Puzzles XXIII

Knight versus pawn

In most cases, making a draw in such positions is not particularly difficult. Although there are some niceties.

Let's look at examples.

The pawn on the 7th rank is delayed, as the knight controls the promotion square.

With the A- or H-vertical pawn, a draw occurs only if the pawn has not yet reached the 7th rank.

If the A- or H-vertical pawn is already on the 7th rank, then the knight cannot prevent it from becoming a queen.

A knight delays the pawn if it controls the square in front of the pawn. The exceptions are positions with the A- or H-vertical pawn standing on the 7th rank.

An exception is the following example.

TRY:

1. Black to move. Win

2. Black to move. Draw

3. White to move. Checkmate in 2

4. White to move. Draw

5. Black to move. Draw

6. White to move. Draw

7. White to move. Draw

8. Black to move. Win