The Rule of the square.

Submitted by JCoombs1972 on Sun, 06/29/2008 at 1:01pm.

(125) "King and Pawn v. King" "The ending of King and pawn v. king is not only a common place in endgames but a basic one at that. Any game in which one side is a pawn ahaead can, in theory, be simplified by exchanges to this three man contest of wits. With a bigger material advantage of course, the stronger side should find this problem easy to solve! The elements of this ending are not difficult. No Checkmate is possible with just King and pawn vs. King. For the Stronger side to win a queen or a rook is of the essence in promotion". So Take a look at this diagram and imagin a magical square from squares b3 to f3 then to f8, this is the square that the king must not be within at any given time if the pawn is to be promoted. for each pawn move the square shrinks smaller and smaller until promotion. play with this position and see what you think? I would like to hear what you think of this notoriouse tool that advanced players use.

» posted in Endgames

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by JCoombs1972 - 3 months ago
St. Louis Mo United States

Member Since: Jun 2008
Member Points: 96

My advice to all my students that I have both on and offline I suggest starting with the endgames so you can learn the various techniques in the endgame so you will be able to fend off the most brutal attacks even from the most aggressive attackers. as we speak I am reading DVORETSKY'S ENDGAME MANUAL 2ND EDITION, so to answer your question, Yes this maneuver should be recognized right off from the start of lessons. At first this seems pointless but as you begin to play more games of chess you will notice that the assimilation of the techniques in the endgame begin to make themselves evident in your play. Therefore by studying the endgame you will become stronger and know how to go into a game with confidence when the time comes for you to go in to the endgames. if your interested in lessons feel free to e-mail me at JCoombs1972@chess.com

by willingtolearn2 - 3 months ago
nebraska United States

Member Since: Jul 2008
Member Points: 11

At beginner level, does this move have to be reconized right away, or can it be used if the black king was closer to a8. im thinking yes because white is one up on black, please correct me if im wrong.

Thanks

willingtolearn2