Pawn Endings: Mined Squares

Mined squares, as its name suggests, refer to a pair (or more) of corresponding squares where both players should avoid. Otherwise, the first to do so will get into zugzwang. For the benefit of those who are still confused, I will show you an example that every club player quite possibly knows. 

Now that you know what mined squares are, let's get down to business. We will look at a very instructive, albeit obscure example (although well known among masters). Before you begin to calculate variations, be sure to identify the mined squares.

For our next example, the concept is the same. I will not spoil it for you with any more hints.

So remember, the next time you enter a pawn ending where there are hardly any reserve tempi left for either side, be sure to check for mined squares first, and the solution will become much clearer.