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EndgamesChapter 14 · Kings and pawns

Activate the king.
Count every tempo.

In the endgame the king becomes a fighting piece, and one tempo can decide everything.

ConceptUnderstand before you move

Master opposition, key squares, corresponding squares, triangulation, outside passers, pawn races, breakthroughs, shouldering, and the rule of the square.

  • Put the king in front of a passed pawn whenever possible.
  • Calculate pawn races to promotion, including checks after promotion.
  • Opposition is a tool for gaining entry—not a goal by itself.
Last moveStartInitial positionWhite to move
FEN & PGNTap any move above for its position+
FEN · current
8/4k3/8/4K3/4P3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1
PGN · through this move
Moves will appear here as you play.
♘
Your move

Shoulder the king away and claim a key square.