Puzzles XXII

Bishop and pawn versus king

If a bishop and pawn fight against a lone king, then winning such positions is quite simple. The pawn, with the support of its pieces, easily promotes into queen.

Let's look at an example.

But if on the board are the bishop with the a-pawn or h-pawn and the king of the weaker side is in front of the pawn, then the position might be drawn. There is a rule: If the bishop is the same color as the corner promotion field of the pawn/-s, then the position is won, and if otherwise, then it is a draw.

Let`s look at an example. Theoretically, a draw. There is no win because that the king of the weakest side is on a corner square from which it cannot be driven out. Black saves thanks to stalemate.

And if you move the pawn further, then it’s stalemate.

The exceptions are positions in which the king of the weaker side does not have time to occupy the corner square.

In this example, White's task is not to allow the enemy king on the pawn promotion square. Conducted the technique is called “cutting off the path.” It must be remembered.

NOW TRY YOUR LUCK:

1. White to move. Draw

2. Black to move. Win

3. Black to move. Win

4. White to move. Draw

5. White to move. Win

6. Black to move. Draw

7. Black to move. Win

8. White to move. Draw