Jun

The King on the sixt rank

In the Pawn’s square rule lesson you have learned that one pawn more may be enough to win the game. But if the pawn in itself can’t make it to the other side the king has to assist.
In this lesson you will see that if the assisting King is able to reach the sixth rank in front of it’s pawn the game will be won.

Let’s have a look at the next diagram.

6th_Rank

1.d4

( 1.d3 takes more time, but is also winning Kc8 2.d4 Kd8 3.d5

This is a very important position with the opposing Kings and White’s King in front of its own pawn. On all ranks it will be won by White as long as it’s Black’s turn to move. With White to move it will also be won with the White King on the sixth rank as we will see later.

3… Kc8 4.Ke7 Kc7 5.d6+ Kc6 6.d7 Kd5 7.d8=Q+ )

1… Kc8 2.d5 Kb7

( 2… Kd8 results in the same position as mentioned above, but now it’s White’s turn to move. 3.Ke6 Ke8 4.d6 Kd8 5.d7

It is very important for White that it’s Black’s turn to move. Otherwise it would be a draw.

5… Kc7 6.Ke7 Kb6 7.d8=Q+ )

3.Ke7 Kc7 4.d6+ Kc6 5.d7 Kb6 6.d8=Q+ 1-0

The next lesson will be about the Italian Game.

Tags: Chess, Endgame, Strategy