the a4 pawn.} 2. Ke2 Kd7 3. Kd2 Bb3 4. Ke2 Kc7 5. Kd2 Kb8 6. Ke2 Ka7 7. Ke1 Ka6 8. Kd2 Ka5 9. Kc1 Bxa4 {Black has carried out his plan without the slightest hindrance, since White had no possibility of counter-play. The rest is simple.} 10. Nd3 (10. Nxa4 {%05or} Kxa4 11. Kb2 b5 12. cxb5 Kxb5 13. Kb3 Ka5 14. Ka3 b5 15. Kb3 c4+ 16. Ka3 b4+ 17. cxb4+ Kb5 { , and Black wins.}) 10... Bb3 11. Nb2 b5 12. cxb5 c4 {!} 13. Kd2 Kxb5 14. Ke1 Ka5 15. Ke2 b5 16. Ke1 b4 17. Kd2 Kb5 18. cxb4 Kxb4 {, and White can resign.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Konstantinopolsky Alexander M "] [Black "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/1p3n1p/p1p3p1/P1P5/4K1BP/1P4P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ911 If the opponent has only one weak pawn and there are invasion points in his pawn formation, the winning plan usually consists of the following basic steps: ~2 1) Attack the weak pawn with the bishop, and tie one of the opposing pieces to its defence. ~ ~2) Occupy the approaches to the enemy position with the king, and tie the second opposing piece to the defence of the invasion squares. ~ ~2 3) Put the defender in zugzwang. ~ This final stage is the culmination of the plan. The following examples show how the plan is carried out in different specific cases.} 1. Bc7 {%05White quickly puts his opponent in zugzwang.} Nd7 2. Ke4 Ke6 3. Bd8 {!} Ne5 4. b3 Nc6 (4... Nd7 {%05A desperate attempt at counter-attack. After} 5. g4 $18 {Black has no useful moves.}) 5. Bxb6 Kd6 6. g4 Nd4 7. Bxa5 Nxb3 8. Bc3 $18 {White has transformed his positional advantage into amaterial one. The remainder is of no interest.^013^010 It should be noted that, to realize the positionaladvantage when the opponent has one pawn weakness,the stronger side must be able to penetrate with his kinginto the opposing pawn formation. Thus, for example, ifin position ~3($402884)~ both White and Black had anextra pawn, at e2 and e6 respectively, the game wouldbe drawn, since the black king would not be tied todefending the invasion squares, Black would not get intozugzwang, and the white king would be unable topenetrate into his position.} 1-0 [Event "Vancouver (Canada)"] [Site "Vancouver (Canada)"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fischer Robert J (USA)"] [Black "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1pnk2p1/pBp2p1p/P4P1P/2P3P1/1P2K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "53"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ911} 1. Kd3 {%05There are two significant defects in Black's position - his K-side pawns are fixed on squares of the same colour as the bishop, and on the Q-side there are invasion squares via which the white king can penetrate into the opposing position. Here this proves sufficient for White to win. And even so, if the knight were at d6 the closed nature of the position would prevent White from realizing his advantage.} Ne7 {(the threat was 2. Bc6 Kc6 3. Kc4 with a won pawn ending, since White has two tempi in reserve)} 2. Be8 Kd5 3. Bf7+ Kd6 4. Kc4 {White is aiming to penetrate with his king into the opposing position, and Black is powerless to prevent this.} Kc6 5. Be8+ Kb7 6. Kb5 Nc8 7. Bc6+ (7. Bxg6 { ?? %05of course, not} Nd6# {%04mate}) 7... Kc7 8. Bd5 {!} Ne7 (8... Nd6+ {%05If } 9. Ka6 Ne4 {, then} 10. Bf7 Nxg3 11. Bxg6 Kc6 12. Be8+ Kc7 13. Ka7 Ne2 14. Bxh5 Nxf4 15. Bf7 $18 {, and the advance of the h-pawn is decisive.}) 9. Bf7 Kb7 10. Bb3 {! White gains the tempo necessary for him to advance a further step with his king.} Ka7 11. Bd1 Kb7 12. Bf3+ Kc7 (12... Ka7 {%05after} 13. Bg2 $18 {the white king reaches c6}) 13. Ka6 Ng8 14. Bd5 Ne7 15. Bc4 {!} Nc6 (15... Kc6 {, then %05If} 16. Bb5+ $18 {Black has no way of avoiding zugzwang.}) 16. Bf7 Ne7 17. Be8 {!} Kd8 18. Bxg6 {! (the decisive sacrifice)} Nxg6 19. Kxb6 Kd7 20. Kxc5 Ne7 21. b4 axb4 22. cxb4 Nc8 23. a5 Nd6 24. b5 Ne4+ 25. Kb6 Kc8 26. Kc6 Kb8 27. b6 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1897.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marco & Fahndrich"] [Black "Charousek & Schlechter"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1pbk1pp1/p3p2p/4P3/PP3PP1/3KN1P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1897.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ911} 1... Kc5 {%05White's g2 pawn is weak and there is an invasion square at d4. Black easily realizes his advantage.} 2. Kc3 {(the threat was 2... a4 3. ba Kc4)} Bb5 {!} 3. Nc1 Bf1 4. Nd3+ Kb5 5. Ne1 g5 6. f4 (6. Kd2 {there follows %05White's pieces are pinned down. His knight is tied to the defence of the g2 pawn, and if his king moves} a4 7. b4 Kc4 {In addition, there is one further disadvantage: after 6. g4 h4 he will be threatened with 7... Bg2! 8. Ng2 h3, when the pawn cannot be stopped. The following desperate advance is his best try.}) 6... gxf4 7. gxf4 h4 8. fxe5 fxe5 9. Nf3 Bxg2 10. Nxe5 h3 11. Ng4 Bxe4 12. Kd4 Bc2 13. Kc3 Bf5 14. Nh2 Kc5 15. Kd2 Kd4 16. Ke1 Be6 $19 {White resigns. The following example shows how the invasion into the enemy position is carried out.} 0-1 [Event "Stubnianske Teplice (Slovakia)"] [Site "Stubnianske Teplice (Slovakia)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Glig"] [Black "Szekely Jeno (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1Bn5/p4k1p/1pP3p1/1P3pP1/P2K3P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {A lack of coordination between the pieces and pawns should also essentially be regarded as a defect in the pawn formation. The pawns may severely restrict both the king and the knight, giving them no prospects of activity.} { %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ911} 1. Ke4 Ke6 2. Kd4 Kf6 3. Bc8 {!} Ne6+ 4. Kd3 {!} (4. Kd5 {? could have even lost after} f3 $19 {In carrying out his plan, White must keep a constant watch on the f-pawn.}) 4... Nc7 5. Ke4 { (now Black is forced to retreat his king)} Ke7 6. Ke5 Kd8 (6... f3 {, then %05If} 7. Bb7 {!} f2 8. Bg2 {Then White comes back with his king and picks up the pawn, he again plays Bb7, and his king returns to the enemy position.}) 7. Bb7 Ke7 {In order to drive the black king back further, White must gain a tempo. This is achieved as follows:} 8. Bc6 {!} Ne6 9. Bd5 {!} Nc7 10. Bb7 {!} Kd7 11. Kf5 Ne6 12. Bxa6 Kc6 13. Kxe6 {! Black resigned, since} Z0 (13... f3 14. Ke5 f2 {fails to} 15. a4 {!} bxa4 16. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/p2n3p/1p2p1p1/2p1P1P1/2K1BP2/2P5/PP6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. Bf3 {! %05 Due to his poor pawn formation, Black's pieces, especially his knight, are severely restricted. In addition there are weaknesses in Black's position - his e-pawn and in some cases his h-pawn, and there is also an invasion square at b5. White's pieces, in contrast, are very well placed. His bishop can participate in play on both wings, and his king is close to the invasion square. All this gives White a decisive positional advantage.^013^010 %05 Here are the main variations given by Grigoriev.} (1. Kb5 {? , the reader may ask. In this case Black would be able to improve the position of his knight: %05Before invading the opposing position with his king, White wishes to tie Black to the defence of his e-pawn.^013^010 %05 But why not immediately} Nb8 2. Bf3 Kc7 3. Bg4 a6+ 4. Kc4 Kd7 {followed by 5... Nc6.}) 1... a6 { %05Black's next move causes White the most difficulty.} (1... Nb8 {%05But now this regrouping does not succeed, for example:} 2. Bg4 {!} Kd7 3. Kb5 Ke7 (3... Nc6 4. Bxe6+ {!}) 4. a4 Kd7 5. a5 {%04etc.}) (1... Kc7 2. Bg4 {!} Nf8 3. Kb5 Kb7 4. Bf3+ Kc7 5. Ka6 Kb8 6. b4 {!} cxb4 7. cxb4 Nd7 8. Bc6 Nf8 9. b5 {%04etc. }) (1... a5 2. Kb5 Kc7 3. Bg4 Nf8 4. a4 Kb7 5. Bf3+ Kc7 6. Bc6 {%04etc.}) 2. a4 Kc7 3. Bg4 {! 3... Nb8 was threatened, whereas now Black has to forget about any activity.} Nf8 4. a5 Kc6 5. axb6 Kxb6 6. Bd1 {! (the decisive bishop transfer)} Nd7 7. Ba4 Nb8 8. Be8 Nc6 9. Bf7 Nd8 10. Bg8 Nc6 11. Bxe6 {, and White wins. Had the black knight been not at d7, but at c7, simultaneously defending the weak e6 pawn and the b5 square, White would evidently have been unable to win. In this case the knight would have coordinated well with the pawns. Here is a further example on the same theme.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/1pp2npB/p2p1p1p/3P3P/2P2P2/8/PP4P1/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Kd2 {%05In Black's position, apart from the pawns at b7, and, indirectly, a6, there are invasion squares at e6 and g6 which have to be guarded. However, the first impression is that it is not easy for White to penetrate there. Much more significant is one further defect: the knight does not have a single "decent" square, and is severely restricted by the pawns. White is able to realize his advantage.} Nd8 2. Kd3 b6 {(an attempt to open new squares to the knight)} 3. Bf5 c5 (3... Nb7 {there would have followed %05On} 4. b4 a5 5. a3 { Of course, there is no sense now in playing 4. dc, freeing the knight.}) 4. Bc8 {!} a5 {(a new invasion square has been opened - at b5)} 5. g4 Kf7 6. Bf5 Ke7 7. Kc3 Nb7 (7... Nf7 {%05or} 8. Kb3 Kd8 9. Be6) 8. Bc8 {!} Nd8 9. Kb3 Nf7 10. Ka4 Kd8 11. Be6 Nh8 12. f5 {(the result of the knight's cramped position: it is trapped)} Kc7 13. Kb5 Kb7 14. a4 {, and White wins. In conclusion we will examine an ending played with exceptional subtlety by the great endgame expert Rubinstein. Here we will see how in practice weaknesses are created and fixed, invasion squares are created, and the king penetrates into the enemy position.} * [Event "Goteborg (Sweden)"] [Site "Goteborg (Sweden)"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/p5pp/1p3p2/2pp4/b4P2/2PP2P1/P1P2K1P/4N3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ911} 1... Ke7 2. Ke3 Ke6 3. g4 { ? The black king was threatening to penetrate to f5. White attempts to block the invasion squares, but this creates pawn weaknesses.} (3. d4 {! %05As was shown by Euwe, the correct continuation was} Kd6 (3... Kf5 4. Kf3 {with the threat of 5. Ng2 and 6. Ne3}) 4. Kd2 Kc6 5. Ng2 {!} Kb5 6. Ne3 {, with good chances of a successful defence.}) 3... Kd6 4. h3 g6 5. Kd2 Bd7 {! Apart from being a long-range piece, the bishop is also a rapid mover, easily switching from one wing to the other. The threat is 6... h5.} 6. Nf3 Ke7 {!} (6... h5 { , then %05Very accurate. If immediately} 7. g5 {!} Bxh3 8. gxf6 {, with good counter-play.}) 7. Ke3 h5 {!} 8. Nh2 (8. gxh5 {%05weaker is} gxh5 9. h4 Ke6 { followed by 10... Kf5}) 8... Kd6 9. Ke2 (9. d4 {! was best here. Fine thinks that even in this case Black wins, and to demonstrate this he gives the following variation: %05Can White save the game? Euwe showed that} Kc6 10. Kd2 Kb5 11. Kd3 (11. f5 hxg4 12. fxg6 g3 {%04etc.}) 11... Bc8 12. Kd2 Kc4 13. dxc5 bxc5 14. Nf1 d4 {!} 15. cxd4 Kxd4 {, when White cannot defend his weaknesses.}) 9... d4 {!} 10. cxd4 (10. c4 {Fine gives the following possible continuation: %05On} hxg4 11. hxg4 Ke7 {!} (11... g5 {immediately, after %05At the same time Fine shows that if Black plays} 12. fxg5 fxg5 13. Kf2 {!} Ba4 (13... Ke5 14. Kg3 Ba4 15. Nf3+ Kf6 16. Ne1) 14. Nf3 Bxc2 15. Ke2 {White gains a draw.}) 12. Kd2 g5 {!} 13. f5 (13. fxg5 {%05or} fxg5 14. Ke2 Kf6 {!} 15. Kd2 Ke5) 13... Kd6 14. Nf3 Bc6 15. Ke2 a6 16. Kf2 Bxf3 17. Kxf3 b5 {!} 18. Ke4 Kc6 19. Kf3 Kd7 {!} 20. Ke4 Kd6 21. Kf3 Ke5 22. cxb5 axb5 23. a3 Kd5 24. Kg3 c4 25. Kf3 c3 26. Kg3 Kc5 27. Kf3 b4 28. axb4+ Kxb4 29. Ke4 Ka3 30. Kxd4 Kb2 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 10... cxd4 11. Kd2 hxg4 12. hxg4 Bc6 13. Ke2 (13. c3 {%05After} dxc3+ 14. Kxc3 Bg2 {!$19 the knight is stalemated, and Black wins by setting up a passed pawn on the Q-side.}) 13... Bd5 14. a3 b5 15. Nf1 a5 (15... g5 {followed by the invasion of the king would also have won}) 16. Nd2 a4 {!} 17. Ne4+ {(White has no defence against the threats of ...b4 and ...g5)} Bxe4 18. dxe4 b4 {!} 19. Kd2 bxa3 20. Kc1 g5 {!$19 White resigns.} * [Event "Hague (Netherlands)"] [Site "Hague (Netherlands)"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stoltz Gosta (SWE)"] [Black "Kashdan Isaac (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/p2b1ppp/8/8/3N4/1P5P/5PP1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "57"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ913 ~19.13 Superior king position in an open situation~ In minor piece endings a superior king position is of great importance. As was stated earlier, to win in a closed type of position, where the positional advantage consists of the opponent having pawn weaknesses, it is normally necessary for the king to break into the pawn formation. Here we should like to demonstrate the role of an active king in open positions. In such positions the superiority of bishop over knight is especially noticeable. Therefore the possession of a bishop against a knight, in combination with an active king, constitutes a positional advantage. The plan for realizing this advantage is as follows: ~2 1) The king approaches as closely as possible to the opponent's pawns. ~ ~2 2) Invasion squares are created in the opponent's position. ~ ~2 3) The bishop aims to tie down the opponent's pieces, which are defending the approaches to his pawns. ~ ~2 4) The opponent's cramped pieces are either driven back directly by the pieces and pawns, or are forced to retreat due to zugzwang. ~ ~2 5) The king enters the enemy position and creates a decisive material advantage. ~ We will study the details of this plan in the following examples.} 1... Kf8 {%05At first sight it is not clear why in general Black should have any advantage here. White appears to have no weaknesses, he has a splendidly placed knight, and if the black king makes for the centre it will be opposed by White's.^013^010 %05 Let us see how the game went.} 2. Kf1 Ke7 3. Ke2 Kd6 4. Kd3 Kd5 {Thanks to the fact that it was Black to move, he has gained the more active king position.} 5. h4 Bc8 {! Black transfers his bishop to a6, with the aim of driving back the opponent's king and threatening the g2 pawn. It was for this reason hat White moved his h-pawn off a white square in advance.} 6. Nf3 {?} (6. f3 {!? %05Was it not possible to maintain the knight at d4? Serious consideration should have been given to} Ba6+ 7. Ke3 {, and if} Kc5 {, then} 8. Nc2 {, e.g.} Bf1 9. g3 Ba6 10. Nd4 Bb7 ( 10... Kb4 11. Nc6+ {=}) 11. Kd3 Kb4 12. Kc2 Bd5 13. Kb2 g6 14. Kc2 a6 15. Kb2 $15 {, when Black still has to break down White's defences.^013^010 The attempt to activate the knight is pointless, and merely accelerates White's defeat.}) 6... Ba6+ 7. Kc3 (7. Ke3 {there could have followed %05On} Kc5 8. Ng5 Kb4 9. Nxf7 Kxb3 $19 {, when Black acquires a dangerous outside passed pawn, which in this position constitutes a decisive advantage.}) 7... h6 8. Nd4 g6 9. Nc2 Ke4 {(the king has occupied the approaches to the enemy pawns)} 10. Ne3 f5 11. Kd2 f4 12. Ng4 (12. Nc2 {there follows %05The knight is pushed back. On} Bf1 {!} 13. Ne1 Kf5 14. f3 g5 15. hxg5 Kxg5 $19 {, when the king reaches g3. By his next move White tries to mount a counter-attack.}) 12... h5 13. Nf6+ Kf5 14. Nd7 Bc8 {!} 15. Nf8 g5 {!} 16. g3 (16. hxg5 Kxg5 $19 {, and the knight is lost}) 16... gxh4 17. gxh4 Kg4 18. Ng6 Bf5 19. Ne7 Be6 20. b4 Kxh4 21. Kd3 Kg4 22. Ke4 h4 23. Nc6 Bf5+ 24. Kd5 f3 25. b5 h3 26. Nxa7 h2 27. b6 h1=Q 28. Nc6 Qb1 29. Kc5 Be4 $19 {White resigns. The superiority of bishop over knight was very clearly revealed here. In an open position it is difficult for the king and knight to defend the approaches to their position, and for this reason the more active position of Black's king played a decisive role.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/ppk2p1p/4pp2/4b3/4P3/PP6/4NPPP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ913} 1. Kf1 (1. a4 {, then %05 If White's pawn were at a4, he would play 1. Nc1 Kc6 2. Nd3, erecting a barrier in the path of the enemy king, when he would be able to draw. But the pawn is at a3, and if} Kc6 2. Nc1 Kc5 $19 {, when Black succeeds in breaking through. Therefore White brings up his king.}) 1... b5 {!} (1... Bb2 {%05Very accurate. Black fixes the opponent's pawn weakness. Nothing is achieved by} 2. a4 Kc6 3. Ke1 Kc5 4. Kd2 Kb4 5. Kc2 {= , when the white king arrives just in time.}) 2. Ke1 Bb2 3. a4 bxa4 4. bxa4 Kc6 {!} (4... Kb6 {%05Again the best move.} 5. Kd2 Ka5 {would not have achieved anything after} 6. Kc2 Be5 7. f4 Bd6 8. Kb3 {=}) 5. Kd2 Kc5 {!} 6. Nc3 (6. Kc2 {%05or} Bd4 7. f3 Kc4 {! and White is bound to lose material, e.g.} 8. Nc1 Be5 9. h3 Kb4 {and 10... Ka4$19}) 6... Kb4 7. Nb5 a5 8. Nd6 Kxa4 9. Kc2 (9. Nxf7 {, then %05If} Kb3 10. Nd8 a4 11. Nxe6 a3 12. Nc5+ Kc4 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 9... Be5 10. Nxf7 Bxh2 11. Nd8 e5 12. Nc6 Bg1 13. f3 Bc5 14. Nb8 Kb5 15. g4 Be7 16. g5 fxg5 17. Nd7 Bd6 18. Nf6 Kc4 19. Z0 ( 19. Nxh7 {there follows %05White resigned, since on} Be7 $19) 0-1 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bohatirchuk Fedor P (CAN)"] [Black "Rabinovich Ilya L (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6b1/p7/1p5p/2p1k3/8/1PP1K3/P2N3P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "91"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ905 %212045826630=4HLJ913} 1... Bd5 {%05In combination with his bishop, the active position of Black's king gives him the advantage. The continuation was:} 2. Nb1 (2. Nf3+ {, then %05White seeks counter-play. If} Kf5 3. h3 a5 4. c4 Be4 5. a3 Bc2 6. Nd2 Kg5 7. Kf3 Kh4 8. Kg2 Bd1 {!} 9. Kh2 h5 10. Kg2 Kg5 11. Kg3 h4+ 12. Kf2 Kf4 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 2... Kf5 3. Na3 a6 { (preventing the knight from coming out)} 4. Nc2 Kg4 5. Kf2 Kf4 6. Ne3 Bf7 7. Ke2 b5 8. Kf2 Ke4 {Having pushed back the enemy king, Black has reached the 4th rank with his king and has occupied the approaches to the opponent's position.} 9. Ke2 Be6 10. Ng2 Bg4+ (10... c4 {is simpler %05the immediate}) 11. Kd2 Be6 12. Ne1 c4 {!} 13. bxc4 (13. b4 {%05or} Bg4 {!} 14. Ng2 Kf3 $19 { %04etc.}) 13... Bxc4 14. a3 a5 15. Nc2 a4 16. Nd4 h5 {! White's misfortune is that he is gradually running out of moves, and he ends up in zugzwang.} 17. Nc2 Kf3 18. Ne3 Kf2 19. Nf5 Kg2 20. h4 Kf3 21. Ne7 Kg3 {!} 22. Ng6 Bf7 {(with the king at g4 this move would not have been possible)} 23. Ne5 Bd5 24. Ng6 Be4 25. Ne5 Kxh4 {The remainder is very familiar to us.} 26. Ke3 Bd5 27. Nd3 Bc4 28. Nf2 Kg3 29. Ne4+ Kg4 30. Nf6+ Kg5 31. Ne4+ Kf5 32. Ng3+ Kg4 33. Kf2 Bd3 34. Nh1 Kf4 {!} 35. Ng3 Bg6 36. Nf1 Ke4 37. Ke2 Bf7 38. Nd2+ Kf4 39. Kf2 Bc4 40. Nf3 Ke4 41. Ne1 Be6 42. Ke2 Bg4+ 43. Kd2 h4 44. Nd3 h3 45. Nf2+ Kf3 46. Ke1 h2 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Black "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/4bp2/6pp/2P1p3/6P1/5K1P/3N1P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ915 ~19.2 Realization of a positional advantage with knight against bishop~ ~19.21 Passed pawn~ A bishop is normally better at coping with a passed pawn than a knight is, and therefore this advantage may become decisive only in combination with certain others.} 1. c6 { %05Thus here White wins thanks to the fact that his active king is able to support the passed pawn.} Kd8 (1... f5 {%05or} 2. gxf5 gxf5 3. Nc4 Bf6 4. Nd6+ Kd8 5. c7+ $18) 2. Ke4 Kc7 3. Kd5 {!} f5 {(there is nothing better)} 4. gxf5 gxf5 5. Kxe5 Kxc6 6. Nb3 {(White is not in a hurry to capture the stranded pawn, but tries first to prevent the approach of the black king)} Bd6+ 7. Ke6 Bh2 8. Nd4+ Kc5 9. Nxf5 h5 10. Ng3 Kd4 11. Kf5 h4 12. Nh5 Bg1 13. f3 Bf2 14. Nf4 Be1 15. Ng6 Kd5 16. Kg4 $18 {Resigns. The unfortunate placing of the opposing pieces allows White to gain a decisive material advantage in the next two examples.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vukovic"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/6p1/P1kp1p2/3N2pP/1K4P1/5P2/2b5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ915} 1. Ka2 {%05 The dangerous passed a-pawn renders the knight immune. Black requires a further two moves (...c6 and ...Nd6) to consolidate his position, but during this time White succeeds in exploiting the dominating position of his knight.} Bh6 2. Kb1 c6 3. Kc2 Kd6 {Black is ready to breathe more easily, when disaster strikes.} 4. h5 {!} Bg7 5. Ne6 {!} Kxe6 6. h6 {!} Bd4 7. Kd3 c5 8. a6 Ke5 9. h7 c4+ 10. Ke2 Ke4 11. a7 $18 { , and White wins.} * [Event "Bern (Switzerland)"] [Site "Bern (Switzerland)"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Naegeli Oskar (SUI)"] [Black "Collijn"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1N4pp/4p3/2P5/k4Pb1/2K5/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ915} 1. c6 {%05Here White wins a piece: } Kb5 (1... Bf3 2. Nc5+ Kb5 3. c7 $18) 2. c7 e5 3. f5 {!} Bxf5 4. Nd6+ Kc6 5. Nxf5 Kxc7 6. Nxg7 $18 {%04etc. Knight and passed pawns against a bishop is a very popular theme in studies. The basic tactical devices are interference, blocking, and, finally, forking.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1890.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pN2p2/1P6/8/2P5/5k2/b7/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1890.??.??"] 1. c5 {%05The c-pawn queens by force:} Bb1 2. Ne6 {!} fxe6 3. c6 Be4 4. c7 { , and wins. In the following study the bishop manages to stop the pawn, but in doing so it comes under attack itself, and is lost.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7N/7p/p3P3/8/1P5k/8/6K1/3b4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ915} 1. b5 {! %05By two successive sacrifices White blocks the bishop's diagonal:} axb5 2. Ng6+ {!} Kg4 3. e7 Bf3+ 4. Kf2 Bc6 {Black has managed to stop the pawn, but after} 5. Ne5+ $18 {the bishop is lost.} * [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Eliskases Erich G (AUT)"] [Black "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pp4kp/3n2p1/3Pp3/4P3/6P1/P5BP/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "55"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ915} 1... b5 {%05This position is extremely instructive. Black has an undisputed positional advantage, consisting, firstly, of the possession of a potential outside passed pawn, and, secondly of the fact that here the knight is stronger than the bishop, which is tied to the defence of the e4 pawn.^013^010 %05 But White has only one weakness - his e4 pawn, defended by the bishop, and the result will depend upon whether or not Black can break into the opponent's position with his king and gain there a decisive material advantage. Black's manoeuvres are undoubtedly restricted by the pride of White's position - his protected passed pawn at d5.} 2. Kd2 a5 3. Kd3 Kf6 4. Bf3 Ke7 {Black takes his king across to the Q-side, to support the advance of his pawns.} 5. h4 {?} (5. Bd1 {%05 This move unnecessarily weakens White's pawns, which leads in the end to his defeat. As was shown by Euwe, he should have continued} Kd8 6. a4 {, immediately clarifying the pawn situation on the Q-side, e.g.:} bxa4 (6... b4 7. Bb3 Kc7 8. Bc2 Kb6 9. Bb3 Nb7 10. Kc4 Nc5 11. Bc2 g5 12. g4 h6 13. h3 b3 14. Bb1 b2 15. Kc3 Nxa4+ 16. Kb3 Nc5+ 17. Kxb2 Kb5 18. Kc3 $15 {, and it is difficult for Black to get at the opponent's weaknesses.}) 7. Bxa4 Kc7 8. Bc2 Kb6 9. Kc3 $15 {, with better prospects than in the game.}) 5... h6 6. Bd1 Kd8 7. a4 {(this is not as strong as it was previously)} bxa4 {?} (7... b4 {! , when Euwe gives the following main variation: %05Here the correct move was} 8. Bb3 Kc7 9. Bd1 Kb6 10. Bc2 Nb7 11. Kc4 Nc5 12. g4 g5 13. h5 b3 14. Bb1 b2 15. Kc3 Nxa4+ 16. Kb3 Nc5+ 17. Kxb2 Nd7 18. Kc3 Nf6 $19) 8. Bxa4 Kc7 9. Bc2 Kb6 10. Kc3 Kb5 11. Kb3 Kc5 12. Ka4 Nc4 13. Bb3 {?} (13. Bb1 {! %05The decisive mistake. Correct was} g5 (13... Nd2 14. Bd3 {, not allowing the knight to attack the pawns.}) 14. hxg5 hxg5 $17) 13... Nd2 14. Bc2 Nf1 {!} 15. Kxa5 Nxg3 16. Ka4 Nh5 { (the rest is simpler)} 17. Kb3 Kd4 {!} 18. Kb4 Nf6 19. d6 g5 20. hxg5 hxg5 21. Kb5 g4 22. Bd1 g3 23. Bf3 Ke3 24. Bh1 Kf2 25. Kc6 g2 26. Bxg2 Kxg2 27. d7 Nxd7 28. Kxd7 Kf3 $19 {White resigns.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Panov Vasily N (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5bk1/7p/3p4/2pPp2P/2P1N1P1/8/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ915} 1. g5 {(opening the way for the king) %05 The pawn formation in this example somewhat resembles the previous one. Here too the knight is significantly stronger than the bishop, which is tied to the defence of its pawns. But here White's task is much simpler, since it is easy for him to break into the opponent's position with his king.} Kg7 2. Kf3 Kf7 3. Kg4 Be7 4. Kf5 Bf8 {Had Black manoeuvred with his bishop so as to answer 4. Kf5 with 4... Be7, he would still have lost after 5. h6 Bf8 6. Nf6 Be7 7. Nh7 e4 8. g6} 5. Nf6 h6 {! (the only possibility of resisting)} 6. gxh6 Bxh6 7. Ne4 Bf8 8. h6 Bxh6 (8... Be7 {%05or} 9. h7 Kg7 10. Ke6 Bf8 11. h8=Q+ Kxh8 12. Kf7 $18) 9. Nxd6+ Ke7 10. Ne4 Be3 11. d6+ Kd7 12. Kxe5 $18 {Resigns. In the last two examples the superiority of the knight over the bishop was based on the fact that the bishop, being forced to defend the pawn weaknesses, became "bad", and found it difficult to cope simultaneously with the passed pawn. Below we will consider some further positions where the bishop, being tied to the defence of its pawns, becomes weaker than the knight.} 1-0 [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Derkach"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p5p1/5k2/Pp1p1p1p/1PbPpK1P/2N1PP2/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ917 ~19.22 Opponent's pawns on the same coloured squares as the bishop~ If the opponent's pawns are on the same coloured squares as his bishop, this significantly reduces the bishop's fighting qualities, since the squares between the pawns become inaccessible to it. This can allow the enemy king to break into the defender's pawn formation. } 1. a6 {%05White's advantage here is quite obvious. Black's bishop is restricted by his own pawns and is forced to defend them. His king has to guard the e5 and g5 squares against invasion by the white king. Black has practically no useful moves, and White quickly puts him in zugzwang.} g6 2. fxe4 fxe4 (2... dxe4 {%05Or} 3. g3 Bd3 4. d5 Bc4 5. d6 Ke6 6. Kg5 Kxd6 7. Kxg6 Ke5 8. Kxh5 Kf6 9. Kh6 Bd3 10. Nd5+ Ke5 11. Kg7 $18) 3. g3 Ke6 4. Kg5 Kf7 5. Nd1 {White's king has broken into the opposing position, and now the knight comes to its aid.} Bf1 6. Nf2 Kg7 7. g4 hxg4 8. Nxg4 Bh3 9. Nf6 (9. Ne5 {%05or} Bf5 10. h5 $18) 9... Be6 10. Ne8+ $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Ljubljana (Slovenia)"] [Site "Ljubljana (Slovenia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "NN"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4b2k/3p1p1p/2pPp1pP/KpN1P1P1/5P2/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ917 (from a simultaneous display)} 1. Kb5 {%05The way for White's king into the enemy position is open, but he must be careful, since Black is a pawn up, which to a certain extent restricts the knight. But White's positional advantage is so great that, in spite of the opponent's extra pawn, he can win, since he can put Black in zugzwang.} Kg7 2. Kc6 Kf7 3. Kd7 Bf8 4. Na5 Be7 5. Nc6 Bf8 6. Kd8 {!} Bg7 (6... Kg7 {, nothing would have been achieved by %05Had Black played} 7. Ke8 {?} (7. Kc7 {%05White first has to give Black the move, and this is done by} Kg8 (7... Kf7 8. Kd7 $18 {and 9. Ke6}) 8. Kc8 {!} Kg7 9. Kd8 {!} Kg8 10. Ke8 Kg7 {, and only now} 11. Na5 Kg8 12. Nc4 Kg7 13. Ne3 Kg8 14. Nf5 $18 {%04etc.}) 7... Kg8 8. Na5 Kg7 9. Nc4 Kg8 10. Ne3 Kg7 11. Nf5+ Kg8) 7. Kc7 {!} Bf8 8. Kd7 Bg7 (8... Kg8 {, then %05If} 9. Ke6 Kg7 10. Na5 Kg8 11. Nc4 Kg7 12. Ne3 Kg8 13. Nf5 c4 14. Ne3 c3 15. b3 Kg7 16. Nc2 Kg8 17. Nxb4 $18 {, with an easy win.}) (8... Kg7 {%05Or} 9. Ke6 Kg8 10. Kxf6 Bg7+ 11. Ke7 {!} Bf8+ 12. Ke6 Kg7 13. Na5 Kg8 14. Nc4 Kg7 15. Ne3 Kg8 16. Nf5 $18 {%04etc.}) 9. Kxd6 Bf8+ 10. Kd7 c4 11. Na5 c3 12. bxc3 bxc3 13. d6 c2 14. Nb3 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Site "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Popa"] [Black "Galich"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p1b3/2Pp1k2/3Pp1p1/4K1P1/5P2/5N2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ917} 1. Kd3 {%05Here White's king is unable to break through via f5. He wins by taking his king up to the c7 pawn, followed by attacking this pawn with his knight.} Kf7 2. Kc4 Ke8 3. Kb5 Kd8 4. Ka6 Kc8 5. Ka7 Bf6 6. Ne4 Be7 7. Ka8 {! (vacating a square for the knight)} Bd8 8. Nc3 Bf6 9. Nb5 e4 {(the threat was 10. Na7 Kd8 11. Kb7 and 12. Kb5, winning the c7 pawn)} 10. fxe4 Be5 11. Na7+ Kd8 12. Kb7 Bc3 13. Nb5 Ba5 14. Nxd6 (14. Nd4 {and 15. Ne6 was just as good. %05A pretty move, but not essential. The prosaic}) 14... cxd6 15. e5 Bc7 16. e6 Ba5 17. e7+ Kxe7 18. c7 Bxc7 19. Kxc7 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2kb4/p1p2pp1/2Pp4/3N1PP1/1P4K1/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ917} 1. g5 {! he opens a way for his king into the enemy position. %05White has a straightforward win. By} fxg5 ( 1... f5 {, White wins by %05If} 2. Nf3 Be8 3. Ne5 Kd8 4. Kf3 Ke7 5. Ke3 Ke6 6. Kd4 Ke7 7. Nd3 {!} Ke6 8. Nb4 a5 9. Nd3 Bd7 10. a4 Be8 11. b4 axb4 12. Nxb4 $18 {, and the passed a-pawn decides the game.}) 2. fxg5 Bc8 3. Kf4 {(the game was in fact adjourned at this point, and Black resigned without resuming)} a5 4. Ke5 Bg4 (4... Ba6 {there could have followed %05on} 5. Kf6 Bd3 6. Ke7 $18 { and 7. Ne6, pushing back the black king}) 5. Kf6 Bh5 6. Ke7 Bg4 7. a3 {!} Bd1 8. Ne6+ Kb7 9. Kd6 Bxb3 10. Nd8+ Kc8 11. Nxc6 a4 12. Ne7+ $18 {, and White wins.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1915.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zubarev Nikolay (RUS)"] [Black "Aleksandrov"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/3b2pp/p3p3/1p1pP3/8/2P5/PPN3PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "45"] [EventDate "1915.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ917} 1. Kf2 {%05White's plan consists of the following steps:^013^010 %05 1) Penetration with his king along the black squares into the opponent's position, as far as this is possible. ^013^010 %05 2) Exploiting the fact that the black king will be tied to the defence of the invasion squares on the Q-side, attack the K-side, attack the K-side pawns with his knight and create new weaknesses there.^013^010 %05 3) Being forced to defend his weak pawns with his bishop, Black is bound to end up in zugzwang. The attainment of the zugzwang position is the final, and essentially decisive step.^013^010 %05 It is instructive to follow how White carries out this plan.} Ke7 (1... Kf7 {%05No better is} 2. Ke2 Kg6 3. Ne3 Kg5 4. g3 {, when the black king is faced by a "wall", whereas after 5. Kd3 and 6. Kd4 the white king can continue its journey.}) 2. Ke3 Kd8 3. Kd4 Kc7 4. Kc5 Bc8 5. Nb4 Bb7 6. g3 Bc8 7. Nd3 {(now the knight sets off)} Bd7 8. Nf4 {!} g6 9. Nh3 {!} h6 10. Nf4 {!} g5 11. Nh5 Be8 12. Nf6 Bf7 13. Ng4 h5 14. Ne3 {!} Bg6 ( 14... g4 {%05or} 15. Ng2 Bg6 16. Nf4 Bf7 17. b4 $18 {, and Black is in zugzwang }) 15. h4 gxh4 16. gxh4 Be4 {! Black tries to prevent the knight from reaching f4, since this will lead to zugzwang.} 17. Nf1 Bf3 18. Nd2 Be2 19. Nb3 Bg4 20. Nd4 Bh3 21. Ne2 Bf5 22. Nf4 {(at last!)} Bg4 23. b4 $18 {, and White won. In the majority of the above examples there was a clear road open to the king, but this is by no means always the case. More often a bitter struggle has to be waged for the possibility of penetrating into the opponent's position, and each step forward has to be won by force. The following examples is highly instructive.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5b2/1k2p1p1/2NpP1P1/1K1P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. Na4+ Kc6 (1... Ka6 {facilitates White's task:} 2. Kc5 Ka5 3. Nc3 Bg8 4. Ne2 {!} Ka4 5. Kd6 Kb4 6. Ke7 Kc4 7. Kf8 {, and White not only picks up the bishop, but also queens one of his pawns.}) 2. Ka5 Kb7 3. Nc5+ (3. Kb5 {? %05of course, not} Be8+ 4. Kb4 Bxa4 {, with a draw}) 3... Kc7 (3... Ka7 {, then %05if} 4. Kb5 Be8+ 5. Kb4 {!} Bf7 6. Ka5 Bg8 7. Kb5 {, and the king invades}) 4. Kb5 {!} (4. Nd3 {%05The most thematic way to win. Grigoriev shows that} Be8 5. Nf4 Bf7 6. Kb5 Kb7 7. Kc5 Kc7 8. Nd3 Be8 9. Nb4 Bf7 10. Na6+ Kb7 11. Kd6 {!} Kxa6 12. Ke7 Bg8 13. Kf8 Kb5 14. Kxg8 Kc4 15. Kf7 Kxd4 16. Kxe6 {leads to a queen ending with an extra pawn.}) 4... Be8+ 5. Ka6 Bf7 6. Nb7 Be8 {!} 7. Ka7 {!} Bf7 (7... Kc6 {White would have won by %05It remains to add that on} 8. Kb8 {!} Kb6 9. Kc8 Bf7 10. Nd6 Bg8 11. Kd7 Ka5 12. Ke7 Kb4 13. Kf8 Kc3 14. Nb5+ Kc4 15. Kxg8 { %04etc.}) 8. Nd6 {!} Bg8 9. Ka6 {! (now that the bishop is locked up in its own camp, White can improve the position of his king)} Kc6 10. Ka5 {!} Bh7 11. Nf7 Bg8 12. Nh8 Bh7 13. Ka6 {! (a duel between the two kings begins)} Kc7 14. Kb5 Kb7 15. Kc5 Kc7 16. Nf7 Bg8 17. Nd6 {!} Bh7 18. Ne8+ Kd8 19. Nf6 {, and White wins. It is known that a knight is unable to gain a tempo. Therefore in blocked positions, instances of mutual zugzwang can offer occur, and exceptionally subtle manoeuvring with king and knight is sometimes required, to enable the required tempo to be gained.} * [Event "Winterthur (Switzerland)"] [Site "Winterthur (Switzerland)"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Henneberger Sven (GER)"] [Black "Nimzowitsch Aaron"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2k1pn2/5p2/p1pP1Pp1/2P1K1P1/P7/4B3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ917} 1... Ne4 {%05For the moment it is not clear how the black king can penetrate into the opponent's position. The game continued:} 2. Ke2 Kd5 3. Ke3 Kd6 {!} (3... Nd6 {%05Commencing a manoeuvre to give White the move. But why not immediately} 4. Bd2 Nb5 5. Be1 Na3 6. Bd2 Nc2+ 7. Ke2 Ke4 {? It transpires that after} 8. Bc1 {Black has no alternative other than} Ne1 {?! , with highly risky compensations. He chooses a sounder path.}) 4. Ke2 Kc6 5. Ke3 Kd5 6. Ke2 Nd6 7. Ke3 Nb5 8. Bd2 Na3 9. Bc1 (9. Be1 {loses quickly to} Nc2+ 10. Kd2 Nxe1 11. Kxe1 Ke4 12. Ke2 a3 $19) 9... Nb1 10. Bb2 a3 {!} 11. Ba1 Kd6 {! (again giving the opponent the move)} 12. Ke2 Kc6 13. Kd1 {!} (13. Ke3 {%05The most tenacious. White loses quickly after} Kd5 14. Kf2 Nd2 15. Kg2 Nb3 {!$19}) 13... Kd5 14. Kc2 Ke4 15. Kxb1 Kf3 16. Bb2 {!} axb2 17. a4 Kxg3 18. a5 Kh2 19. a6 g3 20. a7 g2 21. a8=Q g1=Q+ 22. Kxb2 Qg2+ { !$19 , and Black won.} 0-1 [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Schlechter Carl (AUT)"] [Black "Walbrodt Carl A (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/1p6/pPp2k2/P1PpN2p/3P1K1P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ917} 1. Kf3 {Black has only one move: %05 White has an obvious advantage. Black has already run out of moves. If he moves his bishop there follows Nc6, and the king cannot leave f6 because of Kg5. But ... it is White's move, and he does not have not have a tempo to give the opponen.,lkoi98t the move. Knight manoeuvres do not help, since on its own a knight is unable to gain a tempo.^013^010 %05 White has to gain the tempo by manoeuvring with his king and knight. Suppose that he plays} (1. Ke3 {%05 Thus we have established that the square corresponding to f3 is e7. It is easy to show that the only square corresponding to g3 and e3 is e6. In fact, if on 1. Kg3 or 1. Ke3 Black plays 1... Ke7, then after 2. Kf3 Ke6 White wins, as shown earlier, by 3. Nd3! Kf6 4. Ke3! It is no different if on 1. Kg3 (or 1. Ke3) Black replies 1... Kf5, since White wins by 2. Kf3 Ke6 3. Nd3!^013^010 %05 We can go on to establish that f6 corresponds to f2, e2 and g2 (from f2 and e2 the king can go to f3 and e3, while from f2 and g2 it can go to f3 and g3, to which the corresponding squares are e6 and e7).^013^010 %05 We give the results obtained in a table:^013^010 %05^013^010 %05 White king black king^013^010 %05 f4, f2, e2, g2 f6^013^010 %05 f3 e7^013^010 %05 g3, e3 e6^013^010 %05^013^010 %05 Now the solution does not present any difficulty. To win White must retreat his king to the second rank, and when it moves between e2, f2 and g2 Black loses the correspondence. These squares can be reached in a variety of ways, and therefore there will be several solutions. For example:} Ke6 {!} 2. Ke2 Kf6 {!} 3. Kf2 {!}) (1. Kg3 {%05or} Ke6 {!} 2. Kg2 Kf6 {!} 3. Kf2 {!}) 1... Ke7 (1... Kf5 {%05He loses immediately after} 2. Nf7) (1... Kg7 {%05or} 2. Ke3 Kf6 3. Kf4) (1... Ke6 {White replies %05The win is rather more complicated after} 2. Nd3 {! with the threat of 3. Nf4. Black is obliged to continue} Kf6 {, when there follows} (2... Ke7 3. Kf4 Kf6 4. Ne5 { , and it is Black's turn to move}) 3. Ke3 {! , and Black is in zugzwang. The following continuation is possible:} Kf5 4. Nf4 Kg4 5. Nxh5 {!} (5. Ng6 { %05simpler than} Kg3 6. Ne7 Bd7 7. Ng8 {!} Kxh4 8. Nf6 Bg4 9. Kf4 Kh3 10. Nxh5) 5... Kxh5 6. Kf4 Kg6 7. Ke5 Kf7 8. Kd6 Ke8 9. Kc7 $18 {, and White wins.}) 2. Kf2 Kf6 {!} 3. Ke2 {!$18 By a careful study of this example the reader will easily find several more solutions.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Kolyakov"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4b3/1p6/pP1k2p1/P2pNp1p/3K1P1P/4P1P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Kd3 {%05This position has much in common with the previous one. White has an undisputed advantage. The bishop is tied to the defence of the g6 pawn, and the black king has to guard c5 against invasion by the enemy king. Black to move would lose immediately, but ... it is White's move.^013^010 %05 The game continued:} Ke6 (1... Bb5+ {loses immediately to} 2. Kc3 {!} Be8 3. Kd4 { , when Black is in zugzwang.}) (1... Kc5 {, then %05If} 2. Kc3 Kb5 {(regarding the pawn sacrifice 2... d4, see below)} 3. Kd4 Kxa5 4. Kc5 {(White is aiming for Black's main weakness - the b7 pawn)} Ka4 5. Kd6 a5 6. Kc7 Kb3 7. Kxb7 a4 8. Kc7 a3 9. b7 a2 10. b8=Q+ {, and White wins.}) 2. Kc3 Ke7 (2... d4+ { , e.g. %05There was also an alternative defence. Black had the possibility of the pawn sacrifice} 3. exd4 Kd5 {, and again white has problems, since he cannot penetrate with his king into the opposing position. Thus nothing is achieved by} 4. Nd3 Bb5 5. Nb4+ Kd6 {! , when we reach position 271, in which he is not able to realize his material advantage.}) 3. Kb3 Ke6 4. Nd3 Kd7 { ! , to which White was intending %05But Black did not make use of all his defensive chances. Firstly, instead of 4... Kd6 correct was} (4... Kd6 {?} 5. Kc3 {! (because of his poor 4th move, Black has ended up in zugzwang)} Bc6 6. Ne5 Kc5 7. Nxg6 Kb5 8. Ne5 d4+ 9. Kxd4 Bg2 10. Nc4 Kb4 11. Nd6 Kxa5 12. Kc5 Ka4 13. Nxf5 Kb3 14. Nd4+ Kc3 15. f5 Be4 16. f6 Bg6 17. Nc6 Be8 18. Na5 {Resigns.}) 5. Nc5+ Kc6 6. Kb4 Bf7 7. Nxb7 Kxb7 8. Kc5 {, but after} Be8 9. Kxd5 Bc6+ 10. Ke6 Bf3 11. Kf6 Kc6 12. Kxg6 Bg4 13. Kf6 Kd6 {!} 14. Kf7 Kd7 {Black is able to hold the position.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Belavenets Sergey V (RUS)"] [Black "Rauzer Vsevolod A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2b5/p6p/1p1k2p1/1P1p1pP1/3K1P1P/P3P3/4N3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ917} 1. Ng3 {%05Black is severely cramped, but for the moment he can successfully defend his weaknesses. White's plan is to advance his h-pawn to h6, giving Black further defensive problems, since he then has to reckon with the sacrifice of the knight at f5 or g6.} Bd7 (1... a6 {there could have followed %05on} 2. bxa6 Bxa6 3. h5 Ke6 4. h6 { , with the irresistible threat of Nh5}) 2. a4 Ke6 (2... Be8 {White would still have continued %05on} 3. h5 gxh5 4. Nxf5+ {, when} Ke6 {fails to} 5. Ng7+ Ke7 6. Nxe8 {, with a won pawn ending}) 3. h5 Be8 4. h6 Kd6 5. Ne2 {Here the game was adjourned, and White was given a win on adjudication. A possible continuation is} Bd7 6. Nc3 Be6 7. Na2 Bf7 (7... Bc8 {%05even worse is} 8. Nb4 Bb7 9. Nd3 Bc8 10. Ne5 Be6 11. Nxg6 $18) 8. Nb4 Be6 9. Nc6 a5 (9... Bc8 { %05The attempt to shut the knight in at a7 is also unsuccessful. After} 10. Nxa7 Bd7 {White continues} 11. Kd3 {!} Kc7 12. Kc3 Kb7 (12... Kd6 {%05or} 13. Kd4 {!$18 , and Black is forced to free the knight}) 13. Kd4 {!} Kxa7 14. Ke5 $18 {, and wins.}) 10. bxa6 {!!} Kxc6 11. a7 {!} Kb7 12. Ke5 Bd7 13. Kf6 Bxa4 14. Kg7 b5 15. Kxh7 b4 16. Kxg6 b3 17. h7 Be8+ 18. Kf6 b2 19. h8=Q b1=Q 20. a8=Q+ Kxa8 21. Qxe8+ $18 {, with an easily won queen ending.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Black "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/1p3ppp/p3b3/3p4/3N4/4P3/PP3PPP/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "56"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ917} 1... Ke7 {%05For a long time the evaluation of positions of this type provoked controversy. Here Capablanca was the first to carry out the correct plan of defence, and to show that White's advantage was insufficient for a win.} 2. Kd2 Kd6 3. Kc3 b6 {! The reader should note how Black's pawns are arranged. He deploys them so as to avoid the creation of invasion squares.} 4. f4 Bd7 5. Nf3 f6 {!} 6. Kd4 a5 {!} 7. Nd2 Bc8 8. Nb1 Be6 9. Nc3 Kc6 {(the black king does not have to worry about the e5 square; it is securely guarded by the pawn at f6)} 10. a3 h6 {As was shown by I. Rabinovich, against passive defence White has here an interesting winning plan:^013^010 1) The knight is transferred to h4.^013^010 2) The f-pawn is advanced to f5 and supported by g2-g4.^013^010 3) The knight is transferred to f4, trying the bishop to f7 and forcing the black king to manoeuvre between c6 and d6.^013^010 4) With the king at c6 there follows: 1. Ne6! Be6 2. fe Kd6 3. e7! Ke7 4. Kd5 Kd7 5. b4, with a won pawn ending.^013^010 For this reason Black renounces the f6/g7/h6 pawn formation, and places his h-pawns on white squares.} 11. g3 h5 {!} 12. b4 {! The transfer of the knight to h4 does not achieve anything, since Black has time to play ...g6 and ...Bf7. But now White threatens 13. b5 Kd6 14. f5, and if 14... Bf7, then 15. Ne2 and 16. Nf4, with a decisive attack on the h5 and d5 pawns.} axb4 13. axb4 Kd6 14. b5 {!} g6 15. f5 {! After this pawn sacrifice Black has to play accurately in order to save the game.} gxf5 (15... Bxf5 {? is decisively met by %05forced, since} 16. Nxd5 Bd7 17. Nxf6 Bxb5 18. Nd5 Kc6 19. Ne7+ $18) 16. Ne2 Bd7 (16... Bg8 {!} 17. Nf4 Bf7 {was more exact, and only after} 18. h3 {does Black attack the b5 pawn by} Be8 {The result would have been the same continuation as in the game, but with a tempo less for White (see below). However, the move played is also good enough to draw.}) 17. Nf4 Be8 {!} 18. Nxd5 Bxb5 19. Nxb6 Bc6 20. Nc4+ Ke6 21. Nb2 Bb5 {(Black manoeuvres with his bishop, so as to prevent the knight from reaching f4)} 22. Nd1 Be2 23. Nf2 Bf1 {!} 24. Nd3 {! A last attempt, which is parried by Black.} Bxd3 25. Kxd3 Ke5 {!} 26. Ke2 Ke4 {!} 27. h3 (27. Kf2 { , then %05if} h4 {!} 28. gxh4 f4 {=}) 27... Kd5 {!} 28. Kf3 Ke5 {= Drawn.} 29. Z0 (29. h4 {%05After} Kd5 30. Kf4 Ke6 31. e4 fxe4 32. Kxe4 f5+ {= everything becomes clear.}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Black "Charousek Rezso (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/p1p2ppp/8/1K1P4/8/4b2P/PP2N1P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] {~19.23 Superior king position~ The important role played in such endings by the kings will already have become apparent. An active king position was frequently of decisive significance in the realization both of a material, and a positional advantage. Here we will examine a few examples where the main advantage of the side with the knight is his superior king position. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ839 %212045826630=4HLJ857 %212045826630=4HLJ907 %212045826630=4HLJ919} 1. Kc6 Kd8 2. b4 h5 3. a4 Bd2 { Black tries to prevent the advance of the white pawns, followed by the creation of a passed pawn.} 4. b5 h4 5. Nd4 g5 6. Nf5 Be1 7. Nh6 {! The advance of the f-pawn has to be provoked, to obtain e6 for the knight.} f6 8. Nf5 Bb4 9. Nd4 Kc8 10. Ne6 Bd6 11. a5 Bg3 12. b6 axb6 13. axb6 cxb6 14. d6 $18 {, and White wins.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K3k1p1/7p/7P/4nB2/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] {%212045826630=4HLJ919} 1... Kf5 {%05 The evaluation of this position may cause bewilderment. The black king is much more actively placed than its opposite number, and is threatening to break into the opposing pawn formation. Black's positional advantage is undisputed, but due to the small amount of material remaining on the board, White's defensive resources suffice to save the game. Of no small importance is the fact that the black pawns can be attacked by the bishop.^013^010 %05 We will consider some possible variations:} (1... Ke5 {%05But did not 1... Kf5 lose a tempo? Let us check:} 2. Bc6 (2. g3 { %05White could also have played} Kf5 (2... Nf5 3. g4) 3. Be2 Ke4 4. Kb5 Nf5 5. Bd1 {!} Nxg3 6. Bc2+ Kf4 7. Bxg6 {= , with a draw}) 2... Nf5 3. Be8 Kf6 4. Bd7 {!} Nxh4 5. g4 Kg5 6. gxh5 gxh5 7. Kb5 Nf5 8. Kc4 h4 9. Kd3 {, and we reach the same variation.}) 2. Bc6 {!} (2. Kb5 {%05The only move. White loses after} Kf4 3. Kc5 Kg3 4. Be4 Nf5 5. Kd5 Nxh4 6. Ke5 Nxg2 {!} 7. Bxg6 h4 8. Bf5 Ne3 9. Be6 Ng4+ 10. Kd4 h3 11. Kd3 Kf2 {!$19 %04etc.}) 2... Ke5 3. Kb6 Nf5 4. Be8 {!} Kf6 (4... Nxh4 5. g3 {=}) 5. Bd7 {!} (5. Kc5 {%05again the only move; after} Nxh4 6. Bc6 Ke5 7. Kc4 Kf4 $19 {White loses both his pawns}) 5... Nxh4 6. g4 {! } Kg5 (6... hxg4 {%05after} 7. Bxg4 {the help of the king is altogether unnecessary, since the bishop on its own can stop the pawn}) 7. gxh5 gxh5 8. Kc5 Nf5 9. Kc4 h4 10. Kd3 h3 11. Ke2 h2 12. Bc6 Nd4+ 13. Kf2 Nxc6 14. Kg2 { , with a draw. In conclusion, we will look at some cases where the king becomes a target for attack. First an example where the bishop is able to parry the mating threats.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarenko F"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/B5Pp/6pK/6P1/8/n7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1. Be1 {%05This is an example on the theme of corresponding squares.^013^010 %05 For Black to win his knight must reach one of 11(!) squares: h2, g1, e1, d2, e3, d4, e5, d6, e7, g7 or g5.^013^010 %05 Let us see whether the bishop can prevent this. If the knight is at c2, threatening to move to e1, e3 or d4, the place for the bishop is f2. If the knight is at c4, the bishop must be at f4. If the knight moves to a3, the bishop must go to e3. If the knight reaches c6, then the place for the bishop is at f6. In this way we can obtain a table of corresponding squares.^013^010 %05 Knight Bishop^013^010 %05 c2 f2^013^010 %05 d3, b3 c3^013^010 %05 e4, c4, f7 f4^013^010 %05 c6, e6 f6^013^010 %05 d5, b5 c5^013^010 %05 e8, a5, c5, d8 e5^013^010 %05 a7 e7, d4^013^010 %05 c7 d4^013^010 %05 c3 d6, e3^013^010 %05^013^010 %05 Now we have establish where the bishop should be when the knight is at a1. From a1 the knight can go to b3 or c2 - this means that the bishop must be able to reach c3, or f2. This can be done from either d4 or e1. But the bishop cannot go to d4. It follows that the correct move is 1. Be1.^013^010 %05 The solution can be written out directly from the table:} Nc2 2. Bf2 Na3 3. Be3 Nc4 4. Bf4 Na5 5. Be5 Nc6 6. Bf6 Na7 7. Be7 Nb5 8. Bc5 Nc7 9. Bd4 Nd5 10. Bc5 Nc3 11. Bd6 Ne4 12. Bf4 Nc5 13. Be5 Nb3 14. Bc3 {With a draw. The bishop was able to prevent the knight from reaching any of the 11 squares! In the following example the bishop is unable to parry the knight's threats.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Adamson"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/1pP1p2p/1K2p2P/3bP3/8/8/2N5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] 1. Na3 {%05Black has to defend the e6 and h7 pawns against the knight, as well as the squares b5 and g6. This task proves to be beyond the bishop's powers. ^013^010 %05 We will compile a table of corresponding squares.^013^010 %05 Knight Bishop^013^010 %05 c5 d5^013^010 %05 d4 c4^013^010 %05 f4, g5 f5^013^010 %05 d3 e4^013^010 %05 c3, e2 d3^013^010 %05 e4 no corresponding square^013^010 %05 ^013^010 %05 Thus to win the knight must reach e4. Now the solution becomes clear:} Bc6 2. Nb1 Be4 {!} 3. Nc3 Bd3 {!} 4. Na4 Be4 5. Nc5 Bd5 {!} 6. Nd3 Be4 {!} 7. Nf4 Bf5 {!} 8. Ne2 Bd3 {!} 9. Nc3 {!} Bf1 10. Ne4 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/1p4p1/p7/k1P1N3/8/8/P1K3P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. c6 {!! %05At first sight it is not apparent why the black king is badly placed. But after} bxc6 2. Kb3 {in view of the threat of 3. a4 and 4. Nc4 mate, Black loses his bishop.} * [Event "Helsinki (Finland)"] [Site "Helsinki (Finland)"] [Date "1961.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bagirov Vladimir (LAT)"] [Black "Roessel Fritz (NED)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P5/p7/5b1p/8/P2NKp2/6kP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1961.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ919} 1. Nf4+ Kxh2 2. Kxf3 h4 {led by force to a position in which Black's king was in the way of his passed pawn, which White tried to exploit.} 3. Ng6 h3 (3... Kh3 4. Ne7 Bg4+ 5. Kf2 Bd7 6. c8=Q Bxc8 7. Nxc8 Kg4 8. Nb6 Kf4 9. Nd7 a5 10. Nc5 Ke5 11. Nb3 Kd5 12. Nxa5 Kc5 13. Nb3+ {!} (13. Nb7+ Kd4 14. Na5 Kc3 {=}) 13... Kb5 14. Nd4+ Ka4 15. Nc2 $18) 4. Kf2 {!} Kh1 5. Ne7 Bd7 6. c8=Q Bxc8 7. Nxc8 Kh2 (7... h2 8. Nd6 a5 9. Nf5 a4 10. Ng3#) 8. Nd6 a5 9. Nf5 a4 10. Ne3 Kh1 11. Nf1 $18 {Resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/R7/7K/8/8/1b6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {~1 ROOK AGAINST BISHOP ENDINGS~ ~11. ROOK AGAINST BISHOP (without pawns)~ It is impossible to win against correct defence, even if the defender's king is driven back to the edge of the board. When retreating under the pressure of the opposing pieces, all he must do is to reach the corner of the opposite colour to the bishop. We will call this the safe corner. Here is a typical final position with the king in the safe corner. %212045826630=4HLJ923} 1. Ra8+ {there follows %05Black maintains the balance by keeping his bishop on the a2-g8 diagonal. On} Bg8 {, after which both} 2. Kg6 {= , and waiting moves with the rook along the 8th rank, lead to stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5R2/6K1/8/3b4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {If the defender's king is in a corner of the same colour as his bishop, a win is normally possible. We will correspondingly call this the dangerous corner. Let us see how events develop in this case. %212045826630=4HLJ923} 1... Bg1 { ! %05 Black has only one possibility:} (1... Bc5 {%05This position demonstrates the winning method when %05the opponent's king is in dangerous corner.^013^010 %05 White is threatening to mate by 2. Rd7 Bb6 3. Rb7 %05Bc5 4. Rb8 Bf8 5. R~ (any move along the 8th rank) %055... Kh8 6. Rf8 mate.^013^010 %05No help against this is} 2. Rc7 Bf8 3. Rc8 {, and mate next move.}) 2. Rf1 { %05In defending against the attack by the rook, Black moves his bishop under the cover of opposing king. Now White's problem is how to drive the bishop out of its shelter. This is achieved as follows:} Bh2 {!} 3. Rf2 Bg3 4. Rg2 {!} Be5 (4... Bh4 {, then %05The bishop is forced to abandon its shelter. If} 5. Kh5+ $18) (4... Bd6 {White wins by %05while on} 5. Rd2 Be7 6. Rc2 {followed by 7. Rc8.}) 5. Re2 Bd6 6. Re8+ Bf8 7. Rd8 {, and mate next move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6R1/5K2/8/8/5b2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {Here is another important position, where the result depends upon whose turn it is to move. %212045826630=4HLJ923} 1. Rg3 {%05With the kings in opposition, mating threats are in the air, %05and White to move is able to win. For the moment the %05bishop is hiding behind the opposing king, but by a %05familiar rook manoeuvre ~3($402879)~ it can be driven %05out:} Be4 (1... Bh5 {%05The bishop is lost after} 2. Rh3 Bf7 3. Rh8+ Bg8 4. Kg6) (1... Bc6 {%05or} 2. Rc3 Bd7 3. Rb3 {!} Kg8 4. Rb8+ Kh7 5. Rb7 $18) 2. Re3 Bg2 3. Re2 {!} Bf3 4. Rf2 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6R1/5K2/8/8/5b2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%212045826630=4HLJ923} 1... Ke8 {! , e.g. %05But if it is Black to move, he saves the game by running with his king -} 2. Ke6 Kd8 3. Kd6 Kc8 {, and since c6 is inaccessible to his king, White is unable to create any mating threats. Nos. ~3( 2878)-( 2881)~ are basic positions. A knowledge of them is very important for orientation in more complicated positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/3R4/1b1K4/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ923} 1. Ke6 {! %05White to play wins by transposing into position %05~3($402879)~ or ~3($402880)~ with him to move:} Kf8 (1... Be3 { leads to position ~3($412880)~}) 2. Rf7+ Kg8 (2... Ke8 {, then %05if} 3. Rb7) 3. Kf6 {!} Bd4+ 4. Kg6 {, and we reach position ~3($402879)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/3R4/1b1K4/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Kf8 {! %05Black to play runs away with his king:} 2. Ke6 Kg8 {!} 3. Kf6 ( 3. Rf7 {%05if} Bd4 {! , and White is unable to create any mating threats, since he cannot take the opposition}) 3... Kf8 {! Clearly the only move! Black himself places his king in opposition, but White is unable to exploit this, as the reader himself can easily check.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3R4/6K1/8/8/8/8/6b1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {Let us return to position ~3( 2879)~, and on 1... Bg1, instead of 2. Rf1, let us play 2. Rd7? In this case Black draws by evacuating his king from the danger zone. %212045826630=4HLJ923} 1... Kf8 {!} 2. Kf6 Bb6 {! , when we have the final position of the previous example. %05The only way to draw is by} ( 2... Ke8 {, then %05How is Black to continue now? If} 3. Ke6 Kf8 4. Rf7+ Kg8 5. Kf6 {! , when White has again driven the king into the dangerous corner and taken the opposition.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/R7/8/4K3/7b/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Kf5 {! %05If White is to win, he must not allow the black king out of the dangerous corner.} Kg8 {(otherwise 2. Kg6)} 2. Ra4 {!! An exceptionally situation. The bishop is badly placed, and White exploits this factor.} Be1 ( 2... Bd8 {and 2... Bg3 lose the bishop immediately}) (2... Bf2 {after %05as does} 3. Kg6) (2... Be7 {%05After} 3. Kg6 {is again decisive, since against 4. Ra8 there is no satisfactory defence.}) 3. Kg6 Kf8 4. Rf4+ {! and White wins, since} Kg8 {or 4... Ke8 fails to} 5. Re4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/b7/8/1K6/5R2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {White also reaches position ~3( 2879)~ in the following studies. %212045826630=4HLJ923} 1. Ka5 {!} Be2 (1... Bb7 {, then %05If} 2. Rf7 Kb8 3. Kb6) (1... Bc4 {%05or} 2. Rc3 Bd5 3. Rc7+ {and 4. Kb6.}) 2. Rf7+ Kb8 3. Kb6 Kc8 4. Kc6 {!} Kd8 5. Kd6 {!} Kc8 (5... Ke8 {is met by %05the king has to go back, since} 6. Re7+) 6. Rc7+ Kb8 7. Kc6 {, and the aim is achieved.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1898.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sackmann"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7k/8/4R1K1/8/7b/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1898.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ923} 1. Kf5 {%05 As yet there is no mating net, and at first sight it is not apparent how one can be created. But Black's bishop is badly placed, and this factor proves fatal.} Kg7 {The threat was 2. Rh4} (1... Bb8 {%05After} 2. Re8 {!} Bg3 {!} (2... Bc7 {or 2... Ba7} 3. Ke6 {and White wins}) 3. Rg8 Bf2 4. Rg6+ Kh7 5. Kf6 {we obtain position ~3($402879)~.}) (1... Bg3 {%05Position ~3($412879)~ or ~3($412880)~. is also %05reached after} 2. Rg4 Be1 3. Rg6+) 2. Rd4 {! A difficult move to find.} Kf8 {%05Therefore he has the only reply -} (2... Bb8 {, then %05In spite of his apparent freedom, Black cannot now move his bishop: if} 3. Rd7+ Kh6 4. Rd8 Bc7 (4... Ba7 5. Rd6+) 5. Rc8 {!} Ba5 6. Kf6 Kh7 7. Kf7 Kh6 8. Rc6+ {, and after} Kh7 {we reach position ~3($412879)~.}) (2... Kf7 {%05He also loses after} 3. Rd7+ Ke8 4. Ke6 Kf8 5. Rf7+) (2... Kg8 3. Kf6 Bc7 4. Rd7 {and 5. Rf7$18}) 3. Ke6 Bg3 4. Rc4 {! Black is in zugzwang:} Be1 (4... Bh2 5. Rh4 Bg3 (5... Bc7 6. Rh7 {and 7. Rf7}) 6. Rh3 Be1 7. Kf6 Kg8 8. Kg6 Kf8 9. Rf3+ {, and White achieves his aim.}) 5. Kf6 Kg8 6. Kg6 Kf8 7. Rf4+ {, and his king is in the dangerous corner.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2R5/8/8/8/k2K4/6b1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ923} 1. Kc3 {! %05If the bishop were on the a1-h8 diagonal, White would be %05unable to win. The unfortunate position of the bishop %05allows position ~3($402879)~ to be set up:} Bf2 (1... Bh2 {, then %05If} 2. Ra6+ Kb1 3. Kb3 Kc1 4. Ra1+ Kd2 5. Ra2+ {, winning the bishop}) (1... Be3 { there follows %05while on} 2. Kc2 Ka3 3. Rc3+ {with the same result.}) 2. Re6 Kb1 (2... Bh4 {is met by %05as we already know from example 326,} 3. Kc2 Ka3 4. Re3+) (2... Bc5 {%04by %05and} 3. Ra6+ Kb1 4. Kb3 Kc1 5. Rc6) 3. Re2 Bh4 4. Rc2 {, and the problem is solved.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Enevoldsen Jens (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/2K5/3R4/8/8/8/5b2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ923} 1. Rd2 {White again succeeds in setting up position ~3 ($402879)~: %05After} Bc4 2. Rb2 {!} Bd3 (2... Ka6 3. Rb4) 3. Rb6 {In all these examples Black's undoing was the position of his bishop, preventing his king from escaping from the dangerous corner. A badly placed bishop can be the cause of defeat, even when the king is in the safe corner.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1897.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Molien"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/8/4R1K1/8/7b/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1897.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ923} 1. Re8+ {%05 If Black's bishop were on the b1-h7 or a2-g8 diagonal, he would be able to hold the position, but here the bishop is less well placed...} Kg7 2. Re7+ Kf8 3. Kf6 Kg8 4. Kg6 Kf8 5. Re5 {! A curious zugzwang position has been reached, where Black does not have a single useful move.} Bd7 {, when there follows %05The most tenacious is} (5... Bg2 {%05For example:} 6. Kf6 Bf3 (6... Kg8 7. Rg5+) 7. Re3 {, and White wins as in example ~3($402880)~.}) 6. Kf6 Kg8 7. Rg5+ {!} Kf8 8. Ra5 {!} Bc6 {!} 9. Ra6 Bg2 {!} 10. Ra2 Be4 11. Re2 Bf3 12. Rf2 {! , and again White wins as in position ~3 ($402880)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maestro"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/5K2/8/4R3/7b/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. Rd4 {! leads to zugzwang, since on %05Here} Bf1 {, the only reasonable move, there follows} 2. Kg6 Kf8 3. Rf4+ Ke8 4. Rxf1 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Seletsky Grigory (UKR)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/4R3/8/8/6b1/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {In conclusion, it is useful to make the acquaintance of one more position, where there is no mating net, but it is nevertheless possible to win. (conclusion of a study)} 1. Kf3 {! White unexpectedly wins the bishop, since it has no good move. %05By} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1912.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sackmann"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/6K1/2p5/1b6/5R2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1912.??.??"] {~12 ROOK AGAINST BISHOP AND PAWN~ The normal result in such endings is a draw, a win being possible only in exceptional cases. Positions where it is possible to win with the bishop are even more rare. A Rook wins against a bishop if it proves possible to create a mating net around the enemy king or to win the bishop. This is also fully applicable to endings where there is an extra pawn. Here are some typical examples. %212045826630=4HLJ925} 1... c4 {%04but %05 The black king is in the dangerous corner. To win, White must switch his rook to the 8th rank with gain of tempo.^013^010 With Black to move this is easily achieved: he dare not touch his bishop, since 1... Ba5 is met by 2. Ra3 and 3. Ra8, and 1... Bd2 or 1... Be1 by 2. Rd3 or 2. Re3 respectively. Therefore Black has to play} 2. Rf5 {!} (2. Rf4 {%05when there follows not ?} Ba3 {!} 3. Rxc4 Kf8 {! with a draw,}) 2... Bc3 {(3. Rb5 was threatened)} 3. Rf7 {!} Bb4 { The bishop is forced to come out of hiding, and White carries out the decisive rook manoeuvre:} 4. Rb7 Bd6 5. Rd7 Bf8 6. Rd8 c3 7. Rc8 c2 8. Rxc2 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/6K1/2p5/1b6/5R2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Rf5 {! %05If it is White to move, his task is to give the opponent the move. This is done by} Ba3 2. Rf1 Bb4 3. Rf3 {! , when Black can resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sackmann"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k3b2/8/2K4p/8/8/8/8/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Re1 {%05In this example Black's king is in the safe corner, but his downfall is caused by the unfortunate position of his bishop. It is important to note that, if Black did not have his pawn, he would draw by moving his bishop to h6. But as ill-luck would have it, h6 is occupied by the pawn. This is a further illustration of the fact that a pawn can sometimes play a negative role, by restricting the mobility of its own pieces.^013^010 After} Ka7 (1... Ba3 2. Rb1+ Kc8 3. Ra1 $18) 2. Rf1 {! White wins, since} Bb4 { is met by} 3. Ra1+ Kb8 4. Rb1 {Something similar occurs in the following study. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Birnov Zinovi M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/4K3/3R4/3p4/8/7b/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ925} 1. Rg5+ {%05If Black did not have his pawn, White would win easily by %051. Kf6 Bc7 2. Rd7 and 3. Rf7, reaching position %05 ~3 ($402879)~. Here this idea does not work, but %05thanks to the pawn White is able to carry out a different %05plan and catch the bishop.} Kf8 2. Rh5 Bc7 ( 2... Bg3 {or 2... Bg1 is bad because of} 3. Rf5+ Ke8 4. Rg5) 3. Kd7 {!} Bb6 4. Rb5 Ba7 5. Ra5 Bb6 6. Ra8+ Kf7 7. Kc6 {, and the bishop is caught.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Deutsche Schachzeitung"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "R7/8/8/8/3b4/2p5/K2k4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {Bishop and pawn can win against a rook (ignoring, of course, cases where the rook is immediately lost) if the pawn can be queened. For this to happen the pawn must be close to the queening square; the other condition is normally that the opposing pieces should be badly placed. %212045826630=4HLJ925} 1... c2 {White is powerless to stop the pawn: %05After} 2. Rc8 Bc3 3. Rd8+ Ke2 4. Re8+ Kf2 5. Rf8+ Kg2 6. Rg8+ Kh2 $19 {, and the checks come to an end. The same theme, but in a more complex form, is expressed in the following studies.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ehrlich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/2P5/2KB4/r7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ925} 1. c7 {there follows %05On the obvious} Ra5+ {, and now } 2. Kc4 {! The only move to win, as an examination of the alternatives shows:} (2. Kd6 {?} Rxd5+ {!} 3. Kxd5 Kb7 4. Kd6 Kc8 {, with a draw.}) (2. Kc6 {?} Rxd5 3. c8=Q Rc5+ {!} 4. Kxc5 {- stalemate!}) (2. Kb4 {?} Rb5+ {!} 3. Kc4 Rb8 4. Be6 Kb7 {=}) 2... Ra1 3. Bc6 {!} Rc1+ 4. Kd5 Rd1+ 5. Ke6 {!} (5. Ke4 {%05if} Re1+ 6. Kf3 {, then} Re8 7. Bxe8 Kb7 {with a draw}) 5... Re1+ 6. Kf7 Rf1+ 7. Kg7 Rg1+ 8. Kh7 {! the final finesse.} (8. Kh8 {there follows %05On} Rb1 {!} 9. c8=Q Rb8 {with a draw, whereas now Black can resign.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/3P4/3K4/B6r/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. d7 Rh2 2. Kc4 Rd2 3. Bc2+ {! (if Black does not accept the sacrifice, 4. Bd3 blocks the file)} Rxc2+ 4. Kd3 Rc1 5. Kd2 {, and the pawn promotes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/8/P7/4k3/8/3r4/8/4B3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {(conclusion of a study)} 1. Bb4 {! , controlling a3. Now it transpires that, due to the unfortunate position of Black's king, his rook has no way of stopping the pawn. Thus %05Black is threatening by 1... Ra3 to win the pawn, so White plays} Rd1 (1... Re3 {%05and no better is} 2. a7 Kf6+ 3. Kf8 {!} (3. Kd8 {?} Kf7 {, with a draw.}) 3... Rh3 4. Bc3+ {, and White wins.}) 2. a7 Ra1 { is met by} 3. Bc3+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Weenink Henri G (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/P7/4k3/7B/8/1K6/6r1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] {The following example is rather more complicated.} 1. a7 {so Black plays %05After} Rg2+ {! , trying to lure the white king onto the 3rd rank, so as to take the bishop on g3 with check. But White ruins this plan by} (1... Rg8 { White has the immediately decisive} 2. Bg3+ Kd5 3. Bb8 Rg2+ 4. Kb3) 2. Kb1 Rg1+ 3. Be1 {!! , when he wins after both} Rxe1+ (3... Rg8 {%05and} 4. Bg3+ Kd5 5. Bb8 Rg1+ 6. Kb2 Rg2+ 7. Kb3 $18) 4. Kb2 Re2+ 5. Kb3 Re3+ 6. Kb4 Re4+ 7. Kb5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kivi"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/5BP1/3K4/8/6k1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {The unfortunate position of his king on a white square is also the downfall of Black in the final example.} 1. Bd5 {! %05White succeeds in blocking the 8th rank and in queening his pawn:} Re8 {!} 2. Kd7 Rb8 3. Kc7 Re8 4. Bf7 Ra8 5. Be6+ Kg5 6. Bc8 Ra7+ 7. Bb7 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1777.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Philidor Francois A D (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2b5/4k3/8/3PK3/8/8/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1777.??.??"] {~13. ROOK AND PAWN AGAINST BISHOP~ A rook pawn are much stronger than a bishop, and so it is not surprising that in the overwhelming majority of cases the result is a win. However, there are numerous positions where the win is possible only after significant difficulties have been overcome. A number of exceptional positions are also known, where the defender is able to draw. The plan for realizing the advantage in this ending does not require any particular explanation: the enemy pieces have to be driven back, and the pawn queened. ~13.1 Pawn on one of the central files~ Typical here is an ancient example, which has been known for more than two centuries. %212045826630=4HLJ939} 1. Ra1 {White has an elementary win:} (1. d5+ {%05 But what would have happened if White had advanced his pawn immediately? Suppose that he had played} Kd7) 1... Bg3 2. Ra6+ Bd6 3. Rb6 {!} Kd7 4. Kd5 Bg3 5. Rb7+ Bc7 6. Ra7 {!} Kd8 7. Kc6 Bg3 8. d5 {and 9. d6, with decisive gain of material. The reader should note that White was not in a hurry to advance his pawn, but first used his rook to push back the opponent's king and activated his own king to the maximum extent. Only after ensuring a clear road for his pan did he begin advancing it.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1860.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2bk4/8/3P4/4K3/8/8/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1860.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ939} 1. Rg1 {! In the first instance White activates his rook. This move, suggested in more recent times by Cheron, wins more quickly than 1. Ra1, the move considered by Guretzky-Cornitz. %05In the resulting position White has considerable difficulty in realizing his advantage, since it is not easy for him to activate his king and to advance his pawn. Philidor in fact thought that the position was drawn, and it was only nearly a century later that the German analyst Guretzky-Cornitz demonstrated the possibility of a win.^013^010 In order to win, White must penetrate with his king to e5 or c5. This is achieved by subtle manoeuvring with rook and king.} Bb8 {%05This only leaves two possibilities: he can keep the bishop back (1... Bb8), or he can advance it into White's part of the board (1... Ba5). We will examine them in turn:} (1... Bh2 {%05Now Black's choice is very restricted, the following continuations being unsatisfactory:} 2. Rg7+ Kd6 3. Rg2 Be5 4. Rg6+ $18) (1... Bb6 2. Rg7+ Kd6 3. Rg6+ Kc7 4. Rxb6 $18) (1... Bd6 2. Rg7+ Be7 3. Ke5 $18) ( 1... Bd8 2. Rg7+ Kd6 3. Rg6+ Kd7 4. Ke5 $18) (1... Ba5 2. Rg7+ Kd6 3. Rg6+ Kd7 4. Kd4 Be1 {!} (4... Bd2 5. Rg2 Bf4 (5... Bb4 {%05or} 6. Rb2 {transposes into variations already examined,}) 6. Rf2) (4... Bb4 {%05 while matters are simpler after} 5. Rg1 {, and so on as in the text.}) 5. Rg7+ Kd6 6. Rg2 {!} Bb4 7. Rg6+ Kd7 8. Rg1 Kd6 (8... Bf8 {, then %05If} 9. Rg3 {!} Bb4 10. Rb3 {!} Bf8 (10... Be7 {or 10... Be1 -} 11. Ke5) 11. Rb7+ Kd6 12. Ke4 {, and White wins as already examined.}) 9. Rc1 Bd2 (9... Ba5 {is met by} 10. Rc6+ Kd7 11. Kc5 Bd2 12. d6 Ke6 13. Rc7 $18) (9... Kd7 {, then, as already considered, %05while if} 10. Rb1 Bd2 11. Rb2 Bf4 12. Rf2 {%04etc.}) 10. Rc6+ Kd7 11. Rc2 Be1 (11... Bf4 {, then %05If} 12. Rf2) (11... Bh6 {there follows %05while on} 12. Rg2) (11... Bg5 {%05Finally,} 12. Ke5 Be7 13. Rg2 Bd6+ 14. Kd4 {transposes into the text continuation.}) 12. Kc5 Bg3 13. Rg2 Bd6+ (13... Be5 14. Rg6 {and 15. d6}) 14. Kd4 Bf8 15. Rg3 {!} Bb4 16. Rb3 Be1 17. Ke5 {, and White has at last achieved his goal.}) (1... Kd6 2. Rg6+ Kd7 3. Kd4 {etc. comes to the same thing}) 2. Rg8 (2. Rg7+ Kd6 3. Kd4 {appears to be immediately decisive, but after} Ba7+ { ! the struggle flares up with renewed strength.}) 2... Bc7 3. Rg7+ Kd6 4. Rg6+ Kd7 5. Kd4 Bf4 (5... Bb8 {%05There is nothing better. The bishop is forced to advance, since} 6. Rg7+ Kd6 7. Kc4 Bc7 {quickly loses to} 8. Rg6+ Kd7 9. Kc5 { %04etc.}) 6. Rg4 {!} Bd2 (6... Bc1 {, then %05If} 7. Rg7+ Kd6 8. Rg2 {! , and Black can no longer coordinate his pieces:} Bf4 (8... Kd7 9. Ke5) (8... Ba3 9. Rg6+ Kd7 10. Rb6 {(threatening 11. Ke5)} Bf8 11. Rb7+ Kd6 12. Ke4 Be7 13. Rb6+ Kc7 14. Ra6 {, winning.}) 9. Ke4 Bc1 10. Ra2 {!} Bg5 11. Ra6+ Kd7 12. Ke5 { %04etc.}) 7. Rg2 {!} (7. Rg7+ {%05White avoids a trap which is highly typical of this ending. After} Kd6 8. Rg6+ Kd7 {is appears that he can advance his pawn -} 9. d6 {, but then comes} Kc6 {!} 10. Ke5 Bb4 {! , when a unique drawn position is reached ~3($412905)~.}) 7... Bf4 (7... Ba5 {%05Bad is} 8. Kc5) ( 7... Bc1 {%05or} 8. Ke5) (7... Bh6 {%05No better is} 8. Ke5 Bf8 9. Rg6 { , when Black is in zugzwang,}) (7... Bb4 {, then %05while if} 8. Rb2 {!} Bf8 9. Rb7+ Kd6 10. Ke4 {!} Be7 11. Rb6+ Kc7 12. Ra6 {, and White wins.}) 8. Rf2 {!} Bb8 {Comparatively best.} (8... Bc7 {is met by} 9. Rf7+ Kd6 10. Rf6+ Ke7 11. Rg6 Bd6 12. Rg7+ {%04etc.}) (8... Bg3 {%05while} 9. Rf7+ Kd6 10. Rf6+ Ke7 11. Rg6 Bd6 12. Rg7+ {comes to the same thing.}) 9. Rf7+ Kd6 10. Kc4 Bc7 11. Rf6+ Ke7 (11... Kd7 12. Kc5) 12. Rg6 Bd6 13. Kb5 Kd7 14. Rg7+ Be7 15. Rxe7+ $40 { , and White wins. Thus we have seen that in this ending one should first push back the enemy king, then occupy the most favourable position with one's own king, and only then advance the pawn. Positions such as example ~3( 2904)~, characterized by the fact that, due to bishop checks, the stronger side's king cannot immediately stand along side the pawn (in example ~3( 2904)~ - at e5 or c5), deserve a detailed examination. In order to win, the stronger side's king must occupy a square alongside the pawn. It is obvious that the possibilities of the two sides will depend on the file and rank on which the pawn is situated. We have considered the example with the pawn at d5. We will now make a study of other positions with a central pawn. If the pawn is not far advanced (has not crossed the demarcation line), the stronger side acquires the possibility of attacking with the rook from the rear, which makes it easier to win. This is convincingly demonstrated by examples ~3( 2907)~, ~3( 2909)~, and ~3( 2910)~ .} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2kP2R1/4K3/1b6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {White is unable to undertake anything: his pieces are tightly bound to the pawn. Incidentally, the bishop may also be at b8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1b6/8/2kP2R1/4K3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Kc5 {Only with the bishop at f8 does the result in this position depend on the turn to move, Black in fact being able to draw only if it is White to move. The reader can check this for himself.^013^010 Here we have made the acquaintance of some important drawn positions in this ending. %05If it is Black to play, he has only one move -} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5b2/3k4/8/3P4/3K4/1R6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. Rb6+ {%05White's task is to establish his king at e4 or c4.} Kd5 2. Rf6 Bg8 (2... Be6 {, then %05If} 3. Rf8 Kd6 4. Rd8+ Ke7 5. Ra8 Kd6 6. Ra6+ Kd5 7. Ra5+ Kd6 8. Ke4) (2... Be8 {there follows %05while on} 3. Rf5+ Kd6 4. Kc4) 3. Rf8 Bh7+ 4. Kc3 {(threatening 5. Rd8 and 6. Kc4)} Bb1 5. Ra8 {!} Bh7 6. Rd8+ {!} ( 6. Ra5+ {%05of course, not} Kd6 7. Kc4 Bg8+ 8. d5 {?} Ke5 {! with a draw}) 6... Kc6 7. Kc4 Be4 8. d5+ {(now this is possible)} Kc7 9. Re8 {%04etc. But perhaps the bishop was badly placed at f7? Let us consider the position with the bishop at c6.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2bk4/8/3P4/3K4/1R6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] 1. Rb8 {! %05Here too White succeeds in "out-manoeuvring" Black.} Bg2 2. Rg8 Bf3 3. Rf8 Bb7 (3... Bg2 {, then %05If} 4. Rf6+ Kd5 5. Rf5+ Ke6 {(otherwise 6. Kc4)} 6. Rg5 Bd5 7. Rg6+ {, winning.}) 4. Rf6+ Kd5 5. Rb6 Bc6 6. Rb8 {!} Kd6 7. Rd8+ Ke7 8. Rh8 Kd6 9. Rh6+ Kd5 10. Rh5+ Kd6 11. Kc4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1860.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5b2/3k4/4R3/3P4/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1860.??.??"] 1. Rb4 {%05To win White must establish his king at c3 or e3.} Bg5+ 2. Kc2 Be7 { This would seem to be the most tenacious.} (2... Bf6 {, then %05If} 3. Rb5+ Kd4 4. Rb7 Kd5 5. Rf7 Be5 (5... Ke6 6. Rxf6+ {and 7. Kc3}) (5... Bh8 {%05or} 6. Rd7+ Ke6 7. Rh7 Be5 8. Kb3 Kd5 9. Rh5 Kd4 10. Rxe5 {and 11. Kc4$18}) 6. Kd2 Bb2 (6... Bd6 7. Rd7 Ke6 8. Rd8 Bc7 9. Rc8 Ba5+ 10. Ke3 Kd5 11. Rb8 {and 12. Rb5}) 7. Rd7+ (7. Rf5+ {%05also possible is} Kd4 8. Kc2 Ba3 9. Rf4+ Ke5 10. Ra4 Bc5 11. Kc3 Kd5 12. Ra5) 7... Kc6 8. Rd8 Bf6 9. Rf8 Be5 10. Rf5 {, and White wins.} ) 3. Rb5+ Kd4 4. Rb7 Bf6 5. Rd7+ Ke5 6. Kd2 Ke6 7. Rb7 Kd5 8. Rf7 Be5 9. Rd7+ Ke6 10. Ra7 Kd5 11. Ra5+ Kd4 12. Ra4+ Kd5 13. Ke3 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1863.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5b2/3k4/4R3/3P4/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1863.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ939} 1. Rb3 Bg4+ 2. Kc1 Be6 3. Rb8 Bf5 4. Rd8+ Kc4 5. Kd1 Bg4+ (5... Bd3 {is met by} 6. Ke1 {, when the king reaches e3}) 6. Kc2 Bf5+ 7. d3+ Kc5 8. Kc3 {, and White wins as in position ~3($402903)~ .} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1860.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/6R1/3P4/4K3/8/8/8/3b4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1860.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ939 To conclude our analysis of positions with a central pawn, we will examine one further example, where the pawn has reached the 6th rank. Here the attack from the rear is not possible, but the proximity of the pawn to the queening square proves to be a decisive factor. However, the win is by no means easy.} 1. Rg1 {!} Bc2 {!} (1... Bf3 {or 1... Bh5 White has the immediately decisive %05It transpires that the bishop can move only along the a4-d1 diagonal. After} 2. Ke6) (1... Be2 {there follows %05while on} 2. Rg8+ Kd7 3. Rg7+ Kd8 4. d7 Kc7 5. d8=Q+ {!! (White sacrifices his pawn, but obtains a won position with rook against bishop)} Kxd8 6. Kd6 Kc8 {(the position of the bishop at e2 out 6... Ke8)} 7. Rc7+ Kb8 (7... Kd8 {%05or} 8. Rc2 Bd3 9. Rd2 {, as in example ~3($402880)~}) 8. Kc6 {!} Bf3+ 9. Kb6 {, and the black king is in the dangerous corner (cf. position ~3($402879)~. This device - the sacrifice of the pawn with the aim of creating a mating net - is typical with the pawn on the 6th rank.}) 2. Rg2 {! %05But let us return to the main line:} Bb3 {!} 3. Rg3 {! Now the following continuations are possible:} Ba4 (3... Bc4 4. Rg4 {!} Ba6 (4... Ba2 5. Rb4 {!} Kc8 6. Ra4 Bb3 7. Ra3 {, and White wins}) ( 4... Bb3 {%05or} 5. Rb4 {!} Ba2 6. Rb8+ Kd7 7. Rb7+ Kd8 8. d7 {!} Ke7 9. Rb2 Bf7 10. Rd2 $18) 5. Rg8+ Kd7 6. Rg7+ Kd8 7. Kd5 Bb5 (7... Bd3 {%05no better is} 8. Rg3 {!} Bf5 (8... Bb5 {%05or} 9. Kc5 Ba4 10. Rg4 Bd1 11. Rd4) 9. Ke5 Bb1 10. Ra3 Kd7 11. Ra7+ {and 12. Ke6}) 8. Kc5 Bd3 9. d7 {!} Kc7 10. Re7 Bf5 11. d8=Q+ {!} Kxd8 12. Kd6 Kc8 13. Rc7+ Kb8 14. Kc6 {, and White wins.}) (3... Ba2 4. Ra3 Bc4 5. Ra4 Bb5 6. Rg4 {!} Kd7 (6... Ba6 {, then %05if} 7. Rg8+ Kd7 8. Rg7+ { and 9. Kd5, as in variation "b"}) (6... Bf1 {%05while} 7. Kd5 Bb5 {comes to the same thing}) 7. Rg7+ Kd8 8. Kd5 {, and White wins as in the previous variations, since he meets} Ba4 {%04by} (8... Bd3 {%04by %05and} 9. Rg3 {!}) 9. Rg4 {!}) 4. Kd5 Bb5 (4... Kd7 {, then %05if} 5. Rg7+ Kd8 6. Rg4 {!} Bd1 7. Rd4 {! , when} Be2 {7... Bf3 or 7... Bh5 is met by} (7... Bc2 {or 7... Bb3 by %05and} 8. Kc6) 8. Ke6) 5. Kc5 Ba4 6. Rg4 {!} Bd1 7. Rd4 {and 8. d7. Thus in positions with a pawn on the 6th rank White wins by giving up his pawn, transporting into a won ending with rook against bishop. We have established that, with a central pawn in positions where the king cannot immediately stand alongside the pawn, the stronger side nevertheless wins, although with the pawn on the 5th or 6th the win is not easy.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1750.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "del Rio"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/R7/5P2/6K1/2b5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1750.??.??"] {~13.2 Pawn on a bishop's file~ With a bishop's pawn there are positions in which there is no way of realizing the material advantage, one of them being this ancient position. %212045826630=4HLJ941} 1. Rc7 {%05Here the a2-g8 diagonal is sufficiently long, and by keeping his bishop on it Black easily maintains the balance, preventing the white king from going to e6 or g6. For example:} Ba2 (1... Bb5 {? loses after %05But} 2. f7 {!} Kg7 3. Kf5 Ba4 4. Rb7 Bd1 (4... Bc6 5. Ke6 {!} Bxb7 6. Ke7) 5. Ke6 Bh5 6. Rc7 {(here the attempt to tie down the white pieces does not work, since the bishop's diagonal is too short)} Bg6 7. f8=Q+ Kxf8 8. Kf6 $18) 2. Rb7 Bc4 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/R7/5P2/6K1/8/3b4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] {Of interest is the following position, in which the bishop has not yet managed to occupy the important a2-g8 diagonal.} 1. Ra4 {, not allowing the bishop go to c4. %05White to move plays} (1. Rc7 {would be a loss of time due to} Bb1 2. Ra7 Bd3) 1... Kf7 2. Rb4 {! By occupying b4, White prevents the bishop from stepping onto the a2-g8 diagonal.} Kf8 (2... Bc2 {, then %05Black is unable to prevent the white king from transferring to e5. If, for example,} 3. Rb7+ Kf8 4. Kf4 Bd3 5. Rb4 Kf7 6. Ke5) 3. Kf4 Kf7 4. Ke5 Ba6 5. Ra4 Bd3 {!} (5... Bb5 {, which loses to an already familiar manoeuvre from the previous example: %05Weaker is} 6. Ra7+ Kf8 7. Rc7 Ba4 8. f7 {!} Kg7 9. Rb7 {!} Bd1 10. Ke6 Bh5 11. Rc7 Bg6 12. f8=Q+ Kxf8 13. Kf6 {%04etc.}) 6. Ra7+ Kf8 7. Ra8+ Kf7 8. Ra4 {!} Be2 (8... Kf8 {%05There is nothing better. If} 9. Ke6) (8... Bc2 { %05or} 9. Ra3 {!} Bd1 10. Rc3 {! , transposing into the main variation.}) 9. Ra7+ Kf8 10. Rc7 Bd1 11. Rc8+ Kf7 12. Rc3 {!} Ba4 13. Rc7+ Kf8 14. f7 Kg7 15. Rb7 Bd1 16. Ke6 Bh5 17. Rc7 Bg6 18. f8=Q+ Kxf8 19. Kf6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Benko Pal C (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1B6/8/8/8/8/7k/r4p2/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {(corrected version)} 1. Bc7 {! Only this move saves the game. %05It is amazing that White should be able to maintain the balance in such a position.} (1. Be5 {? %05White loses after either} Ra5 2. Bd6 Rf5 {followed by ... Kg4-f3} ) (1. Bd6 {?} Ra6 2. Bc5 (2. Be7 Ra7) (2. Be5 {%05while if} Ra5) 2... Kg3 {!} 3. Bxf2+ Kf3 $19) 1... Rb2 (1... Ra7 {there follows %05But now on} 2. Bd6 { , with a draw.}) 2. Bd6 {!} Rc2 3. Be5 {!} Rd2 4. Bf4 {!} Re2 {!! It appears that White is nevertheless in zugzwang, but...} 5. Bb8 {!! A worthy reply to Black's previous move.} (5. Bc7 {%05Bad is} Ra2 {!}) (5. Bd6 {%05or} Rb2 { ! , when in each case} 6. Bg3 {allows} Kg4 {!} 7. Bxf2 Kf3 {, and Black wins.}) 5... Re8 6. Bg3 {!} Kg4 7. Kxf2 {Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Benko Pal C (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1B6/8/8/8/8/5p1k/r7/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ941} 1. Kf1 {%05The initial version of the study was even more amazing. %05The solution commenced with} f2 {= , when position ~3($412914) ~ was reached.} (1... Ra5 {! %05But later it was found that by} 2. Bc7 Rb5 { !$19 Black could obtain example ~3($412913)~ , which is won for him.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1865.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Centurini"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/2R5/5P2/5K2/8/8/4b3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1865.??.??"] {With a bishop's pawn on the 5th rank White wins, although considerable difficulties are involved.} 1. Rc7+ Kf6 2. Rc2 {!} Bh4 {! Evidently the only move.} (2... Kf7 {is met by} 3. Kg5) (2... Bb4 {%04by} 3. Rc6+ Kf7 4. Ke5) ( 2... Ba5 {%04by %05and} 3. Rc6+ Kf7 4. f6 {!} Kg6 5. Ke5 Bd8 6. Ra6) 3. Rc6+ Kf7 4. Rc1 Kf6 {Other moves are weaker:} (4... Ke7 5. Rc7+ Kf6 6. Rc6+ Kf7 7. Ke5) (4... Bf2 5. Rc2 Bh4 (5... Bd4 6. Rd2 Bc3 7. Rd7+ Kf6 8. Rd6+ Ke7 9. Rc6 Bf6 10. Rc7+) 6. Rh2 Bd8 7. Rh7+ Kf6 8. Ra7 {! , joining the main variation after 13th move.}) 5. Rg1 Bf2 6. Rg6+ Kf7 7. Rg2 Be1 {!} (7... Bd4 {%05Or} 8. Rd2 {, as already considered}) (7... Bb6 {, then again %05while if} 8. Rd2 Ba5 9. Rd7+ Kf6 10. Rd6+ Kf7 11. Kg4) 8. Kg5 Ba5 (8... Bc3 {%05after} 9. Rc2 Bf6+ 10. Kf4 Bd8 11. Rc3 {!} Bh4 {White wins by} 12. Rh3 Bd8 13. Ke5) 9. Rc2 Bd8+ 10. Kf4 Bh4 11. Rh2 Bd8 12. Rh7+ Kf6 13. Ra7 Bc7+ {!} 14. Kg4 Bd8 15. Ra6+ Kf7 16. Kh5 {!} Kg7 17. Rd6 Be7 (17... Ba5 18. f6+ Kf7 19. Kg5) 18. Rd7 Kf6 19. Rxe7 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/8/2b2P2/6K1/3R4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {With a bishop's pawn on the 4th rank, the attack by the rook from the rear is successful.} 1. Rd6+ Kf5 2. Rd8 Kf6 3. Rf8+ Ke7 4. Rc8 Be6 5. Rc6 Kf6 6. Kh4 Kf5 7. Rxe6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/1R6/6P1/7K/3b4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {~133 Pawn on a knight's file~ If the pawn is on the 6th rank, its proximity to the queening square is again a decisive factor.} 1. g7 {! %05Here White wins by a typical procedure: by sacrificing his pawn, he forces the black king to remain in the dangerous corner.} Kh7 (1... Bxg7 {%05or} 2. Kg6 {%04etc.}) 2. Rf7 {!} Bc3 3. g8=Q+ Kxg8 4. Kg6 {, and we reach the won position ~3($403879)~. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1865.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Centurini"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/6P1/5K2/8/2b5/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1865.??.??"] {With a knight's pawn on the 4th or 5th rank, the win is easier than in the case of a central or bishop's pawn.} 1. Rg2 Bd3 (1... Bf5 2. Rd2 {!} Bc8 (2... Bh3 3. Rd3 Bf1 4. Rd6+ Kg7 5. g6 {!} Kh6 6. Kf5) 3. Rd6+ Kg7 4. g6 Kh6 5. Rd8 { !} Be6 (5... Ba6 6. Kf5) 6. Ke5 {and 7. Kf6}) 2. Rd2 {! This same move is decisive is against other bishop moves, e.g.} Bb1 3. Rd6+ Kg7 4. Kg4 Be4 5. Rd4 Bg2 (5... Bh7 {, then %05if} 6. Rd7+ Kg6 7. Rd6+ {and 8. Kh5}) 6. Rd7+ Kg6 7. Rd6+ Kg7 8. g6 Kh6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Enevoldsen Jens (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/4R3/6P1/5K2/8/6b1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Re6+ Kg5 2. Re2 {!} Bd4 3. Re8 Kg6 4. Rg8+ Kf7 5. Rd8 Bf6 6. Rd6 Kg6 7. Kf4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5kP1/8/7R/5K2/8/2b5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%212045826630=4HLJ943 The following example from an actual game is extremely instructive.} 1. Rg4 {! %05White's problem is to transpose into position %05~3 ($402918)~. This could have been achieved as %05follows:} (1. Rc4 {%05But White immediately tried transferring his rook to the Q-side:} Bh6 {!} 2. Rc6+ { ? The decisive mistake! The move in the game was answered by} (2. Rg4 {%05It was not yet too late for !} Bg7 3. Kg3 {followed by the advance of the king to h5, which in the end would have led to position ~3($402918)~.}) 2... Kg5 { ! with a draw, since there is no way of preventing 3... Bg7 and 4... Bf6, followed by the capture of the pawn.}) 1... Kg7 2. Ke4 Bb2 3. Kf5 Bc3 4. Rc4 Bb2 5. Rc7+ Kg8 {, when after} 6. g7 {!} Kh7 7. Rf7 $40 {! White wins easily. With this we conclude our analysis of positions where the stronger side's king is unable to stand directly alongside his pawn. In this type of ending we have already discovered several drawn positions (~3( 2905)-( 2906),( 2912)- ( 2915) ~ and the finish of position ~3( 2921)~ ). It will be useful for the reader to meet some more such positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vancura"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K1k1/R5P1/8/8/8/2b5/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1... Bf6 {! , due to the unfortunate position of his king White is unable to take any effective action. For example: %05After} 2. Rb7 Bg5 {!} 3. Rb5 Bf6 4. Rb7 Bg5 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K1k1/R5P1/8/8/8/2b5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] {%212045826630=4HLJ943} 1. Ra3 {! %05But White to move can win by improving the placing of %05his pieces and transposing into the finish of example %05~3 ($402918)~:} Be5 {!} (1... Bxg7 {, then %05if} 2. Rg3 Kh7 3. Kf7 {%04etc.}) 2. Re3 Bb8 {! (an interesting defence; 3... Kg7 is threatened)} 3. Re7 {!} Bd6 { ! Black is in zugzwang. After other bishop moves White switches his rook to the g-file} (3... Bh2 {or 3... Bg3, then %05if} 4. Re2 {, and 5. Rg2}) (3... Bf4 {%05or} 4. Re4 {and 5. Rg4}) 4. Re6 Ba3 5. Rg6 {!} Bb4 6. Kd7 Ba3 7. Ke6 Bb2 8. Rg4 Bc3 9. Kf5 Bxg7 10. Kg6 Kf8 11. Rf4+ Kg8 12. Ra4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/K3B3/8/k5p1/6r1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%212045826630=4HLJ943 This position was discovered by Troitsky (1898)} 1. Bf3 {! (the only move) %05Black's situation is tragi-comic. To win, he must move %05his rook from in front of his pawn, but he is unable to do %05this with gain of tempo, without losing the pawn, since %05the white king is hiding "in the shadow" of its black %05opponent. For example:} Kb2 2. Kb4 Kc2 3. Kc4 Kd2 4. Kd4 Ke1 5. Ke3 Kf1 6. Be2+ Ke1 7. Bf3 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/K3B3/8/k5p1/6r1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1... Kb2 {%05It does not help Black to have the move:} 2. Kb4 Kc1 3. Kc3 Kd1 4. Kd3 Ke1 5. Ke3 Kf1 6. Bd3+ Ke1 7. Be4 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fritz Indzhih (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/BK6/3p4/8/8/8/k7/5r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {The following two examples have similar finishes. The defender manages to save the game by eliminating the enemy pawn.} 1. Kc6 Rd1 2. Bb8 {!} d5 3. Kc5 d4 {(the threat was 4. Be5 and 5. Bd4)} 4. Kc4 d3 5. Kc3 Rb1 6. Be5 {!} Rb3+ 7. Kd2 Rb5 8. Bd4 Rb3 9. Bc3 {= %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moravec"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/B6r/3Kp3/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Bc5 Rh5 (1... Rc3 {%05Let us consider another possibility:} 2. Bb6 {! (the bishop must reach the a5-e1 diagonal)} Rc2+ (2... Rb3 {, then %05If} 3. Bf2 {!} (3. Ba5 {%05but not} Rb5 {!} 4. Bc3 Rc5 5. Bf6 Rc6 6. Bh4 Re6 {, when Black wins.}) 3... Rb2+ 4. Ke1 Rc2 5. Be3 Kb2 6. Bd2 {=}) 3. Ke1 Kb2 4. Ba5 {!} Rc5 5. Bb6 {!} Rc6 6. Bd4+ {= %04etc.}) 2. Be3 {!} Rh2 3. Bg1 (3. Ke1 {%05of course, not} Kc2) 3... Rg2 4. Bd4 {! (not allowing the black king to go to b2)} Rg4 5. Be3 {!} Rg2 6. Bd4 Ka2 7. Ke1 {!} Rg4 8. Be3 Rg2 9. Bf2 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1863.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/6Rb/7P/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1863.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ945 ~13.4 Pawn on a rook's file~ In position with a rook's pawn the nature of the play is rather different from that in positions with other pawns. As in the ending with a lone rook against a bishop, the result here depends on the colour of the bishop. If the pawn's queening square is of the colour of the bishop (dangerous corner), realizing the advantage does not present any particular difficulty, although there is only one way to win.} 1. Kf5 Bd2 2. h6 {! The standard procedure. White gives up his pawn to obtain an ending with rook against bishop, but with the opposing king in the dangerous corner.} Be3 (2... Bxh6 {, then %05If} 3. Rf6 {and 4. Kf7 ~3($402879)~. Therefore Black does not take the pawn.}) 3. Rg7+ {!} Kxh6 4. Rg6+ Kh7 (4... Kh5 5. Rg3) 5. Kf6 Bd4+ 6. Kf7 Ba7 {, and we have the won position ~3($412879) ~, only rotated through 90.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1766.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cozio"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/R7/7P/6K1/8/3b4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1766.??.??"] {The stronger side's difficulties are immeasurably greater if the pawn's queening square is not accessible to the bishop, but on the other hand it can control a number of adjacent squares, defending the approaches to the king. In certain cases here it is altogether impossible to win. The similar position without the pawn would be drawn. The addition of the pawn at h6 does not change the result. Black easily maintains the balance by manoeuvring with his bishop along the b1-h7 diagonal. White has no way of evicting the black king from the h8 corner. Following from this is the important conclusion that with a rook's pawn (as with pawns on the other files) one should not be in a hurry to advance the pawn, but should first activate the king as much as possible.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5k2/2R5/5K2/3b4/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {We will now examine two interesting subsidiary positions. If the opponent's king can be cut off by even one file from the pawn, the win is comparatively simple.} 1. Rg5 {!} Bg6 2. h4 Bd3 3. h5 Bh7 4. h6 Bg6 5. Rg3 Kf7 (5... Bc2 6. Rg7 Bg6 7. Ra7 {and 8. h7$18}) 6. Ke5 Bc2 7. Rg7+ Kf8 8. Kf6 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1858.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lequesne"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/6R1/7K/7P/8/8/8/1b6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1858.??.??"] 1. Rb7 {! As we will see below, this move is very important. For the moment the opposing king must not be allowed out of the corner.} Ba2 2. Rb8+ Bg8 3. Kg5 Kg7 4. Rb7+ (4. h6+ {%05Also possible is} Kh8 5. Kf6 {!} Kh7 6. Rb7+ Kh8 ( 6... Kxh6 7. Rb2) 7. Kg6 Bd5 8. Re7 {, and White wins.}) 4... Kh8 5. Kg6 Bd5 6. Rh7+ Kg8 7. Re7 {! (the same manoeuvre would also have followed on other bishop moves)} Kh8 (7... Kf8 8. Kf6 Bc4 9. h6 Kg8 10. h7+ Kh8 11. Kg6 {comes to the same thing}) 8. h6 Ba2 9. h7 Bb1+ 10. Kh6 {, and White wins. On the basis of this example the reader may conclude that with his pawn at h5 White always wins. This is not so, as is seen in the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/R7/7K/7P/8/3b4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] 1... Kg8 {%05He draws by taking his king away from the dangerous h8 corner:} ( 1... Bc4 {%05We have just established that Black loses after} 2. Ra8+ Bg8 3. Kg5) 2. Rg7+ Kf8 {! , e.g.} 3. Rg4 Bc2 4. Rd4 Bb1 5. Rd8+ Kf7 6. Rd2 Be4 7. Rf2+ Kg8 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1863.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/R7/8/6K1/4b2P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1863.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ945 Only with his pawn at h4 is White always sure of winning.} 1. Kh6 Kg8 (1... Bd5 {%05Black loses, as in example ~3($412931)~, after} 2. Rd7 Be6 3. Rd8+ Bg8 4. Kg5 Kg7 5. Rd7+ Kh8 6. Kg6 Bb3 7. Rh7+ Kg8 8. Rc7 Kh8 (8... Kf8 9. Rg7) 9. h5 Bd5 10. Rh7+ Kg8 11. Re7 {!} Kh8 12. h6 Bb3 13. h7 $18) 2. Rg7+ Kf8 (2... Kh8 3. Re7 {! transposes to position ~3($402931)~.}) 3. Rg5 {White's king will have to make way for the pawn, and so he prepares this operation.} Kf7 4. Rg3 (4. Kh5 {, attempting to bring the king out at g4, there follows %05on} Bf3+ {, but now White intends 5. Kg5}) 4... Bc2 5. Kh5 Kf6 (5... Bd1+ {, then %05If} 6. Kg5 Kg7 7. Rc3 {! , when Black's bishop is unable to reach the b1-h7 diagonal in time, and he loses:} Be2 8. h5 Bb5 9. h6+ Kh7 10. Rc7+ Kh8 11. h7 $18) (5... Ba4 {%05No better is} 6. Kg5 Kg7 {, when again White has the decisive reply} 7. Rc3 {!}) (5... Bb1 {there follows %05Finally, on} 6. Rg5 {! , when the white king makes way for the pawn, a possible continuation being} Kf6 7. Kg4 Bg6 8. h5 Bh7 9. h6 Bg6 10. Kf4 Bh7 11. Rg7 Bd3 12. Ra7 {and 13. h7$18}) 6. Rg5 Bd1+ (6... Bf5 {there follows %057. Kg4 was threatened, and on} 7. Kh6 Bc2 8. Rg2 {! and 9. Rf2, pushing back the black king}) 7. Kh6 Kf7 (7... Bf3 {is met by} 8. Rg1 {and 9. Rf1}) 8. Rg7+ Kf6 (8... Kf8 {, then %05if} 9. Kg6 {and 10. Kf6}) 9. Rg1 Be2 10. Rg2 Bd3 11. Rf2+ { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vancura"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/P7/1K6/8/7R/8/8/b7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {As the following study shows, with a rook's pawn one sometimes has to beware of stalemating possibilities.} 1. Kb5 {! %05White wins by exploiting the position of the bishop at a1:} (1. Ka6 {%05It would appear that} Bd4 2. Rh7 { wins quickly, but after} Bg7 {!! Black saves the game, since the rook is badly placed on the h-file.}) 1... Bb2 (1... Bf6 {%05Other bishop moves are no better, e.g.} 2. Rf4 Be5 3. Re4 {and 4. Ka6$18 White succeeds in improving the position of his rook.}) 2. Rb4 Bc3 3. Rc4 Be5 4. Ka6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/2b5/8/6kP/8/5R2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {In the following two studies, which elaborate on one and the same theme, the stronger side loses his pawn, but, due to the fact that the opposite king is on the edge of the board, by an interesting rook manoeuvre he is nevertheless able to win. We advise the reader to play particular attention to this rook manoeuvre.} 1. Rf6 Be8 2. Rh6 Bh5 3. Kg7 Kxh4 (3... Be8 {, then %05if} 4. Kf6 Bh5 5. Rh8) 4. Kf6 Kg4 5. Rh8 {!} Kh4 6. Kf5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fritz Indzhih (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4R3/7k/4K2P/8/7b/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] 1. Kf3 Bg3 {!} 2. Re2 {!} Bxh4 (2... Kxh4 {%05or} 3. Re4+) 3. Rh2 Kg5 4. Rh1 {! } Kh5 5. Kf4 {, and White wins. However, this same idea, in much more complicated form, was expressed much earlier in a splendid study by Vancura (1924)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vancura"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4b3/8/7k/7P/6K1/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Kf4 {%05The problem may seem surprising: at first sight it is not apparent how White can lift the blockade. Indeed, if it were any other pawn than a rook's pawn, in such a position Black would maintain the balance. But here a decisive factor proves to be the position of the black king on the rook's file, which allows White to carry out an exceptionally subtle manoeuvre and to improve the position of his rook.} Bd6+ {!} (1... Bf8 {%05Other bishop moves are worse, e.g.} 2. Rd1 {!} Be7 3. Rd7 Bb4 4. Rh7+ Kg6 5. Rb7 {and 6. Kg4}) ( 1... Bd8 {%05or} 2. Rc1 {!} Bf6 3. Rc7 Bd4 4. Rh7+ Kg6 5. Rd7) 2. Kf5 Bc5 (2... Bb4 {%05If} 3. Rc1 Ba5 {, then} 4. Rc2 {! , creating an unusual zugzwang position, e.g.} Kxh4 5. Kf4 {!} Kh3 6. Kf3 {!} Kh4 7. Rc4+ {, and White wins.}) 3. Rc1 {!} Be3 4. Rc4 Bg1 {!} (4... Bf2 {there follows %05On} 5. Kf4 Be1 (5... Kxh4 6. Kf3+) (5... Bxh4 {%05or} 6. Kf5 {, winning}) 6. Rc8 {!} Bd2+ 7. Kg3 Be1+ 8. Kh3 {%04etc.}) 5. Ra4 (5. Kf4 {%05not} Kxh4 6. Rc8 Bh2+ {! with a draw} ) 5... Bb6 6. Re4 Bg1 7. Rc4 {!} Be3 8. Ke4 Bd2 (8... Bf2 9. Kf4 Be1 10. Rc2 { ! %04etc.}) 9. Rc2 {!} (9. Kf3 {%05Not} Be1 {!} 10. Rc1 {!} Bxh4 11. Rh1 Kg5 { , when it is White who is in zugzwang.}) 9... Bh6 (9... Be1 {, then %05if} 10. Kf4) 10. Rh2 Bg7 (10... Bf8 11. Kf3 {! comes to the same thing.}) 11. Kf4 {!} Bf8 12. Kf3 {!} Ba3 (12... Bd6 {%05Or} 13. Rd2 Be7 14. Kf4 {%04etc.}) 13. Ra2 Be7 (13... Bd6 {is met by} 14. Ra4) (13... Bb4 {%04by %05and} 14. Ra8 {!} Bc3 15. Kg3 Be1+ 16. Kh3) 14. Re2 {!} Bd8 (14... Bxh4 {, then %05if} 15. Rh2 Kg5 16. Rh1 {!} Kh5 17. Kf4 {, as in the two previous examples}) 15. Rd2 Be7 16. Kf4 Bf6 17. Rd7 Bc3 18. Rh7+ {, and White wins. An exceptionally difficult study!} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "David"] [Black "Chistyakov Aleksey (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1B6/8/8/8/7p/5k1p/3r4/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ927 %212045826630=4HLJ945 In conclusion, here is a practical example.} 1... h2 { %05How can Black win here? His only possibility is the %05sacrifice of the leading pawn, with the aim of obtaining %05position ~3($412931)~. This is the plan that he carries %05out.} (1... Kg4 {%05The most exact was} 2. Bc7 h2 3. Bxh2 Kh3 4. Bg1 Kg3 5. Bb6 Rh2+ 6. Kg1 Rc2 {!} 7. Kh1 h3 {and 8... h2$19.}) 2. Bxh2 Rd1+ 3. Bg1 Kg4 4. Kg2 h3+ (4... Rd2+ $19 {is also possible}) 5. Kh1 Kf3 { !} 6. Kh2 Rd2+ 7. Kh1 (7. Kxh3 {%05after} Rd7 $19 {White loses his bishop}) 7... Kg3 8. Bb6 h2 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/2bpp3/7R/3K4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ949 ~14 ROOK AGAINST BISHOP AND PAWNS~ In contrast to the middlegame, in the endgame a bishop and two pawns are normally stronger than a rook. But if the pawns are not far advanced, and the king and rook are able to oppose them actively, it is normally possible to maintain the balance and draw. We divide the material according to the pawn configuration. ~14.1 two connected pawns~ Of great importance here is how far away the pawns are from queening. A typical position with pawns which have not yet crossed the demarcation line is shown in ~0this example~.} 1... Kf5 {%05The defensive plan - which is either to give up the rook for two pawns, or to deprive the pawns of their mobility - demands active play on White's part. Possible variations are:} (1... Be7 2. Rh1 e4+ 3. Kd4 Bf6+ 4. Ke3 Bd8 5. Rh6+ Ke5 6. Rh5+ Kd6 7. Rh6+ Kc5 8. Re6 {!} Bg5+ 9. Ke2 Bf4 10. Kf2 Kd4 11. Ke2 {A position of equilibrium has been reached. Black^013^010 cannot improve his position, since ...e3 leads merely to^013^010 the blockading of his pawns.^013^010 The reader should note that in this last variation White very effectively switched his rook to attack the pawns^013^010 from the rear (8. Re6).^013^010 This possibility - the attack by the rook from the rear -^013^010 is a reliable method of defence when the pawns have^013^010 crossed the demarcation line.}) 2. Rh5+ Kf4 3. Rh4+ Kf3 (3... Kg5 4. Ra4 Kf5) 4. Rh5 {!} e4+ 5. Kc2 e3 6. Rxd5 e2 7. Rd1 {=} (7. Rf5+ Ke4 8. Kd2 {also draws}) (7. Re5 {? ^013^010 %05but not} Be3 $19) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4R3/8/3b4/3k4/3pp3/8/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {Thus in the next example White manages to maintain the balance, although the defence requires accuracy.} 1. Rd8 {! Now Black's winning attempts are doomed to failure, e.g. %05Black intends by 1... d3 2. Ke3 Bc5 3. Kd2 Kd4 4. Rd8 Kc4 5. Re8 e3 to advance both pawns a further step forward, which, as we will see below, would ensure a win.^013^010 There is only one way of defending against this manoeuvre:} Kc6 2. Kd2 Bb4+ 3. Ke2 Bc5 (3... Kc5 {, then %05if} 4. Re8 Kd5 5. Rd8+ Kc4 6. Re8 d3+ 7. Ke3 Bc5+ 8. Kxe4 {, with a clear draw}) 4. Kd2 Kb5 { (Black threatens to strength his position decisively by reaching c4 with his king, but again White has one adequate reply)} 5. Re8 {! , and after} Bb4+ 6. Ke2 d3+ 7. Ke3 d2 8. Rd8 Kc6 9. Rxd2 {the game ends in a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1843.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Der Lasa Thassilo (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/8/2b1k3/3pp3/8/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1843.??.??"] {But if central pawns have reached the 6th (3rd) rank, the attack with the rook from the rear may not have the desired effect.} 1... Bd5 {! (earlier a pawn advance was not possible, but now ... d2 is threatened) %05By subtle manoeuvring with his king and bishop, Black succeeds in overcoming his opponent's resistance.} 2. Re8+ Kd4 3. Rd8 Kc5 {Black intends to play 4... Bc4 and then transfer his king to c3.} 4. Rd7 {%05But in 1962 Klausen found an interesting improvement. He suggested that White should not move his rook off the vitally important d-file, but play} (4. Ke1 {%05It was thought that White had no way of opposing this plan, for example:} Bc4 5. Re8 (5. Rc8+ {%05or} Kb4 6. Rb8+ Kc3 7. Rd8 d2+ $19 {%04etc.}) 5... d2+ 6. Kd1 Bb3+ $19) 4... Bc4 5. Rd8 Kb4 6. Rd7 Kc3 7. Rd6 {! As we see below, this is the best square for the rook. But nevertheless he can win by switching his bishop to the d1-h5 diagonal. ^013^010 A possible continuation is:} Bf7 {!} (7... d2 {White gains an immediate draw by %05How should Black continue now? On the "natural"} 8. Rd3+ { ! This threat significantly restricts Black's actions.}) 8. Ke1 Bh5 9. Rc6+ Kd4 10. Rd6+ Kc4 11. Rd7 Bg4 {! (this move is the whole point; from g4 the bishop helps both its king and the pawns)} 12. Rd6 (12. Rd8 Kc3) 12... Kc3 13. Rc6+ Kd4 14. Rd6+ Kc4 {, and White is in zugzwang.} 15. Rd8 {is met by} (15. Kf1 { %04by %05and} d2 $19) 15... Kc3 $19 {Note that, if on the 7th move the rook had been at d7 or d8, Black would have won by 7... Be6, when his bishop reaches g4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Klausen"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/8/2k1b3/2pp4/8/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Let us now move the pawn in position ~3( 2941)~ from e3 to c3, and exchange the places of king and bishop. How does this reflect on the evaluation of the position? %212045826630=4HLJ949} 1... Bd5 {! %05Here Black's plan is the same as in the previous example: first to transfer the king to e3, and then the bishop to a4. The latter can be done only via c6, which makes the problem more difficult.} 2. Rc8+ Kd4 3. Rd8 Ke5 4. Rd7 Be4 5. Rd8 Kf4 6. Rd7 Ke3 7. Rd6 { ! (now Black has to overcome the last barrier)} Bf3+ 8. Kc1 Ke2 {(threatening 9... Be4 and 10... d2)} 9. Re6+ (9. Rd4 {, after %05If, instead of 9. Re6, White had played} Bc6 {he would have had no useful moves. Thus} 10. Kb1 { , for example, is met by} Kd2 11. Rc4 Ba4 {!} 12. Rc5 Bc2+ 13. Ka2 Kc1 {!} 14. Rxc3 d2 {, when the pawn queens.}) 9... Kf2 10. Rd6 Ke3 {! White is in zugzwang. The check at e6 fails to 11... Be4, and therefore the rook is forced to abandon the 6th rank and allow the transfer of the bishop via c6 to a4.} 11. Rd7 Bc6 12. Rd6 Ba4 13. Re6+ Kd4 14. Rd6+ Ke4 15. Rd8 Ke3 {, and against ... d2 there is no defence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Klausen"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2R5/8/8/8/1k1b4/1pp5/8/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Bc5 {%05Contrary to the opinion of Berger and Cheron, White is unable to win here. Here is an illustrative continuation:} 2. Rb8+ Kc4 3. Rc8 Kd5 4. Rc7 Bd4 (4... Ba3+ {%05Black can play bishop to a3 on the 4th move:} 5. Kb1 Kd4 { , but then after} 6. Rd7+ Ke3 7. Rc7 Kd2 8. Rd7+ {he can make no progress, since his king cannot support the c-pawn.}) 5. Rc8 Ke4 6. Rc7 Kd3 7. Rc6 { White waits, As in the previous two examples, on} c2 {there follows} (7... Be5 {, then %05In order to win here, the bishop must reach a3. But how can this be done? If, for example,} 8. Rc8 {, and} Bd6 {fails to} 9. Rd8) 8. Rc3+ {! with an immediate draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vancura"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r3k/8/5PP1/8/K7/1B6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {If the rook is not behind the pawns, and they have reached the 6th (3rd) rank, it is sometimes possible to win even when the king is very far away.} 1. Bc4 { ! %05Here White must bring up his king, without allowing the rook behind the pawns.} (1. g7+ {%05if} Kh7 2. Bf7 {, then} Rd4+ {and 3... Rg4, with a draw.}) 1... Rb8 2. g7+ Kh7 3. Bf7 Rd8 4. Kb5 Rc8 5. Kb6 Ra8 6. Kb7 Rd8 7. Kc7 Ra8 8. Kd6 Ra6+ 9. Ke7 Ra7+ 10. Kf8 Ra8+ 11. Be8 {, and Black can resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1843.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Der Lasa Thassilo (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/8/8/b7/k7/pp6/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1843.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ949 In this ending rook's pawn and knight's pawn are weaker than other pawns, and even when they are on the 6th (3rd) rank it is possible to draw.} 1. Ra8 {! he has a draw: %05In a similar position with central pawns White would be lost, whereas here after} a2 (1... Kb5 2. Rb8+ Kc4 3. Ra8 {!} ( 3. Rc8+ {%05or} Kd3 {!} 4. Kb1 {!} (4. Ra8 {?} Kc2 {!$19}) 4... Kd2 5. Rc4 {!} (5. Ra8 {? %05White loses after} a2+ 6. Kb2 a1=Q+ 7. Kxa1 Kc2 {!} 8. Rc8+ Bc3+ 9. Rxc3+ Kxc3 $19 {this interesting variation was pointed out by Steinitz in 1862}) 5... a2+ 6. Ka1 Kd3 7. Rc1 Kd4 8. Kb2 {=}) 3... Kb5 4. Rb8+ Bb6 5. Ra8 { ! =}) 2. Kb2 Kb5 3. Rb8+ Bb6 4. Ra8 {= %04etc. The result is no different if it is a white-squared bishop, as the reader can check for himself.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1k6/ppb5/7R/1K6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {This example shows that a draw is possible against rook's pawn and knight's pawn even when the rook is less well placed.} 1... Kc4 {%05A possible continuation is:} 2. Rg2 Bd4 3. Rh2 Kd3 4. Rb2 {! (a familiar stalemating idea) } Kc3 5. Re2 Bc5 6. Rb2 Be3 7. Rh2 Bd2 8. Rh3+ Kb4 9. Rh4+ Kb5 10. Rh3 { ! , and Black is unable to improve his position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3PB3/4P3/K4k2/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {Two far-advanced connected passed pawns are a great force, and therefore if the king and rook are not united in their battle against the pawns, it is sometimes possible for the pawns to promote without the help of their king. Here are two typical examples.} 1. d7 {Black is unable to stop the pawns: %05After} Rd1 (1... Rh8 2. Bg8 {!} (2. Bf7 {%05but not} Kxe5 3. Be8 Rh4+ 4. Kb5 Rd4 {, with a draw}) 2... Rxg8 3. e6 {and 4. e7$18}) (1... Ra1+ 2. Ba2 {!} (2. Kb3 {, then %05if} Ra8 3. Bd5 Rb8+ {with a draw.}) 2... Rxa2+ 3. Kb3 Ra8 4. e6 $18 {%04etc.}) 2. Bd5 {!} Rxd5 3. e6 {and 4. e7$18 In order to clear the way for his e-pawn, in each of the variations White sacrifices his bishop.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/8/1P5r/2P5/8/7B/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. b6 {%05Here too the rook is unable to stop the pawns:} Rc5 2. Be5+ {!} Kf7 3. b7 Rxc4+ 4. Bc3 {, and after !} Rxc3+ 5. Kb2 {the pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korteling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/7p/8/8/K2R4/6p1/6b1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ949 The following position is a rare instance, where, in spite of the remoteness of his king, White is able to draw.} 1. Rd8+ {! %05White must at all costs gain time, to bring his king across to the pawns. This is achieved by:} (1. Rg4 {? %05The task seems improbable, and simple defensive %05means do indeed lead to defeat, e.g.} Bc6+ 2. Kb4 g2 3. Kc5 h5 4. Rg5 Bf3 $19) 1... Kg7 2. Rd3 Bc6+ 3. Kb4 g2 4. Rg3+ Kf6 5. Kc5 Bb7 6. Kd4 h5 7. Ke3 h4 {but there follows} 8. Kf2 {!!} (8. Rg4 {? is met by %05It appears that White is too late, since} h3 9. Kf2 h2 $19) 8... hxg3+ 9. Kg1 {, and he draws thanks to stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1915.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sackmann"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6b1/k4p2/2K5/5Rp1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1915.??.??"] {With a lone rook against bishop and two pawns a win is possible only in the most exceptional cases, when the unfortunate placing of bishop and pawns allows a mating net to be created around the opposing king or the bishop to be won.} 1. Rf1 {!! Black is helpless: %05After} Kb8 (1... f6 2. Ra1+ Kb8 3. Rb1+ Kc8 4. Rh1 {, and the bishop is lost.}) 2. Rb1+ Ka7 3. Rb7+ Ka8 (3... Ka6 4. Rb8 {and 5. Rg8}) 4. Re7 Bh7 5. Kb6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/8/8/8/3b4/2k5/1p3p2/1K6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {~14.2 Two isolated pawns~ Here, in contrast to the case with connected pawns, the degree of advancement of the pawns is not necessarily a decisive factor. %212045826630=4HLJ951} 1... Kd3 {is parried by %05 Despite the fact that both black pawns are close to queening, White is able to maintain the balance. Black is unable to do anything effective. The attempt to take the king across to the f-pawn by} 2. Rxf2 {and 3. Kb2} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/8/8/8/3b4/3k4/1p3p2/1K6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {But if Black's king is at d3, with the move he is able to win.} 1... Ke2 { %05The win is achieved by a typical plan in such positions - by taking the king across to the pawn which is being stopped by the rook.} 2. Re8+ Be3 3. Rf8 Bc1 {!} 4. Re8+ Kf3 5. Rf8+ Bf4 {This curious bishop manoeuvre, by which Black first defends his pawn and then blocks the action of the rook, was first seen in a study by the Syrian player Stamma as long ago as 1745. The blocking by the bishop of the file along which the rook via operating is one of the tactical devices employed in this type of ending. Here is a further example on the same theme.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/4P3/4K3/5B2/P7/8/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] 1. Be3+ {%05Here White succeeds in queening his e-pawn:} Kb7 2. e7 Rxa3 3. Ba7 {!! Therefore Black has to play} Ra1 (3... Rxa7 {is met by %05Here we see the blocking of the file. Now} 4. e8=Q) (3... Kxa7 {there follows %05while on} 4. Kf4 Ra4+ 5. Kf5 Ra5+ 6. Kf6 Ra6+ 7. Kf7 $18) 4. Kf4 Rf1+ {, when there follows} 5. Bf2 {!! This sacrifice is immediately decisive, since on} Rxf2+ {White wins by} 6. Ke3 Rf1 7. Ke2 {In this type of ending the stronger side's king should normally support the pawn which is being stopped by the rook. When the pawns are far advanced, such support will usually lead to a win. Only in exceptional cases, when the pawn which the rook is stopping is not far advanced, is it possible to draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/kP6/8/8/6P1/5BK1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Kh4 {%05White's king is supporting that pawn which is being stopped by the rook, but here this does not win, since it is not possible to advance the pawn. For example:} Rh8+ 2. Kg5 Rg8+ {! , and if} 3. Kh6 {, then} Rxg4 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/8/8/1P2P3/8/4r3/k1B5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] {If the defender's king is some way from the pawns, so that the rook has to try and stop them on its own, the drawing chances are slight, especially if the pawns are far advanced, and one of the pawns usually queens. This is seen in the following examples, in which White is able to exploit the unfortunate position of the opposing king.} 1. b6 {%05After} Rxe5 2. Bd3 {! Black cannot stop the pawn, since} Re6 {or 2... Rd5 is met by} (2... Rh5 {%05and no better is} 3. Bc4+ Ka3 4. b7 Rh8+ 5. Bg8 $18) 3. Bc4+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V. & M."] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2P4P/8/2K5/7B/k4r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] {The following example is much more complicated. Here White succeeds in promoting a pawn, but to win, as in the well known study by Saavedra, it has to be promoted to a rook.} 1. Kb4 {! the only move} (1. h6 {being met by} Rf6) (1. Kc4 {%04by %05and} Rf5 2. c6 Rxh5 3. c7 Rxh2) 1... Rf5 (1... Rb1+ {, then %05If} 2. Kc4 {!} (2. Ka5 {leads to a draw after} Rh1 3. Be5+ Ka2 4. c6 Rxh5) 2... Rc1+ (2... Rh1 {loses to %05but now} 3. Be5+ Ka2 4. c6 Rxh5 5. c7 Rh4+ 6. Bd4) 3. Kd5 Rd1+ 4. Ke6 Rc1 5. Bd6 Rh1 6. c6 Rxh5 7. Be5+ Ka2 8. c7 {, and the pawn cannot be stopped.}) 2. c6 Rxh5 3. c7 Rh4+ 4. Kb5 {!} Rh5+ 5. Kb6 Rh6+ 6. Bd6 {!! a spectacular blow;} (6. Kb7 {%05there is no win after} Rh7) (6. Kc5 { %05@r %00o^?Rxh2 (=}) 6... Rxd6+ 7. Kb5 {(now the king merely has to hide from the checks)} Rd5+ 8. Kb4 Rd4+ 9. Kb3 Rd3+ 10. Kc2 Rd4 {!} 11. c8=R {!} ( 11. c8=Q {then after %05An unexpected attempt to play for a stalemate. If White promotes to a queen,} Rc4+ {!} 12. Qxc4 {it is stalemate}) (11. Kc3 { there follows %05while on} Rd1) 11... Ra4 12. Kb3 {!$18 , and due to the threat of mate Black loses his rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hortov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K2b4/8/8/p7/3p4/8/3k4/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If the rook has to battle on its own against the bishop and the pawns, a draw is possible only in exceptional cases, two of which we now give. %212045826630=4HLJ951} 1. Rh5 {! , threatening to win a pawn. %05The correct move is} (1. Kb7 {%05White's king is a long way from the pawns, and the attempt to bring it into play does not succeed:} Be7 2. Ka6 Bb4 3. Kb5 d3 4. Kc4 Kc2 {, and Black wins.}) 1... d3 2. Rd5 a4 {! (an unexpected possibility; sacrificing his bishop, Black acquires two dangerous pawns)} 3. Rxd8 a3 4. Rd4 {! An exceptional reply!} (4. Kb7 {? %05All other moves lose, e.g.} Kc2 5. Rc8+ Kb2 6. Rd8 a2 $19) (4. Rd7 {%05or} Kc3 5. Rc7+ Kb4 6. Rb7+ Kc5 7. Rc7+ Kb6 8. Rb7+ Kc6 9. Rb1 a2 10. Ra1 d2 11. Ka7 Kb5 {, and by returning his king to the pawns, Black wins.}) 4... Kc3 5. Ra4 {!} Kb3 6. Rd4 Kc2 7. Rc4+ Kb2 8. Rb4+ Kc3 9. Ra4 {%04etc. =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Daniel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k1K/8/4R3/4p3/pb6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ951} 1. Rxe4 {! %05Black is indirectly defending his e-pawn (1. Re4 Bc2), and the a-pawn is threatening to %05queen. And yet White can save the game, thanks to... position of his king.} (1. Ra5 {, then %05If} a2 { followed by ... e3-e2 etc.}) 1... Bc2 2. Kh8 {! (playing for stalemate, but Black tries a new chance)} a2 3. Re1 Bb1 {Black has blocked the rank, and the game seems to be over, but White finds a new resource -} 4. Re5 {!! , enabling him to switch the rook to the a-file, since} a1=Q {gives stalemate} (4... a1=R {, with the threat of mate, there follows %05and on} 5. Ra5 {=}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kivi"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6P1/3B2k1/8/2r3P1/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ953 ~14.3 Doubled pawns.~ With doubled pawns the winning chances are markedly reduced, and the normal result is a draw. A win with the bishop is possible only if at least one of the pawns is close to the queening square, and if the opposing king cannot take any effective part in the play. The following example is typical.} 1. g7 {%05Black's plan - to give up his rook for one pawn and win the other with his king - proves to be unrealizable after} Rc8 2. g4 {!! White first attains an equilibrium position, in which the opponent's pieces are unable to do anything, and then he brings his king up and wins. But the play is highly interesting and full of subtleties. A possible variation is:} (2. Be6 {? %05It should be noted that 2. g4 was the only move to win. After} Ra8+ 3. Kb2 Kf6 {!} 4. g8=Q Rxg8 5. Bxg8 Kf5 {! and 6. .. Kg4 Black would have gained a draw.}) 2... Rb8 3. Be6 Kh4 4. Ka2 Kg5 5. Ka3 Kf4 6. Ka4 Kg5 7. Ka5 Kf4 8. Ka6 Kg5 9. Ka7 Re8 {!} 10. Bf7 {!} Rd8 {!} 11. Kb6 {!!} (11. Kb7 {, then %05Avoiding a trap. If} Kh6 {!} 12. g8=Q Rd7+ {, when capturing the rook gives stalemate.}) 11... Rb8+ (11... Kh6 {is met by %05But now} 12. g8=Q) (11... Kxg4 {%04by %05and} 12. Kc7 {!} Ra8 13. Be6+ Kg5 14. Bc8 {!} Ra7+ 15. Bb7 {, when the pawn queens.}) 12. Kc7 Ra8 13. Kd6 Kxg4 {!} 14. Bd5 {! , and we reach the won position ~3($402902)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V. & M."] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K6k/8/3p4/8/8/2R5/3p4/3b4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] {The following is an interesting study.} 1. Rh3+ {! %05White's position looks hopeless in view of the threat of 1... Bf3 and 2... d1Q. But there is a saving possibility!} Kg7 2. Rg3+ Kh6 {Black has to play this against his will. If his king stands on the f-file, 3. Rd3 becomes possible, since after 3... Bf3 the bishop is captured with check, while after 2... Kh7 White continues checking.} 3. Rd3 Bf3+ 4. Ka7 {!} d1=Q 5. Rxd6+ {!} Qxd6 {- stalemate!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kakovin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/k1P5/P7/3P4/8/8/8/B2r4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {~14.4 Three pawns~. Here things are even more difficult for the rook. For illustrating purposes we give a few examples, showing certain plans for realizing the advantage with this balance of forces. We will first consider an instance where one of the pawns in on the threshold of queening, and the rook is unable to stop it. %212045826630=4HLJ955} 1. Kd7 Rxd5+ 2. Kc6 {!} (2. Ke8 { %05but not} Rc5 3. Bd4 Ka8 {! , when Black draws}) 2... Rd2 3. Bd4+ {!!} Rxd4 4. Kb5 Rd5+ (4... Rd8 {, then not %05If Black plays for stalemate by} 5. cxd8=Q (5. cxd8=N {! , winning %05but})) 5. Kb4 Rd4+ 6. Kb3 Rd3+ 7. Kc2 {, and the pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/1P1P2P1/6k1/8/8/8/4B3/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {White succeeds in blocking out the rook in the following study.} 1. Ba6 { ! (threatening 2. b8 and 3. Bc8)} Rb8 2. g8=Q+ Rxg8 3. b8=Q Rxb8 4. Bc8 { , and the pawn queens.} * [Event "Graz (Austria)"] [Site "Graz (Austria)"] [Date "1890.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wittek Alexander (YUG)"] [Black "Schwarz"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3BkP2/1K2P3/8/P6r/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1890.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ929 %212045826630=4HLJ955 The following position shows a typical way of winning with three passed pawns.} 1... Rb3+ {%05The pawns are securely defended by the bishop. Although two of them are blockaded by the enemy king, it is possible to queen the a-pawn.} 2. Kc4 Rb1 3. a4 Ra1 4. Kb3 Rb1+ 5. Ka2 Rb7 6. Ka3 Rb1 7. a5 Ra1+ 8. Kb4 Rb1+ 9. Kc5 Ra1 10. Kb6 (10. Kb5 Rb1+ 11. Bb4 {! would have been simpler:} Kxe5 (11... Rf1 12. a6 Kxe5 13. a7 Ra1 14. f7 $18) (11... Ra1 12. a6 Ra2 13. Ba5 Rb2+ 14. Kc6 Rb8 15. Bc7 $18 {, and for the a-pawn Black has to give up his rook.}) 12. f7 Rf1 13. f8=Q $18) 10... Rb1+ 11. Kc6 Ra1 ( 11... Rc1+ 12. Kb7 Rb1+ 13. Kc8 Ra1 14. Bc7 $18 {reduces in the end to the game continuation.}) 12. Bc7 {!} Rc1+ 13. Kb7 Kd7 (13... Rb1+ {, then %05If} 14. Bb6 {!} Kxe5 15. a6 Ke6 (15... Kxf6 16. a7 Ra1 17. Bd4+) 16. a7 Ra1 17. Bd4 Ra2 18. a8=Q $18 {, and White wins.}) 14. Bb6 Ke6 15. a6 Kxe5 16. a7 Ra1 17. f7 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1875.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Schiffers Emanuel S (RUS)"] [Black "Asharin Andrey (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3r4/4k3/2B1P3/3P3K/8/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1875.??.??"] {And now an example where a draw can be achieved. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ929 %212045826630=4HLJ955} 1... Rd5 { %05For the moment the white king is a long way from the pawns. Thanks to the fact that one %05of the pawns is a rook's pawn whose queening square is inaccessible to the bishop, %05Black is able to draw by sacrificing his rook for the other two pawns.} 2. a4 Rxe5 {!} 3. dxe5 Kxe5 4. a5 Kd5 5. a6 Kc6 6. Kg5 Kc7 7. Ba7 Kc6 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5bk1/1R5p/5P2/6K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] {~15 ROOK AND PAWN AGAINST BISHOP AND PAWN~ In endings of this type the chances of the two sides depend in the first instance on whether or not the pawns are passed. Therefore it will be expedient to divide the examples into two groups. ~15.1 The pawns are passed~ A rook is superior to a bishop in stopping a passed pawn, and therefore usually the advantage will obviously be on the side of the rook, and only in the most exceptional cases on the side of the bishop. Here is an example of how to realize the advantage with rook against bishop. %212045826630=4HLJ957} 1. Kf3 {%05White carries out a typical plan: he first pushes back the opposing king, and then advances his pawn to the queening square. The black pawn is not dangerous, and its advance is easily neutralized by the rook.^013^010 A possible variation is:} Be7 2. Ke4 Bf6 3. Rb6 (3. f5+ {%05This is much simpler than} Kg5 4. Rb8 Bc3 5. Rg8+ Kf6 { , when, even after winning the pawn, White still has a lot of work to do before he can win the game.}) 3... h4 4. Ra6 Kf7 (4... h3 {, then %05If} 5. Ra3 h2 6. Rh3) (4... Kg7 {there can follow %05while on} 5. Kf5 Bd8 6. Ra7+ Kh6 7. Ra8 Be7 8. Re8 {, winning the pawn.}) 5. Kf5 Bd8 6. Ra7+ Be7 7. Rb7 Kf8 8. Ke6 Bc5 9. f5 Kg8 10. f6 h3 11. Rb3 h2 12. Rg3+ {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/2p4R/2Kb2P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] 1. Kd3 Bf2 2. Rd5 Bd4 3. Ke4 Bg1 4. Kf4 Bh2+ 5. Kf3 Bg1 6. g5 Kh5 (6... c4 { , then %05if} 7. Kg4 c3 8. Rd6+ Kf7 9. Rd3 c2 10. Rc3 {, winning the pawn}) 7. Kf4 c4 8. Rd1 Bc5 9. Kf5 Kh4 10. Rc1 {, and the goal is achieved. In these two examples White did not experience any difficulty, since the black pawn was a long way from the queening square, was not supported by the king, and hardly diverted White from his main task - that of advancing his own pawn. If the opposing pawn is close to the queening square, the win becomes more difficult. It is essential for this pawn to be neutralized.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1856.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chess Player's Chronicle"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K1k1/8/R2b1P2/8/8/p7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1856.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ957} 1. Ra7 {%05In this ending the rook usually has tasks - it has to %05support its own passed pawn, and stop the opposing %05pawn, and therefore the rook must occupy the most %05active position. Thus if here the rook was on the 1st %05rank, White would win easily by 1. Rg1, pushing back %05the enemy king and then advancing his pawn. Thus the %05rook has to be switched to the 1st rank, but how can %05this be done?^013^010 %05 The winning procedure is rather complicated. First the %05opponent must be given the move:} (1. Ra4 {or 1. Ra3 Black replies %05On} Bc4 {! or 1... Bb3!}) (1. Ra6 {, with the threat of Rg6-g1, there follows %05while on} Bf7 {!}) 1... Bg8 2. Ra8 {!} Bd5 3. Ra5 {!} Bg8 (3... Bf7 4. Ra6 Bc4 (4... Kg8 5. f6 Bd5 6. Ra3 Bb3 7. f7+ Bxf7 8. Rg3+ Kh7 9. Kxf7 $18) 5. Rg6+ Kh7 6. Rg1 Bd3 7. Rh1+ Kg8 8. f6 Bg6 9. f7+ Bxf7 10. Rg1+ $18) 4. Ra7 {!} Bd5 {! The only move.} (4... Bc4 {or 4... Bb3 is met by} 5. Ra4 {or 5. Ra3}) (4... Bf7 {there follows %05while on} 5. Ra6 {!} Bc4 6. Rg6+ Kh7 7. Rg1 Bd3 8. Rh1+ {!$18}) 5. Kd6+ Bf7 6. Ke5 Kh6 7. Kf6 { And now:} Bg8 {%05a:)} (7... Bd5 {%05b:)} 8. Ra3 Bb3 9. Ra8 Kh7 (9... Bg8 { loses to} 10. Ke7 Bd5 11. Ra6+ Kh7 12. f6 Bc4 13. Ra5 Kg6 14. Ra4 {!}) 10. Ke7 Bd5 11. Ra6 {! , and so on as in variation "a)".}) (7... Bb3 {%05c:)} 8. Ke7 $18 {%04etc.}) 8. Ra8 Kh7 9. Ke7 Bd5 10. Ra6 {!} Bc4 (10... Kg7 {%05If} 11. Rg6+ Kh7 12. Rg1 Be4 13. Kf7 $18 {!}) (10... Bg8 {%05or} 11. f6 Bc4 12. Ra7 Kg6 13. Ra4 $18 {!}) 11. Ra7 {! Black is in zugzwang, and is unable to prevent the switching of the rook.} Bb3 {is met by} (11... Kg7 {%04by} 12. f6+ Kg6 13. Ra4 $18 {!}) (11... Bg8 {%04by %05and} 12. Kf8+ Kh8 13. f6 $18) 12. f6 Kg6 13. Ra3 $18 {!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/7R/6P1/4p3/4Kb2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kf3 {%05White is markedly restricted by the pawn at e3. Nevertheless, Chekhover thought that, by exploiting certain features of the position by rook manoeuvres, White could win. For example:} Bg1 2. Rd5 (2. Re5 {%05 White could have attempted to support his pawn in a %05rather different way. Let us return to the position after %05Black's 1st move. Here, instead of 2. Rd5, to be %05considered is} Kf6 {!} (2... Bf2 {, then %05if} 3. Kf4 {, winning}) 3. Re8 Kg5 4. Rg8+ Kf6 5. g5+ Kf7 {!} (5... Kf5 {%05Black has to defend accurately; after} 6. Rf8+ Kg6 7. Kg4 {White achieves his goal}) 6. Ra8 Bf2 {!} (6... Kg6 { , then %05if} 7. Kg4) 7. Ra4 {!} (7. Ra6 {%05nothing is achieved by} Bh4 8. g6+ Kg7 9. Kxe3 Bf6 {=}) 7... Kg6 8. Rg4 Be1 {(the simplest, although it demands exact calculation)} 9. Kxe3 Ba5 10. Rg2 (10. Rc4 Bd8 {%04etc.}) 10... Bd8 11. Kf4 Bc7+ {= with a draw, since White has no way of freeing himself.}) 2... Bf2 3. Rb5 Bg1 4. g5 Bf2 {! ^013^010 %05^013^010} (4... Kh5 {? according to Chekhover, there follows %05After} 5. Rd5 Bf2 6. Re5 Bg1 (6... Bh4 {, then %05If} 7. Kf4 e2 8. Rxe2 Bxg5+ 9. Kf5 {, and White wins, since the black king is badly placed}) 7. Re8 {(another tactical point - due to a check from the rear the pawn cannot be taken)} Bf2 8. Kf4 Kg6 9. Re6+ Kf7 10. Kf5 Bg1 11. g6+ Kg7 12. Re7+ {, and White wins. Chekhover - , 1962}) 5. Re5 Kh5 {! , not allowing the white king to reach g4.} (5... Bh4 {?} 6. Kg4 {, and if} e2 { , then} 7. Re6+ {and 8. Rxe2$18}) 6. Kf4 {he can now play} Bh4 {, when White is in zugzwang, and after} 7. Kf5 Bxg5 8. Re8 Kh4 {the draw is obvious.} * [Event "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Site "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kudriashov Anatoli (TKM)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/R7/p2P4/1b1K4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] {In this type of ending there are a number of positions in which it is not possible to realize the material advantage. We will acquaint the reader with the most typical. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ931 %212045826630=4HLJ957} 1. Kc4 {%05Black's pawn is very well placed: it enables him to keep his bishop on the important b4 square, as a result of which the white king has no way of occupying e5 or c5. All White's winning attempts proved fruitless:} Be1 2. Rb6 Bb4 3. Kd4 Be1 4. Rc6 Bf2+ 5. Ke5 Bg3+ 6. Kf5 Be1 7. Rb6 Bb4 8. Rh6 Bd2 9. Rh2 Bb4 10. Ke4 Kd6 11. Rh7 Bc3 12. Kd3 Be1 13. Kc4 Bb4 14. Rh6+ Kd7 15. Kd4 Be1 16. Re6 Bb4 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/R7/4P3/p3K3/1b6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1. Ra8+ {%05After} Ke7 2. Kd5 {Black is in zugzwang, and his bishop is forced to abandon the important a3-f8 diagonal. However, White is unable to take advantage of this. For example:} Bc3 3. Ra7+ Ke8 4. e7 Kf7 {!} 5. Kd6 Bb4+ 6. Kd7 Bxe7 {, with a draw. However, it can happen that, in the ending arising after the exchange of pawns, the rook gets the upper hand over the bishop.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/R7/6P1/6K1/8/p7/1b6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ957} 1. Ra8+ {%05Everything proceeds as in the previous position:} Kg7 2. Kf5 Bc1 3. Ra7+ Kg8 4. g7 Kh7 5. Kf6 Bb2+ 6. Kf7 Bxg7 7. Rxa3 {, but here White wins, since the black king is in the dangerous corner ~3 ($402879)~. Note that the black pawn could also have been at b4, c5 or d6. By employing the same procedure of creating a zugzwang position, White forces the exchange of pawns and transposes into a won ending with rook against bishop.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3B4/2Pk4/8/7p/3r4/7K/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {We know that a rook and rook's pawn do not always win against a bishop, and therefore such positions deserve special consideration.} 1... Rc3 {%05Black carries out a typical plan, then creates a zugzwang position, and forcing the exchange of pawns, obtains a won ending with the opposing king in the dangerous corner.} 2. Kg2 Ke5 3. Kh2 Kf4 4. Kg2 Rc2+ 5. Kh3 Kg5 6. Be8 Rc3+ 7. Kh2 h3 8. Bd7 Kh4 9. Bf5 (9. Be8 {, then %05there is nothing better; if} Rc2+ { and 10... Kg3}) 9... Rxc6 10. Bxh3 Rc2+ 11. Bg2 Rd2 12. Kg1 Kg3 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4B3/3Pk3/7p/4r3/7K/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {It is quite different matter if the corner is the safe, as in the following example. %212045826630=4HLJ957} 1... Rd4 2. Kg3 Kf5 3. Kh3 Rd3+ 4. Kh4 Kg6 5. Bf8 Rd4+ 6. Kh3 h4 7. Be7 Kh5 {Up to here events have developed as in the previous example, but here a highly significant difference comes to light:} 8. Bf6 {!} Rxd6 (8... Rd3+ {%05if} 9. Kg2 Kg4 {, then} 10. Be5) 9. Be5 {, and we reach the drawn position ~3($402932)~. But what if the bishop is on a less favourable diagonal? This case is seen in the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Novotelnov Nikolai (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/3P3B/1r5p/8/6K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "51"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] 1... Rb4 {! , when the threat of 2... Rg4 prevents 2. Bg5 %05The only correct move is} (1... Ke6 {or 1... Kg6 is wrong in view of %05It is clear that} 2. Bf8 {! , when the bishop reaches the vital h4-d8 diagonal.}) (1... Rd5 {in view of %05No better is} 2. Kh4 {!} Kg6 3. Bf8 {%04etc.}) 2. Kf3 Rd4 3. Bf4 {(the bishop has to occupy a less favourable diagonal)} Ke6 4. Ke3 Ra4 {!} 5. Kf3 (5. Bg3 {%05The advance of the h-pawn was now threatened:} h4 6. Bf4 Ra2 {, and the pawn cannot be stopped.}) 5... Ra3+ 6. Ke2 Rb3 {!} 7. Kf2 Kf5 8. Bg3 (8. Bh6 {%05But what if on the 8th move White had tried to switch his bishop to the d8-h4 diagonal? Let us see:} Kg4 9. Ke2 (9. Kg2 {%05Weaker is} Rd3 10. Bf8 Rd2+ 11. Kf1 Kf3 12. Ke1 (12. Kg1 Kg3 13. Kf1 Rf2+) 12... Rd4 13. Be7 Rd5 14. Bf8 h4 {, and wins.}) 9... Rb5 10. Bf8 (10. Ke3 {, then %05If} Rf5 11. Bg7 Rd5 12. Bf8 h4 13. Be7 h3 14. Kf2 h2 15. Kg2 Rd2+ 16. Kh1 Kh3 $19) 10... Re5+ 11. Kd3 h4 {(now that the opposing king is a long way from the pawn, it can be advanced)} 12. Kd4 Re8 13. Be7 (13. Bg7 {in view of %05No better is} Kf5 {!} 14. d7 Rd8 15. Ke3 Rxd7 {, when the bishop has no good retreat square. If, for example,} 16. Bh6 {, then} (16. Bc3 {%04even %05on} Rd3+ {! is possible}) (16. Bf8 {is met by %05and, finally} h3 17. Kf2 h2 18. Kg2 Rd2+ 19. Kh1 Kg4 $19) 16... h3 17. Kf2 h2 18. Kg2 Rh7 $19) 13... h3 14. d7 Rg8 15. Bd6 Rd8 16. Ke3 Rxd7 17. Bh2 Rf7 {! (the remainder is simple, since the opposing king is cut off from the pawn)} 18. Ke2 Rf3 19. Ke1 Rg3 {!} 20. Kf1 Rg2 21. Bd6 Kf3 { , and Black wins.}) 8... Rd3 9. Bh2 (9. Kg2 Kg4 10. Be5 {simplifies things for Black:} Rd5 11. Bh2 Rd2+ 12. Kh1 Kf3 13. Be5 Rd5 14. Bh2 Rd1+ {%04etc.}) 9... Rh3 {!} 10. Kg2 Ra3 11. Kf2 Ke4 12. Bg3 Rd3 13. Kg2 (13. Bh2 {, then %05Having deployed his forces in the best way possible, Black is ready to continue the offensive. If now} Rd2+ 14. Ke1 (14. Kg1 Kf3 {is considered in the notes to White's 9th move}) 14... Rxh2 {!} 15. d7 Ke3 {, and wins.}) 13... Rd2+ 14. Kh3 Kf3 15. Kh4 Rd4+ 16. Kh3 Rd1 17. Be5 Rh1+ 18. Bh2 Kf2 {! (having created a zugzwang position, Black forces the opponent to advance his pawn)} 19. d7 Rd1 20. Kh4 Rxd7 21. Bf4 Kf3 22. Bh6 (22. Bg5 Rh7) 22... Rd5 23. Bg5 {White has merely gained a local success - he wins the pawn.} Ke4 {!} 24. Kxh5 Kf5 25. Kh4 Rd4+ 26. Kh5 Rd1 {, and Black wins. Thus the fact that White's bishop was on a less favourable diagonal led to his defeat, although the winning procedure demanded of Black considerable effort and great accuracy.} * [Event "Miskolc (Hungary)"] [Site "Miskolc (Hungary)"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tal Mikhail N (LAT)"] [Black "Lengyel Bela (HUN)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7p/7k/8/4B1K1/5P2/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ931 %212045826630=4HLJ957} 1. Kh3 {%05Here White's pawn is very well placed, defending his king against possible attacks from the flank. The position constitutes a fortress, of which the black pieces are unable to take possession.} Rg1 (1... Ra4 {%05Note that Black would not have achieved anything by advancing the pawn, e.g.} 2. Kg3 Kg6 3. Kh3 h5 4. Kg3 h4+ 5. Kh3 Kh5 6. Bb6 Ra3+ 7. Be3 Rb3 8. Kg2 Kg4 9. Bc5 h3+ 10. Kh2 Rb7 11. Be3 Kf3 12. Bc5 Rg7 13. Be3 Rg6 14. Bd4 {= , and Black's initiative comes to nothing.}) 2. Kh2 Rg8 3. Kh3 Rg6 4. Bf4 Rc6 5. Be3 Rc4 6. Kg3 Ra4 7. Kh3 Ra1 8. Kg3 Rg1+ 9. Kh3 Rg6 10. Bf4 Rg8 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Larsen Bent (DEN)"] [Black "Olafsson Fridrik (ISL)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/8/4k2P/4p1B1/6K1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ931 %212045826630=4HLJ957 We will now examine a few examples in which the king of the side with the bishop is fairly active, and is supporting its own pawn.} 1... Rg8 {%05Here it is only the proximity to the edge of the board that enables Black to win, since the white king becomes trapped.} 2. Kh5 Kf5 3. Bh4 Rh8 {! (Black switches his rook to a favourable position on the 7th rank)} 4. Bg5 Rh7 5. Be3 Rb7 {In the game Black made several waiting moves, but we will omit them.} 6. Bg5 e4 7. Be3 (7. Bd2 Rb2 $19) (7. Bc1 Rb1 $19 {comes to the same thing;}) 7... Rb3 {!} 8. Bg5 (8. h7 {%05 now White loses after} Rxe3 9. Kh4 Re1 $19) 8... Rh3+ 9. Bh4 e3 {!!} 10. h7 e2 11. h8=Q {White would appear to have been successful, since he has been the first to queen. But after} Rxh4+ {! he had to resign, since} 12. Kxh4 e1=Q+ 13. Kh3 Qh1+ $19 {leads to the loss of his queen.} 0-1 [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vidmar Milan Sr (YUG)"] [Black "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1R6/3p4/1P1k1K2/1b6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "49"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ931 %212045826630=4HLJ957} 1. Rc6 {! , cutting off the opposing king from the passed pawn. %05 Had it been Black's move, he would have drawn by 1... Ba4 followed by 2... Kc4 and 3... Bb5, immediately eliminating "enemy No.1" - the white pawn.^013^010 But it was White's move, and he played} (1. b5 {? would not have won, in view of %05It should be noted that} Kc5 2. Rb8 Bc4 3. b6 Kc6 { = followed by 4... Ba6 and 5... Bb7, eliminating the pawn.}) 1... Bc4 2. Kf3 { ! Another good move.} (2. Kf5 {, Black loses after %05If} Kc3 {?} (2... Kd3 { ! , with a draw after %05but possible is} 3. Ke5 {%05or} d4 (3... Kc3 4. b5 d4 5. b6 d3 6. b7 d2 7. b8=Q d1=Q {=}) 4. Rc8 (4. Rd6 Kc3 {=}) 4... Kc3 5. b5 d3 6. b6 d2 {=}) 3. b5 d4 4. b6 d3 5. Rd6 d2 (5... Ba6 6. Ke4) 6. Ke4 Ba6 7. Ke3 Kc4 8. Rxd2 Kc5 9. Rb2 $18 {, when White wins by taking his king to a5}) 2... Kd3 (2... Kc3 {? is decisively met by %05The move in the game has aim of not allowing the black pawn to advance, since} 3. b5 d4 (3... Kb4 4. b6) 4. b6 d3 5. Rxc4+ Kxc4 6. b7 d2 7. Ke2 $18) 3. Kf2 Kd4 (3... Kd2 {loses to %05Black is forced to wait passively for what White will undertake.} 4. Rc5 Kd3 5. b5 Kd4 6. b6 $18) 4. Ke1 Bb5 (4... Kd3 {, then %05if} 5. Kd1 Bb3+ 6. Kc1 Bc4 7. Kb2 $18 {, and for the b-pawn Black will be forced to give up his bishop}) 5. Rc5 Be8 6. Kd2 Ba4 7. Kc1 Be8 8. Kb2 Ba4 9. Ka3 Be8 10. Kb3 {White's king has come to the aid of his pawn, and the rest does not present any difficulty. The black pieces are gradually pushed back, and then the b-pawn begin advancing.} Bd7 11. Rc1 Bb5 12. Rd1+ Ke5 13. Kc3 Bd7 14. Ra1 (14. Re1+ {%05but simpler was} Kd6 15. Kd4 {! , and if} Kc6 {, then} 16. Re5 $18) 14... Bb5 (14... d4+ { , on which there follows %05White is not afraid of} 15. Kc4 Be6+ 16. Kc5 $18) 15. Ra5 Bf1 16. Rc5 Kd6 (16... Ke4 {is met by} 17. b5 d4+ 18. Kd2) 17. Kd4 Ba6 18. b5 {(the simplest)} Bb7 19. Rc1 Ba8 20. Rg1 Kc7 21. Kc5 Bb7 22. Rg7+ Kb8 23. Kb6 Bc8 24. Rg8 d4 25. Kc6 $18 {, and Black terminated his resistance.} 1-0 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1R6/2p5/P1k5/2b2K2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ931 %212045826630=4HLJ957} 1... Kd3 {! %05The position resembled the previous one somewhat, except that it has been moved one file to the left. The fact that White's passed pawn is on the rook's file reduces his chances, and Black is able to draw.} 2. Rd6+ (2. Rb3 Kc4 {leads only to a draw:} 3. Rxc3+ (3. Ra3 Ba5 4. Ke4 Kb4 5. Ra1 c4 6. Kd4 c3 7. Rb1+ Ka3 {!} 8. Kd3 c2 {=}) 3... Kxc3 4. a5 c4 5. a6 Kb2 6. a7 c3 7. a8=Q c2 {=}) 2... Kc4 {!} (2... Bd4 {%05but not} 3. a5 c4 4. a6 c3 5. a7 c2 6. a8=Q c1=Q 7. Qe4+ $18 {, when White wins}) 3. Ke4 Kb4 4. Kd5 {!} Bd4 (4... Kxa4 {loses to} 5. Kc4 {! , when the black king is in a mating net.}) 5. Ra6 Bg1 6. a5 Bd4 7. Ra8 Kb5 8. a6 Kb6 9. Kc4 Ba1 {?} (9... Bf2 {or 9... Be3 %05Both sides make mistakes in turn. Instead of 9... Ba1?, correct was}) 10. Re8 {?} (10. Rb8+ {! %05since now White could have won by} Ka7 11. Rd8 Bd4 12. Kb5 Be3 13. Rd7+ {and 14. a7$18}) 10... Bd4 11. Re6+ Ka7 12. Kd5 (12. Kb5 {, then of course %05If} c4 {! with a draw ~3 ($412929).~}) 12... Bg1 13. Rg6 Bf2 {= Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gufeld Eduard (USA)"] [Black "Bagirov Vladimir (LAT)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/6B1/8/2p5/8/5K2/5P2/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ931 %212045826630=4HLJ957} 1. Ke4 {! , bringing his king nearer to the opponent's pawn. %05 Here the distance between the pawns is two files, and therefore Black to move would win easily by cutting off the opposing king to the maximum extent. Possible, for example, is the following continuation: 1... Re1! 2. Bc3 Re6 3. Kf4 (3. Bd2 c4 4. Be3 c3 5. Ke2 Rd6) 3... c4 4. Kf5 Ke7 5. f4 Re3 6. Bd4 Rh3, and the pawn queens.^013^010 But in the game it was White to move, and he of course played} Rd1 (1... Kc7 {'queen's side'Moving the king to the Q-side, to support the pawn, promises little:} 2. Kd5 Kb6 3. f4 Rd1+ 4. Ke6 c4 5. f5 {, and White's pawn is no less dangerous than Black's.}) 2. Bf8 c4 3. Bb4 Kd7 4. f4 Rd3 {! , for the moment not allowing the bishop to go to c3. But even then, as the variations given by him show, after %05It was shown by Henkin that this move somewhat simplifies White's task. More accurate was} ( 4... Rc1 {The game in fact continued:} 5. Kd4 Kc6 6. Bc3 Kb5 7. f5 Rd1+ 8. Ke4 Kc5 9. f6 Kd6 10. Be5+ Ke6 11. Bc3 Rd3 12. Ba1 {! (the bishop is firmly established on the long diagonal, and cannot be driven off it)} Kf7 13. Bb2 ( 13. Bd4 {or 13. Be5 in view of %05Of course, not} Rh3 {, when the black pawn queens.}) 13... Kg8 14. Ba1 Kf8 15. Bb2 {= , and the game ended in a draw.}) 5. f5 {White would have been able to hold the draw. Black has two active possibilities: he can either take his king up to the opposing pawn, or he can go to the support of his own:} Ke8 (5... Kd8 {(Black tries to prepare the advance of his king to his own pawn)} 6. Be1 Ke7 7. Ba5 Kd6 8. Bb4+ Kd7 9. Ba5 Kc6 10. Bd8 Rh3 (10... Kb5 {, then %05if} 11. f6 {=}) 11. f6 {!} Kd6 12. Kd4 { = , with a draw.}) 6. Ba5 Kf7 7. Be1 Kg7 8. Ba5 Kf6 9. Be1 Kg5 10. Bb4 Rh3 ( 10... Rd7 11. Bc3 {=}) 11. Kd4 Rh4+ 12. Kc5 {A typical defensive manoeuvre, which we have already seen several times. Now White succeeds in eliminating the opposing pawn.} Kxf5 13. Bc3 {= , with a draw, since there is no way of preventing 14. Bd4 and 15. Kc4.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1919.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/7k/3P4/8/8/p2K4/2B5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1919.??.??"] {Here are two further examples, where clever play enables the dangerous opposing passed pawn to be eliminated, and a draw obtained. %212045826630=4HLJ957} 1. d7 {! %05At the first sight there seems no way of stopping the black pawn, but there follows} a2 (1... Kg7 {, then %05If} 2. Bb3 {!} Kf6 3. Kc2 Ke7 4. Kb1 Kxd7 5. Ka2 {, with a theoretical draw ~3($402929)~.} ) 2. d8=Q {!} Rxd8+ 3. Kc3+ Kg7 4. Kb2 Rd2 5. Ka1 {! , and the situation is clarified.} Rxc2 {leads to stalemate, while otherwise White plays 6. Bb3, winning the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1903.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Holzhausen Walther (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4B3/8/k7/P7/8/8/3r3p/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1903.??.??"] 1. Bf7 {! %05White has only one saving continuation:} (1. Bc6 {? , then after %05In order to eliminate the black pawn, the bishop must reach g2. But if} Rd6 {! and 2... Rh6 Black defends his pawn from the rear, and wins.}) (1. Bg6 { or 1. Bh5 there again follows %05On} Rd6 {!}) (1. Bh5 Rd6 {!} 2. Be2+ Kxa5 { , and} 3. Kxh2 {fails to} Rd2 {, winning the bishop.}) 1... Kxa5 (1... Rd7 { , then %05if} 2. Bc4+ {and 3. Kh2}) 2. Be6 {!} Rd6 3. Bh3 {!} Rd2 4. Bg2 { , and White has carried out his plan. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p4r/1P6/1B3k2/8/K7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {If the pawn of the side with the bishop is one step away from queening, and the opponent's pieces are badly placed, it may even prove possible to win with the bishop. Here we will consider a few such examples. %212045826630=4HLJ957} 1. b7 {%05The unfortunate position of the enemy king allows White after} Rh3+ { ! %05 and therefore Black replies} (1... Rh8 2. Bd7+ Ke5 3. Bc8 {to queen his pawn,}) 2. Ka2 {!! Only this wins.} (2. Ka4 {?} Rh8 3. Bd7+ Ke5 4. Bc8 Rh1 {! = }) (2. Kb2 {%05and} Rh8 3. Bd7+ Ke5 4. Bc8 Rh6 {! allow Black to draw.}) 2... Rh2+ 3. Ka1 Rh1+ 4. Bf1 {!} Rxf1+ (4... Rh8 {also loses after} 5. Bh3+ {!} Ke5 6. Bc8 Rh1+ 7. Ka2 {!} Rh2+ 8. Ka3 {, when the checks come to an end}) 5. Kb2 Rf2+ 6. Kc3 Rf3+ 7. Kc4 Rf4+ 8. Kc5 {, and the pawn cannot be stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/5p2/1B5K/8/8/2kr4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] 1. Bd6 {! %05White has the decisive} (1. Bc5 {%05after} Rd8 2. Bf8 Rd4+ { and 3... Rg4 Black gains a draw}) 1... Rh1+ (1... Rd4+ {%05whereas now} 2. Kh5 Rg4 {loses to} 3. Bf4+ Kc2 4. Bg5 $18) 2. Bh2 {!} Rxh2+ 3. Kg3 Rh1 4. Kf2 Rh2+ 5. Kf3 {!} (5. Kg1 {%05A draw results from} Rh4 6. g8=Q Rg4+ {, so White must first eliminate the black pawn.}) 5... Rh3+ 6. Kf4 Rh4+ 7. Kxf5 Rh5+ 8. Kf4 { , and White wins by penetrating with his king to g2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/1P6/2p5/6r1/7k/5B2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Bd5 {! %05After} Rh5 2. Kf8 cxd5 (2... Rh8+ 3. Bg8) 3. Kg7 {Black cannot stop the pawn, e.g.} Rg5+ 4. Kf7 Rf5+ 5. Ke7 Re5+ 6. Kd7 $18 * [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Black "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/8/8/6p1/6P1/3k1K2/8/2B5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ931 %212045826630=4HLJ959 ~15.2 The pawns are not passed~ If the pawns are not passed, there are three cases when it is possible to with rook against bishop: ~2 1) When the enemy pawn can be captured, and a won ending obtained. ~ ~2 2) When a mating net can be created around the opposing king. ~ ~2 3) When the bishop can be won. We will first examine a basic drawn position, which is characteristic of this type of ending. ~} 1... Kd4 {%05Black nevertheless attempted to play for a win:} (1... Kc2 {can be met by %05 Black is tied to the defence of his pawn, which prevents him from attacking the white king with both pieces. He could win if he were able to reach h4 with his king, but this cannot be done, since} 2. Bxg5 {!} Rxg5 3. Kf4 Rg8 4. g5 Kd3 5. Kf5 Kd4 6. g6 Kd5 7. Kf6 Kd6 8. Kf7 {= , with a draw.}) 2. Bd2 Ke5 3. Be3 Kf6 4. Bd4+ Kg6 5. Be3 (5. Be5 {%05 But in fact White could have defended differently - instead of 5. Be3, no worse was} Rc8 6. Bg3 {= , when, as the reader can check for himself, Black is powerless to take the resulting fortress by storm.}) 5... Rb8 {For the moment he defends the pawn with his king, and tries to improve the position of his rook.} 6. Bd2 Rb5 7. Ke4 Kf6 8. Bc3+ Ke6 9. Bd2 Kd6 10. Be3 Kc6 11. Bd2 Kb6 12. Be3+ Ka5 13. Bd2+ Ka4 14. Be3 Kb3 15. Bc1 Kc2 {Black seems to have achieved some success, but White again exploits the remote position of the opposing king, and after} 16. Bxg5 {!} Rxg5 17. Kf4 {= the familiar drawn ending with pawn against rook is again reached. The impression might be gained that Black was unable to create any serious threats, only because one of his pieces was tied to defending his pawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/4p3/3bP3/3K3R/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {If, with blocked pawns, the bishop is unable to attack the opposing pawn, this significantly increases the winning chances, since both pieces - king and rook - are able to take part is the attack. Here is a typical position, where it is possible to win with rook against bishop.} 1. Kc4 Kd6 2. Rh6+ Kd7 3. Kd5 Ke7 4. Rh7+ {White's plan is to drive back the opposing king, and then, by giving up his rook for bishop and pawn, obtain a won pawn ending.} Kf6 (4... Ke8 {, then %05If} 5. Ke6 Kf8 6. Rh8+ Kg7 7. Rb8 {!} Bc3 8. Ke7 Bd4 9. Rb1 Bc5+ (9... Be3 10. Rf1 Bf4 11. Rg1+ {, pushing the king back still further}) 10. Ke6 Bd4 11. Rf1 {followed by 12. Rf5 and 13. Re5}) 5. Kd6 Bc3 6. Rb7 {!} Bd4 (6... Bd2 {is met by} 7. Rb8 Bf4 8. Rf8+) 7. Rb3 Kf7 8. Kd7 Kf6 9. Rf3+ Kg6 10. Ke6 { followed by 11. Rf5 and 12. Re5$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Enevoldsen Jens (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4k3/4p3/3bP3/3K3R/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {It is clear that the position obtained by moving example ~3( 2986)~ one rank up the board will be easily won for white, since after driving away the opposing king he can dive up his rook for bishop and pawn. Of interest to us will be positions obtained by moving example ~3( 2986)~ one or two ranks down the board, since in his case it is more difficult to drive the black king to the edge of the board. %212045826630=4HLJ959} 1. Kc3 {%05Here, up to a certain point, the driving-back procedure is similar to that in the previous example:} Kd5 2. Rh5+ Kd6 3. Kd4 Ke6 4. Rh6+ Kf5 (4... Ke7 {, there could have followed %05If instead of 4... Kf5 Black had replied} 5. Ke5 Kd7 6. Rd6+ Ke7 7. Rd4 Bc2 8. Rc4 Bd3 9. Rc7+ Kd8 10. Kd6 {, when White wins as already examined.}) 5. Rb6 Bc2 6. Kd5 Bd3 7. Rb2 Kf6 8. Kd6 Kf7 9. Rf2+ Ke8 10. Rf5 Bc2 11. Rc5 Bb1 12. Rc7 Bd3 13. Re7+ Kd8 (13... Kf8 {%05Nothing is changed by} 14. Ke6 Bc4+ 15. Kf6 Bd3 16. Re5 {!} Kg8 (16... Bc2 17. Rc5) (16... Bb1 {%05or} 17. Rb5) 17. Re8+ Kh7 18. Rf8 {, and White wins after 19. Ke5 20. Rf4 and 21. Re4.}) 14. Re5 {!} Bc2 15. Rb5 {!} Ke8 16. Ke6 Kd8 (16... Kf8 17. Rf5+ Ke8 18. Rc5 {! comes to the same thing}) 17. Rd5+ Ke8 18. Rc5 Bb3+ 19. Ke5 {, and White wins the pawn, and with it the game.} * [Event "Munich (Germany)"] [Site "Munich (Germany)"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rohacek Ivan V (CZE)"] [Black "Stoltz Gosta (SWE)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/1R6/4K3/8/5p2/4bP2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ931 %212045826630=4HLJ959 This example shows that there also other ways of driving back the king.} 1. Rf7+ Ke8 2. Rf5 {!} Bd2 3. Kf6 (3. Rc5 {%05as we know,} Kf8 4. Kf6 Ke8 5. Re5+ Kf8 6. Rd5 $18 {also wins.}) 3... Kf8 (3... Bc3+ {%05or} 4. Kg6 Bd2 5. Kg7 Bc3+ 6. Kg8 {!} Bd2 7. Re5+ $18 {, and the king is pushed back}) 4. Rc5 Kg8 5. Rc8+ Kh7 6. Kf7 $18 {, and Black resigned, since after 7. Rg8 his king is pushed back, and White wins without difficulty.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Enevoldsen Jens (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4k3/4p3/3bP3/3K3R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Kc2 {%05To win White must drive the black king back to the 8th rank, after which he can give up his rook for bishop and pawn. The driving-back procedure is the same as in the preceding examples.} Kd4 2. Rh4+ Kd5 3. Kd3 Ke5 4. Rh5+ Ke6 (4... Kf4 {%05after} 5. Rc5 Kg4 6. Ke4 {Black can resign}) 5. Ke4 Kd6 6. Rd5+ Ke6 7. Rc5 Kd6 8. Rc4 {!} Ke6 9. Rc6+ Kd7 10. Kd5 Ke7 11. Re6+ Kf7 12. Re4 {!} Bc1 13. Rb4 Ke7 14. Ke5 Kd7 15. Rd4+ Ke7 16. Rc4 {!} Bd2 17. Rc7+ Kd8 18. Rh7 Bc1 19. Ke4 Bd2 20. Rh3 {and 21. Re3.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Enevoldsen Jens (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/3B4/8/6p1/3k2P1/5K2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {The special features of such endings, when the pawns are on the knight's file, are shown by the following examples.} 1... Ra3+ 2. Kg2 Ke4 3. Bf5+ Kf4 4. Be6 Rd3 5. Bf5 Rd2+ 6. Kh3 (6. Kg1 {, then %05if} Kg3 7. Kf1 Rf2+ 8. Kg1 Rf4 { ! %04etc.}) 6... Kf3 {!} 7. Be6 Rd6 8. Bf7 Rh6+ 9. Bh5 Kf2 10. Kh2 Rxh5+ {!} 11. gxh5 g4 12. h6 g3+ 13. Kh3 g2 14. h7 g1=Q 15. h8=Q Qg3# {mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Enevoldsen Jens (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Bp1/6P1/r7/5k2/7K/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1... Rh5+ 2. Kg2 Rh6 3. Be8 Rh8 4. Bf7 Rh5 5. Be8 Re5 {! The rook manoeuvres have the aim of keeping the white king away from the best square h3.} 6. Bf7 Re3 7. Kf2 Rf3+ 8. Kg2 Rg3+ 9. Kf2 Re3 10. Kg2 (10. Bd5 {is met by} Rd3) (10. Ba2 {%04by %05and} Rf3+) 10... Kg4 11. Kf2 Rf3+ 12. Kg2 Rf6 {!} 13. Be8 Rd6 {!} 14. Kf2 Rd2+ 15. Ke3 Rb2 16. Bf7 Kg3 {, followed by 17... Rf2 and 18... Rf6, when Black can exchange his rook for the bishop and pawn.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Romanovsky Peter A (RUS)"] [Black "Rabinovich Ilya L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/8/3r2PK/5k2/8/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ931 %212045826630=4HLJ959} 1. Kg5 {! %05Here White loses his pawn, but draws by threatening the enemy pawn.} Rxg4+ 2. Kf6 Rc4 {(3. Bg5 was threatened)} 3. Bh6 {!} (3. Bb2 {? %05If} Rc6+ {! %05would have lost to} (3... Rc2 {? %05but not} 4. Ba3 Rg2 5. Bc1 {=}) 4. Kg5 Rc2 5. Ba3 Rg2+ $19) 3... Kg4 (3... Rc6+ { is met by %05but now} 4. Kg5 {= , 5. Bg7 and 6. Bf6, eliminating the pawn.}) 4. Kxg6 Rc6+ 5. Kg7 Kf5 6. Be3 {= Drawn. The defence in such endings demands accuracy.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Black "Polugaevsky Lev A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/8/8/5p2/4k3/8/5P2/3B1K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ959} 1... Rd8 (1... f4 {allows %05To win, Black must succeed in advancing his pawn to f3, but the immediate} 2. Bc2+ Kf3 3. Bd1+ Ke4 4. Bc2+ Kd4 5. Ke2 {= with an immediate draw. Therefore he first attempts to^013^010 drive away the bishop.}) 2. Ba4 {? This loses in rather curious fashion.} (2. Be2 {? was also bad because of} f4 3. Kg2 Rg8+ 4. Kf1 f3 $19) (2. Bh5 {! , and if %05Correct was} Rh8 3. Bf7 {, since on} f4 {White draws by} 4. Kg2 f3+ 5. Kg3 Rh6 6. Be8 {=}) 2... Rc8 {! The bishop unexpectedly finds itself "off-side", and is unable to come to the aid of its king.} 3. Bd7 (3. Bb3 {%05there is nothing better; if} f4 4. Kg2 Rc7 $19 {, followed by 5... Rg7 and 6... f3}) 3... Rc5 {!} 4. Ke2 (4. Be8 {is met by %05Threatening 4... Kf3, and attacking the important h5 square in advance. Now} f4 5. Bg6+ Kf3 {, when there is no check at h5}) (4. Kg2 {there follows %05while on} f4 5. Bg4 Rg5 $19 ) 4... f4 5. Be8 f3+ 6. Kd2 Rd5+ 7. Kc2 Kf4 8. Bf7 Rg5 {The loss of the pawn is inevitable:} 9. Kd2 Rg2 10. Ke1 Rg1+ 11. Kd2 Rf1 $19 {, and therefore White resigned.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4pk2/8/r3BP2/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ959 The problems which have to be solved if the pawns are on adjacent files are shown by the following examples.} 1. Kf1 {! %05White saves the draw by transferring his king to g2:} (1. Bh5 {? in view of the same rook manoeuvre: %05White appears to be in more danger here than in the^013^010 %05previous example. The threat is 1... Ra1 2. Kd2 (2.^013^010 %05Bd1 e3) 2... Rh1 3. Bd1 (3. Bc4 Kf3) 3... Rh2 4.^013^010 %05Ke1 e3, when Black wins. No better, for example, is} Ra1+ 2. Ke2 Rh1 3. Be8 Rh2 4. Ke1 Kf3 $19) (1. Bd1 { %05Also bad is} e3) 1... Ra1+ 2. Kg2 Rb1 3. Bh5 {! Another precise move.} (3. Bc4 {loses to} Rb2 4. Kg1 Kf3) (3. Bf1 {%05and also inadequate is} Rb2 4. Kg1 e3 5. fxe3+ Kg3 {!} 6. e4 Rb1 7. e5 Re1 $19 {%04etc.}) 3... Re1 4. Be8 Re2 5. Kf1 Rd2 6. Bh5 {, with a draw. If this position is moved one file to the right, does this alter the evaluation?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Barcza Gedeon (HUN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/r7/5pk1/8/5BP1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ959} 1. Ke1 {! If now Black carries out his threat of attacking the pawn from the right - %05The only correct move is} (1. Kg1 { as in the previous example, then Black wins after %05The first impression is that White's position is even worse. If, for example,} Ra1+ 2. Kh2 Rc1 3. Bd4 Rc2 4. Kg1 Kg3 $19) (1. Be1 {loses to %05As before,} f3) 1... Ra1+ 2. Ke2 Rc1 { looks more dangerous, when White again has only one reply - %05The waiting move } (2... Rh1 {, then} 3. Be1 {!} Rh2 4. Kf1 {is possible, and if} f3 5. gxf3+ Kxf3 6. Kg1 Rg2+ 7. Kh1 {! , reaching the theoretical drawn position ~3 ($402878)~.}) 3. Kd2 {!} (3. Be1 {%05as before, bad is} Rc2+ 4. Kf1 f3) 3... Rh1 4. Ke2 Rh2 5. Kf1 f3 6. Kg1 {! This is the point! White exploits a study-like possibility, since the bishop's pawn and rook are unable to win against the bishop.} Rxg2+ 7. Kf1 {, and, with colours reversed, we have the drawn position ~3($402912)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6pk/8/1r4BP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. Bf1 {%05Here White has no useful moves:} (1. Be4 {%05or} Kh3 $19) (1. Kf1 { %05or, finally,} Ra2 2. Kg1 g3 $19) 1... g3 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2b5/6R1/7p/7k/5K2/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1. Rc6 (1. Ke4 {%05The first impression is that Black's position is hopeless, since his king is trapped. But after, for example,} Bg3 2. Kf5 Bf2 3. Kf4 Bg3+ {! it transpires that win is not so easy. The correct play involves a complete regrouping of the pieces.}) 1... Bb8 (1... Be5 {%05Black loses quickly after} 2. Rc4+ Kg5 3. Rc5 Kf5 4. g3 {, when the white king makes for the h-pawn via g2 and h3.}) 2. Rc4+ Kg5 3. Rd4 Bc7 (3... Ba7 {, then %05If} 4. Rd5+ Kg6 (4... Kh4 5. g3+) 5. g3 Bb8 6. Kg2 {, and the king goes to h4.}) (3... Bh2 {White wins by %05In the event of} 4. g3 Bg1 5. Rd5+ Kg6 6. Kf4 Bf2 (6... Bh2 {%05or} 7. Rd2 Bg1 8. Rd6+) 7. Rd6+ Kg7 8. Rd2 Be1 9. Re2 {and 10. Kg5.}) 4. g3 Bb8 5. Rd5+ Kg6 6. Kg2 {, and the king goes to h4, winning the h-pawn.} * [Event "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salwe Georg H S (POL)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/8/8/6Bp/4k2P/6K1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "47"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] 1... Rf7 {%05 Let us first see how the game proceeded. Endings with rook's pawns are the most difficult. The following is a classic example.^013^010 %05 Black succeeded in winning by driving the opponent's king away from the pawns, and on the basis of this result the position was considered to be a win. But in 1954 Baranov showed that White had not defended in the best way, and that against correct defence Rubinstein's plan - that of driving the opponent's king beyond the c-file - would have been unrealizable.^013^010 %05 The conclusion threw the theorists into confusion, since the position had to be considered drawn. And it was only in 1963 that Maizelis showed that Rubinstein's plan was altogether incorrect; the king should not be chased out of the corner, but, on the contrary, it should be squeezed onto the h-file.} ( 1... Kd3 {%05And now let us examine the winning procedure %05suggested by Maizelis} 2. Bf4 Ke2 3. Bg5 Rf3+ 4. Kg2 Ra3 5. Be7 Ra4 6. Bd8 Rg4+ 7. Kh3 Kf3 8. Bc7 Rg1 9. Bh2 (9. Kh2 Rf1 10. Bd8 Kg4 11. Kg2 Rf5 12. Bg5 Rf8 {!} 13. Bd2 Re8 14. Bg5 Re2+ 15. Kf1 Kf3 16. Kg1 Kg3 17. Kf1 Re8 {!$19 the pawn is lost.}) 9... Rf1 10. Bg3 Rh1+ 11. Bh2 Ke4 {!} 12. Kg2 Rd1 {! Black's plan is highly interesting. He carries out a regrouping of his forces, without allowing White's bishop onto the g5-d8 diagonal, and his king onto the e-file:} 13. Bg3 (13. Bc7 Rd7 {!} 14. Ba5 (14. Bb8 Kf5 15. Kf3 Rd3+ 16. Kg2 Kg4) 14... Kf4 15. Bc3 Kg4 16. Bf6 Rf7 17. Bd8 Rf5 18. Bg5 Rf8 $19 {, and then as in the variation after 9. Kh2.}) (13. Bg1 Kf4 {!} 14. Bc5 Kg4 15. Be7 Re1 16. Bg5 Re2+ $19 {%04etc.}) 13... Kf5 14. Kf3 Rd3+ 15. Kg2 Kg4 16. Be1 Rb3 17. Bf2 Rb2 18. Kf1 Kf3 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 2. Bh6 Rf3+ 3. Kg2 Rd3 4. Bg5 Kf5 5. Kf2 Kg4 6. Ke2 (6. Kg2 {%05The attempt to keep the king in the h1 corner does not work, e.g.:} Rc3 7. Kf2 Rc2+ 8. Kg1 Kg3 9. Kf1 Rc6 10. Kg1 Re6 11. Kf1 Re8 $19 { , and Black wins.}) 6... Rf3 7. Bh6 Kg3 8. Bg5 Rf8 9. Ke3 Re8+ 10. Kd3 Kf3 11. Kd4 Re6 (11... Re4+ {%05 The white king has been pushed back, but not far enough, and in the event of the sacrifice of rook for bishop and pawn it reaches f1 in time. For example:} 12. Kd3 Rg4 13. Kd2 Kg3 14. Ke1 Rxh4 15. Bxh4+ Kxh4 16. Kf1 {= To win, Black must drive the king either beyond the c-file, or above the 4th rank. He was able to do the latter, thanks to... active help by White.}) 12. Kd5 {? Baranov found that it was this move that was the cause of White's defeat. The king voluntarily moves further away from the f1 square. We will examine the correct continuation later, but for the moment will continue our analysis of the game.} (12. Kd3 {! , and if %05What then should White have played instead of 12. Kd5?^013^010 Baranov established that by} Rd6+ 13. Kc3 {, White could have maintained the balance.^013^010 Let us look at the resulting position ~3($402999)~.}) 12... Re4 13. Bf6 Kf4 14. Bd8 Kf5 15. Bg5 Rg4 {threatening, incidentally, 16... Rg5} 16. Be7 Rg7 17. Bf8 Rd7+ 18. Kc6 Rd4 19. Be7 Ke6 20. Kc5 {(otherwise 20... Rc4, when the king is cut off beyond the c-file)} Rd5+ 21. Kc4 Rf5 {!} 22. Bd8 Kd7 {! Now the bishop has to abandon the g5-d8 diagonal and after} 23. Bb6 (23. Bg5 Rxg5 $19) 23... Rf4+ 24. Kd3 Rxh4 $19 {Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3r4/6Bp/7P/2K2k2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%212045826630=4HLJ959} 1... Rd7 {%05 By correct defence White manages to avoid being driven any further away. He merely has to aim for the diagonal opposition of the kings. For example:} 2. Kc4 (2. Kc2 {%05Also possible is} Ke2 3. Kc3 {, but after} Rd3+ {it is essential to play} 4. Kc4 {=} (4. Kc2 {?} Rg3 5. Kb2 Kd1 {!})) 2... Ke4 3. Kc3 Rd3+ {, and here} 4. Kc2 {!= is the only move to draw} (4. Kc4 {%05whereas after} Rg3 5. Bf6 (5. Kb4 Rxg5 {!} 6. hxg5 Kf5 $19 ) 5... Rg6 6. Be7 Rc6+ $19 {the king pushed back beyond the c-file.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Enevoldsen Jens (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6Bp/6kP/r7/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {If the defender's pawn has not yet reached the 4th rank, the winning procedure is rather simple. %212045826630=4HLJ959} 1... Rf2+ {%05The king is driven away as follows:} 2. Ke1 (2. Kg1 {loses quickly to} Rf7 3. Be6 Re7) 2... Kg2 3. Bd7 Rf7 4. Bg4 Re7+ 5. Kd2 Kf2 6. Kd3 Re5 {! White is in zugzwang, and, in contrast to position ~3($412998)~, is unable to avoid being driven back:} 7. Bc8 Re3+ 8. Kd4 Kf3 9. Bd7 Kf4 10. Bg4 Rg3 11. Bd7 Rg7 12. Be6 Rg6 13. Bc8 Rd6+ 14. Kc5 Ke5 15. Bg4 Rd4 16. Bh5 Rd3 17. Bg4 Rc3+ 18. Kb4 {Now the white king is far enough away from the pawn, and after} Rc1 19. Kb3 Kf4 20. Kb2 Rh1 21. Kc2 Kg3 22. Kd2 Rxh3 {Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Enevoldsen Jens (DEN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pK2k3/P7/8/8/3R4/8/6b1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1. Kc6 Bb6 2. Rd7+ Ke8 (2... Ke6 {the king is driven back as in position 435: %05After} 3. Rb7 Be3 4. Rb2 Bg1 5. Re2+ Kf7 6. Kb7 Kf8 7. Ka8 Kf7 {(Black tries to keep the rook off the 7th rank)} 8. Rg2 {!} Be3 9. Rg3 {!} Bd4 10. Rd3 Bg1 11. Rd7+ Ke6 12. Rxa7 $18) 3. Kd6 Bc5+ 4. Ke6 Kf8 5. Rf7+ Kg8 6. Kf6 Bd4+ 7. Kg6 Bg1 {, and White wins, as in example 322, by} 8. Rf1 Bh2 9. Rf2 Bg3 10. Rg2 {%04etc.} * [Event "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Site "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Belov Lev A (RUS)"] [Black "Tatarintsev V A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5b2/8/5P2/p3R3/kp6/8/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ933 ~16 ROOK AND PAWN AGAINST BISHOP AND PAWNS~ In endings with rook and pawn against bishop and two pawns, if the pawns are passed the result is determined not so much by the advantage of the exchange, as by how far advanced the pawns are and how the pieces can combat them. In the main it is possible to win with the rook when the passed pawn supported by the rook is stronger than the opponent's two pawns. Normally in this case the bishop is won for the pawn, and the outcome depends on how the rook copes with the opponent's passed pawns. The following is a typical example.} 1. Ke2 {!} (1. f7 {? %05Both} b3 $17) (1. Re8 {%05and} Bc5+ 2. Ke2 b3 3. Kd3 Ka3 {give Black chances. To combat the pawns successfully, White must bring up his king, and this is quickly decisive. }) 1... b3 2. Kd1 {!} Kb4 3. Re8 {(now that the king is taking part in the battle against the pawns, it is time to win the bishop)} Bh6 4. Rh8 Bg5 5. f7 Be7 6. f8=Q Bxf8 7. Rxf8 Ka3 8. Rf2 b2 9. Kc2 Ka2 10. Kc3 Ka3 11. Rxb2 a4 12. Rb8 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Birnov Zinovi M"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P1k5/3p4/8/2K3Rb/8/2p5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {The following study demonstrates some interesting tactical possibilities.} 1. Rg7+ {%05White wins by} (1. Rg1 {%05The black pawn is threatening to queen with check, and} Kb7 {allows an easy draw.}) 1... Kb6 2. a8=N+ {! The pawn has to be promoted to a knight, but it is the knight which will subsequently play the leading role in the attack.} Ka6 3. Nc7+ Ka5 (3... Kb7 {%05or} 4. Ne6+ {!} Kb6 5. Rg1 {and 6. Rc1, winning the c-pawn}) 4. Rg1 Bg5 {! (5. Rc1 was threatened, so Black sacrifices his bishop, counting on the next move)} 5. Rxg5+ d5+ {!} 6. Rxd5+ Ka4 {After the text move Black appears to be saved, since the c-pawn cannot be stopped, but a striking move by White clarifies the situation.} (6... Kb6 {, then %05If} 7. Rb5+ Kxc7 8. Rc5+ {and 9. Kb4.}) 7. Nb5 {!} c1=Q+ 8. Nc3+ {, and Black has to give up his queen, since after} Ka3 9. Ra5+ Kb2 {he is mated by} 10. Ra2# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/K5P1/8/2k1rP2/8/8/B7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {In this type of ending it is possible to win with the bishop if the pawns are far advanced, and the opposing king and rook are unable to stop them, so that at least one of the pawns queens. The main tactical device is using the bishop to block the line along which the rook is operating. The following examples show the typical features of such endings.} 1. Be5 {%05The win is achieved by} (1. g7 {%05The immediate attempt to queen a pawn does not succeed, since after} Re8 2. f5 Kd5 3. Kb7 Kd6 {Black's king succeeds in coming to the aid of his rook.}) 1... Re1 2. g7 (2. f5 {, then %05if} Kd5 3. f6 Ke6 4. f7 Rf1 {, with a draw}) 2... Rg1 3. Bf6 {!} (3. f5 {%05here too nothing is given by} Kd5 4. Bf6 Kc6 {!} 5. Kxa7 Kd7 {, when the king approaches the pawns}) 3... Rg6 {!} (3... Kd5 4. Bg5 Kc6 {also fails to save Black: after} 5. Ka5 Ra1+ 6. Kb4 Rb1+ 7. Kc4 Rb8 {White wins by} 8. Be7 {!} Rg8 9. Bf8 Kd7 10. Kd5 Ke8 11. Ke6 Rxf8 12. f5 { !!} a5 13. f6 a4 14. f7+ $18 {!}) 4. Kb7 {!} (4. Kxa7 {leads only to a draw after} Kd5 5. f5 Rg4 6. Kb8 Kd6 7. Kc8 Ra4 {!}) 4... Kd5 5. f5 Rg1 6. Kc8 { ! The only move to win.} (6. Kc7 {%05Bad is} Ke4 {! , when if} 7. Bg5 Rxg5 8. f6 Kf5 9. f7 Rxg7 {, and the pawn is pinned.}) 6... Ke4 (6... a5 {%05or} 7. Kd7 a4 8. Ba1 Ke4 9. f6 a3 10. f7 {, and White wins}) 7. Bg5 {!! (the basic idea of the study)} Rxg5 8. f6 {, and one of the pawns queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1908.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V. & M."] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Pk6/4K2P/8/6p1/8/8/r4B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1908.??.??"] 1. a8=Q+ {! (by this move White diverts the black king, and obtains access to the important c7 square) %05The win is gained by} (1. h7 {%04with %05The h-pawn cannot be queened directly, since Black answers} Re1+ {!} 2. Kd7 (2. Kd6 {%05or} Re8 {with a certain draw.}) 2... Rd1+) 1... Kxa8 2. h7 Re1+ 3. Kd7 Rd1+ 4. Kc7 Rc1+ 5. Bc4 {!!} Rxc4+ (5... Rh1 {is met by} 6. Bd5+ {, and so the bishop has to be taken, but the pawn at g4 restricts the rook's manoeuvrability along the 4th rank,}) 6. Kd7 {%05and after} Rd4+ 7. Ke7 Re4+ 8. Kf7 Rf4+ 9. Kg7 {the checks come to an end, and the pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1916.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vancura"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1kr5/4P1Pp/8/8/8/B7/7K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1916.??.??"] 1. e8=Q {! %05To win White must sacrifice a pawn:} (1. Kg3 {%05 The attempt by White to approach with his king and support his pawns does not succeed here, since Black also manages to bring his king across. For example:} Re8 2. Kf4 Kc7 3. Kg5 Kd7 4. Kf6 (4. Kh6 {%05or} Ke6 5. Kxh7 Kf7 {with the same result.}) 4... h5 5. Kf7 h4 6. g8=Q Rxg8 7. Kxg8 Ke8 8. Kg7 h3 {with a draw}) 1... Rxe8 2. Bf8 Re2+ 3. Kh3 Re3+ 4. Kh4 Re4+ (4... Re1 {, then %05if} 5. Bd6+ Kb7 6. g8=Q Rh1+ 7. Kg4 Rg1+ 8. Bg3) 5. Kh5 Re5+ 6. Kh6 Re1 (6... Re6+ {is met by} 7. Kxh7 { and 8. g8Q}) 7. Bc5 Re8 8. Kxh7 Rd8 9. Be7 Rc8 10. Bf8 Rc7 11. Bd6 {, and Black can resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/P2P1k1K/8/2p5/8/8/3r2B1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {In this example White overcomes his opponent's resistance, although the play is not without its subtleties.} 1. a7 Rd3 (1... Rxg1 {%05no better is} 2. a8=Q {, when h1 is controlled by the queen}) (1... Ra1 {%05or} 2. Bd4+) 2. Kh5 {!} ( 2. Kh7 {, then %05If} Ra3 3. d7 Rxa7 {! the d-pawn is pinned, and after} 4. Bxa7 Ke7 {Black gains a draw.}) 2... Rd5+ (2... Ra3 {%05But now this variation does not work:} 3. d7 Ke7 {is met by} 4. Bc5+) 3. Kh4 Ra5 4. d7 {! the final finesse} (4. Bb6 {then %05if first,} Rxa7 {!}) 4... Ke7 5. Bb6 {, and White wins. In the examples considered the rook had to cope with two passed pawns. We will now study a few positions where the rook is battling against only one pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/P7/3p3r/3k3B/3P4/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] 1. a7 Rf5+ 2. Ke2 Re5+ (2... Rf8 {, then %05if} 3. Bf6+ Kc5 4. Be7+) 3. Kd2 {!} Re8 4. Bf2+ Ke5 5. Bg3+ Kf5 6. Bb8 {, and the a-pawn cannot be stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1909.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Esclapon"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/2P2B1p/7P/5k2/8/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1909.??.??"] 1. Bc3 {! %05After} Rxh5 2. Bb4 {!} Rh1 3. c7 {the pawn queens, since} Rc1 { is met by} 4. Bd2+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1897.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Neustadtl"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2r3pP/6P1/8/K7/7k/3B4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1897.??.??"] {From the theory of rook endings it is known that a lone rook cannot stop two connected pawns which have reached the 6th rank.} 1. Bh5 {! %05It is this factor that White exploits:} Kg3 (1... gxh5 {loses immediately to %05The black king hurries to the rook's aid. Accepting the sacrifice by} 2. h7 Rc8 3. g6) 2. Bxg6 Kf4 3. h7 Rc8 {!} (3... Rc3+ {%05It should be added that on} 4. Kb4 Rh3 { ! the bishop sacrifice is again decisive:} 5. Bh5 {!}) 4. Be8 {(a desperate bishop! - it again offers itself, with the aim of gaining valuable time)} Rxe8 5. g6 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Amelung Friedrich K"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/4K3/b7/8/4p3/6pP/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {If the rook has to combat far-advanced pawns on its own, the defence is normally a hopeless matter. A draw is possible only in exceptional positions. We should now like to acquaint the reader with a few of these.} 1. Kf5 { ! %05It would appear that the pawns cannot be stopped, but there follows:} e2 2. Kg4 {!} e1=Q 3. Rxe1+ Bxe1 4. Kh3 {!} g1=N+ {Promotion to a queen or rook was not possible in view of stalemate, but now after} 5. Kg2 Ne2 6. Kf1 { White wins one of the minor pieces, and draws.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fritz Indzhih (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/2K5/8/8/4p3/5bpP/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ933} 1. Ra1+ {%05White's defence is based on obtaining Amelung's^013^010 %05position, but this attempt is refuted:} Kb8 2. Rb1+ Kc8 3. Ra1 Kd8 4. Kd6 Ke8 5. Ke6 Kf8 (5... Bh4 {%05or} 6. Kf5 (6. Ra8+ Bd8 7. Ra1 e2 $19) 6... Kd7 (6... e2 {?} 7. Kg4 e1=Q 8. Rxe1+ Bxe1 9. Kh3 {= Fritz,1951}) 7. Kg4 Bf2 $19) 6. Kf6 Kg8 (6... Bh4+ {%05or} 7. Kf5 Ke7 8. Ke4 Bf2 $19) 7. Ra8+ ( 7. Kg6 g1=Q+ $19) 7... Kh7 8. Ra7+ Kh6 9. Ra8 Bh4+ 10. Kf7 e2 {!$19 ^013^010} ( 10... g1=Q {?} 11. Rh8+ Kg5 12. Rg8+ {=}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V. & M."] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3P4/6p1/K2R3b/3p4/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] 1. d6 {%05Here a stalemate position unexpectedly arises.} g3 2. d7 Bxd7 3. Rxg3 {(one enemy less)} Bb5 {(but what to do now? - only stalemate can help)} 4. Rb3 {!} d1=Q 5. Rb1 {! , and White is saved.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5K1p/2k2B1P/6P1/8/5r2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {Black finds an interesting defence in the following example.} 1... Kd7 { %05The white king has broken into Black's position, and is threatening to eliminate his only pawn. Black is saved by the fact that the white pawns are on the edge of the board, and that his king is comparatively close.} 2. Kg7 Ke6 3. Kxh7 Rxf6 {! If now} 4. gxf6 {, then} (4. g6 {, but after %05White can attempt to exploit the strength of his pawns by playing} Rf8 {!} 5. Kg7 (5. g7 Kf7 {!}) 5... Ra8 6. h7 {!} Kf5 7. Kh6 Ra1 8. Kg7 Ra7+ 9. Kh6 Ra1 {Black forces a draw.}) 4... Kf7 {!} 5. Kh8 Kf8 {! , and with two extra pawns in a pawn ending White is unable to win.} * [Event "Graz (Austria)"] [Site "Graz (Austria)"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wittek Alexander (YUG)"] [Black "Schwarz"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/4K3/1p6/1B2P2r/P4P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ933 What has been said about endings with bishop and two pawns, where both sides have passed pawns, is also fully applicable to the case where the side with the bishop has more pawns. What is decisive here is not so much a material advantage, but rather the degree of advancement of the pawns and how the pieces are able to combat them. If only the side with the bishop has passed pawns, it is normally this side that has the winning chances.} 1. f4 {! %05White has two connected passed pawns in combination with an active king. Thanks to these two factors he is able to win, although Black has a drawing possibility, consisting of giving up his rook for the two pawns, since a8 is inaccessible to the bishop.^013^010 %05 The game went:} Rh6+ 2. Ke5 Kd7 3. f5 Rh1 4. Kf6 Rh2 5. e5 Ke8 6. Ke6 Rh1 7. Kd5 {White carries out a standard plan. Since Black's forces are tied down by the passed pawns, he intends to take his king across to the opposite wing and increase his material advantage.} Rh5 ( 7... Rf1 {, then %05If} 8. f6 Rf2 (8... Kf7 9. Bc3 {!$18 and 10. e6!}) 9. Kc6 Re2 10. Bd6 Rb2 11. e6 Rf2 12. f7+ Rxf7 13. exf7+ Kxf7 14. Kxb5 $18 {, and the black king cannot reach a8.}) 8. f6 Kf7 9. Bc3 {!} Ke8 (9... Rg5 {is met by %05Black cannot maintain his king at f7, since} 10. Kd6) 10. Kc6 (10. Ke6 { %05Simpler was} Rh6 11. Bd2 Rg6 12. Bf4 Kf8 13. Kf5 Rg1 14. e6 Rf1 15. Kg4 $18 {, when, with two connected pawns on the 6th rank,White wins as in example ~3 ($402941)~.}) 10... Rh3 11. Bb4 Kf7 12. Kxb5 Ke6 13. Bd6 $18 {, and we reach position ~3($402963)~, which is won forWhite.} 1-0 [Event "Munich (Germany)"] [Site "Munich (Germany)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Foltys Jan (CZE)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6b1/8/p7/P2pk3/2pR4/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ933} 1. Rh4 { %05Here Black's position is less favourable than White's was in the previous example. The connected pawns are not far advanced and are blockaded, and, most important, the a6 pawn requires defending. By exploiting these factors, White saves the game.} Be6 2. Rh5+ Bf5 3. Rh4 Bg6 {!} 4. Rh6 {!} (4. Rd4 {%05White's defence is based on the creation of a passed pawn on the a-file. He loses after } Be4 5. Rd1 c3 $19) (4. Rg4 {%05or} Be4 {!$19 , when the pawns advance.}) 4... d4+ 5. Kf2 {!} (5. Ke2 {? %05The king should stay close to the opponent's pawns, without helping them to advance. It would be a mistake to play} Bd3+ 6. Kd2 Be4 7. Rxa6 c3+ $19 {, when the pawns cannot be stopped.}) (5. Kd2 c3+ $19) 5... Be4 6. Rxa6 c3 7. Ra7 {!} Kd6 (7... d3 {%05As was shown by Keres, White also maintains the balance after} 8. Ke3 d2 {!} 9. Rd7 Bd5 10. Ke2 Bf3+ 11. Ke3 {!} d1=Q 12. Rxd1 Bxd1 13. a6 {!} Bc2 14. a7 Be4 15. a8=Q {!} Bxa8 16. Kd3 { = , eliminating the last enemy pawn.}) 8. Rg7 Kc5 (8... d3 {can be met by} 9. Rg1 d2 10. Ke3 Bc2 (10... Kc5 {%05or} 11. Rd1 {and 12. Rd2=}) 11. Kd4 {=}) 9. a6 d3 10. Ke3 d2 11. Rd7 (11. Rg1 Kb6 12. Rd1 {= was simpler}) 11... Bd5 12. Ke2 Bf3+ 13. Ke3 {!} Bd5 14. Ke2 Bf3+ 15. Ke3 Kc6 16. Rxd2 {= , and the players agreed a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Goldstein"] [Black "Shamkovich Leonid (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/1PP5/8/3KB1p1/5P2/8/6r1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {We already know that, with two connected pans on the 6th rank, stalemating possibilities have to be reckoned with. The following position illustrates some interesting subtleties. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ933} 1... Rd1+ {to be a last dying check, and played %05White's position is completely won, since he threatens 2. c7. Therefore he took his opponent's reply} 2. Ke5 {? , which unexpectedly threw away the win.} (2. Ke3 {!$18 %05Correct was}) 2... gxf3 {%05To the move in the game Black unexpectedly found the strong reply} 3. Bxf3 {%05However, after} (3. c7+ { , then %05If now} Kc8 4. Bf5+ Rd7 {!} 5. Bh3 f2 6. Ke4 f1=Q 7. Bxf1 Rxc7 { = with a draw.}) 3... Rd7 {!!} 4. Bd5 Rb7 {!= White was again obliged to agree to a draw.} * [Event "Sverdlovsk (Russia)"] [Site "Sverdlovsk (Russia)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Petrov Vladimir (LAT)"] [Black "Yarovitsin"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/2pK4/2Pp1b2/7R/7p/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {With rook and a non-passed pawn against a bishop and three pawns a win is possible only in exceptional positions, where either a mating attack can be built up, or the bishop won, or, finally, the opponent's pawns eliminated and a passed pawn set up. The next example shows this last instance.} 1. Rh5 { , aiming in the first instance to eliminate the h-pawn, when a possible variation is %05White could have won by} (1. Kxc6 {, immediately creating a passed pawn. But this natural move proved to be a mistake, and after %05The active position of White's king, together with the unfortunate position of the opponent's king, reduces the value of Black's pawn superiority. Only White has any winning chances here, and he played} d4 {!} 2. Rxd4 h2 3. Rd1 h1=Q+ 4. Rxh1 Be4+ {the game ended in a draw.}) 1... Bg4 2. Rg5 Bd1 (2... h2 {%05The pawn is lost after} 3. Rg8+ {and 4. Rh8.}) (2... Bd7 {%05Also bad is} 3. Re5+ {and 4. Rh5}) (2... Bf3 {%05or} 3. Re5+ {and 4. Rf5.}) 3. Rg3 Ba4 4. Rxh3 Kf7 5. Rh4 Bb5 6. Rb4 Ke8 {(7. Rb5 was threatened)} 7. Rf4 {!} Bc4 8. Kxc6 Kd8 9. Kd6 Kc8 10. c6 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "Netherlands"] [Site "Netherlands"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5kp1/8/4bp2/8/2p2P2/1pK5/7R b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {If the side with the bishop has more than three pawns, it will normally be hopeless trying to defend with rook and pawn, since the avalanche of pawns will be irresistible. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ933} 1... g5 2. Re1 Kf6 3. Rf1 Kg6 4. Re1 Bf6 5. Rg1 g4 {!} 6. fxg4 f4 7. g5 Bd4 8. Rd1 Be3 {!} 9. Kxc3 Bc1 10. Rd6+ Kxg5 11. Rb6 f3 12. Kd3 Kf4 13. Rb8 Kg3 $19 {White resigned, since for the f-pawn he has to give up his rook.} 0-1 [Event "Dallas (USA)"] [Site "Dallas (USA)"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Adams Weaver W (USA)"] [Black "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r1k2/p4p1p/1pB3p1/2p5/8/3P4/PPPK2PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {~17. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (same number of pawns)~ In this chapter and the following one we will be considering positions where each side has at least two pawns. The number of examples will be restricted to the most typical, revealing the characteristic plans and demonstrating the special features of the battle between rook and bishop when there is a large number of pawns. In the battle between rook and bishop, passed pawns are of enormous importance. The rook, in contrast to the bishop, is able to support and as though urge on its own passed pawn, while stopping the opponent's passed pawn. The bishop can only defend its pawn. Therefore, if each side has one passed pawn or can create one, the advantage is normally on the side of the rook, since the bishop is significantly inferior at combating a passed pawn. The king has to go to the help of the bishop, but then the rook, with its great mobility, attacks the opponent's pawns on the opposite wing. The following example confirms this rather clearly. %212045826630=4HLJ935} 1... Ke7 {%05Black carries out a plan typical of such positions. After improving the placing of his pieces, he sets up a passed pawn on the K-side. The threat of advancing this pawn forces the white king to abandon the Q-side. But then the Q-side pawns are left undefended, and by attacking them with his rook Black gains a decisive material advantage.^013^010 The game proceeded:} 2. Bb5 f5 3. Ke3 Kf6 4. a4 Ke5 5. c3 a5 6. Bc6 g5 7. h3 {! This move was not in fact made.} (7. Kd2 {, and after %05White played} Rd6 8. Bb5 g4 {he resigned in view of the loss of the h-pawn. The variation with 7. h3 was pointed out by Fine.}) 7... h5 8. Bf3 g4 9. hxg4 hxg4 10. Be2 f4+ 11. Kf2 {Forced,} (11. Kd2 {%05since after} f3 12. gxf3 g3 13. Bf1 Kf4 14. Bg2 Rh8 15. Ke2 Rh2 16. Kf1 Ke3 {Black easily realizes his advantage.}) 11... Kf5 12. Bf1 Re8 13. Be2 g3+ 14. Kf1 Re3 15. Bd1 (15. Ke1 {, then %05if} f3 16. gxf3 g2 $19) (15. b3 {%05while after} Ke5 { White loses his d-pawn}) 15... Ke5 (15... Rxd3 {also possible is} 16. Bc2 c4 17. Ke2 f3+ 18. gxf3 g2 19. Kf2 Kf4 $19) 16. Bc2 f3 17. gxf3 Rxf3+ 18. Kg1 Rf2 $19 {%04etc. To a certain extent this was an ideal example. White had no way of countering the opponent's plan, since the active placing of the enemy pieces prevented him from creating a passed pawn. The play is more complicated if the side with the bishop also has passed pawns, especially if they are far advanced. The ending can then become sharp, with the result depending on a single tempo. Look, for instance, at the following position.} * [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/2b5/pp6/4p3/1P4P1/1KP2p2/1P1R4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ935 White has an outside passed g-pawn, but Black also has his trumps in the form of two connected passed pawns. White must either stop the enemy pawns and blockade them with his king, since then his passed pawn will play the decisive role, or else be the first to queen a pawn.} 1. Rd5 {!! , as played by Alekhine. Without loss of time White switches his rook to a better position. %05The only move to win is} (1. Kc4 {? %05As was shown by Alekhine, the following continuations are inadequate:} e4 2. Kd4 Bf4 3. Rf2 e3 4. Rxf3 e2 $19 {, and it is Black who wins.}) (1. Rh2 {?} e4 2. Rh8+ Kd7 3. Rf8 Bg3 4. g5 Bd6 {!} 5. Rf6 Be5 {!} 6. Rf7+ Ke6 7. Rf8 (7. g6 Bf6 {=}) 7... Ke7 {= , with a draw.}) (1. Kc2 e4 2. Rd4 e3 3. Kd1 e2+ 4. Kd2 Bg3 5. Re4 Bh4 {= , and White is unable to improve his position.}) 1... e4 (1... f2 {%05After} 2. Rd1 e4 3. Kc2 Bf4 4. Rf1 $18 {followed by 5. Kd1 White succeeds in blockading the pawns.}) 2. Rf5 { %05After the move made by Black, it is a question of who is the quicker.} Bg3 3. g5 Kd7 4. g6 Ke6 5. g7 {!} Kxf5 6. g8=Q {White is the first to his goal. The rest is easy:} Bf4 7. Qf7+ Kg4 8. Qg6+ Bg5 9. Qxe4+ Kg3 10. Qg6 Kg4 11. Qxb6 $18 {Resigns. As we have see, in such endings the active placing of the pieces is of enormous importance, since only this enables a successful fight to be made against dangerous passed pawns. Here is a further example confirming this.} 1-0 [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vidmar Milan Sr (YUG)"] [Black "Bogoljubow Efim D (UKR)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p6/4p3/3b4/8/1P2Ppk1/P4R2/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1... b5 {!! In view of the threat of 2... b4, White is forced to play %05The black pieces are excellently placed, a thing cannot be said of White's, which are tied down by the opposing passed pawn.^013^010 The only danger facing Black is the possibility of White creating an outside passed pawn. Of course, it is not easy for him to do this, since for the moment his rook is insufficiently active.^013^010 Black could have immediately neutralized the opponent's threat by the paradoxical} (1... Be4 {%05But Black missed this chance, and the game continued:} 2. a4 {! White promptly eliminates the possibility just considered. The further play is extremely instructive, since the win is still very difficult.} Bc6 (2... Bd5 {%05No better is} 3. Rb2 {!} ( 3. b4 {%05of course, not} Bb3 {!} 4. a5 Bc4 5. Rb2 Bb5 {with a draw}) 3... Bc6 4. Kf1 {, and Black has no useful move, since} e5 {transposes into the game.}) 3. Rb2 e5 4. Rd2 {!} Be8 5. Kf1 {(White gradually improves the placing of his pieces)} Bc6 (5... Bf7 {, then %05If} 6. Rd7 {!} Bxb3 7. Rg7+ Kh4 8. a5 { , reaching a position similar to that in the game.}) 6. Rd6 {(the decisive rook manoeuvre)} Be4 7. Rf6 (7. Rd7 {%05after} f2 {!} 8. Rg7+ Kf3 9. Rf7+ Kxe3 10. Rxf2 Kd3 {Black gains good drawing chances}) 7... Bd3+ 8. Ke1 {Here it is useful to take stock. White has markedly improved his position by activating his rook. Now he will constantly be threatening a check on the g-file, driving the enemy king onto the edge of the board.} Bc2 9. a5 Bxb3 (9... Bd3 {, after %05If Black avoids taking the pawn and plays} 10. b4 {he finds himself in zugzwang, and loses immediately.}) 10. Rg6+ Kh4 11. Kf2 e4 12. Rd6 {(with the threat of 13. Rd7)} Bc4 13. Rd4 Bb5 14. Rxe4+ Kh3 15. Re7 (15. Kxf3 {was simpler}) 15... Bc6 16. Rg7 Kh4 17. Rg3 Kh5 18. Rxf3 Kg5 19. Rf4 Bh1 20. Ke2 { , and Black at last resigned.}) 2. a4 {, but after} bxa4 3. bxa4 Bc4 {!} 4. a5 Ba6 {a position of dynamic equilibrium is reached. Indeed, due to the passive position of his rook and the favourable position of his rook and the favourable position of the bishop, White is unable to advance his pawn, e.g.} 5. Rb2 (5. Rf1 Kg2) 5... Bc4 6. Rc2 Bd3 7. Ra2 Ba6 {=} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/2p3P1/P1P2k2/1Rb4K/1p6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ935 Only the active placing of his pieces allows Black to avoid defeat in the following example.} 1... Ke4 {! %05Black is saved by active play. Exploiting the distant position of the white king, he makes for the c-pawn with his king.} (1... Kxg5 {, then %05Black's position looks hopeless. If, for example,} 2. Kg3 {, and after penetrating with his king to d3, White wins one of the b-pawns, and then the game.}) 2. g6 Kd3 3. g7 b1=Q 4. Rxb1 Bxg7 5. Rxb6 Bc3 {!} 6. Kg4 {%05so White played} (6. Rb3 {%05Now} Kxc4 7. Rxc3+ Kxc3 8. a5 c4 9. a6 Kb2 10. a7 c3 11. a8=Q c2 {= leads only to a draw,}) 6... Kxc4 7. Kf3 {= , but this too did not give him a win ~3($402978)~.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6Kp/3P4/2Pr1kp1/8/8/8/5B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ935 The following two examples are perhaps not very typical, but they demonstrate certain finesses which can occur in the battle between rook and bishop when there are passed pawns on the board.} 1. Bg2 {! This move seems incomprehensible. %05The saving play comes as a surprise.} (1. Kf7 { ? %05White's pawns are well advanced, but he is bound to^013^010 %05lose one of them. What can he do to save the game?^013^010 %05 After the natural} Rxc5 2. d7 Rd5 3. Ke7 h5 4. d8=Q Rxd8 5. Kxd8 {he wins the rook, but the ending with bishop against two pawns is lost in view of the exceptionally poor position of his king:} g4 6. Ke7 h4 7. Kd6 h3 8. Kd5 Kf4 9. Kd4 Kf3 $19 { %04etc.}) 1... Rxc5 (1... Rd2 {is met by %05Black is forced to take the pawn, since} 2. Kf7 {!} Rxg2 3. d7 Rd2 4. c6 g4 5. Ke7) 2. d7 {!} Rc7 3. Kh6 {!} Rxd7 4. Bh3+ g4 5. Bxg4+ Kxg4 {- stalemate! White squandered all his possessions, but it was thanks to this that he was able to save the game.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nadareishvili Gia"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1K1/2r2p1P/4p3/p3P3/8/8/5B2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {And now another example ending in stalemate.} 1. h7 {%05The draw is achieved by:} (1. Bb5 {, but after %05 Black has a significant material advantage: rook and pawn against bishop. But White has a serious counter-chance: his strong passed h-pawn.^013^010 White can immediately regain a pawn by} Rc1 2. Bxa4 (2. h7 {, then %05if} Rg1+ 3. Kh6 a3 4. Bc4 Rh1+ 5. Kg7 Rxh7+ 6. Kxh7 f5 {!} 7. exf5 Kf6 {, and the bishop cannot stop the pawn}) 2... Rg1+ 3. Kh8 f5 4. exf5 e4 5. Bc2 e3 6. Bd3 Kf6 7. h7 Rg4 {Black wins easily.}) 1... Rc8 2. Bb5 { a subtle move;} a3 3. Bc4 {! A position of mutual zugzwang has arisen. Only if it is the opponent to move can White prevent the rook from attacking the pawn from the rear. For example:} Ra8 4. Ba2 {! The only move.} (4. Bd5 {%05After} Rd8 {!} 5. Bf7 Rb8 {!} 6. Bc4 Rb2 {!} 7. Bf7 (7. h8=Q Rg2+ 8. Kh7 Rh2+ 9. Kg7 Rxh8 10. Kxh8 f5 {!} 11. exf5 Kf6 {also leads to a win for Black}) 7... Rh2 8. Bd5 Rxh7+ 9. Kxh7 f5 {!} 10. exf5 Kf6 {one of the black pawns queens.}) 4... Rb8 5. Bf7 {!} Rd8 6. Bd5 {! To each move by the rook there is one good reply by the bishop. Here we have met another example of corresponding squares. The square corresponding to c8 is c4, d8-d5, b8-f7 and a8-a2. By manoeuvring with his bishop on these squares, White maintains the correspondence.} Rh8 {!} (6... Rf8 {even loses to %05Now} 7. Bg8 {! , so Black tries his last chance:}) 7. Kxh8 (7. Bg8 {is met by} Rxh7+ {!}) 7... Kf8 {, and the white king is trapped. Black threatens 8... f5, creating a second passed pawn, but White is saved by stalemate.} 8. Bg8 f5 9. exf5 e4 10. f6 e3 11. f7 e2 {Stalemate! , so Black tries his last chance:} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korolkov Vladimir (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p2pk1B/2P4r/6P1/p7/8/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {In exceptional instances, when the side with the bishop has some dangerous passed pawns and the opposing king and rook are unable to cope successfully with them, it is possible to queen a pawn. Here is one such position where, despite the poor position of his bishop, White finds a clever way to win.} 1. g6+ {!} Kg7 2. cxb7 Rh1+ {There commences an unusual duel between rook and king, in which at the end the trapped bishop unexpectedly interferes.} 3. Kc2 Rh2+ 4. Kc1 {!} (4. Kb1 a3) 4... Rh1+ 5. Kb2 Rh2+ 6. Ka3 Rh3+ 7. Kxa4 Rh1 { If the rook continues checking, the white king proceeds via b3 to hide at c7.} 8. Bg8 {!! , and White wins, since his bishop comes into play with decisive effect. For example:} e6 9. Bxe6 Rh8 10. Bc8 Rh1 11. Bf5 Rh8 12. Ka5 {, and for the b-pawn Black will have to give up his rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kp6/p1b5/2K5/8/7R/PP6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {If there no passed pawns, but there are pawns on both wings, winning with the advantage of the exchange is normally an easy matter. Even if the opponent should succeed in defending all his pawns, the king and rook can usually drive his pieces back, and, by penetrating into the enemy position, gain a decisive material advantage. The defence is further complicated by the fact that the weaker side has to beware of the sacrifice of rook for bishop and pawn, transposing into a won pawn ending. In the battle between rook and bishop with an equal number of pawns, of particular interest are positions where all the pawns are on one wing. In such cases the play develops on a restricted sector of the board. The defensive resources are greater, since on one wing the pawns are more easily defended. With pawns on one wing the defender normally tries to create a pawn fortress, and the result upon whether or not the king and rook can take it by storm.} 1. Kd6 {%05To win White must drive the black king away from the b7 pawn and then capture it. This plan proves feasible.} Kb8 ( 1... Kb6 {is met by %05Black cannot prevent the white king from occupying c7, since} 2. Rb3+ {, again pushing back the king.}) 2. Rh8+ Ka7 3. Kc7 Bd5 4. a3 Bc6 (4... b5 {White wins by penetrating with his king to b6, a possible variation being %05After} 5. Kd6 Bf3 6. Kc5 Be4 7. Re8 Bf3 8. Re7+ Bb7 9. Rg7 Kb8 10. Kb6 $18 {%04etc.}) 5. Rh6 Bf3 6. Rb6 Be4 7. b4 {(having occupied the most important approaches to the enemy position with his king and rook, White embarks on the concluding phase - the pawn storm)} Bf3 8. a4 Be4 9. b5 {!} axb5 10. axb5 Bd5 11. Rd6 Bc4 12. b6+ Ka6 13. Rd8 {, and Black's last strong point - his b7 pawn - falls. White successfully carried out his plan, only because Black was unable to set up that arrangement of his pieces and pawns which would have ensured the maximum coordination of his forces. He was unable to prevent either the penetration of the white king to its best attacking position of c7, or the pawn storm. With rook's pawn and knight's pawn, and the bishop controlling the corner square, the best defensive position is the following.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/1pb5/p7/3K4/7R/PP6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] 1. Ke5 {%05This position does not differ greatly from the previous one, but here the arrangement of the black forces is more rational: the pawns are on black squares, and the bishop controls the immediate approaches - c6 and b5. Therefore White is unable to win. For example:} Kc7 2. Rh7+ Kb8 3. Kd6 Bf3 4. a4 Be4 5. Rf7 Bg2 6. b4 {The king and rook have taken up their most favourable positions, and White begins the pawn storm. Nothing is achieved by transferring the king to c4, since Black parries all the threats by placing his bishop at c6.} axb4 7. Rf4 Kb7 (7... b3 {%05also possible is} 8. Rb4 Ka7 9. Kc7 Ka6 {!} 10. Rxb6+ Ka5 {, winning the white pawn}) 8. Rxb4 Ka6 9. Kc7 Ka5 { , and Black exchanges all the pawns. Strictly speaking, here too White took the enemy fortress by storm, but in doing so he suffered such considerable losses that it came to nothing.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/p5R1/1p1K4/8/4b3/8/PP6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... a5 {!= , setting up the fortress. %05If it is Black to move, he has time for} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/p5R1/1p1K4/8/4b3/8/PP6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {Strictly speaking, here too White took the enemy fortress by storm, but in doing so he suffered such considerable losses that it came to nothing. %212045826630=4HLJ935} 1. b4 {! prevents Black from achieving maximum coordination, and White wins by the pawn storm. For example: %05But if it is White to move,} Bf3 (1... a5 {%05After} 2. bxa5 bxa5 3. Kc5 a4 {(the threat was 4. Kb6!, immediately winning the pawn)} 4. Kb6 {!} Kc8 5. Rc7+ Kd8 6. Rc4 { Black loses his pawn.}) 2. a4 Be4 3. a5 {!} bxa5 4. bxa5 a6 5. Kc5 Bd3 6. Kb6 Kc8 {, and we reach a position of type ~3($413000)~ where White wins.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Moisieev Oleg L (RUS)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2B5/8/6p1/4k2p/7P/6K1/6P1/7r b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ935} 1... Kf6 { %05The poor arrangement of his forces prevents White from setting up an impregnable fortress such as example 465.^013^010 Black plays ... g5 and then fixes the white pawn at g2, creating an important invasion square at g3.} 2. Bd7 g5 3. hxg5+ Kxg5 4. Bc8 h4+ 5. Kf3 Rc1 6. Bd7 Rc2 (6... Rc3+ 7. Ke4 Rg3 { fails to win after} 8. Bh3 {=}) 7. Be6 Rc7 {! This puts White in zugzwang, after which he has a dismal choice.} 8. g4 {%05Therefore White decides on a desperate try.} (8. Bd5 {%05If his bishop abandons the h3-c8 diagonal, Black wins by} Rc3+ 9. Ke4 Kg4 $19) (8. Bh3 {, then %05while if} Rc3+ 9. Ke4 Rg3 {!} 10. Ke5 Re3+ 11. Kd4 Kf4 $19) 8... Rc3+ 9. Kg2 h3+ 10. Kh2 Kh4 11. g5 Rc2+ $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/pp6/3b4/8/8/8/PPK3R1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {We will now consider an example with rook's pawn and knight's pawn, where the bishop does not control the corner square.} 1. Kc3 {(the king embarks on a lengthy raid towards the opponent's pawns) %05Black is unable to hold this position. White gradually pushes back the opponent's pieces and breaks through with his king to the enemy pawns. A possible continuation is:} Kc7 2. Kc4 a6 ( 2... Kc6 {%05No better is} 3. Rg6 b5+ 4. Kd4 Kc7 5. Kd5 Bf8 6. Rf6 {!} Be7 7. Rf7 Kd7 8. Rxe7+ Kxe7 9. Kc5 Kd7 10. Kxb5 Kc7 11. Ka6 {, when White wins with his extra pawn.}) 3. Kd5 Bf4 4. Rf2 Be3 (4... Bg3 {, then again %05If} 5. Rf7+ Kb6 6. Ke6 Kc6 7. Rf3 Bh2 8. Rc3+ Kb6 9. Rh3 Bf4 10. Kd7 {, winning roughly as in the main variation.}) 5. Rf7+ Kb6 6. Kd6 Bd4 7. b3 Bc5+ 8. Kd7 Kb5 9. Kc8 b6 10. Rf4 Bd6 11. Re4 Bc5 12. Kb7 {!} Bg1 (12... Bf8 {, then %05White gradually surrounds the black king. If now} 13. Re5+ Bc5 14. a3 a5 15. Rf5 a4 16. b4 { %04etc.}) 13. a3 Kc5 {(the threat was 14. Re5 Bc5 15. b4)} 14. Kxa6 {, and Black can resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/p5R1/1p1K4/8/4b3/PP6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%212045826630=4HLJ935 But here too there is an optimal defensive position, where an expedient arrangement of the pieces and pawns prevents the opponent from breaking through.} 1... Bb6 {? %05The reader himself can check that all White's attempts to take the fortress by storm are doomed to failure.^013^010 %05 The defensive plan is simple. Black keeps his bishop on the a7-g1 diagonal, and the white king is unable to break in. If the king goes to b4, its activity is neutralized by placing the bishop at b6. However, with white king at d5 Black should not play his bishop to a7 or b6.^013^010 %05 After} (1... Ba7 { ? White wins by %05Thus on} 2. Rg7+ Kb6 3. Rxa7 {!} Kxa7 4. Kc6 $18) (1... Bf2 {!=}) 2. Rg7+ Kb8 (2... Bc7 {%05also bad is} 3. Kc5 Kb8 4. Kc6 $18) 3. b3 Bf2 4. Kc6 Be3 {we reach position ~3($413034)~, where White breaks up the fortress by a pawn storm.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/6R1/p1K5/1p6/8/1P2b3/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ935} 1. b4 Bd4 2. Rg3 {!} Bf2 3. Rf3 Bd4 4. a4 {!} bxa4 5. Ra3 Ka7 6. Rxa4 $40 {, and against 7. b5 there is no satisfactory defence. %212045826630=4HLJ935 ~5 (RR) Interesting analysis of positions ~3( 3827)-( 3834)~ ~5 was published by IM Maksim ~5 Notkin in his article "Khalifman's rook against Leko's ~5 bishop" ~3( 4126)~.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zamikhovsky"] [Black "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/6p1/3R3p/4KP2/8/7b/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {The following example illustrates a rather different arrangement of wing pawns. %212045826630=4HLJ935} 1... Bf1 {, but after %05 Here White's pawn formation is weaker than in the preceding positions, and if the bishop were on one of the free squares of the b1-h7 diagonal, the only threat of f5-f6 would be parried. But the bishop is less well placed.^013^010 In an attempt to improve the position of his bishop, Black played} (1... Kf7 {would not have saved the game, as the following variation demonstrates:} 2. Rd7+ Kg8 3. Rd3 {! } (3. Rc7 {%05But here White fails to win after} Bf1 {!} (3... Bg2 {fails to} 4. f6 {!} gxf6+ 5. Kf5 {and 6. Kg6, when Black loses his h-pawn}) 4. Ke6 (4. f6 {%05whereas if now} gxf6+ 5. Kxf6 Bd3 {! with a clear draw}) 4... Bd3 {!} (4... Bh3 {%05but not} 5. Rc3 {! , when} Bf1 {or 5... Bg2 is met by} (5... Bg4 { %04by %05and} 6. Rg3 {and 7. f6}) 6. f6)) 3... Bf1 4. Rd8+ Kf7 5. Rd7+ Kg8 6. f6 {%04etc.}) 2. Rd8+ Kf7 3. Rd7+ Kg8 4. f6 gxf6+ 5. Kxf6 Bc4 6. Kg6 Kh8 7. Kxh6 {White obtained a theoretically won position ~3($402933)~.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Golovko Nikolay (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5ppp/8/8/1r6/5KP1/5P1P/5B2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ935 A typical example of realizing the advantage of the exchange, when both sides have three pawns on one wing, is provided by the finish to the following game.} 1... g5 { (Black opens a path for his king, simultaneously impeding the white pawns and preparing a pawn storm) %05Here the plan is roughly the same as when there are two pawns. The stronger side will aim to push back the opposing king, and to break through with his own king into the enemy position. As before, a very important role is played by the pawn storm, which will cramp still further the opponent's king and restrict his pawns.} 2. h3 {This natural move considerably facilitates the win for Black. For the correct continuation 2. Ke3, see below.} (2. Ke3 {, when a possible continuation is: %05Let us now see what would have happened if White had played} Rb3+ 3. Bd3 Kg7 4. Ke2 (4. f4 {%05After} gxf4+ 5. gxf4 Kf6 6. h3 (6. h4 Rxd3+ 7. Kxd3 Kf5 8. Ke3 Kg4 $19 {, and Black wins}) 6... h5 {!} 7. Ke4 h4 8. Ke3 Ke6 9. Kd4 {!} Rxd3+ {!} 10. Kxd3 Kd5 11. Ke3 f6 12. Kf3 f5 $19 {Black wins the pawn ending.}) 4... h6 {%05 As we see, the advance of White's pawns merely creates weaknesses, so he is better to stick to waiting tactics, preventing the black from going to e1.} 5. Ke3 Kf6 6. Ke2 Ke5 7. Ke3 f6 8. Ke2 (8. f4+ {%05after} gxf4+ 9. gxf4+ Kd5 10. h3 Rxd3+ {!} 11. Kxd3 f5 12. Ke3 Kc4 $19 {Black wins}) 8... f5 9. Bc4 (9. Ke3 {%05Totally bad is } f4+ 10. gxf4+ gxf4+ 11. Ke2 f3+ 12. Ke3 Ra3 13. Kd2 Kf4 14. Bc4 Ra5 15. h3 Ra1 {!$19 , when loses one of his pawns after 16... Rh1 and 17... Rf1}) 9... Ra3 10. Bb5 f4 11. Bc6 (11. gxf4+ {is similar to that which occurred in the game}) 11... g4 {!} 12. gxf4+ (12. Bd7 {%05White also loses after} f3+ 13. Ke1 Ra1+ 14. Kd2 Ra2+ 15. Ke1 Re2+) 12... Kxf4 13. Bd5 h5 14. Bc6 h4 {(the advance of the h-pawn is decisive)} 15. Bd5 h3 16. Ke1 {, and after} Ra1+ 17. Ke2 Rg1 18. Bc6 Rg2 {!} 19. Kf1 Rxh2 20. Kg1 g3 $19 {White can resign.}) 2... h5 { ! White has weakened his g3 pawn, which allows Black to commence an immediate pawn storm, as a result of which the opponent's pawns are fixed and a rapid approach to them is made possible.} 3. Bd3 Kg7 4. Ke3 h4 {!} 5. gxh4 (5. Bc2 { , then after %05If White awaits developments by playing, say,} hxg3 6. fxg3 Kf6 7. Bd3 Ke5 8. Bc2 f5 9. Bd3 Rb3 {his pieces are pushed back, and Black easily realizes his advantage:} 10. h4 gxh4 11. gxh4 Rb4 12. h5 Rh4 13. Be2 Kf6 14. Bf3 Kg5 15. Kf2 Rb4 16. Kg3 Rb3 {, and we have a position of type ~3($412965)~. }) (5. g4 {Black carries out the usual plan, advancing his king to e1 to attack the f2 pawn. %05On}) 5... Rxh4 6. Bf1 Kf6 7. Kf3 Rf4+ 8. Kg3 Ke5 9. Bg2 Kd4 10. Bb7 Kd3 11. Ba6+ Kd2 12. Bb7 Ke2 13. Ba6+ Ke1 14. f3 Kd2 {A slight inaccuracy.} (14... Rh4 {! %05After} 15. Bb5 Kd2 {Black's king would have immediately reached e3, whereas now he requires some time to achieve this.}) 15. Kf2 {!} Rb4 16. Bf1 f5 17. Ba6 f4 18. Bf1 Rb2 19. Be2 Kc3 20. Ke1 Kd4 21. Kf2 Rd2 {, and White resigned, since after} 22. Kf1 Ke3 $19 {further loss of material is inevitable. It is important to note that good technique is required to win such endings, since pawn exchanges can create various drawing possibilities. Of particular interest are positions with on one wing, when they are fixed.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kholmov Ratmir D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/3B1p1p/5P1P/4k1P1/1r6/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ935} 1. Bc6 {%05 White has set up a fortress which at first sight seems impregnable. And yet, as Kholmov's analysis shows, Black is able to blow up the fortress and take it by storm.} Rd2 2. Kg1 Rd6 3. Bb7 g5 { ! After improving the position of his rook, Black smashes open the enemy position by pawn sacrifices. Now White has a choice of captures:} 4. hxg5 (4. fxg5 {! This move sets Black more difficult problems than the capture with the h-pawn.} f4 5. gxf4 Kxf4 6. Kf2 Kg4 (6... Rd2+ {Here is one of the variations he gives: %05Kholmov shows that, instead of 6... Kg4, there seems to be a simpler win by} 7. Ke1 Rh2 8. g6 Rxh4 9. Bc8 {!} Kf3 (9... Rh2 {%05not} 10. Bg4 {!!}) 10. Kd2 Rd4+ 11. Kc3 Rd1 {%04etc.}) 7. Be4 Kxh4 8. g6 Rd7 9. Kf3 Kg5 10. Kg3 Re7 11. Bb1 h4+ 12. Kh3 Re3+ 13. Kh2 Rg3 14. Bc2 Kf4 15. Bb1 h3 16. Bf5 { The most tenacious: White tries to prevent the opposing king from reaching h4.} (16. Be4 {, then %05If} Kg4 17. Bf5+ Kh4 18. Be4 Re3 {!} 19. Bd5 Re2+ 20. Kg1 h2+ 21. Kf1 Re5 22. Bb7 Rg5 {and wins.}) 16... Kf3 17. Bc8 {!} Rxg6 18. Bb7+ Kg4 19. Bc8+ Kh4 20. Bxh3 Rc6 {! , and with colours reversed position ~3 ($412886)~, which is won for Black, is reached.}) 4... h4 5. gxh4 (5. Kg2 { , then %05If} hxg3 6. Kxg3 Rd4 7. Kh4 Kxf4 {!} 8. Kh5 (8. g6 {%05or} Rd8) 8... Rd3 {!} 9. Kh6 Rh3+ 10. Kg6 Rg3 {%04etc.}) 5... Kxf4 6. Bc8 (6. Kg2 {is no better:} Rd2+ 7. Kh3 Rd3+ 8. Kg2 Rg3+ 9. Kh2 Kg4 10. Bc8 Rh3+ 11. Kg2 Rxh4 12. g6 Rh6 {%04etc.}) 6... Kg3 7. Kf1 f4 8. h5 f3 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/r5p1/8/4k2P/4B1P1/5PK1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {It will be useful to examine one more position with there pawns against three on one wing, where the bishop is of the other colour. %212045826630=4HLJ935} 1... Kd3 {%05The active placing of Black's pieces enables him to win without much difficulty.} 2. Kf1 (2. Kf3 {is met by} Rf6+ 3. Bf4 h5 {, e.g.} 4. Kg2 (4. g4 {%05or} hxg4+ 5. Kxg4 Ke2 {, and Black wins.}) 4... Rxf4 5. gxf4 Ke4 6. Kg3 f5 $19) 2... Ra1+ 3. Kg2 Ke2 4. Bd4 Ra3 5. Bc5 Rf3 6. Bd4 h6 7. Bc5 g5 8. hxg5 hxg5 9. Bd4 f5 10. Bc5 f4 {, and Black wins as in example ~3($413027)~.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Voronkov Boris"] [Black "Ignatiev Felix N (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/pp3k2/1b6/1P2P1p1/7p/3K4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ937 ~18. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (different numbers of pawns)~ In this chapter we will be considering endings where the overall number of pawns is not less than five, and the side with the bishop has an advantage of one or more pawns. A rook is usually reckoned to be roughly equal in strength to a bishop and two pawns. Such an evaluation, while on the whole correct, is of course not universal. If there are passed pawns on the board, the value of the rook increases, since thanks to its mobility it is better than the bishop at coordinating with its own pawns and combating the enemy pawns.} 1. Rh7+ { %05Formally the material situation is level, but a dynamic assessment shows that the strong passed e-pawn, supported by the king, together with the active rook position, is bound to tip the scales in favour of White.} Ke6 (1... Kg6 { is met by} 2. e6 $18) 2. Ke4 Bc5 3. Rh6+ {! White consistently follows his plan. The b-pawn will not run away, and in the first instance he must advance his e-pawn.} Kd7 4. e6+ Kd8 5. Rh8+ Kc7 6. Rh7+ Kd8 7. Rxb7 g4 8. Rd7+ Ke8 9. Rh7 Bf2 10. Kf4 g3 {White has driven the opposing king onto the back rank, and the attempt by Black to activate his pawns is easily parried.} 11. Kf3 h3 12. Rxh3 Ke7 13. Rh6 Kd6 14. Rg6 Be1 15. Kf4 {!} (15. e7+ {? %05not} Kxe7 16. Rg7+ Kd6 17. Rxa7 Kc5 18. Rb7 Ba5 {= , when after 19... Bb6 Black eliminates the b5 pawn}) 15... Bf2 16. Kf5 Ke7 17. Rg7+ Ke8 18. Ke5 Be1 19. Kd5 {!} (19. Rxa7 { ? %05avoiding the last trap:} g2 20. Rg7 Bc3+ $19) 19... Bf2 20. Kd6 Kf8 21. Rg4 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Site "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Belov Lev A (RUS)"] [Black "Utiatsky Anatoly (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/3pp3/p3b1p1/P3P3/2P5/2R1K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {The following example shows some interesting tactical possibilities.} 1. c4 { ! %05Black appears to have an adequate material balance for the exchange - two pawns. But the advantage is with White, since the a5 pawn is weak, and by a pawn breakthrough he quickly sets up a dangerous passed pawn.} Bd4 2. e5 { (the same move follows on 1... Bf6)} Bxe5 3. c5 dxc5 4. Rxc5 Kf6 5. Rxa5 { As a result of the combination the position has changed sharply. Black will have to give up his bishop for the a-pawn.} Bd4 6. Rb5 Kg6 7. a5 f5 8. Rb4 {!} Bg1 9. a6 g4 10. Rb7 f4 11. a7 Bxa7 12. Rxa7 {The interesting ending which has now arisen is of theoretical value. As was shown by Kopayev (1964), in order to draw Black must not allow the rook to stand behind the e-pawn. Correct therefore was} Kf6 {!} (12... e5 {? , after which White could have won by %05Here Black played} 13. Re7 {!} (13. Kd3 {? %05But he too failed to grasp the opportunity, and replied} g3 14. Ke4 {, when after} Kh6 {? White again had a won position. Since this ending belongs to the section "rook against three pawns", it will be examined in detail in the book devoted to rook endings. Here we will merely mention that the mistakes by both sides continued. The last one was made by Black, and he lost.})) 13. Ra8 Kf7 {! , followed by ... e5 and ... g3.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Black "Freyman"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1bk2ppp/8/p2p4/P1pP4/2K2P2/6PP/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "53"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ937 If the side with the rook has no passed pawns, a factor which becomes very important is whether or not the opponent has any pawn weaknesses. The rook, with its great manoeuvrability, is able to attack pawns on different parts of the board, with consequent gain of material.} 1. Re1 {! %05Here the rook has the possibility of invading the opponent's position along either of two open files. Black is restricted to defending his pawns on both wings, and cannot do anything active. ^013^010 White's advantage is undisputed, but to realize it he must rid himself of his one weakness - the a4 pawn, and gain scope for his rook. This is the aim of the following manoeuvre:} Kd7 2. Rb1 {!} Bc6 3. Rb6 Bxa4 4. Rb7+ Ke8 5. Ra7 Bd7 6. Rxa5 Be6 7. f4 {! The first stage is complete. The rook has acquired complete freedom, and can now set about attacking the opponent's pawns.} g6 (7... f5 {%05after} 8. Ra7 Bd7 9. Kb4 Ke7 10. Kc5 $18 {loss of material for Black is inevitable}) 8. f5 {!} gxf5 9. Ra8+ Ke7 10. Rh8 Kf6 11. Rxh7 {(an important achievement; thanks to his mobile rook, White has managed to create a passed pawn)} f4 12. Rh8 Kg6 13. Rg8+ Kh6 14. Rd8 Kg6 15. Kd2 Kf5 { If Black waits passively, White transfers his king to f3 and wins the f4 pawn, since the threat of advancing the c-pawn is easily parried. After the move in the game White is able to cut off the black king from the passed pawn.} 16. Rg8 {!} Ke4 17. Kc3 Kf5 18. h4 Kf6 19. h5 Bf5 20. h6 Bg6 21. Rd8 Be4 22. Rd6+ {!} Kg5 23. h7 Bxh7 24. Rxd5+ Kg4 25. Re5 {(and now - the decisive advance of the d-pawn)} f3 26. gxf3+ Kxf3 27. d5 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/5p2/6p1/6Pp/2b2P1P/R2pK3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] {In spite of his strong passed pawn, Black's pawn weaknesses condemn him to defeat in the next example. %212045826630=4HLJ937} 1. Rc2 {%05The decisive weakness here is ... the h4 pawn. We will anticipate the perplexed reader's question: surely the h4 pawn is defended by the g-pawn? As analysis shows, the g5 pawn can easily be removed, or else it will become a weakness itself.} Ba5 2. Rc5 Bb4 3. Rc4 Ba5 4. f4 {!} gxf4 (4... Kg6 {%05After} 5. fxg5 fxg5 6. Rc6+ Kg7 7. Rc5 Bd8 8. Kxd2 {White wins easily by taking his king across to the g5 pawn.}) 5. Rxf4 Kg6 6. Rf5 Bb4 (6... Bc7 {%05Had Black given up his d-pawn, White would have won by breaking through with his king along the white squares: } 7. Kxd2 Bd6 8. Kd3 Bg3 9. Ke4 Be1 10. Kd5 Kf7 11. Rf1 (11. g5 {%05but not} Kg6 12. Rf1 Bc3) 11... Bg3 12. Rb1 Be5 13. Rb7+ Kg6 14. Ke6 Bg3 15. Rd7 Be5 16. Rd8 {!} Kg7 (16... Bc3 17. Rg8+ Kh7 18. Kf7 {and 19. Rg6}) 17. Kf5 Bc3 18. Rd7+ {%04etc.}) 7. Rh5 Bc3 8. Rxh4 Ba5 (8... f5 {%05no better is} 9. gxf5+ Kxf5 10. Rg4 {!} Ba5 11. Rg8 Bc3 12. h4 Bf6 13. h5 Bg5 14. Rg6 Bf4 15. Ra6 Bg5 16. h6 { %04etc.}) 9. Rh5 Bc3 10. h4 Bb4 11. Rd5 Bc3 12. Rxd2 $40 {, and Black can resign. The cause of Black's defeat was indeed his pawn at h4. If in position ~3( 3042)~ both h-pawns are removed, the resulting position will be an elementary draw, since the black d-pawn paralyses all White's attacking attempts, as the reader can easily check for himself. Could Black have hoped for a favourable outcome if his bishop were at f4?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/5p2/6p1/5bPp/5P1P/R2pK3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1. Ra4 {%05Here the bishop is more actively placed. It defends the d-pawn and simultaneously prevents f3-f4.^013^010 White is unable to win:} Ke6 2. Re4+ Kd5 3. Kd1 Kd6 {, and nothing is achieved by} 4. Rxf4 gxf4 5. Kxd2 Kc6 {!} 6. Kc2 Kd6 7. Kb3 Kd5 {, with a draw.} * [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Zuidema Coen (NED)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/2R5/5bpp/8/3p1PP1/2pK4/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ937 The difficulties which may be faced by the stronger side in trying to realize the advantage are well illustrated by the following examples.} 1. h4 {%05The king and rook are restricted to a considerable extent by the opponent's passed pawns. Nevertheless White succeeds in winning, by cramping the black pieces and then creating a passed pawn.} Kg8 (1... Bxh4 {%05After} 2. Kxd4 $18 { White's king can reach e6, after which the advance of the f-pawn is decisive.}) 2. Ke4 Bg7 3. g5 hxg5 (3... h5 {%05Botvinnik gives an interesting variation, which he had prepared against} 4. Rc6 Kf7 5. Kd3 {!} Bh8 6. Rc7+ Kg8 7. Rc8+ Kh7 8. Ra8 Bg7 9. Ra6 Bh8 10. f5 {!} gxf5 11. Rh6+ Kg8 12. Rxh5 Bg7 13. g6 $18 {, and wins.}) 4. hxg5 Kf8 5. Kd3 Kg8 6. Rc6 Kf7 7. Ke4 {White forces the bishop to occupy the corner square, when it proves possible to drive the enemy king onto the rook's file, which will subsequently play a highly important role.} Bh8 8. Rc7+ Kg8 9. Rc8+ Kh7 10. f5 {!} gxf5+ (10... d3 {, when he wins by %05The right time for positive action. White does not fear} 11. Kxd3 gxf5 12. g6+ Kg7 13. Kxc3 $18) 11. Kxf5 Bg7 (11... d3 {, then %05there is nothing better; if} 12. g6+ Kg7 13. Rxc3 $18 {%04etc.}) 12. Re8 {!! The final finesse. Only this study-like rook manoeuvre leads to a win.} d3 (12... Bh8 {is met by %05the waiting move} 13. g6+ Kg7 14. Rc8 $18 {, when Black is in zugzwang}) ( 12... c2 {there would have followed %05On} 13. g6+ Kh6 14. Re2 $18) 13. g6+ Kh6 14. Re3 {This rook manoeuvre is the point of White's 12th move.} Bd4 (14... Be5 15. Rxe5 Kg7 {is no better in view of} 16. Re7+ Kg8 17. Kf6) 15. Rxd3 c2 16. Rh3+ Kg7 17. Rh7+ {Resigns. After} Kg8 18. Rc7 $18 {Black loses his c-pawn, and position ~3($402918)~,which is won for White, is reached.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p1p/p5p1/1pr5/6P1/P2B3P/1PP3P1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "55"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ937} 1... Kg7 { %05Black has a slight material advantage - the exchange for a pawn. As we already know, the superiority of rook over bishop is its significantly greater mobility. In order to realize this advantage, Black must break into the opponent's position with rook or king, but for the moment it is not apparent how this can be done.^013^010 In the first instance both sides improve their king positions by bringing them into play.} 2. Kf2 Kf6 3. Ke3 Ke5 {! (Black cannot permit 4. Kd4 followed by 5. c4)} 4. g5 {An extremely committing move. White attempts to paralyse Black's K-side play, but simultaneously weakens his own pawns and allows the rook to invade his position.} (4. Be4 {with the following continuation: %05 Fine regarded 4. g5 as the decisive mistake, and recommended} f5 5. gxf5 gxf5 6. Bd3 Rc7 7. Kf3 {, when, in his opinion, White can hold on. But it seems to us that even here after} Rg7 {! the threat of ... f4 gives Black good winning chances. For example:} 8. c4 (8. g4 fxg4+ 9. hxg4 h6 $17 {, and it is difficult for White to defend his weaknesses on both wings. }) (8. g3 h5 9. Be2 (9. c4 {%05the position is not improved by either} Kd4 10. Bxf5 bxc4 {, when 11... Rb7 is threatened}) (9. h4 {%05or} Rg4 10. Be2 f4 {!} 11. gxf4+ Kf5) 9... h4 10. gxh4 Rh7 11. Kg3 f4+ 12. Kg4 Rg7+ $19 {, and Black should, in the end, win.}) 8... f4 9. cxb5 Rg3+ 10. Ke2 Rxg2+ 11. Kf1 Rg3 $19) 4... Kd6 {! %05Therefore 4. g5 should not be condemned, since after it too Black has to play with exceptional accuracy.} 5. h4 {? But this move is certainly wrong.} (5. Kf4 {! it is easy for Black to improve his position; thus %05After the correct} Re5 {is very strongly met by} 6. c4 $17 {In our opinion, this move would have given White the best chance of saving the game.}) 5... h6 {? A mistake in reply.} (5... Re5+ {%05By} 6. Kd4 (6. Kd2 {%05Or} Kc5 { , when Black threatens 7... h6 8. gh Rh5, opening new lines for the rook.}) 6... Re1 {Black could have broken into the enemy position with his rook, e.g.} 7. c4 Rd1 8. Kc3 Kc6 $19 {, and White cannot avoid loss of material.}) 6. gxh6 Rh5 7. g3 Rxh6 8. c4 {! (White seizes the opportunity offered to complicate his opponent's task)} Rh5 9. cxb5 {? Relieving the tension favours Black.} (9. b4 {! White could have probably prevented Black from winning. A possible continuation is: %05As was shown by I. Rabinovich in his time, by} Re5+ 10. Kf4 f5 {(11. g4 was threatened)} 11. cxb5 axb5 12. h5 {!} gxh5 13. Bxf5 Re1 (13... Kd5 14. Bd7 Kc4 15. a4 {!=}) 14. Bg6 Kd5 (14... Rb1 {or 14... Rh1 is met by} 15. Be8 {=}) 15. Bxh5 Ra1 (15... Kc4 16. g4 {=}) 16. Be8 Kc4 17. Bf7+ Kc3 18. Be8 {= , with a draw.}) 9... axb5 10. b3 Re5+ 11. Kf4 Rd5 12. Be4 (12. Ke4 { %05After} f5+ 13. Ke3 Ke5 {the white pieces are subsequently driven back, but even so this was probably the best continuation, since now White loses a pawn.} ) 12... Rd2 13. g4 Ra2 14. h5 Rxa3 15. b4 (15. hxg6 fxg6 16. Bc2 {also loses. Fine gives the sample variation} Ra2 {!} 17. Bd3 {!} b4 18. Kg5 Rb2 19. Bc4 Rg2 20. Bd3 Rg3 21. Bc2 Kd7 {!} 22. Kf4 Rc3 23. Bd1 Rc5 24. g5 Rf5+ 25. Kg4 Rf2 $19 ) 15... f5 {!! An excellent move, which finally clarifies the situation.} 16. Bb1 (16. Bf3 {? , then %05If now} Rxf3+ 17. Kxf3 fxg4+ 18. Kxg4 gxh5+ 19. Kxh5 Kd5 $19) (16. Bh1 {is strongly met by %05while} gxh5 17. gxh5 Rh3 18. Bf3 Ke6 { , e.g.} 19. Be2 Kf6 20. Bxb5 Rxh5 $19 {with the threat of 21... Rh4}) 16... gxh5 {!} 17. gxh5 Rh3 18. Kg5 Ke5 19. Kg6 (19. Bxf5 {%05if} Rxh5+ $19) 19... Rg3+ 20. Kf7 Rb3 21. Bc2 Rxb4 22. h6 Rh4 23. Kg6 b4 24. Bd1 f4 25. h7 Rxh7 {!} 26. Kxh7 Ke4 27. Kg6 f3 28. Kg5 Ke3 $19 {White resigns. An exceptionally complicated, but interesting and instructive ending.} * [Event "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Site "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Rellstab Ludwig (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pk6/6p1/4bp1p/KP6/7R/6PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ937} 1... Kc6 { ! , taking his king to the centre and to the support of his K-side pawns. ^013^010 The game continued %05White's rook is badly placed, but he is threatening 2. Re3 Bh2 3. Re7, giving up a pawn, but activating his rook and obtaining winning chances. Therefore Black played} 2. Ka5 {?!} (2. b5+ { ! , forcing the black king to clarify its position.^013^010 Then %05White moves his king up to the a7 pawn, but, as we will see, although he wins the pawn he does not win the game. To be considered was} Kd5 {can be met by} 3. Rd3+ {!} Ke4 (3... Bd4 {%05if} 4. Rg3) (3... Ke6 {White continues %05while on} 4. h4 Bf6 5. Rg3 Kf7 6. Rh3 $16 {, and, having neutralized Black's K-side play, he takes his king over to the a-pawn}) 4. Rd7 Bxh2 5. Rxa7 g5 6. b6 $16 { , and Black has more difficult problems than in the game, since the white rook is very well placed.}) 2... Kd5 3. Ka6 f4 {!} 4. Ra3 (4. Kxa7 {is met by %05This shows just how harmless the enemy king's manoeuvre has been, since} Kc4 {= White therefore has to lose time.}) (4. b5 {can be met by} Bd4 {=}) 4... g5 5. Kxa7 g4 6. b5 Ke4 7. b6 f3 {(Black's pawn, supported by his king, is no less strong than the white pawn)} 8. gxf3+ gxf3 9. Ra4+ Kd3 10. Ra3+ Ke2 11. Ra5 Bf4 12. Ra2+ Ke1 13. Ra1+ {= Drawn.} * [Event "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Site "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Date "1883.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Blackburne Joseph H (ENG)"] [Black "Mason James (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7p/6p1/3p2P1/p1pP4/P1B4P/1P4PK/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1883.??.??"] {As we know from the previous chapter, the construction of a fortress, which is inaccessible to the enemy pieces, is an effective drawing method with bishop against rook. Here we will examine some further examples where this is the defensive method employed.} 1... h5 {Instead he played %05 White is threatening 2. g4 with an immediate draw, since then Black is unable to break in with his king. On its own the rook cannot do anything, since the pawn weaknesses on both wings are securely defended.^013^010 But it was Black to move, and he played} 2. g4 {immediately, and now see what happened:} (2. gxh6 { %05Now White could have held the position by !} Kh7 3. g4 Kxh6 4. h4 {, when he succeeds in erecting new barriers in the path of the enemy king. =}) 2... Rf3 {!} 3. Kg2 Re3 4. Kh2 (4. gxh5 {%05White is unexpectedly in zugzwang. After } gxh5 {the black king invades along the white squares.}) 4... Re2+ {!} 5. Kg3 (5. Kg1 {%05after} hxg4 6. hxg4 Re4 {White loses a pawn}) 5... h4+ {!!} 6. Kxh4 (6. Kf3 Rh2) 6... Rg2 {(a comical position! - due to zugzwang White loses material)} 7. Ba5 Rxb2 {, and Black won. Thus White destroyed the fortress with his own hands, and duly suffered a defeat.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Larsen Bent (DEN)"] [Black "Olafsson Fridrik (ISL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3kp3/5p2/5P2/6PB/1r5P/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {Here is another example of the defender failing to seize his opportunity. %212045826630=4HLJ937} 1. g5 {? %05Instead White decided to set up a passed pawn by} (1. Bg3 {, and if %05By} Kc6 2. Bf4 {! White could have set up an impregnable fortress and saved the game, as the following sample variation shows:} Kd5 3. Bc1 Ke4 4. Bh6 Rc3 5. Bf8 {!} Rc7 6. Bh6 Rc8 7. Kg3) 1... fxg5 2. Bxg5 {, but after} Rb5 3. Kg3 Rxf5 4. Kg4 Rf8 5. h4 e5 6. h5 Ke6 7. h6 { position ~3($402976)~ was reached, where Black's passed pawn proved more dangerous than the enemy one, and he was able to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/p3k3/2p5/1pPp4/3P4/PP4P1/3P1PB1/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {The following position is a classic example of the construction of a fortress. White has as many as three pawns for the exchange, but his prospects seem poor, since the rook is threatening to invade and begin capturing the enemy pawns.} 1. Kd1 {!! %05The way to draw is paradoxical, and may at first cause bewilderment.} (1. Kc2 {%05Natural continuations lose, for example:} Rh2 2. Bf1 Rxf2 3. Bd3 Rg2 $19) (1. f4 Rh2 2. Bf3 Rh3 $19) (1. Bf3 Rf8 2. Bh5 Rxf2 3. g4 Rg2 4. Kc2 Rg3 {, and White finally ends up in zugzwang.}) 1... Rh2 2. Ke2 { !! (the king moves with Olympian calm)} Rxg2 3. Kf1 Rh2 4. Kg1 Rh3 5. Kg2 Rh8 6. f3 {! White has lost his bishop, but he has succeeded in driving out the rook and in obtaining a unique position. The black pieces are unable to penetrate into the enemy position. White's king securely guards all the exits and entrances to his pawn fortress, and, in spite of his overwhelming material advantage (an extra rook!), black is unable to do anything. For example:} Rh7 7. Kg1 Rg7 8. Kg2 Rg6 9. Kf2 Re6 10. Kf1 Kf6 11. Kf2 Kf5 12. Kf1 {Also unsuccessful is the attempt to sacrifice the rook by} Re4 {White replies ?} 13. fxe4+ Kxe4 14. Kg2 Kxd4 15. g4 Kxc5 16. g5 Kd6 17. d4 Ke6 18. Kg3 {, and even wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian & Dolukhanian"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r7/4k1Pp/4p1p1/p1P1P3/P1pB2PK/2P5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {White also has a curious way of saving the following position.} 1. Kg5 Kf7 2. Kh6 Kg8 {It appears that White's initiative has died away, and that Black is threatening after 3... Rc8 and 4... Rc7 to win the g7 pawn, free his king, and decide the game in his favour. But there follows} 3. c6 {!} Rc8 4. Bb6 {!} (4. g5 {, this would have been fatal, since after %05It is curious that if instead of 4. Bb6 White had transposed moves by} Rc7 {!} 5. Bb6 Rxc6 6. Ba7 Rc7 7. Bb6 Rb7 {the rook breaks free.}) 4... Rxc6 5. g5 {, and it transpires that the rook is unable to break out. Everywhere the opponent's bishop stands in its path.^013^010 For example:} Rc8 6. Bc7 {!} Ra8 (6... Re8 {, then %05if} 7. Bd8 {!} Kf7 8. Bf6 Kg8 9. Bd8) 7. Bb8 {!} Ra6 8. Ba7 {!} Rc6 9. Bb6 {! %04etc.} * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2pk2pp/pppb4/5KPP/1P1R4/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ937 Up till now we have been examining examples where, in spite of a deficit in pawns, the advantage was mainly on the side with the rook. We will now meet some positions where there is a definite advantage on the side with the bishop. The rook is an attacking piece. Thanks to the possibility of rapidly switching from one sector of the battle to another, it is able to break into the enemy position and win material. When forced onto the defensive the rook loses both its mobility and its activity. The following example is highly instructive.} 1... g5+ {!} 2. hxg5 hxg5+ 3. Kf5 {?} (3. Kxg5 {? %05White declines the sacrifice, not wishing to take his king too far from the black pawns. After} c4 4. bxc4 bxc4 5. Re3 (5. Ra3 {%05or} Ke5 6. Rxa5 c3 7. Rc5 Kd4 $19 {, and Black wins.}) 5... Kc5 6. Kf4 Kd4 7. Re1 c3 8. Rd1+ Kc4 9. Ke3 c2 10. Rc1 Kc3 11. g5 Kb2 12. Kd2 Be4 $19 {the advance of the c7 pawn is decisive.}) (3. Ke3 { ! , using the king to stop the pawns, and keeping the rook for active play. The following variations are then possible: %05Subsequently Botvinnik showed that White had not chosen the best defence. He tried to stop the pawns with his rook alone, which proved beyond its powers. Correct was} b4 (3... Ke5 4. Rc3 c4 5. bxc4 Bxc4 6. Rc2 Kd5 (6... Kd6 7. a3 Be6 8. Kd4 b4 9. axb4 axb4 10. Rc1 Bxg4 11. Rg1 c5+ 12. Ke3 Be6 13. Rxg5 {= %04etc.}) 7. Rf2 Kc5 8. a3 Be6 9. Kd2 {!} Kc4 10. Rf6 Bd5 11. Rf5 Kb3 12. Rxg5 Kxa3 13. Rxd5 {!} cxd5 14. g5 { = , with a drawn queen ending.}) 4. Rd1 a4 5. bxa4 Kc7 6. a3 Kb6 7. Rb1 Ka5 8. axb4+ cxb4 9. Kd4 Kxa4 10. Kc5 {= , and} b3 {fails to ?} 11. Ra1# {mate.}) 3... a4 (3... c4 {, then %05if} 4. bxc4 bxc4 5. Re3 Kc5 6. Ke5 {!} Kb4 7. a3+ { = , and White cannot lose}) 4. Kf6 (4. bxa4 {%05no better is} c4 5. Rd1 b4 {!}) 4... b4 5. Kf5 Ke7 {! (Black steps out of the pin, as preparation for a combination)} 6. Kxg5 Bxb3 {!! Two far-advanced connected pawns are stronger than a rook!} 7. axb3 a3 8. Kf4 a2 9. Rd1 c4 10. g5 cxb3 11. g6 b2 12. g7 a1=Q (12... Kf7 {was simpler}) 13. Rxa1 bxa1=Q 14. g8=Q Qd4+ $19 {, and White resigned since the exchange of queens is inevitable.^013^010 Here the rook was forced to battle on its own against an avalanche of pawns, and was not equal to this task.} * [Event "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Prague (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p2k1r1/p1p4p/3pPB2/PP1P4/2P2KP1/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1... b6 {(Rubinstein tries to open lines on the Q-side, so as to then begin a counter-attack with the rook) %05White has two pawns for the exchange, and of enormous importance is the fact that rook is passively placed. This gives the advantage to White, who must aim to create a second passed pawn and advance it. } 2. Kf4 Rg8 3. g4 a5 4. bxa5 {! (White is on the alert; Black was threatening 4... b5!, creating a dangerous passed pawn on the Q-side)} bxa5 5. h4 Rb8 { (Black tries to improve the position of his rook and to attack the opponent's pawns on the opposite wing)} (5... Rg7 {, and to demonstrate this he gives the variation %05According to Euwe, instead of 5... Rb8 Black should have played} 6. g5 (6. Kg3 {! , with the aim of creating a passed pawn on the h-file. Consider some possible variations after %05 This is correct, but White should play not 6. g5, but} Rg8 7. g5 {!} hxg5 (7... h5 {(the strongest, trying to gain time for a counter-attack)} 8. Kf4 Kf7 9. g6+ Kg7 10. Be6 Rb8 11. Kg5 Rb3 12. Kxh5 Rxc3 13. Kg5 Rg3+ 14. Bg4 c5 15. h5 c4 16. h6+ Kg8 17. e6 c3 18. e7 Re3 19. Kf6 {, and White wins.}) 8. h5 Rb8 (8... g4 {%05or} 9. h6 Rg5 10. h7 Rh5 11. Kxg4 Rh1 12. Bg6 Kf8 13. e6) 9. Kg4 Rb2 10. Kxg5 {, and White wins, as shown in the note to Black's 7th move.^013^010 These variations show that even after 5... Rg7 it would have been difficult for Black to save the game.}) 6... hxg5+ 7. hxg5 Rg8 8. g6 Rh8 9. Kg5 Rh1 {!} 10. Bg4 Rg1 11. e6 Kf8 12. Kf4 Kg7 13. e7 Re1 14. Bd7 Rxe7 15. Bxc6 Rc7 16. Bxd5 Rxc3 17. Bf7 Ra3 18. Be8 Kf8 { , with a draw.^013^010}) 6. g5 hxg5+ 7. Kxg5 {!} Rb3 (7... Rb2 8. h5 {, although more tenacious, does not help:} Rh2 9. h6 Rh1 (9... Kf7 10. Bg6+ Kf8 11. Kf6 {!} Rxh6 12. e6) 10. h7 Kf7 11. e6+ Kg7 12. Bg6 Re1 13. h8=Q+ {!} Kxh8 14. Kf6 {, and for the e-pawn Black will have to give up his rook.}) 8. h5 Rxc3 9. h6 Rc1 10. h7 Rh1 11. Bg6 {! (threatening 12. Bh5)} Kf8 12. Kf6 Rf1+ 13. Bf5 {, and Black resigned, since he is unable to stop the pawns.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sozin Veniamin I (RUS)"] [Black "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p3p2/p1p5/2Pp1kp1/5b2/2P5/PP2R3/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ937} 1... Be5 {(the rook must not be allowed to reach e7) %05For the exchange Black has two connected passed %05pawns, which in this case are more than adequate %05compensation, since the enemy pieces are passively %05placed.^013^010 %05 White cannot stick to waiting tactics, since the %05opponent will gradually advance his pawns. His only %05chance is to activate his rook for a counter-attack on %05the Q-side pawns, with the aim of creating a passed %05pawn.} 2. Kg2 f6 3. Re1 g4 {%05Correct was} (3... d4 { ? Fearing Rh1-h7, Black simplifies the position, after which he can no longer win.} 4. cxd4 Bxd4 5. Re7 {! (this counter-attack saves the game)} Bxb2 6. Rxb7 Bd4 7. Rb6 Ke5 8. Rxc6 a5 9. Rc8 Kd5 10. c6 Be5 11. Kf3 f5 12. Rf8 g4+ 13. Kg2 Kxc6 (13... f4 {%05it was still possible to lose after} 14. Rf5 {!}) 14. Rxf5 { , and the game ended in a draw.}) 4. Rh1 (4. Kf2 d4) 4... Ke4 {! , e.g.} 5. Rh7 f5 6. Rxb7 f4 7. Rb6 f3+ 8. Kf1 g3 9. Rxc6 d4 $19 {%04etc.} * [Event "Madrid (Spain)"] [Site "Madrid (Spain)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Karpov Anatoly (RUS)"] [Black "Pomar Salamanca Arturo (ESP)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/p4p2/P1p5/2B5/1PP2P2/2KP4/8/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ921 %212045826630=4HLJ937} 1. b5 { %05Here Black's weak a-pawn restricts the movements of his king, so that the active position of his rook does not help.} Rb1 {Black tries to get rid of his weakness at a7, but this allows the opponent to create two connected passed pawns.} (1... cxb5 {%05If instead of 1... Rb1 Black had continued} 2. cxb5 Rb1 {, the game might have gone} 3. Kc4 Rb2 {(he can only wait)} 4. Bd6+ Kc8 5. Kc5 Rd2 6. d4 Rd1 7. Kd5 Kd7 8. Bc5 Rb1 9. b6 {!} axb6 10. a7 Ra1 11. Bxb6 $18 { , with an easy win.}) 2. bxc6 Kc7 3. d4 Kxc6 4. Bxa7 Ra1 5. d5+ {! (it is important to advance the pawn pair as far as possible)} Kd7 6. Bb8 Rxa6 7. c5 Ra4 8. c6+ Kc8 9. Bd6 f6 {White has only one more straightforward problem to solve - how to advance his second pawn to the 6th rank.} 10. Bb4 Kc7 11. Kb3 {! } Ra1 (11... Ra8 {%05More tenacious was} 12. Kc4 Kb6 13. Bc5+ Kc7 14. Be7 Kb6 { , although even then White wins by} 15. f5 {, e.g.} Ra4+ 16. Bb4 Ra8 17. Bc5+ Kc7 18. Be7 Kb6 19. Bxf6 $18 {%04etc.}) 12. Kc4 Kb6 13. Bc5+ Kc7 14. Kb5 Rb1+ 15. Bb4 $18 {, and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7p/8/p1p3P1/1pPb1KPk/3R4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] {The following study illustrates an interesting saving possibility with a rook against far-advanced passed pawns. %212045826630=4HLJ937} 1. Rd1 Kh2 2. Rd2+ Kg1 3. Rd1+ Bf1 {It seems to be all over, but...} 4. g5 {!!} hxg5 5. g4 a3 6. Kg3 a2 7. Ra1 {!} b2 8. Rxa2 b1=Q 9. Rg2+ {!} Bxg2 {- stalemate.} (9... Kh1 10. Rh2+) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p3B2p/1P5P/3P4/5r2/3k4/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {By contrast, subtle play enables the side with the bishop to win in the following position. %212045826630=4HLJ937} 1. b7 {! After} (1. bxa7 { %05nothing is achieved by} Ra4 2. Bc5 Kc4 {, when} 3. d6 Kxc5 4. d7 {is bad due to} Rg4+ 5. Kf2 Rg8) 1... Rg4+ 2. Kf2 Rg8 3. d6 {Black begins playing for stalemate as in Amelung's position ~3($403011)~:} Kc4 4. d7 Kb5 5. d8=Q Rxd8 6. Bxd8 Ka6 7. b8=B {%05The only way to win is by promoting to a second black-squared bishop: !!} (7. b8=Q {or 7. b8R gives stalemate %05Now}) (7. b8=N+ {%05while after} Kb7 8. Nd7 Kc8 9. Nf6 Kxd8 10. Nxh7 Ke7 11. Ng5 Kf6 12. Kg2 Kg6 13. h7 Kg7 {the result is a draw.}) 7... Kb7 8. Be5 Kc8 9. Bdf6 Kd7 10. Kf3 Ke8 11. Kf4 Kf7 {(the king attempts to hide in a fortress, but death awaits him there)} 12. Kf5 Kf8 13. Ke6 Kg8 14. Be7 a5 15. Kf6 a4 16. Ba3 Kh8 17. Kf7# {mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3p2p1/3b2P1/3P4/kpK5/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%212045826630=4HLJ937 In conclusion we will examine an example where the cramped position of the rook leads to defeat.} 1. Re1 {%05Black has an elementary win:} Be3 {!} 2. Rb1 Bc1 3. Rxc1 (3. d4 Ka3 4. Kc3 Ka4 5. Kc2 Kb4 6. Kd1 Kb3 $19) 3... bxc1=Q+ 4. Kxc1 Kb3 5. Kd2 d4 $19 {%16 %04etc. %212045826630=4HLJ937} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4p2p/4b2P/4P3/1kpK4/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {It is useful to note that, if position ~3( 3057)~ is moved one file to the right, Black can no longer win in the resulting position, since the rook has sufficient manoeuvring space. %212045826630=4HLJ937} 1. Re1 Bf3 2. Rc1 Bd1 3. e4 {!} Kb3 4. Ra1 Kb2 5. Rc1 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3nk3/2R5/8/4K3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] {~1 ROOK AGAINST KNIGHT ENDINGS~ ~11. ROOK AGAINST KNIGHT (without pawns)~ If there are no pawns on the board the advantage of rook over knight is usually insufficient to win. Even on the edge of the board the king and knight can successfully defend against the attack by the enemy rook and king. The following is a typical example. %212045826630=4HLJ963} 1. Kd6 Nf7+ {! the only move;} (1... Kf8 {loses to} 2. Rc8 Ke8 3. Rb8) 2. Ke6 Nd8+ 3. Kf6 Kf8 4. Rd7 Ke8 {Black all the time makes waiting moves;} (4... Nc6 {%05here} 5. Rd6 { would have lost}) 5. Re7+ Kf8 {This is the maximum that White can achieve: he has cut off the king, but the knight is near at hand, and it prevents White from landing a decisive blow. For example:} 6. Re1 Nb7 {(other knight moves are also possible)} 7. Ke6 Ke8 {(as a rule, the king should stay close to the knight)} 8. Rb1 Nd8+ 9. Kd6 Nf7+ 10. Ke6 Nd8+ {, with a draw. It is useful to note than in such positions the defender should not allow the vertical opposition of king and knight (d6-d8), but should aim for the diagonal opposition (f6-d8). We will move position 495 two files to the right.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5nk1/4R3/8/6K1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ963} 1. Kf6 {%05Even her, in a worse situation, black is able to maintain the balance:} Nh7+ {!} 2. Kg6 Nf8+ 3. Kh6 Kh8 4. Rf7 Kg8 5. Rg7+ Kh8 6. Rg1 Nd7 {! The only move!} (6... Nh7 {? %05Due to the proximity of Black's king to the corner, he %05loses after either} 7. Kg6 {!} Kg8 8. Rg2 Nf8+ 9. Kf6+ Kh8 10. Kf7 $18) (6... Ne6 {%05or} 7. Kg6 {!} Nf8+ (7... Kg8 8. Kf6+ {!}) 8. Kf7 Nh7 9. Rg8# {mate.}) 7. Kg6 Kg8 8. Rd1 Nf8+ 9. Kf6 Nh7+ 10. Kg6 Nf8+ {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6nk/5R2/8/7K/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Kg6 {or 1. Kg5 he loses his knight. %05But this position, obtained by moving the previous example one further file to the right, will be lost for Black, since after} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5n2/6K1/8/8/3R4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {If the stronger side should succeed in driving the enemy knight into a corner, this often leads to a win.} 1. Rd5 {%05Thus here, by depriving the knight of squares, White wins:} (1. Re3 {%05or} Nh8+ (1... Nd6 2. Re6) 2. Kf6 Kh7 3. Rg3 {%04etc.}) 1... Nh8+ 2. Kf6 Nf7 3. Rd7 Nh6 (3... Nh8 4. Ra7) 4. Kg6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ar_razi"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2k1K3/8/3R4/4n3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Re3 {! he forces the knight to go to g1. %05 We have here virtually the oldest endgame position known, its author being one of the strongest players of Central Asia. Black requires only one move - 1... Kc4, to restore the connection between king and knight, but it is White to move, and by} Ng1 2. Kf5 {! %05Correct is} (2. Kf4 {? , he is in zugzwang after %05Now White has to transfer his king to g4, but if he plays the direct} Kd4 {! there can follow} 3. Re1 Nh3+ 4. Kg3 Ng5 5. Kf4 Nh3+ {, with a draw.}) 2... Kd4 3. Kf4 Kc4 4. Kg3 Kd4 5. Re1 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "Baden-Baden (Germany)"] [Site "Baden-Baden (Germany)"] [Date "1870.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Steinitz Wilhelm (CZE)"] [Black "Neumann Gustav R L (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/4K3/8/7R/4n3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1870.??.??"] {We will now analyze several examples where the knight is cut off from the king. (with colours reversed)} 1. Re4 {%05White's plan is to drive the knight as far away as possible from the king, and then trap it. Steinitz carried this out as follows:} Nd1 (1... Ng2 {%05After} 2. Kf6 {! the knight is lost,}) (1... Nc2 {there follows %05while on} 2. Kd5 Na3 (2... Kf7 3. Kc5 Kf6 4. Re2 Na3 5. Kb4 Nb1 6. Rb2) 3. Kc5 Nb1 4. Kb4 Nd2 5. Re2 Nb1 6. Rb2 $18) 2. Rf4+ Kg7 3. Rf3 {The knight has been driven back and cut off. White can now set about trapping it.} Kg6 (3... Nb2 {there follows %05on} 4. Kd5 Kg6 5. Kd4 Kg5 6. Rf1 {!} Kg4 7. Rb1 Na4 8. Rb4) 4. Ke5 Kg5 5. Kd4 Kg4 6. Rf1 Nb2 7. Rb1 Na4 8. Rb4 {, and the goal is achieved.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1k1K4/8/2R5/3n4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {The following example is an elaboration on Zairab's position.} 1. Rd3 { ! %05Here too White succeeds in driving back the knight and then winning it.} Nf1 2. Ke5 {!} (2. Ke4 {? leads only to a draw after %05from the analysis of position 499, we know that} Kc4) 2... Kc4 {(forced due to the threat of 3. Kf4 and 4. Rd1)} 3. Ke4 Nh2 4. Rd1 Ng4 5. Rf1 Nh6 6. Rf4 Ng8 7. Rf7 {!} Nh6 (7... Kc5 {%05or} 8. Ke5) 8. Rg7 {The knight is cut off, and the rest is simple. Black cannot prevent the enemy king from approaching his knight via f4 and g5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5R2/6n1/8/2k1K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {The following study is highly interesting.} 1. Kf4 {%05 We have here an unusual zugzwang position. The black knight is cut off, but it is by no means easy for White to get at it. To win, White must give his opponent the move, and this is achieved as follows:} Nh3+ 2. Kf3 Ng5+ {!} 3. Ke3 {Now Black is forced to move his king:} Kc2 (3... Kc4 4. Kf4 Nh3+ 5. Ke4 {!} Ng5+ 6. Ke5 {!} Nh3 7. Rf3 Ng5 8. Rf4+ Kc5 9. Rf5 Nh3 10. Ke4+ Kd6 11. Ke3 $18 {%04etc.}) (3... Kb3 {%05It remains to add that the knight is also trapped after} 4. Kf4 Nh3+ 5. Kg4 Ng1 6. Rf2) 4. Rg6 Nf7 5. Kd4 {(after the retreat of the black king, this manoeuvre has become possible)} Nd8 6. Kd5 Nb7 7. Ra6 {! , and the knight is caught.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K1k2/8/8/4R3/3n4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ963} 1. Re3 {! After this strong move has several possibilities:} Nb4 (1... Nb2 2. Kc6 Nc4 (2... Nd1 3. Rd3 Nb2 4. Rd4 $18) (2... Kf6 {%05or} 3. Kd5 Kf5 4. Rb3 Nd1 5. Rd3 Nb2 6. Rd4 $18) 3. Re4 Na5+ (3... Nd2 4. Re2 Nb1 (4... Nb3 5. Kd5 Kf6 (5... Na5 6. Rb2 {and 7. Rb5$18}) (5... Na1 6. Kc4 {and 7. Ra2$18}) 6. Rb2 Nc1 7. Kc4 {and 8. Rc2$18}) (4... Nc4 5. Kc5 Na3 ( 5... Na5 6. Rb2 {and 7. Rb5$18}) 6. Kb4 Nb1 7. Rb2 $18) 5. Rc2 Ke6 6. Kc5 Ke5 7. Kb4 Kd4 8. Rb2 $18) 4. Kd7 Nb3 (4... Nb7 5. Re5 $18) 5. Kd6 Kf6 (5... Nd2 6. Rf4+ Kg6 7. Kd5 $18) 6. Kd5 Kf5 7. Re3 Nd2 8. Rd3 {, and White wins.}) (1... Nc5+ {(this gives White the most difficulty)} 2. Kd6 Nb7+ 3. Kc6 Na5+ (3... Nd8+ 4. Kd7 Nb7 5. Re5 $18) 4. Kd7 {! (threatening 5. Rc3)} Nc4 5. Rf3+ Kg6 6. Ke6 Nd2 (6... Kg5 {there follows %05on} 7. Rd3 {!} Nb6 8. Rd4 {!} Kg6 9. Rb4 Nc8 10. Kd7 Na7 11. Rb7 $18) 7. Rf4 {!} Kg5 (7... Nb3 8. Kd5 Nc1 9. Kc4 Ne2 10. Rf2) 8. Ke5 Nb3 9. Rf2 Kg4 10. Rc2 {!} Kg5 11. Rb2 Nc5 12. Rb5 {! , and White wins.}) 2. Kd6 Nc2 (2... Kf6 3. Rc3 {! leads to the previous example, where it is Black to move}) 3. Re4 Na3 4. Kc5 Nb1 5. Kb4 Nd2 6. Re2 {, and the knight is trapped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/2K5/3R4/2n5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {When driving back the knight, the stronger side frequently exploits the fact that, due to a pin, the knight cannot approach its own king. Sometimes, when the defender's king is on the edge of the board, the pursuit of the knight can be combined with mating threats.} 1. Rc5 {%05Black is threatening to force a draw by 1... Ka6 and 2... Na5, so the knight must immediately be pushed back.} Ne3 (1... Nd2 {%05The alternative defence is no better:} 2. Ra5+ Kb8 3. Rb5+ Kc8 (3... Ka7 4. Rb7+ Ka6 5. Rb2 Nc4 6. Ra2+ Na5+ 7. Kc5 $18) 4. Rf5 Kb8 5. Rf4 {(exploiting the threat of mate, White cuts off the knight)} Ka7 6. Kb5 Nb3 7. Kb4 Nc1 8. Kc4 Ne2 9. Rg4 Kb6 10. Kd3 Nc1+ 11. Kc2 Ne2 12. Kd2 $18) 2. Ra5+ Kb8 3. Ra4 Nf5 4. Re4 Ng3 (4... Ka7 5. Kc7 Ka6 6. Re6+ Ka7 7. Re5 $18) 5. Rb4+ { (the knight has been driven far enough away, and now White attacks the king)} Ka7 6. Rb7+ Ka8 7. Kc7 {or 7. Kb6, and Black has no defence against the mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1900.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Amelung Friedrich K"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/3R4/8/5K1n/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1900.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ963} 1. Kg5 Nf3+ 2. Kg4 Ne5+ 3. Kf5 Nc4 (3... Nf7 {%05Black cannot take his knight up to his king, since at f7 the knight is badly placed:} 4. Rd7 Kg8 5. Kf6 {~3($403062)~}) (3... Nf3 {is met by %05while on} 4. Rd3 Nh4+ 5. Kg5 {%04etc.}) 4. Rd4 Na5 (4... Ne3+ {%05or} 5. Kf4 Nc2 6. Rc4 Na3 7. Rc5 Kf6 8. Ke4 Ke6 9. Kd3 Kd6 10. Ra5 $18) 5. Ke6 Nb3 (5... Nc6 6. Rc4 Na5 (6... Nd8+ {%05or} 7. Ke7 Nf7 8. Rg4+) 7. Rc7+ Kg6 8. Kd5 $18) 6. Rg4+ Kh6 7. Kd5 Nd2 8. Rf4 Kg5 9. Rf2 Nb3 10. Rb2 Nc1 11. Kc4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1257.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Arabic manuscript"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/kn6/2K5/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1257.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ963} 1... Na5+ {%05An extremely interesting position, discovered by the English researcher D. Forbes in an %05ancient Arabic manuscript preserved in the British Museum, and published in 1859 in the %05Chess Player's Chronicle. The position was accompanied by the following brief variation, %05the author of which was evidently Staunton, the editor of the magazine:} 2. Kb5 Nb7 (2... Nb3 3. Rd8 {, and the knight is lost}) 3. Rf8 ( 3. Rh5 {! This wins more quickly than 3. Rf8. Now Black has three possible defences, but they are all insufficient: %05In 1899, in the 1st edition of his Theorie und Praxis der Endspiele, Berger subjected this position to a thorough analysis, which, however, contained numerous mistakes. It was later studied by a number of analysts. One of them, the Dutchman D. Zilestra, for example, where he gave 1200(!) variations demonstrating the win for White.^013^010 But the reader need not be afraid: the analysis of this position is not as complicated as it might seem. We give the simplest and Shortest solution, found by the American A. Frink in 1928, and corrected slightly by us.} Kb8 ( 3... Nd6+ 4. Kc6 Ne4 (4... Nc4 5. Rc5 {leads to position ~3($403068)~}) 5. Rh7+ Kb8 6. Rb7+ Ka8 7. Rb4 (7. Re7 {is also possible}) 7... Nf6 8. Rf4 Nh5 9. Rf5 Ng3 10. Rf3 {! followed by 11. Kb6 or 11. Kc7 with inevitable mate.}) (3... Nd8 4. Rd5 Ne6 (4... Nb7 5. Rd7) 5. Kc6 Kb8 (5... Nf4 6. Rd7+ Kb8 7. Rd8+ Ka7 8. Re8 {comes to the same thing}) 6. Rd6 {! (the position reached is the mirror image of position 504 with respect to the h1-a8 diagonal)} Ng5 (6... Nf4 7. Rd8+ Ka7 8. Re8 Nd3 9. Re4 Nf2 10. Ra4+ Kb8 11. Rb4+ Ka7 12. Rb7+ Ka8 13. Kc7 { %04etc.}) 7. Rd8+ Ka7 8. Rd7+ Ka6 9. Rd3 Ka7 10. Re3 Kb8 11. Kd7 Nf7 12. Ke7 Nh6 13. Ke6 Ng4 14. Re2 Kc7 15. Kf5 Nh6+ 16. Kg6 Ng4 17. Kg5 {, and the knight is caught.}) 4. Kc6 Nd8+ 5. Kd7 Nb7 6. Rb5 {!} Ka7 7. Kc7 Ka8 8. Rb3 {, and White wins.}) 3... Nd6+ 4. Kc6 Nc4 5. Rd8 Na5+ 6. Kb5 Nb7 7. Rd7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kn6/8/1K6/8/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {Somewhat later than Forbes, the chess historian van der Linde discovered a similar position in an even older Arabic manuscript, dated 1140.} 1. Ra1+ { %05This example also has several solutions.^013^010 By} (1. Rh8 Nd6+ 2. Kc6 Nc4 3. Rd8 {is also good enough to win.}) (1. Rb1 {also wins, e.g.} Nd6+ (1... Nd8 {%05or} 2. Rd1 Ne6 3. Kc6 Kb8 4. Rd6 {, and we have the mirror reflection with respect to he h1-a8 diagonal of position 504.}) 2. Kc6 Nc4 3. Rd1 {!} Kb8 (3... Na5+ 4. Kb5 Nb7 5. Rd7) 4. Rd8+ Ka7 5. Rd4 Ne5+ 6. Kc7 Ka6 7. Rd6+ Ka7 8. Rd5) (1. Rd1 {%05But the simplest win is by} Kb8 2. Ka6 {!} Nc5+ 3. Kb6 Na4+ 4. Kc6 Nc3 5. Re1 {, when the knight is lost.}) 1... Kb8 2. Kc6 {we can obtain position 506, mirror reflected with respect to the h1-a8 diagonal. Van der Linde established that the author of this example was the Arabic master al-Adli, who lived in the 9th century. Thus al-Adli's position, as well as Zairab's, have been inherited by us from the ancient game of Chaturanga. Although the rules of Chaturanga differed greatly from the rules of modern chess, the king, rook and knight moved exactly as they do now.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1900.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Amelung Friedrich K"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/1n6/8/8/4K3/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1900.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ963} 1. Kd5 {The knight cannot move because of a pin, and therefore after %05This is a modification of al-Adli's position.} Ka7 {%05or 1. .. Kb8 al-Adli's position is reached in either vertical %05or horizontal form ~3($413071)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1nK5/k7/8/8/8/6R1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ963 The following study has much in common with the previous examples.} 1. Rg6+ Ka7 2. Kc6 Nd8+ (2... Na5+ 3. Kb5 Nb7 4. Rg5 { leads to position ~3($403070)~.}) 3. Kd6 {!} Nb7+ (3... Kb7 {loses to} 4. Kd7 Nf7 5. Rg7 Ne5+ 6. Kd6+) 4. Kd5 {!} Na5 (4... Nd8 5. Rg8 Nb7 6. Kc6 {again leads to position ~3($403070)~.}) 5. Kc5 Nb7+ 6. Kb5 Kb8 7. Kc6 Nd8+ (7... Na5+ {%05or} 8. Kb6 Nc4+ 9. Kb5 Ne5 10. Re6 Nd7 11. Kc6) 8. Kd7 Nb7 9. Rg5 Ka7 10. Kc8 {! , and White wins. We have seen that in certain cases the position of the knight at b2, b7, g2 or g7 can be the cause of Black's defeat.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3R4/5K2/8/5n2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {~12. ROOK AGAINST KNIGHT AND PAWN~ The normal result here is a draw. A win is possible with the rook only in exceptional cases, when the opponent's forces are disunited, and either the knight can be trapped or a mating attack created. Consider the following typical example. %212045826630=4HLJ965} 1... Nh5+ { %05If Black did not have a pawn, White would win easily:} 2. Kg6 Nf4+ 3. Kg5 Ne6+ 4. Kf6 Nf4 (4... Nf8 5. Rd8) 5. Rd4 Ne2 6. Rg4+ Kf8 7. Rc4 Kg8 8. Kg6 Kf8 9. Kg5 Ng3 10. Kg4 Ne2 11. Kf3 Ng1+ 12. Kg2 Ne2 13. Kf2 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3R4/5Kp1/8/5n2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Nh5+ {%05The presence of the pawn does not alter the evaluation:} (1... g5 {%05and} 2. Kxg5 $18 {transpose into the previous variation}) (1... Kh8 { %05while after} 2. Rd4 {!} g5 3. Rd7 g4 (3... Kg8 4. Kxg5 {is analyzed above}) 4. Rd4 Ng2 5. Rxg4 Ne3 6. Re4 Nd5+ 7. Kf7 {White wins.}) 2. Kxg6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k1K5/pR6/n7/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1... Nc4 {(were it not for the pawn, this move would ensure a draw) %05Black loses precisely because of his pawn at a6, which deprives his king of this square. After} 2. Rb7+ {!} Ka8 3. Rb4 Ne3 4. Re4 Nd5+ 5. Kc6 Nc3 6. Re3 Nb5 7. Kb6 Nd6 8. Re6 Nc4+ 9. Kc5 Nd2 10. Re2 Nb3+ 11. Kb6 {White gives mate.} * [Event "San Remo (Italy)"] [Site "San Remo (Italy)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bogoljubow Efim D (UKR)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3R4/2n5/4pK2/7k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ965} 1. Rc5 { %05White wins by exploiting the poor positioning of the enemy pieces.} Nd2+ { Black takes his knight up to his king, but this does not improve the position of his minor piece.} (1... Nd6 {was more tenacious, although even then by exact play White wins the pawn and traps the knight, as the following sample variations show.} 2. Rh5+ Kg1 3. Kxe3 {, and now:} Nc4+ (3... Kg2 4. Rd5 Nc4+ ( 4... Nf7 {is met by} 5. Kf4 $18 {and 6. Rd7}) (4... Ne8 {%04by %05and} 5. Rg5+ Kh3 6. Rg6 Nc7 7. Rc6 Nd5+ 8. Ke4 Ne7 (8... Nb4 {%05or} 9. Rc4 Na6 10. Kd5 Kg3 11. Kd6 $18 {and 12. Ra4}) 9. Re6 Nc8 10. Kd5 Kg4 11. Kc5 $18 {and 12. Re8}) 5. Kd3 Nb6 (5... Nb2+ 6. Kc3 Na4+ 7. Kb4 Nb6 8. Rd8 $18) 6. Rd6 Na4 7. Kc4 Kf3 8. Kb4 Nb2 9. Kb3 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. Kd3 Nb2+ (4... Nd6 5. Rd5 Nf7 (5... Ne8 {%05or } 6. Kd4 Nf6 7. Rg5+ Kh2 8. Rg6 Ne8 9. Ke5 Nc7 10. Rb6 Kg3 11. Rb7 Na6 12. Kd6 $18) 6. Ke3 Kg2 7. Kf4 $18) 5. Ke2 Nc4 (5... Na4 {is met by %056. Rh4 was threatened, and} 6. Rg5+ Kh2 7. Kf2 Kh3 8. Kf3 Kh2 9. Rg2+ Kh3 10. Rc2 Nb6 11. Rc6 $18) 6. Rc5 Nd6 7. Kf3 Kh2 8. Rd5 Nc4 9. Kf2 Kh3 10. Rd3+ Kh2 11. Rd4 $18) 2. Kxe3 Nf1+ 3. Kf2 Ng3 4. Re5 (4. Rc4 $18 {is also possible}) 4... Nh1+ 5. Kf3 Ng3 6. Rg5 Nf1 7. Kf2 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1887.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salviolli"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6R1/3K3p/8/nk6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1887.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ965} 1. Kc3 {%05White has to eliminate the enemy pawn and obtain a won ending with rook against knight.} h2 2. Rh4 Nc2 3. Rxh2 Ne3 4. Rh4 {! But now end is near:} (4. Kd3 {%05This wins more quickly than the line given by Salvioli,} Nd5 5. Rh4 Kb2 6. Rd4 {, when the knight still has to be caught.}) 4... Nd1+ (4... Nd5+ 5. Kb3 Kc1 6. Rc4+ Kb1 7. Rd4) (4... Ka2 5. Ra4+ Kb1 6. Re4 Nf5 7. Re5 Nd6 8. Kb3 Kc1 9. Rc5+ Kb1 10. Rd5) 5. Kd2 Nb2 6. Rb4 Ka2 7. Kc2 Ka1 8. Rb8 $18 * [Event "Esbjerg (Denmark)"] [Site "Esbjerg (Denmark)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sorensen"] [Black "Nielsen"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p6/8/2K5/5R2/nk6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ965} 1... b4+ 2. Kxb4 Nc2+ 3. Kc3 Ne3 {The position reached is the sane as in the previous example after Black's 3rd move, except that instead of being at h2 the rook is less well placed at f2.} 4. Re2 (4. Rf4 { is not possible, due to %05Now ?} Nd5+) 4... Nd1+ {%05To win, White must first regroup.} 5. Kd2 {! this move was not made in the game.} (5. Kb3 {? , and after %05White in fact played} Kc1 {a familiar drawn position was reached. But now Black can resign.}) 5... Nb2 6. Rh2 {!} Nc4+ (6... Na4 7. Rh4 Nc5 (7... Nb2 8. Rb4 {!}) 8. Kc3 Ka2 9. Rc4 {leads to the won position ~3($403068)~.}) 7. Kc3 Ne3 8. Rh4 {, and White wins as in example ~3($403078)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1897.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Amelung Friedrich K"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "n7/8/8/8/8/2K5/p6R/1k6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1897.??.??"] 1... a1=Q+ {%05Here Black can indeed save the game. He continues} (1... a1=N { , he would have lost both knights after %05But had Black played} 2. Rb2+ Kc1 3. Ra2 {, as the reader can easily check for himself.}) 2. Kb3 Kc1 {!} 3. Rh1+ Kd2 4. Rxa1 Nc7 {! , and the knight unites with the king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Liburkin Mark S (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/8/8/6p1/8/4K2n/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {(conclusion of study) %212045826630=4HLJ965} 1. Rh1 {%05Black's king is not in danger, but it is a long way from the knight and pawn, and it can %05merely stand and watch as they are eliminated:} g3 2. Ke3 Kg7 3. Kf4 g2 4. Rg1 Nf1 5. Rxg2+ {and 6. Rf2} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1907.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V. & M."] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4N3/8/1P6/K7/3rk3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1907.??.??"] {In exceptional cases it is possible to win with knight and pawn against rook. This happens when the pawn is close to the queening square, and the opponents pieces are unable to stop it. The following study is a classic example.} 1. b7 Rd5+ {! (a last "dying" check?)} (1... Rd8 {is met by %05The position seems hopeless for Black, since} 2. Nd6+ Kf3 3. Nc8 Rd1 4. Nd6 Ra1+ 5. Kb6 Rb1+ 6. Nb5 $18) (1... Rd1 2. Nd6+ Rxd6 3. b8=Q) 2. Kb6 {!} (2. Ka4 {leads to a draw after %05White sees through the trap:} Rd8 3. Nd6+ Kf3 4. Nc8 Rd1 5. Nd6 Ra1+) 2... Rd8 3. Nd6+ Kf3 4. Nc8 Rd1 5. Nd6 {!} Rxd6+ 6. Kc7 {, and the pawn promotes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k3K2/5P2/8/8/3r2N1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {No less typical is the following study.} 1. Ke7 (1. Nf6 {%05Only a draw results from} Rd8+ 2. Ke7 Kc8 {!} (2... Rh8 {? %05but not} 3. Ke6 Rf8 4. Nd7+ { , and wins.})) 1... Re4+ 2. Ne5 {!} Rf4 3. Nd7+ Kc7 4. Nf6 {, blocking out the rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1Rp5/8/K2nk3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] 1... c2 2. Rb1 Kd2 3. Ka2 Nc3+ 4. Ka3 Nxb1+ {or 4... cbB, and Black wins.} ( 4... cxb1=Q {or 4... cbR - stalemate, but... %05The last chance:}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vancura"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7N/6P1/2k3K1/8/8/4r3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1. Kh5 {!} (1. Kf5 Re8 2. Ng6 Kd6 3. Nf8 Ke7 {leads only to a draw}) 1... Re8 { !} (1... Rh3+ 2. Kg4 Rh1 3. Ng6 Rg1+ 4. Kf5 Rf1+ 5. Ke6 Re1+ 6. Ne5+) 2. Ng6 Kd6 (2... Ra8 {%05or} 3. Kh6 Kb5 {!} 4. Nf8 Ra6+ 5. Kh5 {!} Ra1 6. Ne6 {!} Ra8 7. Nc7+ {, and White wins}) 3. Nf8 Re1 {!} 4. Ne6 Re5+ 5. Kg4 {!} Re1 6. Kf5 Rf1+ 7. Kg6 Rg1+ 8. Ng5 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2n5/2Pk4/8/4K3/2R5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967 ~13. ROOK AND PAWN AGAINST KNIGHT~ If the stronger side's pieces are coordinated, the winning procedure in this ending is so elementary that it does not require any explanation. Here we will examine several examples where, for various reasons, there is a lack of coordination, and the win is either altogether impossible, or else it is achieved in an unusual way.} 1. Rc5 {%05The pawn has broken away from the rest of the white forces, and the king is unable to support it:} Ne7 (1... Nb6 {%05or} 2. Kd4 Nc8 (2... Kc8 {?} 3. Rc6 Nd7 (3... Na8 {%05or} 4. Kc5 Nxc7 5. Kb6 $18) 4. Kd5 Nf8 5. Kd6 $18) 3. Kc4 Na7 {!} (3... Kd6 {?} 4. Kb5 Kd7 5. Ka6 Kd6 6. Kb7 $18) 4. Kb4 Kc8 5. Ka5 Kb7 {=}) (1... Na7 {%05or} 2. Kd5 Nc8 3. Kc4 Na7 {=}) 2. Ke4 Nc8 3. Kd5 Ne7+ 4. Kc4 Kc8 {!} 5. Kb5 Kb7 6. Re5 Nc8 {= , and White has not achieved anything.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "n7/Pk6/8/2K5/R7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967 Moving position ~3( 3086)~ one file to the left does not alter the evaluation, but if it is moved two files to the left White wins in the resulting position by sacrificing his pawn.} 1. Rb4+ Kxa7 2. Kc6 $18 { %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Amelung Friedrich K"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2n5/2Pk4/8/4K3/2R5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967 Let us move position ~3( 3086)~ one rank down the board. } 1. Rc4 {%05White is threatening to approach with his king from the %05right, but Black manages either to regroup and %05transpose into position ~3($403086) ~, or to win the %05pawn.^013^010 %05 For example:} Ne6 2. Kf5 Nc7 3. Kf6 Nb5 ( 3... Nd5+ {%05also possible is} 4. Kf7 Nc7 5. Rc1 Nb5 {!} 6. Ke8 Kc7 7. Ke7 Nd4 {=}) 4. Kf7 Na7 {!} 5. c7 Kd7 6. Kf6 Nc8 7. Ke5 Ne7 8. Rc5 Nc8 9. Kd5 Ne7+ 10. Kc4 Kc8 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1n6/1Pk5/8/3K4/1R6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967 But what will happen if position ~3( 3088)~ is moved one file to the left?} 1. Rb4 {%05Berger (1922) considered this position to be drawn, and %05to demonstrate this he gave the following variation:} Nd6 {?} ( 1... Na5 {! %05 In 1927 Frink established that Black has a better plan, enabling him to maintain the balance, although he has to defend accurately. Black's very first move was incorrect. He should play} 2. Ke4 (2. Ke5 {, when there follows %05, preventing} Kc5 {! , and the threat of 3... Nc4 enables Black to eliminate the pawn.}) 2... Nb7 3. Ke5 Nc5 4. Kf5 Nd7 {!} 5. b7 Kc7 { , and a drawn position of type ~3($413086)~ has been reached. Now White's only possibility is to approach with his king from the left, but it is easily parried:} 6. Rb5 Nb8 7. Ke4 Kc6 8. Rb1 Kc7 9. Kd5 Nd7 10. Rb3 Nb8 11. Kc4 Nd7 12. Rb5 Kb8 13. Kb4 Ka7 14. Ka5 Nb8 {= %04etc.}) 2. Ke5 Nb7 3. Ke6 Nc5+ 4. Ke7 Nb7 (4... Kb7 {%05Black loses after} 5. Kd6 Na6 6. Rb1 Nb8 7. Kc5 Nd7+ 8. Kb5 Nb8 9. Rc1) 5. Rb1 Na5 6. Kd8 Kb7 7. Kd7 Nc4 {, winning the pawn.^013^010 But then Cheron found that ... after losing his pawn, White wins:} 8. Rb4 {!} Nxb6+ {(otherwise White takes his king to c5)} 9. Kd6 {!} Ka7 10. Kc6 Nc8 11. Kc7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1n6/1Pk5/8/3K4/1R6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967 The defence is more difficult in the following position. } 1. Rb3 {%05Here White's threat of approaching with his king from the side is more of a reality. For example:} Nd5 {?} (1... Na4 {! %05Black draws by gradually transposing into a type %05~3($413086)~ position.} 2. Ke3 Nb6 3. Ke4 Nc4 4. Kf4 Nd6 5. b6 Kc6 6. Rb4 Nb7 7. Ke5 Nc5 8. Kf5 Nd7 {!} (8... Kb7 { %05but not} 9. Kf6 {!} Nd7+ 10. Ke6 Nxb6 11. Kd6 {$18! , and wins}) 9. b7 Kc7 { %04etc. =}) 2. Ke4 Nb6 (2... Kc4 3. b6) 3. Ke5 Nc4+ 4. Ke6 Nb6 5. Rb1 Nc4 6. Kd7 Kb6 7. Rb3 Na5 8. Rb4 {!} Nb7 9. Rb1 Na5 10. Kd6 {!} Nc4+ 11. Kd5 Na3 12. Rb3 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1835.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lewis William (ENG)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/n7/Pk6/8/2K5/R7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1835.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967} 1. Ra4 {! (found by Berger) %05 The winning procedure was found by Lewis, and then made more precise by Berger. White succeeds in approaching the pawn with his king and supporting its advance.} (1. Kd5 { ? %05This position occurred in one of the match games La Bourdonnais - McDonnell, which %05continued} Nb5 2. Rb3 Kxa6 3. Kc5 Na7 4. Rb8 Ka5 {, with a draw.}) 1... Nc6 (1... Kc6 2. Rb4) 2. Kd5 Na7 3. Kd6 Nb5+ 4. Kd7 Na7 (4... Ka7 {%05Or} 5. Kc6 Nc3 6. Rc4 Nb1 7. Rc1 Nd2 (7... Na3 8. Kc5) 8. Kb5 {, and White wins.}) 5. Ra1 Nb5 6. Kc8 Ka7 (6... Na7+ 7. Kb8 Nc6+ 8. Ka8) 7. Ra5 Nd6+ 8. Kc7 Nc4 9. Ra2 Nb6 10. Kc6 Nc4 11. Kc5 Nb6 12. Kb5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/n7/Pk6/8/2K5/R7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967 If position ~3( 3091)~ is moved two ranks down the board, White encounters additional difficulties in carrying out his winning plan, due to the lack of space for his rook.} 1. Ra2 {%05Berger correctly evaluated it as won, but his solution was incomplete. Here we give a detailed solution.} (1. Kd3 {? %05This position was given as drawn by Amelung (1907) on the basis of the variation} Nb3) 1... Nc4 (1... Nc6 {%05 Black could have played} 2. Kd3 Kb3 3. Ra1 Kb2 {, driving the rook from a1, and after} 4. Re1 Kb3 5. Re4 {we reach position ~3($403094)~, where White defends his pawn with his rook along the rank.}) 2. Kd3 Na5 (2... Kb3 {can be met by} 3. a5 Ne5+ 4. Kd4 Nf3+ 5. Kc5 {, when the pawn promotes}) 3. Kd4 Nb3+ (3... Kb3 {%05Berger considered only} 4. Ra1 Kb2 5. Re1 Kb3 6. Kc5 {! , when the pawn is immune}) 4. Ke5 {!} (4. Kd5 {?} Nc1 5. Rc2 (5. a5 Nxa2 6. a6 Nc3+ 7. Kc6 Nb5 {=}) 5... Nb3 6. Rc4+ Ka5 {= ~5(Nalimov tablebases)~}) 4... Na5 (4... Nc1 5. a5 Nxa2 6. a6 $18) 5. Kd6 Kb3 6. Ra1 Kb4 (6... Kb2 7. Re1 Kb3 8. Kc5 $18) 7. Kc7 {!} Nb3 8. Kb6 {!! By sacrificing his rook, White wins.} (8. Ra2 {%05Or} Nc1 9. Ra3 { ! The only move !} (9. a5 {?} Nxa2 10. a6 Nc3 11. a7 Nb5+ {=}) (9. Kb6 {?} Nxa2 10. a5 Nc3 11. a6 Nb5 {=}) 9... Ka5 (9... Kxa3 10. a5 Nb3 11. a6 Nd4 12. Kb6 $18) 10. Kc6 Ne2 11. Kc5 Nf4 12. Re3 Ng6 13. Re4 Nf8 14. Kc6 Ng6 15. Kd6 Nh8 16. Ke6 Ng6 17. Rg4 Nf8+ 18. Kd6 Nh7 19. Rf4 Ng5 20. Rf5+ $18) 8... Nxa1 9. a5 Nb3 10. a6 $18 {, and the pawn cannot be stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/n7/Pk6/8/R1K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {Note that if in position ~3( 3092)~ all pieces, except the rook, are moved one further rank down the board, White is unable to win in the resulting position. %212045826630=4HLJ967 In view of the threat of 1... Kb2, winning the pawn, White cannot advance his king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2n5/8/P3R3/1k1K4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967} 1... Na5 {%05White again has the problem of how to support his pawn. To do this he has to take his king round behind the rook.} ( 1... Nb4+ {?} 2. Kd4 {! makes things easier for White}) 2. Ke3 Kc3 3. Kf4 Nc4 4. Kg5 Kd3 5. Rh4 Kc3 6. Kf5 Na5 7. Ke6 {, and the king breaks through at b5. White was successful only because his pawn was a rook's pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3n4/8/1P3R2/2k1K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967 Let us move position ~3( 3094)~ one file to the right.} 1... Nb5 {%05Here the by-pass manoeuvre with the king is unsuccessful, since during that time Black manages to eliminate the pawn:} 2. Kf3 Kb3 {!} 3. Kg4 Ka4 {(such a move was not possible in example ~3($413094)~ !)} 4. Kf5 Na3 5. Ke5 Kb5 6. Kd5 Nc2 {, with a draw. We will now consider a similar position, but with a more advanced pawn, which occurred in a practical game.} * [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "Lasker Edward (GER)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1K3k2/1p4r1/1N6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967} 1... Ke4 {%05Black's winning attempts proved in vain.} 2. Na4 Kd4 3. Nb2 Rf3 4. Na4 Re3 5. Nb2 Ke4 6. Na4 Kf3 7. Ka3 (7. Nb2 {! %05The simplest, but also sufficient was} Ke2 8. Nc4 {!} (8. Ka3 Kd2 {!} 9. Nc4+ Kc1 {, and Black wins}) 8... Rg3 9. Ka3 {and 10. Kb2, with a draw.}) 7... Ke4 (7... Ke2 {is met by} 8. Kb2 {and 9. Nc5, winning the pawn}) 8. Kb4 Kd4 9. Nb2 Rh3 10. Na4 Kd3 11. Kxb3 Kd4+ {Drawn. Thus if the rook supports the pawn along the rank, in positions similar to example ~3( 3095)~ a draw can be achieved irrespective of how far advanced the pawn is. An exception is provided by positions where the pawn is on its initial square, and has the possibility of moving forward two squares.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K5k/1p5r/1N6/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Ka7 (1. Nd5 b5) 1... Kg8 2. Nd5 {!} Rg7 {!} 3. Kb6 Kf8 4. Ne3 Ke8 5. Nc4 Kd8 6. Nd6 Rg6 7. Kc5 Kc7 {, and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2K5/2p4r/2N5/8/8/8/8/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1. Kb7 Kg2 2. Ne5 (2. Na5 c5+ 3. Kc6 Rh5 4. Kb5 c4+ 5. Kb4 Rxa5) 2... c5+ 3. Kc6 Rh5 4. Nc4 Kf3 5. Kb5 Ke4 {and 6... Kd4$19} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kasparian Genrikh (ARM)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/8/3N4/5K1p/7r/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {We have established that the stronger side has the best winning chances when he has a rook's pawn. We will now consider an exceptional position, where the saving path proves rather unexpected. %212045826630=4HLJ967} 1. Ne3 {! %05The solution of the study is as follows:} (1. Kg4 {? %05Black is threatening to attack the knight with his rook and switch to a winning position with a horizontal pin. Bad therefore is} Rd3 2. Nf4 Rd4 3. Kg5 Kb7 4. Nh3 Kc6 { , and Black wins, as in position ~3($413094)~, by taking his king to g3.}) 1... Rh2 {%05Therefore Black must advance his pawn.} (1... Kc7 {%05White wishes to exploit the distant position of the opponent's king and to eliminate the pawn. For example:} 2. Nf5 Rh1 (2... Rh2 {%05or} 3. Kg4 h3 4. Kg3 Rh1 5. Nh4 Kd6 6. Nf3 Kd5 7. Nh2 {, with a draw.}) 3. Kg4 h3 4. Ng3 Rh2 5. Nh5 {with the threat of 6. Nf4}) (1... Rh1 {leads to the same variations}) 2. Kg4 h3 3. Kg3 Rb2 {!} 4. Ng4 (4. Nf1 {%05not} Rb1 5. Nh2 Rb3+) 4... Rb3+ 5. Kh2 Kc7 6. Nf2 {!} (6. Ne5 {loses to} Kd6 7. Nf7+ Ke6 8. Ng5+ Kf5 9. Nxh3 Kg4 10. Nf2+ Kf3 11. Nh3 Rb2+) 6... Rb2 7. Kg1 h2+ 8. Kh1 {!!} Rxf2 {- stalemate!} * [Event "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Site "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dus Chotimirsky Fedor I (RUS)"] [Black "Allakhverdian Tigran (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4n1PR/6P1/6k1/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ967 In the following position White has an overwhelming advantage in force, but how is he to realize it?} 1. g6 {%05The game continued: } (1. Rh1 {%05All the same, the pawn cannot be defended:} Kxg4 2. Rg1+ Kf5 3. Ke2 Ng6 {leads to the drawn position ~3($413090)~.}) (1. Rh6 {, then %05If instead} Nf7 {!} 2. Ra6 (2. Rh5 Ne5) 2... Nxg5 {, and the drawn position ~3 ($413095)~ is reached.}) 1... Nxg6 2. Rg5 {?} (2. Rh6 {! for example: %05But it was shown by two readers of Shakhmatny Bulletin that White could nevertheless have won by} Ne5 3. g5 Nf7 4. Rh5 {!} (4. Rg6 Kg4) 4... Ne5 5. g6 {!$18 %04etc.}) 2... Nf4 3. Rg8 Ne6 {!} 4. Rg6 {(there is nothing better; 4... Kf4 and 5... Ng5 was threatened)} Nf4 5. Rg8 Ne6 {= , and a draw was soon agreed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1833.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Der Lasa Thassilo (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/3n4/3k4/3pp3/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1833.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ979 ~14 ROOK AGAINST KNIGHT AND TWO PAWNS~ ~14.1 Connected pawns~ If they are well placed, a rook and king can successfully defend against a knight and two connected pawns.} 1. Ke1 {%05 The pawns have advanced to the 3rd rank, but the white king is stopping them from in front, and the rook restricts Black's actions from the rear. The concerted action of the enemy pieces prevents Black from landing a decisive blow.} (1. Rd7 {%05Also possible is} d2 2. Rd6 Ke4 3. Kc2 {!} (3. Re6+ {%05but not} Kd3) 3... Nb4+ 4. Kc3 Kf3 5. Rxd2 {=}) 1... d2+ 2. Ke2 Kc4 3. Rc8+ Kb3 4. Rd8 Nc3+ 5. Kxe3 { , with a draw. Moving the position to right or left does not alter the evaluation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3n4/3k4/3pp3/R7/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ979 But if in position ~3( 3101)~ White's rook is less well placed (say, on the 2nd rank), he is no longer able to save the game.} 1. Ra4+ (1. Kc1 {%05Or} Nc3 2. Rb2 Kc4 3. Rh2 Ne4 4. Rh4 d2+ 5. Kc2 Kd5 6. Rh5+ Ke6 7. Rh6+ Kf5 8. Rh1 (8. Rh2 Nf2) 8... e2 {and 9... e1Q}) 1... Kc5 2. Ra5+ Kc4 3. Ra4+ Kb3 4. Rd4 {(now too late!)} Nc3+ 5. Ke1 Kc2 {, and Black wins. But what will be the result with wing pawns?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6n1/6k1/6pp/R7/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {%212045826630=4HLJ979 In position ~3( 3102)~ let us move all the pieces, except the rook, three files to the right. Does this alter the evaluation?} 1. Ra4+ {%05If it is White to move, can he parry these threats?} Kf5 2. Ra5+ Kf4 3. Ra4+ Ne4 4. Rb4 {Black's king cannot move far from the pawns because of Ra3, but this means that he is tied down, e.g.} Ke5 (4... Kf3 {%05or} 5. Rb3+ Ke2 6. Rxg3 Nxg3 7. Kh2 {=}) 5. Rb5+ Kd4 6. Rh5 {= with a draw Thus against wing pawns a draw is possible even when the rook is on the 2nd rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6n1/6k1/6pp/R7/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%212045826630=4HLJ979 Here the rook has greater scope than in position ~3( 3102)~.} 1... Nf3+ {%05 Were it Black to move, he would win quickly by} 2. Kf1 (2. Kh1 Ne1 {!} 3. Kg1 {- against rook checks the king hides at f1 -} g2) 2... Ne1 {!} (2... Nh4 {?} 3. Ra4+ (3. Rb2 g2+ 4. Kg1 Kg3 $19) 3... Kg5 (3... Kh5 4. Ra5+ Kh6 5. Ra6+ Kh7 6. Ra7+ Kg6 7. Ra3 Nf5 8. Kg1 {=}) 4. Ra3 {!} Nf5 5. Kg1 { =}) 3. Ra4+ Kf5 4. Ra5+ Ke4 5. Ra4+ Kd5 6. Ra5+ Kc4 7. Ra4+ Kb5 $19 {, and White cannot defend against the threats of ... g2 and ... h2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1890.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/kp6/2n5/p7/8/6K1/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1890.??.??"] {If one of the pieces - rook or king - is unable to take an active part in the battle against connected pawns, it is normally impossible to stop them, and one of them will queen.} 1... Kb5 {%05The white king is a long way from the battlefield, and while it is approaching Black gains a decisive advantage.} 2. Kf3 Nb3 3. Rh1 a3 4. Rh2 Kb4 5. Ke3 b5 6. Rc2 Nc5 7. Kd2 (7. Kd4 Na4 8. Kd3 Kb3 9. Rc1 a2 10. Kd2 b4 {, and wins}) 7... Na4 8. Kc1 Kb3 9. Rh2 Nc3 {, and 10... a2$19} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Liburkin Mark S (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2P5/1Pr5/8/8/N7/k2K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. Nc1 {! %05 Here the pawns are restrained by the rook, and it appears that the loss of one of them is inevitable. But by exploiting the unfortunate position of the enemy king, White is able to win.} Rxb5 (1... Rd5+ {, then %05If} 2. Kc2 (2. Ke2 {?} Rxb5 3. c7 Re5+ 4. Kd2 Re8) 2... Rc5+ 3. Kd3 {!} Rxb5 4. c7 Rb8 {!} 5. cxb8=B $18 {!} (5. Nb3+ {? %05but not} Rxb3+ 6. Kc2 Rb4 7. c8=R Rb2+ {, with a draw.})) 2. c7 Rd5+ 3. Nd3 {!} Rxd3+ 4. Kc2 Rd4 5. c8=R {!} (5. c8=Q {?} Rc4+ {, with a draw}) 5... Ra4 6. Kb3 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k2N2/8/3rPK2/8/8/3P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. d4 {! %05White cannot defend his d-pawn, but by subtle play he is able to obtain a familiar zugzwang position.} Rxd4 (1... Kc7 {%05or} 2. d5 Rxd5 3. e7 Rd8 4. Ne6+) 2. e7 Rd6+ {!} (2... Re4 3. Ne6 Kd7 4. Nc5+) 3. Kg7 {!!} Rd8 4. Kf7 {!} Kc7 5. Ne6+ {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K2k/1R6/2n5/5p2/8/6p1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {The following study is an exception to the rule. Despite the poor placing of his pieces, White is able to draw.} 1. Rb3 {!} f4 2. Rf3 {!! (a surprising move; White allows the pawn to queen)} g2 3. Rxf4 {!} Ne5 (3... g1=Q {is met by } 4. Rh4+ Kg7 5. Rg4+ {!} Qxg4 {-stalemate. Black tries to avoid the stalemate, but without success.}) 4. Rf5 {!} g1=Q (4... Nf3 {?? would have even lost after } 5. Kf7) 5. Rh5+ Kg8 6. Rg5+ {!} Qxg5 {- stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3R4/8/8/3n4/3k4/2p1p3/8/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%212045826630=4HLJ981 ~14.2 Isolated pawns~ Against isolated pawns the king should again be in front of them, and the rook should attack them from the rear.} 1. Rd7 {%05The most accurate way for White to draw is by keeping his rook on the d-file, e.g.} (1. Ke1 {%05he loses after} c2 2. Rc8 Nc3) (1. Rc8 { (or 1. Re8) %05However, he does not lose after} Kd3 2. Rc6 (2. Rd8 {?} e2+ 3. Ke1 c2 4. Rxd5+ Kc4 $19) 2... e2+ 3. Ke1 Nf4 4. Rd6+ Ke3 5. Re6+ {!} Kf3 {!} 6. Re3+ {!! =}) 1... Kc4 2. Rd8 Nb4 3. Rc8+ Kb3 4. Ke2 Nd5 5. Kd3 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3n4/3k4/2p1p3/R7/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {As in the case with connected pawns, there are difficulties involved in defending with the rook from the side, but this also ensures a draw if the rook can be transferred to attack from the rear.} 1. Ra8 {%05By} Kd3 2. Rc8 { (or 2. Re8) White saves the game, as follows from the previous example.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kudrin"] [Black "Estrin Yakov B (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4pkp1/5n2/4KR2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {If the pawns are not far advanced, the defence does not present any difficulty.} 1... g4 2. Rf1 g3 3. Kf3 g2 4. Ra1 e4+ 5. Kg3 e3 6. Kf3 e2 7. Ra5+ Ke6 8. Ra1 Ke5 {, and the players agreed a draw in view of the variation} 9. Ra5+ Kd4 10. Ra1 Kd3 11. Kxf4 Kd2 12. Kf3 {=} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Karstedt"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/1kP3P1/8/3N4/8/8/8/5r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {But against far advanced pawns, the slightest lack of coordination between king and rook can lead to defeat.} 1. Kh7 {%05Black's pieces appear to be well [laced, and indeed, if his king were at c8, White would be unable to win. But here, by combining threats, he wins.} Rh1+ 2. Kg6 Rg1+ 3. Kf7 Rf1+ 4. Nf6 Rg1 5. Ne8 {!} Rf1+ 6. Ke7 Re1+ 7. Kd7 Rd1+ 8. Nd6+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Pk1/3P4/2N1K3/8/8/8/5r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. d7 {%05Black's king should be blockading the pawn. Then 1. d7 would be met by 1... Ke7, with a draw.^013^010 But here after} Rd1 2. Ke6 Kf8 (2... Re1+ { is met by} 3. Ne4 {!} Rxe4+ (3... Rd1 {%05while if} 4. Nd6) 4. Kd5 Re1 5. f8=Q+ Kxf8 6. d8=Q+) 3. d8=Q+ {!} Rxd8 4. Kf6 Rd6+ 5. Ne6+ {White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lazard"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/4P1P1/8/7k/8/7N/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] 1. Nf4+ {! %05Here the king is unable to help the rook. After} Kh6 (1... Kg5 { allows White to block out the rook by} 2. Ne6+ {and 3. Nd8}) 2. Ne6 Re8 3. g8=Q Rxg8 4. Nf8 {the knight blocks out the rook, and the attempt to play for stalemate -} Rg5 {, is parried by} 5. Ng6 $18 {!} (5. e8=Q {?} Re5+ 6. Qxe5 { - stalemate.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kotov Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/P4PK1/8/6N1/8/8/r6k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {The reader will encounter familiar ideas in the following study, where the king attempts to escape the pursuit of the rook by the procedure of "down and up".} 1. f7 {!} Rxa6+ 2. Nf6 Ra8 3. Ne8 Ra6+ 4. Kg5 {(the king must move, such that the rook is not allowed onto the f-file)} Ra5+ 5. Kg4 Ra4+ 6. Kg3 Ra3+ 7. Kf2 Ra2+ 8. Ke3 Ra3+ 9. Ke4 Ra4+ 10. Ke5 Ra5+ 11. Ke6 Ra6+ 12. Kd7 Ra7+ 13. Nc7 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7R/8/7K/1n2kp2/7p/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. Kg3 {%05White's forces are badly placed, but his king succeeds in reaching the pawns just in time, and, thanks to the fact that one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, the result is a draw.} f2 2. Kg2 Nd2 3. Rf6 {!} f1=Q+ 4. Rxf1 Nxf1 5. Kh1 {! =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4PkPK/8/3N1r2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {If his king is badly placed, the side with the pawns may not only be deprived of winning chances, but may even be condemned to defence. Here is one such example.} 1. Nf5 {! , e.g. %05Mate is threatened, and the knight is attacked. ^013^010 White's only saving move is} Rxf5 (1... Kxf5 2. e7 {!} Re4 3. Kh7 {!} Kf6 4. g7 Rxe7 (4... Rh4+ 5. Kg8 Kxe7 {- stalemate}) 5. Kh8 Rxg7 {- stalemate!} ) 2. g7 Rf1 3. g8=N+ {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Petrov Vladimir (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5R2/8/3p1K2/3pn3/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {~14.3 Doubled pawns~ Doubled pawns are of course less dangerous, although, if the rook is attacking from the rear, the second pawn covers the first. Such pawns are best attacked from in front or from the side. %212045826630=4HLJ983} 1. Kf2 {%05The rook cannot prevent the queening of the pawn, but by exploiting the poor position of the enemy king, White is able to draw.} Ng3 2. Rf4 Nf1 3. Rg4 {(threatening 4. Rg1, so that Black's reply is forced)} d1=Q (3... d1=N+ { White draws by %05on} 4. Ke1 (4. Kxf1 {? %05but not} Ne3+ $19) 4... Nde3 5. Rg1+ {! =}) 4. Rg1+ Kh2 5. Rh1+ {!} Kxh1 {- stalemate!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3kn3/3p4/3P3R/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {~15. ROOK AND PAWN AGAINST KNIGHT AND PAWN~ ~15.1 The pawns are not passed~ The stronger side's plan in such endings is to break through with his king to the enemy pawn, and, after pushing back the enemy pieces, win it. The result depends to a considerable extent on what possibilities the defender has of hindering this plan. %212045826630=4HLJ985 Black's pieces are securely defending the approaches to his pawn. White is tied to the defence of his own pawn, and is unable to throw all his forces into the attack; his king alone can launch an assault on the enemy position. By giving up the exchange White can win a pawn, but this leads merely to a drawn pawn ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3kn3/3p4/3P3R/4K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {%212045826630=4HLJ985 If position ~3( 3119)~ is moved one rank up the board, the evaluation is changed.} 1. Kd4 {%05By sacrificing the exchange, White obtains a won pawn ending:} (1. Kf4 {%05There is also an alternative way:} Kd8 2. Rh8+ Kd7 3. Rh7 Kd8 4. Rxe7 Kxe7 5. Kg5 Kf7 6. Kf5 {%04etc.}) 1... Kd8 2. Kc4 Kd7 3. Rh7 Kd8 4. Rxe7 Kxe7 5. Kb5 Kf6 6. Kb6 Kf5 7. Kc7 Ke5 8. Kc6 $40 { %04etc. It is clear that moving position ~3( 3120)~ one or two files to the left will not affect the result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3kn3/3p3R/3P4/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {Moving position ~3( 3119)~ one rank down the board also does not reflect on the result, although White acquires an additional possibility - an attack with the rook from the rear. %212045826630=4HLJ985} 1. Rh5 Kd6 2. Rh8 Kd5 3. Rd8+ Kc5 4. Kd2 Nc6 5. Rd7 Ne5 {%04etc. =} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3kn3/3p4/3P3R/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {Only in the next position, obtained by moving example ~3( 3119)~ two ranks down the board, does the attack with the rook from the rear prove successful. %212045826630=4HLJ985} 1. Rh4 Kd5 2. Rh8 Kd4 3. Rd8+ Kc4 4. Rd7 Nc5 5. Rd6 Ne4 6. Rd8 Nc5 7. Kf2 {and 8. Ke3, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kn6/p7/P6R/1K6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {Our analysis of positions with rook's pawns will commence with the following. %212045826630=4HLJ985} 1. Rh6 {%05Here the exchange sacrifice does not achieve anything, but the poor position of the black king allows White to win by means of a pawn sacrifice.} Nd8 2. Rd6 Nb7 3. Rb6 Nd8 4. Kc5 Nb7+ 5. Kc6 {!} Nxa5+ ( 5... Nd8+ {%05totally bad is} 6. Kc7 Nf7 7. Rb7+ Ka8 8. Kb6 $18) 6. Kc7 { , and we reach the winning position ~3($403076)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/kn6/p7/P6R/1K6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. Rh5 {%05Here this plan does not work, since after} Nd7 2. Rd5 Nb6 3. Rb5 { Black has} Nc8 {, and if} 4. Kc4 Nd6+ {But if this position is moved one rank down the board, White wins thanks to the possibility of an attack by the rook from the rear.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/kn6/p7/P6R/1K6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. Rh6 Nd4 2. Rh8 Nc6 (2... Nb5 3. Ra8+) 3. Kc3 Kb5 4. Rh5+ Kb6 5. Kc4 Ka6 6. Kc5 {, and White wins. In all the examples considered the defender's pieces were as well positioned as possible. If this is not the case, he normally loses.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5pN1/3k1P2/r7/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1... Kd3 {!} 2. Kf3 Ra1 3. Kf2 Rb1 4. Kf3 Rf1+ 5. Kg3 Ke3 6. Ne6 (6. Nh3 Rf3+ 7. Kg2 Rxh3) 6... Rf2 7. Nc7 Rf3+ 8. Kg2 Kxf4 {! , and Black wins.} * [Event "Bad Kissingen (Germany)"] [Site "Bad Kissingen (Germany)"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/8/8/5N1P/6K1/1r6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {If the pawns are not blocked, this improves the stronger side's winning chances. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ971 %212045826630=4HLJ985} 1... Kf6 {%05Black's task proved very simple:} 2. Nh3 Rb3+ 3. Kg2 Ke5 4. Nf2 Kf4 5. Nh3+ Kg4 6. Nf2+ Kxh4 $19 {%04etc.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6n1/8/6k1/4K1p1/R7/8/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {And now another typical example. %212045826630=4HLJ985} 1... Nh6 (1... Kh5 { %05The attempt by Black to play actively is unsuccessful:} 2. g4+ Kh4 (2... Kg6 3. Ra6+ Kg7 4. Kf5) 3. Ke6 Nh6 4. Kf6 Ng8+ 5. Kf7 Nh6+ 6. Kg6 Ng8 7. Re4 { , and White wins.}) 2. Ra6+ Kh5 {is more tenacious, although even here White wins after} 3. Re6 {! , restricting the knight:} Ng4+ 4. Kf5 Nh6+ (4... Nf2 5. Re3) 5. Kf6 Ng4+ 6. Kg7 Kh4 7. Kg6 Kg3 (7... Nh2 {is weaker due to} 8. Re3 {!} g4 9. g3+ Kh3 10. Kf5 Nf1 11. Rd3 Nh2 12. Kf4 {%04etc.}) 8. Re2 {!} Kh4 (8... Nf2 {%05Or} 9. Rxf2 Kxf2 10. g4 {It now remains for White to overcome the last barrier.}) 9. Kf5 {!} (9. Re4 {%05Nothing is achieved by} Kg3 10. Kxg5 {due to} Nf2 {, with a draw.}) 9... Nh6+ (9... Kh5 {, then %05If} 10. g3 Nh6+ 11. Kf6 Kg4 {!} (11... Ng8+ 12. Kg7 Kg4 13. Kg6 {!} Kf3 14. Re8) 12. Kg6 {!} Kxg3 {!} 13. Kxh6 g4 14. Re8 Kh4 (14... Kf2 15. Rf8+ Ke2 16. Rg8 Kf3 17. Kh5 g3 18. Kh4 g2 19. Kh3) 15. Re4 Kh3 16. Kg5 g3 17. Rh4+ Kg2 18. Kg4 Kf2 19. Kh3 g2 20. Rf4+ Kg1 21. Kg3 {!} Kh1 22. Rh4+ {, and wins.}) 10. Kf6 Ng4+ 11. Kg6 Nh2 12. Re3 {! } (12. Kf5 {? %05White has to play accurately. Nothing is achieved by} Nf1 13. Re4+ Kg3 14. Rg4+ Kf2 15. Kxg5 Ne3 16. g3 Kf3 {=}) (12. Re5 {%05or} g4 13. Kf5 Kg3 14. Re2 Nf3 {! , with a draw.}) 12... g4 (12... Nf1 13. Rh3+ Kg4 14. Rh5) 13. g3+ {!} Kh3 14. Kf5 Nf1 15. Rd3 Nh2 16. Kf4 Nf1 17. Rd1 Nh2 18. Rh1 { , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3n4/2kp4/6R1/2PK4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] {%212045826630=4HLJ985 We will now examine a number of positions where the pawns are on adjacent files.} 1. Ra6 {, with the threat of attacking with the rook from the left. For example: %05The most dangerous continuation for Black is} (1. Ke5 {there follows %05How can White get at the black pawn? On} Ne6 { , and due to the threat of 2... Kc6 the king has to retreat.}) (1. Rf6 { Black does not reply %05On the waiting move} Nc6 (1... Ne6 {, after which %05but} 2. c6 Nd8 {leads to an immediate draw.}) 2. Rxc6+ dxc6+ 3. Ke6 { and wins,}) 1... Nb7 2. Ra8 Nd8 3. Ra7+ Kc8 {(this move looks weak, but it is good enough to draw)} (3... Nb7 {%05Instead of 3... Kc8 Black can also play} 4. Kc4 Kb8 {! the only move} (4... Kc6 {%05since Black loses after} 5. Ra6+ Kc7 6. Kb5 Nd8 7. Ra7+ Kc8 8. Kb6 {- it is this breakthrough with the king, combined with the attack by the rook from the left, they constitutes White's main threat }) 5. Ra6 Nd8 6. Kb5 Kb7 7. Rd6 Kc7 8. Ra6 Kb7 9. Ra2 Nc6 10. Ra4 Kc7 11. Ra6 Nd4+ 12. Kc4 Nc6 {, and White has again not achieved anything.}) 4. Kd6 Nf7+ 5. Ke7 Ne5 6. Ra6 Kc7 7. Rd6 Nc4 8. Rxd7+ {White has achieved his aim - he has won the pawn, but after} Kc6 {= the c5 pawn is also lost, and with it any hope of winning.^013^010 Undefined game It is clear that positions obtained by moving this example to the left along the rank will also be drawn, since White's attacking possibilities are reduced.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3n4/2kp4/6R1/2PK4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {Let us move position ~3( 3129)~ one rank down the board. %212045826630=4HLJ985 } 1. Ra5 {he can reply %05Here Black draws even more easily, since after} Nc5 { , since 2. Rc5 is not a threat. For example:} 2. Ra3 Ne6+ 3. Kc3 Nc5 4. Kb4 Kb6 5. Ra8 Nd3+ 6. Kc3 Nc5 7. Kd4 Kc6 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/n7/kp6/7R/PK6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ985 In the following example the stronger side' task is complicated by the fact that the opponent is threatening to queen his pawn.} 1. Kc2 {%05The by-passing manoeuvre with the king does not work:} Kb5 2. Rh8 Ka4 3. Rb8 Ka3 4. Ra8 Ka4 5. Kd3 Kb5 6. Kd4 b3 {!} 7. Rb8+ Ka4 {= ^013^010 If this position is moved one or two files to the right, and the resulting positions are moved up the board, all these positions will be drawn, since White has no way of successfully attacking the enemy king with his rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3n4/3kp3/R7/2KP4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "44"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ985} 1. Ra4+ {%05 The position differs significantly from the previous one. White can attempt to attack the king with his rook from the left, in combination with a by-passing manoeuvre with his king.} Ke5 2. Kb3 Ne7 {! %05 But perhaps Black should aim for a different set-up? To create the threat of advancing his pawn, he should keep his knight at f5, rather than f6. Therefore correct is} (2... Nf6 {%05We will first examine the consequences of} 3. Kc4 Kf4 (3... e3 4. dxe3 Ke4 5. Ra6 Ng4 6. Re6+) 4. Ra3 Ke5 5. Ra5+ Kf4 6. Kd4 Ng4 7. Ra8 Kf3 8. Rf8+ Ke2 9. Kxe4 Kxd2 {The pawns have been exchanged, but the knight is badly placed and is now lost:} 10. Rf4 Nh6 11. Kd5 {!} Ke3 12. Ke5 Ng8 13. Rh4 Ne7 14. Rh6 Kd3 15. Re6 Nc8 16. Kd5 Na7 17. Kc5 {, and the knight is caught.}) 3. Kc4 Nf5 4. Ra8 Kf4 5. Rf8 Ke5 6. Re8+ Kf4 7. Kd5 { This is the maximum that White can achieve, but there follows} e3 {!} 8. d4 Kf3 {!} 9. Re5 (9. Kc4 e2 10. Kd3 Nxd4) (9. Rf8 {%05or} Kf4 10. Ke6 Ke4 11. Rxf5 Kxd4 {- draw}) 9... Ng3 10. Kc4 Ne4 11. Kd3 Nf2+ 12. Kc2 Ne4 13. Kd1 (13. Rf5+ Kg4 14. Rf1 e2 15. Ra1 Kf3 16. Kd3 Nf2+ 17. Kd2 Ne4+ 18. Ke1 Ke3 19. d5 Nc5 20. Ra3+ Kd4 21. d6 Kd5 {%04etc.}) 13... Nf2+ 14. Ke1 Nd3+ 15. Kf1 Nf4 16. Re8 e2+ 17. Ke1 Nd3+ 18. Kd2 e1=Q+ 19. Rxe1 Nxe1 20. d5 Ke4 21. d6 Nf3+ 22. Kc3 Ne5 { , with a draw.^013^010 ^013^010 The same plan of defence leads to a draw in positions obtained by moving the pieces (apart from the rook) in this example one file to the right. But moving it two files to the right changes the evaluation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5n2/5kp1/R7/4KP2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {%212045826630=4HLJ985} 1. Ra4+ {%05Black has insufficient space for regrouping, and he %05loses after} Kg5 2. Kd3 Ng7 3. Ke4 Nh5 4. Ra8 Kh4 5. Rh8 Kg5 6. Rg8+ Kh4 7. Kf5 g3 8. f4 Kh3 9. Kg5 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6n1/6kp/R7/5KP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {This position is also lost for Black, since he cannot prevent the by-passing manoeuvre by the enemy king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4k3/R3p3/2K2n2/3P4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {When the threat of Black advancing his pawn is less of a danger, he should stick to the piece set-up shown in this diagram. %212045826630=4HLJ985} 1. Ra6+ {he must reply %05 From f4 the knight is attacking the d3 pawn, restricting the actions of the white king. If the king transfers to e3, Black transfers his knight to c5, not allowing the king in at e4.^013^010 On} Kf5 {! , and now: } (1... Ke7 {%05Retreating the king onto the 7th rank would appear to lose:} 2. Rh6 Kd7 (2... Kf7 3. Rd6 Ke7 4. Kc5 Kf7 5. Kb6 {!} Ke8 6. Kc7 Ke7 7. Kc6 Kf7 8. Kd7 Ne2 9. Re6 Nf4 10. Rxe5 Nxd3 11. Re3 {, and we reach position 503, which is won for White}) 3. Rh4 Ng2 4. Re4 Kd6 5. d4 {!} exd4 6. Kxd4 {, and the knight is cut off.}) 2. Rb6 (2. Rd6 e4 {!} 3. d4 e3 4. Rd8 (4. Kc3 e2 5. Kd2 Ke4 6. Rd8 Nd5) 4... e2 5. Rf8+ Kg4 6. Re8 Kf3 7. Kc3 Ng2 8. Kd2 e1=Q+ 9. Rxe1 Nxe1 10. d5 Ke4 11. d6 Nf3+ 12. Kc3 Ne5 {=}) 2... Ne2 3. Rb2 Nf4 4. Rf2 Kg5 5. Kc3 (5. Rf3 {%05if} Kf5 6. Re3 {, then} Ng2 7. Rg3 Nf4 8. Kc5 Ne2 9. Re3 Nf4 10. Kd6 Kf6 11. Rf3 Kf5 12. Rg3 e4 {! with a draw, since on} 13. d4 {there follows} Ne2) 5... Kf5 6. Kd2 Ke6 7. Ke3 (7. d4 Kd5 8. Ke3 Ne6) 7... Kd5 8. Ra2 Ne6 {= The position obtained by moving example 569 one rank up the board will also be drawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/R3p3/2K2n2/3P4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ985 The position obtained by moving example ~3( 3135)~ one rank up the board will also be drawn.} 1. Ra7+ Kf6 2. Rb7 (2. Rd7 {%05no better is} Kg6 3. Kc6 Kf6 4. Kc7 Kg6 5. Kd8 Kg5 {!} 6. Ke8 Kf4 7. Kf7 Ke4 { = , exchanging pawns}) 2... Ne3 3. Rb3 Nf5 4. Rf3 Kg6 5. Rf4 Kf6 6. Re4 Ng3 7. Rg4 Nf5 8. Kc6 Ne3 9. Re4 Nf5 10. Kd7 Kf7 11. Rf4 Kf6 12. Rg4 e5 {! with a draw, since} 13. d5 Ne3 14. d6 {? does not work after} Nxg4 15. Kc7 Nh6 16. d7 Nf7 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/R3p3/2K2n2/3P4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ985 Only moving position ~3( 3136)~ one further rank up the board changes the evaluation.} 1. Ra8+ {%05White wins by defending the pawn with his rook and %05advancing his king:} Kf7 2. Rb8 Ne4 3. Rb4 Nf6 4. Rf4 Kg7 5. Rf5 Kf7 6. Kc7 Kg6 (6... e6 7. Rxf6+ Kxf6 8. d6 {%04etc.}) 7. Re5 Kf7 8. Kd8 Kf8 (8... Ng8 9. Re1 Kf8 10. Rf1+ Kg7 11. Rg1+ Kf7 12. Rxg8 $18) 9. Rf5 Kf7 10. Rg5 e6 (10... Kf8 11. Re5) 11. d6 {!} Ne4 12. d7 Nxg5 13. Kc8 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/R7/5p2/3K2n1/4P3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {If position ~3( 3135)~ is moved one file to the right, the retreat of the king to the 7th rank becomes possible, since White is unable to make an effective attack on the knight. %212045826630=4HLJ985} 1. Rg6 {%05Thus after} ( 1. Kd3 {%05If instead White heads for f4 with his king, the knight transfers to d5, e.g.} Nf6 2. Ke2 Nd5 3. Kf3 Kd7 {=}) 1... Kf7 2. Rg5 Kf6 3. Rh5 Ke6 4. Rh4 Nf6 {!} 5. Rh6 {there follows} Kf7 {! , and if} 6. Ke5 {?} Ng4+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6k1/R5p1/4K2n/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1. Ra6+ {only the retreat to the 7th rank gives a draw. %05Here on} Kg7 {=} ( 1... Kh5 {? Black ends up in zugzwang, and loses: %05After} 2. Rb6 Ng2 3. Rb2 Nh4 4. Rh2 {!} Kg6 5. f4 Kf6 6. f5 {! %04etc.}) * [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/R5p1/4K2n/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ985} 1. Ra7+ {%05The game was adjourned in this position, and ended in a draw after} Kf8 2. f5 {?} (2. Rd7 {! %05The winning procedure was found by Bronstein and Averbakh in a joint analysis.} Kg8 (2... Ke8 3. Rh7 Kf8 4. f5) 3. Ke6 {! By sacrificing his pawn, White succeeds in breaking down the enemy fortress:} Nxf4+ (3... Kf8 4. Rf7+ Kg8 (4... Ke8 5. Rf6 {!} Kd8 6. Kf7) 5. Ke7 Kh8 6. Kf8 Ng3 7. Rg7 Nh5 8. Rxg6 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. Kf6 {, reaching position ~3($403074)~, which is won for White.}) * [Event "Bradley Beach (USA)"] [Site "Bradley Beach (USA)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Fox Maurice"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5n2/8/4pk2/4R3/5PK1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ971 %212045826630=4HLJ985 But what if the defender is unable to achieve the most active disposition of his pieces? In this case the material advantage should normally prove decisive. The following example gives a striking demonstration of how defensive lines are set up, and how they are overcome.} 1. Rh5 {! %05Were the knight at e7, the position, according to %05example ~3($403130)~, would be drawn. But here, by %05an attack with his rook from the right, White is able to %05prevent the regrouping of the enemy pieces.} Kg6 (1... Ng6 { is met not by} 2. Rh6 (2. Rh7 {! , as in the game %05but}) 2... Kg7 3. Kg5 {?} Nxf4 {=}) 2. Ra5 Nd7 3. Kf3 Kf6 4. Ra7 Nf8 5. Kg4 Ng6 6. Rh7 {!} Nf8 7. Rh6+ Ke7 8. Kg5 Nd7 9. Rh7+ Kd6 {White has passed through the first defensive line, but the next step requires further efforts.} 10. Rh1 {!} Nb6 {%05Correct was} ( 10... Ke7 {? This simplifies White's task.} 11. Kg6 Nb6 12. Re1 {!} Kd7 13. Kf7 Nd5 14. Re4 Nc7 15. Rd4+ Kc8 16. Rc4 $18 {Resigns.}) 11. Re1 Nd5 {, erecting a new barrier. Even so, thanks to the fact that the rook has freedom of action from the left side, this barrier can be overcome. For example:} 12. Re4 Nc3 13. Rc4 Nd5 14. Kg6 Ke7 15. Re4 {!} Kd6 (15... Kf8 {is met by} 16. Rd4 Ke7 17. f5 { !} Nf6 18. Rd1 {, when Black has no defence against the threat of 19. Re1, since on} exf5 {there follows} 19. Re1+ Ne4 20. Kxf5 $18) 16. Kf7 Kd7 17. Rc4 Kd6 18. Ra4 {(the reader should note that there was no similar move in examples ~3($403135)~,~3($403136)~ and ~3($403138)~)} Kd7 (18... Nc3 19. Ra6+ $18) 19. Re4 $18 {, and so on as in the game.} 1-0 [Event "Baku (Azerbaijan)"] [Site "Baku (Azerbaijan)"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sturua Zurab (GEO)"] [Black "Jussupow Artur (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/5k2/r7/5NK1/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {If the pawns are not yet close, this normally improves the winning chances, since it is more difficult for the defender to set up a fortress or exchange the pawns. The following example is instructive. The variations are by Yusupov. } 1. Nh3 {! , e.g. %05White will gain a draw if he can exchange pawns or set up a fortress.^013^010 Therefore the correct plan was} (1. Nh5+ {? %05But in fact there followed} Ke5 2. Kg5 Ra6 3. Nf4 Ke4 {(the king systematically advances towards the white pawn)} 4. Kg4 (4. Nh3 {should have been considered:} Kf3 (4... Rg6+ {!} 5. Kh4 Kf5 6. Nf4 Rh6+ {!} 7. Nh5 Ra6 8. g4+ (8. Nf4 Ra2 { ! transposes into the game}) 8... Ke4 9. Kg3 (9. Kg5 Kf3 10. Nf6 Rxf6 {, winning}) 9... Ra3+ 10. Kf2 (10. Kh4 Kf3 11. Nf6 Ra6 12. g5 Ra1 {!}) 10... h6 11. Kg2 Rb3 12. Kf2 Rf3+ 13. Kg2 Ke3 {and White is in zugzwang. The finish could be} 14. Ng3 (14. Kh1 {%05or} Rf2 15. Kg1 Kf3) 14... Kf4 15. Nf5 Kxg4 16. Nxh6+ Kf4 17. Nf5 Rd3 {! , when the knight is cut off from the king}) 5. Kh5 {! } h6 (5... Kxg3 {%05or} 6. Ng5) 6. g4 Kg3 7. g5 {, with a draw.}) 4... Ra5 5. Ne6 h6 6. Kh4 (6. Nf4 {, then %05If} Rg5+ 7. Kh4 Kf3 8. Nh5 Rg4+ 9. Kh3 Ra4 10. Nf4 Ra1 11. Kh2 Kg4 {%04etc.}) 6... Re5 7. Nd8 Kf5 {The knight has been cut off from the main forces, and Black begins pursuing it.} (7... Re7 {was also possible %05To this end}) 8. Nc6 (8. Nf7 {, then not %05If} Re1 (8... Rd5 { ! %05but} 9. Nxh6+ Kg6 {, when} 10. Ng4 {allows} Rh5# {mate!}) 9. g4+ {!} Kf6 10. Nd6 {, when White unites his forces}) 8... Re4+ 9. Kh5 Ke6 10. Kxh6 Kd7 { ? Now Black can no longer win.} (10... Rg4 {%05Correct was !} 11. Kh5 Rxg3 12. Nd4+ Ke5 13. Kh4 Re3 {! , when White is unable to bring his knight up to his king. But now, by using his pawn, White manages to unite his forces.}) 11. Na5 {!} Rb4 (11... Rg4 {is now too late:} 12. Nb3 Rxg3 13. Nd4) 12. Kg7 {!} Kc7 ( 12... Kd6 {%05or} 13. Kf7 {!} Kd5 14. g4 Rxg4 15. Nb7 Kc6 16. Nd8+ Kd7 17. Ne6 {, with a draw}) 13. Kf6 {!} Kd6 (13... Kb6 {, then %05If} 14. g4 {!} Rxg4 15. Nb3 Rb4 16. Nc1 {! , and the knight escapes from the pursuit.}) 14. g4 Rxg4 15. Nb7+ Kd5 16. Nd8 {, with a draw.}) 1... Ra4+ 2. Kh5 Ra3 3. Kh4 Ke5 4. g4 {!} h6 5. Nf2 {!} (5. g5 {%05but not} h5 {!} 6. Ng1 Kf5 {!} 7. Ne2 Re3 8. Ng3+ Kg6 9. Nxh5 Re4+) 5... Kf4 6. Nh3+ Kf3 7. g5 {, with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1934.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/3P4/8/1N5p/7k/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1934.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ987 ~15.2 The pawns are passed~ Here it is much more difficult to pick out the typical features. The result will depend on the degree of advancement of the pawns, and on how the pieces are able to combat them. Thus in the following example the seemingly undefended white pawn costs Black his rook, due to the poor position of his king.} 1. Nd4 {!} Rd8 (1... Rf8+ {%05Finally, if Black first plays} 2. Kg2 Rd8 {, then after} 3. Kh2 { he is again in zugzwang.}) 2. Kg2 {! , and Black unexpectedly finds himself in zugzwang:} Kg4 (2... Rxd7 {%05or} 3. Nf3+ Kg4 4. Ne5+) 3. Nc6 Rxd7 4. Ne5+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/3P4/8/4K3/6r1/5N1p/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ987} 1. d7 {%05Here the pawn serves as a "Greek gift", enabling White %05to set up the familiar drawn position ~3($403099)~.} Rg8 2. Kf3 Kb7 {%02~5 ? (RR)} (2... Kb6 {%16!} 3. d8=Q+ Rxd8 4. Kg2 Rh8 5. Kh1 Kc5 6. Ng4 Kd4 7. Nxh2 Rg8 {!} 8. Nf1 Kd3 9. Kh2 Ke2 10. Ng3+ Kf3 11. Nf5 Re8 12. Nd6 Re5 13. Nc4 Rf5 14. Nd2+ Ke3 15. Nc4+ Kf2 16. Kh3 Rd5 17. Nb6 Rd4 18. Na8 Kf3 19. Kh2 Rd2+ 20. Kg1 Rg2+ 21. Kf1 Ra2 $19 {~5 Nalimov tablebases}) 3. d8=Q {!} Rxd8 4. Kg2 Rd2 5. Kh1 {!} Rxf2 {- stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1912.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7N/1k2Pp2/8/8/8/5K2/7r w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1912.??.??"] {If the opponent's king and rook are badly placed, the side with the knight may be able to queen a far-advanced pawn. (conclusion of a study)} 1. e7 Rh2+ 2. Kf3 (2. Kg3 {%05not} Re2) (2. Ke3 {%05or} Rh5 3. e8=Q Re5+) 2... Rh3+ 3. Kf4 Rh4+ 4. Kf5 Rh5+ 5. Kxf6 Rh6+ {The crafty pawn has been eliminated, but what now?} 6. Kf5 Rh5+ 7. Kf4 Rh4+ 8. Kf3 Rh3+ 9. Ke2 Rh2+ 10. Kd3 {! (the king moves first down the board, and now up!)} Rh3+ 11. Kd4 Rh4+ 12. Kd5 Rh5+ 13. Kd6 Rh6+ (13... Rh1 {, then %05while if instead of 13... Rh6 Black played} 14. Nf6 Re1 15. Nd7+ Kb7 16. Ne5) 14. Nf6 {! This is the point of the study.} Rxf6+ (14... Rh8 {is met by} 15. Nd7+ Kb7 16. Nf8) 15. Kd5 Rf5+ 16. Kd4 Rf4+ 17. Kd3 Rf3+ {, and White finally escapes from the pursuit of the persistent rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1P6/8/2N1k3/2K3p1/6r1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. b7 {%05After} Rc2+ 2. Kxc2 g2 3. Nd2+ {!} Ke3 {White wins by the unexpected !} 4. b8=B (4. b8=Q {%05the natural} g1=Q 5. Qa7+ Ke2 {!} 6. Qxg1 {gives stalemate.}) 4... g1=Q 5. Ba7+ $18 * [Event "Hague (Netherlands)"] [Site "Hague (Netherlands)"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1R6/5kp1/7p/4P2n/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {~16 ROOK AND PAWN AGAINST KNIGHT AND PAWNS~ For convenience, we will divide the material into two groups, depending on the status of the pawn of the side with the rook. ~16.1 The pawn is passed~ In this group it is very difficult to establish any rules. The chances are strongly dependent upon how far advanced the pawns of the two sides are, and upon how effectively the pieces can combat them. Therefore what we give here is basically illustrative material, demonstrating various plans and procedures in attack and defence. %212045826630=4HLJ989} 1. Ke2 {%05The advantage is with Black, who has a menacing pair of connected passed pawns, but White succeeds in uniting his forces and gaining a draw.} g4 (1... Kg4 {there follows %05On} 2. Rb3 {! , and if} Kg3 {, then} 3. e4+ Kg2 4. e5 Nf4+ 5. Ke3 h3 6. Ke4 h2 7. Rb2+ Kg3 8. Rxh2 Kxh2 9. Kf5 Ne6 10. Kxe6 {, with a draw.}) 2. Rb5+ Ke4 3. Rb4+ Kf5 4. Kf1 Kg5 5. Rb5+ Kg6 6. Rb4 Kh5 7. Rb7 Ng5 {Drawn. As in the examples considered in a previous chapter, only the concerted action of king and rook ensures a successful defence against two far-advanced pawns. Otherwise the side with the rook will normally lose.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3r4/1p5k/3PP3/2N5/8/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ989} 1. e6 {! %05The only way to win is by the rapid advance of the pawns, before the black king has time to come across.} (1. Nxb6 {? %05 It would appear that White can take the pawn and then advance his pawns, but it transpires that the capture gives Black an important tempo for the approach of his king:} Rb7 2. Nc4 (2. d6 Kg5 3. d7 (3. Nc4 {%05or} Kf5 4. Ke2 Ke6 5. Kd3 Rb5 6. Kd4 Rxe5) 3... Rxd7 4. Nxd7 Kf5 {with a draw}) 2... Kg5 3. Ke2 Rb5 4. d6 (4. Ne3 Rxd5) 4... Kf5 {, with a draw.}) 1... Re7 {!} 2. d6 {!} ( 2. Nxb6 {allows Black to draw by %05Again} Kg6 {, e.g.} 3. Nc8 Rc7 4. Nd6 (4. d6 {? even loses after} Rxc8 5. d7 Rf8+ 6. Ke2 Kf6 $19) 4... Re7 5. Nb5 Kf6 6. Nd4 Ke5 7. Nc6+ Kxd5 {Only by the sacrifice of a pawn can White win.}) 2... Rxe6 3. d7 Rf6+ 4. Kg2 {!} (4. Ke2 {, then %05if} Rf8 5. Nd6 Kg6 6. Ne8 Kf7 { , with a draw}) 4... Rg6+ 5. Kf3 {!} (5. Kh3 {Black draws %05after} Rg8 6. Nd6 Ra8 7. Nc8 Ra3+ 8. Kg4 Rd3) 5... Rf6+ 6. Kg4 Rg6+ 7. Kf5 {!} Rg5+ 8. Ke6 Rg6+ 9. Kd5 Rg5+ (9... Rg8 {is met by} 10. Nd6 Kh7 11. Ne8 Rg1 12. Nf6+ {!} Kg7 13. Ke6 Rd1 14. Nd5 $18) 10. Kc6 Rc5+ 11. Kd6 Rxc4 12. Ke5 Rc5+ 13. Ke4 {(the final march down the board!)} Rc4+ 14. Ke3 Rc3+ 15. Kd2 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/P3P3/3K4/p4N2/8/8/6r1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] 1. a7 {%05The a-pawn is sacrificed to divert the black king away from the e-pawn, which is destined to become a queen.} Kb7 (1... Rg5+ {, then %05If} 2. Kc6 Ra5 3. e7 Ra6+ 4. Kb5) 2. a8=Q+ {Luring the king onto the 8th rank, and also further away from the second pawn.} Kxa8 3. e7 Rd1+ (3... Rg8 {%05Or} 4. Ne6 Re8 (4... a3 5. Nf8) 5. Nc7+ Ka7 6. Nxe8 a3 7. Nc7 a2 8. e8=Q a1=Q 9. Qa8+) 4. Nd3 {!} Rxd3+ 5. Ke4 Rd1 6. e8=Q+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/3K4/1N1Pp1P1/8/1k6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] 1. Ke7 Rxg6 (1... Kb5 {is met by} 2. d7) 2. Kf7 Rh6 3. Kg7 Rh1 4. Nd5+ {!} exd5 5. d7 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/2p5/P5R1/8/4n3/8/1p5k/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. a7 {%05The position appears completely hopeless for White, since he cannot prevent ... b1Q. His only chance is to play for stalemate.} Kh1 {!} (1... b1=Q {allows} 2. Rg2+ Kh3 (2... Kh1 {%05and no better is} 3. Rh2+ Kg1 4. Rh1+) 3. Rg3+ {with perpetual check}) 2. Rg3 {!! An exceptionally difficult move!} b1=Q (2... Nxg3 {%05After} 3. Kb8 b1=Q+ 4. Kxc7 {, in spite of his enormous material advantage, Black is unable to win, since his knight and king are very long way from the pawn, and his queen alone is not able to do anything!}) 3. Rb3 {!} Qa2 (3... Qc1 {%05or} 4. Rb1 {!}) 4. Rb1+ Kg2 5. Rb2+ {!} Qxb2 { , and White is stalemated!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Teichmann Richard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/4P3/7P/8/8/p1NK4/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ989 If the pawn of the side with the rook is well advanced, it is easy to imagine positions where the rook and pawn will have over a knight and two pawns. We will consider one example where, in spite of the opponent's pawn being well advanced, the side with the knight is able to draw by a familiar device ~3( 3144)~} 1. h6+ {!} Kxh6 2. e7 Rb8 3. Kc1 (3. Kc3 { is also possible}) 3... Kg6 {!} (3... Kg7 {?} 4. e8=Q {!} Rxe8 5. Kb2 Ra8 { ! %05^013^010} (5... Re2 6. Ka1 {!} Rxc2 {- stalemate.}) 6. Ka1 Ra4 7. Ne1 Ra3 (7... Kf6 8. Nd3 Kf5 9. Nc1) 8. Nc2 {, again with a draw.}) 4. e8=Q+ Rxe8 5. Kb2 Ra8 $19 {~3($413144)~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Svergunov"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6kp/R7/6K1/5nP1/8/7p/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {~16.2 The pawn is not passed Here too, depending on the placing of the pieces and pawns, either side may have winning chances. %212045826630=4HLJ991} 1. Ra7+ (1. Ra1 {because of %05Black has a strong passed pawn, which cannot be stopped by} Nh3+ 2. Kf5 Ng1 {Therefore White must combine his threats.}) 1... Kg8 2. Ra1 Nh3+ 3. Kf6 {(thanks to his preliminary check, White has gained a tempo)} h6 4. Kg6 Kf8 (4... Nf4+ {, there could have followed %05If instead of 4... Kf8 Black had played} 5. Kxh6 Nh3 6. Kg6 Nf4+ 7. Kf6 Nh3 8. g5 Ng1 9. Ra8+ { , and mates.}) 5. Rh1 Nf2 6. Rxh2 Nxg4 {(Black has managed to eliminate the only white pawn, but now his knight is trapped)} 7. Re2 h5 8. Re1 h4 9. Kg5 Nh2 10. Kf4 Kf7 11. Rh1 $18 {In this example the king indirectly (by creating a mating threat) helped the rook in its battle with a dangerous passed pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V. & M."] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2N5/3P4/k2p2r1/8/2P5/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {Positions are possible where the king cannot help the rook, or even interferes with it, so that the side with the knight is able to win.} 1. d6 { %05It appears to be all very simple:} Rg7 (1... d3 {!} 2. cxd3 (2. c3 {%05The sacrifice has to be accepted:} Rg1+ 3. Kd2 Rg2+ 4. Kxd3 Rg6 {! with a draw}) ( 2. d7 {%05or} dxc2+ 3. Kxc2 Rg8) 2... Rg6 (2... Rg7 {, there could have followed %05Had Black played} 3. Ne5 Rg8 4. Nf7 Kb4 5. d7 Kc3 6. Ke2 Rg2+ 7. Kf3 Rg8 8. Ke4 Rg4+ 9. Ke5 Rd4 (9... Rg8 10. d4) 10. Nd6 {, and the pawn queens.}) 3. d7 Rd6 4. d8=R {!} (4. d8=Q {%05avoiding a clever trap:} Rxd3+ {!} 5. Qxd3 {-stalemate!}) 4... Rxc6 5. Rb8 {! The king is cut off, and by subtle play White wins.} Rd6 (5... Ka5 {%05or} 6. Kd2 Ka6 7. Ke3 Ka7 8. Rb1 Rc8 9. d4 Rb8 10. Rxb8 Kxb8 11. Ke4 Kc7 12. Ke5 $18) 6. Kd2 Rd7 7. Kc3 Rc7+ 8. Kd4 Rd7+ 9. Kc5 {!} Rxd3 (9... Rc7+ 10. Kd6) 10. Kc4 {! , and White wins.}) 2. Ne7 {!} Rh7 3. d7 Rh8 4. Nc6 {, and White wins. But...} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1N4/8/4P3/1K6/1P2k3/8/1r6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ991 (corrected by Cheron)} 1. e6 {%05Here the black king interferes with the rook in its battle %05with the e-pawn.} Kd4 {%00o^ (leads to the loss of the rook} (1... Kd2 {? %05But perhaps Black made the wrong move with his king? %05Let us check:} 2. Ne5 {!} Rh1 3. e7 Rh8 4. Nc4+ Kc2 5. Nd6 $18) 2. Ne5 {!!} Rh1 3. e7 Rh8 4. Nf7 Re8 5. Nd6 Rxe7 6. Nf5+ $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/R4pk1/6pn/8/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {When there no passed pawns, the side with the knight normally has to defend. The result will depend upon whether or not he can protect his pawns. Take a look at this position. Black has set up a fortress, into which White is unable to break.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fritz Indzhih (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/7K/8/N3P1r1/4P3/4k3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Nb6 {! %05 In this example White is unable to save his pawns, so the result depends upon whether or not he, in turn, can eliminate the last black pawn.} d6 2. Nc8 Rxe4 3. Kg7 Re6 (3... d5 {is met by} 4. Nb6 Re5 5. Kf6 Rh5 6. Kg6 { , with perpetual attack on the rook}) 4. Kf7 Rh6 5. Kg7 Re6 6. Kf7 Rh6 { Black has defended his pawn, but he is obliged to repeat moves. draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1n5p/p4R1P/kp6/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {A knight and three pawns are normally stronger than a rook and pawn, provided only that the latter is not passed.} 1. Rc4 {!} (1. Rf5 {fails to %05Black is threatening to win after 1... b2 2. Kc2 Nc3, so White has to take urgent measures. The attempt to win a pawn by} Nd4) 1... b2 (1... Nd6 {%05Nothing is achieved by} 2. Rf4 Nb7 {, since after} 3. Kc1 {and 4. Kb1 White stabilizes the position.}) 2. Kc2 Nc3 {! (an unexpected move, which seems decisive)} 3. Rxc3+ Ka2 4. Ra3+ {!! (a counter-blow)} Kxa3 5. Kb1 Kb4 6. Kxb2 Kc4 7. Ka3 Kd4 8. Kxa4 {, and the white king reaches f1 in time. Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1rP3k1/7p/7K/3P4/2N3P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Nd4 {! %05White succeeds in queening a pawn.} Rb4 (1... Rb8 {%05After} 2. c7 Rc8 3. Nb5 {! the knight constructs an invisible barrier around the black king. } Kf5 {(or 3... Kf7) is met by} (3... Kf6 {(or 3... Kg7) by %05and} 4. Nd6 Rxc7 5. Ne8+) 4. Nd6+) 2. c7 Rxd4+ 3. g4 {!} (3. Kh3 {?? %05of course, not} Rxd3+ { , when it is Black who wins}) 3... Rxg4+ 4. Kh3 $18 {%04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/3P2pN/2k1P3/5P2/8/8/8/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ991} 1. f6 {! %05This means that, for this last variation, the f-file must be blocked. Hence the solution:} (1. Ng5 {%05White can win the rook for knight and pawn by} Kd6 2. Nf7+ (2. Kf2 {%05No better is} Ke7 3. Ke3 ( 3. Nf7 {%05or} g6 4. fxg6 Kxe6) 3... g6) 2... Ke7 3. d8=Q+ Rxd8 4. Nxd8 Kxd8 { , but after} 5. Kf2 Ke7 6. Kf3 g6 {the game ends in a draw.}) (1. Nf8 {?? %05Finally,} Rxf8 2. e7 {is refuted by} Rxf5+ $19) 1... gxf6 2. Nf8 {! , and the pawn cannot be stopped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1K6/2r2p2/1k3P2/5P2/2P5/1N6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] 1. c3+ {%05White succeeds in exploiting the poor position of the rook.} Kc4 2. Na3+ Kd5 3. c4+ Kd4 4. Nb5+ Kxc4 {The result of the operation seems unfavourable for White: he has lost a pawn without any visible compensation. But the following move clarifies the picture.} 5. Nc7 {! (zugzwang)} Kd4 (5... Kb4 6. Na6+) (5... Rd5 {%05or} 6. Nxd5 Kxd5 7. Kc7 {!} Kd4 8. Kd6) 6. Ne6+ Ke3 7. Kxc5 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1911.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3P1k2/N6p/8/8/P4KPr/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1911.??.??"] {The rook is also unexpectedly caught in the following example.} 1. d7 (1. Kg1 {%05but not} Rh4 2. d7 Rd4) 1... Ke7 2. Kg1 Rh4 3. g3 {! White forces the rook to occupy a square on which it can be trapped by knight or king. For example:} Ra4 (3... Rg4 {%05or} 4. Nc6+ Kxd7 5. Ne5+) (3... Rh3 {%05or} 4. Kg2) 4. Nb7 Kxd7 5. Nc5+ $18 * [Event "San Remo (Italy)"] [Site "San Remo (Italy)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bogoljubow Efim D (UKR)"] [Black "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/8/3p4/4pn2/6RP/7P/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ975 ~17 ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (same number of pawns)~ In this chapter and the following one we will be studying where each side has at least two pawns. The number of examples is restricted to the most typical, disclosing the characteristic plans, and demonstrating most clearly the features of the struggle between rook and knight when there is a large number of pawns. The presence of passed pawns has a significant influence on the evaluation. The more mobile rook is much more effective at supporting its own pawns and stopping the enemy pawns. Therefore, if both sides have passed pawns, the advantage is normally on the side of the rook.} 1. Rg4 {! %05An important feature of the position is the fact that Black's king is a long way from his pawns and is unable to support them. Therefore the rook is first able to drive the knight away from the pawns, and then to eliminate them. The position of the king on the rook's file leads in the end to it being cut of from the knight, and it ends up in a mating net, although Black, in turn, is able to deal with the white pawns.} Ne6 (1... Ng6 {%05after} 2. Rg5 d4 3. Rg4 {Black immediately loses one of his pawns}) 2. Kd2 Kh6 3. Ke3 Kh5 4. Rg8 Kh4 5. Rg6 {! } Nc7 (5... Nc5 {%05or} 6. Rh6+ Kg5 7. Rd6 Kh4 8. Rxd5 Nd3 9. Kxe4 Nf2+ 10. Kf3 ) 6. Rc6 Ne8 7. Rc8 Nd6 (7... Nf6 {%05Black also loses after} 8. Kf4 {!} Kxh3 9. Rf8 Nd7 (9... Nh5+ 10. Ke3) 10. Rd8 Nf6 11. Rd6 Nh5+ 12. Ke3) 8. Rd8 Nc4+ 9. Kf4 Kxh3 10. Rxd5 e3 (10... Kxh2 {%05after} 11. Kxe4 Nb6 12. Rd6 Nc4 13. Rd4 {! } Nb6 14. Ke5 Nc8 15. Ke6 Nb6 16. Rb4 Nc8 17. Rb7 Kg2 18. Kd7 {Black loses his knight}) 11. Kf3 Kxh2 {By heroic defence Black has achieved the maximum - he has eliminated both white pawns. But the attempt to unite them leads them leads to made. The finish is given in example ~3($413077)~.} * [Event "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Site "Nuremberg (Germany)"] [Date "1894.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "Walbrodt Carl A (GER)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5ppp/8/3N4/1P6/8/5KPP/1r6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1894.??.??"] {If only the side with the knight has a passed pawn, an important factor is whether or not the king can support it. If not, then usually the rook can drive away the knight and win the pawn. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ975} 1... Rd1 {! %05Black has a straightforward win:} 2. Ne7+ Kf8 3. Nc6 Ke8 4. b5 Kd7 5. Ne5+ Ke6 6. Nc6 Kd6 7. Ke3 Kc5 8. Ke2 Rd7 9. Ke3 Kxb5 {(here the curtain could well have been lowered)} 10. Ne5 Re7 11. Kf4 Kc5 12. Kf5 Kd5 13. Ng4 Re4 14. h3 f6 15. g3 Re1 16. Kf4 Rf1+ 17. Ke3 h5 18. Nf2 Rxf2 $19 {, and White at last resigned.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/7p/5pp1/8/1P6/3N4/5KPP/1r6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {In general, the king and knight are pieces with limited mobility, and therefore the dynamic rook should aim to create threats on both wings.} 1... Ke7 {%05First Black activates his king:} 2. Ke3 Kd6 3. h3 (3. Kd4 {leads to loss of material after %05It is difficult for White to defend his weaknesses on both wings. The attempt to take his king to the aid of his b-pawn by} Rg1 4. Nf4 (4. g3 Rg2) 4... g5 5. Nd5 Rxg2 6. Nxf6 Rxh2) 3... Kd5 4. Nf4+ {(the threat was 4... Rb3 and 5... Kc4)} Kc4 5. Ke4 Rxb4 {, and Black wins, since} 6. Nd5 {fails to} f5+ 7. Ke5 Rb5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p2P2k1/N1P4p/5K2/8/8/3r4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {In exceptional cases, when the passed pawns, supported by the knight, constitute a considerable force (i.e. they are close to the queening squares), and they are opposed by the rook alone, it proves possible to queen one of the pawns and thereby to win with knight against rook. This is the case in the following three examples, where the king not only fails to help the rook, but is in fact the main cause of defeat.} 1. c6 {! %05After} Rxd6 2. c7 Rf6+ 3. Ke3 {!} Re6+ (3... Rf8 {%05Black loses quickly after} 4. Nc6 {, when against 5. Nd8 there is no defence, since} Rc8 {is met by} 5. Ne7+ Kf7 6. Nxc8 {Therefore he has to continue checking.}) 4. Kf2 {!} (4. Kd2 Re8 {%05White's king cannot step onto any of the three squares on the d-file, since then there follows} 5. Nc6 Kf6 {!} 6. Nd8 Ke7 {!} 7. c8=Q Rxd8+ $19) 4... Rf6+ 5. Kg1 {!} (5. Kg2 { , then %05if} Rf8 6. Nc6 h4 7. Nd8 h3+ 8. Kg3 h2 9. Kxh2 Rf2+ 10. Kg3 Rc2) 5... Rf8 6. Nc6 Re8 {!} 7. Kf2 Rf8+ 8. Ke3 Re8+ 9. Kf4 {! (White achieves his goal by this intricate king manoeuvre)} Rf8+ 10. Ke5 Re8+ 11. Kd6 Kf6 12. Nd8 Re1 13. c8=Q Rd1+ 14. Kc7 Rc1+ 15. Nc6 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mattison Herman (LAT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/2P5/2p4p/P3N2K/8/8/5r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ975} 1. Ng5+ {, and it transpires that it is not easy for the king to hide from the pursuit of the knight. %05White plays} Kh6 {, but then after %05All that remain are moves on the h-file:} (1... Kg7 {is met by the immediately decisive %05Thus} 2. c7 Rf8 3. Ne6+) (1... Kg6 {there follows %05while on} 2. Ne6 {!} Ra1 (2... Rf7 3. c7 Rxc7 4. Nxc7 {, and the a-pawn queens}) 3. c7 Rxa4+ 4. Nd4 {!!} Ra8 5. Nc6 {! (threatening 6. Nb8)} Rc8 6. Ne7+ $18) 2. c7 Rf8 3. Nf7+ Kg7 4. Nd8 {White blocks out the rook, and the pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1944.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/3P3N/p1p5/k7/P7/K4p2/5P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1944.??.??"] 1. Ng5 {%05Here too the rook ends up being forked:} Rd8 {(otherwise after 2. Ne6 White wins rook for pawn)} 2. Nf7 Rxd7 3. Ne5 {Mate by 4. Nc4 is threatened, and} Rd4 {is met by} 4. Nxc6+ Kb6 5. Nxd4 $18 * [Event "Berlin (Germany)"] [Site "Berlin (Germany)"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ahues Carl O (GER)"] [Black "Johner Hans (SUI)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4kp2/6p1/6P1/r3PKN1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "53"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ975 The knight is a piece with a limited range of action in comparison with the long-range rook, and therefore it will be expedient to examine positions where all the pawns are one wing, and hence the battle takes place on a narrow sector of the board. It may be assumed that in this case the defensive resources will be greater, since with a knight it is easier to defend pawns on one wing than on different parts of the board. The defender usually aims to set up a fortress, and the result will depend upon whether or not the king and rook can take it by storm. In the following position Black succeeds in invading the enemy position with his king.} 1... Kd5 2. Ne4 Ra6 3. Ng3 Re6 4. Nf5 Kc4 {By transferring his rook to e6 Black has eliminated the threat of the opponent taking his king up to the f6 pawn, and he now intends to embark on a lengthy with his own king.} 5. Ke2 (5. Ng7 Re5 6. Nh5 Kd3 7. Nxf6 Rxe3+ 8. Kf2 Re7 { !$19 merely accelerates White's defeat}) 5... Ra6 {(a very hard-working rook! - just now it stepped back to defend, and now it is again ready for positive action)} 6. Ng3 Ra2+ 7. Kf3 Kd3 8. Ne4 Re2 {!} 9. Nc5+ Kd2 10. Ne4+ Ke1 11. Ng3 {(the f-pawn is indirectly defended)} Rf2+ 12. Ke4 Kd2 13. Nh5 {With the black pieces so well established in White's position, his only hope lies in counter-attack.} Ke2 14. Kd4 (14. Nf4+ {%05No better is} gxf4 15. exf4 Rg2 16. Kf5 Kf3 17. g5 fxg5 18. fxg5 Kg3 {!} 19. g6 Kh4 20. Kf6 Kh5) 14... Kf1 { (the king makes for the g4 pawn)} 15. Kd5 Kg2 16. e4 (16. Ke6 {%05Black wins after} Kf3 {!} 17. Kxf6 (17. Nxf6 {%05or} Kxe3 18. Nh7 {(18... Rf6 and 19... Kg4 was threatened)} Kf4 19. Kf6 Kxg4+) 17... Kxg4+ $19) 16... Kh3 17. Ke6 Kxg4 18. Nxf6+ Kh4 19. e5 g4 20. Ne4 Re2 {!} 21. Kd5 Rxe4 (21... g3 {is also possible}) 22. Kxe4 g3 23. Kf3 Kh3 24. e6 g2 25. e7 g1=Q 26. e8=Q Qf1+ 27. Ke4 Qe1+ $19 {, and White loses his queen.} 0-1 [Event "Riga (Latvia)"] [Site "Riga (Latvia)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fridstein G"] [Black "Klaman Konstantin (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1R3pk1/6p1/4KnP1/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ975} 1. Rb8 { %05To win the game, White must win the f7 pawn. To this aim, his king must reach e7 or e8.} Ng3 {(the king must not be allowed in at f6, and therefore Black has to move his knight)} 2. Kd6 Nf5+ (2... Nh5 {is met by %05Black is unable to prevent the penetration of the opponent's king.} 3. Rb4 {!} Kf8 4. Kd7 $18) 3. Kd7 Kh7 4. Ke8 Kg8 5. Rd8 {!} Kg7 6. Rd7 Kg8 7. Rc7 Ng7+ 8. Ke7 Nf5+ 9. Kf6 Nd6 {(the knight wriggles like a snake, but there is no defence)} 10. Rc6 Ne4+ 11. Ke7 Kg7 12. Rf6 {!$18 , and Black resigned, since the f-pawn is lost.} 1-0 [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Szabo Laszlo (HUN)"] [Black "Trifunovic Petar (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2R2pk1/5npp/8/5K2/7P/5PP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ975 When there is a larger number of pawns, the stronger side is again normally able to get at the opponent's weak pawns.} 1. Ke5 {%05White's freedom of action enables him to carry out the following plan: he first uses his king and rook to restrict the knight's mobility, then he begins a pawn storm which cramps Black to the maximum extent, and finally the advance of his king to the f7 pawn decides the game.} Nh7 2. Rc6 {!} Kf8 3. f4 Kg7 {(due to the threat of 4. f5, neither 3... Ke7 nor 3... h5 is possible)} 4. Rd6 Nf8 5. g4 Nh7 6. h4 Nf8 (6... f6+ {%05advancing the pawns merely makes matters worse: e.g.} 7. Ke6 Nf8+ 8. Ke7 Nh7 9. h5 {, and wins}) 7. f5 gxf5 (7... f6+ {, then %05There is nothing better. If} 8. Ke4 gxf5+ (8... Kf7 9. Ra6 {and 10. Ra7}) (8... g5 {%05or} 9. h5 Kf7 10. Kd5 Ke7 11. Kc6 Kf7 12. Kc7 Ke7 13. Ra6 Kf7 14. Kd8 $18 {, and Black dies of suffocation.}) 9. Kxf5 Nh7 10. Rd7+) (7... Nh7 {%05He also loses after} 8. f6+ Kg8 9. Rd8+ Nf8 10. Kd6 $18 {and 11. Ke7.}) 8. gxf5 h5 9. Rd1 {(the rook will land the knock-out blow along the open file)} Nh7 10. Rg1+ Kh8 (10... Kf8 {%05or} 11. f6 Ke8 12. Rg7 Nf8 13. Rg8 $18) 11. Kd6 $18 {, and Black resigned, since against 12. Ke7 there is no defence.} 1-0 [Event "Sopot (Poland)"] [Site "Sopot (Poland)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gadalinski Jan"] [Black "Popov"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/5p2/3k4/4Np2/4rP1K/6PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {Black carried out an interesting plan in the following position. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ975} 1... Ke5 { %05In view of his weak pawns, it is difficult for Black to carry out the usual winning plan, of advancing his king towards the opponent's pawns. he wins by exploiting the insecure position of the enemy knight.} (1... Rxe4 {%05The transition into a pawn ending by} 2. fxe4+ Kxe4 3. Kg4 {fails to win.}) 2. Kh4 Re2 3. Kh3 Rc2 {! (now the knight is crippled)} 4. g3 f5 5. Ng5 h6 {!} 6. Nf7+ Kf6 7. Nd6 (7. Nxh6 {%05after} Rc8 {! White's knight is trapped, but now he loses a pawn}) 7... Rf2 8. Ne8+ Ke5 9. Ng7 Rxf3 10. Kg2 Ra3 11. Nh5 f3+ 12. Kf2 Rb3 13. h4 Ra3 14. Nf4 Ke4 15. Ke1 Ra2 $18 {White resigns. Here Black's weak pawns did not greatly hinder him in realizing his advantage, but this is by no means always the case. Take, for instance, the following position.} 0-1 [Event "Bradley Beach (USA)"] [Site "Bradley Beach (USA)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Fox Maurice"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/4k1p1/4Pn1p/1R2KP1P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ975} 1. Rb6+ { %05The world Champion had to call on all his skill, in order to realize the advantage of the exchange.} Ke7 2. Ra6 {!} (2. e6 Nxh4 3. exf7 Kxf7 4. Ke5 Nf3+ $14 {Black should not lose.}) 2... Nxh4 3. Kd5 Ng2 {(by attacking the weak pawn, Black tries to restrain his opponent's offensive)} 4. Ra7+ Kf8 5. Ke4 Nh4 6. e6 {! (only now is it the right time for this break-through)} fxe6 7. Ke5 Ng2 8. Kf6 {!} Ke8 9. Kg5 {An amazing position. Black has two pawns for the exchange, but the active placing of White's pieces makes his chances preferable.} Kf8 10. Ra2 Ne3 11. Kxg6 Ke7 12. Rh2 {!} (12. Kxh5 {? %05of course, not} Kf6 13. Re2 Nf5 $14 {, when Black can hope for a favourable outcome}) 12... Nd5 13. Kg5 Nf6 {?} (13... Kf7 {! would seem to be stronger, and if} 14. Rxh5 {, then} Nf6 15. Rh6 Ne4+ $14 {; by manoeuvring with his knight between d6, f5 and e7, Black would have good drawing chances.}) 14. Re2 {!} Kf7 15. Re5 {!} Nh7+ 16. Kxh5 Kf6 17. Kg4 Nf8 $16 {, and we have reached example ~3($413141)~, wherethe poor position of his knight prevented Black fromsaving the game, although the win for White was stillvery difficult.} 1-0 [Event "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Site "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Durnyev"] [Black "Liskov"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/5pk1/R5p1/5n2/5P2/5P1P/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "70"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. Ke1 {%05White's pawns are broken, and this allows Black to save the game, although he has numerous difficulties to overcome.} Ng2+ 2. Ke2 Nf4+ 3. Ke3 Nh3 4. Ra7 Nf4 5. Ke4 Nh3 6. Ra2 {Black is in zugzwang. The king must not be allowed in at f5, and therefore he has to move his knight.} Nf4 7. h4 { (without advancing pawns, there is no possibility of winning; now Black wins a pawn, but White activates his pieces)} f5+ (7... Nh3 {%05The alternative was} 8. hxg5 Nxg5+ {followed by 9... Nf7 and 10... Nh6, attempting to set up a fortress. But it would seem that White would still have won by taking his king to f8 to attack the g7 pawn.}) 8. Ke5 Nd3+ 9. Kd4 Ne1 {!} 10. Ra6+ Kh5 11. hxg5 Nxf3+ 12. Ke3 Nxg5 13. Kf4 {(Black's king in now in a dangerous position, but he proves to have sufficient defensive resources)} g6 (13... Nh3+ {would have transposed into the game after} 14. Kg3 Ng5 15. f3) 14. f3 (14. Ra1 {, then %05If} Ne6+ 15. Ke5 Nc5 {! with the threat of 16... Nd3} (15... Ng5 {%05but not } 16. Rh1+ Kg4 17. Rg1+ Kh5 18. Rg2)) 14... Kh6 15. Ra1 Nf7 16. Ra7 Kg7 17. Ke3 {(Black has set up a fortress wall, and the white king is forced to make a by-pass)} Kf6 18. Kd4 Nh6 19. Kd5 Nf7 20. Rb7 (20. f4 {Black forces a draw by %05on} g5) 20... Nd8 21. Rb6+ Kg5 {!} (21... Kg7 22. f4 g5 {fails to draw after } 23. Rb8 {!} Nf7 24. Ke6 gxf4 25. Rb7 {By the move played Black pins all his hopes on a counter-attack.}) 22. Ke5 Nf7+ 23. Ke6 Nd8+ {!} (23... Nh6 {%05bad is} 24. Rb4) 24. Ke7 Kf4 {!} 25. Kf6 (25. Kxd8 {%05Black also gains a draw after} g5 26. Rb3 g4) (25. Rxg6 {%05or} Kxf3 26. Kxd8 f4 27. Ke7 Ke2) 25... g5 26. Rb5 Kxf3 27. Kxf5 Nc6 28. Rb3+ {White attempts to exploit the separation of the enemy pieces, but due to the existence of the g-pawn he is unable to prevent them from uniting.} Kf2 29. Ke4 g4 30. Rb2+ Kg3 31. Rb6 Ne7 32. Re6 Nc8 33. Ke3 Na7 34. Rb6 Nc8 35. Rb1 Ne7 {Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Site "Yerevan (Armenia)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dus Chotimirsky Fedor I (RUS)"] [Black "Allakhverdian Tigran (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/R5p1/7p/8/6P1/4kn1P/8/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1... Kf2 {! %05 But Black did not make use of all his chances. His first move 1... g5 was a mistake. Correct was the immediate attack by his king on the pawns:} (1... g5 {%05Black's pieces are actively placed, but how is he to defend his pawns? The game continued:} 2. Ra6 (2. Ra3+ {%05White must play energetically. Weaker is} Kf2 3. Rc3 Ng1 4. Kd2 Kg2 5. Ke3 Nxh3 {!} (5... Kxh3 {?} 6. Kf2+ Kh2 7. Rc2 Nh3+ 8. Kf3+ {, and wins}) 6. Ke4 Nf2+ 7. Kf5 Kh2 { , and White has no way of improving his position.}) 2... Kf2 3. Rxh6 Kg3 4. Rh5 Ng1 5. h4 {!} (5. Rxg5 {, then %05If} Nxh3 6. Rg8 Kf4 {, and after 7... Ng5 the pawn is lost.}) 5... Nf3 {! (a desperate attempt to save the game)} 6. hxg5 Ne5 {, and position 535 has been reached, in which by} 7. g6 Nxg6 8. Rh6 { ! White could have won.}) 2. Rxg7 (2. Ra3 g5 {leads to variations already considered}) 2... Kg3 {How should White continue now? If} 3. Rg6 {, then} (3. Ke2 {%05while after} Ng5 (3... Ng1+ {%05However, in this last variation Black also does not lose after} 4. Ke3 Nxh3 5. Ke4 Ng5+ 6. Kf5 Nf3 {! , when White is again unable to improve his position. For example:} 7. Rg8 Nh4+ 8. Kf6 Kf4 9. Rg7 Nf3 {%04etc.}) 4. Ke3 Kxh3 {! Black again achieves the exchanges of all pawns, since the king cannot go to f4 due to the knight check at e6.}) 3... Kxh3 4. Ke2 Ng5 {, and the white pawn is lost} * [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lasker Emanuel (GER)"] [Black "Lasker Edward (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7r/p1k5/1p1N4/1P2KPP1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ977 ~18 ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (different numbers of pawns)~ In this chapter we will be considering endings in which, with a total number of pawns of not less than five, the side with the knight has an advantage in pawns. It is considered that, all other things being equal, a knight and two pawns are roughly equivalent to a rook. However, this ratio is not a constant one, but depends on the most varied factors, in particular on the presence of passed pawns. We will begin by analyzing examples where the side with the rook has a slight material advantage - the exchange for a pawn. In positions with passed pawns the rook is normally significantly superior to the knight, since it is better at stopping the opponent's pawns and supporting its own.} 1... Rd7 {! %05It would appear that White's position should not give any cause for alarm. He has two passed pawns, whereas for the moment Black does not have any. But concrete calculation shows that for the moment the white pawns are not dangerous, whereas Black can immediately sacrifice a pawn, and, by creating a dangerous passed pawn, gain a decisive advantage.} (1... Rh8 {%05There Black set up a passed pawn in a different way:} 2. Ne3 a5 3. bxa5 b4 {, but by the energetic play White was able to save the game.} 4. a6 {(this pawn is destined to play an important diversionary role)} b3 5. Nd1 Kc5 6. a7 Ra8 7. g5 Rxa7 8. g6 Rd7 9. Nb2 Rd2 {(this proves to be pointless)} 10. Kf3 {!} Rd8 11. Ke4 Kd6 12. Kd3 {!} Rc8 13. g7 {(forcing a draw)} Ke6 14. g8=Q+ Rxg8 15. Kc4 Rg3 {, and after} 16. Kb4 Kf5 17. Ka3 Kxf4 {a theoretically drawn position was reached^013^010 ~3($413096)~ ).}) 2. Ne3 (2. Nf6 {%05no better is} Rd1 3. g5 a5 {!} 4. bxa5 b4 5. g6 b3 6. g7 b2 7. g8=Q b1=Q+ {, when White either loses his queen or is mated}) 2... a5 {!} 3. bxa5 b4 4. g5 (4. Nc4 { %05Or} Kb5 5. Ne5 b3 6. Nd3 Kc4 7. Nb2+ (7. Ne5+ Kc3 8. Nxd7 b2) 7... Kc3 8. Na4+ Kb4 9. Nb2 Rd2 10. Nd3+ Kc3 {, and Black wins.}) 4... Kc5 {!} 5. Nc2 b3 6. Na3 Kb4 7. Nb1 Rd1 {, and it is time for White to resign.^013^010 White's king was unable to take part in the battle against the enemy pawn, and for the knight alone this task proved beyond its powers.^013^010 This variation did not occur in the game.} * [Event "Szczawno Zdroj"] [Site "Szczawno Zdroj"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2r5/5p2/5k1p/1p1P1p2/3K4/4N1PP/1P3P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ977 If the side with the rook does not have a passed pawn, it is important that the opponent should have some pawn weaknesses. The rook, with its considerably greater mobility than the knight, is capable of quickly attacking enemy pawns on different parts of the board, and in gaining material.} 1... Rc1 {%05The decisive factor here is the activity of the rook, which allows Black to make a swift attack on the opponent's pawn weaknesses.} 2. b4 (2. d6 {%05if} Ke6 3. d7 Kxd7 4. Nxf5 {, then} Rc2 5. Nxh6 Rxf2 6. Kc5 Ke6 7. b4 Rf3 $19 {, and Black wins}) 2... h5 3. h4 f4 {!} 4. gxf4 Rh1 5. Kc5 (5. d6 {, hoping for %05The trappy move} Rxh4 {?} (5... Ke6 {%05is refuted by} 6. d7 Kxd7 7. Nf5 Rc1 {!} 8. Ne3 Ke6 $19 {%04etc.}) 6. d7 $18 {, winning}) 5... Rxh4 {%05White makes a desperate attempt to create another passed pawn.} 6. Kxb5 Rxf4 7. Kc5 (7. Ka5 h4 8. b5 h3 9. b6 h2 $19 {also loses}) 7... Ke7 {! (in the battle against the passed pawns Black also mobilizes his king, otherwise they might become dangerous)} 8. b5 Kd7 9. b6 Rxf2 10. Nc4 Rc2 11. d6 {(White's last chance; 12. b7 is threatened, but Black has the antidote)} Rxc4+ {!} 12. Kxc4 Kc6 13. Kd4 Kxd6 $19 {White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Site "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Matanovic Aleksandar (YUG)"] [Black "Larsen Bent (DEN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1p1k4/p3p3/1n1p2pp/1P1P4/1P1K2P1/7P/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ977 The following example is rather more complicated.} 1. Re1 {%05Black has weak pawns on both wings, but for the moment the invasion squares are securely guarded.} Nd6 2. b5 {!} (2. Re5 {%05Nothing is achieved by} Nf5 {White therefore sacrifices a pawn, with the aim of opening another file, via which his rook will invade the opponent's position.}) 2... axb5 3. Ra1 h4 (3... b4 {%05Black is powerless to prevent the invasion, e.g.} 4. Ra8 Nc8 5. Ke3 Kc7 6. h4 {!} gxh4 7. gxh4 Nd6 8. Rf8 {!} Kd7 (8... Nf5+ 9. Rxf5 $18) 9. Kf4 Ke7 10. Rh8 Nf5 11. Ke5 Nxh4 12. Rh7+ Kd8 13. Kxe6 $18 {%04etc.}) 4. gxh4 gxh4 5. Ra8 b4 6. Ra4 (6. Rf8 {, as in fact occurred in the game after Black's 10th move %05a loss of time; correct was}) 6... Kc7 7. Ke2 (7. Rxb4 {? %05White stops himself just in time; he would even risked losing after} b5) 7... Kc6 8. Ra8 Nf5 9. Kd3 Kd7 10. Rb8 Kc7 11. Rf8 Kd6 12. Rf7 b6 13. h3 Nh6 (13... Kc6 {is met by %05Black is forced to move his knight, since} 14. Rxf5 exf5 15. Ke3 Kd6 16. Kf4 Ke6 17. Kg5 $18) 14. Rf4 {!} Nf5 15. Ke2 Ke7 16. Kf3 Kf7 17. Kg4 Kg6 18. Rxf5 exf5+ 19. Kxh4 $18 {, and White won.} 1-0 [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1886.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Steinitz Wilhelm (CZE)"] [Black "Zukertort Johannes (GER)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/1p3pp1/3n3p/8/1R6/7P/5PPK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1886.??.??"] 1. Kg3 {%05Here the side with the knight has better drawing chances. For the moment the white rook is passively placed, and it cannot immediately attack the opponent's K-side pawns. Black's king, not being tied to the defence of these pawns, can head over to the b-pawn and support its advance.^013^010 Black will save the game if White is unable to attack the K-side pawns with his rook and obtain a passed pawn there.} Ke7 2. Kf4 Ke6 3. h4 Kd5 {!} 4. g4 b5 5. Rb1 Kc5 6. Rc1+ Kd5 (6... Nc4 {, then %05If} 7. Ke4 {, when} b4 {loses immediately to} (7... Kb4 {%05while after} 8. Kd4 {the active placing of White's pieces allows him to hope for success.}) 8. Kd3) 7. Ke3 (7. Rc7 { ! , invading the enemy position with cxdsew32his rook, and only on %05White fails to exploit all his winning chances; stronger was} b4 8. Ke3) 7... Nc4+ 8. Ke2 (8. Kd3 {%05of course, not} Ne5+ {and 9... Ng4}) 8... b4 9. Rb1 Kc5 10. f4 Na3 11. Rc1+ Kd4 12. Rc7 {The rook has at last managed to attack the K-side pawns, but it is too late. The black pawn, supported by both pieces, proves too dangerous.} b3 13. Rb7 Kc3 14. Rc7+ Kd4 {!} (14... Kb2 {of course, not} 15. Rxf7 Ka2 16. Rxg7 b2 17. Rb7 b1=Q 18. Rxb1 Nxb1 19. Kd3 Kb3 20. h5 {, and White wins}) 15. Rb7 Kc3 {Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leikin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/7p/7P/5NP1/4kPK1/r7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {The knight is a piece with a restricted radius of action, and therefore it should be expected that it will show to best advantage if the battle is confined to a narrow sector of the board. Position with the pawns on one wing come into this category, and we will now turn to an analysis of them. The following two positions are of great importance, since they show what the defender should aim for, in order to maintain the balance.} 1. Ng2+ { %05White's forces are very expediently arranged. His knight controls the approaches to his pawns, and creates threats against the enemy pawns. Black is unable to win.^013^010 A possible variation is:} Ke2 2. Nf4+ Kf1 3. Ne6 { ! (the attack on the g7 pawn prevents Black from creating any serious threats)} Ra7 4. Nd4 Rd7 5. Nf5 Ke2 6. Kg2 {, and Black cannot improve his position, since he is tied to the defence of his g-pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Leikin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6pp/8/6PP/5PK1/r2k2N1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Nf4 {%05After} Ra6 2. Kf2 {Black is again unable to create any dangerous threats:} Rf6 3. Kg3 Ra6 4. Kf2 Rd6 5. Kg3 Ke3 6. Ng2+ Kd4 7. Nf4 {%04etc.} * [Event "San Remo (Italy)"] [Site "San Remo (Italy)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vidmar Milan Sr (YUG)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6pp/3N4/8/8/5PK1/r5PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ977} 1. h4 {%05 This position has an interesting history. After Alekhine had won in virtuoso style, it was detailed notes in all books on the endgame as an example of the accurate realization of the advantage. In 1940 A.Leikin (Shakhmaty v SSSR) showed that White had not defended as well as possible, and that by correct defence he could have saved the game. But for the majority of players this analysis went unnoticed.^013^010 Therefore we consider it expedient to give a detailed analysis of this ending.} Ke7 2. Ne4 h6 {In defending such positions it is important to be able to deploy the pieces in the most expedient way. White should have aimed for the set-ups which we have just examined in positions ~3($413180)~ and ~3($413181)~. The correct continuation was therefore} 3. Kh3 {! , e.g.} (3. Nf2 {The continuation was: %05In the game, of course, White was not aware of the %05reference positions ~3($403180)~ and ~3($403181)~ . %05He was playing this ending "blind", and instead of 3. %05Kh3 he replied} Ke6 4. Nd3 Kf5 5. Nf4 Ra4 6. Nd3 Rc4 7. Nf2 Rc6 8. Nh3 Ke5 9. h5 {Without g2-g4 this move proves to be a serious mistake, simplifying the opponent's task.} (9. Nf4 {%05 Even so, against passive defence Black would have won by taking his king up to White's main weakness - his g2 pawn. For example:} Rc2 10. Nh3 Rd2 11. Nf4 Ra2 12. Nh3 Kd4 13. Nf4 Ke3 14. Ne6 Ra7 15. Nf4 Ra6 {!} 16. Nh3 Ke2 17. Nf4+ Kf1 {, and the remainder is simple: if} 18. h5 {, then} (18. Nh3 {is met by %05while} Ra2 19. Nf4 g5 20. hxg5 hxg5 21. Ne6 Rxg2+ 22. Kh3 Kf2 {%04etc.}) 18... Ra5 19. Kh2 Kf2 20. Kh3 Rb5 21. Kh4 Ke3) 9... Rc2 {! %05The game concluded:} 10. Nf4 Rd2 { (restricting the knight's mobility)} 11. Nh3 Kd4 12. Nf4 Ke3 13. Ne6 (13. Nh3 { %05Relatively best. After} Rb2 14. Nf4 Rb5 15. Ne6 Re5 {White loses a pawn}) ( 13. Kg4 {%05also bad is} Rd4 14. g3 Ra4 15. Kf5 Kxf3) 13... Rd5 {!} 14. f4 (14. Kh4 {, then %05If} Re5 {!} 15. Nxg7 Rg5 16. Ne6 Rxg2 {(Alekhine)}) 14... Rf5 {! } 15. Kg4 Rf6 {!} 16. f5 Rf7 (16... Ke4 {! was stronger, e.g. %05Up to this point Black has played with exceptional accuracy, but here, as shown by Alekhine,} 17. Nxg7 (17. Nc5+ Kd5 18. Nd3 Kd4 19. Nf4 Ke4) 17... Rf7 18. Ne6 Rxf5 19. Kh4 (19. g3 {, then %05if} Re5 20. Nd8 Rg5+ 21. Kh4 Kf3 22. Nf7 Rg4+ 23. Kh3 Rxg3+ 24. Kh4 Kf4 {!} 25. Nxh6 Rg7 {!} 26. Kh3 Rh7 {, and the knight is lost}) 19... Ke5 20. Nc5 Rf4+ 21. Kh3 Rd4 22. g3 Kd6 {! (the knight has strayed away from the king, and Black intends to trap it)} 23. Nb3 Rd1 24. Kh4 Kd5 25. g4 Rd3 {, and Black wins after either} 26. Nc1 (26. g5 {%05or} Rxb3 27. gxh6 Ke6 28. h7 Rb8 29. Kg5 Kf7) 26... Re3 27. g5 Re4+) 17. g3 (17. Nd8 { ! %05White in turn goes wrong. After} Rf6 18. Ne6 {Black would have had to play } Ke4 {! , as already examined in the note to Black's 16th move, whereas now White loses very quickly.}) 17... Ke4 18. Nc5+ Kd4 {!} 19. Nb3+ Ke5 {White resigns.}) 3... Ke6 (3... Ra3 {, then %05if} 4. Kg4 Ke6 5. Kf4 g6 (5... Kd5 { %05or} 6. h5 Kd4 7. Nd6 Kd3 8. Nf5 Ra4+ 9. Kg3 Ra5 10. Kf4 Ra7 11. g4 Ke2 12. Ng3+ {, and we reach position 614}) 6. g4) 4. g4 {!} Ke5 5. Kg3 g6 (5... Kd4 { %05or} 6. h5 {!} Ke3 7. Nd6 {and 8. Nf5}) 6. Nf2 Ra3 (6... Kd4 7. Nh3 Ke3 8. Nf4) 7. Nh3 Ra4 8. Kf2 {!} (8. Nf2 {%05not} Kd4 9. Nh3 Ke3) 8... h5 9. gxh5 {!} Rxh4 10. hxg6 {! , with an elementary draw.} * [Event "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Site "Portoroz (Slovenia)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Black "Olafsson Fridrik (ISL)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2r5/1p1k1p2/p5p1/P1PPKp1p/1P3N1P/5P2/6P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ977 Up till now in this chapter we have been analyzing examples where the advantage was on the side of the rook. It remains for us to make the acquaintance of positions where there is a definite advantage on the side of the knight. In the analysis we will endeavour to clarify the nature of the advantage, and the methods of realizing it.} 1... Re8+ {%05Black's only chance is to activate his rook, and therefore he played} (1... Ke7 {is met by %05 On a formal approach Black has a slight material advantage, but a careful analysis indicates that White has a big positional advantage.^013^010 Indeed, his pieces are exceptionally actively placed. His king is threatening to invade the enemy position, and his knight supports his king. For the moment the black rook is occupying a passive position, and requires time to come into play.^013^010 Highly important is the fact that Black is unable to prevent the invasion of the white king. Thus} 2. d6+ Ke8 (2... Kf8 3. d7 Rd8 4. Kd6) 3. Nd5 Rd8 {(4. d7 was threatened)} 4. Nb6 Kf8 5. Kd5 Ke8 6. c6 bxc6+ 7. Kxc6 Kf8 8. Kc7 Ke8 9. d7+ $18) 2. Kf6 Re3 { This attack on the weak enemy pawns, which is typical of this type of ending, is too late here, since, firstly, Black is unable to set up a passed pawn, and, secondly, White quickly creates decisive threats.} 3. Kxf7 Rb3 4. Nxg6 Rxb4 5. Ne5+ Kc8 (5... Kd8 {is slightly more accurate, but even then after} 6. d6 Rb2 7. Ke6 Rd2 8. g3 $18 {and 9. Kf5 White easily wins.}) 6. d6 Rb2 7. Ke8 Rd2 8. Ng6 Kb8 9. g3 Rd1 10. Ne7 $18 {Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/p6p/8/1p6/1Pp5/P2n4/6KP/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ961 %212045826630=4HLJ977 The following three examples essentially all demonstrate the same theme. The bad placing of king and rook leads either to the queening of an enemy pawn, or to the knight winning the rook by a fork.} 1... c3 {! If White's king were at g3, the advantage would be on his side. But at g2 it is badly placed, and after} 2. Kf3 (2. Rf8+ {%05if} Kg7 3. Rc8 {, then all the same} c2 {!} 4. Rxc2 Ne1+ $19) 2... c2 3. Ke2 c1=Q 4. Rxc1 Nxc1+ 5. Kd2 Na2 6. Kc2 Kg7 7. Kb2 Nxb4 8. axb4 Kf6 $19 {White resigned.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r5N1/3P4/8/6p1/2k2p2/8/5PP1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ977} 1. Nh6 {!} (1. Ne7 {fails to win after %05The natural} Kc5 2. Nc8 Ra1+ 3. Ke2 Ra2+ 4. Kd3 Ra1 {!= , but White has a less obvious move: }) 1... Kd3 {%05Therefore Black replies} (1... Rd8 {, then %05If now} 2. Nf7 Rxd7 3. Ne5+ Kd5 4. Nxd7 $18) 2. f3 Ke3 {, threatening mate. It is the parrying of this threat that constitutes the idea of the study.} 3. Nf5+ Kd3 4. Ne7 {!} g4 {!! This move, found by the computer, refutes the study.} (4... Ke3 {%05The author thought that there was nothing better than} 5. Nd5+ {!} Kd3 6. Nc7 {! The point of transferring the knight to c7 is to gain a tempo by attacking the rook, thereby preventing Black from continuing his mating attack. } Rd8 (6... Ra1+ {%05after} 7. Kf2 {the king hides at h2}) 7. Ne6 Rxd7 8. Nc5+ $18 {, and after all the rook is lost to a fork.}) (4... Rd8 {%05or} 5. Nc6 Rxd7 6. Ne5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. fxg4 Ke3 6. Nd5+ Ke4 7. Nc7 Rb8 8. Ne6 (8. Kf2 Ke5 {=}) 8... f3 9. gxf3+ Kxf3 10. g5 Kg4 11. g6 Kf5 12. Nc5 Kxg6 {= ~5 (Chess Tiger 15.0)~^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/4p1p1/8/3P3P/1p6/5PPr/1P2N3/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] 1. Nf4 {! %05In this study White succeeds in catching the rook in the middle of the board.} Rxg3+ 2. Kf2 Rg5 3. Ne6 Re5 4. f4 Re4 5. b3 $18 {, and an unusual zugzwang position is reached. Black's king is forced to move into a fork.} * [Event "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Site "Groningen (Netherlands)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Vidmar Milan Sr (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/8/P4p1p/1NrPp3/4P1P1/4KP2/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {If the side with the knight has an advantage of more than two pawns, in the absence of effective counter-play by the opponent this normally proves decisive. Take the following example.} 1. a7+ {%05White has two passed pawns, but they are not supported by his king. Therefore after} Kb7 {he correctly played} 2. Nd6+ (2. d6 {%05Instead of this, nothing would have been achieved by } Rc8 {, when, lacking the support of their king, the pawns are quickly lost.}) 2... Kxa7 3. Ne8 {, exchanging his a-pawn for the f-pawn.} Kb6 {%05The game continued:} 4. Nxf6 Rc3+ 5. Kf2 Rc7 6. h4 Rf7 7. Nh5 Kc7 8. g5 {!} hxg5 9. hxg5 Rh7 10. Nf6 Rh2+ 11. Kg3 Rh1 12. Kg2 Rh8 13. g6 {, and Black resigned, since} Rh6 {is met by} 14. g7 Rg6+ 15. Kf2 Rxg7 16. Ne8+ $18 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K2Q4/8/8/8/8/8/3pk3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "45"] {~1 QUEEN AGAINST PAWNS~ ~1 1. Queen against Pawn~ A pawn becomes a danger to a queen only if it is supported by the king and is on the penultimate rank, or must inevitably reach it. Strong though the queen is, she is not usually able to stop the pawn on her own. The result will depend upon whether or not the stronger side's is able to support the queen.} 1. Qe8+ {%05^013^010 %05 The plan carried out by White is typical of this type of ending. First the queen approaches the pawn with a series of zig-zag checks.^013^010 %05^013^010} Kf2 2. Qa4 Ke2 3. Qe4+ Kf2 4. Qd3 Ke1 5. Qe3+ {!} Kd1 {^013^010 The black king is forced to occupy the square in front of the pawn, and White's king gains the opportunity to go to the aid of the queen. ^013^010 ^013^010} 6. Kb7 Kc2 7. Qe2 Kc1 8. Qc4+ Kb2 9. Qd3 Kc1 10. Qc3+ Kd1 11. Kc6 Ke2 12. Qc2 Ke1 13. Qe4+ Kf2 14. Qd3 Ke1 15. Qe3+ Kd1 16. Kd5 Kc2 17. Qe2 Kc1 18. Qc4+ Kb2 19. Qd3 Kc1 20. Qc3+ Kd1 21. Ke4 Ke2 22. Qe3+ Kd1 23. Kd3 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/8/8/8/8/8/3pk2K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {The white king can be as far away as you like. The queen repeatedly forces the black king to occupy the pawn's queening square, thus gaining time for the approach of her own king. It is worth noting that with the white king at ~2h2~ or ~2h1~ the winning plan differs slightly from the one just examined.} 1. Qe7+ {%05^013^010 %05After} Kf2 2. Qd6 Ke2 3. Qe5+ Kf2 4. Qd4+ Ke2 5. Qe4+ Kf2 6. Qd3 Ke1 7. Qe3+ {Black is not obliged to occupy the square in front of his pawn, but has the possibility of} Kf1 {! , since the pawn is immune due to stalemate. Then White wins by} 8. Qf3+ Ke1 9. Kg2 {!} d1=Q 10. Qf2# {^013^010 ^013^010 ~2As a rule, White wins in such endings if he can~ ~2begin with a check or by pinning the pawn.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/1QK5/8/4p3/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Qf8+ {followed by the step-by-step approach of his queen. But with his queen at ~2a2~ or ~2a4~ there is no good check, and the pawn queens. %05Thus here White wins by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3KQ3/8/1p6/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Qa8+ {wins, but with the queen at ~2f4~, ~2g4~, ~2h4~, ~2f2~ or ~2h2~ there is no win. %05Here only ~2If the queen cannot approach the pawn with gain of tempo, it will normally prove impossible to win.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/8/4K3/8/4k3/8/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Ke6 {! White saves the game, since Black is unable to win after either %05By } Kf4+ (1... Kd4+ {%05or} 2. Kd7 {=}) 2. Kf7 $40 {[%eval 0,0] With a bishop's pawn or a rook's pawn the winning method examined in example ~3( 3188)~ does not work. White wins if his king is close to the pawn and can create a mating net around the opposing king; in this case the defender is not saved even by the queening of his pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2QK4/8/8/2pk4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) In the diagram the shading indicates the zone within which the white king must be in order to win.} 1. Qd4+ {%05^013^010 %05Such a case is shown here:} Ke2 2. Qc3 Kd1 3. Qd3+ Kc1 4. Kc4 Kb2 5. Qd2 {!} (5. Qb3+ {%05after} Ka1 {! the pawn cannot be captured due to stalemate}) 5... Kb1 6. Kb3 c1=Q 7. Qa2# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2Q5/8/8/2pk4/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qb4+ {%05This is how the play can go with the white king at ~2g1~:^013^010 %05^013^010} Kd1 2. Qb3 Kd2 3. Qb2 Kd1 4. Kf2 Kd2 (4... c1=Q 5. Qe2#) 5. Qd4+ Kc1 6. Ke2 Kb1 7. Qb4+ Kc1 8. Qc3 Kb1 9. Kd2 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2Q1K3/8/8/2pk4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/I1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qd4+ {%05If White's king is outside the zone (at ~2e5~, for example), against accurate defence by Black it is not possible to win. For example:^013^010 %05^013^010} Ke2 2. Qc3 Kd1 3. Qd3+ (3. Qb3 {%05Also inadequate is} Kd2 4. Qa2 Kc3 {!} (4... Kd1 {%05but not} 5. Kd4 c1=Q 6. Kd3 {when White wins})) 3... Kc1 4. Kd4 Kb2 5. Qd2 (5. Qe2 {%05or} Ka1 {!} (5... Kb1 {%05but not} 6. Kc3 c1=Q+ 7. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.})) 5... Kb1 {[%eval 0,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1932.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2Q1K3/8/3k4/2p5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1932.??.??"] {Note that the indicated zone applies only with the black king at ~2d2~. If the latter is at ~2d3~, White wins even with his king at e5.} 1. Kf4 {and White's king is inside the zone, e.g.} (1. Qd5+ {%05Also possible is} Ke3 2. Qg2 {!} Kd3 3. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 1... Kd2 2. Qe3+ Kd1 3. Kf3 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2QK4/8/8/1kp5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I15/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) If the black king is closer to the corner (at ~2b2~), the winning zone is much narrower.} 1. Qb4+ Ka2 2. Qc3 Kb1 3. Qb3+ Ka1 {! with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2Q5/1K6/8/1kp5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I15/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qc3+ {%05With the king inside the zone (for example at ~2b4~) there follows: ^013^010 %05^013^010} Kb1 2. Kb3 c1=Q 3. Qd3+ Ka1 4. Qa6+ {and 5.Qa2 mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/QK6/8/8/pk6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) This diagram shows the zone boundary for a rook's pawn.} 1. Qd2+ Kb1 2. Kb4 a1=Q 3. Kb3 {, and Black has no defence against the mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/Q7/4K3/8/pk6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8)} 1. Kd3 {! %05If his king at ~2e4~, White wins as follows:^013^010 %05^013^010} a1=Q 2. Qb4+ Ka2 (2... Kc1 3. Qd2+ Kb1 4. Qc2#) 3. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horowitz Israel A (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6KQ/8/8/8/2p5/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {If the pawn is only on the 3rd rank, White's task is much simpler. Only in exceptional cases is accurate play required of him. Here is one such example. The unfortunate position of White's king, which restricts the action of his queen, obliges him to be careful.} 1. Qh6 {!, %05^013^010 %05White wins by improving the position of his queen with} (1. Qh1+ {%05Nothing is achieved by} Kb2 2. Qb7+ Kc1 {!} 3. Kf6 c2 4. Ke5 Kd1 5. Qd5+ Ke1 (5... Kc1 {%05Black loses after} 6. Qa2 Kd1 7. Kd4 c1=Q 8. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Ke2 {%05or} 6. Qa2 Kd3 7. Qb2 Kd2 8. Kd4 Kd1 9. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qa5+ Kd1 7. Qa4 Kd2 8. Qa2 Kc3 {!, with a draw.}) 1... Kb2 {%05and if} 2. Qf6 {, followed by the approach of queen and king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1865.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chess World"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1Q4K1/8/8/8/2p5/8/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1865.??.??"] {Several drawn positions with a bishop's pawn on the 3rd rank are also known. The draw depends upon the fact that the white pieces interfere with each other in their battle with the pawn, and when the pawn reaches the 2nd rank the white king is outside the winning zone.} 1. Qh1+ (1. Kf6 {^013^010 %05or} c2 2. Ke5 Kd1 3. Qb3 Kd2 4. Qa2 Kc3 {[%eval 0,0] !} (4... Kd1 5. Kd4 c1=Q 6. Kd3 { [%eval 550,0]})) 1... Kb2 {!} 2. Qb7+ Kc1 {[%eval 0,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1Q3K2/8/8/8/2p5/8/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] 1. Qh1+ {%05Had White's king been at ~2f7~, he would have won:^013^010 %05^013^010} Kb2 2. Qh8 {!} Kc2 (2... Kb3 3. Ke6 c2 4. Qa1 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 3. Ke6 Kd2 4. Qd4+ Kc2 5. Kd5 Kb3 6. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/4K3/8/8/8/2p5/2k5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1... Kd2 {!} 2. Qd8+ Kc1 {! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1884.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Meyer"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/8/2K5/8/8/5p2/4k3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1884.??.??"] 1. Qe7+ Kf1 {!} 2. Kd5 f2 {Draw. In this last example the white king could also be at ~2d7~, ~2e7~ or ~2e8~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/4K3/8/3pp3/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/3I1I1I1I11/2I1I1I1I1I11/ 2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) ~12 QUEEN AGAINST TWO PAWNS~ ~12.1 Connected pawns~ We will begin our analysis with positions where both pawns have reached the penultimate rank. In this case it is only with the energetic support of the king that the queen can stop the pawns. The stronger side wins if he can mate the opposing king, or capture one of the pawns and transpose into a won ending with queen against pawn. This is the case with a central pair of pawns. The shading indicates the boundary of the zone within which the white king must be for a win to be possible. We will check a few positions of the king.} 1. Ke3 {%05With the king at ~2f4~, ~2e4~ or ~2d4~ White wins by} d1=Q 2. Qh1# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/6K1/8/3pp3/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/3I1I1I1I11/2I1I1I1I1I11/ 2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 1. Qh1+ {%05King at ~2g4~:^013^010 %05^013^010} Kf2 2. Qh2+ Ke3 (2... Kf1 3. Kf3 d1=Q 4. Qf2#) 3. Qf4+ Kd3 4. Qf3+ {and 5.Qe2 $18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/8/6K1/3pp3/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/3I1I1I1I11/2I1I1I1I1I11/ 2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) With his king at ~2g3~ White gives mate in one move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/8/8/3pp3/4k1K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/3I1I1I1I11/2I1I1I1I1I11/ 2I1I1I1I12/2I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8)} 1. Qa5 {%05With the king at ~2g1~ or ~2g2~, on the other hand, a win is not possible, e.g., king at ~2g1~:^013^010 %05^013^010} Kd1 2. Qa1+ Kc2 3. Qa2+ Kc1 (3... Kd3 {? , White can win %05if Black plays}) (3... Kc3 {%05possible is} 4. Qa5+ Kc2 {with a draw}) 4. Qc4+ Kd1 5. Qb3+ Kc1 6. Qc3+ Kd1 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3k4/Q2pp3/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Qa6+ {!} Ke3 2. Qe6+ Kf3 (2... Kd3 3. Qf5+ Kd4 4. Qf4+ Kd3 5. Qf3+ {and 6. Qe2$18}) 3. Qf5+ Ke3 4. Qf2+ Kd3 5. Qf3+ {and 6.Qe2$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2Q5/5K2/8/2pp4/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/2I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I1I12/ 1I1I1I1I13/1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) ~2If one's of the pawns is a bishop's pawn, the defender's drawing chances are improved, since in a number of cases the loss of the second pawn will not lead to defeat.~} 1. Qg1+ {%05^013^010 %05Here f4 disappears from the zone. With his king at f4 White wins a pawn after} Ke2 2. Qg2+ Kd3 {!} (2... Ke1 3. Ke3 {, and wins}) 3. Qe4+ Kc3 4. Qe3+ Kb2 5. Qxd2 {, but this leads only to a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1Q6/4K3/8/1pp5/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) If in position ~3( 3206)~ all the pieces are moved 2 files to the left, the zone also moves accordingly.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/Q7/8/8/pp1K4/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) This shows the situation with wing pawns. Here the winning zone is considerably wider.} 1. Qf5+ {%05^013^010 %05With his king at ~2d2~ White gives mate in 3 moves:} Ka1 2. Qe5 Kb1 3. Qe1# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mironov G"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/Q7/8/8/pp2K3/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 1. Qf5+ {%05With the king at ~2e2~ the win is achieved as follows: ^013^010 %05^013^010} Kc1 (1... Ka1 2. Qe5 Kb1 3. Qe4+ Ka1 4. Qd4 Kb1 5. Qd1#) 2. Qf4+ Kb1 3. Qe4+ Kc1 4. Qc4+ Kb1 5. Qd3+ Ka1 6. Qd4 Kb1 7. Qd1# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mironov G"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/Q7/8/4K3/pp6/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 1. Qf5+ {%05King at ~2e3~:^013^010 %05^013^010} Ka1 (1... Kc1 2. Qf1+ Kc2 3. Qd3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and mate in 2 moves}) 2. Qf6 Kb1 3. Qf1+ {[%eval 550,0] , and mate in 3 moves.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mironov G"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/Q7/8/5K2/pp6/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I11I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8)} 1. Qf5+ {%05King at ~2f3~:^013^010 %05^013^010} Kc1 2. Qf4+ Kd1 3. Qa4+ Kc1 4. Qc4+ Kb1 5. Qd3+ Kc1 6. Ke2 {!} b1=N 7. Qd4 Kc2 8. Qa1 Nc3+ 9. Ke1 Kb3 10. Kd2 Nb1+ 11. Kc1 Nc3 12. Qb2+ Kc4 13. Kc2 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/8/4p3/3pk3/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {We will now consider examples where only one of the pawns has reached the penultimate rank. Our analysis will begin with a central pair of pawns. %15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/2I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ 1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qc4+ {%05^013^010 %05With his king at ~2g1~ White wins by} Kd1 2. Kf1 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/6K1/4p3/3pk3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/2I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ 1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qf3+ {%05While White's king at ~2g4~ the simplest is^013^010 %05^013^010} Kd3 2. Kf4 Kc2 3. Qe2 Kc1 4. Qxe3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. ~2With only a few exceptions, if the queen can occupy the square in front of the pawns (in this case d1) or between them (e2) in such positions, this is sufficient to win.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6K1/8/4p3/1Q1pk3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ 1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) In general the given zone is also retained for other positions of the queen, provided only that with its first move it can pin the leading pawn or give check. Otherwise a win is not normally possible, even if the king is within the zone. Thus all White's attempts are unsuccessful in the positions: Ke4/Qe7, Kf4/Qd8, Kd4/Qf8. The zone will be different if the queen is on the 2nd rank. The position of the queen at ~2b2~ is more favourable, since Black is not threatening to queen a pawn immediately, and White has a tempo in reserve. Therefore in comparison with example ~3( 3217)~ the zone is wider. We will consider various king positions.} 1. Kf4 { %05^013^010 %05King at ~2g5~:^013^010 %05^013^010} Ke1 2. Qc3 (2. Kxe3 {?} d1=N+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... e2 3. Kf3 Kf1 (3... Kd1 4. Qa1+ Kc2 5. Kxe2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qxd2 e1=Q 5. Qg2# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1K6/8/4p3/1Q1pk3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ 1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc4 {%05King at ~2b5~:^013^010 %05^013^010} Ke1 2. Kd3 {!} d1=Q+ 3. Kxe3 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/4p3/1Q1pk3/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/ 1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qb5+ {%05King at ~2b1~:^013^010 %05^013^010} Ke1 (1... Kf2 2. Qd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qb4 {!} e2 (2... Ke2 3. Qg4+ Ke1 4. Kc2 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kc2 Kf1 4. Qf4+ {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1K6/8/4p3/Q2pk3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/2I1I1I1I1I11/2I1I1I1I1I11/ 2I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11/1I1I1I1I1I1I11) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc4 {%05At b2 the queen is placed best of all. With the queen at ~2a2~ the zone is reduced (~2b5~, ~2b4~ and ~2b3~ disappear from it). Thus with his king at ~2b5~, after} Ke1 2. Qa5 Ke2 3. Qa2 Ke1 { White is unable to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2Q5/5K2/3p4/2pk4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) Let us move position ~3( 3217)~ one file to the left.} 1. Qe3+ { %05^013^010 %05Let us verify that the zone depicted is correct. With his king at ~2f3~ or ~2f4~ White wins the d-pawn after} Kc3 {!} 2. Qc1 d2 3. Qa3+ Kc4 4. Qa4+ Kc3 5. Qa5+ Kb2 {!} 6. Qxd2 $40 {, but this leads only to a draw. (This position, and also positions ~3( 3226), ~3( 3228),~3( 3229~), and ~3( 3231)- ( 3235)~ were published after Grigoriev's death)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/K7/8/3p4/Q1pk4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) This position is obtained by moving position ~3( 3219) ~ one file to the left. The zone moves correspondingly, completely retaining its form.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/K7/2p5/2kp4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I1I12/ I1I1I1I1I1I12/I1I1I1I1I1I12) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) This position shows the case with the d-pawn on the 2nd rank. It is interesting that here we can obtain the zone automatically from example ~3( 3217)~, by moving all the pieces together with the zone one file to the right and reversing flanks. %212045826630=4HLJ1003 %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ993 %212045826630=4HLJ997} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1Q6/K7/2p5/1pk5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) Let us now turn to an analysis of positions with bishop's pawn and knight's pawn. Here the zone is again determined automatically by moving the zone of example ~3( 3217)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/K7/8/2p5/Qpk5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) If the queen is at ~2a2~, the additional squares from ~2a5~ to ~2e5~ are included in the zone.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/2Q5/8/1p2K3/1kp5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {Finally, if the pawns are differently placed (~2b3~, ~2c2~), the zone is slightly reduced. %15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I15/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) The zone is very easily determined in this position. White's king reaches ~2d2~ or ~2b3~, and, in spite of the appearance of a new queen, Black is mated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/Q2K4/8/1p6/pk6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8) It remains for us to examine positions with wing pawns.} 1. Qd2+ {%05The winning procedure is not difficult. For example, with the king on ~2d5~: ^013^010 %05^013^010} Kb1 2. Kc4 a1=Q 3. Kxb3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4K3/8/1p4Q1/p7/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {It is worth noting that, as in many other examples, the zone remains unchanged for more distant positions of the queen, provided only that it can approach the pawns by checking. When this cannot be done, even with the king inside the zone it may not prove possible to win. Thus with the white king at ~2d4~ the positions with the queen at ~2a7~, ~2b6~, ~2d8~ and ~2d7~ will all be drawn.} 1. Kd4 {! %05^013^010 %05In this example Black's king is in the way of his more advanced pawn, and the white king has time to enter the zone: ^013^010 %05^013^010} b2 2. Qc3 Kb1 3. Qe1+ Kc2 4. Qe2+ Kc1 (4... Kb3 5. Qc4+ Ka3 6. Qc3+ $18) 5. Kc3 b1=N+ 6. Kd3 a1=N 7. Qa2 $18 {, and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/KQ6/8/p7/kp6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {%15N T2(b6:g7)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/8/I1I16/I1I1I15/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qc4+ {%05Let us check the position of the king at ~2a5~:^013^010 %05^013^010} Ka1 2. Qc3 Ka2 (2... a2 3. Qd4 Kb1 4. Qd1#) 3. Ka4 b1=Q 4. Qxa3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K5/8/8/p7/kp1Q4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {%15N T2(b7:g8)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/I1I1I15/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/ I1I1I1I14/I1I1I15/I1I1I15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) Let us move the queen to ~2d2~.} 1. Kb5 {%05In comparison with position ~3($403231)~ the zone has %05expanded. The queen best halts the leading pawn along %05the rank, while the king attacks the pawns from the %05rear. With the king at ~2c6~ White wins by^013^010 %05^013^010} Ka1 2. Qc3 Ka2 3. Ka4 b1=Q 4. Qxa3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3K4/p7/kp1Q4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Kc4 {! %05Let us check the position of the king at ~2d3~ or ~2d4~:^013^010 %05^013^010 %05The only way to win is by} (1. Kc3 {%05But not} Ka1 2. Kb3 b1=Q+ 3. Kxa3 {. It appears to be all over, but there follows} Qd3+ {!} 4. Qxd3 { - stalemate! What happened? We went wrong on the very first move.}) 1... Ka1 2. Qc3 Ka2 3. Qb3+ {and 4.Qa3 $18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/p7/8/kp1Q4/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {%15N T2(b8:g8)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) If the second pawn has not yet reached the 3rd rank, White acquires additional tempi. This naturally affects the size of the winning zone. As an example we will consider the case of wing pawns with the queen on the 2nd rank.} 1. Qd5+ {%05^013^010 %05Compared with the previous position, the zone has become even wider. With his king at ~2d1~ White wins by} Ka1 2. Qd4 a3 3. Kc2 Ka2 4. Qd5+ Ka1 5. Qd1+ {and 6.Qb1 mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K4/8/8/p7/8/kp1Q4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {%15N T2(c8:h8)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/I1I1I1I1I13/ I1I1I1I14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kc6 {! %05With his king at ~2d7~ he wins by^013^010 %05^013^010} Ka3 {!} (1... Ka1 {%05or} 2. Qd4 a3 3. Kb5 Ka2 4. Qd2 Ka1 5. Qc3 Ka2 6. Ka4 b1=Q 7. Qxa3#) 2. Qc3+ (2. Qd1 b1=Q {!} 3. Qxb1 {- stalemate}) 2... Ka2 3. Qc2 a3 4. Kb5 Ka1 5. Qc3 Ka2 6. Ka4 b1=Q 7. Qxa3# { The winning method is in no way different from that examined above, and therefore we will leave it to the reader himself to test his powers by determining the zones for the other pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/8/8/4p3/8/K7/4kp2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Some interesting subtleties, which are encountered in such endings when one of the pawns is a bishop's pawn, are seen in the following study. If the e-pawn were at e3 or e4, Black would be able to draw. Thanks to the fact that the pawn is not yet far advanced, White has an elegant way to win.} 1. Qc4+ { ~5 (RR) The tablebases have introduced the correction. In fact, White wins by~} (1. Qc2+ {!} Kf3 (1... Kf1 2. Qe4 Kg1 3. Qg4+ Kh2 4. Qf3 Kg1 5. Qg3+ Kf1 6. Kb3 $18) (1... Ke1 2. Qe4+ {~5, joining the author's solution~}) 2. Qd1+ Kg2 3. Qg4+ Kh1 4. Qf3+ Kg1 5. Qg3+ Kf1 6. Kb3 Ke2 7. Qg2 $18) 1... Ke1 {?} (1... Kf3 {%02!= ~5(Nalimov tablebases)~}) 2. Qe4+ Kd2 3. Qf3 Ke1 4. Qe3+ Kf1 5. Qe4 (5. Kb3 {would lead only to a draw after %05Chekhover assumed that} e4 {!} 6. Kc2 ( 6. Qh3+ {! , for example: %05stronger is} Kg1 (6... Ke1 {%05or} 7. Qg3 Ke2 ( 7... e3 8. Kc2 e2 9. Qh4 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 8. Qg2 Ke1 9. Kc2 e3 (9... f1=Q 10. Qd2#) 10. Qg3 Ke2 11. Qg4+ Kf1 12. Kd3 {, and White wins}) 7. Qg3+ Kf1 8. Kc2 e3 9. Kd3 e2 10. Qh3+ Ke1 11. Qh4 {!} Kd1 12. Qa4+ Ke1 13. Qa1#) 6... Kg2 7. Qg5+ Kh2 8. Qh4+ Kg2 9. Qg4+ Kh2 {, since here there is no queen move to f3, and it is impossible to force the black king to occupy the square in front of the f-pawn.}) 5... Kg1 6. Qg4+ Kh2 7. Qf3 {!} Kg1 8. Qg3+ Kf1 9. Kb3 Ke2 10. Qg2 Ke1 11. Qe4+ Kd2 12. Qf3 Ke1 13. Qe3+ Kf1 14. Qe4 {!} Kg1 15. Qg4+ Kh2 16. Qf3 Kg1 17. Qg3+ Kf1 18. Kc3 $18 {, and White wins. Thus 5.Kb3! wins more quickly than 5.Qe4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K1Q/8/8/8/8/8/1pkp4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {~12.2 Isolated pawns~ We will begin our analysis with positions where both pawns are on the threshold of queening. This is the most dangerous case for the stronger side. The following examples demonstrate a typical method of playing for a win.} 1. Qh7+ {%05^013^010 %05White first brings his queen up to the pawns:^013^010 %05^013^010} Kc1 2. Qc7+ Kd1 (2... Kb1 {%05or} 3. Qd7 { , and then as in the main variation}) 3. Qb7 Kc1 (3... Ke2 4. Qe4+ {and Qb1 $18 }) 4. Qc6+ Kd1 5. Qa4+ Kc1 6. Qc4+ Kd1 7. Qd3 Ke1 (7... Kc1 8. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning a pawn}) 8. Qe4+ Kf2 9. Qb1 {[%eval 550,0] ! The queen has succeeded in blockading one of the pawns. 10.Qb2 is now threatened, so that the black king is forced to abandon the 2nd rank. Black is deprived of any possibility of active play, and is forced to wait passively as the white king approaches and decides the outcome. ~2The obtaining of such a position is the basic winning plan.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K3Q2/8/8/8/8/8/1p3p2/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Qa3+ Kb1 2. Qa6 {!} Kc2 3. Qe2+ Kc3 4. Qf1 {[%eval 550,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K1Q3/8/8/8/2kp2p1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] 1. Qf5+ (1. Qc4+ {? %05not} Kd1 {!} 2. Qd4 Ke2 3. Qg4+ Kf2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Kd1 2. Qf2 Kc1 3. Qc5+ Kb2 4. Qg1 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5K2/8/4Q3/8/1p3p2/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {~2We have seen that, if one of the pawns can be blockaded by the queen, with the opponent's king on the 2nd rank this will lead to the loss of the pawn. But if the remaining pawn is a bishop's or rook's pawn, and the stronger side's king is far away, this may prove insufficient for a win.~} 1. Qe3+ (1. Qc4+ Kd2 {!} 2. Qf1 b1=Q {!} 3. Qxb1 Ke2 {, with a draw}) 1... Kd1 {!} 2. Qd3+ Ke1 3. Qb1+ Ke2 4. Qxb2+ Kf1 5. Kg5 Kg1 {[%eval 0,0] , and the white king is outside the zone (cf. example ~3($413197)~). Black draws by means of stalemate in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1899.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/8/8/8/8/3pk2p/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1899.??.??"] 1. Qe4+ {%05The solution is fairly simple:} Kf2 2. Qd3 Ke1 3. Qe3+ Kf1 {!} 4. Qxd2 $40 {- stalemate! Example ~3( 3242)~ is more complicated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/8/8/8/8/4k3/p6p/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {This was included by Berger in his ~4Theorie und Praxis der Endspiele (1922)~, but, evidently due to an oversight, in slightly changed form (the composers of the position have the kings at d1 and d3). Without giving any variations, Berger limited himself to the comment that White has to be satisfied with perpetual check, since he is unable to win both pawns.} 1. Qc3+ {%05^013^010 %05 The Russian translation of the first edition of Berger's book (1928) included a short analysis by Nenarokov, demonstrating the draw:^013^010 %05^013^010} Kf4 {!} (1... Ke4 {?} 2. Kf2 {%05loses to !} h1=Q 3. Qc6+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qc1+ Kf3 {! (again the only move, in view of the threat of 3.Ke2)} 3. Qd1+ (3. Kd2 {, after which he gave the following variation: %05In 1957 Maizelis expressed the opinion that White wins by} Kg2 4. Qc6+ Kg1 {!} 5. Qg6+ Kf2 (5... Kh1 6. Qg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qf6+ Kg2 7. Qg7+ Kf2 8. Qa1 Kg2 9. Qxa2 h1=Q 10. Ke3+ {. But after} Kh3 {!} (10... Kg3 {%05not} 11. Qg8+ { , and White wins}) 11. Qe6+ Kh2 {!} 12. Qh6+ Kg1 {there is no win}) 3... Ke3 {! } (3... Kg2 {[%eval 550,0] allows mate in three moves}) 4. Qd2+ Ke4 {!} (4... Kf3 {, then %05if} 5. Qe2+ Kg3 6. Qf2+ Kg4 7. Qg2+ Kf4 8. Qf1+ {and 9.Kf2, winning}) 5. Qe2+ Kd4 {!} 6. Qf2+ Ke4 {[%eval 0,0] , and White is unable to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P6P/8/3q4/8/8/3K4/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] {~2If there are two rooks' pawns on the threshold of queening, and both kings are some distance away, the result will depend upon whether, in the 'race' of the kings, the stronger side's king can enter the zone of the more dangerous pawn.~ White's king is in check. Where should he make for?} 1. Ke3 {! , aiming for the pawn which is more distant from the black king. %05^013^010 %05The correct move is} (1. Kc3 {, then %05if, for example,} Qa8 2. Kb4 Kb2 3. Kb5 Kb3 4. Kb6 Kb4 {[%eval -550,0] , and the black king enters the zone of the a-pawn; hence Black wins as in example ~3($413199)~.}) 1... Qe5+ (1... Qa8 {, then %05if now} 2. Kf4 Kb2 3. Kg5 Kc3 4. Kg6 Kd4 5. Kg7 Qxa7+ 6. Kg8 {[%eval 0,0] , and the black king is outside the zone}) 2. Kf3 {! ^013^010 The most accurate move. The king must stay as close as possible to the h-pawn.} (2. Kd3 {%05Bad would be} Qe8 3. Kc4 Kb2 4. Kc5 Kb3 5. Kb6 Kb4 6. Kb7 Qf7+ 7. Kb8 Qf8+ 8. Kb7 Qg7+ 9. Kb8 Qh8+ 10. Kb7 Qxh7+ 11. Kb8 Kb5 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.}) 2... Qf5+ 3. Kg3 {!} (3. Ke3 {again loses to} Qf8 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... Qg5+ 4. Kf3 {(h3) ^013^010 Here it makes no difference where the king moves to, since Black cannot reply 4...Qg8.} Qd8 5. Kg4 Kb2 6. Kf5 Kc3 7. Kg6 Kd4 8. Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] , and the Black king is outside the zone. But what if in the initial position the black king had been at ~2a2~?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P6P/8/3q4/8/8/k2K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] 1. Ke3 {%05Here it no longer helps to take the king up to the h-pawn. For example:^013^010 %05^013^010} Qd8 2. Kf4 Kb3 3. Kf5 Kc4 4. Kg6 Kd5 {, and the black king is within the zone. After} 5. Kg7 Qc7+ 6. Kg8 Qc8+ 7. Kg7 Qb7+ 8. Kg8 Ke6 {[%eval -550,0] ! White must resign. The following two examples should now be understandable without any special explanation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/P6P/8/4K3/8/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] 1. Kd5 {!} Qc8 (1... Kb2 {, then %05if} 2. Kc6 Kb3 3. Kb7 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black's king is outside the zone}) 2. Ke5 Qh8+ 3. Kd6 {!} (3. Kd5 {loses to} Qxh7 {[%eval -550,0] !}) (3. Ke6 {%05as does} Kb2 {[%eval -550,0] , when the black king succeeds in entering the zone}) 3... Qa8 4. Ke6 {!} Qh8 5. Kd6 { ! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P6P/8/8/8/4K3/6q1/1k6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] {Here accuracy is demanded of Black in the coordination of his forces.} 1... Qa8 {! %05^013^010 %05Correct is} (1... Qh1 {is insufficient in view of} 2. Kf4 Kc2 3. Kg5 Kd3 4. Kg6 {[%eval 0,0] , when 4...Ke4 is not possible}) 2. Kf4 Kc2 3. Kg5 Kd3 4. Kg6 Ke4 {[%eval -550,0] , when Black's king is within the winning zone. ~2If the second pawn has not yet reached the penultimate rank, even here there can be drawing possibilities, especially with bishops' and rooks' pawns, and if the stronger side's king is some distance away from the main battlefield.~ Thus White is unable to win in the following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6K1/8/4Q3/8/p7/6kp/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] 1. Qg5+ (1. Qd5+ Kg3 {!} 2. Qh1 a2 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 1... Kh3 {!! The only move.} (1... Kf2 {, then %05if} 2. Qh4+ Kg2 3. Qg4+ Kf2 4. Qh3 Kg1 5. Qg3+ Kh1 6. Qf2 {, and mate next move. Here the second pawn played a negative role}) (1... Kf3 {%05or} 2. Qh4 a2 3. Qh3+ Ke4 4. Qf1 Kd4 5. Qc1 {!} Ke4 6. Kg6 { , and wins}) 2. Qe3+ Kg2 3. Qe2+ Kg3 {!} 4. Qf1 a2 5. Kg6 a1=Q 6. Qxa1 Kg2 { [%eval 0,0] , and the white king is outside the zone ~3($413199)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/8/1K6/8/p7/8/6kp/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] 1. Qg8+ {%05In this example, the second black pawn is less dangerous, and therefore after^013^010 %05^013^010} Kf2 2. Qh7 Kg3 {!} 3. Qg6+ Kf2 4. Qe4 Kg3 {!} 5. Kc5 a3 6. Kd4 a2 7. Qh1 a1=Q+ 8. Qxa1 Kg2 {[%eval 550,0] White wins , since his king has managed to enter the zone ~3($413199)~. It is clear that , with the pawn at a3, the result would have been a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K4Q2/8/8/p7/8/8/5pk1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {This shows the case when one of the pawns is a bishop's pawn. Due to the very distant position of his king, White is unable to win, although the second pawn is a long way from the queening square.} 1. Qg7+ {%05^013^010 %05For example:} Kh1 2. Qf6 Kg2 3. Qg5+ Kh1 4. Qf4 Kg2 5. Qg4+ Kh1 6. Qf3+ Kg1 7. Qg3+ Kf1 8. Kb7 a4 9. Kc6 a3 10. Kd5 a2 11. Qg7 a1=Q 12. Qxa1+ Kg2 {, with a draw ~3 ($413197)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/1K6/8/8/4Qp2/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] 1. Qg4+ {%05Here the h-pawn is a long way from its goal, and White has a simple win: ^013^010 %05^013^010} Kh2 2. Qf3 Kg1 3. Qg3+ Kf1 4. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0] , and, while the h-pawn is coming to Black's aid, White has time to give mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1K6/7p/5Q2/5p1k/8 b - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "1"] 2... Kg1 {White does not have 3.Qg3. %05Had the pawn been at ~2h4~, Black would have been able to draw, since after} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger, Grigoriev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/K7/8/8/8/4Qp2/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. Qg4+ {%05Berger stated that in position ~3($403250)~ White %05would win even if his king was even further away - at %05~2a6~. To demonstrate this he gave the variation^013^010 %05^013^010} Kh2 (1... Kf1 {!! %05But Grigoriev found that Black has a stronger defence:} 2. Kb5 h5 3. Qg6 Ke2 4. Qe4+ Kf1 { [%eval 0,0] ! ~3($413253)~.}) 2. Qf3 Kg1 3. Qg3+ Kf1 4. Kb5 h5 5. Kc4 h4 6. Qg4 h3 7. Kd3 h2 8. Qf3 Kg1 9. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0] ! , when Black can resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1K5p/4Q3/8/5p2/5k2 w - - 0 5"] [PlyCount "8"] 5. Kc4 {%05After} Kg1 {it transpires that the queen has no way of driving the black king in front of the f-pawn, since the g4 square is unavailable.} 6. Qe3 {%05For example:} Kg2 7. Qg5+ Kh2 8. Qh4+ Kg2 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. Grigoriev also established that in the initial position White wins if his king is at ~2a5~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/8/K7/8/8/4Qp2/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] 1. Qg4+ Kf1 (1... Kh2 {White wins by Berger's method: %05After} 2. Qf3 Kg1 3. Qg3+ Kf1 4. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Kb4 h5 3. Qg6 Ke2 4. Qe4+ Kf1 5. Qh1+ {!} (5. Kc3 {, then %05the black king must not be allowed into the corner; if} Kg1 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 5... Ke2 6. Qg2 Ke1 7. Kc3 {! ^013^010 This idea has already been met on several occasions.} h4 (7... f1=Q {loses to} 8. Qd2#) 8. Kc2 h3 9. Qe4+ Kf1 10. Kd2 Kg1 11. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/Q7/8/2p5/8/pk6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] 1. Qb5+ {%05After} Kc2 2. Qa4+ Kb2 3. Qb4+ Kc2 4. Qa3 Kb1 {[%eval 0,0] White does not have 5.Qb3.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bekey"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "KQ6/8/8/8/1p6/1k6/1p6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] {~12.3 Doubled pawns~ Here the stronger side wins if he can: (a) blockade the leading pawn with his king or queen. (b) win one of the pawns and obtain a won ending with one pawn. (c) thanks to the proximity of his own king, give mate to the opposing king. Here White wins by capturing one of the pawns. We give the simplest and quickest solution, pointed out by Grigoriev.} 1. Qg8+ { (Bekey begins with 1.Qg3)} Ka3 2. Qg6 Ka2 3. Qc2 b3 4. Qd2 Ka1 5. Qa5+ Kb1 6. Qb4 {[%eval 550,0] , and after capturing the b3 pawn, White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bekey"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2QKp3/8/4p3/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] {In this position the white king is closely, but rather badly placed. Were it on any other square, 1.Qd4 would be possible, capturing the e4 pawn with an immediate win.} 1. Qa4+ {%05^013^010 %05Here the winning path is more complicated:^013^010 %05^013^010} Kc1 2. Qa5 {!} Kd1 3. Qh5 {!} Kd2 4. Qg5+ Kd1 5. Qg4 Kd2 6. Qg2 e3 (6... Kd1 7. Kxe4 {!} e1=Q+ 8. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 7. Ke4 Kd1 8. Kxe3 {!} e1=Q+ 9. Kd3 $40 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins. White won only because he was able to switch his queen to the right flank (3.Qh5!). If position ~3( 3257)~ is moved one or two files to the right or left, in the resulting positions this plan will not work, and the game ends in a draw. ~2With rook's pawns or bishop's pawns the result will depend on the position of the stronger side's king, since after winning one of the pawns it is important to obtain a position of type ~3( 3193), ( 3197)~ ~2or~ ~3( 3199)~ ~2with the king inside the winning zone.~ In the following examples the king is too far away, and the second pawn prevents the queen from driving the black king to a1, which would gain time for the approach of the king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1KQ5/8/8/p7/8/pk6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] 1. Qb6+ Kc2 2. Qc6+ Kb2 3. Qb5+ Kc2 4. Qc4+ Kb2 5. Qb4+ Kc2 6. Qa3 Kb1 { [%eval 0,0] , and White cannot win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/2K5/8/p7/8/8/p7/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] 1. Qd1+ Kb2 2. Qd4+ Kb1 3. Qb6+ Kc2 4. Qc5+ Kb2 5. Qb5+ Kc2 6. Qa4+ Kb2 { [%eval 0,0] ! Draw. Only in the following example does White succeed in bringing up his king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "KQ6/8/8/8/p7/8/p7/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] 1. Ka7 {! %05Exploiting the unfortunate position of the enemy king, White forces Black to advance his pawn to a3.^013^010 %05^013^010} (1. Kb7 {%05It would be a mistake to play} Kb2 2. Ka6+ Kc2 {, with a certain draw.}) 1... a3 2. Kb6 Kb2 3. Ka5+ Kc2 4. Qc7+ Kb2 5. Qb6+ Kc2 6. Qc5+ Kb2 7. Qb4+ Kc2 8. Qxa3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins, since his king is inside the zone.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mandler Artur"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5QK1/8/8/2p5/8/1kp5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {~2If the leading pawn has not yet reached the penultimate rank, the winning chances are naturally improved. True, in cases with bishop's or rook's pawns subtle play may be required, since in winning one pawn it is important not to allow the advance of the second pawn onto the penultimate rank.~} 1. Qf4 {!} ( 1. Qf3 {would have been a mistake in view of} Kb2 2. Qf6 Kc2 {!} 3. Qf2+ (3. Qe5 Kd2 {!} 4. Qd5+ Kc1 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 3... Kd1 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 1... Kc2 2. Qe3 {!} Kb2 3. Qe5 Kc2 (3... Kb3 4. Kf7 c2 5. Qa1 {and 6.Qc1 $18}) 4. Qxc5 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1K6/8/8/5p2/6pk/7p/Q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {~13. QUEEN AGAINST THREE OR MORE PAWNS~ Here we will be mainly interested in positions where the stronger side's king is a long way from the pawns. If connected pawns are far advanced and one of them has reached the penultimate rank, to win White must first block them. When the pawns have been immobilized, he can then bring up his king.} 1. Qf1+ {%05^013^010 %05Thus here White can effect a blockade with his queen alone:^013^010 %05^013^010} Kg4 2. Qe2+ {!} Kh4 3. Qf3 {. Black cannot advance his pawns, and White wins by bringing up his king. Giving up a pawn does not help matters:} h1=Q 4. Qxh1+ Kg4 5. Qe4 Kh3 6. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Q7/8/8/8/5ppk/7p/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {~2Blockade is one of the basic methods of combating connected pawns. If the pawns cannot be blockaded by the queen, White's task becomes more difficult. He may even lose if the opposing king can avoid perpetual check.~} 1. Qd7+ { %05^013^010 %05After} Kg2 2. Qd2+ f2 3. Qd5+ Kg1 {[%eval -550,0] White has to resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Q7/8/8/8/5ppp/6k1/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {Here the three connected pawns are all on the same rank. The result depends mainly on the positions of the two kings. White's king is unable to help his queen, whereas Black's king is actively supporting his pawns, which in turn defend it against perpetual check. And although it is White's turn to move, he is helpless, for example:} 1. Qa2+ f2 2. Qa8+ Kg1 3. Qa7 h2 4. Qe3 g2 {and 5... h1Q $19} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Q7/8/8/6k1/5ppp/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {This position differs from the previous one only in the placing of the black king. Its position behind the pawns is much less favourable, and White is able to win.} 1. Qd7+ Kh4 (1... Kf4 2. Qxh3 f2 3. Kb2 Kf3 4. Kc2 Ke2 5. Qg2 Ke1 6. Qxg3 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 2. Qd4+ Kg5 3. Qe5+ Kg4 4. Qe4+ Kg5 5. Qxf3 g2 6. Qg3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1914.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/8/8/5ppk/7p/8/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1914.??.??"] {If the pawns are not far advanced, the stronger side's plan must be to blockade them and bring up his king.} 1. Kb2 Kg3 (1... h2 {%05Other moves are no better:^013^010 %05(a)} 2. Qg2 g3 3. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) (1... g3 { %05(b)} 2. Qf3 Kg5 3. Kc2 g2 4. Qf2 Kg4 (4... f3 5. Qg3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kd2 f3 6. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) (1... f3 {%05(c)} 2. Qb8 Kg5 3. Qg3 Kf5 4. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 2. Qh1 {! (the only move, since 2. ..f3 was threatened; thanks to this manoeuvre White is able to win)} Kf2 3. Kc2 g3 4. Qxh3 f3 (4... g2 5. Qh4+ Kf3 (5... Ke2 {%05or} 6. Qg4+ f3 7. Qg3 { [%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 5. Kd2 g2 6. Qh4+ {!} Kg1 7. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1q4PK/8/6P1/6k1/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {~2If the stronger side's king is close to the pawns and is able to support the queen, this normally proves sufficient to win.~ This example shows an exceptional case, where the defender is saved by stalemate.} 1. Kh8 {!} (1. h4 {%05White loses after} Qf7 {!} 2. Kh8 Qh5+ 3. Kg8 Qxh4 4. Kf8 Qf2+ 5. Ke8 Qe3+ 6. Kf8 Qf4+ 7. Ke8 Qxg5 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 1... Qb2 2. h4 {!} Kxh4 3. Kh7 Qc2+ 4. Kh8 Qc3 5. Kh7 Qc7 6. Kh8 Qe5 7. Kh7 Qe7 8. Kh8 Kxg5 9. g8=Q+ Kh6 10. Qe6+ Qxe6 {. Stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6K1/8/4k3/8/p1p4p/5Q2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {~2Three isolated pawns can be more easily attacked than three connected ones, and therefore they present a danger only when on the threshold of queening.~ The methods of attack and defence are the same here as with two pawns. Despite the fact that his king cannot yet support his queen, White is able to win.} 1. Qe2+ Kd4 (1... Kf4 {%05Black could have played more cunningly:} 2. Qf2+ { %05, and White wins by the subtle} (2. Qxh2+ {? %05if} Ke3 {%05, then} 3. Qh6+ Kd3 4. Qc1 a1=Q {!} 5. Qxa1 Kd2 {[%eval 0,0] , and the white king is outside the zone ~3($413193)~.}) 2... Kg4 3. Qf1 {!} a1=Q 4. Qxa1 Kf3 5. Kf5 {!} Kg2 ( 5... Ke2 6. Ke4 {!} Kd2 7. Qd4+ Ke2 8. Qe3+ Kd1 9. Kd3 c1=N+ 10. Kc3 {!} Ne2+ 11. Kb2 h1=Q 12. Qd3+ Ke1 13. Qb1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qg7+ Kf1 7. Qh6 {!} Kg2 8. Qd2+ Kg1 9. Qc1+ Kg2 10. Qxc2+ Kg1 11. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qd2+ { Now the following continuations are possible:^013^010 %04(a)} Kc4 (2... Ke4 { %05(b)} 3. Qxc2+ Ke3 4. Qc1+ Kf2 5. Kg5 Kg2 6. Kg4 h1=Q 7. Qb2+ Kf1 8. Qa1+ Kg2 9. Qxa2+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning in familiar fashion}) 3. Qxc2+ Kb4 4. Qb2+ Kc5 5. Qa1 Kb4 6. Kf5 {!} Kb3 7. Ke4 h1=Q+ 8. Qxh1 Kb2 9. Qh2+ Kb1 10. Kd3 { , and wins ~2Against a considerable number of pawns a win is possible either by mating the opposing king, or by eliminating part of the pawns.~ It is in the latter way that White wins in the following two examples.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2p5/Qp6/pK4p1/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Qc5+ Kh2 (1... Kh1 {, then after %05if} 2. Qh5+ Kg1 3. Qh3 Kf2 4. Qh4+ Kf3 5. Qe1 {!} Kg4 6. Qf2 {[%eval 550,0] play reduces to the main variation}) 2. Qe5+ Kh3 (2... Kg1 {%05White's task is simplified by} 3. Qd4+ Kh1 4. Qh4+ { and 5.Qc4$18}) 3. Qe1 {! ^013^010 ^013^010 This move, suggested by Berger, is the strongest.^013^010 ^013^010} Kg4 4. Qf2 {!} c3+ (4... Kh3 5. Ka1 {[%eval 550,0] transposes}) 5. Ka1 Kh3 6. Qe3+ Kh2 (6... Kh4 {or Kg4, then %05if} 7. Qd4+ Kh5 8. Qd5+ {and 9.Qg2$18}) 7. Qe5+ Kh1 8. Qh8+ Kg1 9. Qxc3 Kf2 10. Qd2+ Kf3 11. Qe1 Kg4 12. Kb2 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1Q3pp1/p5p1/k5K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {By subtle manoeuvring White eliminates the K-side pawns, after which an ending with a single rook's pawn is reached, with his king inside the winning zone.} 1. Qb6 {!} f2+ 2. Kxg2 f1=Q+ 3. Kxf1 g2+ 4. Ke2 {!} g1=Q 5. Qxg1+ Kb2 6. Kd2 {!} a1=Q 7. Qb6+ Ka3 8. Qa5+ Kb2 9. Qb4+ Ka2 10. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/Q7/5pp1/pk4p1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {Here Black is able to save the game by the timely sacrifice of his K-side pawns.} 1. Qb4+ Kc2 2. Qa3 f2+ {!} (2... Kb1 {? %05not} 3. Qb3+ Ka1 4. Qb6 { [%eval 550,0] ! , winning}) 3. Kxg2 f1=Q+ 4. Kxf1 g2+ 5. Kxg2 Kb1 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black draws, since the white king is outside the zone.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/K2p1Q2/3P4/8/2pk4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {~14. QUEEN AND PAWN(S) AGAINST PAWNS~ The realization of the advantage in such endings does not normally present any difficulty. Even if the opponent has a dangerous passed pawn, it is usually possible to give up the queen for this pawn and to go into a won pawn ending. White cannot stop the pawn, but he wins by giving up his queen for it.} 1. Kb5 (1. Qxd5 {(this is even simpler)} c1=Q 2. Qg5+ Kc2 3. Qxc1+ Kxc1 4. d5 {[%eval 550,0] and the pawn queens}) (1. Qxc2+ {%05But, of course, the immediate exchange would be a bad blunder, since after} Kxc2 2. Kb4 Kd3 3. Kc5 Ke4 {[%eval -550,0] it is Black who wins}) 1... c1=Q 2. Qg5+ Kc2 3. Qxc1+ Kxc1 4. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins the pawn, and with it the game.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/5K2/8/p7/P7/8/kp6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] {Here too White wins by giving up his queen for the pawn.} 1. Qh2 Ka1 2. Qe5 Ka2 3. Qd5+ Ka1 4. Qd4 Ka2 5. Qc4+ Ka1 6. Qc3 Ka2 7. Qc2 Ka1 8. Ke6 {! ^013^010 ^013^010 By bringing his queen up to the pawn, White has gained a necessary tempo.^013^010 ^013^010} b1=Q 9. Qxb1+ Kxb1 10. Kd5 Kc2 11. Kc4 { ! (a 'shoulder charge')} (11. Kc5 {%05only a draw results from} Kd3 12. Kb5 Kd4 13. Kxa5 Kc5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 11... Kd2 12. Kb5 Kd3 13. Kxa5 Kc4 14. Kb6 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins. Here the outcome depended on a single tempo. The white king was rather a long way from the pawns, but it nevertheless arrived in time. Had it been at ~2f8~, Black would have been able to draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K1Q/8/8/p7/P7/8/kp6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] 1. Qh2 Ka1 2. Qe5 Ka2 3. Qd5+ Ka1 4. Qd4 Ka2 5. Qc4+ Ka1 6. Qc3 Ka2 7. Qc2 Ka1 8. Ke7 b1=Q 9. Qxb1+ Kxb1 10. Kd6 Kc2 11. Kc5 Kd3 {!} 12. Kb5 Kd4 {!} 13. Kxa5 Kc5 {, with a draw. Due to the remote position of his king, White is also unable to win in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7p/1K5P/5Q2/5p2/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Kc5 (1. Qg3+ {%05or} Kh1 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 1... f1=Q 2. Qxf1+ Kxf1 3. Kd4 Kg2 4. Ke4 Kh3 $40 {[%eval 0,0] Of course, in examples ~3( 3274)~ and ~3( 3275)~ White could have won a pawn and gone into a queen ending a pawn up, but this too would not have won. As we will see later, such an ending with a rook's pawn can be won only if the opposing king is badly placed. Pawn endings are full of various tricks, and therefore a transition into one normally requires accurate calculation, otherwise surprises are possible.} * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Yates Frederick D (ENG)"] [Black "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/8/8/3K4/p7/8/kp3P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1001 %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ993} 1. Kc6+ { ! %05This ending would be won even without the f-pawn. For example:^013^010 %05^013^010} (1. Kd4+ {%05The game took a different course:^013^010 %05} Ka3 {! } (1... Ka1 2. Qa8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qf8+ Kb3 3. Qf3+ Ka2 4. Qd5+ Ka3 5. Qc5+ Ka2 6. Qc4+ (6. Qc2 {!} a3 7. Kc3 Ka1 8. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0] would have been immediately decisive}) 6... Ka3 7. Qd3+ Ka2 8. Kc4 {? ^013^010 ^013^010 White has worked out incorrectly the consequences of the transition into the pawn ending.^013^010 ^013^010} (8. Qc2 a3 9. Kc3 Ka1 10. Kb3 $18) 8... b1=Q 9. Qxb1+ Kxb1 10. Kb4 {(it seems to be all over, but...)} Kb2 {!!} 11. Kxa4 Kc3 12. f4 Kd4 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black's king catches the pawn.}) 1... Ka3 2. Qf8+ (2. Qg6 {%05but not} b1=Q 3. Qxb1 {[%eval 0,0] - stalemate!}) 2... Ka2 3. Qf7+ Ka3 4. Qe7+ Ka2 5. Qe6+ Ka3 6. Qd6+ Ka2 7. Qd2 Ka3 8. Qc3+ Ka2 9. Qc2 a3 10. Kb5 Ka1 11. Qc3 Ka2 12. Ka4 {!} b1=Q 13. Qxa3# 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Klyatskin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5kq1/3p4/5PP1/5P2/3K4/1p6/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {Only in the most exceptional cases can the pawns prove stronger than the queen. The queen is immobilized, and proves weaker than the pawns!} 1. Kc5 d6+ (1... Ke8 {%05going into the pawn ending also loses} 2. f7+ Qxf7 3. gxf7+ Kxf7 4. Kd6 Kf6 5. Kxd7 Kxf5 6. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins the b-pawn}) 2. Kd4 d5 3. Kc5 d4 4. Kxd4 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black can resign. No no no} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/8/3K3Q/qk6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1. Qh7+ Ka2 2. Qf7+ Kb1 (2... Ka3 3. Qa7+ {!} Kb2 4. Qb6+ Ka3 5. Qa5+ Kb2 6. Qb4+ {and 7.Kc2$18 comes to the same thing}) 3. Qf5+ Ka2 4. Qd5+ Kb1 5. Qe4+ Ka2 6. Qa4+ {! (the deciding move)} Kb2 (6... Kb1 7. Qc2#) 7. Qb4+ Ka2 8. Kc2 { [%eval 550,0] , and there is no defence against the mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/8/1k1K4/q2Q4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Qc2+ Ka3 2. Qc5+ {!} Ka2 (2... Kb3 {, then %05if} 3. Qb5+ {!} Ka3 4. Qa5+ Kb2 5. Qb4+ {and 6.Kc2$18}) 3. Qd5+ Kb1 4. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins in similar fashion.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/8/k2K4/q1Q5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Qc4+ Ka3 2. Qa6+ Kb2 3. Qb5+ Ka3 4. Qa5+ Kb2 5. Qb4+ {and 6.Kc2$18, winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/6Q1/k2K4/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] 1. Qg8+ Ka3 (1... Kb1 {there follows %05on} 2. Qg6+ Ka2 3. Qe6+ Kb1 4. Qe4+ { [%eval 550,0] , as in position ~3($403279)~}) 2. Qa8+ Kb2 3. Qb7+ Ka3 4. Qa6+ Kb2 5. Qb5+ Ka3 6. Qa5+ Kb2 7. Qb4+ Ka2 8. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] , and mate is inevitable. The winning plan in all these cases consists of the step-by-step approach of the queen and the creation of a mating net.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/8/k2K3Q/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {There is only one position of the white queen for which it cannot be carried out.} 1. Kd3+ {there follows %05Black draws, since White cannot approach with his queen by checking, and on} Qb2 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/8/8/8/8/3K4/8/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14/I1I1I1I14) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Thus, with one single exception (example ~3( 3283)~), White wins in position ~3( 3278)~ for all positions of his queen, if the black king is inside the a1-a2-d2-d1 rectangle. It is worth noting that White also wins when the black king is at a3 or b3, but only for certain positions of his queen. Thus with the king at ~2a3~ White wins if he can check with his queen either on the a-file, or from c5, while with the king at ~2b3~ only a check from b5 will enable White to create a mating net around the opposing king. An analysis of this position for various placings of the black king and white queen shows that Black loses if his king is inside the a1-a4-d4-d1 square, but only for certain placings of the white queen. Thus if the black king is at ~2b4~, only a queen check from b6 leads to a win. As an example, consider the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2Q5/8/8/1k6/3K4/8/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Qb6+ (1. Qb7+ Kc5 {[%eval 0,0] is a draw, since the black king is out of the danger zone}) 1... Ka3 2. Qa5+ Kb2 3. Qb4+ Ka2 (3... Kc1 {, then %05if} 4. Qd2+ {and 5.Qc2 mate}) 4. Kc2 $40 {[%eval 550,0] , and mate is inevitable. The winning procedure here is just the same position ~3( 3278)~: the step-by-step approach of the queen and the creation of a mating net.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/k2K4/2Q5/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {With the black king at ~2a4~ a check on the a-file is decisive, while with the king at ~2a3~ White wins either by a check on the a-file, or from c5.} 1. Qc5+ Ka2 2. Qc4+ (2. Qa5+ {?} Kb1 {!} 3. Qe1+ Ka2 {[%eval 0,0] ! leads to a draw}) 2... Ka3 3. Qa6+ Kb2 4. Qb5+ Ka3 5. Qa5+ Kb2 6. Qb4+ Ka2 7. Kc2 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3K3Q/1k6/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Qg2+ {!} (1. Qh2+ {? %05not} Ka3 {!} 2. Qd6+ Ka2 3. Qe6+ Kb1 {!} 4. Qe1+ Ka2 {!} 5. Qa5+ Kb1 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Ka3 2. Qa8+ Kb2 3. Qb7+ Kc1 4. Qc6+ Kb2 5. Qb5+ {[%eval 550,0] , continuing as already examined.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1k1K4/4Q3/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {With the king at ~2b3~, a check on the b-file, or from c4 or e6, is decisive. } 1. Qe6+ {!} (1. Qc2+ {? %05but not} Kb4 2. Qc4+ Ka5 {[%eval 0,0] , when the king escapes from the danger zone}) 1... Kb4 2. Qb6+ {!} Ka3 3. Qa5+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4Q3/3K4/k7/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Qa4+ {[%eval 550,0] %05With the king at ~2a2~, it will be clear from the preceding that White wins by} (1. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0] %05or}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/8/8/8/8/3K4/k7/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] %05If White's queen is on the b-file, he wins by^013^010 %05^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3K1Q2/8/qk6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {With the king at ~2b1~, only a check from d1 is decisive.} 1. Qd1+ {!} Kb2 ( 1... Ka2 2. Qa4+ Kb2 3. Qb4+ {and 4.Kc2$18}) 2. Qc2+ {!} Ka3 3. Qc5+ Ka2 4. Qc4+ {!} Ka3 5. Qa6+ $40 {[%eval 550,0] , as in previous variations. With the black king at ~2b1~, White wins if his queen is on the b1-h7 diagonal, since after 1.Kd2 position ~3( 3278)~ is reached. Finally, with the king at ~2c1~, White wins by any queen check along the c-file or the first rank, or from d2. It is interesting to note that the possibility of creating a mating net in positions of type 72 and 78 was known more than 500 years ago.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kantorovich Vadim (ISR)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/8/8/2q5/5K2/8/7k b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1... Qf1+ (1... Kg1 {%05no better is} 2. Qa7+ Kh1 3. Qh7+ Kg1 4. Qg6+ Kf1 5. Qb1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kg3+ Kg1 3. Qa7+ Kh1 4. Qh7+ {and 5.Qh2 mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/K7/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~12. QUEEN AND PAWN AGAINST QUEEN~ This is one of the few endings with a minimal balance of forces which until very recently did not have a definitive evaluation. Theorists were unable to give a conclusive answer even to the following simple questions: Is it possible to realize the extra pawn? What is the best plan of playing for a win? How should the weaker side defend? This is not especially surprising. Firstly, such an ending occurs rarely in practice, and therefore does not draw the attention of theorists. Secondly, in spite of the small number of pieces, these endings are extremely difficult to analyse. The queen is a piece with a wealth of possibilities, and in the resulting labyrinth of variations it is not difficult for even a skilled analyst to lose his way. Some 40 years ago our entire information on this ending comprised a superficial analysis of a few positions, which had been known virtually from the time of Philidor. But gradually, step-by-step, theorists began to approach the study of this insidious ending. A stimulus was provided by the game Botvinnik-Ravinsky (13th USSR Championship, 1944), in which an ending with a knight's pawn on the 7th rank occurred. It has to be said that during the play both sides were groping in the dark, but later the ending became a topic for study. In the 1947-49 USSR Yearbook, Keres published a voluminous investigation of this ending. He attempted to reveal the secret of the ending in the following way: he divided it into a series of intermediate positions, and thoroughly analysed them. Keres did not manage to find a general method to play, but he came to the conclusion that with a white pawn at g7 the black king is best kept at a4. Several years passed before Keres's suggestion was tested in practice. A similar ending was reached in the game Botvinnik-Minev (Amsterdam Olympiad, 1954). Minev accurately followed the recommendation by Keres, and... lost by force! It turned out that the position of the king at a4 not only did not enable him to save the game, but even made White's task easier. Incidentally, in this game, for probably the first time with this balance of material, Botvinnik employed a procedure which can be called 'towards the king'. He moved his king away from the pawn, and in the direction of the opposing king. The procedure of 'towards the king' was well known in endings with a large number of pawns, as the reader can check for himself by consulting the appropriate chapter. But before the Botvinnik-Minev game, in the ending with one pawn it had for some reason not attracted attention. It remained to clarify the question: shouldn't Black have kept his king in the corner, on the squares a1, b1, a2 and b2? Incidentally, Black adopted such a plan in the game Pachman-Gligoric (Moscow, 1947). In 1955 the magazine ~4Shakhmaty v SSSR~ announced a competition for the best analysis of this ending. Those who took part in the competition included I. Balanel (Rumania), J. Pospisil (Czechoslovakia), A. Roycroft (England), Z. Byuzandian, S. Vzdorov and P. Stepushin-Malishev (all USSR). Each of the analyses sent contained something of value for the theory of this ending. The editorial staff of the magazine asked me to sum up the results of the competition. Using the analyses of the authors mentioned, I was able finally to find a general method to play. It transpired that the determining factor was the position of the white queen. If it is sufficiently actively placed, by advancing towards the opposing king is normally possible for the white king to escape from the checks. The results of the competition were published in 1959, and led to the elimination of another blank page in the theory of the endgame. In 1962 a systematic study of this ending was published in the 1st Russian edition of ~4Chess Endings~. It remains to add that in the 1970s Soviet computer programmers wrote a program for the ending queen and knight's pawn against queen, which confirmed the previous analysis. Thus, for a pawn on the 7th rank we can now say how this ending should conclude, and can also show the best plans for the two sides. But the following question still remains open: what if a knight's pawn has not yet reached the penultimate rank? Also, there is still much that is unclear in the ending with a rook's pawn. ~12.1 Central pawn~ The researcher trying to work his way through the intricate labyrinth of the ending with queen and pawn against queen immediately encounters the following problem: how, out of the enormous number of positions with various piece placings, is he to pick out the most important and basic, demonstrating most clearly the typical plans and procedures? ~2Proceeding from the fact that the queen is a strong piece, we decided to base our analysis on positions where the white queen occupies an active centralized position.~ For a white pawn at e7 we place the queen at e4, where it not only occupies a centralized position, but as though urges on the pawn. The black queen, to prevent the advance of the pawn, will have to be at e8. Positions with this placing of the queens will be examined for various positions of the two kings. We will first analyse positions with the black king inside the zone bounded by the rectangle a1-a3-h3-h1. We will work through the various possible white king positions. Firstly, it is easy to establish that there is a whole series of squares on which the king ensures an immediate win. These are ~2a3~, ~2e1~, ~2e3~, ~2d2~, ~2f2~, ~2c2~, ~2c1~, ~2g2~, ~2g1~, ~2c7~ and ~2g7~. With the king at ~2a3~ Black has no defence against the mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/4K3/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Kb2 {%05With his king at ~2e1~ or ~2e3~ White obtains a second queen after, for example,} 2. Qd4+ {and Qd8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/5K2/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qf7+ {, but after %05With the king at ~2d2~ or ~2f2~ Black can check at d7 or f7 respectively} 2. Ke1 Qe8 3. Qd4+ {and Qd8$18 White again obtains a second queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/6K1/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qg8+ {%05In exactly the same way White hides his king at e1 from ~2g1~, ~2g2~, ~2c1~ or ~2c2~. For example, with the king at ~2g2~:} 2. Kf1 {!} Qf7+ 3. Ke1 Qe8 4. Qd4+ {and 5.Qd8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/2K1P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qf7 {(king moves are most simply met by 2.Qe6 and 3.Qd7) %05With the king at ~2c7~ there can follow:^013^010 %05^013^010} 2. Qd4+ {and 3.Kd8$18, obtaining a new queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P1K1/8/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qd7 {%05With the king at ~2g7~ the corresponding possibility is^013^010 %05^013^010} 2. Qe5+ {and 3.Kf8$18, obtaining a new queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/5K2/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {In the above examples the king had a simple way of hiding from the checks. In the remaining king positions certain efforts are required to do this.} 1... Qh8+ {%05King at ~2f6~:^013^010 %05^013^010} 2. Kf7 Qh5+ 3. Qg6 Qd5+ 4. Kg7 Qd7 (4... Qb7 5. Qf7 Qg2+ 6. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qf7 {!} Qg4+ 6. Kf8 Qb4 7. Kg8 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403300)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/4PQ2/8/8/1q6/8/8/k7 b - - 0 7"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {The triumph of White's plan! Since 7... Qg4 fails to 8.Qg7, Black is unable to prevent the promotion of the pawn. The creation of such a situation is the leitmotif of White's play in this ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/7K/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {White has a similar win with his king at:} 1... Qh8+ {%05(a) ~2h6~:^013^010 %05^013^010} 2. Kg6 Qg8+ 3. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/6K1/4Q3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(b) The white king at ~2g5~:} 1... Kb2 (1... Qg8+ 2. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Qe6 {!} Ka3 (2... Qb5+ {%05or} 3. Kh6 Qe8 4. Kg7 {and 5.Qf7$18}) 3. Kh6 Qh8+ 4. Kg6 Qe8+ 5. Kg7 {and 6.Qf7$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q2K/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(c) The white king at ~2h4~:} 1... Qh8+ (1... Kb2 {%05or} 2. Qe5+ Kc2 3. Kg5 Qg8+ 4. Kh6 Qe8 5. Qe6 Qh8+ 6. Kg6 Qe8+ 7. Kg7 {and 8.Qf7$18}) 2. Kg5 Qg7+ 3. Kh5 Qf7+ 4. Kh6 Qf6+ 5. Kh7 Qf7+ 6. Kh8 {!} Qh5+ 7. Kg7 Qg5+ 8. Kf7 Qh5+ 9. Qg6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P2K/8/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(d) The white king at ~2h7~:} 1... Qf7+ 2. Kh8 {[%eval 550,0] , joining the previous variation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/5K2/4Q3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(e) White's king at ~2f5~:} 1... Qh5+ 2. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q1K1/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(f) White's king at ~2g4~:} 1... Qc8+ 2. Kh5 Qh8+ 3. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4QK2/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(g) White's king at ~2f4~:} 1... Qf7+ 2. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/6K1/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(h) White's king at ~2g3~:} 1... Qb8+ (1... Kb2 {, then %05if} 2. Qh4 { [%eval 550,0]}) (1... Ka2 {%05or} 2. Qe6+ {[%eval 550,0] followed by Kg5-h6 etc.}) 2. Kh3 Qc8+ 3. Kh4 {[%eval 550,0] leads to a variation already considered In order to decide the question of the remaining squares, consider position ~3( 3309)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/4K3/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {White wins, irrespective of where the black queen is.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/4K2q/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] , and there are no more checks.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/4P3/4K3/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kf6 Qh8+ 2. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] etc. ~3($403293)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2q5/4P3/4K3/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kf7 Qd7 (1... Qc7 {%05or} 2. Qd4+ {and 4.Kf8$18}) 2. Qe5+ {and 3.Kf8$18.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/4K3/8/4Q3/7q/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qf5 Qb3+ 2. Kf6 Qb6+ 3. Kg7 Qc7 {(any move along the 7th rank)} 4. Qf7 { [%eval 550,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/4K3/8/4Q3/1q6/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kf6 Qb6+ 2. Qe6 Qf2+ 3. Qf5 Qb6+ 4. Kg7 {and 5.Qf7$18.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/1q2K3/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kf5 Qf2+ 2. Kg6 Qg3+ 3. Kf6 Qf2+ (3... Qd6+ 4. Kf7 Qc7 5. Qd4+ {and 6.Kf8$18 }) 4. Qf5 Qb6+ 5. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/q3K3/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kf7 Qf1+ 2. Kg7 Qg1+ 3. Qg6 $40 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. Thus we have seen that, by reaching ~2e6~ with his king, White can carry out by force the winning procedure known to us from example ~3( 3299)~ with the king at f6.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/K3P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {But this means that White must also win if his king is at ~2d6~, ~2c5~, ~2a7~ or ~2b7~.} 1... Qd7+ {%05For example, with the king at ~2a7~:} 2. Kb8 Qb5+ 3. Kc7 Qc5+ 4. Kd7 Qb5+ 5. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. The greatest difficulty is presented by positions where black queen prevents the king from going via e6 or e8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/k6K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qh5+ 2. Kg2 Qg5+ 3. Kf2 (3. Kf3 {%05the game is prolonged by} Qh5+ { ! when White has to play} 4. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0]} (4. Kf4 {leads to perpetual check: %05since} Qh4+ {!} 5. Kf5 Qh7+ {!} 6. Kf4 Qh4+ 7. Kf3 Qh1+ {!} 8. Ke3 Qe1+ 9. Kd3 Qb1+ {!} 10. Kd4 Qb4+ 11. Kd5 Qb7+ {[%eval 0,0] . This 'perpetual' attack by the queen, which we will call the 'star', is the chief danger awaiting White in such situations})) 3... Qc5+ (3... Qd2+ {%05after} 4. Kf3 Qd1+ 5. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] the king goes to g8}) 4. Ke2 Qh5+ {!} (4... Qb5+ { %05weaker is} 5. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] , when the king reaches e6 via f4 or d4}) 5. Kd3 Qh3+ (5... Qd1+ {%05in the event of} 6. Kc3 {!} Qc1+ 7. Kd4 Qb2+ 8. Kc5 Qa3+ 9. Kd5 Qa8+ 10. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] the king penetrates via e6 to g8}) 6. Kc4 Qc8+ (6... Qf1+ {there follows %05on} 7. Kd5 Qf7+ 8. Kd6 Qf6+ 9. Kd7 Qg7 10. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 7. Kb3 {!} Qb8+ (7... Qg8+ 8. Qc4 {!} Qb8+ 9. Qb4 {[%eval 550,0] ! comes to the same thing}) 8. Qb4 {!} Qg8+ 9. Ka4 (9. Ka3 { %05of course, not} Qa2#) 9... Qe8+ (9... Qa8+ 10. Qa5 Qe4+ (10... Qc6+ {%05or} 11. Kb3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kb5+ Kb2 12. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Ka3 { ! ^013^010 This shows another possibility of playing for a win-creating a mating net around the opposing king:^013^010 ^013^010} Qa8+ 11. Qa4 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1K6/8/4Q3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {In conclusion we will analyse the position with the king at ~2b6~. White is threatening Kc7, so that Black's move is forced.} 1... Qb8+ 2. Kc5 {(the king heads for e3)} (2. Qb7 {%05but probably simpler is} Qd6+ 3. Ka7 Qd4+ (3... Qe5 4. Ka8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ka8 Qh8+ 5. Qb8 Qh1+ 6. Ka7 Qg1+ 7. Qb6 Qg7 8. Qa6+ {and 9.Qb7$18}) 2... Qc7+ 3. Kb5 Qb8+ 4. Kc4 Qc7+ 5. Kd3 (5. Kb3 {is unsuccessful due to} Qb6+ {!} 6. Qb4 Qe6+ {!} 7. Ka4 Qd7+ 8. Ka3 Qd3+ 9. Qb3 Qd6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Qg3+ 6. Ke2 Qh2+ 7. Kd1 {!} Qh5+ (7... Qg1+ {loses immediately to} 8. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Ke1 {!} Qa5+ 9. Ke2 Qh5+ 10. Ke3 { [%eval 550,0] ! , joining the previous example. It is easy to check that all possible positions of the white king reduce to those already considered. ~2Thus we have come to the important conclusion, that in position ~3( 3293)~2 White always manages to escape from the checks by exploiting the position of the enemy king.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/2k3K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {But perhaps the black king was badly placed at a1? Let us consider the example with the king at ~2c1~. Here too there is a series of white king positions, which quickly ensure a win. These are ~2a3~, ~2e3~, ~2e1~, ~2f2~, ~2c7~, ~2g7~, ~2g2~ and ~2g1~. With the king at ~2a3~, ~2e3~ or ~2e1~, Black cannot defend against the transfer of the white queen to d8 or f8. With his king at ~2f2~, ~2g2~ or ~2g1~ White again quickly obtains a new queen.} 1... Qg8+ {%05For example, with his king at ~2g1~:^013^010 %05^013^010} (1... Kd2 { no better is the attempt to prevent the king reaching e1: %05no better is the attempt to prevent the king reaching e1:} 2. Qe6 Kd1 3. Kf2 Kd2 4. Qe3+ { (the simplest)} Kd1 5. Qe2+ Kc1 6. Ke1 Kb1 7. Qd3+ {and 8.Qd8$18}) 2. Kf1 Qf7+ 3. Ke1 Qe8 4. Qf4+ {and 5.Qf8$18.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P1K1/8/8/4Q3/8/8/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qd7 {(otherwise 2.Qe6 and 3.Qf7) %05With his king at ~2g7~, after^013^010 %05^013^010} 2. Qf4+ {and 3.Kf8$18 White obtains a new queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/2K1P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qf7 {%05The same happens with the king at ~2c7~:^013^010 %05^013^010} 2. Qc6+ {and 3.Kd8$18.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/4K3/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qb5+ {%05Now consider the position with the king at ~2e2~:^013^010 %05^013^010} (1... Qh5+ {%05or} 2. Ke1 {!} Qa5+ 3. Kf2 Qa2+ (3... Qd2+ 4. Kf1 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 2. Kf2 Qb2+ 3. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and there are no more checks.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/5K2/8/4Q3/8/8/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Playing the king to ~2f3~ also decides with the king at ~2f6~, ~2b4~, ~2g4~, ~2h3~, ~2g3~, ~2h2~ or ~2h1~. For example: King at ~2f6~:} 1... Qh8+ 2. Kg5 Qg7+ (2... Qg8+ 3. Kf4 Qb8+ 4. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf4 Qh6+ (3... Qf7+ 4. Kg4 Qg7+ 5. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kg4 Qg7+ 5. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/7K/8/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {King at ~2h3~:} 1... Qh5+ 2. Kg3 Qg5+ 3. Kf2 Qf6+ (3... Qd2+ 4. Kf1 Qd1+ 5. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke2 Qa6+ 5. Ke1 Qa5+ 6. Kf2 Qa2+ 7. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1K6/8/4Q3/8/8/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {With his king at ~2b6~ White wins easily, since} 1... Qb8+ {is met by} 2. Qb7 {!} Qe8 3. Qc6+ {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/1K2P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {The win is straightforward with the king at ~2b7~:} 1... Qb5+ (1... Qf7 { is met by} 2. Kc8 Qe8+ 3. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Qd7+ {%04by %05and} 2. Kb6 Qe8 3. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kc7 Qa5+ 3. Kb8 Qb5+ 4. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn queens. The play is similar with the king at ~2a7, ~2b6~ or ~2c5~. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/3K4/4Q3/8/8/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {With his king at ~2d5~ White wins easily by taking it to b8:} 1... Qb5+ 2. Kd6 {!} (2. Kd4 {%05avoiding a subtle trap;} Qb4+ 3. Kd3 Qd6+ 4. Kc4 Qc7+ 5. Kb3 Qb6+ 6. Qb4 {appears to win, but then comes} Qe3+ {!!} 7. Qc3+ Kd1 {[%eval 0,0] !! with a draw due to stalemate}) 2... Qb8+ 3. Kd7 Qa7+ 4. Kc8 Qa6+ (4... Qc5+ {, then %05if} 5. Kb7 Qb5+ 6. Kc7 Qa5+ 7. Kb8 Qb5+ 8. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kc7 Qa7+ (5... Qa5+ 6. Kb8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qb7 Qa5+ 7. Kb8 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P2K/8/8/4Q3/8/8/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {The win is perhaps most difficult when the king at ~2h7~:} 1... Qh5+ (1... Qf7+ {%05after} 2. Kh6 Qf6+ 3. Kh5 {[%eval 550,0] the king escapes to f3}) 2. Kg7 Qg5+ 3. Kf7 Qh5+ 4. Ke6 Qh6+ (4... Qh3+ {, then %05if} 5. Kd5 {!} Qd7+ 6. Kc5 Qc7+ 7. Kb5 Qb8+ 8. Ka6 Qc8+ 9. Kb6 Qb8+ 10. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kd5 Qd2+ (5... Qg5+ 6. Kc6 Qf6+ 7. Kd7 Qf7 8. Qc6+ {and 9.Kd8$18}) 6. Kc6 Qc3+ 7. Kb5 Qb2+ 8. Qb4 {!} Qh8 9. Qe1+ {and 10.e8Q$18. Thus, to escape from the checks in position 90, the king must aim for ~2f3~, or for ~2b8~, ~2b6~ or ~2b5~. We reach the conclusion that in this example White wins for every position of his king, with the exception of a1, since then Black gives mate after 1...Qh8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/3k2K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {We will now analyse the position with the black king at ~2d1~. Here there is again a group of white king positions which ensure an easy win. These squares are ~2e3~, ~2f2~, ~2g2~, ~2g1~, ~2c7~ and ~2g7~. For example:} 1... Qg8+ { %05King at ~2g1~:} 2. Kf2 Qa2+ 3. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and there are no more checks.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/2K1P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {King at ~2c7~:} 1... Qf7 2. Qd4+ {and 3.Kd8$18.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P1K1/8/8/4Q3/8/8/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {King at ~2g7~:} 1... Qd7 2. Kf8 Qd6 3. Kf7 Qd7 (3... Qc7 4. Qd4+ {and 5.Kf8$18 }) 4. Kg7 {^013^010 A curious position. Black is in zugzwang, for example: %08DA} Kc1 {(d2) %05Position ~3 (*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} (4... Qc7 {%05or} 5. Qd4+ {and 6.Kf8$18}) (4... Qa7 {%05or, finally,} 5. Kh8 Qa1+ 6. Kh7 Qa7 7. Qf3+ {and 8.Qf7$18 queening the pawn}) 5. Qf4+ {and 6.Kf8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/5K2/8/4Q3/8/8/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Let us now analyse those king positions where accurate manoeuvring is required to avoid perpetual check. King at ~2f6~ or ~2h6~:} 1... Qh8+ 2. Kg5 Qg7+ (2... Qg8+ {%05if} 3. Kf4 Qb8+ 4. Qe5 {! %05, then} Qb4+ 5. Kg5 Qd2+ 6. Kh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf4 Qh6+ 4. Kg3 {!} Qd6+ 5. Kg4 {!} Qd7+ 6. Kh4 Qe8 7. Qd4+ {and 8.Qd8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/3k3K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {White has a similar win with his king at ~2h1~, ~2h2~, ~2h3~ or ~2f1~. For example, at ~2h1~:} 1... Qh5+ (1... Qh8+ {%05or} 2. Kg2 Qb2+ 3. Kg3 Qb8+ 4. Kf3 Qb3+ 5. Kf4 Qf7+ (5... Qb8+ 6. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 2. Kg2 Qg5+ 3. Kh3 Qh6+ 4. Kg3 Qd6+ 5. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/2K1Q3/8/8/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {We will not analyse all possible king placings on the Q-side, but will restrict ourselves to just one, which is, however, probably the most difficult ~2c4~:} 1... Qa4+ 2. Kd5 (2. Kd3 {%05it would be a loss of time to play} Qb3+ 3. Kd4 Qb4+ 4. Ke3 Qe1+ 5. Kf3 Qh1+ {[%eval 0,0] , when the king has to retrace its steps}) 2... Qa2+ 3. Kd6 (3. Ke5 {is met by} Qh2+ {[%eval 0,0] , not allowing the king across to the right}) 3... Qa3+ (3... Qh2+ {, then %05if} 4. Kc6 {!} Qh6+ 5. Kb5 Qh5+ 6. Kb4 Qe8 7. Ka3 {[%eval 550,0] , winning} (7. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] %05or})) 4. Kd7 Qa7+ 5. Ke6 Qb6+ (5... Qa6+ 6. Kf5 Qf1+ 7. Kg5 Qb5+ 8. Kh4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke5 {!} Qc7+ 7. Kf5 {!} Qc5+ 8. Kf4 {!} Qc1+ ( 8... Qd6+ 9. Kg4 Qd7+ 10. Kh4 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 9. Kg3 Qc7+ 10. Kg2 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/3K4/8/4Q3/8/8/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Thus in this position White wins by playing his king to g3. It should be noted that it is incorrect to play the king to a3. For example, with the king at d6, after} 1... Qb8+ {White wins by} 2. Ke6 (2. Kc5 {there follows %05On} Qc7+ 3. Kb4 Qd6+ 4. Kb3 Qb6+ 5. Ka3 Qc5+ 6. Qb4 {, when White appears to win, but Black continues} Qc1+ 7. Ka2 Qc2+ 8. Ka1 Qc6 {!!} 9. Qg4+ Kc2 10. Qe2+ Kc1 {, and since} 11. e8=Q {is met by} Qa4+ {%02(a8)!} 12. Qxa4 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate, White has to be satisfied with a draw.}) 2... Qb6+ 3. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] , as already considered.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/5K2/4Q3/8/8/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Finally, with the king at ~2f5~:} 1... Qh5+ 2. Ke6 Qh6+ (2... Qh3+ {%05if} 3. Kd6 Qa3+ (3... Qg3+ {there follows %05while on} 4. Kd7 Qg7 5. Qf4 Qh7 6. Qd4+ { and 7.Kd8$18}) 4. Kd7 {%05, then} Qa7+ 5. Ke6 Qb6+ 6. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Kd5 Qg5+ 4. Kc4 Qc1+ 5. Kb5 {!} (5. Kb3 {? %05it was still possible to go wrong:} Qe3+ {[%eval 0,0] !! leads to stalemate}) 5... Qb2+ 6. Kc6 Qc3+ 7. Kd6 Qa3+ 8. Kd7 Qa7+ 9. Ke6 Qa6+ 10. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. Each time White succeeds in exploiting the position of the black king to escape from the checks.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/2K1P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/5k2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Now consider the position with the king at ~2f1~. (win for any position of the white king, except h1) With the king at ~2a3~, ~2e3~, ~2d2~, ~2c2~, ~2c1~ or ~2g7~ there are no problems. With the king at ~2c7~ the following variation is possible:} 1... Qf7 2. Kd8 Qf6 3. Kd7 Qf7 (3... Qg7 4. Qf4+ {and 5.Kd8$18}) 4. Kc7 {! ^013^010 A position similar to example ~3($403332)~ has been reached, where Black is in zugzwang. For example:} Kf2 {(g1) %05^013^010} (4... Qg7 { %05or} 5. Qf4+ {and 6.Kd8$18}) 5. Qd4+ {and 6.Kd8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/7K/8/4Q3/8/8/5k2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {With the king at ~2h6~ or ~2f6~ the winning procedure is} 1... Qh8+ 2. Kg6 Qg8+ 3. Kf6 Qh8+ 4. Kf7 Qh5+ 5. Qg6 Qd5+ 6. Kg7 Qd7 7. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0] White has a similar win with his king at ~2h7~, ~2g5~, ~2f4~, ~2g4~, ~2h4~ or ~2f5~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/7K/8/5k2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {The win is achieved rather differently with the king at ~2h3~, ~2h2~ or ~2f3~. For example, at ~2h3~:} 1... Qh5+ 2. Kg3 Qg5+ 3. Kf3 Qg2+ (3... Qh5+ {%05or} 4. Ke3 Qc5+ 5. Kf4 Qc1+ 6. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 4. Kf4 Qh2+ 5. Kg5 (5. Kg4 {%05an essential finesse:} Qg1+ 6. Kh3 Qe3+ {[%eval 0,0] ! leads to stalemate!} ) 5... Qg3+ {(g1)} 6. Qg4 Qe1 7. Qc4+ Kg1 8. Qd4+ Kg2 9. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/1K2P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/5k2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {We will now consider one or two king positions on the Q-side. At ~2b7~:} 1... Qb5+ 2. Kc7 Qc5+ 3. Kd7 Qb5+ 4. Ke6 Qb3+ 5. Kf6 Qb2+ (5... Qc3+ 6. Kf5 Qh3+ 7. Kg5 Qg3+ 8. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kg6 Qb6+ 7. Kg5 Qg1+ 8. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1K6/8/4Q3/8/8/5k2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {In order to hide from the checks, the king has to go across to the K-side to g5 or f7. Black is unable to prevent this. As an example, we will analyse the position with the king at ~2b6~:} 1... Qb8+ 2. Kc5 Qc7+ 3. Kd4 Qa7+ (3... Qd6+ 4. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king crosses to the K-side}) 4. Kd3 Qa3+ 5. Kd2 Qb2+ 6. Ke3 Qf2+ 7. Kd3 Qg3+ 8. Kd4 Qd6+ 9. Ke3 Qb6+ 10. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/5K2/4Q3/8/8/6k1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {It remains for us to analyse the last position of the black king on the 1st rank. (win for any position of the white king) We will begin with the difficult points of the analysis. The win with the king at ~2a3~, ~2e3~, ~2e1~, ~2d2~, ~2c2~, ~2c1~, ~2c7~ or ~2g7~ is clear from the preceding positions. King at ~2f5~:} 1... Qh5+ 2. Kf6 Qh8+ 3. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] and wins. The same plan can be carried out with the king at ~2f6~, ~2h7~, ~2g5~ or ~2h6~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q2K/8/8/6k1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {At ~2h4~:} 1... Qh8+ 2. Kg5 (2. Kg4 {%05but not} Qg7+ 3. Kh3 {?} Qh6+ 4. Qh4 Qe3+ 5. Qg3+ Kh1 {[%eval 0,0] !! , with a draw}) 2... Qg7+ 3. Kh5 Qh8+ 4. Kg6 Qg8+ 5. Kf6 Qh8+ 6. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] On the K-side the white king proceeds unhindered to f7 or g7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/1K2P3/8/8/4Q3/8/8/6k1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {But what about on the Q-side? At ~2b7~:} 1... Qb5+ 2. Kc7 Qc5+ 3. Kd7 Qb5+ 4. Ke6 Qb6+ (4... Qb3+ 5. Kf5 Qf7+ 6. Kg5 Qg7+ 7. Kh5 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 5. Kf5 Qb5+ (5... Qc5+ 6. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kg4 Qd7+ 7. Kh4 {[%eval 550, 0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/8/4Q3/1K6/8/6k1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {At ~2b3~:} 1... Qb5+ 2. Kc2 Qc5+ 3. Kd2 Qa5+ 4. Ke3 {!} Qc3+ (4... Qe1+ 5. Kf3 Qf2+ 6. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kf4 Qf6+ 6. Kg4 Qg7+ 7. Kh5 {[%eval 550,0] Thus the king goes either to f7, or to h6 or h5. We can now sum up: with the black king on the 1st rank in positions of the type ~3( 3294)-( 3346)~ White practically always succeeds in escaping from the checks and winning. The winning plan, although not simple, is clear enough. White places his queen at e4 and aims for a 'quiet harbour' with his king. To each position of the black king on the 1st rank there corresponds one or more such 'harbours', where the king can escape from the checks. We will now study positions where the black king is on the 2nd rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/8/q7/4Q3/8/k7/4K3 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {We will analyse this example for different positions of the black queen. (win for any position of the black queen) (a) 1...Qa5} 2. Kf1 {[%eval 550,0] , and the checks come to an end.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/k7/q3K3 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(b) 1...Qa1} 2. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/k7/2q1K3 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(c) 1...Qc1} 2. Kf2 Qc5+ 3. Kf1 Qc1+ 4. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0] , and there are no more checks.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/8/8/4Q3/8/k7/4K1q1 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(d) 1...Qg1} 2. Kd2 Qg5+ (2... Qh2+ 3. Qe2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kd1 {!} Qg1+ 4. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/8/8/4Q3/2q5/k7/4K3 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(e) 1...Qc3} 2. Kd1 Qb3+ 3. Qc2+ Ka1 4. e8=Q {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/8/8/4Q3/6q1/k7/4K3 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(f) 1...Qg3} 2. Kf1 {[%eval 550,0] Thus with the black king on the 2nd rank White's task is comparatively simple. To win he must reach d1 or f1 with his king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1K6/8/4Q3/8/k7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {But can't the king be prevented from reaching the 1st rank?} 1... Qb8+ 2. Kc5 Qc7+ 3. Kd4 Qb6+ 4. Ke5 {!} (4. Kd3 {%05it would be a bad blunder to play} Qb1+ {[%eval 0,0] ! , when, by catching White in the 'star', Black gives perpetual check}) 4... Qb2+ {(Black intends to attack from below)} 5. Kf4 Qf2+ (5... Qc1+ 6. Kg3 Qg5+ 7. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 6. Kg4 Qg1+ 7. Kh3 $6 {[%eval 550, 0] ! Black has not allowed the opposing king onto the 1st rank, but it has found a new 'quiet refuge' at h3. We should also verify whether or not the black king on the 2nd rank can actively prevent the blocking of the checks. We will consider a position where the black king prevents White's from reaching e1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P1q1/8/8/4Q3/8/3k4/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(can the white king escape from the checks?)} 1... Qf6+ 2. Kg1 Qa1+ (2... Qb6+ 3. Kg2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kg2 Qg7+ 4. Kf3 Qc3+ {!} 5. Kg4 Qg7+ 6. Kh5 Qh8+ 7. Kg6 Qg8+ 8. Kf6 Qh8+ 9. Ke6 Qh3+ 10. Kd6 Qa3+ 11. Kd7 Qa7+ 12. Ke6 Qb6+ 13. Kf5 Qc5+ 14. Qe5 Qc8+ 15. Kg5 Qg8+ 16. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. The reader should note that in this position the white king could also have gone to b3 or b5, when in each case it again hides from the checks. ~2Thus with the opposing king on the 2nd rank it is easier for the white king to hide from the checks.~ We will now analyse positions with the black king on the 3rd rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/8/8/4Q3/k7/1q2K3/8 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(win for any position of the black queen) 1...Qb2} 2. Ke1 Qc3+ {(c1)} 3. Kf2 { !} Qd2+ {(b2)} 4. Qe2 {[%eval 550,0] , and the checks come to an end.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/8/8/4Q3/k7/4K2q/8 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {1...Qh2} 2. Ke1 Qg3+ {(g1)} 3. Kd2 {!} Qf2+ {(h2)} 4. Qe2 $40 {[%eval 550,0] , with the same result. Thus in position ~3( 3355)~ White hides from the checks as in position ~3( 3347)~, the only difference being that his king must reach d2 or f2. We will test a few positions of the white king, to see whether or not it can always reach the 2nd rank and the desired squares f2 and d2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1K6/8/4Q3/k7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qb8+ 2. Kc5 Qc7+ (2... Qa7+ 3. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kd4 Qb6+ 4. Ke5 {!} (4. Kd5 {%05White must be careful; perpetual check by the 'star' results from} Qb7+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (4. Kc3 Qb2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (4. Kc4 {%05and} Qb4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Qb2+ 5. Kf4 Qh2+ 6. Ke3 Qh6+ 7. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins ~3($403355)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/5K2/4Q3/k7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qh5+ 2. Ke6 (2. Kf4 {?} Qh4+ {[%eval 0,0] leads to perpetual check by the 'star'}) 2... Qh3+ 3. Ke5 Qh2+ (3... Qh8+ 4. Kd5 Qa8+ 5. Kd4 Qa4+ 6. Ke3 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kd4 Qb2+ 5. Ke3 Qb6+ 6. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. From the preceding examples it should be clear that, if the black king is on other squares of the 3rd rank, this will allow White new possibilities for hiding his king. ~2Thus with the white pawn at e7 and the black king on any square inside the a1-a3-h3-h1 rectangle, to win it is sufficient for White to centralize his queen at e4. The only thing that he has to fear in such positions is perpetual check by the 'star'.~ We will now turn to an analysis of examples where the black king is outside this zone.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P1K1/8/k7/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {We will first analyse some final positions, which we will subsequently aim for. We will check various positions of the black king. (win for any position of the black king, apart from those marked by crosses) At ~2a5~ or ~2b5~: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(2xA5/2xAxA4/3xA4/2xA5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kb6 (1... Qd7 {%05or} 2. Qe5+ {and 3.Kf8$18}) 2. Qe6+ Kc7 3. Qf7 Kd7 4. Qxe8+ Kxe8 5. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P1K1/1k6/8/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {At ~2b6~: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(2xA5/2xAxA4/3xA4/ 2xA5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kc7 (1... Qd7 {%05or} 2. Qg6+ {and 3. Kf8$18}) 2. Qe6 {and 3.Qf7$18 (as in the previous variation).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k2q3/4P1K1/8/8/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {At ~2b8~: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(2xA5/2xAxA4/3xA4/ 2xA5/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Qd7 2. Qe5+ {and 3.Kf8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/4K3/k7/4Q3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qd5+ Kb4 {!} (1... Kb6 {%05other moves lead to the immediate exchange of queens, for example:} 2. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0] !}) 2. Qd4+ Kb3 3. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and we reach a position which has already been studied with the black king on the 2nd or 3rd rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/5K2/k7/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Possible continuations are:} 1... Qh8+ (1... Kb6 2. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] ~3 ($403359)~.}) 2. Ke6 Qh6+ (2... Qe8 {cf. position ~3($413362)~ %05regarding}) ( 2... Qc8+ {there follows %05while on} 3. Kf7 Qc7 4. Kf6 Qb6+ 5. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kd7 Qd2+ 4. Kc8 (4. Kc6 {%05Also possible is} Qh6+ (4... Qc1+ 5. Kd6 Qh6+ 6. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kc7 Qh2+ (5... Qg7 6. Kb8 {and 7.Ka8$18}) 6. Kc8 Qh3+ 7. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4... Qc3+ 5. Kb8 Qb3+ 6. Ka8 {[%eval 550,0] , and the checks come to an end.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/k7/4Q3/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(win for any position of the white king) (a) King at ~2e3~:} 1... Kb6 2. Qe6+ Kc7 3. Kf4 Kb8 (3... Qa4+ 4. Kg5 Qb5+ 5. Kh6 Qe8 6. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kg5 Kc7 5. Kf6 Qh8+ 6. Kg6 Qe8+ 7. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] The win is roughly the same with the king at ~2e1~, ~2d2~ or ~2f2~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/k7/4Q3/8/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(b) At ~2e2~:} 1... Qb5+ (1... Kb6 {%05or} 2. Ke3 Kc7 3. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Ke1 {!} Qe8 3. Qd5+ {and 4.Qd8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/k7/4Q3/K7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(c) At ~2a3~:} 1... Kb6 2. Qe6+ Kc7 (2... Ka7 3. Qd6 Kb7 4. Kb4 {!} Ka7 5. Qc7+ Ka6 6. Qa5+ {and 7.Qb5$18, exchanging queens}) 3. Kb4 Qb8+ 4. Kc4 Qe8 5. Kc3 {!} Qh8+ 6. Kd3 Qe8 (6... Qh7+ 7. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Ke3 Kb8 8. Kf4 { [%eval 550,0] , and the king reaches g7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/8/k7/4Q3/7K/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(d) At ~2h3~:} 1... Qh5+ (1... Kb6 {%05or} 2. Qe6+ {!} Kc7 3. Kg4 {[%eval 550, 0] , and the king goes to g7}) 2. Kg3 Qg5+ 3. Kf3 Qh5+ (3... Qf6+ 4. Kg4 Qg7+ 5. Kf4 Qh6+ 6. Ke5 Qh2+ 7. Ke6 Qh6+ 8. Kd7 Qd2+ 9. Kc8 Qc3+ 10. Kb8 Qg3+ 11. Ka8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke3 Qh6+ 5. Kd4 Qb6+ 6. Ke5 Qb2+ 7. Kf5 Qf2+ 8. Kg6 Qg1+ 9. Kf6 Qb6+ 10. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0] , and the checks finish.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P2K/8/k7/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(e) At ~2h7~:} 1... Qf7+ 2. Kh8 Qh5+ 3. Kg7 Qg5+ 4. Kf7 Qh5+ 5. Ke6 Qh6+ 6. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king hides at a8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/1K2P3/8/k7/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(f) At ~2b7~:} 1... Qb5+ (1... Qd7+ {%05if} 2. Kb8 Ka6 {, then} 3. Qg6+ { and 4.e8Q$18}) (1... Qf7 {is met by %05while} 2. Kc8 Qe8+ 3. Kc7 Qf7 4. Qe5+ { and 5.Kd8$18}) 2. Kc7 Qc5+ 3. Kd7 Qb5+ 4. Ke6 Qb6+ 5. Kf5 Qf2+ 6. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , as in the variation with the king at h3. Before analysing the position with the black king at b6, we must make the acquaintance of the following final positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/2k1P3/5Q2/8/8/q7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {White's task is very simple:} 1. Qe5+ Kd7 (1... Kc6 {, for example, there follows %05if the king goes to any other square,} 2. Kg7 Qa7 3. Kh8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qd5+ Kc8 3. Kf7 Qa7 4. Qd8+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/k3P3/8/3Q4/8/q7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] 1... Qb4 {(obviously the only move, since Kf7 was threatened)} 2. Kf7 {(the king heads for d8, where it hides from the checks)} Qf4+ 3. Ke6 Qg4+ (3... Qe3+ 4. Kd7 Qh3+ 5. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 4. Kd6 Qg6+ 5. Kc7 Qg3+ 6. Kd8 Qh4 7. Kc8 {!} Qxe7 8. Qa5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3KP1q1/1k6/8/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {White quickly breaks the horizontal pin:} 1... Ka5 {%02(b5, c5)} (1... Ka7 { %05or} 2. Qh4 Qf7 3. Qd4+ Kb7 4. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qh4 {!} Qf7 3. Qg5+ Kb6 4. Kd8 Qh7 5. Qe3+ (5. e8=Q {?} Qc7#) 5... Kb7 6. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k1KP1q1/8/2Q5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Qb4+ Ka8 (1... Ka6 {%05or} 2. Qh4 {!} Qf7 3. Qa4+ Kb7 4. Qc6+ {and 5.Kd8$18} ) 2. Qe4+ Ka7 3. Qh4 {!} Qf7 4. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0] The winning procedure is considerably more difficult in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/1k2P3/8/4Q3/1q6/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {With the help of these subsidiary positions, it will be easier for us to analyse the next example.} {The following continuations are possible:} 1... Ka7 (1... Ka8 2. Qc7 {!} Qa3 3. Qd8+ Ka7 (3... Kb7 4. Qd5+ {and 5.Kf7$18, as in position 105}) 4. Qd4+ Kb8 (4... Ka6 5. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , threatening 6. Qa8 and 6.Kf7}) 5. Qe5+ Kc8 6. Kg7 Qa7 7. Kh8 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Qa3 2. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kf7 Qc4+ (2... Qb3+ 3. Kg7 Qb7 4. Qe3+ Ka8 (4... Kb8 {%05or } 5. Qf4+ Ka7 6. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qa3+ {and 6.Kf8$18}) 3. Kg7 Qg4+ 4. Kf6 Qf3+ 5. Ke6 Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0]} (5... Qc6+ {%05or} 6. Qd6 Qc4+ 7. Kd7 Qb5+ 8. Kd8 Qg5 9. Kc8 Qg8+ 10. Qd8 {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Qh3+ {comes to the same thing after %05while} 6. Kd6 Qd3+ (6... Qh6+ 7. Kd7 Qh3+ 8. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 7. Kc6 Qg6+ 8. Qd6 Qe4+ 9. Kd7 Qf5+ 10. Kd8 Qg5 11. Kc8 {[%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/2k1P3/5Q2/8/1q6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qe5+ Kb7 {^013^010 The only move. Now, to win, White must give his opponent the move.} (1... Kc8 {%05Black loses after both} 2. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kd7 {%05and} 2. Qb5+ {[%eval 550,0] !}) 2. Kg7 {%05This is achieved by:} Qg4+ 3. Kf6 Qf3+ (3... Qh4+ {%05or} 4. Ke6 Qh6+ 5. Qf6 Qe3+ 6. Kf7 Qb3+ 7. Kf8 Qb4 ( 7... Qa3 {%05finally, after} 8. Qf5 {!} Ka7 {!} 9. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0] ! position ~3($403371)~ is reached}) 8. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , continuing as in position ~3($403374)~. If on the 4th or 5th move Black plays ... Qh3, after Qf5 the king again goes to f8 and the play joins position ~3($403374)~.}) 4. Qf5 Qc6+ 5. Kf7 Qc4+ (5... Qc7 6. Qe4+ Ka6 7. Qa4+ Kb7 8. Qb4+ {and 9.Kf8$18}) 6. Kf8 Qb4 7. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and we have obtained position ~3($403374) ~. The most difficult position for White with a diagonal pin is the following.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/2k1P3/5Q2/2q5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] {~5 (RR) In the previous edition of this book (1986) this position was considered to be won for White, but the tablebases have changed the evaluation - Black draws.~} 1. Qf4+ {White's task here is to drive the black queen from c5 and the king from c7.} Kd7 2. Qg4+ Kc7 3. Qg3+ Kd7 4. Qh3+ Kc7 5. Qg4 { ! ^013^010 Now the black pieces have to retreat and he has several possibilities:} Qf2+ {! %05^013^010} (5... Qa3 {[%eval 550,0] ? %05After}) ( 5... Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] ? White wins as already examined. %05or}) (5... Kb8 {?} 6. Qf4+ Kc8 (6... Kb7 7. Kf7 Qd5+ 8. Kg7 Qc6 9. Qf7 Qc3+ 10. Kg8 Qg3+ 11. Kf8 Qd6 12. Qf3+ Ka7 13. Kf7 Qc7 14. Qe3+ Kb7 15. Qd4 {and 16.Kf8$18}) 7. Kf7 Qd5+ 8. Kf6 Qc6+ 9. Kg7 Kd7 (9... Qc3+ {, then %05if} 10. Kf7 {!} Qb3+ 11. Kf8 Qa3 12. Qf5+ Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] , and we have position ~3($413370)~}) 10. Qf7 Qc3+ 11. Kg8 Qg3+ 12. Kf8 {, and after} Qa3 {[%eval 550,0] we obtain familiar positions} (12... Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] %05or})) 6. Ke8 Qc5 {!} (6... Qf6 {?} 7. Qc4+ Kb6 8. Kd7 Qg7 9. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] ! , reaching position ~3($403372)~}) 7. Qf4+ Kc8 8. Kf7 Qh5+ {= ~5, with a draw (Nalimov tablebases).~ ~5Thus with Black's king on the 7th rank the diagonal pin saves him.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K1Q1/2k1P3/5q2/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {Here is another important position. As was rightly pointed out by Speelman, Black gives perpetual check:} 1... Qc6+ 2. Kf7 Qf3+ {!} (2... Qc4+ {? %05But not} 3. Kf8 Qf4+ 4. Qf7 Qh6+ 5. Kg8 Qg5+ 6. Qg7 Qd5+ 7. Kf8 Qf5+ 8. Qf7 Qc5 9. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0] , when White wins ~3($403376)~ .}) 3. Kg7 Qc3+ {!} 4. Kg6 ( 4. Kf8 Qf6+ 5. Qf7 Qh8+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Qg3+ 5. Kh7 Qh3+ 6. Kg7 Qc3+ 7. Kf7 Qf3+ {[%eval 0,0] ! %04etc. Now we have all the data necessary for the analysis of the position with the black king at b6.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1k6/8/4Q3/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/XAXAXAXA1XA1XA/XA1XA3XA1/ XAXAXA1XD2XA/XA1XDXD3XD/1XD1XD1XD1XD/ XDXDXDXDXD2XD/XDXD1XD1XD1XD) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) (win for any position of the white king, apart from those marked by crosses) As usual, we will consider all possible positions of the white king. At ~2e3~:} 1... Kc7 2. Qe6 {!} Kb8 3. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king proceeds to g7. White wins in roughly the same way with his king at ~2g2~, ~2f2~ or ~2g1~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1k6/8/4Q3/8/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {At ~2g2~: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/XAXAXAXA1XA1XA/ XA1XA3XA1/XAXAXA1XD2XA/XA1XDXD3XD/1XD1XD1XD1XD/XDXDXDXDXD2XD/XDXD1XD1XD1XD) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Qg8+ (1... Kc7 {%05or} 2. Qe6 Qa8+ 3. Kf2 {!} Qe8 (3... Qa7+ 4. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kf1 Qf7+ 3. Ke1 Qe8 4. Qe6+ Kc7 5. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king goes to g7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1k6/8/4Q3/K7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {At ~2a3~: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/XAXAXAXA1XA1XA/ XA1XA3XA1/XAXAXA1XD2XA/XA1XDXD3XD/1XD1XD1XD1XD/XDXDXDXDXD2XD/XDXD1XD1XD1XD) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kc7 2. Qe6 Qa8+ 3. Kb4 Qb8+ 4. Kc4 Qe8 5. Kc3 Qh8+ 6. Kd3 {!} Qe8 7. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. It is the same with the king at ~2c3~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1k6/8/4Q3/8/8/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {But with the king at ~2d1~, ~2d2~ or ~2d3~, after %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/XAXAXAXA1XA1XA/XA1XA3XA1/XAXAXA1XD2XA/XA1XDXD3XD/ 1XD1XD1XD1XD/XDXDXDXDXD2XD/XDXD1XD1XD1XD) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kc7 2. Qe6 {comes} Qd7+ {[%eval 0,0] , exchanging queens with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1k5K/8/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {At ~2h6~: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/XAXAXAXA1XA1XA/ XA1XA3XA1/XAXAXA1XD2XA/XA1XDXD3XD/1XD1XD1XD1XD/XDXDXDXDXD2XD/XDXD1XD1XD1XD) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kc7 (1... Qh8+ {%05or} 2. Qh7 {!} Qe8 3. Qg6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qe6 Qh8+ 3. Kg6 Qe8+ 4. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] The play is roughly the same with the king at ~2f6~ or ~2g5~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1k6/5K2/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {At ~2f5~: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/XAXAXAXA1XA1XA/ XA1XA3XA1/XAXAXA1XD2XA/XA1XDXD3XD/1XD1XD1XD1XD/XDXDXDXDXD2XD/XDXD1XD1XD1XD) #F (8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Kc7 (1... Qh5+ {%05or} 2. Kf6 Qh8+ 3. Kf7 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 2. Qe5+ Kd7 3. Qe6+ Kc7 4. Kf6 Qh8+ 5. Kg6 Qe8+ 6. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1k6/8/3KQ3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/XAXAXAXA1XA1XA/XA1XA3XA1/ XAXAXA1XD2XA/XA1XDXD3XD/1XD1XD1XD1XD/ XDXDXDXDXD2XD/XDXD1XD1XD1XD) #F(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) With the king at ~2d4~ there are three possibilities:} 1... Kc7 { ! The only move.} (1... Qa4+ {?} 2. Ke5 Qb5+ 3. Kf6 Qb2+ 4. Qe5 Qf2+ 5. Qf5 Qd4+ 6. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Qd7+ {?} 2. Kc3 Qc8+ 3. Kb3 Qg8+ 4. Kb4 Qe8 5. Qe6+ Kc7 6. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.}) 2. Qe6 Qa4+ 3. Ke5 Qa5+ 4. Kf6 Qc3+ 5. Kf7 Qf3+ 6. Qf6 Qd5+ 7. Kf8 Qc5 {= , and we have reached position ~3 ($413376)~, which is drawn.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q3/4P3/1k6/8/4Q3/7K/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Now it is important to establish whether or not White can always hide his king. Let us check the position at ~2h3~.} 1... Kc7 {%04, %05Black has a stronger defence:} (1... Qh5+ {loses to} 2. Kg3 Qg5+ 3. Kf3 Qh5+ 4. Ke3 Qh6+ 5. Kd4 Qd2+ 6. Ke5 Qg5+ 7. Ke6 Qh6+ 8. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] , when there are no more checks.}) 2. Qe6 $6 {%05and only on} Qh5+ {, when analysis shows that the white king can no longer hide from the checks.} 3. Kg3 {%05^013^010} Qg5+ 4. Kf3 Qh5+ {!} 5. Ke3 Qg5+ 6. Kd3 Qg3+ {! The only move.} (6... Qb5+ {%05Defeat follows after} 7. Kd4 Qb2+ 8. Ke3 {!} Qc1+ 9. Kf3 Qh1+ 10. Kg4 Qg2+ 11. Kh5 Qh2+ 12. Kg6 Qg3+ 13. Kf7 Qf3+ 14. Qf6 Qh5+ 15. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] , when the checks are at an end, and Black is forced to go for the diagonal pin ~3 ($403376)~.}) 7. Ke4 Qh4+ {!} 8. Kf5 Qh5+ 9. Kf6 Qh6+ 10. Kf7 Qh7+ 11. Kf8 Qh8+ 12. Qg8 Qf6+ 13. Ke8 {[%eval 0,0] , and we obtain position ~3($403377)~, where Black gains a draw by perpetual check.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/5P1K/8/8/5Q2/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {~12.2 Bishop's pawn~ With a bishop's pawn it is perfectly natural that we should attempt to carry out the same winning plan as for a central pawn, namely: place the queen behind the pawn and take the king to a 'shelter', exploiting the opposing king as a defence against checks. As an example we will analyse this position. It is obtained from position 85 by moving all the pieces, except the black king, one file to the right. As in positions with a central pawn, here too there are placings for White's king which ensure an immediate win. At ~2h7~:} 1... Qe7 {(otherwise 2.Qf6 and 3.Qg7)} 2. Kg6 Qf8 3. Qf6+ {, 4.Kh7 and 5.Qg7$18. The play is the same with the king at ~2g6~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/3K1P2/8/8/5Q2/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {At ~2d7~:} 1... Qg7 2. Ke8 Qg6 3. Ke7 Qh7 (3... Qg7 4. Qf6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qg4 {and 5.Ke8$18 Here White wins even without exploiting the position of the black king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/5P2/8/8/5Q2/1K6/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {At ~2b3~: there is no defence against the mate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/5P2/8/8/5Q2/8/8/k4K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {At ~2f1~: there is no defence against the penetration of the queen to e8 or g8, after which a new queen is obtained. The positions with the king at ~2e2~ and ~2g2~ are similar.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/5P2/8/1K6/5Q2/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {At ~2b5~: there is no defence against 2.Qa4 and 3.Qb4, exchanging queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/5P2/5K2/8/5Q2/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {At ~2f6~:} 1... Qd8+ 2. Kg7 Qd7 3. Qc1+ Ka2 4. Qc4+ {and 5.Kg8$18 In all these cases White has a simple task.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/5P2/8/8/5Q2/8/5K2/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] {We will now examine positions where, to escape from the checks, the king has to 'travel' a long way. Suppose that the king is at ~2f2~:} 1... Qc5+ { ^013^010 Black is obliged to commence his 'cannonade', since he is threatened with Kf1 followed by the transfer of the queen to e8 or g8. In position ~3 ($413293)~ White won by taking his king up to the pawn. Close to the pawn, under the cover of the queen, the king hid from the checks, and the pawn quickly queened. Here we will try carrying out a similar manoeuvre.} 2. Kg3 { ! %05^013^010} Qc3+ {The most tenacious defence.} (2... Qg1+ 3. Kh4 Qh1+ 4. Kg5 Qg2+ 5. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0] leads to a similar finish as in the main line, but more quickly}) 3. Qf3 {!} (3. Kg4 {%05The immediate attempt to break through to the pawn does not achieve anything. For example:} Qg7+ 4. Kh5 (4. Kf3 {%05or } Qc3+ 5. Ke4 Qc4+ 6. Ke5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Qh7+ 5. Kg5 Qg7+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 3... Qg7+ 4. Kh4 Qh6+ (4... Qd4+ {%05After} 5. Kh5 {!} Qc5+ 6. Kh6 { Black is again forced, in the end, to switch to the horizontal pin, for example:} Qc1+ (6... Qb6+ 7. Kh7 {!} Qc7 {[%eval 550,0] !} (7... Qb1+ {loses quickly to} 8. Kh8 Qb2+ 9. Kg8 Qa2 10. Qd1+ {and 11.Qd2$18})) (6... Qd6+ {%05or } 7. Kg7 Qd7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kh7 Qc2+ 8. Kg7 Qc7 (8... Qb2+ 9. Kg8 Qa2 10. Qd1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qa3+ Kb1 10. Qd3+ {and 11.Kg8$18, and wins.}) 5. Qh5 { !} Qf4+ 6. Kh3 Qf1+ 7. Kg4 Qd1+ 8. Kg5 Qd2+ 9. Kg6 Qd6+ 10. Kh7 Qd3+ 11. Qg6 Qh3+ 12. Kg7 Qd7 $6 {[%eval 550,0] Thus White has hidden from the checks. But, in contrast to position ~3( 3293)~ with a central pawn, he cannot immediately queen his pawn, since Black is exploiting his last chance the horizontal or diagonal pin. However, as we will show later. White can also overcome this barrier.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/5P2/8/8/5Q2/8/8/k5K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {If the king is at ~2g1~, it again has to use 'cunning' in order to reach g7.} 1... Qc5+ 2. Kf1 {! ^013^010 The only move to win.} (2. Kg2 {%05After} Qc2+ {!} 3. Kg3 Qg6+ {!} 4. Kh4 Qh7+ 5. Kg5 Qg7+ 6. Kh5 Qh7+ {[%eval 0,0] the king cannot escape the pursuit.}) 2... Qb5+ 3. Kg2 {!} Qc6+ (3... Qb2+ {is met by} 4. Qf2 Qg7+ 5. Kf1 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Qe2+ {%04by %05and} 4. Kg1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and play joins the continuation with the king at f2. Analysis shows that, in positions with the queen at f4, the king succeeds in reaching g7 only if after Kg3 there is no queen check at g6. It is worth noting that, from this point of view, the position of the queen at f3 or f5 may prove more favourable, since then the king can always reach g7. To avoid repeating our analysis for the central pawn, we will consider only those positions where the king is already hidden behind the pawn, and we will endeavour to decide how the pawn can be advanced for different positions of the opposing king. The maximum that Black can achieve in this case is the diagonal pin, and therefore the analysis of positions with a diagonal pin is of great interest*. * Here and subsequently we give the analysis of candidate master P. Stepushin-Malishev.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/8/8/q7/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {It is curious that in this position, with the queen at a2, White wins immediately, irrespective of where the opposing king is. (a) Black king between ~2a1~ and ~2e1~:} 1. Qg1+ {and 2.Qg2$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/8/8/qk6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {(b) At ~2b2~, ~2d2~ or ~2e2~:} 1. Qg2+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/8/8/q7/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {(c) At ~2f1~, ~2f2~, ~2f3~ or ~2f4~:} 1. Kg7 Qa7 2. Qf6+ {and 3.Kh8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/8/8/q7/7k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {(d) At ~2h1~, ~2h2~, ~2h3~ or ~2h4~:} 1. Qg7 {and 2.Kh8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/8/k7/q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {(e) At ~2a3~ or ~2a4~:} 1. Qa6+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/1k6/8/q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {(f) At ~2b4~:} 1. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and Black is in zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/k7/8/8/q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {(g) At ~2a5~, ~2b5~ or ~2c5~:} 1. Kg7 Qb2+ 2. Kh6 Qh8+ 3. Kg5 Qd8+ 4. Qf6 Qf8 (4... Qd2+ 5. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/4k3/8/8/q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {(h) At ~2e5~:} 1. Kg7 Qa7 2. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/3k4/8/q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {(i) At ~2d4~ or ~2e3~:} 1. Kg7 (1. Kh7 {[%eval 550,0] respectively %05or}) 1... Qa7 {%05and if} 2. Qg1+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/8/1q6/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {Here too we will consider positions of the black king inside the a1-a5-h5-h1 rectangle. At ~2a1~, ~2c1~:} 1. Qg1+ Kb2 2. Qf2+ Kc1 {(a1)} (2... Ka3 {%05or} 3. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the king finds a shelter at g2}) 3. Qf1+ Kb2 4. Kh7 {!} Qc2+ 5. Kh6 Qh2+ 6. Kg5 Qg3+ 7. Kh5 Qe5+ 8. Kh4 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king finds a shelter at g1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/8/1q6/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {At ~2a2~ or ~2a3~:} 1. Qa6+ Kb2 2. Qe2+ Ka3 (2... Ka1 3. Qf1+ Kb2 4. Kg7 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Qf2 {! (the king threatens to make for g2)} Qd5 4. Qf4 {! (the king again threatens to find a shelter)} Ka2 (4... Qb3 {%05for example:} 5. Kg7 Qc3+ 6. Kg6 Qc6+ 7. Kh5 Qd5+ (7... Qc5+ {%05or} 8. Kg4 Qc8+ 9. Kg3 Qf8 10. Kf2 {and 11.Kf1$18}) 8. Kh4 Qh1+ 9. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kg7 Qb7 (5... Qd7 6. Qc4+ {and 7.Kg8$18}) 6. Qf2+ $6 {[%eval 550,0] Up till now the king has been unable to come out due to the absence of a shelter, but this move creates one. In the event of 6...Ka3 the way is open for the king to g2, and after 6...Ka1 7.Qf1 to g1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/5k2/1q6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {With the king at ~2f4~ White wins by} 1. Qf6+ Kg4 2. Kh7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/k7/8/1q6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] {Since with the black king at ~2a5~, ~2b5~, ~2c5~, ~2e5~, ~2h1~, ~2h2~, ~2h3~ or ~2h4~ White wins as in position ~3( 3394)~.} 1. Z0 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/3k4/1q6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {While with the king at ~2d4~ he has} 1. Qf6+ Ke4 (1... Ke3 2. Kh8 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 2. Kg7 Qb7 3. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] , it only remains for us to examine those positions where it actively hinders the implementation of White's plan.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/8/1q6/8/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] {For example, with the king at ~2d1~:} 1. Qg1+ Ke2 {!} 2. Qg2+ Ke1 {!} 3. Qe4+ Kd1 4. Qf4 {! , and now:} Ke2 (4... Ke1 {%05or} 5. Kg7 Qb7 6. Kg6 Qc6+ 7. Kg5 Qd5+ 8. Kh4 Qd8+ 9. Kh3 Qc8+ (9... Qd7+ 10. Kh2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qg4 Qf8 ( 10... Qc5 11. Qe4+ Kd1 12. Qf3+ {and 13.f8Q$18}) 11. Qf5 Ke2 (11... Qh6+ 12. Kg4 Qg7+ 13. Kh5 Qh8+ 14. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Kg4 Qb4+ 13. Kh5 Qf8 14. Qe5+ Kd1 15. Qf4 {[%eval 550,0] , joining the main variation.}) 5. Kg7 Qb7 6. Kf6 Qc6+ 7. Kg5 Qc5+ (7... Qd5+ 8. Qf5 Qd8+ 9. Kh5 Qf8 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 8. Kh4 Qe7+ 9. Kg3 Qa3+ 10. Kg4 Qf8 11. Qf5 Qb4+ (11... Ke1 12. Kh5 {[%eval 550,0] is no different}) 12. Kh5 Qf8 13. Qe5+ Kd1 {(if the king goes onto the f-file, there follows 14.Kg6 and 15.Qf6)} 14. Qf4 Qc5+ { (otherwise 15.Kg6)} 15. Kh4 Qf8 (15... Qe7+ 16. Kg3 Qe1+ 17. Kg2 Qe2+ 18. Kg1 { [%eval 550,0]}) 16. Kg3 Ke2 17. Qf3+ Kd2 18. Kf2 Qc5+ 19. Kf1 Qb5+ 20. Kg1 Qb1+ 21. Qf1 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins. Thus the black king is unable to hinder the implementation of the winning plan. The position with the black queen at ~2d5~ is essentially no different from the one just examined, and therefore it remains for us to analyse one more position, with the queen at ~2c4~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/2q5/8/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {With the black king at ~2a1~ or ~2b2~ White wins by} 1. Kg7 Qc7 2. Qg1+ { [%eval 550,0] or 2.Qg2$18, as in the previous example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/2q5/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {At ~2a2~:} 1. Qf5 Kb3 {(a3)} 2. Qf3+ Ka2 (2... Ka4 {[%eval 550,0] , the king goes to g3 %05if}) 3. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king makes for g1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/2q5/8/8/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {At ~2c1~ or ~2d2~:} 1. Kh7 Qc7 2. Qg1+ {[%eval 550,0] (or Qg2$18) etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/2q5/k7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {At ~2a3~ or ~2e3~:} 1. Qg2 Ka4 2. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0] , after which the way for the king is open.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/2q5/8/8/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {At ~2d1~:} 1. Qg2 {, and now:} Ke1 {%05^013^010 %05} (1... Kc1 2. Qf3 Kb1 3. Kg7 Qd4+ 4. Qf6 Qd7 5. Qf1+ {[%eval 550,0] , and the king goes to g1}) 2. Qf3 { !} Qe6 (2... Kd2 {%05after} 3. Kh7 {[%eval 550,0] the king goes to g1}) 3. Qf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins as with the queen at b3 ~3($403403)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/6Q1/8/2q5/8/4k3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {At ~2e2~:} 1. Qf5 Ke3 (1... Ke1 2. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kh7 Qc7 (2... Qh4+ 3. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kg6 Qc6+ (3... Qd6+ 4. Qf6 Qd3+ 5. Kh6 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 4. Kg5 Qg2+ 5. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. We will now analyse positions with the black king inside the a7-a8-d8-d7 rectangle.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/3k1P2/6Q1/8/8/1q6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {Here the win is simple:} 1. Qf5+ Kd6 (1... Kc7 2. Qe5+ {and 3.Kg7$18}) 2. Kh7 Qb7 3. Qf6+ Kc5 4. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/1k3P2/8/4Q3/8/1q6/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {Black has the following possibilities:} 1... Qc4 {(a2)} (1... Ka7 {(a8)} 2. Kg7 Qb7 3. Qe2 {!} Qd7 (3... Kb8 {loses more quickly to} 4. Qh2+ Ka8 (4... Kc8 5. Qh8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qa2+ {and 6.Kg8$18}) 4. Qc4 {!} Qb7 (4... Qe7 5. Qd5 {!} Qc7 6. Qa2+ Kb8 7. Qb3+ {and 8.Kg8$18}) 5. Qa2+ Kb8 6. Kg8 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 2. Kg7 {!} Qg4+ 3. Kf6 Qh4+ (3... Qf3+ 4. Ke7 Qa3+ 5. Qd6 Qe3+ 6. Kd8 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke6 Qg4+ 5. Ke7 Qb4+ {(h4)} 6. Ke8 Qa4+ 7. Kd8 {!} Qa8+ 8. Ke7 Qa3+ 9. Qd6 {!} Qe3+ 10. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/1k3P2/4q3/8/5Q2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kg7 Qe7 (1... Qd7 2. Qe4+ {and 3.Kg8$18}) 2. Qf5 Qc7 3. Qf3+ Ka7 (3... Kc8 4. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qa3+ Kb8 5. Qb3+ {and 6.Kg8$18 White has a similar win if the black king is at ~2a7~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/k4P2/4q3/8/5Q2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Kg7 Qd7 (1... Qe7 2. Qd4+ Kb8 3. Qd5 Qc7 4. Qb3+ {and 5.Kg8$18}) 2. Qe4 Qc7 3. Qa4+ Kb8 4. Qb3+ {and 5.Kg8$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5P2/3k4/8/4Q3/8/q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1. Kg7 Qa7 (1... Qb2+ 2. Kg6 Qf2 3. f8=Q+ Qxf8 4. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qg6+ Ke5 3. Qg3+ Kf5 (3... Ke4 4. Qg2+ {and 5.Kg8$18}) 4. Qf2+ {!} Qxf2 5. f8=Q+ { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/2k2P2/8/8/4Q3/8/q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {White immediately breaks the pin by bringing out his king:} 1. Kg7 Qb2+ (1... Qa1+ {, then not %05if} 2. Kh7 (2. Kg6 {%05but again} Qg1+ 3. Kf5 {[%eval 550, 0] !}) 2... Qf6 {!} 3. Qc4+ Kd8 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Kg6 Qb6+ 3. Kf5 {[%eval 550, 0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/k4P2/8/8/4Q3/8/q7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {Two continuations are possible:} 1... Qb3 (1... Kb8 2. Kg7 Qb2+ 3. Kg6 {!} Qb6+ 4. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qd4+ {, when} Ka8 (2... Ka6 {is met by %05while } 3. Kg7 Qg3+ 4. Kf6 Qf3+ 5. Ke7 Qb7+ (5... Qe2+ 6. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qd7 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 3. Qa1+ Kb7 4. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] ! leads to position ~3 ($403416)~. We can now examine the following important position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stepushin-Malishev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/1k3P2/6Q1/8/8/8/q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qe4+ {The best.} Ka7 {differs from position ~3($413421)~ only in that it is White to move, but the winning procedure here is much more complicated. %05^013^010 %05The position arising after} (1... Kc8 {White wins by %05On} 2. Kg7 Qb2+ (2... Qa1+ 3. Kh7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kg6 Qb6+ 4. Kh7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] (b8) leads to position ~3($413420)~. %05while}) 2. Qc6 (2. Kg7 {%05also possible is} Qb2+ 3. Kg6 Qb6+ 4. Kh7 Qc5 {[%eval 550,0] ! - ~3($413423)~}) 2... Kb8 (2... Qb3 {White wins by %05on} 3. Qc5+ Ka8 (3... Ka6 4. Qd6+ Ka7 5. Qd4+ Ka6 6. Kg7 Qg3+ 7. Kf6 Qf3+ 8. Ke7 Qb7+ 9. Qd7 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 4. Qa5+ Kb7 5. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] ! ~3($403416)~}) 3. Qf3 {!} Kc7 (3... Qe6 {%05Or:^013^010 %05(a)} 4. Qf4+ Ka7 5. Kg7 Qd7 6. Qe4 Qc7 7. Qa4+ Kb8 8. Qb3+ {and 9.Kg8$18}) (3... Qc4 {%05 (b)} 4. Kg7 Qd4+ 5. Kh7 Qd7 6. Kg8 Qe6 7. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0] , joining the previous variation}) (3... Ka7 {%05 (c)} 4. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] , transposing into position ~3($403421)~}) 4. Kg7 (4. Qe4 { %05Here White appears to win by} Kd7 5. Kg7 Qb2+ 6. Kg6 Qb6+ 7. Kh7 {, but after} Qb8 {[%eval 0,0] !! he has no useful move. Therefore he must immediately bring his king out into the 'open sea'.}) 4... Qb2+ (4... Qa1+ 5. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] is no different}) 5. Kg6 Qb6+ 6. Kh5 Qc5+ 7. Kg4 {!} Qf8 8. Qf5 {!} Qb4+ (8... Qg7+ 9. Kh5 Qh8+ 10. Kg6 Qf8 11. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (8... Kd8 {%05or} 9. Kh5 Ke7 10. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kh5 Qf8 10. Qf4+ {and 11. Kg6$18, winning.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k4P1K/8/2q5/4Q3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. Qf3 {! , and now: %05White cannot immediately queen his pawn. He wins by} Qe7 {%05^013^010} (1... Qc2+ 2. Kg7 Qb2+ (2... Qc7 3. Qa3+ {, 4.Qb3 and 5. Kg8$18}) 3. Kg8 Qa2 4. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] ! ~3($403421)~}) 2. Qf4 {!} Qb7 (2... Qd7 {%05or} 3. Kg7 Qe7 4. Qd4+ Kb8 5. Qd5 {!} Qc7 6. Qb3+ {and 7.Kg8$18}) 3. Qf2+ Kb8 (3... Ka8 4. Qa2+ {and 5.Kg8$18}) 4. Kg8 Qb3 5. Qf4+ Ka8 6. Qe4+ Ka7 7. Qd4+ {!} Ka8 8. Qa1+ Kb7 9. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , reaching position ~3 ($403416)~. The following position is also of interest.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/2k2P2/8/8/8/5Q2/q7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] 1... Qc4 {allows the king to come out:} (1... Qe6 2. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0] leads to positions already examined}) (1... Kd7 {is met by} 2. Qe4 {!} Kc7 3. Kg7 { [%eval 550,0]} Z0 (3... Qb2+ 4. Kg6 Qb6+ 5. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0]})) (1... Kd6 { %05After} 2. Qa3+ {[%eval 550,0] !}) (1... Kd8 {%05or} 2. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0] ! respectively, followed by 3.f8Q}) 2. Kh7 Qc2+ (2... Qh4+ 3. Kg6 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 3. Kg7 Qb2+ 4. Kg6 Qb6+ 5. Kh5 Qc5+ 6. Kg4 {!} Qf8 7. Qf5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins as in the finish to position ~3($403422)~. Now let us analyse the position with the black queen at ~2c4~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/2k2P2/8/5Q2/2q5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {The following continuations are possible:} 1... Kb7 (1... Kb6 2. Kg7 Qc7 3. Qf3 {!} Qd7 (3... Qe5+ 4. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Qe7 4. Qd5 Qc7 5. Qb3+ { and 6.Kg8$18}) 4. Qe4 {!} Qc7 5. Qb4+ Ka7 6. Qa4+ Kb8 7. Qb3+ {and 8.Kg8$18}) ( 1... Kd8 2. Kg7 Qc7 3. Qd3+ {and 4.Kg8$18}) (1... Qb3 {is met by} 2. Kh7 { [%eval 550,0]}) (1... Qa2 {%04by %05and} 2. Qf3 {! , leading to position ~3 ($403424)~}) 2. Qf3+ Ka7 (2... Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3($413424) ~ after 1...Qc4, where 2.Kh7 wins %05It should be noted that}) (2... Kb8 { there follows %05on} 3. Kg7 Qd4+ (3... Qc7 4. Qb3+ {and 5.Kg8$18}) 4. Kh7 Qd7 5. Kg8 Qe6 6. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0] and wins ~3($403417)-($403418)}) (2... Ka6 { (b6) White wins by %05in the event of} 3. Kg7 Qc7 4. Qa3+ {, 5.Qb3 and 6.Kg8$18 }) 3. Kh7 Qc2+ 4. Kg7 Qb2+ 5. Kg8 Qa2 6. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] , and we obtain position ~3($403421)~ On the basis of the preceding analysis it is not difficult to find the win in following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/4kP2/6Q1/8/2q5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Qg5+ Kd7 2. Qf5+ Kc7 (2... Ke7 3. Qc5+ {[%eval 550,0] !}) 3. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0] , and the rest is familiar.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pospisil Dusan (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/1k3P2/6Q1/8/2q5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {This position is also easily reduced to previous ones:} 1. Qg2+ Ka7 (1... Kc7 2. Qf3 {!} Kd7 3. Kg7 Qd4+ 4. Kh7 {!} Qh4+ 5. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kb8 { %05or} 2. Qf3 Kc7 3. Kh7 {[%eval 550,0] etc. - ~3($403424)~}) 2. Qf2+ Kb7 3. Qf3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and all Black's replies lead to positions that have already been studied.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pospisil Dusan (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/1k3P2/6Q1/3q4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {This is also an intermediate position. After} 1. Kh7 Qf3 {!} (1... Qc5 { %05worse is} 2. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0] , position ~3($403423)~.}) (1... Qh1+ { %05or} 2. Kg7 Qa1+ 3. Kg8 Qa2 4. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0] , when we obtain position ~3($403422)~}) 2. Kg7 Qc3+ 3. Kg8 Qc4 (3... Qb3 4. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0] has already been considered}) 4. Qg2+ {[%eval 550,0] wins. %05we obtain the previous position, where} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/8/8/6Q1/8/8/k3K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {~12.3 Knight's pawn~ ~12.31 Pawn on the 7th rank~ As in the previous sections, we will begin our analysis with the position where the black king is in the corner at ~2a1~. With a knight's pawn, as we will see below, placing the queen behind the pawn does not guarantee a win. Success is achieved only for certain favourable positions of the king. Here is a typical position. White wins by hiding his king at g1 and then transferring his queen to f8 or h8.} 1. Kf1 Qf7+ 2. Kg1 Qa7+ 3. Kh1 Qa8+ 4. Qg2 Qg8 5. Kg1 Kb1 6. Qf1+ Kb2 7. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0] } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/8/8/6Q1/8/8/k3K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {Having the move does not help Black:} 1... Qe8+ {%05after} 2. Kf2 (2. Kd2 { %05but after the queen check another win is also possible, by hiding from the checks on the opposite wing:} Qd8+ (2... Qg8 3. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0] , and the exchange of queens is unavoidable}) 3. Kc2 Qc7+ 4. Kd3 {! , and if} Qd8+ 5. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2. Kf1 {, allowing the black queen to break out by %05^013^010 %05What would have happened if, in reply, White had unthinkingly played} Qb5+ {! ^013^010 Then the attempt to find a shelter beside the queen is no longer successful. For example:} 3. Kf2 {%05^013^010} Qc5+ 4. Kf3 { %05^013^010 %05To avoid the queen's pursuit, the white king has to go towards the pawn. Correct is:} (4. Kg2 Qc6+ 5. Kg3 Qd6+ 6. Kh4 Qh6+ 7. Kg3 Qd6+ { [%eval 0,0] etc. ^013^010 These checks within the cl-c6-h6-h1 square are one of Black's main defensive resources.}) 4... Qc3+ 5. Ke4 {!} (5. Kf4 {is a mistake, allowing Black to carry out his main threat of the 'semi-star':} Qd4+ {!} 6. Kf5 Qd7+ 7. Kf4 Qd4+ 8. Kf3 Qd1+ 9. Kg3 Qd3+ 10. Kh4 (10. Kh2 {%05or} Qh7+ 11. Kg1 Qb1+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 10... Qh7+ {[%eval 0,0] , and against the perpetual check there is no defence}) 5... Qc4+ 6. Kf5 Qf7+ 7. Ke5 Qe7+ 8. Kd5 Qf7+ 9. Kd6 Qf6+ 10. Kd7 Qf7+ 11. Kd8 Qd5+ 12. Ke7 Qe5+ 13. Kf7 Qd5+ 14. Kg6 Qd6+ 15. Kh5 Qe5+ 16. Qg5 Qe2+ 17. Kh6 Qe6+ 18. Kh7 Qh3+ 19. Qh6 Qd3+ 20. Kh8 Qd4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Qf7+ 3. Kg1 {[%eval 550,0] White transposes into the previous variation With great difficulty White's king has finally managed to escape from the pursuit, but, as we will learn later, this does not bring him success, due to the favourable position of the opposing queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/8/8/6Q1/8/k2K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {~2As with the other pawns, here the position of the black king on the 2nd rank is also favourable to White.~ The black queen can begin a series of checks, but by accurate manoeuvring the king quickly finds a shelter:} 1... Qd5+ 2. Ke1 {!} Qh1+ (2... Qa5+ {%05if} 3. Kf1 {, and on} Qb5+ 4. Qe2+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf2 Qh2+ 4. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0] Thanks to this 'ambush' White immediately decides the game in his favour, although 4.Kf3 was also possible, with the same result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/8/8/6Q1/8/3K4/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {Had the black king been at ~2a1~, after} 1... Qd5+ 2. Ke1 (2. Ke2 {%05The same would happen if on 1...Qd5 White were to make the incautious reply} Qb5+ { his king would have to embark on a lengthy journey: %05. Then after} 3. Ke3 Qb3+ (3... Qe5+ {%05note that} 4. Kd3 Qd5+ 5. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0] ! allows White to improve the position of his queen, after which he wins, as we will see later}) 4. Kf4 Qc4+ 5. Kg5 Qd5+ 6. Kh6 Qd2+ 7. Qg5 Qh2+ 8. Qh5 Qd6+ 9. Kh7 Qd3+ 10. Kh8 Qd4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Qe5+ 3. Kf2 Qc5+ 4. Kg3 Qd6+ {[%eval 0,0] , as in the previous example, the white king would have been unable to find a shelter beside its queen and would have had to head for the protection of the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/8/8/6Q1/8/k7/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {If in position ~3( 3431)~ White's king is at ~2c1~, he again wins. For example:} 1... Ka3 {^013^010 There is no other sensible move, but now the white king acquires great freedom, and quickly reaches the desired shelter.} 2. Kd2 {%05^013^010} Qa2+ 3. Ke1 Qb1+ 4. Kf2 Qb2+ (4... Qc2+ {, then %05if} 5. Kg3 Qc7+ 6. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Qb6+ {is met by %05while} 5. Kg2 {!} Qb2+ 6. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kg3 Qb8+ 6. Qf4 Qg8 7. Qf8+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5qP1/8/8/6Q1/k7/8/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {It will also be useful to examine the position with the black king at ~2a3~ for other placings of the white king. In the similar situations with a central pawn or a bishop's pawn White always managed to find a shelter for his king. What is the situation if the pawn is a knight's pawn?} 1... Qb3+ {%05Let us check:} (1... Qf1+ {%05A slightly longer resistance is offered by} 2. Kd2 Qf2+ 3. Kd3 (3. Qe2 {%05this is stronger than} Qf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3... Qf1+ 4. Ke3 Qe1+ 5. Kf3 Qf1+ 6. Kg3 Qe1+ (6... Qg1+ 7. Kh4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kh2 Qd2+ 8. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Ke1 Qe3+ 3. Kf1 Qc1+ 4. Kf2 Qc5+ (4... Qd2+ { there follows %05on} 5. Qe2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Qc2+ {%05while if} 5. Kg3 Qc7+ 6. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kg2 Qc2+ 6. Kg3 Qc7+ 7. Kh3 $6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. What is the point of the king's manoeuvres? It turns out that we have here an interesting case of corresponding squares between the white king and black queen. The square corresponding to g3 is e1, to g2 d2, and to f1 c1. But there are no squares corresponding to f2 or h2, and by reaching one of them with his king White breaks the correspondence and wins. Our supposition regarding the position of the king at a3 (or b3) proved to be correct. White succeeded in hiding from the perpetual check. To do this he merely had to reach f2 or h2 with his king, in order to break the correspondence. ~2We thus come to the important conclusion that, with the opposing king on the 3rd rank, White can always place his queen at g4 without having to fear perpetual check.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/8/8/6Q1/6K1/k7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {Let us return to position ~3( 3431)~, but place the white king at g3. At first sight White's task does not seem difficult. But what if, instead of making a fruitless attack with his queen, Black improves the position of his king by} 1... Ka1 {^013^010 The white king is literally only two steps away from the cherished shelter at g1, but it is no longer able to make them, since it comes under a powerful attack by the queen on the a2-g8 and b1-h7 diagonals. } (1... Qb8+ {, then %05If, for example,} 2. Kg2 Qb2+ 3. Kh3 {!} Qb3+ (3... Qc3+ {%05or} 4. Qg3 Qc8+ 5. Kh2 Qg8 6. Qg1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kh2 Qb8+ 5. Qg3 Qg8 6. Kg1 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins ~3($403429)~.}) 2. Qd4+ {! ^013^010 It should be mentioned that the position of the black king at a1 creates the greatest difficulties for White, and by placing his queen at d4 he deprives the opponent of this possibility. %05The best square for the queen with a knight's pawn is ~2d4~. From here the queen excellently fulfils its functions of both attack and defence.^013^010 %05Therefore the correct continuation after 1...Ka1 will be} (2. Kf2 {, then %05if the king goes to g1 immediately -} Qa2+ {!} 3. Ke1 Qa5+ 4. Kf1 Qa6+ 5. Kg1 (5. Qe2 {%05or} Qf6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Qb6+ 6. Kh1 Qh6+ 7. Kg2 Qd2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (2. Kh2 {%05or} Qh7+ {!} 3. Kg1 Qb1+ {[%eval 0,0] etc.^013^010 It transpires that the position of the queen at g4 does not ensure the king's safety, and it must be changed.}) 2... Ka2 {(the white king has acquired a new shelter $6 d2, for which it immediately heads) %05Black has two replies -} (2... Kb1 {%05or} 3. Qg1+ { ! %05^013^010 %05The correct continuation is} (3. Kf2 {%05Here moving the white king to d2 does not bring success, for example:} Qf7+ 4. Ke1 Qe6+ 5. Kd1 Qb3+ 6. Kd2 Qa2+ {! Now it appears that White can immediately conclude the game by} 7. Ke3 {%08DA} Qb3+ {%05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05But after} 8. Qd3+ {it all turns out to be a devilish trap, since, by replying} Ka1 {!! , Black is unexpectedly saved:} 9. Kd4 Qb4+ {!} 10. Qc4 (10. Kd5 Qb7+ { [%eval 0,0]}) (10. Ke5 Qe7+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 10... Qd2+ 11. Ke5 {(c5)} Qg5+ { [%eval 0,0] , and White loses his pawn. Of course, instead of 7.Ke3 White can admit his mistake in time and take his king back, but this naturally drags out the winning process.}) 3... Ka2 4. Qg2+ Ka1 (4... Ka3 5. Kh2 {! and 6.Kg1$18}) 5. Kh2 Qb8+ (5... Qh7+ 6. Kg1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kh1 Qg8 7. Kg1 {[%eval 550,0] , joining a familiar continuation ~3($403429)~.}) 3. Kf2 Qf7+ (3... Qb3 { , then %05if} 4. Qd2+ Kb1 (4... Ka3 5. Qe3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qe1+ Kb2 6. Qe2+ Kb1 7. Qf1+ Kb2 8. Qg2 Qg8 9. Kg1+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 4. Ke1 Qe6+ 5. Kd1 {!} Qb3+ 6. Kd2 {! ~3($403436)~.^013^010 The shelter has been reached, and the play quickly terminates.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/8/3Q4/1q6/k2K4/8 b - - 0 6"] [PlyCount "2"] 6... Qg8 {%05^013^010 %05Black has only a choice between 6...Qg8 and 6...Qf7. ^013^010 %05After} (6... Qe6 {White promotes his pawn by a typical queen manoeuvre: %05since after} 7. Qa7+ Kb2 8. Qb8+ Ka1 9. Qa8+ {(to eliminate the threat of stalemate)} Kb2 10. g8=Q {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Qf7 {there follows %05while on} 7. Qg4 {! , and if} Qd5+ (7... Qf2+ {%05while after} 8. Kd3 Qf1+ { White has the standard reply} 9. Qe2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Ke1 {[%eval 550,0] ! , as in position ~3($403433)~.}) 7. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0] ! position ~3($403433)~ is reached. ~2Thus we have established that placing the queen behind the pawn (at g4) is expedient only if the opponent's king is on the 3rd rank. But if it is on the 2nd or especially the 1st rank, this proves successful only in a highly limited number of positions.~ ~2In the most general case in this ending the queen must be placed in the centre, best of all at d4.~ But before beginning a detailed analysis of examples with the queen on this square, we will make the acquaintance of two useful subsidiary positions, where the king hides from the checks close to the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/2Q2K2/8/8/8/8/1k6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {Despite the fact that it is Black's turn to move, he is powerless to prevent the penetration of the white queen to f8. For example:} 1... Kb2 (1... Qb3 { %05The black queen cannot move, since, if it leaves g8, the pawn immediately queens. For example:} 2. Qh1+ Kb2 3. Qg2+ {and 4.g8Q$18}) (1... Qh7 {%05or} 2. Qb7+ Ka1 3. Qa8+ Kb1 4. g8=Q) (1... Qd8+ {%05or, finally,} 2. Kf7 {and 3.g8Q$18 }) 2. Qb5+ Ka2 3. Qa4+ Kb2 4. Qb4+ {and 5.Qf8$18 Note that the assessment of the position does not change if the black king is moved to ~2a2~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/2Q4K/8/8/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {White to play wins most simply by} 1. Kg6 {! , for example:} Ka1 (1... Kb1 { %05or} 2. Qb7+ {and 3.Qf7$18}) 2. Qf6+ {and 3.Qf7$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/2Q4K/8/8/8/k7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {White's task is rather more difficult if it is Black to move. Here too, due to the threat of Qf2, the queen is tied to g8, and therefore Black chooses the waiting move} 1... Kb1 2. Qf6 {! , for example: %05White wins the most quickly by} (2. Kg6 {? %05The attempt by White to take his king directly to f6 may make the win much more difficult to achieve. For example:} Qb3 {! ^013^010 The unfortunate position of the white king allows Black to bring his queen out into the open, and White has to play very carefully to avoid perpetual check.} 3. Qh1+ {%05^013^010} Kb2 {!} (3... Ka2 {loses immediately to} 4. Qa8+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (3... Kc2 {%04to %05and} 4. Qh7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qg2+ Kc1 ( 4... Kb1 5. Kh7 Qf7 6. Qg6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qf1+ Kb2 (5... Kc2 6. Kh7 Qb7 7. Kh8 Qb2 8. Qe2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qf6+ Kc1 7. Qf5 {. It seems to be all over, since 8.Kh7 or 8.Qc8 is threatened, but Black finds} Qc4 8. Kg5 Kb2 {!} 9. Qe5+ Ka2 10. Kh5 Qf7+ 11. Kh6 Qg8 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 As a result of 10 exact moves White has managed to force Black to return his queen to g8. The position nevertheless remains won.}) 2... Kc1 (2... Qa2 3. Kg6 {and 4.Qf7$18}) (2... Kc2 {%05or} 3. Kg5 {!} Kd2 4. Qd6+ Kc1 5. Qc6+ Kb1 6. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] , obtaining position ~3($403437)~}) 3. Qc3+ {! ^013^010 The most accurate.} (3. Qc6+ {%05on} Kb1 4. Kg6 {, as we already know, there follows} Qb3) 3... Kb1 { %05Now Black has two possibilities:} (3... Kd1 {%05or} 4. Qc6 {!} Kd2 5. Kg6 Qd8 (5... Qb3 {there follows %05on} 6. Qd7+ Kc2 7. Qc8+ {and 8.g8Q$18}) (5... Qb8 {%05while if} 6. Qd5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 4. Qc6 {!} Ka2 (4... Kb2 5. Kg6 {!} Qb3 6. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] , winning} ) 5. Qf6 {!} Kb1 (5... Ka3 {, then %05If} 6. Qf8+ {[%eval 550,0] ; White has obtained the position after 2.Qf6, but with him to move.}) 6. Kg5 {!} Kc1 7. Qc6+ {and 8.Kf6$18, obtaining position ~3($403437)~. Thus with accurate play White succeeds in transferring his king to h6 or f6, without allowing the queen away from g8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/6P1/8/8/3Q3K/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {And now here is the first position with the queen at ~2d4~. Using the analysis of position ~3( 3435)~, White easily wins by taking his king to d2, while if the black king moves to b1, then the white king goes to g1.} 1. Kg3 Qb8+ (1... Kb1 {, then %05if} 2. Qg1+ Ka2 3. Qg2+ {[%eval 550,0] , as in variation 'b' of position ~3($403435)~}) 2. Kg2 {!} Qb7+ (2... Kb1 3. Qg1+ Ka2 4. Kh1 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 3. Kf2 Qf7+ 4. Ke1 Qe6+ 5. Kd1 Qb3+ 6. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403436)~. Before continuing the analysis, we must make the acquaintance of an important subsidiary position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Roycroft"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/6P1/8/8/K7/8/6q1/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {Back in the analysis of positions ~3( 3435)~ and ~3( 3436)~ we established that the position of the black king in the a1 corner creates stalemating possibilities. It is due to the threat of stalemate that it would be a mistake here to play 1.g8Q?} 1. g8=R {! %05The correct move, pointed out by Roycroft (true, for a slightly different position of the white king), is} (1. g8=Q {?} Qc6+ 2. Qb5 Qc2+ 3. Ka5 (3. Qgb3 {there follows %05on} Qc4+ {!} 4. Ka5 (4. Q3b4 {%05or} Qa2+ 5. Qa3 Qxa3+ 6. Kxa3 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate!}) 4... Qc7+ 5. Qb6 Qa7+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 3... Qc7+ 4. Qb6 Qc3+ {, when on} 5. Ka6 { Black replies} (5. Kb5 {%05while if} Qb3+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) 5... Qc4+ {[%eval 0, 0] !}) 1... Qc2+ {%05We will now show that in this position , for any placing of %05the white king and black queen, 1.g8R wins.^013^010 %05To do this it has to be shown that there is a shelter for %05the king, and that it can get there. %05It is not difficult to guess that such a shelter is h1. Then %05against checks on the h-file there will be the defence %05Qh2, while a check on the a8-h1 diagonal can be %05blocked by the rook: Rg2. A check along the rank does %05not have to be feared, since the black king is on it. This^013^010 %05means that the whole question is whether or not Black %05can prevent the king from proceeding to the shelter.^013^010 %05This problem can be solved using the theory of %05corresponding squares. Let us suppose that the white %05king has reached h2. To prevent Kh1 Black must %05check on the h-file. But from which square? If from h5 %05or h7, there follows Kg3 or Kg1 respectively, and %05there are no more checks. If from h6, there follows^013^010 %05Kg2 Qc6; Kg3! Qc3; Kh2, and the king reaches h1. %05There remains only one move $6 ... Qh4. In other %05words, the square corresponding to h2 is h4.^013^010 %05By similar reasoning it can be established that the %05square corresponding to g2 is e4, and to g1 $6 e1.^013^010 %05Let us now try to establish which square corresponds to %05h3. If a check is given at h7, after Kg3 Qd3; Kh2 %05Qh7; Kg1 there are no more checks. On the check at %05h6 there follows Kg2 Qc6; Kg3 Qc3; Kh2, and the %05king reaches h1. The check at h5 is not dangerous in %05view of Kg3.^013^010 %05It remains to try the check at h1. On this there follows %05Qh2 Qf3; (...Qf1; Qg2 Qf5; Kh2 Qh5; Kg1 Qc5; %05Qf2, and wins) Rg3 Qh5; Kg2 Qd5; Rf3 Qd2; Kh1, %05and wins.^013^010 %05We come to the conclusion that there is no square %05corresponding to h3. In exactly the same way it can be %05shown that there is also no square corresponding to f1.^013^010 %05Thus, in order to hide from the checks, it is sufficient %05for the white king to reach h3 or f1.^013^010 %05Isn't it possible for Black to block the white king's path? %05Let us see:} 2. Kb4 Qe4+ 3. Kc5 Qf5+ (3... Qe3+ 4. Kd5 Qd3+ 5. Ke5 Qe3+ 6. Kf5 Qd3+ 7. Kg4 Qd7+ 8. Kg3 Qd3+ 9. Kh2 {!} Qh7+ 10. Kg1 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 4. Kd4 Qf2+ 5. Ke4 Qe2+ 6. Kf4 Qf1+ 7. Kg3 Qg1+ 8. Kh3 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins. We have seen that the queen is powerless to prevent the white king from reaching h1. If he should desire, the reader can confirm with variations this conclusion for other positions of the white king and the black queen. ~2The basic drawback to the position of the white queen at d4 is that it only supports, and does not 'urge on' the pawn (in comparison with positions behind the pawn)~. This means that there is a whole series of positions in which the black queen controls the pawn from the rear (from g3, g5, g6 or g2). We will consider them in turn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/8/K2Q4/6q1/8/1k6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {Here White can easily queen his pawn, but he has to reckon with stalemating threats. For example:} 1... Qg2 (1... Qg5 2. Qd3+ Ka1 3. Qf1+ Kb2 (3... Ka2 4. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qb5+ {[%eval 550,0] , exchanging queens}) (1... Qg6 2. Qb4+ Ka1 3. Qe1+ Ka2 4. Qe2+ Kb1 5. Qb5+ Ka1 6. Qe5+ Kb1 7. Qb8+ Ka1 8. Qa8 (8. g8=R {[%eval 550,0] is also possible, but the text move is simpler}) 8... Qxg7 9. Kb3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and mate in two moves}) 2. Qb6+ {!} (2. Qd1+ {%05Only a draw results from} Kb2 3. Qb3+ Ka1 {!} 4. g8=Q {? , since after} Qa8+ 5. Kb4 Qa5+ 6. Kc4 Qc5+ 7. Kd3 Qe3+ {[%eval 0,0] Black gives perpetual check.}) 2... Ka1 3. Qf6+ Kb1 4. Qf5+ Ka1 5. Qe5+ Kb1 6. Qb8+ {^013^010 By an original manoeuvre the queen has reached the 8th rank with gain of tempo, but the black king is in the corner, and White has to be careful.} Ka1 {%05^013^010} 7. g8=R {[%eval 550,0] ! , and wins ~3($403441).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/6q1/8/1K1Q4/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {And now we have to find the winning procedure in this highly important position. This position differs from the previous one (variation 'c') only in the position of the white king. It is as though in the 'shadow' of the black king. This factor makes the win more difficult, since the method employed in example ~3( 3442)~ is inapplicable.} 1. Qe5 {! %05In such positions White must play very carefully, since the position of the king in the corner creates possibilities of stalemate. ^013^010 %05He wins as follows:} (1. Ka3 {should win, and if %05It seems that} Qg3+ {, then} (1... Qa6+ {! This move looks like a mistake, but in fact it contains a cunning trap. If White plays %05But Black replies} 2. Qa4 {, there follows} Qd3+ 3. Qb3+ {%08DA} Ka1 {!! enables Black to save the game. For example: %05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05The stunning reply} 4. g8=Q (4. g8=R {[%eval 550,0] is no better}) 4... Qd6+ 5. Qb4 Qd3+ 6. Ka4 (6. Qgb3 Qa6+ 7. Q4a4 Qd6+ 8. Qbb4 Qd3+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 6... Qc2+ { ! ^013^010 The only move.} (6... Qd1+ {loses to} 7. Qbb3 Qd7+ 8. Qb5 Qd1+ 9. Qgb3 Qd4+ 10. Q3b4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 7. Ka5 (7. Qgb3 Qc6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 7... Qc7+ 8. Qb6 Qc3+ {, and if} 9. Ka6 (9. Kb5 {%05or} Qb3+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 9... Qc4+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw.}) 2. Ka4 {[%eval 550,0] , obtaining the previous position.}) 1... Qg2 (1... Qg4+ {%05Checks lead to an immediate loss, for example:} 2. Ka5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the white queen reaches the 8th rank} ) (1... Qb6+ {%05or} 2. Qb5 Qg6 3. Kc3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and mate in two moves. }) 2. Kc5 {! (White has no reason to fear checks)} Qc2+ (2... Kc2 {, there follows %05If the black king attempts to hide in the 'shadow' of White's by} 3. Qc7 {! , creating an ambush, under the cover of which the white king approaches the pawn. For example:} Qg4 4. Kd6+ Kd3 5. Qd7 Qg5 6. Ke6+ Ke2 7. Qe7 Qg6+ 8. Kd7+ {[%eval 550,0] and wins. A good example of the study theme 'systematic manoeuvre'}) (2... Qf2+ {, there could have followed %05if} 3. Kc6 Qf3+ (3... Qg2+ 4. Kd6 Qd2+ 5. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] ! has already been considered }) 4. Kc7 {!} Qf7+ 5. Kd6 Qg6+ 6. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 3. Kd6 Qd3+ ( 3... Qg6+ {%05after} 4. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] the checks end and the pawn queens}) (3... Qd2+ {%05while} 4. Ke6 {!} Qa2+ 5. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] leads to the main variation}) 4. Ke7 {!} Qa3+ 5. Kf6 Qa6+ 6. Qe6 Qa1+ 7. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/8/1K1Q4/8/6q1/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] 1. Kc5 {. White threatens by 2.Qb4 Ka1 3.Qe1 Kb2 4.Qe5 Kc2 5.Qc7 to create the ambush we have already seen in position ~3($403443)~, so as to then approach the pawn with his king. %05The correct move is} (1. Qd1+ {%05 We already know that} Kb2 2. Qb3+ Ka1 3. g8=Q {[%eval 0,0] (R) leads only to a draw, since the black queen becomes a 'desperado'.} (3. Ka3 {also fails to win due to} Qd2 { [%eval 0,0] !})) 1... Qg5+ (1... Qc2+ {loses quickly to} 2. Qc4 {!} Qf2+ 3. Kb5 Qf5+ 4. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Qg3 {. But here too White wins without any difficulty by a fine queen manoeuvre: %05Cheron thought that on 1.Kc5 Black could put up a stubborn resistance by} 2. Qe4+ Kb2 3. Qb7+ Kc2 4. Qf7 {! , and in retreating before the checks the king heads for b8. For example:} Qa3+ 5. Kb6 Qb4+ 6. Kc7 Qa5+ 7. Kb8 Qb5+ (7... Qd8+ 8. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qb7 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 2. Kb6 Qg6+ (2... Qg2 {[%eval 550,0] %05on}) (2... Qg3 {[%eval 550,0] White wins by taking his queen to the ambush position at b7 %05or}) 3. Ka5 Qf5+ (3... Qg5+ {%05after} 4. Ka4 {[%eval 550,0] White wins as in position ~3($403442)~}) 4. Kb4 Qg6 {[%eval 550,0] , and we obtain position ~3($413443)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/5K2/3Q4/8/6q1/1k6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Up till now we have been considering examples where, with rare exceptions, the black queen has occupied a passive position, and the white king has not had to wander the board in search of a shelter. We will now analyse some positions where the white king is threatened with perpetual check, and has to escape Where should the white king run to? From the preceding analysis we know that in the given position there are a number of squares (a4, b4, h4) where the king can hide, but we have not yet established how to escape from the black queen's pursuit. This example shows how to run away from the checks:} 1... Qf3+ (1... Qh3+ {%05Totally bad is} 2. Qg4 Qf1+ (2... Qh7+ 3. Qg6 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kg6 Qa6+ 4. Kh5 Qb5+ (4... Qa5+ 5. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kh4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Qf1+ {%05Let us consider Black's other move:} 2. Qf4 {! (White begins a subtle manoeuvre, exploiting the position of the black king at b1)} Qb5+ (2... Qh3+ {[%eval 550,0] leads to the following variation}) 3. Kg4 {!} Qe2+ {^013^010 It is also necessary to examine 'quiet' queen moves, since the white king is now in the 'shadow' of the pawn:} (3... Qb3 4. Kh4 Qg8 {(the threat was 5.Qf1 and 6.Qg2, forcing the queening of the pawn)} 5. Qd4 { ! ^013^010 Black has a wide choice of continuations, but in each case White wins quickly:} Qh7+ (5... Ka2 6. Kg3 Kb3 (6... Kb1 {, then %05If instead} 7. Qg1+ Ka2 8. Qg2+ Ka1 9. Kf2 {!} Qf7+ 10. Kg1 Qa7+ 11. Kh1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kf2 Qf7+ 8. Ke1 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king reaches d2}) (5... Kc1 6. Kg3 Qb3+ (6... Qe6 7. Qf4+ {, and Black has no useful move; if the king goes to b2, b1 or c2, the white queen goes to the 8th rank with gain of tempo, while after} Kd1 8. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0] White exchanges queens}) 7. Kg2 {!} Qc2+ (7... Qe6 8. Qf4+ Kd1 9. Qg3 {!} Qa2+ 10. Kg1 Qa7+ 11. Kh1 Qa8+ 12. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Qa2+ {%05or} 8. Kg1 Qe6 9. Qf4+ Kd1 10. Qf1+ {and 11.Qg2$18}) 8. Kf3 Qg6 (8... Qc6+ 9. Kf2 Qc2+ 10. Ke1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qf4+ Kd1 10. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 6. Kg5 Qg8 7. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black has no defence against the transfer of the queen to f8}) (3... Qe8 4. Qb4+ Ka1 5. Qd4+ Kb1 6. Qb6+ (6. Kf4 {%05as is already known, nothing is achieved by} Qf7+ 7. Ke3 Qb3+ {, and if} 8. Qd3+ Ka1 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 6... Ka1 (6... Kc1 {%05Had Black played his king towards the centre, White would have had to take his king to a different square $6 g1. For example:} 7. Qc7+ Kd1 (7... Kb1 {%05The following variation is reached after} 8. Qb7+ (8. Kf4 {!} Qa4+ 9. Kg3 Qb3+ ( 9... Qe8 10. Qf4 {!} Qg8 (10... Qe1+ 11. Kh2 Qe2+ 12. Kg1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Kh2 Qa2+ 11. Kg1 Qd5 12. Qf4 Qc5+ 13. Kh2 Qc2+ 14. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8... Kc1 9. Kf4 Qa4+ 10. Ke5 Qe8+ (10... Qa1+ 11. Kf5 Qa5+ 12. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kf6 Qd8+ 12. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]})) 7. Qa7+ Kb1 8. Kf4 {!} Qg8 9. Qb7+ Ka1 10. Kf5 Qh7+ 11. Kg5 Qg8 12. Kf6 Qd8+ 13. Kf7 {[%eval 550, 0] , and White wins}) 4. Qf3 {!} Qc4+ (4... Qe8 5. Qb7+ {[%eval 550,0] leads to lines already considered}) 5. Kg5 Qc1+ (5... Qg8 {is met by} 6. Qf8) (5... Kb2 {%04by %05and} 6. Qb7+ Kc1 7. Kf6 Qd4+ 8. Kf7 Qf4+ 9. Ke8 Qe5+ 10. Kd8 Qf6+ 11. Qe7 Qd4+ 12. Qd7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White queens his pawn}) 6. Kf6 {!} Qb2+ (6... Qh6+ 7. Kf7 Qh7 8. Qg4 {and 9.Qg6$18}) 7. Kf7 Qa2+ 8. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] ! ^013^010 The culmination of White's plan. He has achieved complete coordination in the actions of his king and queen. Black's attacking attempts have run dry, since not only have they not been supported by his king, but, on the contrary, the king has got in the way of the queen^013^010 ^013^010 Position ~3(*)~ %08DA}) 2. Ke5 Qh5+ (2... Qg3+ 3. Kd5 Qg5+ 4. Kc4 Qg2 {!} 5. Kc5 Qg5+ 6. Kb6 Qg6+ 7. Ka5 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 3. Kd6 Qh2+ (3... Qg6+ 4. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] simplifies White's task}) 4. Kc6 (4. Kd7 {%05After 1...Qf3 White succeeds in hiding his king, and then advances his pawn to reach one of the final positions.^013^010 %05Apart from the one examined, White also had another way of hiding from the checks:} Qh3+ 5. Kd8 { ^013^010 Earlier (1959) I thought that it would not win due to the strong reply %08DA} Qg2 {! ^013^010 Nevertheless White succeeds in carrying out his plan: %05Position ~3(**)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} 6. Qb4+ Ka1 7. Qc3+ Kb1 8. Kc7 Qg4 {! which entails a subtle trap. %05 Black has the 'quiet' move} (8... Qh2+ {%05This variation was suggested by Novotyelnov (1972) , who considered only the sequel} 9. Kc8 {!} Qg2 10. Qb4+ Ka1 11. Qa5+ Kb2 12. Qb6+ Kc2 13. Qc7+ {[%eval 550,0] , when White wins.}) 9. Qd3+ {%05The win is achieved by} (9. Qb3+ {%05White appears to win immediately by} Ka1 10. Qf7 { , and if} Qg3+ {, then} 11. Kb7 Qg2+ (11... Qb3+ {[%eval 0,0] !! with stalemate and a draw! %05 But White's clever plan is refuted at the very beginning by a sacrifice, which, though spectacular, is typical in, such situations:}) 12. Ka7 Qg1+ 13. Ka8 Qh1+ 14. Qb7 Qh7 15. Qa7+ Kb1 16. Qb8+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 9... Kb2 (9... Ka1 {%05if}) (9... Kc1 {, then %05or} 10. Qf1+ Kb2 11. Qf7 {!} Qg3+ 12. Kb7 Qg2+ 13. Ka7 Qg1+ 14. Ka8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qb5+ Ka1 (10... Kc3 {%05also unsuccessful is the desperate attempt to move the king forward:} 11. Qc6+ Kb4 12. Qb7+ Kc5 13. Qa7+ {[%eval 550,0] ! , and Black has no satisfactory reply}) 11. Qa6+ Kb2 12. Qb7+ Kc2 13. Kb8 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins.}) 4... Qg2+ 5. Kb6 Qg6+ 6. Ka5 Qf5+ (6... Qg5+ 7. Ka4 { [%eval 550,0] - ~3($403442)~}) 7. Kb4 Qg6 {[%eval 550,0] , and we reach position ~3($413443)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1q4P1/4K3/8/3Q4/8/k7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {On a careful examination of this position, it is not difficult to establish that, in comparison with position ~3( 3445)~, the white king and black queen have been moved symmetrically with respect to the a1-h8 diagonal, i.e. this example is the mirror reflection of position ~3( 3445)~ with respect to the a1-h8 diagonal. The question naturally arises: is not the solution also 'symmetric'? Let us see:} 1... Qc6+ (1... Qa6+ 2. Qd6 {! (White plays as in position ~3($403445)~, d6 is the symmetric square to f4)} (2. Ke5 {Black intends %05on} Qe2+ {, trying to prevent the king from going to d2}) 2... Qe2+ (2... Qc8+ {is met by} 3. Qd7 Qa6+ 4. Kf7 {!} Qf1+ 5. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] , when the pawn queens}) 3. Kd7 Qb5+ 4. Qc6 {!} Qd3+ 5. Ke7 {!} Qa3+ 6. Kf6 {!} Qb2+ 7. Kg6 Qb1+ 8. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 2. Ke5 {(it is clear that the king should now aim not for b4, but for the symmetric square d2)} Qe8+ (2... Qc7+ 3. Ke4 Qe7+ 4. Kd3 Qa3+ 5. Kc2 Qb3+ 6. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0] , and we reach position ~3($403436)~} (6. Kc1 {? %05the reader should note that bad is} Qc3+ {[%eval 0, 0] ! with a draw})) 3. Kf4 Qf7+ (3... Qb8+ 4. Kg4 Qc8+ 5. Kh4 Qg8 {[%eval 550, 0] leads to position ~3($413440)~}) 4. Ke3 Qe6+ 5. Kf2 (5. Kd2 {%05more accurate than} Qh6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5... Qf5+ (5... Qf7+ 6. Ke1 Kb1 7. Qg4 { [%eval 550,0] ! - ~3($403429)~}) 6. Ke1 Qe6+ 7. Kd1 Qb3+ (7... Qf7 8. Kd2 { [%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0] , and we again reach position ~3($403436) ~ . Our supposition has been justified. The solution has proved analogous to the preceding example, and has led us to a symmetric final position. With the king at a2 the win is perhaps simpler than with the king at b1. The last two examples show that, with his queen centralized, White succeeds in sheltering from the pursuit of the black king. Before examining the case where the stronger side's king has to roam the entire board, it will be useful to make the acquaintance of some further subsidiary positions, in which the queen pins the pawn along the rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4q1PK/7Q/8/8/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {To win, White must reach d4 or d5 with gain of tempo. This is easily done.} 1. Qb6+ Ka2 (1... Ka1 {loses immediately to} 2. Qd4+ {and 3.Kh8$18}) (1... Kc1 { (c2) %04to %05as does} 2. Qc6+ {, then 3.Kg6, and if 3...Qd8 4.Kf7$18}) 2. Qa5+ Kb1 3. Qb5+ Ka1 4. Qa4+ Kb1 5. Qd1+ Ka2 6. Qd5+ Kb1 7. Kg6 Qe8+ 8. Kf6 { [%eval 550,0] , and the pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2q3PK/7Q/8/8/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {Here White can no longer win without bringing his king out of its shelter. He wins as follows:} 1. Qd2 {!} Ka1 {%05^013^010 %05There is only one move to prolong the resistance:} (1... Qe7 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3($413447) ~ %05Now}) (1... Qf7 {%05and} 2. Qd6 {!} Ka2 3. Kh6 Qg8 4. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0] to position ~3($403438)~}) (1... Qb7 {loses immediately to %05while} 2. Qd1+ Ka2 3. Qc2+ Ka3 4. Qc1+ {and 5.Kh8$18}) 2. Qd4+ {! ^013^010 Now Black has two continuations:} Kb1 {(now the white king again sets off, its goal being b4) %05^013^010} (2... Ka2 {(in this case the goal designated for the king is d2) %05or} 3. Kg6 Qg3+ 4. Kf6 Qf3+ 5. Ke7 {^013^010 What should Black do now? If, for example,} Qb7+ (5... Qe2+ {, then %05if} 6. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke6 Qc6+ (6... Qa6+ 7. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and wins}) 7. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king reaches d2 without difficulty. All this was examined in the analysis of example ~3($403446)~.}) 3. Kg6 Qc6+ 4. Kg5 Qg2+ {%05^013^010 %05If now} (4... Qb5+ {, then %05if} 5. Kh4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kf5 Qf3+ (5... Qf1+ { %05or} 6. Qf4 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and wins}) 6. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White carries out his plan. All this has already been examined in the analysis of example ~3($403445)~. We now have to consider the march by the king across the entire board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "q7/6P1/1K6/8/3Q4/8/8/1k6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] {Here the white king is close to the squares b4 and a4, but for the moment the black queen occupies a favourable position, attacking the king from the rear. In order to disorganize the actions of the opposing queen, the king first heads in the opposite direction. Here are some sample variations:} 1... Qb8+ 2. Kc6 (2. Ka5 {^013^010 %05It should be noted that positions of this type are in no %05sense studies, and there may be several ways of %05winning. Thus in this position after 1...Qb8 another king %05route is also possible:} Qa8+ 3. Kb4 Qb7+ 4. Kc4 {!} Qc6+ (4... Qa6+ {%05if} 5. Kd5 Qb5+ 6. Ke6 Qc6+ 7. Kf5 Qb5+ ( 7... Qf3+ 8. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 8. Kg6 Qc6+ 9. Kg5 Qg2+ 10. Kf5 Qf3+ 11. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king proceeds to b4}) (4... Qc7+ {%05weaker is} 5. Kb3 Qf7+ (5... Qb7+ 6. Qb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ka4 {!} Qe8+ 7. Ka3 Qa8+ 8. Qa4 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 5. Qc5 {!} Qe4+ (5... Qg2 { %05In the event of} 6. Qf5+ Kc1 (6... Kb2 7. Qe5+ Ka2 8. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qf4+ Kc2 (7... Kd1 8. Qd4+ {and 9.Kc5$18 - 146}) 8. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0] ! White sets up an ambush and wins.}) 6. Kb3 {! ^013^010 Now Black has two possible defences:} Qf3+ {%05^013^010} (6... Qd3+ {%05or} 7. Ka4 Qa6+ 8. Qa5 Qe6 9. Qb4+ Kc2 10. Qc5+ Kd3 11. Ka3 {!} Qf7 (11... Qa6+ 12. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0] }) (11... Ke2 {%05and if} 12. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0] exchanging queens}) 12. Qb5+ Ke4 13. Qb1+ {[%eval 550,0] , again winning.^013^010 In this case the winning path was even shorter, although not easy; however, all the manoeuvring procedures had to some extent already been examined.}) 7. Ka4 Qa8+ 8. Qa5 Qg8 9. Qf5+ Kc1 10. Qf1+ Kc2 11. Qg2+ Kc3 (11... Kb1 12. Ka3 {!} Kc1 13. Qb2+ Kd1 14. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qg3+ Kd4 (12... Kc2 13. Kb4 {!} Kd2 14. Qc3+ Ke2 15. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (12... Kd2 13. Kb4 {!} Ke2 14. Qe5+ Kd1 15. Qd6+ Kc2 16. Qc5+ Kd1 17. Qf8 {and 18.g8Q$18}) 13. Qb3 {!} Qa8+ 14. Kb4 Qb7+ 15. Ka3 Qxg7 16. Qb2+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 2... Qc8+ (2... Qa8+ {?} 3. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] , and there are no more checks}) 3. Kd6 Qd8+ (3... Qa6+ { ? %05after} 4. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] the checks finish}) 4. Ke5 Qe7+ (4... Qg5+ { %05after} 5. Ke6 {the king turns in the other direction, for example:} Qg6+ 6. Kd7 Qf5+ 7. Kc7 Qg5 (7... Qf7+ 8. Kd8 Qg8+ 9. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qb6+ Kc1 9. Qc6+ Kb1 (9... Kd1 10. Qd7+ Kc1 11. Kc8 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 10. Qb7+ Kc1 11. Kb8 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn queens}) (4... Qe8+ 5. Kf4 Qf7+ 6. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] etc. leads to the main variation.}) 5. Kf5 Qf7+ 6. Kg5 {! ^013^010 This line was pointed out by Cheron.} (6. Kg4 Qg6+ 7. Kf4 {would be a loss of time in view of} Qf7+ {! , and if} 8. Ke3 {, then} Qb3+ {! , after which} 9. Qd3+ {? leads only to a draw after} Ka1 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 6... Qe7+ 7. Qf6 {!} Qe3+ 8. Kg6 Qg3+ (8... Qb3 {, then %05If} 9. Qf5+ {!} Ka1 10. Kh7 Qb7 {, and White wins by a familiar queen manoeuvre:} 11. Qa5+ Kb1 12. Qe1+ Ka2 13. Qd2+ Kb1 14. Qd1+ Ka2 15. Qc2+ Ka1 16. Qc1+ Ka2 17. Kh8 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 9. Qg5 Qd6+ 10. Kh7 {^013^010 For an instant White's king hides behind the pawn, so that, after improving the position of his queen, it can again come out into the 'open field'.} Qh2+ {%05^013^010} (10... Qd7 { , then %05If now} 11. Kh6 {!} Qh3+ 12. Qh5 Qe3+ 13. Kh7 Qe7 {, and we reach position ~3($413447)~, where a win follows from} 14. Qd1+ Ka2 15. Qd5+ Kb1 16. Kg6 Qe8+ 17. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 11. Qh6 Qc7 {^013^010 We have reached position ~3($413448)~, where, as has been seen. White wins after} 12. Qd2 {[%eval 550,0] ! Thus we now have the full right to state that, with the black king at b1, the active position of White's queen at d4 allows him to cross the board successfully with his king, and to win. But what if the black king is at ~2a2~? How does this affect the play?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "q7/6P1/1K6/8/3Q4/8/k7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] {Initially events develop as in example ~3( 3449)~, but the king hides from the checks somewhat differently.} 1... Qb8+ 2. Kc6 Qc8+ 3. Kd6 Qd8+ (3... Qa6+ {there follows %05on} 4. Ke7 {!} Qb7+ 5. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403446)~}) 4. Ke5 Qe7+ (4... Qg5+ 5. Ke6 Qg6+ 6. Kd7 Qf5+ 7. Kd6 Qg6+ 8. Kc5 Kb1 9. Kb4 { [%eval 550,0] and wins, as in position ~3($403443)~}) 5. Kf4 Qf7+ 6. Kg5 (6. Kg4 {%05but not} Qg6+ 7. Kf4 Qh6+ 8. Kf5 Qh5+ 9. Kf6 Qf3+ 10. Ke5 Qe2+ { ! , which allows Black to prolong the resistance}) 6... Qe7+ 7. Kg4 Qe6+ (7... Qe2+ 8. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kg3 Qg6+ 9. Kf2 Qf5+ 10. Ke1 Qe6+ 11. Kd1 Qf7 12. Kd2 $6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins ~3($403436)~). ~2Comparing the results of the analysis in the last few positions allows us to draw the important conclusion that, irrespective of where the black king is at a2 or b1 the dominating position of White's queen at d4 allows him to hide his king from the checks and to win.~ But what if the white queen is not at d4, but at, say, e5? As an example we will consider another important position with a horizontal pin.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3q2PK/8/4Q3/8/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {White can win without a king march, only if he can play his queen to c3 or e3 with gain of tempo. It is obvious that, against correct defence by Black, this cannot be done. This means that he must bring his king out. The winning procedure is extremely instructive: White dislodges the queen from d7, and then himself occupies d4 with his queen.} 1. Kg6 Qc6+ (1... Qg4+ {, then %05if} 2. Kh6 Qh4+ (2... Qh3+ {%05weaker is} 3. Qh5 Qe3+ 4. Kh7 Qe7 {, when, as in example ~3($413447)~, White wins by} 5. Qd1+ Ka2 6. Qd5+ {and 7.Kg6$18}) 3. Qh5 Qf4+ 4. Kh7 Qc7 5. Qd1+ Ka2 6. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king can now be brought out.}) 2. Kg5 Qg2+ 3. Kf6 Qc6+ 4. Qe6 {! ^013^010 Having occupied this important square, White returns his king under the protection of his pawn, without allowing the black queen back to d7.} Qc3+ {%05^013^010} 5. Kg6 Qg3+ 6. Kh7 Qh2+ (6... Qc7 {, the most accurate is %05if} 7. Qb3+ Ka1 8. Qa4+ Kb1 9. Qd4 {!}) 7. Qh6 Qc7 8. Qd2 {!} Ka1 9. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins as in example ~3($403448)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3q2PK/8/4Q3/8/8/8/1k6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] 1... Ka2 {! , immediately vacating the dangerous b1 square. Let us see what happens in this case. %05But the situation changes significantly if in the initial position it is Black's move. He plays} 2. Kg6 {%05^013^010} Qg4+ 3. Kf6 Qf3+ {!} (3... Qh4+ 4. Kf7 Qf2+ {loses to} 5. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0] ! , when there are no more checks}) 4. Qf5 {^013^010 White tries to carry out the same plan as with the black king at b1 $6 he takes control of d7.} (4. Ke7 {there would have followed %05on} Qb7+ 5. Kd8 (5. Kd6 Qb6+ 6. Kd5 Qb5+ 7. Kd4 Qb2+ 8. Ke4 Qe2+ 9. Kf4 Qh2+ 10. Kf5 Qh5+ 11. Kf6 Qf3+ {[%eval 0,0] ! , and we have come full circle}) 5... Qb6+ 6. Qc7 Qd4+ 7. Qd7 (7. Kc8 Qg4+ 8. Kb8 Qb4+ 9. Ka8 Qe4+ 10. Ka7 Qd4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 7... Qb6+ (7... Qf6+ {%05bad is} 8. Kc8 Qc3+ 9. Qc7 Qh3+ 10. Kb8 Qb3+ 11. Qb7 Qg8+ 12. Ka7 {[%eval 550,0] , when White wins} ) 8. Kc8 Qc5+ 9. Kb7 Qb4+ 10. Ka6 Qa3+ 11. Kb5 Qb3+ 12. Ka5 Qc3+ {[%eval 0,0] , and the king has nowhere to hide}) 4... Qc3+ 5. Kf7 Qc7+ 6. Kg8 Qd8+ 7. Qf8 Qd4 {[%eval 0,0] ! (or 7...Qd3=), maintaining control over the strategically important d4 square. Black gains a draw. %05^013^010 %05White has finally managed to hide from the checks, but this has not improved his chances. After} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3q2PK/8/4Q3/8/8/k7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {With the black king at a2 White can try taking his king in the other direction:} 1. Kh6 Qh3+ 2. Kg5 Qg2+ 3. Kh4 Qf2+ 4. Qg3 (4. Kg4 {. Then there would have followed: %05White could have attempted to take his king to the Q-side by playing} Qg2+ 5. Kf4 Qh2+ 6. Ke4 Qg2+ (6... Qe2+ {is simpler, but the text move also does not lose, although accuracy is required %05of course,}) 7. Kd3 Qh3+ (7... Qf3+ {is bad because of} 8. Qe3 {!} Qf5+ 9. Qe4 Qh3+ 10. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0] ; but now 8.Qe3 is not possible due to 8...Qh7=}) 8. Kd4 Qg4+ {! } (8... Qh4+ {is bad due to %05the only move;} 9. Kc5 Qf2+ 10. Kb5 Qf1+ 11. Ka5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 9. Ke3 Qh3+ 10. Kd2 (10. Kd4 {%05if White plays} Qg4+ 11. Kc5 {, there follows} Qc8+ 12. Kd6 Qb8+ 13. Ke6 Qe8+ 14. Kf6 Qd8+ 15. Kf5 Qd3+ 16. Kf4 (16. Qe4 Qh3+ 17. Kf6 Qh6+ 18. Kf7 Qh5+ 19. Kf8 Qc5+) 16... Qf1+ 17. Ke3 {This position arose in a game ~3Azmaiparashvili-Andrianov~ (Kapsukas, 1978). Black played %08DA} Qe1+ {and gradually lost after} (17... Qh3+ { ! %05He could have drawn by} 18. Kd4 (18. Kd2 {%05or} Qg2+ {[%eval 0,0] , as we have already seen}) 18... Qg4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (17... Qg1+ {%05Also possible was} 18. Kd3 Qd1+ 19. Kc4 Qb3+ 20. Kc5 Qa3+ 21. Kb6 Qb3+ (21... Qb4+ {%05bad is } 22. Ka6 Qc4+ 23. Ka5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 22. Kc7 Qc4+ 23. Kd8 Qh4+ 24. Ke8 Qa4+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 18. Kd4 {! Indeed, if} Qb4+ {, then} (18... Qd2+ { %05while} 19. Kc4 Qc2+ {is met by} 20. Qc3 {!} Qe2+ 21. Qd3 Qe6+ (21... Qg4+ 22. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 22. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 19. Kd3 {!} Qb1+ (19... Qb3+ 20. Qc3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 20. Ke2 Qc2+ 21. Kf1 Qc1+ 22. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 10... Qg2+ {!} 11. Kd1 Qg1+ {[%eval 0,0] , and White's queen cannot come to the aid of the king, since it must defend the pawn.}) 4... Qf6+ (4... Qd4+ {%05bad is} 5. Kh3 Qd7+ 6. Kh2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qg5 Qd4+ (5... Qf2+ { fails to %05but here, by contrast,} 6. Kh3 Qf3+ 7. Kh2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qg4 Qf6+ 7. Kg3 Qd6+ {!} (7... Qc3+ 8. Kh2 Qe5+ {loses to} 9. Kh1 {[%eval 550,0] !} ) 8. Kf2 Qc5+ 9. Ke1 Qc3+ 10. Kf2 Qc5+ 11. Kg2 Qc6+ {!} (11... Qc2+ {%05defeat follows from} 12. Kh1 Qh7+ 13. Kg1 Qb1+ 14. Kf2 Qb6+ 15. Ke1 Qa5+ 16. Kf1 { [%eval 550,0]}) (11... Qd5+ {%05also insufficient is} 12. Kf1 {!} Qf7+ 13. Kg1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Kh2 Qh6+ 13. Kg1 Qc1+ $6 {[%eval 0,0] ^013^010 By manoeuvring with his queen in the c1-c6-h6 triangle^013^010 and using the subsidiary squares c3 and c5, Black^013^010 prevents the white king from consolidating its position in^013^010 the region of the h1 square. Of course, White can^013^010 always return his king under the protection of the pawn^013^010 at h7, but in this case he loses control over d7. ~2Thus analysis shows that the horizontal pin (with the pawn at g7 and the white king at h7) leads to a draw only if two conditions are satisfied: if Black's queen is at d7 and his king is at a2.~ At the same time we have established that the white queen is not as well placed at e5 as at d4. With his queen at d4 White wins irrespective of where the black king is at b1 or a2, whereas with his queen at e5 he wins only if the black king is at b1. If the king is at a2, he is unable to win. Let us once again emphasize the rule which we have found: ~2with the black king inside the a1-a2-b2-b1 square, the position of White's queen on the central d4 square is the main condition of success.~ We will now examine a number of positions in which, under the protection of the queen, the king hides behind the pawn, and the opposing queen pins the pawn along the diagonal. As before, the black king is on the squares ~2a1~, ~2a2~, ~2b1~ and ~2b2~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/6P1/7Q/8/8/8/1q6/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {The queen is badly placed at b2. Irrespective of where the black king is at b1, a1 or a2. White wins by force: King at ~2b1~:} 1. Kh7 Qb7 2. Qg6+ Kb2 3. Qf6+ Kb3 4. Qe6+ Kb2 (4... Kb4 5. Qe1+ Kc4 6. Qc1+ {and 7.Kh8$18}) 5. Qe2+ Ka1 6. Qd1+ Ka2 7. Qc2+ Ka1 8. Qc1+ Ka2 9. Kh8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/6P1/7Q/8/8/8/1q6/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {King at ~2a1~ or ~2a2~:} 1. Qa6+ Kb1 2. Kh7 Qh2+ 3. Qh6 Qc7 4. Qd2 {!} Ka1 5. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the rest is already familiar.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/6P1/5q2/7Q/8/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {The queen is also badly placed at f6. Here too, irrespective of where the black king is, White wins: King at ~2b1~:} 1. Kh7 Qe7 2. Qd1+ Ka2 (2... Kb2 3. Qd4+ {and 4.Kh8$18}) 3. Qd5+ Ka1 4. Kg6 Qe8+ 5. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/6P1/5q2/7Q/8/8/1k6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {King at ~2a1~, ~2a2~ or ~2b2~:} 1. Kh7 Qe7 {, and the sequel depends on where the king is. With it at ~2a1~ White wins by 2.Qd1, as in the previous variation, with it at ~2a2~ there follows 2.Qd5 and 3.Kg6, while with it at b2 the solution is rather longer:} 2. Qb5+ Ka1 (2... Kc1 3. Qc6+ Kb1 4. Kg6 { [%eval 550,0]}) (2... Ka3 {%05or} 3. Qd3+ Ka4 4. Qd4+ {and 5.Kh8$18}) 3. Qa4+ Kb1 4. Qd1+ Ka2 5. Qd5+ Kb1 6. Kg6 Qe8+ 7. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/6P1/7Q/8/8/2q5/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {(with the king at b1 White wins; with the king at a1, a2 or b2 draw) The opposing king is badly placed at ~2b1~, and White can to obtain a favourable position with a horizontal pin, as in example ~3( 3455)~ (with the king at a1 or a2):} 1. Kh7 Qc7 2. Qd2 {!} Ka1 3. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and the rest is familiar. The cause of Black's defeat was the position of his king. Had it been at a1, a2 or b2, White would have been unable to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/6P1/7Q/8/8/2q5/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {Thus, for the diagonal pin the best squares for Black's queen are ~2c3~, ~2d4~ and ~2e5~, and the best squares for his king are ~2a1~, ~2a2~ and ~2b2~. We will now make the acquaintance of two positions which are exceptions to the rule.} {With the king at ~2a1~:} 1. Qa6+ (1. Qh1+ {%05 What can White do? With the king at a1 it is pointless for him to bring his king out: there will be nowhere to hide from the checks. ^013^010 %05Let us try a different plan. We will place the queen in the centre, and bring the king out under its cover:} Kb2 2. Qe4 Ka1 3. Kh7 Qh3+ 4. Kg6 Qg3+ 5. Kf6 Qd6+ 6. Qe6 Qf4+ 7. Ke7 Qc7+ 8. Kf8 (8. Qd7 {%05no better is} Qe5+ 9. Kd8 Qb8+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... Qb8+ 9. Kf7 Qc7+ 10. Qe7 Qc4+ 11. Qe6 Qc7+ 12. Kg6 Qg3+ 13. Kh7 Qh4+ 14. Qh6 Qe4+ 15. Kh8 Qd4 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black has only improved the position of his queen.}) 1... Kb2 2. Qb5+ Ka1 3. Qa4+ Kb2 4. Qg4 Ka1 {[%eval 0,0]} (4... Ka2 {[%eval 0, 0] is also possible %05The most exact, although}) (4... Kb1 {is of course bad because of} 5. Kh7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Qf6 {%05it would also be a mistake to play} 5. Kh7 Qf7 6. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) (4... Qe5 {%05but, on the other hand, also possible was} 5. Kh7 Qh2+ 6. Kg6 Qd6+ 7. Kh5 Qh2+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/6P1/8/5q2/3Q4/8/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] {We know that in the ending with a g-pawn the queen is best placed at ~2d4~. Nevertheless it does not bring success in the given position, since on its own the king is unable to emerge from behind the pawn, and to help it to emerge White must significantly worsen the position of his queen. The following continuation is possible:} 1. Qb4+ (1. Qb6+ {%05The transfer of the queen to f7 is also unsuccessful:} Ka1 2. Qa7+ Kb1 3. Qf7 Qc8+ 4. Kh7 Qh3+ 5. Kg6 Qg3+ 6. Kh6 Qe3+ {[%eval 0,0] , and White cannot escape from the perpetual check.}) 1... Ka1 2. Kh8 Qe5 {[%eval 0,0] , and White does not stand any better. The following position, found by a computer, incidentally, has the same features.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/6P1/8/8/3Q4/5q2/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Here too Black waits for White to take positive action, since without the help of the queen the king cannot come out from behind the pawn. It should be emphasized that the defence in this ending requires, firstly, knowledge, and, secondly, accuracy and care, since there are many pitfalls to be avoided. Here is one such example.} * [Event "Vilnius (Lithuania)"] [Site "Vilnius (Lithuania)"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoryan Karen (TKM)"] [Black "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/8/2q5/5Q2/8/6p1/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1975.??.??"] {To complete the picture, we will now consider the case where the white queen is at ~2d4~, and the black king has moved off the squares b1 and a2. On the basis of previous analysis, it may be assumed that here the stronger side's task will be easier.} {With colours reversed, we have a situation similar to example ~ ~3( 3460)~. %212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1013 %212045826630=4HLJ1029 %212045826630=4HLJ1033 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1. Kb8 { or 1.Kb7 is sufficient for a draw, as is 1.Qf6.} (1. Qd2 {?? %05But there followed} Qc6+ {!$19 , and White resigned, since any king move is met by 1... Kh1.}) 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/8/3Q4/k2K4/8/1q6 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "23"] {(win for any position of the black queen) Here White has several possible king routes. He has possible shelters at g3 and g1 (followed by setting up position ~3( 3434)~, as well as c2. But in moving his king he should always remember about stalemating threats. We will consider a few sample continuations:} 2. Kd2 {%05(a) 1...Qb1} Qa2+ 3. Kd1 (3. Kc1 {? In this case Black is saved by %05But why not the natural} Qc4+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) 3... Qb1+ 4. Ke2 Qa2+ 5. Kf3 (5. Qd2 {is immediately decisive, but in fact after %05It appears that} Qf7 {things are more difficult for White.}) 5... Qf7+ 6. Kg3 Qg6+ (6... Qb3+ 7. Kh4 Qe6 (7... Qg8 {%05if instead} 8. Kg5 Qb3 {, then} 9. Qg4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qa7+ {and 9.Qb8$18}) 7. Qg4 Qd6+ 8. Kf2 Qc5+ (8... Qd2+ 9. Qe2 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 9. Kg2 Qc2+ 10. Kh3 Qh7+ 11. Kg3 Qg8 12. Kh2 Ka2 13. Kg1 $40 {[%eval 550,0] Similar variations have been considered in the analysis of example ~3( 3434)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/6q1/8/3Q4/k2K4/8/8 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "9"] {(b) Let us try preventing the king from reaching g3:1...Qg6} 2. Kd2 Qg2+ 3. Kd1 Qf1+ 4. Kc2 {!} Qg2+ 5. Qd2 {!} Qxg7 6. Qa5# {The reader can check for himself the remaining continuations.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/8/3Q4/k2K4/8/3q4 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "11"] {(c) The only way to prevent the rapid occupation of c2 or g3 by the king is 1. ..Qd1} 2. Ke4 {!} Qg4+ (2... Qh1+ {, then %05if} 3. Kf4 {!} Qh4+ 4. Ke3 Qe1+ 5. Kf3 Qh1+ 6. Kg3 {!} Qe1+ 7. Kg2 Qe2+ 8. Qf2 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 3. Kd5 Qd7+ 4. Kc4 {!} Qa4+ 5. Kc3 {(having described a circle around the queen, the king nevertheless breaks through to g3)} Qb3+ 6. Kd2 Qa2+ 7. Kd1 {[%eval 550,0] , winning as in variation 'a'. It is interesting that White has a similar win when the black king is at c1.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/8/2KQ4/8/q7/2k5 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "15"] {(win for any position of the black queen) Here the shelter squares are b3 and c7. We will consider a few positions of the queen: (a) 1...Qa2} 2. Kb4 Qb1+ 3. Kc5 {!} (3. Ka3 {?} Qd3+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) 3... Qf5+ 4. Kd6 Qg6+ 5. Kc7 Qf7+ ( 5... Qg3+ {, then %05if} 6. Kd7 Qh3+ 7. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] , and the checks finish}) 6. Kd8 Kc2 (6... Qg8+ 7. Ke7 {and 8.Qg4$18}) 7. Qc5+ Kb2 8. Qg5 {!} Qg8+ 9. Ke7 {followed by 10.Qg6 and 11.Qf7$18.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5qP1/8/8/2KQ4/8/8/2k5 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "9"] {(b) 1...Qf7} 2. Kb4 Qb7+ 3. Ka4 Qa6+ 4. Kb3 Qb7+ 5. Qb4 {!} Qxg7 6. Qe1# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/8/q1KQ4/8/8/2k5 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "11"] {(c) 1...Qa4} 2. Kd5 Qd7+ (2... Qa8+ {, then %05if} 3. Kd6 Qd8+ 4. Kc5 Qa5+ 5. Kc6 Qa8+ 6. Kc7 Qa5+ 7. Kb7 Qb5+ 8. Qb6 Qg5 9. Qc7+ Kb1 10. Ka8 {!} Qg4 11. Qb8+ Ka1 12. g8=R {[%eval 550,0] , winning as in position ~3($403441)~.}) 3. Ke4 Qg4+ 4. Kd3 Qd1+ 5. Kc3 Qc2+ 6. Kb4 Qb1+ 7. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] , joining variation 'a'. With the black king at b3 or c2 White wins slightly differently, since his king is deprived of the squares c2 and b3. Here the king march to g3 (black king at b3) or to c7 (black king at c2) is decisive.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/6q1/8/3Q4/1k1K4/8/8 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "23"] {(win for any position of the black queen) We will give only the main continuation: 1...Qg6} 2. Kd2 Qg2+ 3. Ke1 Qg3+ 4. Kf1 Qh3+ (4... Qf3+ {, then %05if} 5. Qf2 {!} Qd1+ 6. Kg2 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 5. Kf2 Qh2+ 6. Kf3 Qh3+ 7. Kf4 Qh4+ 8. Ke5 Qe7+ 9. Kf5 Qf7+ 10. Kg5 Qe7+ 11. Kg4 Qe6+ 12. Kg3 Qg6+ (12... Qe1+ 13. Kg2 Qe2+ 14. Qf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/2q1K3/k7/3Q4/8/8/8 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "5"] {(win for any position of the black queen) White wins by using familiar procedures. Here there are three shelter squares: the main one at e6, and two subsidiary ones at c6 and g5. We will check the position at e6: (a) 1...Qc6} 2. Qd6 Qe8+ 3. Kf6 Qg8 4. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2q5/6P1/4K3/k7/3Q4/8/8/8 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "7"] {(b) 1...Qc8} 2. Qd7 Qg8+ (2... Qa6+ 3. Qd6 {!} Qc8+ 4. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf6 Qa8 (3... Kb4 4. Qe7+ {and 5.Qf8$18}) 4. Qf5+ Ka6 5. Qe6+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/4K1q1/k7/3Q4/8/8/8 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "13"] {(c) 1...Qg6} 2. Qf6 Qe8+ 3. Kf5 Qg8 4. Kg6 Qe8+ 5. Kh6 Qg8 6. Qc6 Kb4 7. Kg6 Ka5 8. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins. White wins very simply when the black king is at ~2e1~, ~2a6~ or ~2f1~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/5K2/3Q4/5q2/8/4k3 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "5"] {(win for any position of the black queen) Possible continuations are: (a) 1... Qf3} 2. Qf4 Qh5+ 3. Kf6 Qh7 4. Qg3+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/5K2/3Q4/7q/8/4k3 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "5"] {(b) 1...Qh3} 2. Qg4 Qh7+ 3. Kf6 Qg8 4. Qe6+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5qP1/8/5K2/3Q4/8/8/4k3 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "7"] {(c) 1...Qf7} 2. Qf6 Qh5+ 3. Ke6 Qg4+ 4. Kf7 Qh5+ 5. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K1P1/k7/8/3Q4/8/4q3/8 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "11"] {(win for any position of the black queen) The main continuation is: 1...Qe2} 2. Kd8 Qa2 {!} 3. Qf6+ Kb7 (3... Ka7 4. Ke8 Qa4+ 5. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke7 Qa3+ 5. Kf7 Qa2+ 6. Qe6 Qf2+ 7. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6P1/8/1q4K1/3Q4/8/8/5k2 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "5"] {(win for any position of the black queen) 1...Qb5 (1...Qg2 2.Qg4 )} 2. Kh4 Qb3 3. Qf4+ Ke2 4. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0] Thus we have seen that, with his queen strongly centralized at d4. White does not have to fear the threat of perpetual check, since he almost always finds a shelter for his king. To each position of the black king there are certain corresponding shelter squares, and by moving his king to them White decides the game. Strictly speaking, we should also check all the remaining positions of the black king, but on the basis of the preceding analysis the reader will be able to do this himself. In conclusion we give two study positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1888.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Van Vliet Louis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/1P6/k1q5/8/8/1Q6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1888.??.??"] 1. Qb4 {! , when there are three possible queen moves: %05White has a clever win by} Qd5 {(1...Qf3)} (1... Qg2 {%05or} 2. Qa3+ Kb6 3. Qb2+ {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the situation is repeated}) (1... Qh1 {! %05or} 2. Qa3+ Kb6 3. Qb2+ Kc7 ( 3... Ka6 4. Qa2+ {and 5.Qb1$18}) 4. Qh2+ {!!} Qxh2 5. b8=Q+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qa4+ Kb6 3. Qb3+ {!!} Qxb3 4. b8=Q+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1763.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lolli"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/6P1/8/8/1k6/6q1/2Q5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1763.??.??"] {Up till now we have considered positions where the appearance of a new queen (or rook) concluded the game in favour of the stronger side, since the king was then able to hide from the checks. This position illustrates an exceptional case where, thanks to the opposing king being in the corner. Black is saved by perpetual check:} 1... Qh4+ 2. Qh7 (2. Kg8 {%05if} Qd8+ 3. Kf7 Qd7+ 4. Kf6 Qd4+ {[%eval 0,0] , and the king has nowhere to hide}) 2... Qd8+ {!} 3. g8=Q Qf6+ 4. Qhg7 Qh4+ 5. Q8h7 Qd8+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7K/6P1/8/4q3/2Q5/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "53"] {~12.32 Pawn on the 6th rank~ Theorists have not yet come to a definite conclusion as to how the game should finish with a knight's pawn on the 6th rank. Here we will acquaint the reader with the main ideas and basic plans which are recommended by the specialists in such endings. A stimulus to theoretical analysis was provided by this position. In this position the game Lyavdansky-Volovich (match Moscow-Leningrad, 1968) was left unfinished, and the chief arbiter of the match Lyev Polugayevsky had to adjudicate it. And the outcome of the match depended on the result: a win for White would mean victory for Leningrad, while a draw would mean that the match too would end in a draw. But how can a position be adjudicated if theory is unable to give a clear-cut assessment? Not surprisingly, the chief arbiter declined to adjudicate it, and theorists immediately set about analysing it. What is the problem here? It is that White must not only advance his pawn one square, but in doing so he must occupy an active position with his queen (usually d4). Black's task is to try to prevent the opponent from doing both of these things simultaneously. The best place for the black king is in the region of the al corner: a1, a2, b1 or b2. Here it is least likely to be checked, and hence it least of all interferes with its queen. Also significant is the fact that in certain cases stalemating situations can arise. Black's queen must, on the one hand, watch the pawn, and on the other hand worry the enemy king, while simultaneously controlling important squares in the centre, especially on the a1-h8 diagonal. After this brief introduction we can look at the main analyses and practical examples. In 1969, i.e. the year following the aforementioned Moscow-Leningrad match, the Leningrad master Lisitsin published an article in the weekly ~4 " 64"~, in which he asserted that in the diagram position White had a plan which wins by force. To do this he has to: (a) first transfer his queen to a6 and king to a7, as a result of which both pieces will be on the file adjacent to that on which the opposing king stands; (b) then, using the threat to exchange, drive the black king out of the a1-a2-b2-b1 square. In Lisitsin's opinion, it is not difficult to carry out this plan. Here is his analysis:} 1. Qb3+ Ka1 2. Qa3+ Kb1 3. Qd6 Ka1 4. Kg8 Qa8+ 5. Kf7 Qb7+ 6. Ke6 Qb3+ (6... Qc8+ 7. Kf6 Qh8+ 8. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qd5 Qb6+ (7... Qh3+ { %05no better is} 8. Kf7 Qf1+ 9. Ke8 Qe2+ 10. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kf5 Qf2+ ( 8... Qb1+ {there follows %05on} 9. Kg5 Qc1+ 10. Kh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kg5 Qg1+ 10. Kf6 Qf2+ 11. Qf5 Qb6+ 12. Kg7 Qb7+ 13. Qf7 Qe4 14. Qa7+ Kb1 15. Qb6+ Ka1 16. Qa6+ Kb1 17. Kf7 Qd5+ 18. Ke7 Qe5+ 19. Kd8 Qh8+ 20. Kc7 Qg7+ 21. Kb8 Qh8+ 22. Ka7 Qe5 23. Qb7+ Ka1 24. Qa8 {!} Qd4+ 25. Kb8+ Kb2 26. Qb7+ Kc2 27. g7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "Volgograd (Russia)"] [Site "Volgograd (Russia)"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Podgaets Mikhail (UKR)"] [Black "Shamkovich Leonid (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6K1/5Q2/6P1/8/4q3/8/1k6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "55"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1013 %212045826630=4HLJ1029 %212045826630=4HLJ1035 %212045826630=4HLJ121 The first test of Lisitsin's plan came in the game Podgayets-Shamkovich (Volgograd, 1969), in which this position arose. The sequel was:} 1. Qf6+ Ka2 2. Qa6+ Kb2 3. Kf7 Qd5+ 4. Ke7 Qe5+ 5. Kd7 Kb1 6. Kc8 Qf5+ 7. Kb8 Qe5+ 8. Ka7 {%04 Position ~3(*)~ %08DA} Qg5 {. Now White is able to improve the position of his queen with gain of tempo: %05Thus White has carried out the first part of his plan, but %05on the other hand Black has obtained this position with %05him to move, which, incidentally, was also possible in %05Lisitsin's analysis, if there instead of 21...Qh8 he had %05played 21...Qe5, which is of course stronger.^013^010 %05What should Black do now? If he makes a waiting move %05with his king, White plays 'a la Lisitsin' 9.Qb7 and %0510.Qa8. Therefore Black tried to keep his queen on the %05file of the pawn and replied} 9. Qd3+ {%05^013^010} Ka2 10. Qc2+ Ka1 11. Qa4+ Kb1 12. Qe4+ Ka2 {^013^010 White has had some obvious success: he has occupied the important e4 square with gain of tempo, depriving the opposing king of a1 and b2. If the king should step onto one of these squares. White has a decisive check at d4 followed by g6-g7, obtaining a familiar won position.^013^010 But the struggle is not yet over: the king still has to find a shelter from the checks. White seeks it on the 2nd rank, aiming to exploit the position of the enemy king.} 13. Ka6 {%05^013^010} Qf6+ 14. Kb5 Qg5+ (14... Ka1 {? No, he couldn't! In this case White would have won as follows: %05Couldn't Black have improved the position of his king here by playing} 15. Qa4+ Kb1 16. Qb4+ Ka1 17. Qa5+ Kb1 18. Qb6 {!} Qg7 (18... Qg5+) (18... Qe5+ { is bad because of %05or} 19. Kc6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 19. Kc4+ Kc1 20. Qe3+ Kc2 21. Qd3+ {[%eval 550,0] , exchanging queens.}) 15. Ka4 Qg1 16. Kb4 Qb6+ 17. Kc4 Qc7+ (17... Qb3+ {%05or} 18. Kc5 Qa3+ 19. Kd5 Qa5+ 20. Kc4 Qa4+ 21. Kd3 Qd1+ 22. Kc3 Qb3+ {= ~5 (Nalimov tablebases) ~} (22... Qa1+ {? %05but not} 23. Kd2 { , and when the queen moves away on the diagonal there follows 24.Qc2 and 25. Qc3$18, exchanging queens.})) 18. Kd3 Qd6+ (18... Qd7+ {? , then %05if} 19. Kc3 {!} Qh3+ 20. Qd3 Qh8+ 21. Qd4 {!} Qh3+ 22. Kb4 Qb3+ 23. Ka5 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 19. Ke2 Qf6 {?} (19... Qh2+ {?} 20. Kf1 {[%eval 550,0]}) (19... Qa6+ {= ~5 (Nalimov tablebases) ~ %05Correct is}) 20. Qg2 {! (the ambush is a typical procedure in this ending!)} Qg7 (20... Qa6+ {%05 Black switches to passive defence. Did he not have anything better? Novotyelnov gives the following variations, demonstrating that the win for White is inevitable: ^013^010 %05(a)} 21. Kd2 Ka1 (21... Qa5+ {%05totally bad is} 22. Kc1+ Ka3 23. Qb2+ {[%eval 550,0] , when White exchanges queens}) 22. Qg1+ Ka2 23. Qf2 Kb1 { %00o^ Qh6+ 28.Ke2 Qa6+ 29.Ke1 Qc4 $18 (~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~}) (20... Qe5+ { %05(b)} 21. Kf3+ Ka3 22. Qg3 Qf5+ (22... Qd5+ {%05or} 23. Kg4+ Kb2 24. Qf2+ Kc1 25. Qf4+ Kb2 26. Qf6+ {[%eval 550,0] , with the unavoidable exchange of queens} ) 23. Kg2+ Ka4 {%04 %04 %04 Position ~3(**)~ %08DA} 24. g7 {followed by taking his king to h5, without allowing a check from h7. For example: %05. The only move, but now, thanks to the unfortunate position of the opponent's king, White wins by} Qe4+ 25. Kh3 Qh1+ 26. Kg4 Qd1+ 27. Kf5 Qd7+ (27... Qc2+ { %05weaker is} 28. Kg5 Qc5+ 29. Kh4 Qe7+ 30. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 28. Kf6 Qd8+ 29. Kg6 Qe8+ 30. Kg5 Qd8+ 31. Kh5 Qd5+ 32. Qg5 Qf7+ 33. Kg4 Qe6+ 34. Qf5 Qe2+ 35. Qf3 Qe6+ 36. Kg3 Qe1+ 37. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.} Qe6+) 21. Kd3+ { %05After 20...Qg7, on the other hand, the game ended very quickly:} Ka3 22. Qa8+ Kb2 23. Qb8+ Ka1 24. Qd6 Qg8 {%05Black could essentially have resigned here, since there is no defence against 25.Qd4. The finish was:} (24... Qb7 { is the most tenacious}) 25. Qa3+ Kb1 26. Qb4+ Ka1 27. Qc3+ Kb1 28. Qc2+ { [%eval 550,0] . Resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Novotelnov Nikolai (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/Q5P1/4q3/8/8/8/1k6 b - - 0 8"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] {Slightly later a detailed analysis of this ending was published by another Leningrad master Novotyelnov (~4Shakhmatny Bulletin, No. 7, 1970)~. He concluded that the cause of Black's defeat was his poor 8th move 8...Qg5, and that correct was} 8... Qc3 {^013^010 In this case, in Novotyelnov's opinion, all White's attacking attempts are unsuccessful:} 9. Qb5+ {%05^013^010} (9. Qb7+ {%05Novotyelnov's conclusions were disputed by yet %05another Leningrad master $6 Faibisovich %05(~4Shakhmatny Bulletin, No. 2, 1971~). He doubted %05whether Black's position could be improved by taking %05his queen away from the pawn, since this allows the %05white queen complete freedom. Faibisovich thought %05that White should continue} Ka1 (9... Ka2 {~3($413484 )~ ^013^010 Position ~3(*)~ %05~2Black had a more tenacious defence $6 instead of~^013^010 %05~29...Ka1 he could have played~ %08DA}) 10. Ka8 {! , vacating a7 for his queen. He now threatens 11.Qa7 Kb1 12.g7 with a quick win, and therefore Black cannot wait. He has to play} Qh8+ 11. Qb8 Qh1+ 12. Ka7 {~3($403483)~.}) 9... Ka2 10. Qa4+ Kb1 11. Qe4+ Ka1 {(now activating the king fails to win)} 12. Kb6 Qb3+ 13. Kc5 (13. Ka5 {, then %05if} Qc3+ 14. Ka4 Qc2+ {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw}) 13... Qc3+ 14. Kd5 Qb3+ 15. Ke5 Qg3+ 16. Kd4 (16. Kf5 {due to the same %05nothing is promised by} Qf2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 16... Qf2+ 17. Kc3 Qc5+ 18. Kd2 Qf2+ 19. Kd1 Qg1+ {!} 20. Ke2 (20. Qe1 Qxg6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 20... Qh2+ 21. Kf1 Qh3+ 22. Ke2 (22. Qg2 {%05perpetual check follows from} Qd3+ 23. Kg1 Qd4+ 24. Qf2 Qg4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 22... Qh2+ 23. Kd3 Qg3+ 24. Kd4 Qf2+ (24... Qd6+ { [%eval 0,0] is also sufficient. %05Incidentally,}) 25. Ke5 (25. Qe3 {%05Now, however, White has an interesting possibility:} Qf6+ 26. Qe5 Qxg6 27. Kc3 { , with dangerous threats. But by} Qb1 {[%eval 0,0] or 27...Qb6= Black succeeds in defending.}) 25... Qc5+ 26. Kf6 Qb6+ 27. Qe6 Qd8+ 28. Kg7 Qc7+ 29. Qf7 Qc5 { [%eval 0,0] , and we have come full circle.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Faibisovich Vadim Z (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/K7/6P1/8/8/8/8/k6q b - - 0 12"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {Who has gained the more? White has not managed to place his queen at a7, but on the other hand the black queen has occupied a poor position. This latter factor proves decisive. If, for example,} 12... Qg1+ (12... Qd5 {, the simplest is %05If instead Black plays} 13. Qa8 {! 'a la Lisitsin', for example: } Qd6 (13... Qg5 {= ~5 Black draws (Nalimov tablebases)~ %05~5 (RR) After}) 14. g7 {!} Qc7+ 15. Qb7 Qc5+ 16. Ka8 {[%eval 550,0] , winning.}) 13. Qb6 Qg4 { (14.Qd4 was threatened), the most exact is} 14. Qf6+ {, and on any move by the king $6 15.g7$18} (14. Qa6+ {%05Faibisovich considered} Kb1 15. Ka8 {[%eval 550,0] etc., which takes longer.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Faibisovich Vadim Z (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/KQ6/6P1/8/8/2q5/k7/8 w - - 0 10"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] 10. Ka8 {!} Qh8+ 11. Qb8 Qh1+ 12. Ka7 {If now Black continues, as in the previous position,} Qg1+ {, after} (12... Qa1 {! , in turn setting up an ambush with his own queen. In this case Faibisovich gives even two winning paths. Here is the first of them: %05Black has the interesting reply} 13. Qh2+ (13. Ka6 {%05The second path is also unclear:} Qc3 14. Qh2+ Ka1 15. Qh1+ {!} Kb2 16. Qe4 {. Here Black can continue} Qa3+ 17. Kb5 Qb3+ {!} 18. Kc5 (18. Qb4 {%05an immediate draw results from} Ka1 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 18... Qc3+ 19. Kd6 ( 19. Kd5 Qa5+ 20. Ke6 Qb6+ 21. Kf5 Qf2+ 22. Kg4 Ka1 {[%eval 0,0] ! comes to the same thing}) 19... Qa3+ 20. Ke5 Qc5+ 21. Kf4 Qf2+ 22. Kg4 Ka1 {! ^013^010 How is White to continue here? For example: %08DA} 23. Qe5+ {%05Position ~3(*) ~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} Ka2 {!} 24. g7 Qg2+ 25. Qg3 Qe4+ 26. Kh3 Qh7+ 27. Kg2 Qe4+ {[%eval 0,0] , and he has no way of winning. If his king goes to hide^013^010 itself behind the pawn, this leads to the familiar drawn^013^010 position ~3($413451)~ with the king at a2.^013^010 ^013^010 ~2Thus for the moment we are unable to state that~^013^010 ~2 with a knight's pawn on the 6th rank White wins.~^013^010 ~5 (RR) According to the Nalimov tablebases, the examined positions are drawn.~5}) 13... Kb1+ 14. Kb8 Qf6 15. Qh1+ Ka2 16. Qa8+ Kb1 17. Qb7+ Ka1 18. Qa7+ Kb1 19. Qf7 {etc. Here the analysis terminates, but let us continue it with} Qe5+ 20. Qc7 {, then %05. If} (20. Ka8 {(c8) %05while after} Qh8+ {[%eval 0,0] he has to solve a difficult problem: how to hide his king from the checks?}) 20... Qe8+ 21. Kb7 Qe4+ 22. Qc6 Qe7+ 23. Kb6 Qe3+ 24. Ka6 Qa3+ {[%eval 0,0] , and no progress by White is apparent}) 13. Qb6 {he has to switch to the flank defence by} Qg5 {, when White carries out the familiar queen manoeuvre:} 14. Qa6+ Kb2 15. Qe2+ Ka1 ( 15... Kc3 16. Qe4 Qf6 {= ~5(Nalimov tablebases)~}) 16. Qd1+ Ka2 17. Qa4+ Kb1 18. Qe4+ Ka2 {= , and then takes his king to the 2nd rank, as occurred in^013^010 the Podgayets-Shamkovich game.^013^010 ~5 (RR) According to the Nalimov tablebases, this^013^010 ~5 position is drawn. ~^013^010 ^013^010 Thus, in the opinion of Faibisovich, by 8...Qc3 Black can merely delay his defeat, but not more. Is there not a contradiction here? After all, at the very start we said that theorists had not yet come to a definite conclusion as to how the game should end when there is a knight's pawn on the 6th rank. Indeed, only very recently some additional finesses have been found, casting doubts on Lisitsin's assertion. Let us return, for example, to the position which arose in the analysis of the Podgayets-Shamkovich ending after White's 19th move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3q2P1/8/4Q3/8/k3K3/8 b - - 0 19"] [PlyCount "6"] 19... Ka1 {! , with a timely removal of the king from the dangerous rank. ^013^010 One gains the impression that White is unlikely to be able to improve his position here. If %05Black played 19...Qf6, when White gained a decisive advantage by 20.Qg2, creating two simultaneous threats: a discovered check and 21.g7. Black's misfortune is that he cannot play 20...Ka1 due to 21.Qf1, exchanging queens. But this means that the queen move to f6 was an obvious mistake, and that correct was} 20. Qh1+ (20. Qa4+ {%05No better is} Kb2 21. Qb5+ Kc2 22. Qc4+ Kb2 23. Qg4 Ka1 {! , when} 24. g7 {[%eval 0,0] again leads to perpetual check}) (20. g7 {, then %05Finally, if} Qh2+ 21. Kd1 Qh5+ (21... Qd6+ {[%eval 0,0] %05or}) (21... Qg1+ {? %05but not} 22. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins}) 22. Kc2 Qc5+ 23. Kb3 Qa3+ {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw}) (20. Kf1 {, then %05If instead} Qf6+ 21. Kg2 Qg5+ 22. Kf3 Qh5+ 23. Kf4 Qh4+ 24. Kf5 Qf2+ 25. Ke6 Qb6+ {, and it would seem that the best White has is again to hide his king behind the pawn.}) 20... Ka2 21. Qg2 {, then again} Ka1 {!} 22. g7 {[%eval 0,0] leads only to perpetual check. %05, when} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana, Averbakh"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6QQ/8/8/1k6/7K/8/7q/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] {~1 2.4 Rook's pawn~ The theory of this ending began to be developed only very recently, thanks largely to the efforts of the Swiss problem composer Fontana. It is considered that with a rook's pawn the winning chances are slightest, since such a pawn can cover the king only against checks from the rear. However, with the pawn on the seventh rank a number of positions have been found where the stronger side wins. Before beginning an analysis of this endgame, it will be useful to make the acquaintance of two important final positions, in which the stronger side succeeds in queening his pawn, but, due to the unfortunate placing of the queens, the opponent is able to give perpetual check. Here Black has a draw only if his king is at ~2d3~, ~2e4~, ~2b5~, ~2b4~ or ~2c5~. For example, with the king at ~2b5~: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/1XIXI5/1XI2XI3/3XI4/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8)} 1. Kg4 Qg2+ 2. Kf4 Qf2+ 3. Ke4 Qe2+ 4. Kd4 Qd2+ 5. Ke5 Qb2+ {! ^013^010 The only move.} (5... Qc3+ {%05Bad is} 6. Kf4 {!} Qc1+ 7. Kf3 Qf1+ 8. Ke3 Qe1+ (8... Qc1+ 9. Kf2 Qd2+ 10. Kg1 Qe1+ 11. Kh2 Qd2+ 12. Qg2 Qf4+ 13. Qg3 Qd2+ 14. Kh3 Qd7+ 15. Kh4 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 9. Kd3 Qd1+ 10. Kc3 Qc1+ 11. Kb3 Qc4+ (11... Qd1+ 12. Ka2 Qa4+ 13. Kb2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Kb2 Qe2+ 13. Ka3 Qe7+ 14. Ka2 Qa7+ 15. Kb1 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) (5... Qe3+ { comes to the same thing after} 6. Kd5 Qc5+ (6... Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0] %05or}) 7. Ke4 Qc2+ 8. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 6. Ke6 Qa2+ {!} (6... Qb3+ {%05bad is} 7. Kd7 Qd3+ 8. Kc7 {!} Qc2+ 9. Kb8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kd7 Qa7+ {[%eval 0,0] , and White's king is unable to avoid perpetual check.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana, Averbakh"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q6Q/8/8/1k6/8/8/1K6/4q3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {Fontana, 1967 Averbakh, 1981 Black draws by perpetual check if his king is at ~2b5~ or ~2c5~ (or, symmetrically, at ~2g5~ or ~2f5~), and if he is able to prevent the white king escaping from the indicated zone (or, symmetrically, the corresponding zone on the K-side). We will consider the position with the white king at b2. %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 1XIXI2XIXI1/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Qe2+ {! ^013^010 The only move.} (1... Qb4+ {%05The alternatives being bad:^013^010 %05(a)} 2. Kc2 {[%eval 550, 0]}) (1... Qd2+ {%05 (b)} 2. Kb3 Qd1+ 3. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Qf2+ { %05 (c)} 2. Kb3 Qf7+ 3. Kc3 Qc4+ (3... Qc7+ 4. Kb2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kd2 Qf4+ 5. Ke2 Qc4+ 6. Ke3 Qc1+ 7. Ke4 Qc2+ (7... Qe1+ {is more tenacious, on which there follows} 8. Kf5 Qf2+ 9. Ke6 Qb6+ 10. Kd5 (10. Kd7 {%05but not} Qd4+ { !! , and the king has to carry on running, since} 11. Qxd4 {[%eval 0,0] gives stalemate}) 10... Qc5+ 11. Ke4 Qc2+ 12. Ke5 Qc3+ 13. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Ke5 Qc3+ 9. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] , and there are no more checks}) 2. Kb3 Qc4+ 3. Ka3 Qd3+ {(b4)} 4. Ka2 Qc4+ 5. Ka1 Qf1+ 6. Kb2 Qe2+ 7. Kb1 Qf1+ 8. Kc2 Qe2+ 9. Kc1 Qe1+ 10. Kc2 Qe2+ 11. Kc3 Qe3+ {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/7P/8/1k2q3/8/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] 1. Qb7+ {! %05The win is achieved by:} (1. h8=Q {would be a mistake due to %05The immediate} Qe2+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 1... Ka5 (1... Kc5 { is met by} 2. Qc8+ {and 3.h8Q$18}) (1... Ka4 {(c4) %05while after} 2. Qb3+ { [%eval 550,0] White exchanges queens.}) 2. Qa7+ Kb5 3. Qd7+ Kb4 {!} 4. Qd2+ Ka4 {! ^013^010 Black finds a subtle defence.} (4... Kb5 {%05Weaker is} 5. Qd3+ Kb6 6. Qb3+ Ka6 7. Qa3+ {and 8.Qb2$18, when the queens are exchanged.}) 5. Kb1 { ! (an excellent move; White threatens to exchange queens)} Qb5+ 6. Kc1 Qc4+ {!} 7. Qc2+ Ka3 8. h8=Q {, and White wins. For example:} Qf1+ (8... Qf4+ 9. Qd2 Qf1+ 10. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qd1 Qc4+ 10. Kb1 Qb4+ 11. Ka1 Qd4+ 12. Qdxd4 { ! +5.50 We will begin a systematic study of this type of ending with a practical example, demonstrating some of the possibilities available to the stronger side.} * [Event "Belgrade (Yugoslavia)"] [Site "Belgrade (Yugoslavia)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Czerniak Moshe (ISR)"] [Black "Ivkov Borislav (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k2KP/8/4Q3/8/5q2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {(with flanks reversed) Black has only two checks.} 1... Qg2+ (1... Qg4+ { %05If, for example,} 2. Kf6 {!} Qh4+ 3. Kg6 Qg4+ 4. Qg5 Qe6+ 5. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the checks finish.}) 2. Kh6 Qc6+ (2... Qh1+ {%05Black loses more quickly after} 3. Kg6 Qg2+ 4. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0] , joining the main variation.} ) 3. Kh5 Qf3+ 4. Kg6 {!} Qg2+ 5. Qg5 Qc6+ 6. Qf6 {(White does not immediately find the correct plan)} Qg2+ 7. Qg5 Qc6+ 8. Kg7 {!} Qc3+ 9. Qf6 Qg3+ 10. Kf8 Qb8+ (10... Qa3+ 11. Kg8 Qa8+ 12. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kf7 Qb3+ 12. Kg6 {!} Qg3+ 13. Qg5 {.^013^010 By subtle manoeuvring with his king, White has forced the black queen onto less favourable diagonals. Remember this manoeuvre! It is typical of this type of ending.} Qd6+ {%05^013^010} 14. Kf7 {! , and Black resigned, since} Qe6+ {is met by} (14... Qd4 {%04by %05and} 15. Qg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] Of course, White's task was made easier here by the poor position of the black king. We will now examine a position where the black king is again on the 7th rank, but further away from the pawn.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Stalyoraitis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k5KP/6Q1/8/7q/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {In this position too White succeeds in forcing the opposing queen onto less favourable diagonals.} 1... Qd4+ 2. Qf6 Qg4+ 3. Kf7 Qc4+ (3... Qh5+ 4. Kg8 Qe8+ 5. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qe6 {! ^013^010 The queen has occupied an important square, from where it can easily come to the aid of the king, to defend it against checks.} Qf4+ {%05^013^010} 5. Kg7 Qd4+ {^013^010 There is nothing better.} (5... Qg5+ {, then %05if} 6. Kf8 Qd8+ 7. Kf7 Qh8 8. Qe7+ {[%eval 550, 0] , exchanging queens next move}) (5... Qg3+ {%05or} 6. Kf8 Qb8+ (6... Qc3 { , then %05if} 7. Qf7+ Ka6 (7... Ka8 {White has the immediately decisive %05while on} 8. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qg6+ Ka5 9. Qh5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qe8 Qb2 8. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 6. Kg8 {!} Qg1+ (6... Qd8+ 7. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] has already been considered}) 7. Kf8 Qd4 8. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. ~2In general, it can be said that the position of the black king on the 7th rank can in no way be called good.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k2KP/6Q1/8/5q2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... Ke7 {!! Black succeeds in drawing. For example: %05By the study-like move} 2. h8=Q {(there is nothing better)} Qd4+ 3. Kg8 Qc4+ 4. Kh7 Qh4+ 5. Qh6 Qe4+ 6. Kg7 Qg4+ {!} 7. Qg6 Qd4+ {[%eval 0,0] , with perpetual check.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3Q3P/1k6/6K1/8/8/7q/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {Possibly it was the Czerniak-Ivkov ending which drew the attention of Fontana, who since 1956 has regularly published studies devoted to this type of ending. This is a typical position with the black king on the 6th rank. White is again able to exploit its position to defend against the checks. Three main continuations are possible:} 1... Qg3+ (1... Qg2+ 2. Qg4 Qd2+ (2... Qd5+ 3. Qf5 Qg2+ 4. Kf6 Qb2+ 5. Qe5 Qf2+ 6. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qf4 Qg2+ 4. Kh6 Qc6+ 5. Kg7 Qg2+ 6. Kf7 Qd5+ 7. Kg6 Qd3+ 8. Qf5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins as already examined}) (1... Qg1+ 2. Qg4 Qc1+ 3. Qf4 Qg1+ 4. Kh6 Qa1 5. Qd6+ { [%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 2. Qg4 Qe5+ (2... Qe3+ {%05or} 3. Qf4 Qg1+ 4. Kh6 Qh1+ 5. Kg6 Qg2+ 6. Qg5 Qe4+ 7. Qf5 Qg2+ 8. Kf7 Qb7+ 9. Kf6 {!} (9. Kg8 { [%eval 550,0] , as considered by the composer %05this is simpler than}) 9... Qh1 10. Kg7 Qb7+ 11. Qf7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 3. Qf5 Qg3+ (3... Qe3+ {%05More tenacious than} 4. Kf6 Qh6+ (4... Qd4+ 5. Kf7 Ka7 6. Qe6 { [%eval 550,0] leads to a continuation examined in our analysis of the previous position}) 5. Kf7 Ka7 6. Qd7+ Ka8 7. Qe8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kf6 Qc3+ 5. Qe5 Qf3+ 6. Kg7 Qb7+ 7. Kg8 Qg2+ (7... Qc8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Qa8+ {%05or} 8. Kf7 Qb7+ 9. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 8. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. In the following example the deciding king manoeuvre is instructive.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stalyoraitis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7P/k6K/6Q1/3q4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {Black has no useful checks, but at first sight it is also not apparent how White can promote his pawn.} 1... Qc3 {(for the moment Black waits)} 2. Qe7 { ! ^013^010 Of course, White could have carried out the same plan as in the previous position, but the following king manoeuvre is perhaps more characteristic.} Qd4 {%05^013^010} (2... Qh3+ {, then %05if} 3. Kg6 Qg4+ (3... Qd3+ 4. Kg7 Qg3+ 5. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0] , joining the main variation}) 3. Kg6 Qg4+ 4. Qg5 Qe4+ 5. Qf5 Qg2+ (5... Qe8+ {%05or} 6. Kg7 Qe7+ 7. Qf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kf6 Qb2+ (6... Qh2 7. Kg7 Qc7+ 8. Qf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qe5 Qf2+ 8. Ke6 Qa2+ 9. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6KP/6Q1/k7/7q/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {This position differs from example ~3( 3490)~ only in the position of the black king, but here White is able to win. This means that the defender's king is also badly placed on the 5th rank.} 1... Qe7+ (1... Qd4+ {%05or} 2. Qf6 Qd7+ 3. Kh6 Qh3+ 4. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kh6 Qf8+ 3. Kg5 {^013^010 Now Black has two main possibilities:} Qh8 {%05^013^010} (3... Qe7+ 4. Kh5 Qf8 5. Qe6 { ! ^013^010 We have already seen several times that the occupying of this square with the queen is an important step in White's plan. He now threatens a queen check at e5.} Qf3+ {%05^013^010} 6. Kg5 Qg3+ 7. Qg4 Qe3+ 8. Qf4 Qe7+ ( 8... Qg1+ 9. Kh5 Qd1+ 10. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kg6 Qe8+ 10. Qf7 Qc6+ 11. Qf6 Qe8+ 12. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 4. Qf7 {!} Ka4 {(Black hastens to remove his king from the danger zone)} 5. Kg6 Qe5 {(6.Qg8 was threatened)} 6. Qa7+ Kb4 7. Qb7+ Ka5 8. Qa8+ {^013^010 At this point the composer concluded his analysis, but, as shown by Cheron, White still has one more problem to solve. Thus after} Kb5 {!} 9. h8=Q Qg3+ 10. Kf7 {!} Qb3+ {the only way to win is by} 11. Kf8 {!} (11. Ke7 {%05but not} Qe3+ 12. Kd7 Qd4+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) 11... Qb4+ 12. Ke8 {!} Qe1+ 13. Kf7 Qf1+ 14. Qf6 Qc4+ 15. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] ~2Thus we can state that, if the black king is on the 7th, 6th or 5th rank, White normally succeeds in hiding his king from the checks and in queening his pawn.~ Now, out of the positions of the black king in its own half of the board, there remains only one case, where it is on the back rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k6K/6QP/3q4/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Here White's task is straightforward. He first carries out a standard manoeuvre with his queen, and then brings his king out of its shelter.} 1. Qg8+ Kb7 2. Qf7+ Kc8 (2... Ka6 3. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qe8+ {!} Kb7 {^013^010 By forcing the black king to occupy a square on the 7th rank, White has prepared the emergence of his king.} 4. Kg8 {%05^013^010} Qg3+ 5. Kf8 {(all this has already been seen in the analysis of example ~3($403490)~} Qc3 (5... Qh3 { , then %05if} 6. Qf7+ Ka8 7. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qf7+ Ka6 (6... Ka8 7. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qg6+ Ka5 8. Qh5+ {and 9.h8Q$18 If in the initial position Black's king is at ~2b8~, he can prevent the check from e8 by moving his king to d8. But White still wins, although in a rather different way.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k5K/6QP/3q4/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qg8+ Kc7 2. Qf7+ Kd8 {!} 3. Kg7 {!} Qg3+ {(clearly the only reply)} 4. Qg6 Qc7+ 5. Kg8 Qc4+ 6. Qf7 Qg4+ 7. Kf8 Qb4+ (7... Qh3 {, then %05if} 8. Qf6+ { [%eval 550,0]} (8. Qg8 {%05but not} Qf5+ {!} 9. Kg7+ {?} Ke7 {!} 10. h8=Q Qg5+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw})) (7... Qd4 {, then %05if instead} 8. Qe8+ Kc7 9. Qg6 {!} Qd8+ (9... Kd8 10. Qg5+ {!} Kc8 11. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 10. Kg7 Qd4+ 11. Qf6 Qg4+ 12. Kf8 Qc8+ 13. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 8. Kg7 Qg4+ 9. Qg6 Qd7+ {(here too the black queen has been forced onto an unfavourable diagonal)} 10. Kf8 {!} Qd4 (10... Qe7+ 11. Kg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qg5+ { ! ^013^010 A necessary finesse.} (11. Qg8 {? %05After} Qf6+ 12. Qf7 Qh8+ { [%eval 0,0] the game ends in a draw.}) 11... Kc8 12. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. Thus, if the defender's king approaches the pawn, on the back rank too its position can be exploited. Some interesting finesses in this ending are shown by the following positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stalyoraitis, Averbakh"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k4K/7P/3Q4/5q2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {Stalyoraitis, 1980 Averbakh, 1982} 1. Qe7 {! , transposing into example ~3 ($403495)~. For example: %05The win is achieved by the 'quiet' move} (1. Qc6+ { , since %05At first sight White seems immediately able to decide the game in his favour by} Kb8 {is met by} (1... Kd8 {, then %05while if} 2. Kg7 {, joining position ~3($403496)~ .^013^010 But in fact it is all much more complicated, since in this last variation Black gains a draw by} Qf7+ {!} 3. Kh6 (3. Kxf7 {[%eval 0,0] - stalemate!}) 3... Qf4+ 4. Kh5 Qf5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Qe8+ {and 3.Kg7, transposing into example ~3($403495)~.}) 1... Qf4 (1... Kb8 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 2. Qe8+ Kb7 3. Kg7 {!} Qd4+ (3... Qg5+ {, then %05if} 4. Qg6 (4. Kf8 {%05but not} Qh6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Qe5+ 5. Qf6 Qg3+ 6. Kf8 Qb8+ 7. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Qg3+ {is met by %05while} 4. Kf8 {!} Qc3 5. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Qg4+ {%05and} 4. Kf8 {!} Qd4 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 4. Kg8 Qg4+ 5. Kf8 Qd4 6. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stalyoraitis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k4K/7P/5Q2/3q4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {What should Black play?} 1... Qc5 {! , depriving the opponent's queen of f8. But now White wins as follows: %05The only possibility of resisting is by} ( 1... Kd7 {, then %05if} 2. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] , transposing into position ~3 ($403489)~}) (1... Qc4 {, then White carries out a decisive queen manoeuvre: %05if instead} 2. Qf8+ Kd7 3. Qg7+ Kd6 4. Qf6+ Kc5 {^013^010 Black tries to escape from the danger zone.} (4... Kc7 {, then %05if} 5. Kg7 Qg4+ 6. Kf8 Qc8+ 7. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 5. Kg7 Qg4+ 6. Kh6 Qh3+ 7. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] , and there are no more checks.}) 2. Qf4 {! ^013^010 Before bringing out his king, White improves the position of his queen to the greatest extent, while also depriving the opposing queen of important squares.} Qc3+ {%05^013^010} ( 2... Qe7 {, then %05if} 3. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0] , forcing the exchange of queens. Moving the king onto the 7th rank leads to positions already studied}) (2... Kd8 {, then %05while if} 3. Kg7 Qg1+ (3... Qe7+ {%05or} 4. Qf7 Qg5+ 5. Qg6 Qe7+ 6. Kg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kf7 Qa7+ 5. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.} ) 3. Kg8 Qb3+ 4. Kg7 Qc3+ (4... Qb7+ {%05Or:^013^010 %05(a)} 5. Qf7 Qb2+ 6. Kg8 Qg2+ 7. Kf8 {, and the rest is already familiar} Z0 (7... Qb2 8. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0]})) (4... Qb2+ {%05(b)} 5. Kh6 Kb7 (5... Qb6+ 6. Kh5 Qc5+ (6... Qb5+ { %05or} 7. Kh4 Qe8 8. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qf7+ Kb6 7. Qe6+ Ka5 8. Qd5+ Kb6 9. Qd8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kg6 Qc6+ 6. Kg5 Qe8 7. Qc1+ {!} Kd7 8. Qd2+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 We can now turn to the analysis of an extremely important position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stalyoraitis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k5K/6QP/8/8/5q2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {I reached this position, with colours reversed, in my analysis of the game Schlechter-Pillsbury (cf. example ~3( 3551)~). At the time I was unable to demonstrate the existence of a win, but this problem was later solved by Stalyoraitis.} 1. Qe7 Qd4+ {(with 2.Qe8 threatened, Black cannot wait)} 2. Kg8 Qg4+ 3. Kf8 Qf4+ 4. Ke8 Qa4+ 5. Qd7 {!} Qe4+ (5... Qa1 {, then %05if} 6. Qd8+ Kb7 7. Qe7+ Ka6 (7... Kb8 {%05or} 8. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] }) 6. Kf8 Qf4+ 7. Kg8 Qg5+ (7... Qc4+ {%05If} 8. Kh8 {! (again threatening 9. Qe8)} Qc3+ 9. Qg7 Qf3 {, then} 10. Qe5+ Ka8 11. Qe8+ {[%eval 550,0] , and by driving the opposing king onto the 7th rank, White easily wins, as already examined.}) 8. Qg7 Qd5+ 9. Kh8 {!} Qf5 10. Qg3+ {!} Kc8 (10... Kb7 {White can bring his king out, as in the main variation: %05After} 11. Kg7 Qd7+ 12. Kh6 Qe6+ (12... Qd2+ {%05or} 13. Qg5 Qh2+ 14. Kg6 Qc2+ 15. Qf5 Qg2+ 16. Kf7 Qa2+ 17. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Qg6 Qh3+ 14. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) ( 10... Ka8 {, then %05if instead} 11. Qa3+ {!} Kb8 12. Qd6+ Kc8 {(to avoid the king being driven off the back rank), and we reach example ~3($413497)~ in which} 13. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0] ! wins.}) 11. Kg7 {!} Qd7+ 12. Kh6 Qe6+ 13. Qg6 Qe3+ 14. Kg7 Qe7+ 15. Kh8 {! ^013^010 White's problem is to drive the opposing queen off favourable squares, and place his own queen at f6.} Qe5+ {%05^013^010 } 16. Kg8 Qd5+ 17. Kg7 Qd4+ (17... Qd7+ {%05the most tenacious;} 18. Kf8 Qd4 { is met by} 19. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) (17... Qb7+ {%04by %05and} 18. Qf7 Qg2+ 19. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 18. Qf6 {!} Qd7+ 19. Kg8 Qd5+ 20. Kh8 {[%eval 550,0] , and we reach position ~3($403498)~, in which White^013^010 wins comparatively easily.^013^010 ^013^010 ~2We thus conclude that the position of his king on~^013^010 ~2the back rank does not guarantee the defender~^013^010 ~2against defeat, due to the fact that his king can~^013^010 ~2normally be driven onto the totally unfavourable~^013^010 ~2 7th rank.~^013^010 But even here there is one amazing position, also found^013^010 by Stalyoraitis, which is an exception to the rule.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stalyoraitis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k6K/6QP/8/8/8/5q2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {We have here a situation of mutual zugzwang. If it is Black to move he is forced into a decisive weakening.} 1... Kb8 {, for example, leads to the previous position, in which White wins by} (1... Qf4 {, then %05while if} 2. Qg2+ {!} Kb8 3. Qg6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the threat of 4.Qe8 forces Black himself to give checks, thus transposing into example ~3($403499)~}) (1... Qf5 {, then %05finally, if} 2. Qg2+ {!} Kb8 3. Qg3+ {!} Kc8 {[%eval 550,0] , and the white king can emerge from its shelter, as shown in the analysis of the previous example}) 2. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1980.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stalyoraitis"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k6K/6QP/8/8/8/5q2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1980.??.??"] {With White to move both the black king and queen are on their best squares, so that the attempt to bring the king out does not succeed. For example:} 1. Qa1+ (1. Qe7 Qc3+ 2. Kg8 Qg3+ 3. Kf8 Qf4+ 4. Ke8 Qa4+ 5. Qd7 Qe4+ 6. Kf8 Qf4+ 7. Kg8 Qg3+ 8. Qg7 Qb3+ 9. Kh8 Qf3 {[%eval 0,0] !}) (1. Kg8 Qb3+ 2. Qf7 Qg3+ 3. Kf8 Qd6+ 4. Kg7 Qg3+ 5. Qg6 Qc3+ 6. Qf6 Qc7+ 7. Kg6 Qg3+ 8. Qg5 (8. Kf7 Qc7+ 9. Kg8 Qg3+ 10. Kf8 Qb8+ 11. Kg7 Qc7+ 12. Kh6 Qh2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... Qd6+ 9. Kg7 Qc7+ 10. Kh6 Qd6+ 11. Qg6 Qd2+ 12. Kg7 Qc3+ {[%eval 0,0] , and White has made no progress}) 1... Kb7 {!} (1... Kb8 {? %05but not} 2. Qe5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qg7+ (2. Qb2+ {%05or} Ka6 {!} (2... Ka8 {?} 3. Qg7 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and Black is in zugzwang}) 3. Qg7 Qf5 {!} 4. Qe7 (4. Kg8 {%05Also unsuccessful, is the attempt to bring the king out immediately:} Qc8+ 5. Qf8 Qg4+ 6. Kf7 Qh5+ 7. Kg7 Qg5+ 8. Kh8 Qg6 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 4... Qg6 {[%eval 0,0] , and the king cannot emerge from its prison}) 2... Ka8 {[%eval 0,0] ! We can draw an important conclusion: ~2the position of the black king in its own half of the board gives White excellent winning chances, provided only that his pieces actively support each other.~ We will now turn to examples in which the black king is in the opponent's half of the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/3Q3P/8/q7/4k3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1... Qh5+ {%05In this type of ending the king is normally badly placed in the centre, and the given example confirms this.^013^010 %05Therefore Black plays} (1... Qa8+ {%05If, for example,} 2. Kf7 Kf3 {(the check at e8 was threatened), then} 3. Qf5+ Kg2 4. Qg5+ Kh3 {(f3)} 5. Qh5+ {(f6) and 6.h8Q$18}) (1... Qa1 { , then %05while if} 2. Qe6+ Kf4 (2... Kf3) (2... Kd3 {%04 - %05or} 3. Qh3+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qh6+ Kf5 4. h8=Q {[%eval 550,0] , and the king hides from the checks at h7.}) 2. Qf7 Qh2 (2... Qb5+ 3. Kf8 Qb2 {loses to} 4. Qe6+ Kf4 5. Qh6+ {and 6.h8Q$18}) 3. Qc4+ Kf5 {^013^010 Black's activity is forced: if the king moves onto the 3rd rank, 4.Qc3 wins.} 4. Qd5+ {%05The winning path is as follows:} (4. Qd4 {will now conclude the game immediately, since %05It appears that} Qb8+ {is met by} (4... Qh5+ {%04by %05and} 5. Kd8 Qg5+ 6. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Ke6 {! , and if %05but Black has the cunning defence} 5. h8=Q { , then} Qb8+ 6. Qd8 Qb5+ 7. Kf8 Qf5+ 8. Kg7 Qg6+ {[%eval 0,0] ! with a draw}) 5. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4... Kf6 5. Qf7+ Kg5 6. Qg7+ Kf5 7. h8=Q Qb8+ 8. Kd7 {! } (8. Ke7 {? %05 Despite the open position of the king, it escapes from the checks with comparative ease. Incidentally, White's last move is the only one. After} Qc7+ 9. Kf8 Qc8+ 10. Kf7 Qe6+ {[%eval 0,0] the game ends in a draw}) 8... Qb7+ 9. Kd6 Qb6+ 10. Kd5 Qb5+ (10... Qb3+ {%05after} 11. Kc6 {[%eval 550, 0] , the king moves across to the rook's file under the protection of the queen }) 11. Kd4 Qb4+ 12. Kd3 Qb5+ (12... Qb1+ {%05no better is} 13. Kd2 Qa2+ 14. Qb2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Kd2 Qd5+ 14. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Averbakh"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7q/7P/8/8/1k6/7Q/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {Cheron, 1970 Averbakh, 1981} 1... Qa1+ {%05 The similar position with a knight's pawn would be won for White, irrespective of the turn to move. It was for this reason that Cheron gave this position in his book, assuming that with a rook's pawn the game would end in a draw.^013^010 %05^013^010 %05Indeed, if it is Black to move, he gains a draw by} 2. Kh2 Qe5+ 3. Qg3 Qh5+ 4. Qh3 Qe5+ 5. Kg2 Qb2+ 6. Kg3 Qe5+ {= ~5 with a draw (Nalimov tablebases)~} (6... Qg7+ {?} 7. Qg4+ $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Averbakh"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7q/7P/8/8/1k6/7Q/8/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] {Cheron, 1970 Averbakh, 1981 However, contrary to the opinion of Cheron, White to play can win.} 1. Qg4+ Ka5 (1... Ka3 {%05White wins very simply after} 2. Qg8 Qa1+ 3. Kg2 Qb2+ 4. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] , when Black has no more useful checks}) 2. Qg8 {!} Qa1+ {^013^010 At this point Cheron terminated his analysis, assuming that the open position of the opponent's king plus control of the long diagonal would guarantee Black against defeat. But let us nevertheless continue:} 3. Kg2 {%05^013^010} Qb2+ 4. Kh3 Qc3+ 5. Kg4 Qd4+ 6. Kh5 Qd1+ 7. Qg4 Qh1+ 8. Kg6 Qc6+ 9. Kg5 Qc1+ (9... Qe8 {%05after} 10. Qh5 {!} Qh8 11. Kg6+ {and 12.Kf7 White forces the promotion of his pawn by Qh6-g7}) 10. Qf4 Qg1+ (10... Qc3 11. Qf6 {!} Qg3+ 12. Kh6 Qh3+ 13. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 11. Kf5 Qb1+ 12. Qe4 Qf1+ 13. Ke5 Qa1+ {(there is nothing better; 14. Qa8 was threatened)} 14. Qd4 Qe1+ 15. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. ^013^010 ^013^010 Thus, although the black queen has maximum freedom of movement, by moving along a 'narrow' path the white king nevertheless escapes from the pursuit.^013^010 ^013^010 Very important here are positions with the black king on the 3rd rank. For this case Fontana tried to establish something in the nature of a rule, demonstrating in which cases the defender loses, and in which he maintains the balance.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7P/5q2/8/8/k7/8/1QK5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] {According to Fontana, the black queen is badly placed at f6, and therefore White wins.} 1. Qe4 {^013^010 White carries out a procedure which is also characteristic for other pawns: he activates his queen to the maximum extent. Simultaneously the threat of 2.Qa8 and 3.h8Q is created. Of Black's many replies we will consider the three which offer the most resistance:} (1. Qd3+ { to be wrong due to %05Fontana considered} Kb4 {, but even in this case White wins, and moreover in a simpler and more elegant way:} (1... Ka2 2. Qd5+ Ka3 3. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Ka4 {, then after %05if} 2. Qe4+ Kb3 3. Qb7+ Ka3 4. Qa8+ Kb3 5. Qb8+ {[%eval 550,0] White promotes his pawn and wins}) 2. Kb1 {!} Qg7 (2... Qh8 {, then %05there is nothing better; if} 3. Qe4+ Kb3 4. Qf3+ Kb4 5. Qg4+ Kb3 6. Qg3+ {and 7.Qg8$18}) 3. Qd2+ Kc5 4. Qa5+ Kc4 5. Qa2+ Kc5 (5... Kd3 {%05After} 6. Qb2 {!} Qxh7 (6... Qg1+ {%05or} 7. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0] White wins}) 6. Qa3+ Kc4 7. Qc1+ {!} Kd3 (7... Kd4 { (b4) %05or} 8. Qb2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Kd5 {%05or} 8. Qh1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Kb3 {%05or, finally,} 8. Qc2+ Ka3 9. Qa2+ {and 10.Qb2$18}) 8. Qb2 { [%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins.}) 1... Qf1+ (1... Qb2+ 2. Kd1 Qh8 (2... Qb3+ 3. Kd2 Qb2+ 4. Qc2 {[%eval 550,0] simplifies White's task}) 3. Kd2 Kb3 {!} 4. Ke3 {!} Ka2 5. Kd3 {!} Ka3 {(The threat was 6.Qa4 Kb1 7.Qb3, exchanging queens. )} 6. Qe7+ Ka4 7. Qd7+ Ka5 8. Qd5+ {!} Ka6 9. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0] , and after the opposing queen moves along the diagonal. White can continue either 10.Qa8 and 11.h8Q, or 10.h8Q immediately, since by reaching h1 his king hides from the checks}) (1... Qg5+ 2. Kd1 Qg1+ (2... Qh5+ {%05or} 3. Ke1 Qa5+ 4. Ke2 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Ke2 Qh2+ 4. Kf1 Qh3+ 5. Kg1 Qg3+ 6. Qg2 Qe1+ 7. Kh2 { [%eval 550,0] , and wins.}) 2. Kd2 Qf2+ 3. Kd3 {!} Qf1+ 4. Kd4 {!} Qa1+ 5. Kd5 Qg7 6. Ke6 {!} Qh6+ (6... Qh8 {%05No better is} 7. Qf3+ Kb4 8. Qg4+ Kb5 9. Qg8 Qa1 10. Qb8+ {! and 11.h8Q$18, and White wins} (10. h8=Q {%05but not} Qa2+ { [%eval 0,0] , with a draw})) 7. Kd7 Qh3+ 8. Ke7 Qc8 9. Qf3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and the queen forces its way onto the h-file. As an example of a drawn position, Fontana gives the following.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana, Averbakh"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6qP/8/8/8/k7/8/1QK5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] {This position differs from the previous one only in the placing of the black queen. At ~2g7~ it is more favourably placed, and, in the composer's opinion, this is sufficient for Black to gain a draw.} 1. Qe4 {%05Here is his analysis:} Kb3 2. Qc2+ (2. Qe6+ {%05or} Kb4) 2... Ka3 3. Qd3+ Ka4 {! , removing the king from the dangerous b-file. %05^013^010 %05The correct reply was} (3... Kb4 { ! (the exclamation mark is Fontana's), and White has no way of improving his position.^013^010 But let us nevertheless try disputing this opinion. In the last variation let us play} 4. Kc2 {! , creating the threat of 5.Qb3 and 6.Qc3, exchanging queens. Black has only one reply $6} Qc7+ {. But then there follows} 5. Kb1 {!} Qg7 (5... Qb8 {%05No better is} 6. Qd4+ Ka3+ 7. Ka1 {, and the pawn cannot be stopped, while all aggressive attacks by the black queen are easily parried. For example:} Qg3 (7... Qb5 {%05or} 8. Qc3+ Ka4 9. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0] , exchanging queens}) 8. Qb2+ {and 9.h8Q$18}) 6. Qd2+ {! , and White wins exactly as in the previous position. For example:} Kc5 7. Qa5+ Kc4 8. Qa2+ Kc5 9. Qa3+ Kc4 10. Qc1+ Kd3 11. Qb2 {[%eval 550,0] ! etc.^013^010 However, as yet we have not achieved a great deal $6 we have merely shown that 3...Kb4 in no way merits an exclamation mark, and in fact loses by force.}) 4. Kc2 {!} Qc7+ { ^013^010 Again the only move.} (4... Qh8 {, then %05if} 5. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0] exchanging queens}) (4... Qg2+ {%05while after} 5. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0] ! Black has no useful moves}) 5. Kd1 Qg7 {^013^010 On the 4th rank the black king is not very well placed, and White can try to exploit this to defend against the checks. %08DA} 6. Qf5 {! ^013^010 Black has various possible replies: %05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} Qa1+ {%05^013^010} (6... Qg1+ 7. Ke2 (7. Kc2 Qd4 $13 {! is unclear}) 7... Qh2+ 8. Kd3 Qd6+ (8... Qg3+ { %05or} 9. Ke4 Qh4+ 10. Kf3 {(this same reply would have followed on 9...Qe1)} Qh1+ 11. Kg4 Qd1+ 12. Kg5 Qd8+ 13. Kh5 Qe8+ 14. Kg4 {! , winning by the same king manoeuvre as in the previous variation}) 9. Ke4 Qc6+ 10. Kf4 Qc1+ 11. Kg4 Qd1+ 12. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the rest is already familiar}) (6... Qd4+ 7. Ke2 Qc4+ (7... Qg7 8. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 8. Kf3 Qf1+ 9. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) (6... Qh8 {%05 Thus if the black queen immediately begins an attack on the opposing king, the latter hides from the checks in the vicinity of its own queen.^013^010 %05Since the black king does indeed prove to be badly placed on the 4th rank, the question arises: can't Black place his queen at h8 and then run with his king to the 3rd or 2nd rank? For example:} 7. Kd2 {!} (7. Kc2 {%05The most exact move: if} Qd4) (7. Ke2 {%05or} Kb3 {!}) 7... Kb3 { there follows %05^013^010 %05But now on} (7... Kb4 {White plays %05In the event of} 8. Kd3 {! , after which, due to the threat of 9.Qg4 and 10.Qg8, Black has to start checking:} Qc3+ 9. Ke4 Qg7 10. Kf3 {! (with the threat of 11.Qg4)} Kb3 11. Qh3 {!} Qh8 12. Kg2+ Ka2 (12... Ka4 {, then %05if} 13. Qg4+ { and 14.Qg8$18, as in example 197}) 13. Qh2 {!} Kb1 (13... Kb3 14. Qg3+ Kb2 ( 14... Ka4 {%05or} 15. Qg4+ {and 16.Qg8$18}) 15. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kh1 Qa8+ 15. Qg2 Qc8 (15... Qh8 16. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Qg1+ Kc2 17. Qh2+ Kb1 18. h8=Q {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 8. Qd3+ {!} Kb4 {! (other replies lead to the exchange of queens)} 9. Kc2 {!} Qc8+ 10. Kb1 {!} Qh8 11. Qc2 { ! , and against the check at b2 there is no defence} Z0 (11... Ka3 12. Qa2+ Kb4 13. Qb2+ {[%eval 550,0]})) (6... Kb3 {is met by %05White cuts off the black king from the 3rd rank, since} 7. Qh3+ {and 8.h8Q$18}) 7. Ke2 Qb2+ 8. Kf3 Qc3+ 9. Kg4 Qg7+ 10. Kh3 (10. Kh5 {the king escapes from the checks, but Black replies %05after} Kb3 {!} 11. Qg6 Qe5+ 12. Qg5 Qe8+ {[%eval 0,0] , and it is not apparent where the king can run to}) 10... Qc3+ (10... Qh6+ {%05or} 11. Kg3 Qe3+ 12. Qf3 {!} Qe1+ 13. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 11. Kh4 Qe1+ (11... Qh8 12. Qd7+ {[%eval 550,0] , followed by Kg4-f5}) 12. Kh5 Qe8+ (12... Qh1+ 13. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Kg4 {!} Qe2+ (13... Qh8 14. Qd7+ {and 15.Kf5$18}) 14. Qf3 {!} Qe6+ (14... Qe8 15. Qd1+ Kb5 16. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and the white queen reaches the a1-h8 diagonal with check}) 15. Kg3 Qe8 16. Qd1+ Kb5 17. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. Black was unable to maintain the balance in this example only because his king was evicted from b3, and when it again reached there it was too late. We will examine the position with the king at ~2b3~ in its most general form, as we have done for the other pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2q5/7P/3K4/8/4Q3/1k6/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {Can the white king escape from the pursuit here? ~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, this position is won for White. ~5} 1... Qd8+ 2. Ke6 Qe8+ 3. Kf5 Qf7+ {!} (3... Qh5+ {%05The most accurate reply. Weaker is} 4. Kf6 Qh6+ 5. Kf7 Qh5+ 6. Qg6 {!} Qf3+ 7. Kg8 Qa8+ 8. Kg7 Qa1+ 9. Qf6 Qg1+ 10. Kf7 Qa7+ 11. Qe7 Qf2+ 12. Ke8 {^013^010 White's king has managed to find a shelter, but the struggle is not yet over. %08DA} Qd4 {^013^010 It appears that White has another barrier to overcome, but by a subtle queen manoeuvre he achieves his goal. %05^013^010} 13. Qf7+ {%05^013^010} Kb2 14. Qb7+ Ka3 15. Qf3+ Ka4 16. Qf5 {! is possible, in analogy with the previous examples, when the black king's path backwards, onto the 3rd rank, is forbidden due to the check at h3, while 17.Qd7 is threatened.^013^010 Black seems to have nothing better than to begin checking, but then the white king proceeds 'under the wing' of its queen, as in the previous example, e.g. %05^013^010 %05There is nothing better. Now the black king has been driven from the 3rd rank onto the 4th. This means that} Qh8+ 17. Kf7 Qd4 18. Kg6 Qd6+ 19. Kg5 Qd8+ 20. Kh5 Qe8+ 21. Kg4 {!} Qe2+ 22. Qf3 {!} Qe6+ 23. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 4. Kg4 (4. Kg5 { %05Nothing is achieved by} Qg7+ 5. Kh5 Qf7+ 6. Qg6 Qf3+ 7. Kh6 Qe3+ 8. Kg7 Qd4+ 9. Qf6 Qg4+ 10. Kf8 Qc8+ 11. Kf7 Qd7+ 12. Qe7 Qf5+ 13. Kg8 Qg4+ 14. Qg7 Qc8+ 15. Qf8 Qg4+ 16. Kh8 Kc2 {[%eval 0,0] (a4) , and a draw can be agreed.}) 4... Qg7+ 5. Kf3 Qf6+ 6. Ke2 (6. Qf4 {%05or} Qc6+ {, and the queen must return to e4, since otherwise the pawn is lost}) 6... Qb2+ 7. Kd1 Qa1+ 8. Ke2 Qb2+ 9. Kf1 (9. Ke3 Qc1+ 10. Kf2 Qb2+ {!} 11. Qe2 Qg7 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and White's position has not improved}) 9... Qf6+ 10. Kg2 Qg7+ 11. Kh3 Qh6+ 12. Qh4 { %02~5 (RR) ?} (12. Kg4) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2q5/7P/3K4/8/4Q3/k7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {In position ~3( 3507)~ let us move the king to ~2a3~, and see how this affects the assessment. ~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, this position is won for White.~} 1... Qd8+ 2. Ke6 Qe8+ 3. Kf5 (3. Kd5 {! , exploiting the fact that his king has space available on^013^010 the left hand side. With the black king at b3^013^010 ~3($403507)~ the king's manoeuvre to the left did not succeed, due to 3...Qd8 4.Kc5 Qa5 5.Kd4 Qb4 6.Kd3 Qc3 7.Ke2^013^010 Qb2, when the queen gets onto the necessary^013^010 diagonal.^013^010 But here the black king cannot effectively support its^013^010 queen. For example: %05A new question arises: cannot White move his king so^013^010 %05as to prevent the opponent from achieving the^013^010 %05coordination of his pieces necessary for a draw? It turns^013^010 %05out that he can!} Qd8+ (3... Qb5+ {%05Black could have tried a different attack on the king:} 4. Kd6 {!} (4. Kd4 {, which after %05of course, not} Qb4+ {[%eval 0,0] leads to perpetual check}) 4... Qb6+ 5. Kd7 Qb5+ (5... Qa7+ 6. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 6. Ke7 Qc5+ 7. Ke6 {! ^013^010 Now the white king makes for its appointed place on the right, and Black is unable to carry out the necessary regrouping.} Qc8+ { %05^013^010} (7... Qb6+ {%05White's task is simplified by} 8. Kf5 Qf2+ 9. Kg4 Qg1+ 10. Kh3 Qf1+ 11. Kh2 Qf2+ 12. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Ke5 Qc7+ (8... Qc3+ 9. Kf4 Qf6+ 10. Ke3 Qb6+ 11. Ke2 Qb2+ 12. Kd1 Qa1+ 13. Kd2 Qb2+ 14. Qc2 { [%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 9. Kd4 Qg7+ 10. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins:} Z0 (10... Kb3 {is met by} 11. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0] , quickly exchanging queens}) (10... Qg3+ {loses to} 11. Qe3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (10... Qd7+ 11. Ke2 Qb5+ {allows} 12. Qd3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (10... Qh8 {%05and, finally, if} 11. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0]})) 4. Kc4 Qc7+ 5. Kd3 Qd6+ (5... Qg3+ 6. Qe3 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 6. Ke2 Qh2+ 7. Kf1 Qh3+ 8. Kg1 Qg3+ 9. Qg2 Qe3+ 10. Kh2 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.}) 3... Qf7+ 4. Kg4 Qg7+ 5. Kf3 Kb3 {! ^013^010 This position differs from one which arose in our analysis of example ~3($413507)~, only in that it is White to move. Here White has various attacking possibilities with his queen, but against accurate defence this does not bring success. For example: %08DA} 6. Qe6+ {%05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05} (6. Qd3+ {(even less dangerous)} Kb2 7. Qe2+ Kb3 {[%eval 0,0] (of course, moving onto the 1st rank would be fatal due to 8.Qf1 and 9.Qg2).} 8. Qd3+ {%00o^ 10.Kf2 (%00o^ 12. Kh4 (%00o^ 14.Kh5 (%00o^ 16.Kf5 (%00o^ 18.Kf6 (%00o^ 20.Qg6 (%00o^ 22.Kg7 (%00o^ 24.Kf7 (%00o^ 26.Ke8 (%00o^ 28.Qf7 (%00o^ 30.Qf5 (%00o^ 32.h8Q $18 (~5 Nalimov tablebases~ %00o^ (! Z0} ({Kb4 (a4) %05Clearly the only move. Bad is Qc8 +5.50 Kc2 Qc8+ +5.50 Ka3 %05or Qh3 ! Qh8 Kg2+ +5.50 , when White wins as in example ~3($403503)~.} 8. Qe4 {%00o^ 9.Kg3 (%00o^ 11.Kg4 (%00o^ 13.Kg6 (%00o^ 15.Ke5 (%00o^ 17.Kf7 (%00o^ 19.Kg8 (%00o^ 21.Qf6 (%00o^ 23.Qe7 (%00o^ 25.Qe6+ (%00o^ 27.Qf3+ (%00o^ 29.Qf8+ (%00o^ (We have thus reached the important conclusion that in position ~3(*)~ , irrespective of who it is to move, White cannot win. ~5 (RR) The tablebases do not confirm this conclusion. ~ Thus, having his queen at g7 and king at b3 (provided, of course, that it is not driven onto the 4th rank, as in example ~3( 3506)~) does indeed guarantee Black against defeat. Of interest is the position with the king at ~2b2~.})) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2q5/7P/3K4/8/4Q3/8/1k6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {White has to escape with his king to the necessary half of the board, but this must be done without allowing Black to set up the drawn position ~3( 3508) (*)~ .} 1... Qd8+ 2. Ke6 Qe8+ 3. Kd5 (3. Kf5 {%05Also possible is} Qf7+ 4. Kg4 Qg7+ {, and now not} 5. Kf3 {?} (5. Kh3 {! %05but} Qh6+ (5... Kb3 6. Qf3+ { [%eval 550,0] , exchanging queens on the following move}) 6. Kg2 Qg7+ (6... Qd2+ 7. Kf1 Qd1+ (7... Qc3 {%05or} 8. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0] , transposing into the main variation}) 8. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kf1 Kb3 (7... Qf6+ 8. Ke1 Qc3+ 9. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qf3+ {!} Kb4 9. Qf5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and we reach position ~3($403506) (*)~ , which is won for White.}) 5... Kb3 {[%eval 0,0] ! , when White can no longer win}) 3... Qb5+ 4. Kd4 Qb4+ 5. Kd3 Qc3+ 6. Ke2 Qg7 { ! ^013^010 We have already examined a similar position with a knight's pawn ~3 ($413431)~. There White won comparatively easily. And here?} 7. Qh4 {! ^013^010 It turns out that here too White can place his queen behind the pawn. For example: %05^013^010} Qh8 {%05^013^010} (7... Qg2+ 8. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Qe5+ 8. Kf1 Qh8 (8... Qb5+ 9. Kg1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qe7 {! ^013^010 Here the attempt to bring the queen out into the 'open field' is parried. For example:} Qc3 {%05^013^010} (9... Ka2 {%05 If active play with the queen does not succeed, it means that Black has nothing better than to adhere to waiting tactics, but then the play transposes into continuations already studied. For example:} 10. Qa7+ Kb1 11. Qb7+ Ka1 12. Kg2 {!} Ka2 13. Qf7+ Ka1 (13... Ka3 { , then %05there is nothing better; if} 14. Qg8 Qb2+ 15. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 14. Qf1+ Ka2 15. Qf2+ Ka1 16. Qg1+ Ka2 17. Qh2 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins in the same way as earlier.}) 10. Qb7+ Kc2 (10... Kc1 11. Qh1 { [%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qg2+ {!} Kb1 12. Qh1 {!} Qh8 13. Qb7+ Ka2 {(on the c-file the black king will only interfere with the queen)} 14. Kg2 Ka3 (14... Ka1 { , then %05There is nothing better. If} 15. Kh1 {!} Ka2 16. Qg2+ Ka3 17. Qg8 Qa1+ 18. Kg2 Qb2+ 19. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) (14... Qe8 {is met by} 15. Qd5+ Ka3 16. Qd3+ Ka2 17. Qc2+ {and 18.Qc3$18}) (14... Qd8 {, then %05if} 15. Qf7+ Ka3 16. Qf3+ Ka2 {(b2)} 17. Qf2+ Ka1 (17... Kb3 18. Qg3+ Kc2 19. Qg6+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 18. Qg1+ Ka2 19. Qh2 {!} Qh8 20. Kh1+ {!} Ka3 21. Qg3+ Ka4 22. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0] , joining the finish to example ~3($403503)~}) (14... Qf8 15. Qd5+ {and 16.Qg8$18}) 15. Qf3+ Ka2 {(b2)} (15... Ka4 {(b4) %05or } 16. Qg4+ {and 17.Qg8$18, with the same variations as in example 197}) 16. Qf2+ Kb1 17. Qg1+ Ka2 18. Qh2 {!} Kb1 (18... Ka3 19. Qg3+ Ka4 20. Qg4+ { and 21.Qg8$18}) 19. Kh1 {!} Qa8+ 20. Qg2 Qc8 (20... Qh8 21. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 21. Qg1+ Kc2 22. Qh2+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 8. Qb4+ Kc2 9. Qc5+ Kb1 (9... Kb3 10. Qc7 {!} Qb2+ (10... Qe8+ {%05or} 11. Kd2 Qh8 12. Kd3 { [%eval 550,0] , winning}) 11. Ke3 Qh8 12. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 10. Qb6+ Kc1 { (c2)} 11. Qc7+ Kb1 12. Ke3 (12. Kd3 {, then %05Right to the end accuracy is required of White. If} Qb2 13. Qc3 Qb5+ 14. Qc4 Qd7+ (14... Qf5+ 15. Qe4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 15. Kc3 Qg7+ 16. Kb3 Qg3+ 17. Ka4 Qg7 18. Qe4+ Kb2 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black can continue to resist.}) 12... Qb2 13. Qc5 {! , and now:} Qb3+ { %05^013^010} (13... Qg7 14. Qb4+ Kc2 (14... Ka2 15. Qa4+ Kb1 16. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qc4+ Kb1 16. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) (13... Qf6 14. Qb4+ Ka2 15. Qa4+ Kb1 16. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (13... Qh8 {! (the most tenacious)} 14. Qb4+ Ka2 (14... Kc1 {%05if}) (14... Kc2 {, then %05or} 15. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qa4+ Kb1 16. Qe4+ Ka2 {(c1)} 17. Kd3 Ka3 (17... Qd8+ 18. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 18. Qh4 {!} Kb3 19. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White exchanges queens.}) 14. Kf4 {!} Qb2 (14... Qa4+ 15. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qg1+ Ka2 16. Qg8+ {[%eval 550,0] , and wins. To complete the picture we will consider the case with the black king on the 1st rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7P/6K1/8/4Q3/2q5/8/3k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... Qg3+ {%05A check at h1 is threatened, so Black must attack:} (1... Qh8 { , possible is either %05If instead Black switches to passive defence by} 2. Qd5+ {and 3.Qg8$18} (2. Qh1+ {followed by 3.Kf7$18^013^010 In each case the win for White is merely a question of time. %05or})) 2. Kf5 {!} Qf2+ 3. Ke5 Qh2+ 4. Ke6 Qh6+ 5. Kd7 {!} Qh3+ (5... Qg7+ 6. Qe7 Qh8 7. Ke6 Ke2 8. Kf7+ Kd3 9. Qd6+ Kc4 10. Qe6+ Kd3 11. Qg6+ Kd2 12. Qg7 $18) 6. Kd8 {Threatening 7.Qd4} Kc1 7. Qc6+ Kb1 (7... Kd1 8. Qd7+ $18) 8. Qb7+ Ka2 9. Qa7+ Kb1 10. Qg1+ Kc2 ( 10... Ka2 11. Qg8+ $18) 11. Qg7 {!} Qh4+ (11... Qd3+ 12. Qd7 $18) 12. Kc8 Qh3+ 13. Kb8 Qb3+ 14. Qb7 $18 {, White wins} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4K3/4Q2P/8/8/8/2q5/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {After establishing his queen in an active position, White wins by subtle manoeuvring with his king:} 1. Qe4+ {!} (1. Qb7+ {%05Here White is unable to queen his pawn by means of queen checks. For example:} Ka2 {!} (1... Kc2 { loses to %05clearly the only move;} 2. Qg2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qg2+ Ka3 { [%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 1... Ka2 {%05Now Black has two possibilities:} (1... Kb2 {%05or} 2. Kd7 Qg7+ (2... Qh8 {%05if} 3. Ke7 Qg7+ 4. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Ke6 Qh6+ 4. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] , and there are no more checks}) 2. Kd7 {!} Qg7+ (2... Qh8 {%05if} 3. Ke7 Qg7+ 4. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Ke6 Qh6+ 4. Kf7 Qh5+ 5. Qg6 {!} Qf3+ 6. Kg8 Qa8+ 7. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] (variation by Bronstein).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2q5/7P/3K4/8/4Q3/8/8/2k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {Ke7 %00o^ 24.Kf7 (%00o^ 26.Qe7 (%00o^ 28.Qc7 (%00o^ 30.Qb7 (%00o^ 32.Qe7 (%00o^ 34.Kc8 (%00o^ 36.Qc8+ (%00o^ ) ( ~2Thus we come to the interesting conclusion that, with a rook's pawn on the 7th rank, the stronger side has considerable winning chances. A draw can be achieved only in exceptional positions such as ~3( 3507),( 3508) (*)~ and ~3( 3512) ~. ~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, these positions are also won for the stronger side.~} {This position demonstrates some defensive possibilities which are highly characteristic of this ending. ~5(RR) In the previous edition of this book (1986) this position was considered to be a draw, but the tablebases have changed the evaluation - White wins.~ Can White exploit the position of the opponent's king to defend against the checks? It would appear that he can. For example:} 1... Qd8+ 2. Ke6 (2. Kc5 {%05if} Qa5+ 3. Kc4 Qa4+ 4. Kd3 Qb3+ 5. Ke2 Qb2+ {[%eval 0,0] , transposing into the previous continuation}) 2... Qe8+ 3. Kf5 (3. Kd5 {%05Perhaps the white king should have gone in the other direction? Let us see:} Qa8+ {! ^013^010 This seems to be the only move, as the alternatives are bad:} (3... Qd7+ 4. Kc5 Qa7+ 5. Kb5 Qb8+ 6. Kc4 Qc7+ 7. Kb3 {!} Qb8+ (7... Qg3+ {%05or} 8. Ka4 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins}) 8. Qb4 { [%eval 550,0]}) (3... Qb5+ 4. Kd6 Qb8+ 5. Kd7 Qa7+ 6. Kc8 Qc5+ (6... Qa6+ 7. Qb7 Qe6+ 8. Kb8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kb8 Qf8+ (7... Qb6+ 8. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Qd6+ {%05no better is} 8. Kb7 Qd7+ 9. Kb6 Qd8+ 10. Kb5 Qb8+ 11. Kc4 { [%eval 550,0] , and the rest has already been seen}) 8. Kc7 {!} Qg7+ 9. Kd6 Qf8+ 10. Kd7 (10. Kd5 {to give check from a8 %05so as on}) 10... Qf7+ (10... Qg7+ 11. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kc6 Qf6+ 12. Kd5 Qf7+ (12... Qg5+ 13. Kc4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 13. Kc5 Qa7+ 14. Kb5 Qb8+ 15. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 4. Ke5 {!} (4. Kd4 {%05little is promised by} Qa7+ 5. Kd3 Qa3+) 4... Qe8+ 5. Kf4 Qf8+ {!} (5... Qf7+ {, then %05Black's defence requires accuracy. If} 6. Qf5 {!} Qc4+ 7. Kg5 Qc3 8. Qf4+ Kd1 9. Qd6+ Kc1 10. Qh6 {[%eval 550,0] ! }) 6. Qf5 (6. Ke3 Qa3+ 7. Ke2 (7. Qd3 Qe7+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 7... Qb2+ {[%eval 0, 0]}) 6... Qd6+ {!} (6... Qb4+ {%05Again an accurate reply. Bad is} 7. Kf3 Qc3+ 8. Kg4 Qh8 9. Qd7 {[%eval 550,0] followed by Kf5-g6.}) 7. Kg4 Qd1+ 8. Kg5 Qd8+ 9. Kh5 Qd1+ {[%eval 0,0] , and the king cannot hide from perpetual check. ^013^010 But this means that in this position White would appear unable to win. }) 3... Qf7+ (3... Qh5+ {, then %05if} 4. Kf6 Qh6+ 5. Ke7 Qg5+ (5... Qg7+ 6. Ke8 Kb2 7. Qe2+ Kb1 8. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 6. Ke6 Qh6+ 7. Kd5 Qd2+ ( 7... Qg5+ 8. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qd4 {!} Qg2+ 9. Kc5 Qg5+ 10. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 4. Kg4 Qg7+ 5. Kf3 {^013^010 The game seems to be over: a check from c3 or f6 can be blocked by the queen, and, what's more, with check. And even so:} Qc3+ {! %05^013^010} 6. Qe3+ Kd1 {!!} 7. Ke4 { (there is nothing better; other king moves lead to the loss of the pawn)} Qc6+ 8. Kf5 Qd7+ 9. Kg6 Qg4+ 10. Qg5 Qe6+ 11. Kh5 Qh3+ 12. Kg6 Qe6+ 13. Qf6 Qg4+ 14. Kf7 Qd7+ 15. Qe7 Qf5+ 16. Ke8 Qh5+ 17. Kd8 (17. Qf7 Qe5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 17... Qa5+ 18. Qc7 Qa8+ 19. Kd7 Qa4+ 20. Qc6 Qa7+ 21. Qc7 Qa4+ {^013^010 In 1982 the author concluded that White cannot prevent perpetual check, but the tablebases point out that White avoids the perpetual check by Z0 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Roycroft & Fontana"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K4/3Q3P/k7/8/4q3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {In conclusion we will examine two positions where the pawn has not yet reached the 7th rank, but can do so by force.} 1. h7 Qh3+ 2. Kc6 {!} Qc3+ (2... Qxh7 {is met by %05White has no need to worry about the pawn, since} 3. Qa3#) 3. Kb7 {!} (3. Qc5+ {? %05avoiding a trap: a draw results from} Ka4 {!} 4. Kb6 Qb3+ 5. Ka6 Qd3+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Qh8 (3... Qf3+ {, then %05if} 4. Kb8 Qb3+ 5. Kc8 Qh3+ 6. Qd7 {, avoiding further checks and winning, e.g.} Qh6 7. Qd8+ Ka6 8. Qd3+ (8. h8=Q {leads only to a draw after} Qc6+ 9. Qc7 Qe8+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) 8... Ka7 9. Qd4+ {and 10.h8Q$18}) 4. Qd5+ Ka4 5. Qg8 Qb2+ 6. Ka8 {!} Qa3 { !!} 7. Qf7 {!} (7. h8=Q {%05after} Kb5+ 8. Kb8 Qd6+ 9. Kc8 Qc6+ 10. Kd8 Qa8+ 11. Ke7 Qa7+ 12. Ke6 Qa2+ 13. Kf5 Qc2+ 14. Kg4 Qg2+ {[%eval 0,0] the king has nowhere to hide}) 7... Kb5+ 8. Kb8 (8. Qa7 Qc3 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 8... Qd6+ 9. Kc8 Qc6+ 10. Kd8 Qa8+ 11. Ke7 {(the king heads for h6, and the play transposes into the finish of example ~3($403494)~} Qa3+ 12. Kf6 Qc3+ 13. Kg6 Qg3+ 14. Kh6 Qe3+ 15. Kg7 Qg5+ 16. Qg6 Qe7+ 17. Kh6 Qf8+ 18. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fontana"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k5K1/8/8/6QP/8/8/8/7q w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1. h6 {. Now Black has several possibilities. We will consider the main ones:} Qh3 {%05(a)} (1... Ka7 {%05if} 2. Qe7+ Ka6 3. h7 Qd5+ 4. Kg7 Qg2+ 5. Kf7 { [%eval 550,0]}) (1... Qd1 {%05(b)} 2. Qg2+ Kb8 3. Qb2+ Kc8 (3... Ka8 {, then %05if} 4. Qa3+ Kb7 5. Qe7+ Kc6 6. Qf6+ Kb5 7. h7 Qg4+ 8. Kf7 Qh5+ 9. Kg7 Qg4+ 10. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] , joining variation 'a'}) 4. Qc3+ Kb8 5. Qb4+ Ka7 6. Qe7+ {[%eval 550,0] , transposing into variation 'a'}) (1... Qc6 {%05(c)} 2. Qd8+ Ka7 3. Qe7+ Ka6 4. h7 Qg6+ 5. Kf8 Qh6+ 6. Ke8 {!} Qh5+ 7. Kd7 Qb5+ 8. Ke6 Qc4+ 9. Kf5 {!} Qd3+ 10. Kf6 Qf3+ 11. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] , winning as in variation 'a'}) 2. Qd8+ Ka7 3. Qe7+ Ka6 4. h7 Qg4+ 5. Kf7 Qh5+ 6. Kg7 Qg4+ 7. Kh6 Qh3+ 8. Kg6 Qd3+ 9. Kg7 Qg3+ 10. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the checks finish.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/KP3q2/1P6/8/8/7k/4Q3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {~13. QUEEN AND PAWNS AGAINST QUEEN~ An advantage of two pawns in a queen and pawn ending is normally sufficient for a win. The winning plan is roughly the same as in the ending with one pawn: the king has to hide from the pursuit of the opponent's queen, after which one of the pawns promotes. The second pawn is used either as a shelter for the king, or else serves as a bait for the obtaining of a won ending with one pawn. We will see how the advantage is realized with various pawn formations, since to a certain extent these determine the plans of the two sides. ~13.1 Doubled pawns~} 1. Ka6 {White breaks the pin, but after %05^013^010 %05This position demonstrates the features of the ending with doubled pawns.^013^010 %05By} Qf8 {he is not able to queen his pawn immediately by placing his queen on the b8-h2 diagonal with check. For example:} 2. Qh5+ Kg2 3. Qe5 {! ^013^010 White not only occupies an important central square. By driving the black king onto the g-file he has created a shelter for his king at f8 or h6, for which he now heads:} (3. Qg4+ Kh2 4. Qh4+ Kg2 5. Qe4+ Kh3 {[%eval 0,0] ^013^010 Although the b6 pawn covers the king against checks along the rank, it prevents the queen from checking on the b-file and queening the pawn. To win White has to bring his king out from its pawn shelter.}) 3... Qa3+ 4. Kb5 Qb3+ 5. Kc6 Qc2+ (5... Qc4+ {%05Black can play more strongly $6} 6. Kd6 Qb4+ {, but even then White escapes with his king:} 7. Kd7 Qg4+ 8. Ke7 Qh4+ 9. Kf7 Qc4+ 10. Kg7 Qg4+ 11. Kh6 {!} Qh4+ (11... Qh3+ 12. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 6. Kd6 Qg6+ 7. Ke7 Qh7+ 8. Kf8 {!} Qxb7 9. Qg7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "Paris (France)"] [Site "Paris (France)"] [Date "1857.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Karaklajic Nikola (YUG)"] [Black "Anderssen Adolf (GER)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7q/2pk4/8/p5Q1/8/8/8/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1857.??.??"] {~13.2 Isolated pawns~ Black easily realizes his advantage. He centralizes his queen, and then advances his pawns, simultaneously using them as a screen against the checks.} 1... Qd4+ 2. Kf1 a4 3. Qf5+ (3. Qb5+ Kd6 4. Qa6+ c6 { [%eval -550,0] , and the checks finish}) 3... Kc6 4. Qc8 Kb5 {!} 5. Ke1 (5. Qxc7 {) due to %05the pawn is immune (} Qc4+ {[%eval -550,0]}) (5. Qb7+ { , then %05while if} Qb6 6. Qd5+ c5 7. Qd7+ Qc6 8. Qd3+ c4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 5... c5 6. Qb7+ Kc4 7. Qf7+ Kc3 8. Qf3+ Qd3 9. Qf6+ Kb3 10. Qb6+ Kc2 11. Qa7 {(again the pawn could not be taken)} Qc3+ 12. Ke2 a3 13. Qa4+ (13. Qh7+ Kb2 14. Qb7+ Ka2 15. Qf7+ c4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 13... Kb2 14. Qb5+ Qb3 {! (again indirectly defending the pawn)} 15. Qa6 c4 16. Qf6+ c3 {[%eval -550,0] , and the a-pawn queens. Of course, White did not defend as well as he might have done. He should have kept his king as far away from the pawns as possible. And now an example of the advantage being realized with isolated pawns, and the defender's king in a distant position.} 0-1 [Event "Gagra (Georgia)"] [Site "Gagra (Georgia)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Boleslavsky Isaac (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1q6/8/K7/8/P1PQ4/6k1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] 1. a5 Qb4 (1... Qa8+ {, then %05if} 2. Kb5 Qe8+ 3. Kb4 Qb8+ 4. Qb6 Qf8+ 5. c5 Qf4+ 6. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king goes to a7}) 2. Qd5 Qb3 3. Qd6+ Kh3 4. Qd7+ Kh2 5. c5 Qc4+ 6. Qb5 Qg8 7. Ka7 Qd5 (7... Qf7+ 8. Qb7 Qf2 9. Qb6 Qf7+ 10. Ka8 Qd5+ 11. c6 {, then 12.Ka7 and 13.c7$18}) 8. Qb6 Qd7+ 9. Ka8 Kh3 10. c6 Qd5 11. Ka7 {[%eval 550,0] The following two examples show interesting cases of a win with two rooks' pawns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7p/8/4Q3/pq6/k5K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1... h4 {!} 2. Kh1 h3 {!} 3. Qxh3 Qc1+ {!} 4. Kh2 Kb1 {[%eval -550,0] , and the a-pawn queens.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6Q1/7p/7k/8/p2q4/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {Here Black is forced to give up a pawn, but in doing so he obtains a won ending with one pawn.} 1. Qe4+ Kg5 (1... Kg3 {%05Also possible is} 2. Qg6+ Kf3 3. Qxh5+ Ke3 4. Qe5+ Kd3 5. Qd5+ Ke2 6. Qh5+ Ke1 7. Qh4+ Kd1 8. Qh5+ (8. Qa4+ { comes to the same thing after} Kc1 9. Qc4+ Qc2 10. Qf4+ Kb1 11. Qb4+ Qb2 12. Qe4+ Ka1 13. Qe3 (13. Qc4 {%05or} Qb6+ {[%eval -550,0] ! , joining example ~3 ($413499)~}) 13... Qb1+ {[%eval -550,0] , when Black wins as in position ~3 ($413496)~.}) 8... Qe2 {!} 9. Qd5+ Kc1 10. Qc5+ Kb1 11. Qb4+ Qb2 12. Qe4+ Ka1 { [%eval -550,0] etc. (194).}) 2. Qe7+ Kg4 3. Qe6+ Kf3 4. Qc6+ Ke2 {!} (4... Ke3 5. Qh6+ Kd3 6. Qa6+ Kc3 7. Qa5+ {would be a loss of time}) 5. Qb5+ Kd1 6. Qxh5+ Qe2 {[%eval -550,0] ! ~3($413499)~.} * [Event "Jena (Germany)"] [Site "Jena (Germany)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "N.N."] [Black "Heuacker"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/7k/2q5/6Q1/5PKP/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Even without any pawns, a queen and king constitute a considerable force, and if the opponent's pieces and pawns are especially badly placed they may be able to create decisive mating threats.} 1... Qg1+ {, instead of playing 2.Kf4 which would have led to perpetual check after 2...Qd4, White tried to hide his king from the checks by %05In reply to} 2. Kh4 {? and was mated in three moves: } Qe1+ {!} 3. Qg3 Qe7+ 4. Kg4 Qg5# * [Event "Mardeburg"] [Site "Mardeburg"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Holzhausen Walther (GER)"] [Black "Saemisch Friedrich (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4Q2P/5KP1/8/8/7q/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {~13.3 Connected pawns~ Here the win is perhaps most easily achieved.} 1. Qe7 { ! (White is not afraid of checks, since his king can hide behind the pawns)} Qc2+ 2. Kf6 Qc3+ 3. Kg6 Qd3+ 4. Kg7 Qd4+ 5. Kh7 Qd3+ 6. g6 Kb1 (6... Kd1 { %05This simplifies White's task. However, after} 7. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] ! he again takes his king to h8 and plays g6-g7.}) 7. Kh8 {!} Qd4+ (7... Qxg6 8. Qh7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Qd2 {%05or} 8. Qb7+ Kc1 9. Qc6+ {and 10.g7$18}) 8. g7 Ka1 {^013^010 It only remains for White to carry out the last step. He must prepare to go into a horizontal pin, and then, after occupying a square on the a1-h8 diagonal with his queen, transfer his king to h8.} 9. Qf7 {! %05^013^010} Kb2 10. Kh7 Qe4+ (10... Qd3+ {%05had Black played} 11. Qg6 Qd7 12. Qf6+ { and 13.Kh8$18 would have been immediately decisive}) 11. Qg6 Qe7 12. Qf5 {!} Qc7 13. Qf6+ {and 14.Kh8$18. In this example White won easily, since the black king was on the a1-h8 diagonal. However, had the king been on other squares this would not have affected matters. The plan carried out by White is typical of such endings. The stronger side forces the opponent to switch to a horizontal pin, and then, after occupying the long diagonal with his queen, he prepares the decisive advance of his pawn. But what if the defender's king stands in the path of the pawns? In this case the win is achieved by manoeuvring with the king, typical of queen endings, with the aim of exploiting the king's position to defend against the checks.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/8/PK1Q4/1P6/4q3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1... Qe8+ {%052.Qc5 is threatened, and therefore Black must check:} 2. Kc4 { (a step back, so as to then make two forward)} Qe2+ 3. Kc5 {(the king heads for the seventh rank)} Qe7+ 4. Qd6 Qg5+ (4... Qe3+ 5. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kc6 Qg2+ 6. Kc7 Qg7+ 7. Qd7 {, and Black can resign, since} Qc3+ {is met by} 8. Kd6+ Kb8 9. Qb5+ {[%eval 550,0] , exchanging queens. From the examples considered the reader should not conclude that the stronger side does not experience any difficulties in such endings. If his pieces are badly placed, this can have a decisive effect on the result.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/5q2/1Q6/KP6/P7/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Qc7 {!} 2. Ka6 Qc8+ 3. Ka5 Qc7 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger, from Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/Q7/2p2q2/8/Kp6/8/k7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {Even without any pawns, a queen and king constitute a considerable force, and if the opponent's pieces and pawns are especially badly placed they may be able to create decisive mating threats.} 1. Qe2 {White manages to win, in spite of Black's material advantage. For example: %05After} Qc2 {(2.Qb2# was threatened)} 2. Qe1+ Qb1 3. Qc3+ b2 4. Qc4 {[%eval 550,0] , and there is no defence against the mate.} * [Event "Yugoslavia"] [Site "Yugoslavia"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smajovic"] [Black "Babic"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/4q3/PKQ5/1P6/2P5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {~13.4 More than two pawns~ With an advantage of more than two pawns the stronger side should win even more easily, of course, but here too he has to reckon with threats of stalemate, perpetual check, or even mate, if his pieces and pawns are badly placed. Despite the fact that it is White's move, he is not able to improve his position.} 1. Qc5 (1. Qd5 {there follows %05The only move. On} Qc7#) (1. c5 {%05while if} Qd8+ {[%eval -550,0] and mate next move. But now Black is saved by perpetual check.}) 1... Qd8+ 2. Kc6 Qc8+ 3. Kd6 Qf8+ 4. Kd5 Qf5+ 5. Kd4 Qf2+ {[%eval 0,0] ! , and White has to go back!} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1943.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/6p1/1p6/p7/k3p3/8/K3Q3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1943.??.??"] {Black is four pawns ahead, but his king is so badly placed that White can even win.} 1. Qc4+ Qb4 2. Qc6+ Qb5 (2... b5 3. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qxe4+ Qb4 4. Qd3 {!} g6 {(in view of the threat of mate, Black is powerless to disentangle his pieces)} 5. Qd7+ Qb5 6. Qd4+ Qb4 7. Qd3 {!} g5 8. Qd7+ Qb5 9. Qd4+ Qb4 10. Qd3 g4 11. Qd7+ Qb5 12. Qxg4+ Qb4 13. Qd7+ Qb5 14. Qd4+ Qb4 15. Qd3 {[%eval 550,0] ! .^013^010 Without allowing the king out of the trap, White has eliminated the opponent's main trump $6 his g-pawn. Now Black is in zugzwang and can resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/2q2p2/5P2/3Q2K1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {~14. QUEEN AND PAWN AGAINST QUEEN AND PAWN~ Under normal conditions the result here should be a draw. However, depending on the placing of the pawns, the possibility sometimes arises of playing for a win. ~14.1 The pawns are not passed~ Here a win is possible in three comparatively rare cases: (a) When it is possible to win the pawn and go into a won queen ending. (b) When the pawn can be won and the queens exchanged. (c) When the poor placing of the opponent's pieces allows mating threats to be created.} 1. Kh6 {White takes his king up to the f7 pawn and wins it, and with it the game, since he can quickly advance f6-f7, obtaining a won ending. Here are some possible variations: %05^013^010 %05This position demonstrates the first case. After} Qg3 {%05^013^010} (1... Qf4+ 2. Kg7 Qg3+ 3. Kxf7 Qc7+ 4. Ke8 {and 5.f7$18}) 2. Qxf7 Qh4+ 3. Kg7 Qg4+ 4. Qg6 Qd4 5. Kg8 Qd8+ 6. Kh7 {and 7.f7$18 We have deliberately not taken this ending to a finish, since positions with a pawn on the 7th rank have been analysed earlier. The position in the following diagram demonstrates the second case. Thanks to the favourable placing of his pieces. White is able not only to win the pawn with check, but also to exchange queens. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/8/8/p7/P7/4k1K1/8/5q2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1. Qe5+ {!} Kd2 2. Qxa5+ Kd1 (2... Kc1 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 3. Qd5+ Kc1 (3... Ke1 {, then %05if} 4. Qe4+ Kd2 5. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qc5+ {!} Kd1 (4... Kb1 {) because of %05alas, the king cannot step onto the b-file (} 5. Qb5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Kd2 {is met by %05while} 5. Qf2+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qd4+ {! ^013^010 The circle has narrowed, and Black has no useful move:} Kc2 (5... Ke2 {%05or} 6. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Ke1 { (c1) %05or} 6. Qa1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qf2+ {[%eval 550,0] White wins in similar fashion, by exchanging queens, in the following example.} * [Event "Kazan (Russia)"] [Site "Kazan (Russia)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kolchurin"] [Black "Dryabezgov"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/8/8/5p2/8/6P1/3k1K2/1q6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1. Qd4+ Kc2 (1... Kc1 {there follows %05on} 2. Qc3+ Kd1 3. Qe1+ {[%eval 550,0]} ) 2. Qc5+ {!} Kd2 3. Qa5+ {!} Kc1 4. Qe1+ Kc2 5. Qxb1+ Kxb1 6. Kf3 {[%eval 550, 0] , with a won pawn ending.^013^010 ^013^010 And now an example demonstrating the third case.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Joseph"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k1K3Q/1p6/1P6/8/8/8/8/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {Black's king is in a mating net, but he attempts to defend by means of stalemating threats, making a perpetual attack on the queen. By a clever manoeuvre White succeeds in overcoming his opponent's resistance.} 1. Qg8 {!} ( 1. Qe8 {%05Only this move leads to a win. Unsuccessful is} Qg7 {[%eval 0,0]}) ( 1. Qf8 {%05or} Qa3 2. Qe8 {(g8)} Qd6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Qa2 {!} 2. Qe8 {!} Qa4 3. Qe5+ Ka8 4. Qh8 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and there is no defence against the mate.} * [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Krogius Nikolai V (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/8/3QP3/6pk/8/8/5q2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {~14.2 The pawns are passed~ White's pawn is rather closer to the queening square, and it is this that enables him to win.} 1... Qf6+ 2. Kc7 {!} (2. Kd7 { %05weaker is} Qf5) 2... Qa1 (2... Qc3+ {%05Black cannot prevent the advance of the pawn to the 7th rank. For example:} 3. Kd7 Qh3 4. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] , and so on as in the game.}) 3. e7 Qa7+ 4. Kc8 Qa8+ 5. Kd7 Qb7+ 6. Ke8 Qf3 { ^013^010 Otherwise the king escapes via f7 and hides at g7 or g8.} 7. Qe6 { ! %05^013^010} Kh4 (7... g4 {%05or} 8. Qf7+ Kh4 9. Kf8 Qa3 10. Kg8 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 8. Qf7 Qa8+ 9. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned, since the white king proceeds via e6, f6, g6 and g7 to g8.^013^010 ^013^010 It should be noted that in this ending the black pawn played a negative role, by screening the opponent's king from possible checks along the file.} 1-0 [Event "Kharkov (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kharkov (Ukraine)"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Shklovsky"] [Black "Serebrisky A"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/8/8/7K/6P1/8/1p2Q3/1k6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1017 %212045826630=4HLJ1047 %212045826630=4HLJ121 Here the difference in the degree of advancement of the pawns is even greater, but nevertheless Black's task is more difficult: he has a knight's pawn, and the opponent's pawn cannot be used as a screen. At the same time White's pawn, although not far advanced, defends his king against checks along the rank. Without it the black pawn would queen after 1...Qf5 2. Kh4 Qf6 and 3...Ka1.} 1... Qf7+ {%05Black tried his last chance:} 2. Kh4 { ? , when there followed: %05^013^010 %05White incorrectly played} (2. Kg5 { ! %05Instead of} Qd5+ 3. Kh4 (3. Kg6 {?} Qd6+ {and 4...Ka1}) 3... Qd8+ 4. Kh5 Qd4 5. Qe1+ {[%eval 0,0] , which would, in all probability, have led to perpetual check.}) 2... Qf6+ 3. g5 {(on any other move 3...Ka1 is decisive)} Qd4+ {!} 4. Kh3 Kc1 {! (this would also have been the reply to 4.Kh5)} 5. Qf1+ Kc2 {[%eval -550,0] White resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5q2/3Pp2K/8/4Q3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {(with the white queen moved from h1 to e4) The decisive factor here is not so much the greater degree of advancement of the white pawn, as the poor placing of the black pieces on the edge of the board. By an interesting queen manoeuvre White succeeds in cramping the opponent still further, forcing the win of the pawn, and transposing into a won pawn ending.} 1. Qg2+ Kf8 2. Qa8+ Qe8 3. Qb7 Qd8 (3... Qf7 {loses immediately to} 4. Qc8+ Qe8 5. d7 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 4. Kg6 {!} Qe8+ 5. Kf6 Qd8+ 6. Kxe6 Qe8+ (6... Kg8 {there follows %05on} 7. Qf7+ Kh8 8. Qf6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qe7+ Qxe7+ 8. dxe7+ Ke8 9. Kd6 { [%eval 550,0] (d6) , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/6K1/8/7k/8/8/1pq2P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {The black pawn is on the threshold of queening, and it appears that White should be thinking in terms of perpetual check. But there follows:} 1. Qd5+ Kh4 2. Qh1+ {!} Kg4 3. Qg2+ {^013^010 The queen is hiding in ambush! The end is near.} Kh4 {%05^013^010} (3... Kf4 {loses the queen after} 4. Qg3+ {and 5. Qg6$18}) 4. Qh2+ Kg5 (4... Kg4 {would have been met by} 5. f3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. f4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his queen.} * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pilnik Hermann (GER)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pk/8/4Q3/8/3q3P/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "48"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {Ke4 there follows %05On Qe1+ +0.00 , and so the players agreed a draw.} { ~12.5 QUEEN AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST QUEEN AND PAWN~ Here the stronger side's chances depend considerably on whether or not he has any passed pawns. Therefore it will be expedient to divide the material into two groups: endings without passed pawns, and endings with passed pawns. ~12.51 Endings without passed pawns~ Here the defensive resources are significantly increased, and it is not normally possible to realize the extra pawn. Black's defence is simple; he must merely avoid the exchange of queens. The game continued:} 1. h4 Qc4 2. Qf5+ Kg8 3. Kh3 Qb3+ 4. Qf3 (4. Kg4 Qc4+ 5. Kh5 Qe2+ 6. g4 Qe8+ 7. Qg6 Qe5+ 8. g5 {is 'risky' due to %05, and} Qe2#) 4... Qe6+ 5. g4 g6 6. Qa8+ Kh7 7. Qa7+ Kg8 8. Qb8+ Kh7 9. Qc7+ Kg8 10. Qc3 Qe4 11. Kg3 Kh7 12. Qd2 Qe5+ 13. Kh3 Qe4 14. Qf2 Kg7 15. Kg3 Qe5+ 16. Kg2 Qe4+ 17. Qf3 Qe5 18. Qb7+ Kg8 19. Qc8+ Kg7 20. Qd7+ Kg8 21. Qd8+ Kg7 22. Kf3 Qc3+ 23. Kf2 (23. Kf4 {%05nothing is achieved by} Qc1+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 23... Qc2+ 24. Ke3 Qc3+ $6 {Z0 White was not able to take a single step towards his goal: he was unable to break through with his king to the black pawn. The following position demonstrates a rare instance, where the stronger side succeeds in exchanging queens and winning. The winning manoeuvre the step-by-step approach of the queen is typical of queen endings.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5qk1/7p/8/6K1/8/7P/6P1/Q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1. Qa2+ Kg7 2. Qb2+ Kg8 3. Qb3+ Kh8 4. Qc3+ Kg8 5. Qc4+ Kh8 6. Qd4+ Kg8 7. Qd5+ Kh8 8. Qe5+ Kg8 9. Qe6+ {, forcing the exchange of queens after} Kh8 (9... Kg7 {%05or} 10. Qh6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qf6+ {[%eval 550,0] , with a won pawn ending.^013^010 ^013^010 Sometimes even the transition into a pawn ending may not bring success.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/7p/7P/6q1/Q7/2k2K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {Black is unable to win this ending. For example:} 1... Qf3+ (1... Qxh4 { %05The result is unaffected by} 2. Qa1+ Kd2 3. Qb2+ Ke3 4. Qc3+ Kf4 5. Qd4+ Kg5 6. Qe5+ Kg4 (6... Kh6 7. Qh8+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 7. Qd4+ Kg3 8. Qe3+ {[%eval 0,0] , with perpetual check.}) 2. Kg1 Qd1+ 3. Kg2 {!} Qc2+ (3... Qd2+ 4. Qxd2+ Kxd2 5. Kf2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4. Qxc2+ Kxc2 5. Kg3 {!} Kd1 6. Kf3 {!} Ke1 7. Ke3 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. However, had the black king been at ~2d1~, the transition into the pawn ending would have won.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6p1/7p/7P/6q1/Q7/3k1K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Qe1+ 2. Kg2 Qe2+ 3. Qxe2+ Kxe2 {[%eval -550,0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010 Of course, a win in this type of ending is also possible if a pair of pawns can be exchanged and a won queen ending obtained, or if the opponent's only pawn can be won, but these ideas are perhaps more clearly revealed in endings with passed pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/1p1K4/1p6/2k5/8/1P6/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {We should once again mention that in this type of ending a poor king position may prove to be a more important factor than a material advantage.} 1. Qd5+ { ! %05What can White threaten? It would seem that a draw is the best he can hope for. But there follows} Kb4 2. Qd3 {! , and the black king is unexpectedly in a mating net. After both} Qc1 (2... Qa1 {%05or} 3. Qc3+ { and 4.b3$18}) 3. Qa3+ {and 4.b3$18, Black loses his queen.} * [Event "Munich (Germany)"] [Site "Munich (Germany)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fridman Daniel (LAT)"] [Black "Gilg Karl (GER)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P5k1/5p2/q7/6PK/8/5Q2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {~15.2 Endings with passed pawns~ This is essentially a typical final position of this ending. The stronger side's king uses one pawn as a screen, while the second pawn is advanced. It remains for White to take one more step to play a7-a8, but for the moment this move is not possible, Black's queen is strongly placed, stopping the a-pawn and simultaneously threatening to begin disturbing the white king. In the first instance White activates his own queen.} 1. Qe3 { ! (threatening 2.Qe7 Kg6 3.Qe8 and 4.a8Q)} Qa2 {^013^010 Black appears to disregard the threat, but in fact on 2.Qe7 Kg6 3.Qe8 Kh6 4.a8Q there follows 4. ..Qh2#.} 2. Kg3 {%05^013^010} Kf7 3. Qd3 {!} Kg7 4. Qd7+ Kh6 5. g5+ {!! (the deciding move!)} Kxg5 (5... fxg5 {%05after} 6. Qc6+ {[%eval 550,0] White queens his pawn}) 6. Qg7+ Kf5 (6... Kh5 7. Qh8+ {and 8.a8Q$18}) 7. Qg4+ { , and Black resigned, since} Ke5 {is met by} 8. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0] , when the queen reaches the h1-a8 diagonal with check.} 1-0 [Event "Breslau (Poland)"] [Site "Breslau (Poland)"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Becker Albert (AUT)"] [Black "Moritz"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P7/2q3k1/6P1/3Q4/2p3K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] {At first sight it appears difficult for White to realize his advantage, since Black has a strong counter-chance his passed pawn. But White has at his disposal an elegant combination, as a result of which he queens his ... g-pawn. } 1. a8=Q {!!} (1. Qh8 {? %05In the game White failed to find this combination, and after} Qd6+ 2. Kg4 Qe6+ {[%eval 0,0] the players agreed a draw.}) 1... Qxa8 2. Qf6+ Kh7 3. g6+ Kh6 4. g7+ {!} Kh7 (4... Kh5 5. Qf7+ Kh6 6. g8=N+ {[%eval 550,0] , and mate in two moves}) 5. Qf8 {!} Qd5 6. Qh8+ Kg6 7. g8=Q+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. How the advance of a passed pawn is carried out in such endings is shown by the following example.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lisitsin Georgy M (RUS)"] [Black "Suetin Alexei S (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/p7/2Q5/1P3K2/8/5P2/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "55"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {The play here is similar to the ending with one pawn. Under the cover of the f-pawn the king advances, drawing the pawn after it. The opponent's king position is exploited to defend against checks and to create the threat of exchanging queens, since the pawn ending with an extra pawn is won without difficulty.} 1. Qd5+ {!} Kf8 (1... Kg6 {can be met by %05In view of the threat of the queens being exchanged, the black king is forced to retreat.} 2. Qe6+ Kh7 3. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] , with a sequel roughly similar to the game.}) 2. Kf5 Qb1+ 3. Qe4 Qf1 4. Qa8+ {(before playing f2-f4, White improves the position of his queen)} Ke7 5. Qb7+ Kd6 6. Qb6+ Kd7 7. Qd4+ Ke7 8. Qc5+ Kd7 9. Qd5+ Ke7 ( 9... Kc7 {would also have been met by %05The more tenacious} 10. f4 {%04e.g.} Qh3+ 11. Kg6 Qg4+ 12. Qg5 Qe6+ 13. Kg7 Qd7+ 14. Kf8 Qc8+ 15. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White is ready for the next step.}) 10. f4 Qh3+ 11. Kg6 Qa3 12. Qc5+ Kd7 13. f5 Qg3+ 14. Kf7 Qb3+ 15. Kf8 Qb2 16. Qa7+ Kd6 17. Qe7+ (17. Qxa6+ {%05This is simpler than} Ke5 18. Qe6+ Kf4 19. f6 Qxb4+ {[%eval 550,0] , when White still has to play f6-f7.}) 17... Kc6 18. f6 Qh2 19. Qc5+ Kd7 20. Qd5+ Kc7 21. Qd4 {(the queen has again occupied a strong centralized position)} Kb7 (21... Qh8+ {%05or} 22. Ke7 Qh7+ 23. f7 {, 24.Qg4 and 25.Ke8$18}) (21... Qh6+ { there follows %05while on} 22. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 22. f7 Qh6+ 23. Ke7 Qg5+ 24. Qf6 {(it is interesting that the pawn at b4 helps White to carry out his plan, by depriving the black queen of c5 and a5)} Qe3+ 25. Qe6 Qg5+ 26. Ke8 Qh5 27. Kd8 {!} Qh8+ 28. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] , and the f-pawn queens.^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k1q1/2Q3P1/K7/8/8/4p3/4P3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {Sometimes, when it is not possible to promote the passed pawn directly, it proves possible to attack the opponent's only pawn and to win it. We give a corrected version of the study. The version given by the composer was as follows. White to play and win. The solution:} 1. Qb7 Qc4+ {[%eval 0,0] ! Black prevents the white king from approaching the e3 pawn, and draws. %05As shown by Khachaturov, by} (1... Qa2+ 2. Kb6 Qb2+ 3. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/1Q4P1/1K6/8/8/4p3/q3P3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] 1... Qb2+ 2. Kc5 {!} Qe5+ (2... Qxb7 {is met by %05The queen is immune:} 3. g8=Q+ {and 4.Qg7$18, transposing into a won pawn ending.}) 3. Kc4 Qf4+ 4. Kd3 Qd6+ 5. Kxe3 {^013^010 Now Black has several possibilities, but they are all insufficient:} Qa3+ {%05^013^010} (5... Qc5+ 6. Ke4 Qc4+ (6... Qc2+ 7. Kf4 Qd2+ 8. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kf3 Qc3+ 8. e3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Qg3+ 6. Qf3 {! } Qg1+ (6... Qg5+ 7. Kf2 Qh4+ 8. Kf1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kf4 Qh2+ 8. Kg4 Qg1+ 9. Kh3 Qxg7 10. Qa8+ Kf7 11. Qb7+ Kf6 12. Qxg7+ Kxg7 13. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kf4 Qc1+ (6... Qa4+ 7. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. e3 Qf1+ (7... Qc7+ 8. Kg4 {! } Qc4+ 9. Kg3 Qc7+ 10. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0] When it is not possible either to promote the passed pawn, or to win the opponent's pawn, the ending is usually a draw.} * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Saemisch Friedrich (GER)"] [Black "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/8/5pq1/3Q4/4PK1P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {White has an extra passed pawn on the h-file. As we know, in queen endings the rook's pawn is the most difficult to promote, since it is poor at screening the king from checks. Therefore all White's winning attempts proved fruitless.} 1. h5 Qh6+ 2. Kg4 Ke7 {!} (2... Qg7+ {%05of course, not} 3. Kf5 Qg5+ 4. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] , winning}) 3. Qc5+ Kd7 4. Qf5+ Ke7 5. Qf4 Qg7+ 6. Kh4 Qg2 7. h6 Kf7 8. Qc7+ Kg8 9. Qd8+ Kh7 10. Qe7+ Kxh6 11. Qxf6+ Kh7 12. Qf7+ Kh8 13. Qh5+ Kg8 {[%eval 0,0] , and the ending was drawn. ~2If both sides have passed pawns, the decisive factor is not the number of passed pawns, but their distance from the queening square.~} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/6p1/7p/3q4/1P3Q2/7P/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {~16. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (MATERIAL ADVANTAGE)~ In this chapter and the following one we will be considering endings where each side has not less than two pawns. Using a comparatively small number of characteristic positions, we have set ourselves the task of showing the basic methods of attack and defence, which are typical of queen endings. It is expedient to divide endings with a material advantage into four groups, depending on the pawn configuration: 6.1 The stronger side has, or can create, an outside passed pawn. 6.2 The stronger side has, or can create, a passed pawn in the centre or on the K-side. 6.3 The pawns are all on one wing. 6.4 Both sides have passed pawns. ~2Queen endings are characterized by two features: firstly, a queen on its own, without the help of the king, is able to force the promotion of a passed pawn, if it is opposed by only one of the opponent's pieces; secondly, the defending side's queen may be able to attack the enemy king if it has been deprived of its pawn screen, and pursue it 'perpetually', in which case the game ends in a draw by perpetual check.~ These features determine the plans of the two sides. The stronger side will aim to set up a passed pawn and queen it, while the opponent will endeavour, by attacking the king, to create a threat of perpetual check. In queen endings an extra pawn is a serious advantage, but to realize it certain other conditions are necessary, as we will see in our analysis of the examples. ~16.1 Outside passed pawn~ As a rule, the stronger side's plan will depend to a great extent on the position of his king. If his king has a secure shelter and does not have to fear the threat of perpetual check, the stronger side's plan is simple to advance his passed pawn with the support of the queen. White is an outside passed pawn to the good, and his king is sheltered by his queen and pawns. White queens his pawn in the following way:} 1. Qb8+ Kh7 (1... Kf7 {%05Had Black sent his king to try and stop the pawn, the game could have gone:} 2. b5 Ke7 3. Qc7+ Qd7 {(otherwise 4. b6)} 4. Qxd7+ Kxd7 5. Kg3 Kd6 6. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White easily wins the pawn ending.}) 2. b5 g5 3. Qc7+ {(the most accurate)} Kh8 4. b6 g4 { (an attempt to open up the position of the white king and to create a threat of perpetual check, but it is clearly too late)} 5. b7 g3+ 6. Kxg3 Qg5+ 7. Kh2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. Undefined game} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5qpk/2P4p/4Q3/8/7P/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {Again White's king is in a shelter, but here he must play carefully to suppress all attempts by the black queen to counterattack. He must first force the queen to occupy the square in front of the pawn.} 1. c7 Qd7 2. Qe4+ {!} g6 (2... Kg8 {(h8) %05The only move. After} 3. Qa8+ Kh7 4. c8=Q Qd6+ 5. g3 Qd2+ 6. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0] White wins immediately.}) 3. Qc2 Qc8 (3... Qd6+ {%05if} 4. g3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qc5 h5 (4... Kg7 {is met by} 5. Qe7+ {and 6.Qd8$18}) ( 4... Kg8 {(h8) %04by} 5. Qa7 Qe6 6. Qb8+ {and 7.c8Q$18}) (4... g5 5. Qc2+ Kg7 ( 5... Kg8 6. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qb2+ {and 7.Qb8$18}) 5. Qe7+ Kh6 6. h4 Qh8 (6... Qa6 7. Qf8+ {and 8.c8Q$18}) 7. Qe3+ Kh7 8. Qe6 Qd4 9. Qe7+ Kh6 10. c8=Q Qf4+ 11. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 In the examples just examined Black had no counter-play, since the white king was securely screened. If this is not the case, White's task is more difficult, since his king has to emerge into the 'open sea', and there seek shelter from perpetual check.^013^010 ^013^010 The result in this case depends mainly on whether or not the stronger side's king can hide from the pursuit of the opponent's queen. } * [Event "Dresden (Germany)"] [Site "Dresden (Germany)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Black "Bogoljubow Efim D (UKR)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1k/2pQ2p1/2P2q2/1P5p/5P1P/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. b5 {!} (1. Qxc6 {, since after %05White cannot win a pawn by} Qf4+ 2. Kg1 Qc1+ {[%eval 0,0] Black gives perpetual check. He wins by sacrificing a pawn, with the aim of creating a passed pawn.}) 1... cxb5 2. c6 Qc2 3. Qd5 (3. c7 { [%eval 550,0] is simpler %05the immediate}) 3... Kh6 4. Qd6 Qc4 5. c7 Kh7 6. Qd7 {! ^013^010 All the same White cannot queen his pawn without the help of his king, and so he gives up defending the diagonal.} Qf4+ {%05^013^010} 7. Kg1 Qc1+ 8. Kf2 Qc5+ 9. Ke2 Qc2+ 10. Ke3 Qc5+ 11. Ke4 Qc4+ 12. Ke5 Qc3+ 13. Kd5 Qc4+ 14. Kd6 Qb4+ 15. Kc6 Qc3+ 16. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn promotes. The reader should note that the black b-pawn provided an excellent screen for the white king, and therefore on his 4th move White was absolutely right not to capture it. Thus here the white king found shelter in the opponent's position, where it was saved from checks along the file by an enemy pawn. Another, no less important, way of hiding from the checks, is demonstrated by the next example.} 1-0 [Event "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Site "Hamburg (Germany)"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Black "Betbeder Matibet L"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1p1/8/P2Q1p1p/5P1P/1K4P1/8/q7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {White's passed pawn is the least favourable one a rook's pawn, but nevertheless he quickly escapes from the checks by using the position of the opponent's king. This procedure, which we met in the chapter on queen and pawn against queen, is highly important in queen endings, and we will encounter it many more times.} 1... Qb1+ 2. Ka4 g6 3. a6 Qa1+ 4. Kb5 Qb2+ 5. Kc6 Qf6+ 6. Kc7 {!} Qc3+ (6... Qxa6 {, then %05if} 7. Qd7+ {and 8.Qd6$18, transposing into a won pawn ending}) 7. Qc6 Qe3 8. Kc8 {! , and Black resigned, since} Kf7 { is met by} 9. a7 Qxa7 10. Qd7+ {[%eval 550,0]} 1-0 [Event "Santa Fe (Argentina)"] [Site "Santa Fe (Argentina)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5kp1/3Q3p/8/5PPK/P7/2q5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {Here too White is able to invade Black's position with his pieces, and win. The outside passed pawn merely plays a diversionary role.} 1. Qd4+ {!} Ke6 ( 1... Kf7 {is met by %05Exploiting the threat to exchange queens, White first drives the opponent's king away from his pawns:} 2. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kg5 {%04by %05and} 2. Qe5+ Kh6 3. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qe4+ Kd7 3. Kh4 Qd2 4. Qe5 {!} (4. Qxg6 {would have been a mistake due to %05An accurate move! By giving up his a-pawn. White breaks through with his king into the enemy position. Of course,} Qh2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Qxa2 5. Kg5 Qf2 (5... Qf7 { , the simplest is %05if} 6. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qf4 Qb6 7. Qf7+ Kc8 8. Qxg6 Qd8+ (8... Qe3+ 9. Kxh5 Qxf3+ 10. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kxh5 Qd5+ 10. Kh4 Kb8 11. Qg5 Qd1 12. Qf4+ Ka7 13. Qe3+ Ka6 14. g4 Qd6 15. f4 Qh6+ 16. Kg3 Kb5 17. Qd3+ Ka4 18. g5 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1898.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Schlechter Carl (AUT)"] [Black "Pillsbury Harry N (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/6p1/7p/p6P/4Q1P1/2q5/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "61"] [EventDate "1898.??.??"] {The difficulties which may be encountered in attempts to realize a passed rook's pawn are well shown by this example , in which the black king has to cross the whole board under attack by the white queen. %212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1021 %212045826630=4HLJ1053 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1... Kf7 { ! (Black's pawns are defended by his queen, and his king sets off on its lengthy journey)} 2. Kh1 (2. Qe5 {, preventing the advance of the king?^013^010 Analysis shows that this would have simplified things for Black - %05White prefers waiting tactics. But why did he not play} Qd1+ 3. Kh2 Qd2+ { , and now:} 4. Kh1 {, when by the pawn sacrifice %05^013^010} (4. Kh3 {%05or} Qd7+ 5. Kh2 a3 6. Qa5 Qd3 {[%eval -550,0] , and the way is open for the black king to advance}) 4... a3 {!} 5. Qc7+ Kf6 6. Qb6+ Kf5 7. Qc5+ Kg4 8. Qxa3 Qe1+ 9. Kg2 Qe2+ 10. Kg1 Kh3 {Black can break through with his king into the opponent's position. White's only defence is} 11. g4+ {, but after} Kxg4 { [%eval -550,0] Black should win the ending without much difficulty.}) 2... Kf6 3. Kg1 Kf5 {!} 4. Qg5+ {^013^010 In view of the threat of 4...Kg4 and 5...Kh3, White cannot wait any more.} Ke6 {%05^013^010} 5. Qa5 {(trying to prevent the king march)} Kd6 6. Kh1 Kc6 7. Qd8 (7. Kg1 {is met by %05White is in zugzwang.} Qc5+ {[%eval -550,0]}) (7. Qe5 {%05and on}) (7. Qg5 {there follows %05or} a3 { [%eval -550,0]}) 7... Kb5 8. Qb8+ Kc4 9. Qc7+ Kb3 10. Qb6+ Ka2 11. Qe6+ Ka1 {!} 12. Qe3 (12. Qf6+ {there follows %05The king has arrived at the appointed place. On} Qb2 {, when there are no more checks, since} 13. Qf1+ {is met by} ( 13. Qxg6 Qb1+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 13... Qb1 {[%eval -550,0] However, the struggle is far from over.}) 12... Qb2 13. Kg1 a3 14. Kh1 a2 15. Kg1 Kb1 { ^013^010 Black has made a very important step on the winning path $6 his pawn is on the threshold of queening. But where can his king hide? At a1 it is well placed, but is in the way of his passed pawn. Therefore a shelter has to be sought elsewhere.} 16. Qe4+ {%05^013^010} Qc2 17. Qb4+ Kc1 18. Qf4+ Qd2 19. Qc4+ Kd1 20. Qa4+ Ke2 21. Qa6+ Ke3 (21... Kf3 22. Qf6+ Kxg3 23. Qxg6+ Kxh4 { [%eval -550,0] would have led to position 217, which is won for Black, but without the benefit of previous analysis it would be difficult to decide on such a variation at the board.}) 22. Qe6+ Kd4 23. Qd6+ Kc3 24. Qa3+ Kc4 25. Qa4+ {? (this loses)} (25. Qa6+ {!? Euwe gives the following variation: %05But what would have happened after} Kb3 (25... Kd5 {%05No better is} 26. Qa8+ {!} Kd4 27. Qd8+ Ke3 28. Qe7+ Kd3 29. Qd6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 26. Qb6+ Qb4 27. Qe3+ Qc3 28. Qe6+ Kb2 29. Qe2+ (29. Qb6+ Kc1 {[%eval -550,0]}) 29... Qc2 30. Qe5+ Kb1 31. Qb5+ Kc1 32. Qa6 {?} (32. Qg5+ {! %05But things are by no means so simple. On 31...Kc1 there follows} Qd2 33. Qc5+ Kd1 34. Qa7 {! , and at first sight it is not apparent how Black can win. For example:} Qc3 35. Qa4+ {!} (35. Qxa2 { [%eval -550,0] loses - ~3($403538)~ %05the immediate}) 35... Kc1 36. Qxa2 Qxg3+ 37. Kf1 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw ~3($403537)~.}) 32... Qb1 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.}) 25... Kc5 26. Qa7+ Kd6 {!} 27. Qb8+ Ke7 {!} 28. Qe5+ Kf7 29. Qc7+ Kg8 30. Qc4+ Kg7 {, and White resigned, since after} 31. Qc7+ Kh6 { [%eval -550,0] the checks come to an end. However, it has been shown by Fontana that Black has a difficult but nevertheless sure way to win. Let us return to the position reached in our analysis after White's 34th move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Q7/6p1/7p/7P/6P1/p2q4/3k2K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] 1... Qe1+ 2. Kh2 (2. Kg2 {Black has a simpler win: %05The most tenacious defence. After} Qe4+ 3. Kh2 (3. Kg1 Qb1 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... Qc2+ 4. Kh3 Ke2 {! (the king aims for g1, and White cannot prevent it)} 5. Qa6+ Kf2 6. Qa7+ (6. Qf6+ Qf5+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 6... Kf1 7. Qa6+ Kg1 8. Qa7+ Qf2 {[%eval -550,0] , and wins.}) 2... Qe2+ 3. Kh3 (3. Kg1 {, then %05Again the strongest reply. If} Qc4 {!} 4. Qd7+ (4. Kh2 {%05or} Qc2+ 5. Kh3 Ke2 {[%eval -550,0] , as already examined}) 4... Ke2 {(the king heads for the opponent's pawns)} 5. Qe7+ Kf3 6. Qf6+ Kxg3 7. Qxg6+ Qg4 {[%eval -550,0] ! , and Black wins.}) 3... Ke1 {!} 4. Qg7 {!} (4. Qa3 {%05The threat was 4...Qf1and 5...Qf2, exchanging queens, and therefore White switches to a different system of defence.^013^010 %05There is nothing better, for example:} Qf1+ 5. Kh2 Qc4 {!} 6. Kh3 (6. Qa5+ Kf1 7. Qa8 Qc2+ 8. Kh3 Kg1 {[%eval -550,0]}) (6. Qa8 {%05or} Kd2 {!} 7. Qa5+ Kc2 8. Qe5 Qc3 9. Qe4+ Kc1 10. Qh1+ Kb2 11. Qb7+ Qb3 12. Qg7+ Kb1 13. Qxg6+ Qc2+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 6... Kd2 7. Qb2+ (7. Qa5+ Kc2 8. Qe1 {is no better due to} Qg4+ 9. Kh2 Qd4 {[%eval -550,0] !}) (7. Qd6+ {%05nor} Kc1 8. Qf6 {in view of} Qc8+ {!} 9. Kh2 Qc2+ 10. Kg1 Qb1 {[%eval -550,0]}) 7... Kd1 8. Qa1+ (8. Qh8 Qg4+ 9. Kh2 Qa4 10. Qd8+ Kc1 11. Qg5+ Kb1 12. Qxg6+ Qc2+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 8... Kc2 9. Qf6 {(otherwise 9...Qa4 or 9...Qa6)} Qc8+ 10. Kh2 Qc3 {!} 11. Qxg6+ Kc1 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 4... Qf1+ {%05 The reader will no doubt have noted how Black manages to exploit the position of the opponent's king to defend against the checks.} 5. Kh2 Qf2+ 6. Kh3 (6. Kh1 {Black's task is simpler: %05In the event of} Qe2 {!} 7. Qc3+ Kf2 8. Qd4+ Kxg3 9. Qd6+ Kxh4 {[%eval -550,0] , and wins.}) 6... Qf5+ 7. Kh2 Qa5 {!} 8. Qa1+ Ke2 {!} 9. Kg2 (9. Qb2+ {%05White is in zugzwang. If} Qd2 {[%eval -550,0]}) (9. Kh3 {is met by %05while} Qf5+ {[%eval -550,0] , exchanging queens.}) 9... Qd5+ 10. Kh2 Qd2 11. Kh3 Qd7+ 12. Kh2 Qa4 { !} 13. Kh3 (13. Qe5+ {%05or} Kd1 14. Qd5+ Kc1 15. Qg5+ Kb1 {[%eval -550,0] , winning}) 13... Kd2 14. Qb2+ Kd1 15. Qa1+ Kc2 {, and after the unavoidable 16.. .Qa3 and 17...Qb2 Black queens his pawn.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "Holland"] [Site "Holland"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3q1p1k/6pp/8/8/P4PP1/2Q3KP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {~2If the stronger side does not have a secure shelter~ ~2for his king, such an ending is normally a draw.~ White has a strong outside passed pawn, but his weakened pawn formation prevents him from winning.} 1. Qa2 Kg8 2. a4 Qc6 3. a5 Qa6 {! ^013^010 How can White now strengthen his position? He attempts to improve his pawn formation.} 4. g4 {%05^013^010} (4. Qd5 {%05if} Kg7 5. Qd4+ Kg8 6. Qb6 {, then} Qe2+) 4... g5 5. Kf2 Qd6 6. Kf1 Qa6+ 7. Kg2 Kg7 8. Qb2+ Kg8 9. Qb8+ Kg7 10. Qe5+ Kg8 11. Kf2 Qa7+ 12. Ke2 Qa6+ 13. Kd2 Qc4 {! (severing the king's path)} 14. Qf5 Qd4+ 15. Ke2 Qb2+ 16. Kd3 Qb3+ 17. Ke2 Qb2+ {[%eval 0,0] . Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/1Q4p1/6p1/P5P1/5PP1/5K2/q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "49"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {Even with two extra pawns, the absence of a shelter for the king can make the win very difficult. Without advancing his king into the enemy position, White is unable to win. Therefore he first does everything possible to prepare for the emergence of his king. %212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1021 %212045826630=4HLJ1053 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1. Qb4 Qh1 (1... Qa2+ 2. Ke3 Qg2 3. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 2. Qe1 Qh2+ 3. Ke3 Kh7 4. a5 Qa2 5. Qd2 Qa1 6. Ke2 Kh6 (6... Qe5+ {%05if} 7. Kf2 Qc5+ {, then} 8. Kg2 Qc4 9. f4 {[%eval 550,0] , with a sequel roughly as in the game}) 7. f4 {! ^013^010 White's plan is highly instructive. He intends after the exchange of pawns to play g4-g5, then drive the black king back onto the 8th rank, and finally to advance his king to the g6 pawn.} gxf4 {%05^013^010} 8. gxf4 Qa4 9. Kf2 {!} (9. g5+ {is over-hasty due to} Kh5) 9... Kh7 (9... Qa1 {%05if} 10. Kg2 {, and on} Qa4 {%04-} 11. g5+ Kh5 12. Qe3 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 10. g5 {!} Qa3 11. Qd7+ Kh8 12. Qc8+ Kh7 13. Qc7+ Kh8 14. Ke2 {^013^010 At last the king can be moved!} Qa2+ {%05^013^010} (14... Kg8 {, there could have followed %05Had Black persisted with, for example,} 15. Kd2 Kf8 (15... Kh8 16. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Qd8+ Kg7 17. Qf6+ Kh7 18. a6 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king hides from the checks on the 8th rank.}) 15. Ke3 Qb3+ 16. Kd4 Qb4+ 17. Kd5 Qb5+ 18. Kd4 Qa6 ( 18... Qb4+ {, then %05if again} 19. Ke5 Qb5+ 20. Kd6 (20. Kf6 {%05but not} Qf5+ 21. Ke7 Qf8+ {!}) 20... Qd3+ 21. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 19. Qb6 Qc8 20. Qd6 {!} ( 20. Qxg6 {[%eval 0,0] ? would have allowed Black to draw by 'perpetually' sacrificing his queen}) 20... Qc2 21. a6 Qd2+ 22. Ke5 Qc3+ 23. Ke6 Qc8+ 24. Ke7 Kh7 25. Qd7 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned, since after 25...Qxa6 he is mated.^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Black "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/1p3p1p/6p1/1p1p4/8/P1Q1PP1P/1P3KP1/3q4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {We have already seen how, in realizing the extra pawn, in certain cases it was only by exceptionally subtle manoeuvring that it was possible to avoid perpetual check. An actively placed enemy queen always presents a danger, which must constantly be reckoned with. Here White should have played 1.Kg3, moving his king into a shelter and threatening 2.Qc8. Instead of this he immediately won a pawn:} 1. Qc8+ Kg7 2. Qxb7 {, but now came} Qd2+ 3. Kg3 d4 { ! , and White had to agree to a draw, since after} 4. exd4 {Black plays} Qg5+ 5. Kh2 Qf4+ {[%eval 0,0] , with perpetual check.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Borisenko Georgy K (UZB)"] [Black "Simagin Vladimir P (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p2/6p1/2P3P1/3Q4/6PK/8/4q3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1021 %212045826630=4HLJ1053 %212045826630=4HLJ121 When manoeuvring with his king, the stronger side should not forget that the queen is a mating piece. Therefore the king must be moved with care, to avoid the possibility of ending up in a mating net. Here is a tragi-comic example of such carelessness.} 1... Qf1+ {he played %05Without advancing his c-pawn White has no chance of winning. Therefore on} 2. Kg4 {??} (2. Kh4 Qe2 {=}) (2. Kh2 Qe2+ {=}) 2... f5+ {!} (2... Qe2+ 3. Kf4 {[%eval 550, 0]}) (2... Qf5+ {%05or} 3. Kh4 Qf3 4. Qd8+ Kg7 5. Qf6+ {[%eval 550,0] ! , with a won pawn ending}) 3. gxf6 (3. Kh4 Qh1#) 3... Qf5+ 4. Kh4 Qh5# * [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lisitsin Georgy M (RUS)"] [Black "Suetin Alexei S (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/p4Q2/1p6/2p5/2P5/8/PP1K1P2/5q2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {~16.2 Passed pawn in the centre or on the K-side~ In endings of this type the creation of a passed pawn inevitably involves opening up the king's pawn screen. Therefore it is very important to determine where the king should then head for. As we know from previous examples, the king should hide in the depths of the enemy position, where it either simply escapes from the pursuit by using the opponent's pawns and the position of his king for a shelter, or else takes an active part in the struggle by attacking weak enemy pawns or even helping to create a mating net around the enemy king. For the moment there is no point in White advancing his passed pawn, since his king cannot support it without loss of material. His task is complicated by the fact that the black queen is actively placed, whereas his own pieces are forced to defend his pawns. White carries out an interesting plan: he achieves the exchange of several pawns, and obtains a position where his queen on its own can defend the remaining pawns, and his king gains the opportunity to advance into the enemy position to support the passed pawn.} 1... Qb1 2. Qf6+ Kg8 3. a3 Qf1 4. Qe6+ Kg7 5. Qe2 Qb1 6. Kc3 {^013^010 White has included his queen in the defence, but has also created the threat of 7.Qe7 and 8.Qxa7. Black is therefore forced to retreat his queen.} Qf5 {%05^013^010} 7. Qe7+ Kg6 8. Qd6+ ( 8. Qxa7 {%05of course, not} Qf3+ {!} 9. Kc2 Qe2+ {!} 10. Kb1 Qf1+ {[%eval 0,0] ! , and Black gives perpetual check}) 8... Kg7 9. Qg3+ Kf6 10. b4 {!} cxb4+ ( 10... Ke6 {%05 If Black avoids the exchange, after 11.Qe3 White himself exchanges on c5, creating a weak pawn in the enemy position and threatening to take his king to b5. For example:} 11. Qe3+ Kf6 (11... Kf7 {! is stronger, it is true, when there would follow} 12. bxc5 bxc5 13. f3 Qf6+ (13... Kf6 14. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 14. Kc2 Qf5+ 15. Qd3 Qc8 16. Qh7+ {[%eval 550,0] (pointed out by Konstantinopolsky). By combining threats of transferring his king to b5 and winning the a7 pawn, White finally pushes back the black pieces and gains the opportunity to advance his f-pawn.}) 12. bxc5 bxc5 13. Kb3 Qb1+ 14. Ka4 Qf5 (14... Qb6 15. Qh6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. axb4 Qb1 12. Qd6+ {(White wishes to improve the position of his queen without loss of tempo) } Kg7 13. Qd7+ Kf6 14. Qd4+ Ke6 (14... Kf7 {would have been met by the immediate} 15. c5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qe3+ {!} Kf7 {(due to the threat of 16. Qd3, the king cannot step onto the d-file)} 16. c5 {!} bxc5 17. Qxc5 (17. bxc5 {, creating a strong passed pawn, would possibly have won more quickly. For example: %05White consistently carries out his plan, but} a5 18. Qf4+ Ke6 19. Qd6+ Kf7 20. c6 {[%eval 550,0] . It is true that in this case Black would have gained some counter-play, which is evidently why White preferred the move in the game.}) 17... Qa1+ 18. Kd3 a6 19. Ke4 Qe1+ {!} 20. Kf4 (20. Kd5 {there follows %05parrying White's threat to take his king to the a6 pawn; now on} Qe6+) 20... Qa1 {[%eval 550,0] , and we reach position ~3($413542)~, where White^013^010 wins.} 1-0 [Event "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Site "Amsterdam (Netherlands)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pilnik Hermann (GER)"] [Black "Trifunovic Petar (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/p5p1/1p4P1/1P1Q1P2/2P1K3/8/1q6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {The black queen is preventing White's king from coming into play. His first task is to drive away the queen and activate his king.} 1... Qe1+ 2. Kd3 Qb1+ { ! (Black does not allow the king to advance; in order to carry out this advance, White has to resort to trickery)} 3. Kd2 {!} Qa2+ {^013^010 The threat was 4.Qd8 Kh7 5.Qc7 Kg8 6.Ke3, when the king is able to advance into the enemy position. Therefore Black has to switch his queen onto the defensive. } 4. Ke3 {%05^013^010} Qe6+ 5. Qe5 Qc6 6. Qc5 Qd7 7. Ke4 Kh7 8. f5 {! (the time has come to set up a passed pawn)} (8. Qe5 {is met by %05Thus the first step has been made. White's king has been activated, but it cannot yet proceed into the black position, since} Qc6+ 9. Kd4 Qc4+) 8... Qb7+ 9. Kf4 gxf5 10. Qxf5+ Kg7 11. Qf6+ Kh7 (11... Kg8 {, as shown by Euwe, there could have followed %05On} 12. g6 {, e.g.} Qc7+ (12... Qd5 13. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Ke4 Qb7+ (13... Qc4+ 14. Ke3 Qd5 15. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kd4 Qa7+ 15. Kd5 Qb7+ (15... Qd7+ 16. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 16. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the exchange of queens is inevitable.}) 12. Ke5 {%05After the move played White wins easily by taking his king to f7:} (12. g6+ {%05Instead of this, after a series of checks White played} Kh6 13. g7+ Kh7 14. Qf8 {, which greatly prolonged the game, since from f8 the^013^010 queen was unable to help the king, which had to fairly^013^010 roam the board to escape from perpetual check.}) 12... Qc7+ 13. Ke6 Qc6+ 14. Kf7 {, for example;} Qd7+ {%05^013^010} ( 14... Qc4+ 15. Qe6 Qf4+ 16. Ke8 Qb8+ (16... Qxg5 17. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 17. Ke7 Qc7+ 18. Qd7 Qe5+ 19. Kf8+ Kg6 20. Qe8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qe7 Qf5+ 16. Ke8+ Kg8 (16... Kg6 17. Qf6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 17. Qc5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the king makes for the a6 pawn.} 1-0 [Event "Vienna (Austria)"] [Site "Vienna (Austria)"] [Date "1898.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pillsbury Harry N (USA)"] [Black "Burn Amos (ENG)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/1p4p1/p3p2p/P2q3P/1P3PP1/2Q5/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "67"] [EventDate "1898.??.??"] {In the preceding examples the stronger side was able to defend his pawns on both wings with his queen alone, after which his king could calmly advance into the opponent's position. Here Black is unable to achieve this, and he has constantly to reckon with active possibilities by White. As usual, the winning plan here consists of the following steps: ~2 (1) The king occupies an active position. ~ ~2 (2) A passed pawn is created. ~ ~2 (3) Exploiting the fact that the opponent's pieces are tied down by the struggle with the passed pawn, the king penetrates into the enemy pawn formation, so as to gain a decisive material advantage. ~ %212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1021 %212045826630=4HLJ1055 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1... Qd5 2. Kg2 Kf6 3. Qc3 Qc5 4. Qd3 Ke7 5. Qd2 Qd4 6. Qe2 f5 7. Qb5 e4 8. fxe4 fxe4 {^013^010 The first two steps have been carried out, but a deficiency has appeared in Black's position $6 a weak pawn at g6. White tries to tie down the opponent's king to this pawn. } 9. Qg5+ {%05^013^010} Kf7 10. Qf4+ Ke6 11. Qg5 Qb2+ 12. Kh3 Qf6 {!} 13. Qe3 Kd5 {!} 14. Qd2+ Qd4 15. Qg5+ Qe5 {!} 16. Qe3 (16. Qxg6 {, then %05An important tactical finesse! If now} Qe6+ 17. Qxe6+ Kxe6 {, with a won pawn ending, e.g.} 18. g4 e3 19. Kg3 hxg4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) (16. Qd2+ Kc5 { [%eval -550,0]}) 16... Kc6 17. Kg2 Qb2+ 18. Kh3 Qc2 {! (Black has improved his queen position to the maximum extent, but White has a counter-attacking possibility)} 19. Qg5 Qe2 {!! ^013^010 Brilliant! Black sacrifices a pawn but activates his king, which in combination with the passed pawn decides the game. } 20. Qxg6+ {%05^013^010} Kc5 21. b4+ (21. Qf5+ {%05A desperate attempt to complicate matters. After} Kb4 22. g4 hxg4+ 23. Qxg4 Qxg4+ 24. Kxg4 Kc3 {!} 25. h5 e3 26. h6 e2 27. h7 e1=Q 28. h8=Q+ Kxb3 29. Qg8+ Ka3 {[%eval -550,0] ! Black has a won ending with a- and b-pawns}) (21. g4 Qf3+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 21... axb4 22. Qg5+ Kd4 (22... Kc4 {?} 23. Qb5+ $18) 23. Qf6+ Kc4 24. Qxb6 Qf3 25. Qe6+ Kc3 26. Qe5+ Kb3 27. Qd5+ Ka3 28. Kh2 b3 {(the a-pawn screens the king against checks on the file)} 29. Qc5+ Ka2 30. a5 b2 31. Qd5+ Qb3 32. Qd2 Qd3 33. Qf2 e3 34. Qf7+ Qb3 {[%eval -550,0] White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alexander Conel H O'd (ENG)"] [Black "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/p7/1p3qpk/4p2p/4P3/6P1/PP4K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "59"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {As in the previous example, we have here a position where both sides have weaknesses. It is not easy for Black to realize his extra pawn, since he is restricted by the active white queen. But subtle manoeuvring with his queen enables Black to win.} 1... h4 {! ^013^010 Probably the most favourable moment to set up a passed pawn, since it is unlikely that Black can strengthen any further the placing of his pieces. At the same time the position of the white king is exposed.} 2. gxh4 {%05^013^010} Kh5 {!} (2... Qxh4 {? %05of course, not } 3. Qh8+ Kg5 4. Qxe5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3. Qd7 a5 4. Qd1+ Kxh4 5. Qh1+ Kg5 6. Qd1 Kh6 7. Qh1+ Kg7 8. Qc1 Qd8 {!} 9. Qc2 (9. b3 {, for the moment not allowing the queen onto the important c1-h6 diagonal. %05After the elimination of the g-pawn, the black queen has gained the opportunity of invading from two sides. Now Black succeeds in activating his pieces. To be considered was}) 9... Qg5+ 10. Kh3 Qe3+ 11. Kg4 Qf4+ 12. Kh3 Qf3+ 13. Kh2 (13. Kh4 {%05after} Kh6 14. Qc6 Qf2+ 15. Kg4 Qxb2 {[%eval -550,0] Black wins a second pawn}) 13... Kh6 { ! ^013^010 Now the king advances. White decides to attempt a counter-attack, but it proves to be fairly harmless.} 14. Qc6 {%05^013^010} Qf2+ 15. Kh3 Kh5 16. Qb7 Qe3+ 17. Kg2 Qd2+ 18. Kg3 Qd3+ 19. Kf2 Qd6 {! ^013^010 For a short time the queen retreats, so that after the advance of the king it will again come into play. At the same time the white queen, being forced to defend the e4 pawn, is essentially taking no part in the struggle.} 20. Kg3 {%05^013^010} Kg5 21. Kf3 Qd8 {! ^013^010 Black manoeuvres brilliantly with his queen. The open position of the opponent's king allows him to create threats from different sides.} 22. Kg3 {%05^013^010} Qf6 23. Qd5 Qf4+ 24. Kg2 Kh4 {! (the king advances with the unequivocal intention of creating mating threats)} 25. Qc6 Qg3+ 26. Kf1 Qf3+ 27. Ke1 Qe3+ 28. Kf1 (28. Kd1 {would also have been met by} g5 {[%eval -550,0]}) 28... g5 29. Kg2 Qd2+ {, and White resigned since} 30. Kf1 {is decisively met by} (30. Kg1 {[%eval -550,0] %05or}) 30... Kg3 {[%eval -550,0] !} 0-1 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/q4p2/6p1/3QP2p/1p5P/6P1/1P2KP2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {It is extremely difficult for White to set up a passed pawn in the centre or to steal up on the b4 pawn with his king, and so he exchanges his centre pawn for a flank pawn and obtains an outside passed pawn.} 1. e6 {!} fxe6 (1... Qe7 2. Qd7 Qxe6+ 3. Qxe6 fxe6 {[%eval 550,0] leads to a lost pawn ending}) 2. Qe4 { !} Kf7 (2... Qa6+ {? After %05 It cannot be categorically asserted that White's advantage is decisive, but he has at his disposal a dangerous plan, typical of endings of this type: he places his queen at c4, advances b2-b3-b4, and then his king goes out into the 'open sea', trying to break through to the 7th rank.^013^010 %05In the game Black made things easier for his opponent by playing} 3. Qd3 {!} Qb6 4. Qxg6+ Kf8 5. Qxh5 {he was two pawns down, and went on to lose:} Qd4 6. Qf3+ Kg7 7. b3 Qb2+ 8. Kf1 Qc1+ 9. Kg2 Qc3 10. Qe3 e5 11. h5 Qc6+ 12. Kg1 Qc3 13. Qg5+ Kf7 14. Qg6+ Ke7 15. h6 {!} Qxb3 16. h7 Qd1+ 17. Kg2 Qd5+ 18. f3 Qd2+ 19. Kh3 Qd7+ 20. Qg4 Qd1 21. Qg7+ {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} ) 3. Qxb4 {[%eval 550,0]} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1945.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p5kp/3Q2p1/2p2p2/3p4/7P/P4PPK/2q5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1945.??.??"] {~2The possibility of taking the king into the enemy position is essentially the decisive factor in this type of ending. If the king cannot break free, in many cases it is not possible to realize the material advantage.~ Black is two connected passed pawns to the good. Such an advantage is decisive in practically any ending. But here the black king is not covered by pawns, and White is threatening to give perpetual check.} 1... Qc4 2. f4 {!} (2. Qe7+ { , then %05if} Qf7 3. Qxc5 Qd7 4. Qe5+ Kf7 5. Qh8 Ke6 {[%eval -550,0] , activating the king}) 2... Qf7 3. a4 {!} (3. Qxc5 {%05The correct idea. White is not tempted by the pawn, since after} Qd7 4. Qe5+ Kh6 5. Qh8 Qd6 {[%eval -550,0] ! Black's king hides, and his d-pawn becomes very dangerous.}) 3... h5 4. a5 Kh7 5. a6 {(White has created a strong point for his queen at b7, and has tied down the black queen still further)} c4 {!} 6. Qxd4 Qc7 {^013^010 White seems to be in great danger. 7...c3 is threatened, and 7.Qc3 is decisively met by 7...Qxf4.} 7. Qd5 {!! %05^013^010} Qxf4+ (7... c3 {there follows %05now the point of advancing the a-pawn is fully revealed: on} 8. Qb7) 8. g3 {!} Qf2+ (8... Qc7 {, which is relatively best, Chekhover gives the following variation: %05On} 9. Qb7 Qg7 10. h4 {!} c3 (10... f4 {! %05or} 11. gxf4 c3 12. Qe4 Qf6 13. Kg3 Qf5 14. Qb7+ Kh6 15. Qb8 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw }) 11. Qb3 c2 12. Qc4 (12. Qxc2 {[%eval 0,0] is also possible}) 12... Qb2 13. Qf7+ Kh6 14. Qf8+ Qg7 15. Qc5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 9. Kh1 Qxg3 {(now White gives perpetual check)} 10. Qf7+ Kh6 11. Qf8+ Kg5 12. Qd8+ Kf4 13. Qd4+ {!} Kf3 14. Qc3+ Kf2 15. Qd2+ Kf1 16. Qd1+ Kf2 (16... Qe1 17. Qf3+ Qf2 18. Qd1+ {[%eval 0, 0]}) 17. Qd2+ Kf3 18. Qc3+ {[%eval 0,0] . Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Mikenas Vladas I (EST)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1k/5Qp1/8/7p/4q2P/6P1/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {~16.3 Pawns on one wing~ If all the pawns are on one wing, the realization of the extra pawn is a difficult matter, and depends basically on whether the stronger side's king can penetrate into the enemy position. Here is a typical drawn position with three pawns against two. Black is unable to realize his advantage, since he can neither create a passed pawn, nor break through with his king into the opponent's position.} 1... Qe1+ 2. Kh2 Kg8 3. Qd8+ Kg7 4. Qd6 Qe3 5. Kh1 f6 6. Qd7+ Kh6 7. Qd1 {! ^013^010 White's defence is very simple. He must block the black king's path to g3.} Qf4 {%05^013^010} 8. Kg1 g5 9. Qb3 Qd4+ 10. Kf1 g4 {^013^010 The king cannot advance, and Black tries this harmless possibility.} 11. hxg4 {%05^013^010} Qxg4 12. Kg1 Qd4+ 13. Kh2 Kg5 14. Qg8+ Kf4 15. Kh3 {[%eval 0,0] . Drawn.^013^010 ^013^010 The defence was facilitated to a considerable extent by^013^010 the fact that Black's pawn was at h4, depriving his king^013^010 of this square. As we will see from the analysis of^013^010 position ~3($403565)~, the defender's task is not so^013^010 simple if the opponent's king should succeed in^013^010 occupying this square.^013^010 But first we will consider example ~3($403564)~. Here too the attempt to realize the extra pawn proved^013^010 unsuccessful.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Munich (Germany)"] [Site "Munich (Germany)"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mross Paul"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4kpp1/5p2/5Q1P/6PK/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] 1. Qh5 Qg3+ 2. Kh1 Kd4 (2... f3 {%05if} 3. Qe8+ {[%eval 0,0] , and White gives perpetual check}) 3. Qh8+ Kd3 4. Qe5 {!} (4. Qd8+ {%05of course, not} Ke2 5. Qe7+ Kf1 6. Qb7 Qd3 {[%eval -550,0] !}) 4... Kd2 5. Qxf5 Ke2 6. Qc2+ Kf1 7. Qc4+ (7. Qd1+ {%05also possible is} Qe1 8. Qf3+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 7... Ke1 8. Qc1+ Ke2 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Simultan"] [Site "Shchelkovo"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "N.N."] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/6p1/4Q2p/5P2/6PK/7P/8/6q1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] 1... Qd4 {, which, incidentally, also defends against the threat of f5-f6. %05The white king is threatening to penetrate at g6. Therefore Black played} 2. Kh5 {%05^013^010} Kh7 (2... Qd8 {? , then %05The king must not be allowed in at g6. If, for example,} 3. Kg6 Qb8 (3... Qg5+ 4. Kf7 Qd8 5. Qe8+ {[%eval 550, 0]}) 4. f6 Qb1+ 5. Qf5 Qb7 6. Qe5 Qb1+ 7. Kh5 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.}) 3. Qg6+ Kh8 {?} (3... Kg8 {! would have drawn after %05This natural move loses the game.} 4. f6 Qe5+ {!} 5. Qf5 Qe8+ 6. f7+ {due to %05, when White does not have} Qxf7+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4. f6 {!} Qe5+ (4... Qd5+ {is met by} 5. Kh4 Qd7 6. f7 Qe7+ 7. Kh5 Qc5+ 8. Qf5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qf5 gxf6 6. Kxh6 Qe3+ 7. Kg6 Qe8+ 8. Kxf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White won.} * [Event "Titovo Uzice (Yugoslavia)"] [Site "Titovo Uzice (Yugoslavia)"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gligoric Svetozar (YUG)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/6p1/6Qp/5P1K/6PP/5q2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {Some interesting subtleties of such endings are demonstrated in the following example. White is threatening after 1.Qe7 Kh6 2.Qe5! Kh7 to break decisively into his opponent's position: 3.Kg5! Qxg3 4.Kf6, and the mating threats cannot be parried.} 1... Qd4 {, and the game continued: %05Black therefore played} 2. Qe7+ Kh6 3. Qf8+ Kh7 4. Qf7+ Kh6 5. Qe7 Qa1 (5... Qd5 {or 5...Qb6. For example: %05An inaccuracy, which worsens Black's position. Correct was either} 6. Qg5+ ( 6. Qf6 {%05Also unsuccessful here is the pawn break} Kh7 7. f5 {due to} Qe4+ 8. Kg5 Qe3+) 6... Qxg5+ 7. fxg5+ Kg7 8. g4 hxg4 9. Kxg4 Kf7 10. Kf4 Ke6 11. h4 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) (5... Qb6 {%05or} 6. Qf8+ Kh7 7. f5 {, and now} Qd4+ {!} 8. Kg5 Qd2+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 6. Qf8+ Kh7 7. Qd6 Qa5 (7... Qe1 { , then %05The queen takes away important squares from the opponent's queen. If now} 8. Qe5 Qb4 9. Kg5 Qb7 10. f5 {[%eval 550,0] and wins}) (7... Qc3 {leads after %05while} 8. Qe7+ Kh6 (8... Kg8 9. f5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. g4 {[%eval 550, 0] to the game continuation}) (7... Kh6 {is met by %05finally,} 8. f5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qe7+ Kg8 (8... Kh6 9. g4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qe8+ Kh7 10. Qf7+ Kh6 11. Qg8 Qa1 12. Qd8 Qc3 {?} (12... Kh7 {there would have followed %05The losing move. On} 13. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (12... Qg7 {! %05but correct was} 13. Qg5+ Kh7 14. Qe5 Qd7 {!} 15. f5 gxf5 16. Kxh5 Qf7+ 17. Kg5 Qg6+ 18. Kf4 Qh6+ 19. Kxf5 Qxh3+ {[%eval 0,0] , when White is unable to realize his extra pawn.}) 13. Qg5+ Kh7 14. Qe7+ Kh6 15. g4 {!} hxg4 16. hxg4 g5+ 17. fxg5+ Kg6 18. Qf6+ { [%eval 550,0] , and White won.^013^010 ^013^010 Thus the defence in such endings demands a certain accuracy. In particular the defender must be on the watch for pawn breaks, and he must not allow the opponent's king to penetrate into the heart of his position.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ciocaltea Viktor (ROM)"] [Black "Unzicker Wolfgang (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2q5/5p1k/6pp/8/8/7P/Q5P1/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "87"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1021 %212045826630=4HLJ1057 %212045826630=4HLJ121 The following example is instructive, in that the defending side chose an incorrect method of defence. The position diners only slightly from example ~3( 3563)~. White's task to prevent the penetration of the enemy king into his position can be carried out here without difficulty.} 1... Qc1+ 2. Kh2 Qf4+ 3. g3 {?} (3. Kh1 {! was correct %05White unnecessarily weakens his pawn position;}) 3... Qf3 $17 4. h4 h5 5. Qd2 {^013^010 We have reached a position where the defending side has a slightly different pawn formation than in the earlier examples. With this arrangement of the pawns the defence is more difficult.} Kg7 {%05^013^010} 6. Qd4+ Qf6 7. Qd2 Qe5 8. Kg2 Kf6 {(Black tries to take his king into the opponent's position)} 9. Qd8+ Kf5 10. Qd7+ Qe6 11. Qb5+ Qe5 (11... Ke4 {$6is parried by %05The attempt to advance the king $6} 12. Qe2+ Kd4 13. Qd2+ Kc4 14. Qc2+ Kb4 15. Qd2+ {etc. Therefore the king goes back, in order to repeat this operation in a more favourable situation.}) 12. Qd7+ Qe6 13. Qb5+ Kf6 14. Qg5+ Kg7 15. Qd2 {(the first wave has been parried, but the battle continues)} Qc4 16. Kh2 {?} (16. Qd8 {! %05White plays carelessly. The black king's exit should have been barred by}) ( 16. Qd6 {! But now the king can again advance, since there is a shelter for it at c2. %05or}) 16... Kf6 {!} 17. Qd8+ Ke6 18. Qe8+ Kf5 19. Qd7+ Ke4 20. Qe7+ Kd3 21. Qa3+ Kc2 22. Qe7 {?} (22. Qd6 {! Black's task would still have been very difficult, whereas now he is able to create decisive threats. %05After}) 22... Kd1 23. Qd8+ Ke2 24. Qe7+ Qe6 25. Qb7 Kf2 26. Qg2+ Ke1 27. Qg1+ Ke2 28. Qg2+ Kd3 {!} 29. Qf3+ Kd2 30. Qf4+ Ke2 31. Qc7 f5 {^013^010 White's position is deteriorating fast. He only has a few harmless checks.} 32. Qc2+ { %05^013^010} Kf3 33. Qg2+ Ke3 34. Qb2 Qc4 35. Qa3+ Qd3 36. Qc5+ Kf3 37. Qc6+ Qe4 38. Qc3+ Kf2 39. Qc5+ Qe3 40. Qc2+ Qe2 {!} 41. Qc6 Kf1+ (41... f4 {[%eval -550,0] would also have won easily}) 42. Kh3 (42. Kh1 Qe4+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 42... Kg1 {!} 43. Qc5+ Qf2 44. Qe3 {(the last try)} f4 {[%eval -550,0] ! White resigns.} * [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Suetin Alexei S (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Qpk/8/4p3/8/6PP/4qP1K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {If, with three pawns against two, the defender has pawn weaknesses and his pieces are badly placed, it is normally possible to win even against accurate defence. White's plan is clear: he advances his king and weaves a mating net around the opponent's king.} 1. g4 Qd2 2. Kg3 Qc3+ 3. Kh4 Qd4 4. Qf5+ g6 { ^013^010 This eases White's task somewhat, but if the king retreats to the 8th rank, after 5.f3 and 6.Kh5 White plays g5-g6 and again creates a mating net.} 5. Qf7+ {%05^013^010} Kh6 6. Qf6 {!} Kh7 7. Kg5 Qd2+ 8. f4 {!} exf4 9. Qf7+ Kh8 10. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Black "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Q1p/6p1/q7/3k4/5PP1/6KP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] 1. Qd7+ {! %05Black's king is cut off from his pawns, and by} (1. Qxh7 { ? , which allowed Black to use the position of his king for a counter-attack: %05Instead of this he played} Qa2+ 2. Kh3 Qe6+ 3. g4 Ke3 {!} 4. Qb7 Kf2 { [%eval 0,0] ! , and the game ended in a draw.}) 1... Ke3 2. Qe7+ Kd3 (2... Kd4 3. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0] , exchanging queens}) 3. h4 {[%eval 550,0] ! White could have easily realized his advantage.} * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Saemisch Friedrich (GER)"] [Black "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/5pp1/5q1p/7P/4P3/5PP1/2Q3K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "62"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {With four pawns against three it is again not normally possible to realize the advantage, provided only that there are no additional factors which lessen the defender's chances.} 1. Qc7+ Kg8 2. f3 Qd3 3. e4 Qd2 4. Kh2 Qb2 5. Qg3 Kf7 6. f4 Qe2 7. Qb3+ (7. e5 {, then %05If} fxe5 8. fxe5 Qe4 {!} 9. Qg5 (9. Qb3+ Kg7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 9... Ke6 10. Qf6+ Kd7 11. Qf7+ (11. Kg3 {%05or} Qe3+ { [%eval 0,0]}) 11... Kd8 12. e6 Qxh4+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw (Fine).}) 7... Kf8 8. Qb8+ Kf7 9. Qc7+ Ke6 10. f5+ gxf5 11. Qc8+ Ke7 12. Qxf5 Kf7 13. Kh3 Qd3+ 14. Qf3 Qd7+ 15. Kh2 Qb5 (15... Kg6 {[%eval 0,0] is simpler}) 16. g4 hxg4 17. Qxg4 {^013^010 White has at last set up a passed pawn, but it is a rook's pawn, and Black is able to defend.} Qb2+ {%05^013^010} 18. Kg3 Qc3+ 19. Qf3 Qc7+ 20. Kg4 {(the king attempts to penetrate into the opponent's position)} Qd7+ 21. Kh5 Qe8 22. Qf5 Qh8+ 23. Kg4 Qg8+ 24. Kf3 Qg1 25. Qd7+ Kf8 26. Qh7 Qd1+ 27. Kf4 Qd6+ 28. Kg4 Qe6+ 29. Qf5 Qg8+ 30. Kf4 Qf7 31. Qd5 Qg6 {, and we reach the drawn position ~3($413545)~} * [Event "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Site "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4q1kp/8/Q3pPp1/4P1P1/7P/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {The black pawns are weak, and this allows White to win.} 1. Qb5 {! (threatening by 2.f5 to transpose into a won pawn ending)} Qa2 (1... Kf6 { there would have followed %05Black launches a counter-attack. On} 2. Kd2 Qa2+ ( 2... Kg6 3. f5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kc3 Qxh2 4. Qe5+ Kf7 5. Qf5+ Kg7 6. Qxg4+ Kh7 7. f5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qe8+ Kg7 3. Qd7+ Kf6 (3... Kh8 {, then %05If} 4. Qc8+ Kh7 5. Qf5+ Kh8 6. Qxe4 {, for example:} Qa1+ 7. Kd2 Qa5+ 8. Kc2 {!} Qa2+ 9. Kc3 Qa3+ 10. Kc4 Qa4+ 11. Kd5 Qd7+ 12. Kc5 {!} Qa7+ 13. Kd6 Qb8+ 14. Ke7 Qc7+ 15. Kf6 Qg7+ 16. Ke6 {!} Qg8+ 17. Kd7 Qf7+ 18. Kd6 Qf6+ 19. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 4. Qxg4 {! (pointed out by Fine; in the game White played a weaker continuation)} Qxh2 5. Qh4+ {!} Qxh4 6. gxh4 Kf5 7. Kd2 Kg4 8. Kc3 Kxh4 9. Kd4 Kg4 10. Ke5 h5 11. f5 h4 12. f6 h3 13. f7 h2 14. f8=Q h1=Q 15. Qf5+ Kg3 16. Qf4+ Kh3 17. Qh6+ {[%eval 550,0] , and by exchanging queens White wins.} * [Event "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Site "Tbilisi (Georgia)"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Krogius Nikolai V (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4p1kp/4P1p1/3Q2P1/K6P/2q2P2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1021 %212045826630=4HLJ1057 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1... h5 {? ^013^010 A serious mistake. The weakening of the g5 pawn will subsequently play a decisive role. %05To win, White must succeed in breaking through with his king to the e6 pawn, capture it, and then queen his own e-pawn. Therefore 1...Qc6 was correct, preventing this plan, but instead there followed:} 2. Kb4 {%05^013^010} (2. gxh5+ {%05of course, not} Kh6 {and 3...Qf5=, with an easy draw}) 2... Kh6 3. Qd6 {! ^013^010 This same move would have followed on 2...Qe6. Disregarding possible loss of material, White carries out his plan.} Qb2+ {%05^013^010} 4. Ka4 Qa2+ 5. Kb5 hxg4 6. hxg4 Kg6 ( 6... Qxf2 {, there could have followed %05Had Black taken the f-pawn,} 7. Qxe6+ Kg7 8. Kc6 {, for example:} Qc2+ (8... Qf3+ {%05or} 9. Kc7 Qc3+ 10. Kd7 Qd4+ 11. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kb7 {!} Qe4+ 10. Kc7 Qc2+ 11. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] . White's king manages to escape from the checks, and his extra pawn is bound to decide the issue.}) 7. Kc6 {!} Qa4+ 8. Kc7 Qxg4 9. Kd7 Kh5 10. Qxe6 Qa4+ 11. Kd8 Qd4+ 12. Qd6 (12. Ke8 {is also possible, since on} Qxf2 {White has} 13. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 12... Qxf2 13. e6 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403531)~.} * [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Black "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/5p1p/4p1p1/q7/3PP3/3Q1PP1/6KP/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {With five pawns against four the winning chances, naturally, increase, since it is possible to set up an outside passed pawn.} 1. d5 {!} Ke7 2. Qd4 exd5 3. exd5 Kd6 4. Qf4+ Kxd5 (4... Ke7 {%05This loses, whereas after} 5. Qe5+ Kd7 { it would have been no easy matter to win the ending.}) 5. Qxf7+ Kd4 {, and we obtain position~3($413569)~, where by 6.Qd7 White can decide the game in his favour.} * [Event "London (England)"] [Site "London (England)"] [Date "1899.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Maroczy Geza (HUN)"] [Black "Janowski Dawid M (POL)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/1q3p1p/6p1/3p4/1P1Q1P1P/P4KP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "1899.??.??"] {~16.4 Both sides have passed pawns~ In positions where both sides have passed pawns, the stronger side wins if he is able to stop the opponent's pawn and advance his own. A material advantage here is relatively unimportant. What is important is how far advanced the pawns are, and how the pieces can combat them. Here White can neutralize the black passed pawn. To do this he brings up his king, and the white pawns can then begin their victorious advance.} 1. Ke2 Qe6+ 2. Kd2 Qe5 3. b4 Qh2 4. Qe2 Qc7 5. Qd3 Qh2 6. b5 {! ^013^010 White finds the correct plan. Not worrying about the loss of pawns on the K-side, he advances his outside passed pawn as quickly as possible.} Qxg2+ {%05^013^010} 7. Qe2 Qxh3 8. b6 Qd7 9. Qc4 Kg6 10. Qc7 Qe6 11. Qc2+ {!} f5 (11... Kg7 { , but here too White wins. For example: %05Black could put up a stubborn resistance by} 12. Qb3 Qh3 13. b7 Qg2+ 14. Kd3 Qxf3+ 15. Kxd4 Qf4+ 16. Kd5 Qe5+ 17. Kc6 Qe8+ 18. Kc7 Qe5+ (18... Qe7+ 19. Kb6 Qd8+ 20. Ka6 Qd6+ (20... Qb8 21. Qe6 $18) 21. Ka7 Qc5+ 22. Qb6 Qa3+ 23. Qa6 Qe3+ 24. Ka8 Qf3 25. a4 g4 26. Ka7 Qe3+ 27. Qb6 Qe7 28. Qc6 $18) 19. Kd7 Qd4+ 20. Kc6 Qe4+ 21. Qd5 Qc2+ 22. Kd7 Qa4+ 23. Kd8 Qb4 24. a4 Qf4 25. a5 $18) 12. Qb3 {!} Qe5 13. b7 Qb8 14. Kd3 { (threatening 15.Qe6 and 16.Qc8)} Kf6 15. Qb6+ Kf7 16. Qxh6 Qe5 17. Qh7+ Ke6 18. Qg8+ Ke7 19. b8=Q Qe3+ 20. Kc4 Qc3+ 21. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned, since the white king easily hides from the checks.^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mikenas Vladas I (EST)"] [Black "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/8/7p/6p1/1P1q2P1/K2p1P2/P2Q2P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {White is as many as two pawns to the good, but the black d-pawn restricts his actions. White carries out a typical plan: he gives up one of his pawns, but eliminates the opponent's main trump his d-pawn.} 1. Kb3 Kf8 2. a4 Qd5+ { ^013^010 Black's king cannot join the struggle with the passed pawn: as soon as it steps onto the c-file, Qc3 forces the exchange of queens. The exchange of pawns is therefore practically forced.} 3. Kc3 {%05^013^010} Qc6+ 4. Kxd3 Qxa4 5. Kc4 Kg8 {^013^010 From here the procedure is already familiar. The simplest way to win was by} 6. Qd5+ Kg7 7. Kc5 {, for example:} Qa7+ (7... Qc2+ {%05No better is} 8. Kb6 Qf2+ 9. Kb7 Qxg2 10. b5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kb5 Qb8+ 9. Kc4 Qc7+ 10. Kb3 {and 11.b5$18 In the game White did not play the best moves, but in the end he realized his advantage.} * [Event "Paris (France)"] [Site "Paris (France)"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bernstein Ossip S (UKR)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "q7/2Q4p/2p3k1/2P5/2P5/8/5PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "49"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {White has the advantage, not so much due to his extra pawn, as to the significantly superior position of his queen, since Black's queen, being forced to defend the c6 pawn, is passively placed. Without allowing the opponent's queen to break free, White gradually advances his f-pawn and activates his king.} 1. Qd6+ Kg7 2. Qe7+ Kg6 3. Qe6+ Kg7 4. f3 Qb7 5. Kg3 Qc7+ 6. Kg4 Qb7 7. f4 Kf8 8. Qf6+ Kg8 9. Qd8+ Kg7 10. Qd6 Qc8+ 11. f5 Qe8 12. Kf4 {! } Kf7 13. Qh6 Kg8 14. Qf6 {!} Qb8+ 15. Qd6 Qb7 (15... Qe8 {Analysis shows that then White wins by %05Couldn't Black have returned his queen to e8?} 16. Kg5 ( 16. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0] %05or even}) 16... Qe3+ {%05. For example:} (16... Kg7 { %05or} 17. Qc7+ Kg8 (17... Qf7 18. f6+ Kg8 19. Qc8+ Qf8 20. Qxc6 {[%eval 550,0] }) 18. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 17. Kf6 Qh6+ 18. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Qd8+ Kg7 17. Kg5 {!} h6+ (17... Kf7 {, then %05If} 18. Qf6+ Kg8 19. Kh6 { [%eval 550,0] ! , and Black is helpless}) (17... Qa7 18. Qf6+ Kg8 19. Kh6 {!} Qb7 20. Qe5 Qd7 (20... Qf7 {%05or} 21. Qg3+ Kf8 22. Qb8+ Ke7 23. Qd6+ {and 24. Qxc6$18}) 21. Qe6+ Qxe6+ 22. fxe6 Kf8 23. Kxh7 Ke7 24. Kg8 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 18. Kf4 Qf7 19. Ke5 {!} h5 (19... Qxc4 {, then %05if} 20. Qf6+ Kg8 21. Qg6+ Kf8 22. Qxh6+) 20. Qg5+ Kf8 21. Kd6 {!} Qh7 22. Qd8+ Kg7 23. Qe7+ Kg8 24. Qxh7+ Kxh7 25. f6 {[%eval 550,0] ! Resigns.^013^010 ^013^010 We have already mentioned that, if the weaker side has a dangerous passed pawn which cannot be securely blocked, the material advantage ceases to play an important role. What becomes of decisive importance is the degree of advancement of this pawn.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/1Q3p1p/4p1p1/P2p4/4q3/8/7K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1. a6 {[%eval 0,0] Black must be satisfied with perpetual check, since the a-pawn is too close to the queening square. %05After} * [Event "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Site "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "Zurakhov Vladlen Y (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2Q5/1p3k2/p2q4/P7/5P1P/6PK/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1021 %212045826630=4HLJ1059 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1... b5 {Black set up a dangerous passed pawn, and a pawn 'race' began. %05White is two pawns up, but after} 2. axb5 Qxb5 (2... Qe5+ {, then %05if} 3. Qxe5+ Kxe5 4. h4 a4 5. h5 a3 6. h6 Kf6 7. b6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 3. Qd6+ Kf7 {?} (3... Kg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] lead to mate %05and}) (3... Kg7 {! was more accurate}) 4. h4 a4 5. Qf4+ Ke6 {^013^010 Black's attempt to take his king to the opposite wing leads to defeat. It would have been better to keep the king at g6.} 6. Qg4+ {%05^013^010 } Kd6 7. Qg6+ Kc7 8. h5 Qe5+ 9. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] . Black resigned, since after} a3 10. h6 a2 11. Qg7+ Qxg7 12. hxg7 a1=Q 13. g8=Q {[%eval 550,0] the queen ending is hopeless.^013^010 ^013^010 The reader should take note of a defensive procedure, typical of such endings, whereby the weaker side exchanges the pawns on one wing and transposes into a simple position with pawns only on the other wing.} * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Pilnik Hermann (GER)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Qpk/p7/1p6/8/1PP4P/q5PK/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1... Qc2 {! with a simultaneous attack on both pawns. %05Had White been able to play 1.b4, he would have obtained good winning chances. But it was Black's move, and he played} 2. Qh5+ {%05^013^010} Kg8 3. Qd5+ Kh7 4. c4 bxc4 5. bxc4 a5 {! ^013^010 This last move is very important, leading by force to the exchange of the a-pawn for the c-pawn.} 6. Qh5+ {%05^013^010} Kg8 7. Qd5+ Kh7 8. Qxa5 (8. c5 {%05no different is} a4 9. c6 a3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... Qxc4 9. Qe5 Qd3 {[%eval 0,0] , and we reach position ~3($413535)~, where Black easily draws.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ciocaltea Viktor (ROM)"] [Black "Unzicker Wolfgang (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2q2p1k/2P3pp/p1P5/1p6/7P/6P1/5Q1K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {Here too the Q-side pawns are quickly exchanged.} 1... a4 2. Qb5 Qf4 3. c7 Qxc7 4. Qxb4 Qa7 5. c6 a3 6. Qc3 a2 7. Qa1 Qf2 8. c7 Qc2 9. c8=Q Qxc8 10. Qxa2 {[%eval -550,0] , and we reach position ~3($403567)~, in which Black has merely practical winning chances.} * [Event "Nottingham (England)"] [Site "Nottingham (England)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/5pk1/4p1p1/P3p2p/7P/1q4P1/5PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1023 %212045826630=4HLJ1061 %212045826630=4HLJ121 ~17. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS (POSITIONAL ADVANTAGE)~ In this chapter we will examine a number of examples where one of the sides has a positional advantage, and attempts to realize it. How is a positional advantage denned? When analysing a position it must first be correctly evaluated. The evaluation of a position depends on the placing of the pieces and pawns and on their interconnection. A positional advantage is often the sum of several small advantages. In this case it is important to pick out the chief feature of the position which determines the advantage of one of the sides. These main features are: ~ 7.1 The possibility of creating, or the existence of a passed pawn.~ ~ 7.2 Superior piece placing. ~ ~17.1 Passed pawn~ The existence of a passed pawn or the possibility of creating one is a significant advantage in many endings, including queen endings. A passed pawn is especially dangerous when the stronger side's king has a pawn screen, and he does not have to fear perpetual check. Black is a pawn up, but the advantage, and, moreover, a decisive one, is on the side of White, since his passed pawn can rapidly advance, and his king is securely defended.} 1. a6 Qa3 (1... Qa2 {, then %05If} 2. a7 e4 3. Qb7 e3 4. a8=Q Qxf2+ 5. Kh3 Qf5+ (5... e2 6. Qb2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kh2 Qf2+ 7. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. a7 e4 3. Qb8 Qf3+ 4. Kg1 Qd1+ (4... e3 {can be met by} 5. a8=Q {[%eval 550,0]} (5. Qe5+ { and 6.Qxe3$18 %05as well as by})) 5. Kh2 Qe2 6. Qe5+ {! , and Black resigned: Z0} ({Kh7 Qf6 Qa2 Qxf7+ Kh6} 6. Qf8+ $18) 1-0 [Event "Semmering (Austria)"] [Site "Semmering (Austria)"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tartakower Saviely G (RUS)"] [Black "Rosselli Del Turco Stefano (IT"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4Q3/1K3pp1/3P4/5P2/8/8/7q w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {White has a strong passed pawn, but his king is exposed. Nevertheless Black is unable to exploit this factor, since the white king finds a shelter inside the enemy position.} 1. Qe6+ {!} (1. d6 {is less clear, in view of %05The immediate} Qb1+ 2. Kc7 Qc1+ 3. Kd8 Qxf4 4. Ke8 (4. d7 {%05if} Qb8#) (4. Qe6+ { %05or} Kf8) 4... Qa4+ 5. Qd7 {!} (5. d7 {leads only to a draw after} Qa8+ {!!} 6. d8=Q Qa4+ {[%eval 0,0] , since the black queen gives perpetual check from a8-a4-e4}) 5... Qe4+ 6. Kd8 f5 {, then %05. If now} (6... Qa8+ {%05but after} 7. Ke7 (7. Qc8 {%05or} Qe4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7... Qa3 {[%eval 550,0] White still has to demonstrate that he has winning chances}) 7. Qe8+ Kg7 8. Qe7+ Kh6 (8... Kg8 9. Qxe4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. d7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king hides from the checks at f8.}) 1... Kg7 2. d6 Qb1+ 3. Kc7 Qc1+ 4. Kd8 Qxf4 5. Ke8 {!} g5 (5... Qa4+ 6. d7 Qb5 7. Qf7+ {and 8.Kf8$18}) 6. d7 Qa4 7. Qe7+ (7. Qf7+ { [%eval 550,0] is simpler %05the immediate}) 7... Kg8 8. Qf7+ Kh8 9. Kf8 Qa8+ 10. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Aronin Lev S (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p2q1k1p/5pp1/2Q1p3/1PP5/7P/5PP1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1023 %212045826630=4HLJ1061 %212045826630=4HLJ121 White had an undisputed advantage: he has a passed pawn plus a shelter for his king, while the black queen is forced to defend the a-pawn and to occupy a passive position. Black would be able to defend successfully only if he were able to break up the enemy king's shelter, or in turn to set up a passed pawn.} 1... Ke6 {?} (1... h5 {! %05Attempting to bring up the king, but this proves impracticable. Stronger was}) (1... e4 {! , threatening to advance the pawns. %05or}) 2. g3 Qd1+ 3. Kg2 Qd7 4. h4 Qb7+ 5. Kh2 Qd7 6. Qf8 {! ^013^010 Black's trivial attacks have allowed White to set up a secure pawn screen around his king, and thus to free his queen for active operations.} h5 {%05^013^010} (6... f5 {with the threat of 7...Qd4. %05Probably the decisive mistake. Correct was}) 7. Qg8+ Kf5 8. c5 Qd4 9. Qc8+ { !} Ke4 10. Kg2 Kd3 11. Qa6+ Kd2 12. Qd6 (12. Qxf6 {[%eval 550,0] was probably simpler}) 12... Ke2 13. Qxd4 exd4 14. c6 d3 15. c7 d2 16. c8=Q d1=Q 17. Qe6+ Kd3 18. Qd7+ Ke2 19. Qe7+ Kd3 20. Qxa7 {^013^010 White is an outside passed pawn to the good with a secure king position. The game is decided.} Qg4 { %05^013^010} 21. Qe3+ Kc4 22. Qc5+ Kd3 23. Qe3+ Kc4 24. Qc5+ Kd3 25. b5 Qe4+ 26. Kh2 Qa8 27. Qc6 Qa2 28. Kg2 g5 29. b6 gxh4 30. Qf3+ {. Black resigned: Z0} ({Kc4 %05on Kd2 there follows %05or} 30. b7 Qb2 {Qf4+ and 33.b8Q$18}) * [Event "Dresden (Germany)"] [Site "Dresden (Germany)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p1p1k3/1p1p2p1/3Pq2p/2P1P3/1P3QPK/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "86"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1023 %212045826630=4HLJ1061 %212045826630=4HLJ121 The following ending is an example of the accurate realization of an advantage. Black can set up a passed pawn on the K-side, whereas on the Q-side and in the centre his four pawns supported by his queen successfully oppose the five white pawns. In addition Black's queen occupies an active position, and is constantly threatening to win one or even two pawns on the Q-side. Thus the advantage is with Black, but it is not easy to realize, since his king does not have a shelter.} 1. Qf4 Qf6 {(the exchange on f4 would suit White)} 2. Qh6 Kf7 {! ^013^010 Black is ready to parry the threat of 3. Qh7 with 3...Qg7! In order to strengthen his position still further, he must evict the white queen from h6.} 3. Kg2 {%05^013^010} (3. a3 {! , as suggested by Konstantinopolsky, for example: %05Since White's chances of saving the game are based on the active position of his queen at h6, to be considered was} Qf1+ 4. Kh2 Qe2+ 5. Kg1 {!} Qxe4 6. Qh7+ $15 {and 7.Qxc7}) 3... Qb2+ 4. Kh3 {?} (4. Kf3 {! %05A continuation of the same passive plan. After} Qc3+ 5. Kf2 Qc2+ 6. Kf3 Qd3+ 7. Kf2 Qxe4 8. Qh7+ $15 {and 9.Qxc7 White would have had better drawing chances.}) 4... Qa1 {!} 5. Qf4+ Kg7 6. Qf3 {(the queen has been forced to abandon h6 and to switch to defence)} Qf6 (6... Qxa2 {? %05of course, not} 7. Qc3+ {! and 8.e5=}) 7. Qe2 Kh6 8. Kg2 g5 9. b4 Qe5 10. Qf3 Kg6 11. g4 {?} ( 11. a3 {!? %05This loses material. After} Qb2+ 12. Kg1 Qf6 13. Qe3 {Black would still have had several difficult problems to solve.}) 11... hxg4 12. Qxg4 Qb2+ 13. Kf3 Qa3+ {!} 14. Ke2 Qxa2+ 15. Kd3 Qb3+ 16. Kd4 Qb2+ 17. Kd3 Qf6 { ^013^010 Black has succeeded in converting his positional advantage into a material one, and he now has an outside passed pawn. But the realization of his advantage still involves great difficulties, since his c-pawn is weak and his king has no shelter.} 18. b5 {%05^013^010} (18. Qc8 {, then %05if} Qf4 19. Qxc7 g4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 18... Qf4 19. Qe6+ Kh5 20. Qh3+ Qh4 21. Qf3+ Qg4 22. Qf7+ Kh4 23. Qxc7 Qf3+ 24. Kd4 Qf6+ 25. Kd3 g4 26. Qh7+ Kg5 27. Qg8+ Kf4 28. Qe6 Kg5 29. e5 (29. Qg8+ {, then %05If} Qg6 {!} 30. Qd8+ Kf4 {[%eval -550,0] . The move played is an attempt to complicate matters.}) 29... Qxe5 30. Qxe5+ dxe5 31. Ke4 Kf6 32. Ke3 Kf5 33. Kf2 e4 34. Ke2 g3 35. Ke3 Kg4 (35... Ke5 { %05As was shown by Grigoriev, this is not the only way to win. Also possible was} 36. Ke2 Kd6 37. Ke3 Kc7 38. Ke2 Kb7 39. Ke3 a5 40. bxa6+ Kxa6 41. Ke2 Kb7 42. Ke3 Kc7 43. Ke2 Kd6 44. Ke3 b5 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 36. d6 g2 37. Kf2 Kh3 38. d7 e3+ 39. Kf3 g1=Q 40. d8=Q Qf2+ 41. Ke4 e2 42. Qd7+ Kg2 43. Qg4+ Kf1 {[%eval -550,0] White resigns.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Site "Kemeri (Latvia)"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bogoljubow Efim D (UKR)"] [Black "Stahlberg Gideon (SWE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/6p1/2P3Qp/p3q2P/8/6P1/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1023 %212045826630=4HLJ1061 %212045826630=4HLJ121 When both sides have passed pawns it can be very difficult to evaluate the position, since it may not always be possible to establish immediately which of the passed pawns is the more dangerous. Usually the most important factors are the distance of the pawns from the queening squares and the possibility of the kings taking part in the play. On a formal evaluation of the position, Black has the more outside passed pawn. But in fact, since neither king is engaged in the battle with the pawns, the white pawn is the more dangerous since it is closer to the queening square. For this reason White has a decisive positional advantage.} 1. Qc2 {!!} Qxh5 (1... Qc7 { , then %05if} 2. Qc4 {! followed by 3.Kg2$18, and by playing his queen to d7 White queens his pawn.}) 2. Qc4 {The queen is best placed here. It urges on the c-pawn, stops the black pawn, and helps its king to hide from the checks.} Qf5+ {%05^013^010} (2... Qh2+ 3. Kf3 Qh1+ 4. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 3. Kg2 (3. Kg1 {! %05More precise is} Qb1+ (3... Qf3 4. Kh2 Qf2+ 5. Kh3 Qf3 6. c7 Qh1+ 7. Kg4 Qd1+ 8. Kf4 Qd6+ 9. Kf3 Qf8+ 10. Kg2 Qc8 11. Qc5 $18) 4. Kh2 Qb2+ 5. Kh3 Qb8 6. c7 $18) 3... Qc8 4. Kh2 {Being in time trouble, White repeats moves.} Qc7 5. Kg2 Qc8 {^013^010} 6. c7 {?} (6. Qd5 {! %05The winning chances could have been retained by} Qc7 7. Kf3 Qb6 8. Qc4 Qc7 9. g4 {[%eval 122,0]}) 6... a4 7. Qc6 a3 8. Qd6 Qb7+ {? %05The game continued:} (8... Kh7 {! %05Black could have drawn by} 9. Qd3+ (9. Qd8 Qb7+ 10. Kh2 a2 11. Qd3+ Kh8 12. Qd8+ Kh7 { [%eval 0,0]}) 9... g6 10. Qd8 Qb7+ 11. Kh2 Qb2+ 12. Kh3 Qg7 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 9. Kh2 a2 10. Qf8+ Kh7 11. Qf5+ g6 12. Qd7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned, since White queens with check.} * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1937.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stahlberg Gideon (SWE)"] [Black "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1k/6pp/Q7/Pp5P/8/5PPK/3q4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1937.??.??"] {Here the difference in the placing of the pawns is less significant, and therefore it is very important that they should be advanced as quickly as possible. %212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1023 %212045826630=4HLJ1061 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1... Qd4 {, trying to gain a tempo by attacking the pawns at f2 and h4. %05Black played} (1... b3 {, then after %05if immediately} 2. Qc7 Qd5 (2... Kg7 3. Qc3+ Kg8 4. Qc8+ Kh7 5. Qc7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3. Qb6 Qe5+ 4. g3 b2 5. a5 Qc3 6. a6 Qc2 7. a7 {[%eval 0,0] the pawns queen simultaneously} ) 2. Kg3 {?} (2. Qb5 {! For example: %05 But analysis showed that White's defence was not the best. His main trump is his a-pawn, and therefore on 1... Qd4 he should have replied} Qxh4+ 3. Kg1 Qe4 4. a5 Qb1+ 5. Kh2 b3 6. Qb7 Kg7 7. a6 Qa2 8. a7 b2 {[%eval 0,0] , and an ending is reached with three pawns against two on one wing, where the advantage cannot be realized.}) 2... b3 3. Qb5 b2 4. Qb3 (4. a5 {, then %05if} Qd6+ 5. f4 Qa3+ 6. Kh2 Qa1 {and 7...b1Q$19} ) 4... Kg7 5. f4 (5. Qc2 Qb4 6. Qb1 Qa3+ {and 7...Qa1$19}) 5... Qd2 {[%eval -550,0] White resigns. In the following two examples active defence saves the game.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/7p/P2p1p2/3PpPq1/8/7P/5Q1K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {Black has an obvious advantage, but, by relying on his 'pride and joy' his a-pawn, White manages to save the game.} 1... e3 {!} 2. a6 Qh5 3. a7 e2 4. Qe1 (4. Qf2 {, then %05if} Qe8 {!} 5. a8=Q e1=Q+ 6. Qxe1 Qxe1+ 7. Kg2 Qe4+ 8. Kg3 Qxd4 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black is a pawn up}) 4... Qf3+ 5. Kg1 Qe3+ 6. Kg2 Qe4+ 7. Kg3 Qd3+ 8. Kg2 Qd1 9. a8=Q {!} Qxe1 {^013^010 Black would seem to have gained an obvious advantage by retaining his passed pawn, but the open position of his king reduces his chances to nil.} 10. Qb7+ {%05^013^010} Kg6 11. Qc6+ Kh5 12. Qe8+ Kg4 13. h3+ {!} Kxf4 14. Qe5+ {and 15.Qg7=, with perpetual check.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "New York (USA)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kashdan Isaac (USA)"] [Black "Reshevsky Samuel H (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2q2p1k/5Q2/6P1/3P1P1P/4p3/3pK3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] {The black pawns are close to queening, and the white king is in danger, since there is a threat of 1...Qe4 2.Kd1 Qc1and 3...d1Q. But White finds a way to save the game, by exposing the position of the enemy king:} 1. g6+ {!} fxg6 2. h5 {!} Qc4+ (2... gxh5 {%05if} 3. Qf5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3. Kxe3 {!} d1=Q 4. Qe7+ Kh6 5. Qg5+ Kg7 6. Qe7+ Qf7 7. h6+ {!} Kg8 8. h7+ {!!} Qxh7 9. Qe8+ Kg7 10. Qe7+ Kh6 11. Qg5+ {[%eval 0,0] , with perpetual check.^013^010 ^013^010} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Bradley Beach (USA)"] [Site "Bradley Beach (USA)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Marshall Frank J (USA)"] [Black "Alekhine Alexander A (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1p1/1Q5p/p2P4/5PK1/2q5/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {For the side possessing the more dangerous passed pawn, an effective procedure is to transpose into a pawn ending. White's passed pawn is in no way weaker than the opponent's, but the decisive factor becomes the possibility of exchanging queens.} 1... h5+ {!} 2. Kxh5 Qh3+ 3. Kg5 Qg2+ 4. Kf5 (4. Kh4 { %05much more tenacious is} Qxh2+ 5. Kg4 Qg2+ 6. Kh4 Qxd5 {[%eval -550,0] , when Black still has to demonstrate the existence of a win}) 4... Qxd5+ 5. Kg6 Qd6+ 6. Qxd6+ Kxd6 7. f5 a4 8. Kxg7 a3 9. f6 a2 10. f7 a1=Q+ 11. Kg8 Qg1+ { [%eval -550,0] White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/p7/2Q5/1P6/1P3qp1/3k4/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] 1... Kd1 {! , forcing the white queen to allow his king across to the b-pawns. %05Black makes the waiting move} (1... Qf2+ {%05Here the immediate transition into a pawn ending leads only to a draw, since after} 2. Qxf2+ gxf2+ 3. Kxf2 Kc3 4. Ke3 Kxb4 5. Kd2 Kxb3 {[%eval 0,0] the white king reaches c1 in time.}) 2. Qd4+ (2. b5 {loses to} Qf2+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Kc2 3. Qc4+ Kb2 4. Qd4+ Kxb3 5. Qa7 Qf2+ {[%eval -550,0] , and wins. It is useful to compare this position with following example.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1930.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/p7/8/8/1P6/1P3qp1/3k4/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1930.??.??"] {Here the pawn has not yet moved to a6, and White to move is able to draw.} 1. Qd7+ {!} Ke2 2. Qb5+ {!} (2. Qe7+ {%05but not} Qe3+ 3. Qxe3+ Kxe3 4. Kg2 Kf4 5. b5 Kg4 {[%eval -550,0] , and wins}) 2... Ke1 (2... Qd3 {%05if} 3. Qh5+ Kd2 4. Kg2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3. Qe8+ Qe2 4. Qxe2+ Kxe2 5. Kg2 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. } * [Event "Simultan"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "N.N."] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/8/1p1p2Q1/2k1q3/6P1/1P6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] 1. g5 (1. Qf5 {does not achieve anything after %05The immediate transition into a pawn ending by} Kd4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... d5 2. Qf6 {!} Qb8+ {(now Black can no longer exchange, and he is forced to check)} 3. Kf7 {!} Qc7+ (3... d4 { %05If} 4. g6 d3 {, then} 5. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn is lost. However, the exchange of queens seems safe enough for Black.}) 4. Qe7+ Qxe7+ 5. Kxe7 d4 6. g6 d3 7. g7 d2 8. g8=Q d1=Q {. The pawns have queened simultaneously, but now comes a 'slight' surprise:} 9. Qc4# {%04!} 1-0 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lisitsin Georgy M (RUS)"] [Black "Capablanca Jose Raul (CUB)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/1p3kp1/1P1q3p/3P1K2/7P/1Q4P1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] {~17.2 Superior piece placing~ A more active placing of the pieces is a highly important, and often decisive, feature of the position. It should be noted that a deterioration in the placing of the pieces is frequently caused by the existence of weaknesses: pieces which are forced to defend these weaknesses lose much of their power. Therefore you should beware of unnecessarily creating weaknesses in your position. On whose side is the advantage here? It would seem that it should be on White's, since he has a passed pawn in the centre. But in fact the advantage is with Black, since White's passed pawn is securely blockaded, and his queen is forced to defend the pawns at b5 and d4 and is thereby deprived of any active possibilities, whereas Black can create a passed pawn on the K-side.} 1... Ke6 2. h4 f6 3. Ke3 (3. Qe2+ {%05If} Kd6 4. Qe4 {, then} g5+ 5. hxg5 Qxg5+ 6. Kf3 Qxb5 7. Qf4+ Kd7 {[%eval -550,0] ! , and Black is a pawn up.}) 3... Qc4 {!} 4. g3 (4. Qb1 {! , as suggested by Bondarevsky %05to be considered was}) 4... g5 5. hxg5 fxg5 6. Qh2 {?} (6. Ke4 { was more tenacious %05this loses quickly;}) 6... Qb3+ 7. Ke4 g4 {!} 8. Qe2 Qxg3 9. Qc4+ {(at the cost of a pawn White has gained the opportunity to give a few checks)} Ke7 10. Qc8 Qf3+ 11. Ke5 Qf6+ 12. Kd5 Qd6+ {[%eval -550,0] , and White resigned, as the exchange of queens is inevitable.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Levenfish Grigori Y (RUS)"] [Black "Alatortsev Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4qppk/1p6/p2Q3p/P3p3/1P2P1PP/5PK1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "48"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1009 %212045826630=4HLJ1023 %212045826630=4HLJ1063 %212045826630=4HLJ121 Black's e-pawn is weak, and his queen, being forced to defend it, is passively placed. But White will be able to win only if he can activate his king.} 1... g6 (1... h4 2. Qh5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. g4 hxg4 3. hxg4 f6 {?} (3... g5 {$16! , depriving the enemy king of access to f4. %05The decisive mistake: this weakening of the pawns leads to loss of material. Correct was}) 4. Qc6 {!} Qb4 5. Qxf6 Qxb3 6. Qe7+ Kh6 7. Qxe4 b5 {! (Black's only chance $6 to create an outside passed pawn)} 8. Qf4+ Kh7 9. Qc7+ Kh6 10. Kg3 {!} Qb4 (10... Qxa4 {%05Threatening mate, for example:} 11. g5+ Kxg5 (11... Kh5 12. f4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qe5+ Kh6 13. Qh8+ Kg5 14. f4+ Kf5 15. Qe5#) ( 10... bxa4 11. g5+ Kh5 (11... Kxg5 12. Qf4+ Kh5 13. Qh4#) 12. Qe5 {!} Qg8 13. Qf4 {[%eval 550,0] , with inevitable mate.}) 11. Qe5 {!} Kh7 12. Qxb5 Qxb5 13. axb5 a4 14. b6 a3 15. b7 a2 16. b8=Q a1=Q 17. Qc7+ Kh6 18. Qf4+ g5 19. Qd4 Qg1+ 20. Kf3 Qh1+ 21. Ke2 Qc6 22. Qh8+ Kg6 23. Qh5+ Kf6 24. Qh6+ Ke5 25. f4+ { [%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned.} (25. Qxc6 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate %05but not}) * [Event "Gagra (Georgia)"] [Site "Gagra (Georgia)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Taimanov Mark E (RUS)"] [Black "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/P2P4/3q1p2/1Q3P2/1P2K1k1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {The active placing of the black pieces prevents White from realizing his enormous material advantage.} 1... Qf2+ 2. Kd1 Qd4+ 3. Kc2 Qf2+ 4. Kc1 (4. Kb1 Qe1+ {!} 5. Ka2 Qxa5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Qe3+ {!} 5. Kc2 Qf2+ {[%eval 0,0] , and the game ended in a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1935.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/5P2/2p2Qp1/3p4/p1p1p1p1/4q3/1KP3P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1935.??.??"] 1. Qe6 Qb6+ {(Black switches his queen to the defence with gain of tempo)} 2. Ka2 Qb8 (2... Qd8 {, there could have followed %05Had Black played} 3. Qxg6 Ke7 4. Qg5+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning.}) 3. Qf6 Qh2 (3... Qc7 {, then %05if} 4. Qh8+ {and 5.Qh7$18}) 4. Qxg6 {!} Qh8 {(by subtle manoeuvring White has driven the black queen onto a poor square, and now he wins it)} 5. Qe6 Kg7 6. Qe5+ { [%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1Q6/3pqp2/7k/8/8/3P1PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. Qh7+ Kg5 2. f4+ Kxf4 3. Qh6+ Ke4 4. Qe3+ Kf5 5. Qh3+ Ke5 6. d4+ Kd5 7. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/Q7/3kp3/8/4P3/1p1K4/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Qb6+ {!} (1. Qa3+ {seems to be immediately decisive, but this impression is deceptive, since there follows} Ke5 {!} 2. Qxf8 {[%eval 0,0] gives stalemate %05, when}) 1... Kd7 (1... Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] accelerates Black's defeat}) 2. Qb7+ Kd6 3. Qb4+ Ke5 {!} 4. Qd4+ Kf4 5. Qf2+ Ke5 6. Qh2+ {!!} Qf4 (6... Kf6 { [%eval 550,0] leads to a lost pawn ending}) 7. Qh8+ {, and Black has to resign, since after 8.Qb8 he either loses his queen or is mated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6q1/1Q6/4kp2/8/5P2/2p1K3/2P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] {Here the plan which was successful in the previous example does not work, since there is no square corresponding to h2 in position~3( 3598)~. But White has another possibility at his disposal.} 1. Qc6+ {!} Ke7 2. Qc7+ Ke6 3. Qc4+ Kf5 {!} 4. Qe4+ Kg4 5. f5+ {!} Kg3 6. Qf3+ Kh2 7. Qh5+ Kg2 8. Qg6+ {[%eval 550, 0] , and after the exchange of queens the white pawn is the first to queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p1K2/3q2pk/8/2Q1P3/6P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. e4 {!} Qxe4 2. Qh3+ Qh4 3. g4+ Kh6 4. Qxh4+ gxh4 5. g5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7q/2K2p2/4p3/2k1P2p/8/3P4/7Q w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] 1. Qb1 {!! he is unexpectedly threatened with mate $6 2.Qb5 and 3.Qd5. %05Black is an outside passed pawn to the good, but after} Kd4 2. Qb3 {!! ^013^010 An exceptionally strong and difficult move to find.} Qxe4+ { %05^013^010} 3. Kd6 {!} Qa8 (3... Qg2) (3... Qh1 {is met by %05or} 4. Qc3+ { and 5.Qc6$18}) 4. Qe3+ Kc4 5. Qc3+ Kb5 6. Qb3+ Ka6 7. Qa4+ Kb7 8. Qb5+ Ka7 9. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] ! he creates decisive threats. %05. White has forced the black pieces to the edge of the board, and now by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4p3/1pkP3Q/5p2/1K3p2/5Pq1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Qe6 {!} exd6 (1... Qf2 {%05if}) (1... Qg1 {, then %05or} 2. dxe7+ Kc7 (2... Kb7 {is met by} 3. Qd7+ Ka6 4. e8=Q {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. e8=Q Qd4+ 4. Qc4+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qc8+ Kd5 3. Qxf5+ {!} Kc6 4. Qc8+ Kd5 5. Qe8 {!} Z0 (5... Qxf3 {is met by %05The threat is 6.Qe4#, and} 6. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning the queen.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1782.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ponziani"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6r1/4Q3/8/8/8/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1782.??.??"] {~1 QUEEN AGAINST ROOK~ ~11. Queen against rook (without pawns)~ In endings of this group the stronger side normally wins thanks to his big material advantage. At the same time, in a number of positions the rook's fighting qualities enable it to put up a successful defence. Drawing dangers arise each time that the weaker side's king, on being pushed to the edge of the board, becomes restricted in its mobility.} 1... Rh7+ 2. Kg2 Rg7+ 3. Kf3 Rf7+ 4. Kg4 Rg7+ 5. Kf5 Rf7+ 6. Kg6 Rg7+ 7. Kh6 Rh7+ {!} 8. Kxh7 {[%eval 0,0] . Stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/6r1/5Q2/8/8/8/8/7K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] 1... Rh7+ 2. Kg2 Rg7+ 3. Kh3 Rh7+ 4. Kg4 Rg7+ 5. Kh5 Rh7+ 6. Kg5 Rg7+ 7. Kh6 Rh7+ 8. Kg6 Rh6+ 9. Kxh6 {[%eval 0,0] Stalemate.^013^010 ^013^010 The final position resembles that of the previous example. However, in the initial position various transpositions are possible. If, for example, the queen is moved to ~2f1~, ~2f2~, ~2f3~ or ~2f4~, the game ends in perpetual check, since the king cannot cross the f-file. But with his queen at f5 White wins: when his king occupies h6 the rook does not have a saving check at h7.^013^010 ^013^010 If the queen is stalemating the king in the corner of the board, the rook may become a 'desperado'.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r6k/5Q2/2K5/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {Black's hopes are associated with stalemate. He begins pursuing the enemy king, trying to force it to take the rook, but the king can escape from the checks.} 1... Ra6+ 2. Kc5 Ra5+ (2... Rc6+ 3. Kd4 Rd6+ 4. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kd4 Ra4+ (3... Rd5+ {%05White manoeuvres such that one of the checking squares is covered by the queen. Thus after} 4. Qxd5 {[%eval 550,0] the black king is released from stalemate.}) 4. Kc3 Ra3+ 5. Kb2 $6 {[%eval 550,0] Now both squares a2 and b3, from which the rook can continue the attack, are controlled by the queen, and White wins. Note should be made of the typical movement of the white king, which approaches the rook along a diagonal adjacent to the queen's. Let us move the rook onto the 1st rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/5Q2/2K5/8/8/8/8/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {(draw for any position of the white king) The assessment has changed, since the queen does not control any square along the 1st rank, where the rook is operating.} 1... Rc1+ 2. Kd5 (2. Kd6 {%05If the king heads in a different direction $6} Rd1+ 3. Ke6 Re1+ 4. Kd7 Rd1+ 5. Ke8 {, Black must force a draw by } Rd8+ (5... Re1+ {? loses to %05whereas the careless} 6. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] , when the check at e8 destroys the stalemating setup}) 6. Ke7 Rd7+ {[%eval 0,0]} ) 2... Rd1+ (2... Rc5+ {? %05The rook should under no circumstances leave the 1st rank! After} 3. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0] the checks are exhausted.}) 3. Kc5 Rc1+ 4. Kb4 Rb1+ 5. Ka3 Ra1+ 6. Kb2 Rb1+ 7. Kc2 Rc1+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a perpetual attack on the king. Now let us move the rook to the g-file.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6rk/5Q2/8/8/8/2K5/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] {(draw for any position of the white king)} 1... Rg3+ 2. Kd4 Rg4+ 3. Ke5 Rg5+ ( 3... Re4+ {? %05The rook must not leave the g-file. For example:} 4. Kd6 Rd4+ 5. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 4. Kd6 Rg6+ {[%eval 0,0] ! Draw. White has nothing better than to agree to^013^010 perpetual check, or to change one stalemate for^013^010 another (5.Qxg6).^013^010 ^013^010 Let us sum up.^013^010 ~2In positions of type ~3($413605)~2 the defender~^013^010 ~2draws if his rook is operating along the 1st rank or~^013^010 ~2 the g-file. Of course, this also applies to all eight~^013^010 ~2 mirror positions.~^013^010 ^013^010 The possibility of switching the rook onto the saving^013^010 rank or file depends on the position of the stronger^013^010 side's king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r6k/5Q2/8/8/8/7K/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {We will consider movements of the white king inside the zone: (a) If the king is on any square of the 1st rank or the g-file, the rook can move unhindered onto the appropriate line from any square on the board. (b) If the king is on the h-file, the rook is able to occupy the g-file only on condition that the first check does not result in its own king being released from stalemate. For example, with the king at h3 and rook at a8: %15N T2(a1:h1)clBlack Drawing zone #B(8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1... Ra3+ 2. Kh2 Rh3+ 3. Kg2 Rg3+ 4. Kf2 Rg2+ {[%eval 0,0] , whereas with the king at h2 this manoeuvre does not work, because a2 is inaccessible to the rook.^013^010 ^013^010 (c) If the king is on the f-file, the first check by the rook must be from the e-file.^013^010 ^013^010 We will illustrate this last case with a study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/8/8/8/5K2/7k/5p2/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1... Re1 {!} (1... Ra1 {%05The study has a unique solution, since after, for example,} 2. Qh6+ Kg2 3. Qg7+ Kh2 4. Qg3+ (4. Qxa1 {? %05not} f1=Q+ {!} 5. Qxf1 {[%eval 0,0] - stalemate}) 4... Kh1 5. Qxf2 Ra4+ {the white king escapes from the checks:} 6. Kf5 Ra5+ 7. Kf6 Ra6+ 8. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qa3+ Kg2 3. Qg3+ Kh1 {!} 4. Qxf2 Re4+ 5. Kg3 (5. Kf5 Re5+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 5... Rg4+ (5... Re3+ {[%eval 0,0] is also possible}) 6. Kxg4 {[%eval 0,0] Stalemate. We have been examining positions of an exceptional nature, whereas in normal situations the queen always wins against a rook, although not without overcoming certain technical difficulties. ~2The winning plan consists of pushing the opponent's king into a comer or onto the edge of the board and creating mating threats. In defending, the weaker side is forced to separate his forces, which leads to the loss of the rook by coming under a double attack by the queen. The basic method of achieving the goal is zugzwang.~ We will begin our study of winning positions with the concluding stage.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1777.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Philidor Francois A D (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1r6/2K5/Q7/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1777.??.??"] {Black to move is in zugzwang any move by him leads to the loss of his rook or to mate, for example:} 1... Rh7 (1... Rb1 2. Qd8+ Ka7 3. Qd4+ Ka8 4. Qh8+ Ka7 ( 4... Rb8 5. Qa1#) 5. Qh7+ Kb8 6. Qxb1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qe5+ Ka8 3. Qa1+ Kb8 4. Qb1+ Ka7 5. Qxh7+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1777.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Philidor Francois A D (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/1r6/2K5/Q7/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1777.??.??"] 1. Qe5+ {%05If it is White to play, he gives Black the move by the following manoeuvre:} Ka7 {(a8)} 2. Qa1+ Kb8 3. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0] ~2Note that giving the opponent the move, as a means of creating a zugzwang position, is a characteristic technique in the struggle between queen and rook.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/1r6/2K5/8/4Q3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Ka7 {%05It is obvious that Black can only move his king, since any rook move leads to immediate mate after 2.Kc7(b6). In the event of} (1... Kb8 {%05or } 2. Qe8+ Ka7 3. Qd8 {[%eval 550,0] , position 308 is reached}) 2. Qa4+ Kb8 3. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/1r6/2K5/8/4Q3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] 1. Qd5 {! , again transposing into Philidor's position after %05With White to play the quickest way to win is} Ka7 (1... Kb8 {%05or} 2. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qd8 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/2r5/3K4/Q7/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Rb7 {%05The mating threats are unavoidable:} (1... Rd7+ {or} 2. Kc6 Rb7 3. Qa6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Qa8+ Rb8 3. Qc6+ Kd8 4. Qd7# {With the position shifted to the right, the winning procedure does not change.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/8/3K4/8/8/Q7/8/4r3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Rb1 {does not save Black against mate:} (1... Rd1+ {%05while after} 2. Kc6 Kb8 3. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0] he loses his rook}) 2. Qa8+ Rb8 3. Qc6+ Kd8 4. Qd7# {With the position shifted to the right, the win is attained in the same way.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/2K5/5Q2/8/8/3r4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Rd8 {%05Here there is no immediate threat of mate, but Black is unable to consolidate his forces. After} 2. Kc7 {! the rook is again forced into the open and comes under attack by the queen:} Rd2 3. Qe5+ Kf7 4. Qf4+ {[%eval 550, 0] With the position shifted to the left, the winning procedure is unchanged.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1rk5/4Q3/K7/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... Rb1 {%05Here too Black to move is forced to part with his rook:} 2. Qc5+ Kd8 3. Qd4+ Kc7 4. Qc3+ Kb8 5. Qe5+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1rk5/4Q3/K7/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Qe8+ {%05If it is White to move, he hands it to Black by the manoeuvre} Kc7 2. Qe5+ Kc8 3. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0] If the position is shifted to the right or the flanks reversed, the method remains the same.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4K3/6r1/4Q3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... Rg1 {%05Black to move is in zugzwang and is forced to worsen his position: } (1... Ra6 2. Qg3+ Kh8 3. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0] winning the rook}) (1... Rh6 { %05or} 2. Qg5+ Kh7 3. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] mating}) 2. Qd5+ Kh7 3. Qd3+ Kg8 4. Kf6 Rg7 (4... Kh8 5. Qh3+ Kg8 6. Qc8+ Kh7 7. Qc2+ Kg8 8. Qa2+ Kh8 9. Qh2+ Kg8 10. Qxg1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qd8+ Kh7 6. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403610)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4K3/6r1/4Q3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Qd5+ {%05If it is White to move, after} Kg7 2. Qd4+ Kg8 (2... Kh6 3. Kf7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] ! the initial position is reached, only with Black to move. Zugzwang positions can also be created on the penultimate rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4Q3/6kr/8/6K1/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] 1... Rh8 {%05Black to move is in zugzwang, e.g.} (1... Rh1 {%05or} 2. Qd7+ Kf8 3. Qc8+ {followed by 4.Qb7 and 5.Qxh1$18}) 2. Qe7+ Kg8 3. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4Q3/6kr/8/6K1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] 1. Qe4 {! %05If it is White to move, he has a quick win by} Kg8 2. Kg6 Rg7+ 3. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] The following position is obtained from the previous one by moving it four files to the left.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/2kr4/8/2K5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {With Black to move the winning method is highly interesting. By a series of repetitive, forcing manoeuvres, White transposes to position ~3( 3621)~} 1... Re7 (1... Rd1 {%05Other moves lead to the loss of the rook, e.g.} 2. Qc6+ Kd8 3. Qf6+ Ke8 4. Qe5+ Kf8 5. Qf5+ Ke7 6. Qe4+ Kd8 7. Qh4+ Kc7 8. Qf4+ Kd8 9. Kc6 {! (all the preceding checks had the aim of occupying, without loss of tempo, a square with the queen which would safeguard the king's position on the 6th rank, by preventing rook checks from the rear; this method will frequently be encountered in subsequent analyses)} Ke7 10. Qe3+ Kd8 11. Qg5+ {, and White wins the rook Z0}) {Kc8 Qg4+ Ke8 %05or Qh5+ +5.50} 2. Qa7+ {[%eval 550,0]} Kd8 3. Qb8+ Kd7 4. Kd5 {^013^010 It will be apparent that, compared with the initial position, the position has moved one file to the right.} Rf7 { %05^013^010} 5. Qb7+ Ke8 6. Qc8+ Ke7 7. Ke5 {(a further line has been crossed, and the manoeuvre continues)} Rg7 8. Qc7+ Kf8 9. Qd8+ Kf7 10. Kf5 Rh7 11. Qd7+ Kg8 12. Qe8+ Kg7 13. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] . There is no further for Black to move. We have reached position ~3($403621)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/2kr4/8/2K5/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1. Qe8 {!$18 a new zugzwang position arises. %05Let us now consider position ~3($403624)~ with White^013^010 %05to move. After} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4Q3/2kr4/8/2K5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] 1... Rd2 (1... Rd1 {%05After} 2. Qc6+ {[%eval 550,0] the win is achieved as in position ~3($403624)~}) (1... Rh7 {fails to %05while} 2. Qc6+ Kb8 (2... Kd8 3. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qe5+ Kb7 (2... Kd7 {%05after} 3. Qf5+ Ke8 4. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0] position~3($403616)~ is reached}) 3. Qe4+ Kc8 4. Qg4+ Kb7 5. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins the rook.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/4kr2/8/4K3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Let us move position~3( 3625)~ two files to the right.} 1. Qc8 {[%eval 550,0] ! he transposes into position ~3($403623)~ with Black to move. %05f it is White to move, by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/4kr2/8/4K3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {If it is Black to move, White has greater difficulties to overcome than in position ~3( 3625)~, since the number of squares available to his queen for manoeuvring on the right side of the board is markedly reduced.} 1... Rf2 {!} ( 1... Rf1 {is weaker:} 2. Qe6+ Kf8 (2... Kd8 3. Qb6+ Ke7 4. Qb4+ Kd8 5. Ke6 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Qc8+ Kg7 (3... Ke7 {%05or} 4. Qc5+ Kd8 5. Qa5+ Ke7 6. Qb4+ Kd8 7. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qg4+ Kf8 5. Qh3 {[%eval 550,0] lead to a quick defeat}) 2. Qe6+ Kf8 3. Qc8+ Kg7 4. Qg4+ Kf7 5. Qc4+ Kg7 6. Ke6 Rf6+ ( 6... Rg2 {%05Other defences are worse:} 7. Qd4+ Kg8 8. Kf6 Rg7 9. Qd8+ Kh7 10. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] , transposing into Philidor's position ~3($403610)~.}) 7. Ke7 Rg6 (7... Rh6 8. Qd4+ Kg6 9. Qg4+ Kh7 10. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qd4+ Kg8 (8... Kh6 {%05The zugzwang position ~3($413617)~ is reached after} 9. Kf7 Kh5 10. Qh8+ Rh6 11. Qe5+ Kg4 12. Qg7+ Kh5 13. Qg3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qe5 { [%eval 550,0] ! , and we reach position ~3($403619)~.^013^010 ^013^010 We propose to call positions of the type^013^010 ~3($403625)-($403627)~^013^010 'rook' positions (from the position of the queen,^013^010 operating from the side of the rook), and positions of^013^010 the type ~3($403621)-($403624)~ $6 'king' positions^013^010 (from the^013^010 position of the queen, operating from the side of the^013^010 black king). As we have seen, 'king' positions with White^013^010 to move can be transposed into 'rook' positions with^013^010 Black to move, and vice versa.^013^010 ~2In positions ~3($403625) -($403627)~2 we saw that~^013^010 ~2 it was the switch from a 'rook' position to a 'king'~ ~2 position, giving the opponent the move, that was~ ~2the simplest way to win.~^013^010 It remains for us to^013^010 establish in which cases the switch from 'king' positions^013^010 to 'rook' positions favours the stronger side.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/4kr2/8/4K3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] {Is it favourable here to switch from a 'king' position to a 'rook' position? 1.Qg8 leads to position ~3( 3626)~, in which the win involves overcoming certain difficulties. Meanwhile, position ~3( 3628)~ can easily be solved in analogy with example ~3( 3621)~.} 1. Qc4 {!} Kf8 (1... Rg7 {, then %05if} 2. Qc7+ Kf8 3. Qd8+ Kf7 4. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] , and now as in position 316 after White's 10th move}) 2. Ke6 Kg8 (2... Rh7 {%05Mate results from} 3. Qc8+ Kg7 4. Qc7+ Kg8 5. Qd8+ Kg7 6. Qe7+ Kg8 7. Qe8+ Kg7 8. Qf7+ Kh6 9. Qf6+ Kh5 10. Kf5 { [%eval 550,0]}) (2... Kg7 {%05or} 3. Qg4+ Kf8 4. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Qd5 {!} Rg7 4. Kf6+ Kh8 5. Qh1+ Kg8 6. Qh5 $40 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403610)~. On the basis of our analysis of examples ~3( 3621)-( 3628)~, it can be concluded that the switch from a 'king' position to a 'rook' position is justified when the queen obtains at least three vacant files on the side of the rook. At the same time, the opposite manoeuvre always shortens the solution. This happens not only because the queen needs scope; by operating on the side of the king, it restricts the king's mobility to a great extent, forcing the rook to retreat from its current defensive line. In the majority of examples we have seen how, by giving the opponent the move, the stronger side has created a zugzwang position. In the following position this method cannot be employed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/4r3/1K6/3Q4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... Re1 {%05Any move by Black leads to an immediate loss:} 2. Qa8+ Kd7 3. Qa4+ Kc8 4. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/4r3/1K6/3Q4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {White to play is unable to give his opponent the move. Therefore, by threatening to create one of the familiar zugzwang positions, he must separate the black pieces and not allow them to unite. This is more difficult to achieve than might appear at first sight.} 1. Qf5+ {!} Kd8 2. Kc5 {!} (2. Kc6 { Black has the good defence %05the best move; after} Re6+ {!}) 2... Re1 (2... Ra7 {, then %05if} 3. Qf8+ Kc7 4. Qe7+ Kb8 5. Qd8+ Kb7 6. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] , transposing into position ~3($403621)~}) (2... Ke8 {%05after} 3. Kd6 Rg7 { [%eval 550,0] we reach the initial position, shifted two files to the right. The winning procedure remains unchanged, and is considered in the main variation}) (2... Kc7 {, cf. position ~3($413631)~ %05regarding}) 3. Qd3+ Ke7 ( 3... Kc8 {%05Other replies lose quickly:} 4. Qh3+ Kb7 5. Qf3+ Kc8 (5... Ka7 6. Qa3+ Kb8 7. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Ke8 {%05or} 4. Kd6 Kf7 5. Qf3+ Ke8 6. Qg3 {!} Rd1+ 7. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 In the final positions of these variations, note the coordination of the white pieces, preventing rook checks from the rear.}) 4. Kd5 {! (finally destroying the communications between the black pieces)} Kf7 (4... Kd7 {White continues %05on} 5. Qh3+ Ke8 6. Qg4 {! , transposing into the main line, since} Re7 7. Kd6 Kf8 8. Qc8+ Re8 9. Qf5+ Kg7 10. Qd7+ Kf8 11. Qh7 {[%eval 550,0] leads to a zugzwang position ~3($403617)~}) 5. Qf5+ Kg7 6. Qg5+ Kf7 7. Qf4+ {! (it will subsequently become clear that it is more advantageous for the queen to occupy this square than f5)} Ke8 8. Kd6 Rd1+ (8... Re7 9. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Ke6 Re1+ 10. Kf6 Rd1 {^013^010 11.Qa4 was threatened. Had the queen been at f5, Black would now have had a good defensive resource $6 10...Rc1.} 11. Qa4+ { %05^013^010} Rd7 12. Qb5 {[%eval 550,0] , and mate in 2 moves.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe Max (NED)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k1r3/8/2K2Q2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {This position is reached from No.~3( 3630)~ after 1.Qf5 Kd8 2.Kc5 Kc7. White wins by familiar methods.} 1. Qf6 Kd7 2. Qc6+ Kd8 3. Qa8+ Kd7 (3... Kc7 4. Qa7+ Kd8 5. Qb8+ Kd7 6. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3($403623)~}) 4. Kd5 Kc7 (4... Re1 {%05or} 5. Qa4+ Kc8 6. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3 ($403615)~}) 5. Qa7+ Kd8 6. Qb8+ Kd7 7. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3($403625)~. Up till now we have been examining positions relating to the final stages of the struggle, with the defender's king on the last or penultimate rank. We will now investigate the method of driving back the king. The following position demonstrates a curious instance of a forced movement across the entire board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Dedrle, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/6r1/6k1/8/7Q/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {from Dedrle, 1936 Henkin, 1962} 1... Rf7 {^013^010 But now, by a series of repetitive manoeuvres, White drives the black pieces to the opposite side of the board. %05White is threatening to win the rook, which cannot move away from the protection of the king. Therefore Black has only one move $6} (1... Ra7 2. Qg3+ Kh5 3. Qh2+ Kg6 4. Qg1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qg4+ Kf6 3. Kg8 {!} Re7 4. Qf4+ Ke6 (4... Kg6 {%05there is no way back:} 5. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kf8 Rd7 6. Qe4+ Kd6 7. Ke8 Rc7 8. Qd4+ Kc6 9. Kd8 Rb7 10. Qc4+ Kb6 11. Kc8 Ra7 12. Qd4+ {!} (12. Qb4+ {%05Dedrle and, after him, other theorists continued} Ka6 {?} (12... Kc6 {White has nothing better than to return his queen to c4 %05but after the correct}) 13. Kb8 Ra8+ 14. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 12... Ka6 13. Qb4 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins as in example ~3($403617)~. ^013^010 ^013^010 Shifting position of this example down the board, or switching flanks or the sides of the board, does not change the winning method. ^013^010 ^013^010 In positions which are less favourable for the stronger^013^010 side, great efforts are required for him to attain his goal.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/r7/3KQ3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {The black king can be driven to the edge of the board only with the help of White's king, which is now cut off by the rook along the 5th rank. Therefore White's immediate task is to drive away the rook, which is achieved by the following procedure.} 1. Qg6+ Kd7 (1... Ke7 {, then after %05If} 2. Qc6 Rh5 3. Ke4 Rg5 {[%eval 550,0] a position similar to the main variation is reached, but with flanks reversed. Obviously, this factor does not affect the method of play.}) 2. Qf6 Rb5 {^013^010 The only move which maintains the rook^013^010 on the 5th rank.^013^010 Let us dwell on the resulting position ~3($413634)~.} 3. Qf7+ {%05^013^010} Kd6 (3... Kc6 {, then %05if} 4. Qe6+ Kc7 5. Kc4 Ra5 6. Kb4 { [%eval 550,0] , and the goal is attained}) 4. Qf8+ Kd7 (4... Kc6 5. Qe8+ Kb6 6. Kc4 Ra5 7. Qd8+ Ka6 8. Qb8 {[%eval 550,0] - ~3($403617)~}) 5. Qf6 {[%eval 550, 0] ! , and it is Black's turn to move. In conclusion, we will attempt to determine the number of moves needed to achieve a win in a relatively unfavourable position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/5Q2/1r6/3K4/8/8/8 b - - 0 3"] [PlyCount "8"] 3... Ra5 {%05If it is Black to move, he is unable to maintain his rook on the 5th rank:} 4. Kc4 Kc7 5. Qe7+ Kc6 6. Qe6+ Kc7 7. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0] , and all the squares along the 5th rank are inaccessible to the rook. This means that Black must be given the move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Euwe, Averbakh"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/1k6/4r3/QK6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "51"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Euwe, 1958 Averbakh, 1972} 1. Qa5 {(forced, in view of the threatened mate)} Re4 (1... Rb2+ {%05best; after} 2. Ka1 {[%eval 550,0] ! position ~3($403632)~ is reached}) 2. Qd5+ Rc4 3. Qd3+ Kb4 4. Kb2 Kc5 (4... Rc5 {%05 In order to prolong the resistance, Black must avoid repetitive manoeuvres which worsen his position. Thus, for example, White's task is easier after} 5. Qd4+ Kb5 6. Kb3 Rc6 7. Qd5+ Kb6 8. Kb4 Rc7 9. Qd6+ Kb7 10. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] , when the driving back of the king proceeds automatically.}) 5. Kb3 Rb4+ 6. Kc3 Ra4 7. Qf5+ Kd6 8. Qf8+ {!} (8. Qf6+ {%05Euwe now continues} Kd7 9. Kb3 Re4 10. Qf5+ Re6 11. Kc4 Kd6 12. Kd4 Re1 13. Qf4+ Ke6 14. Qg4+ Kf7 15. Kd5 Re8 16. Qf5+ Kg8 17. Kd6 Rb8 18. Qd5+ Kf8 19. Ke5 Kg7 20. Qd7+ Kg8 21. Kf5 Rb1 22. Qd3 Rg1 23. Kf6 Rg7 24. Qd8+ Kh7 25. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] , transposing into Philidor's position ~3($403610)~, where White gives mate not later than the eighth move. Thus the solution takes 33 moves.^013^010 Averbakh has found a shorter winning path.}) 8... Kd7 (8... Kd5 {%05Other replies lead either to the loss of the rook, or to a shortening of the solution, e.g.} 9. Qd8+ Kc5 10. Qc7+ Kb5 11. Qd7+ Ka5 12. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403617)~.}) 9. Kd3 {!} Ra5 10. Kc4 Re5 ( 10... Ra4+ 11. Kb5 Re4 12. Qf5+ Re6 13. Kc5 Ke7 14. Kd5 Rf6 15. Qg5 Kf7 16. Ke5 Rg6 17. Qh5 Kg7 18. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the rook must move away from 'under the wing' of the king}) 11. Qf7+ Kd6 (11... Re7 12. Qf5+ Kd6 13. Qd5+ Kc7 14. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 12. Qf6+ Re6 13. Qf4+ Kc6 14. Qd4 Rd6 15. Qe4+ Kb6 16. Kb4 Rc6 17. Qd4+ Ka6 18. Qd8 Kb7 (18... Rc1 {, then %05if} 19. Qd3+ Kb7 20. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 19. Kb5 Rc7 20. Qd5+ Ka7 21. Ka5 Rb7 22. Qd4+ Kb8 23. Ka6 Rc7 24. Qd8+ Rc8 25. Qb6+ Ka8 26. Qb7# $40 {On the basis of this analysis, Averbakh determined the maximum number of moves required to be in the range 25-30. In 1979 the question was submitted to a computer. It transpired that position ~3( 3635)~ was not the most unfavourable, from the viewpoint of the number of moves required for victory. The computer indicated a different arrangement of the pieces.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2KQ4/8/8/8/2r5/2k5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "61"] {We will give the main variation with the best play for both sides.} 1. Kb7 Rb4+ 2. Kc6 Rc4+ 3. Kb6 Rb4+ 4. Ka5 Re4 5. Qd6 Rd4 6. Qf6 Kd3 7. Kb5 Ke3 8. Kc5 Rf4 9. Qa1 Rf8 {^013^010 Here and subsequently the rook is not afraid to move away from its king, obviously on the understanding that it does not come under a double attack. This method of defence, found by the computer, confirms the idea expressed above that the defender should avoid repetitive manoeuvres which make things easier for the queen.} 10. Qd4+ {%05^013^010} Ke2 11. Qg4+ Ke3 12. Qe6+ Kf3 13. Kd4 Rd8+ 14. Kc3 Rf8 15. Qc6+ Kg4 {^013^010 The king chooses the safest squares. If the rook is on dark squares it stands on light ones (and vice versa), avoiding double attacks along the diagonals.} 16. Qg6+ { %05^013^010} Kf3 17. Qg5 {^013^010 The queen's manoeuvres pursue two aims $6 to restrict the mobility of king and rook, and also to cover the rear squares, thus ensuring the approach of its own king.} Rf4 {%05^013^010} 18. Kd3 Ra4 19. Qd5+ Kf2 20. Qc5+ Kg3 21. Ke3 Rg4 22. Qh5 Ra4 23. Qe5+ Kh3 24. Qe6+ Kh4 25. Qe7+ Kg3 26. Qd6+ Kh4 27. Kf3 Kh5 28. Qd5+ Kh4 29. Qd8+ Kh5 30. Qe8+ Kg5 31. Qxa4 {[%eval 550,0] Thus, according to the computer, 31 moves are required to win. For any other arrangement White wins more quickly.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1906.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5k2/8/Kp4r1/8/7Q w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1906.??.??"] {~12. QUEEN AGAINST ROOK AND PAWN~ Endings with queen against rook and pawn are among the most difficult. Their assessment depends not only on the relative placing of the pieces, but also on the file on which the pawn stands and on how far advanced it is. The slightest change in the overall picture can have a decisive effect on the result. For the confident handling of such positions it is insufficient to know the general principles; it is necessary to know the assessments of numerous typical positions and ways of attaining them. Experience shows that, even in meetings between players of high standard, incorrect evaluations of position and the number of direct mistakes greatly exceed the accepted 'norm'. It might seem that the study of this ending, which in general occurs rather rarely in practice, is an unattractive proposition. But it is not yet known where is the cause and where the effect. In the majority of cases with this balance of forces, the players head for the position more through necessity than from a plan worked out beforehand. Meanwhile, this 'gesture of despair' often proves to be the most sure, and sometimes the only, way of saving the game or winning. The struggle of queen against rook and pawn has for a long time drawn the attention of theorists. In 1777 Philidor began analysing endings of this type, and in 1868 this work was carried on by Guretzky-Cornitz. Since then the authors of most works on the endgame have mainly restricted themselves to reproducing these analyses without critical testing. But in 1950 Cheron showed that the assessments of a number of positions, which had held for about a hundred years, were incorrect. Meanwhile, Cheron's work was also not free of mistakes, and I too was unable to avoid mistakes in the 1st edition of this book. This is explained not only by the complexity of the analysis, where the result of a lengthy variation may depend literally on every move, but also by the lack of actual material from master practice, which could provide a starting-point for conclusions and assessments. Nevertheless the reader will see how practice introduces corrections into theoretical searchings, and how theory, in turn, provides landmarks in the boundless sea of variations. We will have to subject a large number of positions to a scrupulous investigation. At times the analysis may seem excessively detailed and tedious, but the reasons for practically every move require concrete demonstration. Therefore it is necessary to master the general method of play for both the attacking, and the defending side, and then even the most complex manoeuvres will become logical and understandable. It will be advisable to divide all the positions in this chapter into the following groups (according to the coordination of the weaker side's pieces): ~ 2.1 The rook supports the pawn from the side. ~ ~ 2.2 The rook supports the pawn from behind. ~ ~ 2.3 The king supports the pawn. ~ It should be borne in mind that during the play certain positions may transform from one group into another. ~1 2.1 The rook supports the pawn from the side~ The positions of this group are the least favourable for the weaker side. If the pawn has only reached the 3rd rank (for convenience in layout and study of the material, in all examples (except those with several pawns) we have made the weaker side Black), the side with the queen normally wins (with the exception of certain cases with a rook's pawn ~3( 3679)~. ~2The winning procedure consists in restricting the mobility of the enemy pieces, which destroys their coordination and leads to the loss of the rook or the pawn.~} 1. Qd5+ Kf4 2. Qd4+ Kf5 3. Kb2 Rf3 4. Kc1 Rg3 5. Kd1 Kg5 (5... b2 6. Qd5+ Kf4 7. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke1 Rf3 7. Ke2 Rh3 8. Kf1 Rh1+ 9. Kg2 Rb1 10. Qe5+ Kh6 11. Qf6+ Kh5 12. Qf5+ Kh6 13. Qxb1 {[%eval 550,0] ~2With the pawn on the 2nd rank the winning procedure is complicated by the fact that the queening square must constantly be kept under control by the stronger side's pieces.~ Moreover, in defending the pawn along the rank the rook may be able to remain en prise, its immunity being ensured by the threat of queening the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/4K3/2p2rk1/2Q5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qe1 Rf3+ 2. Kd2 Rf2+ 3. Kd3 Kf3 4. Qg1 Rg2 5. Qe3+ (5. Qh1 {Black can reply %05A characteristic feature of positions with the pawn on the penultimate rank: on} Kf4 {! , without having to worry about the safety of his rook. But now White keeps the queening square under control, while simultaneously pushing back the enemy king.}) 5... Kg4 6. Ke4 Rf2 {!} (6... Kh4 {%05the most tenacious defence; weaker is} 7. Kf5 Rh2 8. Qf4+ Kh3 9. Qg4#) 7. Qe1 {!} Rg2 ( 7... Kg5 {%05The alternatives are no better:} 8. Qg1+ Kh5 9. Ke3 Rg2 10. Qh1+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (7... Rh2 {%05or} 8. Qg1+ Kh3 9. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Rf4+ {%05or} 8. Ke3 Rc4 (8... Rf3+ 9. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qe2+ {[%eval 550, 0]}) 8. Qf1 Rf2 (8... Kg3 9. Qf4+ Kh3 10. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qg1+ Kh3 10. Ke3 Rg2 11. Qf1 Kh2 12. Qe1 {!} Kh3 13. Kf3 Kh2 14. Qe5+ {%05^013^010 %05We have reached Philidor's position %05~3($403610)~, which will be familiar from the previous %05chapter. The presence of the black pawn does not %05change the solution. By} Kh1 15. Qa1+ Kh2 16. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0] White gives his opponent the move, and wins thanks to zugzwang.^013^010 ^013^010 The weaker side can defend successfully only if the enemy king is cut off on the first rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5k2/8/8/8/4Q3/2p3r1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {(draw for any position of the black king, except the squares marked by crosses) White's actions are restricted by the threats of 1...c1Q and 1...Rg1, while the blockading square is inaccessible to his king. He is unable to drive the rook off the 2nd rank: %15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(7XA/ 7XA/XA7/1XA5XA/6XA1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf1 Rh2 2. Kg1 Re2 3. Qf3+ Kg7 4. Qc3+ Kf7 5. Qc7+ Kg8 6. Kf1 Rh2 7. Kg1 Re2 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7k/8/8/8/4Q3/2p3r1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(7XA/7XA/XA7/1XA5XA/6XA1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qh3+ {[%eval 550,0] , when the rook is captured with check. %05With the king on one of the squares on the h-file marked with a cross. White wins by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2k5/4Q3/2p3r1/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(7XA/7XA/XA7/1XA5XA/6XA1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kf1 {%05If the king is at ~2g4~, ~2a6~ or ~2b5~, for the same reason the king cannot occupy e2. But with the king at ~2c4~ this factor does not lead to a loss, since after} Rh2 2. Kg1 Re2 3. Qxe2+ Kb3 { = the queen is not able to reach the queening square.} (3... Kc3 {?} 4. Qe5+ Kd2 5. Qb2 Kd1 6. Kf2 $18) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/4Q3/2p3r1/4K2k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(7XA/7XA/XA7/1XA5XA/6XA1/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qh3+ {%05Here both kings are badly placed, and after} Kg1 2. Qh6 {Black has to play accurately.} Rf2 {!} (2... Rh2 {? %05He loses after} 3. Qe3+ Kh1 (3... Kg2 4. Ke2 Rh1 5. Qf3+ Kh2 6. Qf2+ Kh3 7. Kf3 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kf1 Rg2 5. Qh3+ Rh2 6. Qf3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qg5+ Rg2 4. Qf4 Kh1 {[%eval 0,0] , when White is unable to strengthen his position. ^013^010 ^013^010 We will now consider some examples with a knight's pawn on the penultimate rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6k1/4Q3/Kp4r1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~5 According to the tablebases, White wins, but the winning method differs from one which was suggested by Henkin.~} 1. Qe1 {%00o^ (%05manoeuvres between b1 and a2, successively giving %05Black the move, which leads to his pieces being driven %05to the edge of the board." (Henkin)} Rh2 2. Qe4+ Kg3 3. Qe5+ Kh3 4. Qf4 {!} Rg2 {Ka2 ? b1Q+ ! This pawn sacrifice was missed in the previous edition.} {Rh2 ? Qf3+ Kh4 Kb1 +5.50 ! The final transference of the turn to move, after which Black loses his rook or his pawn.} 5. Kb1 Rg1+ 6. Kc2 Rg2+ 7. Kd3 Rg3+ {= Rh2 %00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ $18 (~5 (Nalimov tablebases)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5k2/7Q/Kp3r2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {Here White is faced with a different task: he has to drive the black pieces towards the pawn, when his king will be able to help. We will consider the position with Black to move, since White always has in reserve the waiting move Ka2-b1.} 1... Re2 (1... Ke4 {?} 2. Qg4+ Ke3 3. Qg3+ {[%eval 550,0] leads to the loss of the pawn}) (1... Rc2 {%05while after} 2. Qf1+ Ke3 3. Qf5 {!} Rf2 4. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0] the main variation is reached}) 2. Qf1+ Ke3 3. Qf5 {!} Rf2 (3... Rg2 {? %05Not, of course,} 4. Qh3+ Kf2 5. Kxb2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Rd2 {%05while} 4. Qh3+ Kf2 {leads to a position from example ~3($413645)~ .}) 4. Qg4 {!} Re2 5. Qg3+ Ke4 {^013^010 Compared with the initial position the black pieces have moved one file to the left. Now Black is given the move, and it is all repeated again from the start.} 6. Kb1 {! %05^013^010} Rd2 7. Qe1+ Kd3 8. Qe5 Re2 9. Qf4 Rd2 10. Qf3+ Kd4 11. Ka2 {!} Rc2 12. Qd1+ Kc3 13. Qd5 Rd2 14. Qe4 Rc2 15. Qe3+ Kc4 16. Qb3+ Kc5 17. Qxc2+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/6Q1/Kp3r2/5k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {We will first examine this position with White to move. As in example ~3( 3644)~, his task is to force the black pieces to approach their pawn. The driving-back procedure differs from the previous one, since, as we will see later, giving the opponent the move by 1.Kb1 does not succeed. But the queen is able to carry out the task on her own.} 1. Qg4 {!} Rd2 (1... Rc2 {%02(g2,h2) %05The particular features of the position with the black king on the 1st rank are revealed in the variations} 2. Qd1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Ke1 {%05or} 2. Qg1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Re2 {White wins by %05in the event of} 2. Qf3+ Ke1 (2... Rf2 3. Qh1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kb1 {!} Rd2 4. Qe3+ Kd1 5. Qe4 {!} Rh2 6. Qf3+ Ke1 7. Qg3+ Rf2 8. Qg1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qe4 {!} Kf2 (2... Rf2 3. Qh1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Rg2 {(h2)} 3. Qb1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Kg1 {%05and} 3. Qe1+ {[%eval 550,0] are all bad}) (2... Re2 {%05while} 3. Qf3+ {[%eval 550, 0] is considered in the previous note.}) 3. Qf4+ Ke1 (3... Ke2 {%05a variation in the note to Black's 1st move is reached after} 4. Kb1 Ke1 5. Qe3+ Kd1 6. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.}) 4. Qe3+ Kd1 5. Qe4 {!} (5. Kb1 Rf2 {! is weaker}) 5... Rc2 6. Qd3+ Kc1 (6... Rd2 7. Qf1+ Kc2 8. Qb1+ Kc3 9. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] ! reduces to the final position of example^013^010 ~3($403644)~.}) 7. Qf1+ Kd2 8. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/6Q1/Kp3r2/5k2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] 1... Rg2 {! ^013^010 This move would have followed on 1.Kb1. Now White is unable to drive the enemy pieces to the opposite wing, since the queen cannot go to g4. %05We will now consider position ~3($413645)~ with Black %05to move. We have seen that it is extremely undesirable %05for the black pieces to approach the pawn, and %05therefore the king and rook must stay as far away from %05it as possible. From this it follows that the best squares %05for the black pieces are on the g- and h-files:} 2. Qd3+ {%05^013^010} (2. Qh3 Kg1 3. Kb1 Rh2 4. Qe3+ Rf2 5. Qd4 Kg2 {!} (5... Kf1 {? %05but not} 6. Qg4) 6. Ka2 { %05Now the queen can occupy g4 with check, but is not able to cut off the black king from the g- and h-files.} Kg3 7. Qe4 Kh2 {[%eval 0,0] , and White cannot achieve anything.^013^010 However, 'if the mountain will not come to Muhammad ...'. After 1...Rg2! White wins by bringing his king onto the battlefield.}) 2... Kg1 3. Qd1+ Kh2 4. Kb3 Rf2 5. Kc3 Kg2 6. Kd3 Kh2 7. Ke3 Rg2 8. Qe1 Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($413647)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/4K2k/1p4r1/4Q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Cheron, 1956 Henkin, 1962} 1. Kf4 {!} (1. Qh1+ {. White aims for the final position from example ~3($403638)~. %05This is stronger than Cheron's solution, beginning with}) 1... Kh2 2. Kf3 {^013^010 Although in comparison with position ~3($403638)~ the rook has an extra square available along the rank, it is unable to avoid a double attack.} Rc2 {%05^013^010} 3. Qh4+ Kg1 4. Qd4+ Kh2 5. Qd6+ {!} Kg1 {(h1)} 6. Qd1+ $40 {[%eval 550,0] ~2From the analysis of positions ~3( 3643)-( 3646)~2 with a knight's pawn, it follows that, when the black king is unable to support the rook from g1, g2, g3, h1, h2 or h3, White wins without approaching with his king but by placing it at a2 or b1. But if the black king is defending the rook from one of the indicated squares, the win is attained differently: White leaves the b1 square under control of the queen and takes his king across to the enemy pieces entrenched on the opposite wing.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/3K1k2/1p3r2/1Q6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Cheron, 1956 Henkin, 1962 By the combined efforts of his pieces, White has to drive the black king onto the 6th rank and then, keeping b1 under control, retreat his king to a2, reaching one of the positions~3( 3643)-( 3646)~. Black is unable to avoid this, since the attempt to keep his king at h2 or h3 leads to position ~3( 3647)~.} 1. Qg1 {!} (1. Qe1 {, is too complicated, and occupies some four pages of^013^010 closely-spaced text. Cheron proceeds from the^013^010 erroneous assumption that with his king at b1 or a2 White^013^010 wins only when the black king is on the 8th, 7th, 6th or^013^010 5th rank. ^013^010 ~3($403650)~ %05Cheron's solution, beginning with}) 1... Rh2 {!} (1... Rg2 {is weaker: %05The best defence.} 2. Qe3+ Kg4 3. Qe4+ Kh5 (3... Kg3 4. Ke3 Kh2 5. Qh4+ Kg1 6. Qe1+ Kh2 7. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3($403647) ~}) 4. Qf5+ Kh4 (4... Kh6 5. Qh3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Ke3 Kg3 6. Qf4+ Kh3 7. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] , with a quick mate.}) 2. Qf1+ Rf2 (2... Kg4 {White wins by %05On} 3. Ke4 Kg5 4. Qf5+ Kh6 5. Kd4 Rf2 6. Qh3+ Kg5 7. Qg3+ Kh5 8. Qg1 {!} Rd2+ (8... Rg2 9. Qh1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Ke3 Rc2 10. Qd1+ {[%eval 550,0] ~3 ($403649)~}) 3. Qh3+ Kf4 4. Qh4+ Ke5 (4... Kf3 5. Qe4+ Kg3 6. Ke3 Rg2 7. Qf4+ Kh3 8. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qe4+ Kf6 6. Kc3 {! ^013^010 Now that the black king has been driven onto the 6th rank. White's king heads for a2 to relieve the queen which is guarding the queening square. For his part, Black tries to improve his position and return his king to the defence of the rook.} Re2 { ! %05^013^010} 7. Qh1 {! (from here the queen controls all the key squares)} Kg5 (7... Rh2 {, then %05If} 8. Qf1+ Kg5 9. Qg1+ {!} Kf5 10. Kb3 Rg2 11. Qf1+ Ke5 12. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 8. Kb3 {^013^010 White has almost achieved his aim, and it remains for him to prevent the black king from reaching g3. The method of play depends on Black's reply:} Kf4 {%05^013^010} ( 8... Kg4 {%05or} 9. Qd1 {!} Kg3 {(the king occupies the desired square, but only for an instant)} 10. Qd3+ {!} Kf2 11. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0] and a position of type ~3($403645)~ is reached}) 9. Qh4+ Kf3 10. Ka2 Kg2 11. Qg4+ Kf2 12. Kb1 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in position ~3($403645)~. The more free squares that the rook has along the rank, the greater the difficulties faced by the attacking side. With a rook's pawn on the penultimate rank the drawing chances are significantly increased. If the stronger side's king is blockading the pawn, it not only has no waiting moves, but is also tied 'for ever' to the corner square.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P5/3K3k/8/8/1p6/5r2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] 1. c8=Q {%05This manoeuvre was first seen in the following study by Troitsky (Kd6, Pc7 - Kh6, Rf2, Pb3, White to play and win). The solution:} Rd2+ 2. Ke5 Re2+ 3. Kf5 Rf2+ 4. Ke4 b2 5. Qh3+ Kg6 6. Qg3+ Kh5 7. Qg1 Kh6 8. Kd3 Kh5 9. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/2K1k3/1p2r3/5Q2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1. Kb3 {! %05He is especially at fault in the following position: (Kc3, %05Qf1 - K迩, Re2, Pb2). He considers this to be very %05difficult for White to win, and gives a lengthy variation %05beginning with 1.Qf5. But in fact there is a much simpler %05win:} Rf2 2. Qh3+ Ke4 3. Ka2 Kf4 4. Kb1 {[%eval 550,0] , and we have position ~3($403644)~ .} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3k4/5Q2/p2r4/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {The analogous position with the pawn at b2 was lost ~3( 3644)~. But here the queen alone is unable to create a zugzwang position. If it is White's move, he is unable to give his opponent the move. Black to move is also able to draw by careful play.} 1... Rc2 {!} (1... Kc4 {? %05but not} 2. Qe4+ Kc3 3. Qe3+ { [%eval 550,0] , winning the pawn}) 2. Qf4+ (2. Qd1+ {%05There is also no win by } Kc3 3. Qd5 Rd2 4. Qe4 Rc2 5. Qf3+ (5. Qe3+ {, then %05if} Kc4 {[%eval 0,0] , with Black to move White would win, but he is unable to give him the move}) 5... Kd4 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 2... Kd3 3. Qf5+ Kc3 4. Qe4 Kd2 5. Qf3 Ke1 {!} (5... Kc1 {?} 6. Qd5 {!} Rh2 7. Qe5 Rd2 8. Qe1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qe3+ Kf1 7. Qd3+ Re2 8. Qf3+ Ke1 {!} 9. Qf4 Rc2 {!} (9... Rd2 {%05The only defence. All other moves lose, e.g.} 10. Qe3+ Kd1 11. Qe4 Rc2 (11... Rh2 12. Qg4+ Re2 13. Qg1+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qd3+ Kc1 13. Qd4 Rg2 14. Qf4+ Rd2 15. Qf1+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 10. Qd4 Ke2 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6k1/4Q3/p5r1/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1... Rh2 {! %05In this example too, in contrast to %05position~3($413643)~ , White is unable to put Black in %05zugzwang:} 2. Qg1+ Kh3 3. Qg5 Rf2 {[%eval 0, 0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010 Note that in positions like ~3($413651)~ and^013^010 ~3($413652)~ a draw can be achieved only when the^013^010 black king can support the rook in time. In position ~3($413653)~ the losing zone for the black king is indicated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/2k5/4Q3/p1r5/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If the king is inside the zone, the rook cannot be maintained on the 2nd rank, and Black loses his pawn. Exceptions are provided by the following two positions: (Qe3 Kc4, Rc2) and (Qf3 Kh4, Rh2), where Black loses only if it is him to move. In positions where the white king has complete freedom of movement, again Black can normally defend successfully. %15N T1(c6:f7)clBlack LOSING ZONE #B(8/8/8/8/3I1I1I1I11/2I1I1I1I1I1I1/I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1/ I1I1I1I1I1I1I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/8/8/4K2k/8/8/p2r4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {The threat of queening the pawn prevents the creation of a mating net, and the winning method employed in the analogous position with the pawn at b2 ~3( 3648)~, does not work here, since the blockading square a1 is inaccessible to the white king.} 1. Qh8+ Kg4 2. Ke4 Re2+ 3. Kd3 Rh2 {!} 4. Qe5 Rg2 5. Ke3 Rc2 6. Qf6 Rg2 7. Qg6+ Kh4 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/Q7/7k/5K2/p1r5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {Black's position seems critical, but he nevertheless maintains the balance.} 1... Rh2 {!} (1... Rb2 {%05The only move. After} 2. Qd8+ Kh5 3. Qh8+ {[%eval 550,0] Black loses his rook}) (1... Rd2 {%05while after} 2. Qxd2 a1=Q 3. Qh6#) 2. Qe5 Rc2 3. Qg7 Kh5 4. Qg1 Rd2 5. Ke3 Rc2 (5... Rg2 6. Qh1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Rb2 {%05or} 6. Qd1+ Kg6 7. Qg4+ Kf7 8. Qf5+ Kg8 9. Qg6+ Kh8 10. Qf6+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kd3 Rf2 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and White cannot take away all the rook's squares along the 2nd rank.^013^010 ^013^010 In positions such as ~3 ($413654)~ White wins only if the position of the black king is very cramped.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1777.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Philidor"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/5K2/p5rk/4Q3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1777.??.??"] 1... Rc2 {%05As in example ~3($413638)~, Black to move is in %05zugzwang:} 2. Qh4+ Kg1 3. Qd4+ Kh2 4. Qd6+ Kg1 5. Qd1+ Kh2 6. Qxc2+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1777.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Philidor"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/5K2/p5rk/4Q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1777.??.??"] 1. Qe5+ {%05If it is White to move, then} Kg1 2. Qa1+ Kh2 3. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5K2/8/p5rk/4Q3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {If it is Black to move he has only one remaining chance.} 1... Rb2 (1... Rc2 { %05White is threatening by 1.Kf3 to transpose into the previous position. This danger is not averted by} 2. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rg8 {%05or by} 2. Qf2+ Rg2 3. Qh4+ Kg1 4. Qe1+ Kh2 5. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kf3 Rb3+ 3. Kg4 {!} Rb4+ (3... Rb2 {, because of %05Now the rook cannot return to b2,} 4. Qe5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Ra3 {%05and Black also loses after} 4. Qd2+ Kg1 5. Qc1+ { [%eval 550,0] . He is therefore forced to check from the b-file.}) 4. Kg5 Rb5+ (4... Ra4 5. Qd2+ Kg3 6. Qd3+ {, followed by 7.Qc2 and 8.Qxa4$18}) 5. Kf6 Rb6+ (5... Kh3 6. Qe6+ Kg2 7. Qxa2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke7 Rb7+ 7. Kd8 Rb8+ 8. Kc7 Rg8 {^013^010 Black appears to have defended successfully, since a queen check along the 2nd rank is met by 9...Rg2 with a draw. But now a basic 'geometric' motif comes into play:} 9. Qe5+ {!} Rg3 (9... Kh1 10. Qa1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) ( 9... Kg2 {%05or} 10. Qd5+ Kh3 11. Qxa2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qh8+ $18 {and, depending on Black's reply, White wins the pawn by 11.Qa1 or 11.Qb2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin, Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6r1/8/8/8/8/8/p4K1k/5Q2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {Henkin, 1960 Cheron, 1965 White will aim to transpose into a position of type ~3( 3658)~ , and Black into ~3( 3651)~ or ~3( 3652)~.} 1. Qa6 {^013^010 Threatening mate.} (1. Qa1 {%05There is no win by} Rf8+ 2. Ke3 Re8+ 3. Kd3 (3. Kf4 {%05The king must move along the 3rd rank, otherwise the %05rook will switch to the 2nd rank, reaching a position of %05type ~3($403654)~, e.g.} Rf8+ 4. Kg4 Rf2 {!} 5. Qe5+ Kg2 6. Qe1 Rf3 {!} 7. Qe2+ Rf2 8. Qe4+ Kh2 9. Qa8 Rc2 10. Kf3 Rc3+ 11. Ke4 Rc2 12. Kd3 Rf2 13. Ke3 Rc2 14. Qh8+ Kg3 {!} 15. Qg7+ Kh4 16. Kf3 Kh5 {[%eval 0,0] , and we have a position of type ~3($413655)~ .}) 3... Rd8+ 4. Kc3 Rc8+ 5. Kb3 Rb8+ 6. Ka3 Ra8+ 7. Kb4 Rb8+ 8. Ka5 Kh3 {!} 9. Ka6 { ^013^010 White is short of just one tempo for Ka7, parrying the threat of ... Ra8 in the event of the capture of the pawn. Exploiting this, Black improves the position of his rook.} Rf8 {! %05^013^010} 10. Kb6 Rf2 {[%eval 0,0] , and the aim is achieved}) (1. Ke3 Re8+ (1... Rg2 {there follows %05On} 2. Qe1 Rg3+ (2... Rb2 3. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] -~3($403658)~}) 3. Kf4 Ra3 4. Qa1 {!} Ra4+ { (after any other move along the a-file the rook comes under a double attack)} 5. Kf3 Ra3+ 6. Kf2 Rg3 7. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kd4 Rd8+ (2... Rg8 3. Qf2+ Rg2 4. Qh4+ Kg1 5. Qe1+ Kh2 6. Ke4 Rb2 7. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] - ~3($403658)~}) 3. Kc3 Rg8 4. Qf4+ (4. Qf2+ {%05otherwise 4...Rg2 with a draw, e.g.} Rg2 5. Qh4+ Kg1 6. Qe1+ Kh2 7. Kd4 Kh3 {[%eval 0,0] ! - ~3($413654)~}) 4... Kh1 (4... Rg3+ 5. Kb2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qh4+ {%05 Here I erroneously assumed that White was unable to improve his position, and judged it to be drawn. Cheron found a subtle way to win.} Kg1 (5... Kg2 6. Kb2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qe1+ Kh2 7. Qe5+ Kg1 8. Kd3 {!} Rd8+ (8... Rg2 {, then %059.Qa1 was threatened; if} 9. Qe1+ Kh2 10. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kc4 {!} (9. Ke3 {%05not} Re8 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 9... Rd1 10. Qg3+ Kf1 11. Qf3+ Ke1 12. Qh1+ $18 {, then 13.Qg2 and 14.Qxa2. }) 1... Rg2+ (1... Rf8+ 2. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] is bad, when in the event of checks from the 8th rank (and what else?) the king heads for the pawn along the 3rd rank and picks it up}) (1... Kh3 {? loses immediately to} 2. Qe6+ Kh4 3. Qxa2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kf3 Rg3+ (2... Rd2 {%02(b2,c2) %05Forced. The rook is lost after} 3. Qh6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf4 Rg2 4. Qf1 {!} Rb2 (4... Rd2 { %05Other moves also lose:} 5. Qe1 Rb2 6. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403658)~}) ( 4... Rc2 5. Qd1 Rf2+ (5... Rb2 6. Kf3 Rb3+ 7. Qxb3 a1=Q 8. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0]} ) 6. Ke3 Kg2 7. Qg4+ Kf1 8. Qh3+ Ke1 (8... Kg1 9. Qg3+ Rg2 10. Qe1+ Kh2 11. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] - 340}) 9. Qg3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Rg1 5. Qf2+ Rg2 6. Qh4+ Kg1 7. Qe1+ Kh2 8. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403656)~).}) 5. Qe1 {!} Kg2 6. Qe4+ Kh2 (6... Kg1 7. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Kf1 {%05or} 7. Qh1+ {[%eval 550,0] }) 7. Qh7+ Kg1 8. Qg7+ Rg2 9. Qa1+ Kh2 10. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and we have position~3($403658)~ . Complicated play arises with a pawn at ~2a3~, blockaded by the king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/8/p5rk/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {Qf7+ Kg4 +0.00 ! ^013^010 The pawn is immune, and the white king is not able to^013^010 approach the black pieces. Draw.^013^010 ^013^010} {Cheron, 1958 Henkin, 1962 ~5(RR)-In the previous edition of this book (1986), this position was evaluated as drawn. The tablebases, however, have changed this evaluation - White wins.~5} 1. Qh5+ {%05We will consider two main possibilities:^013^010 %05(a)} (1. Kb1 {%05The only way for White to win is to bring his king into^013^010 %05play. But this allows Black to advance ...a2, which leads^013^010 %05to a drawn position of type ~3($403654)~ . Thus after^013^010 %05the direct} Rg1+ 2. Kc2 (2. Ka2 {~5 White could have returned to the correct plan~ %05~5(RR) after~}) 2... Rg2+ 3. Kd3 a2 {[%eval 0,0] . Therefore White tries to forestall this defence}) (1. Qh1+ {%05(b)} Kg4 2. Kb1 Rf3 ({ Kc2 ! Rh3 ! Kh5 ? %05After Qf4 Rh3} 2... Rg2 {%05if Kb1 ! a2+} 3. Ka1 {[%eval 550,0] , and the black king is in the losing zone -~3($403653)~}) 3. Kc1 { ~5? ( RR) ~} (3. Qd1 {!} Kg3 {%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ Rh3 (~5? (RR)} (3... a2+ {? White wins: %05 Cheron erroneously recommended 3...a2? As already mentioned, the pawn should be advanced only when the white king steps onto the d-file. After Qg2+ Rg3 Qe4+ ! Kh3 (otherwise 6.Kb2) %05, but Qh1+ Kg4} { Qxa2 ? %05and now not Rg1+ +0.00 with a draw, as considered by Cheron} 4. Kb2 { [%eval 550,0] , winning the pawn.}) ({Qg2+} 3... Kh4 {Kd2 ~5?(RR)} {Rg3 ? Kc2 ! Kg2 Kb1 Rf3 Qg4+ Rg3 Qe4+ Rf3} 4. Kc1 {Ke2} Kg3 (4... a2 {is premature due to } 5. Kb2 {[%eval 550,0]}) ({Kd1 a2 ! ^013^010 This advance is made at the precise moment when the king has crossed to the d-file, i.e. is outside the square of the pawn and is unable to stop it. Qe5+ ! %05^013^010 Qg6+ %05Here Cheron continued Kf2 Qc2+ Kg1 Qxa2} 4... Rf1 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw, but White can play more cunningly.}) ({Kg2 ! Kf2 %05Now Black loses after, e.g., Qh2+ Ke3 Qd2+ Ke4 Qxa2} 4... Rf4 {[%eval 550,0] Ke1 Kg2} 5. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0] Kg1 Qg8+ Kh2 Qxa2+}) ({Qg7+ ~5 ?(RR) Ke2 !} 4... Rf2 {Ke3 Rf3+ Ke4 Rf2 Qc3 Re2+ Kf5 Rf2+ Kg4 Kg1 Kg3 Rg2+ Kf3 Rf2+ Ke3 Rg2} 5. Qe1 $18 {Kh2 Kf3 Rc2 Qh4+ Kg1 Qd4+ Kh2 Qd6+ Kg1 Qd1+ ~5(Nalimov tablebases)~}) ({Rg3 ! Kf2 is still not possible: Qd4+ Kg2 Kf1 %05or Qc4+ Kg1 Qg8+ Re3 Kd2 +5.50} 4... Rb3 {[%eval 550, 0] Qa1 Rf3 Qg7+ Rg3 Qa7 ! Kh3}) ({Qh8+ Kg2 Qg7+ Kh2 Qh6+ Kg2 Qg5+ Kh2 Qh4+ Kg2 Qf2+ Kh1 Kf3 +5.50 , and White wins. Qa7 Kf3 !!} 4... Kh3 {%05This forces a draw, whereas all other moves lose, e.g. Ke2 ! Rg2+ Kf3 Rg3+ Kf4 Rg4+ Kf5 Rg2 Qe3+ ! Kh4} {Kh2 Qe1 +5.50 ! -~3($403658)~} 5. Qe1 {Kh3 Kf4 Rb2 Kf3 +5.50 ~3 ($403656)~}) ({Kh2 %05the position arising after Ke2 Rg2+ Kf3} 4... Rg3 { Kf4 Rg2} 5. Qd4+ {! Rc2 Qd1 +5.50 is considered in example ~3($403659)~.})))) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4Q3/8/7k/p5r1/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~2In positions where his king crosses the d-file before Black advances his pawn to a2, White normally wins.~} 1. Ke2 a2 (1... Rg2+ {%05if} 2. Kf3 {, and} a2 {is not possible due to} 3. Qh6#) 2. Qf6+ Kg4 (2... Kh3 {White wins by %05on } 3. Kf1 {!} Rb3 (3... Ra3 4. Qe6+ Kh2 5. Qd6+ Rg3 6. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) ( 3... Rg2 {%05or} 4. Qh8+ Kg3 5. Qg7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kf2 Kg4 5. Qe5 { [%eval 550,0] ! , and then as in the main variation}) 3. Kf2 Rb3 4. Qe5 {!} Kh4 5. Kg2 Re3 6. Qh8+ $18 {, followed by 7.Qg8 and 8.Qxa2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4Q3/8/7k/p5r1/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Rg2+ {%05If it is Black to move he has time to regroup:} 2. Ke3 a2 { [%eval 0,0] with a draw as in position~3($413654)~} 3. Z0 (3. Kf3 Rf2+ { [%eval 0,0] !}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5Q2/p5r1/4K1k1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qf1+ Kh2 2. Kf2 Rg8 (2... a2 3. Qa1 Rg2+ 4. Kf3 Rg3+ 5. Kf4 Rg2 6. Qe1 { [%eval 550,0] -~3($403658)~}) 3. Qa1 {^013^010 White cannot capture on a3, but by threatening 4.Qe5 he brings his king out onto the 3rd rank.} Rf8+ { %05^013^010} 4. Ke3 Re8+ 5. Kf4 Rf8+ 6. Kg4 Rg8+ 7. Kh4 {(the checks are exhausted, and the rook has to occupy a passive position)} Ra8 8. Qa2+ Kg1 9. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5Q2/p5r1/4K1k1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... a2 {, when after %05If in position ~3($413663)~ it is Black to move, he makes %05the win more difficult by} 2. Qf1+ Kh2 3. Kf2 Rg8 {[%eval 550,0] position ~3($413659)~ is reached.^013^010 ^013^010 We have seen that for a successful defence the player with the rook must keep his pieces as far away from the pawn as possible. In order to determine the limits of this distance, we will study several new positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4Q3/8/p1rk4/K7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Kd2 {%05We will first consider this position with Black to move:} (1... Kc2 {loses quickly to} 2. Qe2+ Kc1 3. Ka1 {!} Rc8 (3... Rc2 4. Qe1#) 4. Qe3+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qd4+ Kc2 (2... Rd3 3. Qf2+ Kd1 4. Ka1 Rc3 5. Qd4+ Kc2 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Ka1 {!} Rd3 (3... Rb3 {%05The attempt to keep the white king in the corner merely prolongs the struggle:} 4. Qa4 Kc3 5. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Kb3 {%05or} 4. Qd2 Rc2 5. Qd1 {!} Kc3 6. Qf3+ Kb4 7. Kb1 {!} Rc3 (7... a2+ 8. Ka1 Kc4 9. Qe3 {[%eval 550,0] - ~3($403653)~}) (7... Rb2+ 8. Kc1 { [%eval 550,0] - ~3($403721)~}) (7... Rd2 8. Kc1 a2 9. Qb7+ Kc3 10. Qc6+ Kb4 11. Qb6+ Kc4 12. Qa6+ Kc3 13. Qa5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qd5 {!} Ka4 (8... Rc4 9. Qd2+ Kb3 10. Qd3+ Kb4 11. Ka2 Rc3 12. Qd4+ Rc4 13. Qb6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qd1+ Kb4 10. Ka2 Kc5 11. Qd2 Kc4 12. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] ! ~3($403667)~.}) 4. Qc4+ Kd2 (4... Rc3 {%05Things are no different after} 5. Qe2+ Kc1 6. Qf2 Kd1 ( 6... Rb3 7. Qe1+ Kc2 8. Qe2+ Kc3 9. Qd1 Kc4 10. Ka2 Rd3 11. Qg4+ Kd5 12. Qf4 { [%eval 550,0] - ~3($403667)~.}) (6... Rd3 {loses to %05while} 7. Qe1+ Kc2 8. Ka2 {!} Rc3 9. Qe2+ Kc1 10. Ka1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qd4+ Kc2 8. Ka2 {!} Rd3 9. Qc4+ Kd2 10. Kb1 {[%eval 550,0] , joining the main variation.}) 5. Kb1 Rf3 ( 5... Rc3 {%05Black tries to save the game by reaching position %05~3($413660)~, but he is forced to allow the enemy king %05across the d-file before completing his regrouping. Its %05advance cannot be stopped:} 6. Qd4+ Rd3 7. Qf2+ Kc3 8. Kc1 {!} Kc4 9. Qe2 Kc3 10. Qe5+ Kc4 (10... Kb3 11. Qb5+ Kc3 12. Qc5+ Kb3 13. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Re3 {%05the result is the same after} 6. Qd4+ Rd3 7. Qf2+ Kc3 8. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.}) 6. Qd4+ Ke2 7. Kc2 Kf1 (7... Rf2 {%05In the event of} 8. Qe4+ Kf1+ 9. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0] ! Black loses his pawn} Z0 (9... a2 10. Qh1+)) (7... Re3 { %05while after} 8. Qf4 Rh3 9. Qg4+ Rf3 10. Qe4+ Kf2 11. Kd1 a2 {White wins prettily:} 12. Qa8 {!} Rd3+ (12... Kg1 13. Qg8+ Kh2 14. Qxa2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Kc1 Ke1 14. Qa5+ {!} Ke2 15. Qxa2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kd1 {%05White's next task is to approach the enemy pieces with his king, without allowing the advance of the pawn.} Rg3 (8... a2 {%05As before Black cannot play} 9. Qc4+ Kg1 10. Qg8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (8... Rf2 {%05or} 9. Qd3+ Kg2 10. Ke1 (10. Qxa3 { ? %05of course not} Rf1+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 10... a2 11. Qg6+ Kf3 12. Qf6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qf4+ Kg2 10. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403663)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4Q3/8/p1rk4/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qe1 {! %05If in position ~3($403665)~ it is White to move, after} Kd4 2. Qd2+ Rd3 3. Qf4+ Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] the following position arises.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k4/5Q2/p2r4/K7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {This is a familiar configuration in which White, who has in reserve a manoeuvre giving his opponent the move (1.Kb1 Rc3 2.Ka1 Rd3 3.Ka2), forces the black pieces to retreat to the edge of the board.} 1... Rc3 2. Qd2+ Kc4 3. Qd6 {!} Rd3 4. Qe5 {!} Rc3 5. Qe4+ Kc5 6. Kb1 Rb3+ 7. Ka1 (7. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] is also possible}) 7... Rc3 (7... Rb2 8. Qa4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Ka2 Kb5 9. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his rook or his pawn.^013^010 ^013^010 Moving the queen and the black pieces one or two files to the right does not change the assessment of the position, but in the latter case the play has certain special features.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5k2/7Q/p4r2/K7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Rc3 (1... Ke5 {%05Black can only move his rook, since} 2. Qg5+ Ke4 {(d4)} 3. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0] leads to the loss of the pawn}) (1... Re3 2. Kb1 Rc3 { is of no independent significance; after} 3. Qh7+ Kf4 4. Qh6+ Kf5 5. Qf8+ Ke4 6. Qe7+ Kd4 7. Qf6+ Kd3 8. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] position ~3($403665)~ is reached. }) 2. Kb1 Rf3 (2... Rb3+ {merely prolongs the resistance after} 3. Kc2 Rf3 4. Kd1 {!} (4. Kd2 {? %05not} a2 {[%eval 0,0] ! - draw}) 4... Rb3 (4... Rc3 {%05on }) (4... Re3 {there follows %05or} 5. Kd2 {, while after} a2 {the pawn is lost: } 6. Qh5+ Ke6 7. Qe8+ Kd6 8. Qb8+ Ke6 9. Qb6+ {, 9.Qa7 or 9.Qa5 and 10.Qxa2$18} ) 5. Qh5+ Ke4 6. Qe8+ Kd3 7. Qd7+ Kc3 8. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403665)~.}) 3. Kc2 Ke5 4. Qg4 {!} Rf2+ 5. Kb1 {!} a2+ 6. Ka1 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins ~3($403653)~..^013^010 ^013^010 All positions with the black king on the 1st rank and the^013^010 queen on the 2nd rank, symmetrical with examples ~3 ($403667)~and ~3($403668)~, have the same assessment.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/p2r4/5Q2/K2k4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Rb3 {%05We will first consider the position with Black to move:} (1... Rc3 2. Qd4+ Kc2 3. Ka2 Rd3 4. Qc4+ Kd2 5. Kb1 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3 ($403665)~}) (1... Kc1 {Black loses quickly: %05while after} 2. Qe1+ Kc2 3. Ka2 {!} Rc3 4. Qe2+ Kc1 5. Ka1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qd4+ Ke2 (2... Ke1 {%05After} 3. Ka2 {! White wins the pawn:} Rg3 (3... Rf3 {%05or} 4. Qg1+ Ke2 5. Qg2+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qh4 Kf2 5. Qh2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qc4+ Rd3 4. Kb1 Kd2 5. Qf4+ Re3 6. Qd4+ Ke2 7. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in position ~3 ($403665)~.^013^010 ^013^010 * If his king is at a2, White to move plays 1.Ka1. The king has been placed at a1 to deny White the possibility of giving the opponent the move by this manoeuvre.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/p2r4/5Q2/K2k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If it is White to move, he again transposes to position ~3( 3665)~.} 1. Qf1+ Kd2 (1... Kc2 {%05after} 2. Ka2 Kd2 3. Qf2+ Kd1 4. Ka1 {[%eval 550,0] the initial position is reached, but with Black to move}) 2. Kb1 {!} Ke3 (2... Rb3+ {White again gives his opponent the move: %05On} 3. Ka2 Rd3 4. Qf2+ Kd1 5. Ka1 {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Rc3 {, then %05if instead} 3. Ka2 Ke3 4. Qe1+ Kd3 5. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403665)~}) (2... Re3 {%05while after} 3. Ka2 Rc3 4. Qf2+ Kd3 5. Qe1 Kd4 6. Qd2+ Rd3 7. Qf4+ Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] position ~3($413667)~ is reached.}) 3. Kc1 {!} Ke4 (3... a2 {%05Not} 4. Qe1+ {and 5.Kb2$18}) (3... Rc3+ {is also bad: %05while} 4. Kd1 Rd3+ 5. Ke1 Kd4 6. Ke2 Rc3 7. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 4. Kc2 Rf3 5. Qc4+ Ke3 (5... Kf5 6. Qh4 {[%eval 550,0] ! - ~3 ($403668)~.}) 6. Kd1 Kf2 7. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in position ~3 ($403665)~ .} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/p4r2/7Q/K4k2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Re3 2. Qf4+ Ke2 3. Ka2 {!} Rf3 4. Qh2+ {!} Kf1 5. Kb1 {! ^013^010 The initial position has been reached, again with Black to play, but the white king has moved to b1.} Re3 {%05^013^010} 6. Qf4+ Ke2 7. Kc2 Rf3 8. Qe4+ Kf2 9. Kd1 {[%eval 550,0] , and we have a position from example ~3($403665)~ (cf. the note to Black's 7th move).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/p4r2/7Q/K4k2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kb1 $40 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. %05If in position ~3($403671)~ it is White to move, he %05immediately plays Let us return to position ~3( 3665)~ and move the queen and the black pieces two files to the right.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6Q1/8/p3rk2/K7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Ke4 {%05The assessment has not changed. Any move by Black leads to positions which have already been considered, e.g.} (1... Kf2 {%05or} 2. Qf4+ Rf3 3. Qh2+ Kf1 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($413671)~.}) 2. Qg4+ Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] ~3 ($413668)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6Q1/8/p3rk2/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qg1 {%05If it is White to move, after} Kf4 2. Qf2+ Rf3 3. Qh4+ Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] the familiar position ~3($413668)~ is again reached.^013^010 ^013^010 But if the queen and the black pieces are moved a^013^010 further file to the right, we have a^013^010 different result.^013^010 ~5(RR) According to the tablebases, however, even in ~5 this case the stronger side wins.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7Q/8/p4rk1/K7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Kg2 {! ^013^010 ~5 (RR) In the previous edition of this book (1986), Henkin evaluated this position as drawn.~5^013^010 ~5Nevertheless, according to the Nalimov tablebases, White mates in 49 moves. The main line is as~5^013^010 ~5follows:~5 %05Black to move plays} 2. Z0 {^013^010} (2. Qg4+) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/7Q/8/p4rk1/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qh1 {Black plays %05In reply to} Kg4 {[%eval 0,0] ! , transposing to the drawn position ~3($413660)~.} 2. Z0 (2. Qg1+ {%05^013^010 %05~5 (RR) In the previous edition of this book (1986), Henkin evaluated this position as drawn. ~5^013^010 %05~5Nevertheless, according to the Nalimov tablebases, White mates in 48 moves. The main line is as~5^013^010 %05~5follows:~5^013^010 %05^013^010} ) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6k1/4Q3/p5r1/K7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Thus on the basis of our analysis of positions ~3( 3660)-( 3677)~ we can determine the drawing zone for the black king supporting the rook along the 3rd rank, when the pawn is at a3 and the white king at a2 or a1. Only the following position is an exception.} 1... Rh3 {! %05This position too is defendable:^013^010 %05~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, Black is defenceless.~5^013^010 %05^013^010} (1... Kh5 {%05The only move. Black loses after} 2. Qf4 Rh3 {, when to win White must give his opponent the move:} 3. Kb1 Rh1+ (3... Rb3+ 4. Ka1 {!} Rh3 5. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kc2 Rh3 (4... a2 5. Qf3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kc1 {!} Rh1+ (5... Rc3+ 6. Kb1 Rb3+ 7. Ka1 {!} Rh3 8. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kd2 Rh3 7. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] ! $6 zugzwang.}) 2. Kb1 ( 2. Qe5+ {%05After} Kg4 3. Qe6+ Kh4 4. Qg6 {very accurate defence is required of Black:} (4. Qf5 {immediately, %05if instead White plays} Rg3 {! now leads to a position where he is unable to give his opponent the move:} 5. Kb1 Rg1+ 6. Kc2 Rg2+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 4... Rf3 {[%eval 0,0] !} (4... Rg3 {%05whereas he loses after} 5. Qf5 {!} Rh3 6. Qf4+ Kh5 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in the previous note})) 2... Rg3 3. Kc2 Rh3 4. Qe5+ Kg4 5. Qe6+ Kh4 6. Kd2 {? ~5 (RR) This move lets the win slip away.~} (6. Qf6+ {%05~5 (RR) The Nalimov tablebases state that White mates in 49 moves. The main line is as follows:~5 %00o^ 8.Qg1+ (%00o^ 10.Ke2 (%00o^ 12.Qh1+ (%00o^ 14.Qb4+ (%00o^ 16.Qa4+ (%00o^ 18.Qxa1 (%00o^ 20.Kf3 (%00o^ 22.Qc4 (%00o^ 24.Qc6 (%00o^ 26.Kf4 (%00o^ 28.Qc4 (%00o^ 30.Qc8 (%00o^ 32.Kf5 (%00o^ 34.Qc4 (%00o^ 36.Ke7 (%00o^ 38.Qd4 (%00o^ 40.Qf5+ (%00o^ 42.Qh5 (%00o^ 44.Qa7 (%00o^ 46.Qc7+ (%00o^ 48.Qxg4 (%00o^}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/p6r/5Q2/K6k w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%15N LA4(d6:g3) T1(c5:f6)clBlack Drawing Zone T0(g6:g6)$007F007F (?) #B(8/8/8/ 6I11/6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Kb1 {%05Black to move is in zugzwang. But if it is White to move it^013^010 %05is a draw, since he is unable to give his opponent^013^010 %05the move:^013^010 %05~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, Black loses even if it is White to move.~5^013^010 %05~5 Hence a conclusion follows: the drawing zone does not exist in positions of this type.~5^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} Rg3 {!} 2. Qf5 {%00o^ ( 2.Qxg3 (~5?~} a2+ 3. Kxa2 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate.^013^010 ^013^010} Kg1 {%00o^ 4.Qc5+ (%00o^ 6.Qe5 (%00o^ 8.Kc2 (%00o^ 10.Kd2 (%00o^ 12.Qb6+ (%00o^ 14.Qb3+ (%00o^ 16.Kf2 (%00o^ 18.Ke3 (%00o^ 20.Qd8+ (%00o^ 22.Kc3 (%00o^ 24.Qf5 (%00o^ 26.Qg6+ (%00o^ 28.Qe8 (%00o^ 30.Qc3 (%00o^ 32.Qe7+ (%00o^ 34.Kb5 (%00o^ 36.Kb6 (%00o^ 38.Qxa3 (%00o^ 40.Qh5 (%00o^ 42.Qg6 (%00o^ 44.Kd6 (%00o^ ^013^010 ~2In positions of this type White's main difficulties arose ~2 as a result of the poor position of his king on the 1st ~2 or 2nd rank. With his king on the 4th rank or above, ~2 analogous positions will be an elementary win.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4K3/p5rk/8/4Q3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] 1... Kg4 {%05White threatens 1.Kf4, and after} 2. Qf1 Kh4 3. Qf5 Rg4+ (3... a2 4. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kf3 Ra4 5. Qg6 {[%eval 550,0] he wins easily.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K7/8/8/8/8/p5rk/8/4Q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Qe6+ {%05 Here the king is a long way from the main battlefield. So that Black should not improve his position by advancing his pawn, it is advisable to blockade it:} Kh2 2. Qa2+ Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] , and now White can bring up his king at his leisure.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/6k1/8/4pQ2/4K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] {~13.22 The rook supports the pawn from behind~ The more advanced the pawn is, the more difficult it is to win, and in certain cases it is altogether impossible. The basic method of defence involves advancing the pawn towards the queening square. To prevent this advance the stronger side is forced to blockade the pawn with his queen, or, as more often happens. his king. At the appropriate moment the king or queen leaves the blockading square and launches into the attack, in order to create mating threats before the pawn queens. The result will depend on the position of the pawn, and on the relative placing of the pieces. ~2If the pawn has only reached the 5th rank, a win is always possible, and without difficulty.~ Cheron, 1926 Henkin, 1962} 1. Qg5+ (1. Kd5 { %05There is also another way to win:} e4 2. Kd6 e3 3. Kd7 e2 4. Qg4+ Kf8 5. Qf3+ Kg7 6. Qg3+ Kf7 7. Qf2+ Kg8 8. Kxe8 {[%eval 550,0] (Cheron).}) 1... Kf8 ( 1... Kf7 2. Qh5+ Kf8 3. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Qf6+ Kg8 3. Qg6+ Kf8 4. Kf5 e4 5. Kf6 Re7 6. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0] White's direct play for mate is justified by the absence of any stalemating possibilities, and also by the remoteness of the pawn from the queening square. ~2With the pawn on the 4th rank White is deprived of several tempi, and the win becomes more difficult.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/4r3/2Q5/4p3/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {(In the original the position is shifted two files to the left, which does not change its character.)} 1. Kf4 {! %05White to move exploits the fact that the rook is undefended to gain an important tempo:} (1. Kd4 {? %05It should be noted that in the initial position} e3 2. Kd5 {is insufficient due to} Kf7 { ! , e.g.} 3. Qc8 Re8 {!} 4. Qf5+ Kg7 5. Qg4+ Kf6 {!} 6. Qe2 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] ! with a draw ~3($413695)~. It is easy to see that, after gaining a tempo by the attack on the rook (2.Kd5), White lost it when the rook attacked his queen (3.. .Re8).}) 1... e3 (1... Kd7 {%05Other moves also fail to save Black:} 2. Qd5+ Ke7 3. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kf7 {%05or} 2. Kf5 Re7 3. Qd5+ Kg7 4. Qd6 Kf7 5. Qg6+ Kf8 6. Kf6 e3 7. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Kf5 Re7 (2... e2 3. Qc8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf6 Rf7+ 4. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/1Q6/4r3/8/4p3/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kd4 {! %05White wins by approaching with his king from the queen side:} (1. Kf4 {%05This position differs from the previous one only in the placing of the queen. However, here} e3 2. Kf5 {does not succeed in view of} Re7 {, when White, as in position ~3($413682)~, loses an important tempo, and} 3. Qc6+ { allows Black to stand in the path of the enemy king $6} Kf7 4. Qg6+ {%05. Now in the event of} (4. Qc4+ {%05if}) (4. Qd5+ {, then %05or} Kg7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Kf8 5. Kf6 e2 {White does not have time for the winning manoeuvre} 6. Qh5 Re6+ {[%eval 0,0] ! This happens because the king and queen are operating on the same side of the board, instead of seizing the opponent in a pincer-movement. %05due to}) 1... e3 (1... Kf8 {, then %05If} 2. Kd5 Re8 (2... Re7 3. Qc8+ Kf7 4. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0] leads to the main variation}) 3. Kd6 e3 4. Qf3+ Kg7 5. Kd7 Re5 (5... e2 6. Qg3+ Kf7 7. Qf2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qf4 Rd5+ 7. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Kd5 Re7 (2... e2 3. Qc8+ {[%eval 550,0] }) 3. Qc8+ Kf7 4. Kd6 e2 5. Qf5+ {(the queen switches to the other wing and coordinates ideally with the king)} Ke8 6. Qg6+ Kd8 7. Qg8+ Re8 8. Qf7 { [%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3kr3/8/Q7/4p3/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {(* In the original the position is shifted two files to the left, which does not change its character.) Here the king is defending the rook, which makes things more difficult for White. The winning plan divides into four parts. Part one: White cuts off the black king from the rook along the d-file, without allowing it across to the short side of the board.} 1. Qb5+ Kd6 {!} ( 1... Kd8 {%05things are easier for White after} 2. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qb4+ Kd7 3. Qa4+ Kc7 4. Qd1 {!} (4. Qd4 {, since it later helps White to gain a necessary tempo.^013^010 Part two: White cuts off the king and rook on the 8th rank. %05This is stronger than}) 4... Re5 (4... Kc6 {, then %05If} 5. Qd8 Re6 ( 5... Re5 6. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kf4 e3 7. Kf5 e2 8. Qc8+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning.}) 5. Qd2 Re6 6. Qd4 Re7 7. Qd5 {! ^013^010 It was for this position with the opponent to move that White was aiming when he played 4.Qd1!; Black is in zugzwang and is forced to retreat to the 8th rank.} Re8 {%05^013^010} 8. Qc5+ Kd7 9. Qb5+ Kd8 {^013^010 Part three: White again cuts off the king along the d-file, by occupying d6 with his queen.} 10. Qc6 {! %05^013^010} Re7 11. Kf2 {! (giving Black the move)} e3+ (11... Rf7+ {%05On} 12. Ke2 Re7 (12... Rd7 {is no better due to %05here} 13. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 12. Ke2 Re8 13. Qd6+ Kc8 {^013^010 In the concluding part of the plan White gives his opponent the move, after which the rook will be forced to leave the pawn without defence.} 14. Kf1 {! %05^013^010} e2+ 15. Ke1 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 Let us move the queen and the black king onto the opposite wing.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4rk2/8/6Q1/4p3/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {Cheron, 1957 Henkin, 1962} 1. Qf4+ (1. Qh5+ {%05The plan employed in the previous position does not work here. After} Kf6 2. Qh4+ Kf7 {White has no square corresponding to a4 in the previous example, since on the short side of the board the queen's manoeuvrability is restricted.^013^010 This suggests what White should do: he must force the black king across to the other side of the rook}) (1. Qg4 {, which makes the win more difficult after %05Cheron begins his solution with} Re6 {. We will return to this position when we examine the position with Black to move.}) 1... Ke8 (1... Kg7 {%05after} 2. Qf5 {[%eval 550,0] ! White wins as in example ~3($403684)~}) 2. Qf5 Kd8 3. Qb5 Re6 (3... Re8 4. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Kc7 {%05or} 4. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3($403684)~.}) 4. Qb7 {!} (4. Kf4 {%05Cheron suggests a long and complicated variation:} e3 5. Qd5+ Ke7 6. Kf5 Rf6+ 7. Ke5 e2 8. Qb7+ Kd8 9. Qb8+ Kd7 10. Qb5+ {. Here he continues} Ke7 (10... Rc6 {! , after which there is only one way for White to win, and it is difficult to find: %05Black should reply} 11. Qb7+ Kd8 12. Qa8+ Kd7 13. Qa7+ Kd8 14. Qe3 {!} Kd7 15. Kf5 {! } Rc5+ 16. Kf6 Rc2 {[%eval 550,0] , transposing to positions from the first group}) 11. Qb4+ Kf7 12. Qc4+ Ke7 13. Qc7+ Ke8 14. Kxf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4... Ke8 (4... Re7) (4... Re8 {lead after %05and} 5. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0] to position ~3($403684)~.}) 5. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0] %05But how we have position ~3($403683)~, where White %05wins by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4rk2/8/6Q1/4p3/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {Cheron, 1957 Henkin, 1962} 1... Re6 {%05Let us return to position ~3($413685) ~ and consider it %05with Black to move:} (1... Kf8 2. Qg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) ( 1... Re8 {%05or} 2. Qh5+ {[%eval 550,0] is weaker (in both cases $6~3($403684) ~)}) 2. Qf5+ Ke7 3. Qh7+ Kf6 (3... Kd6 {%05Familiar positions are reached after } 4. Qf7 Re7 (4... Ke5 5. Qf4+ Kd5 6. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qf8 Kd7 6. Qb8 { [%eval 550,0] ~3($403684)~}) (3... Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] %02(e8,f8) - ~3($413683) ~. %05or}) 4. Kd4 e3 5. Kd5 Re8 (5... Re5+ 6. Kd6 Re6+ 7. Kd7 Re5 8. Qh6+ Kf5 9. Kd6 Re4 10. Qh5+ Kf4 11. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qh5 Re7 (6... Rd8+ { %05No better is} 7. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his pawn} (7. Ke4 { ? $6 draw %05but not} e2 {[%eval 0,0] !})) (6... Ke7 {%05or} 7. Qf3 Kd7 8. Qg4+ Kc7 (8... Ke7 9. Qg7+ Kd8 10. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qg7+ Kb8 10. Qd7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qh4+ Kf7 8. Kd6 Re8 9. Qh5+ Kf8 10. Kd7 Re7+ 11. Kd8 Re6 12. Qf5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 ~2 A bishop's pawn is the only pawn on the 4th rank^013^010 ~2which ensures Black a draw in positions of the~^013^010 ~2 following type.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1926.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5r1k/8/6Q1/5p2/5K2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1926.??.??"] 1... Rf8 {%05The draw is conditional upon the fact that the black king^013^010 %05is on the short side of the board and, in contrast to^013^010 %05position ~3($413685)~, it cannot be forced across to^013^010 %05the opposite wing. ^013^010 %05We will consider the defence with Black to move:^013^010 %05^013^010 %05~5(RR)~^013^010 %05~5According to the tablebases, White mates in 63 moves.~5^013^010 %05^013^010 %05} 2. Qe7+ (2. Qh5+ {%05A special feature of the bishop's pawn is revealed in the variation} Kg8 3. Qg6+ Kh8 {. Now it would seem that it only remains for Black to be given the move $6} 4. Ke2 f3+ 5. Kf2 {, but at this point there follows} Rf7 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a positional draw or stalemate.}) 2... Kg8 3. Kg4 Rf7 {!} (3... f3 {loses to %05The only correct reply.} 4. Qg5+ Kh7 5. Kh5 f2 6. Qg6+ Kh8 7. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qd8+ Kg7 5. Qd4+ Kh7 6. Qd3+ (6. Kg5 {is also not dangerous:} f3 7. Qh4+ (7. Qe4+ Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 7... Kg7 8. Qh6+ Kg8 9. Qe6 f2 10. Qe8+ Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 6... Kg7 7. Qf3 Kg6 {[%eval 0,0] !} (7... Kh7 {? %05This last move, not allowing the white king to reach g5, eliminates all danger. Black could still have gone wrong with} 8. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] ! leads to the following position. %05, which after}) 8. Z0 {^013^010 %05~5(RR) In this position the tablebases show mate in 67 %05~5 moves} (8. Kh3) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5r1k/8/6K1/5p2/5Q2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1... Kg7 2. Qc3+ Kh7 3. Qd3+ Kg7 4. Qg6+ Kf8 5. Kh6 f3 6. Qd6+ Ke8 7. Kg6 Rf8 8. Qe6+ Kd8 9. Kg7 f2 10. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5r1k/8/6K1/5p2/5Q2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Qd3+ {[%eval 550,0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010 %05White to move begins with an immediate} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/4r3/8/8/4p1Q1/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {~2All pawns (with the exception of rooks' pawns) which ~2have reached the 3rd rank guarantee a draw in~ ~2positions of the type under consideration.~ The threat of the pawn's advance ties the white king to the blockading square e2. Using the queen alone it is not possible to create a zugzwang position. White is successful only in positions which are exceptionally unfavourable for the weaker side.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/4r3/2Q5/8/8/4p3/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Kf1 {%05If he begins, White can create a zugzwang position only by moves of his king:} e2+ 2. Ke1 Re8 3. Qd6+ Kc8 $6 {[%eval 0,0] This is also a zugzwang position, but it is impossible to give Black the move a second time, since the proximity of the pawn to the queening square completely restricts the white king. Therefore draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/4r3/2Q5/8/8/4p3/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1... Re8 {%05But if in the initial position it is Black to move, after} 2. Qd6+ Kc8 {White economizes on one move transference, and after} 3. Kf1 e2+ 4. Ke1 { [%eval 550,0] he wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/8/4r3/3k4/8/4p3/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {Grigoriev, 1933/34 Here the black pieces are insufficiently far away from the pawn, and the king has lost contact with the rear squares. Exploiting this, by a series of manoeuvres familiar to us from our analysis of positions of the first group, White presses the enemy pieces towards the pawn, where the white king lies in wait.} 1. Qb8 {!} Kc6 (1... Kc5 {%05Other replies are worse:} 2. Qc7+ Kd5 3. Qd7+ {[%eval 550,0] and Black loses his pawn}) (1... Kd4 {%05or} 2. Qa7+ Ke4 3. Qb7+ Kf4 {(f5)} 4. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0] , with the same result.}) 2. Qd8 {(zugzwang; Black is forced to make a step forward)} Re5 3. Qf6+ Kd5 4. Qb6 Ke4 (4... Re6 5. Qc7 {!} Re5 6. Kd3 Ke6 7. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qb7+ Kf5 ( 5... Kd4 6. Qc6 {!} Re4 7. Qd6+ Kc4 8. Qd3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qf7+ Kg5 (6... Ke4 7. Qf3+ Kd4 8. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qg7+ Kf5 8. Kf3 {!} Ke6 (8... e2 9. Qf7+ {, then 10.Qf4 and 11.Qxe5$18}) 9. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/8/4r3/3k4/8/4p3/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] {If in the initial position it is Black to move, he gains a draw by improving the position of his king.} 1... Kd6 {!} 2. Qd8+ Kc6 {! ^013^010 The position reached has already been considered, but here it is White to move. In order to continue his plan, he is forced to use up his reserve king moves.} 3. Kf1 { %05^013^010} e2+ 4. Ke1 Re5 5. Qf6+ Kd5 6. Qb6 Re6 7. Qc7 Re5 {[%eval 0,0] , and White cannot achieve anything, since his king is not^013^010 able to come to the aid of the queen.^013^010 ^013^010 Now it is clear why in the initial position 1.Qd8 does not^013^010 lead to a win.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/5k2/8/3K4/8/4p3/4Q3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {~2If a central pawn on the 3rd rank is blockaded by~ ~2the queen, the result will depend on the placing of~ ~2the kings and on whose turn it is to move.~ An interesting case of mutual zugzwang is illustrated in this position. Any move by Black leads to a worsening of his position and to defeat:} 1... Kf8 { %05(a)} (1... Kf6 {%05(b)} 2. Qh5 Re7 (2... Rd8+ 3. Kc4 Rc8+ 4. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qh4+ Kf7 4. Kd6 Re6+ 5. Kd7 e2 6. Qh7+ Kf8 7. Qf5+ Kg7 8. Qxe6 { [%eval 550,0]}) (1... Re7 {%05(c)} 2. Qh5+ Kf8 3. Kd6 Re8 4. Kd7 Re7+ 5. Kd8 Re6 6. Qf5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kd6 Rd8+ (2... Re7 3. Qf3+ Ke8 4. Qh5+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (2... Kf7 {%05or} 3. Qh5+ Kf8 4. Kd7 Re7+ 5. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] }) 3. Kc7 Re8 4. Qf3+ Kg7 5. Qg4+ Kf6 6. Qf4+ Kg6 7. Kd7 e2 8. Qg3+ Kf7 9. Qf2+ Kg8 10. Kxe8 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/5k2/8/3K4/8/4p3/4Q3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] 1. Qh5+ {%05If it is White to move, he is short of one tempo to be able to win: } (1. Kc5 {%05White is also unsuccessful with} Re5+ 2. Kd4 Re7 {!} 3. Kd5 Re8 { [%eval 0,0] ! %04etc.}) 1... Kf8 2. Kd6 (2. Qf3+ {%05The attempt to give Black the move is parried by accurate defence:} Kg7 3. Qg4+ Kf8 {!} (3... Kf7 { ? %05not} 4. Qe2 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 4. Qe2 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] ! $6 draw.}) 2... e2 {[%eval 0,0] $6 draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/8/r7/4Q3/8/p7/8/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] {~2We have already mentioned that a rook's pawn on the 3rd rank does not give a draw in positions of this type.~ On the edge of the board the black king's mobility is restricted, and this naturally leads to zugzwang positions.} 1. Ka1 {!} (1. Qc7 {? %05It is interesting that White fails to win by} Rb6+ {!} 2. Ka1 (2. Qxb6 a2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Rb1+ 3. Ka2 Rb2+ 4. Kxa3 Rb3+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw as in position ~3($413607)~.}) 1... Kb7 (1... a2 2. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Ka7 {%05or} 2. Qc7+ Ka8 3. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qb5+ Rb6 3. Qd7+ Ka8 4. Ka2 Ra6 5. Qc7 Rb6 6. Qc8+ Ka7 7. Kxa3 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r1k5/8/1Q6/8/8/p7/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] {~2A rook's pawn blockaded by the king can prove powerless even when on the threshold of queening.~} 1... Ra8 {%05With Black to move:} 2. Qc5+ Kb7 3. Qd5+ Kb8 4. Qc6 {!} Ra7 5. Qb6+ Ka8 6. Qb5 {(zugzwang)} Rb7 7. Qe8+ Rb8 8. Qc6+ Ka7 9. Kxa2 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1957.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r1k5/8/1Q6/8/8/p7/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1957.??.??"] 1. Qc4+ {%05With White to move:} Kb6 2. Qd4+ Kb7 3. Qc5 {!} Ra6 4. Qb5+ Ka7 5. Qb4 Ka8 6. Qb3 Ra5 (6... Ka7) (6... Ra7 {%04- %05or} 7. Qb5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qb6 Ra7 8. Qb5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. If a rook's pawn is blockaded by the queen, the game normally ends in a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/r7/3K4/8/8/p7/Q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {White cannot replace the blockading queen with his king, which would lead to the won position ~3( 3698)~. As soon as the king reaches b2, Black checks with his rook on the b-file, and the pawn is immune due to the loss of the queen. There is no other way to win. The queen can leave the blockading square only with a threat of mate, but such a situation cannot be created. Black plays his king between a7 and b7 and keeps his rook at a6, driving the white king away with checks whenever it attempts to approach. Shifting the black pieces and the white king one, two or three ranks down the board does not change the assessment. But if the pieces are moved one rank up the board this worsens the position of the black king, and the result will depend on who it is to move.} 1. Z0 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/r7/3K4/8/8/8/p7/Q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qh8+ {%05If it is White to move, he wins by creating a mating net:} (1. Kc6 {?} Rc7+ 2. Kd6 Rc2 {=}) 1... Kb7 2. Qg7+ Kb8 (2... Kb6 {due to %05Not} 3. Qb2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Ka6 {. Subsequently too this motif restricts Black's possibilities. %05this same move also follows on}) 3. Qg8+ Kb7 4. Qf7+ Kb8 5. Qe8+ Kb7 6. Qc6+ Kb8 7. Qb6+ Ka8 (7... Rb7 8. Qd8+ Ka7 9. Qa5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kc6 Rh7 9. Qa6+ Kb8 10. Qxa2 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/r7/3K4/8/8/8/p7/Q7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~2All other pawns on the penultimate rank, blockaded by king or queen, give a draw with correct defence. Correct defence consists in not allowing the stronger side to destroy the coordination of the pieces, and also in not approaching the pawn with king or rook.~} 1... Ra6+ {! %05If it is Black to move, he draws by breaking up the^013^010 %05mating net:^013^010 %05^013^010 %05~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, White wins even if it is Black's move. ~^013^010 %05^013^010} (1... Ra5 {%05All other moves lose:^013^010 %05(a)} 2. Qb2+ Ka8 (2... Kc8 3. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kc6 Ra6+ 4. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Ra4 {%05(b)} 2. Qb2+ Ka7 3. Qf2+ {!} (3. Kc6 {? %05not} Rc4+ 4. Kb5 { due to} Rc2 {! with a draw:} 5. Qg7+ (5. Qd4+ {%05or} Kb7 6. Qe4+ Kb8 7. Kb6 Rb2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Kb8 6. Kb6 Kc8 7. Qg6 Kd7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Kb7 4. Qf3+ Ka7 5. Qe3+ Ka6 (5... Ka8 6. Qe8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Kb7 {%05or} 6. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qd3+ Ka7 (6... Kb6 7. Qb3+ Ka5 8. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kc6 {!} Ra6+ (7... a1=Q 8. Qd7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Rc4+ {%05or} 8. Qxc4 a1=Q 9. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kc7 a1=Q 9. Qe3+ Ka8 10. Qe8+ Ka7 11. Qb8# { (Cheron, 1968).}) 2. Kd7 (2. Kc5 Kb7 {[%eval 0,0] - ~3($413700)~.}) 2... Ra7+ 3. Kd8 (3. Kc6 {Black does not play %05After} Ra6+ {?} (3... Rc7+ {%05but} 4. Kd6 Rc2 {[%eval 0,0] ! with a draw ~3($413654)~.}) 4. Kb5 Ra7 (4... Kb7 5. Qg7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qe5+ Kc8 6. Qe8+ Kc7 7. Qe7+ Kb8 8. Qd8+ Kb7 9. Qb6+ Ka8 10. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.}) 3... Kb7 {! with a draw, since White is unable to drive the black king to a8:} 4. Qg7+ Kb6 5. Qd4+ Kb7 6. Qb4+ Kc6 7. Qc4+ Kb6 {!} (7... Kb7 {? %05but not} 8. Qb5+ Ka8 9. Kc8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qb3+ Kc6 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} 9. Z0 {^013^010} (9. Qc4+ {%05~5 (RR) The tablebases show that White wins as follows:~ %00o^ 11.Qd5+ (%00o^ 13.Qc7+ (%00o^ 15.Qe6+ (%00o^ 17.Ke7 (%00o^ 19.Kg5 (%00o^ 21.Kf5 (%00o^ 23.Ke5 (%00o^ 25.Qc3+ (%00o^ 27.Qd2 (%00o^ 29.Qe3+ (%00o^ 31.Kc6 (%00o^ 33.Qb8 (%00o^ 35.Kb5 (%00o^ 37.Kc4 (%00o^ 39.Qf1+ (%00o^ 41.Qg4+ (%00o^ 43.Kd2 (%00o^ 45.Qe2# (~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6Q1/8/2r5/4k3/2p5/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Qf6 {! %05White to move creates a zugzwang position:} Ke4 2. Qd6 Rc3 3. Qb4+ Kd3 4. Qf4 Rc4 5. Qe5 Rc3 6. Qd5+ Ke2 7. Qd2+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokop Frantisek Josef (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/6Q1/8/2r5/4k3/2p5/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1... Kd4 {! %05If Black begins, he improves the position of his king:} 2. Qd6+ Ke4 {[%eval 0,0] and gains a draw, since White is unable to give him the move. We will give another particular instance with a knight's pawn.} * [Event "Szczecin (Poland)"] [Site "Szczecin (Poland)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Jaszuk"] [Black "Gniot"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/k7/1r6/8/8/8/1p6/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "34"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {(with reversed colours and flanks) White played} 1. Qc7+ Ka6 {? , after which the black pieces were drawn to the pawn as if to a magnet. %05and there followed} (1... Rb7 {[%eval 0,0] %05Black could have draw by}) (1... Ka8 { [%eval 0,0] %05or}) 2. Qe7 {!} Rb3 (2... Rb7 {(b8) %05The position reached is similar to example %05~3($413645)~, but as though rotated through 90*. It has %05a similar solution. Now, for example,}) (2... Ka5 {is not possible due to %05or} 3. Qa3+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning the pawn. All ways of retreat are cut off, so Black is forced to advance}) (2... Rb5 {leads to the game continuation after} 3. Qe2 {!} Kb6 (3... Ka5 4. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 4. Qc4 Ka6 5. Qc6+ Ka5 (5... Rb6 6. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0] , and then cf. Black's 9th move.}) 3. Qe4 Kb5 4. Qd5+ Kb4 5. Qc6 Ka5 6. Qc5+ Ka6 7. Qc4+ Rb5 8. Qc6+ Ka5 9. Qe6 {!} Rb4 10. Qe1 Kb5 (10... Ka4 11. Qe5 Rb5 12. Qc3 Rb4 13. Qc5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 11. Qc3 Ka4 12. Qc5 Rb3 13. Qc4+ Ka3 14. Qd4 {!} Rb4 15. Qa7+ Kb3 (15... Ra4 16. Qe3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Qa2+ Kc3 17. Qd5 $18 {, and Black resigned,} Z0 (17... Rb3 {%05since he loses his rook} 18. Qc5+ Kd2 19. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (17... Ra4 {%05or his pawn} 18. Qf3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1777.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Philidor Francois A D (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3p4/4r3/5K2/3Q4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1777.??.??"] {~12.3 The king supports the pawn~ Positions of this group are the most difficult. They occur in practice more often than the others, and began to be studied back in the 18th century. Over the years the assessments of certain positions have changed several times, and it would seem that even today the last word has not yet been said. The result and the method of play depend on many factors, in particular on which pawn it is that the queen is fighting against, and on how far advanced it is. We will begin with: ~12.31 Central pawn~ We recommend that the reader should carefully familiarize himself with the analysis of this classic position. Its solution is the key to an understanding of all examples of the third group. To win White must capture the pawn, which can be done only with the help of the king, and at present it is cut off along the 5th rank and the e-file. Therefore the rook must be forced to move from its favourable position. This is not easily achieved, since the rook has two safe strong points at its disposal e5 and c5. What comes to White's aid is zugzwang the usual accompaniment in the struggle between queen and rook. The immediate aim is to drive the black king out of its shelter and force it to occupy the square in front of the pawn (d5). In this case the king will be restricted in mobility, the rook will be deprived of one of its strong points, and the number of squares available to the queen for manoeuvres in the enemy rear will be increased.} 1. Qh7+ Kd8 (1... Kf8 2. Qd7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Ke8 {%05or} 2. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0] is bad for Black}) (1... Ke6 {%05 while White's task is simplified by} 2. Qc7 Rc5 3. Qd8 Re5 4. Qe8+ Kd5 (4... Kf6 {? loses quickly to} 5. Qd7 Rd5 (5... Re6 {%05or} 6. Qc6 Ke7 (6... Kf7 {%05or} 7. Qb7+ Kg6 8. Qc7 Kf6 9. Qd7 {!}) 7. Qc7+ Kf6 8. Qd7 { [%eval 550,0] !}) 6. Ke4 Re5+ 7. Kd4 Re6 8. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qc8 { [%eval 550,0] %08DA}) 2. Qf7 {! ^013^010 The point of this and the following queen manoeuvre is to obtain the possibility of attacking the pawn from one of the squares e6 or c6. %05 Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010} Kc8 {%05^013^010 } (2... Rc5 3. Qe6 Kc7 4. Qe7+ Kc6 5. Qd8 Re5 6. Qc8+ Kd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) ( 2... Re7 {? is totally bad:} 3. Qf8+ Kd7 4. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the white king breaks across the 5th rank.}) 3. Qa7 Kd8 (3... Rc5 {? %05Of course, not} 4. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0] . But now the queen reaches c6 and seizes the rear squares.}) 4. Qb8+ Kd7 5. Qb7+ Kd8 6. Qb6+ {!} Ke7 7. Qc7+ Ke6 8. Qd8 Kd5 (8... Rf5+ 9. Kg4 Re5 10. Qe8+ Kd5 11. Qc8 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 9. Qc8 {! Position ~3(*)~^013^010 ^013^010 The first zugzwang position (if it is White to play, he gives Black the move by 1.Qa8 Ke6 2.Qe8 Kd5 3.Qe8). Black is forced to allow the enemy king across the 5th rank.} (9. Qd7 {(Cheron, 1950) . If now %05White also wins by} Kc5 (9... Re4+ {%05A more tenacious defence is} 10. Kf5 Re5+ 11. Kf6 Re4 (11... Kc5 {is met by %05here too} 12. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 12. Qb5+ Kd4 13. Qb4+ (13. Qc6 {as recommended by Cheron: %05not} d5 14. Qb5 Re3 15. Qb4+ Kd3 16. Qc5 d4 17. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in position ~3($40 3709)~.}) 13... Kd5 14. Qd2+ Kc5 15. Qc3+ Kd5 16. Qd3+ { [%eval 550,0] , transposing into position ~3($403708)~ (cf. White's 15th move). ^013^010 The reader has already met, and will continue to meet, positions with more than one solution. But here and subsequently preference will be given to the solution which is based on the more general method of play. Thus the solution suggested by Cheron, although correct, works only for the case of the central pawn, whereas the classic method can be applied to all pawns.}) 10. Qb7 {! , and Black is in zugzwang, e.g.} Kd4 (10... Re2 {%05 other moves are worse: if the rook moves to e1, e6, e8 or h5 there follows 11.Qc7 winning the rook or the pawn, and the result is the same after} 11. Qa7+ Kd5 12. Qa8+ Kc5 13. Qa5+ Kd4 14. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qc6 Rd5 {, and now, following Salvioli,} 12. Kf3 {!} Ke5 (12... Rf5+ {%05after} 13. Kg4 Rd5 14. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] the pawn is lost}) 13. Ke3 Rc5 (13... Rd1 {?} 14. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (13... Ke6 { ? %05or} 14. Qc4 Ke5 15. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Qe8+ Kf6 (14... Kf5 15. Qf7+ Ke5 16. Qe7+ Kd5 17. Qe4#) 15. Qd7 Rd5 16. Ke4 Rd1 17. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0] with a quick win.}) 9... Re4+ (9... Rh5 {%05Bad is} 10. Qa8+ Kd4 11. Qa4+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) (9... Kd4 {White continues, following Salvioli, %05while after } 10. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0] (cf. the previous note)}) (9... Re7 {%05Cheron thought that by} 10. Kf5 Rf7+ 11. Kg6 Rf4 {Black could make White's task considerably more difficult. But by playing 10.Qg8 (instead of 10.Kf5) and only then 11.Kf5, White prevents the driving away of his king.}) 10. Kf5 Re5+ 11. Kf6 Re4 $18 {~3($413706)~.^013^010 Philidor - , 1777} (11... Re1 {%05The rook cannot move away from the king, since in that case Black suffers losses:} 12. Qa8+ Kd4 13. Qa4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (11... Re2 {%05or} 12. Qa8+ Kc5 13. Qa5+ Kd4 14. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1777.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Philidor, Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/8/3p1K2/3k4/4r3/8/8/8 w - - 0 12"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1777.??.??"] {Philidor, 1777 Guretzky-Cornitz, 1864 White has carried out the first part of his plan, and his king has crossed the 5th rank. Now the e-file.} 12. Qc3 {!} ( 12. Qf5+ {%05Philidor gives the following solution:} Re5 13. Qd3+ Kc5 14. Qd2 { !} Kc6 (14... Re8 15. Qa5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (14... Re4 {%05or} 15. Qc3+ Kd5 16. Qd3+ Rd4 17. Qb5+ Ke4 18. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qd4 Kd7 16. Qc4 Rc5 (16... Kd8 {is bad due to} 17. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (16... Re7 {(e3) loses the rook after %05while} 17. Qa4+ Kd8 18. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (16... Re8 {, then %05if } 17. Qa4+ Kd8 18. Qb5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (16... Ra5 {%05or} 17. Qb4 {!} Rc5 18. Qb7+ Rc7 19. Qb5+ Rc6 20. Kf7 Kc7 21. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 17. Qf7+ Kc6 18. Ke7 Re5+ 19. Kd8 Rc5 20. Qd7+ Kd5 21. Ke7 Rc6 22. Qf5+ Kc4 23. Kd7 Rc5 24. Qe4+ Kb5 25. Kxd6 {[%eval 550,0] . The drawback to this solution lies in its complexity and the rather chaotic movements of the pieces. In the systematic sense the alternative method suggested by Guretzky-Cornitz is simpler and clearer.}) 12... Re6+ (12... Re5 13. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] ! - zugzwang}) 13. Kf7 Re5 14. Kf8 {!$18 ~3($403708)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K2/8/3p4/3kr3/8/2Q5/8/8 b - - 0 14"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {The second zugzwang position (White to move plays 1.Kf7). Black is forced to allow the king across the e-file.} 14... Re4 (14... Ke4 15. Qc4+ Kf5 16. Qd3+ Ke6 17. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0]}) (14... Re6 {%05or} 15. Qb3+ Ke5 16. Kf7 Rf6+ 17. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qd3+ {^013^010 Position ~3(*)~ %08DA} Rd4 (15... Ke5 16. Ke7 d5 17. Qg3+ {is no better:} Kd4+ (17... Kf5+ {%05or} 18. Kd6 d4 19. Qd3 Kf4 20. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (17... Rf4 {%05or} 18. Qe3+ Re4 19. Qg5+ Kd4+ 20. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 18. Kd6 Kc4 19. Qg2 Rd4 20. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Qf5+ Kc4 17. Qc2+ Kd5 18. Ke7 {^013^010 White has required 18 moves to break through with his king to the pawn. The rest is obvious.} Ke5 {%05^013^010} 19. Kd7 Rd5 20. Qe2+ Kf4 21. Kc6 Rd4 22. Kb5 Kf5 23. Qe3 Re4 24. Qd3 Ke5 25. Kc6 Rd4 26. Qe3+ Re4 27. Qg5+ Ke6 28. Qg6+ Ke5 29. Qxd6+ {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 ^013^010 Against a central pawn on the 5th rank the winning method is as in positions ~3($403706)-($403708)~.^013^010 ^013^010 Against a central pawn on the 4th rank the stronger side again wins, but the method differs somewhat from the previous one.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz, Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5K2/3p4/3kr3/8/2Q5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {Guretzky-Cornitz, 1864 Cheron, 1949} 1. Qc5 {!} (1. Kf6 {does not succeed, since Black exploits the proximity of his pawn to the queening square by %05This position is similar to position ~3($403708)~. But %05here} Ke2 { ! , and gains a draw after} 2. Qc2+ Ke1 3. Qc5 Rf3+ 4. Ke5 d3 {[%eval 0,0] ! The draw in the 1.Kf6? variation depended upon the fact that the white king moved one step further away from the pawn. But now it remains in the immediate vicinity, and is ready at any moment to join the battle.}) 1... Re2 (1... Re1 2. Qb5+ Ke3 (2... Kd2 {%05or} 3. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qe5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qa3+ Kd2 (2... Kc2 {%05after} 3. Qa2+ Kd3 4. Qb3+ Kd2 {[%eval 550,0] the main variation is joined}) 3. Kf4 Kc2 (3... Re3 4. Qb2+ Kd3 5. Qb3+ Kd2 (5... Ke2 6. Qc2+ Ke1 7. Qc4 Rh3 8. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qc4 Rd3 7. Ke4 {[%eval 550,0] leads to the loss of the pawn}) (3... Re1 {%05On}) (3... Re8 {there follows %05or} 4. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qa2+ Kd3 5. Qb3+ Kd2 6. Qc4 {!} d3 { ^013^010 All the preceding manoeuvres were aimed at forcing the advance of the pawn.^013^010 This position, which for more than 80 years was considered drawn, was reached (with colours and flanks reversed) in the game Averbakh-Simagin (Tula, 1950). Fortunately, Averbakh did not even have any suspicion of the evaluation, but aimed for the such position and won easily. %08DA} 7. Qd4 { ! %05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} (7. Qc5 { %05Guretzky-Cornitz considered only} Kd1 8. Qc3 d2 9. Qf3 Kc1 {!} 10. Qc3+ Kb1 11. Qb3+ Kc1 12. Qc4+ Kd1 13. Kf3 Re7 14. Kf2 Re8 15. Qa4+ Kc1 16. Qc6+ Kb2 { [%eval 0,0] with a draw}) (7. Qb4+ {%05Instead of 7.Qd4, White can also win by} Kc2 8. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] etc. (Lisitsin).}) 7... Kc2 (7... Re8 {, then %05If} 8. Qb2+ Kd1 (8... Ke1 9. Qb5 {!} Rd8 10. Ke3 Kf1 11. Qf5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qb5 {!} Rd8 10. Ke3 Kc1 {(c2)} 11. Qc5+ Kd1 12. Qb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins (Cheron).}) 8. Kf3 Re1 9. Qc4+ Kd2 10. Qb4+ Kd1 11. Qb2 {!} Re2 12. Qc3 Rd2 13. Qc4 {!} (13. Ke3 {%05of course, not} Re2+ 14. Kxd3 {??} Re3+ {[%eval 0, 0] - draw}) 13... Rc2 (13... Ke1 {%05after} 14. Qb4 {[%eval 550,0] ! Black is mated}) 14. Qxd3+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White won.^013^010 ^013^010 ~2Thus, against a pawn on the 3rd rank the stronger~^013^010 ~2side acquires additional attacking resources in the~^013^010 ~2form of muting threats.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz, Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5K2/3p4/3kr3/8/2Q5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] 1... Ke2 {%05If it is Black to move, he is not saved by} (1... Re8 {%05He also loses after} 2. Qa3+ Ke2 (2... Kd2 3. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qa4 Rf8+ (3... Rd8 4. Qa5 Rf8+ 5. Ke4 d3 6. Qh5+ Kd2 7. Qh6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke4 d3 (4... Rd8 5. Qa5 Rd6 6. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qb5 Rd8 6. Qh5+ Kf1 7. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] etc. (Cheron).}) 2. Qc2+ Ke1 {in view of} 3. Kf4 {!} Re2 4. Qc1+ Kf2 5. Qd1 {[%eval 550,0] This analysis was the reason for position ~3( 3709)~ being incorrectly evaluated by many theorists, who, like Guretzky-Cornitz, erroneously thought that a win was possible only with Black to move. This evaluation was refuted by Cheron, and simultaneously it was shaken in practice. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling, Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3k4/3p1Q2/2r5/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {~2Thus, against a pawn on the 3rd rank the stronger~ ~2side acquires additional attacking resources in the~ ~2form of muting threats.~ But if the white king is cut off on the 1st rank by the rook, Black gains a draw thanks to the proximity of his pawn to the queening square. Horwitz & Kling, 1851 Cheron, 1950 Contrary to the assertion of the original authors, Black does not lose but gains a draw.} 1. Qf4+ Kd5 2. Qe3 Kc4 3. Qe4+ Kc3 4. Qd5 Rd2+ 5. Ke1 ( 5. Kc1 Rc2+ 6. Kb1 Rb2+ 7. Ka1 d2 {[%eval 0,0] ! - draw}) 5... Re2+ 6. Kf1 Rc2 7. Qc5+ Kb3 {! ^013^010 This unexpected move, found by Cheron, forces a draw.} (7... Kd2 {. But it is this very continuation, which before Cheron was considered by all the analysts, that leads to defeat: %05White has made all the necessary moves and now, in analogy with previous examples, he expects} 8. Qd4 {, and now:^013^010 %04(a)} Rc3 (8... Rc8 {%05(b)} 9. Qf4+ Kc2 10. Kf2 d2 11. Qf5+ Kb3 12. Ke2 Rc2 13. Qd3+ Kb2 14. Kd1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kf2 Rc1 10. Qf4+ Kc2 11. Qc4+ Kd2 12. Qd4 {!} Rc3 13. Kf3 Rc1 14. Qf4+ Kc2 15. Qc4+ Kd2 16. Qb4+ Rc3 (16... Kd1) (16... Kc2 {%04- %05or} 17. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 17. Ke4 Kc2 18. Kd4 Rb3 19. Qc4+ Kb2 20. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qd4 Rc1+ 9. Kf2 d2 {!! } 10. Qd3+ Kb2 {! and after} 11. Qxd2+ Rc2 {[%eval 0,0] only the kings remain. ^013^010 ^013^010 We will now show one of the rare positions where a rook and pawn win against a queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Prokes Ladislav (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/8/8/8/8/K2k4/3pr3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1... Re3 {[%eval -550,0] ! when, in destroying the stalemate construction Black at the same time ensures the advance of his pawn. %05The correct move is} (1... d1=Q {$6 leads to stalemate: %05The immediate queening of the pawn $6} 2. Qd5+ Kc2 3. Qa2+ Kc3 (3... Kc1 4. Qb2+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) 4. Qc4+ Kd2 5. Qc3+ { [%eval 0,0] !}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/p7/1r6/2K5/Q7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "26"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {Black is on the alert. We again have position ~3(*)~.} {~12.32 Rook's pawn~ ~2In contrast to central pawns, a rook's pawn on the 6th rank provides a secure defence in positions of the following type.~ Here the draw is conditional upon the fact that the queen can attack the pawn from one side only. The rear squares a7, a8, b7 and b8 are inaccessible to the white pieces, and it is not possible to drive out the black king from its shelter. For a successful defence Black should not allow the enemy king onto the a-file or allow it to become established at c8.} 1. Qe7+ Kb8 2. Qe8+ Kb7 3. Qd8 Ka7 4. Qc8 Rb7 {!} (4... Kb6 {? %05 Although this move allows the white king to cross the 5th rank, it does not lose. On the other hand, the attempt to maintain the rook at b5 allows the opponent to gain control of the rear squares and to destroy the fortress:} 5. Qb8+ Kc6 (5... Ka5 6. Qd8+ Ka4 7. Qd2 Ka3 8. Qd6+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qa7 Rb6 (6... Ra5 7. Kb4 Rb5+ 8. Ka4 Rb6 9. Ka5 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 7. Kd4 Kb5 (7... Rb4+ 8. Kc3 Rb6 9. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qd7+ Kb4 9. Qc7 Rh6 10. Qe7+ Ka4 11. Qe8+ Ka5 12. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 5. Qc5+ (5. Kc5 {, then %05If immediately} Rb5+ 6. Kc6 Rb6+ 7. Kc7 Rb5 8. Qg4 { (d8)} Rb7+ 9. Kc6 Rb6+ {and the king is forced back.}) 5... Ka8 6. Qd6 Ka7 7. Qd4+ Ka8 8. Kc5 Ka7 9. Kc6+ Ka8 {^013^010 ~2A basic drawn position (*)~. %08DA} 10. Qd8+ {%05White cannot pierce the defence.^013^010 %05^013^010} Rb8 11. Qa5 Ka7 12. Qc7+ Ka8 13. Qf4 Rb7 {[%eval 0,0] !} (13... Rb5 {? , after %05Watch out! White is threatening a new breakthrough with his king. Thus if Black carelessly plays} 14. Kc7 {! he loses:} Ka7 (14... Rb7+ 15. Kc8 Rb5 16. Qc7 { [%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 15. Qd6 Rb8 16. Qc5+ Ka8 17. Qc6+ Ka7 18. Qd6 {!} Rb7+ 19. Kc8 Rb5 20. Qd7+ Ka8 21. Qc7 $18 {, and Black loses his rook} Z0 (21... Rb1 22. Qc6+ Ka7 23. Qc5+ Ka8 24. Qd5+ Ka7 25. Qd4+ Ka8 26. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0]})) * [Event "England"] [Site "England"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Penrose Jonathan (ENG)"] [Black "Hartston William R (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "kr6/8/p1K5/3Q4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {(with flanks reversed)} 1... Ka7 {? , which created a breach in the fortress: %05There followed} (1... Rb7 {! , erecting an insurmountable barrier in the path of the enemy king. %05The correct move is}) 2. Kc7 Rb5 3. Qc6 Rb8 4. Qd6 Rb5 (4... Rb7+ 5. Kc8 Rb5 6. Qd7+ Ka8 7. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0] has been analysed in previous notes}) 5. Kc8 a5 6. Qc7+ Ka6 7. Qc6+ Rb6 8. Qc4+ Ka7 9. Qd5 Ka6 10. Kc7 a4 11. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.^013^010 ^013^010 In this example Black lost in a drawn position due to his lack of knowledge. But in practice it often happens that the weaker side is unable to complete the drawing set-up, due to the poor placing of his pieces.} * [Event "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Site "Stockholm (Sweden)"] [Date "1919.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rubinstein Akiba K (POL)"] [Black "Reti Richard (CZE)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6Q1/pk6/8/2r5/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "1919.??.??"] {(with reversed colours and flanks)} 1. Qg8 {! (by attacking the rook, the queen seizes the rear squares)} Rc7 2. Qa8 {!} Ra7 3. Qd8+ Rc7 4. Kd4 {(the constraint on the enemy pieces allows White to bring up his king before Black has time to regroup in accordance with position ~3($403713)~)} Kb7 5. Kd5 Rc8 6. Qd7+ Rc7 7. Qd6 {!} Rc8 (7... Rh7 {does not help:} 8. Qb4+ Ka7 9. Qd4+ Kb7 10. Qb2+ Ka7 (10... Ka8 11. Qb6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kc6 Rh6+ 12. Kc7 Rh7+ 13. Kc8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qb4+ Ka7 9. Kd6 Rb8 {^013^010 The rook has at last reached the b-file, and it only remains for Black to make one move $6 10...Rb7, but it is too late: the white king breaks through to c8!} 10. Qc5+ {%05^013^010 } Ka8 11. Qc6+ Ka7 12. Kc7 Rb5 13. Qd6 {! (Rubinstein plays the ending impeccably)} Rb8 14. Qc5+ Ka8 15. Qc6+ Ka7 16. Qd6 {!} Rb7+ 17. Kc8 Rb5 18. Qc7+ Ka8 19. Qc6+ Ka7 20. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] ! (giving the opponent the move for the last time) Black resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/p7/1r6/K7/Q7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {This position differs from example ~3( 3713)~ only in the position of the white king. The evaluation changes, due to the fact that the king can break through to the pawn along the a-file.} 1. Qe7+ Kb8 2. Qd7 Ka8 (2... Rb7 3. Qd8+ Ka7 4. Qd4+ Kb8 5. Ka5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qc7 {!} (3. Qc6+ {%05but not} Ka7 4. Qc8 {?} Ra5+ {!} 5. Kb4 Rb5+ 6. Kc4 Rb7 {[%eval 0,0] %04draw}) 3... Rb1 (3... Rb7 {is considered in the note to Black's 2nd move %05any move by the rook along the 5th rank leads to its loss, while}) 4. Qc6+ (4. Ka5 {? %05not immediately} Ra1+ 5. Kb6 Rb1+ 6. Kxa6 Rb6+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw as in position ~3($413607)~}) 4... Ka7 5. Qc5+ Kb7 6. Qd5+ Ka7 7. Qd4+ Ka8 8. Ka5 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 Against a rook's pawn on the 5th rank the queen gains the opportunity to attack from the rear squares, which becomes a decisive factor.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1k6/p7/1r6/2K5/Q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] 1. Qd5 Ka6 2. Qc6+ Ka7 (2... Rb6 3. Qa8+ Kb5 4. Kb3 Ra6 5. Qd5+ Kb6 6. Ka4 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Kd3 {! (zugzwang: Black is forced to allow the enemy king across the 5th rank)} Rb6 4. Qc7+ Ka6 5. Qc8+ Ka7 6. Kc4 Rb7 7. Qd8 Ka6 8. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 With a rook's pawn on the 4th rank the evaluation does not change. We will consider an example where the black king is in front of the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/p7/kr6/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {With a rook's pawn on the 3rd rank the result depends on the placing of the black king.} {To win White must place his king at c2 and his queen at d4, when Black to move will be in zugzwang.} 1. Qd4 Rb2+ 2. Kc1 Rb5 3. Kc2 Rb3 4. Qd6+ Ka2 5. Qd5 Ka3 6. Qd4 {!$18 The goal is achieved. Black loses either his pawn or his rook, or is mated} Z0 (6... Rb5 7. Qa1+ Kb4 8. Qc3#) * [Event "Yugoslavia"] [Site "Yugoslavia"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halik"] [Black "Kosanski Stanko (CRO)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4Q3/pk6/1r6/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {(with colours reversed)} 1. Qb7+ Kc3 2. Qa6 Kb4 (2... Kb3 3. Qb5+ Kc3 4. Qa4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qd3 {!} Ka4 4. Qc3 {! (zugzwang: Black must move his rook, freeing the white king)} Rb4 5. Qc6+ Kb3 6. Qc1 {!} Ka4 7. Qd1+ Kb5 8. Ka2 Ra4 9. Qb3+ Rb4 10. Qd5+ Kb6 11. Kxa3 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Yugoslavia"] [Site "Yugoslavia"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halik"] [Black "Kosanski Stanko (CRO)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4Q3/pk6/1r6/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] 1... Ra2+ {%05If it is Black to move, after} 2. Kb1 Rb2+ 3. Kc1 Ka2 {[%eval 0, 0] ! he transposes into the drawn position ~3($413723)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5Q2/pk6/1r6/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qf7+ {! (all other moves allow a draw after 1...Ka2! -~3($403723)~).} Kb4 2. Qd5 Kc3 3. Qf3+ Kb4 4. Qd3 Ka4 (4... Rb3 5. Qd4+ Kb5 6. Kc2 Rb2+ 7. Kc3 Ka5 8. Qa7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qc3 Rb4 6. Qc6+ Rb5 7. Kc2 Ka5 8. Qa8+ Kb4 9. Kb1 Ra5 10. Qe4+ Kb3 11. Qe6+ Kb4 12. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins ~3($403697)~. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5Q2/pk6/1r6/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Ka2 {[%eval 0,0] ! ~3($413723)~. %05If it is Black to move he plays} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/5Q2/p7/kr6/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {The analogous position ~3( 3717)~ was lost for Black, but here a1 is inaccessible to White's queen, and he is unable to force the black king to leave its shelter.} 1. Qf3 Rb4 2. Qd5+ Ka1 3. Qa5 Rb1+ 4. Kc2 Rb2+ 5. Kc3 Ka2 ( 5... a2 {? %05but not} 6. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 6. Qc5 Rb1 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.^013^010 ^013^010 The battle of queen against rook and rook's pawn is well illustrated by the following example.} * [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Denisov"] [Black "Gurvich Abram S (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/8/8/8/p6K/2k5/r7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {(with flanks reversed) The game was adjourned in this position, and adjudicated a win for White. Gurvich appealed against the adjudication committee's decision, indicating that Black could reach the drawn position ~3( 3723)~. It is true that, to obtain it, several tempi are required, but Black's task is facilitated by the remote position of the white king.} 1. Kg3 {! , when Black has two main replies: %05So, let us play} (1. Qc5+ {%05As the main variation Gurvich considers} Kb3 2. Qd5+ (2. Qb5+ {%05White also has no win after} Kc2 3. Qc4+ Kb2 4. Qb4+ Ka1 {!} 5. Kg3 a3 6. Kf3 Rf2+ 7. Ke3 Rf3+ {!} 8. Kxf3 a2 {[%eval 0,0] . For a win White is short of one tempo. Were his king at e2 or e3, he would win by 9.Qc3 Kb1 10.Kd2. ^013^010 The question arises: in the initial position can't White save this tempo? It turns out that he can, if he immediately starts bringing up his king.}) 2... Kb2 3. Kg4 a3 4. Kf3 Ra1 5. Qd4+ Ka2 6. Ke2 Rb1 {[%eval 0,0] , with a theoretical draw.}) 1... a3 {%05(a)} (1... Kb3 {%05(b)} 2. Qf7+ {(Black was threatening to regroup by 2...Rb2!)} Kb2 3. Qf6+ Kb1 4. Qf1+ Kb2 5. Qe2+ Kb3 6. Qb5+ Ka3 (6... Kc2 7. Kf3 {etc. leads to the first variation}) 7. Kf3 Rb2 8. Qc4 Rb4 9. Qc5 Kb3 10. Ke3 a3 11. Kd3 a2 12. Qc3+ Ka4 13. Kc2 {!$18 ~3($403725)~.}) 2. Kf3 Kb2 3. Qb4+ Kc2 (3... Ka1 { , then %05if} 4. Ke3 {, and after} Re2+ 5. Kxe2 {[%eval 550,0] White had gained that very tempo that he was lacking}) 4. Ke2 Ra1 5. Qd2+ Kb3 6. Kd3 Rf1 7. Qc2+ Kb4 8. Qc4+ Ka5 9. Qc5+ Ka4 10. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/kr6/2Q5/p1K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] 1. Qc6+ {%05White to move plays} Ka3 (1... Ka5 2. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rb5 {%05or} 2. Qa6+ Ra5 3. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qa6+ Ra4 3. Qd6+ Rb4 4. Qd3+ Ka4 5. Qa6# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/kr6/2Q5/p1K5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] 1... Kb5 {%05If it is Black to move (as is the case in our analysis), then} ( 1... Rb6 {%05There is also a variation leading to an 'epaulette mate':} 2. Qc4+ Ka3 3. Qc5+ Rb4 4. Qa5+ Ra4 5. Qc3#) 2. Qe5+ Ka4 (2... Kb6 {, c6 or a6, there follows %05if the king moves to b6:} 3. Qe6+ Kc7 4. Qxa2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qe8+ Rb5 (3... Ka3 4. Qe3+ Ka4 5. Qa7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Ka5 {%05or} 4. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qe4+ Ka5 5. Qa8+ $6 {[%eval 550,0] Thus position ~3( 3724)~ is lost for Black, although it demands rather swift action of white. Account must be taken not only of playing to restrict the mobility of the enemy pieces, but also of a no less important factor time.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1973.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dvoretzky Mark (RUS)"] [Black "Zaitsev Igor A (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3KQ3/8/8/8/8/8/p2k4/r7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1973.??.??"] {(with colours reversed) It is simply incredible that such a position could arise in a practical game! White wins without the help of his king.} 1. Qd7+ ( 1. Qe5 {?? %05but not} Rd1 {!} 2. Qa5+ Ke3+ {[%eval -550,0] !}) 1... Kc2 2. Qc6+ Kb3 3. Qb5+ Kc2 4. Qc4+ Kb2 5. Qd4+ Kb1 {[%eval 550,0] , and now any waiting move by the king or by the queen along the long diagonal (except 6. Qc3?? $6 stalemate) wins the rook.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1889.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/8/8/8/8/pr6/k2K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1889.??.??"] {The cramped position of the black king allows White to create a mating net. The movement of the queen follows a strict geometrical pattern.} 1. Qh8 Kb1 2. Qh7+ Ka1 3. Qg7 Kb1 4. Qg6+ Ka1 5. Qf6 Kb1 6. Qf5+ Ka1 7. Qe5 Kb1 8. Qe4+ Ka1 9. Qd4 Kb1 10. Qd3+ Ka1 11. Qc3 Kb1 12. Qc1# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1943.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Farago Paul"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/8/1r6/K7/8/8/p7/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1943.??.??"] {White is threatening Qc1, Qc3, Qd4 and Qd1#. Black is therefore forced to move his king.} 1... Kb2 (1... Kb1 {%05After} 2. Qf5+ Kb2 3. Qf2+ Ka1 (3... Ka3 4. Qc5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qd4+ Kb1 5. Qxb6+ {White wins thanks to the proximity of his king:} Kc2 6. Qf2+ Kb1 7. Kb4 a1=Q 8. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qh8+ Kb1 3. Qh7+ {!} (3. Qh1+ {%05Not} Kb2 4. Qg2+ {?} Ka3 {! with a draw, since White has no check along the diagonal, and Black is threatening to bring his rook down to b1; e.g.} 5. Qg3+ Rb3 6. Qe5 Rb1 7. Qc3+ Rb3 8. Qc1+ Rb2 9. Ka6 Kb3 10. Kb5 {is not possible due to %05, and} Rb1 11. Qc4+ Ka3+ {[%eval -550,0] , when it is Black who wins.}) 3... Kc1 4. Qc7+ {!} Kd1 5. Qe5 {!} Kc2 6. Qa1 Rb2 7. Ka4 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/1p6/2r5/3K4/1Q6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {~12.33 Knight's pawn~ Here, as in the case of a rook's pawn on the 6th rank ~3( 3713)~ the rear squares a8 and b8 are inaccessible to the queen. With the black king at b7 there is no possibility of attacking the pawn from the a-file, and as a result White is unable to drive the king out to b5.} 1. Qf7+ Kb8 2. Qe6 Kb7 3. Qd7+ Kb8 4. Ke4 Ka8 5. Qa4+ Kb7 6. Kd4 Rc7 {!} (6... Ra5 {? %05 Although this move allows the king across the 5th rank, it does not lose. By contrast, the attempt to keep the rook on the 5th rank comes to a sorry end:} 7. Qd7+ Kb8 8. Qc6 Ka7 9. Qc7+ Ka6 10. Qb8 Rc5 11. Qa8+ Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in position 401.}) 7. Kd5 Rc5+ 8. Kd6 Rc7 {^013^010 ~2The basic drawn position of this ending.~ Black has set up an impregnable fortress. %08DA } 9. Qb5 {%05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} Rc5 10. Qd7+ Kb8 11. Qg4 Rc7 12. Qe2 Kb7 {[%eval 0,0] ! All the gaps are covered$6draw.^013^010 For some reason it has been thought that White can win if (in analogy with position ~3($413714)~) he succeeds in establishing his king on the 7th or 8th rank. But in fact this is not so.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3K4/1k6/1p2Q3/2r5/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Ka7 {[%eval 0,0] , when White cannot achieve anything. %05The correct move is} (1... Rc1 {? %05 For the case with a rook's pawn this was a zugzwang position. Here the rook is not obliged to abandon its strong point, which does indeed lose:} 2. Qf7+ Ka6 (2... Ka8 3. Qf3+ Ka7 4. Qa3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qf3 {!} Rc5 4. Qa8+ Kb5 5. Qa3 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403732)~.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz, Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/1p6/1kr5/3K4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {Guretzky-Cornitz, 1864 Cheron, 1950 This position could have arisen from example ~3( 3730)~ after 1.Qf7 Kc6 2.Qa7 Ra5 3.Qb8 Rc5 4.Qc8 Kb5 5.Qa8, and also in another way (cf. the note to Black's 6th move in position ~3( 3730)~). For a long time this position was considered drawn on the basis of analysis by Guretzky-Cornitz. Then Cheron found a decisive improvement for White. We will consider the position with Black to move. It is analogous to example ~3( 3706) (*)~, only all the pieces have been moved two files to the left.} 1... Rc4+ 2. Kd5 Kb4 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($413736)~} 3. Z0 (3. Qa6 {? , after %05We have already seen on several occasions that moving %05a position about the board can change both its %05assessment, and also the methods of attack and %05defence. And here, if in analogy with example %05~3($403706) (*)~ White plays} b5 4. Qa2 {[%eval 0,0] this leads to a new position where a win is no longer possible.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1p1K4/1kr5/8/Q7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] 1... Rc5+ 2. Kd6 Rc8 {! ^013^010 In the position with a central pawn this move was impossible due to the loss of the rook. But here the queen is on the edge of the board, and its manoeuvrability is greatly restricted.} 3. Kd7 { %05^013^010} Rc4 4. Kd8 Rc5 5. Qb2+ Ka4 {!} (5... Kc4 {? %05after} 6. Kd7 { [%eval 550,0] the white king breaks through to the pawn}) 6. Kd7 Rc4 {[%eval 0, 0] . Draw. The white king cannot cross the c-file, since it is not possible to take all the squares away from the rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1K4/1kr5/8/Q7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {Let us move position ~3( 3733)~ one rank down the board. (* In the original the white king is at d7, but this does not affect the solution.) The assessment has changed, since in comparison with position ~3( 3733)~ the number of squares to Black's rear has been reduced, the rook's manoeuvring scope along the c-file has diminished, and Black cannot prevent the enemy king from breaking through to the pawn.} 1. Kd7 Rc4 (1... Kc4 {%05The alternative is } 2. Qb2 Rb5 (2... b5 3. Kd6 Rd5+ 4. Kc6 Rc5+ 5. Kb6 Rd5 6. Qc1+ Kb4 7. Qf4+ Kc3 8. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qe2+ Kc5 4. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rh5 2. Qb2+ Ka5 {[%eval 550,0]} (2... Kc5 {%05or} 3. Qd2 {[%eval 550,0]} (3. Qf2+ { [%eval 550,0] , winning the rook %05or}))) 2. Qb3+ Kc5 (2... Rb4 3. Qd5+ Ka4 4. Qa2+ Kb5 5. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] , and the goal is achieved.}) 3. Kc7 b5 4. Qe3+ Kb4+ 5. Kb6 Ka4 6. Qe2 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p1K4/1kr5/8/Q7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1... Rc6+ {%05If it is Black to play, after} 2. Kd7 Rc5 {he is given the move:} 3. Qa1 {!} Kb4 4. Kd6 Kb5 5. Qa2 Kb4 6. Qb2+ Ka5 7. Qa3+ Kb5 8. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/1p6/3K4/1kr5/8/8/8 w - - 0 3"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 3. Qf8+ {! %05Let us return to example ~3($403732)~. It is now clear^013^010 %05that White can hope to win only if he succeeds in^013^010 %05breaking across the 5th rank with his king, without^013^010 %05allowing position ~3 ($403733)~ .^013^010 %05^013^010 %05This is why after 1...Rc4 2.Kd5 Kb4 he should not^013^010 %05continue 3.Qa6?, which in fact leads to the drawn^013^010 %05position ~3($403733)~ . The win is achieved by} Rc5+ (3... Kb3 {%05Berger incorrectly thought that this was sufficient for a draw. The alternative is} 4. Qe8 Rb4 5. Qe1 {!} Ka4 6. Kc6 Kb3 7. Qd2 Ka3 8. Qc3+ Ka4 9. Qd3 b5 10. Qd1+ Ka3 11. Qa1+ Kb3 12. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] and wins}) (3... Kb5 {? } 4. Qf1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke6 {!} b5 (4... Ka4 {%05One gains the impression that Black has achieved his^013^010 %05aim. To complete the drawing set-up of^013^010 %05position~3($413733)~ it remains for him to place his^013^010 %05rook on c4 or any other square on the c-file. But by^013^010 %05subtle manoeuvring, exploiting the temporary pin on the^013^010 %05rook, White prevents this. A similar procedure has^013^010 %05already been seen in position ~3($413715)~ .^013^010 %05Other moves also lose, e.g.} 5. Qa8+ {!} (5. Kd6 {? leads after %05here} Rc4 {and ...b5 to the drawn position 402}) 5... Kb4 (5... Kb5 6. Kd6 Kb4 7. Qa2 Kb5 8. Qa3 {[%eval 550,0] - ~3($403734)~ .}) 6. Qa6 b5 7. Qd6 {!} Kc4 8. Qe7 {!} Rd5 (8... b4 9. Kd6 Ra5 10. Qc7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qc7+ Rc5 10. Qa7 {!} b4 11. Kd6 Rd5+ 12. Kc6 Rd4 13. Qf7+ Kd3 14. Kc5 Ke3 15. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) (4... Kb3 {, b5 or c4 there follows %05if the king moves to b3:} 5. Kd6 {, and if again} Kb4 {, then} 6. Qf2 {!} Kb5 7. Qa2 Kb4 8. Qb2+ Ka5 9. Qa3+ Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] -~3($413734)~ .}) 5. Qe7 {!} Kc4 6. Kd6 Kb4 7. Qe1+ Rc3 8. Kd5 Kb3 9. Qb1+ Ka4 10. Qa2+ Ra3 (10... Kb4 {there follows %05Black can no longer prevent the king from breaking across the c-file. On} 11. Qb2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qc2+ Ka5 (11... Kb4 12. Qd2+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (11... Rb3 12. Kc5 Ka3 13. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 12. Kc6 b4 13. Qc5+ Ka4 14. Qb5+ Kb3 15. Kc5 Ra4 16. Qd3+ Kb2 17. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/1p6/1kr5/3K4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {Let us again return to position ~3( 3732)~ and examine another defence (instead of 1...Rc4 2.Kd5 Kb4).} 1... Rg5 {^013^010 The idea of this move, recommended by Guretzky-Cornitz, is to prevent the white king from crossing the 5th rank, but this proves impracticable.} 2. Qe8+ {%05^013^010} Ka6 3. Qe2+ b5 4. Qe6+ Ka5 5. Qc8 {!} Rh5 6. Kc3 {! ^013^010 Note the coordination of the white pieces. They manoeuvre such that, firstly, there is a threat of a double attack, and, secondly, they prevent horizontal checks by the rook as the king approaches the pawn.} Kb6 {%05^013^010} (6... b4+ 7. Kc4 Rh4+ 8. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qd8+ Ka6 8. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/1p6/1kr5/3K4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {Let us return for the last time to position ~3( 3732)~ and examine it with White to move. His problem is to give the opponent the move.} 1. Qb7 Rh5 (1... Ka5 {%05White immediately achieves his aim after} 2. Qa7+ Kb5 3. Qa8 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rc1 {is more difficult to refute: %05but} 2. Ke5 Rd1 3. Qf3 Rd8 4. Ke6 Ka6 {(Black is aiming for position ~3($413730)~)} 5. Qa3+ Kb5 6. Qc3 Ka6 7. Ke7 Rb8 (7... Rd1 8. Qa3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kd7 b5 9. Kc7 Rb7+ 10. Kc6 Rb6+ 11. Kc5 b4 12. Qa1+ Kb7 13. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qe4 {!} Rc5 (2... Rh6 {there could have followed %053.Qe2(e8) was threatened, and on} 3. Qe2+ Ka4 ( 3... Kc6 4. Qg2+ Kd6 5. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Qa8 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and we have position ~3($403732)~, but now with Black to move.^013^010 ^013^010 Familiarity with positions ~3($403730)-($403738)~ allows the following example to be solved.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/1p6/2r5/3K4/8/Q7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1... Kb7 {[%eval 0,0] , and then as in position ~3($413730)~. %05Black to move plays} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/1p6/2r5/3K4/8/Q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1. Qa7+ {%05White to move prevents this possibility:} Kc6 2. Qb8 Rd5+ (2... Kb5 3. Qa8 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3($403732)~}) 3. Ke4 Rc5 4. Qc8+ Kb5 { ^013^010 This position differs from example ~3($413732)~ only in^013^010 the placing of the white king (e4 instead of d4). This at^013^010 first sight insignificant factor proves to be highly^013^010 important.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010 Position ~3(*)~ %08DA} 5. Qb7 {! %05Correct is} (5. Qa8 {%05After} Kb4 {White cannot prevent the regrouping of the black pieces in accordance with the drawn position ~3($413733)~. For example:} 6. Qa6 (6. Qf8 {%05or} Kb3 7. Qb8 (7. Qf3+ Kb4 {[%eval 0,0]}) (7. Kd3 Rc3+ {and 8...b5=}) 7... b5 {(with the king at d4 this move was not possible)} 8. Kd4 Rc4+ {and 9...Kb4=}) 6... Rc4+ 7. Kd5 b5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Rg5 6. Qd7+ {^013^010 White is aiming for position ~3($403734)~. For this he must drive the rook off the 5th rank.} Ka6 { %05^013^010} 7. Qc8+ Ka7 (7... Kb5 {there follows %05Black, in turn, seeks salvation in position %05~3($413730)~. On} 8. Kd4 Rc5 9. Qa8 {[%eval 550,0] ~3 ($403732)~.}) 8. Qc7+ Ka6 9. Qc4+ Ka7 10. Qf7+ Ka6 11. Qf8 {!} Rg1 (11... Rc5 { , leading after %05Now the rook can no longer remain on the 5th rank, unless of course Black plays} 12. Qa8+ Kb5 13. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0] to position ~3 ($403734)~, which he is trying to avoid.}) 12. Kd5 Rd1+ 13. Kc6 Rc1+ 14. Kd7 Kb7 (14... Rc5 15. Qa8+ Kb5 16. Qa3 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3 ($403734)~.}) 15. Qf3+ {%05It remains for Black to play 15...Rc7 to obtain a drawn^013^010 %05position from example ~3($403730)~, but it is White to^013^010 %05move, and by} Kb8 {(a7) ^013^010} 16. Qf4+ $40 {%02(a3)$18 he picks up the rook. ~2With a knight's pawn on the 5th, 4th or 3rd rank, the weaker side draws if he is able to set up a position of type ~3( 3733)~2 In practice, however, it often happens that for the completion of his drawing set-up he is short of literally one move. Then the task of the stronger side is to break through with his king to the pawn, without allowing the enemy forces to coordinate.} * [Event "Houston (USA)"] [Site "Houston (USA)"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Mednis Edmar J (USA)"] [Black "Commons Kim S (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/8/1p1K4/3Q4/8/2r5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {(with reversed colours and flanks) Were it Black to move, he would play 1... Rc4 or 1...Ka6 with a theoretical draw ~3( 3733)~. But it is White to move and, exploiting the temporary separation of the enemy pieces, he quickly decides the outcome.} 1. Qg7+ {!} Rc7 {(the king cannot step onto the 6th rank due to the check at g6)} 2. Qb2 {!} Kb6 3. Qf6+ Kb7 (3... Ka7 4. Qd8 Kb7 5. Qe8 {!} Ka6 6. Qa8+ Kb6 7. Qb8+ Rb7 8. Qd8+ Ka6 9. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qd8 {!} Rc2 (4... Rh7 5. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz, Berger"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/2p5/3r4/4K3/2Q5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {~12.34 Bishop's pawn~ For both sides the most difficult positions are those with a bishop's pawn. Guretzky-Cornitz, 1864 Berger, 1921 Halberstadt, 1931 Cheron, 1950 Henkin, 1962} 1. Qa1 {!} (1. Qg7+ {%05For a long time this position was considered drawn in view of the variation} Kd6 (1... Kc8 {%04e.g. %05Cheron, while agreeing with Halberstadt's variation, remarks that Black can avoid it, if instead of 1...Kd6 he replies} 2. Qa7 Rb5 3. Kd4 Rd5+ 4. Kc4 Rb5 5. Qa1 Kd7 6. Qg7+ Kc8 7. Qf8+ Kc7 8. Qe7+ Kc8 9. Qd6 Kb7 10. Qd7+ Kb6 11. Qc8 Rc5+ 12. Kd4 Rd5+ 13. Ke4 Kc5 {, when White has not succeeded in transferring his king to the Q-side. This is correct, if White begins his solution with 1. Qg7. Cheron is essentially wrong, and refutes his opinion with his own analysis, which we now give.}) 2. Qb7 (2. Qa7 {, reaching position ~3($403743) ~ %05Halberstadt begins his solution with}) 2... Kc5 3. Qb8 {. Now it was thought that Black could draw both by} Rd4+ 4. Ke5 Kc4 5. Qb6 c5 6. Qb2 Rd5+ 7. Ke6 Rd8 8. Ke7 Rd4 {[%eval 0,0] as in position ~3($413733)~, as well as by the simple^013^010 3...Rg5 or 3...Rh5, not allowing the white king across^013^010 the 5th rank.^013^010 In 1950 Cheron published an analysis demonstrating the^013^010 existence of a win in these variations (~3($413744) (*)~ and ~3 ($413749)~), and he also gave a new, original solution.^013^010 However, it should be mentioned that as long ago as^013^010 1931, long before Cheron, Halberstadt did not agree^013^010 with the drawn assessment of position^013^010 ~3($413742)~, rightly considering it won for White. The winning plan suggested by him consists in transferring the white king to the Q-side. In this case the queen attacks the enemy from the other side of the board, where it has greater scope.^013^010 The position arising as a result of this regrouping is^013^010 solved in analogous fashion to Philidor's position for a^013^010 central pawn ~3($413706)~.}) 1... Rb5 (1... Kc7 {%05after} 2. Qa7+ Kc8 3. Qb6 Kd7 4. Qb7+ Kd6 5. Qa7 {[%eval 550,0] ! Halberstadt's position is again reached}) (1... Kc8 2. Qa7 Rb5 3. Kd4 Rd5+ 4. Kc4 Rb5 5. Qa1 Kb7 6. Qg7+ Kc8 7. Qf8+ Kc7 8. Qe7+ Kc8 9. Qd6 Kb7 10. Qd7+ Kb6 11. Qc8 Rc5+ 12. Kd4 Rd5+ 13. Ke4 Kc5) 2. Qg7+ Kd8 3. Qf6+ Kd7 4. Qf7+ Kd8 5. Qe6 Kc7 6. Qe7+ Kc8 7. Qd6 Kb7 8. Qd7+ Kb6 9. Qc8 Rd5 10. Qb8+ Kc5 {^013^010 Here Cheron continues 11. Qe7, reaching position ~3($413744) (*)~. But meanwhile White can obtain Halberstadt's position as follows:} 11. Qb2 {! %05^013^010} Kd6 (11... Rh5 { %05after} 12. Qf2+ Kd6 13. Qf8+ {[%eval 550,0] the rook is lost}) (11... Kc4 { %05while after} 12. Qb6 Rc5 {White wins by following Salvioli:} 13. Ke3 {!} Re5+ 14. Kf4 Rc5 15. Ke4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qb6 Kd7 13. Qb7+ Kd6 14. Qa7 { [%eval 550,0] ! , and we reach the position for which we are aiming ~3($403743) ~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Halberstadt Vitaly (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/Q7/2pk4/3r4/4K3/8/8/8 b - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "38"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {Halberstadt's solution differs favourably from the one suggested by Cheron, since it is based on the general classical method. This position shows ~2one of the zugzwang positions~. Black is forced to allow the enemy king across to the Q-side.} 2... Re5+ (2... Rd1 {, then %05If} 3. Qa3+ Kd7 4. Qh3+ {!} Kc7 5. Qg3+ Rd6 6. Qe5 Kd7 7. Qg7+ Kc8 8. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the white king breaks through to the rear}) (2... Ke6 {?} 3. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kd4 Rd5+ 4. Kc4 Rb5 5. Qf7 Rc5+ (5... Rb6 {does not work:} 6. Qe8 {!} Kc7 7. Qe7+ Kc8 8. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kb4 Rd5 7. Ka4 Rb5 8. Qg7 {^013^010 This is the position White has been aiming for. The play is analogous to that in Philidor's position ~3($403706).} Rd5 {%05^013^010} 9. Qb7 Rb5 10. Qc8 Kc5 11. Qd8 {^013^010 At this point Halberstadt terminates his analysis, assuming that White wins by familiar means. But the bishop's pawn has its special features and the method of play differs from the case of a central pawn. Therefore we will continue the analysis.} Kc4 {%05^013^010} (11... Rb4+ {%05after} 12. Ka5 Rb5+ 13. Ka6 Rb4 {White continues, following Guretzky-Cornitz,} 14. Qd3 { [%eval 550,0] ! etc. $6~3($403707)~.}) 12. Qd6 Rc5 {^013^010 Black to play would be in zugzwang. But it is White to play, and he is unable to give his opponent the move. In the analogous position with a central pawn ~3($413706) (*)~ this was achieved by Salvioli's triangulation. But here 13.Ka3 is pointless, since after 13...Ra5 the king, on the edge of the board, is unable to carry out its manoeuvre.^013^010 The win is achieved by a queen manoeuvre, the aim of which is, by threatening to give Black the move, to cut off his king beyond the d-file. %08DA} 13. Qf4+ {%05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} Kd3 (13... Kd5 {%05Things are easier for White after} 14. Qd2+ {when Black has to play} Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]} (14... Kc4 {%05since} 15. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3 (*)~ with Black to move.})) 14. Qf3+ Kd4 (14... Kc4 {?} 15. Qe4+ Kc3 16. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qf2+ Kc4 16. Qc2+ {!} Kd5 17. Qd3+ Ke6 18. Qd8 {!} Rb5 (18... Rd5 19. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 19. Ka3 {! (now the king breaks through to the pawn)} Rc5 20. Kb4 Rc1 21. Qd2 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz, Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/8/2p5/2kr4/4K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 11"] [PlyCount "29"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {Guretzky-Cornitz, 1864 Cheron, 1950} 11. Qc7 {%05Let us return to position ~3 ($403742)~ and consider the %05solution suggested by Cheron. It demonstrates some %05interesting procedures in the battle between queen and %05rook. ^013^010 %05^013^010 %05The first 10 moves are analogous to the main solution, %05and the analysis proper begins after} Kb5 (11... Rd4+ {%05in the event of} 12. Ke5 Rd5+ 13. Ke6 Rd4 {Cheron recommends} 14. Qa5+ (14. Qb7 {! %05but} Rd5 15. Qb3 {!} Rd6+ 16. Ke7 Rd5 17. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0] ! is much simpler, transposing to position ~3($403708)~.}) 14... Kc4 15. Qb6 c5 16. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qa7 {!} Rh5 {^013^010 As already mentioned, this position was incorrectly considered drawn. %08DA} 13. Kd3 {! ^013^010 A clever manoeuvre, preparing the breakthrough of the^013^010 king across the 5th rank. By temporarily retreating, the^013^010 king vacates manoeuvring space for the queen, and the^013^010 threat of a double attack becomes more and more real. %05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} Rh3+ {%05^013^010} (13... Rd5+ 14. Kc3 Rc5+ (14... Rh5 15. Qb7+ Kc5 16. Qb4+ Kd5 17. Qd4+ Ke6 18. Qe4+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 15. Kb3 Rf5 (15... Rd5 {? %05it is even possible to be mated:} 16. Qb7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Qb7+ Kc5 17. Qb4+ Kd5 18. Qd2+ Ke6 (18... Kc5 19. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 19. Qd8 Rd5 20. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 14. Kd4 Rh4+ 15. Ke5 Rh5+ 16. Kf6 Rh6+ 17. Kg5 Rh1 18. Qe3 {!} Ka6 {^013^010 The only possibility of avoiding immediate loss of material. But now the white king penetrates to the rear.} 19. Kf5 {%05^013^010} Rh5+ 20. Ke6 Rd5 21. Qg3 Kb7 22. Qa3 Rb5 23. Qe7+ Kb6 24. Kd7 Rd5+ 25. Kc8 {[%eval 550,0] , and within a few moves White wins the pawn.^013^010 ^013^010 Before turning to an analysis of positions with a bishop's pawn on the 5th rank, we will examine a few subsidiary positions.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz, Frink"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4K3/2p1Q3/8/1k6/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {Guretzky-Cornitz, 1864 Frink, 1928 Henkin, 1962 Black succeeds in setting up a fortress, thanks to stalemating possibilities.} 1... Rc1 2. Kd4 Rc2 3. Qb7+ ( 3. Kc5 {%05Playing the white king to a3 also fails to win:} Rc1 4. Kb4 Rc2 5. Ka4 Rc1 6. Qd4+ Kb1 7. Ka3 Rc3+ {[%eval 0,0] ! %04etc.}) 3... Ka2 4. Qb4 Ka1 5. Qa3+ Kb1 6. Ke3 {^013^010 ^013^010 Position ~3(*)~ %08DA} Rb2 {! ^013^010 With this move in reserve, Black is guaranteed against zugzwang, and the white king cannot break across the 2nd rank.} (6... Rc1 {%05Guretzky-Cornitz considered this position won for White in view of the variation} 7. Qb4+ Ka1 {(a2)} 8. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0] . But in fact Black has a draw.}) 7. Qa5 Rc2 8. Qe1+ Kb2 9. Qd1 Rc3+ {!} 10. Ke4 Rc2 {[%eval 0,0] . A positional draw.^013^010 ^013^010 If the black king is placed on the other side of the rook, the assessment of the position changes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1K6/2p5/Q7/2rk4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "38"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Black's defence involves trying to regroup in accordance with position ~3( 3745) (*)~.} 1... Rc3 (1... Rc1 {%05Against passive play $6} 2. Kc5 Rc2 3. Kd4 Rc1 {White continues} 4. Qe3+ Kd1 5. Kc5 Rc2 6. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0] , joining the main variation after Black's 13th move.}) 2. Qb4 Kd3 (2... Kc2 3. Kc5 Rb3 4. Qa4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kc5 Rc2 4. Kd5 Rc1 (4... c3 5. Qd4+ Ke2 6. Kc4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qa3+ Rc3 6. Qb2 Rc2 7. Qd4+ Ke2 8. Kc5 {!} Rc1 9. Kb4 Rc2 10. Ka3 Ke1 11. Qe3+ Kd1 {(now Black has to be given the move)} 12. Ka4 {!} Rc1 13. Kb4 Rc2 14. Ka3 {^013^010 Zugzwang. The white king breaks across the 2nd rank.} Rc1 {%05^013^010} (14... Rd2 15. Qf3+ Kc2 16. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Ka2 c3 16. Qd3+ Ke1 17. Kb3 Kf2 18. Kc4 Ke1 19. Qe3+ Kd1 20. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] , and mate next move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/4K3/2p1Q3/8/1k6/r7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Re1 {! %05Let us return to position ~3($413745)~. Apart from %05Frink's solution there is also a secondary one, illustrating %05an interesting defensive resource, characteristic of a %05bishop's pawn: for the sake of advancing the pawn to %05the penultimate rank, Black sacrifices his rook, %05achieving a theoretical draw:} 2. Qxe1 c3 {[%eval 0,0] , and White cannot prevent 3...c2, while at the same time his king is outside the winning zone. ^013^010 ^013^010 This idea is strikingly expressed in the following study.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gorgiev Tigran B (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3Q4/2K5/2p1r3/8/8/k7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1... c3 {!} 2. Qa6+ Kb2 {!} (2... Kb1 {? loses to} 3. Qb7+ Ka1 4. Qb3 Re5+ ( 4... c2 5. Qxc2 {[%eval 550,0] - ~3($403606)~}) 5. Kd4 {!} Re4+ 6. Kd3 Rd4+ 7. Kc2 {!} Rd2+ 8. Kc1 Rc2+ 9. Kd1 Rd2+ 10. Ke1 Rc2 {!} 11. Qa3+ Kb1 12. Qb4+ Ka2 13. Kd1 Rb2 14. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Qb7+ Ka3 {!} 4. Qxe4 c2 5. Qe1 Kb2 6. Qe2 Ka1 {!} (6... Kb1 {? %05not} 7. Kb4 {!} c1=Q 8. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qxc2 {[%eval 0,0] . Stalemate.^013^010 ^013^010 We will now turn to a study of the methods of play against a bishop's pawn on the 5th or 4th rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz, Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/8/2p5/2kr4/8/1Q6/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {Guretzky-Cornitz, 1864 Cheron, 1950} 1... Rd5 {%05This position is obtained from position ~3($413742)~ %05after the 8th move.^013^010 %05^013^010 %05Guretzky-Cornitz, and also many other analysts, thought %05that White could win here only if it were Black to move. %05Indeed, if Black plays first he is unable to prevent the %05white king from breaking across the d-file, e.g.} ( 1... Rd3 {%05or} 2. Qc2+ Rc3 3. Qe4+ Kb3 4. Qb1+ Kc4 5. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qa2+ Kd4 3. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz, Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K3/8/2p5/2kr4/8/1Q6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {Guretzky-Cornitz, 1864 Cheron, 1950 Cheron showed that White has a win, irrespective of who it is to move.} 1. Ke6 Rd8 2. Qb6 Rd2 3. Qa5 {!} Rd4 (3... Rd3 {, then %05if} 4. Ke7 Rd4 5. Qa4+ Kc3 6. Qa3+ Kc4 7. Qb2 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the initial position is reached, but with Black to move}) 4. Ke7 Rd3 5. Qa4+ Kc3 6. Qa3+ Kc4 7. Qc1+ Rc3 (7... Kb5 {there follows %05On} 8. Qb1+ Kc4 9. Qc2+ Rc3 10. Qe4+ Kb3 11. Qb1+ Kc4 12. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Kb4 { %05while after} 8. Qb2+ Rb3 9. Qd2+ Rc3 10. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0] ! the white king again breaks through to the pawn.}) 8. Qb1 {!} Rb3 9. Qc2+ Kb4 10. Qd2+ Kb5 11. Kd6 c4 12. Qd5+ Kb4 13. Qc5+ Kc3 14. Kd5 Rb4 15. Qe3+ Kb2 16. Kc5 Ra4 17. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1864.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Guretzky-Cornitz, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1QpK4/8/2r5/3k4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1864.??.??"] {Guretzky-Cornitz, 1950 Henkin,1962} 1. Qa5 {!} (1. Ke4 {(?) %05The original solution} Kc2 2. Qa6 Kb2 3. Qa4 Kb1 4. Qa5 Kb2 5. Kd5 {does not succeed, since Black replies not} Kc2 {? (as considered by Guretzky-Cornitz)} (5... Rc2 { ! followed by the unavoidable ...c4, reaching the drawn position ~3($413745) (*)~.^013^010 This caused Lisitsin to declare the study incorrect. But in fact White is able to win. %05but})) 1... Kc2 (1... Kd3 2. Qa1 Kd2 3. Ke4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qa2+ Kc1 3. Ke4 Rc2 (3... Kd1 {%05after} 4. Qb2 Rc2 5. Qa3 Re2+ 6. Kd5 Rc2 7. Qe3 c4 8. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] position ~3($403746)~ is reached}) 4. Qb3 c4 (4... Kd1 {%05Nothing is changed by} 5. Ke3 c4 (5... Kc1 6. Qb5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qa4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Kd2 5. Qe3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qb4 Kd1 6. Qa3 Re2+ 7. Kd4 Rc2 8. Qe3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins as in position ~3($403745)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1931.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Halberstadt"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/2p5/3r4/4K3/2Q5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "48"] [EventDate "1931.??.??"] {In contrast to position ~3( 3742)~, here the queen cannot immediately reach a1. But this can be achieved in two moves.} 1. Qa2 Rb4 2. Qa1 {!} Kc7 3. Qe5+ Kc6 4. Qe6+ Kc7 5. Qd5 Kb6 6. Qd6+ Kb5 7. Qc7 Rd4 8. Qb7+ Kc4 9. Qb1 Kd5 10. Qb5 Kd6 11. Qb6+ Kd5 12. Qa6 {!} Re4+ 13. Kd3 Rd4+ 14. Kc3 Rb4 15. Qf6 Rc4+ 16. Kb3 Rb4+ 17. Ka3 Rd4 18. Qb6 Rb4 19. Qc7 Kc4 20. Qd7 {This position is already familiar to us. We will consider another defence.} Rb3+ (20... Kc3 {, then %05If} 21. Qd5 Rc4 {followed by} 22. Qf3+ {[%eval 550,0] (which corresponds to 13.Qf4 in position ~3($403743) (*)~.}) 21. Ka4 Rb4+ 22. Ka5 Rb3 23. Qd2 Rb5+ 24. Ka6 Rb4 {~3($413753)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K7/2p5/1rk5/8/3Q4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] 1... Rb3 {%05Black's hopes are associated with the drawn position^013^010 %05~3($413745) (*)~. In the symmetrical^013^010 %05position ~3($413749)~ this^013^010 %05means of defence was not considered, because the^013^010 %05b-file, on which the white queen was operating, was not^013^010 %05accessible to the black king. White has to play very^013^010 %05precisely. His task is to break through with his king to^013^010 %05the pawn, without allowing position ~3($413745) (*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05If it is Black to move, his best try is} (1... Kb3 {?} 2. Qd3+ Kb2 3. Ka5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qc2+ Kb4 (2... Rc3 3. Qa4+ Kd3 4. Qd1+ Kc4 5. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kb6 c4 { ^013^010 Black begins regrouping. In addition, he simply wishes to advance his pawn.} 4. Qf2 {! %05^013^010} Ka3+ (4... Rc3 {%05Other replies are worse: ^013^010 %05(a)} 5. Qe1 Ka4 (5... Kb3 6. Qb1+ Ka3 7. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Rb1 {%05(b)} 5. Qa2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Rd3 { %05(c)} 5. Qe1+ Kb3 (5... c3 6. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) ( 4... Rh3 {%05(d)} 5. Qc5+ Kb3 6. Qb5+ Kc3 7. Qf5 {and 8.Kc5$18}) (4... c3 { %05(e)} 5. Qc5+ Ka4+ 6. Ka6 {[%eval 550,0] , leading to mate or the loss of the pawn.}) 5. Kc5 Rc3 6. Kd5 {!} (6. Kd4 {? unexpectedly leads to a draw after %05The seemingly natural} Kb3 {! ,when White cannot prevent position ~3 ($413745) (*)~, %04e.g.} 7. Qe1 Rc2 8. Qb1+ Rb2 9. Qd1+ Rc2 10. Qa1 Rd2+ {!} 11. Ke3 Ra2 {!} 12. Qf6 Rc2 {and 13...Ka2=}) 6... Kb3 7. Qb6+ {! (it was precisely this check that was lacking in the previous variation; the king is cut off from the pawn in the most favourable situation for White)} Ka2 8. Qa5+ Kb3 9. Qb5+ Ka2 (9... Ka3 10. Kd4 Rc2 11. Qb1 {[%eval 550,0]}) (9... Kc2 {%05or } 10. Kd4 Kd2 11. Qb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qa4+ Kb2 11. Qb4+ Kc2 12. Kd4 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron, Henkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/K7/2p5/1rk5/8/3Q4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {Theorists have experienced great difficulties in analysing positions with a bishop's pawn on the 4th or 3rd rank. Not only Guretzky-Cornitz, but also later researchers (including Cheron) evaluated all positions of this type as drawn, mainly on account of the proximity of the pawn to the queening square. It has nevertheless been established that in certain cases the stronger side wins.} {Consider the initial position with White to move.} 1. Ka7 (1. Qd6 { %05In this way White gives his opponent the move. Cheron gives a more lengthy solution:} Rb3 2. Qe5 Rc3 3. Qe4+ Kb3 4. Qb1+ Kc4 5. Qb5+ Kd4 6. Qd7+ Kc4 7. Qa4+ Kd3 8. Qd1+ Kc4 9. Kb6 Kb4 10. Kc6 Kc4 (10... c4 11. Qe1 Kb3 12. Qb1+ Ka3 13. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qf1+ Kb4 12. Qb5+ Ka3 13. Qb1 Rc4 14. Kd6 Rc3 15. Kd5 Ka4 16. Qb2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 1... Kb3 (1... Rb3 {is considered above}) 2. Qd3+ Kb2 3. Ka6 c4 (3... Rb3 4. Qd2+ Kb1 5. Ka5 c4 6. Ka4 Rb2 7. Qd1+ Ka2 8. Qc1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qd2+ Kb3 5. Ka5 Rb8 (5... c3 {also fails to save Black:} 6. Qd5+ Rc4 (6... Ka3 7. Qc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qb5+ {[%eval 550,0]} (7. Kb5 {? %05but not} c2 8. Qxc4+ Kb2 9. Qe2 Ka1 {[%eval 0,0] ! - drawn})) (5... Ra4+ {%05In the event of} 6. Kb5 c3 {the win is rather more difficult:} 7. Qd5+ Ka3 (7... Kb2 8. Kxa4 c2 9. Qd2 Kb1 10. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 8. Qd6+ Kb3 9. Qe6+ Ka3 10. Qe1 {!} Rb4+ 11. Kc5 c2 12. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0] ! }) 6. Qd5 {!$18 This is conclusive. Any reply leads to the loss of the rook or the pawn} Z0 (6... Rf8 7. Qb5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Rh8 7. Qb5+ {[%eval 550, 0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1920.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3Q4/2p5/1rk5/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1920.??.??"] {Situated on the long side of the board, the queen controls the greatest number of squares; at the same time Black's stalemating possibilities are restricted, since the a1 square is inaccessible to his king.} 1. Qd6 Rb2+ 2. Ka3 Rb3+ 3. Ka4 Rb2 4. Qe5+ Kc2 5. Qd4 c3 6. Qe4+ {%05^013^010 %05White wins by cutting off the king from the corner squares and creating a zugzwang position.} (6. Qc4 {(in analogy with 7.Qd4 in position ~3($403709) (*)~) fails to win due to %05The resulting position is similar to position^013^010 %05~3 ($403709)~. But the bishop's pawn is 'capricious',^013^010 %05and here, for example,} Kb1 {, when} 7. Qxc3 (7. Qd3+ {%05also insufficient is} c2 8. Ka3 Rb8 {[%eval 0,0]}) (7. Qf1+ {%05or} Ka2 {!} 8. Qe1 (8. Qc1 c2 9. Ka5 Kb3 {[%eval 0, 0]}) 8... c2 9. Qc1 Rb4+ {!} 10. Ka5 Rb2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 7... Ra2+ {[%eval 0,0] gives a draw.}) 6... Kd2 (6... Kc1 {does not change matters:} 7. Ka3 Kd2 (7... Rb1 8. Qe2 Rb2 9. Qd3 c2 10. Qf1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qf5 {, and} c2 {is still not possible due to} 9. Qf4+ Kc3 10. Qe3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Ka3 Rc2 (7... Kc1 8. Qd3 Rc2 9. Qd4 Kb1 10. Qd1+ Rc1 11. Qb3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qd4+ Ke2 9. Kb3 Rc1 10. Kc4 c2 11. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0] If the white pieces switch wings the situation changes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1Q6/2p5/2kr4/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~5 (RR) In the previous edition of this book (1986) this position was considered to be a draw, but the tablebases show the winning improvement on the fourth move. White transfers his king to the Q-side, in order to obtain the previous position, and Black is unable to prevent this.~} 1. Qa4 Rd2+ (1... Kd4 {would fall in with White's wishes:} 2. Qa5 Rh3 3. Kd1 Rd3+ 4. Kc2 Rb3 5. Qf5 Rd3 (5... Rb4 6. Qd7+ Kc5 7. Qe7+ Kb5 8. Qe5+ Ka4 9. Qc3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kb2 Rb3+ 7. Ka2 Rd3 8. Qb5 Rb3 9. Qc6 Kc3 10. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403755) ~.}) 2. Ke1 Rd5 {!} (2... Rd4 {is bad: %05The best reply, forestalling White's plan. Of course,} 3. Qa1+ Kd3 4. Kd1 c3 5. Qa6+ Rc4 6. Qd6+ Rd4 7. Qc5 Rc4 8. Qf5+ {!} Kd4 9. Kc2 {!} Rc5 10. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0] ! ~3($403693)~}) (2... Rd3 { also leads to great difficulties: %05The natural} 3. Qa3+ Kc2 (3... Kd4 { %05after} 4. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0] ! Black cannot prevent the king from crossing the d-file}) 4. Qb4 Rd4 (4... c3 5. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 3. Qa3+ Kc2 4. Qa4+ {! %00o^ It is at this moment, when the white king is far enough away, that Black is prepared to give up his rook for the sake of advancing his pawn to the 2nd rank. Qd4 %05^013^010 Re7 Qb4 Re6 Qa3 Re8 , and White cannot improve his position Qa4+ %05while} Kb2 5. Qe8 {c2 = leads to a draw} Kc3 {%00o^ Kd4 (%00o^ Rb1+ (%00o^ Rc3+ (%00o^ Rd1+ (%00o^ Kd5 (%00o^ Rd2+ (%00o^ Rb2 (%00o^ Kd4 (%00o^ Kd5 (%00o^ (~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~ %00o^ following variation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1Q6/2p5/2kr4/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Qa5 Rd3+ Ke4 Rd2 Qa2+ Kc1 Qb3 c2 Ke3 Rd8 Rd1 ? Qa2 +5.50 ! ; but now in the event of 14.Qa2 the rook begins checking the king along the 8th rank Qb5 Rd6 +0.00 , with a draw.^013^010 ^013^010 ~5Thus a win is found, and position ~3 ($413756) ~5is also judged to be won~.} {~5 (RR) In the previous edition of this book (1986) this position was considered to be a draw, but the tablebases have changed the evaluation.~} 1. Qb6 {? ~5 This move throws away the win.} (1. Qc5 {! ~5 (or 1.Qa4), for example~ %05~5 Correct is~} Kb3 2. Qb5+ {%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ $18 (~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~ %00o^ 3.Ke4 Rd2 4.Qa5+ Kc2 5.Qb4 c3 6.Qa4+ Kb2 7. Ke3 Rd8 8.Qb5+ Kc2 (!} ({Kc1 ?} 2. Qa5 {! Rc8 Kd3} Kb2 3. Qb4+ Kc1 4. Qa3+ Kb1 5. Qb3+ Ka1 {[%eval 550,0] Kc2})) * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1942.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Ragozin Viacheslav V (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r4/8/8/1Q6/8/2p1K3/2k5/8 w - - 0 9"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1942.??.??"] {When the new edition of this book was being prepared, Smyslov showed me one of his endings which had escaped the attention of the theorists. (with reversed colours and flanks)} 9. Qa6 {, preventing the rook check at d3. %05 It will be apparent that exactly this position arose in our analysis after Black's 8th move in the last variation. Instead of 9.Qa5, Smyslov played} Rd1 { ? %05^013^010 %05Ragozin replied} (9... Rd7 {%05The idea is to keep the white king in the immediate vicinity of the pawn in the event of} 10. Qa4+ Kb2 11. Qxd7 c2 12. Qb5+ Ka1 {(with the white king at e4 this position would be drawn)} 13. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (9... Rd2 {%05No better is} 10. Qa2+ Kc1 11. Qb3 c2 ( 11... Rc2 12. Qb4 Kd1 13. Qb1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qc3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (9... Re8+ {%05or} 10. Kd4 Rd8+ 11. Kc4 Rb8 12. Qa2+ Rb2 13. Qa5 Rb3 14. Qa4 { [%eval 550,0]}) (9... Rh8 {= ~3($413759)~ %05Smyslov's idea gave a new impetus to the research. It^013^010 %05was established that instead of 9...Rd1 Black could^013^010 %05have continued}) (9... Rb8 {= ~3($413760)~ %05or}) 10. Qa2+ Kc1 11. Qb3 c2 12. Qa2 Re1+ 13. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/8/Q7/8/8/2p1K3/2k5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {Rc8 is also possible, of course, but the audacious move emphasizes how helpless the queen is. All the rook's squares cannot be taken away. Draw.} { Let us define the plans of the two sides. Black intends to move his king and advance his pawn to c2, in certain cases at the cost of sacrificing his rook. White's task is to break through with his king to the pawn, for the time being not allowing its advance. But straightforward play does not succeed. Therefore White must first screen his king against checks while simultaneously restricting the rook's mobility.} 1. Qe6 (1. Qa2+ Kc1 2. Kd3 (2. Kd4 c2 { [%eval 0,0] !}) 2... Rh3+ 3. Kc4 c2 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 1... Kb2 ( 1... Rd8 {%05The rook cannot return to its former square:} 2. Qa2+ Kc1 3. Qa5 { !} Re8+ {(c8)} 4. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] . But 2...Rb8, which will be considered below, is quite acceptable.}) 2. Qf6 {! (attacking the rook, pinning the pawn, and threatening to bring the king into play)} Rh3+ 3. Ke2 (3. Ke4 Kb1 {!} 4. Qf1+ Kb2 5. Qxh3 c2 {[%eval 0,0] - draw}) 3... Rg3 {%02! ~5(?)~ ~5 (RR) According to the Nalimov tablebases, this move loses, while 3... Rh7 leads to a draw.~} (3... Ka3 {(other king moves lead to the loss of the rook) %05The best move. Consider the other possibilities:^013^010 %05(a)} 4. Kd1 Kb2 5. Qb6+ Ka3 6. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Rh2+ {%05(b)} 4. Kd3 Rh3+ 5. Kc4 Rg3 6. Qb6+ Kc1 7. Qf2 c2 8. Qxg3 Kb2 9. Qc3+ Kb1 10. Kb3 c1=Q 11. Qd3+ Ka1 12. Qa6+ Kb1 13. Qa2#) (3... Rh7 {! %16 %05(c)} 4. Qe5 {!} Rh3 {?} (4... Rf7 5. Kd3 Rf3+ 6. Kc4 Kb1 7. Qb5+ Kc1 8. Qh5 Rg3 9. Qh4 Re3 10. Qf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Rh6 { ! %05~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, the draw is achieved by~}) 5. Qb5+ Kc1 (5... Ka2 6. Kd1 Rh2 7. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qf5 {!} Rh2+ (6... Rh8 7. Kd3 c2 8. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kd3 c2 8. Kc3 Kb1 9. Qb5+ Kc1 10. Qf1#) 4. Qe5 {!} (4. Qb6+ {Black does not reply %05In the event of a} Kc1 {?} (4... Ka2 {? %05or} 5. Kd1 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Kc2 {, and now %05but} 5. Qf2 Rg7 {!} 6. Ke3+ Kb3 {! leads to a position where White can prevent the immediate ...c2 only by} 7. Qf3 {, but after} Re7+ 8. Kd4 Rd7+ 9. Kc5 Rc7+ 10. Kb5 Kb2 { [%eval 0,0] he is all the same obliged to force a draw, as in the main variation}) 5. Qf2 {!} Rh3 {(otherwise 6.Kd3)} 6. Qf1+ Kb2 7. Qxh3 c2 8. Qh8+ Kb1 9. Qb8+ Ka2 10. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 4... Rg8 {!} (4... Rh3 { loses to %05Each time the rook finds the only safe square. As we already know,} 5. Qb5+ Kc1 6. Qf5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 5. Kd3 {(?)} (5. Qb5+ {%05~5 (RR) The tablebases state that White wins as follows: %00o^ 7.Qb4+ (%00o^ 9.Qb7+ (%00o^ 11.Qe5 (%00o^ 13.Kd3 (%00o^ 15.Kc4 (%00o^ 17.Kxc3 (%00o^ 19.Ke3 (%00o^ 21.Kd4 (%00o^ 23.Qa5 (%00o^ 25.Kd3 (%00o^ 27.Kd2 (%00o^ 29.Qb7+ (%00o^ 31.Qf3 (%00o^ 33.Qd7 (%00o^ 35.Kf4 (%00o^ 37.Kh6 (%00o^ Rc6 8.Kb5 Rc7 (!= ^013^010}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/8/Q7/8/8/2p1K3/2k5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {In the Smyslov-Ragozin game another move would also have drawn: 9...Rb8. Here too Black defends successfully:} 1. Kd4 (1. Qe2+ Kb3 2. Qd1+ Kb2 (2... c2 { ? %05not} 3. Qd5+ Kb2 4. Qe5+ Ka2 5. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qh5 Rd8 {[%eval 0, 0]}) (1. Qa2+ Rb2 2. Qa4+ (2. Qa1 Kb3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Rb3 3. Kd4 Kb2 4. Kc4 Rb8 5. Qa5 c2 {[%eval 0,0] !} (5... Rc8+ {? loses after %05This forces a draw, whereas} 6. Kd3 c2 (6... Kb1 7. Qb4+ Kc1 8. Qa3+ Kb1 9. Qb3+ Ka1 10. Kc2 { [%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qb6+ Kc1 8. Qg1+ {!} Kb2 9. Qg7+ Ka2 10. Qa7+ Kb2 11. Qb7+ Ka3 12. Qxc8 {[%eval 550,0]})) (1. Qd6 Rb3 2. Ke2 Kb2 3. Qe5 Kc2 4. Qf5+ Kc1 {! } (4... Kb2 {?} 5. Kd1 Ra3 6. Qc2+ Ka1 7. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qf4+ Kb2 6. Qd4 Kb1 7. Qe4+ Kc1 {!} (7... c2 {?} 8. Kd2 Rb2 9. Kc3 {!} Ra2 10. Qb7+ Kc1 11. Qh1#) 8. Qc4 (8. Ke1 c2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... Kc2 {!} (8... Kb2 9. Kd1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qd3+ Kc1 10. Ke1 c2 {!} 11. Qc4 Kb2 12. Kd2 Rd3+ {!} 13. Ke2 c1=Q 14. Qxc1+ Kxc1 15. Kxd3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Rb4+ 2. Kc5 Rh4 3. Qa2+ Kc1 $40 { [%eval 0,0] with a draw, as in Gorgiev's study ~3($413748)~. And so, returning to the Smyslov-Ragozin game, we can state that Black missed at least two drawing possibilities. And this means that the question attached to position ~3( 3756)~ must be resolved in favour of the weaker side. But even so, we have seen with what difficulty, by several times finding the only move, Black gained a draw. Is it not possible to make things easier for him? It turns out that it is possible. But to do this we must return to a position from the Smyslov-Ragozin game, placing the rook at d2, which is where it was before it moved to d8. Instead of ...Rd8 Black has a clear draw by ...Rh2! ~3( 3761)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1Q6/8/2p1K3/2k4r/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1. Qf5+ {%05The idea of this defence is revealed in the variation} (1. Qa6 Kb2 2. Qb7+ Kc2 3. Qa8 Rh3+ (3... Rd2 {? %05Black should not continue} 4. Qa2+ Kc1 5. Qb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Kb2 {? %05or} 4. Qb8+ Ka1 5. Qxh2 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 4. Kd4 Rh4+ 5. Kc5 Kb2 6. Qb7+ Ka2 7. Qf7+ Kb2 {, and if} 8. Qf6 {(what else?), among other drawing possibilities the following forcing manoeuvre stands out:} Rh6 {!} 9. Qg7 Rh7 {!} 10. Qd4 Rh4 {!} 11. Qe5 Rh5 {!} 12. Qxh5 c2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Kb2 2. Kd3 (2. Qe5 {is also not dangerous for Black:} Rd2 3. Qb5+ Kc2 {!} 4. Qa6 Kb2 {!} (4... Rh2 {? %05but not} 5. Qa2+ {[%eval 550,0]} ) (4... Rd8 {? %05or} 5. Qa2+ Kc1 6. Qa5 {!} Rc8 7. Kd3 Kb2 8. Qb4+ Kc1 9. Qa3+ Kb1 10. Qb3+ Ka1 11. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qb5+ Kc2 6. Qa4+ Kb2 7. Qb4+ Kc2 8. Qa3 Rd3+ {!} 9. Ke4 Rd2 {, and now after} 10. Qa2+ Kc1 11. Qb3 c2 12. Ke3 Rh2 (12... Rd8 {is also possible, as in one of the positions from example ~3 ($413758)~}) 13. Qb8 {%05he forces a draw:} Rh3+ (13... Kd1 {? %05only not} 14. Qd6+ Ke1 15. Qg3+ Kf1 16. Qf4+ {!} Ke1 17. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , when White wins as in position ~3($403638)~}) 14. Ke2 Rb3 {!} 15. Qc7 Kb1 16. Kd2 (16. Qh7 Kb2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 16... Rd3+ {!} 17. Kxd3 c1=Q {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... c2 {!} 3. Qe5+ Kb1 4. Qb8+ Ka1 {!} (4... Ka2 {?} 5. Qxh2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qa7+ Kb1 6. Qb6+ Ka2 {!} (6... Ka1 {?} 7. Qg1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qg1 Kb3 {!} (7... Ka3 {? } 8. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qa1 Rh3+ 9. Ke4 Rh1 10. Qxh1 Kb2 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw. This analysis is perhaps overloaded with variations, but this has been done deliberately, to demonstrate the reliability of Black's defence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3k4/2p5/3r4/4K3/2Q5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {~2All positions with a bishop's pawn on the 4th rank should be evaluated depending on whether the white king is on the long side or the short side of the board.~ White is unable to transpose into familiar winning positions. We will first try to attain Halberstadt's position, by the same way as in example ~3( 3742)~. ~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, this position is won for White.~} 1. Qg5+ Kc6 (1... Kd4 {? %05of course, not} 2. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0] , when the white king crosses to the Q-side, with all the consequences following from this - ~3($403755)~}) 2. Qa5 Rb3 3. Qa1 (3. Kd2 {%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ Kc5 (%00o^ Rd3 (%00o^ Kc5 (%00o^ Kd5 (%00o^ Rd2+ (%00o^ Rb2 (%00o^ Kd4 (%00o^ Kd5 (%00o^ Kd7 (%00o^ Kd6 (%00o^ Rf6 (%00o^ Rf5+ (%00o^ Ke7 (%00o^ Ke6 (%00o^ Kf6 (%00o^ Rh2 (%00o^ Rh6 (%00o^ Kf6 (%00o^ Rh1 (%00o^ Rh3 (%00o^ Kd6 (%00o^ Kd7 (%00o^ Kd8 (%00o^ Kf8 (%00o^ In position ~3($413742)~ the move 3... Kd7 (corresponding to 3...Kd5) was not of independent significance due to 4. Qg7 etc. But here the queen is not able to occupy the 5th rank on the K-side with check, and different paths have to be sought. Qf6 %05^013^010} Rd3+ { ! Qb6 Rb3 ! Qa5+ Kc6 Kd2 ^013^010 White tries to transfer his king to the Q-side before attaining Halberstadt's position, but this plan proves ineffective. Rd3+ %05^013^010} 4. Kc1 Rb3 5. Kc2 Kd6 6. Qf5 Kc6 7. Qe6+ Kc5 8. Qe5+ Kc6 9. Qd4 Kb5 10. Qd5+ Kb4 11. Qc6 {^013^010 White appears to have achieved his aim, but Black, exploiting the fact that it is his turn to move, drives the white king back, after which the drawn position~3($403756)~ is reached.} Rc3+ {%05^013^010} 12. Kd2 {(the king cannot be maintained on the short side of the board)} Rd3+ 13. Ke2 Kc3 {[%eval 0,0]} 14. Z0 (14. Qa4 { %05~5 (RR) The tablebases show mate on move 73:~^013^010 %05^013^010})) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3Q4/2p5/1rk5/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~2Positions with a bishop's pawn on the 3rd rank of type ~3( 3762)~2 will be drawn,)~2 while those of type~ ~3( 3755)~2 will be won for White.~ White to move transposes into a position from example ~3( 3755)~.} 1. Qc4 {!} (1. Qd5 { Black can defend successfully, by exploiting the cramped position of the enemy king $6 %05in the event of} Rb4 {!}) 1... Rb1+ (1... Rb8 {%05Any other rook move along the b-file leads to its loss, e.g.} 2. Qe2+ Kc1 3. Qf1+ Kc2 4. Qg2+ Kb3 (4... Kc1 5. Qg1+ Kc2 6. Qh2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qa2+ Kb4 6. Qb1+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kd2 {%05in the event of} 2. Qe4 Rb3 {White does not play} 3. Ka2 {?} (3. Qd5+ {%05but} Kc2 {, and only now} 4. Ka2 {, which after} Rb2+ 5. Ka3 {[%eval 550,0] leads to the main variation}) 3... c2 {[%eval 0,0] ! - draw}) 2. Ka2 Rb2+ (2... Rd1 {, then %05If} 3. Qe4+ Rd3 (3... Kc1 4. Kb3 { [%eval 550,0]}) (3... Kd2 {%05or} 4. Kb3 Rc1 5. Kc4 Rc2 6. Qd4+ Kc1 7. Kb3 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qf5 {!} Kd2 5. Qf2+ Kc1 (5... Kd1 6. Kb1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qe1+ Kc2 7. Ka3 Rd4 8. Qe2+ Rd2 9. Qe4+ Rd3 10. Kb4 Kd2 11. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Ka3 Kd2 (3... Kb1 {%05Or} 4. Qf1+ Kc2 5. Qe2+ Kc1 6. Qd3 Rc2 7. Qd4 Kb1 8. Qd1+ Rc1 9. Qb3+ Ka1 10. Qa2#) (3... Rb1 {White wins by %05on} 4. Qe4+ Kc1 5. Qe2 Rb2 6. Qd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins as in example ~3($403755)~..} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3Q4/2p5/1rk5/K7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Kb3 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and then in the course of play he drives the enemy^013^010 king to the opposite wing by checks along the 2nd rank,^013^010 attaining position ~3($413762)~.^013^010 ^013^010 %05If it is Black to move, he gains a draw by improving the^013^010 %05position of his king:} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gutman Lev (GER)"] [Black "Holtz"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/k1p1K3/3r4/8/4Q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] {Armed with our knowledge of the basic positions of this type of ending, we can now turn to an analysis of virtually the most difficult position. (win or draw?) The analysis of almost every ending begins with a search for paths leading to positions where the result is already known. In other words, the task is to transform an untypical position into a typical one. The configuration on the board resembles example ~3( 3762)~. It would be sufficient for Black to play 1...Kb3, when a position assessed by theory as drawn would be reached. But it is White to move, and he tries to prevent this. %212045826630=4HLJ1065 %212045826630=4HLJ1069 %212045826630=4HLJ1083 %212045826630=4HLJ1091 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1. Qb1 Rb3 {? ~5(RR) According to the Nalimov tablebases, other^013^010 ~5 moves also fail to save the game: ~^013^010 ^013^010 We will endeavour to demonstrate by specific variations^013^010 that this move is wrong. But it is not just a matter of^013^010 variations, which would be difficult to take account of^013^010 even in adjournment analysis, but rather of general^013^010 considerations. Until the king is united with the pawn, the^013^010 rook should not voluntarily leave the d-file, unless this^013^010 should inevitably lead to a familiar drawn position.^013^010 ^013^010} (1... Ka5 {, which after %05Instead of 1...Rb3? Black should have continued} 2. Qb7 Ka4 3. Qb6 $18 {leads to position ~3($403766)~.}) 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1Q6/8/k1p1K3/3r4/8/8 b - - 0 3"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {Black appears to be in zugzwang, but he finds a precise way to draw. ~5 (RR) The tablebases state that White wins in any case.~} 3... Ka3 {!} (3... Rd2 4. Ke3 Rd3+ 5. Ke2 {~3($403767)~.}) 4. Qb5 Rc3 {! (Black is aiming for the drawn position ~3($413745) (*)~ %04).} 5. Kd4 {?} (5. Qb1 {[%eval 550,0] ! %00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ (%00o^ Rc1 ( 5.. .Rc2 (? Qb1 Rb2 Qc1}) {Ke3} 5... Rc2 {!} (5... Ka2 {[%eval 550,0] ? loses to %05 The rook occupies the main defensive line at the very moment when the white king has moved away from the pawn, and threatens to break through to the rear. Kd2}) 6. Qb1 Rb2 7. Qa1+ (7. Qd1 {, then %05If} c3 8. Qa1+ {Qd6+ %05or Kb3 Qc5 Rd2 Qb5+ Kc2 +0.00 - ~3($413762)~.} Kb4 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 7... Kb3 { Kd4 Rd2+} 8. Kc5 Ra2 9. Qb1+ Rb2 10. Qd1+ Rc2 11. Kd4 Kb2 12. Ke3 Kb3 {!} ( 12... Rc1 {? %05but not} 13. Qd4+ Kb1 14. Qb6+ Ka2 15. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Qa1 Ra2 14. Qb1+ Rb2 15. Qd1+ Rc2 16. Kd4 Kb2 {[%eval 0,0] , and White has attained Frink's position ~3($413745) (*)~..^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1Q6/8/k1p5/3r4/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "38"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {This position differs from the previous one only in the placing of the white king, but this seemingly insignificant difference has an important effect on the evaluation. The king gains the opportunity to join more actively in the play, and Black loses in all variations. The methods of attack and defence are highly instructive.} 1... Rb3 (1... Ka3 {(which saved Black in the previous position) due to %05We can immediately reject} 2. Qb5 Rb3 (2... Rc3 3. Kd2 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qc5+ (3. Qxc4 {? %05but not} Rb2+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw as in position ~3($413603)~}) 3... Rb4 4. Kd2 Kb3 (4... Ka4 5. Kc2 { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qe5 Ra4 6. Qc3+ Ka2 7. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qc5 Rb2+ ( 2... Rc3 {%05or} 3. Kd2 Rd3+ 4. Kc2 Rc3+ {(stalemating ideas are very typical in positions with a bishop's pawn)} 5. Kb2 Rb3+ 6. Ka2 Rc3 (6... Rb4 7. Qd5 c3 8. Qc6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qc6+ {%05, and White wins by a typical queen manoeuvre:} Ka5 8. Qd5+ Ka4 9. Qd7+ Ka5 {(b4)} 10. Qd2 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 3. Kd1 {!} Kb3 4. Qb5+ Kc3 (4... Ka3 5. Qe5 Kb3 6. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 5. Qe5+ Kb3 6. Kc1 Rc2+ 7. Kb1 Rd2 8. Qb5+ Kc3 9. Qa5+ {!} Kd3 10. Qe5 {!} Rd1+ (10... c3 11. Qd5+ Ke3 12. Qc4 c2+ 13. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0] -~3 ($403638)~}) (10... Re2 {%05or} 11. Qd5+ Kc3 12. Qf3+ Kd2 13. Kb2 Re3 14. Qg2+ Re2 15. Qd5+ Ke1+ 16. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kb2 Rd2+ 12. Ka3 c3 (12... Rc2 13. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (12... Kc2 {%05or} 13. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Qd5+ Kc2 (13... Ke2 14. Qe4+ Kd1 15. Kb3 c2 16. Qh1+ Ke2 17. Kc3 Ke3 18. Qh6+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (13... Ke3 {%05or} 14. Qc4 Rd3 15. Kb3 Kd2 16. Qf4+ Kd1 17. Qf1+ Kd2 18. Qf2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Qe4+ Rd3 15. Kb4 Kd2 16. Kc4 Re3 17. Qg2+ Kd1 18. Qg1+ Kd2 19. Qf2+ Re2 20. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White finally wins the pawn.^013^010 ^013^010 Let us return to position ~3($403765)~. After 1.Qb1^013^010 Rb3? White played 2.Qg1. This move too must be^013^010 criticized, since, as we will see later, it throws away the^013^010 win. ^013^010 ^013^010 Let us try playing 2.Qa1 ~3($403768)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/k1p1K3/1r6/8/Q7 b - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {(win or draw?) The point of this move is, if only for an instant, not to allow the rook to return to the d-file, and to exploit the tempo gained for the white king to cross the Rubicon. The main variations are:} 2... Ra3 { (hoping to regain the lost time after the queen moves)} (2... Kb4 {! (regarding 2...Kb5, cf. the game continuation) %05or} 3. Kd5 Kb5 {! (the best defence; Black again threatens to drive back the enemy king)} 4. Kd6 Rd3+ (4... c3 {?} 5. Kd5 c2 6. Qf1+ {!} (6. Qc1 {? %05but not} Rd3+ {!} 7. Ke4 Rc3 8. Qb2+ Kc4 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 6... Ka5 7. Qc4 Rd3+ 8. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kc7 c3 {^013^010 As a result White has nevertheless failed to gain a tempo, since (in comparison with the previous variation) his king is a step further away from the pawn. But the poor placing of the black pieces compensates to some extent for this loss.} 6. Qb1+ {%05^013^010} Kc4 7. Kc6 {~3($403759) ~^013^010 ~5 ( RR) Position 3759 is drawn, but Black fails to reach it. According to the tablebases, White wins as follows:~} Rd2 {%00o^ Kd3 (%00o^ Rf2 (%00o^ Kd3 (%00o^ Rg2 (%00o^ Rf2 (%00o^ Kg4 (%00o^ Rf4+ (%00o^ Kf4 (%00o^ Kf5 (%00o^ Rg3+ (%00o^ Kg6 (%00o^ Rg6 (%00o^ Rf6 (%00o^ Kf7 (%00o^ Rg7 (%00o^ Ke8 (%00o^ Rh7 (%00o^ Kf7 (%00o^ Rh2 (%00o^ Ke6 (%00o^ Ke6 (%00o^ Ke8 (%00o^ Kg8 (%00o^ ((a further attack, and the tempo gained is retained) Kb4} ({c3} 7... Kd4 {Kb4} 8. Qf1 {Rb3 Qa6 Ra3 Qb6+ Ka4} Kc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) ({Kd5 Rd3+ Rc3 Qe1 Kb3 Qb1+ Ka3} 7... Kd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) ({Kc6 ^013^010 Now two branches are possible:^013^010 %04(a) Rh3 c3 %05(b) Qb1+ Kc4 Qb5+} 7... Kd4 { Qc5+ Ke4} 8. Kb6 {! (the same zugzwang position as in the previous variation, but on the other side of the board) Kf3 Kb5 Ke2 Kb4 Kd2 Qf2+ Kd1} {Re3 Qc4+} Kc4 {[%eval 550,0] Rd2 Qf3+ +5.50 %04etc.}) {Qb1+ Rb3 Kc3 Kb5} 8. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0] c3 Qe7+ Ka4 Qa7+} {Ka3 Kc5} Kb4 {[%eval 550,0] Qc5+ Ka4 Kd6 ! Ra3 Qc4+ Ka5 Kc5 +5.50 (zugzwang)^013^010 ^013^010}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K5/8/2k5/2pr4/8/1Q6 b - - 0 7"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {(win or draw?) The result depends on each move. The position demands a thorough analysis.} 7... Rd2 {%05(a)} (7... Kd4 {allows the enemy king to approach:} 8. Kb5 Rd2 (8... Ke3 9. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qb4+ Kd3 10. Qc4+ Kc2 11. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0] This means that the rook must be moved. But where to? Its mobility is seriously restricted.^013^010 We will first show two pretty mates}) (7... Rd4 8. Qb5#) (7... Re3 {%05and} 8. Qb5+ Kd4 9. Qd5#) (7... Rd8 {does not work due to %05Note also that} 8. Qb5+ Kd4 9. Qb6+ {[%eval 550,0] }) (7... Rh3 {%05while after} 8. Qf1+ Rd3 (8... Kb3 9. Qxh3 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black cannot advance his pawn due to the pin}) 9. Qe2 Kd4 10. Kb5 {[%eval 550,0] the white king approaches the pawn unhindered}) (7... Rf3 8. Qe4+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (7... Rg3 8. Qb5+ Kd4 9. Qd5+ {? ~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, this move misses a win.~} (9. Qa4+ {! ^013^010} Ke3 (9... Kd3 { %05or} 10. Qd1+ Ke4 11. Kc5 Rg5+ 12. Kb4 Rg3 13. Kc4 Rf3 14. Qe2+ Kf4 15. Kd4 Kg3 16. Qe6 Kh4 17. Qg6 Kh3 18. Qh5+ Kg3 19. Ke4 Rf1 20. Kd3 Rf3+ 21. Ke2 Rf2+ 22. Ke3 $18 {~5 Nalimov tablebases~}) 10. Qc2 Kd4 11. Kb5 Rd3 12. Qb3 Re3 13. Qc4+ Ke5 14. Kc5 Kf5 15. Qf7+ Kg5 16. Kd4 c2 17. Qg8+ Kh4 18. Qc4 $18 {~5 Nalimov tablebases~}) 9... Ke3 10. Qd1 {! ~3($403770)~. %05The most unpleasant move for Black is} (10. Qe5+ {%05white could win the rook:} Kd2 {!} 11. Qxg3 c2 {[%eval 0,0] the remoteness of his king tells, and Black gains a draw. %05, but after})) 8. Qb5+ Kd4 9. Qc5+ Kd3 10. Kb5 Rb2+ (10... c2 11. Kb4 Ke2 12. Kb3 Kd1 13. Qg1+ Ke2 14. Kb2 Kd3 15. Qg3+ Ke4 16. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0]}) (10... Rd1 11. Qf5+ Kd2 12. Kc4 c2 13. Qf2+ Kc1 14. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Ka4 Kd2 ( 11... c2 12. Qa3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qd4+ Kc2 13. Qe4+ Kd2 14. Ka3 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2K5/8/8/2p1k1r1/8/3Q4 b - - 0 10"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {(win or draw?)} 10... Rg8 (10... Rg4 {%05 Here the queen occupies an ideal position, placing the maximum restriction on the mobility of all three enemy pieces, which is revealed in the variation} 11. Qxg4 c2 12. Qg5+ {[%eval 550,0] }) (10... Rg5 {%05or} 11. Qc1+ Kd3 12. Qxg5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the c1 square is still under its control}) (10... Rg2 {suggests itself, but this move fails to save Black:} 11. Kc5 c2 (11... Rd2 12. Qb3 Kd3 13. Qc4+ Kc2 14. Kb4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qe1+ Re2 (12... Kd3 13. Kb4 Rg4+ 14. Kb3 Rc4 15. Qg3+ Kd2 16. Qg5+ Kd3 17. Qd5+ Rd4 18. Qf3+ Kd2 19. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Qc3+ Kf4 14. Kd5 {!} (14. Kc4 Re4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 14... Rf2 15. Kd4 Re2 16. Qb2 Kf3 17. Qc1 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins ~3($403638)~.}) 11. Kb5 (11. Qb3 {%05If} Kd2 12. Qd5+ Kc1 {!} 13. Qxg8 c2 {[%eval 0,0] - draw}) (11. Qc2 {is also unpromising: %05while} Rc8+ 12. Kb5 (12. Kb7 {(d7) , it is not able to drive the rook off the c-file: %05If the king heads in the opposite direction $6} Rc5 {, and after} 13. Qc1+ Ke2 {[%eval 550,0] the queen must again return to the blockading square}) 12... Rb8+ 13. Ka4 Ra8+ 14. Kb3 Rb8+ {, and the king cannot go round the pawn via a2 due to 15...Rb2.}) 11... Rc8 (11... Rb8+ { ? %05Things are easy for White after} 12. Ka4 Rc8 {, which brings the king closer to the pawn and leads to a quick win:} 13. Qd7 Rc4+ (13... Rc5 14. Kb4 c2 15. Qe7+ Kd2 16. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0] !}) 14. Kb3 c2 15. Qe6+ Kd2 16. Qd5+ { [%eval 550,0] !}) 12. Qd7 Rb8+ 13. Kc4 c2 {= ~3($413771)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/3Q4/8/8/2K5/4k3/2p5/8 w - - 0 14"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {(win or draw?) In this amazing position, where Black's forces are apparently scattered and subjected to constant attacks, they display exceptional vitality and ideal coordination. White has several active plans. He can try to win the pawn with check, or, again with check, occupy one of the squares on the c-file and then play his king to the d-file, or, finally, he can control c1 with a check from the 1st rank (or from the c1-h6 diagonal), then move his king to force the rook to go to c8, and begin pursuing it. But each of these attempts is parried by subtle manoeuvring with the king. The threats of queening the pawn and checking with the rook at c8 restrict White's actions.} 14. Qd3+ (14. Qd4+ {%05After} Ke2 15. Qd3+ {a draw is inevitable:} Ke1 16. Qc3+ Kd1 {[%eval 0,0] etc. The king must not be allowed either onto the 2nd, or the 1st rank, but must be driven as far away from the pawn as possible.}) 14... Kf4 15. Qd4+ {!} (15. Qf1+ {%05If} Ke3 16. Qe1+ (16. Qc1+ {%05after} Kf3 {[%eval 0,0] the white king cannot advantageously move off the c-file, since it comes under attack by the rook from the rear}) 16... Kf3 {!} (16... Kf4 {? %05not} 17. Kd3 Rc8 18. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White soon picks up the rook}) 17. Kd3 { , then Black is saved by tactics:} c1=Q {!} 18. Qxc1 Rd8+ 19. Kc2 Rc8+ { [%eval 0,0] , winning the queen.}) 15... Kf5 (15... Kf3 {%05The king cannot return to the 3rd rank:} 16. Qc3+ Kf4 (16... Ke2 17. Qxc2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) ( 16... Ke4 {%05or} 17. Qxc2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 17. Kd5 (17. Kd3 Rb3 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 17... Rd8+ 18. Ke6 Re8+ 19. Kd7 {!} Re2 20. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 16. Qf2+ (16. Qc5+ Ke4 {! , when the white king cannot move off the c-file. It is on this idea that Black's entire defence is based: as soon as the queen occupies c5, the king goes to e4, taking the opposition. %05does not succeed due to}) 16... Kg4 {!! ^013^010 By this unexpected move Black maintains the balance, although his small army is scattered over the entire board.} (16... Ke4 {%05Black cannot play} 17. Qxc2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (16... Kg5 {%05or} 17. Qc5+ {and 18.Kd3$18}) (16... Ke5 {, then %05if he goes to the aid of his rook, to secure the c8 square} 17. Qe3+ Kd6 18. Qd4+ Kc7 19. Qc5+ { , and now the study-like play is enriched by two echo-mates:} Kb7 (19... Kd8 { %05or} 20. Qd6+ Kc8 21. Qc6+ Kd8 22. Kd5 Rb5+ 23. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 20. Kb5 {!} Rc8 21. Qb6+ Ka8 22. Ka6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 17. Qg1+ Kf5 {!} (17... Kf4 { is bad due to} 18. Kd3 Rc8 19. Qe3+ Kf5 {(g4)} 20. Qh3+ {(e6)}) 18. Kd4 Rc8 ( 18... Rd8+ {? %05Not} 19. Ke3 {, and in all cases White wins the rook or the pawn:} Re8+ (19... Rc8 20. Qf1+ Ke5 (20... Ke6 21. Qa6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (20... Kg6 21. Qa6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 21. Qf4+ Kd5 {(e6)} 22. Qf5+ {(g4)}) 20. Kf3 Re5 (20... Rc8 21. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 21. Qg4+ Kf6 22. Qc4 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 But now Black successfully avoids double attacks.}) 19. Qf1+ (19. Qf2+ Ke6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 19... Kg5 {!} (19... Kg4 {?} 20. Qe2+ Kg3 21. Qe5+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 20. Qc1+ (20. Qb5+ {?? %05If} Kh4 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black even wins}) (20. Qg2+ {%05while after} Kf6 {the king succeeds in defending the rook:} 21. Qf3+ Ke7 22. Qb7+ Kd8 {[%eval 0,0]}) 20... Kf5 {! ^013^010 The king manoeuvres so that, depending on circumstances, it can support either the rook or the pawn.} 21. Kd5 {%05^013^010} (21. Kd3 Ke6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 21... Rd8+ 22. Kc6 Rc8+ 23. Kb7 (23. Kd6 Ke4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 23... Rc3 {!} 24. Kb6 Ke4 $40 { [%eval 0,0] . Draw. Couldn't White have won in the slightly modified position which would have arisen from position ~3( 3770)~ after 10...Rg8 11.Kb5 Rc8 12. Kb4 (instead of 12.Qd7) 12...c2? ~3( 3772)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2r5/8/8/8/1K6/4k3/2p5/3Q4 w - - 0 13"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {(win or draw?)} 13. Qg1+ (13. Qc1+ {%05Since} Ke2 {leads to a position where the queen is eternally tied to the blockading square, and the king to the a- and b-files White's only chance is to try and pick up the rook with a double attack.}) 13... Kf3 {!} (13... Kd2 {%05All other moves lose:} 14. Qg5+ Ke1 ( 14... Kd1 15. Qg4+ Kd2 16. Qd7+ {[%eval 550,0] ! - the leitmotif of White's play}) 15. Qe7+ Kf2 16. Qf6+ Kg3 17. Qg5+ Kh2 18. Qh4+ Kg1 19. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0] . Black has to retreat his king towards his rook, without allowing a double attack.}) 14. Qf1+ (14. Qh1+ Kg3 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 14... Ke4 {!} (14... Kg4 {?} 15. Qg2+ Kf4 16. Qh2+ Ke4 17. Qh7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) 15. Qg2+ {(h1)} Ke5 {!} 16. Qg3+ {(h2)} Kd5 {!} 17. Qd3+ Ke5 {!} 18. Qe3+ (18. Qg3+ Kd5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 18... Kd6 19. Qd3+ Ke7 {[%eval 0,0] , and White has to agree to perpetual check.^013^010 ^013^010 Thus positions ~3($413766)- ($413772)~ must be drawn.^013^010 There is logic in this: the tempo which White gained in^013^010 position ~3($413768)~ was subsequently lost, since his king was^013^010 one square further away from the centre of events.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/k1p1K3/3r4/8/4Q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1. Qb1 $6 {%05But can't this tempo be retained?^013^010 %05It turns out that it can. For this we must return to the %05game ~3($403765)~, and, after repeating its beginning} Rb3 {, make the best move, which wins that tempo that White has been lacking:} 2. Qd1 {!! ~5((RR) The tablebases show that some other moves are also sufficient for a win, for example 2.Qc1)~^013^010 Not only the pin, but also the possibility of the queen^013^010 penetrating with check into the enemy rear (which it^013^010 was deprived of in position ~3 ($403768)~ allows White^013^010 subsequently to establish his king at c6, and not at c7,^013^010 as in the previous position.^013^010 Only one continuation, differing from the variations^013^010 analysed earlier, is worth considering.} Kb4 {(a move which saved Black in position ~3($413768)~) %05^013^010} 3. Qd6+ { ! (but this check brings White victory)} Kc3 (3... Kb5 {%05after} 4. Qe5+ Kb4 5. Qd5 {a position from the game is reached; it is considered below}) 4. Kd5 {! } Rb5+ {(otherwise 5.Ke5)} 5. Kc6 Ra5 {^013^010 Now White must drive the rook off the 5th rank and ensure the approach of his king to the pawn.} 6. Kb6 { %05^013^010} Rh5 7. Qd1 {!} Rf5 (7... Rh7 {%05The attempt to prepare an attack from the rear is prevented by double attacks:} 8. Qa1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Rh8 {%05or} 8. Qa1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qc1+ Kd4 9. Qd2+ Ke4 10. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 Thus this ending was solved 'simply', without any brilliance. On the other hand, its analysis enabled us to eliminate several blank spots in theory.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gutman Lev (GER)"] [Black "Holtz"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/k1p1K3/3r4/8/4Q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] 1. Qb1 {%05Now let us again return to position ~3($403765)~, and %05repeat the initial moves:} Rb3 2. Qg1 Kb5 {%05^013^010 %05Black replied} (2... Rd3 { %05we already know that he could have drawn by} 3. Qb6 Rd2 (3... Ka3 4. Qa5+ { %00o^ Kc3 (%00o^ Kc2 (%00o^ Kb3 (%00o^ Rh3 (%00o^ Rd5 (%00o^ Kd4 (%00o^ Rb1+ (%00o^ Rc3+ (%00o^ Rd1+ (%00o^ Kd5 (%00o^ Rd2+ (%00o^ Rb2 (%00o^ Kd4 (%00o^ Kd5 (%00o^ Kd7 (%00o^ Kd6 (%00o^ Rf6 (%00o^ Rf5+ (%00o^ Ke7 (%00o^ Ke6 (%00o^ Kf6 (%00o^ Rh2 (%00o^ Rh6 (%00o^ Kf6 (%00o^ Rh1 (%00o^ Rh3 (%00o^ Kd6 (%00o^ Kd7 (%00o^ Kd8 (%00o^ Kf8 (%00o^ Kb3 (%00o^ Kc2 (%00o^ Kb3 (%00o^ Rh3 (%00o^ Rd5 (%00o^ Kd4 (%00o^ Rb1+ (%00o^ Rc3+ (%00o^ Rd1+ (%00o^ Kd5 (%00o^ Rd2+ (%00o^ Rb2 (%00o^ Kd4 (%00o^ Kd5 (%00o^ Kd7 (%00o^ Kd6 (%00o^ Rf6 (%00o^ Rf5+ (%00o^ Ke7 (%00o^ Ke6 (%00o^ Kf6 (%00o^ Rh2 (%00o^ Rh6 (%00o^ Kf6 (%00o^ Rh1 (%00o^ Rh3 (%00o^ Kd6 (%00o^ Kd7 (%00o^ Kd8 (%00o^ Kf8 (%00o^ favourable circumstances.^013^010 %05 Kb4 Kd5 Rd3+ Kc6} {c3 Qe7+} Kb3 {[%eval 550,0]} { c3 Qb5+ Rc3 %05or Qb5+ Ka3 Qb1 +5.50} 5. Qb5+ {[%eval 550,0]} Kc2 {Kc5 c3 Kb4 ! (the king penetrates to the short side of the board, which is almost always decisive in such positions) Rd4+ Ka3 Rd2} 6. Qf5 Kc1 7. Qe5 Kc2 {Qe4+ Kc1 Kb3 c2 Qe1+ Rd1} 8. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.^013^010 ^013^010 Thus 15 moves of an apparently simple ending demanded a knowledge of a large number of typical positions and technical procedures, as well as ... many hours of analytical work.})) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1777.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Philidor Francois A D (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/3pk3/4r3/5K2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1777.??.??"] {~12.35 Pawn on its initial square~ Positions with a pawn on its initial square must be considered separately. They contain as many subtleties as all the other endings of this type. We will begin with central pawns. Black has set up a fortress. The rear square d8 is inaccessible to the queen, and the black king cannot be forced to occupy the square in front of the pawn, nor can the pawn be forced to move. The rook manoeuvres between the two strong points, c6 and e6, not allowing the white king across the 6th rank. In certain situations even the breakthrough of the king is not dangerous.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/1K1pk3/4r3/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1. Qg7+ {%05The attempt to approach the pawn by 1.Kc7(c8) is parried by a check at c6.} Ke8 (1... Kd8 {? %05Black does not reply} 2. Qf8+ Re8 3. Qf6+ Re7 4. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kd6 {? %05or} 2. Qf8+ Re7 3. Kc8 Ke6 4. Kd8 Rf7 5. Qh6+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Qg5 Rc6 {[%eval 0,0] , maintaining his defensive lines.^013^010 ^013^010 If the white pieces change wings, the assessment changes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/3pk1K1/4r3/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Rc6 {%05The mate threat allows the queen to seize d8:} (1... Rd6 2. Qb4 Ke6 3. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qf8+ Ke6 3. Qf6+ Kd5 4. Qd8 Kd6 5. Kf7 Rc5 6. Qb6+ Rc6 7. Qb8+ Kd5 8. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] and the white king has broken through to the pawn.^013^010 ^013^010 An analogous situation arises in the following position, where the queen cuts the king off from the left flank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/3p2K1/4r3/8/7Q/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Re7+ {%05The queen is threatening to penetrate to the rear via h8:} 2. Kg8 Re6 (2... Re5 3. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qg3 {!} Ke7 (3... Rb6 4. Qe5+ Kd8 5. Qa5 Kc7 6. Kf7 Kc6 7. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kg7 Rc6 (4... Re4 5. Qf3 { [%eval 550,0]}) (4... Re2 {%05or} 5. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qe5+ Kd8 (5... Re6 6. Qb8 {[%eval 550,0] -~3($403777)~}) 6. Qb8+ Rc8 7. Qb6+ Ke8 (7... Rc7 8. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/3p4/3kr3/5K2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {~2The occupation by the queen of the d8 ~2square normally sets the defender~ ~2insoluble problems.~ Henkin, 1962 and 1981 White's problem is either to break through to the pawn with his king, or to force its advance. Black tries to prevent this plan, aiming to attain the drawn positions ~3( 3775) or ~3( 3776)~. If it is Black to move he is in zugzwang, and is forced to allow the enemy king across the 6th rank.} 1... Re5+ (1... Kc6 {is no better:} 2. Qb8 { (positions of this type are the most unpleasant for the defender, since the king deprives the rook of one of its strong points)} Rd6 (2... Rh6 3. Qc8+ {!}) 3. Qc8+ Kd5 4. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Re1 {%05while any other rook moves along the e-file lead to its loss, e.g.} 2. Qb6+ Ke7 3. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) ( 1... Re2 {%05or} 2. Qb6+ Ke7 3. Qf6+ Ke8 4. Qh8+ Ke7 5. Qh4+ Kd6 6. Qb4+ Kc7 { (d5)} 7. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0] (b5)}) 2. Kf6 Re6+ (2... Rb5 3. Qc8 {[%eval 550,0] }) 3. Kf7 Re5 4. Qb6+ Kd5 5. Qc7 d6 {[%eval 550,0] play reverts to position ~3 ($413708)~. %05, and after} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/3p4/3kr3/5K2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Henkin, 1962 and 1981 If White begins, he is not able to give Black the move. If the queen moves from d8 the king immediately occupies one of the squares c7 or e7, with a sure draw. But even so White succeeds in destroying the coordination of the enemy pieces, by consistently creating or threatening to create a zugzwang position. The following play is the key to understanding positions of this type. We will examine it in detail.} 1. Kg5 Re2 2. Kf4 (2. Qb6+ {%05 The only square available to the rook. In the previous variation it came under a double attack here, but with the king at g5 (or f4) it avoids this:} Ke7 3. Qf6+ Ke8 4. Qh8+ Ke7 {[%eval 0,0] , and the queen is not able to give a winning check at h4.}) 2... Rf2+ (2... Re6 {%05The rook has to move off the e-file, since} 3. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] leads to zugzwang (cf. the initial position)}) (2... Re1 {%05and} 3. Qb6+ {[%eval 550,0] to the loss of the rook.} ) 3. Ke3 Rc2 4. Kd3 Z0 (4... Ra2 {%05It is fatal now for the rook to continue its wanderings:} 5. Qb6+ Ke7 6. Qb4+ Kd8 7. Qh4+ Ke8 {(the c-file is inaccessible to the king due to 8.Qc4)} 8. Qf6 {! (stalemating the king and not allowing the rook onto the 6th rank)} Ra5 (8... Rg2 {%05the rook cannot be maintained in White's rear:} 9. Qh8+ Ke7 10. Qh4+ Kd6 11. Qf4+ Kc6 12. Qe4+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kc4 {!} Ra2 (9... Ra7 10. Qe5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Kb5 { ! (threatening to break through to the rear)} Re2 11. Qh8+ Ke7 12. Qh4+ Kd6 13. Qb4+ $18 {, followed by 14.Qc4 or 14.Qe7}) (4... Rc6 {%05Returning the rook to the protection of the pawn also does not ease things for Black, since after} 5. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0] ! ~3($403781)~ he is in zugzwang.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/3p4/2rk4/8/3K4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Rc2 (1... Rc1 2. Qf6+ Kc7 3. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qa5 {! , and Black does not have a single reasonable move.} Rc1 {%05We will work through all the possibilities, since they will facilitate our subsequent analysis:} (2... Rc6 3. Qe5#) (2... Rc7 3. Qd5+ Ke7 4. Qe5+ Kd8 5. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) (2... Rc8 3. Qe5+ Kc6 4. Qc5+ Kb7 5. Qd6 Rc7 6. Kd5 Kb8 7. Qe5 Kc8 8. Qe8+ Kb7 9. Qd8 { [%eval 550,0]}) (2... Rb2 3. Qa3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Re2 3. Qa6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Rg2 3. Qd5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Rh2 3. Qd5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Kc6 3. Qa4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Ke7 3. Qg5+ Kd6 {(e8)} (3... Kf7 { %05or} 4. Qf5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qg6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Rf2 3. Qc5+ Ke6 4. Qd5+ Ke7 (4... Kf6 5. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qg5+ Kf7 (5... Kd6 6. Qg3+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (5... Ke8 {%05or} 6. Qe3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qh5+ Kf8 (6... Ke7 7. Qh4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Ke6 {%05or} 7. Qh3+ Kd6 8. Qg3+ {[%eval 550, 0]}) 7. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 3. Qa3+ {[%eval 550,0] We will return to the main variation and make the most tenacious move for Black : 4. .. .Rc5 ~3( 3786)~. The rook has occupied a new defensive line, and evicting it from the 5th rank, without at the same time allowing it onto the strong points c6 or e6, is far from easy. We will show the zugzwang position for which White is aiming.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/4k3/4r3/2KQ4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Rf5 {%05 On the 5th rank there are three squares available to the rook, but in occupying them it drags the king after it, diverting it from the defence of the pawn. White's combined attack disorganizes the defence:} (1... Rh5 2. Qg4+ Rf5 3. Kd4 Kf6 4. Qh3 Rf4+ 5. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] , with the same result}) (1... Rg5 2. Qb6+ {!} (2. Qe3+ Re5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Ke7 (2... Kf7 3. Qd8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qe3+ Kf6 4. Qf4+ Rf5 5. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his pawn.}) 2. Qg4 {!} Kf6 3. Kd4 Rf1 4. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] , winning the rook or the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/4k3/4r3/2K2Q2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Ra5 {, on which there follows %051...Rf5 and 1...Rh5 are considered in the previous position. There remains} 2. Qh6+ {!} Ke7 (2... Kf7 3. Qd2 {!} Ra7 4. Qf2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qe3+ Kf7 (3... Kd6 4. Qb6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Kd8 {%05or} 4. Qb6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qf2+ Ke7 {(e8)} 5. Qe1+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/3p4/4k3/4r3/2K5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Re4+ {%05If the queen is placed at f8, this too will be a zugzwang position; the only additional variation is} 2. Kc5 Re5+ 3. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king breaks through to the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/3p4/4k3/4r3/2K5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Re4+ {%05But with the queen at b8, after} 2. Kc5 {(?) ~5 ((RR) The question mark was put by Henkin) ~} Ke7 {! Black gains a draw, since he cannot be prevented from^013^010 playing his rook to e6, e.g. (Henkin).^013^010 ~5 (RR) Nevertheless, White wins by~} 3. Qd6+ Kd8 4. Qf6+ Kc7 (4... Ke8 5. Qg6+ $18) (4... Kc8 5. Qa6+ Kb8 (5... Kc7 6. Qa7+ Kc8 7. Qa8+ $18) 6. Qd3 $18) 5. Qb6+ Kc8 6. Qa6+ Kb8 7. Qd3 $18 {^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/3p4/3k4/2r5/8/3K4/8/8 w - - 0 5"] [PlyCount "21"] 5. Qf8+ Kc6 6. Kd4 Rd5+ (6... Rb5 {%05The rook does not have a better square:} 7. Qc8+ Kd6 8. Qa6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Ra5 {%05or} 7. Qf3+ Kd6 (7... Kb6 8. Qb3+ Rb5 9. Qf7 Kc6 10. Qc4+ Kb6 11. Qc8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qg3+ {!} Kc6 (8... Ke7 9. Qe1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (8... Ke6 9. Qe1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qc3+ Kb6 10. Qb4+ Rb5 11. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kc4 Ra5 (7... Re5 {%05Now, when the white king has blocked the c-file, this move is possible. On the contrary, after} 8. Qf3+ Kd6 (8... Kb6 9. Qf6+ Re6 10. Qd8+ Kc6 11. Qc8+ Kd6 12. Qc5#) 9. Qf4 Ke6 10. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0] ! the zugzwang position ~3($403782)~ is reached. }) 8. Qc8+ Kd6 9. Kb4 {^013^010 So that Black should not be able to regroup, White all the time attacks the rook or keeps it in his sights. Now the rook has several free squares on the 5th rank, but on not one of them will it feel safe.^013^010 We will confirm this with concrete variations: %08DA} Rd5 { %05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} (9... Rf5 10. Qc2 {!} Re5 ( 10... Rd5 11. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (10... Rf6 11. Qc5+ Ke6 12. Qc4+ Kd6 13. Qd4+ Ke6 14. Qh4 {!} Rf8 (14... Rf5 15. Qh3 Kf6 16. Kc4 Ke6 17. Qg4 Kf6 18. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0] - zugzwang}) 15. Kc5 Rc8+ 16. Kb6 Rc6+ 17. Kb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qh2 Ke6 12. Kc4 Kf6 13. Qf4+ Ke6 14. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0] - zugzwang ~3 ($403783)~}) (9... Rh5 10. Qc2 {!! ^013^010 A very difficult move, emphasizing the vulnerability of the rook. We will consider only two branches, since 10... Rd5 11.Qe4 or 10...Re5 11.Qh2 leads to familiar positions.} Rh8 (10... Rh3 11. Qc5+ Ke6 12. Kb5 {!} Rb3+ 13. Ka6 Rb8 14. Ka7 {[%eval 550,0] , and any move of the rook along the b-file leads to its loss, while any move along the 8th rank allows the king to break through to the pawn}) (10... Rh4+ 11. Kb5 Rg4 (11... Rd4 12. Qc5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (11... Ke7 12. Qc5+ Ke6 13. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qd1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qc5+ Ke6 12. Qc4+ Ke7 13. Qe4+ Kf7 14. Qf5+ { [%eval 550,0] , winning the rook or the pawn}) (9... Rg5 10. Qf8+ {[%eval 550, 0]}) 10. Qg8 {!} Rd4+ (10... Rd2 11. Qg3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (10... Rd1 11. Qg3+ Ke7 12. Qh4+ Kd6 13. Qh2+ {[%eval 550,0] !}) (10... Re5 11. Qg3 (11. Qb8+ { %05or} Ke6 12. Kc4 Re4+ 13. Kc5 $18 {~3($403785)~}) 11... Ke6 12. Kc4 Ra5 13. Qe1+ Re5 14. Qh4 {!} Kd6 (14... Kf7 15. Qf4+ Ke6 16. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0] - ~3 ($403782)~}) 15. Qg3 Ke6 16. Qf4 {[%eval 550,0] - zugzwang position ~3($403783) ~}) (10... Kc6 11. Qg2 Kd6 12. Qe4 Re5 13. Qf4 Kd5 (13... Ke6 14. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kb5 Re6 15. Qd2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kb5 Re4 (11... Kc7 {, then %05If} 12. Qg3+ Kb7 (12... Kd8 13. Qg5+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning the rook}) 13. Qf3+ Kb8 14. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] , and on any square the rook comes under a double attack.}) 12. Qg3+ Ke7 13. Qg5+ Kd6 (13... Ke6 14. Qg6+ Kd5 (14... Ke5 { %05or} 15. Qe8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qf5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Qc5+ Ke6 15. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king breaks through to the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/3p4/2k1r3/5K2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {~2As we have already remarked, the most unpleasant positions for the defender are those where his king deprives his own rook of one of its strong points, and at the same time the queen restricts to the maximum extent the mobility of the king.~} 1... Rd6 {%05With Black to move:} 2. Qc8+ Kb6 (2... Kd5 3. Qc7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Ke5 Rd1 4. Qc3 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/3p4/2k1r3/5K2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Kg5 {%05With White to move:} Rd6 2. Qc8+ Kd5 3. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. With a bishop's pawn on the 7th rank the defensive resources are markedly increased, since the manoeuvrability of the attacking pieces on the short side of the board is restricted to two files, and the rook feels much safer.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/7r/3K1Q2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {In contrast to positions with a central pawn, on the 6th rank the rook has not two strong points, but three, one of which it is occupying in the diagram. The dimensions of the board do not allow the queen to attack the fortress from the right flank, and this factor helps Black to defend successfully. If the white king has already broken through to the pawn. Black is saved by stalemating possibilities.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Lilienthal"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4Kpk1/6r1/8/8/3Q4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Black is threatening to drive away the king with a check at e6, obtaining position ~3( 3776)~. But it is White to move, and he can occupy f8 with gain of tempo.} 1. Qd4+ Kg8 2. Qd8+ Kg7 3. Qf8+ Kh7 4. Kd7 (4. Qxf7+ {%05The pawn is immune:} Rg7 {[%eval 0,0]}) (4. Kxf7 {%05or} Rf6+ {[%eval 0,0] ^013^010 If the queen moves along the 8th rank, the king returns to g7.}) 4... Rg5 { (g4) , and if %05Black maintains the balance by} (4... Rf6 {? %05The danger is revealed in the following variations:} 5. Kd8 {! , and on any move by the rook along the f-file the queen vacates f8 for the king. For example:} Rf1 (5... Kg6 6. Qg8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qe7 Kg8 7. Ke8 Rf5 8. Qf8+ Kh7 9. Qb4 Kg6 10. Kf8 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) (4... Rg8 5. Qc5 Rg7 (5... Rg6 6. Ke8 Kg8 7. Qf8+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke8 Kg8 7. Qf5 Kh8 (7... Rh7 8. Qf6 Rg7 9. Qh6 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 8. Qe5 (8. Kf8 Rg8+ 9. Kxf7 {?} Rf8+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... Kg8 9. Qf6 Kh7 10. Qh4+ Kg8 11. Qh6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White picks up the pawn with check}) (4... Rg3 5. Qb4 Rg7 (5... Re3 6. Qf4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qb2 {!} Kg6 (6... Kg8 7. Qb8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Ke8 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king breaks through to the pawn.}) 5. Ke7 {, then} (5. Qe7 {%05while if} Rg6 {[%eval 0,0] , and the white king cannot cross the e-file due to ...Re6}) (5. Qb4 {%05Other moves also lead to a draw:} Kg7 {[%eval 0,0]}) (5. Qd6 Rg6 {[%eval 0,0]}) (5. Kd6 Rg6+ 6. Ke5 {~3($403791)~.}) 5... Rg8 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Lilienthal"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6r1/4K3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Re6+ {%05Black draws by exploiting the stalemating idea:} (1... Rg7 { ? loses to} 2. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kf5 (2. Kd5 {, after %05If White plays} Rf6 3. Qe7 Kg6 4. Qe5 Kg7 {!} 5. Kd4 {[%eval 0,0] another interesting position is reached.}) 2... Rf6+ {!} 3. Kg5 Rg6+ 4. Kh5 Rf6 {!} (4... Rg7 {? loses - %05here too} 5. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qe7 Rh6+ 6. Kg5 Rg6+ 7. Kf5 Kg7 { [%eval 0,0] , and Black has set up a basic drawing fortress.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/5r2/4Q3/3K4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {The examples considered will help our orientation in our analysis of orthodox positions of this type of ending.} 1. Ke4 {%05Although the rook is pinned, it securely guards the 6th rank and the f-file, blocking off the enemy king:} Kg6 2. Qc3 Kg7 {[%eval 0,0]} (2... Re6+ {%05incidentally, it is also possible to regroup:} 3. Kf4 Kh7 {[%eval 0,0] , and a zugzwang position cannot be created}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p2/5kr1/7K/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Rg2 {! %05 In the case of a central pawn, this position was lost. But here it is a draw, irrespective of who it is to move. With Black to move:} ( 1... Rg5+ {? loses to %05 Only on this square is the rook beyond the reach of the queen, while also preventing the enemy king from breaking through to the pawn.} 2. Kh6 Rd5 3. Qe8 Re5 4. Qh8+ Ke6 5. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Qh8+ Ke7 3. Qe5+ Kf8 4. Kh6 Rg6+ 5. Kh7 Re6 {[%eval 0,0] Black sets up a fortress, as in example ~3($413776)~ %05^013^010 %05White appears to have achieved his aim, since any %05move by the rook to an undefended square leads to its %05loss, but it still has one strong point, and by} 6. Z0 (6. Qc5+ Ke8 7. Kg8 Rg6+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p2/5kr1/7K/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1. Kh4 {%05If it is White to move. Black's task is very simple:} Rg2 2. Kh3 Rg6 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5p2/4k1r1/7K/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Rg7 {%05Here the queen is more actively placed, and this affects the result.^013^010 %05Black to move is in zugzwang, and the white king penetrates unhindered to the rear:} (1... Rf6 {%05here all other moves by the rook along the g-file lead to its loss, while} 2. Qe8+ Kf5 3. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0] loses the pawn}) 2. Kh6 Rg6+ 3. Kh7 Rf6 4. Qe8+ Kd6 5. Kg7 Rf3 6. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5p2/4k1r1/7K/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {Suppose that the white pieces change sides.} 1. Kh4 {%05With White to move:} Rg7 (1... Rg2 {%05Everything else loses quickly:} 2. Qe8+ Kf6 3. Qc6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rh6+ {%05or} 2. Kg5 Rh7 (2... Rg6+ 3. Kh5 {[%eval 550,0] , and it is Black to move}) 3. Qf6+ Kd7 4. Qf5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qe8+ Kf6 3. Qh8 Kg6 4. Kg4 Rh7 5. Qg8+ (5. Qe8 {%05Now the queen has a wide choice of moves, but not one causes Black any serious difficulty. He draws without trouble after } Kg7 {! , when if White tries to prevent ...Rh6 by} 6. Qe5+ Kg8 7. Kg5 { , after} Rg7+ {and 8...Rg6= his chances are exhausted}) (5. Qd8 {is also not dangerous:} Kg7 6. Qg5+ Kf8 {!} (6... Kh8 {?} 7. Kf5 Rg7 8. Qd8+ Rg8 9. Qd4+ Rg7 10. Kf6 Kg8 11. Qd8+ Kh7 12. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kf5 Rh1 8. Qe3 (8. Qg3 {%05or} Rh6 {[%eval 0,0] !}) (8. Ke5 {%05or} Re1+ 9. Kd6 Re6+ 10. Kd7 Rg6 { [%eval 0,0]}) 8... Kg7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Rg7 6. Qe8 (6. Qd8 Kh7+ 7. Kf5 Rg6 8. Qf8 Rf6+ {[%eval 0,0] ! - ~3($413791)~}) 6... Rh7 {!} (6... Kf6+ {? %05Black has to be careful, e.g.} 7. Kf4 Kg6 (7... Rg6 8. Qe5#) (7... Rh7 8. Qe5+ Kg6 9. Qg5#) (7... Rg1 8. Qh8+ Rg7 9. Ke4 Kg6 10. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Ke5 Kg5 9. Qf8 Kg6 10. Qh8 Rh7 11. Qf6+ Kh5 12. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] , and mate in two moves}) (6... Kh6+ 7. Kf5 Kh7 (7... Rh7 8. Qf8+ Kh5 9. Qg8 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 8. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Z0 (7. Qe5 {%05In comparison with previous variations, White has an extra tempo, but he is not able to exploit it to his advantage:} Rh6 {! (with the inevitable 8...Kh7, or, if 8.Qf5,8...Kg7)}) (7. Kf4 {%05or} Kg7 8. Qe5+ Kg8 9. Qg5+ Kf8 {!} 10. Ke5 Rh1 {, and the queen cannot control all the squares from which the rook is ready to return to the 6th rank, e.g.} 11. Qe3 (11. Qd2 {%05or} Rg1 {[%eval 0,0]}) (11. Kd6 {%05or} Re1 {[%eval 0,0]}) 11... Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] !}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/5p2/4r1k1/3K4/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {Black must be careful not to allow the enemy king across the 6th rank. This is achieved without difficulty, since the queen cannot attack from the K-side. } 1... Ra6 {%05Let us try exploiting another chance:} 2. Ke5 (2. Kc5 Re6 3. Kb5 Rd6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Ra5+ {? %05Now Black has to decide to which side he is going to %05allow the enemy king. He has no waiting moves, since %05White is threatening to check at g8. We will check both %05possibilities:} (2... Re6+ {! } 3. Kf4 Rf6+ 4. Kg4 Rf1 {!= ~3($413799)~}) 3. Kd6 Ra6+ 4. Kc7 Ra7+ (4... Re6 { ? Then after %05But perhaps the rook should return 'home'$6} 5. Qg8+ Kf6 6. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0] the white king breaks through to the pawn ~3($403798)~.}) 5. Kb6 Ra2 6. Qc3 {! , and it transpires that, although White does not have any specific threat. Black has no move which does not lead to loss of material. For example:} Ra8 (6... Kh7 {%05or} 7. Qb3 {!} Rf2 8. Qh3+ Kg8 9. Qg3+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qg3+ Kh7 8. Qh3+ Kg8 9. Qg2+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/3K1p2/4rk2/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Ra6 (1... Re1 2. Qg3 Re6 3. Qg4 Re7+ 4. Kd8 Re6 5. Qg3 Ra6 6. Qc3+ { [%eval 550,0] winning the rook}) 2. Qg2 {! (attacking a8 and threatening 3.Ke8) } Re6 3. Kd8 Re5 4. Qg3 Re6 5. Qg4 Re5 6. Qf4+ Rf5 7. Qh6+ Ke5 8. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/5p2/6k1/8/6K1/8/8/5r2 w - - 0 5"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {White appears to have obtained the best set-up for his pieces, but nevertheless he is unable to win:} 5. Qd4 {! The most unpleasant move for Black. His rook is threatened (6.Qd3), and he has to find a safe shelter for it.} (5. Qe5 Rg1+ 6. Kf3 (6. Kh3 Rh1+ 7. Kg2 Rh6 {[%eval 0,0]}) (6. Kf4 {%05or} Kh7 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 6... Rh1 {[%eval 0,0] ! (the best square for the rook in almost all positions of this type), and White cannot prevent the transference of the rook to h6}) (5. Qg8+ Kh6 6. Qg5+ Kh7 7. Qe3 Rf6 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black is safe}) (5. Qh2 Kg7 {!} 6. Kg5 Re1 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and the rook inevitably reaches e6.} (6... Kg8 {?} 7. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0] !})) 5... Rf6 { ! %05Correct is} (5... Rc1 {%05In the event of} 6. Kg3 {! the rook inevitably comes under attack:} Re1 (6... Kh7 {%05or} 7. Qh4+ Kg6 8. Qg4+ Kh7 9. Qh5+ Kg7 10. Qg5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qd3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Kh6 {is also unsatisfactory:} 6. Qc3 {!} Rg1+ 7. Kf5 Rf1+ 8. Ke5 Kg7 9. Kd6+ Kg8 10. Ke7 { [%eval 550,0] and White wins.}) 6. Qe4+ Kh6 {!} (6... Kg7 {? , then %05If} 7. Qe5 Kg6 8. Qg5+ {[%eval 550,0] . All White's subsequent manoeuvres are an attempt to obtain this position.}) 7. Qh1+ (7. Qe3+ Kh7 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 7... Kg7 {!} (7... Kg6 {?} 8. Qh5+ {!} Kg7 9. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qa1 Kg6 9. Qe5 Re6 10. Qh8 Re4+ 11. Kg3 Re6 {!} (11... Re3+ {?} 12. Kf4 Re6 13. Qg8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qf8 Rf6 13. Kg4 Kh7 14. Kg5 Rg6+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw as in Lilienthal's position^013^010 ~3($413791)~.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/2K2p2/4r3/8/1Q6/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {Note that Black's drawing chances are improved when his king is on the short side of the board. Therefore the stronger side's task often reduces to preventing the flight of the enemy king to the side. The queen cuts off the black king from the K-side along the diagonal, and at the same time threatens to invade the 8th rank via b8.} 1... Re7+ (1... Rg6 {%05Black loses after} 2. Qb8+ Ke7 3. Qd8+ Ke6 4. Qd6+ Kf5 5. Qe7 Rf6 6. Qf8 Kg6 7. Qg8+ Kf5 8. Kd7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kc8 Re6 (2... Re5 {?} 3. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qd4 { (not allowing the king to escape via f8, due to 4.Qh8)} Rc6+ 4. Kb7 Rh6 5. Qc5 {!} (5. Kc7 {Black replies %05The best move. On} Kf8 {[%eval 0,0] !}) (5. Qg7 { %05and if} Rh1 {[%eval 0,0] ! , in each case with a guaranteed draw.}) 5... Re6 (5... Rg6 {%05After} 6. Kc7 Re6 (6... Rh6 7. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 7. Qd4 { [%eval 550,0]}) (5... Rh4 {%05or} 6. Qc8+ Ke7 7. Qc7+ Ke6 (7... Ke8 8. Kc8 { [%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qg3 {[%eval 550,0] ! the white king breaks through to the pawn.}) 6. Kc8 {!} Rh6 7. Kc7 Rg6 (7... Re6 {, as we already know, there follows %05On} 8. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Rh3 {, then %05while if} 8. Qb4 { [%eval 550,0] This same move is also decisive now, since to avoid mate or the loss of his rook he has to advance his pawn, which is also equivalent to losing. But there is also another way to win.}) 8. Qe5+ Kf8 9. Qh8+ Rg8 10. Qh6+ Rg7 11. Kd7 Kg8 12. Ke8 {!} (12. Ke7 {?} Rg6 13. Qf8+ Kh7 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw, as in position ~3($413790)~}) 12... Rg6 13. Qf8+ Kh7 {[%eval 550, 0] , and the pawn is captured with check.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/6p1/5rk1/4K3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {~2For the side with the rook it is most favourable to~ ~2have a knight's pawn on the 7th rank.~ Here winning positions become the exception, and in normal situations the game ends in a draw. Black is guaranteed against zugzwang, since his king will never run out of the reserve moves ...Kh6-g6, while if the queen moves from g8 this frees f7 or h7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/6p1/5rk1/8/6K1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Rd6 {%02(b6,f2)= ~5 (Nalimov tablebases) ~ %05Correct is} (1... Kh6 { ? fails to %05Here the waiting move} 2. Qh8+ Kg6 3. Qh5#) (1... Rf1 {? %04then %05If} 2. Qe8+) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/4K1p1/5rk1/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {The stronger side wins only under especially favourable circumstances. Both attacking pieces are already in the enemy rear, and the white king breaks through to the pawn.} 1. Qh8 Rf7+ 2. Ke8 Rf6 3. Qh4 {(zugzwang)} Rf5 4. Qg4+ Rg5 5. Qe6+ Kh7 6. Kf8 Rg6 7. Qg8+ (7. Qe4 {?} Kh8 {[%eval 0,0] ! - draw}) 7... Kh6 8. Qh8+ Kg5 9. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/5r1k/4K3/8/3Q4/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Rf8 {%05Here Black loses due to the fact that his king is cut off from the saving corner. After} 2. Qh3+ {!} (2. Ke6 {? , then %05if White plays immediately} g5 {[%eval 0,0] ! leads to the drawn position ~3($413733)~. This defensive resource must be taken into account whenever we are dealing with a knight's pawn. Here is an example found in the archives of Leonid Kubbel.}) 2... Kg6 3. Ke6 Re8+ 4. Kd7 Rf8 5. Ke7 Rf6 6. Qh4 {[%eval 550,0] a zugzwang position from the previous study is reached.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6p1/8/8/3Q4/6K1/8/1r6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] {~5 (RR) In the previous edition of this book (1986) this position was considered to be a draw, but the tablebases have changed the evaluation.~} 1... Rf1 {(with the threat of 2...Rf6)} 2. Qd6+ (2. Qc5+ {%02(b4) ~5(?)~ %05The author considered only} Kg8 3. Qc4+ Rf7 4. Kg4 (4. Qe6 {, then %05If} g6 { [%eval 0,0] ! transposing to the drawn position ~3($413730)~, since the pawn is immune due to ...Rg7. It is on the unfortunate position of the white king that Black's entire defence is based.}) 4... g6 {!} 5. Kg5 Kg7 6. Qd4+ Kh7 7. Qh4+ Kg7 8. Qh6+ Kg8 9. Kxg6 Rf6+ {[%eval 0,0] - stalemate.}) 2... Kf7 3. Qd7+ Kg8 4. Qe6+ Rf7 5. Kh4 Kf8 6. Qc8+ Ke7 7. Kg5 Kd6 8. Qd8+ Rd7 9. Qf8+ Re7 10. Kf5 Kd7 11. Qg8 Kc6 12. Qa8+ Kd7 13. Qf8 Kd6 (13... g6+ {%00o^ 14.Kxg6 (%00o^ Re7+ 18.Kd6 g6 19.Qc3 Rg7 20.Qc8+ Kf7 21.Ke5 Rh7 22.Qe6+ Kg7 23.Qf6+ Kh6 24. Qf8+ Kh5 25.Qf3+ Kh6 26.Kf6 $18 (~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~^013^010 ^013^010}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6p1/3K4/8/2Q5/8/8/4r3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "42"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {The similar position with a bishop's pawn ~3( 3800)~ was won for White, but here in many variations the queen is deprived of the possibility of attacking the enemy from the K-side, which assists the defence. ~5 (RR) According to the tablebases, this position is won for White.~} 1. Qb4 {^013^010 The queen attacks the rook and, no less important, sets up an ambush, preparing the gain of an important tempo by a move of the king.} Ra1 (1... Re7 {, but after %05It appears that both threats can be parried by} 2. Qc5 {! the rook and king are tied to the defence of each other, and their mobility is restricted:} Kf7 3. Qf5+ Ke8 4. Qg5 {!} Rd7+ (4... Rf7 5. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Ke6 Rb7 6. Qh5+ Kd8 7. Qh8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rg1 {%05Other moves lead to the loss of the rook:} 2. Ke6+ Kg8 3. Qb8+ Kh7 4. Qh2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rh1 {%05or} 2. Qb8+ Kf7 3. Qb7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Ke6+ {~5(RR) The tablebases show the following way to win:~ %05Here the search for a winning continuation proceeded in^013^010 %05two directions:} (2. Qc4 {! %00o^ 3.Qd5 (%00o^ 5.Qh8+ (%00o^ 7. Kd7 (%00o^ 9.Qe4+ (%00o^ 11.Qe7 (%00o^ 13.Qf8+ (%00o^ 15.Ke7 (%00o^ 17.Qh3+ (%00o^ 19.Kf6 (%00o^ 21.Qxg4+ (%00o^ 23.Ke6 (%00o^ 25.Qb5 (%00o^ 27.Qc5+ (%00o^ 29.Ke4 (%00o^ 31.Qb5+ (%00o^ 33.Qc5+ (%00o^ 35.Kd2 (%00o^ 37.Qd5+ (%00o^ 39.Kc2 (%00o^ 41.Qe5+ (%00o^ 43.Qd4 (%00o^ 45.Kd3 (%00o^ 47.Kd5 (%00o^ 49.Qg8# (~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~}) (2. Qd4 {(the queen now dominates the entire board, and the rook has to find a safe defence)} Ra6+ 3. Kd7 Rf6 { One more instant, and the king will hide behind the fortress walls, but the queen again attacks the critical diagonal.} 4. Qc4 Rf7+ 5. Kd8 g6 {! , and after} (5... Rf6 {White wins by %05Here it appears that after the obligatory} 6. Qd5 Rg6 7. Kd7 Rh6 8. Qa8+ Kf7 9. Qe8+ Kf6 10. Qe6+ Kg5 11. Qf7 Rg6 12. Ke7 Kh6 13. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in position ~3($403803)~. But in fact 5...Rf6 is by no means obligatory.}) 6. Qb4+ Kg7 7. Ke8 Rf5 8. Qd6 {[%eval 0,0] the drawn position ~3($403731)~ is reached.}) 2... Kg8 3. Qc4 Kh7 {!} (3... Re1+ {there follows %05The queen again stands in ambush, and danger threatens from every side. Thus on} 4. Kd7+ {, when the rook is lost} Kf8 (4... Kh8 5. Qh4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Kh8 {%05A latent threat is revealed in the variation} 4. Kf7 Ra7+ 5. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0] , when the king comes decisively into play}) (3... Ra3 {comes to the same thing:} 4. Ke7+ Kh7 5. Qe4+ Kg8 6. Qd5+ Kh7 7. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] In both cases the white king succeeds in approaching the enemy pawn, thanks to the fact that the queen prevents both horizontal and vertical checks. In order to avert the invasion, the rook must constantly remain on the 1st rank, retaining the possibility of driving the white king away from the pawn by a check on the 6th rank or the f-file, while the black king must be at g8 or h7 when its opponent is ready to go to f7 or g6.}) 4. Qe4+ (4. Kf7 Ra7+ 5. Ke6 Ra1 {!} 6. Kf5 Ra5+ 7. Ke6 Ra1 {! } 8. Qd3+ Kg8 9. Ke7 Ra7+ 10. Ke6 Ra1 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 4... Kg8 5. Ke7 Ra7+ 6. Ke8 Ra1 {!} 7. Qc4+ Kh7 8. Qe4+ Kg8 9. Qd5+ Kh8 {!} 10. Qd3 (10. Kf7 {%05Now that the queen has removed its control of a6 and f1, it is this move that maintains the balance:} Rf1+ 11. Kg6 Rf6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 10... Kg8 (10... Ra8+ {?} 11. Kf7 Ra7+ 12. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qd4 Re1+ 12. Kd8 Rc1 {! (only here and at a1 is the rook screened against double attacks, and at the same time is ready to return to its strong points)} 13. Kd7 Kh8 14. Qd3 Kg8 15. Qe4 Ra1 16. Ke8 Kh8 17. Qh4+ Kg8 18. Qc4+ Kh7 {!} 19. Kf8 Ra8+ 20. Kf7 Ra7+ 21. Ke6 Ra1 {[%eval 0,0] , and all the pieces have returned to their former^013^010 squares.^013^010 ^013^010 ~2The only pawn which does not provide a successful defence on the 7th rank is the rook's pawn.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Berger"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7p/6r1/5K2/7Q/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1921.??.??"] {In contrast to all other positions, the rook has only one strong point. In addition, the cramped position of the black king creates additional mating conditions.} 1. Qe7 Ra6 (1... Rg2 {%05All other moves lose more quickly:} 2. Qd8+ Kg7 3. Qd4+ Kh6 4. Qe3+ Kg7 5. Qc3+ {!} Kg8 6. Qc8+ Kg7 7. Qb7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rg1 {%05or} 2. Qd8+ Kf7 3. Qc7+ Kg8 4. Qb8+ Kg7 5. Qa7+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kh8 {there follows %05on} 2. Qf8+ Rg8 3. Qf6+ Rg7 { , and now not} 4. Qe5 {?} (4. Ke6 {%05but} h5 5. Qh6+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 4... h6 {[%eval 0,0] ! with a draw as in position ~3($413712) (*)~}) (1... Rh6 2. Kg5 Rg6+ 3. Kh5 {~3($403808)~.}) 2. Qd8+ Kg7 3. Qd7+ Kh6 4. Qb7 {!} Rd6 ( 4... Ra3 5. Qc6+ Kg7 6. Qd7+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning the rook}) 5. Qe7 Rg6 { ^013^010 This is a zugzwang position, and Black must merely be given the move.} 6. Qf8+ {%05^013^010} Kh5 7. Qf7 Kh6 8. Qe7 {(the aim is achieved)} Rg2 9. Qe3+ Kg7 10. Qc3+ Kf7 11. Qc7+ Kg8 12. Qb8+ Kg7 13. Qb7+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Der Lasa Thassilo (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4Q2p/6r1/7K/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Ra6 {there follows %05Here White wins very easily, since on} (1... Kh8 { Black is mated in four moves: %05In the event of} 2. Qf8+ Rg8 3. Qf6+ Rg7 4. Kh6 Kg8 5. Qxg7#) 2. Qd8+ Kf7 3. Qc7+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning the rook or pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Von Der Lasa Thassilo (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/4Q2p/6r1/7K/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] 1. Qe8+ {%05If it is White to play, he gives his opponent the move by the manoeuvre} Kg7 2. Qd7+ Kg8 3. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/1Q1pk3/4r3/5K2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Ke7 {! %05~13. QUEEN AGAINST ROOK AND TWO PAWNS~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05It is advisable to divide this type of ending into groups,^013^010 %05depending on the interaction of the pawns:^013^010 %05^013^010 %05~ 3.1 Doubled pawns. ~^013^010 %05~ 3.2 Isolated pawns. ~^013^010 %05~ 3.3 Connected pawns. ~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05At the basis of many positions lie assessments from the^013^010 %05previous chapter, but the methods of achieving this or^013^010 %05that result allow them to be assigned to a separate^013^010 %05section.^013^010 %05^013^010 %05~13.1 Doubled pawns~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05If the pawns are on adjacent ranks, the result depends^013^010 %05primarily on the possibility of a successful defence with^013^010 %05one of them. The weaker side should aim to retain that^013^010 %05pawn which ensures a draw, disregarding the other, and^013^010 %05sometimes even trying to get rid of it as quickly as^013^010 %05possible.^013^010 %05^013^010 %05Black must retain his pawn at d7, with which he can^013^010 %05draw ~3($413775)~, whereas the d6 pawn does not^013^010 %05provide a successful defence.^013^010 %05^013^010 %05Therefore if it is his move he should continue} 2. Qb8 Re6 3. Kf5 d5 { [%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3p4/1Q1pk3/4r3/5K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qd8 {! %05If it is White to move, by threatening to win the d7 pawn he forces Black to advance it:} Rf5+ 2. Kg4 Rf7 3. Kg5 Re7 (3... d5 4. Qe8+ Re7 5. Qg6+ Ke5 6. Qf6+ Ke4 7. Qxe7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kg6 d5 5. Qb6+ d6 6. Qb5 Rc7 7. Qe8+ Re7 8. Qg8+ Kd7 (8... Ke5 9. Qh8+ Ke6 10. Qh3+ Ke5 11. Qe3#) 9. Qxd5 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc. If the position is moved one or two ranks down the board. White wins irrespective of who it is to move, since neither pawn gives a draw in positions of this type.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1k6/p2Q4/pr6/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {It is not always that the win is achieved in such an obvious way. Here is one of the most difficult positions of this type.} 1. Qd5+ {%05First Black must be given the move:} Kb4 2. Qe4+ Kb5 (2... Ka5 {!? %05~5 (RR) It is not clear how White can win after~} 3. Qa8+ Kb5 $13 (3... Kb4 4. Qd5)) 3. Qd4 Rb2+ (3... a2 { in view of %05Black cannot play} 4. Qa1 Re3 5. Qf1+ {and 6.Kb2$18}) 4. Kc1 Rb3 5. Qd5+ Kb6 (5... Kb4 {%05After} 6. Kc2 {Black is in zugzwang:} a2 {%05^013^010 } (6... Rc3+ 7. Kb1 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king breaks through to the pawn}) (6... Rb2+ 7. Kd3 a2 (7... Rb3+ {%05or} 8. Kd4 {, threatening mate and winning a pawn after} Rb2 9. Qc4+ Ka5 10. Qc5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qc4+ Ka5 (8... Ka3 9. Qc1 Kb3 10. Qc3#) 9. Qc3+ Rb4 10. Qa1 Rb3+ 11. Kc4 Ra3 12. Qb2 {[%eval 550, 0] %04etc.}) 7. Qd6+ Kc4 8. Qf4+ Kb5 9. Qd4 Ka5 (9... Rb4) (9... Rb1 {is refuted by the check at d5 %05or}) (9... Rh3 {%05while after} 10. Kb2 Rh2+ 11. Ka1 {[%eval 550,0] White wins}) 10. Qc5+ {!} (10. Qa1 {? in view of %05with the king at a5 White cannot play} Re3 {!} 11. Qf1 Re2+ {!} 12. Kd3 Rh2 { [%eval 0,0] with a draw $6~3($413654)~}) 10... Ka6 11. Qe5 {(here too, if it were White to move, 12.Qa1? would be impossible due to 12...Rf3! with the same result as in the previous note; but it is Black to move, and he is forced to worsen the position of his king)} Kb6 12. Qa1 Rg3 13. Qd4+ {and 14.Kb2, with an easy win.}) 6. Kc2 Ka6 7. Qc5 Rb2+ (7... Kb7 {%05The king cannot retreat any further:} 8. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... a2 {, as we know, there follows %05while on} 8. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kc3 Rb3+ 9. Kc4 a2 (9... Kb7 {, then %05the last chance; if} 10. Qd6 {, and Black loses immediately:} a2 11. Qd7+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qd6+ Rb6 (10... Ka5 11. Qe5+ Ka6 12. Qa1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qa3 Rc6+ 12. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3pk3/3p2Q1/4r3/3K4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {It sometimes happens that doubled pawns merely worsen the weaker side's position, by restricting his king.} 1. Qd6 {%05In the analogous position without the d4 pawn %05~3($403711)~ Black gained a draw. Here he loses due %05to the fact that the d4 square is unavailable to his king:} Rc2 2. Qe6+ Kf4 3. Qd5 Ke3 4. Qe5+ {and Qxd4$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pk6/p1r5/K2Q4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qe4 Kb8 {(exploiting the stalemate situation)} 2. Qe7 Ka8 3. Qf7 Kb8 4. Qd7 {! (zugzwang)} Rb6 {(now Black has to be given the move)} 5. Qd8+ Kb7 6. Qe7+ Kb8 (6... Ka8 7. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qd7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins. ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3p4/4k3/3p4/4r3/5K2/3Q4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~2The most favourable arrangement of doubled ~2pawns in this ending is when they are one square~ ~2apart.~ Either pawn loses on its own, but together they provide a successful defence.} 1. Qh5+ Ke6 {^013^010 The c5 square is inaccessible to the queen, and the d6 pawn prevents it from making an effective attack from the rear. White is unable to create a zugzwang position, and his king cannot break across the 3rd rank.} 2. Qb5 {%05^013^010} Rc3 3. Qe8+ Kd5 4. Qe7 Re3 5. Qf6 Kc5 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/p7/1k6/p2Q4/1r6/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {The assessment does not change for any shifting of position ~3( 3815)~, the only exception being provided by rook's pawns. White succeeds in exploiting the cramped position of the enemy king on the edge of the board.} 1. Qd4+ Kb3 { (Black aims for the drawn position ~3($413723)~} 2. Qd5+ Kb4 3. Qd3 {(zugzwang) } Ka4 (3... Rb3 4. Qd4+ Kb5 5. Kc2 a4 {[%eval 550,0] leads to position ~3 ($413812)~^013^010 ~5(RR) It is not clear how White can win here.~5^013^010 ~5The point is that in order to get position ~3($413812)~5 he must give his opponent the move~} (5... Rb2+ 6. Kc3 Rb4 7. Qd5+ Kb6 8. Qa2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kd1 a2 7. Kc2 Ka5 8. Qa1 Re3 9. Kb2 Re2+ 10. Ka3 Rd2 11. Qe5+ Kb6 12. Kxa4 { %05If} Rd5 {= ~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~}) 4. Qc4+ Rb4 5. Qc6+ Rb5 6. Kc2 Kb4 ( 6... a2 7. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qc3+ Ka4 8. Qc4+ Rb4 9. Qc6+ Rb5 10. Kc3 a2 11. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 We will move the position two ranks up the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/1k6/p2Q4/1r6/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Black is unable to set up the drawing fortress ~3( 3713)~, but the winning procedure is not at all simple.} 1. Qa8 {!} a6 {!} 2. Qb8+ Kc6 3. Qa7 {!} (3. Qc8+ {%05A draw results from} Kb6 4. Qd7 Rb5 5. Kc4 a4 {!} 6. Qe7 a3 {!} 7. Qxa3 Ka7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Rb6 4. Kd4 a4 5. Qa8+ {!} (5. Ke5 {? , then %05By this move White gains an important tempo. If immediately} a3 6. Qa8+ Kc7 7. Kd5 a2 {!} 8. Qa7+ Kc8 9. Qg7 Kb8 {!} 10. Kc5 Rb7 11. Qe5+ Ka7 12. Kc6 a1=Q 13. Qxa1 Rb6+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.}) 5... Kc7 (5... Kd6 6. Kc4 {! , when the threat of 7.Qd8, 8.Qc8 and 9.Qc5 is decisive %05is met by}) 6. Kd5 Rb5+ { (7.Qa7 was threatened)} 7. Ke6 Rb6+ (7... Kb6 {, after which White has to play carefully and accurately: %05Black still hopes to obtain position ~3($413713)~, by %05exploiting the a4 pawn as a diverting sacrifice. The %05other defensive attempt is} 8. Qb8+ Ka5 (8... Kc6 9. Qa7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qc7+ Kb4 10. Qd6+ Ka5 11. Kd7 {!} Rb7+ 12. Kc8 Rb5 13. Kc7 {!} Rb3 14. Qc5+ Rb5 15. Qc3+ Rb4 16. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0] , with an 'epaulette' mate in 2 moves.}) 8. Ke7 a3 9. Qa7+ Kc6 10. Qd7+ Kc5 11. Qa4 {!} Rb7+ 12. Kd8 Kb6 13. Qxa3 Ka7 (13... Rb8+ { %05Nothing is achieved by} 14. Kd7 Rb7+ 15. Kc8 Rc7+ 16. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] . It now appears that Black has achieved his aim, but, as in example 386, White secures c8 for his king.}) 14. Qc5+ Ka8 15. Qd6 {!} Ka7 16. Kc8 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/2p3p1/3r4/4K3/8/8/4Q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~13.2 Isolated pawns~ We will first consider examples which by their nature relate to those in chapter ~ 2.3. The king supports the pawn~ If the distance between the pawns is more than one file, such positions are not normally of independent significance. In this case the result depends on the possibility of setting up a drawn position with one pawn, disregarding the other. White's task is to win one of the pawns, without allowing one of the drawing set-ups familiar to us from chapter ~ 2. Queen against rook and pawn~} 1. Qg1 {!} g5 ( 1... Rd6 {%05The pawn is lost immediately after} 2. Qa7+ Ke6 3. Qg7 {[%eval 550,0] . But now, by provoking the advance of the g-pawn. White has 'shortened' the 5th rank and gained the possibility of breaking through to the rear with his king via h5.}) 2. Qa7+ Kd6 3. Qb6 {! ^013^010 Not the only way, but the most logical. For the breakthrough of his king White requires several tempi, and so during this time it is advantageous for him to halt the advance of the c-pawn.} Kd7 {%05^013^010} (3... Re5+ {%05if} 4. Kf3 Rb5 {, then} 5. Qd8+ Ke6 6. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn is still tied down}) 4. Kf3 Rb5 5. Qd4+ Rd5 (5... Kc7 {%05no better is} 6. Qa7+ Kd6 7. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0] , when again Black cannot advance his c-pawn}) 6. Qa7+ Kd6 7. Qb6 {!} Kd7 8. Kg4 Rb5 (8... c5 9. Kf3 {!} Re5 10. Qf6 Rd5 11. Ke4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qd4+ Rd5 10. Qa7+ Kd6 11. Qb6 {! (by this manoeuvre, repeated several times, the winning procedure is easily perceived)} Kd7 12. Kh5 Rb5 13. Qd4+ Rd5 14. Qa7+ Kd6 15. Kg6 g4 (15... c5 {, then %05if} 16. Qb6+ Kd7 17. Qb7+ Kd6 18. Kf6 { [%eval 550,0] , and Black loses material}) 16. Kf6 Rd3 17. Qe7+ Kd5 18. Qd7+ { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/2p3p1/3r4/4K3/8/8/4Q3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If it is Black to move, he can aim for the drawn positions ~3( 3730)~ or ~3( 3733)~.} 1... Ke7 2. Qb4+ {! (all other moves allow a draw -~3($403820)~)} Kf6 (2... Kf7 3. Qb7+ Kg8 4. Qxc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... c5 {%05or} 3. Qb7+ Rd7 4. Qc6 Rd6 5. Qxc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qf8+ Kg5 4. Qe8 {! (in this way White wins the c-pawn, without allowing the opponent to regroup)} Rf5 5. Qxc6 {(?) ^013^010 ~5 (RR) White should search for another way to win, because this capture,~5^013^010 ~5according to the tablebases, leads to a draw.~5^013^010 ^013^010} Kh6 (5... Rf4+ {also does not help: %05Black wishes to play 6...Kg7 with a draw, but he does not have time.} 6. Ke3 Rf5 7. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qd7 {!} Rc5 {? (if the rook moves off the 5th rank, the white king penetrates to the rear)} (6... Rf6 {= %00o^ g5 (%00o^ (%00o^ (, and we reach position ~3 ($403732)~.^013^010 ^013^010}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/8/2p3p1/5rk1/4K3/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {This position could have arisen from the previous one after the 6th move. It diners from position ~3( 3732)~ only in that the bishop's pawn is present, but this allows Black to sacrifice it to obtain a draw.} 1... Rf4+ 2. Ke5 Kg4 3. Qc8+ {^013^010 Black was also threatening to regroup by 3...g5. The^013^010 move 3.Qe8 corresponds to 3.Qf8 in example^013^010 ~3($403736)~, where it leads to a win.} Rf5+ {%05^013^010} 4. Kd6 c5 {!} 5. Qe6 g5 {!} 6. Qe2+ (6. Qc8 {, then %05if} c4 {!} 7. Qxc4+ Rf4 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 6... Kh4 { ! with a draw, since ...Rf4 can be prevented only by} 7. Qe1+ Kg4 8. Qe6 { , but then} c4 {[%eval 0,0] ! diverts the queen from the pin ~3($413733)~. ^013^010 ^013^010 When the pawns are separated by one file, the weaker side's king can defend them for a long time, which in certain cases makes the win much more difficult to achieve.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/2p1p3/3r4/2K5/4Q3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "57"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qa7+ Kd6 (1... Kd8 {?} 2. Qb7 c5 3. Qf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qb8+ Kd7 3. Qb7+ Kd6 4. Qc8 Rc5+ 5. Kd4 Rd5+ 6. Ke4 Re5+ 7. Kf4 Rf5+ 8. Kg4 c5 (8... Re5 { %05 This advance is forced. Other moves allow White either to win a pawn, or to break through with his king into the enemy rear. E.g.} 9. Qd8+ Kc5 10. Kf4 Rf5+ 11. Ke4 {[%eval 550,0] , and the e-pawn is lost}) (8... Rd5 {%05or} 9. Qd8+ Ke5 10. Qc7+ Rd6 11. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 9. Qd8+ Kc6 10. Qe7 Kd5 11. Qd7+ Ke5 12. Qc6 {!} (12. Qd8 {. After %05In contrast to position ~3 ($403706) (*)~, here it is %05unfavourable to continue} c4 {!} 13. Qc7+ (13. Qd2 {%05or} Ke4 14. Qd6 Re5 15. Kg3 c3 16. Kf2 c2 17. Qc7 Kd3 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 13... Kd4 {!} 14. Qd6+ Rd5 15. Qxe6 Kc5 {[%eval 0,0] followed by the unavoidable ...Rd3 we have a draw as in position ~3($413756)~.}) 12... Kf6 13. Qc7 {! ^013^010 This forces the rook to abandon the f-file and to allow the white king across to the Q-side, where it penetrates into the rear, using the c-pawn as a shield.} Rd5 {%05^013^010} 14. Kf4 Rd4+ 15. Ke3 Rd5 16. Kf3 {!} Rf5+ (16... Re5 {is met by} 17. Qd6 Rd5 18. Qf8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (16... Rd3+ { %04by %05and} 17. Ke2 Rd5 18. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 17. Ke4 Rd5 18. Ke3 Rf5 19. Kd3 Re5 20. Kc4 Rd5 21. Qh7 Rf5 22. Kb5 Rd5 23. Qg8 Ke5 24. Qf8 Kd4 25. Qf4+ Kd3 26. Qc4+ Ke3 27. Qc3+ Ke4 28. Qf6 e5 (28... Re5 29. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 29. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his c-pawn.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3k4/2p5/p2r4/4K3/2Q5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "81"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {With a- and c-pawns the character of the play changes, since the stronger side's king cannot go round the rook's pawn. Such positions are virtually the most difficult examples of this type. To understand the subsequent play and its aims, a knowledge of positions ~3( 3742)- ( 3743)~ and ~3( 3748)-( 3754)~ is necessary.} 1. Qg6+ {^013^010 In position ~3($403752)~ the solution began with^013^010 1.Qa2. But here the a-file is blocked by the pawn, and it^013^010 is not possible to obtain a position of type^013^010 ~3($403753)~. The queen can nevertheless seize^013^010 control of the rear squares.} Kc7 {%05^013^010} 2. Qa6 Rb4 3. Kd3 Rd4+ 4. Kc3 Rb4 5. Kc2 {!} Kd7 {!} (5... Rd4 {, then %05If} 6. Qb5 Kd6 7. Qb6+ Kd5 8. Qa6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and, despite the a-pawn, the position is solved in analogous fashion to example ~3($403753)~.}) 6. Qf6 { ! ^013^010 Now the rook cannot go to d4 due to 7.Qb6. In the meantime White wishes to attack the c-pawn from the other side, and this cannot be prevented.} Kc7 {%05^013^010} 7. Qe7+ Kc6 8. Qe6+ Kc7 9. Qd5 Kb6 10. Qd6+ Kb5 11. Qc7 { ^013^010 ^013^010 Position ~3(*)~ %08DA} Rc4+ {%05^013^010 %05 The first part of the plan has been carried out: the queen has occupied the rear squares. The subsequent play depends on the method of defence employed by Black:^013^010 %05(a)} (11... Rb3 {^013^010 Black tries to create a position of type ~3 ($413756)~. For this he has to advance his pawn to %04c4. %05(b)} 12. Qb7+ { %05^013^010} Ka5 13. Qc6 Kb4 14. Qb6+ Kc4 15. Qa5 {!} Rb4 (15... Kd5 {, then not %05If} 16. Qxa4 {? , then not} (16. Qa8+ {! %05but first} Kd4 {, and only now} 17. Qxa4+ c4 18. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0] , ensuring that his king can cross to the a-file, and winning as in example ~3($403755)~}) 16... c4 {[%eval 0,0] ! with a draw.}) 16. Qa8 {!} Kb5 (16... Kd4 17. Qd8+ {[%eval 550,0] , cutting off the king from the pawns}) 17. Qb7+ Ka5 (17... Kc4 18. Qd7 {[%eval 550,0] - zugzwang}) 18. Qc6 Rc4+ 19. Kb2 {!} Rb4+ 20. Kc3 Rb5 21. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 12. Kb2 {!} (12. Kd3 {%05 We have already seen on several occasions that the white king is most favourably placed on the short side of the board, where it does not prevent the queen from attacking the opponent from the other side. Here, for example,} Rd4+ 13. Ke3 {leads to a draw after} a3 {[%eval 0,0] ~3($413755)~.}) 12... Rb4+ 13. Ka2 Rb3 (13... Kc4 14. Qd7 Kc3 15. Qd5 Rc4 16. Ka3 {[%eval 550,0] - zugzwang}) 14. Qb7+ Ka5 15. Qc6 Rc3 {!} ( 15... Kb4 {does not work due to %05The most tenacious defence.} 16. Qb6+ Kc4 17. Qa5 Rb4 18. Ka3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (15... Rb5 {, then %05while if} 16. Qd6 {! } c4 (16... Kb4 17. Qd2+ Kc4 18. Ka3 Rb4 19. Qd7 Kc3 20. Qd5 Rc4 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in position ~3($413753)~}) 17. Qd2+ {!} Kb6 18. Ka3 Rc5 19. Qd6+ Rc6 (19... Kb5 20. Qb8+ Kc6 21. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 20. Qb8+ Kc5 21. Qe5+ Kb6 22. Kb4 {!} Rc8 23. Qb5+ Ka7 24. Ka5 {!} c3 25. Qd7+ Kb8 26. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and mate in 2 moves.}) 16. Kb2 Rc4 {^013^010 Black has set up something resembling a fortress, but if it were him to move he would be in zugzwang. By threatening to give his opponent the move. White breaks up the fortifications.} 17. Qc7+ {%05^013^010} Ka6 18. Qd6+ Kb5 19. Qd7+ Kb6 20. Qe6+ {!} Kb5 21. Qe2 Kb4 22. Qd3 {!} Rd4 (22... Kb5 {%05Other moves lead to the loss of the rook, e. g.} 23. Ka3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (22... Rh4 {%05or} 23. Qd2+ Kb5 24. Qd7+ Kb4 25. Qb7+ Ka5 (25... Kc4 26. Qa6+ Kd5 27. Qa8+ {!}) 26. Qa8+ Kb5 27. Qe8+ {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.}) 23. Qa6 {!} Rd2+ 24. Kc1 Rd4 25. Qb6+ Kc4 26. Kb2 Kd5 27. Ka3 Rc4 28. Qc7 Rb4 29. Qd7+ Kc4 30. Qc6 Kd4 31. Qd6+ Kc4 32. Qd7 Kc3 33. Qd5 Rc4 {^013^010 This position corresponds to example^013^010 ~3($413752)~, but with the addition of the a4 pawn,^013^010 which in one of the main variations prevents a queen^013^010 check at b3. In addition, White must reckon with the^013^010 possibility of the drawing position ~3($413745) (*)~ arising. The^013^010 winning method consists of threatening to give the^013^010 opponent the move, thereby winning the a-pawn. %08DA} 34. Qf3+ {%05Position ~3 (**)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} (34. Qd6 {%05The attempt to give Black the move by} Kc2 35. Qd7 {leads to a draw after} Rc3+ {!} 36. Kxa4 ( 36. Ka2 a3 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 36... Kb1 {[%eval 0,0] ~3($413745) (*)~.}) 34... Kd2 (34... Kc2 {, then %05If} 35. Ka2 {! Now on} Rd4 {(b4)} (35... Kd2 { %05while after} 36. Qd5+ Kc3 37. Ka3 {[%eval 550,0] ! the initial position arises, but now with Black to move}) 36. Qf5+ {and 37.Qxc5$18 %05there follows} ) (34... Kd4 {%05 But can't Black 'speculate' on the 50-move rule? To do this he has to maintain a static pawn position for a further 16 moves. Alas, he is not able to maintain the balance for so long:} 35. Qd1+ Ke5 (35... Kc3 36. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 36. Qd7 Rd4 37. Qc6 Rc4 38. Kb2 Kd4 39. Qd6+ Ke4 40. Ka3 {!} Ke3 41. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0] ^013^010 That which was possible with one pawn proves to be unrealizable with two; Black suffers loss of material.}) 35. Qf2+ Kc3 (35... Kd3 {%05a variation from the previous note is reached after} 36. Qf1+ {!} Kc3 37. Qc1+ Kd3 38. Qd1+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 36. Qe3+ Kc2 37. Ka2 {!} Rd4 38. Qe5 {!} Rc4 39. Qd5 Rc3 (39... Kc3 40. Ka3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 40. Qe4+ Kd2 41. Qxa4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2Q5/8/1kp5/3r4/p3K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1065 %212045826630=4HLJ1071 %212045826630=4HLJ1097 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1... a2 {? due to %05If it is Black to move he cannot play} 2. Qb7+ Kc4 {(a4)} 3. Qb2 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2Q5/8/1kp5/3r4/p3K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qb7+ (1. Qa7 {%05Black is threatening to support the advance of his pawn by 1...Ra4. For example:} Ra4 2. Qd7+ Ka5 3. Qd2+ Kb5 4. Qa2 Ka5 {. Now White's only chance is to replace the blockading queen with his king and to try to win one of the pawns. But in carrying out this plan he is forced to allow the further advance of the a-pawn:} 5. Kd3 Kb5 6. Kc3 Ka5 7. Kc2 Kb5 8. Qb3+ (8. Kb1 Rb4+ 9. Ka1 c4 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 8... Ka5 9. Qc3+ Kb5 10. Kb1 a2+ 11. Ka1 c4 12. Qb2+ Kc5 {[%eval 0,0] $6 draw.^013^010 Let us consider a method of play for White which prevents this possibility. We should state in advance that it is insufficient for a win.}) 1... Kc4 2. Qa7 Kb4 3. Qb6+ {!} (3. Ke2 {, then %05If} Rh4 {! , when the threat of 4...Rh2 and 5...a2 forces the king to return to e3 (} 4. Kd3 c4+ 5. Ke3 Rh3+ 6. Ke4 Rd3 {[%eval 0,0] etc.).}) 3... Kc4 4. Qa5 Rd3+ {!} 5. Ke4 (5. Ke2 {there follows %05On} Rb3 6. Kd2 {(the threat was 6...Rb2 and 7...a2 $6 ~3($403775) )} Rb2+ 7. Kc1 Kb3 {! , and the c5 pawn prevents the queen check at d5 which would lead to the won position ~3 ($413721)~, while after} 8. Qxc5 Ka2 {[%eval 0,0] ! the drawn position ~3 ($413723)~ is reached.}) 5... Rd4+ 6. Ke5 Kb3 {! ^013^010 Now that the white king is far enough away from the a-pawn, Black gives up his other pawn and attains a draw.} 7. Qxc5 {%05^013^010} Rh4 {!} 8. Qe3+ Kb2 9. Qf2+ Kb1 10. Qxh4 a2 {[%eval 0,0] ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4r3/3k4/2p5/8/4p3/4K3/8/Q7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {We will now consider positions where one pawn is supported from the rear by the rook, and the other by the king. White's immediate task is to win the c-pawn, for which he must seize the c8 square with his queen.} 1. Qa7+ Kc8 ( 1... Kd6 2. Qb7 Re7 3. Qc8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qg7 Kd8 (2... Re6 3. Qf7 Re5 4. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qf7 {!} Re7 4. Qf6 {!} Kd7 5. Qd4+ Kc7 6. Qa7+ Kd8 7. Qb6+ Kd7 8. Qb7+ Kd6 9. Qc8 {! (the threat of 10.Qd8 is unavoidable)} Re6 (9... Re5 10. Qd8+ Ke6 11. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qd8+ Ke5 11. Qd4+ Kf5 12. Qg7 c5 13. Qf8+ {and 14.Qxc5, and White wins as in example^013^010 ~3($403682)~. ^013^010 ^013^010 The position reached by moving position ~3($403825)~^013^010 one file to the left will be drawn, since Black sacrifices^013^010 his central pawn to attain position ~3($403730)~.^013^010 Moving the position two files to the left or one file to the^013^010 right also leads to a draw in analogy with example^013^010 ~3($403687)~. But if the position is moved three files to^013^010 the right, White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7r/6k1/5p2/8/7p/7K/8/3Q4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qd7+ Kf8 (1... Kg6 {there follows %05In analogy with the previous example, White must occupy f8, so on} 2. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kg8 {%05In the event of} 2. Qe7 Rh6 {Black has to be given the move, and after} 3. Kg2 {!} h3+ 4. Kh2 Kh8 5. Qf7 {he is in zugzwang.}) 2. Qd8+ Kg7 3. Qe7+ Kg6 4. Qd7 {!} Rh7 5. Qe8+ Kg7 6. Qe7+ Kg6 7. Qf8 {!} Kf5 8. Qg8 Rh6 9. Qg7 {[%eval 550,0] etc. ^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6Q1/5p2/5k2/7r/7p/7K/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If in the final position of example ~3( 3826)~ the pawn is replaced at h3 and the white king correspondingly at h2, the assessment changes, since the rook acquires an extra square along the file, and after ...Rh4 it cannot be evicted from the h-file. ~5 (RR) The analysis shows that this position is won for White.~} 1. Kg3 {%05If it is White to move, a special feature of the position is revealed in the variation} (1. Qg8 {%05~5 (RR) White wins by} Rh5 (1... Rh6 2. Qe8 Kg5 3. Qf7 f5 4. Qg7+ Rg6 5. Qe7+ Kg4 6. Qe3 f4 7. Qxh3+ Kg5 8. Qg2+ $18 ) 2. Qe8 Kg5 (2... Rh7 3. Qc8+ Kg6 4. Qg8+ Rg7 5. Qe8+ Kg5 6. Kxh3 $18) (2... Rh6 3. Kg3 h2 (3... Kg5 4. Qg8+ Rg6 5. Qd5+ f5 6. Kxh3 $18) 4. Qc8+ $18) (2... Rh4 3. Kg3 h2 (3... Rh6 4. Qc8+) (3... Rh7 4. Qg8) 4. Qc8+ $18) 3. Qf7 Rh6 4. Kg3 h2 5. Qg8+ Rg6 6. Qd5+ f5 7. Kxh2 $18) 1... h2 {!} 2. Qd7+ Kg6 3. Qd3+ Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] . The f-pawn defends the black pieces against double attacks, and also the queen cannot control the hi square with gain of tempo, so that White has to be content with perpetual check.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6Q1/5p2/5k2/7r/7p/7K/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If it is Black to move, he must bear in mind that the best squares for his rook are h6 and h8, they being the most concealed from the queen. Sometimes it can also occupy h7, but on no account should it go to h5. ~5 (RR) This position is won for White. ~} 1... Ke6 {!} (1... Rh5 {?} 2. Qd7+ Kg5 (2... Kg6 3. Qg4+ Kh6 4. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0] comes to the same thing}) 3. Kg3 {!} Kg6 ( 3... h2 4. Qg7+ Kf5 5. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qe8+ Kh6 5. Qh8+ Kg6 6. Qg8+ Kh6 7. Kh2 {!} f5 (7... Rh4 8. Qg3 Rh5 9. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qf7 {!} Kg5 9. Qg7+ Kf4 10. Qg3+ Ke4 11. Qg6 Rh4 12. Qg5 Rh7 13. Kg3 {!} Ke5 {(14.Qf4 and 15.Qxf5 was threatened)} 14. Qg6 f4+ 15. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 2. Qg6 (2. Kg3 h2 {!} 3. Qg8+ Ke7 {[%eval 0,0]}) (2. Qg8+ {%05~5 (RR) The simplest way to win is by} Ke7 (2... Kf5 3. Kg3 Rd4 (3... Rh6 4. Qg4+ Ke5 5. Qf4+ $18) 4. Kxh3 $18) 3. Qg3 Re4 (3... Rh5 4. Qg7+ Ke6 5. Qg4+ Rf5 6. Kxh3 $18 ) 4. Kxh3 $18 {~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~}) 2... Rh8 {!} (2... Ke7 {? %05not} 3. Qg3 {! , and the rook has to move off the h-file:} Rh5 4. Qg7+ Ke6 5. Qg4+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qg7 Rh4 4. Qf8 Kf5 {!} 5. Qg8 Rh6 6. Qd5+ Kg6 7. Kg3 { ~5 (RR) Inaccuracy.} (7. Qg8+ {%05~5 (RR) The win is achieved by~} Kf5 8. Qg7 Rh5 9. Qf8 Kg6 (9... Rh4 10. Kg3 Rh5 (10... Rh7 11. Qc8+ Kg6 12. Qg8+ Rg7 13. Qe8+ Kg5 14. Kxh3 $18) 11. Qf7 Rh6 12. Qd5+ Kg6 13. Qg8+ Kf5 14. Qg4+ Ke5 15. Qf4+ $18) 10. Qe8+ Kh6 (10... Kg5 11. Qf7 Rh6 12. Kg3 h2 13. Qg8+ Rg6 14. Qd5+ f5 15. Kxh2 $18) 11. Qf7 Rf5 12. Qf8+ Kg6 13. Kxh3 $18 {~5 (Nalimov tablebases) ~}) 7... Rh8 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and White is forced to return his king to h2. ^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/p2r4/8/8/8/3p4/3Q3K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {In exceptional cases, with a far-advanced pawn, the side with the rook even succeeds in winning. Here two necessary conditions are met: the queen is not able to leave the blockading square with check, and the white king is outside the square of the distant pawn.} 1. Kg2 a5 2. Kf3 a4 3. Ke4 (3. Ke2 {%05In the event of} a3 4. Ke3 a2 5. Ke2 {Black does not play immediately} a1=Q {?} (5... Ke7 {! %05but first} 6. Ke3 {, and only then} a1=Q {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 6. Qxa1 d1=Q+ 7. Qxd1 Rxd1 8. Kxd1 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 3... a3 4. Ke5 Ke7 { [%eval -550,0] , and Black wins by advancing his a-pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k3/3p4/4p3/3r4/4K3/2Q5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] {~13.3 Connected pawns~ The side with the rook can defend successfully in all cases and with all pawns in positions of the following type.} 1. Qc7+ {%05The d-pawn covers the king against attacks by the queen from the rear, and it is not possible to create a zugzwang position. The white king is unable to break through to the pawn:} Ke6 2. Qd8 Kd5 3. Qc8 Rf4 4. Kd3 Rd4+ 5. Kc3 Rf4 { [%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/7k/6p1/7p/6r1/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Here the rook has only one strong point, but on the other hand there are other free squares along the 5th rank (in the given case a4) where it can avoid double attacks and at the same time prevent the breakthrough of the king. These are, so to speak, orthodox positions, where the disposition of the warring armies is of a traditional nature. But in the course of action the pieces by no means always end up where they are 'supposed' to be. How does the play go in non-standard situations?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/8/6pk/3K1p2/5r2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {If the king can nevertheless break through to the pawns, the stronger side wins in the majority of cases, especially in positions with pawns at the edge of the board.} 1. Ke5 {^013^010 What should Black play? 1...Rg4(e4) loses immediately^013^010 to 2.Kf6. We will examine two other possibilities, the^013^010 analysis of which is extremely instructive, since at^013^010 several points only one move will suffice:^013^010 ~5(RR) The analysis does not confirm White's win.~^013^010 %04(a)} Kg5 (1... Ra4 {%05(b)} 2. Qh8+ Kg5 3. Qd8+ Kh5 4. Qd6 {!! ^013^010 This problem-like move ensures a quick win: ^013^010 %04(b1)} Rg4 (4... Kg5 {%05(b2)} 5. Qd2+ Kh5 6. Qe2+ {!} Kg5 (6... Kh6 7. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qe3+ {! (with the aim of depriving the rook of a7)} Kh5 8. Kf6 Ra6+ 9. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 5. Kf6 Rg2 {(if the queen were on another square, the black king would escape by running via h4)} 6. Qd5 Rg4 (6... Rg1 7. Qf3+ Kh4 8. Qf2+ Rg3 9. Qh2+ Kg4 10. Kxg6 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 7. Qh1+ {(the queen begins its crowning manoeuvre)} Rh4 8. Qf3+ Rg4 (8... Kh6 9. Qg3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qe2 {!} f4 10. Qh2+ Rh4 11. Qg2 Rg4 12. Qe2 { [%eval 550,0] ! , and Black is in zugzwang.}) 2. Qd8+ Kg4 3. Qd1+ {!} (3. Kf6 { ? %05Black is aiming for the drawn position from the study by %05Frink ~3 ($403745) (*)~, and this is not easily prevented. %05Direct play for the win of a pawn leads in fact to a draw:} Rf2 {!} 4. Kxg6 (4. Qd5 Kg3 5. Qh1 f4 6. Kxg6 Rh2 {!} 7. Qg1+ Rg2 8. Qf1 Rf2 {[%eval 0,0] etc. does not help}) 4... Kg3 {, then 5...Kg2(h2) and ...f4.^013^010 White's task is to win the g-pawn, without allowing position ~3($413745) (*)~.}) 3... Rf3 4. Kf6 {, and White achieves his aim:} g5 (4... f4 5. Kxg6 Kg3 6. Qg1+ {and 7.Kf5$18}) 5. Qd4+ {!} Kg3 (5... Kh3 6. Qg1 {!} g4 7. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) (5... f4 {%05or} 6. Qd1 Kg3 7. Qg1+ Kh3 8. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 6. Qg1+ Kh3 7. Kg6 {!} f4 {!?} (7... g4 {? %05If} 8. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] ! %05then}) (7... Rf4 {? %05or} 8. Qh1+ Kg3 9. Kxg5 Rf2 10. Qg1+ Rg2 11. Qe3+ Kh2+ 12. Kxf5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kf5 { ($18 Henkin)} Ra3 {! ^013^010 %05~5 (RR) It is not clear how White can win after~} 9. Qh1+ {%05~5, for example~ %00o^ %00o^ Rh2 (%00o^ ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4Q3/4p3/1k1p4/4r3/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "45"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {This differs from position ~3( 3830)~ only in the placing of the black king, which is cut off from its pawns by all of one square. This seemingly insignificant difference has an important affect on the assessment. White forcibly drives the king into the corner of the board, stalemates it, and, using zugzwang, forces the rook to leave the pawns undefended, after which it wins them. This audacious plan encounters serious resistance, and demands accurate, purposeful play.} 1. Qd5 Ka4 2. Qc4+ Ka5 3. Qc5+ Ka4 (3... Ka6 { %05 The king agrees to go to a1, in the hope of including the rook in the defence. On the other side of the board it would have been completely helpless: } 4. Qb4 Ka7 5. Qb5 Ka8 6. Qb6 {(zugzwang)} e4 7. Kd1 Rd3+ 8. Kc2 Rc3+ 9. Kb2 { [%eval 550,0] , and the pawns must fall.}) 4. Qb6 Ka3 5. Qb5 Ka2 6. Qb4 { A controversial position, on which we will dwell in some detail. Black has three sensible continuations: 6...Ka1, 6...Ra3 and 6...e4. The last move is not of independent significance, and will be considered in the second variation:^013^010 %04(a)} Ra3 {! (undoubtedly the best defence - Henkin) ^013^010 ~5(RR) (not the best defence)~} (6... Ka1 {%02~5! (RR)~ ^013^010 Now the queen has to reach c2. The transfer is carried out via d2, and therefore the king has to vacate this square. %05(b)} 7. Kc1 {! %05^013^010} Rc3+ 8. Kd1 {!} Rd3+ (8... Re3 {!?} 9. Qd2 Kb1 (9... Rb3 {~5 White is hardly able to improve his position, for example~ %05~5 (RR) After} 10. Qa5+ Kb1 11. Qxe5 Rd3+ {=}) 10. Qc2+ Ka1 11. Kd2 {[%eval 550,0] - zugzwang}) 9. Ke1 Re3+ 10. Kf2 Ka2 { (Black is now given the move)} 11. Kf1 Rf3+ 12. Kg2 Re3 13. Kf2 Ka1 (13... Re4 {?} 14. Qd2+ Ka1 15. Qc1+ Ka2 16. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Qd2 {!} Kb1 { (in conclusion - Black is again given the move)} 15. Kg2 Ka1 16. Qc2 {, and White wins} Z0 (16... Ra3 17. Qd1+ Kb2 18. Qe2+ Kc3 19. Qxe5 {[%eval 550,0]}) ( 16... Rc3 {%05or} 17. Qa4+ Kb2 18. Qb5+ Kc2 19. Qxe5 {[%eval 550,0]})) 7. Qc4+ Ka1 (7... Rb3 {? %05not} 8. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kd1 {! %05Position ~3(*) ~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05White should continue %09DB} (8. Qc1+ {(?) %05In the first edition I thought that White could win by} Ka2 9. Qc2+ Ka1 10. Ke1 Re3+ { (?)} (10... Rc3 {! , gaining a draw thanks to a tactical feature of the position: %05But Mohaupt (DDR) showed that instead of 10...Re3 Black should play} 11. Qa4+ Kb2 12. Qb5+ Kc2 {[%eval 0,0] , and the e-pawn is immune due to the rook check at e3. Averbakh agreed with this variation, and on the basis of it assessed the initial position as drawn. It was this assessment that was given in later works on the endgame.}) 11. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0] , with a familiar zugzwang position.}) 8... Re3 9. Qc2 {!} e4 {! ^013^010 Black to move is in zugzwang ~3($413834)~.} (9... Ra3 10. Qc1+ Ka2 11. Qc4+ Ka1 {is refuted by the unexpected} 12. Qf1 {!! , which inevitably leads either to mate} Re3 ( 12... Ka2 {%05or to gain of material} 13. Qe2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (12... d3 13. Qe1 {[%eval 550,0]}) (12... Rc3 13. Qa6+ Kb2 14. Qb5+ Ka3 15. Qxe5 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 13. Kc2+ Ka2 14. Qa6+ Ra3 15. Qc4+ Ka1 16. Qf1+ Ka2 17. Qb1# {A full stop could have been placed at this point, had not another defensive line appeared for Black.}) 10. Qa4+ {^013^010 ^013^010 %05Position ~3(**)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %09DB} (10. Kd2 {? due to %05White cannot lose a tempo by} Re2+ {[%eval 0,0] ! with a pawn fork and a draw. He has to seek new methods of play, this time against hanging pawns.}) 10... Kb1 11. Qb4+ Ka2 {(while the d-pawn is defended only indirectly, the king cannot go either to a1 or b2, since then it is captured with check)} 12. Kd2 Rd3+ 13. Ke1 Ka1 {! } (13... Re3+ {%05Again the best defence. The alternative is more prosaic:} 14. Kf1 Rf3+ 15. Kg2 Rd3 16. Kg1 {!} Rg3+ 17. Kh2 Rd3 18. Kg2 Ka1 19. Qe1+ Kb2 20. Qxe4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kf2 e3+ (14... Rd2+ 15. Kg3 Rd3+ 16. Kf4 e3 17. Kg3 { [%eval 550,0] ! comes to the same thing}) 15. Kg3 {!} Rd2 (15... Ka2 16. Qc4+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (15... e2+ 16. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Qb3 {! ^013^010 Zugzwang. The idea of stalemating the king has been consistently carried out to the end. Although the pawns succeed in advancing towards the queening squares, they do not give any counter-play and the defence does not hold. %08DA } d3 {%05Position ~3(***)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} (16... e2 17. Kf2 d3 18. Qc3+ Rb2 19. Qxd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 17. Kf3 e2 18. Qc3+ Rb2 19. Kf2 Ka2 20. Qxd3 e1=Q+ 21. Kxe1 {^013^010 There is an amazing logic permeating the game of chess! In unwinding the tangle of pieces in the initial position, a fine thread has as though led us to an exception to the rule, where a queen wins against a rook only if it is on that very square on the 3rd rank that it now occupies. After %08DA} Rb1+ {^013^010 ^013^010 %05Position ~3(****). ~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} 22. Kd2 Rb2+ 23. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0] Black loses only because the b1 square is controlled by the queen, otherwise a draw would be inevitable.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3pp3/4r3/2Q5/k2K4 b - - 0 10"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] 10... Rd3+ {%05Black to move is in zugzwang:} 11. Ke1 Re3+ 12. Kf2 Rf3+ 13. Kg2 Rd3 14. Kh2 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/4Q3/4p3/1k1p4/4r3/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "47"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {Let us return to the initial position ~3( 3833)~. If it is Black to move he again cannot avoid the driving back of his king, but it cannot be stalemated, and the breakthrough of the white king to the pawns is neutralized by the threat of their advance.} 1... Kc5 {!} 2. Kd1 (2. Qd7 Rc3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Rd3+ 3. Ke2 Re3+ 4. Kd2 e4 (4... Kb4 {%05As we already know, Black loses after} 5. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) (4... Re4 {%05while} 5. Qc8+ {[%eval 550,0] leads to the loss of the rook. Black is forced to advance a pawn, but this is part of his intentions.}) 5. Kd1 Rd3+ 6. Ke2 (6. Kc2 {%05The king embarks on a lengthy raid. But perhaps it should remain on the Q-side? Let us check:} Re3 7. Kb2 Kb4 8. Qd5 Re2+ 9. Kc1 d3 (9... Kc3 {?} 10. Qa5+ Kd3 11. Qa3+ Kc4 12. Qa6+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qd4+ Kb3 11. Kd1 {^013^010 One gains the impression that Black is in zugzwang, but after} Ka2 12. Qb4 {he does not continue} Ka1 {?} ( 12... e3 {! %05but immediately} 13. Qc3 {(the d3 pawn cannot be captured with check)} Rd2+ 14. Ke1 Re2+ 15. Kf1 Rf2+ 16. Kg1 d2 {[%eval 0,0] , forcing a draw }) 13. Qb3 {!} e3 {, which does indeed lose} 14. Qa3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6... Re3+ 7. Kf2 Rf3+ 8. Kg2 Re3 9. Kh2 Kb4 10. Qc6 Kb3 11. Qc5 Re2+ 12. Kg3 d3 13. Qc1 Rc2 {!} 14. Qd1 Kb2 15. Kf4 Re2 16. Ke5 Ka2 17. Kd4 (17. Qc1 Rc2 {[%eval 0, 0]}) 17... Kb2 18. Kc4 Rc2+ 19. Kb5 Re2 20. Kb4 Rc2 21. Qe1 {^013^010 ^013^010 Position ~3(*)~ %08DA} d2 {%05The critical position. The pawns are ready to stand up for themselves:} (21... Re2 {there follows %05On} 22. Qc3+ Kb1 23. Kb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 22. Qe2 e3 23. Qd3 Kc1 24. Qxe3 Rc8 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw. ^013^010 ^013^010 We can draw the first conclusion:^013^010 ~2the battle in this type of ending proceeds 'for' and ~^013^010 ~2 'against' the driving of the king into the corner~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3pK3/4p3/3r4/4Q3/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Now it will be useful to explain which factors assist the attack, and which the defence.} 1. Qb3+ {%05We know that the queen can force the king to withdraw by standing a knight's move away. Here this can be achieved in two moves $6} Kc1 2. Qa2 {, or in one $6 1.Qc3. Let us continue the first variation:} Kd1 3. Qb2 Ke1 4. Qc2 Kf1 {...Stop! The d2 square is inaccessible to the queen, so let us come in from the other side:} 5. Qh2 Ke1 6. Qg2 Kd1 7. Qf2 Kc1 8. Qe2 Kb1 9. Kd7 {) do not lead to zugzwang, since Black does not reply %05Again a hitch - the rook prevents any further driving back of the king. White is unable to count on the help of his king, and waiting moves (e.g. } Ka1 {?} (9... Kc1 {. We will record this curious position in the following example ~3($413837)~. %05But}) 10. Qc2 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K4/3p4/4p3/3r4/8/4Q3/2k5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {We can draw a further conclusion: ~2the queen is unable to drive the enemy king into the corner if the rook is controlling the critical squares~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3pK3/4p3/3r4/4Q3/8/1k6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qc3 {! %05Let us return to position ~3($403836)~. White wins by} Ka2 { %05^013^010 %05After} (1... Rd1 {%05The alternative defence also does not help: } 2. Kd7 Rd4 3. Kc6 Rd1 4. Kb5 Rd4 5. Ka5 Ka2 (5... Rd1 6. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qc2+ Ka3 7. Qb1 Rd5+ 8. Kb6 Rd4 9. Kc6 Ka4 10. Qb2 {[%eval 550,0] $6 zugzwang ~3($403839)~.}) 2. Qc2+ Ka3 3. Qb1 Ka4 4. Qb2 Ka5 5. Qb3 Ka6 {the rook again prevents the queen from occupying b4 and continuing the driving back process, but on the other hand the king comes into play with decisive effect:} 6. Kd7 Ka5 7. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2Kp4/4p3/k2r4/8/1Q6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {If the queen and the black king change wings, the winning plan remains the same, but its implementation is complicated by the fact that the rook, having a strong point at f4, can actively oppose the attack by the enemy king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3pK3/4p3/3r4/2Q5/8/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] 1. Qe3+ {! %05White wins by} (1. Qf3 {, after %05If in analogy with the previous example White plays} Kh2 2. Qf2+ Kh3 3. Qg1 Kh4 4. Qg2 Kh5 5. Qg3 Kh6 6. Kf7 Kh5 {the further surrounding of the king does not proceed very smoothly: } 7. Qf3+ Kh6 8. Kg8 Kg6 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and it is not clear who has been driven back by whom.}) 1... Kg2 2. Kf5 Kf1 3. Kg5 Kg2 4. Kg6 {!} Rg4+ (4... Kf1 5. Kh5 {!}) 5. Kh5 Rd4 6. Kg5 Kf1 7. Kh5 {!} Kg2 {(it is for this position, with him to move, that White has been aiming)} 8. Qe2+ Kg3 9. Kg5 {!} Kh3 10. Qf3+ Kh2 11. Qf2+ Kh3 12. Qg1 {%08DA} d5 {%05Position ~3(*)~.^013^010 %05^013^010 %05Zugzwang. Black loses a pawn:} (12... Rf4 {%05or} 13. Qe3+ Kg2 14. Qd2+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Qe3+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. Third conclusion: ~2a zugzwang position can be created on the edge of the board, if the queen and king coordinate from opposite sides~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Flerov Alexander (RUS)"] [Black "Paramonov"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3k4/5Q2/7p/6p1/7r/4K3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {Against wing pawns the methods for realizing the advantage remain unchanged, but the defensive resources are increased. Black's island is impregnable, but his king is outside it, and the queen is waiting for it to begin running. When suddenly ...} 1... Rf3 {!} 2. Qg6 (2. Qg7+ {%05The king does not wish to retreat, even though the fortress walls may be broken:} Ke6 3. Qg6+ Ke5 4. Qxh5+ Kf4 {[%eval 0,0] . At the cost of a pawn Black has succeeded in consolidating his small army ~3($413733)~.^013^010 This is the leitmotif of Black's strategy, and it is also what happened in the game (it was deemed drawn on the 91st move). But couldn't White have delayed winning the pawn, and, following the pattern of previous examples, tried to drive the enemy king into one of the corners, achieving a zugzwang position? It is on the success of this operation that the evaluation of the position depends. In order to give a complete solution to this problem, a journey has to be made over the entire board.}) 2... Rh3 3. Qb6 Ke7 4. Qc6 Kf7 5. Qh6 (5. Qd6 {%05Logically, White should now continue} Kg7 6. Qe6 {, a manoeuvre which is justified in the event of} Kh7 {?} (6... Rf3 {! %05Instead Black has a clear draw by} 7. Kd2 Kh7 { [%eval 0,0] ^013^010 The rook controls the f-file and the 3rd rank, preventing the invasion of the enemy pieces. The king manoeuvres between h7 and g7, and a zugzwang position cannot be created. A positional draw.^013^010 Thus, with correct defence the king cannot be driven to h8 or onto the 8th rank, so let us return to the main variation and try changing the direction of attack. ^013^010 ^013^010 Position ~3(**)~ %08DA}) 7. Qf6 {^013^010 ^013^010 Position ~3(*)~ %05^013^010 %05The king is inevitably driven to h8 or a8: %08DA} Kg8 ( 7... Rf3 {!} 8. Qg5 Rh3 9. Kd2 Rh2+ 10. Kd3 Rh3+ 11. Kd4 Kh8 12. Qg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qg6+ Kf8 9. Qh7 Ke8 10. Qg7 Kd8 11. Qf7 Kc8 12. Qe7 Kb8 13. Qd7 Ka8 14. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0] . Zugzwang $6 Black loses material.}) 5... Ke7 6. Qg6 Kd7 7. Qf6 Rf3 8. Qg5 Rh3 9. Qe5 {!} Kc6 10. Qe6+ {[%eval 0,0]} (10. Qd4 { there would have followed %05On} Rf3 {[%eval 0,0] ! ^013^010 A feature of the position is that, with the rook at f3, the queen can get to the h5 pawn only on the 3rd move. So as to be able to come to the aid of the other pawn in time, the black king must be not more than three steps away from f4. But even this is insufficient. The square must be chosen, taking account of the dynamics of the play.} (10... Kc7 {%05In the event of, for example,} 11. Kd2 {(White can always give the opponent the move by some king manoeuvre) Black can no longer prevent the further driving-back of his king ~3($403842)~.})) ({Z0 ^013^010 Kc5 %05On 10.Qe6 Black should continue Qd7 Rf3 ! Kc4 ? ~3($413483)~. %05But what happens in the event of %08DA} 10. Qe8+ {! %05^013^010 %05Having noted that the c4 square is unfavourable for the black king, let us continue the main variation $6}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/4Q3/7p/6p1/7r/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1... Kb7 (1... Rf3 2. Qe5+ Kd8 3. Qxh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kd8 2. Qf7 $18) 2. Qd6 Ka7 3. Qc6 Kb8 4. Qd7 Ka8 5. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3Q4/8/7p/2k3p1/7r/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "48"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] {By the combined efforts of his pieces, White drives the king into the a1 corner.} 1. Qd6 Rf3 2. Qe5 Rh3 3. Kd2 Rd3+ 4. Ke1 Rh3 5. Ke2 {(now it is Black to move, and his king is forced to concede a further inch of the board)} Kb4 6. Qd5 Kc3 {(the driving-back continues)} 7. Qc5+ Kb3 8. Kd2 Ka4 9. Qb6 Ka3 10. Qb5 Ka2 11. Qb4 Ka1 12. Kc2 {(the mate threat forces Black to allow the king across the 3rd rank)} Rh2+ 13. Kd3 Rh3+ (13... g3 14. Qe1+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Ke4 {(the king heads for the pawns, to restrict the rook completely)} Ka2 ( 14... g3 15. Kd3 {!} g2+ 16. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Kf5 Rf3+ 16. Kg5 Rh3 17. Qb6 {!} Ka3 18. Qb5 Ka2 19. Qb4 Ka1 20. Qd2 Kb1 21. Qf2 {!} Kc1 22. Qe2 Kb1 23. Qd2 Ka1 24. Qc2 {, and the king has to witness the destruction of his own army: } Z0 (24... g3 25. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (24... Rh1 {%05or} 25. Qa4+ Kb2 26. Qb5+ Ka3 27. Qa6+ Kb4 28. Qb7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1981.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/6pp/7r/2Q3K1/4k3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1981.??.??"] 1. Qe4+ {%05Perpetual check is threatened, so White has to provide space for his king:} Kd2 2. Qd4+ Kc2 (2... Ke1 {%05Forced, since in the event of} 3. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0] the pawn is captured with check. But now the white king escapes from the encirclement and comes decisively into play}) (2... Rd3 3. Qf2+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf2 g3+ (3... Rf3+ {%05Up till now the g-pawn has been immune, but now it is in danger.} 4. Ke1 Rg3 {fails to} 5. Qd8 {! , and one of the hanging pawns is bound to fall} Z0 (5... Rh3 6. Qc8+ {[%eval 550,0]})) 4. Kf3 Rh2 5. Kg4 {^013^010 The black island has moved one rank forward, but the further advance of the pawns to the queening squares is halted. The king is forcibly driven into the a1 corner. %08DA} Kb3 {%05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} 6. Qc5 Kb2 7. Qc4 Kb1 8. Qc3 Ka2 9. Qb4 Ka1 10. Qb3 {[%eval 550,0] Zugzwang $6 White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1955.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Keres Paul (EST)"] [Black "Byrne Robert E (USA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/8/8/8/3pp3/1k1r4/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1955.??.??"] {~2Positions where the rook supports the pawns from behind are less favourable for the defence~. The result usually depends on how far the leading pawn has managed to advance.} {(variation from the game, with colours reversed) This position did not occur in the game. Byrne offered a draw in a position which could have led to force to the diagram position. He evidently considered it unpromising, but in fact it is quite difficult for White to attain a draw, whereas for Black there is no risk of losing. Despite the queen's great mobility, it is not easy for it to come into play from its distant position.} 1... Rc2 (1... Rf2 2. Qa6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 2. Kf1 {!} (2. Qh8+ {%05The only defence. In the event of} Kb1 3. Kf1 Rc1+ 4. Kg2 e2 5. Qb8+ Kc2 6. Qc7+ Kd1 { [%eval -550,0] the appearance of a new black queen is inevitable}) (2. Qb7+ Kc1 3. Qh1 d2+ 4. Ke2+ d1=Q+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Rc1+ 3. Kg2 e2 4. Qb7+ Kc2 5. Qc6+ Kd2 6. Qh6+ Kd1 7. Qh5 Rc4 {!} (7... Rc5 {there follows not %05on} 8. Qg4 {?} (8. Qf3 {[%eval 0,0] %05but}) 8... Rg5 {[%eval -550,0] !}) 8. Kh2 {!} (8. Kf2 {loses to} Rh4 {!} 9. Qf3 Rf4 {[%eval -550,0] ! when the pawn queens with check}) (8. Qf3 {%05while after} Kd2 9. Qf2 Re4 {! the defence is much more difficult.}) 8... Rf4 (8... Rh4+ 9. Qxh4 e1=Q 10. Qa4+ {[%eval 0,0] , when perpetual check cannot be avoided. %05allows}) 9. Kg2 d2 10. Kh2 Ke1 (10... Rf2+ 11. Kg1 Ke1 12. Qh4 d1=Q 13. Qb4+ {[%eval 0,0] !} (13. Qxf2+ {? %05but not } Kd2+ {[%eval -550,0]})) 11. Kg2 {!} (11. Qa5 {%05An unexpected finish follows after} Kf1 {!} 12. Qxd2 Rf2+ 13. Kh1 {?} (13. Kh3 {%05of course,} e1=Q 14. Qd3+ {[%eval 0,0] is correct, with perpetual check}) 13... Rf5 {!!} (13... e1=Q {%05hoping for stalemate after} 14. Qd3+ Re2 15. Qf3+ Qf2 16. Qxf2+ { [%eval 0,0]}) 14. Kh2 Rh5+ 15. Kg3 e1=Q+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 11... Z0 (11... d1=Q {%05But now White nevertheless forces a draw after both} 12. Qa5+ Qd2 13. Qa1+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (11... Rf2+ {%05and} 12. Kg1 {!} Rf1+ 13. Kg2 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4r3/5k2/5p2/4pQ2/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {White's task is to win the f-pawn, transposing into position ~3( 3682)~. To do this he has to occupy f4 with his king.} 1. Qh4+ Kf7 (1... Ke6 {to be the best defence, thinking that after %05Berger erroneously considered} 2. Kf4 { Black could draw by} (2. Qg5 {%05He did not know that the resulting position %05~3($403752)~ is won for White. Even so, White should %05not go in for this variation, since after 1...Ke6 the %05continuation suggested by Berger himself is simpler:} Rf7 3. Kf4 Kd7 4. Qg6 Ke7 5. Ke5 Kf8 6. Ke6 Re7+ 7. Kf6 e3 8. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2... e3 3. Kxe3 Kf7+ 4. Kf3 Re4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Qg5 (2. Kf4 {due to %05not immediately} e3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Re5 (2... Ke6 3. Kf4 Rf7 4. Qg6+ Ke7 5. Ke5 e3 6. Qd6+ Ke8 7. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kd4 {!} Rb5 (3... Ra5 4. Qd8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qd8 Rb4+ 5. Ke5 Rb5+ 6. Kf4 Rc5 7. Qd7+ {[%eval 550, 0] , winning the rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4r3/5k2/5p2/4pQ2/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] 1... Rd7 {%05If it is Black to move, the attempt to attain the drawn %05position ~3($413830)~ does not succeed:} 2. Qh6+ Ke5 3. Qh8+ Ke6 4. Qc8 Ke7 5. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. If the position is moved one file to the right it turns out to be drawn, since even in the event of the loss of the g-pawn Black remains with a bishop's pawn on the 4th rank, which enables him to hold the position. But if the position is moved two files to the left, the result will depend on who it is to move.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r5/3k4/3p4/2pQ4/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {Again one of Black's pawns is a bishop's pawn, but on the other hand his king is on the long side of the board, and for it to cross the c-file two tempi are required, which White uses to approach with his king.} 1. Qf4+ {. Now two variations should be considered:^013^010 %04(a)} Kd7 {(Black intends to transfer his king to b7 via c8)} (1... Kc6 {%05(b)} 2. Kd4 Rc8 {!} (2... Kb7 { %05This sets White the most difficult problems. The point of this defence is revealed in the variation} 3. Kxd5 c3 4. Qb4+ {!} (4. Kd6 {? %05a draw results from} c2 5. Qb4+ Ka6 {!} 6. Qa4+ Kb6 7. Qb3+ Ka6 8. Qa3+ Kb7 {!} 9. Qb2+ Kc8 { [%eval 0,0]}) 4... Kc8 (4... Ka6 {there follows %05On} 5. Qb8 {[%eval 550,0] ! But were the rook now at c8, the position would be drawn, since to attack the rook the king would require two tempi, and in this time Black would be able to queen his pawn.}) 5. Qa4 {!} c2 6. Kd6 Kb7 7. Qb5+ Kc8 8. Qa6+ Kb8 (8... Kd8 9. Qa8+ Rc8 10. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qb6+ Rb7 10. Qd8+ Ka7 11. Qa5+ Kb8 12. Qc3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 3. Qf7 {!} (3. Qf6+ {%05In the event of} Kb7 4. Kxd5 c3 {[%eval 0,0] Black gains a draw, thanks to his rook at c8. Therefore, before capturing the d-pawn, White must force the rook to occupy c7 again.}) 3... Kb6 {!} (3... Rc7 {is bad due to %05For the moment attack and defence neutralize each other.} 4. Qxd5+ Kb6 5. Qa8 {!} c3 6. Qb8+ {[%eval 550, 0]}) (3... Rd8 {%05as is} 4. Qe6+ Kb7 5. Kc5 Rc8+ 6. Kb5 Rc7 7. Qxd5+ Kc8 8. Kb6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qd7 {!} Rc7 {(now White has to keep the rook on this square, without losing a tempo)} 5. Qd8 {!} Kb7 (5... c3 6. Qb8+ {[%eval 550,0] }) 6. Qxd5+ Ka7 7. Qa5+ Kb7 8. Qb5+ {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in the note to Black's 2nd move.}) 2. Qf5+ {!} Kc6 (2... Kd8 {%05After} 3. Qxd5+ Kc8 4. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0] White wins as in position ~3($403684)~}) (2... Kd6 { leads to the main line after} 3. Kd4 Rd7 (3... c3 4. Qxd5+ Ke7 5. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qf6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kd4 Rd7 4. Qe6+ Kc7 5. Qe8 {!} (5. Kc5 { %05weaker is} c3 {!} 6. Qe5+ Kb7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Rd8 (5... Kd6 {, then %05If} 6. Qe5+ Kc6 7. Qb8 {!} Rc7 8. Qa8+ Kb6 (8... Rb7 9. Qa6+ Rb6 10. Qc8+ Kb5 11. Kxd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kxd5 c3 10. Qb8+ Rb7 11. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qe5+ {!} Kc6 7. Qe6+ Kc7 8. Kc5 Rd7 9. Qb6+ Kc8 10. Kc6 c3 11. Qa5 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r5/3k4/3p4/2pQ4/2K5/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] 1... Kc6 {! ~5, but White wins by~ %05Henkin considered that Black to move saves the draw by} 2. Qf6+ {!} (2. Kb4 Rb7+ 3. Kc3 Rb3+ {[%eval 0,0] leads to position ~3($413830)~, which is drawn.}) 2... Kc5 (2... Kd7 3. Qe5 Kc6 (3... Rc5 4. Kb4 $18) 4. Kd4 Rd7 5. Qb8 Rc7 6. Qa8+ Rb7 7. Qc8+ Rc7 8. Qa6+ Kd7 9. Kxd5 $18) (2... Kb7 3. Qd6 $18) 3. Qf8+ Kc6 4. Kd4 Rd7 5. Qb8 $18 {^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1r6/k7/p7/Qp6/1K6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If one of the pawns is a rook's pawn, the stronger side can normally exploit the cramped position of the enemy king on the edge of the board.} 1. Qc6+ Rb6 ( 1... Ka7 2. Qc5+ Ka6 3. Ka4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qa8+ Kb5 3. Qd5+ Ka6 4. Ka4 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1r6/k7/p7/Qp6/1K6/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Rc7 {[%eval 0,0] ! , when transposition into the drawn position^013^010 ~3($413830)~ is inevitable.^013^010 ^013^010 %05If Black begins, he plays} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r7/1k6/1p6/pQ6/K7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {In the this position, where the rook's pawn is further advanced than the knight's pawn. Black loses irrespective of who it is to move.} 1. Qd6+ Kb7 ( 1... Ka5 {%05In the event of} 2. Qd8+ {!} Ka6 3. Kb4 Kb7 (3... Rb7 {due to %05Black cannot play} 4. Qa5#) 4. Kxb5 a3 5. Qb6+ Ka8 6. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0] he loses his rook.}) 2. Qc5 Ka6 3. Kb4 Rb7 4. Qd4 {!} Rb6 (4... Rb8 5. Qd6+ Ka7 6. Ka5 Rb7 7. Qd4+ Kb8 8. Ka6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qd8 {!} Ka7 6. Ka5 Rb7 7. Qd4+ Kb8 8. Ka6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/r7/1k6/1p6/pQ6/K7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If it is Black to move, he is not able to regroup along the lines of position ~3( 3830)~, as in the previous example.} 1... Rc7 (1... Rd7 2. Qc3 {!} Rd1 ( 2... Rd6 {~5 , intending to transfer the rook to c4, and to create an impregnable fortress, even without the pawn at a4.~5 %05~5 (RR) Stronger is} 3. Qe3+ Ka6 4. Qe4 Kb6 {~5 (RR) It is not clear, whether or not White is able to win.~}) 3. Qe3+ Ka6 4. Kb4 Rb1+ 5. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qd4+ Kb7 3. Qd5+ Kb6 (3... Ka6 4. Qd6+ Kb7 5. Kb4 a3 6. Kxb5 a2 7. Qd5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qd8 {!} Kc6 5. Kb4 a3 {!} 6. Qa8+ {!} (6. Kxa3 {? %05not} Ra7+ {!} 7. Kb4 Ra4+ { [%eval 0,0] with a draw as in position ~3($413733)~.}) 6... Kb6 7. Qa5+ { [%eval 550,0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010 Let us move the position one rank down the board.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/r7/1k6/1p6/pQ6/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {This is the only position of this type where such far advanced pawns are unable to withstand the attack by the queen.} 1. Qd5+ Kb6 2. Qc4 Ka5 (2... Ra4 3. Kb3 a2 4. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kb3 Rb6 4. Qc8 {!} Kb5 (4... Rb5 5. Qc6 { [%eval 550,0] ! $6 zugzwang}) 5. Qe8+ Ka6 (5... Rc6 6. Qe5+ Rc5 7. Qb8+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qa8+ Kb5 7. Qa4+ Kc5 8. Qd7 {! , and Black loses:} a2 (8... Ra6 {%05or} 9. Qc7+ Kb5 10. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qa7 {[%eval 550,0] ! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3Q4/8/1p4rk/pK6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~2Even less favourable for the weaker side is the defence of connected pawns by the rook along the rank~. The winning procedure in the most difficult position of this type is shown by this example. White can hope to win only by approaching the enemy pieces with his king. But this cannot be done immediately.} 1. Qh2+ {!} (1. Kc2 {there follows %05On} Rg2+ 2. Kb3 a2 { [%eval 0,0] with a draw}) (1. Ka4 {%05the result is the same after} Rg2 { [%eval 0,0] ! , when the queen cannot take the pawn due to the pin. Therefore, before calling up his king, White deprived the rook of the g2 square.}) 1... Kg5 2. Ka4 {!} (2. Kc2 {Black forces a draw by %05Only this by-passing manoeuvre leads to a win. In the event of} a2 {! , e.g.} 3. Qh1 Rf4 {!} 4. Qg1+ (4. Qd5+ {%05the pawn is immune:} Kg4 5. Qxa2 Rf2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Kh5 {!} 5. Kb2 b3 6. Kxb3 Rf2 {[%eval 0,0] ! $6 draw ~3($413654)~}) 2... Rf4 3. Kb5 Kg4 (3... Kf5 {%05The attempt to halt the approach of the enemy king does not succeed:} 4. Kc5 Ke5 5. Qg2 {!} Ke6 6. Qd5+ Kf6 7. Kd6 Rg4 8. Qf3+ Kg5 9. Ke5 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 4. Qg2+ Kf5 5. Kc5 Rg4 6. Qd5+ Kg6 7. Qf3 Kg5 8. Kd6 {! } (8. Kd5 {? %05The king must approach such that it does not interfere with the queen. Thus after} a2 {[%eval 0,0] ! White does not have a check at d5, winning the pawn.}) 8... Rf4 (8... Kh4 9. Ke5 Rc4 10. Qf2+ Kg5 11. Qf6+ { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 9. Qg3+ Kf5 (9... Rg4 10. Qe5+ Kh4 11. Qh2+ Kg5 12. Ke5 b3 13. Qd2+ Kh5 14. Kf5 a2 15. Qd1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qe3 {!} Rh4 11. Qf3+ Rf4 12. Qh5+ Ke4 13. Qe2+ Kf5 14. Kd5 Kg5 15. Ke5 Rg4 16. Qf3 Kh4 17. Kf5 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins by familiar means.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/p1Q5/Pr6/K7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] {If the position is shifted down the board, White wins by seizing the rear squares with his queen.} {~14. QUEEN AND PAWN AGAINST ROOK AND PAWN~ In endings of this type the stronger side's chances are markedly improved, if only because of the simple increase in his material potential. The positional fortresses, which in the preceding chapters had to be taken by prolonged siege, now become the exception. The play becomes more dynamic, and the queen copes more successfully with the new problems than does the rook. The positions in this chapter will be divided into three groups, depending on the relative placing of the opposing pawns.} 1. Qc7+ {%05^013^010 %05~14.1 Pawns on the same file~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05The stronger side normally wins without any particular^013^010 %05technical difficulty. Drawn positions are extremely rare. ^013^010 %05Here is one of them.^013^010 %05The white king is cut off along the b-file by the rook, and^013^010 %05its own pawn prevents its advance along the a-file. Were^013^010 %05it not for the pawn White would win, as in position %05~3($403716)~.^013^010 %05Black's defence is simple, his rook must not leave the^013^010 %05b-file. For example:} Ka8 2. Ka3 Rb7 3. Qc6 Ka7 4. Qc8 Rb5 5. Ka2 Rb7 {[%eval 0,0] ^013^010} (5... Rb2+ {%05Of course, Black can also force a draw by perpetually pursuing the king $6} 6. Ka3 Rb3+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) (5... Rxa5+ {? %05but on no account should he be tempted by the pawn: } 6. Kb3 Rb5+ 7. Ka4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.~5 (RR) Black draws by~^013^010 ^013^010} Ra5+ 8. Kb4 Rb5+ 9. Kc4 Rb7 {~5 (Nalimov tablebases)~}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/k7/p1Q5/Pr6/K7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qd5 Rb7 2. Ka2 Rb4 (2... Rb8 3. Qc6+ Ka7 4. Qc7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qa8+ Kb6 4. Ka3 {[%eval 550,0] - zugzwang.^013^010 ^013^010 A zugzwang position can also be created without the help of the king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/k7/p1Q5/Pr6/K7 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1. Qc4+ Ka5 2. Qc5+ Ka4 3. Qa7+ Kb4 4. Qa6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/p1r5/P1k5/K3Q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {The queen may have to exert some effort to free its own king.} 1. Qb1+ Kd2 2. Qb4 Kc2 3. Qd4 Rf3 {!} 4. Qe4+ Rd3 5. Qf5 (5. Qe2+ Kc1 {does not work}) 5... Kc1 6. Qc5+ {!} Kd2 7. Kb1 {(at last)} Rc3 8. Qd4+ Rd3 9. Qf2+ Kc3 10. Qe1+ Kd4 11. Kc2 $40 {[%eval 550,0] Let us return to position ~3( 3856)~ and replace the white king at ~2c4~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/p1Q5/Pr6/2K5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] {The assessment has changed. The a5 pawn no longer gets in White's way, but, on the contrary, helps him, by preventing Black from creating the drawn position ~3( 3713) (*) ~.} 1. Kd4 Rb7 2. Ke5 Rb5+ 3. Ke6 {^013^010 Here the benefit of the pawn is apparent. By depriving the rook of the b6 square, it allows the king and queen to stand simultaneously on the 6th rank.} Rb8 { %05^013^010} 4. Qd6 (4. Kd7 {%05In analogy with position ~3($403713) (*)~, the queen %05secures c8 for the king. Nothing is given by the %05immediate} Rb7+ 5. Kc8 Rb8+ {, when} 6. Kc7 {?} Rc8+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw. %05allows}) 4... Rb7 5. Kf6 Rb5 6. Ke7 Rb7+ 7. Kd8 Rb8+ 8. Kc7 Rb7+ 9. Kc8 {(now White wins even without his pawn, but it nevertheless simplifies his task)} Rb5 10. Qc7+ Ka8 11. Qc6+ (11. Qb6 {? is premature, when Black does not reply %05In view of the cramped position of the enemy king, White must play accurately. Thus} Rxb6 {[%eval 550,0]} (11... Rc5+ {[%eval 0,0] ! with a draw, as in the study by Prokes $6 the mirror position ~3($413609)~. %05but})) 11... Ka7 12. Kc7 Rb8 13. Qb6+ {!} Rxb6 14. axb6+ {[%eval 550,0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010 Under especially fortunate circumstances the weaker side may be saved by stalemating combinations. Here are three similar finishes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Platov V. & M."] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/K7/2k5/1p6/1P6/4r3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1... Ra3+ 2. Kb8 Ra8+ {!} 3. Kxa8 {[%eval 0,0] - stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Prokes"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "KQ6/8/2k5/1p1r4/1P6/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1... Rd8 {!} 2. Qxd8 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate.^013^010 ^013^010 The same picture arises if the black king moved to a6, and the queen to any square o the 8th rank or the e7-h4 diagonal (of course the queen must not be giving check).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1940.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "QK6/3r4/1k6/2p5/2P5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1940.??.??"] 1. Kc8 Rd8+ {!} 2. Kxd8 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate.^013^010 ^013^010 Here is another stalemating construction.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/3K4/k7/1p6/1P6/8/2r5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {Kc3 Rd3+ Kc2 Rd2+ +0.00 %04etc.} {Black's king has no move, so that his rook becomes a 'desperado'. But from which square should he begin the pursuit?} 1... Rc7+ {(in analogy with the plan in example ~3($413608)~ %05Correct is} (1... Rd2+ 2. Ke6 Re2+ 3. Kf5 Rf2+ 4. Kg4 Rg2+ 5. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kd6 Rd7+ 3. Kc5 Rc7+ 4. Kd4 Rd7+ {, and the king has nowhere to hide Z0} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zek"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/2r5/1Qp5/2P5/8/8/K7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {In this study, after making a 'round-the-world' journey, the white king is able to avoid perpetual check.} 1. Ka3 Ra7+ 2. Kb4 Ra4+ (2... Rb7 3. Ka5 Ra7+ 4. Qa6 {!} Kb8 5. Kb6 Rxa6+ 6. Kxa6 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn ending is won }) 3. Kb3 {!} (3. Kc3 {?} Rc4+ 4. Kb3 Rc3+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 3... Ra3+ 4. Kb2 {!} Ra2+ 5. Kc3 Rc2+ 6. Kd4 Rd2+ 7. Ke5 Re2+ (7... Rd5+ 8. Ke6 Rd6+ 9. cxd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kd6 Re6+ 9. Kd7 Re7+ 10. Kxc6 Rc7+ 11. Kb5 Rb7 12. Ka6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Gurvich Abram S (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/8/4p1r1/1k2P3/3K1Q2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {It is very rare, but nevertheless possible, for an active rook to win against a queen.} 1... Rg6 {! (preventing the check at f6, the rook switches to the other wing)} 2. Qh1 Rd6+ 3. Ke1 Kc1 {!} 4. Kf1 Rd1+ 5. Kg2 Rxh1 6. Kxh1 Kd2 { [%eval -550,0] , and Black wins the pawn ending.^013^010 ^013^010 There was an amusing finish to a friendly game played in 1951.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/8/8/8/1p6/4r3/KPk5/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] 1... Ra3+ {! %05Black announced mate in 4 moves:} 2. bxa3 b3+ 3. Ka1 b2+ 4. Ka2 b1=Q# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p2/6r1/4P2K/8/4Q3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] {~14.2 Pawns on adjacent files~ The pattern of these endings resembles some of the examples from chapter 2. The rook again acquires strong points, and this enables it to defend successfully in a number of instances. The stronger side wins if he can: (a) Force a won pawn ending by the sacrifice of queen for rook. (b) Obtain a won position from chapter 2. by sacrificing his pawn. (c) Transpose into the ending of queen against rook by an exchange of pawns. Without the white pawn, all positions of this type would be drawn. But here White sacrifices his queen at the appropriate moment, obtaining an easily won pawn ending.} 1. Qc5 {!} Kg7 2. Qc8 Rh6+ {(the rook cannot move off the 6th rank, due to e5-e6 with an exchange of pawns)} 3. Kg5 Rg6+ 4. Kf5 Rh6 5. Ke4 Rg6 6. Kd5 Rh6 7. Qd8 Re6 8. Qd6 {!} Rg6 9. Kc6 Rh6 10. Kd7 Rg6 11. Ke7 Rh6 12. Qxh6+ Kxh6 13. Kxf7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4kp2/6r1/4P2K/8/4Q3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] {The assessment has changed, because the black king is in front of the white pawn and does not allow the white queen to occupy d6.} 1. Qa3+ Ke8 2. Qa8+ Ke7 3. Qc8 Re6 4. Qc7+ Ke8 5. Kg5 Rg6+ 6. Kf5 Rh6 {!} (6... Re6 {loses to %05the only move;} 7. Qc8+ Ke7 8. Qxe6+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 7. Ke4 Rg6 8. Kd5 Rh6 9. Qc8+ Ke7 10. Qg8 Rg6 11. Qh8 Ra6 {!} (11... Re6 {? , then %05Again the only defence. If} 12. Qh4+ Ke8 13. Qa4+ {!} Ke7 14. Qa7+ Ke8 15. Qb8+ Ke7 16. Qc7+ Ke8 17. Qc8+ Ke7 18. Qxe6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qh4+ Ke8 {[%eval 0,0] , and White cannot pierce the defence.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p2/6r1/4P2K/8/4Q3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] 1... Kf8 {! %05Returning to position ~3($413868)~, we should point out %05that if it is Black to move he saves the draw by} 2. Qa3+ Ke8 {[%eval 0,0] , as in position ~3($413869)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Dedrle"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4kp2/4r3/6PK/8/8/7Q/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1... Kf8 {! %05Here too the black king must occupy one of the squares in front of the enemy pawn:} 2. Kg4 Kg7 3. Kf5 Rg6 4. Qb2+ Kh7 {, and now the transition into a pawn ending by} 5. Qf6 Rxf6+ 6. gxf6 Kh6 {[%eval 0,0] leads to a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Dedrle"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4kp2/4r3/6PK/8/8/7Q/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Qb8 {! %05If it is White to move, he wins by preventing the manoeuvre by the black king:} Rg6 2. Qb4+ Ke8 3. Qe4+ Re6 {(otherwise 4.Qxg6)} 4. Qxe6+ {!} fxe6 5. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "Hastings (England)"] [Site "Hastings (England)"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Saemisch Friedrich (GER)"] [Black "Prins Lodewijk (NED)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4kp2/2r5/8/8/6PQ/8/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] 1. Qh4+ {%05In this position Saemisch agreed a draw, although, as shown by Keres, after} Kf8 2. Qh8+ {!} Ke7 3. Kf2 Rg6 4. Kf3 Re6 5. Kg4 Rg6+ 6. Kh5 Re6 7. g4 Rg6 8. g5 Re6 9. Qb8 {[%eval 550,0] he could have obtained the won position^013^010 ~3($403872)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K1pk1/4r3/6P1/8/8/7Q/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {~2If White's king is on the 7th or 8th rank, he wins irrespective of the position of the black king.~} 1. Qf4 Rg6 2. Qd4+ Kg8 3. Qf6 Rxf6 (3... Kh7 4. Qxf7+ Rg7 5. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. gxf6 Kh7 5. Ke8 Kg6 6. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. The result is the same in positions where the queen has seized the rear square f8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/r7/6K1/6P1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... Rf6 {!} (1... Rg6+ {%05In the event of} 2. Kh4 Rf6 (2... Rg7 3. Kh5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kg3 Rf1 4. g5 {Black is in zugzwang:} Kg6 (4... Rf5 {%05or} 5. Qh6+ Kg8 6. g6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qg8+ Kh5 6. Qg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kh4 Rf3 {!} 3. g5 Rf4+ 4. Kg3 Rf1 5. Kg2 (5. Qh6+ Kg8 6. g6 Rg1+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Rf4 {!} 6. Qd6 {! , when the rook has no other square than g4 %05^013^010 %05He wins by} (6. Qh6+ Kg8 7. g6 {is again not possible due to} Rg4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (6. Kh3 {%05and although Black to play would be in zugzwang, White is unable to lose a tempo:} Rf3+ 7. Kg4 Rf2 {!} 8. Kg3 Rf1 9. Kh2 Rf2+ 10. Kg1 Rf3 {!} 11. Kg2 Rf4) 6... Rg4+ (6... Ra4 7. g6+ {!} fxg6 8. Qd7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) ( 6... Rh4 {%05or} 7. g6+ {!} fxg6 8. Qe7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Rf5 {, as we know, is met by %05while} 7. Qh6+ Kg8 8. g6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kf3 Rxg5 8. Qf6 Rg7 9. Kf4 Kg8 10. Qd8+ Kh7 11. Qf8 Kg6 12. Ke5 Rh7 (12... Kh7 13. Kf5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 13. Qg8+ Rg7 14. Qh8 Rh7 15. Qf6+ Kh5 16. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/1Q4p1/5r2/5PK1/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {When Black has a knight's pawn the situation is altered.} 1... Rh6 {%05The black king is in front of the white pawn, i.e. it is occupying the comparatively best position. White nevertheless wins, since in comparison with the preceding examples the number of squares available to the rook on the 6th rank is reduced. After} 2. Qd7 {the rook cannot return to f6,} Rf6 {, in view of} (2... Kg8 {%05while} 3. Qe8+ {[%eval 550,0] leads to the won position ~3 ($403868)~}) 3. Qd8+ Kf7 4. Qxf6+ {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/4K1pk/5r2/7P/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {If White has a rook's pawn, the transition into a pawn ending by the queen sacrifice at f6, g6 or h6 does not win Black can defend successfully, even if the enemy king has broken across the 6th rank. The rook manoeuvres between f6 and h6, driving back the white king each time it attempts to approach the g7 pawn. Black loses if his king is at ~2h6~, and the queen is cutting off its retreat.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6p1/5r1k/7P/4Q3/7K/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] 1... Kxh5 {%05 Black is in zugzwang. His king is depriving the rook of one of its strong points. On any square along the 6th rank the rook comes under a double attack, it cannot go to f8 due to mate, and} 2. Qh7+ {[%eval 550,0] leads to the exchange of pawns. If it is White to play he makes a waiting move with his king, and the situation is unchanged.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Site "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sveshnikov Evgeny (LAT)"] [Black "Tal Mikhail N (LAT)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/6p1/8/8/2Q5/5K2/7P/6r1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {White wins in all cases when the rook is unable to take up its defensive position on the 6th rank. The winning plan is to not allow the rook onto the 6th rank, and then to exchange the remaining pawns. %212045826630=4HLJ1065 %212045826630=4HLJ1073 %212045826630=4HLJ1107 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1. h4 {!} (1. Kf4 {%05In the game Sveshnikov did not immediately find the correct arrangement of his pieces. First he sent his king into the attack:} Re1 2. Kf5 Re8 {!} 3. Qc5 (3. Kg6 {?} Re6+ {[%eval 0,0] ! with stalemate or a positional draw}) 3... Kg8 4. Qc4+ Kh7 5. Qb4 Ra8 6. Qd6 Ra5+ 7. Kg4 Ra4+ 8. Kg3 Ra1 9. Qd3+ Kh8 10. h4 {. At last White finds the correct plan:} Rg1+ 11. Kf3 Re1 12. Qc4 Re5 13. Kg4 Re1 14. Qc8+ Kh7 15. Qf5+ Kh8 16. h5 Rg1+ 17. Kh3 Rc1 18. Qe4 Rc3+ 19. Kg2 Rc7 20. Qe5 (20. Qg6 {is also possible}) 20... Rc2+ 21. Kf3 Rc8 22. h6 Rg8 23. Kg4 Kh7 24. Qf5+ Kh8 25. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.}) 1... Rh1 {%05(a)} (1... Rg6 {, then after %05If} 2. Qc8+ Kh7 3. Qc2 Kh6 4. Qe4 {!} Rf6+ (4... Kh5 5. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 5. Kg3 Rg6+ 6. Kh3 Rf6 7. h5 {[%eval 550,0] position ~3($403878)~ is reached}) (1... Kh7 {%05(b)} 2. Qe4+ Kh8 3. Kf2 Ra1 ( 3... Rd1 4. Qe8+ Kh7 5. Qh5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qd5 {!} Kh7 (4... Ra4 5. Qh5+ (5. Qd8+ {%05or} Kh7 6. Qd3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5... Kg8 6. Qe8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. h5 Rc1 6. Qf5+ Kh8 7. Qg6 $18 {, and White wins} Z0 (7... Rh1 8. Qe8+ Kh7 9. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0]})) 2. Qc8+ Kh7 3. Qf5+ Kh8 4. Qh5+ Kg8 5. Qd5+ Kh8 6. Kf2 Rc1 (6... Rxh4 7. Qd8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Rh3 {%05or} 7. Kg2 {[%eval 550,0] }) 7. h5 Rc8 8. Qd6 (8. h6 Rf8+ 9. Kg3 {!} gxh6 10. Kh4 {[%eval 550,0] is also possible - ~3($403716)~}) 8... Rc2+ 9. Kg3 Rc3+ 10. Kg4 Rc4+ 11. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2k5/2p5/3r4/1P2K3/8/1Q6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "35"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] {~2In all positions of this type the defender loses, irrespective of the position of his king or rook, if his pawn is on the 6th rank or further down the board.~ This position is won for White even without the b-pawn. The presence of the pawn makes the win significantly easier. The rook is driven off the 5th rank, and the pawns exchanged.} 1. Qg7+ Kb8 (1... Kb6 2. Qe7 { [%eval 550,0] makes things easier for White}) 2. Qe7 Kc8 3. Qa7 Rb5 4. Kd3 Rd5+ (4... Rxb4 5. Qc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kc3 Rb5 6. Kc4 Kd8 (6... Rb7 7. Qa8+ Kc7 8. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 7. Qf7 Kc8 8. Qe6+ Kc7 9. Qe7+ Kc8 10. Qd6 Kb7 11. Qd7+ Kb6 12. Qc8 Rh5 13. Qb8+ Ka6 14. Qc7 Rh4+ 15. Kb3 (15. Kc5 {%05not} Rh5+ 16. Kxc6 {?} Rc5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 15... Rh3+ 16. Ka4 Rh6 17. Qa5+ Kb7 18. b5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1896.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Salvioli C"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/1p6/2r5/2PK4/8/Q7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1896.??.??"] {Here White wins only thanks to his pawn at c4 (cf. position ~3( 3730)~. The winning plan is to prepare the sacrifice of queen for rook and pawn, and to carry it out at a moment when the black king cannot take the opposition.} 1. Qg2+ Kb8 2. Qg7 Ka8 3. Qd7 Kb8 4. Kc3 Ra5 (4... b5 5. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kb4 Rc5 6. Qe7 {!} Rc7 (6... Ka8 {%05Zugzwang. White cannot yet sacrifice on c5, but he is ready to do it in the event of} 7. Qxc5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Ra5 {, then %05if} 7. Qd8+ Kb7 8. Qd7+ Kb8 9. Qc6 Ka7 (9... Ra6 10. Kb3 {!} Ka7 11. c5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qc7+ Ka8 (10... Ka6 11. Qb8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qxb6 Ra4+ 12. Kc5 Rxc4+ 13. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) (6... Kc8 7. Qa7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qd6 Kb7 8. Qd5+ Ka7 (8... Kb8 9. Kb5 Rc5+ 10. Kxb6 {!} Rxd5 11. cxd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kb5 Rc5+ 10. Qxc5 bxc5 11. Kxc5 {[%eval 550, 0] , with a won pawn ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/3Q4/1p6/2r5/PK6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] {The transition into a pawn ending does not win, of course, since White has a rook's pawn. White nevertheless wins, by sacrificing the a-pawn at the necessary moment to achieve position ~3( 3732)~.} 1. Qf7 (1. a5 {? %05If immediately} Rxa5 2. Qc6 {, after} Ra7 {! the same situation arises as in Kubbel's study ~3($413805)~: the queen cannot take on b6,} 3. Qxb6+ {, due to} (3. Kb5 {%05stalemate results from} Ra5+ 4. Kxb6 Ra6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (3. Qd6+ { %05and in the event of} Kb7 4. Qd5+ Kb8 5. Qe5+ Rc7 6. Kb5 Kb7 7. Qe4+ Ka7 { [%eval 0,0] the drawn position 398 is reached}) 3... Rb7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Ka8 2. Qe7 Kb8 3. Qd7 {! (giving Black the move, with the aim of forcing his king to occupy an inferior position)} Ka8 4. a5 {!} Rxa5 5. Qc6+ {!} (5. Qc7 { ? %05a draw results from} Rb5+ {[%eval 0,0] ! , when the white king cannot cross the c-file}) 5... Ka7 6. Qc7+ Ka6 7. Qb8 Rb5+ 8. Kc4 Rc5+ 9. Kd4 Kb5 10. Qa8 {[%eval 550,0] , and we reach the won position ~3($403732)~. If the position is moved one or two ranks down the board, the assessment does not change, in fact the win is much easier, since Black is deprived of stalemating possibilities.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/k7/3Q4/1p6/2r5/PK6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. a4 {! %05In this position (which corresponds to %05position ~3($403882)~ after Black's 3rd move) White %05first plays the same $6} Rxa4 2. Qc6 {with an elementary win:} (2. Qc5+ {? %05but not} Ka6 3. Qc6+ Ka5 4. Qb7 Rb4+ 5. Kc3 Rc4+ 6. Kd3 Kb4 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw, as in example ~3($413733)~.}) 2... Ra6 3. Qc7+ Ka8 4. Qd8+ Kb7 5. Kb4 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Puhakka"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7K/8/7k/7r/8/8/Q1P4p/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1963.??.??"] {~14.3 The pawns are passed~ It is beyond the rook's powers to battle against a passed pawn supported by the queen, and simultaneously to cover the approaches to its own pawn. The ubiquitous queen normally wins even in the most unfavourable positions. The black pawn is on the threshold of queening. White nevertheless wins, by setting up a combined attack.} 1. Qg8 Rh4 2. Qg7+ Kh5 3. Kh7 Rh3 4. Qg6+ Kh4 5. Kh6 Rc3 {^013^010 The black pieces are scattered, and after a series of forcing manoeuvres White gives up his queen for rook and pawn, attaining a won pawn ending.} 6. Qf6+ {%05^013^010} (6. Qg2 {?} Rxc2) 6... Kg4 7. Qd4+ Kf5 8. Qf2+ Kg4 9. Qxh2 Rh3+ 10. Qxh3+ Kxh3 11. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] The rook defends successfully only in exceptional cases, when for some reason or other the queen is unable to come out into the open and take control of the key squares.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5KP1/8/8/8/k1r5/1p6/1Q6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] 1... Rf3+ 2. Ke7 Rg3 3. Kf7 (3. Qh7 {%05the queen is not able to defend its own pawn, and simultaneously stop the enemy pawn:} Rxg7+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Rf3+ 4. Kg8 Rb3 {!} (4... Rc3 {? %05again tying the queen to the blockading square, whereas} 5. Qf5 {[%eval 550,0] would have lost}) 5. Kf7 Rf3+ {[%eval 0, 0] with a draw.} * [Event "Novosibirsk (Russia)"] [Site "Novosibirsk (Russia)"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Karpenko Alexander (RUS)"] [Black "Sabinin"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/4K3/3r4/P1Qp4/4k3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] 1... Rh3 {!} (1... d1=Q {etc. However, exploiting the fact that the queen cannot prevent the promotion of the pawn, Black decides to retain his rook. %05A draw can be forced by} 2. Qxd3 Qg4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Qc8 Rg3 {(if the rook leaves the 3rd rank, the queen will occupy c3)} 3. Qe6 {! Only this move saves the draw.} (3. Qh8 {%05White loses after} d1=Q 4. Qh1+ Kd2 5. Qh2+ Qe2+ { [%eval -550,0]}) (3. Kf4 Rd3 {[%eval -550,0] !}) (3. Qc7 {%05or} Rg4+ 4. Kf5 d1=Q 5. Qc3+ Kf2 6. Qb2+ Kg1 7. Qb6+ Rd4 {!} 8. Ke5 Qe1+ {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 3... d1=Q 4. Kf4+ Kf2 5. Qb6+ Kg2 6. Qb2+ Kh3 7. Qh8+ {[%eval 0,0] . Drawn by perpetual check.^013^010 ^013^010 The greatest theoretical and practical interest is offered by the following position, which has a curious history.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/4r3/6KP/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] {In 1948 this position was published by Kasparian, who thus refuted one of his own studies. Shortly afterwards it occurred in two tournament games: Averbakh-Bondarevsky (Moscow, 1948) and Flohr-Lilienthal (Budapest, 1950), in which Averbakh and Lilienthal, being familiar with Kasparian's analysis, were able to draw. When the book on Grigoriev's Creative Heritage (Moscow, 1954) was being prepared, an unpublished analysis, coinciding with Kasparian's analysis, was found among his archives. Therefore Grigoriev should be regarded as the author of this position. But let us turn to the position itself. Since he has a rook's pawn, White cannot hope for a win m a pawn ending. The rook has two strong points e6 and h6 (the latter cannot be attacked by the queen and king simultaneously), and cannot be forced off the 6th rank, so it follows that the white king cannot break through to the f7 pawn. But he has no other way of winning. For a successful defence it is sufficient for Black not to allow the queen to reach f8, or the pawn to reach h6.} 1. Qd4+ Kh7 2. Qc3 Rh6 3. Qb4 Kg7 {! (4.Qf8 was threatened)} 4. Qb3 Re6 5. Qh3 Rh6 {!} (5... Rc6 { ? , after %05If Black plays, for example,} 6. h6+ {!} Kh7 7. Qf5+ Rg6+ 8. Kh5 Kh8 {[%eval 550,0] the situation changes sharply.}) 6. Qh1 Kh7 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and White cannot achieve anything.} * [Event "Yugoslavia"] [Site "Yugoslavia"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Andres"] [Black "Rogulj Branko (CRO)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/5p2/6rP/5Q1K/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] {(with reversed colours and flanks)} 1. Qc8+ {%05White can immediately win by} (1. Qxf7 {,due to %05He cannot take on f7,} Rg5+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw ~3 ($413607)~}) (1. h7 {? was played, and Black ... resigned. %05in the game, however,}) 1... Rg8 (1... Kh7 2. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qc6 Kh7 3. Qf6 { [%eval 550,0]} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/5p1P/6r1/5Q1K/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {1.h7? does not give away the win, but it makes it more difficult.} 1... Re6 { ! White would still have had a number of difficulties to overcome. %05After} ( 1... Rg7 {%05The variation} 2. Qc8+ Kxh7 3. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0] $6 zugzwang, is of course obvious}) (1... Kg7 {White does not play %05in the event of} 2. h8=Q+ {?} (2. Qxf7+ {! %05but the other way round:} Kxf7 3. h8=Q {[%eval 550,0]}) 2... Kxh8 3. Qxf7 Rg5+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 2. Kg5 (2. Qxf7 {? %05the pawn still cannot be taken $6} Rh6+ 3. Kg5 Rg6+ {!} 4. Kf5 Rg5+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw - ~3($413607)~.}) 2... Rd6 3. Kf4 (3. Qc8+ {?} Kxh7 4. Qf8 Rg6+ 5. Kf5 Rf6+ {[%eval 0,0] ! with a draw $6 ~3($413791)~}) 3... Re6 4. Kf3 (4. Qxf7 {?} Re4+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw $6 ~3($413609)~}) 4... Rg6 5. Ke4 Rg7 (5... Rh6 {%05but now in the event of}) (5... Re6+ {%05or} 6. Kd4 Rg6 7. Kd5 Re6 { [%eval 550,0] the queen can take the pawn - ~3($413605)~}) 6. Qc8+ {!} Kxh7 7. Qf8 Kg6 (7... Rg4+ 8. Kf5 Rg7 9. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 8. Ke5 Rh7 9. Qg8+ Rg7 10. Qh8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White finally wins.^013^010 ^013^010 Black also loses in positions similar to ~3($403887)~, if the white king has already crossed the 6th rank.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Grigoriev"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3K1pk1/4r3/7P/5Q2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] 1. Qg5+ Kh7 2. h6 {! ^013^010 By sacrificing his pawn, White breaks through with his king to the enemy pawn.} Rxh6 {%05^013^010} (2... Rg6 {there follows %05On} 3. Qf4 Kg8 4. Qb8+ Kh7 5. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Ke7 Rg6 4. Qf5 Kh6 5. Qf4+ (5. Kxf7 {? %05not immediately} Rg7+ {[%eval 0,0] with a draw - ~3 ($413603)~}) 5... Kh7 6. Kxf7 {[%eval 550,0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010 With the drawing dangers in mind, the side with the queen should aim to destroy the coordination of the enemy forces, by preventing them from favourably regrouping.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bondarevsky Igor Z (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/3Q4/7r/3K4/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] {(with colours reversed)} 1. Qg3+ {! %05As was shown by Averbakh, White could have won by} (1. Ke3 {? , and after %05Bondarevsky carelessly played} Rh6 { [%eval 0,0] ! the drawn position ~3($413887)~ was reached.}) 1... Kh7 2. Qf4 Kg6 3. Qe4+ Kf6 (3... Kg7 4. Qg4+ Kh6 5. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Rf5 4. h4 Kf6 5. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qg4 Rh6 5. Kd5 Rg6 6. Qd4+ Ke7 7. Qh8 {[%eval 550,0] , and the h-pawn cannot be stopped.^013^010 ^013^010 A familiarity with typical positions, where the assessment is known beforehand, allows their contours to be discerned in more complicated situations.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/p7/8/4Q2P/3p4/5r2/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] {The pawn formation on the K-side recalls example ~3( 3887)~. If Black should succeed in transferring his rook to e6, he will reach Grigoriev's drawn position, where the a- and d-pawns can be ignored. The problem is solved very simply:} 1... Re2 {!} 2. Qxd3 (2. Qd4+ {%05The regrouping also cannot be prevented after} Kg8 3. Qd8+ Kg7 4. Qg5+ Kh7 5. Qf4 Kg7 {!} (5... Kg8 {?} 6. h5 {!} Re6 7. h6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qg3+ Kh8 7. Qd6 Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 2... Re6 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/p7/7P/4Q3/3p4/5r2/3K4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] 1... Re2 {there follows %05Note that, if in the initial position the white pawn is at h5, Black can no longer manage to regroup, since on} 2. Qd4+ Kg8 3. h6 {[%eval 550,0] ! with a quick win.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/kr6/8/P7/8/1p6/1K6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {~2Fortress positions in this type of ending occur extremely rarely.~ Here is another one. The a6 and a8 squares are inaccessible to the queen, and the black king cannot be driven off the a-file.} 1. Qc4 Rb8 {!} (1... Ka8 {loses to } 2. Qa6+ Kb8 3. Kc1 {! (giving Black the move)} b2+ 4. Kb1 Rb3 (4... Kc7 5. Qa8 {!} Rb8 6. Qd5 Rb7 7. a6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qd6+ Ka7 6. Qc5+ Ka6 (6... Kb8 7. a6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 7. Qc4+ Rb5 8. Qc6+ Kxa5 9. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and then as in example ~3($403705)~.}) 2. Qc5+ Ka8 3. a6 Rb6 {! (the basic idea of the defence)} 4. Qe3 Ka7 5. Qd4 Ka8 {!} 6. Ka3 (6. Qd7 Rb8 7. a7 Rb7 8. Qd4 Rb6 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 6... Ka7 7. Qb2 Rxa6+ 8. Kb4 Rb6+ 9. Kc5 Rb7 { [%eval 0,0] , with a draw.^013^010 ^013^010 If the white pawn has not yet crossed the 5th rank, Black loses even if his pawn is on the 2nd rank. In this case the queen succeeds in driving the king off the a-file.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/kr6/8/8/P7/8/1p6/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] 1. Qc5+ Ka6 2. Qc4+ Ka7 3. Qd4+ Ka6 (3... Ka8 4. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 4. Qd8 {! (now the queen inevitably reaches a8 or a5)} Ka7 5. Qa5+ Kb8 6. Qa6 Rb3 ( 6... Kc7 7. Qa8 Rb8 8. Qd5 Rb7 9. Qe5+ Kc8 10. a5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 7. Qd6+ Ka7 8. Qc5+ Ka8 (8... Kb8 {%05or} 9. a5 Rb7 10. a6 Rb3 11. Qf8+ Ka7 12. Qf7+ Kxa6 13. Qxb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qa5+ Kb8 10. Qa6 {!} Rb7 11. a5 {!} Rb3 12. Qd6+ Ka7 13. Qc5+ Kb8 14. a6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and Black is helpless.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k6/p2Q4/p7/Pr6/K7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~15. QUEEN AND PAWN AGAINST ROOK AND TWO PAWNS~ The examples in this chapter differ from the preceding ones, not only in the material balance, but also in the specific methods of attack and defence. The assessments and methods of play depend to a great extent on the pawn structure, which we will use as the basis of our classification. ~15.1 Doubled pawns~ In example ~3( 3814)~ we saw that in certain cases an extra doubled pawn may worsen the defending side's position. A similar situation is shown in this study. In the similar position without the pawn at a7 ~3( 3856)~ Black gained a draw. But here, by threatening to capture the a6 pawn, White forces the rook to abandon its strong point at b5, after which it comes under a double attack or a fatal pin. } 1. Qe6 (1. Qc6 {? %05of course, not} Rb4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Kb7 2. Qd6 (2. Qf6 {?} Rc5 {[%eval 0,0] ! leads to a draw ~3($413899)~. But now Black is in^013^010 zugzwang.}) 2... Rb1 3. Qe7+ Ka8 (3... Kb8 4. Qe8+ Kc7 5. Qe5+ { [%eval 550,0] , winning the rook}) 4. Qe4+ Rb7 5. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0] , and mate next move.^013^010 ^013^010 If the position is moved down the board, the assessment does not change. White, however, has to play accurately.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/p2Q4/p7/Pr6/K7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qc5 Rb1 2. Ka2 {!} (2. Qxa5 {? %05Not immediately} Ka7 {!} 3. Qc5+ Ka8 4. Qd6 Ka7 5. Qd4+ Ka8 6. Qd3 (6. Qe4+ Rb7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 6... Rb6 7. a5 Rb5 { [%eval 0,0] , with a draw as in position ~3($413856)~.}) 2... Rb6 3. Qxa5 Kc6 ( 3... Ka7 4. Qc5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 4. Ka1 {!} Kc7 5. Qc5+ Kb7 6. Ka2 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and the rook has to abandon the b-file, freeing the white king, which leads to the won position ~3($403860)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/p2Q4/p7/Pr6/K7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Ka7 {%05Black also cannot save the game if it is him to move:} 2. Qc5+ {!} (2. Qc7+ {?} Rb7 {[%eval 0,0] - draw}) 2... Rb6 3. Ka2 {!} Ka8 4. Qxa5 Kb7 5. Qc5 {[%eval 550,0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010 If position ~3($403896)~ is moved further down the board, White has an elementary win.^013^010 ^013^010 The rook defends more successfully on the c-file.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pkr5/p2Q4/P7/K7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {This position could have arisen from position ~3( 3896)~ after 1.Qe6 Kb7 2. Qf6? Rc5! 3.Qd6 Rc7. The similar position ~3( 3814)~ without the a5 pawn was lost, since the white king could attack the a6 pawn. But here Black draws easily, by exploiting stalemating possibilities.} 1. Kb4 Rc6 2. Qd5 Kb8 {!} 3. Qd7 Rc7 4. Qd6 Kb7 {[%eval 0,0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010 If the position is moved one, two or three ranks down the board the stalemating construction is destroyed, and White wins by seizing the rear squares with his queen.^013^010 If the white king is moved across the c-file, the assessment is unchanged.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/pkr5/p2Q4/P3K3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {In defending against the invasion of the white king, Black again makes use of stalemating combinations.} 1. Qd5+ Rc6 2. Qf3 Kb8 {!} 3. Kd5 Kb7 4. Qe4 Rc7 5. Kd6+ Kb8 6. Z0 (6. Qf3 {%05This is the maximum that White can achieve. He is unable to break through with his king, e.g.} Rd7+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) (6. Qb4+ Ka8 {[%eval 0,0] !}) (6. Qe8+ Kb7 7. Qd8 Rc6+ 8. Kd7 Rd6+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) (6. Qg6 Kb7 7. Qe8 Rc8 8. Qf7+ Ka8 9. Kd7 Rc7+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kp1K4/1p6/1Pr5/8/8/8/5Q2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If the position is moved one, two or three ranks down the board, the assessment changes.} {~2Black also draws with knight's pawns on the 6th and 7th ranks, provided that his king is on the short side of the board.~} 1. Qe2 { %05The black fortress is impregnable:} Kb8 2. Qe8+ Ka7 3. Kd6 Rc8 {! (this possibility guarantees Black against zugzwang)} 4. Qe3 Rc5 5. Z0 (5. Qxc5 { %05White cannot strengthen his position, and the pawn ending arising after} bxc5 6. Kxc5 Ka8 7. Kd6 Ka7 8. Kc7 Ka8 {[%eval 0,0] is also drawn.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/kp6/1p6/1Pr5/1K6/8/4Q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qe8 Rc7 2. Qa8+ Ra7 3. Qc8+ Rb7 4. Kc3 Ka7 5. Qe8 Ka6 6. Qa8+ Ra7 7. Qc8+ Rb7 8. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0] , and the invasion of the king cannot be prevented.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/kp6/1p6/1Pr5/1K6/8/4Q3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Rc8 {%05If it is Black to move, he can make things more difficult for White by preventing his queen from occupying the 8th rank:} 2. Qe6 Rh8 3. Kc2 Rd8 4. Kc3 {!} (4. Qe7 {? %05but not} Rd2+ {[%eval 0,0] ! - draw}) 4... Rh8 5. Kd4 Rd8+ (5... Rh4+ 6. Kd5 Rxb4 7. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 6. Ke5 Rh8 (6... Rd7 {White does not reply %05In the event of} 7. Qe8 {?} (7. Qg8 {%05but} Kb7 {(a7) } 8. Qe8 Ka6 9. Qa8+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 7... Re7+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) 7. Kd6 Kb7 8. Qd7+ Ka6 9. Kc6 Rh6+ (9... Rh7 10. Qc8+ Ka7 11. Kxb5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Kc7 Rh8 11. Qe6 Rh7+ 12. Kc6 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pk5/1p6/1Pr5/3K4/8/8/5Q2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Let us return to position ~3( 3901)~ and replace the black king at c7, and the white king at d4} 1... Kb8 {[%eval 0,0] , transferring his king to the short side of the board and^013^010 attaining the drawn position~3($413901)~. %05Black to move plays} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pk5/1p6/1Pr5/3K4/8/8/5Q2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qf8 {! %05If it is White to move, he wins by preventing this manoeuvre:} Z0 (1... Rxb5 {%05 Zugzwang. On the long side of the board the black pieces come under a continuous attack by the queen, and any move leads to loss of material: } 2. Qe7+ Kb8 3. Qe8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rc2 2. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kd7 2. Qb8 Rc7 3. Kd3 Kd6 4. Qd8+ Rd7 5. Qxb6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1pkr4/1p2Q3/1P3K2/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "32"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {If in the initial position the white king is placed on any square inside the zone, the position will be drawn, since the rook will not allow it to take part in the attack, and the queen alone is unable to overcome Black's defence. Let us return to position ~3( 3901)~ and move it one file to the right.} { %15N T0(a2:c3)clBlack Drawing Zone #B(8/8/8/8/I1I1I15/I1I1I15/I1I1I15/I1I1I15) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) This example corresponds to position ~3( 3900)~, moved one file to the right. (With the white king inside the zone draw) White's task is to break through with his king to the 8th rank, without allowing position ~3( 3901)~. This plan encounters serious obstacles, and demands purposeful play.} 1. Qe5+ Rd6 2. Qh2 Kc8 {!} (2... Kd7 {%05Not} 3. Ke5 {, when neither} Kc7 (3... Rd1 {%05nor} 4. Qh7+ Kc8 5. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0] is possible}) (3... Re6+ {%05while after} 4. Kd5 Re8 {(otherwise 5.Qb8)} 5. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0] Black loses a pawn.}) 4. Qc2+ Kd7 5. Qh7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Ke5 Rd8 {(threatening to hide the king at b8)} 4. Ke6 Rd7 (4... Re8+ {%05The solution is merely lengthened, but not made more complicated, by} 5. Kf7 Re7+ (5... Rd8 6. Qh4 {!} Rd7+ 7. Ke8 Rd6 8. Qe7 Rd1 9. Qe6+ Kc7 10. Qc4+ Kb8 11. Qf4+ Ka7 12. Qa4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kf6 Rd7 (6... Re3 7. Qf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Re8 {%05or} 7. Qd6 {!} Rh8 8. Ke5 {!} Rh5+ 9. Kd4 Rh4+ 10. Ke3 Rh3+ 11. Kf2 Rf3+ 12. Kg2 Rf2+ 13. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0]} ) 7. Qf2 Kc7 (7... Rd6+ 8. Ke7 Rd7+ 9. Ke6 Kc7 10. Qc2+ {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in the main variation}) 8. Qf4+ Kc8 9. Qf5 Kc7 10. Ke6 Kc8 11. Qc2+ { [%eval 550,0] ! , and we have the position after White's 5th move.}) 5. Qc2+ {! } (5. Qg2 {, when Black does not reply %05Nothing is achieved by} Kc7 {?} (5... Rd8 {[%eval 0,0] ! %05but again}) 6. Qxb7+ {[%eval 550,0] ! with a won pawn ending}) 5... Kd8 (5... Rc7 {loses quickly to} 6. Qf2 {!} Rc5 7. Qf8+ Kc7 8. Qd6+ Kc8 9. Qxb6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qc4 {!} Re7+ 7. Kf5 {!} Rd7 8. Kf6 Rd6+ ( 8... Rd2 9. Qf4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kf7 Rd7+ 10. Kf8 Rd6 {^013^010 The king has broken into the enemy rear. In order to seal matters, the rook has to be forced off its last defensive line.} 11. Qh4+ {%05^013^010} Kc7 (11... Kd7 12. Qe7+ Kc8 13. Ke8 {is no better, e.g.} Rd4 (13... Rd1 {%05or} 14. Qe6+ Kc7 15. Qe5+ Kc8 16. Qf5+ {!} Kb8 17. Qf4+ Ka7 18. Qa4+ Kb8 19. Qxd1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Qe6+ Kc7 15. Qe5+ Rd6 16. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Ke7 Rd7+ 13. Ke8 Rd6 14. Qf4 Kc8 15. Qf5+ {!} Kb8 (15... Kc7 16. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Ke7 {!} Z0 $40 (16... Rd1 {%05The rook is now helpless:} 17. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0] , followed by a check at a4 or g4.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1kp1K3/2p5/2Pr4/8/8/8/6Q1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Black draws easily by not allowing the king across to the pawns, or the queen to a8, b8 or c8. The simplest defence is to leave the rook where it is for the moment, and make only king moves.} 1. Qb1+ Ka7 2. Qb3 Ka8 (2... Rxc5 3. Qe3 Kb6 4. Kd7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qa2+ Kb7 4. Qa3 Kb8 5. Qa6 Re5+ (5... Rxc5 {[%eval 0,0] is also possible, but it is easier to force the draw}) 6. Kd7 Re7+ {!} 7. Kxc6 Re6+ 8. Kb5 Rxa6 9. Kxa6 Ka8 {[%eval 0,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1kp5/2p5/K1Pr4/8/8/8/6Q1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Let us now consider the same example, but with the white king on the short side of the board.* (* In the 1st Russian edition of the book this position was incorrectly given as drawn.) By threatening the c6 pawn and the invasion of his king, White forces the rook to abandon its strong point, and then occupies c8 with his queen.} 1. Qb1+ Ka7 (1... Kc8 2. Qb4 {and Ka6$18}) 2. Qc2 Rh5 (2... Kb7 3. Qc4 {with the threat of 4.Qa6}) 3. Qc4 Rh6 4. Qe2 {!} Rg6 ( 4... Kb7 5. Qb2+ Ka7 6. Qg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qe8 Rh6 6. Qc8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White picks up one of the pawns.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2kp4/3p4/3Pr3/5K2/8/8/7Q w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {It remains for us to study some positions with doubled central pawns. In comparison with the previous positions where Black had bishop's or knight's pawns, the number of squares on the short side of the board has increased, and the queen is able to seize them.} 1. Qa1 Kc8 (1... Rxd5 2. Qa7+ Kc6 3. Qa8+ Kc5 4. Qc8+ Kb6 5. Qxd7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qa7 {!} Rh5 (2... Re7 {, then %05If} 3. Qb6 {!} Re4+ 4. Kf3 Rf4+ 5. Ke2 Rf6 6. Qa6+ Kb8 7. Qb5+ Kc7 8. Qc4+ Kd8 (8... Kb8 9. Qb3+ Kc7 10. Qc3+ Kd8 11. Qxf6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qh4 {!} Ke8 10. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] , and the white king breaks through to the pawns via the Q-side. }) 3. Qa8+ Kc7 4. Qa5+ Kc8 5. Qa7 {!} Re5 6. Kg4 {! ^013^010 Zugzwang. Black must either allow the enemy king across the 5th rank, or transfer his king to the long side of the board.} Re7 {%05^013^010} (6... Kd8 7. Qb8+ Ke7 8. Qh8 {!} Re4+ 9. Kf5 Re5+ 10. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black does not have a single move }) 7. Kf5 Re5+ (7... Rf7+ 8. Kg5 Rf3 9. Kg6 Rf4 (9... Kd8 10. Qa5+ Ke7 (10... Kc8 11. Qb4 Kc7 12. Qe4 {%04etc,}) 11. Qe1+ Kd8 12. Qh4+ Kc7 13. Qe4 Rh3 (13... Rf8 14. Kg7 Rf2 15. Qc4+ Kb7 16. Qb5+ Kc7 17. Qa5+ Kb7 (17... Kc8 18. Qa8+ Kc7 19. Qa7+ $18) 18. Qd8 $18) 14. Kf7 Rh5 15. Qc4+ Kd8 16. Qa6 Rh7+ 17. Kg8 Rh1 18. Qa8+ Kc7 19. Qa5+ Kc8 20. Kf8 $18 {~5(RR)~}) 10. Qe3 {!} Rf1 11. Qd3 Rf4 ( 11... Rf2 {%05or} 12. Qg3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qg3 $18) 8. Kf6 Re4 9. Qb6 {!} Rf4+ 10. Ke7 Rf7+ 11. Kxd6 Rf6+ 12. Kc5 Rxb6 13. Kxb6 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn ending is easily won.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/2kp4/3p4/2rP4/1K6/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kb3 Rc1 (1... Rb5+ {%05If Black allows the king across the c-file (e.g., after} 2. Kc4 Rc5+ 3. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0] ), White wins as in the previous example.}) 2. Qa5+ Kc8 3. Qa7 Rc5 4. Kb4 Rc1 5. Kb5 Rc5+ {(6.Qa6 Kc7 7.Qb6 was threatened)} 6. Kb6 Kd8 7. Qa8+ Ke7 (7... Rc8 8. Qb7 Rc5 9. Qb8+ {[%eval 550,0] }) 8. Qg8 Rc4 9. Kb5 Rc5+ 10. Kb4 Rc7 11. Qg5+ Ke8 12. Qe3+ {and 13.Qb6$18. ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/2p2Q2/2p5/3r4/3PK3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {We will consider one further pawn structure. The method of defence in positions of this type is simple: Black gives up his c6 pawn, transposing into example ~3( 3869)~.} 1. Qe6 Rb5 {!} (1... Rd6 {%05The attempt to hold the c6 pawn loses:} 2. Qg8+ Kd7 3. Qg4+ Kd8 (3... Ke7 4. Qc8 Rd7 5. Kf3 {!} Kd6 6. Qe8 Re7 7. Qd8+ Ke6 8. Ke4 Kf6+ 9. Kd3 Ke6 10. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Re6+ { %05or} 4. Kd3 Kd6 5. Kc4 Re8 6. Qf4+ Kd7 7. Qf7+ Re7 8. Qf5+ Kd8 9. Kc5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke5 Rd5+ 5. Kf6 Rd6+ 6. Kf7 Rd7+ 7. Kf8 Rd6 8. Qf5 Rd5 9. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 2. Qxc6 Rb6 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/kp2Q3/1p6/2r5/1KP5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {Black's position is impregnable. He plays ...Ra5-c5, forcing a draw. But if his king is replaced at c8, White to move can win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/1p2Q3/1p6/2r5/1KP5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qd6 {!} Rc6 (1... Ra5 {%05Here} 2. Qxb6 Ra6 {[%eval 550,0] does not give a draw ~3($413868)~}) (1... Rb5+ {%05Black also loses after} 2. Kc3 Rb1 3. Qf8+ Kc7 4. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Qf8+ Kc7 3. Qf4+ Kc8 4. Kb5 Rd6 5. c5 { [%eval 550,0] ! etc.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/4r2p/5K1P/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] {~15.2 Isolated pawns~ Of considerable interest here is an analysis of several positions by Grigoriev, where to win the player with the queen has to overcome a great number of technical difficulties.} 1. Qd4+ {%05It will be apparent that this position is similar to example %05~3($403887)~, with only the h6 pawn added. But this %05addition proves to be not only superfluous, but even %05harmful. The rook is deprived of one of its strong points, %05and its freedom of movement along the 6th rank is %05restricted. White manages to create a zugzwang %05position, and to seize the f8 square with his queen. ^013^010 %05^013^010 %05We will consider the position with Black to play, since if it %05is White to play he can give his opponent the move by %05the manoeuvre} Kg8 2. Qg4+ Kh7 3. Qb4 {!} Kg7 4. Qc3+ Kh7 5. Qc7 Kg8 6. Qc8+ Kg7 7. Qd8 {[%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/4r2p/5K1P/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "38"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] 1... Ra6 (1... Re1 {%05Other moves are weaker, e.g.} 2. Qd4+ Kg8 3. Qg4+ Kh7 ( 3... Kf8 4. Qb4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kf6 Rf1+ 5. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Rc6 {%05the position arising after} 2. Qd4+ Kf8 3. Qh8+ Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] is examined in example ~3($413917)~.}) 2. Qd4+ Kh7 3. Qc5 {!} Kg7 4. Qc3+ Kh7 5. Qc8 {! ^013^010 An unusual double attack, not only on the rook, but also on the key f8 square.} Re6 {%05^013^010} (5... Ra5+ 6. Kf6 Rxh5 7. Kxf7 Rg5 8. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , when Black is not able to set up the Guretzky-Cornitz^013^010 fortress of positions ~3($403713)~ and^013^010 ~3 ($403713) (*)~. %05does not work due to}) 6. Qf8 {^013^010 White has achieved his aim. The struggle seems to be over, but considerable efforts are still required on the path to final victory.} Rf6+ {! %05^013^010} 7. Kg4 (7. Ke4 { is also possible $6 ~3($403916)~}) 7... Rf1 {^013^010 The subsequent plan follows from the nature of the position. First the rook must be driven off the f-file and forced to occupy a more passive defensive position on the 7th rank, and then the f6 square seized by the queen. %08DA} 8. Kg3 {%05^013^010 %05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} Rf5 (8... Rf6 {%05In the event of} 9. Qe7 Rf1 10. Kg2 Rf4 {White continues} 11. Qe5 Rg4+ 12. Kf3 (12. Kh3 {?} Rg5 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw}) 12... Rg5 13. Qf6 Kg8 14. Qxh6 Re5 15. Qf4 {!} Re6 16. h6 {!} Rg6 17. Qb8+ Kh7 18. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0] , and wins.}) 9. Kg2 Rg5+ 10. Kf3 Rf5+ 11. Kg3 Rf1 {^013^010 The position after White's 8th move has been repeated, but now it is his move and, by combining an attack on the f-pawn with a threat to win the rook, he forces it to move off the f-file.} 12. Qe8 {! %05^013^010} Kg7 (12... Rf5 13. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0]}) (12... Rf6 { %05or} 13. Qe7 Kg7 14. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Qe5+ Kg8 14. Kg2 Rb1 (14... Rd1 {, then not %05If} 15. Qf6 (15. Qf4 {[%eval 550,0] ! (threatening 16.Qg4), and White wins the h-pawn without allowing the rook onto the 6th rank %05but}) 15... Re1 {! , when} 16. Qxh6 {?} Re6 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw. %05fails to}) 15. Qg3+ Kf8 (15... Kh8 {%05Things are no different after} 16. Qd3 {!} Rb7 17. Qc3+ Kh7 18. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0] . The point of the queen manoeuvre is to seize the f6 square under the most favourable circumstances.}) 16. Qd3 {!} Rb2+ 17. Kf3 Kg8 18. Qd8+ Kh7 19. Qf6 Rb7 20. Ke4 {[%eval 550,0] Now the rook can be only at a7, b7 or c7. But when the white king arrives at b6, the rook will be forced to abandon its last defensive line, and the f-pawn will fall.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/7p/7P/4K3/8/8/5r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] 1. Ke5 Rf3 (1... Re1+ {%05Here, by continuing} 2. Kf4 Rf1+ 3. Kg4 {[%eval 550, 0] , Black can transpose into position ~3($403915) (*)~.}) 2. Qc8 {! (not allowing the king onto the g-file in view of the threat of 3.Qg4)} Rf1 (2... Rf2 {, then %05The rook cannot move off the f-file, since the white king will break through to f8 via f6 and e7. If} 3. Qc3 {!} Kh8 4. Kd6+ Kh7 5. Qd3+ { [%eval 550,0] , and the rook is lost.}) 3. Qa8 {!} Rf2 4. Qa3 {! (depriving the rook of all the remaining squares on the f-file)} Re2+ 5. Kf6 Rf2+ 6. Ke7 Rf4 7. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/4kp2/4r2p/5K1P/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] {This position could have arisen from example ~3( 3915)~ (cf. the note to Black's 1st move). As in the preceding positions, White's task reduces to seizing f8 with his queen. It is achieved by the joint efforts of queen and king, which have the aim of restricting the mobility of the enemy pieces.} 1. Qc8 {!} Rf6+ 2. Kg4 Re6 3. Qc5+ Kd7 4. Kf5 {!} (4. Qf8 {in view of %05not immediately} Rf6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Ke8 5. Qb4 {! (zugzwang)} Kd7 6. Qf8 Re7 7. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/4kp2/4r2p/5K1P/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] 1... Rc6 {%05If it is Black to move, after} 2. Qb8 Rc5+ 3. Kg4 Rg5+ 4. Kh4 Rd5 {(5.Qh8 was threatened)} 5. Qb4+ Rd6 6. Kg4 Ke6 7. Qc5 Ke7 8. Kf5 {[%eval 550, 0] play reduces to the main variation.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/3K1pk1/4r2p/7P/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] {~2 With his king on the 6th rank or beyond, White can again attain one of the winning positions already ~2considered.~} 1... Re1 (1... Re2 {%05The most tenacious defence. After} 2. Qa1+ Kg8 3. Qg1+ Kf8 4. Qc5+ Kg8 5. Qc8+ Kg7 (5... Kh7 6. Qc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qc3+ Kg8 7. Qg3+ Kf8 (7... Kh8 8. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qd6+ Kg8 (8... Kg7 9. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning the rook or mating}) 9. Qxh6 {!} Re6 10. Qg5+ Kh7 11. h6 {[%eval 550,0] White wins easily as in position ~3($403888)~}) (1... Rb6 {, then %05if} 2. Qa1+ {! , and in view of the threat of 3.Qg1 the black king has to move onto the h-file, but then 3.Ke7 is decisive.}) 2. Qg2+ Kf8 3. Kd6 Rd1+ 4. Ke5 Re1+ 5. Kf5 Re6 6. Qa8+ Kg7 7. Qd8 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($403915)~.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1917.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Grigoriev Nikolai D (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5prk/7p/7P/7K/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1917.??.??"] {Up till now all the positions with pawns at f7 and h6 have been lost for Black. We will give two exceptions.} 1... Rg5 {%05The white king is cut off on the side of the board, and by %05giving up his f-pawn Black transposes into position %05~3($413856)~:} 2. Qxf7+ Rg7 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/7p/6rP/8/5Q2/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {The f-pawn covers Black's king against checks along the 7th rank, which allows his rook the possibility of taking the h5 pawn, without having to fear a double attack. And since the queen is tied to the defence of this pawn, its freedom is restricted, and White is not able to create a zugzwang position.} 1. Qc3+ Kg8 {!} (1... Kh7 {loses to} 2. Qf6 Kg8 3. Qxh6 Re5 4. Qf4 {!} Re6 5. h6 { [%eval 550,0] etc. But now on 2.Qf6 Black simply takes the h5 pawn, which, incidentally, he is also threatening to do now. Therefore the queen has to return.}) 2. Qf3 Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] Draw.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1946.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Smyslov Vassily (RUS)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1p/5rk1/Q7/8/7P/8/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1946.??.??"] {We have made the acquaintance of some theoretical positions, where the pawns of both sides have occupied positions which were fixed beforehand. But in the course of play it usually happens that, before the pawn structure becomes defined, the pieces can have a decisive influence.} 1... h5 {comes into consideration, however, White should not be^013^010 tempted by the immediate win of the pawn, but should^013^010 first destroy the coordination of the enemy pieces: %05Black's hopes of a draw are associated with position %05~3 ($413887)~ or ~3($413921)~. Therefore} (1... Rf5 {%05The game in fact went} 2. Qc3 {!} Rg5+ 3. Kf2 Rf5+ 4. Kg3 Rg5+ 5. Kf4 Rf5+ 6. Ke4 h6 7. h4 f6 8. Qg3+ Kh5 9. Qg1 Ra5 10. Kf4 Ra4+ 11. Kf5 Ra5+ 12. Kxf6 Ra6+ 13. Kg7 Re6 14. Qc5+ Kg4 15. Qc8 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.}) 2. Qd8 {!} (2. h4 {? , then %05if} Kh7 {!} 3. Qxh5+ Kg8 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Kg7 {(otherwise 3.Qh8)} 3. Qd4 h4 4. Kg2 Kg6 5. Qxh4 Kg7 6. Qd4 Kg6 7. h4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} 1-0 [Event "Dresden (Germany)"] [Site "Dresden (Germany)"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Witkowski Stefan (POL)"] [Black "Karaklajic Nikola (YUG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p1p/8/4Q3/8/4p2P/6K1/3r4 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1065 %212045826630=4HLJ1075 %212045826630=4HLJ1113 %212045826630=4HLJ121 (with colours reversed) We should immediately make the proviso that, in playing this ending, neither player knew what position he should be aiming for. But for us a brief glance is sufficient to discern the familiar contours of examples ~3( 3887),( 3914),( 3915)~ and ~3( 3922)~. Therefore, before getting down to concrete analysis, let us define the tasks of the two sides. Black has to play his rook to the 6th rank, without worrying about his e- and h-pawns ~3( 3887)~. In doing so he must not allow the blockade of his h-pawn at h6 ~3(( 3914)- ( 3915) )~. If his should prove impracticable, with the white pawn at h5 his rook must occupy the g-file ~3( 3921)~. White, in turn, must not allow the rook onto the 6th rank until he can attain a position of type ~3( 3914)-( 3915)~.} 1... Rd3 {%05And so, Black begins:^013^010 %05(a) This variation occurred in the game:} (1... h5 {%05(b)} 2. Qxe3 (2. Qxh5 {?} Rd6 {[%eval 0,0] !}) (2. Qg5+ {%05or} Kf8 3. Qxh5 {?} e2 { !} 4. Qxe2 Rd6 {[%eval 0,0] $6 in both cases with an assured transition into position ~3($413887)~}) 2... Rd5 (2... Rd6 {?} 3. Qe8+ Kg7 4. Qe5+ Rf6 5. h4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. h4 Ra5 {(threatening 4...Ra6)} 4. Qe2 {!} (4. Qb6 {?} Ra4 { [%eval 550,0] !}) 4... Kg7 5. Qc4 {!} Ra3 6. Qb5 {!} Ra2+ 7. Kf3 Kg8 8. Qg5+ {! } Kf8 9. Qxh5 Ra3+ 10. Ke4 Ra4+ 11. Kd3 Ra3+ 12. Kc4 Rg3 13. Qh8+ Rg8 14. Qh6+ Rg7 15. h5 Kg8 16. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) (1... Rd2+ {%05(c)} 2. Kg3 Ra2 3. Qg5+ {!} (3. Qxe3 {?} Ra6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 3... Kf8 4. Qh6+ Kg8 5. h4 {!} e2 6. Kf2 Ra5 7. Kxe2 Re5+ 8. Kf3 Re6 9. Qg5+ Rg6 10. Qd8+ Kg7 11. h5 {! } Rf6+ 12. Kg4 Re6 13. Kf5 h6 {[%eval 550,0] , and we have position ~3($413914) ~.}) 2. h4 h6 3. Kf3 {!} (3. h5 {? %05White chooses the best move, evidently on general grounds. Let us analyse the alternatives:^013^010 %05(1)} e2 {!} 4. Kf2 (4. Qxe2 {%05or} Rd5 {[%eval 0,0] ! , when ...Rg5 with a draw cannot be prevented $6~3($413921)~}) 4... Rd1 {!} 5. Kxe2 Rg1 {!} 6. Qf6 Rg5 {!} 7. Qxh6 Re5+ 8. Kf3 Re6 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw as in example ~3($413887)~}) (3. Qf6 {? %05(2)} e2 {!} 4. Qe5 (4. Kf2 Rg3 {!} 5. Kxe2 (5. h5 Rg5 {[%eval 0,0] $6~3 ($413921)~}) 5... h5 {! followed by ...Rg6 $6~3($413887)~}) 4... Rd6 {!} 5. Qxe2 Rg6+ 6. Kh3 h5 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw ~3($413887)~}) (3. Qe4 Rd6 {!} 4. Qe8+ Kg7 5. Qe5+ Rf6 6. h5 e2 7. Qxe2 Rf5 {! followed by ...Rg5 with a draw as in position ~3($413921)~.}) 3... Rd1 4. Ke2 {? ^013^010 This leads to a drawn position. He should have captured with the queen on e3, when Black would have been unable to transfer his rook to the 6th rank.} Rg1 {%05^013^010} 5. Qe8+ Kg7 6. Qe5+ Kg8 7. Qb8+ Kg7 8. Qb2+ Kg8 9. Kxe3 Rg6 (9... h5 {[%eval 0,0] is simpler, although 10.h5 is not yet dangerous in view of 10...Rg5 ~3($413921)~. . The further course of the game is a comedy of errors.}) 10. Kf4 Re6 {?} ( 10... h5 {[%eval 0,0] was essential}) 11. Kf5 {?} (11. h5 {[%eval 550,0] %04wins}) 11... Rg6 {?} (11... h5 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 12. Qc3 {?} (12. h5 { ! %05Even here it was not too late for} Rg5+ 13. Kf6 Rxh5 {(in contrast to position ~3($413921)~, the white king takes part in the attack)} 14. Qb8+ Kh7 15. Qb3 {!} Rg5 16. Kxf7 Rf5+ 17. Ke7 Re5+ 18. Kd7 Rg5 19. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0] ! }) 12... Re6 {?} 13. h5 {[%eval 550,0] ! At last. White has attained the won position^013^010 ~3($403914)~.^013^010 ^013^010 We will conclude our analysis with a small piece of^013^010 information: play continued for a further 12 moves, and^013^010 on the proposal of Witkowski, who did not know what to^013^010 do with his queen, ended in a draw in a position which^013^010 was won for him.^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Site "St. Petersburg (Russia)"] [Date "1893.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Tarrasch Siegbert (GER)"] [Black "Chigorin Mikhail I (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/6rp/8/8/8/4Q2P/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1893.??.??"] {In conclusion we give a position which is notable for the fact that, to attain a draw, the defender can play 'as he pleases'. (variation from the game, with reversed colours and flanks) Here Black can obtain any of the drawn positions familiar to us.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1958.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Cheron"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/6pk/5r1p/4K2P/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1958.??.??"] {~15.3 Connected pawns~ We will consider two main types of positions: ~ 5.31 Connected pawns blockaded by the enemy pawn. ~ ~ 5.32 Pawns not blockaded*.~ But first a few general comments. ~2The weaker side defends most successfully in positions where one of his connected pawns is on the 7th rank, and the other on the 6th~. Such a configuration allows the king to hide from checks behind the pawns, which facilitates the movement of the rook, and also limits the number of rear squares, for which the queen usually aims. The side with the rook should not allow the enemy king to break into his position, or his own king to be driven away from the pawn chain. The stronger side's resources remain the same: restriction of the mobility of the enemy pieces, seizure of the rear squares by the queen, zugzwang, and the sacrifice of queen for rook and pawn with the aim of attaining a won pawn ending. * Practice has shown that the majority of such situations arise on the K-side, and, to facilitate the finding of the necessary material, a number of positions in this chapter are given with reversed flanks, compared with the 1st edition. ~15.31 Pawns blockaded~ (draw for any position of the white king) Black defends by manoeuvring with his rook along the f-file. If there should not be two free squares (for example, with the white king at e7, the queen at e3 and the rook at f6), then the king acquires reserve moves, and a position of zugzwang does not arise. With a rook's pawn, the queen sacrifice on f6 is of course pointless. Let us move the position one rank down the board.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/7k/6p1/5r1p/4K2P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(draw for any position of the white king) Here too the rear squares in Black's position are inaccessible to the queen. The king manoeuvres between h8-h7-g7-g8, and the queen can deprive it of only two of these squares. Even the breakthrough of the king across the 5th rank does not achieve anything.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4K2k/4Q1p1/5r1p/7P/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {A zugzwang position cannot be created. Black has several safe moves (e.g. 1... Kg7 or 1...Rf1). We will indicate another curious possibility.} 1... Kh8 2. Qxg6 Rf7+ {with a draw as in example ~3($413607)~, while} 3. Ke6 Re7+ 4. Kf5 Rf7+ 5. Ke4 Re7+ 6. Kf4 Rf7+ 7. Kg3 Rf3+ {[%eval 0,0] also leads to perpetual pursuit of the king,} (7... Rg7 {%05although Black can even go into the pawn ending:} 8. Qg5 Rxg5+ 9. hxg5 Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3Q4/7k/6p1/5r1p/4K2P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%15N T1(g1:h2)clBlack Drawing Zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Moving position ~3( 3925)~ further down the board may change the assessment, depending on the position of the white king. (with the white king inside the zone draw)} 1. Qe8 {!} Rf6 ( 1... Kg7 {the defence collapses: %05In the event of} 2. Qh5 Kf6 (2... Rf5 3. Ke4 Ra5 4. Qe8 Kh6 5. Qc6+ Kh5 6. Qc7 {!} Ra4+ 7. Ke5 Ra6 8. Qh7+ Rh6 9. Qf7+ Rg6 10. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qh6+ Kf5 4. Qc6 Ke5 5. Qg6 Rf5 6. Qh6 Kd5 7. Qb6 Re5+ (7... Ke5 8. Qg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kf3 Rf5+ 9. Kg4 Re5 10. Kh5 Ke4 11. Kg6 Rd5 12. Qb4+ Ke3 13. Qc4 Re5 14. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.}) 2. Ke4 Rf4+ (2... Ra6 3. Kf5 Ra5+ 4. Kg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Ke5 Rf2 4. Qc6+ Kg7 (4... Kh5 5. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 5. Qc7+ Rf7 6. Qd8 {!} Kh6 7. Qh8+ Kg6 8. Qg8+ Rg7 9. Qe8+ Kh6 10. Kf5 Kh7 11. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3Q4/7k/6p1/5r1p/7P/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qe8 {%05With the white king inside the zone, e.g. at ~2g2~, Black draws, since the queen alone is unable to disorganize the defence:} Rf6 2. Kh2 Rf4 3. Qe7 Kg6 4. Kg2 Rf6 {[%eval 0,0] , and White is unable to strengthen his position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4Q3/6pk/7p/6rP/5K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {In contrast to the preceding examples, here the rook occupies a different defensive position. It is less secure, but with pawns on the 7th and 6th ranks it nevertheless allows Black to escape defeat, since White cannot prevent the rook from reaching f6, which leads to the drawn position ~3( 3925)~.} 1. Ke4 Ra5 2. Kd4 Rg5 3. Qe4+ (3. Kc4 {, then %05If immediately} Rg4+ 4. Kd5 Rf4 { [%eval 0,0] with a draw. In manoeuvring with his queen, White must also reckon with the possible capture on h5.}) 3... Kh8 4. Kc4 Kg8 5. Qe8+ Kh7 6. Kb4 { (there is no other way of depriving the rook of all its squares on the 5th rank)} Rg4+ 7. Kc5 Rf4 {! , and after the inevitable 8...Rf6= position^013^010 ~3($413925)~ is reached.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/6k1/6p1/7p/6rP/7K/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If position ~3( 3930)~ is moved one rank (or more) down the board, the rook loses contact with the rear, and is unable to lend timely support to the king. White wins even when his king is cut off on the rook's file.} 1. Qe7+ Kg8 2. Qf6 Rg1 3. Qd8+ Kh7 4. Qc7+ Kh6 5. Qb8 {[%eval 550,0] , mating or winning the rook.^013^010 ^013^010 In positions where the rook is better placed, the defence holds even when the enemy king is active.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6k1/4K1p1/5rPp/8/8/3Q4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qd6 {^013^010 There is now the threat of an invasion.} (1. Ke7 {is parried by %05 The white king must not be allowed to become established on the 7th or 6th rank. For the moment there is no danger of this, since} Rf7+ 2. Ke8 Rf8+ 3. Ke7 Rf7+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 1... Rf7 {! %05Correct is} (1... Rf1 {? ,after %05If Black carelessly plays} 2. Ke7 Rf7+ 3. Ke8 Rf5 (3... Rb7 4. Qe5+ Kh7 5. Kf8 Ra7 (5... Rd7 {%05or} 6. Qe6 Rd8+ 7. Kf7 Rg8 8. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qe7+ Kg8 5. Qf6 {!} Kh7 6. Qxf5 gxf5 7. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] White wins}) (1... Rxg5 2. Qc7+ Kh6 3. Qf4 h4 4. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qe5+ Kg8 {[%eval 0,0] , when Black parries the attack in analogy with^013^010 Guretzky-Cornitz's position ~3($413730) (*)~.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sokolov"] [Black "Kremenietsky Anatoly M (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/8/6k1/7p/6p1/5rP1/4K3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "36"] [EventDate "1959.??.??"] {~2The weaker side draws with a rook's pawn and knight's pawn, irrespective of what ranks they are on, but only provided that it is the more advanced knight's pawn that is blockaded.~ (variation from the game) For a successful defence the rook must not abandon the f-file, and the queen must not be allowed to reach h7.} 1. Qh8 Rf6 2. Ke3 Rf3+ 3. Ke4 Rf6 4. Ke5 Rf3 5. Ke6 Rf1 6. Ke7 Rf7+ 7. Ke8 Rf3 8. Qg8+ Kh6 9. Ke7 Re3+ {!} 10. Kd6 Rd3+ 11. Ke5 Re3+ 12. Kd4 Rf3 13. Qe6+ Kg7 14. Ke4 Rf6 (14... Rf7 {?} 15. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 15. Qe7+ Kg6 16. Qe8+ Kh6 17. Ke5 Rf3 18. Qg8 Re3+ {[%eval 0,0] etc.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/5pk1/4r1p1/3K2P1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {%15N T1(f2:h3)clBlack Drawing Zone #B(8/8/8/8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Positions with a knight's pawn and bishop's pawn are also of considerable practical interest. Without the g-pawn Black draws easily ~3( 3869)~. But here the 6th rank is as though shortened, and the rook is deprived of its second strong point. In addition, White acquires another attacking resource the queen sacrifice on e6, leading to a won pawn ending.} 1. Qc7 {!} Re3 (1... Ra6 {%05White's move forces the rook to lift its defence of the 6th rank, since after} 2. Qc3+ Kh7 3. Qc4 {! Black cannot play} Re6 (3... Rb6 4. Qc7 Rb5+ 5. Kd6 Rf5 {[%eval 550, 0] - ~3($413937)~.}) (3... Ra5+ {%05while after} 4. Kd6 Rxg5 5. Qxf7+ Kh6 6. Qf4 Kh5 7. Qh2+ Kg4 8. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] a won position from example ~3 ($403734)~ is reached}) 4. Qc8 {%05in view of} Re1 {(5.Qxe6 was threatened)} 5. Qf8 Rf1 6. Kd6 {followed by 7.Ke7 and 8.Qxf7$18}) (1... Kf8 {%05regarding} 2. Qc8+ Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] , cf. position ~3($413936)~.}) 2. Qc2 {! ^013^010 Again restricting the rook's mobility.} Kg8 {%05^013^010} (2... Ra3 3. Qb2+ { [%eval 550,0] is not possible}) (2... Rg3 {%05nor is} 3. Qb2+ Kf8 4. Qb8+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (2... Re6 {, then %05while if} 3. Qc3+ Kh7 {(g8)} 4. Qh3+ {(c8) } Kg8 5. Qxe6 {[%eval 550,0] , with a won pawn ending.}) 3. Kd6 Re6+ 4. Kd7 Re3 (4... Kg7 {%05In the event of} 5. Qc4 {[%eval 550,0] ! the rook does not have a single available square. But now the rook has to be driven off the e-file, for the king to break through to the f-pawn.}) 5. Qc4 {!} Ra3 {^013^010 The rook switches to defence along the 7th and 8th ranks, but from this side too the queen restricts it.} 6. Qe4 {%05^013^010} Kg7 7. Ke7 Ra7+ {(the threat was 8.Qd4 Kg8 9.Qd8 Kg7 10.Qf8 etc.)} 8. Ke8 Kg8 (8... Ra5 9. Qd4+ Kg8 10. Ke7 Ra8 11. Qd5 Rf8 12. Qf3 Kg7 13. Qc3+ Kg8 14. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qd5 Rc7 10. Qd8 Rb7 11. Qc8 Ra7 12. Qb8 {followed by the unavoidable 13.Ke7$18, winning the f-pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/5pk1/4r1p1/6P1/5K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8)} 1. Qxe6 {%05If in the initial position the white king is inside the indicated zone, the position turns out to be drawn. The rook must not allow the king across the e-file, and in this it is successful, since White cannot take away all its squares. The sacrifice on e6 does not have to be feared. For example (in the position: White $6 Kf4, Qc8) nothing is achieved by} fxe6 2. Ke5 Kf7 3. Kd6 {in view of} e5 4. Kxe5 Ke7 { [%eval 0,0] with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/4kp2/4r1p1/3K2P1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Qb8 {! %05 This position could have arisen from the previous example (cf. the note to White's 1st move). Although the queen sacrifice at e6 is not threatened here, Black quickly ends up in zugzwang:} Kd7 2. Qf8 Re7 3. Qg8 Kc7 4. Qa8 Rd7+ (4... Kd7 5. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king breaks through to the pawns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/6p1/5rP1/4K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "33"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {%15N T1(g2:h3)clBlack Drawing Zone #B(8/8/8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1) #S(8/8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) (with the white king inside the zone draw)} 1. Kd4 Rb5 2. Kc4 Rf5 {(now Black is given the move)} 3. Qe7 Kg8 4. Qe8+ Kg7 5. Qd8 Rf1 (5... Kh7 {%05The queen must not be allowed to reach f8:} 6. Qf8 Rf1 (6... Rxg5 7. Qxf7+ Kh6 8. Qf4 Kh5 9. Qh2+ Kg4 10. Qh6 Kf5 11. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0] , winning as in example ~3($403734)~}) 7. Kd5 Rd1+ 8. Ke5 Re1+ 9. Kf6 Rf1+ 10. Ke7 Re1+ 11. Kxf7 Rf1+ 12. Ke8 Re1+ 13. Qe7+ {!} Rxe7+ 14. Kxe7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 6. Qd4+ Kg8 (6... Kh7 {%05If} 7. Kc5 Rf5+ 8. Kd6 Rxg5 {, then} 9. Ke7 Rf5 (9... Kg8 10. Qd8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Kf8 f6 (10... Kh6 11. Qh4+ Rh5 12. Qf4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qd7+ Kh6 12. Qg7+ Kh5 13. Qh7+ Kg5 14. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kc5 Rf5+ 8. Kc6 {!} Rf3 9. Kd7 Rf1 10. Qe4 Rc1 11. Qe8+ Kg7 12. Qe5+ Kg8 13. Ke7 {(threat 14.Qb8)} Rb1 14. Qe4 { (threat 14.Qa8)} Ra1 15. Qc4 {!} Re1+ {(a7)} 16. Kf6 Re6+ 17. Qxe6 {[%eval 550, 0] , and White wins. With the white king inside the zone Black easily forces a draw by ...Kh7-g7. In this case it is not even necessary to guard the f8 square against invasion by the queen, since the rook can always find two free squares on the f-file, and the enemy king cannot break free.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/6k1/5p2/4r1p1/3K2P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%15N T0(f2:h2)clBlack Drawing Zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1/5I1I1I1) #S(8/ 8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Let us return to position ~3( 3934)~ and move it one rank down the board. (with the white king inside the zone draw) If the queen can occupy f7, the rook will be tied to the defence of the f-pawn and the white king will penetrate unhindered into the enemy rear. It is around this plan that the battle revolves.} 1. Qc7+ {, which only leaves two possibilities:^013^010 %04(a)} Kg6 {! ^013^010 The best move, defending the f-pawn. In the event of the rear squares being threatened, the king returns to g7. The attempt at a double attack is parried. Therefore White first transfers his king to d8.} (1... Kh8 2. Qf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kf8 { %05or} 2. Qh7 {[%eval 550,0] is clearly bad}) (1... Kg8 {%05(b)} 2. Qd7 { ! (preparing the passage of the king across the 7th rank)} Re1 3. Kc5 Rc1+ 4. Kb6 Rb1+ 5. Kc7 Rc1+ 6. Kd8 Re1 7. Qb7 {!} Re5 (7... Re2 {%05 The fact that the f-pawn is undefended begins to tell. If it moves to other free squares on the e-file, the rook and the pawn come under a double attack:} 8. Qa6 {!} Rf2 9. Ke8 Rf4 10. Qe6+ Kg7 11. Qf7+ Kh8 12. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Re3 8. Qb6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 8. Qc7 {! (zugzwang)} Kf8 (8... Re4 9. Qc6 {!}) (8... Re3 9. Qb6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (8... Re1 9. Qc3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qh7 Rd5+ 10. Kc7 Rd1 (10... Re5 11. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qg6 Ke7 (11... Rc1+ {%05playing for stalemate does not work:} 12. Kd7 Rd1+ 13. Ke6 Re1+ 14. Kxf6 Re6+ 15. Kxg5 { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 12. Qg7+ Ke6 13. Qf8 Rc1+ (13... Rd7+ 14. Kc6 Ra7 15. Qg8+ Rf7 16. Kc5 Ke7 17. Kd5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kd8 Rd1+ 15. Ke8 Rd6 (15... Rd7 16. Qb4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Qe7+ Kd5 17. Kf7 {and 18.Qxf6$18}) 2. Qd7 (2. Qb7 Re1 3. Qb4 Re8 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Re1 3. Kc5 Rc1+ 4. Kb6 Rb1+ (4... Rc3 5. Qe8+ Kg7 6. Qe7+ Kg6 7. Qf8 Rg3 8. Qg8+ Kh6 9. Qe6 Kg7 10. Kc7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 5. Kc7 Rc1+ 6. Kd8 Re1 (6... Ra1 7. Ke7 Rc1 (7... Ra8 8. Qd4 { [%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qd5 Kg7 8. Qb7+ Kg6 9. Qb4 {!} Ra1 ( 9... Re5 {, White then wins as follows %05 In comparison with the position from the note to Black's 1st move, the rook cannot retreat to e8, defending the rear squares, and is forced to change its defensive front. If Black persists, for example with} 10. Qf8 Ra5 (10... Re4 11. Qg8+ Kh6 12. Qf7 Rxg4 13. Qxf6+ Kh5 14. Qh8+ {!} Kg6 15. Qe8+ Kf6 16. Qe7+ Kf5 17. Qd7+ Kf4 18. Ke7 { [%eval 550,0] , and the white king succeeds in breaking through to the pawn}) 11. Qg8+ Kh6 12. Ke7 Ra7+ 13. Ke6 {!} (13. Kxf6 {?} Rf7+ {[%eval 0,0] !}) 13... Ra6+ (13... Rg7 14. Qh8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kf5 Ra5+ 15. Kxf6 Ra6+ 16. Ke5 { ! , and the king avoids perpetual check by approaching the rook along the diagonal adjoining the queen's:} Ra5+ 17. Kd4 Ra4+ 18. Kc3 Ra3+ (18... Rxg4 19. Qe6+ Kh5 20. Qe2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 19. Kb2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qc5 {^013^010 White does not yet threaten 11.Qf8, but he blocks the rook's path to the 7th rank and intends to establish his king at e7. There is no defence:^013^010 %04 (a1)} Ra8+ (10... Kg7 {%05(a2)} 11. Qc7+ Kg6 12. Ke8 Ra8+ 13. Ke7 Ra1 14. Qb8 Re1+ 15. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Ke7 Ra6 12. Qf5+ Kg7 (12... Kh6 13. Qb5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 13. Qd7 {!} Rb6 (13... Kg6 14. Qd3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Ke8+ Kg6 15. Qf7+ Kh6 16. Qc7 {and 17.Kf7$18.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/7Q/5p2/4r1p1/6P1/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If in the initial position the white king is inside the zone, Black draws even with the queen at ~2h7~.} 1. Qg6 Re7 {!} 2. Kg2 (2. Qxf6+ {%05The balance is maintained by a tactical trick:} Rf7 {[%eval 0,0] . Therefore Black must constantly return the white king to the f-file.}) 2... Re2+ 3. Kg1 Re1+ 4. Kf2 Re7 5. Kf3 Re6 6. Qf5 Re7 7. Qc5 Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] , and White does not have the slightest hope of^013^010 success.^013^010 ^013^010 If position ~3($413938) ~ is moved one, two or three^013^010 ranks down the board, White wins easily by seizing the^013^010 rear squares.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/6k1/5p2/6p1/5rP1/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%15N T0(g2:h2)clBlack Drawing Zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/ 8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) We will now consider position ~3( 3938)~ with the rook differently placed. (with the white king inside the zone draw)} 1. Qc7+ Kg6 (1... Kf8 2. Qd7 Kg8 3. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qd7 Kh6 {(there are no other moves)} 3. Qf7 Rf1 (3... Rxg4 4. Qxf6+ Kh5 5. Qf3 Kh4 6. Qh1+ Kg3 7. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Ke4 Rf4+ 5. Kd5 Rxg4 6. Qxf6+ Kh5 7. Qh8+ Kg6 8. Qg8+ Kh6 9. Qe6+ Kh5 10. Qe2 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his rook or is mated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/6k1/5p2/6p1/5rP1/6K1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%15N #B(8/8/8/8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1/6I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) Let us place the king inside the zone, say at ~2g3~.} 1. Qd7+ Kg6 {!} 2. Qe8+ Kg7 3. Qe7+ Kg6 {!} (3... Kg8 {? loses to} 4. Kg2 {!} Rxg4+ 5. Kf2 Rf4+ (5... f5 6. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Ke2 Kh8 7. Qf7 Rf5 8. Qg6 Re5+ (8... Rf4 9. Ke1 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 9. Kf3 Re6 10. Kg4 Ra6 11. Kh5 { [%eval 550,0] , with a mating attack.}) 4. Qf8 Rf1 5. Qg8+ Kh6 6. Qf7 Rf4 { , and White cannot help out his king, since} 7. Kg2 Rxg4+ 8. Kf3 Rf4+ 9. Ke3 Rh4 {!} 10. Qxf6+ Kh5 11. Qg7 Rf4 {[%eval 0,0] leads to a draw ~3($413733)~. ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5Q2/5p1k/6p1/5rP1/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {If the initial position is moved one rank down the board, White wins even with his king most unfavourably placed, since the rook does not have any waiting moves on the f-file.} 1. Qg7 {!} (1. Kh2 {%05 Black to move is in zugzwang (in the previous example he could have played 1...Rf1). But if it is White to play, he is unable to give Black the move by Salvioli's manoeuvre:} Rf1 (1... Rf2+ {?} 2. Kg1 Rf3 3. Kg2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kg2 Rf3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Re3 (1... Rd3 {%05After} 2. Qe5 Kg6 (2... Rf3 3. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0] !}) ( 2... Rd2+ {%05or} 3. Kf1 Kg6 4. Qe6+ {, and} Kg5 {fails to} 5. Qe3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kf2 Rf3+ 4. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0] the white king breaks free.}) 2. Qc7 {!} Rf3 (2... Re2+ 3. Kf1 Re3 4. Kf2 Rf3+ 5. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 3. Qh7+ Kg5 4. Qg7+ Kh5 5. Qf6 {[%eval 550,0] ! $6 zugzwang.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/5kp1/5p2/4rP2/3K4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {In this positions it is the advanced bishop's pawn which is blockaded. Black defends as in example ~3( 3933)~, by holding the e-file.} 1... Re7 2. Kd5 Re5+ 3. Kd6 Re7 4. Qc4+ Kf8 5. Qb3 Re5 6. Qh3 Re8 (6... Re7 {?} 7. Qh8+ Kf7 8. Qxg7+ {[%eval 550,0] !}) 7. Qh8+ Kf7 8. Qh5+ Kf8 9. Kd7 Re7+ 10. Kd8 Re5 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black's position is impregnable.^013^010 ^013^010 The assessment does not change if the position is moved any number of files to the left.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/6pk/5p2/4rP2/3K4/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {This differs from the previous position only in the placing of the black king, but the method of defence is radically different. Here Black must maintain his rook on the 5th rank, not allowing the enemy king to advance.} 1... Ra5 (1... Re1 {? %05Black loses only if he allows the king to cross the 5th rank:} 2. Kd5 Re5+ 3. Kd6 Re1 4. Qe6 {!} Re5 5. Ke7 Ra5 6. Qd7 Ra8 7. Kf7 Rb8 8. Qc7 Rb2 9. Qc8 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 2. Kc4 (2. Ke4 {%05The transfer of the white king to the opposite wing is also not dangerous:} Re5+ 3. Kf4 Ra5 4. Kg4 Re5 5. Kh5 Ra5 6. Qd7 Re5 7. Qd3 Ra5 (7... g6+ {also comes into consideration}) 8. Qf3 Re5 9. Qg4 Ra5 10. Qg6+ Kg8 {[%eval 0,0] , and the queen is unable to make way for the king.}) 2... Re5 3. Kb4 Rd5 4. Qe6 Re5 5. Qd7 {(the rook does not have any more free squares on the 5th rank, but on the other hand the king is now free to move)} Kg8 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black transposes to the drawn position ~3 ($413943)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/6k1/6p1/5p2/4rP2/3K4/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Let us move position ~3( 3943)~ one rank down the board.} 1. Qb7+ Kh6 { ! ^013^010 The point of 1...Kh6! is that now on 2.Qf7 Black can take on f4 with a draw.} (1... Kg8 {%05The most tenacious defence. In the event of} 2. Qc7 {! the stalemate idea} Kh8 (2... Re8 {%05He therefore has to play} 3. Qc6 {!} Kf7 4. Qd5+ Kf8 (4... Kf6 5. Qd7 Re4 6. Qc7 Re7 7. Qd8 Kf7 8. Qh8 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 5. Qd7 Re7 6. Qd8+ Kf7 7. Qh8 Re4 8. Qh7+ Kf6 9. Qg8 Re7 (9... Rxf4 10. Qd8+ Ke6 11. Qb6+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning the rook or a pawn}) 10. Kd4 Re4+ 11. Kd5 Re7 12. Kd6 Rf7 13. Qh8+ Rg7 14. Qd8+ Kf7 15. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins}) (2... Kf8 3. Qh7 {[%eval 550,0] !}) (2... Re1 {%05or} 3. Qc8+ Kf7 4. Qh8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qf7 {, when Black does not have any waiting moves ( %05does not work due to} Re1 4. Qf6+ {!} Kh7 5. Qh4+ {[%eval 550,0] %04).}) 2. Qc7 Re8 3. Kd4 Re4+ 4. Kd5 Re8 {^013^010 White has achieved the best deployment of his pieces. If the queen moves off the 7th rank, the king returns to h7 and Black maintains the balance.} 5. Qf7 {%05^013^010} (5. Qe5 { is incorrect: %05The sacrifice} Rxe5+ 6. fxe5 f4 {[%eval -122,0] %04etc.}) 5... Re4 (5... Ra8 6. Qd7 Ra6 7. Qb7 Ra4 8. Ke5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qg8 {! ^013^010 Only this bold sacrifice leads to a win, albeit a very difficult one.} Rxf4 7. Ke5 {! , and we reach position ~3($403932)~ which was^013^010 analysed in detail in chapter 3.3^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/6k1/6p1/5p2/4rP2/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {With his king on the short side of the board White wins, by breaking through via g5.} 1. Qc7+ Kg8 (1... Kh6 2. Qf7 {and 3.Qg8$18}) 2. Kg3 Re1 3. Kh4 {, and} Rg1 {fails to} 4. Qb8+ Kf7 5. Qa7+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning the rook.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/6k1/6p1/5p2/4rP2/3K4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {If position ~3( 3945)~ is moved further down the board, the scope for the queen to Black's rear increases, which makes the win much easier.} 1. Qh8 {!} ( 1. Qa6+ {%05Only a draw results from} Kh5 2. Qc6 Kh4 {!} 3. Qh6+ Kg3 4. Qxg5+ ( 4. Qh5 Kf2 {!} 5. Qg4 Re2+ 6. Kd3 Re3+ 7. Kd4 Re2 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 4... Kxf3 {[%eval 0,0] , and then as in example ~3($413756)~.}) 1... Re7 {!} (1... Re6 2. Qg8+ Kf6 3. Qh7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kd1 {!} (2. Kd3 {%05The aim of this manoeuvre is to give the opponent the move. Nothing is achieved by} Re3+ 3. Kd4 Re1 4. Qg8+ Kh6 5. Qf7 Re3 {, when} 6. Qf6+ {?} Kh5 7. Qg7 Kh4 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with the same consequences as in the introductory note %05allows}) (2. Qg8+ Kh5 {[%eval 0,0] ! is also weak.}) 2... Re3 (2... Ra7 {), then %05If the rook moves along the 7th rank (e.g.} 3. Ke1 {[%eval 550,0] , and the king breaks through to g4}) (2... Re6 {%05while after} 3. Qg8+ Kf6 4. Kd2 {!} Re3 5. Qh7 { [%eval 550,0] the king is driven away from the g-pawn.}) 3. Qg8+ {!} Kh6 4. Kd2 {!} Re7 (4... Rxf3 {%05Zugzwang, since Black cannot take the pawn:} 5. Qh8+ Kg6 6. Qe8+ Kf5 7. Qc8+ Ke5 8. Qc5+ Ke4 9. Qc6+ Kf5 10. Qxf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qf8+ Rg7 6. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/4p3/4Pr2/6K1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {We will now examine a further series of positions, which will help us in the analysis of endings with several pawns. In general the queen should not be allowed to reach f8, although here this does not lose. The white king is unable to break either across the 5th rank, or across the f-file, and as soon as the queen vacates its post the black king moves to g7, consolidating the position. The same situation arises if the initial position is moved one file to the left.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4Q3/4p1k1/3p4/3Pr3/5K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {But now the rook is threatening to take on d5. White is unable to exploit the cramped position of the enemy king, and is forced to return his queen to d3 or h1, when after ...Kg7 everything is back in place.} {For a successful defence Black must not allow the queen to reach f8 or g8, or the king to cross the 5th rank or the e-file. Despite the variety of tasks, they can be carried out, mainly due to the vulnerability of the d5 pawn, which in many cases can be taken without fear of the rook being lost.} 1. Qc6 Re1 2. Qc3+ Re5 3. Qd3 { ^013^010 Now Black can only move his king.} Kf7 {%05^013^010} (3... Re1 4. Qg3+ {[%eval 550,0] is not possible}) (3... Rh5 {%05while after} 4. Ke4 {! the white king breaks through either to the Q-side, or across the 5th rank:} Rh4+ ( 4... Re5+ 5. Kd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kf5 Kf7 6. Kg5 Rh2 7. Qg6+ Kf8 8. Kf5 Re2 9. Qh6+ Kg8 10. Qh3 {!} Re5+ (10... Rf2+ {%05or} 11. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qh7+ Kf8 {[%eval 0,0] !} (4... Ke8 {%05Black loses after} 5. Qg8+ Kd7 6. Qa8 Rh5 7. Kg4 Re5 8. Qc6+ Kd8 9. Qa4 {! (zugzwang)} Kc7 10. Qe8 Kb6 (10... Re1 11. Kf5 Re5+ 12. Kg6 Re1 13. Kf7 Rf1+ 14. Kxe7 Re1+ 15. Kf7 Rxe8 16. Kxe8 Kb6 17. Kd7 Kc5 18. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qc6+ Ka5 12. Qb7 Ka4 13. Qb6 Ka3 (13... Rxd5 14. Qc6+ Rb5 15. Qd7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Qb5 Ka2 15. Qb4 Ka1 16. Qb3 {[%eval 550,0] and the rook is lost.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/3kp3/3p1r2/3P2K1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {This defensive set-up is not as sound as the previous ones, since it allows the queen to attack from both sides. White's play is based on zugzwang and the constant threat of sacrificing queen for rook and pawn.} 1. Qa4+ Kd8 2. Qd4 Rf3 3. Kg6 Ke8 (3... Rg3+ 4. Kf7 Rf3+ 5. Ke6 Rf6+ 6. Qxf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qa4+ Kd8 5. Qg4 Rf1 6. Kg7 Rf6 7. Qh4 Rf3 8. Qh8+ Kd7 9. Qh5 {!} Rf4 {!} (9... Rf6 { %05All other rook moves along the f-file lose quickly:}) (9... Rf2 {%04- %05or} 10. Qh4 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 10. Qh2 Rf3 {!} 11. Qg2 Rf6 {!} (11... Rf4 {, then %05If} 12. Qg3 Rf6 13. Qh4 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 12. Qh3+ (12. Qg5 {%05The queen cannot reach h4 in one move, and} Rf1 {!} 13. Qh4 {does not give the desired result due to} Rg1+ 14. Kf7 Rf1+ {[%eval 0,0] , when the white king is driven away from the pawns. Nevertheless the queen finds a way to win.}) 12... Kd8 13. Qh8+ {!} Kd7 14. Qh4 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins} Z0 (14... Kc7 15. Qxf6 exf6 16. Kxf6 Kb6 17. Ke7 Kc5 18. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/4p1K1/3p4/3P4/7Q/5r2/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {Black's defences also fail to hold for a different position of his king.} 1... Rf1 {(f5) %05With Black to move this is a zugzwang position:} (1... Ke8 { %05Also, neither} 2. Qh5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kd7 {%05nor} 2. Qg4+ {[%eval 550,0] is possible.}) 2. Qh8+ Kc7 {(otherwise 3.Qh3)} 3. Qe8 Re1 {(e5)} 4. Kf7 {and 5.Qxe7$18} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/4pk2/3p1r2/3P2K1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Qh7+ Kf8 2. Qh5 {!} Rf1 3. Kg6 Rf6+ (3... Rg1+ 4. Kf5 Re1 5. Qh4 Re2 6. Qh6+ Kg8 7. Qh3 Kf8 8. Kg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kh7 Rf7+ 5. Kh8 Rf1 (5... Rf6 6. Qh3 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 6. Qh6+ (6. Qh3 {%05weaker is} Rg1 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 6... Kf7 7. Qg7+ Ke8 8. Qg6+ Kd8 9. Qg8+ Kd7 10. Qg4+ {!} Kd8 (10... Ke8 11. Qc8+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 11. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] , and we have a position of similar type to the previous one.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/3k4/4p3/3p4/4r3/3KP3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~15.32 Pawns not blockaded~ When the pawns are not blockaded the dynamic nature of the play increases, but the chances of the two sides do not improve equally. The additional attacking resources, associated with the possibility of advancing the pawn, create additional difficulties for the defence, whereas the advance of the weaker side's pawns normally leads to the creation of fresh weaknesses. Even so, in a number of cases the weaker side can defend successfully. This applies mainly to positions with central pawns on the 7th and 6th ranks, or on the 6th and 5th ranks. For Black to defend successfully, it is essential that his king should not lose contact with his base e6 pawn.} 1. Qf7+ Kd6 (1... Kd8 {?} 2. Kd2 {!} Kc8 3. Qe7 Kb8 4. Qd7 Ka8 5. Qc7 {$6 zugzwang $6} Rc4 6. Qd8+ Kb7 7. Qd7+ {and 8.Qxe6$18}) 2. Qe8 Rc4 3. Qd8+ Ke5 4. Qf8 Re4 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Geller Efim P (RUS)"] [Black "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/6p1/4kp2/4r3/6P1/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {(with colours reversed)} 1... Kf6 {[%eval 0,0] ! , obtaining a position from the previous example. But it is White to move, and Geller, exploiting the fact that the opponent's king has lost contact with the g6 pawn, destroys the coordination of the enemy pieces and drives the king to the edge of the board. %05Black to move would have played} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Geller Efim P (RUS)"] [Black "Flohr Salomon M (CZE)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/6p1/4kp2/4r3/6P1/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "28"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] {(with colours reversed)} 1. Qc6 {!} Rg4 2. Kf3 {!} Kd4 {(neither now, nor later, can the rook move to g5, since it comes under a double attack)} 3. Qd6+ Kc4 4. Kf2 {!} Kc3 5. Qd5 Kb4 6. Qc6 Kb3 7. Qc5 Kb2 8. Qe3 {!} Kc2 9. Kf3 {!} Kb2 10. Qd3 Kc1 11. Qc3+ Kd1 (11... Kb1 12. Ke2 Re4+ 13. Kd2 Rg4 14. Qb3+ Ka1 15. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qb2 Re4 13. Qb3+ Kc1 (13... Kd2 14. Qd5+ Ke1 15. Qc6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} Z0 (14... Rg4 {%05In the event of} 15. Ke2 Re4+ 16. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] Black is mated}) (14... Kd2 { %05while after} 15. Qd5+ Kc2 16. Qc6+ {[%eval 550,0] he loses a pawn.}) 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/6k1/7p/6p1/5r2/5PK1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {(draw for any position of the white king)} 1... Kh7 {%05 Black's only concern is not to allow the queen to reach g8 or h8. Therefore the rook, which guards the squares f6, f7 and f8, should altogether not move from its post. The queen is unable to stalemate the king, which always has squares in reserve:} 2. Qe7+ Kg8 3. Kf2 Kh8 4. Ke3 Kg8 5. Qd6 Kg7 6. Qe6 {[%eval 0,0] etc. Neither the result, nor the nature of the play, changes if the white king is moved to any free square.^013^010 ^013^010 However, wing pawns like to spring all sorts of surprises, and if the f3 pawn is moved to h3 the result changes.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/6k1/7p/6p1/5r2/6KP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {In the previous example the rook guarded the f-file and blockaded the pawn from the same square. Here it has to battle on two fronts.} 1. Qe8 (1. Qe7+ { %05Black's task is simpler after} Kg6 {!} (1... Kg8 {?} 2. h4 {!} Rxh4 3. Qf6 Kh7 4. Qf7+ Kh8 5. Qg6 {$6 zugzwang $6} Rh1 6. Qf6+ Kh7 7. Qf5+ Kg7 8. Qe5+ Kf8 9. Qb8+ Ke7 10. Qb7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kg2 {?} h5 {!} (2... Kh5 {?} 3. Qe8+ Kh4 4. Qg6 h5 5. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0] with inevitable mate}) (2... Rf7 {%05or} 3. Qe8 Kg7 4. h4 {!} gxh4 5. Kh3 {[%eval 550,0] , winning as in position ~3 ($403716)~}) 3. Qe8+ Kh6 4. Qg8 h4 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw as in example ~3 ($413919)~.}) 1... Rh4 2. Qe7+ Kg6 3. Qf8 Rf4 4. Qg8+ Kf6 {^013^010 Here a special feature of play on the edge of the board is revealed: the king cannot occupy the square in front of the pawn (h5) due to the check at e8.} 5. Qh7 { %05^013^010} Rh4 6. Kh2 Rh5 {!} (6... Ke5 {%05An awkward defence, but the only one. In the event of} 7. Qf7 {[%eval 550,0] the rook would have been tied to its post, and the king would have been driven onto the 1st rank as in the Geller-Flohr game ~3($403994)~}) (6... g4 {is also bad due to %05Note that} 7. Kg3 {[%eval 550,0] . But now Black is given the move, and the white king breaks across the barrier.}) 7. Kg2 Rh4 8. Kg3 Rh5 9. Qh8+ Kf7 {(otherwise the rook is lost)} 10. Kg4 Rh4+ 11. Kf5 Rf4+ (11... Rxh3 12. Qh7+ Ke8 13. Ke6 Re3+ 14. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Ke5 Kg6 13. Qg8+ Kh5 14. Qe6 {!} Rb4 (14... Rf2 { %05The decisive move, the idea of which is revealed in the variation} 15. Qg4+ Kg6 16. h4 {!} Rh2 17. h5+ {!} Rxh5 18. Qe6+ Kg7 19. Qf6+ Kg8 20. Qg6+ Kh8 21. Qxh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Kf6 Rf4+ 16. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses both his pawns.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/8/3k4/4p3/3p4/4r3/3KP3/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {~2With connected pawns on the 4th and 5th ranks ~2the defence does not hold, since the white pawn is ~2on its initial square, and the threat of advancing it ~2two squares ties the blockading rook to its post.~} 1... Rc3 {%05 Black is in zugzwang. His king cannot move away from the pawns, while after} 2. e4 { ! White wins easily:} Rc5 3. Qf8+ Kc6 4. Qb8 Rb5 5. Qa7 Rc5 6. Qa6+ Kc7 7. Kd1 Kd7 8. Qb6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. Let us replace the rook at c3 and the white pawn at c2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/8/3k4/4p3/3p4/2r5/2PK4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] 1... Rc6 (1... Ke7 {%05Here too Black to move is in zugzwang. The rook has no safe squares along the 3rd rank, and after} 2. Qg6 {[%eval 550,0] the situation is unchanged. Therefore he is forced to retreat his rook along the c-file, but this allows the white king to break through.}) 2. Kd3 Rc3+ 3. Ke4 Re3+ 4. Kf5 Rf3+ 5. Kg4 Rc3 6. Qf7 {!} Re3 7. c4 {!} dxc3 8. Qc4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/8/8/4p3/3pk3/2r5/2PK4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "57"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {The attainment of position ~3( 3959)~ involves considerable technical difficulties, if in the initial position the black king is moved from d6 to e4. } 1. Qg4+ Kd5 2. Qg6 {! ^013^010 How should Black defend?} Rc7 {!} (2... Re3 { %05Bad, for example, is} 3. Qg2+ Kc5 (3... e4 4. Qg5+ Kc4 5. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0] }) 4. Qg8 Rc3 5. Qe6 Re3 6. c4 {[%eval 550,0] and White wins}) (2... Ra3 3. c4+ Kxc4 4. Qe6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Rf3 {%05or} 3. Qg8+ Ke4 4. Qg4+ Rf4 5. Qg2+ Kf5 6. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Rc5 {also does not work:} 3. Qg8+ Kd6 (3... Ke4 4. Qa8+ Kf5 5. Qf8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kd3 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in the previous example.}) 3. Kc1 {!} (3. Qg8+ {%05Now position ~3($403959)~ cannot be attained without %05the help of the king:} Ke4 4. Qg2+ Kf5 5. Qf3+ Ke6 6. Qg4+ Kd5 {%04etc.}) (3. c4+ {%05The tempting pawn sacrifice} dxc3+ (3... Kxc4 {%05not} 4. Qe6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (3... Rxc4 {%05or} 4. Qf7+ Kc5 5. Qe6 { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kd3 {is justified in the event of} c2 (4... e4+ {%05or} 5. Qxe4+ Kd6 6. Qe8 {!} Rc6 7. Qd8+ Ke6 8. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] and wins}) (4... Rc6 {! %05but after the correct} 5. Qg8+ Kd6 6. Qd8+ Ke6 7. Kc2 e4 8. Qe8+ Kd6 9. Qxe4 Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] ! we reach the drawn position ~3($413687)~}) 5. Qg8+ Kd6 6. Qd8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (3. Ke2 {%05Let us consider the attempt to break through with the king on the right wing:} Rc3 4. Kf2 {. This appears to succeed, since the rook cannot go to either a3 or e3 due to 5.c4. But Black finds a defence $6} Kc5 {! , which after} 5. Qe6 Rxc2+ 6. Ke1 {leads to White winning the pawn and ... a theoretical draw after} (6. Kf3 Rc3+ 7. Kg4 Re3 { [%eval 0,0]}) 6... d3 {!} 7. Qxe5+ Kc4 {[%eval 0,0] ~3($413711)~.^013^010 The correct plan for White is to prepare and carry out a breakthrough by his king on the Q-side.}) 3... Rc5 (3... Rc3 {%05No better is} 4. Kb2 Re3 (4... Rf3 5. Qg8+ Ke4 6. Qg4+ Rf4 7. Qe2+ Kd5 8. c4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qg2+ Ke6 (5... e4 6. Qg5+ Kc4 7. Qe5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. c4 {!} dxc3+ 7. Kb3 Kf5 (7... Kd6 8. Kc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qf2+ Ke4 9. Kc4 {!} Rf3 10. Qe2+ Kf4 11. Kd5 Re3 12. Qf2+ Rf3 13. Qh4+ Ke3 14. Qe1+ Kd3 15. Qd1+ {!} (15. Qe4+ {%05but not} Kd2 16. Qxf3 c2 {[%eval 0,0] - draw}) 15... Ke3 16. Qc2 {[%eval 550,0] , and the black pawns fall one after the other.}) 4. Kb2 Rc3 5. Qg8+ {(giving Black the move)} Ke4 6. Qg4+ Kd5 (6... Ke3 7. Qf5 e4 8. Qd5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and Black loses material}) 7. Qg6 Rc7 (7... Re3 {(f3) are considered in the note to White's 2nd move. %05The rook now has to move off the 3rd rank. The variations arising after}) 8. Kb3 Rb7+ 9. Ka4 Rc7 (9... Rb2 {the simplest is %05on} 10. c4+ Kxc4 11. Qe6+ Kc5 12. Qxe5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Kb5 Rb7+ 11. Ka6 Rc7 12. Kb6 Rc3 13. Qg2+ Ke6 14. Qg4+ Kd6 15. Qg8 {! ^013^010 At last the queen has occupied the strategically important a2-g8 diagonal. In order to attain position ~3 ($403959)~, White must return his king to d2. Black is unable to prevent this.} Rc6+ {%05^013^010} 16. Kb5 Rc5+ 17. Kb4 Rc3 18. Qf7 Rc6 19. Kb3 Rc3+ 20. Kb2 Rc6 21. Kc1 Rc3 22. Kd2 Rc6 23. Qg8 Rc3 24. Kd1 {(for the last time Black is given the move)} Rc5 25. Ke1 Rc6 26. Qd8+ Ke6 27. Qe8+ Kd6 28. Kd2 {!} Rc3 { (29.Kd3 was threatened)} 29. Qg8 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and we reach position ~3 ($403959)~.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1K4Q1/3kp3/3p4/2r5/2P5/8 b - - 0 13"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {We will now consider the methods of attack and defence in positions with rook's pawn and knight's pawn, or knight's pawn and bishop's pawn, in which the rook occupies different defensive lines.} 13... Rc8 {leads to the loss of the rook: %05 If it were Black to move in this position, he would lose quickly, since his rook cannot move off the c-file due to the mate at c6, while} 14. c4+ {!} dxc3 (14... Rxc4 15. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (14... Kxc4 {%05or} 15. Qe6+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qd3+ Ke6 16. Qh3+ {[%eval 550,0] . ^013^010 Therefore White, by threatening to give Black the move, forces a favourable regrouping.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/6pk/5r1p/8/3K2P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(draw for any position of the white king) As in example ~3( 3925)~, the draw is achieved without any trouble, since the rook cannot be driven off the f-file, and the exchange of pawns after g4-g5 leads to the drawn position ~3( 3775)~. If the position is moved one or two ranks down the board the assessment and defensive method do not change, since in these cases too the exchange of the g-pawn for the h-pawn does not win ~3( 3733)~ . But with the white king on the h-file Black has to be aware of certain dangers, which, however, are easily avoided.} 1. Z0 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/7k/6p1/5r1p/7K/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qd7+ {^013^010 Where should the king move to?} Kg8 {[%eval 0,0] ! is correct } (1... Kh6 {complicates the defence}) (1... Kh8 {, then %05while if} 2. Qxf5 { !} gxf5 3. Kxh5 Kg7 (3... Kh7 4. Kg5 f4 5. Kxf4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Kg5 f4 5. gxf4 {[%eval 550,0] , and in the pawn ending White has the opposition.}) 2. Z0 (2. Qxf5 {%05when} gxf5 3. Kxh5 {does not work due to} Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc. }) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/7k/6p1/7p/6r1/5KP1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Black's task is not to allow the enemy king across the 4th rank.} 1. Qf7+ Kh6 (1... Kh8 {?} 2. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0] - zugzwang}) 2. Qg8 Kg5 (2... Ra4 {%05Any move by the rook leads to its loss:} 3. Qh8+ Kg5 4. Qd8+ Kh6 5. Qd2+ Kh7 6. Qd7+ Kg8 7. Qxa4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qf8 Rc4 {!} 4. Qg7 Rg4 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Site "Minsk (Belarus)"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sveshnikov Evgeny (LAT)"] [Black "Tal Mikhail N (LAT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6pk/6r1/7p/4Q3/8/5K1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1979.??.??"] {This position was overlooked by Tal. (variation from the game)} 1. Ke2 { %05Without the pawn at h5 White would win the rook or give mate. But here Black's position is impregnable, and after} Kh6 2. Qf5 {he does not even have to worry about his pawn, since} Kh7 3. Qxh5+ Rh6 {[%eval 0,0] leads to a draw as in example ~3($413877)~.^013^010 ^013^010 The following study concludes in an unexpected positional draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1949.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/8/6p1/7p/8/7P/1r2k1K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1949.??.??"] 1... Ke3+ 2. Kg3 (2. Kf1 Rb1+ 3. Kg2 Rb2+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 2... h4+ {!} 3. Kxh4 (3. Kg4 Rg2+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Rg2 {!} 4. Z0 (4. Qf8 {%05A curious position has arisen, where White cannot help out his king:} Ke2 5. Qf4 Rg1 6. Qh2+ Kf1 7. Qd2 Rg2 8. Qe3 Rg1 9. Qf3+ Ke1 {[%eval 0,0] , and he is unable to give Black the move.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/5pk1/6p1/5r2/6KP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {There are a variety of methods of attack and defence in positions where Black has a knight's pawn and bishop's pawn. Here, as well as in analogous situations, the rook defends successfully by manoeuvring between f5 and h5. With the queen at f8 the defence is complicated by the threat of the h-pawn advancing.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6p1/5r2/6KP/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. h5 {%05White wishes to play} Rxh5 {(otherwise 3.h6)} 2. Qxf7+ Kh6 3. Qg8 { [%eval 550,0] , with a win as in example ~3($403732)~. The rook has to move from f5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6p1/5r2/6KP/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "51"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... Rf1 2. h5 (2. Qe8 {(e7) %05Nevertheless, since there will not be a more favourable situation for this breakthrough, e.g.} Kg7 3. Qe5+ Kg8 4. h5 gxh5+ 5. Kxh5 Rg1 {and 6...Rg6= ~3($413775)~}) (2. Qd8 {%05or} Rf5 {[%eval 0,0] , and the queen must return to f8.}) 2... gxh5+ 3. Kg5 {!} (3. Kxh5 {, then %05The king does not take the pawn, hoping to use it as a screen against checks from below. If} Rf6 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw as in example ~3($413791)~. }) 3... Rg1+ (3... Rf2 {%05Black has to be extra careful, since dangers are lurking everywhere:^013^010 %05(a)} 4. Qc5 {!} Rf3 5. Qd5 Rf2 6. Qd4 Rg2+ 7. Kf6 Rg7 8. Qd8 h4 9. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0] , and the presence of the h-pawn excludes stalemating combinations}) (3... Rf3 {%05(b)} 4. Qa8 {!} Rf1 5. Qe4+ Kh8 (5... Kg8 6. Qg2 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 6. Qd4+ (6. Qg2 {and 7.Kf6 is also possible}) 6... Kg8 7. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] , and mates}) (3... h4 {%05(c)} 4. Qa3 {!} Rg1+ 5. Kf6 Rf1+ 6. Ke7 Kg8 7. Qa8+ Kh7 8. Qe4+ {[%eval 550,0] etc., winning the rook.}) 4. Kh4 Rh1+ (4... Rg4+ 5. Kxh5 Rg7 6. Qe8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Kg3 Rf1 6. Qc5 Kg8 7. Kh4 {!} Rf6 {!} (7... Re1 {loses to %05Again the best move.} 8. Qc8+ Kh7 (8... Kg7 9. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kg5 Re6 10. Qf8 Rg6+ 11. Kf5 Rg7 12. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qc8+ Kg7 {!} 9. Qc3 {(otherwise 9... Rg6)} Kg6 10. Qd3+ Kg7 11. Qd4 Kg6 12. Qe4+ Rf5 {! ^013^010 A remarkable fortress, which White can destroy only if he does not allow the drawn position~3($413775)~. %08DA} 13. Qd3 {%05^013^010 %05Position ~3(*)~^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010 %05^013^010} Kf6 14. Qd4+ Kg6 15. Qh8 Rf4+ 16. Kh3 Rf5 17. Kg3 Rf6 {!} 18. Kg2 Rf5 19. Qd4 Kh7 20. Kh3 Kg6 21. Kh4 Kh7 22. Qe4 Kg6 23. Qd3 Kf6 24. Qg3 Ke6 25. Qc3 Ke7 26. Qd4 Rf6 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and the unavoidable ...Re6 gives a draw, as in position ~3($413775)~.} (26... Ke6 { %05It is dangerous to continue playing 'cat-and-mouse' (} 27. Qd8 {), but Black can now force a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6p1/5r2/4K2P/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {Let us replace the white king at ~2e4~.} 1... Rf1 2. h5 gxh5 3. Qd8 (3. Ke5 { %05White can transpose into the previous example:} Re1+ 4. Kf6 Rf1+ 5. Kg5 Rg1+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) (3. Qd6 Re1+ 4. Kf5 Rf1+ 5. Kg5 Rg1+ 6. Kh4 Rg4+ {!} 7. Kxh5 Rg6 8. Qf8 Rf6 {[%eval 0,0] - ~3($413791)~.}) 3... Kg7 4. Qg5+ (4. Qd4+ Rf6 {[%eval 0,0] ! - ~3($413792).}) 4... Kf8 5. Kd5 Re1 {[%eval 0,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/4Kp1k/6p1/5r2/7P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {~2White wins only if its king succeeds not only in penetrating into the enemy rear, but also in establishing itself at d7 or e7.~ This position could have arisen from the previous one after 1...Rf6 2.Ke5 Rf5 3.Kd6 Rf6 4.Ke7 Rf5.} 1. Qc8 {%05Correct is} (1. h5 {%05Direct play for the win of the f-pawn leads to a surprising drawn position:} Rxh5 {!} (1... gxh5 {? %05not} 2. Qc8 {and Kf8$18 }) 2. Qxf7+ Kh8 {!! , and now the variation} 3. Qxg6 (3. Ke6 {(d6) %05while} Rf5 {!} 4. Qxg6 Re5+ {[%eval 0,0] (d5) leads to Prokes's study ~3($413609)~}) 3... Rh7+ {!} 4. Ke6 Re7+ {[%eval 0,0] ends as in example ~3($413607)~.}) 1... Kg7 2. Qb8 {! , and only after} Rf1 3. Qe5+ Kg8 {does there follow} 4. h5 {!} Rf5 5. Qb8+ Kh7 (5... Kg7 6. Qf8+ Kh7 7. h6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kf8 Kh6 (6... Rxh5 7. Qb2 {!} Kh6 8. Qg7+ Kg5 9. Kxf7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. hxg6 fxg6+ 8. Kg8 { [%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 If positions ~3($403967)- ($403971)~ are moved one rank^013^010 down the board, White wins either by the simple^013^010 exchange of pawns, or by a by-passing breakthrough of^013^010 his king into the enemy rear.^013^010 ^013^010 ~2In positions of this type a white bishop's pawn is ~2 less of a danger than a rook's pawn.~} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6p1/5r2/5PK1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Kf3 {%05The rook's convenient post allows it to carry out several functions simultaneously: guarding the f-pawn, blockading the enemy pawn, threatening a possible capture, and holding the 5th rank. If the queen moves from f8, the king occupies g7, whereas the white king cannot even cross the f-file. For example:} g5 2. Kg4 Rxf4+ 3. Kh5 (3. Kxg5 Rf6 {[%eval 0,0] ! - ~3($413791)~}) 3... Rf6 {!} 4. Qe7 Rh6+ 5. Kxg5 Rg6+ 6. Kf5 Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] ~3($413775)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6p1/5r2/5PK1/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... Rf6 {%05With Black to move:} 2. Kf3 g5 3. Ke4 Rxf4+ 4. Ke5 Kg6 {[%eval 0, 0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6p1/5r2/4KP2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... Rf6 {%05With the king at ~2e4~ the situation is unchanged, since the king is tied to the defence of the pawn:} 2. Ke5 Rf5+ 3. Kd6 Rxf4 4. Qa8 Kg7 5. Ke7 Rf1 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black is out of danger.^013^010 ^013^010 Moving the initial position one rank down the board also leads to a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Q2/5p1k/6p1/5r2/5PK1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {Black should calmly continue %05After} Rf5 (1... g4 {? %05Black should not play} 2. Kg3 Rxf3+ 3. Kxg4 {[%eval 550,0] , when White wins}) 2. Ke2 Rf4 3. Ke3 Rf5 4. Ke4 Rf4+ {[%eval 0,0] , so as after 5.Kd5 to capture the enemy pawn while retaining his own.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/4r1p1/3K4/7P/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {(draw for any position of the white king)} 1... g5 {! %05Everything rests on the constant threat of attaining a theoretical draw by} 2. hxg5 (2. Qxg5+ { %05or} Kh7 {[%eval 0,0] ~3($413887)~}) 2... Rg6 {[%eval 0,0] ~3($413874)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/4r1p1/3K4/7P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Qg5 {, but then %05This advance can be prevented only by} Kh7 {(otherwise 2. h5)} 2. Kc5 Kh8 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and White's position cannot be strengthened.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/4r1p1/6K1/7P/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Qd4+ {%05With the king at g5 the invasion at h6 does not have to be feared (say, after} Kg8 2. Kh6 {), since it is parried by} g5+ {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/3K1pk1/4r1p1/8/7P/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... Ra6 {%05With the king at d7, 1...g5? no longer works due to %052.hxg5 with a win ~3($413868)~, but instead Black has} 2. Kc7 Re6 3. Kb7 Re1 4. Qg5 { (threatening 5.h5)} Kf8 {!} 5. Kc7 Re6 6. Kd7 Re2 {! (the rook must choose its squares carefully, to avoid double attacks)} 7. h5 gxh5 8. Qxh5 Re7+ 9. Kd6 Re6+ 10. Kd5 Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] (e7) , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/5pk1/4r1p1/3K4/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {(draw for any position of the white king)} 1. Qb2+ {%05The rook maintains a secure defence by manoeuvring either on the 6th rank, or on the e-file. After} Kg8 2. Qg2 Kg7 3. Qg5 {White is not yet threatening to advance his pawn (4.f5 Rf6), but in the event of 3 ...Kg8 this move is highly unpleasant. Therefore it is best prevented by} Kh7 4. Kd4 Rd6+ 5. Kc5 Re6 6. Kd5 Kh8 {[%eval 0,0] !} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/5pk1/4r1p1/6K1/5P2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Play is more tense with the king at ~2g5~.} 1. Qb2+ Kh7 2. Qc3 {^013^010 The position has become critical.^013^010 Black has only one move $6} Ra6 {! , and it is this that leads to a draw:} (2... Kg8 {is not possible due to} 3. Kh6 { [%eval 550,0]}) (2... Re2 {there follows %05on} 3. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Re4 {%05and if} 3. Qf6 Kg8 4. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Re8 {also does not work:} 3. Kf6 Kg8 4. Qc4 {!} Re6+ (4... Rf8 5. Qd5 Kh7 6. Qh1+ Kg8 7. Qh6 { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qxe6 {!} fxe6 6. Kxg6 Kf8 7. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) ( 2... Rb6 {(d6) %05let us consider moving the rook along the rank:} 3. Qc7 {!} Rb5+ {(d5)} 4. Kf6 Rf5+ 5. Ke7 Kg8 6. Qb8+ Kg7 7. Qb2+ Kg8 8. Qd4 {! $6 zugzwang} Z0 (8... Kh7 9. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0]}) (8... Rh5 {%05or} 9. Qd8+ Kg7 10. Qf8+ Kh7 11. Qxf7+ {[%eval 550,0]})) 3. Qc8 (3. Qc4 Re6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Ra5+ {!} 4. Kf6 Rf5+ 5. Ke7 Rxf4 {^013^010 This is what is different from the previous variations $6 the queen is not defending the f4 pawn. With the rook at a6 it could not in fact do this, while simultaneously attacking the king, and also f8 or f7.} 6. Kf8 {%05^013^010} g5 {[%eval 0,0] , and Black gains a draw.^013^010 ^013^010 If the initial position is moved down the board, White wins, irrespective of the position of his king, by exchanging pawns.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/5pk1/4r1p1/3KP3/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {The rook is less well placed in this example.} 1. Qd8 Ra6 2. Qd6 {!} Ra8 3. Qc6 {(preventing 3...Re8)} Ra1 (3... Rb8 {, then %05if} 4. Qf6+ Kg8 5. e6 fxe6+ 6. Qxe6+ Kh7 7. Qf7+ Kh6 (7... Kh8 {%05or} 8. Qxg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qf4+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qf6+ Kg8 5. Kc5 {!} (5. e6 {%05this is stronger than} fxe6+ 6. Qxe6+ Kh7 {, when the win is still technically difficult}) 5... Re1 6. Kd6 Ra1 7. Kc7 Re1 8. Kd8 Ra1 9. e6 Ra8+ 10. Kc7 fxe6 11. Qxg6+ Kh8 12. Qxe6 { [%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2Q5/5pk1/4r1p1/3KP3/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Moving the initial position to the left does not change the assessment. But if the king is replaced at ~2e7~. Black draws by sacrificing his g-pawn, as in example ~3( 3869)~.} {(with the black king at e7 draw)} 1... g5 {does not work due to %05If it is Black to move, the attempt to divert the queen by} 2. Ke4 {! } (2. Qc4 Kf8 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 2... g4 3. Kf4 Rg6 (3... g3 4. Kxg3 Rxe5 5. Qc6 f6 {[%eval 550,0] $6 ~3($413742)~}) 4. Kg3 {$6 zugzwang} Z0 (4... Rg5 5. e6 { [%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/5pk1/4r1p1/6K1/6P1/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {It remains for us to examine one further type of position. Here the draw is conditional upon the fact that any move of the white king (to f4, h4 or h6 in the event of 1.Qb2 Kg8) leads after ...g5! to the drawn position~3( 3869)~ . The rook occupies free squares only on the 6th rank, and if the queen moves off the back rank, reserve moves for the black king become possible.} 1. Z0 * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Burkhanov"] [Black "Alekseev"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3Q1pk1/6p1/8/6PK/5r2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {Black's basic task is to reach the 6th rank with his rook, attaining the previous position or position ~3( 3934)~ (in the event of g4-g5) with the white king inside the zone. If White prevents this transference, Black must manoeuvre with his rook so that, each time the king is threatening to invade at h6, it can be driven away by a check from the rear.} 1. Qd5 Rf1 (1... Ra3 { (intending 2...Ra6) is safer:} 2. Qe5+ Kg8 3. Qc5 Rf3 4. Kg5 Kg7 5. Qe7 { (Black was threatening to give mate in three moves)} Rb3 {[%eval 0,0] etc. In general it is more favourable to keep the rook on the 3rd rank, since the h3 square, from which the breakthrough of the king at h6 can be parried, cannot be attacked by the queen from afar.}) 2. Qd3 (2. Kg3 {, Black forces a draw by %05If} Rf6 {!} 3. Qe5 g5 4. Qxg5+ {(otherwise ...Kg6-g7 etc.)} Rg6 {[%eval 0,0] ~3($413869)~.}) 2... Rh1+ (2... Rc1 {is better}) (2... Rf4 {is bad due to} 3. Kg5 Ra4 4. Qc3+ Kg8 {(h7)} 5. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] (f6)}) 3. Kg5 Rc1 {!} 4. Qd4+ Kg8 5. Qe3 (5. Qd5 Kg7 {!} 6. Qg2 Re1 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Rf1 6. Qd2 Kg7 { [%eval 0,0] , and White cannot achieve anything.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1960.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Burkhanov"] [Black "Alekseev"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/6p1/6K1/6P1/3Q4/8/7r w - - 0 4"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1960.??.??"] {Even the occupation of f8 does not always bring a win.} 4. Qc3+ {%05White is threatening to invade with his king:} Kf8 (4... Kg8 5. Kf6 Rf1+ 6. Ke7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qf3 {!} Ra1 (5... Rh2 6. Qf4 Rh1 7. Kf6 Rb1 8. Qh6+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kh6 Ra2 7. Qf4 Rb2 8. Qd6+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6p1/6K1/6P1/8/8/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... f6+ {%05If it is Black to move, he transposes into the drawn^013^010 %05position ~3($413941)~:} 2. Kh4 g5+ 3. Kg3 Rf4 {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6p1/6K1/6P1/8/8/5r2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Qh6+ {%05If it is White to move, an interesting draw results from} (1. Kh4 { %05After other continuations, e.g.} Rf3 {, the queen again cannot be maintained at f8, and after} 2. Qe8 Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] a position from the previous example is reached.}) 1... Kg8 2. Qh3 Re1 {!} 3. Kh6 g5 {! followed by the unavoidable 4...Re6= etc.} (3... Re6 {? %05but not} 4. g5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5Q2/5p1k/6p1/6K1/6P1/8/5r2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Qh6+ {%05Note that if in the initial position the rook is at f2 or f3, White wins:} Kg8 2. Qh4 {(h1)} Re2 (2... Rd2 3. Kh6 Rd6 4. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/6p1/5r1p/4K2P/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {~16. ENDINGS WITH SEVERAL PAWNS~ The methods of attack and defence in this group of endings are in the main similar to those examined earlier. But there are also differences. Although the mutual increase in material potential is normally favourable to the side with the queen, in certain cases the rook and pawns are able to obtain strong counter-play. We will consider three basic types of position: (1) The weaker side defends passively. (2) The weaker side has counter-play. (3) Exceptional positions. ~16.1 Fortress, siege and pawn storm~ In the process of realizing his advantage, the stronger side frequently encounters obstacles in the form of various types of fortresses. The task of the side with the queen normally reduces to seizing the rear squares, depriving the rook of its strong points, and invading the enemy position with the king. The implementation of these aims disorganizes the opponent's defences, and leads, as a consequence, to gain of material or a mating finish. The outcome depends on how successfully the weaker side can oppose this plan. Of greatest interest are endings with queen and two pawns against rook and three, the pawns all being on one wing. Such endings occur comparatively often in practice. Their assessment depends mainly on the pawn structure. We will first consider some examples with fixed rooks' pawns. It should be mentioned straight away that these cases are favourable to the defence.} 1... Rf1 (1... Rb5 {is also possible}) (1... f6 {? %05but not} 2. Qe7+ Kg8 3. Kd4 {[%eval 550, 0] , when the white king breaks into the enemy rear}) 2. Qd4+ {^013^010 Otherwise it is impossible to ensure the passage of the king, due to the rook's attack from below. If the queen moves off the 8th rank without check, the rook returns to f5, and the black king acquires waiting moves.} Kg8 { %05^013^010} 3. Ke5 Re1+ 4. Kf6 Rf1+ 5. Ke7 (5. Kg5 {? %05After} Kh7 { (threatening 6...f6)} 6. Qd7 Kg7 {!} (6... Rf5+ {? %05not} 7. Qxf5 gxf5 8. Kxf5 {[%eval 550,0] with a won pawn ending}) 7. g4 {%05it is now White who has to concern himself over forcing a draw:} hxg4 8. Kxg4 {[%eval 0,0] ~3($403967)~.}) 5... Re1+ 6. Kd7 Re6 {[%eval 0,0] ! ~3($413991)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3K1p2/4r1p1/7p/3Q3P/6P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. g4 {%05~2The basic fortress of this type of ending~. The white %05king cannot break through to the pawns, and the rook %05guards the e-file, manoeuvring on free squares. If there %05should be no such squares (e.g. with the queen at c4), %05reserve moves are acquired by the king. The queen %05sacrifice on e6 leads to a drawn pawn ending, and the %05exchange of pawns ( } hxg4 2. Qxg4 Kh7 {[%eval 0,0] ) to the drawn position ~3($413976).} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/6p1/5r1p/7P/6P1/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... Kh7 {%05 Here it is not even necessary to allow the king into the centre. Although with Black to move it appears that his rook has to move off the f-file, he can without fear concede the f8 square to the queen:} (1... Rf6 {?} 2. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qf8 Rf6 3. g4 {(there is no other active plan)} hxg4 4. Kg3 (4. h5 {%05or} gxh5 5. Kg3 Rf5 6. Kh4 g3 {!} 7. Kxg3 Kg6 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw, as in example ~3($413969) (*)~}) 4... Rf5 5. Kxg4 Rf1 {[%eval 0,0] , and we reach the drawn position~3($413969).^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "Lvov (Ukraine)"] [Site "Lvov (Ukraine)"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Beliavsky Alexander G (SLO)"] [Black "Dorfman Josif D (FRA)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4Q3/5pk1/6p1/5r1p/7P/6P1/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1065 %212045826630=4HLJ1077 %212045826630=4HLJ1121 %212045826630=4HLJ121 Now let us see what dangers face the side with the rook if he defends uncertainly. (with colours reversed)} 1... Ra5 2. Kf3 Ra6 {?} ( 2... Rf5+ {! %05 This switching to defence along the 6th rank is premature. Until White declares his intentions, the rook should remain either on the 5th rank, or on the f-file, to parry the breakthrough of the king both via e5, and via g5. Correct, as we already know, is} 3. Ke4 Ra5 {And only if the white king is already on the d-file should the rook aim for e6, to achieve the drawn position ~3($413991)~.} (3... Rf1 {%05or})) 3. Qe5+ Kh7 4. Kf4 Re6 (4... Kg8 { %05Black is unable to prevent the king's invasion, e.g.} 5. Qb8+ Kg7 6. Qb2+ Kh7 7. Kg5 {!} (7. Qb7 {?} Rf6+ 8. Ke5 Re6+ 9. Kd5 Kg7 {[%eval 0,0] - draw}) 7... Ra5+ 8. Kf6 Rf5+ 9. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Ra2 {! , but even it does not save the draw, although it sets White very difficult problems: %05The best defence is} 5. Qc3 (5. Kg5 {?} Rf2 {[%eval 0,0] !}) 5... Rf2+ (5... Re2 6. Qf3 {! and 7.Kg5$18}) 6. Ke5 Kg8 {!} 7. Qd3 {!} (7. Kd6 {?} Re2 {! and 8...Re6=}) 7... Kg7 (7... Rf5+ 8. Qxf5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (7... Kh7 {%05or} 8. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qd4 {!} (8. Kd6 {there follows %05on} Rf6+ {and 9...Re6=}) (8. Qe3 {%05while if} Rf5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... Rf1 9. Kd6+ Kg8 10. Qc3 {!} Rf2 { ! (the rook again threatens to go to e2, and the queen must simultaneously control the e-file and f6)} 11. Qe5 {!} Rf5 (11... Ra2 {, but then comes %05The alternative is} 12. Qb5 {! , when the rook has no good square.} Ra3 { (or 12. ... Ra1), then %05If} (12... Kg7 {%05while after} 13. Qc4 {!} Ra3 14. Qd4+ Kg8 15. Ke7 Rxg3 16. Qd8+ Kh7 17. Kxf7 {? %05White does not play} (17. Kf8 {! %05but rather} Rb3 (17... Ra3 18. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 18. Qc7 Rf3 19. Qe5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 17... Rf3+ 18. Ke6 Rf5 {[%eval 0,0] - draw ~3($413927)~}) 13. Qb8+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 12. Qe7 Kg7 (12... Rf1 13. Qe8+ Kh7 14. Qe5 {!} Rf5 15. Qc3 Kg8 16. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. Kd7 Ra5 14. Qe3 {!} Rb5 (14... Ra6 15. Qc3+ Kh7 16. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 15. Qd4+ Kg8 16. Ke7 Rb7+ 17. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0] , and White achieves his aim.}) 5. Qd4 Kg8 (5... Re1 6. Qf2 {[%eval 550, 0] !}) (5... Re2 {%05or} 6. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kg5 Kh7 {(otherwise 7.Kh6)} 7. Qc3 {! (zugzwang)} Ra6 (7... Rd6) (7... Rb6 {%04- %05or} 8. Qc7 {[%eval 550, 0]}) 8. Qc8 {!} Re6 9. Qf8 Re5+ 10. Kf6 Rf5+ 11. Ke7 Re5+ 12. Kd6 Rf5 13. Qb8 Kg7 14. Ke7 Rf3 {? , and after %05^013^010 %05Here Dorfman blundered:} 15. Qf8+ Kh7 16. Qa8 {[%eval 550,0] ! he resigned, thus depriving Belyavsky of the possibility of carrying out a subtle manoeuvre to seize f8 for his king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1Q6/4Kpk1/6p1/5r1p/7P/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] 1... Rf1 2. Qb2+ Kg8 3. Qc3 {!} Rf5 4. Qa1 {!} Rf2 {^013^010 The only move. The rook cannot leave the f-pawn undefended, and on the f-file only this square is available. But it is precisely here that White wishes to entice the rook.} 5. Qa8+ {%05^013^010} Kg7 6. Qf8+ Kh7 7. Qd8 {!} Rf5 (7... Kg7 {because of %05the king cannot go to g7:} 8. Qd4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kf8 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/5pk1/6p1/5r1p/4K2P/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1... Rb5 {%05Let us return to the initial position of example %05~3($413990)~ Instead of 1...Rf1 Black could have %05continued} 2. Kd4 Rf5 3. Kc4 Rf1 { [%eval 0,0] is now essential %05. But here} (3... Re5 {%05since the attempt to establish the rook on the 5th rank -} 4. Qd4 Kf6 5. Kc3 {[%eval 550,0] ! - leads to a loss.}) * [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Klein"] [Black "Svensen"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p2/5kp1/4r2p/3Q3P/2K3P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] 1... Ke6 (1... Kf5 {%05Play concludes with a pretty zugzwang position in the event of} 2. Qd6 {!} Re1 3. Kc2 {!} Re2+ 4. Kd1 Re5 5. Kd2 {%04:} Re6 (5... Re8 6. Qd7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Re4 6. Qd5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Ra5 6. Qd7+ { [%eval 550,0]}) (5... Ke4 6. Qd3#) (5... f6 6. Qd7+ Re6 7. Kd3 Ke5 8. Qd4+ Kf5 9. Qf4#) 6. Qf4#) 2. Qd8 {!} Rd5 (2... Rf5 3. Kd4 Rf2 4. Qe8+ Kd6 5. Kc4 {!} Rf5 6. Kb4 Kc7 7. Qe7+ Kc6 8. Qd8 Rb5+ 9. Kc4 Rc5+ 10. Kd4 Rf5 11. Ke4 { , and there is no defence against 12.Qc8 Kd6 13.Qxf5 gxf5 14.Kxf5 etc.}) 3. Qe8+ Kf6 4. Qc6+ Ke5 5. Kc4 Rd1 6. Qf3 {!} Rd7 7. Kc5 Ke6 8. Kc6 Rd6+ (8... Rd8 9. Qe3+ Kf5 10. Qg5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kc7 Rd7+ 10. Kc8 Rd6 (10... Re7 11. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0]}) 11. Qe4+ Kf6 12. Qf4+ Ke6 13. Qb4 {!} Ke5 (13... Rd5 14. Qc4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kc7 Rf6 15. Qe7+ Kf5 16. Qe3 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns. ^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "Nice (France)"] [Site "Nice (France)"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Visier"] [Black "Stean Michael F (ENG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "Q7/8/4rkp1/5p1p/7P/6P1/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {We will examine one more blockaded position. (with reversed colours and flanks) Such a configuration is unfavourable to the weaker side, since his rear is exposed and his base g6 pawn is a constant source of concern.} 1. Qf8+ Ke5 2. Kf3 Kd4 3. Qd8+ (3. Kf4 {%05White's aim is to take his king to g5, but this short path must first be safeguarded. Thus the immediate} Re4+ 4. Kg5 {?} Rg4+ 5. Kf6 {would have led to a draw after} Ke3 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Ke5 (3... Kc5 {the white king can now advance: %05In the event of} 4. Kf4 Re4+ 5. Kg5 Rg4+ 6. Kh6 Kc4 7. Qg8+ Kd4 8. Qxg6 Rxg6+ 9. Kxg6 Ke4 10. Kg5 {!} (10. Kxh5 {?} Kf3 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw}) 10... Kf3 11. Kxf5 Kxg3 12. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 4. Ke3 {!} Rd6 (4... Rc6 5. Qd4+ Ke6 6. Kf4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qb8 Ke6 6. Qb3+ Ke7 (6... Kf6 7. Qc3+ {and 8.Kf4$18}) 7. Qb4 Ke6 {^013^010 Note how the queen constantly pesters the rook, forcing the enemy king to mark time around its only piece. Now the path to the g6 pawn is free.} 8. Kf4 { %05^013^010} Kd7 9. Qb5+ Ke6 10. Kg5 Ke7 11. Qe5+ Re6 12. Qc7+ (12. Qxe6+ { %05White could have gone into the pawn ending (} Kxe6 13. Kxg6 {), but he prefers to retain his queen.}) 12... Ke8 13. Kh6 Re4 (13... Kf8 {%05this is not even an oversight, but an admission of the inevitable:} 14. Qd7 {[%eval 550,0]}) (13... Rf6 {%05or} 14. Kg7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kxg6 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/6k1/6p1/5p1p/4r2P/5KP1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] {In positions of this type the weaker side also loses when his rook and king occupy traditional defensive positions. The winning method consists of gradually driving back the king and stalemating it in the corner. We have already met this procedure in the analysis of positions ~3( 3833)~ and ~3( 3954)-( 3955) ~.} 1. Qd7+ Kf6 (1... Kg8 {%05Things quickly come to a head after } 2. Qc7 Rg4 3. Qe7 Re4 4. Qf6 Rg4 5. Kf2 Kh7 6. Qf7+ Kh8 (6... Kh6 7. Qg8 { [%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qh7 Rg4 (2... Re8 3. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qg8 Re4 4. Qf8+ Ke6 5. Qg7 Rg4 6. Kf2 {(now the rook is tied to the defence of the pawn, and the king is left to its own devices)} Kd6 7. Qf6+ Kd5 (7... Kd7 {%05After} 8. Kf3 {the king is driven to a8:} Kc7 9. Qe6 Kb7 10. Qd6 Ka7 11. Qc6 Kb8 12. Qd7 Ka8 13. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0] $6 zugzwang.}) 8. Qe7 Kd4 (8... Re4 9. Qf7+ Re6 10. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qe6 Kc5 10. Qe5+ Kc4 ( 10... Kc6 11. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] , and then as in the note to Black's 7th move} ) 11. Qd6 Kc3 12. Qd5 Rc4 (12... Kc2 {, then %05 The rook tries to halt the king's fatal journey, exploiting the fact that for the moment the g6 pawn is not threatened (13.Qe5 or 13.Qa5 $613...Kc2). If immediately} 13. Qc5+ Kd3 ( 13... Kb2 14. Qe3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 14. Kf3 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 13. Ke3 {!} Rg4 (13... Re4+ {%05The rook has to return, since the pawn ending is lost:} 14. Qxe4 fxe4 15. Kxe4 Kd2 16. Kf4 Ke2 17. Kg5 Kf3 18. Kxg6 Kxg3 19. Kxh5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 14. Qc5+ Kb3 15. Kd2 {!} Rxg3 (15... Ka2 16. Kc2 {[%eval 550, 0]}) (15... Kb2 16. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (15... Rb4 16. Qc3+ Ka4 17. Qc6+ Kb3 18. Qxg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 16. Qd5+ Ka4 17. Qa8+ Kb5 18. Qb8+ Kc6 19. Qxg3 { [%eval 550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1966.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1k/4r1p1/3K3p/8/2Q3PP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1966.??.??"] {With mobile pawn chains the stronger side's chances are improved, since he gains the possibility of varying the advance of his pawns according to circumstances.} 1. Kc5 (1. g4 {? is refuted by %05White will transpose into ositions~3($403934)-($403935)~ %05. However, the attempt to obtain it directly by} hxg4 2. hxg4 g5 {[%eval 0,0] ! ~3($413969)~. Therefore, before starting to advance his pawns, he must break across the 6th rank with his king.}) 1... Kg8 2. Qd4 Kh7 3. Qd8 Kg7 4. Kb5 Re1 (4... Kh7 {%05Zugzwang. Now} 5. Qf8 {[%eval 550,0] is bad for Black}) (4... Rf6 {%05as is} 5. Qd4 g5 6. Qd8 {!} Rg6 7. Kc5 {, when he is unable to disentangle his group of pieces} Z0 (7... g4 8. h4 { [%eval 550,0]}) (7... h4 8. g4 {[%eval 550,0]})) (4... Re4 {%05If} 5. Kc6 Rc4+ 6. Kd5 Rc3 {, then} 7. Qb8 Rd3+ 8. Ke4 Rd1 9. Qb2+ Kg8 10. Qc3 Rd6 11. Ke5 Re6+ 12. Kf4 Kh7 13. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qd4+ Kg8 6. Kc6 Re6+ (6... Rh1 7. Kd7 { !} Rxh3 8. Ke7 Rxg3 9. Qf4 Ra3 10. Qxf7+ Kh8 11. Qxg6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kd7 Re1 {^013^010 With the white pawn at h4 ~3($413991)~ this position was drawn. But here the mobility of the pawn chain acquires decisive significance.} 8. g4 {! %05^013^010} hxg4 9. hxg4 Re6 (9... g5 10. Qd2 Re6 11. Qxg5+ {[%eval 550,0] $6~3($403874)~.}) 10. g5 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins as in example ~3 ($403935)~ .} * [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korchnoi Viktor (SUI)"] [Black "Sakharov Yuri N (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1k/6p1/5r1p/4K3/3Q2PP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] {%15N T1(g1:h2)clBlack Drawing Zone #B(8/8/8/8/8/8/6I1I1/6I1I1) #S(8/8/8/8/8/8/ 8/8) #C(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) #F(8/8/8/8/8/8/8/8) (with the white king inside the zone draw) This position too (in contrast to ~3( 3993)~ is won, thanks to the mobility of the pawns.} 1. g4 hxg4 2. hxg4 Rg5 (2... Rf6 {%05In the event of} 3. Ke5 Re6+ 4. Kd5 {Black is not able to free the 6th rank by the pawn sacrifice 4...g5, since it is pinned, and} Kg7 5. g5 {[%eval 550,0] leads to the won position ~3($403934)~.}) 3. Qd7 Kg7 4. Kf4 Ra5 5. Qd4+ Kh7 6. Qc4 (6. Qf6 {is also possible:} Ra4+ (6... g5+ {, then %05If instead} 7. Ke4 Ra4+ 8. Kd5 Kg8 (8... Rf4 9. Qxg5 Rf1 10. Kd6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qxg5+ Kf8 10. Qh6+ Kg8 11. g5 Rg4 12. Ke5 Rg1 13. Kf4 Rg2 14. Kf3 Rg1 15. Kf2 Rg4 16. Qh5 { and 17.g6$18}) 7. Kf3 Ra3+ 8. Ke2 Kg8 (8... Ra7 {%05or}) 9. g5 {[%eval 550,0] , transposing into example ~3($403934)~.}) 6... Kg8 7. Qc8+ Kh7 8. Qf8 Ra4+ (8... g5+ {%05the game is decided:} 9. Ke4 Kg6 10. Qg8+ Kh6 11. Qxf7 Ra4+ 12. Ke3 Rxg4 13. Qf6+ Kh5 14. Qf3 Kh4 15. Qh1+ Kg3 16. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. Kg5 Ra5+ 10. Kf6 Ra6+ 11. Kxf7 Ra7+ 12. Kf6 Ra6+ 13. Kg5 Ra5+ 14. Kh4 Ra7 15. Qc5 Rb7 16. Kg5 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kiev (Ukraine)"] [Date "1964.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korchnoi Viktor (SUI)"] [Black "Sakharov Yuri N (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5p1k/6p1/5r1p/8/3Q2PP/6K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1964.??.??"] 1. g4 {%05Let us return to the initial position and place the king inside the zone, say, at ~2g2~. Black successfully defends along the f-file, and} hxg4 2. hxg4 {[%eval 0,0] leads to the drawn position ~3($403976)~.} * [Event "Yugoslavia"] [Site "Yugoslavia"] [Date "1974.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cvetkovic Srdjan (YUG)"] [Black "Jelen Iztok (SLO)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p1p/4r1p1/8/3Q4/7P/6P1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1974.??.??"] {Re7 Qc5} {%212045826630=4HLJ1065 %212045826630=4HLJ1077 %212045826630=4HLJ1121 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1... h5 {? %05After} (1... h6 { ! , to which White is obliged to reply %05Black should have played} 2. h4 { = ~3($404004)~} (2. Kf2 {) allows %05since any other move (for example} g5 { [%eval 0,0] ! ~3($414003)~ with an easy draw.})) 2. Kh2 {?!} (2. Kf2 {! is more accurate.}) 2... Kh7 {?} (2... Re1 {! , threatening to switch to the f-file in the event of 3.Kg3 %05Since now Black could have played}) 3. Kg3 Kg8 4. Kf4 Kh7 5. Kg5 Ra6 6. Qb4 Kg7 7. Qb2+ Kf8 (7... Kh7 8. Qb7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Kh6 Re6 9. Qb8+ Re8 10. Qd6+ {Black resigned Z0} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p2/4r2p/6p1/3Q4/7P/5KP1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. g3 {%05The rook manoeuvres between e6 and g6, and the king prevents the queen going to f8. In the event of} Kh7 2. h4 gxh4 3. gxh4 h5 {[%eval 550,0] ! (otherwise 4.h5!) the drawn ending ~3($413887)~ is^013^010 reached.^013^010 ^013^010 White wins only if his king is further up than the 6th rank,^013^010 since then the given variation leads to position ~3($413890)~.^013^010 ^013^010 But let us return to the position after 2.h4.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1982.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khenkin V (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/5p2/4r1pp/8/3Q3P/8/6P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1982.??.??"] 1. Kf2 {%05White can play for a win only by advancing his pawns, since activating his king is unsuccessful:} Kh7 2. Kf3 Kg8 3. g4 Kh7 4. Kf4 (4. g5 { , then %05If instead} hxg5 (4... h5 {[%eval 0,0] %05or}) 5. hxg5 Kg8 {[%eval 0, 0] lead to a position from example ~3($413935)~, where the white king is inside the drawing zone}) (4. h5 {%05the position arising after} g5 {[%eval 0, 0] ! does not offer White any chances for the same reason.} (4... gxh5 { ? %05but not} 5. gxh5 {[%eval 550,0] $6~3($403914)~})) 4... g5+ {! with a draw after} 5. hxg5 hxg5+ 6. Kxg5 Kg8 {[%eval 0,0] ~2The fewer the number of vulnerable points in the weaker side's position, and the more compact his pawn mass is, the better his chances of a successful defence. But virtually the most important thing is to have a secure position for his rook. If it has two safe strong points, it can normally conduct a successful linear defence.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1953.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zagorovsky Vladimir (RUS)"] [Black "Lilienthal Andor (HUN)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/4p3/5r1p/1Q3P2/5KP1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "16"] [EventDate "1953.??.??"] {~2The fewer the number of vulnerable points in the weaker side's position, and the more compact his pawn mass is, the better his chances of a successful defence. But virtually the most important thing is to have a secure position for his rook. If it has two safe strong points, it can normally conduct a successful linear defence. (with colours reversed) In spite of the weakness of his h-pawn, Black easily draws thanks to the good position of his rook.} 1... Kg8 2. Ke4 Kg7 3. Qb2+ Kg8 4. Qd4 Kh7 5. Kf3 Kg8 6. Kg2 Kh7 7. Kh3 Kg6 8. Qh8 Rd5 {, and a draw was agreed} 9. Z0 (9. Kh4 {%05since after} Rf5 10. Qg8+ Kf6 11. Qh7 Ke7 12. Qxh5 Rxh5+ 13. Kxh5 f5 {[%eval 0,0] the pawn ending is equal.}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Colle Edgard (BEL)"] [Black "Becker Albert (AUT)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4Q3/6k1/5p2/4p3/3r2p1/4K1P1/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] 1... Rc4 {%05Here the rook has only one strong point, and its position is insecure.^013^010 %05The ideal solution to White's problem would be to break through with his king via e4 to f5. But it is possible only with Black to move: } (1... Kh6 2. Qg8 {!} Ra4 3. Qf8+ Kg5 4. Qg7+ {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his rook or a pawn}) 2. Qd7+ Kh6 3. Qe6 Rc3+ 4. Ke4 Rxg3 5. Qxf6+ Kh5 6. Qxe5+ Kh4 7. Kf5 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Site "Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Colle Edgard (BEL)"] [Black "Becker Albert (AUT)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4Q3/6k1/5p2/4p3/3r2p1/4K1P1/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {The winning method consists of threatening to give Black the move, thereby forcing him to advance his pawns, after which they become easy prey.} 1. Ke2 {! } Rd5 (1... Re4+ 2. Kd3 Rd4+ 3. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] and it is Black to move}) 2. Qh5 {!} Rd4 3. Kf2 {!} Rb4 (3... Re4 {%05Or, with the same leitmotif:} 4. Qe8 Rd4 5. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] !}) (3... Kf8 4. Qh7 Rd2+ 5. Ke3 Rd4 6. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qe8 {!} Re4 (4... Rb2+ 5. Ke1 Rb1+ 6. Kd2 Rb2+ 7. Kc3 Rb7 8. Qc8 { [%eval 550,0] , and the g4 pawn is lost}) 5. Qd7+ Kg6 6. Qd3 f5 7. Qd6+ Kg5 ( 7... Kf7 8. Kf1 {!} Kg7 9. Qe6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 8. Qe6 f4 9. Qg8+ Kf6 10. Qxg4 fxg3+ 11. Qxg3 Rf4+ 12. Ke3 {[%eval 550,0] , and White attained a theoretically won ending.} 1-0 [Event "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Site "Kislovodsk (Russia)"] [Date "1972.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Stein Leonid Z (RUS)"] [Black "Hennings Artur (GER)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/4Q3/6p1/4pr1p/7P/8/6P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1972.??.??"] {Black's position is only apparently all right. In fact his rook has no move, and, most important, his king is cut off from its own pawns. This allows Stein to break down the defence by some spectacular sacrifices.} 1. g4 {!} hxg4 2. h5 {!} gxh5 (2... Rxh5 {%05Exact calculation would have been demanded by the variation} 3. Qf7 Rh6 4. Kg2 e4 5. Kg3 (5. Kf2 {! , when White picks up all the pawns: %05Correct is} g3+ 6. Kxg3 e3 7. Kf3 e2 (7... Rh3+ 8. Ke2 Rg3 9. Qe8+ Kh7 10. Qe7+ {[%eval 550,0] winning the rook}) 8. Kxe2 Rh2+ 9. Kf1 Rh6 10. Kg2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5... e3 6. Kxg4 e2 7. Qe8+ Kh7 8. Qxe2 Rh5 9. Qe7+ Kg8 {!} 10. Qf6 Rh7 {[%eval 0,0] ! leads to a draw, as in example ~3($413805)~.}) 3. Qe6 Rf3 4. Qxe5+ Kg8 5. Qg5+ Kf8 6. Qxh5 Rf7 7. Qh8+ Ke7 8. Kg2 {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1750.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "del Rio"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/3Q1p1p/4pP1P/4P1r1/8/7K/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1750.??.??"] {This is a genuine fortress, since the f7 pawn is immune due to the perpetual pursuit of the king by the rook along the g-file. White can win only by sacrificing his queen at g7. We give the solution suggested by Berger.} 1. Qe7 Rg8 2. Qa3 {! (now the queen reaches g7, either via f8, or via g3)} Rb8 3. Qg3 Rg8 4. Qg7+ Rxg7 5. fxg7+ Kg8 6. Kg4 f5+ 7. exf6 Kf7 8. Kf4 Kg8 9. Ke5 Kf7 10. Kd6 e5 11. g8=Q+ Kxg8 12. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. Thus, again a queen sacrifice for the sake of going into a won pawn ending. In previous chapters we have already met this method of transforming one form of advantage into another. Sometimes it is the only way to win.} * [Event "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS)"] [Black "Troianescu Octav (ROM)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/1Q2p1p1/3r3p/4KP2/6PP/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] {(variation from the game, with colours reversed)} 1. g4 {it is deprived of waiting moves along the 5th rank, and, being condemned to inactivity, soon becomes a target for attack. %05At the moment the rook has two strong points, but after} hxg4 {%05^013^010} 2. hxg4 Kg8 3. Qc7 Kg7 4. Qc6 Kf8 (4... Rd1 { %05 If the rook should nevertheless take it into its head to leave its post, the white king breaks into the enemy position with decisive effect:} 5. Qc3+ Kg8 6. Ke5 Kg7 (6... Rf1 7. Qc4 Rg1 8. Kf6 Rxg4 9. Qc7 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. f5 { !} exf5 8. gxf5 Rf1 (8... gxf5 9. Qg3+ Kf8 10. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 9. fxg6 fxg6 10. Ke6+ Kg8 11. Qd3 Rg1 12. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Rd8 5. Qc3+ Kg8 6. Ke5 Kg7 7. f5 {!} exf5 8. gxf5 {and now Black loses quickly after either} gxf5 (8... Re8+ {%05or} 9. Kf4+ Kg8 10. fxg6 fxg6 11. Kg5 Re6 12. Qc7 Kf8 13. Qd7 { [%eval 550,0]}) 9. Qg3+ Kf8 10. Kf6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qa8+ {! (White prepares the sacrifice of his queen at d5, which can be carried out only with the enemy king at g7, g8, h7 or h8)} Kg7 (5... Ke7 6. Qa3+ Ke8 7. Qb4 {[%eval 550,0] , and either the queen penetrates to f8, or the king to f6}) 6. Qxd5 {!} exd5+ (6... f5+ 7. Ke5 exd5 8. g5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kxd5 {^013^010 This pawn ending, which is won for White, was analysed by Botvinnik. We give the main variation:} Kf8 {%05^013^010} 8. Kd6 Ke8 9. f5 {!} g5 10. Kc7 Ke7 11. Kc8 {!} Kd6 12. Kd8 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc. Who would have thought that this rare ending would be repeated exactly 25 years later!} * [Event "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Site "Tallinn (Estonia)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chiburdanidze Maia (GEO)"] [Black "Donaldson-A Elena (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5pk1/4p1p1/2r4p/5P2/1Q3KP1/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "42"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1065 %212045826630=4HLJ1077 %212045826630=4HLJ1121 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1... g5 {%05This was the adjourned position from the 2nd game of the Women's Candidates Semi-Final Match. Akhmilovskaya no doubt had time to familiarize herself with Botvinnik's analysis, and therefore instead of 1...Rd5 2.h3 Kg8 3.Ke4 Kg7 4.g4 etc. she chose a different continuation:} 2. fxg5 Rxg5 3. h3 Kh7 4. Ke4 Rd5 5. Qb8 Kg7 6. Qb2+ Kh7 { ^013^010 Position ~3(*)~ %08DA} 7. Qb1 (7. Qf6 {%05The pawn ending arising after} Rf5 8. Qxf5+ {?} exf5+ 9. Kxf5 {= is drawn:} h4 {!} 10. g4 Kg7 11. Kg5 ( 11. g5 Kh7 12. Kg4 Kg6 13. Kxh4 f5 {[%eval 0,0]}) 11... f6+ 12. Kxh4 Kg6 13. Kg3 f5 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) (7. g4 {%05 White's task is to destroy the defensive set-up, by advancing the g-pawn and threatening to invade with the king. This plan could have been carried out immediately:} hxg4 8. hxg4 { , and if} Rg5 (8... Kg8 9. Qf6 Rb5 10. g5 Rf5 11. Qh6 {and 12.g6$18}) 9. Kf4 { %05, then} Rg6 (9... Kg6 10. Qh8 e5+ 11. Kf3 e4+ 12. Kf4 {!} Rc5 13. Qg8+ Kf6 14. g5+ Ke7 15. g6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. Qe5 {! (otherwise 10...e5!$6 draw)} Kg8 11. g5 {[%eval 550,0] , and the white king invades via the Q-side, while the rook is obliged to blockade the g-pawn.}) 7... Kg7 8. Qa1+ Kg6 (8... Kh7 { White could have embarked on the plan given in the previous note %05after}) 9. Qh8 Rg5 10. Qg8+ Kf6 11. Qd8+ Kg6 12. Qf8 {!} Rf5 (12... Kf6 13. Qh6+ Rg6 14. Qxh5 Rxg3 {?} 15. Qe5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 13. g4 hxg4 14. hxg4 Rd5 15. Qg8+ Kf6 16. Qh8+ Kg6 17. Kf4 Rc5 18. Qg8+ Kf6 19. g5+ Ke7 20. g6 Rf5+ 21. Ke4 fxg6 22. Qxg6 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black resigned: we have reached a position from^013^010 example ~3($403706)~.^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "Varna (Bulgaria)"] [Site "Varna (Bulgaria)"] [Date "1977.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kuzmin Gennadi P (UKR)"] [Black "Pribyl Josef (CZE)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5rk1/4Qpp1/4p2p/8/7P/5PPK/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1977.??.??"] {In positions where the rook has no strong points, the stronger side's king can normally invade the opponent's position without difficulty.} 1. h4 { (fixing the pawn chain and cramping the enemy forces)} Ra7 2. Kg3 Ra3+ 3. f3 Ra7 {(otherwise 4.Qe7)} 4. Kf2 Rc7 5. Ke3 Ra7 6. Qe8 {(making way for the king) } Rb7 7. Ke4 Ra7 8. Kd5 Ra5+ 9. Kc6 Ra7 10. Qb8 Rf7 11. Kd6 Rf8 12. Qb6 Rf7 13. Ke6 Kg8 14. Qd8+ Kg7 15. Qb8 {(zugzwang)} Rf8 16. Qxf8+ {[%eval 550,0] Resigns. ^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Novodyerzhkin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6rk/1K2Q1p1/6Pp/7P/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] {In this blockaded position the queen and king succeed in taking away all the rook's free squares. Berger erroneously considered this position to be drawn.} 1. Qc7 Re8 (1... Rf8 2. Qd7 Rg8 (2... Kg8 3. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0] leads to the main variation}) 3. Qe7 {[%eval 550,0] leads to zugzwang}) 2. Qd6 Kg8 3. Qd7 Rf8 4. Qe7 {!} Rf6 (4... Rf1 5. Qe6+ Kf8 6. Qd6+ Ke8 7. Qe5+ Kf8 8. Qc5+ { [%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 5. Kc7 Rf8 6. Qc5 Re8 (6... Rf6) (6... Ra8 {%04- %05or} 7. Qd5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kd7 Rb8 8. Qe5 Rf8 9. Qd6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins. The presence of pawns on opposite wings significantly complicates the defence. In the majority of cases the outcome depends on whether or not the weaker side can manage to unite his forces around his king, after first exchanging or eliminating the enemy pawns on the other side of the board.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Lipnitsky Isaak (RUS)"] [Black "Tolush Alexander K (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3Q4/r4p2/6pk/p1p4p/1p6/8/6P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {Although Black soon loses, one after another, all his Q-side pawns, he is able to set up a fortress on the K-side.} 1. Qh8+ Kg5 2. Qf8 Rd7 3. Qxc5+ Kh6 4. Qxa5 Kh7 5. Qxb4 Rd5 6. Kf2 Rf5+ 7. Ke3 Kg8 8. Qb8+ Kg7 9. Qc8 Re5+ { [%eval 0,0] . Drawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Site "Leningrad (Russia)"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dubinin Peter V (RUS)"] [Black "Aronin Lev S (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k3q2/1p3P2/p7/5R2/8/P6P/1P6/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {~16.2 Counter-play with the rook and pawns~ If a passed pawn is supported by the rook from behind, the threat of its advance will restrict the queen, forcing it to assume the modest role of blockader. With a far-advanced pawn this threat may become decisive. As in example ~3( 3829)~, the rook's pawn diverts the queen from the blockading square.} 1. h4 b5 (1... Kc7 {%05A curious zugzwang position is reached after} 2. Rf1 {!} (2. h5 {%05unnecessary complications arise after} Qd6 3. f8=Q Qd3+ 4. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0] , although the king would appear to escape from perpetual check}) 2... Kd7 3. h5 Ke7 (3... Ke6 4. h6 {[%eval 550,0] ; but now White simply waits for Black to run out of pawn moves}) 4. Ka1 {!} b5 5. Kb1 a5 6. Ka1 b4 7. a4 b3 8. Kb1 {, and after} Qxf7 9. Rxf7+ Kxf7 10. Kc1 {[%eval 550,0] the pawn ending is won.}) 2. h5 Kc7 3. Rf1 {!} a5 4. h6 b4 5. a4 Kd7 (5... b3 6. h7 Qb4 7. f8=Q Qe4+ 8. Ka1 Qxa4+ 9. Qa3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. h7 Ke7 7. Re1+ (7. h8=Q {is also possible}) 7... Kd7 8. Rh1 {[%eval 550,0] ! Resigns.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} 1-0 [Event "Kharkov (Ukraine)"] [Site "Kharkov (Ukraine)"] [Date "1936.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Bron Vladimir A (RUS)"] [Black "Ordel"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5ppk/3P3p/8/7q/2P5/5PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1936.??.??"] {In this example the rook coordinates with two connected passed pawns.} 1. d7 Qd8 2. Rd1 Kg8 3. c4 Kf8 4. c5 Ke7 5. c6 f5 {?} (5... Qa5 {!} 6. Rd3 (6. g3 Kd8 7. Rc1 Qc7) 6... Qe1+ 7. Kh2 Qe5+ 8. g3 Kd8 {=}) 6. Re1+ Kf7 7. Rc1 {! (as in the previous game, the rook changes file, varying the threat of which pawn to advance)} Qc7 8. g3 {!} (8. Rd1 {%05Before taking positive action the king must be safeguarded. In the event of} Ke7 9. Re1+ Kf7 10. Re8 Qf4 {! Black is saved by perpetual check:} 11. g3 (11. Re1 Qd2 {[%eval 0,0]}) 11... Qc1+ 12. Kh2 Qf1 {[%eval 0,0]}) 8... f4 9. Rd1 Ke7 10. Re1+ Kf7 11. Re8 Qxc6 12. d8=N+ { [%eval 550,0] ! Resigns.^013^010 ^013^010 If the position of the enemy king is insecure, this improves the chances of the side with the queen.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1967.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fridstein"] [Black "Golovko Nikolay (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/2P4p/6p1/3P4/4p3/8/3K1P2/2R4q b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1967.??.??"] {In the end the queen will be obliged to occupy the blockading square c8, but on the way it can very unpleasantly annoy the enemy king.} 1... e3+ {!} 2. Kc2 (2. fxe3 {?} Qxd5+ 3. Ke2 Qb5+ 4. Ke1 Qb4+ {!} 5. Kd1 (5. Kf1 {%05or} Qf8+ 6. Kg2 Qc8 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5... Qg4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Qe4+ 3. Kb2 (3. Kc3 Qe5+ { [%eval 0,0]}) 3... Qb4+ 4. Ka2 Qa5+ 5. Kb2 Qb5+ 6. Ka1 Qa6+ 7. Kb2 Qb7+ {Z0} ({ Ka1 ? , and lost after %05Here White went wrong with} 7... Qc8 8. d6 exf2 9. d7 Qxc7 {!} 10. Rxc7 f1=Q {[%eval -550,0]}) ({Ka3 ! %05Against correct defence $6 } 7... Qa8 {Kb2 +0.00 $6 Black would not have been able to go in for this variation, since his new queen would have appeared without check, and he would have had to be satisfied with a draw.}) * [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "1978.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nikiforov"] [Black "Luzgin Konstantin (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/p2PR2p/1p5P/4pp2/q7/8/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1978.??.??"] {In spite of Black's enormous material advantage, the position seems fairly tense. But the undefended state of the enemy king allows the queen to find a way to attack the rook.} 1... Qg4+ {!} 2. Kf1 Qf4+ {!} 3. Ke2 Qc4+ {!} 4. Kd1 { (all the black squares are 'banned')} Qg4+ {!} 5. Kc2 Qa4+ {[%eval -550,0] ! White resigns.^013^010 ^013^010 Had the rook been screened against double attacks. Black would have had to confine himself to perpetual check.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} 0-1 [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Aronin Lev S (RUS)"] [Black "Bronstein David I (RUS)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4q1k1/1pP4p/5p2/6P1/4pP2/7P/pP6/K6R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {With the king secure, even one pawn can decide the outcome, especially in cases where the enemy king comes under attack on the back rank.} 1. Rd1 Kf7 2. Rd8 Qb5 3. c8=Q {[%eval 550,0] Resigns.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1928.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kaminer & Rossolimo"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k1K1/q3p1P1/8/6p1/8/8/8/7R w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1928.??.??"] 1. Kh7 e6 {!} (1... e5 {%05in the event of} 2. Kh8 {[%eval 550,0] the long diagonal would have been blocked by the pawn}) 2. Rb1 {(threat 3.Rb8)} Qc7 {!} 3. Rb2 {!} (3. Rb8+ {? loses to %05Here and subsequently the rook chooses squares from which, while maintaining the threat of supporting its pawn, it simultaneously prevents checks which would enable the queen to approach the king.} Ke7 4. g8=Q Kf6+ {!} 5. Kh8 Qh2+ 6. Qh7 Qxb8+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... g4 4. Rf2 {!} Qb7 5. Rf4 {!!} (5. Rf8+ {?} Ke7 6. g8=Q Qb1+ 7. Kh8 Qh1+ 8. Kg7 Qa1+ 9. Kg6 Qb1+ 10. Kg5 Qc1+ 11. Rf4 e5 {[%eval 0,0] ! , with a draw}) 5... Qb1+ 6. Kh6 Qh1+ 7. Kg6 Qb1+ 8. Kg5 Qb5+ 9. Kh6 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn queens. .} * [Event "West Germany"] [Site "West Germany"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kruger"] [Black "Bauer"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7p/3Q2p1/1p1P1p2/1P3P2/2r1pkP1/7P/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {The superiority of the queen is especially marked in positions where both sides have passed pawns. It manages not only to oppose the enemy passed pawn and guard its own, but also simultaneously to keep the rook under attack.} { Nevertheless, the exceptional properties of the queen enable it to gain the upper hand in many double-edged situations.} 1. Qc6 {!} (1. Kd1 e2+ 2. Kd2 Re3 3. Ke1 Rd3 {[%eval -550,0] , and mate next move}) 1... Rc4 2. Kf1 {^013^010 Neither the queen nor the rook can leave its post, but in the end one of them will be forced to do so. But since Black is also unable to move his king (2... Ke4 or 2...Kg4 $6 3.Ke2), White simply waits until the opponent's pawn moves come to an end. A zugzwang position will then be reached.} h6 {%05^013^010} 3. h3 h5 (3... g5 4. h4 {!} gxh4 5. gxh4 Kxf4 6. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. h4 e2+ 5. Ke1 Ke3 6. Qe6+ {Resigns Z0} ({Re4} 6. Qb6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) * [Event "Caracas (Venezuela)"] [Site "Caracas (Venezuela)"] [Date "1976.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Christiansen Larry M (USA)"] [Black "Fernandez Juan (CHI)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5r2/p7/1p3P2/8/3Q3p/1P1p1P2/P6P/3k3K b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1976.??.??"] 1... d2 2. Kg2 Rc8 3. f7 Kc2 4. Qd7 {!} Rh8 5. Qc6+ Kb1 6. Qe4+ Kc1 7. Qc4+ { Resigns Z0} ({Kd1} 7. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0]}) ({Kb1 %05or} 7. Qd3 {[%eval 550,0] Kc1 Qc3+}) 1-0 [Event "Correspondence"] [Site "?"] [Date "1968.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Nieman"] [Black "Rittner"] [Result "0-1"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/p7/1k4P1/1p2q3/8/P6P/6R1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1968.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ1065 %212045826630=4HLJ1077 %212045826630=4HLJ1123 %212045826630=4HLJ121} 1... Qd4+ {!} (1... Qg7 {? , then after %05 It is clear that Black too will shortly create a passed pawn. But White's is already fairly far advanced, and he intends to advance it further. This means that the queen will have to blockade it, but at what point? If immediately} 2. h4 a5 3. h5 b4 4. axb4 axb4 5. h6 Qxh6 6. g7 {[%eval 0,0] the queen can no longer reach the blockading square g8, and Black has to be satisfied with perpetual check. Therefore, before moving to g7, the queen forces the white king to occupy a less favourable position.}) 2. Kh2 (2. Kh1 {is no different}) (2. Kf1 {, then in the variation %05if instead} Qg7 3. h4 a5 4. h5 b4 5. axb4 axb4 6. h6 { [%eval -550,0] Black transfers his queen to g8 by a forcing manoeuvre.}) 2... Qg7 3. h4 a5 4. h5 b4 5. axb4 axb4 6. Kg1 {(alas, the pawn on h6 would be captured with check)} b3 {[%eval -550,0] White resigns.} 0-1 [Event "Poland"] [Site "Poland"] [Date "1969.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ermenkov Evgenij (BUL)"] [Black "Sax Gyula (HUN)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3P1pk1/6p1/p7/P7/Q4pP1/2rp1P1P/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1969.??.??"] 1. Qxf3 {%05One gains the impression that it is time for White to resign. But the queen has not yet said its last word:} Rc1+ 2. Qd1 {[%eval 550,0] !! Resigns.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1938.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/8/1p2K3/1P2p3/8/8/2R5/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1938.??.??"] {~16.3 Rare finishes~ Here we will make the acquaintance of certain study ideas which have practical significance.} 1. Rg2 {! , and Black cannot avoid perpetual check at g8 and g7, while %05The cramped position of the king on the back rank suggests the solution:} (1. Rh2 {? is incorrect due to} Qb1 {[%eval -550,0]}) 1... Qh4 2. Rg8+ Kc7 3. Rg7+ Kc8 4. Rg8+ Qd8 5. Rxd8+ Kxd8 6. Kxe5 { [%eval 0,0] also leads to a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k6K/8/8/5q1p/7P/7P/8/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] 1. Rg8+ {%05Exploiting the fact that the black king cannot step onto the 5th rank due to Rg5, White forces stalemate:} Kb7 2. Rg7+ Kc6 3. Rg6+ {!} Kd7 4. Rg7+ Ke6 5. Rg6+ Kf7 6. Rg7+ Kf6 7. Rf7+ {!} Kxf7 {[%eval 0,0] . Stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1R6/7p/7p/8/P7/P7/K5k1/7q w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] 1. Rb1 {! the queen cannot break out further than the 5th rank $6 %05After} Qh5 {[%eval 0,0] , but then the rook begins a perpetual pursuit of the king.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1925.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Klyatskin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5R2/4K3/5P2/4k1pp/1Pp5/2P1P2P/1P3q1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1925.??.??"] 1. Re8 {!!} Qxf6+ 2. Kd7+ Kf5 3. e4+ Kf4 4. Re6 {[%eval 0,0] ! %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korolkov Vladimir (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/7q/R7/8/5p1p/5p1p/7P/7K w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {The position of the white king in the corner creates the conditions for stalemating combinations.} 1. Rg6 {!} Qh5 (1... f2 {[%eval 0,0] the rook checks continuously along the 6th rank, and when the king hides at h8 it forces stalemate by the check at g8 %05in the event of}) 2. Rg5 Qh6 3. Rg6 { [%eval 0,0] $6 draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herbstman Alexander I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/2Pp4/6K1/8/6Rp/8/8/2q5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] 1. c8=Q+ {!} Qxc8 2. Kf7 Qd8 3. Rg6 Kh7 4. Rh6+ {!} Kxh6 {[%eval 0,0] . Stalemate.} * [Event "Athens (Greece)"] [Site "Athens (Greece)"] [Date "1970.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Haik Aldo (FRA)"] [Black "Weber"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1r6/2p5/p1P5/P4Q2/8/4p3/4P3/K1k5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1970.??.??"] 1... Rb5 {!} 2. Qf1+ Kc2 3. Qe1 Rb3 4. Ka2 Ra3+ {!} 5. Kxa3 {[%eval 0,0] . Stalemate.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1913.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Selezniev Alexei"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/2p1P1P1/1kP5/8/1PR3p1/PKP5/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1913.??.??"] 1. g7 {!} (1. e7 {? loses to} Qxe7 2. Rxg3 Qe5+ 3. Rc3 Qg7 {!} 4. a3 Ka5 5. b4+ Ka4 6. b5 cxb5 7. c6 b4 8. axb4 Kxb4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 1... Qxe6 2. Rxg3 {!} Qe5+ 3. Rc3 Qxg7 4. Ka3 {!} Qxc3 {[%eval 0,0] . Stalemate.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "from Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2k5/2p1R3/p1K5/2P5/8/8/8/3q4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Re8+ Qd8 2. Rg8 {!} (2. Rxd8+ {loses to} Kxd8 3. Kd5 Kd7 4. c6+ Ke7 $19 { %04etc.}) 2... Qxg8 {= leads to stalemate %05But now} (2... a5 {%05while} 3. Rxd8+ Kxd8 4. Kb5 {= leads to a drawn pawn ending}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1933.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Herbstman Alexander I (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K1k/5p1p/7P/R5P1/8/3P4/3P4/6q1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1933.??.??"] 1. Ra8 Qg2 2. Rb8 {! (otherwise 2...Qb7)} Qg3 3. Rc8 {!} Qg4 4. Rd8 {!} Qxg5 ( 4... Qe6 {%05In the other variation} 5. d4 {!} f5 (5... Qf6 6. Re8 {[%eval 550, 0] - zugzwang}) 6. d5 Qg8+ 7. Ke7 Qxd8+ 8. Kxd8 f4 9. Ke7 {[%eval 550,0] White gains a new queen and gives mate.}) 5. Re8 {!} (5. Ke8 {? %05but not} f5 { [%eval -550,0] ! , when it is Black who wins}) 5... Qf6 6. d4 {[%eval 550,0] ! $6 zugzwang.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Korolkov Vladimir (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5K1k/3p1P1p/3p1P1p/3P3P/8/5q2/3P4/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {Here the rook aims for the 8th rank via the g-file.} 1. Rg1 Qg2 {! (the queen cannot be taken due to stalemate, and the rook cannot leave the g-file in view of 2...Qe4 and 3...Qe8, again with stalemate)} (1... Qg3 {! , when he has to play %05White has the greatest difficulties after} 2. Rg2 {!} (2. d3 {? %05but not} Qxg1 {=}) (2. d4 {%05or} Qg2 {! , when it is White who is in zugzwang}) 2... Qg4 3. d3 {!} (3. d4 Qg3 {!} 4. Rg1 Qg2 {=}) 3... Qg3 4. d4 {!} Qg4 5. Rg3 {!$18 %04etc.}) 2. d4 {!} Qg3 (2... Qxg1 {%05Black, in turn, cannot take the rook:} 3. Ke7 Qe3+ 4. Kd8 Qe7+ 5. fxe7 {! , and the king is no longer stalemated.}) 3. Rg2 Qg4 4. Rg3 Qxg3 (4... Qg5 {%05Zugzwang. Black has to take the rook, otherwise after} 5. Rxg5 hxg5 $18 {the stalemating construction is destroyed.}) 5. Ke8 Qe3+ 6. Kd8 Qe7+ 7. fxe7 $18 {, and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Somov-Nasimovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7R/qp6/kp6/8/1KP4p/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] 1. Re8 {! (threatening 2.Re1)} b5 2. c5 b6 3. c6 Qh7 4. Ra8+ Qa7 5. Re8 { [%eval 0,0] ! Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Berger Johann N (AUT)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/3nk3/8/8/8/8/KQ6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "1922.??.??"] {~1 Queen against knight~ ~11. Queen against knight (with or without a pawn)~ With queen against knight the stronger side wins by driving the opponent's king to the edge of the board and forming a mating net. The knight cannot prevent either the driving back of the king, or the creating of mating threats. The winning plan is straightforward.} 1. Kb2 Kd5 2. Kc3 Ne4+ 3. Kd3 Nc5+ 4. Ke3 Ne6 {^013^010 The knight must remain close to the king, otherwise White will drive it away and win it.} 5. Qf5+ {%05^013^010} Kd6 6. Ke4 Nc5+ 7. Kd4 Ne6+ 8. Kc4 Nc7 9. Qc5+ Kd7 10. Qb6 {!} Ne6 11. Kd5 Nc7+ 12. Ke5 Ne8 13. Qe6+ Kd8 14. Qf7 Nc7 15. Kd6 Nb5+ 16. Kc5 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black can merely delay mate by sacrificing his knight. If the weaker side also has a pawn, the result is normally unchanged. But if the pawn is on the penultimate rank and is threatening to queen, significant difficulties may be encountered. Here in the first instance the pawn must be eliminated.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P6/1q6/2NK1k2/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Black can win the pawn only by driving the knight away from it. To do this he has to take his king to c6. He should move carefully, since certain of the squares are 'mined'.} 1... Kg6 (1... Kf6 {??} 2. Nd7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Kc4 Kf7 3. Kd4 Ke7 4. Kd5 Qd6+ {(with the queen at b6 the king cannot go to c7 because of b8Q!)} 5. Kc4 Kd8 6. Kb4 Kc7 7. Kb5 Qb6+ {and 8...Kc6$19} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P6/1q6/2NK4/8/k7/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Here Black can again take his king to c6, but he wins much more quickly by taking it to c4.} 1... Qb5 2. Kd4 (2. Kd6 {can be met by} Kb4 {! , and if} 3. b8=Q Qxb8+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Kb2 3. Nd3+ Kb3 4. Nc5+ Kc2 5. Kd5 Kc3 6. Kd6 Kc4 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P5/2q5/3NK3/8/1k6/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {We will now move position ~3( 4039)~ one file to the right. With a bishop's pawn the defensive chances are improved, but nevertheless in this position too Black wins.} 1... Qc5 {%05^013^010 %05With Black to move:} 2. Ke4 (2. Ke6 { there follows %05on} Kc4 {!} 3. Kd7 Qxd5+ {[%eval -550,0] and wins, since Black's king is inside the winning zone}) 2... Kc2 3. Ne3+ Kc3 4. Nd5+ Kd2 5. Ke5 Kd3 6. Ke6 Kd4 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P5/2q5/3NK3/8/1k6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Ke4 {%05Black's task is also straightforward with White to move:} Qc5 2. Ke5 Ka3 {!} (2... Kc2 {leads only to a draw after %05this accuracy is essential:} 3. Ke6 {!} Kd3 4. Nb4+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 3. Ke4 (3. Ke6 {Black has the decisive %05but now on} Ka4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... Kb2 4. Ke5 Kb3 {!} 5. Ke4 Kc2 { [%eval -550,0] , and then as already examined. Up till now we have been considering examples where the weaker side's king was cut off from the pawn and was unable to support it. The possibility of not allowing the king up to the pawn is an important tactical procedure in this ending.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P6/3N4/4K3/8/8/6k1/7q b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "4"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {White is threatening to take his king to the aid of his pawn, but Black parries this by a queen manoeuvre:} 1... Qb1 {!} 2. Ke6 Qb6 {!} 3. Z0 (3. Kd7 { can be met by %05Now} Kf3 4. Kc8 {Black has %05, since on} Qc6+ {[%eval -550,0] . White is powerless to support the pawn with his king.^013^010 The rest is straightforward. Black places his queen at^013^010 c7, transfers his king to f8 and, after driving away the^013^010 knight, wins the pawn.^013^010 ^013^010 ~2If the weaker side is able to support the pawn with~^013^010 ~2his king, the result will depend on where the~ ~2 opponent's king is, and how it can support the~ ~2queen in the battle against the pawn. ~}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/8/8/8/8/K7/3p4/1kn5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "20"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] {White's king is supporting the queen in the battle against the pawn, so he can win.} 1... Nd3 (1... d1=N {%052.Qb2 mate was threatened, and Black fails to save the game after} 2. Qh7+ Ka1 3. Qc2 {[%eval 550,0]}) (1... Kc2 {is rather more tenacious:} 2. Qh7+ Kc3 (2... Kd1) (2... Nd3 {lead to variations already considered %05and}) 3. Qh3+ Kc2 4. Qf5+ Kc3 5. Qd5 Nd3 (5... Kc2 { there follows %05on} 6. Qc4+ Kd1 7. Kb2 {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 6. Qf3 {!} Kc4 (6... Kd4 7. Kb3 Nc5+ 8. Kc2 Ne4 9. Kd1 {[%eval 550,0] , and White's king reaches e3, driving away the knight}) 7. Ka2 Nf2 8. Qe2+ Kc3 9. Qe3+ Nd3 10. Qf3 {!} Kc4 (10... Kc2 11. Qc6+ Kd1 12. Qc4 {[%eval 550,0] ! has already been considered}) 11. Kb1 Kd4 12. Qg4+ Ke3 13. Kc2 Ne1+ 14. Kd1 Nf3 15. Qg2 Kf4 16. Ke2 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn is won.}) 2. Qb8+ Kc1 (2... Kc2 {loses immediately to} 3. Qb3+ Kc1 4. Qc3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qc7+ Kb1 4. Qb6+ Kc1 5. Qc6+ Kd1 (5... Kb1 {%05Black is forced to occupy the square in front of the pawn with his king, since he loses after} 6. Qb5+ Kc1 7. Qc4+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qc4 {!} Nc1 (6... Ne5 7. Qe4 {!} Kc1 8. Qxe5 d1=Q 9. Qb2#) (6... Ne1 { %05Black's lot is also no easier after} 7. Kb2 Ng2 8. Qe4 Ne3 9. Qf3+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Kb2 Ke1 8. Qe4+ Ne2 9. Qh1+ Kf2 10. Kc2 Ke3 11. Qh3+ {and 12. Kxd2$18 If the pawn is supported by the king, and the stronger side's king is a long way from the pawn, the game may end in a draw.} * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1948.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zagorjansky Evgeny (RUS)"] [Black "Estrin Yakov B (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K6/1P6/8/8/8/4Nk2/8/7q w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1948.??.??"] 1. Nd5 {! %05He draws by} (1. Kc7 {cannot be played immediately:} Qc1+ 2. Kd7 Qb2 3. Kc7 Qc3+ 4. Kd7 Qb4 5. Kc7 Qc5+ 6. Kd7 Qb6 7. Kc8 Qc6+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 1... Ke4 2. Nb4 {!} Qh8+ 3. Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] , when Black is powerless to prevent the promotion of the pawn.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3N4/qP1K4/8/1k6/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Here the result depends on who it is to move.} 1. Kc8 {the queen alone is unable to prevent the pawn from queening, e.g. %05If it is White to move, after } Qc5+ 2. Kd7 Qe5 3. Kc8 Qf5+ 4. Kc7 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3N4/qP1K4/8/1k6/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Ka6 {he includes his king in the game and wins easily, e.g. %05But if it is Black to move, by} 2. Kc7 Qb6+ 3. Kc8 Ka7 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc. The poor position of the stronger side's king prevents him from winning in the next two examples.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5q2/1P1k4/N7/8/8/8/8/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Black's king prevents his queen from winning the pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P1k4/Nq6/8/8/8/8/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Due to the threat of Ne5, Black is not able to stop the pawn queening.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1P2k3/8/N3P3/8/8/5K2/1q6 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~12. Queen against knight and pawns~ If one of the pawns is far advanced, the stronger side's plan will be to eliminate it. Thus here Black must first drive away the knight and win the b-pawn.} 1... Qb2+ 2. Kf1 (2. Kf3 Kd7 3. e6+ Kxe6 4. Nc6 Qxb7 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Qb5+ 3. Kf2 Kd7 4. e6+ Kc7 (4... Kxe6 5. Nc6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5. e7 Kb8 6. Kg3 Qe8 7. Kf2 Ka7 8. Kf1 Kb6 9. Nc4+ Kc5 {!} 10. Na5 (10. Ne5 {%05or} Kd6 11. Ng6 Kc7 {[%eval -550,0] , driving the knight away from the b-pawn.}) 10... Kb5 11. Nb3 Kb6 {[%eval -550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1882.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3Q3n/6p1/4Kp2/6k1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] [EventDate "1882.??.??"] 1. Qa1+ Kg2 (1... Kh2 {, then %05if} 2. Kf1 Kh3 (2... Ng6 {%05or} 3. Qc1 Kh3 4. Qh6+ Nh4 5. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qd1 Ng6 4. Qh5+ Nh4 5. Qg5 {[%eval 550,0]}) 2. Qd1 Ng6 (2... Nf5 3. Qd5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (2... Kh2 {%05or} 3. Kf1 { [%eval 550,0]}) 3. Qd5+ Kh2 (3... Kg1 {there follows %05On} 4. Qf3 {! , e.g.} Kh2 (4... g2 {%05or} 5. Qxf2+ Kh1 6. Qf3 Nh4 (6... Nf4+ {, then %05if} 7. Kf2 Nd3+ 8. Kg3 Ne1 9. Qe4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qh3+ Kg1 8. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 5. Kf1 Nh4 6. Qg4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Qh5+ Kg2 5. Qf3+ Kh3 6. Kf1 Nf4 (6... Nh4 7. Qh5 {[%eval 550,0]}) (6... Kh4 {%05or} 7. Kg2 {[%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qh1+ {!} ( 7. Qxf4 {? %05but not} g2+ 8. Kxf2 g1=Q+ {!} 9. Kxg1 {[%eval 0,0] - stalemate!} ) 7... Kg4 8. Qe4 Kg5 (8... Kh3 9. Qf5+ {[%eval 550,0] !}) 9. Qf3 Nh5 10. Kg2 Kg6 (10... Kh4 11. Qf5 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 11. Qg4+ Kh6 12. Qf5 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1882.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz Bernhard (GER)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/3Q3n/6p1/4Kp2/6k1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1882.??.??"] 1... Ng2 {! %05If Black begins, he draws by} 2. Qa1+ (2. Qf6 Ne3 {[%eval 0,0] ! }) 2... Ne1 3. Qf6 Ng2 {(with the threat of 4...Ne3)} 4. Qf3 Kh2 5. Kf1 Ne3+ {! } 6. Qxe3 g2+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2P2k2/8/1N3P2/8/8/6K1/2q5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Thanks to the second pawn, in the following example the knight again cannot be driven away.} {Let us move position ~3( 4049)~ one file to the right. This imperceptible change in the position alters the assessment. Black can no longer drive away the knight and win the pawn, although it is true that White has to find a clever defence.} 1... Qc2+ 2. Kg1 {!} (2. Kg3 {? %05The only way, the alternatives being bad:} Ke7 3. f6+ Kxf6 4. Nd6 Qxc7 {[%eval -550,0] pinning the knight}) (2. Kh1 {? %05or} Ke7 3. f6+ Kd7 4. f7 Qf2 {[%eval -550,0] ! , and White is in zugzwang}) 2... Qc5+ 3. Kg2 {(again the only move!)} Ke7 4. f6+ Kd7 (4... Kxf6 5. Nd6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5. f7 Kc8 6. Kh3 Qf8 7. Kg2 Kb7 8. Kg1 Z0 (8... Kc6 {? , then %05What is Black to do now? If} 9. c8=Q+ {!} Qxc8 10. Na7+ {[%eval 550,0] . This is where the presence of the additional (a-) file tells, in comparison with the example with the knight's pawn}) (8... Kb6 { , then %05if instead} 9. Nd4 {! and Ne6. The king can attempt to attack the f-pawn, but as soon as it goes to g6 or f6, White plays Na7, gaining a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/1P6/1q6/2N5/8/8/4KP2/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {White has to hurry, since the black king is threatening to approach the b-pawn. And so:} 1. f4 {! ^013^010 The f-pawn must be advanced as far as possible, while the black king is far away.} Kg8 {%05^013^010} (1... Qb5+ 2. Kf3 {!} Qc6+ 3. Ke2 {, and Black has not achieved anything}) 2. f5 Kf7 3. f6 {! } Ke8 {(the f-pawn is immune)} 4. Ke1 Qd6 (4... Kd8 {%05if} 5. f7 Ke7 {, then} 6. f8=Q+ {!} Kxf8 7. Nd7+ {[%eval 550,0] %04etc.}) 5. Ke2 Qg3 6. Kd1 Qe5 7. Kd2 Kd8 {(with the threat of 8...Ke7)} 8. f7 Qf4+ 9. Ke2 {%02(e1)!} Ke7 (9... Qc7 { ?} 10. Ne6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 10. f8=Q+ {!} (10. Na6 {cannot be played immediately due to} Qe4+ {and 11...Qxb7$19}) 10... Qxf8 11. Na6 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw, since Black does not have a check.^013^010 ^013^010 If the position is moved one file to the left, Black wins, since White does not have any move analogous to 11.Na6.^013^010 ^013^010 Perhaps the most interesting feature of the positions just considered is the coordination of White's knight and pawns, enabling him to draw even without the help of his king. It must merely not get in the way.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2kP3P/8/8/5N2/2K5/7q/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kb3 {! (everything else loses)} Kd8 (1... Kxd7 2. Ng6 Qxh7 3. Nf8+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (1... Qxh7 2. Ne6+ Kxd7 3. Nf8+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (1... Qg3+ {%05also pointless is} 2. Kb2 {[%eval 0,0] , when Black cannot strengthen his position}) 2. Kc3 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5N1k/8/4P2P/8/8/8/K7/7q w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. e7 Qe4 2. h7 Kg7 3. Kb2 Qe5+ (3... Qxe7 4. h8=Q+ Kxh8 5. Ng6+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4. Kb1 Kf7 5. Kc2 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw. If in the final position the knight is moved from f8 to g8, the result does not change, since after the capture of the h-pawn by the queen White plays e8Q and then Nf6. If all the forces are moved to the left it is again a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4N3/3Pk1P1/8/8/3q4/8/K7/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qd5+ {%05White must merely avoid the stalemating of his king after} 2. Ka1 {?} Qb3 {[%eval -550,0] .^013^010 But if in this position the knight were at d5, Black would manage to win by driving it away.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/4P2P/8/3Nq3/8/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kb1 Qh2 {!} (1... Kd7 {%05but not} 2. Kc2 Kd6 {??} 3. Nf4 {and 4.Ng6= with a draw}) 2. Kc1 (2. Ka1 Kd7 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Kd7 3. Kd1 Qb2 {!} 4. Ke1 Qe5+ 5. Kf2 {(f1)} Kd6 {! , and Black wins: on} 6. Nf4 {there follows} Qxf4+ $40 {[%eval -550,0] ! If in this position White's king were at g1, Black would easily give him the move ~3( 4058)~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/4P2P/8/3Nq3/8/8/8/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qd4+ {, and if} 2. Kf1 (2. Kh2 Qg7 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 2... Qb2 3. Kg1 Qe5 {[%eval -550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4P3/k7/4qN2/8/8/1P4K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. b4 {! the black king does not have any moves, since all the squares around it prove to be 'mined'. Thus on %05After} Kb6 {or 1...Ka7 there follows} (1... Qe4+ {%05The following attempt is also unsuccessful:} 2. Kh2 Qf4+ 3. Kg2 Qg5+ 4. Kh1 Qg6 5. b5+ (5. Kh2 {loses to %05^013^010} Kb6 {, since} 6. Nd6 {is not possible due to} Qxd6+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 5... Ka5 6. Kh2 {!} (6. b6 {?} Qc6+ { !$19} (6... Kb4 {%05Chekhover considered only} 7. b7 Qc6+ 8. Kh2 Qc7+ 9. Kg1 Qe5 10. Nd6 {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.})) 6... Kb6 {%05Now Black is unable to improve his position, for example} 7. Kh1 Kc7 8. b6+ Kd7 (8... Kxb6 9. Nd6 {!=} ) 9. b7 Kc7 10. Kh2 Qe6 11. Kh1 Qe5 12. Kg1 Kd7 13. Kg2 Ke8 14. Kg1 Qb8 (14... Kf7 15. Kg2 Kf6 16. Nd6 {!=}) 15. Kf2 Kf7 16. Kg1 Kf6 17. Nd4 {!=}) 2. Nd6 Qxe7 3. Nc8+ {[%eval 0,0] ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/P3P3/2q5/1N4k1/8/8/3K4/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Kf6 {does not help due to %05White is threatening by Nc7 to queen one of his pawns, which Black is unable to prevent.} (1... Kg6 {White plays %05In the event of} 2. Kd1 Kf7 3. e8=Q+ {!} Kxe8 (3... Qxe8 4. Nd6+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. a8=Q+ Qxa8 5. Nc7+ {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) (1... Kf4 {%05other attempts are also unsuccessful, e.g.} 2. Nc7 Qd7+ 3. Ke2 Qxe7+ 4. Kf1 {[%eval 0,0]} Z0 (4... Ke3 {?} 5. Nd5+ {[%eval 550,0]}) (4... Kf3 5. a8=Q+ {[%eval 0,0]})) (1... Kg4 { %05or} 2. Ke3 Kg3 3. a8=Q Qxa8 4. Nd6 {[%eval 0,0]} Z0 (4... Qa7+ 5. Kd3 Qxe7 6. Nf5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) (4... Qa3+ 5. Ke4 {[%eval 0,0]})) 2. Nc7 {!} Qd7+ 3. Ke2 Qxe7+ 4. Kf1 {[%eval 0,0] , when the black king prevents the queen from giving check!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3P4/7P/3qN3/8/8/8/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1... Qa8 (1... Kf8 2. h7 Kg7 3. h8=Q+ Kxh8 4. d8=Q+ Qxd8 5. Nf7+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Kf2 Kf8 3. h7 Kg7 4. Ke3 {!} (4. Kg3 Kxh7 5. Nc6 (5. Nf7 Qa3+ 6. Kh2 Qb2+ 7. Kg3 Qc3+ 8. Kf4 Qd4+ $19) 5... Qg8+ 6. Kh2 Qa2+ 7. Kg3 Qb3+ 8. Kh4 Qc4+ 9. Kg5 Qd5+ $19) 4... Qd8 {! ~5 This move refutes the study.} (4... Kxh7 {%05The author's solution is as follows:} 5. Nc6 Qa3+ 6. Ke4 Qa4+ 7. Ke5 {[%eval 0,0] , and the draw is obvious.}) 5. h8=Q+ Qxh8 6. Nc6 Qh3+ $19 * [Event "Moscow (Russia)"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Sherbakov"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7Q/8/8/p5K1/4k3/3n4/1p6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {In this example the weaker side succeeds in bringing his king to the help of his pawns, and he again saves the draw. (variation from the game)} 1. Qh1+ { %05White cannot win, in view of the fact that the black king is close to the b-pawn, e.g.} (1. Qb8 a4 {[%eval 0,0]}) 1... Ke3 2. Qb1 a4 3. Kf5 a3 4. Qa2 Kd2 5. Ke4 Nc1 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Site "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Date "1971.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ribli Zoltan (HUN)"] [Black "Averbakh Yuri L (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/7q/1PNK4/8/8/6k1/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1971.??.??"] {Black's king is a very long way from the white pawns, and his queen has to tackle them on its own. As a result, he is unable to win.} 1. Nd8 {!} Qg6+ 2. Kc7 Qg7+ 3. Kc8 Qc3+ 4. Kd7 Qd4+ 5. Kc7 Qe5+ 6. Kd7 {!} (6. Kc6 {, then %05The only move. If} Qe8+ 7. Kc7 Qe7+ 8. Kc8 Qc5+ 9. Kb7 Kf3 {!} 10. Nc6 Ke4 { [%eval -550,0] , and the king succeeds in coming to the queen's aid}) (6. Kc8 Qc5+ 7. Kb7 Kf3 {[%eval -550,0] comes to the same thing}) 6... Qb5+ 7. Kc7 Qe5+ 8. Kd7 Qb8 9. b7 Kf4 10. a4 Ke4 11. a5 Kd5 12. a6 Kc5 {^013^010 To win, Black has only to reach b6 with his king, but...} 13. a7 {! %05^013^010} Qxa7 14. Kc8 {[%eval 0,0] , and a draw was agreed ~3($404045)~.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2kP3P/5p2/8/5N2/2K5/7q/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~13. Queen and pawn against knight and pawns~ Of course, here too the side with the knight is the weaker. We will consider a number of study positions, where the significant material advantage cannot be realized. Compared with position ~3( 4054)~, Black has a pawn, but the position is still drawn.} 1. Kb3 Kd8 2. Kc3 (2. Ka3 {? loses to} f5 3. Kb3 Kxd7 4. Ng6 f4 5. h8=Q Qxh8 6. Nxh8 f3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... f5 3. Kd3 {! ^013^010 This move has become possible, since the d3-h7 diagonal is blocked by the pawn.} (3. Kb3 {? %05White would have lost after} Kxd7 4. Ng6 f4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... Kc7 (3... Kxd7 {, then %05If now} 4. Ng6 Qxh7 5. Nf8+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 4. Kc3 {!} (4. Ke3 {? is bad:} Kxd7 5. Ng6 f4+ 6. Kf3 Qg3+ 7. Ke2 f3+ 8. Ke3 f2+ 9. Ke2 Qg1 {[%eval -550,0]}) 4... Kd8 5. Kd3 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw. If Black does not advance his pawn to f5, the white king simply manoeuvres between c3 and b3.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3P1Pk1/3qp3/4N3/8/8/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Here too Black is unable to strengthen his position, since his king cannot attack the knight.} 1... Kh6 {, then %05Suppose that it is Black to move. If} ( 1... Kf6 {, on the contrary %05while if} 2. d8=Q+ Qxd8 3. f8=Q+ Qxf8 4. Nd7+ { [%eval 0,0] %04etc.}) 2. f8=Q+ Qxf8 3. d8=Q Qxd8 4. Nf7+ {[%eval 0,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3P4/3q4/2p1N3/2P1K3/8/4k3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {To win, Black has to drive the knight away from the d-pawn. This cannot be achieved, since all the approaches for the black king to the upper part of the board are 'mined', and the opponent's king is taking an active part in the play.} 1. Kf4 {!} (1. Kf5 {? %05bad is} Ke3 2. Ng4+ Kd4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 1... Kd2 (1... Kf2 {%05A similar picture arises after} 2. Ke4 Kg3 3. Kf5 Kh4 4. Kf4 Kh5 5. Kf5 Qe7 6. Ke4 Qg5 7. Kd5 Kh6 8. Ke6 Kg7 9. Nc6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Ke4 { , and now:} Qd4+ {%05^013^010} (2... Kc3 {%05or} 3. Kf5 Kd4 (3... Kb3 { %05Things are no different with the queen at ~2e7~:} 4. Ke4 Ka4 5. Kf5 Qe7 6. Ke4 Qg5 7. Kd5 Ka5 8. Ke6 Kb6 9. Nf7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4. d8=Q {[%eval 0,0] ! (a 'mine'!). For the same reason the black king cannot go to a5 or h6}) 3. Kf5 Ke3 4. Ke6 Ke4 5. Nc6 Qxc4+ 6. Kd6 Qd5+ 7. Kc7 c4 (7... Qf7 8. Kd6 {[%eval 0,0] !} (8. Kc8 {? %05but not} Kd5 9. d8=Q+ Kxc6 {[%eval -550,0]})) 8. d8=Q Qxd8+ 9. Kxd8 c3 10. Nb4 $6 {[%eval 0,0] Therefore draw! In the following two examples the extra pawn even hinders the stronger side, depriving the king of important squares, and preventing it from carrying out a decisive manoeuvre.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3kP2P/3p4/3Nq3/8/8/5K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {This position differs from example ~3( 4057)~ only in that Black also has a pawn at d6. Thus he does not have the possibility of driving away the knight by ...Kd6.} 1... Kc6 {, then %05If} (1... Ke8 {%05The attempt to take play into a queen ending is also unsuccessful:} 2. Kf1 Kf7 3. Kf2 Kg7 4. Kg1 Kh8 5. Kf2 Kxh7 6. e8=Q Qxd5 7. Qe7+ Kg6 8. Qe8+ {[%eval 0,0] , and Black cannot win.} ) 2. Nb4+ {!} Kb5 3. Nd5 {(with the threat of 4.Nc7)} Kc6 4. Nb4+ Kd7 5. Nd5 { [%eval 0,0] , and Black cannot strengthen his position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/P7/qp6/1N6/8/8/3KP3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {In the last few examples the stronger side was unable to realize his significant material advantage, since his king and queen, although relatively free to move about the board, were essentially tied down by the opponent's dangerous passed pawns.} {Here too White is able to draw, since the pawn takes the b6 square away from the king.} 1. e4 Kf8 2. e5 Ke7 3. e6 Kd8 4. Kd1 Qb7 5. Kd2 Qf3 6. Kc1 Qd5 7. Kc2 Kc8 8. Nd6+ {!} (8. e7 {? fails to} Qe4+ 9. Kd2 Kd7 { [%eval -550,0]}) 8... Kc7 9. Nb5+ {[%eval 0,0] Z0} ({Kb7 due to %05Now Black does not have} 9. a8=Q {[%eval 550,0] , while the b6 square is occupied by the pawn. With the queen at ~2e4~ (instead of d5) ...Kc8 is again impossible due to Nd6. If the queen is at f3, for example, in reply to ...Kc8 White plays e7, after which (against accurate defence, of course) the queen cannot occupy e4 with check. Hence $6 a draw.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1910.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Troitsky Alexei A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1N5p/7k/5P2/6PK/3q4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "3"] [EventDate "1910.??.??"] {This position is rather different from those just considered. Here there are no dangerous pawns, but on the other hand the black king is badly placed.} 1. Nc3 {! %05White continues} Qd6+ 2. Kh1 {. Due to the threat of 3.Ne4, Black cannot reply 2...Kg5 or 2...Kg3, and with his next move White plays 3.Ne4=, shutting the enemy king inside the 'cage'. The queen alone does not present any danger.^013^010 ^013^010 In exactly the same way, using a blockade, White draws in the following position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ilyin"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/4N1p1/6P1/2K5/8/8/8/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {White has blocked the king in the corner, and is preventing it from escaping. The queen alone is not able to drive the white king away from the knight.} 1. Kd6 {the position is drawn, e.g. %05After} Qe4 2. Kd7 (2. Kc7 {Black plays %05It should be noted that, if after 1.Kd6 the queen could occupy g4, Black would win. Indeed, on} Qd4 {!} 3. Kc8 (3. Kc6 {%05and if} Qd8 {[%eval -550,0] , driving the king away from the knight}) 3... Qd6 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 2... Qe5 3. Kd8 Qe6 4. Ke8 Qd6 5. Kf7 Qd7 6. Kf8 Qd8+ 7. Kf7 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc. In the following position too White draws, since the unfortunate placing of the opponent's forces allows him to give perpetual check.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/8/p2NP3/2K5/8/kq6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Nc2+ Ka2 2. Nb4+ Ka3 (2... Qxb4+ 3. Kxb4 a3 4. e5 {[%eval 0,0] , and the pawns queen simultaneously}) 3. Nc2+ {[%eval 0,0] , with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4Pk2/5p2/2p1pN2/2P1P3/4P3/6PK/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~14. Queen and pawns against knight and pawns~ In this chapter we will examine some positions where the number of pawns on each side is not less than two. From the preceding chapters it should be clear that, with a knight against a queen it is possible to draw only when: (a) A pawn can be queened and the material advantage neutralized. (b) An impregnable fortress can be set up. (c) One of the opponent's pieces can be blocked out, and the second is unable to do anything on its own. Usually these factors are combined one with another, e.g. when an attempt to break into a fortress allows a pawn to queen. The following position shows a curious example of a fortress in combination with a dangerous passed pawn. The plan that suggests itself is for the queen to deal with the e-pawn, and the king to make for the enemy position. But this plan is unrealizable, since the approaches to the white position are 'mined'. If, for example, with the queen at e6 Black places his king at a7 or b6, there follows Nd6 and if ...Qxe7 Nc8. The pawns at c4 and e4 are immune due to e8Q and then Nd6, and Black is unable to put White in zugzwang. We have a positional draw!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1k1p2p1/p2P2P1/P3P3/qPKN4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {This position demonstrates a case where the queen is blocked in, and the king cannot break into the fortress.} 1. Kc1 Qa1+ 2. Nb1 {! , not allowing the queen to break free, e.g.} Kc4 3. Kc2 Qa2 (3... Qxb1+ {, but after %05Black can break the blockade by the queen sacrifice} 4. Kxb1 Kd3 {there follows} 5. b4 axb3 6. a4 {, when the e-pawn is immune, and nothing is achieved by} Kc4 7. Kb2 Kb4 8. a5 Kxa5 9. Kxb3 {[%eval 550,0]}) 4. Nd2+ Kb5 5. Kc1 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/1k1p2p1/3P2P1/P3P3/qPKN4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kc1 {%05It is interesting to note that without his a-pawn Black would win, since after} Ka5 2. Kc2 Ka4 3. Kc1 Qa1+ 4. Nb1 {his king breaks into the fortress by} Kb3 {[%eval -550,0]} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "k7/P7/1K4p1/3p2P1/3P4/8/2N5/7q w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {Here the black king is blockading the dangerous passed pawn, but is itself a target for attack. Thanks to the mating threats, White is able to maintain the blockade.} 1. Na3 {!} (1. Nb4 {? %05The knight aims for b5. Bad is} Qb1 2. Ka6 Qa1+ {[%eval -550,0] , when Black wins.} (2... Qxb4 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate %05but not})) 1... Qh7 2. Nb5 Qb7+ 3. Kc5 {!} (3. Ka5 {loses to} Qc6 {and 4... Kb7$19}) 3... Qe7+ 4. Kb6 Qe6+ 5. Kc5 {!} Qe1 (5... Kb7 {fails to %05now} 6. a8=Q+ {!} Kxa8 7. Nc7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kb6 Qb4 7. Ka6 Qe7 8. Kb6 {[%eval 0, 0] . Draw. Black is unable to improve his position.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3bk3/8/3QK3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~1 QUEEN AGAINST BISHOP~ ~11. Queen against bishop (with or without a pawn)~ With queen against bishop the win is achieved by driving the opponent's king to the edge of the board and setting up a mating net. The bishop is unable to lend any support to the king.} 1. Qb5 Kd6 2. Kd4 Be6 3. Qb6+ Ke7 4. Ke5 Bf7 5. Qd6+ Ke8 6. Kf6 {and 7.Qe7#. Here the mate is achieved just as easily as with a queen against a lone king. If the weaker side also has a pawn, this does not normally ease his defence. Even with the pawn on the penultimate rank, if the queening square is inaccessible to the bishop and the queen can occupy it, there is no way of saving the game, since the weaker side's king can gradually be driven to the edge of the board. It is true that the winning procedure may prove fairly lengthy.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rinck Henri (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7q/5K1P/6B1/8/8/4k3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "47"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] 1... Kf4 {(to begin the driving-back, the king heads for h6)} 2. Bb1 Kg5 3. Bc2 Kh6 4. Bd3 Qg7+ {(the first step is made)} 5. Ke6 {! (the king tries to remain in the centre as long as possible)} Kg5 6. Kd5 (6. Bc2 {Black wins by %05On} Qf6+ 7. Kd7 Kf4 8. Bb1 Ke5 9. Bc2 Kd5 10. Bb3+ Kc5 11. Bg8 (11. Bc2 Qf7+ 12. Kc8 Kb6 13. Kd8 Kc6 14. Be4+ Kd6 {[%eval -550,0]}) 11... Qe5 {[%eval -550,0]}) 6... Qf6 7. Ke4 Qe6+ 8. Kd4 Qe8 9. Bc2 Kf4 10. Bg6 Qe5+ 11. Kd3 Qd5+ 12. Kc3 Qd8 13. Bb1 Ke3 14. Bf5 Qd4+ 15. Kc2 Qf6 16. Kb3 Kd4 17. Kb2 Qb6+ 18. Kc2 Qc7+ 19. Kb2 Qc3+ 20. Ka2 Ke3 21. Bg6 Kd2 22. Kb1 Qb3+ 23. Ka1 Kc1 24. h8=Q Qa3# { Thus gradually, all the time controlling the pawn's queening square with the queen, the stronger side drives the opponent's king to the edge of the board and mates it there. We will now analyse a position with a knight's pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7b/8/8/8/8/1K6/1p1k4/1Q6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Qc2+ Ke3 2. Kc4 Bg7 (2... Kf4 {, which after %05Black could have played} 3. Qd3 Ke5 {leads to position ~3($414079)~.}) 3. Qd3+ Kf2 (3... Kf4 {%05Or} 4. Kd5 Bh8 5. Qe4+ Kg3 (5... Kg5 6. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Kc4 {!} Bg7 7. Kb3 Bh8 8. Kc2 {[%eval 550,0] , and Black loses his bishop.}) 4. Kd5 (4. Kb3 {%05also possible is} Bh8 5. Kc2 Kg2 (5... Ke1 {%05or} 6. Qf3 {[%eval 550,0]}) (5... Bg7 {%05or} 6. Qf5+ Ke1 7. Qe6+ Kf2 8. Qf7+ {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qh7 {[%eval 550,0] !}) 4... Bh8 5. Ke4 Bg7 6. Qe3+ Kg2 7. Qf3+ Kg1 8. Qg3+ {and 9.Kf3, mating.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dedrle Frantishek (CZE)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7b/8/8/4k3/2K5/3Q4/1p6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] 1. Qe3+ {, e.g.:} Kf5 {%05^013^010} (1... Kd6 2. Qe4 Kd7 3. Qg6 Ke7 4. Kd5 Bc3 5. Qe6+ Kf8 6. Qg6 Ke7 7. Qf5 {! (giving Black the move here is decisive: he is now in zugzwang)} Kd8 8. Kd6 Bb4+ 9. Kc6 Ke7 10. Qe5+ {and 11.Qxb2$18}) 2. Qe1 Bg7 3. Kd5 Bh8 (3... Kf4 {there follows %05on} 4. Qe4+ Kg5 5. Ke6 {[%eval 550,0] , with the threat of 6.Qf5}) 4. Qe4+ Kf6 5. Qf4+ Kg6 6. Qf1 Bg7 7. Ke6 Bc3 8. Qf5+ Kg7 9. Qg5+ Kh7 10. Kf7 {[%eval 550,0] , and mate is inevitable. Serious difficulties may be encountered when the queen is not able to blockade the pawn, which is supported by its pieces and is threatening to queen.} * [Event "Vilno (Russia)"] [Site "Vilno (Russia)"] [Date "1912.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hromadka Karel (AUT)"] [Black "List Paul M (ENG)"] [Result "1-0"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/b6K/8/8/8/8/1p1k4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1912.??.??"] {Thus here it is only the poor position of the bishop that allows White to win. } 1. Qb3 {! , and now:} Kc1 {%05^013^010} (1... Bd4 {%05or} 2. Qa2 {! (threatening 3.Qb1)} Kc2 {!} 3. Qa4+ {!} (3. Qc4+ {? %05the only move to win; after} Bc3 {[%eval 0,0]}) (3. Kg6 {%05or} Bc3 {[%eval 0,0] Black draws}) 3... Kc3 (3... Kc1 {, then %05if} 4. Qc4+ {and 5.Qxd4$18}) 4. Qd1 {[%eval 550,0] ! , and White wins as already considered.}) 2. Qc3+ Kb1 3. Qc4 {! (having occupied this strong position with his queen, White can begin bringing up his king)} Bg1 (3... Be3 4. Kg6 Ka1 5. Qa4+ Kb1 6. Kf5 Kc1 7. Qc4+ Kd2 8. Qe4 {and 9.Qb1$18}) 4. Kg6 Ka1 5. Qa4+ Kb1 6. Kf5 Kc1 7. Qc4+ Kd2 8. Qf1 Kc2 {(otherwise 9.Qb1)} 9. Qg2+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.} 1-0 [Event "Vilno (Russia)"] [Site "Vilno (Russia)"] [Date "1912.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hromadka Karel (AUT)"] [Black "List Paul M (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/7K/5b2/8/8/8/1p1k4/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] [EventDate "1912.??.??"] {But if his bishop is at ~2c3~, ~2e5~ or ~2f6~, Black draws, since the queen is unable to prevent the queening of the pawn, due to the remote position of the white king. For example, with the bishop at ~2f6~:} 1. Qb3 Kc1 2. Qc4+ Kd2 3. Qf1 Kc2 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1K4Q1/8/8/8/8/5b2/4p3/3k4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Qb3+ {%05Here too White wins due to the unfortunate position of the bishop:} Kd2 2. Qb4+ Kd1 3. Qd6+ {!} (3. Qd4+ {? throws away the win:} Ke1 4. Qg1+ (4. Qe3 Bc6 {[%eval 0,0]}) 4... Kd2 5. Qg5+ Kd1 {[%eval 0,0]}) 3... Ke1 4. Qg3+ Kd2 5. Qf4+ Kc2 6. Qe3 {!} Bg4 (6... Bh5 7. Qc5+ Kd2 8. Qa5+ {!} Kd1 9. Qxh5 { [%eval 550,0]}) 7. Qc5+ Kd1 8. Qd4+ Kc2 9. Qb4 {(threatening 10.Qe1)} Kd1 10. Qxg4 {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 On the f3-h5 diagonal there were too few squares for the bishop.^013^010 ^013^010 In the following example the bishop is not altogether well placed, but Black draws thanks to the lack of manoeuvring space for the queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Cheron Andre (FRA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K7/8/8/8/3bQ3/4p1k1/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1... Bb5 {!} (1... Bc4 {loses to %05The only defence.} 2. Qg5+ Kf1 3. Qf4+ Kg2 4. Qh4 Kf1 5. Qxc4 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($404082)~.}) 2. Qg5+ (2. Kb6 Kf1 3. Qf3+ Kg1 4. Qg3+ Kf1 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2... Kf2 3. Qh4+ {(here there is no square analogous to a5 in position ~3($404082)~.} Kf1 {[%eval 0,0] . Draw. ~2If the queen cannot occupy a square in front of the pawn which is inaccessible to the bishop, even against a pawn on the 6th rank considerable efforts are required in order to win. Here the position of the stronger side's king is of decisive importance. The result normally depends on whether the king is able to support the queen.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6q1/P1B5/1K6/5k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Kb6 Qd4+ 2. Kb7 Qb4+ 3. Kc7 Qc5 {!} 4. Kb7 (4. Kb8 {, there would have followed %05Had White played} Qb6+ 5. Bb7 Ke5 6. a7 Qd8+ 7. Bc8 Kd6 8. a8=Q Qc7#) 4... Ke5 {!} 5. a7 Kd6 6. a8=Q Qxc6+ {, and Black wins, since his king is well placed, e.g.} 7. Ka7 Qc5+ 8. Ka6 Qa3+ 9. Kb7 Qb4+ 10. Ka6 (10. Kc8 Qc5+ 11. Kb7 (11. Kd8 {%05or} Qc7+ {[%eval -550,0] comes to the same thing}) 11... Qb5+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 10... Qa4+ 11. Kb7 Qb5+ 12. Ka7 (12. Kc8 Qd7+ 13. Kb8 Qc7#) 12... Kc7 {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2B5/6q1/P7/1K6/8/4k3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Kb6 Qd4+ 2. Kb7 Qd5+ 3. Kb8 Qd6+ {!} 4. Kb7 Kd4 {! (the king arrives just in time)} 5. a7 Kc5 6. a8=N (6. a8=Q Qb6#) 6... Qe7+ 7. Ka6 Kc6 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.^013^010 ^013^010 But if in position ~3($414084)~ the black king were at e3, White would be able to draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/6q1/P1B5/1K6/8/4k3/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kb6 Qd4+ 2. Kb7 Qb4+ 3. Kc7 Qc5 4. Kb7 Kd4 5. a7 $40 {[%eval 0,0] %04etc. It is curious that in position ~3( 4087)~, on the contrary, it is with his king at ~2f4~ that Black is able to draw, since it is no longer able to reach c5.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "2B5/6q1/P7/1K6/5k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] 1. Kb6 (1. Bb7 {?} Qd4 {[%eval -550,0]}) 1... Qd4+ 2. Kb7 Qd5+ 3. Kb8 {!=} (3. Kc7 {? ^013^010} Ke5 {!} 4. Bb7 (4. a7 Qa8 $19) 4... Qd6+ 5. Kc8 Qe7 6. Kb8 Kd6 $19) (3. Ka7 {?} Ke5 {!$19}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1923.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kubbel"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5B2/8/5P1K/q7/5k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] [EventDate "1923.??.??"] {In conclusion, an example where the draw is achieved 'miraculously'.} 1. Bd6+ {!} (1. f7 {loses to} Qg5+ 2. Kh7 Kf5 3. Bg7 Qg6+ 4. Kg8 Qe6 {! and 5...Kg6$19} ) 1... Kf5 2. f7 {!} Qd2+ 3. Kh7 (3. Kg7 {?} Qg5+ {[%eval -550,0] and wins}) 3... Qxd6 4. f8=Q+ Qxf8 {[%eval 0,0] $6 stalemate!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/5b2/6k1/7p/Q5p1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {~12. Queen against bishop and pawns~ A bishop and two pawns can draw against a queen only in exceptional cases. Usually the king and queen are able to drive the opponent's king away from the pawns, and either immediately create a mating net, or first win one of the pawns. White carries out his winning plan without difficulty, in spite of the fact that the pawns are far advanced.} 1. Kf2 Kg5 2. Qg8+ Kf6 3. Qg3 {!} Be6 4. Ke3 {(the queen has securely stopped the pawns, and the king can advance)} Bf5 5. Kf4 Be6 6. Qg5+ Kf7 7. Ke5 Bd7 8. Qf6+ Kg8 9. Qd8+ {[%eval 550,0] , and White wins.^013^010 ^013^010 If the queen and king are not able to support each other, it is not normally possible to win.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1951.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6B1/q7/P5P1/1K6/8/8/6k1/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] [EventDate "1951.??.??"] 1. Bd5+ {Black has two paths, but both lead to a draw: %05White saves the draw thanks to the remote position of the opponent's king. After} Kg3 {%05^013^010} (1... Kf2 2. Bb7 Qd4 3. Bc6 {!} (3. Bc8 {? is bad due to %05but here} Ke3 4. g7 Qxg7 5. Kb6 Qd4+ 6. Kb7 Qd5+ 7. Kb8 Qd6+ {!} 8. Kb7 Kd4 9. a7 Kc5 {[%eval -550, 0]}) 3... Ke3 4. g7 Qxg7 5. Kb6 Qd4+ 6. Kb7 {[%eval 0,0]}) 2. Bb7 Qd4 3. Bc8 {! } (3. Bc6 {? is bad due to %05The only way!} Kf4 4. g7 Qxg7 5. Kb6 Qd4+ 6. Kb7 Qb4+ 7. Kc7 Qc5 {!} 8. Kb7 (8. Kb8 Qb6+ 9. Bb7 Ke5 10. a7 Qd8+ 11. Bc8 Kd6 { [%eval -550,0]}) 8... Ke5 {!} 9. a7 Kd6 {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... Kf4 4. g7 Qxg7 5. Kb6 Qd4+ 6. Kb7 Qb4+ 7. Kc7 Qc5+ 8. Kb7 Ke5 9. a7 Kd6 10. a8=Q {[%eval 0,0] ^013^010 Thus White plays 3.Bc8 or 3.Be6, depending on the diagonal along which the black king moves!^013^010 ^013^010 In the following position White gains a draw with a rook's pawn on the 7th rank, by sacrificing his 'superfluous' bishop.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K4B2/P5P1/5k2/q7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] 1. g7 {! White is bound to lose his g-pawn, but after %05After} Qd4+ (1... Qd7+ {%05if} 2. Kb8 Qxf7 {, then} 3. a7 {[%eval 0,0] and the draw is obvious}) 2. Kb7 {there are two possibilities:} Qb2+ {%05^013^010} (2... Qxg7 {%05or} 3. a7 Qb2+ 4. Bb3 {!} (4. Kc7 {? %05not} Qa3 5. Kb7 Qb4+ 6. Kc7 Qa5+ 7. Kb7 Qb5+ 8. Kc7 Qa6 9. Kb8 Qb6+ {[%eval -550,0]}) (4. Ka6 {? %05or} Qg2 5. Kb6 Ke5 6. Be8 Kd6 {[%eval -550,0]}) 4... Qg7+ 5. Bf7 {!} Qg2+ 6. Bd5 {[%eval 0,0] ! , and the game ends in a draw} (6. Kb8 {?} Qb2+ 7. Bb3 Qe5+ {[%eval -550,0]})) 3. Kc8 {!} (3. Kc7 {? %05bad is} Qxg7 4. a7 Qe5+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 3... Qxg7 4. a7 Qf8+ (4... Qc3+ {%05Things are no different after} 5. Bc4 {!} (5. Kb7 {?} Qb4+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 5... Qa5 6. Kb7 {[%eval 0,0]}) (4... Qg2 {%05or} 5. Bd5 {!} ( 5. Kb8 {? %05but not} Qb2+ 6. Bb3 Qe5+ {[%eval -550,0] %04etc.}) 5... Qxd5 6. Kb8 {[%eval 0,0]}) 5. Be8 {!} (5. Kb7 {? %05but not} Qb4+ {[%eval -550,0]}) 5... Qc5+ 6. Kb7 {[%eval 0,0] with a draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1954.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/K4B2/P5P1/5k2/8/8/8/3q4 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1954.??.??"] {The repeated bishop sacrifices at e8, f7, d5, c4 and b3 are most interesting. } 1. g7 {he has the possibility of %05Had his queen been at d1, Black would have won, since after} Qg1+ {!} 2. Kb7 Qg2+ {!} 3. Kc8 Qc6+ 4. Kd8 Qd6+ 5. Ke8 Kf6 $19 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1956.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "K5B1/6kP/8/5P2/8/8/8/2q5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1956.??.??"] 1. f6+ Kh8 2. f7 {^013^010 Black cannot strengthen his position, e.g.} Qc5 3. Kb7 Kg7 4. Ka8 Qh5 5. Kb7 Kf8 6. Ka8 Ke7 7. Kb7 Qe5 8. Ka8 Qb2 9. Ka7 {[%eval 0,0] etc. The pawns restrict both black pieces!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1851.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Horwitz & Kling"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/5Q2/8/8/8/6kp/p5p1/1b4K1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] [EventDate "1851.??.??"] {The pawns seem very dangerous, but White succeeds in coping with them by exploiting the poor position of the enemy king. Had the black king been, say, inside the a1-a8-e8-e1 rectangle, the game would have ended in a draw due to the white forces being restricted by the pawns.} 1. Qf2+ Kg4 2. Qf6 { (threatening 3.Kf2, and not allowing the king out of the danger zone)} Kg3 ( 2... Kh5 {%05if} 3. Kf2 Be4 {, then} (3... Bg6 {comes to the same thing after} 4. Qf3+ Kg5 5. Qd5+ {and 6.Qxa2$18}) 4. Qf7+ Kh6 5. Qxa2 h2 6. Qe6+ {[%eval 550,0] , winning the h-pawn}) (2... Bf5 {there follows %05on} 3. Kf2 Kf4 4. Qd4+ Be4 5. Qd2+ Ke5 6. Qxa2 h2 7. Qa5+ Kd6 8. Qd8+ {[%eval 550,0] , and the h-pawn is again lost.}) 3. Qg5+ Kf3 4. Qe5 Be4 (4... Kg4 5. Kf2 Bf5 6. Qe2+ { [%eval 550,0]}) 5. Qc3+ Kf4 (5... Kg4 6. Qd4 {[%eval 550,0]}) 6. Qd2+ Kg3 7. Qf2+ {!} Kg4 8. Qxa2 Bf5 9. Kf2 {[%eval 550,0] ~3($404089)~.} * [Event "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Site "Bucharest (Romania)"] [Date "1950.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Dazetcu"] [Black "Calomerescu"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6Q1/8/8/8/5K1P/2k5/1p6/1b6 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] [EventDate "1950.??.??"] {~13. Queen and pawn against bishop and pawns~ The presence of the pawn improves the stronger side's chances considerably, since sometimes it proves possible to give up his queen for a dangerous enemy pawn and then queen his own pawn.} 1. Ke3 {!} (1. Qc8+ {%05In the game White failed to find this possibility, and after} Kb3 2. Qb7+ Ka3 3. Qa6+ Kb3 {[%eval 0,0] it ended in a draw.}) 1... Bc2 2. Qg7+ Kb3 3. Kd2 {!} b1=Q 4. Qc3+ Ka2 5. Qxc2+ Qxc2+ 6. Kxc2 {[%eval 550,0] , and the pawn queens. ~2In this type of ending it is usually possible to draw if one of the stronger side's pieces can be blocked in.~ The queen or king on their own are unable to do anything.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6p1/6Bk/8/5PKP/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. h3 {[%eval 0,0] the king is locked in a 'cage', and Black is unable to lift the blockade. %05After} (1. f3 {%05but not} Qd2+ 2. Kg1 Qe2 {[%eval -550,0] , winning}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1929.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7k/5Bp1/6P1/8/6K1/5P2/8/2q5 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1929.??.??"] {(draw, or win for Black?) Here the black king is again blocked in, and the composer thought that this should guarantee White a draw. But it was shown in 1952 by Cheron that Black can lift the blockade.} 1... Qe3 {, and now:} 2. Kf5 {(since all the same his pawn is lost, White takes his king to the centre) %05^013^010} (2. f4 Qd3 3. Kh4 Qf3 4. Kg5 Qh3 5. f5 Qf3 6. Bc4 Qe3+ 7. Kh5 Qe4 8. Be6 Qf4 {[%eval -550,0] , and White loses his pawn}) (2. Kg3 Qg5+ 3. Kf2 Qf4 4. Ke2 Qd4 5. Kf1 Qd2 6. Kg1 Qe2 {[%eval -550,0]}) 2... Qxf3+ 3. Ke6 Qe4+ 4. Kd6 Qd4+ 5. Ke6 Qc5 6. Kd7 Qb6 7. Ke7 Qc6 8. Kd8 Qd6+ 9. Ke8 Qc7 10. Be6 (10. Kf8 Qd8+ 11. Be8 Qd6+ 12. Kf7 Qf6#) 10... Qc6+ 11. Ke7 Qe4 12. Kf7 Qf4+ 13. Ke8 Qf6 14. Bf7 Qd6 {[%eval -550,0] , and Black wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1939.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Zakhodyakin Gleb N (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "7q/2P1BK1p/2k5/6P1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "7"] [EventDate "1939.??.??"] {This position is a rare exception to the rule. Here it is the side with the bishop that wins!} 1. Bd8 {%05After} Kd7 2. c8=Q+ {!!} Kxc8 3. Bf6 {! the queen is trapped, and since} h6 {is met by} 4. g6 {[%eval 550,0] ! , Black is forced to resign.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/1p6/1Pp1k2p/2P1p1pP/4P1P1/5P2/4qBK1 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {~14. Queen and pawns against bishop and pawns~ Here we will consider a few examples where each side has not less than two pawns. As in positions with knight against queen, a draw is possible in three cases: (a) By queening a pawn and neutralizing the material advantage. (b) By setting up a fortress which cannot be penetrated by the enemy pieces. (c) By blocking in one of the enemy pieces. White keeps his king at ~2g1~ or ~2g2~. If the queen occupies f3, he will have the move Bg2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1927.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Simkhovich"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/2P5/2k5/p1p5/P1P5/1P6/qBK5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "1927.??.??"] {Here too, for a draw it is sufficient for White to play his king between ~2c2~ and ~2c1~.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1952.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2p5/2Pp4/3Pp1k1/4P3/5P2/5BK1/2q5 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] [EventDate "1952.??.??"] 1. Kg3 {(the king must be prevented from occupying f4)} Qf4+ 2. Kg2 {(now the queen blocks f4 and obstructs its own king!)} Qd2 3. Kg3 Qc1 4. Ba7 {! (the only move, but sufficient!)} Qf4+ 5. Kg2 Kh5 6. Bf2 Qg5+ 7. Kh2 {[%eval 0,0] It is a positional draw. If the black king goes to b8, then with the queen at c1 and the white king at g2, White plays Bf2-g1-f2.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1947.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Chekhover Vitaly A (RUS)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1k6/8/8/2pB2p1/2P2pP1/1KP2P2/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1947.??.??"] {Strangely enough, Black cannot win! True, White has to defend accurately.} 1. Bc5 {!} Ka6 2. Bd4 Kb5 3. Ba7 {!} Qe7 4. Bd4 Ka4 5. Ka2 {!} (5. Kb1 {?} Ka3 { [%eval -550,0]}) 5... Qa3+ 6. Kb1 {(the queen blocks a3 and obstructs its own king!)} Ka5 7. Be5 Kb5 8. Bf6 (8. Bd4 {? %05not} Ka4 {, when White is in zugzwang! $6 e.g.} 9. Bf6 (9. Bg7 {%05or} Qe7 10. Bd4 Ka3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 9... Qd6 10. Bd4 Ka3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 8... Ka4 9. Bd4 Qe7 10. Kb2 Qe4 11. Kb1 Qd5 (11... Ka3 12. Bc5+ {[%eval 0,0]}) 12. Kb2 Qf5 {!} 13. Be3 {!} (13. Kb1 { ? %05now this move is possible and necessary; not} Ka3 {[%eval -550,0]}) 13... Qh7 14. Bd4 {[%eval 0,0] . A positional draw.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1941.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Fine Reuben (USA)"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1pp/8/3BP3/3K4/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "37"] [EventDate "1941.??.??"] {~1Knight in Zugzwang, or a Few Words in Fine's Defence~ ~2GM Sergey Shipov~ The struggle between bishop and knight is one of the most interesting themes in chess. Bishop is athletic, quick, but slightly stupid-looking. Knight is a tricky jumper, but on short legs - it takes it much time to get from one edge of the board to the opposite. In this article I would like to draw the reader's attention to the following drawback of a knight. After each of knight's moves it loses control over the squares which it has controlled, acquiring new squares in return. Being forced to defend other pieces, or some square from the enemy invasion, the knight completely loses its mobility, which can lead to zugzwang. The cruel necessity to move, even if you do not wish to, is a very important feature of chess. Unlike a knight, a bishop, controlling one or even several squares on a diagonal, is able to move along this diagonal as long as it likes. Therefore, a bishop turns out in zugzwang much more seldom. In the opening and middlegame this drawback of a knight is not especially noticeable, but in the endgame it is rather often revealed. At the same time, the endgame also reveals the bishop's drawback; that is the fact that a half of the chessboard is inaccessible for it. A striking demonstration of these knight and bishop features is the following ending given by Reuben Fine in his book "Basic chess endings" (Philadelphia, 1941). The Russian readers can find this ending supplied with Fine's annotations in Yury Averbakh's book "Comprehensive Chess Endings. Bishop Against Knight. Rook Against Minor Piece" (Moscow, 1981). About ten years ago I was reading Averbakh's book in the Moscow underground, and annotations to this ending seemed unconvincing to me. White has an extra pawn, but the play is concentrated in too small an area, which, generally speaking, favours the knight. White's task is to weaken the black pawns and then to break through to them with the king. To accomplish this task, White uses the so called rule of two weaknesses. The first weakness in Black's camp is in fact White's passed pawn on e5, but it is not sufficient for a win. To increase his winning chances, White should create Black a second weakness.} 1. Be4 {the author considers the following instructive variations (the exclamation and question marks are his):^013^010 ^013^010 %05^013^010 %05After} g6 {?} 2. Bd5 Nb8 3. Bg8 {!} h6 (3... Kf8 4. Bxh7 {!} Kg7 5. Kd5 Kxh7 6. Kd6 Kg7 7. e6 Kf8 8. Kc7 Ke7 9. Kxb8 Kxe6 10. Kc7 Kf5 11. Kd6 Kg4 12. Ke5 Kh3 13. Kf6 $18) 4. Bd5 Nd7 5. Be4 {! } Nf8 (5... g5 6. Bd5 Nb6 7. Ke4 Nd7 8. Kf5 Nf8 9. e6 {zugzwang, and White wins after} Nh7 10. Kg6 Nf6 11. Bc4 $18) 6. Kd5 Kd7 7. h4 {! %08DA} h5 (7... Ke7 8. h5 {!} gxh5 9. Bf5 h4 (9... Nd7 10. Bxd7 Kxd7 11. e6+ Ke7 12. Ke5 $18) ( 9... Kd8 10. Kd6 Ke8 11. e6 h4 12. e7 {!} hxg3 13. Be4 $18) 10. gxh4 Kd8 11. Kd6 Ke8 12. h5 Kf7 13. Bc2 Kg8 (13... Ke8 14. Bg6+ {!$18}) 14. Ke7 Kg7 15. Bf5 {!} Kg8 16. Kf6 Kh8 17. Kf7 $18) 8. Bc2 Ke7 9. Bb1 {!} Kd7 10. Ke4 Ke7 (10... Ne6 11. Ba2 Nc5+ 12. Kd4 Na4 13. Bf7 $18) 11. Ba2 Nd7 12. Kf4 Kf8 (12... Nc5 13. Kg5 Ne4+ 14. Kxg6 Nxg3 15. Bc4 {!} Kf8 16. Kg5 Ne4+ 17. Kxh5 Nc5 18. Bb5 {! } Ke7 19. Kg6 Ke6 20. h5 Kxe5 21. h6 Ne6 22. Bc4 Nf8+ 23. Kg7 Kf5 {!} 24. Bb3 Kg5 25. Bf7 $18) 13. Bb1 Kf7 14. Bc2 Nf8 (14... Kg7 15. e6 Nc5 16. Ke5 {!$18}) 15. Bb3+ Kg7 16. Ke4 {!} Nd7 17. Kd5 Kf8 18. Kd6 Nb6 19. Kc7 $18 {, and White wins. Therefore, the American grandmaster concludes that Black must play 1... h6!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1pp/8/4P3/3KB3/6P1/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "23"] 1... h6 2. Bf5 {%05^013^010 %05Fine continues here:^013^010 %05^013^010} Nb6 3. Bc2 Nd7 4. Bb3 Nb6 5. Ke4 Kf8 {! ^013^010 I should like to emphasize one more time that the marks are Fine's.^013^010 ^013^010} 6. Kf5 Nc8 7. Ke6 (7. Kg6 { %05Nothing is achieved by} Ne7+ 8. Kh7 Nc6 9. e6 Ne7) 7... Ne7 8. Kd6 Ng6 9. e6 Ne7 10. Bc2 Nc8+ 11. Kd7 Ne7 12. h4 Ng8 {= , and Black draws. White fails to deprive the e7-knight of all retreat squares, and so he is unable to put Black in zugzwang. Basing on this analysis, Fine came to the conclusion that 1...g6 is a losing mistake, while 1...h6! leads to a draw. That is generally understandable: by 1...g6 Black places his pawns on the light squares. This allows the white bishop to attack Black's pawns, which forces their advance and opens the way for White's king to them. After 1...h6, on the contrary, White is unable to force the advance of Black's pawns, while the black king from f8 can simultaneously defend the pawns and control the e7-square. Black's position is solid and compact, so the draw result is quite natural. A more detailed analysis, however, shows that Fine's conclusions are in general correct, but his arguments are not quite precise.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1pp/8/3BP3/3K4/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] 1. Be4 {^013^010 Black is not forced to determine his pawn position, because he can attack the e5-pawn by^013^010 ^013^010 %05Let us first state that after^013^010 %05^013^010} Ke6 {! ^013^010 , and White has to return to the initial position by^013^010 ^013^010} 2. Bd5+ Ke7 (2... Kf5 {%05Bad is the aggressive} 3. e6 Nf6 4. e7 Kg4 5. Ke5 Kh3 (5... h5 6. Ke6 h4 7. gxh4 Kxh4 8. Kf7 Kh5 9. Kxg7 Ne8+ 10. Kf7 Nc7 11. Bc6 Kh6 12. Kf6 Kh7 13. Ke5 Kg7 14. Kd6 Kf6 15. h4 $18) 6. Kf5 Kxh2 7. g4 h6 8. Kg6 Kg3 9. Be6 Kf3 10. Kxg7 $18) 3. Bg8 {^013^010 White can force Black to make the correct move^013^010 ^013^010 %05Of course, by playing^013^010 %05^013^010} h6 {%05^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1pp/8/3BP3/3K4/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "5"] {In order to give his opponent a chance to make a mistake, White can try to attack the black pawns in another way.} 1. Bf3 Nb8 (1... Nf8 {?} 2. Bg4 { with the idea of Bf5$18}) (1... Nb6 2. Be4) 2. Kd5 (2. Be4 {?} Ke6 {!} 3. Bxh7 {?} Nc6+ {=}) 2... Nd7 3. Be4 {, forcing Black to reveal his understanding and make a choice between 3...g6 and 3...h6.^013^010 ^013^010 This slight inaccuracy, committed by the American grandmaster, is insignificant.^013^010 Therefore, for the^013^010 sake of simplicity, we will consider the author's move order.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1pp/8/3BP3/3K4/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] {Let us return to the first variation of Fine's analysis. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191496} 1. Be4 g6 {?} 2. Bd5 Nb8 3. Bg8 {, accompanied in the author's text with an exclamation mark, is apparently not bad, but its consequences are unclear. For example:^013^010 ^013^010 %05^013^010 %05Here the move} Kf8 4. Bxh7 (4. Bc4 { %05It is also possible to retreat by}) 4... Kg7 5. Kd5 (5. Bxg6 {%05Only a draw is achieved by} Kxg6 6. Kd5 Nd7 7. Kd6 (7. g4 Nb6+ 8. Kc5 (8. Ke6 Kg5 9. h3 Kf4 {=}) (8. Ke4 Kf7 9. Kf5 Nd5 {= with the idea of Ne7,Ke6 followed by N?xe5 with a draw}) 8... Nc8 {!} 9. h4 Kf7 10. h5 (10. Kd5 Nb6+ {=}) 10... Ke6 11. h6 Ne7 12. h7 Ng6 13. Kd4 Nh8 14. Ke4 Ng6 {=}) 7... Nb6 8. h4 (8. g4 Nc4+ { =}) 8... Kf5 9. e6 Kf6 10. g4 Nc4+ {=}) 5... Kxh7 6. Kd6 Kg7 7. e6 Na6 { !? %05^013^010 %05The king and the knight are placed diagonally, with one square separating them; this %05positioning^013^010 %05is the most unpleasant for the defender. If Black takes his knight on a lengthy journey, he %05is^013^010 %05one tempo short of gaining a draw.^013^010 %05^013^010} (7... Kf8 {? %05Black should not play} 8. Kc7 Ke7 {giving up the knight} (8... Na6+ 9. Kd8 $18)) (7... g5 {%05No better is} 8. Kc7 Kf6 9. Kxb8 Kxe6 10. Kc7 g4 { loses due to %05, because} (10... Ke7 11. g4 {(White has a reserve tempo h2-h3) } Ke6 12. Kd8 Ke5 13. Ke7 Kf4 14. h3 Kg3 15. Kf6 $18) 11. Kc6 Ke5 12. Kc5 Ke4 13. Kd6 {!$18}) 8. h4 {! %05Now the only way to win is by} (8. e7 {%05Nothing is achieved by} Kf7 9. h4 Ke8 (9... Nb4 {?} 10. Kd7 $18) 10. g4 Nb4 11. h5 (11. g5 Nc2 12. h5 gxh5 13. g6 Ne3 14. Ke6 Nf5 {=}) 11... gxh5 12. gxh5 (12. g5 { ? %05White even loses after} h4 13. g6 Nc6 {!} 14. Kxc6 Kxe7 $19) 12... Nd3 13. h6 Nf4 14. h7 Ng6 {= , and Black draws.}) 8... Kf8 (8... Nb4 {?} 9. e7 Kf7 10. Kd7 $18) 9. g4 Nb4 10. g5 {! ^013^010 Again, the only move.} (10. Kd7 {%05Of course, bad is} Nd5) (10. h5 {? %05It may seem that White wins by} gxh5 11. g5 (11. gxh5 {%05Harmless is} Nd3 12. h6 Nf4 13. h7 Ng6 14. Kd7 Kg7 {=}) 11... Nc6 {!! %05, but Black has an elegant reply:} (11... h4 {? ^013^010 %05Other moves do not work:} 12. g6 Nc6 (12... h3 13. e7+ Ke8 14. g7 $18) 13. Kxc6 h3 14. Kd7 h2 15. e7+ Kg7 16. e8=Q h1=Q 17. Qf7+ Kh6 18. Qh7+ $18) (11... Nd3 {? %05or} 12. g6 (12. e7+ {!} Ke8 13. g6 Ne5 {!} 14. Kxe5 Kxe7 {= with a draw}) 12... Nf2 13. e7+ Ke8 14. g7 Ne4+ 15. Ke5 $18) 12. Kxc6 {, otherwise Black plays 12... Ne7) %05White has to capture the knight -} Ke7 13. Kd5 h4 14. g6 h3 {= The pawn queens with check, and Black draws.}) 10... Nd3 11. h5 gxh5 (11... Nf2 12. Kd7 $18) 12. g6 Nf4 13. e7+ Ke8 14. g7 $18 {Hence after 3.Bg8 followed by 4. Bh7!? White manages to win. This complicated way, however, demands precise calculation.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1n6/4k2p/6p1/3BP3/3K4/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 3"] [PlyCount "6"] {Black has weakened the g6-square, after which White transfers his bishop to the b1-h7 diagonal and wins in analogy with Fine's variation.} { %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191496} 3. h4 {! %05White has a more reliable method: instead of 3.Bg8 he can first play^013^010 %05^013^010} Nd7 {%05, for example} 4. Bc4 Nb6 (4... Nb8 {?} 5. Bb5 $18) (4... Kf8 {?} 5. Bb5 Nb6 6. Kc5 Nc8 7. Bd7 Ne7 8. Kd6 $18) 5. Bg8 { ^013^010 , and Black has to weaken his position by} h6 (5... h5 {%05Black also loses after}) (5... Kf8 {%05or} 6. Bxh7 Kg7 7. e6 {!} (7. Kc5 {?! %05weaker is} Nc8 {!}) 7... Nc8 8. Bxg6 {!} (8. Ke5 {%05but not} Kxh7 9. Kf6 g5 {!} 10. Kxg5 Kg7 11. h5 Ne7 12. g4 Ng8 {, and Black holds his ground.}) 8... Kxg6 9. Ke5 Ne7 (9... Nb6 10. h5+ $18) 10. g4 Nc8 11. g5 $18 {, and White's pawns are unstoppable.}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1pp/8/3BP3/3K4/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {Let us now examine in more detail the key position of this article, which arises after} 1. Be4 h6 {! ^013^010 Now the most interesting things begin! In his analysis of this position Fine committed two serious mistakes which change the evaluation.^013^010 ^013^010} 2. Bf5 Nb6 3. Bc2 Nd7 4. Bb3 Nb6 5. Ke4 Kf8 6. Kf5 Nc8 {? ^013^010 ~4 This move loses.~} (6... Ke7 {%05Necessary is} 7. Kg6 {does not work due to %05, and} Kf8 8. e6 {?} Nc8 {with a draw.}) 7. Ke6 Ne7 8. Kd6 Ng6 9. e6 {? ^013^010 ~4 This move throws away the win.~^013^010 ^013^010 The idea of Black's defence is clear. Having deployed his king at f8 and knight at e7, Black protects the g7-pawn and then manoeuvres with the knight, securely blockading the opponent's passed pawn. This is absolutely correct, only if the knight... will have a square to move to. After 9.e6? White is unable to take all knight's six retreat squares under control, therefore a draw is obvious. It is not the pawn that should be placed at e6, but the BISHOP, and as many as four squares will be under White's control! Then the white king from d7 deprives the knight of the fifth square and completely restricts mobility of the black king. And finally the white pawn, advanced to h5, will deprive the^013^010 knight of the sixth square, thus completing the zugzwang picture.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/6p1/3K2np/4P3/8/1B4P1/7P/8 w - - 0 9"] [PlyCount "19"] {Let us now examine how this task can be solved with the king at d6.} 9. h4 Ne7 (9... h5 {%05Bad is} 10. Bd1 Ne7 11. Ke6 g6 12. Kf6 $18) 10. Be6 {!} Ke8 (10... h5 {^013^010 %05As it was previously, Black should not advance his pawns:} 11. Bd7 Kf7 12. Bh3 Ng6 13. Bg2 Ne7 14. Bd5+ Kf8 15. Ke6 $18 {Then the bishop attacks the h5-pawn, forcing Black to defend it by g7-g6, and White's king^013^010 penetrates to f6.}) 11. h5 Kd8 12. g4 g6 (12... Ke8 {%05The solution is shortened by} 13. Kc7 Kf8 14. Kd7 $18) 13. Bd7 gxh5 14. gxh5 Ng8 15. Bg4 Ne7 16. Be6 Ke8 17. Kc7 Kf8 18. Kd7 {^013^010 Here it is, the decisive zugzwang! Thus 5...Kf8, awarded with the exclamation mark by the author, in fact deserves "?!". It does not lose, but contains an erroneous idea - to allow white king's penetration to d6 or e6.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1p1/7p/4P3/3KB3/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 2"] [PlyCount "0"] {In this position White can try to carry out the following plan: 1) By preliminary manoeuvres of his bishop and king White cuts off the knight from the crucial e7-square. 2) In response to the white king's penetration onto g6, the black king has to retreat to f8. Then White advances his pawn to ?, diverting the enemy king, and captures both black pawns. 3) When this is done, White advances his pawns, not allowing Black to sacrifice his knight for the g-pawn and reach the safe h8-corner. This plan looks quite realizable. As is well known, the h- and g- pawns, supported by the light-squared bishop, easily win against a knight, provided that the pawns are not blockaded.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4kBK1/5n1P/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] 1... Nh7 {!= , turns into easily won for White, if the second white pawn is added to the h-file. Exactly this position may arise if, after the loss of the g7-pawn, Black advances his h-pawn and it is captured by White's g-pawn. %05Moreover, this theoretically drawn position in which Black to move draws by} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1p1/7p/4P3/4K3/6P1/4B2P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "6"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191496 In Fine's position, Black's counter-chances consist in attack on the e5-pawn, control over the e7-square and, if necessary, attack on the opponent's g- and h-pawns. It is rather difficult to analyze this ending exhaustively. In order to save the game, Black must play very precisely. Let us show the obstacles that he has to overcome on his way to the draw. Let us note that Black is unable to simply defend the invasion square g6 by deploying his knight at f8 and moving the king or the knight to d7. The point is that Black must not allow his opponent to cut off the knight at f8 along the h3-c8 diagonal.} 1... Nf8 {? %05For example,^013^010 %05^013^010} (1... Kf7 {? %05Black also loses after the incautious} 2. e6+ {! %05due to} Kxe6 3. Bg4+ Ke7 4. Bxd7 Kxd7 { The pawn ending which has arisen is not as simple as it may seem. White continues} 5. Kf5 Ke7 6. Kg6 Kf8 7. Kh7 {Of course, the black king must not be allowed to reach g8.} h5 8. Kg6 h4 {The only opportunity of counterplay} (8... Kg8 {%05Black loses quickly after} 9. Kxh5 Kh7 10. Kg5 Kh8 11. Kg6 {, and the pawn march to h6 decides the game}) 9. g4 Kg8 (9... h3 10. Kh7 Kf7 11. g5 { , and White wins}) 10. h3 (10. g5 {%05not so clear is} h3 {!}) 10... Kh8 11. Kg5 Kh7 12. Kxh4 Kh6 (12... Kg6 {does not save either due to} 13. g5 Kf5 14. Kh5 $18) 13. g5+ Kg6 14. Kg4 Kf7 (14... Kh7 15. Kf5) 15. Kh5 Kg8 16. Kg6 Kh8 17. Kf7 $18 {, and by h4-h5-h6 White clears the way for his g5-pawn to the queening square.}) 2. Bg4 (2. Kf5 Kf7) 2... Ng6 (2... Kf7 3. h4) 3. Bf5 Nf8 ( 3... Nh8 {fails due to %05An attempt to escape via f7 by} 4. e6 Kf6 5. Kd5 Ke7 6. Ke5 g6 7. Be4 $18 {Black is in zugzwang, and his moves will soon be over.}) 4. h4 $18 {^013^010 In view of the threatening 5.h5, which will put Black in zugzwang, he is forced to weaken his position by playing g7-g6, after which White wins as it was shown above.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/3nk1p1/7p/4P3/4K3/6P1/4B2P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191496} 1... Nb6 {%05In this position Black has to play} (1... Nc5+ {%05Also good is}) 2. Kf5 {%05, and in the case of the immediate^013^010 %05^013^010} Nd7 3. Kg6 Kf8 4. e6 Ne5+ 5. Kh7 Nc6 {= ^013^010 he manages to set up the blockade at e7 in time.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1p1/7p/2n1PK2/2B5/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "25"] {The black knight must not move too far from the e7-square, otherwise White obtains good winning chances. For example, in this position the knight is badly placed, and White carries out his plan without difficulty.} 1. Kg6 Kf8 2. e6 Ne4 3. e7+ Kxe7 4. Kxg7 h5 5. Kg6 (5. Bf7 {is also possible. For example %05Sharp} Nf6 6. Bg6 (6. h3 {?} Ne4 {=}) 6... Ke6 7. h3 Ke7 (7... Ke5 8. Kf7 Nd5 9. Bxh5 Ne3 10. Be2 $18) 8. Kh6 Kf8 (8... h4 9. g4 {! followed by 10.Kg5$18 }) 9. Bxh5 Ne4 10. g4 Nf2 11. g5 {! %05It may seem that Black managed to save the game, but...} (11. h4 {? %05on} Nxg4+ {! %05there follows} 12. Bxg4 Kg8 { = with a draw}) 11... Nxh3 12. g6 Nf4 13. g7+ Kg8 14. Bf7+ {!$18 , and White wins.}) 5... h4 (5... Nf6 6. Kg5 {(zugzwang)} Ng4 7. Kxh5 Nxh2 8. Be2 {, and the knight perishes.}) (5... Nd2 6. Be2 h4 7. g4 {!} Ne4 8. h3 $18) 6. gxh4 Nd6 7. Bb3 Kf8 8. h5 Nf5 9. h6 (9. Kxf5 {?} Kg7 {=}) 9... Ne7+ 10. Kf6 Ng8+ 11. Kg5 Ne7 12. h4 {^013^010 Black ends up in zugzwang and loses.^013^010 ^013^010} Nc8 (12... Ng8 13. h7 $18) 13. Kf6 $18 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1B2k1p1/1n5p/4PK2/8/6P1/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "15"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191496 The following position is also of interest. When the knight is at b6, White should keep his bishop at b7, from where it takes control of the important squares d5 and c8. If it is White to move in this position, he wins by} 1. Kg6 Kf8 (1... Nc4 2. Kxg7 Nxe5 3. h3 {! leads to a move permutation.}) 2. e6 Nc4 3. e7+ Kxe7 4. Kxg7 h5 {! ^013^010 The most stubborn defence.} (4... Ne3 5. Bf3 Nf1 6. Kxh6 Nxh2 7. Be2 {, and moving down along the h-file, the king captures the knight}) (4... Ne5 5. h3 (5. Kxh6 {? %05but not} Ng4+ 6. Kg5 Nxh2 7. Bg2 Ke6 8. Kh4 Kf5 9. Kh3 Ng4 {= with a draw}) 5... h5 6. Be4 h4 (6... Ke6 7. Bg6 $18) 7. gxh4 (7. g4 {followed by Kh6-h5xh4$18 is also sufficient for a win}) 7... Nd7 8. h5 Nf6 9. Bg6 $18 {, and Black is unable to eliminate both white pawns.}) 5. Be4 {!} ( 5. Bf3 {suggests itself, it is hardly good. For example: %05Though} h4 6. gxh4 (6. g4 Ne5 7. Be2 h3 {! (otherwise White himself plays 8.h3, after which his king heads for the h4-pawn)} 8. g5 Ke6 9. g6 (9. Kh6 Kf5 10. Kh5 Ke6) 9... Kf5 10. Kh6 Nxg6 {!} 11. Bd3+ Kf4 12. Kxg6 Kf3 13. Bf1 Kf2 14. Bxh3 Kg1 {= , and the black king picks up the last enemy pawn}) 6... Nd6 {with the idea of} 7. Bg4 (7. h5 {%05or} Nf5+ 8. Kh7 Kf6 9. Bg4 Ne7 {, and Black retains drawing chances}) 7... Ne8+ 8. Kg6 Nf6 9. h3 Kf8 10. Be6 Nh5 {!= with a draw.}) 5... Ne3 (5... Nd6 6. Bg6 $18) (5... Ne5 6. h3 $18 (6. Bg6 $18 {%05or})) 6. Bg6 Ng4 (6... h4 7. gxh4 Ng4 8. h5 Nf6 9. h6 $18) 7. Bxh5 Nxh2 8. Be2 $18 {, and White wins.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1B2k1p1/1n5p/4PK2/8/6P1/7P/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "11"] {If it is Black to move in this position, the knight easily suppresses White's activity.} 1... Nc4 (1... Nd7 {%05Also possible is}) (1... Kf7 {? %05but not} 2. e6+ Kf8 3. Kg6 $18) 2. Kg6 Kf8 3. e6 Ne5+ 4. Kh7 Ng4 5. h3 {(alas, the pawn is hanging)} Nf6+ 6. Kg6 Ng8 {= , and Black draws. We therefore conclude that White wins if it is his move. If it is Black's move, White is unable to convert his advantage into a win. It is time to draw some conclusions. In Fine's position, after 1.Be4 h6 Black is skating on thin ice. By exact play, however, he manages to maintain the balance, if he conforms to the following rules: 1) The white king must not be allowed to reach d6 or e6.2) While defending the invasion square g6 by the knight from f8, Black must not allow the opponent's bishop to cut off the knight along the h3-c8 diagonal. 3) If White's king penetrates to g6 and White's pawn advances to e6 then Black must be ready to quickly transfer his knight from f8 to a square from which it will take control of the e7-square. 4) If White manages both to chase away the knight from f8 and to cut the knight off from e7 then Black's only chance to save the game is to attack the g- and h- pawns with the knight.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/3n4/2KP2p1/6P1/5B2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "9"] {Let us now examine some other characteristic examples on the theme "A knight in zugzwang". The majority of them were composed by myself, though some positions may have occurred in practice.} 1. Kc7 {%05^013^010 %05If, instead of d6, the white pawn were at d5, White would easily win by Bf4-d6. It may^013^010 %05appear that with the pawn at d6 Black has an easy draw: the knight jumps around d7, and^013^010 %05the king stands at e8, ready to meet Kc6-d5 by Ke8-f7. But deceptive is the^013^010 %05appearance!^013^010 %05^013^010} Nf8 2. d7+ {! ^013^010 The pawn vacates the square for the bishop. ^013^010 ^013^010} Nxd7 3. Bd6 {^013^010 A striking position. Black has achieved material equality, and each player has only one pawn. Nevertheless, Black is in zugzwang.^013^010 ^013^010} Nf8 (3... Nf6 {%05Also useless is} 4. gxf6 Kf7 5. Be7 g5 (5... Ke6 6. Kc6 g5 7. Kc5 g4 8. Kd4 $18) 6. Kd6 g4 7. Ke5 g3 8. Bc5 $18) 4. Bxf8 Kxf8 5. Kd6 $18 {with a won pawn ending for White.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3k4/3n1p2/2K5/3P2P1/5B2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {This position was also conceived as a demonstration of knight's feebleness. But the knight did not agree!} 1. Bc7+ Ke8 2. Bd6 Kd8 3. Kb7 Ke8 4. Kc7 { ^013^010 Black seems to be in zugzwang, but...^013^010 ^013^010} Nf6 {! , and the knight is immune due to stalemate. This means that Black draws.^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010 ^013^010} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4n3/3K4/2P5/2k5/8/8/1B6/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "13"] {Another significant position, quoted from Averbakh's book. The black knight has to control the c7-square and does not have any good move. The white bishop has to control the f6-square, preventing the knight check, but, unlike the knight, the bishop has FREEDOM OF MANOEUVRE.} 1. Bc3 (1. Be5 {%05Nothing is achieved by} Kb6 2. Bd4+ Kb5) 1... Kb6 2. Ba5+ {!} Kb5 (2... Kc5 {%05Or} 3. Bd8 {!} Kb5 4. Bg5 Kc5 5. Be3+ Kd5 6. Bd4 {!$18}) 3. Bd8 {! ^013^010 Taking the f6-square under control.^013^010 ^013^010} Kc5 4. Bg5 Kb5 5. Bh4 {! ^013^010 The first zugzwang.^013^010 ^013^010} Kc5 6. Bf2+ Kd5 (6... Kb5 7. Bd4 {!$18}) 7. Bd4 {!$18 ^013^010 The second zugzwang is decisive. The black king has to leave the white pawn.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k1n1/7p/4PBpP/4K1P1/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {The black pieces are pressed onto the back rank; they can hardly move, but again, stalemate comes to the rescue.} 1. Kd5 (1. Kd6 Ne7 {!} 2. Bxe7 { stalemate}) 1... Ne7+ {!} 2. Bxe7 Kxe7 3. Ke5 Ke8 4. Kf6 Kf8 5. e7+ Ke8 6. Kg7 Kxe7 7. Kxh7 Kf7 8. Kh8 Kf8 9. h7 Kf7 {^013^010 And again, a king is stalemated, but this time it is White's.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4n2K/5k1P/6p1/6P1/1B6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "8"] {In the end I would like to show you one more complicated example which is a real gem. I analyzed it by myself and only later discovered that the same position, but with colours reversed, occurred in the beginning of XX century in a game between two little known players. The white king, being imprisoned in the corner, hinders its own pawn advance. How to win? A waiting move by the bishop suggests itself, after which Black seems to be in zugzwang.} 1. Bc4 { %05Nevertheless, after^013^010 %05^013^010} Nc8 2. Kg8 {%05^013^010 %05it turns out that nothing is achieved by^013^010 %05^013^010} Ne7+ 3. Kf8 Ng6+ 4. Ke8 Ne5 {^013^010 The inclusion of Kh7-h8 and h6-h7 does not change the situation, because after knight checks the king goes to g7.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4n2K/5k1P/6p1/6P1/1B6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "2"] {Since the black knight constantly gives checks from g6, it is logical to assume that White should transfer his bishop to the e8-h5 diagonal. Indeed, this is a correct plan. But how can this be done?} 1. Ba4 (1. Bc4 {Black has three knight moves, but the only way to prevent White from carrying out his basic threat^013^010 %04is %05In response to the waiting move} Nc8 {!} (1... Nc6 {White wins a tempo by %05On} 2. Bb5 Ne5 {%05, transferring his bishop to e8, after which} 3. Kg8 {!$18 , and the white pawn queens. %05fails due to}) ( 1... Ng6 {%05No better is} 2. Bb5 {, because} Kf7 3. Be8+ {!$18 %05is decisively met by}) 2. Bb5 {there follows %05, and on} Kf7 {, retaining control over the crucial e8-square.}) 1... Kf7 {! ^013^010 , not allowing the bishop to reach e8. %05Now Black plays^013^010 %05^013^010 What to do?} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4n2K/5k1P/6p1/6P1/1B6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "17"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191496} 1. Be6 {!! ^013^010 Finding such sudden and beautiful moves brings a special feeling of satisfaction. The idea^013^010 is the same, that is to transfer the bishop to e8, but the black knight is deprived of the^013^010 c8-square. ^013^010 ^013^010 %05^013^010 %05Here is the solution -^013^010 %05^013^010} Ng6 (1... Kxe6 {%05The pawn queens after both} 2. Kg7 $18) (1... Nc6 {%05and} 2. Bd7 Ne5 3. Kg8 $18) 2. Bd7 {! ^013^010 Another bishop sacrifice.^013^010 ^013^010} Ne7 (2... Nf8+ 3. Kg8 $18) (2... Kf7 3. Be8+ $18) 3. Be8 Nd5 { ^013^010 The next stage. How can the white king escape from the corner?^013^010 ^013^010} 4. Kh8 {! ^013^010 First of all White should advance his pawn to h7.} (4. Kg8 {? is useless in view of %05The immediate} Ne7+ 5. Kf8 Ng6+ {=}) 4... Ne7 (4... Ne3 {%05No better is} 5. h7 Nxg4 6. Kg8 $18) 5. h7 Nd5 6. Kg8 Ne7+ 7. Kf8 Ng6+ 8. Bxg6 Kxg6 9. Kg8 $18 {%05^013^010 %05The last trap. What if the white pawn queens?!^013^010 %05^013^010} (9. h8=Q {?? stalemate. %05White also wins by promoting his pawn to any piece except for a queen:}) * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4k1n1/7p/4P1pP/4K1P1/1B6/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "18"] {This is the initial position, analyzing which I discovered the "gem" examined above. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191496 } 1. Bc4 {^013^010 The black knight must control f5, not allowing the penetration of the opponent's king onto this square. Therefore, it cannot move, but the king comes to the rescue.^013^010 ^013^010} Kd7 {! ^013^010 The only move that draws.} (1... Kd8 {%05Bad is} 2. e6 Ke7 3. Ke5 Ne8 4. Bb3 Nd6 5. Ba2 {Black is in zugzwang, and the white king breaks through to g6.}) 2. e6+ { ^013^010 There is no other way to improve the position.} (2. Ba6 {%05On} Ke7 3. Bc8 Kd8 {! %05Black finds}) 2... Nxe6 (2... Kd6 3. Ba2 Nxe6 4. Kf5 Nf4 (4... Nd4+ 5. Kg6 Ke5 6. Kxh6 Kf6) 5. Kf6 Ng2 6. Bc4 Ne3 7. Be2 Ng2 8. Kg7 Ke7 9. Kxh6 Kf6 10. Kh7 Ne3 11. Kg8 $18) 3. Kf5 (3. Ke5 {too, there is no win: %05After} Nc5 (3... Nf4 {is also sufficient for a draw}) 4. Kf6 Ne4+ 5. Kg6 Ke7 6. Kxh6 Nf6 7. Be2 (7. Kxg5 Nxg4 {!}) 7... Kf7 8. Bf3 Nxg4+ 9. Bxg4 Kg8 { = , and Black draws.}) 3... Nf4 {!} (3... Nd4+ {%05But not} 4. Kg6 Ke7 5. Kxh6 Kf6 6. Kh7 Nc6 7. h6 Ne7 {, and play transposes into the "gem".}) 4. Kf6 Ng2 5. Kg7 Ke7 6. Kxh6 Ne3 7. Be2 (7. Kxg5 Nxg4 {=}) 7... Kf7 8. Kh7 Kf8 9. h6 Kf7 { = ^013^010 , and the draw is obvious.} * [Event "Match"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "2000.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khalifman Alexander (RUS)"] [Black "Leko Peter (HUN)"] [Result "*"] [WhiteElo "2690"] [BlackElo "2722"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3R2bp/6p1/6P1/7P/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] [EventDate "2000.??.??"] {~1 Khalifman's Rook Against Leko's Bishop ~ ~2 IM Maksim Notkin ~ ~KHALIFMAN LEKO~ ~Budapest (m/3) 2000~ The ending, which arisen in the 3rd game of the Khalifman - Leko match, stirred the chess Internet. Trying to evaluate it, an unaided human being inevitably comes to the conclusion that this task is too complicated. The situation is familiar: if you play with White, you will soon find out that the black bishop in some mysterious way defends all approaches to the king; if you try to prove that Black easily draws, the rook prevents the bishop from transferring to just that diagonal on which it is urgently needed.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kling & Horwitz"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5k2/1R6/6P1/5K2/8/2b5/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "21"] {To start with, using simple examples, I will try to demonstrate some peculiarities of the struggle between rook and bishop. I promise not to go too far away from the initial position :-) ~KLING, HORWITZ 1851~ %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191498} 1. Kg5 {^013^010 If the black king were at g8, the immediate 1.g7 would be possible. ^013^010 ^013^010} Bd2+ (1... Kg8 2. g7 Bxg7 3. Kg6 Bf8 4. Rb8 $18) 2. Kh5 Kg8 (2... Bc3 3. Kh6) (2... Be3 3. g7+ Kg8 4. Kg6 $18) 3. g7 Kh7 4. Rf7 {! ^013^010 It is much easier to know this move beforehand than to find it over the board.^013^010 ^013^010} Be3 (4... Bc3 5. g8=Q+ Kxg8 6. Kg6 Bd4 7. Rd7 Bb6 8. Rb7 Bc5 9. Rb8+ Bf8 10. Ra8 $18) 5. g8=Q+ {!} Kxg8 6. Kg6 $18 {^013^010 The black king is imprisoned in the corner, and the corner square is of the same colour as thebishop. Therefore, Black loses.^013^010 ^013^010} Bg1 {! ^013^010 The most stubborn defence.^013^010 ^013^010} 7. Rf1 Bh2 8. Rf2 Bg3 9. Rg2 Bd6 ( 9... Bh4 10. Kh5+ $18) (9... Be5 10. Re2 Bd6 11. Re8+ Bf8 12. Ra8 $18) 10. Rd2 Be7 11. Rc2 {!$18} (11. Re2 {?} Kf8 {=}) * [Event "It (open)"] [Site "Helsinki (Finland)"] [Date "1992.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Geller Efim P (RUS)"] [Black "Novikov Igor A (USA)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [WhiteElo "2455"] [BlackElo "2601"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/2r5/8/3B4/6p1/4k1P1/8/6K1 b - - 0 68"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1992.??.??"] {~GELLER NOVIKOV~ ~Helsinki 1992~ I hope that colours reversed will confuse nobody. In this position the stronger side is already unable to sacrifice a pawn. An attempt to sacrifice an exchange, transferring the rook to f3, is parried by the simple Kg2, because a pawn ending after Bxf3 Kxf3 is lost. Other sacrifices can hardly be found, so one has to rely on a positional mastership. This delicate instrument, however, does not work against brute chess arithmetic: the bishop has five squares on the a8-d5 diagonal, while the rook can deprive it of only two squares, and the king do can the same. This means that one free square is left for the bishop. Nevertheless, even in this position White should not relax.} 68... Rc5 69. Bb7 (69. Bg2 {?} Rc1+ 70. Kh2 Rc2 71. Kg1 Rxg2+ 72. Kxg2 Ke2 $19) 69... Kd4 70. Kf2 Rc7 71. Ba8 Rf7+ 72. Kg1 Re7 73. Kf2 Kc5 74. Kg1 Re5 75. Kf2 Kb6 76. Kg1 Ra5 77. Be4 Kc5 78. Kf2 Kd4 79. Bc6 {= A similar ending, but with the black pawn at g6 instead of g4, occurred in the game Benko - Browne (US championship, 1973). Highly experienced Benko stuck to waiting tactics: he was moving his bishop along the long diagonal, and the king inside the f1-f2-g1-g2 zone, until 25 (!) moves later the pawn had advanced to g4. This led to a draw, the same as in the game Geller - Novikov. In 90's some less patient defenders either advanced the white pawn to g4 in order to "better protect" it, or withdrew the bishop from the long diagonal. These attempts resulted in failure. A penetrating reader has already noticed that if on the last diagram we have added a pair of pawns to the h-file, we would get the initial position.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Ch Russia"] [Site "Moscow (Russia)"] [Date "1999.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Turov Maxim (RUS)"] [Black "Filippov Valerij (RUS)"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [WhiteElo "2518"] [BlackElo "2615"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/5kp1/7p/7P/6P1/1r4B1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "24"] [EventDate "1999.??.??"] {But first of all I would like to review in brief another pawn structure which occurs frequently. ~TUROV FILIPPOV~ ~Russian championship, Moscow 1999~ This is the most recent example on this subject. The idea of White's defence is the same: he sticks to waiting tactics. In the game D.Bronstein Tukmakov, Reykjavik 1990 (with colours reversed) Tukmakov had an opportunity to exchange the pawns by g3-g4. He could not resist the temptation, after which by subtle play Bronstein managed to win. In the game Smyslov Chiburdanidze, Monaco 1994, Maia withdrew her bishop from the long diagonal, and this also turned out sufficient to lose. In the diagram position Black has a clear plan of playing for a win, and so White must be extra careful. %212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191498} 1... Ke5 2. Bf3 Kd4 3. Bc6 Ke3 4. Ba8 Rc2 5. Bb7 Rc7 6. Ba8 Rc5 {(with the dangerous threat of g6-g5)} 7. Kg2 {! ^013^010 It is necessary to activate the king!^013^010 ^013^010} g5 8. hxg5 Rxg5 9. Kh3 Rg4 (9... Kf2 10. Kh4 {=}) 10. Bd5 Kf2 11. Bf7 Rxg3+ 12. Kh4 Rg7 13. Be8 $5 {= ^013^010 White intends to capture on h5 with the king in order to reach the safe corner h8 quicker. Black isunable to prevent this. Draw. This game, as well as the game Geller Novikov, has a predecessor. In the game Antoshin M.Mihaljcisin, Sarajevo 1970, Black managed to successfully defend a similar position.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "It (open)"] [Site "New York (USA)"] [Date "1987.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Ftacnik Lubomir (SVK)"] [Black "Murey Jacob (ISR)"] [Result "0-1"] [WhiteElo "2576"] [BlackElo "2496"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/3B3p/8/4k1P1/2r5/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "27"] [EventDate "1987.??.??"] {The weaker has to be extra careful, since dangers are lurking everywhere. A good illustration is provided by the following example. ~FTACNIK - MUREY~ ~New York 1987~} 1... Rc5 2. Bb7 Rg5 3. Kh2 {^013^010 In the game Turov-Filippov the white king was already at h3. This difference proves fatal for White.} (3. Kg2 {%05Even worse is} h4 4. Kh3 hxg3 5. Kg2 Kf4 $19 {, and Black wins according to analysis by Kling and Horwitz examined in the beginning of this article. The winning method was also demonstrated in the recent game Sievers $5 O.Reeh, Bundesliga 1996/97.}) 3... Kf2 4. Kh3 Rxg3+ 5. Kh4 Rg7 {! (winning an important tempo)} 6. Bc6 (6. Be4 Rg4+ $19) 6... Rh7 7. Bd5 (7. Be8 Kf3 8. Bxh5+ Kf4 $19) 7... Ke3 8. Bg8 Rh8 9. Bf7 Kf4 {^013^010 Black must defend the h5-pawn by his king, freeing his rook for other tasks.^013^010 ^013^010} 10. Bb3 Rb8 11. Bc4 (11. Bf7 Kf5 12. Bd5 Kg6 13. Be4+ Kh6 $19) 11... Rc8 { %05Black's subsequent play is based on the combination of zugzwang and double attack. White should %05not capture at h5. The black king has to reach the key g6-square. In order to this, the black rook %05begins to pursue the white bishop.^013^010 %05^013^010} (11... Kf5 {? %05But not} 12. Bd3+ {, and the bishop controls the key g6-square.}) 12. Be6 Rc6 13. Bd5 {? %05^013^010 %05To defend this position in a practical game is a hard job. Here White blundered: ^013^010 %05^013^010} (13. Bf7 {%05After the strongest} Rc5 14. Bg8 {! Black would have had to demonstrate a complicated winning method shown by Vancura in 1924. It^013^010 is explained in the following example.}) 13... Rc2 14. Kh3 ( 14. Kxh5 Rc5 $19) 14... Kg5 {%040-1} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1924.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Vancura"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/4r3/5k2/7p/7K/8/4B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "1924.??.??"] {~Vancura 1924~} 1. Bd1 {%05^013^010 %05In the case of} (1. Bxh5 {%05After} Rh7 2. Kg4 Rh8 {a position of mutual zugzwang arises, in which White draws if it is Black's move.} 3. Kh4 Kf5 $19) 1... Rd7 2. Be2 Kf5 3. Bf3 Rd2 4. Bc6 Rh2+ 5. Kg3 Rc2 {followed by 6...Kg5$19 %05^013^010 %05Now Black wins a decisive tempo by^013^010 %05^013^010} * [Event "Olympiad"] [Site "Varna (Bulgaria)"] [Date "1962.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Silva Nazzari Roberto (URU)"] [Black "Ravinet (FRA)"] [Result "*"] [WhiteElo "2168"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/8/8/6kp/4B1p1/6P1/1r5P/6K1 w - - 0 64"] [PlyCount "14"] [EventDate "1962.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191498 Armed with our knowledge of the basic positions of this type of ending, we can at last turn to an analysis of the most interesting game, Khalifman - Leko. It is not difficult to guess that we again have here many predecessors. Numerous dangers face the weaker side; I will first highlight the most obvious. ~SILVA NAZZARI RAVINET~ ~Varna (Olympiad) 1962~} 64. Bg2 {? %05In response to the careless} (64. Bd3 {!= or 64.Bd5!= %05Correct is}) 64... h4 {%05Black played^013^010 %05^013^010} 65. gxh4+ Kxh4 {^013^010 , and White resigned in view of^013^010 ^013^010} 66. Bf1 g3 67. h3 Rb1 68. Kg2 Rxf1 69. Kxf1 Kxh3 70. Kg1 g2 $19 * [Event "Ch USA"] [Site "Durango (USA)"] [Date "1992.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Wolff Patrick G (USA)"] [Black "Browne Walter S (USA)"] [Result "1-0"] [WhiteElo "2564"] [BlackElo "2492"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/7p/6p1/4b1P1/R5KP/8/8/8 w - - 0 68"] [PlyCount "15"] [EventDate "1992.??.??"] {In the following example the bishop also occupied a wrong square. ~WOLFF BROWNE~ ~US championship 1992~} 68. h5 Bc3 (68... gxh5+ {also loses due to} 69. Kxh5 Bd6 (69... Bc3 70. Ra8+ Kg7 71. Ra7+ Kg8 72. Kh6 $18) 70. Ra8+ Kg7 71. Ra7+ Kg8 72. g6 hxg6+ 73. Kxg6 {It becomes clear that the black king is unable to escape to the safe corner.} Kf8 74. Kf6 Kg8 (74... Ke8 75. Ke6 $18) 75. Rg7+ Kh8 (75... Kf8 76. Rd7 $18) 76. Kg6 $18) 69. h6 Kf7 70. Rc4 Be5 71. Kf3 Bd6 72. Rc8 Ke6 (72... Be5 73. Ke4 Bb2 74. Kd5 {with the idea of Rc7 followed by Ke6$18 }) 73. Rh8 Kf5 74. Rxh7 Kxg5 75. Rd7 $18 {The evaluation of positions of this type often depends upon hidden subtleties. For example, if Wolff's rook were at the b-file then the exchange of all pawns would lead only to a draw, because with the kings standing at f6 and f8 Black would be able to play Bd6-g3, while in the game this was impossible due to mate on the back rank.} 1-0 [Event "Ch Great Britain"] [Site "Eastbourne (Great Britain)"] [Date "1991.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Rosenberg Daniel (ENG)"] [Black "McDonald Neil R (ENG)"] [Result "*"] [WhiteElo "2200"] [BlackElo "2396"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3R3p/6p1/6P1/7P/2b2K2/8/8 w - - 0 45"] [PlyCount "12"] [EventDate "1991.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191498 In the following game Black managed to save the game by a subtle defence. ~D. ROSENBERG N.McDONALD~ ~British championship 1991~} 45. Kg4 Bb4 46. Kf4 {?!} ( 46. h5 {will be examined later. %05The strongest}) 46... Be1 47. Ke5 {? ^013^010 Too straightforward.^013^010 ^013^010} Bxh4 48. Kf6 h6 {!} 49. Kxg6 Bxg5 {^013^010 The bishop does control the d8-square!^013^010 ^013^010} 50. Ra7 Kf8 {= Draw.} * [Event "Ch Europe (juniors) (under 16)"] [Site "Rimavska Sobota (Slovakia)"] [Date "1996.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kundin Alexander (ISR)"] [Black "Kostin Sergei (RUS)"] [Result "0-1"] [WhiteElo "2429"] [BlackElo "2259"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "8/1B6/3r4/7p/6p1/4k1P1/6KP/8 b - - 0 65"] [PlyCount "22"] [EventDate "1996.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191498 ~KUNDIN KOSTIN~ ~Rimavska Sobota 1996~} 65... h4 66. gxh4 Kf4 67. Kf2 (67. Bc8 Rd3 {with the idea of Rh3xh4$19}) (67. h5 {!?} Kg5 68. Be4 Kh4 {!$19}) 67... Rh6 68. Kg2 Rxh4 69. Bc6 Rh3 70. Bb7 Rc3 71. Kg1 Kg5 72. Kg2 Kh4 73. Ba6 Rc2+ 74. Kg1 Kh3 75. Bf1+ Kh4 76. Ba6 $19 {Moves after the exchange on h4 make clear the main problem. The black king tries to penetrate to f3 or h3. White should deploy his bishop in such a way as to be able to immediately chase away the king by a check. If the king has penetrated to f3, the check is given from the long diagonal. If the king has penetrated to h3, the check is given from f1 or g2. Naturally, Black's task is to prevent this. Black won 15 moves later, but the final position differs only insignificantly from the current one. I can only guess that the clock played its role here. The evaluation of this position was the topic of a lively discussion in the chess press. As it was already said in the beginning of this article, one can rack (and crack :-)) one's brains, analyzing this position. Therefore, the highest credit must be given by the human race to the Israeli chess composer Noam Elkis, who discovered a tricky way to a win. As far as I know, it was published only in one of the issues of the American Chess Journal. I quote his analysis without unnecessary words - look, test and enjoy!} 0-1 [Event "American Chess Journal"] [Site "American Chess Journal"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Elkis Noam"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/1R5p/8/6PK/8/b7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "19"] 1. Rb3 Bd6 (1... Bc5 2. Kg4 Bd6 3. Rb5 Bf8 (3... Bh2 4. Rd5 {with the idea of Kf5-f6}) 4. Kf5 Be7 (4... h6 5. g6 Bd6 6. Kf6 Bg3 7. g7 $18) 5. Rb8+ Kf7 6. Rb7 Kf8 7. Kg4 Kf7 8. Kh5 $18) (1... Bf8 {?} 2. Rb8 Kg7 3. Rb7+ Kg8 4. g6 h6 5. Rb8 Kg7 6. Rxf8 Kxf8 7. Kxh6 $18) 2. Kg4 Bf8 {!} (2... Bc5 3. Rb5 Bd6 (3... Bd4 4. Kh5 Bg7 5. g6 h6 6. Rb8+ Bf8 7. Rxf8+ Kxf8 8. Kxh6 $18) 4. Kf5 Bc7 5. Rd5 Bb6 6. Kf6 Bc7 7. Rd7 Ba5 8. Rg7+ Kh8 9. Kf7 $18) 3. Kf5 (3. Rb5 h6 4. g6 Bd6 5. Kf5 Bg3 6. Ra5 Bh4 7. Ra8+ Kg7 8. Ra7+ Kg8 9. g7 Kh7 10. Ke6 Kg8 {=}) 3... Bc5 4. Rd3 {!} Bb4 (4... Be7 5. Rc3 Bb4 6. Rc8+ Kf7 7. Rc7+ Be7 (7... Kg8 8. Kf6 $18) 8. Kg4 $18) 5. Kf6 Ba5 6. Rb3 Bd8+ (6... Bc7 7. Rb5 Bd8+ 8. Ke6 Bc7 9. Rd5 Bb6 10. Kf6 Bc7 11. Rd7 Bb6 12. Rg7+ $18) 7. Kf5 Ba5 (7... Bc7 8. Rb5) 8. Kg4 Bc7 9. Rb5 Bd6 10. Kf5 $18 {(see 2...Bc5).} * [Event "Match"] [Site "Budapest (Hungary)"] [Date "2000.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Khalifman Alexander (RUS)"] [Black "Leko Peter (HUN)"] [Result "*"] [WhiteElo "2690"] [BlackElo "2722"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3R2bp/6p1/6P1/7P/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 44"] [PlyCount "56"] [EventDate "2000.??.??"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191498 The time has come to examine the key game. ~KHALIFMAN LEKO~ ~Budapest (m/3) 2000~} 44... Bb2 45. Kf3 Bg7 46. Kf4 Bf8 47. h5 {?} gxh5 48. Kg3 h6 {! ^013^010 This move allows Leko to reach the drawn position analyzed by Elkis.^013^010 ^013^010} 49. g6 Ba3 50. Kh4 Bc1 51. Kxh5 Bg5 52. Kg4 Bc1 53. Kf5 Bg5 54. Ke6 Bh4 55. Rh7 {^013^010 Khalifman's elegant attempt to play for a win meets an even more elegant refutation.^013^010 ^013^010} Bg5 56. g7 {!} h5 {!} (56... Kxh7 57. Kf7 $18) (56... Bc1 57. Kf6 $18) (56... Bd8 57. Rh8+ $18) 57. Rxh5 Bf6 {!! %08DA} 58. Rh3 (58. Kxf6 {stalemate}) 58... Bxg7 {^013^010 Now only accuracy is required of Black.^013^010 ^013^010} 59. Ke7 Bb2 60. Rb3 Bd4 61. Rd3 Bb2 62. Rg3+ Kh7 63. Ke6 Kh6 64. Kf5 Kh7 65. Rg6 Bc3 66. Kg5 Bb2 67. Kh5 Bc3 68. Rg2 Bd4 69. Rd2 Bc3 70. Rc2 Ba1 71. Rc7+ Kg8 72. Rd7 {=} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5bk1/3R3p/6p1/6P1/5K1P/8/8/8 w - - 0 47"] [PlyCount "4"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191498} 47. Kg4 {(instead of 47.h5), because in the game White revealed his intention to capture the h5-pawn. Theanswer is clear: Khalifman was most likely afraid of^013^010 ^013^010 %05Of course, a man with a mind of logical cast can ask: why not to play simply^013^010 %05^013^010} h5+ 48. gxh6 {? %05^013^010 %05Now after^013^010 %05^013^010} Bxh6 {^013^010 Black holds his ground. The only thing he has to do is to prevent White from carrying out the plan from the game Ftacnik - Murey. In order to do this, Black transfers his bishop to f6 and attacks the h4-pawn as soon as the white king moves away from the g5-square.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5bk1/3R4/6p1/6Pp/6KP/8/8/8 w - h6 0 48"] [PlyCount "12"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191498} 48. Kf4 {? %05Nothing is achieved by^013^010 %05^013^010} Ba3 (48... Bg7 {? %05but not} 49. Rxg7+ Kxg7 50. Ke5 $18) 49. Rb7 Bd6+ 50. Ke4 Bg3 51. Rb3 Bxh4 52. Kf4 Kf7 53. Rb7+ Kg8 {= However, it looks like Shipov has managed to find a method of regrouping White's forces, which secures a win - 48.Kf3!} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "5bk1/3R4/6p1/6Pp/6KP/8/8/8 w - h6 0 48"] [PlyCount "23"] 48. Kf3 {!} Bb4 (48... Ba3 49. Rb7 Bd6 50. Rb6 $18) (48... Bg7 49. Rxg7+ Kxg7 50. Ke4 Kf7 51. Kd5 $18) 49. Rc7 Be1 50. Rc4 {^013^010 From this move on, White's main task is not to allow the opponent's bishop to transfer to the long diagonal.^013^010 ^013^010} Kg7 51. Ke3 Kf7 52. Kd3 Kg7 53. Re4 {!} Bg3 54. Kc4 Kf7 55. Kd5 Kg7 56. Ke6 Bf2 57. Rb4 Bg3 58. Rb7+ Kg8 59. Kf6 $18 { It would be the right moment to finish this article, if Black did not have another interesting possibility - 46...Kf8.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "6k1/3R2bp/6p1/6P1/5K1P/8/8/8 b - - 0 46"] [PlyCount "10"] {%212045826630=4HLJ121 %212045826630=4HLJ175652 %212045826630=4HLJ191498} 46... Kf8 47. Rd8+ (47. Kg4 {%05Since after} h5+ 48. Kf3 Bb2 {! the bishop escapes in time, White plays more cunningly.}) 47... Kf7 48. Ra8 {^013^010 If the bishop moves along the long diagonal, White wins by 49.Kg4 followed by 50.h5. ^013^010 ^013^010} Bf8 (48... Ke7 {the h7-pawn is weakened, and White can continue %05After} 49. h5 gxh5 50. Ra6 {followed by Kg3-h4xh5, transposing to Elkis's position.}) 49. Ra7+ Kg8 50. Kg4 h5+ 51. Kf3 {! ^013^010 , and the play transposes into the variation shown by Shipov. Thus we can conclude that Khalifman missed the win due to his hastiness - he carried out the correct idea at the inappropriate moment. By accurate play White could have advanced h4-h5, achieving a won position with the g5-pawn against the h7-pawn. And so, the initial position can also be evaluated as won for White.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/8/8/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {~1YURI AVERBAKH~ ~1Preface to the First Edition~ Out of the vast amount of literature on chess, the number of works devoted to the endgame is relatively small. The point is that the development of endgame theory has taken a rather different path to that of the opening and the middlegame. The reason for this is rooted in the very history of modern chess. The origin of chess theory dates from the 16th and 17th centuries,' when the predominant style was that of the Italian School, typified by sharp gambit openings and swift attacks on the king. Often a game then would simply not reach the endgame, but would conclude in the middlegame, or even the opening, when the enemy king, under a hail of spectacular blows, normally involving sacrifices, would be mated. The endgame was regarded as a tedious, uninteresting phase of the game, so that the playing of it was marked by a lack of inspiration, and elementary mistakes and oversights were committed. The deeper understanding of chess gradually led to the development of the technique of positional play and defence. It became more difficult to conclude the game in the good old style, and more and more often a game would extend into the endgame. An advantage of one 'worthless' pawn in the endgame often proved decisive, since this pawn would inexorably advance and triumphantly promote to a queen. "Pawns are the soul of chess"-this saying of the celebrated French player of the 18th century Andre Philidor shows in the best way possible the growing role of the pawn. And it is no accident that Philidor, who was the first to formulate the principles of positional play, analyzed a number of endings which have not lost their importance right up to the present time. The number of theoretical researches on the endgame grew, but it was a long time before any generalizing works, encompassing all types of endings, were to appear. This state of affairs was furthered by another factor. There are different tasks facing researchers into the opening and the endgame. While it will sometimes be impossible (and also unnecessary) to give an exhaustive analysis of some opening system or variation, things are different with regard to the endgame. Here what is often required is a mathematically exact analysis, taking account of all possibilities, without exception, and leading to strictly defined conclusions. While in a game even between two top-class players, who have made a deep study of opening theory and have a mastery of middlegame techniques, the practical or creative element nevertheless predominates, in many endgame positions exact knowledge is of paramount importance. A generalizing work, devoted entirely to endings, was Berger's book Theorie und Praxis der Endspiele. The first edition appeared in 1890, and the second, which was considerably enlarged, in 1922. This edition is regarded as a classic. A significant role in the creation of endgame theory has also been played by the works of Cheron, Euwe, Fine, Gawlikowski and other analysts. The first endgame guide in Russian appeared during the Soviet era. This was I. Rabinovich's work Endshpil (first edition 1927, second edition 1938). In 1956 Lisitsin's book Zaklyuchitelnaya chast shakhmatnoy partii (The concluding part of the chess game) was published. In our country a study of the endgame has been made by a number of top-class players. In the first instance we must give the names of Botvinnik, Smyslov, Keres, Bondarevsky, Kholmov, Krogius, Rauzer, Grigoriev, Kasparian, Kopayev, Chekhover, I. Rabinovich, Sozin, Lisitsin, Khenkin and Dvoryetsky. Each of these has made his contribution to the development of endgame theory. In their work on Comprehensive Chess Endings the authors were first faced with the problem of classifying endings. It is well known that the following types of endings can normally be distinguished : 1) pawn endings (kings and pawns). 2) knight endings (kings with knights and pawns). 3) bishop endings (kings with bishops and pawns). 4) rook endings (kings with rooks and pawns). 5) queen endings (kings with queens and pawns). All these types of endings are customarily regarded as simple, since apart from the kings and pawns there are pieces of only one designation on the board. If there are pieces of different designations on the board, the endings are usually called mixed, and these include the following types: 6) knight against bishop (knight against bishop, as well as kings and pawns). 7) rook against minor piece (rook against bishop or knight, as well as kings and pawns). 8) queen against rook (queen against rook, as well as kings and pawns). 9) queen against minor piece (queen against bishop or knight, as well as kings and pawns). The work on Comprehensive Chess Endings has proceeded in two directions. In the field of endings with a small number of pawns, the task has been to collect as much material as possible. In endings with a large number of pawns (two or more on each side) the authors have aimed to present the most typical positions, demonstrating the basic ideas, and to give practical advice on the playing of such endings. In the creation of Comprehensive Chess Endings the emphasis has not been laid on the collecting and checking of theoretical positions, practical endings and studies, although of course this laborious and painstaking work had also to be done by the authors. The main task has been a systemized study of basic types of endings, for which in many cases it proved necessary to carry out a great deal of independent analysis and to reveal important theoretical positions, so as to eliminate unexplored territory in theory and to give necessary practical recommendations. Of course, we do not consider that we have carried out this task in full. A systemized study of chess endings is an extremely difficult task, and, in trying to solve it, it is impossible to avoid analytical mistakes. The authors should like to express their gratitude to all the readers who helped in discovering and correcting the shortcomings in the first edition of this book, and hope that this fruitful co-operation will also develop in the future.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/8/8/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {~1Introduction~1 ~1Basic Features of the Endgame~1 In the course of a chess game the two sides' forces are gradually exhausted, the position becomes simplified, and play goes into the last, deciding stage-the endgame. Depending on the situation in the game when the endgame is reached, a player is faced with one of three tasks. If he has a material or positional advantage, he must attempt to realize this advantage and win. If the advantage is with the opponent, he must aim to neutralize it by successful defence and to draw the game. And, finally, if in the middlegame the balance has not been disturbed, he can attempt to gain an advantage in this final stage. The endgame can be divided into two basic groups, depending on the character of the play. In the first of these one side has a quite definite advantage in force, and endeavours to conclude the game by mating the opponent's king, which naturally endeavours to avoid mate. These endings (which we will call technical) were studied a long time ago, and theory has a quite definite opinion on them. The overwhelming majority of endings in this group are elementary, and are studied when a player makes his first acquaintance with chess. We will assume that the reader is already familiar with the technical endings. The second group of endings, which is immeasurably large, includes those in which it is not normally possible to mate with the existing forces. A different way to win has to be sought. Such an intermediate way will be the advance of the pawns, with the aim of promoting one of them into a queen and of creating an advantage in force sufficient for mate. Such endings constitute the practical endgame. Let us consider the characteristic peculiarities of the endgame. We have already established that in the endgame a new strategic goal appears-the queening of a pawn. If the king is not threatened with mate, it can 'breathe easily', emerge from its shelter, and participate in the struggle. This means that in the endgame the king becomes an active, attacking piece. It can threaten the opposing pieces and pawns, and is often the first to break into the opposing position. Since in the endgame there are few pieces remaining on the board, the relative value of each of them increases. While in the middlegame it often suffices for victory to create a decisive advantage in force on some part of the board, in the endgame it is normally important not only to activate all the existing forces, but also to co-ordinate them. Playing the endgame correctly** means ensuring maximum activization and a precise co-ordination of all the forces. Since the strategic goal in the endgame is the queening of a pawn, it is clear that the role of the pawns in the endgame must sharply increase. While in the middlegame an advantage of one pawn does not normally play a decisive role, in the endgame an extra pawn is in many cases quite sufficient to give a win. Moreover, while in the middlegame the two sides' plans are normally determined by the tastes and fantasy of the players, in the endgame the plan is mainly dictated by the peculiarities of the position, and, irrespective of style or taste, every player is bound to choose roughly one and the same path. This path is most often typical for the given ending, and only it will lead to the desired goal. And one last point. Since in the endgame there are relatively few pieces and pawns, it lends itself to classification and study more readily than the other stages of the game. During the centuries of chess development, a thorough study and analysis has been made of dozens of endgame positions. In them the final result has been accurately established, and the best plans for both sides have been found. In such positions knowledge becomes of paramount importance, and even the greatest skill will be powerless to change the inevitable result. We can thus conclude that in the endgame, in comparison with the middlegame, a greater role is played by theory, by knowledge. Many endgame positions essentially constitute logical problems with strictly unique solutions. It is essential to be able to play the endgame. However great an advantage may be, its realization very often proceeds via the endgame, and weak technique may prevent the winning of even a won position. Good technique in realizing an advantage is a sure sign of a strong player. It is no accident, for example, that all leading masters and all the World Champions have been virtuoso endgame players. Inexperienced players normally try to avoid simplification, assuming that in the endgame the play will become tedious, and will not be as rich in possibilities as the middlegame. This opinion is thoroughly mistaken. In the endgame there is sufficient scope for fantasy, but, in order to acquire a taste for the endgame, it is necessary to know and understand its peculiarities, and to master its technique. And then the endgame will disclose to you its amazing secrets. Finally, as was pointed out by Capablanca, a study of the endgame is useful not only in itself. It develops positional understanding and a general understanding of chess, and raises the standard of a player as a whole.} * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "4k3/8/8/8/8/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "0"] {~1FOREWORD~ The first English edition of Comprehensive Chess Endings was published almost twenty years ago. Since then, the rapid proliferation of computer technology has affected many aspects of life. Indeed, chess is no exception to this rule. A computer program has already defeated the world champion, and now computers are infallible in the late endgame, when very few pieces remain. Furthermore, ever faster time controls have led to a drastic acceleration of play - adjournments and resumptions are now a thing of the past. Previously, one could adjourn the game and analyze the position calmly, but now play must continue without abatement. This means that a good fundamental knowledge of basic endgames is even more important. The main objective of this new edition is to unite the experience accumulated by many generations of chess players with the latest computer technologies. Thus it is released not as a printed book, but as a software product, and is made in co-operation with the famous chess software company Convekta. Together we have done the following: 1) We have corrected all the previous edition's shortcomings discovered by readers. Additionally, two supplementary articles are included, by GM Sergey Shipov and IM Maxim Notkin. 2) All positions with five or less pieces on the board have been verified with the Nalimov endgame tablebases. The most significant changes were made in the two sections: "Queen and pawn vs. queen" and "Queen vs. rook and pawn". 3) All positions with a larger number of pieces on the board were checked by playing programs. Furthermore, whenever an improvement was suggested by an engine, it was verified by a human player. As a result, about 200 examples have been corrected. Since there are over 4,100 examples in total, the reader can judge the work we did in the 1950's and 1980's, when we did not have the benefit of computer assistance. Much of the text remains unchanged, and often times, we only needed to supply a few corrections. These are highlighted and marked with the sign "RR". Having reached this sign, an interested reader can compare the human investigations with the computer verdict. ~2Acknowledgements~2 First of all I would like to remark that the first three-volume edition of Shakhmatnye Okonchaniya, published in 1956-1962, was prepared with the assistance of the Soviet masters N.Kopayev, V.Chekhover, V.Khenkin and the famous endgame theorist I.Maizelis. The first English edition, published in 1983-1987 by Pergamon Press, was based on the second Russian edition, and was translated by Kenneth P. Neat. The latter was published in 1982-1986 by "Fizkultura i sport". This revision has made use of the endgame tablebases by Eugene Nalimov, the database management system Chess Assistant and several playing programs. I am particularly grateful to the chess staff of Convekta for their preparation of the database, and to the many chess players throughout the world who have offered advice, suggestions and comments on the previous edition. Finally, I am very grateful to Convekta's development team for their untiring work on the software. ~Yuri L. Averbakh %30^014} *