Endgame Technique - Key Squares
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I played chess when I was 8-9 years old. After that, I just played a few games very sporadicly during my youth (now I'm 34). In the last months, I have become fond of the game again, thanks partly to this wonderful site. I even didn't know the concept of opposition in chess. This kind of puzzles are quite necessary as I'm sure that not everybody here know the basics of the game.
this is a good game to learn from dont go for a draw when you might win
Its fairly easy to see the answer when you notice that the white king is so close to the action and the black king is so far... it is not a draw position by any means
A fairly simple / classic puzzle.
dragondorf> dont go for a draw when you might win
Few would play for a draw here, although many would blow the win.
A couple general rules about K+P vs K+P endgames where the pawns are separated by one file: (1) If the defending king reaches his pawn it's a draw, (2) if the defender can sac his pawn to force his opponent's pawn to become a rook pawn or advance too far it's a draw (this probably only makes sense if you mastered K+P vs K).
An immediate Kg1 only draws because Kg1-Kh2-Kh3-Kh4-Kxh5 takes five tempi and the Black king can defend h5 in four tempi.
Jun 21, 2008
0
#6
HaZe905 wrote: Its fairly easy to see the answer when you notice that the white king is so close to the action and the black king is so far... it is not a draw position by any means
but some moves were not obvious (i.e. Kg1 instead of Kf3), but I can see your view. To clarify, this puzzle should be taken more as a lesson than as a brain teaser. Nice job solving it though! I probably would have played Kf3 prior to seeing this and messed it up.
I'm currently going through Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual, and would like to post more endgame puzzles. Would that be a good idea? Thoughts?
Nimzo33> I'm currently going through Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual, and would like to post more endgame puzzles. Would that be a good idea? Thoughts?
Sure. I've gone through it before but it is good review. :)
It would also be a good idea to post the general rules of the endgame you are reading....and also the idea of the puzzle.
I'm confused as to how this is a win? Is this a checkmate? If so how? I'm a novice...need explanation because I don't see it.
aggiepride06> I'm confused as to how this is a win?
K+P vs K+P endings often won't make much sense unless you've already learned K+P vs K endings. Take the two simple tutorials below and the solution will make alot more sense... plus it's important chess knowledge you'll use over and over in your games. :)
If there are any questions please feel free to ask them in the thread and I will do my best to answer them. This puzzle comes from Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual.