Puzzles XXI

Endgame

Usually the bishop easily delays the passed pawn and the result is a draw. The exception is positions when the bishop cannot take control of one of the squares in front of the pawn.

Let's look at an example. If White moves - they win, if Black moves - draw.

What if it is Black to move?

There are more chances to win when two pawns are fighting against a bishop. Pawns can be scattered, connected or doubled.

Let's look at examples.

In the created position, the king of the weaker side delays one of the pawns, and the bishop controls the promotion square of the other.

But this doesn't always happen.

In the following example, by subtly maneuvering the king, White help one of their passed pawns to queen.

Etyde by Reti

The following two endings are instructive.

In the first, Black, during his move, carries out a typical maneuver with inhibition of passed pawns and achieves a draw. 

And when the opponent moves, they lose.

The closer the connected pawns are to the promotion square, the more dangerous. If the pawns are already on the 6th rank, then the bishop We can deal with them only with the help of our king. If White moves, it’s a win, if Black moves, it’s a draw.

If two doubled pawns fight against a bishop, then a win is achieved only if it is possible to exchange
bishop to one of the pawns and move to the winning pawn ending.

In the created position, if White moves, it’s a win, and Black’s is a draw.

NOW TRY BY YOURSELF:

1. Black to move. Draw

2. White to move. Draw

3. White to move. Win

4. White to move. Win

5. White to move. Win

6. Black to move. Draw

7. White to move. Win

8. White to move. Draw