King&Pawn vs. King&Knight

Hallo,

Is this position a win for black, or a draw? 

What are the conditions for white to force a draw, or black to force a win? 

Let's now examine this specific position in light of the general rule:

1...a3? 2.Nc2+ {forks the king and pawn to force a draw} =

1...Kc4 2.Nc2 {threatens b3} =

1...Kc3 2.Nb5 {threatens b3} =

1...Kc5 2.Nc2 [threatens b3} =

1...Ka5 2.Nc2 {threatens b3} =

1...Ka3 2.Nb5+ {threatnes b3} = 

An even simpler way to evaluate this is to realize that the knight is forking the two drawing squares (c2, b5). Black's king can't protect both squares, and he can't advance his pawn due to the fork Nc2+, so it's a draw.

Thank you!

 Just to make sure I understand:

 If the knight is able to occupy or threaten any square in the pawn's path (before the pawn reaches the final square), except a corner square, he can force a draw.

The Following position will thus be a win for white? If the knight was any closer, it would be a draw?

This position is drawn, but both sides have practical chances, especially if they know the rule and their opponent doesn't. Black has to find a way to threaten or occupy a square in the pawn's path. First, see how Black could go wrong. Then, see the solution.

fyi, I wrote up the rules of this endgame plus five instructive positions:

 http://blog.chess.com/likesforests/the-endgame-tactician-knight-vs-pawn

It is a draw.

About 9 years...

Lol noobs asking elemental questions.

Looks like this thread died long ago.

Haven't you heard? Old threads never die, they just fade away.