Basic Endgame Strategy

King & Pawn Endings - King &Two Pawns v. King & Pawn (Deflection)

Examine the board below:

White’s extra pawn makes all the difference. Winning in this position is a three step process: 1) White should centralize his King as much as possible (Black will likely do the same, as it’s the only remotely reasonable chance to draw); 2) White will then advance the lone pawn, deflecting the Black King from the center of the board, since the Black King must stop the lone pawn from promoting; 3) White’s King can then swoop in and gobble up Black’s pawns, thus making a path for one or both White pawns to promote. Click here for a demonstration, with commentary.

Next: King & pawn Endings - King & 3 pawns v. King & 3 pawns (Breakthrough)

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