Pandolfini's Endgame Course - Basic Endgame Concepts Explained by America's Leading Chess Teacher (Fireside Chess Library)

Pandolfi n i's E

N

Also by Bruce Pandolfini:

D

G

A

M

E

Course

Let's Play Chess Bobby Fischer's Outrageous Chess Moves One-Move Chess by the Champions Principles of the New Chess The ABCs of Chess

by

Kasparov's Winning Chess Tactics Russian Chess The Best of Chess Life and Review, Volume I

B

R

U

C

E

PAN D OLFINI

The Best of Chess Life and Review, Volume II

A FIRESIDE BOOK

Published by Simon & Schuster New York London Toronto Sydney Tokyo Singapore

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

CONTENTS

I would like to thank Bruce Alberston, Doug Bellizzi, Deb­ orah Bergman, Jennifer Bruer, Carol Ann Caronia, Kris Cata­ lano, Bonni Leon, Idelle Pandolfini, Bruce Steinitz, Larry Tam­ arkin, George Wen, and Laura Yorke for their time and valuable work. They made the whole thing possible. For Rosie and Joe, and Margie and Fred

FIRESIDE Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas

Introduction

New York, New York 10020

About Algebraic Notation

ITJ

Copyright © 1988 by Bruce Pandolfini All rights reserved

PIECES IN ACTION

including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

1 Elementary Checkmates: Heavy Pieces

Published by the Simon & Schuster Trade Division

Queen and Rook (Endgames 1-2) Rook and Rook (Endgame 3) Queen (Endgames 4-7) Rook (Endgames 8-11)

FIRESIDE and colophon are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster Inc. Manufactured in the United States of America

20 19

18

2 Elementary Checkmates: Minor Pieces

17

Two Bi sho ps (Endgames 12-15) Bishop and Knight (Endgames 16-24)

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Pandolfini, Bruce. Pandolfini's endgame course I by Bruce Pandolfini. p.

"A Fireside book." Includes index. 1. Chess-End games.

I . Title.

II. Title: Endgame course.

1988

794.1'24-dc19 ISBN 0-671-65688-0

88-17465 CIP

17 18 20 21 25 29 30 34

3 Heavy Pieces in Combat

45

T wo Queens (Endgame 25)

46 47 49

Queen vs. Queen (Endgames 26-27) Queen vs. Rook (Endgames 2 8-34)

cm.

CV1450.7.P45

9 11

4 Rooks and Minor Pieces Rook vs. Bishop (Endgames 35-39) Rook vs. Knight (Endgames 40-41) Rook and Bishop vs. Rook (Endgames 42-47) 5

57 58 63 65

6 •CONTENTS

CONTENTS• 7

0

[ill]

THE PAWNS IN ACTION 5 King and Pawn vs. King Square of the Pawn (Endgames 48-49) Escort Problems (Endgames 50--51) Pawn on 7th Rank (Endgame 52) Pawn on 6th Rank (Endgames 53-59) Pawn on 5th Rank (Endgames 60--63) Pawn on 4th Rank (Endgames 64-66) Pawn on 3rd Rank (Endgames 67-69) Pawn on 2nd Rank (Endgames 70--72) Rook-pawns (Endgames 73-75)

6 King and Two Pawns vs. King Doubled Pawns (Endgames 76--77) Connected Pawns (Endgames 78-79) Split Pawns-1 File Apart (Endgames 80--83) Split Pawns-2 Files Apart (Endgames 84-85)

7 King and Pawn vs. King and Pawn Pawns on the Same File (Endgames 86-- 91) Pawns on Adjacent Files (Endgames 92-95) Passed Pawns (Endgames 96--100)

8 King and Two Pawns vs. King and Pawn All Passed Pawns (Endgames 101-102) Opposing Pawns plus Passed Pawn (Endgames 103-105) Three Adjacent Files (Endgame 106) Protected Passed Pawn (Endgames 107-108) Backward Pawn (Endgames 109-113) Connected Pawns (Endgames 114-118)

9 Miscellaneous King and Pawn Positions (Endgames 119-128)

PIECES AND PAWNS IN ACTION 73 74

76 78 79 86 92 95 98 101 105 106 108 110 114 117 118 124 129 135 136 138 142 143 145 151 157

10 Heavy Pieces vs. Pawn Queen vs. Pawn(s) (Endgames 129-134) Rook vs. Pawn (Endgames 135-140) Rook vs. Two Pawns (Endgames 141-144)

11 Minor Pieces vs. Pawn Bishop vs. Pawn (Endgames 145-146) Knight vs. Pawn (Endgames 147-155) Knights vs. Pawn (Endgames 156--158)

12 Minor Piece plus Pawn Bishop and Pawn (Endgames 159-164) Bishop and Pawn vs. Pawn (Endgames 165-168) Knight and Pawn (Endgames 169-172) Knight and Pawn vs. Pawn (Endgames 173-176)

1 3 Heavy Pieces Queen vs. Rook and Pawn (Endgame 177) Queen and Pawn vs. Rook and Pawn (Endgames 178-179) Queen and Pawn vs. Queen (Endgames 180--184)

14 Heavy Pieces: Rooks Rook and Pawn (7th Rank) vs. Rook (Endgames 185-196) Rook and Pawn (6th Rank) vs. Rook (Endgames 197-204) Rook and Pawn (5th or 4th Rank) vs. Rook (Endgames 205-212) Rooks and Pawns (Endgames 213-216)

15 Minor Pieces Bishop and Knight and Bishop and Knight and

Pawn(s) vs. Bishop (Endgames 217-228) Pawn vs. Knight (Endgames 229-230) Pawn vs. Knight (Endgames 231-235) Pawn vs. Bishop (Endgames 236--239)

Glossary Index About the Author

171 172 178 184 189 190 192 201 205 206 212 216 220 225 226 227 229 235 236 248 256 266 271 272 286 288 293 297 313 320

Introduction

I became a chess teacher in 1972, during the dazzling Bobby Fischer/Boris Spassky World Chess Championship that inspired the world to learn chess. Suddenly, I had many students and needed ideas and examples for lessons. I turned to the liter­ ature of the royal game for source material. Although I dis­ covered many volumes on the opening and middlegame, I quickly realized that endgame books were few and far be­ tween. This wasn't the only problem. Existing books on chess end­ ings were of two unsatisfactory types. Either they were too analytic and technical or too vague and general. There was a compelling need to combine the best features of both types into a single instructional format. So on my own I started to collect insightful endgame posi­ tions, explaining in both words and chess variations the con­ cepts I judged to be the most helpful to my students. Numer­ ous examples were organized, classified, and arranged into complete courses. My goal was to create an inventory of posi­ tions that would benefit any chessplayer who studied them. Eventually, I settled upon a nucleus of 200 problems that be­ came the basic course in the endgame. With some additions and modifications, that compendium is what I present here. The examples in Pandolfini's Endgame Co urs e are arranged in three major sections. Part One, called Pieces in Action, deals with basic mates and confrontations mainly between unlike pieces. In Part Two The Pawns in Action, the principles of pawn endings are illustrated, including the key concepts of opposi­ tion, square of the pawn, and critical squares. Pieces and Pawns 9

10 • PANDOLFINl'S ENDGAME COURSE

in Action constitutes Part Three, which displays how various

About Algebraic

pieces grapple with advancing passed pawns.

Pandolfini's Endgame Course has a simple, easy-to-use for­

Notation

mat. Each page has a large, clear diagram, introduced with a directive cue (such as "White moves and wins"), and charac­ terized by a descriptive term or phrase (such as "Cut-Off "). An explanatory passage providing the essential ideas, moves, and alternate lines of play follows the cue. The main variation ap­ pears in boldface type. Each variation concludes in mate, over­ whelming advantage, stalemate, or unambiguous draw. Within each chapter, every attempt has been made to orga­ nize the problems in a gradual progression from simple to complex, but occasionally the course must veer from this for­ mula for instructive purposes. Though no complicated "text­ book" positions have been included, the book nevertheless is concerned with the building blocks on which they are based. So, while intricate discussions of corresponding square theory have been omitted, for example, the theoretical groundwork of square theory has been laid down in the problems on tri­ angulation. Some endgame books contain thousands of positions but

The best way to read this book is while sitting at a chessboard on the White side, with the pieces starting on the same squares as those in the examples you're considering. Much of the material can be understood without playing out the moves, by either reading the descriptive comments or examining the helpful diagrams accompanying the text. But you will derive greater benefit if you learn the simplified algebraic notation offered here. The system works as follows:

are impenetrable and therefore useless to the average chessplayer. Every one of my 239 positions can be understood,

•

four squares in all.

even by able beginners. And some of these positions-such as those on the Queen and Rook mate-are discussed in no other

•

Pandolfini's Endgame Course from start to

finish. That's how I usually present the examples to my stu­ dents, regardless of their level of play. But you might prefer reading specific sections first. Perhaps there's a concept you' d like to understand, or a position you need to check. Whatever your reasons for turning to my course, should it translate to more victories in the endgame, and more fun in the end.

The files (the rows of squares going up the board) are lettered a through h, beginning from White's left.

endgame book and, perhaps, in no other chess book. I advise reading

The board is regarded as an eight-by-eight graph with sixty­

•

The ranks (the rows of squares going across the board) are numbered 1 through 8, beginning from White's nearest row.

You can therefore identify any square by combining a letter and a number, with the letter written first (see diagram A). For example, the square on which White's King stands in the orig­ inal position is "e1 ,"while the original square for Black's King is "e8." All squares are always named from White's point of view. 11

12 • PANDOLFINl'S ENDGAME COURSE

ABOUT ALGEBRAIC NOTATION •13

!!

very good move

?

questionable move

??

blunder

?!

risky move but worth considering

!?

probably a good move but unclear

1.

White's first move

1 ....

Black's first move (when appearing independently of White's)

(1-0)

White wins

(0-1)

Black wins

And a few other symbols to know: Symbols You Should Know

RP

Rook-pawn

K

King

NP

Knight-pawn

Q

Queen

BP

Bishop-pawn

R

Rook

CP

Center-pawn

B

Bishop

N

Knight Pawns are not symbolized when recording moves. But if

referred to in discussions, they are named by the letter of the file occupied: for example, the pawn on the b-file is the "b­ pawn." If a pawn makes a capture, one merely indicates the file

Reading the Line Score of a Game

Consider diagram B. White could mate in three moves, and it could be written this way:

1. Nc7

+

Kb8

2. Na6 +

Ka8

mate

3. Bc6

the capturing pawn starts on. This, if a White pawn on b2 captures a Black pawn, Knight, Bishop, Rook, or Queen on a3, it is written as bxa3. When indicating a capture, name the square captured, not the enemy unit. Here are some more symbols you should know: x

captures

+

check

0-0

castles Kingside

0-0-0

castles Queenside good move

2 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

14 • PANDOLFINl'S ENDGAME COURSE

-

The same moves could be written in chart form, with White's moves on the left and Black's corresponding moves on the

••

right:

1. Nc7

+

Kb8

2. Na6 +

Ka8

3. Bc6

In both cases: 1. Nc7 + means that White's first move is Knight to c7, giving check. Kb8 means that Black's first move is King to b8.

2. Na6 + means that White's second move is Knight to a6

-

PA R T

-

ONE

-

mate

-

-

Pieces in Action

-

-

-

-

-

check. Ka8 means that Black's second move is King to a8. 3. Bc6 mate means that White's third move is Bishop to c6 mate. Note that when the moves appear on a line across the page, the number of the move is written only once, just before White's play. In this book, the actual moves are given in boldface type. The analyzed alternatives appear in regular type.

The basis of all chess knowledge is an understanding of the powers of the pieces-their individual and collective poten­ tials. In

�art One, the board is unencumbered by any pawns, and

the pieces hold full sway. The first two chapters demonstrate the minimum level of force required to mate the lone king. Commonly called the Basic or Elementary Mates, they vary in difficulty. Mates with the heavy (or major) pieces are by far the easiest to accomplish and require only minimal assistance from the King. By contrast, mates with the light (or minor) pieces de­ mand the King's full cooperation and are rather more intricate to execute, since each piece must stretch itself to the limit. In Chapters 3 and 4, we examine six of the most common endings, in which White and Black pieces are in conflict with each other. The practical is emphasized over the theoretical. For example, abstract theory pronounces that the Rook and

�

minor piece ending of Chapter 4 usually end in a draw. But by � featuring the exceptions, where one side actually wins, we can 15

16

•

PAN DOLFI N l'S EN DGAME CO U R S E

understand more fully why more typical positions tend to end

C H A P T E R

in a draw. Finally, we must mention the fifty-move rule. It states that

1

"the game is drawn when a player having the move demon­ strates that at least fifty consecutive moves have been played by each side without capture of any piece or the movement of any pawn." This rule has a vital bearing on endings in Part One, in which there are no pawns and trades must be avoided if

Elementary Checkmates:

enough material is to be left on the board to force mate. If the

H eavy Pieces

stronger side play s inaccurately, fifty moves might pass and the defender could claim a draw.

•

Q u een and Rook

End games 1 -2

•

Roo k and Roo k

End game 3

•

Q u een

End games 4-7

•

Roo k

End games 8-11

18

•

PANDOLFI N l'S E N DGAME COU RS E

E NDGAME

P I ECES I N ACTION

1

E NDGAME

•

19

2

W : Ke1, Qd1, Rf4 B: KeS

W: Ke1, Qa3, Rb4 B: Ke5

White moves and wins

White moves and wins

Queen and Rook Roll

Rolling Barrier

8 7 6 5 2 1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

This is the simplest, fastest, most basic checkmate of all. From

In this more typical Queen and Rook roll, the two major pieces

any initial arrangement of pieces, White should force mate in

stand on adjacent files and give alternate checks to drive Black's

no more than five to six moves. The Queen and Rook alter­

King to the board's edge. The Rook's barrier is upheld against

natively heel each other up a staircase of supportive checks

diagonal attack by the Queen. Finally, the major pieces guard

known as "the roll." Mate comes in four moves.

consecutive outside rows, preventing escape and mating.

1. Qd4 + 2 . Rf6 + 3. Qd6 + 4. Rf8 (1-0)

Ke6 Ke7 + Ke8 mate

1. Qa5 + 2. Rb6 + 3. Qa7 + 4.

Rb8 (1-0)

Kd6 Kc7 Kc8 mate

20

•

PAN DOLFI N l'S EN DGAME COURSE

E NDGAME

P I ECES IN ACTION

3

E NDGAME

21

4

W: Kf1, Rh2, Rh1 B: Kg8

W: Kd5, Qd7 B : Ka8

White moves and wins

Rook Barrier

•

White moves and wins

Closing In

8� 6 5 4 3 a

b

c

d

e

t

g

h

a

Two Rooks mate much the same way as Queen and Rook, but not as quickly, since additional temporizing moves are required to ward off diagonal counterattacks. White has two ways to mate in three moves in the diagram: (A) by cutting off the King on the f-file and rolling the Rooks on the files rightward; and (B) by occupying the 7th rank on the h-file, shifting the other Rook to the adjacent g-file, gaining a tempo on Black's King, and mating up the board on the 8th rank. In both ways, the Rooks will impede each other if they perform on the same line. Instead they shift to adjacent rows, thereby dominating blocks of sixteen squares.

2 . Rgl + 3. Rh2 (1-0)

c

d

e

B

Kg7 Kh6 mate

1. Rh7 2 . Rgl 3. Rg8

Kf8 Ke8 mate

(1-0)

t

g

h

A King and Queen mate a lone King on an outside row by checking along the edge-a back row mate-or by the Queen's checking up close, protected by its King-a support mate. The latter, as in the diagram, is the "one, two, three formula": the losing King is trapped on an outside row (1); the Queen oc­ cupies the row adjacent to the edge (2) ; and the White King, on a square in the next row (3), defends the Queen. 1. Kc6 2 . Qb7 (1-0)

A 1. Rf2

b

Kb8 mate

22

•

PAN DOLFI N l 'S E N DGAME COURSE

E NDGAME

P I ECES I N ACTION

5

ENDGAME

•

23

6

W: KdS, Qb6 B: Ka8

W: Kf7, Qg8 B: KhS

White moves a n d w i n s

White m oves and wi n s

Backing Off

Cut-Off

a®B 76 4 3 2

a

b

c

d

- e

f

g

h

To p u s h the K i n g to the edge, the Q u een gradual ly s n i p s off the

H e re t h e p i eces are positioned i n a o n e , two , t h ree fo r m u l a, as

Ki n g's avai l a b l e squ are s , move by m ove, clos i n g i n at a " Kn i ght's

i n E n d game 4. B u t i n t h i s ve rsion White's King has to c h ase

j u m p away. " Ove rly r i g i d execution of t h i s p roced u re , h owever,

B l ac k 's before gett i n g c l o s e e n o u g h to s u ppo rt m ate. Th i s

stalemates B l ack's Ki ng in the co r n e r-Black to move i s al ready

could take a w h o p p i n g five move s , as i n 1 . Kf6 Kh4

stalemate d . Wh ite to play wi n s by retreat i n g the Qu een one

Kh3

s q u a re alon g the barr i e r (the b-fi le), giving Black breath i n g

choice i s to execute a timely cut-off with the Q u e e n , forc i n g

3 . Kf4 Kh2

4 . Kf3 Kh1

2 . KfS

5. Qg2 mate. The m o re efficient

room aga i n st stale mate . White's Ki n g then moves in to su pport

Blac k 's Ki n g bac k t h e oth e r way a n d sav i n g t h ree m oves . O n h i s

mate .

final move, W h i te c o u l d also mate by 2 . Qh4 . 1 . Qb5

Ka7 2. Kc6 Ka8 3. Qb7 mate (1 -0)

1 . Qg3

Kh6

2. Qg6 mate ( 1 -0)

24

•

P I ECES IN ACTION

PAN DOLF I N l 'S E N DGAME COURSE

7

ENDGAME

ENDGAME

•

25

8 W: Ke6, Ra7 B : Kf8

W: Kc5, Qh1 B : Ke8 Wh ite m oves an d wi n s

White moves an d w i n s

Waiting-Move Mate

freeling the Barrier

8

8

6 4 3

4 3 2 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

To keep B l ac k 's Ki n g cage d on the edge , White's Queen is

posted on t h e very n ext l i n e . The p l acement estab l i s h es a cordon agai n st escape . Next, Wh ite's Ki n g c l a i m s the row be­ h i n d its c o n so rt's, eventual ly overwhe l m i n g its cou nterpart fo r a bac k- row mate or su ppo rti ng a c l ose-up Q u een c h e c k . Agai n , Blac k 's Ki n g occupies row 1 , W h i te's Queen row 2 , and White's Ki ng row 3 .

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

K i n g and Roo k agai n st K i n g can 't e n d in a su pport mate ( d o n 't even try to set o n e up ). Go fo r a bac k-row mate i n ste ad, the Rook chec k i n g an d White 's King guard i n g t h e po s s i b l e escape sq uares. Wh ite's King m u st sta nd d i rectly opposite B lack's on the same ran k or fi l e . (The excepti on : If B l ac k's Ki n g is in the corner, Wh ite's Ki n g need only be on the adjacent l i n e . ) H ow­ ever, a word of wa r n i n g-if Wh ite s h o u l d m ove h i s Ki n g i m me­ d i ately i nt o l i n e (1 . Kf6), B l ack j u st s l i ps away (1 . . . . Ke8) and

B

A

1 . Qh7 2. Kd6 3 . Qe7 (1-0)

Wh ite m u st start a l l over aga i n . Wh ite i n stead s h o u l d m ove to

Kf8 Ke8 mate

1 . Qh7 2 . Kd6 3. Qc7 (1 -0)

Kd8 Kc8 mate

get B l ack to alig n with W h i te's K i n g . Th i s is d o n e th rough a tempo move or wai ting move. The Rook s l ides one s q u a re along the 7th ran k , chan g i n g n oth i n g essential in t h e position , b u t tu r n i n g the m ove over to Blac k . 1 . Rb7 2 . Kf6 3. Kg6 4. Rb8 (1-0)

Kg8 Kh8 Kg8 mate

26

•

PIECES I N ACTION

PANOOL F I N l'S E N DGAME COURSE

ENDGAME

9

ENDGAME

•

27

10

W: Ke6 , RdS B: Kf8 Wh ite moves and wins

W: Ke6, Re2 8: Ke8 Wh ite moves a n d w i n s

The //Cut-Off" Mate

The Any-Rook Move Mate

A conscientious Roo k can wo r k wo n ders . The right te m po or

Gi vi n g a d i s covered check i s i rres i stible, but fo rget it h e re .

cut-off can red uce B l ack's King to an automaton , with no op­

I n stea d , wo r k t h e Roo k a n d f i n a l l y force a back- row, r ight­

t i o n s . I n stead of ta k i n g the 7th ran k h e re ( 1 . Rd7), White gai n s more b y cordon i n g off the g-fi l e , fo rc i n g B l ack t o oppose

triangle m ate . Th e sol ution i s q u ite aston i s h i n g , for Wh ite mates in t h ree m oves , start i n g with any Rook move-th at's

W h ite's Ki n g . A bac k- ran k mate in two moves can t h u s be

right, with any of e l even Rook m oves avai lable! But note that

real ized . I n the final pos i t i o n , the th ree pieces form a right

on the sec o n d p l ay, the Rook m u st occu py a c u t-off f i l e , fo rci n g

tria n g l e , w i t h B lack's Ki n g at the base.

Blac k's Ki n g to l i n e u p with W h ite's . A s variat i o n s A and B d e m o n strate, t h e re i s no s i g n i fi cant d iffe rence if Wh ite moves

1 . Rg5 2 . Rg8

Ke8 mate

h i s Rook i n it i a l l y along the fi l e or the ran k . I n e i t h e r cas e , B l ac k's Ki n g wi n d s u p mated at e8.

( 1 -0) B

A

1 . Re5 2 . Rc5 3. Rc8

Kd8 Ke8 mate

(1-0 )

1 . Ra2 2. Rg2 3 . Rg8

Kf8 Ke8 mate

( 1 -0)

28

•

PA N DOLFI Nl'S EN DGAME COU RSE

EN DGAME

11

C H A P T E R W: KfS, Res B: Kg7

2

White moves a n d w i n s

Closing the Net

El ementary Checkmates: M i nor Pieces

a

b

c

d

e

Rop i n g off c o u l d be better t h a n g i v i n g a Roo k c h e c k . Playe rs n atu ral ly h a n ke r to cage Blac k 's Ki n g with 1 . Re6, when barriers are then m a i n tained on t h e e-fi le and 6th ran k . More comes , h oweve r, with a Rook c h eck at e7, shapi n g the th ree pieces i n to a t r ia n g l e . With th i s i n c u rs i o n , p reci se Roo k work trou nces Blac k q u i ck l y. After 1 . Re7 + Kh6

2. Rf7 KhS, White m ate s by 3 .

Rh7. Wh ite 's secon d move , a tempo waste r, can b e ta ken b y the Rook on any square between f7 and a7 . The strugg l e goes on with the s i d l i n g 1 . . . . Kf8 , b u t u lti mate ly fa i l s to the same tempo-reve r si n g mechan i s m : 2. Kf6 Kg8 Kh7

4. Rf8 Kh6

5 . Rh8 mate) Kf8

3 . Kg6 (or 3. Re8 +

4 . Re6 (th e te m po move

that can h a p pen anywh ere between e6 and e1 )

Re8 mate. 1 . Re7 + 2 . Kf6 3 . Kg6 4 . Re6 5 . Re8 (1 -0)

Kf8 Kg8 Kf8 Kg8 mate

4. .

.

. Kg8

5.

•

Two B ish ops

Endgames 12-15

•

B i shop and Kn i ght

E n d games 16-24

30

•

P I ECES IN ACTI ON

PANOO L F I N l ' S EN DGAME COURSE

EN DGAME

12

EN DGAME

•

31

13 W: Kc6, Be6, Bf6 B: Kb8 White moves and wi ns

W: Kc7, B b4, Bb3 B: Ka6 Wh ite m oves and w i n s

Positioning the King

The Bishop Roll

2 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Eve n as Rooks can occupy adjace n t rows an d d rive the King to the edge by alternate checks, so can bi shops, more or less. Ye s, they n eed help from their Ki n g , whereas Roo ks d o n ot . And tru e , it takes a little longer, but neverth eless m ate i s forced i n the c o r n e r.

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Before deal i n g mate , White m u st prevent Black's escape by 1 . Kb6. After 1 . . . . Ka8, W h i te dec l i n e s seiz u re of the adjace nt leftwa rd d iagonal (2 . Be5 ), wh ich wou l d re s u lt i n stalemate . Th e dark-squ are B i s h o p may occu py t h e b8-h2 d i ago nal o n l y after bl ack has p l ayed h i s King to b8. A waiti ng move s h ifts the tempo to B l ac k . Th i s m e a n s s h i ft i n g e i t h e r B i s h o p to s afe

1 . Bc4 + Ka7 2. Bc5 + Ka8 mate 3 . Bd5 -0) (1

squares along d i agonals each al ready contro l s (the c8- h3 d i ago­ nal for the l i ght- s q u are B i s h o p, an d the d8-h4 d i agonal for its dark-squ are partne r). With 1 . Kb6 Ka8, Wh ite temporizes 2 .

Be7, a n d afte r 2 . . . . Kb8, t h e B i s h o ps s l ide i n to matin g mode 3. Bd6 + Ka8 4. Bd5 mate. 1 . Kb6 2 . Be7 3. Bd6 + 4. Bd5

(1 -0)

Ka8 Kb8 Ka8 mate

32

•

PI ECES IN ACTION • 33

PAN DOLFI Nl'S E N DGAME COU RSE

ENDGAME

14

EN DGAME

15 W: Kc6, Bd5, Bes B: Kf8 Wh ite moves and wi n s

W: Kc6, Bf7, Bg7 B: Kb8 W h i te moves an d wi n s

Taking Away Squares

Closing the Door

6 5 4 3 2

4 32 1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

If Wh ite t r i e s 1 . Kb6, as i n the p revi ous exa m p l e , B l ac k swi ngs back to the center 1 . .

.

. Kc8 , an d White's Bishops can n ot

guard both holes at d7 a n d d8 in one m ove . And White's K i n g an d B i s ho p s are separated and fa l l s h o r t o f wo r ki n g harmo­ n i o u s ly. A p u rposefu l B i s h op move is what's req u i red here, enabl i n g White to tighten t h e n oose with out l os i n g t i m e . Eith e r B i s h o p c a n have t h e honor.

2 . Bf6 3 . Kb6 4. Be6 + 5 . Bes + 6 . BdS (1 -0)

c

d

e

f

g

h

White 's p i ec e s are a trigger-fine army, with each u n i t ready fo r mayh e m . To confi ne Blac k's Ki ng to an outside row, W h i te's B i sh ops tan d em i n a d o u b l e-vee barrie r, while the K i n g g u a rd s pote ntial escape sq uare s . O n ce t h e e nemy Ki ng i s su rro u n d e d , adjacent d i agon a l s c a n be method i cal ly control l e d , one after the oth e r, u n t i l the monarc h i s cornere d . Two s a m p l e variati o n s of di fferent l e n gth a r e offere d . Va riation A conc l u d e s after 7 . E n d game 1 4 . .

B Kc8 Kb8 Kc8 Kb8 Ka8 mate

b

Kb6, as i n En dgame 1 3 ; variation B te r m i nates after 5 . Bd4 , as i n

A 1 . Bd4

-

1 . Bc4 2 . Bf6 3 . Kb6 4. Be6 + 5. Bes + 6 . Bd5 (1 -0)

Kc8 Kb8 Kc8 Kb8 Ka8 mate

A 1 . Kd6 2 . Bg7 3 . Bf7 4. Kc6

�

·\

' .\

��

• ..

5 . Bf6 + . ..

6 . Be6 +

Ke8 Kd8 Kc8 Kd8 Kc8 Kb8

7 . Kb6 ( 1 -0)

1. Kd6

B

2. Bg7 3. Bf 7

4.

Kc6

5. Bd4 + (1-0)

Ke8 Kd8 Kc8 Kb8

34

•

PI ECES I N ACT I O N • 35

PA N DOL FIN l'S E N DGAME COURSE

EN DGAME

16

EN DGAME

17

W: Kf7, Bf8, N g4 B: Kh8

W: Kf7, BgS , N eS B: Kh8 White moves an d wi n s

Wh ite moves and wi ns

Mate in Three

Mate in Two

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

A B i s h op - K n i ght mate can be fo rced only in a corn e r guarded

In t h i s sce nario, the Kn ight sets up the death b l ow, and the

by the B i s h o p. The two m i n or pieces share respon s i b i l ities. If

B i s h o p deals it. The t h ree p ieces l i n e up choru s-l i n e fash io n i n

the B i s h o p m oves on dark s q u a res, the Knight s h o u l d gu ard

the e n d , t h o u g h t h e B i s h o p cou l d b e equall y ruth less o n b2,

l ight sq uares. Here the B i s h o p f l u shes out the Ki ng and the

c3 , d4, or eS. Meanwh i l e , the l i g h t sq uares are h e l d by the

Kn i g h t confers the coup de grace.

ta ndem King and K n i g ht .

1 . Bb7 + 2 . Nf6 ( 1 -0)

Kh7 mate

1 . Ng6 + 2. Nf8 + 3 . Bf6 (1 -0)

Kh7 Kh8 mate

36

•

P I ECES IN ACTION

PA N DOLF I N l'S E N DGAME COURSE

EN DGAME

18

EN DGAME

•

37

19

W: Kg6, Bb4, Ng? B: Kg8 White moves and w i n s

W: Ke8, Bf8, N e5 B: Kg8 White moves and w i n s

Another Mate in Four

Mate in Four

8 7 6 5 2

4 3 2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

Th i s position comes from i n c h i n g B l ac k's King step by step from

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Black's Ki n g is about to d e part g8, le avi ng the way open for

a8 to h8. On the p revious m ove, the B i s h o p checked the Ki ng at

White's K i n g to enter f7. Th i s mean s that the Kni ght can re l i n­

f8, fo rci ng it to g8 . The next squ are Wh ite m u st con tro l i s g8, by

q u i sh its coverage of g6 and repo s ition to control h7. Start i n g

m o b i l iz i n g t h e Kn i g h t . B u t t h e Kn i g h t m u st n ot b l o c k t h e

fro m e5, the Kni ght h a s t h ree e q u a l l y good ways to begin

B i s h o p's d iagonal . A l s o , Wh ite m u st avoi d giving stal emate,

deploym e n t : 1 . Nd7, 1 . Nf3, and 1 . N g4.

w h i c h wou l d happen if he attac ked g8 wh i l e B l ac k's King was 1 . Nd7

sh ift a l o n g t h e a3-e7 d iagonal.

2. Kf7 1 . Nf5 2. Be7 3 . Nh6 + 4. Bf 6 ( 1 -0)

Kh8 Kg8 Kh8 mate

B

A

sti l l on h8. Everyth i n g c l i c k s , t h a n k s to a te m porizi n g B i s h o p

3 . Bg7 + 4. Nf8 (1 -0)

Kh7 Kh8 Kh7 mate

1 . Nd7 2 . Kf7 3. Nf6 + 4. Bg7 (1-0)

Kh8 Kh7 Kh8 mate

P I ECES I N ACTION

38 • PA N DO L F I N l 'S E N DGAME COURSE

EN DGAME

20

E N DGAME

•

39

21 W: Kd6, Bg5, N e5 B: Ke8 W h ite m oves and wi n s

W: Ke6, Bg5 , Ne7 B: K h 7 White moves an d wi ns

The Lock

A Third Mate in four

4 3 2 a On the back row, Blac k's King h as a mere two squa re s-g8 and

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Even without t h e presence of W h ite's King, B l ac k 's Ki ng i s

h8-to play with, but there's a l so refuge at g7 . White s n iffs the

I ra pped

dange r an d moves i n with his own King.

wi th i n t h e cord o n : e 8 , f 8 , g 8 , g7, h8, a n d h 7 . White's plan i s s o

i n a B i s h o p-Kn ight n e t . O n l y s i x unguarded s q u ares l i e

sim pl e : the King i s mane uve red from the Quee n s i d e , u s u rp i ng 1 . Kf7 2 . Ng6 + 3 . Nf8 + 4. Bf6 ( 1 -0)

Kh8 Kg8 Kh8 mate

e8 and f8 , u n t i l t h e B i s h o p can tran sfer safely to the f8-h6 diago n a l . Mate fo l l ow s , as in ear l i e r e n dgam es . 1 . Kc7 2 . Kd7 3. Ke7 4. Bh6 5. Bf8 6. Ng4 7. Kf7 8. Bg7 + 9. Nf6 (1-0 )

Kf8 Kg7 Kg8 Kh7 Kg8 Kh7 Kh8 Kh7 mate

40 • PAN DOLF I N l 'S EN DGAME COURSE

EN DGAME

P I ECES IN ACTION • 41

22 W: Kd6, Be3, Ne7 8: Kf7

EN DGAME

23 W: Kc6, Ba7 , N d5 B: Ke8

Wh i te moves a n d wi n s

Transition to the Lock

W h ite moves a n d w i n s

The King Shift

8

- -�- 1g - - 6 -�- - sm -4j- 4 - - - • 3- - - 2 - - - 1- - - a

To seal the door, Wh i te's Kni ght m u st be at e5 and h i s B i s h op at g5. Th e Ki n g then an k l es in from the fl a n k . The anti q u e move here u s ed to be 1 . Bd4, ex p rop�iat i n g the a1 -h8 diagon al . B u t stro n g e r i s 1 . Bg5 , fol l owed b y t h e Kn i ght t o e5 , creat i n g a l o c k . Depe n d i n g on Blac k 's defe n s e , he i s mated either at h 7 b y the K n i g h t or at h8 by the B i shop. After th ree moves , the position tran sfo r m s i nto E n d game 21 . Mate i s fo rced i n nine moves . 1 . Bg5 2 . Ng6

3 . Ne5 + 4. Kc7 5. Kd 7 6 . Ke7

Ke8 Kf 7 Ke8 Kf8 Kg7 Kg8

7 . Bh6 8. Bf8 9 . Ng4 1 0 . Kf7 1 1 . Bg7 + 1 2 . Nf6 (1-0)

Kh 7 Kg8 Kh 7 Kh8 Kh7 mate

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

If Blac k 's K i n g starts in a corner of opposite co lor to the B i s h op, it m u st be syste mati ca l ly d r iven across the board to a co r n e r of the same col o r. Th u s if i n a l i g h t corner, the Ki n g m u st be forced to a dark o n e , if th at's the color trave led by the B i s h op. All th ree pi eces meanwh i l e m u s t i n teg rate thei r u n iq u e powers to form a u n ited force. Here, W h i te's King occu pies d6 to su pport the Kn i ght's reac h i n g e7, where it seals off c8 and guards potential escape s q u a res at f5 a n d g6. Th e B i s h o p then � k i m s to e3, contro l l i n g g5 a n d lead i n g to the p revio u s n e t . I n t h e f i n a l positi o n , after 1 . Kd6 Kf7

2 . Ne 7 Kf6

Bg5 , White q u i c kly reaches the win n i n g lock.

1 . Kd6 2. Ne7

3 . Be3 4. Bg5 5. Ng6 6. Ne5 + 7. Kc7 8. Kd7

Kf7 Kf6 Kf 7 Ke8 Kf 7 KeB KfB Kg7

9. Ke7 1 0 . Bh6 1 1 . Bf8 1 2 . Ng4 1 3 . Kf7 1 4 . Bg7 + 1 5 . Nf6 ( 1 -0)

Kg8 Kh7 Kg8 Kh7 Kh8 Kh7 mate

3. Be3 Kf7

4.

PIECES I N ACTION • 43

42 • PA N DOLFIN l'S E N DGAME COURSE

EN D GAME

24

1 . Nc7 +

W: Kc6, Be3 , N d 5 B: Ka8 White m oves and wi n s

The Drive

2 . Bb6 3 . Ba7 4 . Nd5 5 . Kd6 6. Ne7 7. Be3 8. Bg5 9. Ng6 1 0 . Ne5 + 1 1 . Kc7 1 2 . Kd7 1 3 . Ke7 1 4 . Bh6 1 5 . Bf8 1 6. Ng4 1 7. Kf 7 1 8. Bg7 + 1 9 . Nf6 ( 1 -0)

When B lac k 's Ki n g i s entre n c hed i n t h e "wro n g " corner of the board (a corn er that i s n ot acce s s i b l e to W h i te's B i s hop), it can be d riven to either oppo s ite c o r n e r ( h e re , a1 or h8). It a l l begi n s with a K n i g h t check: 1 . N c 7 + t o force t h e K i n g t o h 8 , o r 1 . N b6 + for a para l l e l attack toward a1 . For co n siste n cy with p revio u s e n d gam es , the h8-drive i s s h own , but a m i rro r-i mage attack e n d i n g on a1 wo rks j u s t a s wel l . Whatever the approac h , i t i s acco m p l i s hed step b y step, contro l l i n g i n seq u ence o n e s q u a re after the o t h e r alon g t h e outside row. T h e K n i ght h i ts the l i g h t s q u ares, t h e B i s h o p attacks the dark s q uare s , a n d the Ki n g p erfo r m s t h e m u lt i p l e fu n ctio n s , p rotect i n g t h e Kn i ght wh i l e confi n i n g t h e enemy Ki n g . Tempo moves, as req u i re d , a r e l eft to t h e B i s h op, a straight- l i n e p i e c e , wh i c h acts a t a d i s ta n c e . After 1 . Nc7 + Kb8

Kd8

2 . Bb6 ( t e m p o) Kc8

3 . Ba7

4 . Nd5 Ke8 , Wh ite w i n s , as i n the p revi o u s e n d game.

Kb8 Kc8 Kd8 Ke8 Kf 7 Kf6 Kf 7 Ke8 Kf 7 Ke8 Kf 8 Kg7 Kg8 Kh 7 Kg8 Kh7 Kh8 Kh7 mate

C H A P TE R

3 H eavy Pieces i n Combat

•

Two Q u eens

Endgame 25

•

Q u een vs. Q u een

Endgam es 26-27

•

Q u een vs. Roo k

End games 28-34

46 • PA N DO L F I N l'S EN DGAME CO URSE

EN DGAME

PIECES I N ACTION • 4 7

25

EN DGAME

26

W: Kb3, Q d 1 B: Kh1 , Qg1 , Qh2

W: Kb4, Qd2 B: Kb1 , Qa1

White moves and d raws

Perpetual Check

a

b

White moves and w i n s

Forced Mate

c

d

e

f

g

h

G e n e ral ly, if you prom ote a pawn in to an extra Queen , you win

From t h e s u b l i m e to t h e r i d i c u l o u s . You r oppo n e nt Q u eens a

eas i l y. B u t s o m et i m e s , if e n e my pieces have ha rried you r K i n g ,

pawn before yo u d o . I magi n e the re l i ef when you manage to

o r if you have had plain b a d l u c k , you r pieces might s i m p l y

e q u a l ize t h e game a n d Q u een o n e yo u rself. As a d raw appears

h u d d l e toget h e r i n effect u a l l y, u n able t o exp l o i t thei r advan­

certai n , you r oppo n e n t m oves up his King and th reatens mate.

tage . H e re , the White Qu een d e mon strates its a b i l ity to c h eck

You a re s h oc ked when you real ize that yo u r pieces, stu m b l i n g

u n bro ken ly, re s u l t i n g i n a d raw by t h reefo l d repetition of posi­

over each ot h e r, can not o rgan ize a defe nse. S u c h c o u l d b e the

tio n .

case when yo u r pawn-made Q u ee n occ u p ies a Rook's f i l e . After White's Ki n g I n trudes a t b3, B l ac k succ u m b s to the m u lti­ 1 . Qf3 + 2 . Qd l + 3 . Qh5 + 4. Qf3 + 5 . Qdl + 6. Qf3 + Draw

Qgg2 Qhgl Q2h2 Qgg2 Qhgl

ple th reats of Qc2, Qd1 , o r Qe1 . 1 . Kb3 2 . Kxc3 3. Qb2

Qc3 + Kal mate

(1-0)

48 • PA N DO L F I N l'S E N DGAME CO U RSE

EN DGAME

P I ECES I N ACTION • 49

27

EN DGAME

28

W: Kd6, Qe8 B: Kf6, Qg1

W: Kg1 , Rh2 B: Kg3 , Qf3 Wh ite moves and d raws

Wh ite moves and w i n s

The X-Ray A ttack

Stalemate Sacrifice

8 7

4 3 2

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Paw n s rac i n g to make new Q u e e n s is an exciti n g show. The fi rst n ew Q u ee n gets to give the fi rst c h e c k , pe rhaps pitc h i n g a who l e n ew ball gam e . Maybe B l ack can defe n d , or maybe White can p i c k off B l ack's pri n c e s s . The tactic u s u a l l y i n vol ves a s kewe r, o r x- ray attack . B l ac k's K i n g moves out of check and exposes h i s Q u ee n to capt u re . If B l ac k's pieces are n ot yet on the same ran k , fi l e , o r diago n al , White m i ght fo rce the oppos­ i n g K i n g i n to a l o s i n g s kewer- l i n e u p with a set u p c h e c k . Blac k , h e re , after movi n g h i s K i n g to safety, l oses h i s Queen for noth i n g .

Civen a fa i r start i n g position of K i n g and Q u een vs. K i n g a n d Kook, i n w h i c h t h e re are n o i m mediate tactics, the stro nger �ide can force a win . But n ot all positions are devoi d of st rat­ ,1gems. Fo r exam p l e , wh en the attac k i n g pieces haphazardly t•ncroach u pon the defen d i n g m o na rch 's u p-aga i n st-th e-wa l l ... ituation , i t i s often poss i b l e t o sac rifice the Roo k t o arrive at ... tdle mate. 1 . Rh3 +

Kxh3

Stal e mate 1 . Qf8 + 2 . Qg8 + 3 . Qxgl

(1-0)

Kg6 Kf5

P I ECES I N ACTION • 51

50 • PA N DOLFIN l'S E N DGAME COURSE

EN DGAME

29

ENDGAME

30

W: Kf1 , Rg2 B: Kh3, Qe3 White moves a n d d raws

Perpetual Attack 8 7

.

-

6

W: Kf6, Qe8 B: Kh7, Rg7 White moves a n d w i n s

Philidor's Position

� a

-

-

�

�

-

,

-§-

1 - - -� �® . � a

b

c

d

e

f

g

� ',

:;.-,,,,..�

0.

,

2

-

7

- - - 4 - - - 3 � -� 5

0.

�- m - - - �� 6 a m m L� 5 - - � 2 - - m m 18 - � �

8

-

a

h

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

You m i g ht have been su p ercarefu l to avoid a sta le mate s h ot,

T h i s position was o ri g i n a l l y analyzed by the g reat French mas­

then o n e s u dden ly rea r s . B l ack was canny enough to block

ter F ranco i s-And res Danican Ph i l i d o r (1 726-95). Black to move

e ntry with his King at f3 , th u s avo i d i n g the d raw of En dgame 28 .

gets mated o r l o se s h i s Roo k i n n o m o re than fo u r m oves . For

B u t wide n i n g the fiel d a n d i n vad i n g at h3 doesn't h e l p, for

exam p l e: (A) 1 . . . . Kh6

2. Qf8; ( B) 1 . . . . Rg8

2. Qe4+ Kg8

3 . Qa8 + Kh7

2. QhS mate ;

Wh ite reta i n s h i s stale mate stea lt h . The Roo k si mply checks at

(C) 1 . . . . Rg1

h2 , and its captu re i s stal emate. O th e rwise, the Rook c h ecks

ever e l s e B lack tries l eads to a s i m i larly d ismal res u lt. B u t it's n ot

4. Qa7 + . What­

a l o n g the f i l e s repeated l y, and B lac k's K i n g can't find sh elter. If

B l ac k's turn ! Wh ite m u st s o m e h ow recreate the same position

it ever m oves to f3 , Wh ite sac rifices his Roo k at g3 for stale­

with Blac k to m ove. The trick i s to triangu late the Q u een

mate; a n d i f B l ac k 's K i n g i n stead see k s h ave n b e h i n d t h e

between e8, e4, and a8, so that W h i te achi eves the same posi­

Q ueen on the e-fi l e , White's Rook p i n s the Q u een to t h e Ki n g .

tion w h i l e l o s i n g a tempo. Th ree c r i s p moves d o it.

B l ack can n ot feas i b ly escape the c h ec k s , so t h e game i s a draw. 1 . Qe4 + 1 . Rh2 + D raw

2. QaB + 3 . QeB ( 1 -0)

KgB Kh7

52 • PA N DO L F I N l'S E N DGAME COURSE

EN DGAME

PIECES I N ACTION • 53

31

ENDGAME

32

W: Kd6, Qb5 B: Kc8, Ra7

W: Ke6, Qc5 B: Kd8, Rd7

Wh ite moves and w i n s

Wh ite moves and wi n s

From Edge to Edge

Double- Threat Queen

8

a

b

d

c

e

f

g

a

h

Black's p i eces are awry. N e i t h e r of h i s p ieces su pports the oth e r. B lack's Roo k i s powe rl e ss to check, a n d his K i n g is vu l n e rab l e to di rect attack . The p roper seq ue nce of checks s p reads chao s , resu lt i n g i n cataton i a for the l os i n g side. G radu­ ally, W h i te's Q u een h o u n d s Blac k 's Kin g fro m the 8th ran k to the a-fi l e : 1 . Qe8 + Kb7

2. Qd7 + Kb8

3 . Qd8 + Kb7

4.

Qc7 + Ka6 ( i f B lac k tries 4 . . . . Ka8, he's mated at o n ce by 5 . Qc8) 5 . Qc6 + Ka5 . Wh ite's K i n g moves i n t o mop u p with 6 . Kc5 , after w h i c h Blac k i s mated i n at most t h ree move s , even i f h e d e l ays with a Rook sacrifice : (A) 6 . . . . Rb7

7. Qxb7 Ka4

8.

Q b 4 mate ; o r (B) 6 . . . Rc7

8 . Qg3 Ka5

9.

.

7 . Qxc7 + Ka4

Qa3 mate. 1 . Qe8 + 2. Qd 7 + 3 . Qd8 + 4 . Qc 7 + 5 . Qc6 +

Kb7 Kb8 Kb7 Ka6 Ka5

6. Kc5 7 . Qxc7 + 8 . Qg3 9 . Qa3 ( 1 -0)

b

c

d

f

g

h

It's easy to go wro n g a n d waste tim e , even d raw t h e gam e . C h e c k s l ead n ow h e re , a n d t h e i n va s i o n 1 . Q c6 i s m et by 1

.

. . . Re7 + , when Wh ite m u st s i destep 2. Kd6 Re6+

3. Kxe6

stalemate . You can fi n d the right move by prete n d i n g Blac k's Roo k does n't exist. Pretend too that you have carte b l a n c h e , that you c a n d e p o s i t you r Q u ee n on a n y squ are , eve n if the Queen can n ot actually move t h e re in the given position . I m ag­ i n i n g t h u s h e l p s yo u visual ize yo u r p rope r goa l s . If you con­ ti n u e the fan tasy, without the Roo k it wou l d be mate if W h i te's Queen co u l d occ u py d7 or b8. But rea l l y, with the Roo k on the board, o n e Q u een m ove attac k s both points. 1 . Qb5

Rc 7 Ka4 Ka5 mate

e

2. Kd6 3. Qb6 4. Qxc 7 5. Qh7

Re7 + Rc7 Ke8 Kf8 Ke8 mate

6. Qe7 ( 1-0)

54 • PAN DOLFI N l 'S END GAME COURSE

ENDGAME

PI ECES I N ACTION • 5 5

33

EN DGAME

34

W: Ke6 , Qc3 B: Kd8, Rd1

W: Ka1 , Rf2 B: Kg6, Qb3 White moves and d raws

White moves a n d w i n s

Dual Methods

Perpetual A ttack 2 8

4 3 2

a You c o u l d wi n two ways i n t h i s p o s i t i o n . G i ve a s e r i e s of checks to p i c k off t h e Rook (variation A); o r execute a dou b l e th reat (variation B), which mate s B l ac k or w i n s h i s Roo k . I n (A), 1 . Qh8 + Kc7 2 . Q h 2 + Kd8 a l l ows 3 . Qb8 mate, wh i l e 2 . . . . Kc8 o r 2 . . . . Kc6 d rops the Roo k of 3 . Qc2+ . I n ( B ), B l ac k c o u l d try 1 . . . . Rc1 , b u t that e n d s i n mate after 2 . Qb8+ Rc8

3 . Qd6+ Ke8

4. Qe7. After 1 . Qb3 Re1 +

2 . Kd6,

e i t h e r h e gets mated (2 . . . . Ke8 and 2 . . . . Rc1 are fol l owed by 3. Qg8 mate) or d rops the Roo k (2 . . . . Kc8

3. Qc3 + ) .

A 1 . Qh8 +

2. Qh2 + 3 . Qb2 + 4. Qa3 + 5 . Qb3 + 6. Qxd 1

( 1 -0)

1 . Qb3

Re1 +

2 . Kd6

Ke8

3. Qg8 mate ( 1 -0)

c

d

e

f

g

h

To have s u pe r i o r force i s goo d . To exe rci se it wisely is better. Movi n g yo u r Q u een too c l o s e to t h e enemy K i n g-sq u as h i n g it-lays g ro u n d s f o r a stalemate . Wh ite d raws by havi n g h i s Roo k perpet u a l l y attack t h e K i n g a l o n g the 2 n d ran k . Start i n g with a Roo k c h e c k on t h e f-fi l e co mes t o a n a b r u pt end : 1 . Rf6 + Kg7

2 . Rg6 + Kf7

3 . Rg7+ Kf8

4. Rg8 + Qxg8, a n d the

stalemate d i ssolves. I f B l ac k's King c l o ses to attac k the Rook , White checks an yway, for t h e Roo k ca n n ot b e ca ptu red . A n d if Black's Qu een ta k e s the Roo k afte r it moves to c2 , that too is stale mat e . B lack cannot fi n d safety along the s h e ltered b-fi le

B Kc7 Kb7 Ka7 Kb7 Kc6

b

either, fo r Wh ite plays Rb2, p i n n i n g the Q u een . 1 . Rg2 + 2 . Rf2 + 3 . Re2 + 4. Rd2 + 5 . Rc2 + D raw

Kf5 Ke4 Kd3 Kc4

C H A P T E R

4 Rooks and M i nor Pieces

•

Roo k vs . Bishop

E n d games 35-39

•

Roo k vs. Knight

E ndgames 40-41

•

Roo k a n d Bishop vs. Roo k

E n d g a m es 42-47

58

• PAN DOLFI Nl'S E N DGAME COURSE

EN DGAME

PI ECES IN ACTION •

35

E N DGAME

59

36

W: Kh1 , Bh8 B : Kg3 , Re7

W: Kb6, Rb2 B : Kb8, Bf7

Wh ite moves a n d d raws

White moves a n d wi n s

The Righ t-Corner Mate

Pin and Win

Blac k th reate ns mate at e1 a n d a B i shop-Ki n g fork at h 7-a

B l ac k 's B i s h o p controls the corner s q u are closest t o h i s K i n g

d o u b l e attac k . If White h ad a l i ght-squ are B i s hop, h i s cau se

(a8), therefore it's the wro n g B i s h o p. To e n g i n e e r a d raw, t h e

wou l d be hopeless. But Wh ite h a s the dark-squ are B i s h op, the

B i s h o p m u st be able t o o cc u py t h e s q u are n ext t o the co rner

right B i s h o p for the co r n e r h i s K i n g al ready o cc u p i e s . To d raw,

(h ere , b8). The act ual co r n e r s q u a re (a8) i s rese rved for B l ack's

the B i s h o p m u st move on s q u ares of d iffere nt col o r from the K i n g 's co r n e r. Th e n it can b l ock the Rook's chec k on a squ are conti g u o u s to the Kin g's . Afte r 1 . Bd4 Rel + 2. Bgl , Black has no way to p rogre s s , and carefu l ly m u st keep Wh ite from a loom i n g stalemate . In the f i n a l positi o n , if everyt h i n g were m oved o n e s q uare to the l eft, B l ac k wou l d force m ate by mak i n g a te m po Roo k move a l o n g the bac k ran k . S u c h a move wou ld force White's K i n g to the corner a n d the B i s hop (then at f1 ) wou l d h a n g .

Ki n g . If W h i te's Roo k attac k s a l o n g the bac k row, Blac k 's l i g ht­ sq uare B i s h o p wo n 't be a re l i a b l e s h i e l d fo r h i s Ki n g . The White Rook conq u ers by starti n g with d o u b l e attack , th reate n i n g the B i s h op a n d mate . After the x-ray assau lt 1 . Rf2 , Wh ite sta m ­ p e d e s the B i s h o p a n d the bac k-ra n k square i m m ed iately be­ h i n d (f8). When the Roo k reac hes the l ast row, a d e l ayi n g move forces mate . 1 . Rf2

1 . Bd4 2 . Bgl

Rel + Rdl

Sta l e m ate

2. Rf8 + 3. Rh8 4. Rxc8 (1 -0)

Be6 Bc8 Ka8 mate

60 • PA N OOLFI N l'S E N DGAM E COURSE

EN DGAME

PIECES IN ACTION • 61

37

EN DGAME

38

W: Kg6 , Rf? B: Kg8 , Bg1

W: Kd6 , Rd? B: Ke8 , Bb6

Wh ite moves and w i n s

Wh ite moves and w i n s

Corner Drive

The Chase

8 7 6 5

8 7 6 5

2

2 1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

B l ac k 's B i s h o p is free as a b i rd , but h i s K i n g i s confi ned to a

Black's Ki n g has managed to avo i d the n ox i o u s h8 corn e r,

dangero u s co rn e r. He cou l d cope if trapped in l i ght-squ are

u n dou bted l y a p l u s . I t's sti l l on the edge of the board , howeve r,

co rn e rs (a8 or h 1 ) becau se h i s d a r k-squ are B i s h o p c o u l d s h e lter

and that s p e ll s tro u b l e . Afte r t h ree forcing moves by Wh ite ,

h i m from Rook-checks on an adjace nt s q u are . S h o u l d Black's

s u d d e n ly B l ack's Ki n g i s j u st w h e re he doesn't want it to be : 1 .

K i n g be d r iven to a dark-sq u a re co rner (h8 or a1 ) however, the

Ke6 (th reate n i n g 2 . Rb?) Kf8 (both 1 . . . . Be3

B i s h o p co u l d not block checks i f it were on the sq uare next to

1 . . . . Bf2

the K i n g . To set u p a w i n n i n g d o u b l e attac k, Wh ite m u st d rive

2 . Rd3, and

2 . Rd 2 let the Rook b e c o m e m e n ac i n g at t h e

B i sh op's e x p e n s e ) 2 . Rf7 + Kg8 ( i f 2 . . . . Ke8, t h e n 3 . R b 7 i s

the fre e-as-a-b i rd B l ack B i s h o p i n to the ope n . The fi rewo rks

dead ly)

begin with 1 . Rfl Bh2 (cu r l i n g u p )

Rg2 and wi n s . The B i s h o p h as no ref u g e . Whereve r it goes , a

2 . Rf2 Bg3

3 . Rg2 ! Th i s

forces the B i shop i n to target ra n ge , s i nce 3 . . . . Bf4 and 3 . . .

.

3 . Kf6 Bd4 +

4 . Kg6 Bgl

5. Rfl Bh2

d o u b l e attack fo l l ows.

Bh4 both l o se to discovered attack by Wh ite's Ki n g . After 3 . . . .

Bd6 (the best) White fi n i s h e s by 4. Rd2 Be7 5. Rc2 Bd6 Rc8 + Bf8 7. Ra8 + (tempo) Kh8 8. Rxf8 mate. 1 . Rfl 2 . Rf 2 3. Rg2 4. Rd2

Bh2 Bg3 Bd6 Be?

5. Rc2 6 . Rc8 + 7 . Ra8 + 8 . Rxf8 (1-0)

Bd6 Bf8 Kh8 mate

6.

1 . Ke6 2 . Rf7 + 3 . Kf 6 4. Kg6 5 . Rfl 6, Rf2 7. Rg2 (1 -0)

Kf8 Kg8 Bd4 + Bgl Bh2 Bg3

6 . Rf2 Bg3

7.

62 • PA N DO L F I N l ' S E N DGAME COURSE

E N DGAME

P I ECES IN ACTION • 63

39

I N OGAME

40

W: Kd1 , Bg3 B: Ke3 , Re2

W: KeS , Rc6 B : KbS, Ne8

Wh ite m oves a n d d raws

W h i te m oves and w i n s

Separation

Positional Draw

8 7 6 5 2 1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Con s i d e r the p revio u s e n d game with co l o rs reve rsed and the

Ceneral ly, you e rr if you separate you r K n ight and K i n g in s u ch

defe n d i n g side (Wh ite) to move . Fac i n g the th reatened 1 . . . .

t• n d i n g s , for the h o rs e man needs its majesty's aegi s . The Rook

Kd3, a l o n g with 2 . . . . Rg2, Wh ite m u st choose to scu rry h i s

does t h e r e s t r i ct i n g , c o n f i n i n g , and d r ivi n g . The K i n g ap­

K i n g , eve n t h o u g h it's toward the dangero u s sector : 1 . Kcl Kd3

p roaches o r a s s u m e s a centralized post. The Roo k moves i n for

( B lack p u rsues) 2 . Kbl , a n d White's Ki n g sti l l r u n s . If B lack n ow

l h e k i l l . The Ki n g , Roo k , an d K n i g h t form a straight l i n e i n the

co u l d get h i s s i re to c3 and Roo k to c2 , Wh ite wo u l d co l l apse .

fi nal sit uat i o n-a d i sti n ctive s p i k e of pi eces . Yes , a Kn i ght on

So B lack co n t i n u e s 2 . . . . Kc3 . If i n stead he tries 2 . . . . Rc2 ,

l he rim is d i m .

then 3 . B es s h u ts out Black's K i n g . Th e Bi s h op then starts b u s i n e s s on t h e a1 - h 8 d i ago n a l , and B l ack no l o n ge r p ro ­

1 . Rc8

gresses . Th e star move i s 3 . Kc l ! It see ms a rare fo lly f o r White

2. Rg8

to m ove i n to ve rtical l i n e with Black's K i n g , b u t look sharp, for

3 . Rg5

Black has no way to take advantage . If he moves h i s Rook along the 2nd ran k , White's B i s h o p can check fro m eS . Meanwh i l e , after 3 . . . . Re3 , t h e B i s hop tem porizes t o h4, retai n i n g control of e1 . B l ac k i s i m passed and the res u l t i s a positional d raw. 1 . Kcl 2. Kbl 3 . Kcl D raw

Kd3 Kc3

( 1 -0)

Ng7 N h5

64

PIECES I N ACT I O N •

• PA N D OLFIN l'S E N DGAME COU RSE

EN DGAME

41

EN DGAME

65

42

W: Kf8, N h6 8: Ke6, Rh7

W: Kd6, Rf7, Bd5 B: Kc8, Re8

White moves and d raws

White moves and w i n s

Attacking the Weak Side

Togetherness

8 6 4 3 2 b

a

S uc h a s i m p l e axiom : keep the K n i g ht close to the K i n g . Other­

c

d

e

f

g

h

Th i s i s o n e of t h e positions o r i g i n a l l y an alyzed by t h e stu d i o u s

wise, t h e steed r u n s off t h e c l i ff. For exam p l e , if 1 . N g4, B lack

P h i l i d o r, ci rca 1 750 . Somet i m e s situations of Rook and B i s hop

traps the Kn i ght with 1 . . . . R h 3 . The Kn i g ht is l ost by a p i n (2.

vs . Rook are a d raw, others are a win for White. U n l ess Black's

Kg7 Rg3) o r a fo rk (2. Nf2 Rf3 + ), o r Wh ite gets mated (2. Ke8

pieces are coord i nated , he gets mated or l oses h i s Roo k . The

Rh8). But t h e ret reat to g8 saves the day. The Kn i g h t is g u a rded ,

secret is t o play on B l ac k 's weak s i d e , away from h i s stro n g side

w h i l e B lack 's King i s preve nted from oppo s i n g White's at f6. N o

stalwart Roo k ! 1 . Ra7 (th reate n i n g mate) Rd8 +

m ate can b e fo rced , t h e Kn i g ht can ' t b e p i n n ed or fo rked, and

Ra5 Rh8 ( 3 . . . Rd7

n o real p ro g ress i s possi b l e . The best B lack can do i s 1 . Ng8

RbS + Kc8

Rf7 + Rg6

2. Ke8 Ra7 6. N e7)

3. Kf8 Rh7

4. Ke8 Rf7 (4 . . . . Rg7

5. Kf8

Rh6 +

5. Be6, p i n n i n g and wi n n ing the Roo k)

5. Bc6 Rxc6 +

6. Kxc6 Kc8

7 . Ra8 mate.

5. Nh6 Rfl , givi n g White an opport u n ity to go

wro n g . If n ow 6. Kd8 ? , then . . . Rg1

7. Ke8 Rg6

8. N f7 Rg8 i s

mate. B u t o n ce again 6. Ng8 p u t s Wh ite's house i n order.

1 . Ra7 2 . Kc6 3 . Ra5

1 . Ng8 2 . Ke8 3 . Kf 8 4. Ke8 5 . Nh6

Rf7 + Ra7 Rh7 Rf7 Rfl

6 . Ng8 D raw

2. Kc6 Kb8

3.

4. Kxc7? is a stalemate t ry, but it fa i l s to 4.

4. Kb6 5 . Bc6 6. Kxc6 7. Ra8

Rd8 + Kb8 Rh8 Rh6 + Rxc6 + Kc8 mate

( 1 -0)

4. Kb6

PIECES I N ACTION • 67

66 • PA N OO L F I N l'S E N DGAME COU RSE

ENDGAME

43

l: N DCAME

44

W: Kd6, Rf7 , Bd5 B : Ke8, Re3

W: Kd6, Rf7, Bd5 B : Kd8, Re3

Wh ite moves and wi n s

Wh ite m oves an d wi n s

Breaking Coordination

Rook Lift 1

8 76 5� . 4 3 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

W h i te strives to co nt rol the s q u a re e8 . Check with the B i s hop at c6 i s i n the ai r, but fi rst Wh ite m u st f i n d a haven for h i s Rook at f7. The key m ove i s the Roo k l i ft to t h e 4th ran k , 1 . Rf4 (th reat­ e n i n g 2. Bc6 + Kd8

3. Rf8 + Re8

4. Rxe8 mate). If Black p i n s

the B i s h o p (1 . . . . Rd3), W h i te p lants h i s Roo k o n t h e g-fi l e (2 . Rg4) and Black can not get back to block the u pco m i n g back­ ra n k check (f3 i s h e l d by the B i s h op). B lack must p l ay 1 . . . .

Kd8. N ow Wh ite revea l s t h e secret of h i s fi rst move , 2 . Be4 ! , cutti n g off Black's Rook from the defense a n d th reate n i n g 3 . Rf8 mate. B l ac k has no choice; he m u st step onto the fatal sq uare, 2

Ke8, and White concl u d e s 3 . Bc6 + Kd8 Rxe8 mate. .

.

.

•

4. Rf8 + Re8

5.

B l a c k 's fo rces are p o i s e d in d e l i cate d e f e n s ive b a l a n c e , so Wh ite tips the scale s with the d i s ruptive 1 . Rd 7 + . B l ack m u st co m m i t to o n e s i d e or the ot h e r. Queenside f l i g h t l o ses i m m e­ d i ately (1 . . . . Kc8

2 . Ra7), t h a n k s to the B i s h o p 's watch over

b 3 . Therefore 1 . . . . Ke8

2. Rb7 (a mate th reat fe i nt to f u rther

d i sturb B l ack's coordi nat i o n ) Kf8

t h en 4. Rf3 + w i n s B l ack's Rook), and n ow the l i ft 4. Rf4 decides as i n the p revi o u s en dgam e .

1 . Rd7 + 2 . Rb7 3. Rf7 + 4. Rf4

1 . Rf4 2 . Be4 3 . Bc6 + 4. Rf8 + 5 . Rxe8 (1-0)

Kd8 Ke8 Kd8 Re8 mate

3 . Rf7 + Ke8 (if 3 . . . . Kg8,

5 . Be4 6. Bc6 + 7. Rf8 + 8. Rxe8

( 1 -0)

Ke8 Kf8 Ke8 Kd8 Ke8 Kd8 Re8 mate

P I ECES IN ACTION • 69

ME COU RSE 68 • PAN DOL FI N l'S E N DGA

E N DGA ME

45

E N DGAME

46 W: Kd6, Rg7, BdS B : Kd8, Re1

W : Kd6 , Rf7 , Bf3 B : Ke8 , Re1 W h i te mo ves and w i n s

Wh ite moves and w i n s

Shifting Sides

Rook Lift 2

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

With Black's Roo k on e 1 , Wh ite w i s h e s to get h i s Rook to f7 and his B i s h op to f3. But it can 't be done d i rectly : (A) 1 . Rf7 Re2

�

t ns a B i s hop i ghty d a n g e ro u s . I t t h rea The Roo k l i ft (1 . Rf4) is m 1 s u n ab l e to uen t m at e . B l ack 's Roo k che ck at c6 a n d sub seq ma nds d1 g bec au se t h e Bish op co co u nte ratt ack Wh ite's Kin g e8, t h e n n i t h eate n i n g m ate by gua rd I t 's t h e B i s hop 's day, fi rst . T h e ove ru e e n s i d e b l oc k - p o i n t c8 com m a n d ee r i n g t h e Q done i n . wro u g h t B l ack pie ces are

�

1 . Rf4

2 . Bh 5 3 . Rb4 4. Bg4 + 5. Rb 8 + 6 . Rxc8 (1 -0)

Kd8 Kc8 Rel Kd8 Rc8 mate

2.

13f3 Rd2 + , and t h e B i s h op is obl i ged to ret urn to d5 to b l ock

·

t h e chec k ; (B) 1 . Bf3 Ke8, and B l ack's Ki ng keeps the Roo k out of f7. The day is saved by shift i n g White's Rook fro m Ki n gs i d e to Queenside an d back again , start i n g with 1 . Ra7, th reate n i n g rnate. Black m u st h i e h i s own Roo k t o t h e Queen s i d e to s h i e l d aga i n s t mate , 1 . . .

.

Rel , b u t that l e t s White's Roo k reach t h e

desi red sq uare w i t h te mpo, 2 . Rf7, becau se i t n ow m e n aces rnate at f8. So Black's Roo k co mes back to t h e K i n g s i d e , 2 . . . .

Rel (t he alte rnat ive , 2 . . . . Ke8, loses after 3 . Rf4 Rd1 Kf8

4 . Rb4

5 . Rg4, a n d mate at g8 fol l ows). W h i te's B i s h o p n ow

reaches its goal too, 3 . Bf3 , and B lac k 's Rook can not attack from d1 . If 3 . . . . Ke8 , then 4. Rf4 transfo r m s i n to an earl i e r e n d ­ g a m e ; a n d i f i n stead , 3 . . . Re8 , t h e n Blac k b u c k l e s , 4 . Ra7 . �clati ve ly best is 3 . . . . Re3, b u t after 4. Bc6 RdJ + 5 . Bd5, ! ) l ack again fo u n d e rs for a move . If he tries 5 . . . . Ke8 , h e i s t otally u n coord i n ated afte r 6 . Rg7 ; a n d if 5 . . . Re3, t h e n 6 . .

Rd7 + l ead s i n to a n earlier losi n g e n d game i n t h i s s e r i e s . 1 . Ra7

2.

3.

Rf7 BfJ

Re l Rel Re3

4. Bc6 5 . Bd5 6. Rd7 + ( 1 -0)

Rd J + Re3

70 • PAN OOLFI N l 'S EN DGAME COURSE

E N DGAME

• - - B

47

-

W: Kd6, Rf1 , BdS B : Kd8, Re7 Wh ite moves a n d wi n s

m -

Philidor's Position

� -, �,,,� • � • � a m 7- % � -

. M �� · 5 - -�· • 4 • • • • 3- • • • • 2 • • 1 • • ·§• ·

6

•

�

P A R T

TWO

-

The Pawns 1n Action •

• • - •

z

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

I n t h i s famous pos ition , Black t h reatens to Roo k-check W h i te's Ki n g fro m d7. Wh ite dare not oppose th i s by 1 . Bc6 (or 1 . B e6), for 1 . . . . Rd ? +

2. Bxd7 is sta l e m ate . Wh ite i n stead checks

o n t h e l as t row to force Blac k's Rook off the 7t h ran k , 1 . Rf8 +

Re8. Now with 2. Rf7, Wh ite takes control of t h e 7th ra n k for h i m se lf. B l ac k 's best try i s 2 . . . . Re2, sett i n g u p a possi b l e check from beh i n d at d 2 on a s q uare that can not b e guard ed by W h i te's Bi shop. Howeve r, after the tempo move , 3. Rg7, B l ack's Rook m u st co m m it to e1 or e3, wh e re the checks from the rear (at d1 o r d3) can be contro l l e d by the B i s h o p. Victory t h e n fol l ows , as i n t h e preced i n g e n d games. 1 . Rf8 + 2 . Rf 7 3 . Rg 7 4. Ra7 5 . Rf 7 6. Bfl 7. Bc6 8. Bd5

Re8 Re2 Rel Rel Rel Rel Rdl + Rel

9. Rd7 + Ke8 Kf8 1 0 . Rb7 Ke8 1 1 . Rf? + Kd8 1 2 . Rf4 Ke8 1 3 . Be4 Kd8 1 4 . Bc6 + Re8 1 5 . Rf8 + mate 1 6 . Rxe8 ( 1 -0)

T h i s section b e l o n g s to t h e one and only paw n . The a b i l ity of ·

·

the u n flappable foot s o l d i e r to be p romoted to a pos1t1on of . power upon reac h i n g the 8th ra n k gives it suffi cient force to

�

m te. And t h i s m e re va rlet, as a passed pawn with no host i l e . neigh bors i n its path to t h e Queen i n g square , i s t r uly a foe t o b e reckoned wi t h . A l l stops m u st b e p u l led o u t t o preve nt the d a n ge ro u s passed pawn from reac h i n g Q u e e n s l an d . The ru le of the s q uare , the co rne rsto ne of a l l Ki n g-and -pawn e n d game theo ry, dete rmi nes the ou tco me when the passed pawn alone g ra p p l e s with the e n emy Ki n g . The p ictu re be­

? � rec 1se

comes m re co m p lex when both Ki n gs enter the fray. H e re very

�

te r m i n ology i s ne cessary to f u l l y and accu rately

describe t e f u l l range of m ove m e n t e m p l oyed i n the d u e l of t h e two K i n gs vy i n g with each ot h e r ove r the c h e s sboard . Te rms such as opposition, tria ngulation, squeeze, and so o n e m body fun d a m e n tal co ncepts characteri z i n g var i o u s as pects of the exc l u sive, n u anced rea l m of mon arch ical com bat . 71

72 • PAN DOLFI N l 'S E N DGAME COURSE

Theoret i c i an s h ave tried to s u b s u m e the whole ra n ge of l a rger aspects of the endgame struggle i n to a s i n g l e theoreti cal

C H A P T E R

superstruct u re . The theory of correspon d i n g squares, the m ost rece nt atte m pt , is too new and u n t r i e d . Many of its d eta i l s sti l l

5

re m a i n t o b e wo rked o u t . M o re p r act i ca l a n d s u ccessfu l i s t h e G e r m a n zugzwan g (mean i n g " move b o u n d"), w h i c h d i s ti l l s to o n e wo rd the vast st rategic n etwo r k of e n d game posit i o n s . I n zugzwang s i tua­ t i o n s , the o b l i gat ion to make a m ove , normally an advantage,

K i n g an d Paw n

vs .

becomes a c ru s h i n g b u rd e n . The s i d e whose t u rn it is m u st

Ki ng

yield gro u nd to the adversa ry, ofte n with fata l con sequence s . Part Two p re s e n ts a l l t h e b a s i c conce pts common t o Ki ng­ and-pawn e n d i n gs , expla i n ed i n word s and i l l u strated by exam­ p l e s . Each concept is given i n itially in its s i m p l e st , most un­ d i l u ted form, and then later i n teg rated with other themes . Th i s d i recto ry o f i d eal l eads i n tu rn to an appreciation o f t h e rich ly in tricate patte r n s emergi ng on a c h e ss board so em pty of ot her chessmen .

•

S q ua re of the Pawn

E nd ga me s 48-49

•

Esc ort Pro b le m s

E n d ga m e s 50-51

•

Pawn o n 7th Ra n k

En dg am e 52

•

Pawn o n 6th Ra n k

En dg am es 53-59

•

Pawn o n 5th Ra n k

E n d gam es 60-63

•

Paw n o n 4th Ra n k

E nd ga me s 64-66

•

Pawn on 3 rd Ra n k

E n d ga m e s 67-69

•

Pawn o n 2 n d Ra n k

E n dg am es 70-72

•

Ro o k-p aw n s

En dg am es 73-75

74 • PAN DOLF I N l 'S E N DGAME COURSE

ENDGAME

THE PAWNS IN ACTION • 75

48

E N DGAME

49

W : Kh1 , Pa2 B : Kg8 White moves and wi n s

Square of the Pawn

Stepp ing into the Squa re

8 � � B m® B 7- - - 6 - - - 5- - - 4 - - - -

- - - 2 ft & - - -

3

1B a

b

B c

W: Kc6 B: Ka8 , Ph5 White moves and d raws

d

B®

B e

f

g

h

A Ki ng can ove rtake a speed i n g passed pawn two ways . O n e m ethod i s to c o m pare the n u m b e r of moves i t t a k e s for the pawn and Ki n g to reach the Queen i n g square . If it's the same, t h e pawn i s cau g h t ; if the pawn needs l e s s , i t Queen s . Another method i s to v i s ual ize the "squ are of th e pawn . " Afte r the pawn moves to a4, i magine a box of twenty s q u ares , from a4 to a8 to eB to e4 . B l ack's King m u st be a b l e to enter that box on the move to catch t h e pawn on a d i ago n a l i n to the back ran k . In the d i agram , t h e pawn starts on the 2nd ra n k , a n d the box apparently r u n s from a2 to a8 to gB to g2, with B l ack's K i n g al ready i n the box . B u t rem e m b e r, a pawn m ay advance two s q u ares on its f i rst move . To co mp e n sat e , t h e b ox m u st be d rawn as t h o u g h t h e a- pawn were start i n g o n a3 . I n t h i s case, Black's Ki n g l a n g u i s hes i n the outl a n d s . 1 . a4 3 . a6

Kf7 Ke6 Kd6

4. a7

Kc7

2. a5

5. a8/Q (1-0)

8 ·- - 7B � � 6 M® � � 5 mi 4 - � B 3- a - a � 2 - - � · � 1B - - z

a

b

d

c

e

f

g

.,

I n t h i s set u p, t h e s q u a re exte n d s f r o m h5 to d1 to d5 . White enters it at d5 im m e d i ately. A v i s ual s h o rtcut i s to d raw an i magin ary d i agonal l i ne from t h e pawn to the bac k ra n k­ h e re , hS to d1 . The d-fi le t h e n beco m e s the l i n e Wh ite's Ki n g m u st cross . I t d o e s s o on t h e m ove . T h e d i agon al contai n i n g White's K i n g a n d t h e h 1 promotion s q u a re i s the " c r i t i cal d i ago­ nal . " In the d i agram it is d5-e4-f3-g2- h 1 . Retreat i n g the Ki n g a l o n g a critical d i ago nal can b e card i n a l t o a n e n d game's s o l u ­ tion . T h e defe n d e r u ses the path to g e t back q u i c kly, a n d the attac k e r tries to o b s t r u ct i t . 1 . Kd5 2. Ke4 3 . Kf3 4. Kg2

5 . K x h1

h4 h3 h2 h 1 1Q +

Draw

76 • PAN DOLF I N l'S EN DGAME COURSE

EN DGAME

T H E PAW N S I N ACTION • 77

50

EN DGAME

51

W: Kb6, Pa2 B: Kd7

W: KgS , Pa2 B : Kf3 White m oves and w i n s

Wh ite moves and w i n s

Shielding Off

Clearing the Path

8 • � • � 7� � 6 • • 5 • • • �� o;� 4 • • • • 3 • • •• 2 ft � • •

� � • • • 7 • • •• a 6 m .. - • • • 5 • • • • 4 • • • • 3 • • - • 2 ft • • • • • • � • •

8

I

� } � ;/ �.

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

b

c

d

e

f

• g

h

B l ack's Ki ng co u l d h u n k er on c8, o btai n i n g a d raw. White has

B lack to play can d raw with a Ki n gly move to e4 o r e3 , gett i n g

e n o u g h m ate r i a l to win (the pawn cou l d become a n ew

with i n t h e " s q u a re of W h i te's advan c i n g a-pawn , " w h i ch ex­

Q u ee n ), yet he can n ot force p romotion once Black's K i n g is on

ten d s from a3 to a8 to f8 to f3 . Th i s p reve nts Wh ite from

c8. Even if White's K i n g moved to a7, thwarti ng Blac k 's King

wi n n i n g by a straight pawn march . After 1 . a4 Ke4, B lack is i n

from reac h i n g the corner, h e wou l d block the advance of h i s

t h e " s q uare of t h e pawn" ( n ow i magi n ed from a4 to a 8 t o e 8 to

own paw n , w h i l e Black's King fro m c8 o r c 7 den ies h i m egress.

e4) and on the crit ical retreati ng d i agonal (e4-d5-c6-b7-a8), en­

N ow the "critica l sq uare" b 7 beco me s i mportant. If i t i s oc­

a b l i n g Black's Ki n g to get back i n time. If White goes f i rst, the

cupied by Wh ite's Ki ng, Wh i te wi n s , for the pawn p roceed s

win i s ac h i eved by Wh ite's Ki n g oppos i ng Black's , row by row,

forward u n c h a l l e n ged . If Black's K i n g reaches c8 , however,

ac ross the board to the Q u e e n s i d e , s h i e l d i n g off B l ack's Ki n g

White's King can not occupy b7, the a-pawn 's c ritical s q uare . I n

from e n t e r i n g t h e "squ are o f t h e pawn . " Th e tu rn i n g point

K i n g and pawn ve rsu s King e n d i n g s , a squ are i s critica l if, by

comes when W h i te's King i s o n cs and Black's o n c3 . U n ab le to

occu pyi n g it, the supe r i o r s i d e 's Ki n g co uld e n s u re the p romo­

move to b3 because Wh ite's pawn gua rds that s q uare , B lack

tion of the passed pawn . A pawn is " passed " when no enemy

gives way to b 2 . Wh ite's pawn then util izes its two-sq u are

pawn o b st r u ct s its path to the promotion squ are or guards a

option to get beyond Black's grasp.

squ are it m u st pass over. Loose ly, a passed pawn has "p assed " a l l opposi n g paw n s . 1 . Kb7 2 . a4

1 . Kf 5 2 . Ke5

3 . a5

Kd6 Kc5

4. a6

(1-0)

Kb5

3 . Kd5 4. Kc5 5 . a4

(1-0)

Ke3 Kd3 Kc3 Kb2

78 • PAN OOLF I N l'S E N DGAME COU RS E

E N DGAME

T H E PAWNS I N ACT ION • 7 9

52

EN DGAME

53

W: Kg6, Pf6 B: Kf8 White moves and wi n s

W: Kf1 B: Kg3, Pf3 White moves and d raws

Opposing

The Squeeze

B l ac k h a s h i s Ki n g o n t h e Q u e en i n g square , b u t the s i m ple

The ot her s i d e of the coi n . If B l ack's pawn advances to the 7th

advance 1 . f7 s q u eezes him o u t . Black's King m ust exit to the

ran k with c h e c k , the d efe n se h o l d s . White, on m ove, m u s•

l eft, 1 . . . . Ke7 , al l ow i n g Wh ite's King t o enter o n the right. The

decide whet h e r to put his K i n g on e1 or g1 . It wo rks out n i cely

move 2. Kg7 takes control of the Q u een i n g s quare , and after 3 . e8/Q, W h ite m ates with i n ten m ove s . The key to t h i s en d i n g i s

after 1 . Ke1 if B lack coo pe rates and pushes h i s pawn with

t i m i n g t h e advance of t h e pawn t o t h e 7th ran k wit hou t c h e c k . You " s q u eeze" yo u r opponent's Ki n g when you force _i t off h e . b ac k row by p u s h i n g yo u r pawn to the 7 t h ran k w i t h o u t g1v 1 n g

�

check : 1 . . . . f2 + 2. Kf1 Kf3 . B u t afte r the correct res p o n s e , 1 . . . . Kg2, the pawn own s a safe co n d u ct t o t h e Q ueen i n g square. White, t h e refore, m u st p l ay 1 . Kgl , opposi n g B l ack's

check. G e n e ral ly, if you are be i n g " sq u eezed , " you m u st make

i n te ntio n s . N ow when the pawn ste ps forward , 1 . . . . f2 + , it i s with check and stalemate resu lts from 2 . Kfl Kf3 . By oppos i n g

a m ove that wor s e n s you r posi ti on .

B l ack's K i n g , Whi te's K i n g cannot be s q u eezed .

1 . f7 2. Kg7 3. f8/Q + 4. Qb4 5 . Kf6

Ke7 Kd6 Kd5 Kc6 Kd5

6. Kf5 7. Ke6 8. Qb5

9. Kd6 1 0 . Qd7 (1 -0)

Kcb Kc7 Kc8 Kd8 mate

1 . Kgl 2. Kfl

f2 + Kf 3

Stale mate

80

•

PA ND OL F I N l ' S EN DGAME COURSE

E N DGAME

T H E PAWNS IN ACTION

54

E N DGAME

•

81

55

W: Kd5 , Pe6 B : Kd8 White moves and w i n s

W: Ka5 .. Pc6 B : Kd8 White moves and w i n s

Diagonal Squeeze

W h e n K i n g s are on t h e same row with o n e s q u are between them , occ u pyi n g squares of the same col o r, they are " i n op­ position . " The s i d e not on the move has the advan tage , and i s said t o "have the oppositi o n . " I f White 's K i n g has the opposi­ tion , he co ntrol s the s ituati on and can fo rce his pawn ah ead s u ccessfu l ly. If B l ac k 's K i n g has the opposition , he can stoo Wh ite on the spot and d raw. When the Kings stand in opposi­ tion , n e i t h e r playe r desi res to move , for that wou l d give g ro u n d t o h i s oppon e n t . The refo re , t h e o n l y s u re way Wh ite c a n lay d own a wi n n i n g s q u eeze is to take the oppos ition on the d- fi l e ,

1 . Kd6. T h e r u l e s compel B l ac k t o move , a n d h i s Ki n g m u st give way. The s i d e step 1 . . . . Ke8 , permits the u n i mpeded advance with advance 2 . e7 and 3 . e8/Q. And afte r 1 . . . . KeB, Wh ite s q u eezes with 2. e7 (no check), when Black is obl i ged to open the door to W h i te's k i n g : 2 . . . . Kf7 3. Kc7 and 4 . eB/Q. 1 . Kd6 2. e7 3. Kd7 4. eB/Q 5 . Qe3

KeB Kf7 Kf6 Kf 5 Kf6

6 . Qe4 7. Ke6 8. Kf6

9 . Qd4 1 0 . Qh4 (1-0)

Kg5 Kh6 Kh5 Kh6 mate

T h e K i n g s " stan d i n oppos i t i o n " when they sit on s a m e co l o r sq uares and are separated b y an o d d n u mber of sq u ares (1 , 3 , o r 5) a l o n g t h e s a m e strai ght row ( a ran k , fi l e , o r d i agonal).

:-V hen Kings in opposition occupy the same f i l e , the Kings are

in "verti cal opposition . " If they occupy the same ra n k , they a re

i n " ho rizonta l oppositi o n . " And i f l i ned up on the same d i ago­ nal , they a re in "d iagonal opposition . " If they are separated by one sq u are , the opposition is called " d i rect . " If t h e re a re t h ree s q u ares between the two K i n g s , the o pposition is " d ista n t . " I f t h e separation i s five sq uares , t h e opposition i s " l o n g d i stant . " With the u pward 1 . Kb6, White takes the d i rect d iagonal op­ pos i t i o n , and after 1 . . . . KcB , e d ge s by 2 . c7 Kd7

Kd6

4.

1 . Kb6 2 . c7

3. Kb7

4.

3. Kb7

cB!Q. Mate soon fo l lows .

cB/Q 5 . Qg4

KcB Kd7 Kd6 Kd5 Ke5

6. Kc6 7 . Kd6 8 . Qg5

9 . Ke6 1 0 . Qe7 ( 1 -0)

Kf6 Kf 7 Kf8 KeB mate

l

! i

82

•

PA NOO L F I N l 'S END GAME COU RS E

E N DGAME

T H E PAWNS I N ACTION

56

E N DGAME

83

57

W: Ka5 , Pc6 B: Ka8

W: Ke2 B: Ke4, Pe3 Wh ite moves a n d d raws

Wh ite m ove s and wi n s

Vertical Squeeze

•

frontal Defense

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

B l ac k 's Ki n g is n ot on the Queen i n g s q u are, but it i s wi t h i n the " s q u are of t h e pawn ," (c6 to c8 to a8 to a6) so the h asty t h rust 1 . c7? e n d s i n captu re after 1 . . . . Kb?. The pawn's forward m o ­ t i o n req u i res royal su pport. On ly choice of th e r i g h t squares f o r advance m e n t , and p reci se t i m i n g wi l l secu re White's eve n tual v icto ry. For exam p l e , 1 . Kb6? i s a m i stake . After 1 . . . . Kb8 , the pawn can reach t h e 7th ran k only with check, and Black d raws by 2 . c? + Kc8

3 . Kc6 stale mat e . Th e o n ly co rrect step for

Wh ite is to move h i s Ki n g in l i n e with Bl ac k 's , one sq uare se parat i n g the two monarc h s , so they stand i n d i rect ve rtical opposition . With 1 . Ka6, Wh ite seizes the d i rect ve rtical op­ position on the a-fi l e . After 1 . . . . Kb8 is o n : 3. c7 Kd7

2 . Kb6 Kc8 the squeeze

4. Kb7 a n d Q u e e n s on the next move . I f

i n stead of 2 . . . . Kc8 , B lack plays 2 . . . . Ka8, Wh ite m u st avo i d the trap 3 . c 7 sta l e m ate, opti n g for 3 . Kc? Ka7

4. K d 7 , a n d t h e

pawn is convoyed to the Queen i ng s q uare . 1 . Ka6 2 . Kb6 3. c7 4. Kb7

Kb8 Kc8 Kd7 Kd6

5 . c8/Q 6. Qg4 7. Qf4 8. Qe4

Ke5 Kd5 Kc5 Kd6

9 . Kb6 1 0 . Qe5 1 1 . Kc6 1 2 . Qc7 ( 1 -0)

Kd7 Kd8 Kc8 mate

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

B l ack's pawn dwe l l s on i t s 6th ran k and h i s K i n g l u rk s be h i n d on its 5th . A bad s i g n . White's Ki n g i s poised perfectly fo r defe n se : on the bl ockade s q u a re e2, i m m e d i at e ly i n fron t of t h e pawn . That's a clear d raw. White s i m ply s h ifts between e2 and e1 . I f B lac k's K i n g m oves u p a ran k , Wh ite's K i n g d i rectly opposes h i m (1 . . . . Kd3

2. Kd1 , o r 1 . . . . Kf3

2. Kf1 ), tak i n g t h e d i rect

vertical oppo s i t i o n . No p ro gre s s i s po s s i b l e . In s u c h cas e s , mov i n g t h e pawn to its 7th ran k w i t h check o n l y d raws , fo r i t no l o n ge r is possi b l e to sq ueeze Wh i te 's Ki n g out. Stal e mate en­ sues. 1 . Kel 2. Kdl 3 . Kel

Kd3 d2 + Ke3

Sta l e mate

84

•

T H E PAWNS I N /\C l l Ofllt e M

PAN OOLFI N l ' S E N DGAME COURSE

E N DGAME

58

ENDGAME W: Kg5 , Pe6

59

B: Kg?

W: Kh2

Wh ite moves a n d w i n s

b

c

d

e

-

White moves a n d d r,1w1

Stalemate

Transition to a Squeeze

a

B : Kf3 , l'g I

f

g

h

B l ack has the d i rect vertical oppos iti o n , but he can 't mai ntai n

Let's say yo u h ave an extra K n i ght-pawn , yo u r Ki n g i s s i tti ng on

i t . The move 1 . Kf5 is fo rced (fo r anyt h i n g e l s e loses the e­

the 6th or 7th ra n k ah ead of the paw n , and it's you r move . Be

wro n g . Wh ite contin ues 2 . Kg6 ! . But not 2 . Kf6 ? , fo r 2 . . . . Kf8,

caut i o u s about p u s h i n g yo u r pawn . It may be better to waste t i me and re position you r K i n g to a m o re recogn izab le s i t uat i o n ,

pawn). Re l atively best i s 1 . . . . Kg8, givi n g Wh i te a chance to go regain i n g t h e o pposition , d raws . So 2 .

. . Kf8

.

3. Kf6 Ke8 l eads

even tran sfe rri n g it to the Rook-fi le in some ca s e s , to avoi d

to the pawn sq u eeze 4. e7, which d rives B l ack's Ki ng from the

h e l p i n g yo u r opponent to set pawn -baited sta l emate tra p s . You

Q u ee n i n g s q u are : 4. . . . Kd7

can not afford to be i m precise with a pawn . Someti m e s , after a

5 . Kf7.

bad p i ece move , yo u can re tu rn to where you starte d . B ut 1 . Kf5 2. Kg6

3 . Kf6 4. e7

5 . Kf7 6. e8/Q

Kg8 Kf 8 Ke8 Kd7 Kd6 Kd5

7. Qa4 8. Ke6

9. Kd6 1 0 . Qa5 1 1 . Kc6 1 2 . Qc7 mate

Kc5 Kb6 Kb? Kb8 Kc8

pawns ca n ' t m ove backward . B l ack has erroneo u s l y p u s h e d h i s pawn to t h e 6th , a l l owi n g Wh ite t o d raw with a frontal d efe nse va riation (see En d game 57). Afte r 1 . Khl , 1

.

. . . Kf2 stal e m ates .

Black s h o u l d have conti n u ed h i s pawn on to g4 and pl ayed h i s Ki n g t o f2 i n stead , th en t o g 3 f o l l owed by h 3 . That c o m b i n at i o n wo u l d have s p r u n g any stale mate snares.

(1-0) 1 . Khl 2 . Kgl

g2 + Kg3

Stal e m ate

86

•

PA N DOL F I N l 'S E N DGAME COU RS E

EN DGAME

THE PAW N S I N ACTION

•

87

" u n i ve rs e . " G e n e ral ly, it i s to n e i t h e r Kin g's advantage to move

60

outside the u n ive rs e . I f White gets the opposition with in the W: Ke6 , Pf5

B : Kf8

White moves and w i n s

Direct Opposition

un ive rse h e can app ly a t u r n i n g mane uver to occ u py a c ri t ical sq uare to s q u eeze out h i s opponent's K i n g . 1 . Kf6 2 . Kg7 3. f6 + 4. f7 5 . fB/Q 6 . Qa3

7. Kf6 8 . Qc3

9. Kf5 1 0 . Qc4 1 1 . Qc5 1 2 . Ke6 1 3 . Qc3 1 4 . QhB mate (1-0)

Wh ite wou l d e r r if h e pu shed h i s pawn , f o r Bl ac k's King wo u l d t h e n oppose Wh ite's , taki n g t h e d i rect verti cal opposition , e n d ­ i n g i n a d raw. Wh ite i n stead s h o u l d seize t h e oppositio n , 1 .

Kf6. Then B l ac k 's King m u st acced e , al l owi n g White 's Ki n g a t u rn i n g mane uve r to the 7th rank to g u a rd the s q u a res i n the pawn's path . Th i s kind of t ran s itional oppositi o n , f i rm l y c l ear­ i n g the way for fol l ow- u p t u r n i n g mane uvers that as s u re a w i n , i s t h e most powe rful there i s . These st ratage m s permit White's Ki n g to occu py the pawn 's critical s q u a res, wh ich are two ran ks ah ead of paw n s on the 2 n d , 3rd , or 4th ra n k s , but only one ran k i n front of a pawn on the 5th ran k . Th u s , if h i s pawn is on the 3rd ran k , Wh ite's King m u st be able to occupy one of th ree c ritical s q u a re s on the 5th ran k . These t h ree squares are fo u n d o n t h ree ad j o i n i n g files : t h e f i l e w i t h t h e pawn and t h e two adj acen t fi l e s . Together these t h ree f i l e s consti tute the pawn's

KeB Ke7 Ke6 Kd5 Kc4 Kd4 Ke4 Kd5 Kd6 Kd7 KeB KdB KeB

88

•

PA N DOLFI N l ' S E N DGAME COU RS E

E N DGAME

T H E PAW N S I N ACT ION

61 W: Kd 5 , Pc5

B : Kb7

White moves and wi n s

Critical Squares

�

1 . Kd6 2. Kc6

5 . c7 6. cBJQ + 7. Ke6 8 . Qc 3

9. Qd3 1 0 . Qd 1 1 . Kf5 1 2 . Qc 3 1 3 . QhB mate (1 -0)

Critical sq uare s fo r pawns o n the 5 t h ra n k are one row ah ead of 4th ran ks . Th at's becau se as Wh ite's pawn and King advance to the h i gh e r ran k s , B l ack's Ki n g is fo rced to the back row, where it r u n s out of mane uveri n g roo m . W h i te 's c ritical squ ares here are d6, c6 , a n d b6. I f Wh ite's King can occupy any of the se t h ree s q u a re s , h e can fo rce a wi n , whateve r Black does. I f Blac k can p reve n t W h i t e 's K i n g from getti n g to t h e s e s q u a re s wh i l e W h i te 's pawn i s st i l l on the 5th ran k , Blac k d raws . Th u s , i f B l ac k g o e s fi rst, h e d raws by 1 . . . . Kc7. But if White moves fi rst, h e c a n p recede h i s pawn t o t h e 6th a n d occupy t h e critical sq u a re , d 6 . T h i s i s what most Ki n g-and-pawn vs . King battles are abo u t : getti n g t h e stro n ge r side's Ki n g t o the 6 t h ran k i n fro nt of t h e paw n . O n ce yo u accompl i s h that , y o u w i n whet h e r t h e pawn ( i f

89

not a Roo k-p awn ) occ u p i es the 2 n d , 3 rd , 4th , or 5th ran ks . Yo u s h o u l d not move yo u r paw n to the 6th ran k u n l ess yo u r Ki n g i s al rea y o n t h e 6th ran k a n d t h e advanc e take s t h e opp osit ion al l ow i n g Blac k 's K i n g to ' be s q u eez ed .

3 . Kd7 4. c6 +

the pawn-not two , as seen with paw n s on the 2 n d , 3 r d , and

•

Kc8 KbB Kb7 Kb6 Kc s Kd 4 Ke4 Kf4 Kg4 Kh 5 Kh4 Kh 5

THE PAWNS IN ACTION

90

•

•

91

AM E CO U RS E PAN D O LF I N l ' S EN DG

E N DG AM E 6 2

ENDGAME W: Kf7 , Pg5

63 W: Ka1

B : Kh8

B : KbS , PcS

Wh i te moves and w i n s

ns W hit e mo ve s an d wi

Distant Opposition

�

an d be yo n d , fo i t i s ch ed a cri tic al s q u a re rea s a h g n Ki 's ite h W ran k to wi n . I t g to oc c u py t h e 6th n Ki 's ite h W r o f t n. suf fic ien i n gs of a n ew Qu ee aw n h as a l l t h e ma k y ap pe ars t h at t h e g-p ast n a 's ed ge set s p rox i m i ty to the bo ard g's n i K k ac l B the t Ye i s fo r W h ite to ret rac . Th e wi n n i n g i d ea t ra , 1 . g6 sta le m ate ti_ n g B l a k s k i n g on h6 , p reven n ow s i h g n i n o ti h i s ste p s , sta ate t r i c k an d for ci n g h-f i l e to set u p a sta lem the g n i s u m fro g n Ki i t o u t of the c o r n e r.

�

�

1 . Kg6 2 . Kh 6 3. g6 4. g7 5. Kh7 6 . g8/Q 7 . Qc 4

Kg8 Kh 8 Kg8 Kf 7 Kf6 Ke5 Kd6

8 . Kg6

9. Kg5 1 0 . Kf6 1 1 . Qc 5 1 2 . Qa 7 1 3 . Ke6 1 4 . Qb8 mate (1-0 )

Ke5 Kd6 Kd7 Kd8 Kc8 Kd8

�

Black's K i n g c l early c a n take a position i n front o f h i s paw n , a p l u perfect p l u s . B u t with h i s pawn on its 4th ran k Black's K i n g m u st be a b l e t o o cc u py the c r i ti c a l s q u a res on its 6 t h ran k . S u rely, i f White i s i m petu o u s , B l ac k s u cceed s : 1 . Kb2 ? Kb4 (taki ng the d i rect opposit � � n ) t u r n i n g mane uve r) 4. Kc1 Kc3

2 . Kc2 Kc4 5 . Kd1 Kb2

3 . Kd2 Kb3( the 6 . Kd2 c4 and the

�

pawn i s h a n d ed t h ro u g h . With p reci s i o n play, h owev r, Wh ite on e ove seizes the d i stant ve rtical opposi ti o n , 1 . Kb1 , pos1t1 o n i g h i s Ki n g an odd n u m b e r of sq u ares away from B l a k 1s K_m g-th ree-on the same fi l e , keep i n g it at bay. By . m mta m 1 n g , fro m move to move , s o m e form of opposition _ ( e i t h e r d i stant ve rtical or d i rect ve rti cal), White can p revent

�

� � '.11 � �

Black's K i n g from reac h i n g a c ritical s q u a re . 1 . Kbl 2. Kb2 3 . Kc2 4. Kd2

Kb4 Kc4 Kd4 c4

5. Kc2 6. Kcl 7. Kdl 8. Kcl

t ii' r

II I

c3 Kd3 c2 + Kc3

Stal e mate

i

',

I

92 • PAN OOLFI N l 'S E N DGAME COU RS E

E N DGAME

T H E PAWNS I N ACTION

64

EN DGAME W: Ke4, Pd4

•

93

65

B : Kf8

W : Kb2 , Pe4

White move s and w i n s

B: Ka8

Wh ite moves and wi n s

Extended O verpass

I:

i1

The t h ree c riti cal s q u ares i n front of Wh ite's 4th -rank pawn a re e6

d6

and c6 . White can seize on ly one of them : c6, t h e

� � criti cal sq u are . Th e " outside c r itical s q u are" i s the o n e

White's K i n g fro m reac h i n g i ts c ritical s q u ares on t h e 6th ran k

an opti o n , it is better to head for t h e outside c ritical sq u are ,

ove rpass t o f6 , t h e outside critical sq u a re . T h e n the pawn i s

o tsid

farthest f r o m t h e e n emy Ki n g . Wheneve r the attac k i n g Ki n g h as wh i ch ten d s to be hard e r for B l ac k 's K i n g to reac h . H e re , W h i te's Ki n g d i agonally bee l i n e s (e4-d5-c6) for the o utside c rit­ i cal square, c ro s s i n g over in front of h i s paw n , a maneuver k n ow n as "the ove rpas s . "

1 . Kd5 2. Kc6 3. Kd6 4. Ke7 5. d5 6. d6 7. d7 8. d8/Q (1 -0)

Ke7 Kd8 Kc8 Kc7 Kc8 Kb7 Kc6

j:

A n i n adeq uate w i n n i n g t ry i s 1 . Kb3 ? , which i s an swered by either 1

.

.

.

I'

. Kb7 ( o r even 1 . . . . Kb8). Both moves obstruct

(d6, e6, o r f6). B u t White can fo rce destiny's hand with a l o n g convoyed h o m e .

.

l

I

i

, ,

i;

:!

1 . Kc3 2. Kd4 3. Ke5 4. Kf6 5 . Ke6 6. Kd7 7. e5 8. e6 9. e7 1 0 . e8/Q (1-0)

Kb7 Kc6 Kd7 Ke8 Kf8 Kf 7 Kf8 Kg7 Kf 6

�

�. ·1

i

r!

94

•

T H E PAW N S I N ACTION

PA N DO L F I N l 'S E NDGAME COU RSE

E N DGAME

66

E N DGAME W: Ke1 , Pg4

B: Kc8

W: Kd3

c

d

e

f

g

h

g gets to the I n th i s exa m p l e , a pawn p u s h d raws , fo r Black's K i n h ite's Ki n g 1 . crucia l a rea befo re Wh ite's . A d i rect advan ce by W verti cal stant i d ( ! Ke7 Ke2 i s sty m i e d by 1 . . . . Kd7 2 . Ke3 is solved by oppos iti o n ) 3. Kf4 Kf6. O n ce aga i n , the r i d d l e To get there, h ead i n g fo r the o utsi de critica l s q u are ( h e re , h6). his pawn : behind g n i d i l White 's King execu tes the u n d e rpass , s e1 -f2-g3- h4 . 1 . Kf2 2 . Kg3 3. Kh4 4. Kh5 5 . Kg5 6. Kf6

B: Kc5, Pc6

Wh ite moves and d raws

Opposition

The Underpass 1

b

95

67

Wh ite moves and w i n s

a

•

Wh ite marks t i m e , f r ustrati n g the hostile i n tention s of B l ack's Ki n g by 1 . Kc3 tak i n g d i rect opposit i o n . Aft e r 1 . . . . Kd5 2 . Kd3, B l ac k p rocee d s s o l e l y b y advan c i n g h i s paw n : 2 . . . . c5 3 . Kc3 c4. Wh ite n ow m u st s u r re n d e r t h e b l ockad i n g s q u a re c 3 . I n p r i n c i p l e , h e ought t o withd raw to the reserve b l o c k ad i n g s q u a re c2, i m m e d i at e l y b e h i n d t h e b l o c k ad i n g s q u are c3 . By 4. Kc2 Kd4

5 . Kd2 , W h i te sh u ts Blac k 's Ki n g out

of his c ritical 6th- ran k s q u a re s .

Kd7 Ke6 Kf6 Kg7 Kh7 Kh8

7. Kg6 8. g5

9. Kf7 1 0 . g6 + 1 1 . g7 1 2 . g8/Q ( 1 -0)

Kg8 Kh8 Kh7 Kh6 Kg5

1 . Kc3 2. Kd3 3 . Kc3 4. Kc2 5 . Kd2 6. Kc2 7. Kcl 8. Kbl

9. Kc l

Kd5 c5 c4 Kd4 c3 + Kc4 Kb3 c2 + Kc3

'i

,, I

I ,

:l ! ,.

I '

Stalemate

'11

96

•

THE PAWNS I N ACTION

PA ND OLF I N l'S ENDGAME CO U RS E

E NDGAME

68

ENDGAME W: KgS

I

•

97

69

Pg3 B : Kg7

W: Kc1 , Pb3

Wh ite moves and w i n s

B: Ke8

White moves and w i n s

The Underpass 2

Reserve Tempo

2 1 a

Wh ite's K i n g g r i p s a c ritica l s q u a re ( gS), s o h e m u st have a w i n n i n g ga m e . B l ac k has the d i rect ve rtical oppositio n , b u t o n ly t e m p o rari ly. U t i l i z i n g h i s re serve t e m p o , Wh ite advan ces his paw n , tra n sferr i n g the move to B l ac k and gai n i n g the op­ position for h i m self. After 1 . g4, Black gives g ro u n d , 1 .

.

. . Kh7 ,

a n d Wh ite's Ki n g ascen d s the board with a t u rn i n g maneuve r, 2 .

Kf6, occu py i n g a c riti cal square i n t h e p roces s . The e n d i n g echoes seve ra l we 've al ready se e n . 1 . g4 2. Kf6 3 . Kg6 4. g5 5. Kf7 6. g6 +

7. g7 8 . g8/Q + (1 -0)

Kh7 Kh8 Kg8 Kh8 Kh7 Kh6 Kg5

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

A n oth e r u n de rpa s s . White's K i n g gets to a3 as q u i ck ly as he does to c3, a n d by a d i agonal m arch to a3 , he gai n s g ro u n d on B l ack's King. B l ac k stops the Wh ite K i n g 's dash fo r the outside critical s q uare (aS) by l u n gi n g to b6, but with Kb4, W h i te g rasps hold of the d i rect ve rtical opposit i o n , reach i n g a critical sq uare on the n ex t move . 1 . Kb2

2 . Ka3 3 . Ka4 4. Kb4 5 . Kc5 6. Kb5 7. Ka6 8 . b4

Kd7 Kc6 Kb6 Ka6 Kb7 Kc? Kc6 Kc7

9. b5 1 0 . Kb6 1 1 . Kc7

1 2 . b6 + 1 3 . b7 + 14. b8/Q + 1 5 . Qb6 (1-0)

Kb8 Ka8 Ka? Ka8 Ka7 Ka6

'·'

I I

mate "

98

•

THE PAWN S I N ACTIO N

PAN DOLFI N l 'S E N DGAME COURSE

E N DGAME

70

EN DGAME W: Ka3 , Pg2

B : KbS

W: Ke1 , Pe2

8 - -® - � 7- - - -

� • • � 7� . - - 6 � - - B � s M® 4 - - - • • D � � 3 � � . 2 m B. B ft B 1 --

8

d

e

f

g

.

'

2

h

The pawn can't do fo r itself : 1 . g4 KcS ( ste p p i n g i n to the " s q uare of the paw n ")

2. gs KdS

3 . g6 Ke6

4. g7 Kf7 catc hes

the pawn . Wh i te 's K i n g m u st s e ize the d i rect ve rtical opposi­ tion a n d m a i n ta i n it, line by l i n e across the board to the g-fi l e . A t that p o i nt, B l a c k m u st g i ve way, left o r- ri ght, a l l owi ng White's Ki n g a t u r n i n g maneuve r to occ u py a 4th- ran k c ritica l squa re (f4 or h4). Criti cal - s q u a re sets are two ran ks ahead of t h e i r pawns on the 2nd , 3rd , o r 4th ran ks . Th i s means the critical s q u a re s f o r a Wh ite pawn o n g 2 a re f4, g4, a n d h4 . B y occu pyi n g a n y of these th ree s q ua res , White 's K i n g wi l l be a b l e to p romote h i s passed pawn b y force.

1 . Kb3 2. Kc3 3 . Kd3 4. Ke3 5 . Kf3 6. Kg3 7 . Kh4

Kc5 Kd5 Ke5 Kf 5 Kg5 Kf5 Kg6

�

Kf6 Kg7 Kf7 Kg8 Kh8 Kg8 Kh8

1 5 . Kf7

16. 1 7. 18. 19.

g6 + g7 + g8/Q + Qg6 (1 -0)

Kh7 Kh8 Kh7 Kh6 mate

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Everyt h i n g d p e n d s on who move s . I f B lack goes f i rst, h i s K i n g ca n stop Wh i te's fro m occ u py i n g a 4th- ran k critical s q u a re two

�

rows in front of t h e e-pawn (d4, e4, or f4). Fo r exa m p l , 1 . . . . Ke7 ( l o n g - d i sta nt ve rtical opposition) ve rtical oppositi o n )

2. Kd2 Kd6 ( d i stant

3 . Ke3 KeS (d i re ct oppos i t i o n ), and B l ac k

d raws . B u t i f Wh i te goes fi rst, he w i n s because h e a lways gets to a 4th - ra n k c ritical s q u a re : Kd2-e3-e4 (or to d4 or f4). 1 . Kd2 2 . Ke3 3 . Ke4 4. e3

8. Kg4 9. Kh5 1 0 . Kg5 1 1 . Kh6 1 2 . Kg6 1 3 . g4 14. g5

- - - s a, - - 4 • • - 3- - - • - ft - � 1 • � · B m � � � �� 6

.

c

B : Ke8

Wh i te moves and w i n s

Critical Squares #2

Maintaining the Opposition

b

99

71

White moves and w i n s

a

•

5 . Kf5 6. e4 + 7. Kf6

Kd8 Ke7 Ke6 Kd6 Kd5 Kd6 Kd7

8. e5 9. Ke6 1 0 . Kd7 1 1 . e6 + 12. e7+ 1 3 . e8/Q + (1-0)

Kea Kf8 Kf7 Kf8 Kf7

1 00

•

PAN DOLFI N l 'S E N DGAME COU RSE T H E PAWNS IN ACTION

E N DGAME

72

E N DGAME W : Kc1

•

1 01

73

B : Kc8 , Pc7

W: Kf1

W h ite plays and d raws

B: Kg3 , Ph3

White moves a n d d raws

Rook-Pa wn Draws

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

B l ac k moves and w i n s as White d i d i n the previo u s e n dgam e . B u t White, with the move, d raws by b l ocki n g B l ack from reach­

�7,

ing his pawn 's critical squ are s . To w i n with the pawn at

Blac k's Ki n g m u st b e set to o cc u py either bS , cS , or dS. White starts by tak i n g t h e long- d i stant ve rti cal oppositi�n , 1 . Kc2 . Both Ki n g s n ow stan d o n the same color square s ( l i ght), sepa­ rated by an odd n u m ber of square s (five) along the row they are on (the c-fi l e). After 1 .

.

. . Kb7

2 . Kb3 , the Ki n gs sta n d i n

�

d i stant vertical oppositi o n , a n d W h i te's h a s t h e advantage e­ cau s e he moves second . Final ly, with 2 . . . . Kc6 3 . Kc4, Wh i te h o l d s the d i re ct o p position , a n d B l ac k can 't attain an y of h i s

�

critica l sq uares. B l ack's Ki n g can move up l ater, b u t o n l y a ter movin g his paw n , w h i c h c h a n ge s the cri ti cal square s , p u s h i n g t h e m even fu rt h e r beyo n d Blac k's Ki n g . 1 . Kc2 2 . Kb3 3. Kc4 4. Kd4 S. Kc4

6. Kc3

Kb7 Kc6 Kd6 c6 c5 Kd5

7. Kd3 8. Kc3 9 . Kc2 1 0 . Kb2 1 1 . Kc2 1 2 . Kcl

c4 + Kc5 Kb4 c3 + Kc4 Kd3

a B B B B 7- - - 6 B B B B sB B 8 B 4 B B B B 3B B B =t 2 B B B B 1 B B B