Bishop and Knight end-games

1. Be patient; do not rush but improve position slowly.

2. When having bishop pair vs knight and bishop, exchange one of the bishops for knight or
bishop only when it gives you a lot improved position
3. Improve your position as long as possible before accepting the exchange finally.
4. When King, bishop and pawns are taken to the best squares, opponent king and knight are
most likely in zigzwang kind of situation and there exist many possibilities e.g.
a. Exchange a pawn in one flank for another flank pawn and create imbalance
b. Sacrifice a pawn to promote another one
5. Sacrifice bishop in a way that knight cannot stop queening of a pawn.
6. Choose a square for bishop where knight attack will be late. Also try to restrict knight’s
movements by bishop.
7. Bishop is better in an open board whereas knight can be better in a closed or semi closed
board.
8. Try to keep bishop on major diagonal or to a diagonal which is important in the given
position.
9. Corner pawns are much difficult for knight to stop from queening and when it tries to do so,
it might get trapped by bishop.

White to play

BBvsBN1.pgn

Plan for white – goal win

1. Keep pressure on a7,b7 pawns.

2. Exchange c pawn with b. This will serves three purposes, a. get rid of isolated c pawn b. The
most important is black’s single pawn in a file will come under direct attack by one or other
bishops. c. bishops will have lot more free space to move.
3. Actively look for knight forks and restrict that asap.
4. Place bishops centrally g1-a7 or a1-a8 diagonals for black. A2-g8 or h1-a8 diagonal for white.
5. Bring King to center. And look for appropriate moment when king can march towards wings
leaving center and it should be based on precise calculation, must be decisive.

Plan for black – goal draw

1
1. Exchange pawns asap.
2. Place bishops centrally g1-a7 or a1-a8 diagonals for black.
3. Bring knight to action, towards the center.
4. Try to transform this game into opposite colour bishop ending.

2
 BISHOP VS KNIGHT ENDGAMES

Pawns on both Flanks (Symmetry)

I always use Capablaca's "Chess Manual" to explain to my students the general idea why the
bishop is better than the knight in the endgame. Here is what the great Cuban teaches us:
"In this position it is better to have the bishop, although after correct play the game
should end in a draw. The advantage of the bishop over the knight is that it can attack
from far away, from the center both flanks of the opponent, and the ability quickly to
transfer from one side of the board to the other." Just place the bishop on one of the
central squares d4 (e5), or e4 (d5) if it is a light-squared one and you will discover that it
can attack two pawns on different flanks simultaneously. Try the same with the knight. It
does not work, does it?

In the above position right move for white is 1. Be3

Pawns on both Flanks (Asymmetry)

Capablanca: "In this position the bishop has an indisputable advantage. Both players have
an equal number of pawns, but they are not balanced on the flanks. White is somewhat
better although after a correct play the game should end in a draw." The less symmetrical
the position is the more powerful the bishop feels.

In the above position correct move for white will be 1. B3

Target bishop where white has majority.

3
Pawns on both Flanks (further Assymetry)

Capablanca: "In this position the bishop has an obviously decisive advantage over the
knight as the pawns are not only placed on both flanks, but there are also passed pawns. It
will be extremely difficult, if even possible, for Black to achieve a draw here." And
indeed, White can simply place his bishop on b2 from where it will both stop the black
passers and support his own. The opponent's knight cannot manage in both functions and
will have simply to be on the defense." Just place the bishop on b2 on the first move, and
it will become obvious that it can both stop the opponent's passed a and b pawns, while
supporting its g and h passers (combine defense and attack). The same is impossible for
the knight, and it has to choose only one of the options.
--------------------------------------------------------
In the above position correct move for white will be 1. Bb2

Domination

Efimenko-Najer, Bundesliga 2008/2009 The bishop can dominate the knight alone, if the
latter is at the edges of the board, and trap it.
---------------------------------------------------------
The material is highly reduced, but the strong passed pawn gives Black an option to play
for domination and win:
In the above position correct move for black will be 1… …..Bd3
In order to stop the passed pawn, White needs now to place his knight to a3 where it is
completely frozen by the bishop.
The alternative sensible retreat square is unstable: [59.Nc3 a3 60.Ke3 (60.Na2 Kd5 61.Ke3
Bb1 62.Nc3+ Kc4 63.Nxb1 a2–+; 60.Kxg4 Ke5 61.Na2 Kd4 62.h4 Bb1 63.Nc1 Kc3 64.Ne2+
Kb2–+) 60...Bc4 61.Ke4 Kd6 62.Kd4 a2 63.Nxa2 Bxa2–+ as the bishop controls the "correct"
corner.]

4
Domination and the Corner Pawns

Cmilyte-Csonka, Gibtelecom Masters 2009 A rook's pawn is a real nightmare for the
knights. As soon as that springy horse comes close to the edge of the board it loses power,
and becomes a clumsy donkey. In the featured position White manages to convert a single
corner pawn, and one that promotes on the "wrong" square-- the opposite color of the
bishop.
1. Ke6 –Ne3 2. B*h5 – Kc7 3. Bf3 – Kd8 4. Bc6 – Ng4 5. H5 – Nh6 6. Bb5 – Ng4 7. Kf7 –
Ne5 8. Kg7 – Nf3 9. Kf6 1-0

Restriction, Deflection, Win

Kveinys-Ejsmont, Polish Ekstraliga 2006 White is practically a pawn ahead as the black f-
pawns are doubled and he has the opportunity to realize his advantage by combining play
with his passer and limitation of the knight. In this example we see another inconvenient
square for the knight.
1. Kf7 – Ke7 2. Bg6 – Kd6 3. a3!! – Kc6
Passive defense does not save either: [48...Ke6 49.a4 Kd6 50.a5 and if Black does not want to lose his
knight as in the game, he will have to try: 50...Ne6 51.Bxf5 But then White simply wins the pawns on
the king's flank- 51...Nc5 52.Be4 Ke6 53.Bd3 Kd7 54.Bc4 Kc7 55.Kd4 Nd7 56.Ke4 and Ke4-f5 snatching
all the pawns.]

4.. Bf7 White covers e6 so that he could advance his king through d4. Now the black king has a hard choice -
either to go for the opponent's pawn or to help his knight.

4.. …..Kc5 [4...Kd6 5.a4 Ke7 6.Bg6+- is similar as the previous note.]
5. a4 – Kb4 6.Kd4 – K*a4 7. Kc5 – wins pawns and knight.

5
Material Advantage

Carlsen-Adams, World Cup Khanty-Mansiysk 2007

Converting the material advantage is an easy task if the opponent cannot build a
fortress.
1. Bd2 – Na6 (Black tries to build a fortress.)
Carlsen wrote that by this moment he was completely relaxed and sure of his win, as the pawn structure on
the king's flank was favorable for him. He meant that the black pawns are targets and he has progress with his.

2. a5 – Kb5 (Black waits.)

In order to open more space in the center for a decisive breakthrough white must deflect the
opponent's pieces.
3. Kf3 – Nc5 White needs to activate his king in order to break Black's defensive set up. Black keeps on
waiting.
4. Bc3 – h6 5. Ke3 –Kc4 6. Bd4 – Na6 Black cannot allow the pawn endgame as he loses all the kingside pawns.
7. Ke4 – Nb4 The king is ready to go for the black kingside pawns. So far Black has managed to control
both the center and the passed pawn.

8. h4 – Kb5
This move prepares fixation of the enemy pawns on the color of the white bishop, as well as a possible
breakthrough. Another winning plan is to bring the bishop to f8: [8.Bb2 Kb5 (9...Kb3 10.Bc1 Ka4 11.Bf4 and the
bishop goes via d6 and f8 ) 9.Ba3 Na2 The pawn endgame is completely hopeless (9...Kxa5 10.Bxb4+ Kxb4
11.Kd5) 12.Bf8 and White takes all the pawns.]

9.. Bc3 - Chases away the knight from the d5 square – Na6
10. Kd5 –Nc5 11. Bd4 (avoiding fork if Kd6) – Nd3 12. Ke6 1-0

6
Positional Advantage

Ki. Georgiev-Nisipeanu FIDE Wch k.o. 2000

When the stronger side has possibility for play on both flanks the bishop becomes a
monster.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
White has many advantages in the featured position: his king is much more active, he has a passed pawn, extra space. Last
but not least- the pawn structure is imbalanced, which speaks for a superiority of the bishop over the knight. However
Black's knight on c7 is holding the position together and preventing the white king getting in, while blocking the passed
pawn.

1. F4 – e*f4 (Now White opens up the position for his bishop and invades with his king. The bishop is
getting activated, and the king gets access to the d5-square because the bishop chases the defending
knight.)
2. B*f4 – Ne6
3. Bd6 –Kd7 The best square for the bishop, from here it is always ready to attack the pawns on the
king's flank and supports its own passer.
4. Kd5 – Nd8 This is the right post for your king for now. White can gain space in the center, push the
black pieces to worse squares, and only then attack g7 or a6. Black is in zugzwang and must move his
knight to a worse square.
5. C5 –Nc6 This pawn advance ruins Black's defensive set up. The knight must choose between
defending against c6 (which further crushes the black pieces) and the g7 pawn.
6. Bf8 –Ne5 Now White goes for the kingside pawns. The only chance for Black is to exchange as many
pawns as he can.
7. G5 !! –h*g5 White uses his extra space to create a deadly passer. The g4 pawn was a goner anyway.
8. B*g7 –g4 Now White has two passed pawns on different flanks and Black cannot handle them.
9. B*f6 – Nf7
10. Bh4 – Nh6 Keeping the g4 pawn from advancing further, and also improving the bishop's placement
(it's better for him to be far from the king and knight: he can still control the squares around them,
but they can not affect him)
11. C6+ -Kc8 The c-pawn advance is strong now, because you won't need to defend the pawn from the
black king after Kc7-- you'll just chase him away with Bg3+. That means we are forcing the black king
to an even more restricted position by advancing the pawn.
12. Bg3 – Nf5
13. Ke5!! Black cannot take knight as h pawn queens.

7
Pawn Fixation

Black to play
Adams-Karjakin, ECC men 2007
We have seen so far that bishops have one general drawback-their "color blindness." In order to use
these pieces correctly we must use our pawns in a proper way, helping the bishops have fixed targets.
---------------------------------------------------------
Material is very reduced, but Black is much better (active king and better minor piece, pawn
weaknesses). However in order to win he needs to play on both flanks.
1. … H5 !! Fixing the h-pawn on a dark square. This will force one of the white pieces to guard it, and will
partly exclude that piece from the game. More than that it will stop tricks by white to take on g pawn and
then game will be draw as h pawn(s) cannot queen with this bishop.
2. Kf2 (white waits) - Bb4 The bishop is transferred to attack the fixed weak pawn. The pawn endgame
after: [2.Nxb4 axb4 3.Ke3 Kf5 4.Ke2 is hopeless as either 4...Kf4 5.Kf2 g6 or 5...g5 creating an outside passed
pawn win.]
3. Ke2 – Be7 Black accomplishes the manoeuvre with the bishop.
4. Ne3 – Bd8! Good technique. Black is not in a hurry and puts his opponent in a kind of zugzwang.
5. Ng2 – Kd4
6. Kd2 – g5 !! Black creates a passed pawn. As the knights hate corner pawns White will have to engage his
king to stop it, and Black will clear the road for the remaining pawn.
7. H*g5 [7.Ne3 also doesn't save: 7...gxh4 8.Nc2+ Ke5 9.Ke2 (trying to give the knight for the a-pawn and to
get a theoretical draw) 9...Bb6! 10.Kf1 h3 , and the white king is cut off the h1 square and Black comes with
his king to g3 and wins.] – B*g5
8. F4 – Bd8 Away from possible knight forks. [..Bh6 is another nice way to win, by zugzwang. If the white
king heads towards the kingside to cover the h-pawn, then Ke2 Kc3 wins the b pawn, and white won't be able
to defend against the a pawn. But if the king heads for the a-pawn, then after Ke4, white won't be able to
stop the h-pawn. ..Be7 not good as invites Ne3 and Nf5 forks]
9. Ne3 – h4 White wants to sacrifice the knight for the a pawn and reach a fortress with his king on h1.
10. Ke2 – h3 The attempt to block the pawn with the knight is doomed: [10.Nf1 h3 11.f5 Ke4 12.Ke2 Kf4
13.Nh2 Bf6 14.Nf1 Bd4 15.Nh2 Be5 16.Nf1 Kxf5 17.Kf2 Bf4–+ Domination]
11. Kf3 – h2!
12. Nf5+ - Kc3
13. Kg2 – K*b3
14. Nd4+ - Kc4 0-1 as white will not be able to stop a pawn.

8
Outside Passed Pawn

Rej-Castor, Sydney International Open 2010

An outside passed pawn is a great advantage in all endgames. A bishop is extremely happy to have such
support as it eases its main hobby- play on two flanks.
1. Ke2 – Ke6 Unfortunately for Black he cannot exchange the knight for the bishop as the resulting
pawn endgame is lost due to the possibility for White to create an outside passed pawn: [25...Nxe3
26.Kxe3 Ke6 27.Kd4 The most precise method is to first maximally activate the king. 27...a5 28.b3 d5
29.a3 Kd6 Now the plan is to create the b passer, deflect the opponent's king and win in return the d5
pawn, and all the others on the king's flank. And the best technique to do that is first to improve your
own pawns on the kings flank with: 30.g4 then h2-h4, f2-f4, and finally b3-b4, etc.] In the game he
will win in a similar way but with the minor pieces still on the board.
[1. Bd2? If the King and Pawn endgame was drawn, then this might be a good move, but since it's winning, it's a
waste of time.]
2. Kd3 – Kd7 Black must stop possible invasion on the queen's flank.
3. Kc4 – Kc6 Pieces are activated maximally, now it is the turn of the pawns.
4. b4 – Nc7 Otherwise a2-a4 and b4-b5 is coming.
5. A4 – d5+ Black is practically in zugzwang, and he will have to do this move sooner or later. Any
move of the king or knight would have allowed b5 by white.
6. Kd3 –Ne6
7. G3 – Nc7 White restricts the knight.
8. H4 - [Gaining space on the king's flank and placing the pawns on defended squares.] – Ne8
This move eases White's task, as the knight now will be dominated. More stubborn was: [8...Ne6
although this should also be won for White after: 8.g4 Expanding on the king's flank- this will give two
extra trumps for White- control over the e6 square, and possibility for combined play on both flanks.
9...Nd8 (9...g6 is probably best 10.Bd4 f5 11.gxf5 gxf5 12.Ke3 but Black will soon in zugzwang) 10.f4
Nb7 11.f5 Nd6 12.h5 Nc4 (12...Nf7 13.Bf4 h6 14.Kd4+- and b4-b5 is coming will be similar as in the
game) 13.Bd4 h6 14.Bc5 Ne5+ 15.Kd4 Nxg4 16.Bf8 Nf2 17.Bxg7 Ne4 18.Ke3 Ng3 19.Bxf6 Nxf5+ 20.Kf4
Nd6 21.Bg7 Nf7 22.Kf5 and White wins.]
9. Bf4 – g6 Restricting the knight immediately when the moment occurs. Black is lost. – g6 The only
way for the knight to go back in the game for a while.
---------------------------------------------------------
While the black knight is slowly coming back into the game through g7, you have the chance for
decisive action. This is a critical move.
10. Kd4 –Ng7 The king is maximally activated. White is ready for the decisive operation. You better have it
planned already!
11. B5 – a*b5
12. A*b5 – K*b5
13. K*d5 – f5
14. Be5 – Nh5
15. F3! – f4
16. B*f4 – Ng7
17. G4 – h5

9
18. Be5 –Ne8
19. G*h5 – g*h5
20. F4 wins for white

10
Play on both Flanks

White to play
Ki. Georgiev- Erdos, EICC Budva 2009

Play on both flanks is the most successful strategy in the bishop versus knight endgames.

1. Ke4-Nc5+ White goes for the pawns on the king's flank. The e passer will have the role of an outside
passed pawn to deflect opponent's king.
2. Kf5 – Kf8 [2...Nd7 looks a bit more stubborn, but does not save either. First White takes a pawn
in order to open more space for his bishop- 3.Bc6 Nf8 4.Bxb5 Ne6 5.Bc4 Takes control over the
vital diagonal. 5...Nc5 6.Kg6 Kf8 7.e6 Ne4 8.g4 Nd6 Or- (8...Nf6 9.g5! hxg5 10.h6+- with decisive
breakthrough.) 9.Ba6 White puts the opponent in zugzwang after: 9...Ne8 10.Be2 Nd6 11.e7+
Kxe7 12.Kxg7 and wins.]
3. G4 – Ke7 Improves the position of the pawns before the decisive exchanges.
4. Kg6 –Kf8 with a gain of a tempo!
5. E6 – Nd3 As hinted earlier, the e-pawn plays the deflecting role of an outside passer. e6-e7 winning both
the pawns on the king's flank is inevitable. I hope you planned this before bringing the king to g6.
6. E7+ - K*e7
7. K*g7 – Nf4
8. K*h6!! –N*e4 Precisely calculated. White does not need the bishop any longer. Although the simple
retreat wins as well: [56.Bf3+-]
9. Kg7 – Nf4 white needs to get space for his king, otherwise the black king will step over and trap him
against the side of the board.
10. H6 – Ne6+
11. Kg8 - Ng5
12. H7 –Nf7
13. G5 – Nh8 !
14. K*h8- Kf7
15. G6+ - 1-0

11
Complex Positions

Black to play
Bogner-Mutschnik, 2 Bundesliga South 2008/09

Black's prospects look grim, as his opponent simply wants to come and destroy the b pawn, after which he will be practically
a pawn ahead. At the same time black bishop on g7 has a terrible life and is restricted by his own pawns.
---------------------------------------------------------
Can we change the course of the game?

1. … …E3! Black opens his bishop and thus manages to both defend his strong passer on b3 and to stop the
opponent's on b5. Only move, everything else loses on the spot. [31.Kxe3 b2 promotes the pawn.]
2. – f*e3 - E4 -
3. B6 - Kf7 White wants to exchange the b pawns. Black includes the king in the play.
4. B7 –Be5 White needs to hurry as otherwise the black king will take this pawn for free.
5. G3 – Ke6 Note how limited the white pieces suddenly are. White wants to play b8=Q Bxb8 Kc3 winning the b3-
pawn at some point, but does not want black to then win a pawn with Bxh2. If white played h3, he has a different
problem: if he ever plays b8=Q Bxb8 Kc3, then Bg3 wins the knight!! So he is forced to place his pawns on the dark
squares where the black bishop is effective against them.
6. Ng2 – g5!
7. G4 – Kd5 Stops Ke6-f5-g4, but is a mistake. As the situation in the game changed drastically White loses without a fight.
The exchange of the b pawns brings no relief for White, as his king's flank is vulnerable: [7.b8Q Bxb8 8.Kc3 Kf5 9.Kxb3 Kg4–
+; However White could have saved himself if he appreciated the bishop's main drawback-its color-blindness. After the
exceptional: 7.Nf4+!! gxf48.gxf4 Bb8 9.Kc3 White manages to get rid of all the dangerous black pawns, and to leave the
opponent with the harmless one: 9...Kd5 10.Kxb3 Kc5 11.h3 h5 12.Kb2 or simply (12.Kc3 in both cases waiting for the opponent
to come and pick the b pawn.) 12...Bc7 13.Kb3 Kc6 14.Kc4 Kxb7 15.Kd4 Kc6 16.Kxe4= Then the white king goes into the
corner and he can even afford losing all his pawns as it is a fortress.]
8. B8=Q – B*b8 [8.h3 Is more stubborn, as Black will have to avoid a witty tactical trick: 8...Kc4 9.h4 Kb4 10.hxg5
hxg5 11.Kc1 (11.Ne1 Ka3–+) 11...Kc5 Domination might not always be recommended as the following line shows:
(11...Kc3 12.Ne1 Bd6 13.Ng2 Bc7 14.Ne1 Be5 White is in zugzwang, but... 15.Nc2 bxc2 16.b8Q Bxb8 Stalemate!)
12.Ne1 Kc6 13.b8Q Bxb8 14.Kb2 Ba7 15.Ng2 Kb5 16.Kxb3 Bb6 White is in zugzwang and has either to let the black
king approach or abandon the e3 pawn. In both cases he is completely lost.]
9. Kc3 – b2
10. K*b2 – Kc4 Improving the king's position. This is even better than: [39...Bxh2 40.Kb3 Bc7 41.Ne1 Ba5 42.Nc2
Bd2–+ which also wins]
11. Kc2 – B*h2
12. Ne1 – Bg3 not letting knight slip away from c2
13. Ng2 – Bb6 [And White resigned as he is pushed to the corner slowly but surely: 43.Kd2 Ba5+ 44.Ke2 Bc3 45.Kf2
Kd3 46.Kf1 Kd2 47.Kf2 Be5 48.Ne1 Bg3+ 49.Kxg3 Kxe1]

12
Principle of the Two Weaknesses

White to play
Fischer-Taimanov Candidates match, Vancouver 1971

Usually when there are plenty of pawns on the board the bishop does not feel comfortable, as they might limit
its scope. However, if there is a possibility for play on both flanks it is again the better piece. The most
remarkable masterpiece of this thesis was created by Robert James Fischer.
---------------------------------------------------------
In the featured position Black has fixed pawns on the color of the bishop (one weakness) on the king's flank,
and Fischer has the better king which is the second drawback in the opponent's camp. After some zugzwangs
the American Grandmaster creates a perfect situation for a decisive trade of material.

1. Bf7 – Kb7 White plays for zugzwang in order to achieve his winning-set up.
2. Bb3 –Ka7 Now the bishop is transferred to a diagonal to help the white king get in the opponent's camp.
[54...Nc8 threatens mate, but is refuted after the intermediate check- 55.Bd5+ Kc7 56.Ka6 Nd6 and this lead to a
position that White wants to achieve.]
3. Bd1 –Kb7 Black cannot counter-attack: [55...Nd5 56.Kc6 Ne3 57.Be2 and the knight is successfully restricted.]
4. Bf3+ - Kc7
5. Ka6 - The king is activated further. Black gets less and less air for his pieces.

http://www.chess.com/chessmentor/view_lesson?id=5963

13
Dangerous "Free" Pawns
http://www.chess.com/chessmentor/view_lesson?id=5963

White to play
FreePawnMove.pgn

Whenever an unblocked pawn can advance, especially with a direct attack on an enemy piece, the possibility should always
be carefully considered. A closer look might reveal dangerous tactics hidden beneath the surface, even if the move initially
looks harmless.
---------------------------------------------------------
This position occurred in Fischer-Reshevsky, US Ch 1958. Black has just played ...Na5. In those days there were no
computers and very little analysis on theoretically "hot" lines. Recent games, if available, were at least several months old.
Even Fischer, who created much of his own opening theory, was eager to get his hands on the latest Russian magazines. Here
his home cooking pays off: Reshevsky falls straight into a prepared line.

1. E5 –Ne8 The sudden thrust of any "free" pawn must always be considered. Crossing the midline this early might
leave the pawn overextended, but kicking around enemy pieces might reveal hidden tactics.
2. B*f7+ -K*f7 The right way to justify White's previous play. The hidden defects in Black's position will soon be
apparent. Taking with the Rook loses in the same way. Was Sammy hoping to prevent what happens next?
---------------------------------------------------------
Around here Reshevsky probably realized the jig was up, but he might as well fight bravely on. Besides, who wants
to lose such a short game?
3. Ne6 – K*e6 This will win the Black Q for 2 minors if Black takes it with the pawn. But letting the N live will also
drop the Black Queen.
4. Qd5+ - Kf5 Driving his majesty into the open is quickly decisive.
5. G4+ - K*g4
6. Rg1 + - Kh5 Now ...Kf5 is mate in one.
7. Qg2 1-0

14
Pawn Skirmishes in the Center

Black to play – get rid of central domination by white

Both players employ a classical approach to win control of the center: they each rush their e- and d-pawns
into hand-to-hand combat. Since White has an extra move he's able to set the tone, but this opening - the
Giuocco Piano -has long been known to allow Black easy equality because he can blow up the center. That's
why GMs mostly prefer the Ruy Lopez. The main idea there is also to gain a mobile pawn center, but Black's
road to equality is much thornier.
---------------------------------------------------------
An intense battle for control of the center - the main object of all openings - is underway. The pawns may be
said to play the main role because their presence keeps the enemy pieces at bay; but the pint-sized pugilists
also need the support of "friendlies" to succeed. Here both sides are employing "Classical" central strategy,
launching their pawns directly into the fray without delay.
1. …. –e*d4 Black's e-pawn and KB are both under attack, so this move is necessary to avoid losing time
and material.
White, having forced Black to give up his central pawn foothold at 'e5', has created a dangerous
mobile pawn center which can immediately steamroller the Black Knights if not dealt with correctly.
---------------------------------------------------------
The game began 1.e4 e5 - Black tries to prevent White from immediately establishing a strong center
with his d- and e-pawns abreast on the 4th rank - a powerful formation. By first supporting his d-pawn
with his c-pawn, however, White has achieved his goal, at least temporarily. Can you still grab your
share of the center?
2. C*d4 – Bb4+ Putting a momentary crimp in White's plans to roll you off the board before you've
even had a chance to sip your coffee.
3. Bd2 – B*d2 White doesn't want to chance the risky gambit beginning with Nc3, as theory says it's
unsound.
---------------------------------------------------------
The central White pawn phalanx is mobile, agile and hostile. You've got to neutralize it without delay
or it'll be "Game Over" before you realize it. Once again a crucial check forces White to delay his evil
plan to blow you off the board, while enabling you to get your KB out of potential danger.
4. Nb*d2 – d5
5. E*d5 White has nothing better than pawn takes, and when you recapture on 'd5' all your pieces will
experience easy development. Chances are equal, and White's dangerous mobile pawn center is no
more.

15
E-file Blitzkreig Against the Uncastled King

White to play

Gaining control of the center is the fundamental opening goal, but other aims are also important. If you can mobilize your
men faster than your opponent, for example, you may be able to go straight for his King - if you can force open lines of
attack. To accomplish this, you must clear your own pawns out of the way as well as the opposition's.
---------------------------------------------------------
White has managed to obtain a half-open e-file and a lead in development. It will also take the Black King a few more
moves to scurry to safety on the kingside. That thorny White pawn on f6 is also a valuable asset. These factors suggest that it
may be possible to immediately launch a successful direct attack rather than settling for the simple completion of your
development.
1. Rd1 – Nb6 The essence of the initiative is making moves that improve your position while
simultaneously forcing the competition to respond with moves other than those he'd rather play. (1.. N*f6 2 Qf3!)
Nb6 adds another defender to the sensitive "e6" square, defends the unguarded Rook on 'a8' and watches over 'd5'.
---------------------------------------------------------
You can't afford to let up, otherwise Black might escape his dilemma with minimum damage.
2. D5 – Na4 d5 renewed threat to take on 'e6' forces Black to scramble just to stay alive. Black might have tried to
limit the damage with ...e6-e5, but he prefers to mix it up, hoping to lead White astray. It's also likely he didn't
realize what was in store. Playing ...Nd5: doesn't help after Qc6+ followed by Qd5:, winning a piece.
---------------------------------------------------------
Black has two exposed pieces on the queenside (at 'a4' & 'a8') as well as a lingering King. Is a knockout blow in
sight?
3. Qc6+ -Bd7 Black has been reduced to playing 'only' moves. This is often a sign that the position is ripe for a
combinational crusher. This is the only way to avoid losing a whole Rook at once.
---------------------------------------------------------
Black's last was a useful developing move which threatens White's Queen, but now the enemy King is extremely
short of squares.
4. R*e6+! – f*e6 At last the e-file is opened! But it's the White pawns that will have the final say.
5. D*e6 ! – 1-0

16
Opening Passers

Black to play

Passed pawns in the opening are rarer than hens' teeth. And even if you could get one, with so many pieces
and pawns still on the board, the chances of making it to the 8th rank and queening are somewhere between
slim and none. And yet...
---------------------------------------------------------
An old saw has it that, "You should never take the QNP with the Q." The rationale is that your Q might be
trapped, or, even if it escapes, too much time will be lost. Following this type of general advice might be the
only way some players can -or want - to play chess. But such generalities are frequently a source of confusion,
as it's often difficult to know which one to apply. So, if possible, always try at least a bit of analysis - it's fun,
rewarding, and can help you avoid disaster, especially in tactical situations like this one.

1. ….C*d4 Black doesn't have to worry about falling behind in development, so trying to snag an extra pawn, a
center one at that, looks reasonable.
2. Q*b6 –a*b6
3. B*b8 –d*c3 White didn't like the looks of 2.cd Nc6. Then the d-pawn is threatened as well as a N jump to 'b4',
hitting both 'a2' and 'c2'.
---------------------------------------------------------
Not only are you down a piece for a pawn, those doubled isolated pawns at 'b6' & 'b7' are an eyesore. They'll also
make easy targets once the White pieces come out. Things aren't all bad, though: whenever pawns are doubled a
new half-open file is created, which often means increased activity for the 'doublee'.

With d*c3 black disdaining the knee-jerk recapture on 'b8' Black has thrown his opponent into a quandary.
4. Be5 ? - R*a2 !!! White is oblivious to the hidden danger, perhaps due to greed, as he now thinks he's got a
winning material advantage. Besides, taking back on 'c3' would leave him in the hole.
---------------------------------------------------------
White thought everything was in order and was already "counting his chickens".

This stunner caused White to give up as he's going to be down more than a Rook no matter what he plays.

http://www.chess.com/chessmentor/view_lesson?
id=5969

17
The Mobile Pawn Center

White to play
MobilePawnCenter.pgn

An ideal opening goal that's not easy to attain is creating a mobile pawn center with d- and e-pawns that are
unchallenged and unblocked by opposing pawns. It can emerge out of games beginning with either 1.e4 or
1.d4. This lesson offers some insight about what you might try once you've gotten such a pawn center.
---------------------------------------------------------
This type of position often arises from double-QP openings (say, 1. d4 d5) in which Black takes on c4 but then
fails to play a freeing ...c5 or ...e5. Now he's reduced to passivity and is forced to wait and see how White will
try for more tangible gains.

1. E5 – Nd5 Knights love advanced, invulnerable, protected outposts. White is looking for the perfect
one.
2. B*e7- R*e7 White consistently carries out his plan. Vacating 'e8' so his N might go there to evict the
intruder.
---------------------------------------------------------
Although the d-pawn is backward on the semi-open file it won't be in any danger. It strengthens the
'd6' outpost, too, so White needn't worry about his opponent trying to undermine a N there with a
later ...f6 or a piece capture on 'e5'.
3. Ne 4 At 'd6' this beast will paralyze Black's game, or the threat of landing there will induce Black to
station his N passively on the back rank. White can still go for play on either wing thanks to his large
positional advantage. Now white can slowly improve his position further.

18
The King's Pawn Shield

Black to play

When both players use "Classical" strategy to fight for the center, using the d- and e-pawns to open
the way for the Q and Bs and to annex important territory, the center pawns often require the
support of the c- or f-pawns. When the latter is used it means a loosening of the King's pawn cover. In
this case extra caution is indicated...
---------------------------------------------------------
When pawns butt heads in the center from the earliest moves, both players are said to be using
"Classical" strategy. (If center pawns are held back for a number of moves, its called "Hypermodern"
strategy). The essential idea of this latter approach is to target the enemy's pawns quickly with pieces
while he can't easily get at yours. Here "Classical" strategy holds sway, and has led to the interlocking
pawns chains characteristic of most lines of the French Defense. White's e-pawn has crossed into
enemy territory, which has pluses and minuses. On the plus side, this pawn cramps the Black pieces,
and his extra space on that wing will eventually allow White to bring up his forces for a kingside
assault. The downside to this arrangement is that the e-pawn can become a convenient target if Black
manages to undermine its support. Bolstering the pawn center with pieces is also typical opening
strategy, as is its further strengthening using the sub-center pawns. But when one of these is the f-
pawn, White needs to keep in mind that his King's pawn shield has been compromised. Whether Black
can exploit this depends on the exact situation.
1. …C5 Black needs to hammer at the base of the chain ('d4') to avoid falling into a passive position. At some
point he might go after the center with ...f6 as well, but it would be premature here as it would expose the BK.
2. Nf3 – Nc6 Taking on c5 would reveal another drawback to the f-pawn's advance: the weakening of the g1-a7
diagonal.
---------------------------------------------------------
The pieces, especially the Bs & Ns at this stage, must exert their influence on the central squares and pawns.
The pressure on 'd4' continues. As long as White is tied to its defense it will be hard for him to mount an attack.
3. Be2 –c*d4 Black has pinpointed the weaknesses in White's setup.
4. N*d4 – Nd*e5 White is oblivious to the danger, but if he had played Nb5 instead, a check on 'b4' would cause
serious problems.
---------------------------------------------------------
At first glance it would be easy to believe that there's nothing special going on in this position.

A shocker! Black wins a pawn and destroys White's proud center without compromising his position even slightly. If
White takes on 'e5' he's done in by a Q check at 'h4' which wins back the N at 'd4'. And if White tries getting his 'd4' N out
of trouble by taking on 'c6' Black just retakes there with his 'e5' N.

19
Bagging a Bishop

Black to play

BaggingAbishop.pgn

Pawns perform all sorts of roles: Attacking, defending, blocking, controlling the center, promoting, and so on.
Encircling is less common. Here's an unusual example.
---------------------------------------------------------
I had Black in this position against a player rated around 1800. It was played in a multi-round weekend Swiss typical of
the '70s, when a quick knockout helped to conserve energy. My opponent had misplayed the Leningrad variation of the
Nimzo-Indian.This gave me a chance to grab the initiative based on a quick assault on his undermanned queenside. My
previous move was the trappy ...Qa5-f5, which he answered with the hasty Pa3, trying to clarify matters as soon as
possible. But White now falls victim to what I believe is the type of tactic most often overlooked - by amateurs and GMs
alike.

1. ….. N*c3 – Q*f5 You've almost certainly met the King and Queen, now meet the "Count". In this typical tactical
melee, where captures and recaptures dominate the action, it's necessary to keep track of the material count and
the size of each side's threats, ply by ply.
2. Q*f5 – N*e2+
3. A*b4 – e*f5
4. B*e2 – g5!

Janata Trophy & Awards, 38582626

4, Krupa Chambers, Gokhale Road, Thane West, Thane - 400601, Opposite MTNL

9.15 – 9.30

20
Pawn Support for Outposts

White to play

PawnSuppforOutpostN.pgn
Knights, much more than other pieces, thrive on advanced protected outposts. Without adequate pawn
support they are likely to be driven back or harmlessly exchanged.
---------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to his strong pawns at 'c4' and 'e4' White has more central control and more maneuvering room. But
since Black has traded a couple of minors his lack of space doesn't make him feel so squeezed. The 2 half-open
files resulting from the trade of central pawns offer the players attractive outpost squares: 'd5' for White and
'e5' for Black. Since White's is across the midline, a N posted there will likely be more effective than a Black
one at 'e5'.

White needs to place knight to d5 quickly and its target is to create weakness weakness on c or d files.

1. Nc3 – Red8
2. Nd5 – N*d5
3. C*d5! – c5 A backward pawn subject to frontal attack is often a recipe for defeat.
4. D*c6 - White has a solid position without weaknesses, but Black will have to suffer with at least one chronic
weakness no matter how he retakes.

21
A "Keeper"? Pawn Structure Often Decides

White to play
KeeperbasedonPawnStructure.pgn

Pawn play is sometimes mainly about the pawns themselves - are they strong or weak, how should the
structure be altered, etc. - but often it's about their interaction with the pieces as well.
---------------------------------------------------------
This position is a slightly changed version of the game J. Polgar-Anand, Wijk aan Zee 1990 (it will transpose to
the actual game after the correct first move and response). The opening was a Najdorf Sicilian in which Black
had the usual option of setting up his center pawns at 'd6' & 'e6' or as in the game. Both setups are fine. In the
former, Black retains pawn control of 'd5' but allows White to form a dynamic pawn phalanx by playing f2-f4.
In both cases Black takes on a backward pawn on a semi-open file, but modern GMs understand that it can be
very hard to get at and very easy to defend. It's the price one has to play for choosing any Sicilian line except
the Dragon. The weak 'd5' square is viewed in a similar light: Black can guard it with pieces and trade off any
dangerous invaders. Meanwhile, his pawn at 'e5' gives him a firmer central grip and inhibits White's kingside
ambitions.
1. Bg5 – Rfc8 Which men to trade (that is, "Which men to keep on the board?") is a question you must
ask yourself throughout the game. The correct answer in many cases depends on the pawn
structure. Black is already in trouble, and it's hard to see how he can counter Judith's simple - but
powerful plan. He needed to vary earlier in the game.
---------------------------------------------------------
If White winds up with a Knight against a Bishop, Black will have trouble holding the world's strongest
woman player to a draw.
2. B*f6 - White's B was a strong piece, but she realizes how big an edge she'll have by following a
well-mapped plan. Have you been asking yourself which men to trade off? The right answer lies in
understanding which men work best with the given pawn formation.
3. Nd5 – N*d5 The extremely passive N retreat to 'e8' would also leave White in command.
---------------------------------------------------------
Black's Bishop is somewhat bad, and, what may be worse, has nothing to target. Note how White has
systematically stripped 'd5' of defenders and gotten a minor piece mismatch vis-a-vis the pawn
structure. Of course, if the KB disappeared, Black would have to to find some other way to
conveniently guard his d-pawn.
4. R*d5 White next allowed a trade of only one Rook on 'd5', as she wanted to keep a R on the board
to help open one or two files. She later wrangled her N to d5, opened a file on each wing and scored
an impressive victory against the future world champion.
Further – knowing white’s plan, black could have played 1…Rac8 and tried to open
f-file

22
The World's Biggest Pawn Chain

White to play
This lesson, based on a game of the great Capablanca, is rich in features typical of pawn play: Chains,
attacking the base, opening a file, establishing an advanced outpost, the "bind", etc.
---------------------------------------------------------
From Capablanca-Treybal, Carlsbad 1929. Because the center was locked up so tightly White was able
to advance his kingside pawns without fear of a central breakthrough (often the antidote to a wing
attack) that would eventually expose his own monarch. He now has a significant spatial advantage on
both wings thanks to his well-protected pawn chain. Additional pieces of bad news for Black are the
many weak dark squares in his camp (the "weak-square complex") and his horribly bad Bishop. Despite
all this, White still has to find a way to cash in.

1. B5 – a*b5
2. H6 – Kf8 When you play a move like this, sealing one wing forever, you must try to be sure
your prospects on the opposite wing will be fruitful.
3. A*b5 – Ke7 White's pawn chain is still solid as a rock (proof against undermining pawn moves
or piece "sacs"), so he's free to pursue his queenside ambitions undisturbed. This is the only thing
Black can try. Will he be in time?
---------------------------------------------------------
The position still doesn't "play itself", as the saying goes. White must decide on a target. Capa
excelled in such positions, which allow the player to come up with a comprehensive scheme of
where to place his pieces without being disturbed by the opponent's activity.
4. B6 Completing a powerful and picturesque pawn tableau. After the Queen retreats to 'b8' White
has a forced win, though it takes time. Capa reshuffled his pieces till he had this lineup on the a-
file: Qa1/Ra4/Na5/Ra7. Then he cashed in with a well-timed Ba6, after which the pressure on
the base of the chain at b7 became overwhelming.

Further looking at all these black could have played 1. G*h5 and could have some
counterplay.

23
Middlegame Passers

White to play
MiddlegamePasser.pgn
Passed pawns in the middlegame can cut the opponent's forces in two, threaten to queen, or assist in
mating attacks. The last two ideas are illustrated here.
---------------------------------------------------------
In this opposite-side castling situation White's pawn storm has already brought significant gains, while
Black's queenside pawns are barely out of the starting gate, The Black monarch's castled position has
been seriously compromised by the advance of his own g- & h-pawns, while the advanced White
pawns help create various threats.

1. Bd3 – Rd7 Black must be able to answer Qg6 with ...Qf8, so the Rook must stop the mate
threat.
---------------------------------------------------------
Advanced pawns near the enemy King are so dangerous for a number of reasons: (1) They cramp
the King, limiting the number of escape squares. (2) They can protect attacking pieces in forward
positions. (3) They keep defending pieces at bay. You're about to witness another of their virtues
2. F7 – Kg7
3. Qh7+ - Kf6
4. Qg6+ - Ke7
5. Qg7 – 1-0

24
Middlegame Majorities

Black to play
When two distinct healthy pawn majorities arise, the right plan is often just to push the pawns after adequate
preparation. The one who sets things in motion first usually has the advantage.
---------------------------------------------------------
White has a 5/4 pawn majority on the kingside and in the center (his 5 d- to h-pawns are opposed by Black's 4
d- to h-pawns). Since his natural break is e3-e4, the structure is referred to as a "central pawn majority". Black
has his own majority of 3 pawns vs 2 on the 3 queenside files. This type of situation is common, and the player
who comes out on top is often the one who has an easier time getting his majority rolling - yet another
example of how strongly the pawn structure influences the position and the correct middlegame plan.

1. ….b5 Black gets things rolling without delay.

2. A3 – Qb6
3. Rf2 – a5 There's just no good way to protect the d-pawn so that White can play e3-e4. his idea is
that now taking on 'd4' won't be with check, which would leave 'b5' unguarded.
---------------------------------------------------------
There's an important chess concept that's sometimes hard to put your finger on in a particular
position: what makes this one click for Black rather than his opponent is his superior piece
coordination. Black is ready to push the White Knights back while coming ever closer to creating a
well-supported passer.
4. Rfe2 – b4 Still no e3-e4! But if White had played it his QN would be kicked, getting 'b5' out of danger, and then
capturing on 'd5' would cost him a piece due to the e-file pin.
---------------------------------------------------------
White's pieces were just too poorly placed for him to execute the only active plan he had - advancing his majority
with the break e3-e4.
Black’s move drives White's pieces even further into retreat while Black is one step closer to creating
a queenside passer. Black has a big advantage and won without much trouble.

25
Middlegame Majorities

Black to play
MiddlegameMajority.pgn

When two distinct healthy pawn majorities arise, the right plan is often just to push the pawns after
adequate preparation. The one who sets things in motion first usually has the advantage.
---------------------------------------------------------
White has a 5/4 pawn majority on the kingside and in the center (his 5 d- to h-pawns are opposed by
Black's 4 d- to h-pawns). Since his natural break is e3-e4, the structure is referred to as a "central
pawn majority". Black has his own majority of 3 pawns vs 2 on the 3 queenside files. This type of
situation is common, and the player who comes out on top is often the one who has an easier time
getting his majority rolling - yet another example of how strongly the pawn structure influences the
position and the correct middlegame plan.

1. …b5 Black gets things rolling without delay.

2. A3 – Qb6 Combining attack and defense.
3. Rf2 –a5 There's just no good way to protect the d-pawn so that White can play e3-e4. his idea
is that now taking on 'd4' won't be with check, which would leave 'b5' unguarded.
---------------------------------------------------------
There's an important chess concept that's sometimes hard to put your finger on in a particular
position: what makes this one click for Black rather than his opponent is his superior piece
coordination.
4. Rfe2 – b4 Black is ready to push the White Knights back while coming ever closer to creating a
well-supported passer

Further – white must have thought for a different plan before playing Rf2 as his e3-e4 is
not seen working. Pushing f4 and creating a post at e5 could have been thought about.

26
The Isolated Queen Pawn

White to play
IsolatedQpawnINmiddlegame.pgn
The side with the IQP mainly strives for a decision in the middlegame; the defender usually heads for the
endgame by trading pieces, making it easier to exploit the inherent weakness of the IQP. So make sure you
don't mind playing an endgame if you're fighting an isolani.
---------------------------------------------------------
This is a typical IQP early middlegame, which might arise from a number of different openings: the Nimzo-
Indian; Queen's Gambit Accepted; Panov variation of the Caro-Kann, and others. White has 2 main tries to
exploit his better central control, both of which occur in the middlegame.

1. D5 –e*d5 There are many interesting examples of this special IQP shot, some of which have felled
strong GMs, although generally not so quickly as here. Otherwise Black loses at least a pawn, which may be
the best of a bad bargain.
---------------------------------------------------------
Another way White can try to profit from his IQP is a slower buildup on the kingside. For example, if
White had his Q at 'e2' and a Rook on 'd1', he could try Nf3-e5 and a R lift to the 3rd rank, followed
by swinging it to 'h3' or 'g3', putting the BK on the hot seat.
2. Bg5 – g6 The alternative would be 1...Ne4 2.Ne4: de 3.Qe4: g6 4.Qh4 with a raging initiative,
though Black could perhaps resist longer.
---------------------------------------------------------
White's initiative has reached decisive proportions thanks to his earlier pawn breakthrough.
3. R*e7 – Q*e7
4. N*d5 -

27
Restraining Enemy Pawns

Black to play
RestrainEnemyPawns.pgn

An old saying begins, "An ounce of prevention..." This lesson focuses on 'pint-sized prevention', the hindering of
the opposition's schemes for pawn expansion by fighting fire with fire.
---------------------------------------------------------
This is a typical King's Indian scenario featuring a completely blocked center. The 4 center pawns are not likely
to be going anywhere for some time. The way to initiate active play lies in an undermining pawn attack on the
base of each chain - 'd6' for White and 'f5' for Black. The idea is to create inroads and targets for the pieces.

1. …..Nc5 Black's intention was not to leave this N on 'a6', it was merely a jumping off point.
2. Nd2 – a5 Guarding 'e4' while anticipating a Black pawn rush on the kingside. But the move creates a
traffic jam for White's queenside men.
---------------------------------------------------------
This is an excellent example of the way in which understanding a typical pawn formation (especially
the layout of the center and sub-center pawns) can help you quickly find the correct strategic plan
for the coming middlegame. Even though Black gave his opponent a free pass to build a broad pawn
center, it's critical that he stop further expansion now.
3. A3 – a4 Not yet threatening the thematic thrust b2-b4 because after Black captures with his a-pawn,
White's own a-pawn will be pinned to the QR. But Ra1-b1 is in the offing.
---------------------------------------------------------
Black's kingside play hasn't even gotten off the ground, but hindering the opponent's play sometimes
takes precedence. Players at all levels - especially amateurs - can become fixated on their own active
possibilities and completely ignore the opponent's. This move reveals how effective well-timed 'pint-
sized' prevention can be. Black's a-pawn is completely safe, and White can no longer smoothly get his
queenside play going.
(2.. …Ne8 allows White to repair his strategic error by playing b2-b3.)
4. Qc2 – Nfd7 White must protect his e-pawn before playing b2-b4, else he would lose a pawn if he
recaptures on 'b3' with his N.
---------------------------------------------------------
Black can't do any more to halt or slow White. Black’s 4…. Nfd7 anticipates b2-b4, since White can't get
anywhere without queenside play.
5. B4 – a*b3 Else White will remain totally passive while Black rolls up the kingside and eventually
goes after the enemy King.
---------------------------------------------------------
White still has hopes for activity. White's dream of c4-c5 is still a long way off, but Black's imminent
underming ...f7-f5 gives him the edge. In fact, after 1.Nb3: Nb3: 2.Qb3: Nc5 3.Qc2 f5 4.Be3? Ne4:
5.Ne4; fe4 6.Qe4;, for example, 6...Bf5 is already winning for Black.

28
Crippled Majority

White to play

One of the many little-used opening lines Bobby Fischer rehabilitated with great success was the
Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez. Black almost always retakes on 'c6' with his d-pawn after White
captures the N, so that his Bishops will have more scope. But this generally results in a compromised
queenside pawn majority for Black, who will be at a disadvantage because of this if his Bishops are
neutralized.
---------------------------------------------------------
This is from Fischer-Unzicker, 1970. Wolfgang Unzicker was one of the strongest GMs of the day, here
representing West Germany in the Siegen Olympiad. Bobby played the Exchange Ruy Lopez (1.e4 e5
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bc6:), which mostly aims for a superior endgame based on a healthy 4/3
majority on the kingside (after trading his d-pawn for Black's e-pawn) while Black's queenside
majority is compromised by the doubled c-pawns. Instead of capturing toward the center on move 4,
as a general principle suggests, Black places his hopes on opening the position for his 2 Bishops.

1. G4 – Qd6 At first sight this move of white look suicidal because of the loosening of the castled position, but
White's powerful centralization keeps him safe from any counter play. Black’s move creates a double threat
(to f4 and d4) which is easily parried. But besides the extremely slim hope that Bobby will blunder, Black has
in mind improving his B's scope.
---------------------------------------------------------
White needs to parry the threats of taking on 'f4' and the push to 'c5'.
2. Qg3 – Re7 Protecting both Rooks, sidestepping the d-file pin, making the K more secure, and readying
White's thematic break. It's rare to see a single move that does so much. Black is trying to activate all his
pieces, always a good idea as long as there are no tactical drawbacks.
---------------------------------------------------------
Though tricky tactics are few and far between, the position is delicately balanced and White must hurry
before Black sets up a reasonable defense with his Rooks and Bishop.
3. Nf3 – c5 The battle will be decided by who gains control of the vital square 'e5'. Once the Bishop get to 'c6'
he'll be able to stop White's plan.
---------------------------------------------------------
If White's idea works he'll be able to demonstrate the strength of the plan mentioned at the beginning of this
lesson.
4. E5 – f*e5 White's last few moves have been played with this in mind. F*e5 is forced, as a White pawn on e6
would spell curtains . A protected middle game passer on the 6th rank is almost always fatal to the defender.
---------------------------------------------------------
Bobby's play has been a model of consistency. He never got distracted from his main objective, and didn't
allow a shred of counter play.
5. Rfe4 –Bc6 4 White men hit 'e5' so there's no way Black can keep his pawn plus. Meanwhile, there's no
way to get at White's open King. He might as well improve his position as best he can.
---------------------------------------------------------
The first major step in Bobby's grand strategic plan is about to be completed.
6. R*e5 Bobby went on to win thanks to his strong advanced kingside majority and Black's crippled one. An
important point is that Black can never trade down to a King and Pawn ending because White can create a
kingside passer but Black cannot do likewise on the other wing

29
A Tough Decision about pawn structure

Black to play
PawnStructureToughDecision.pgn
Deciding which pawn structure to take on, when whatever you do looks unattractive, is not easy.
Here the great Fischer shows the correct path when on the defensive.
---------------------------------------------------------
White has just captured on 'c6' with his d-pawn in Portisch-Fischer, Sousse 1967. The Hungarian
GM was renowned for his fine positional judgment, which got him to the 'Candidates' level of
world championship qualifiers several times. Fischer now faces a tough decision.

1. ….b*c6 Not only does this give you blockaded doubled pawns, even worse, they're isolated, and so's
your QRP. On the other hand, the pawns aren't subject to frontal attack, and control key center
squares. You've also gotten a new semi-open b-file, though at the moment you can't do much with it.
All the same, Bobby probably took on those split pawns involuntarily because he didn't want a WN on
'd5'.
2. Na4 - Bf8 Throwing Black on the defensive.
---------------------------------------------------------
Black can hold things together but must be careful not to get his pieces tangled up while trying. Black’s clever
retreat will let Fischer smoothly redeploy.
3. Qb3 – Nh5 Portisch hopes to go after 'c5' with 3 pieces, and needs to hurry to carry this out.
---------------------------------------------------------
If Black can catch his breath his dominance of the dark squares might turn things in his favour.
[3..Ba6 or Be6 equally bad as white can answer this with 2.Qe3, for after ...Bc4: 3.b3 and 4.Nc5: the backward
pawn on 'c6' will be very weak] From 'e6', admittedly a ways off, this steed will also be ready to leap into the
beautiful central post at 'd4'
4. Qe3 – Qa7 Aiming to drive Black further into a defensive shell.
---------------------------------------------------------
The loss of a key pawn is imminent. Can Bobby shake the pressure? [ Qe7 is bad - Now White might try to
transform his plus by 2.Nb6 Rb8 3.Nc8: Rec8: 4.h4, intending to chop your N if it goes to 'e6' with his KB. That
would leave him with a healthy pawn structure vs a miserable one, and a much better minor piece.] The BQ can't
be pleased with being reduced to passive defense in this corner square, but once his house is in order Bobby can
find her a happier role.
5. H4 – Ng7 This anticipates the BN's arrival on 'e6'. And if he can't grab Black's N, at least Portisch might be able to
dump his bad Bishop.
---------------------------------------------------------
White's last move has introduced another aggressive idea into the position: If Black's N goes to 'e6' the thrust h4-h5
might cause problems.
After the further 1.Kh2 f6 2.Bh3 Bh3: 3.Kh3:Ne6 Bobby was able to hold the draw in 46 moves. The last few moves
illustrate another plan greatly influenced by the pawn structure - the trading away of a bad bishop.

30
Middlegame Passers 2

Black to play
Middlegamepasser2.pgn
This lesson features a well-supported passer in the midst of mating threats by both sides. The play featuring 3 majors on
each side and back rank mates is thematic.
---------------------------------------------------------
This position occurred in Zuckerman-Grefe, US Ch 1977. New Yorker Bernard Zuckerman, an occasional blitz chess and
opening training partner of Bobby Fischer's, was an IM whose extensive knowledge of opening theory earned him the moniker
"Zuck the Book". It looks like he's got the 1973 US champion in trouble, because after the Black KB moves White can swing a
R or Q to the h-file with a threat of taking on 'h7' followed by a quick mate on h8...

1. ….e4 Your Bishop is invulnerable for the moment, and White must decide what to do with his R.
2. Rh3 – e3 Retreating to 'f1' offered chances to fight but Bernie underestimated Black's chances, thinking White's
attack would crash through first.
---------------------------------------------------------
White has 3 threats: (1) Taking on 'h7'; (2) Qh6; (3) Capturing the 'c5' bishop. No wonder he was tempted to play
this way. Black’s move cut the White Q off from h6. The game belongs to the player who can calculate best in this
type of ultra-sharp middle game.
3. B*c5 – Qd2 Pushing instead would have allowed White to mate, but Black now threatens to get a new Queen after
first trading on 'c1'.
4. Qa1 – e2 The only other try, 1.Kg1, fails to 1...Qf2+ 2.Kh1 Rd2 (2...e2?? 3.Rh7: wins) 3. Rg1 e2, etc.
---------------------------------------------------------
Black has managed to oust the WQ from her dangerous position, but he's a piece down, so dithering is not an
option. Now threat to take on 'e1' is difficult to parry.
5. Kg1 – Qd1 Black would have screwed up royally with 1...Qe1:+, because then 2.Qe1: Rd1 is foiled by 3.Kf2 and
White wins!
6. Kf2 – Q*a1
7. R*a1 – Rd1 0-1

31
Hunter or Prey?

White to play
DutchHunterMistake.pgn

Black tries a pawn 'whip' on an audacious Bishop, but will his attempt to hunt it down backfire?
---------------------------------------------------------
"I can resist everything except temptation," quipped Oscar Wilde. Did you know that many chess
games involve tempting the opponent into ruining his position by following an apparently attractive
line? Such is the theme of this unusual line of the Dutch Defense.

1. Bh4 – g5 White's QB now seems in mortal danger. I often warn my students to beware "the joy of attacking
your opponent's pieces", a phenomenon especially prevalent in speed chess.
---------------------------------------------------------
Black is determined to hunt down the enemy Bishop, even at the cost of an exposed King. Has he made the
common mistake of only paying attention to his own ideas? Or is it White who has slipped up?
2. Bg3 – f4
3. E3 - Do you think Black has finally realized the error of his ways? The Bishop hunt has turned his ebony
majesty into the prey, and White wins a pawn with a positional edge to boot.

32
Two Passers for a Piece

White to play
PassersForApiece.pgn

Under normal circumstances a pawn is the unit of exchange, with a value of one point. But voluntarily giving up a piece for 2
pawns, or giving up the 'exchange' for 1 pawn, is not unusual. There are, in fact, a number of different ways to give up
material in exchange for what would normally be an insufficient number of pawns, thanks to various positional and/or
tactical factors.
---------------------------------------------------------
Two Scandinavian superstars, Finland's Tomi Nyback and the world's current number one, 19-year-old Magnus Carlsen of
Norway, contested this position in 2008. The only, slight, drawback to Black's position looks like his offside Knight, but White
to move can seize the initiative.
1. A4 - a*b4 By creating maximum queenside tension White forces his opponent's reply. This at least gives Black a
fighting chance.
---------------------------------------------------------
At first glance it appears White has gone astray.
2. A*b5 – b*c3 The point of his previous move. Black must follow a narrow path to avoid an obvious big disadvantage. He
must dance to his opponent's tune. Other moves by black subject him to a much grimmer fate.
---------------------------------------------------------
White is down a piece, so he must seek strong compensation.
3. N*c6 - White will recover the 'c3' pawn, giving him two strong connected passers on the 5th rank in return for his
piece. He's got a big advantage and won in 39 moves, though Carlsen missed a hidden chance to perhaps draw.

33
Buried Alive

White to play
BuriedAlive.pgn

There are many well-known ways for pawns to trap pieces. There are also some unusual ones.
---------------------------------------------------------
This position was inspired by the game Gulko-Karpov, Dos Hermanas 1994. The 2-time Soviet champion, who now lives in
America, has outmaneuvered the master of maneuvering, a former world champion.

1. Rc8+ - Kh7 [..Re8? 2.R8c7 wins rook]

2. G4 – Taking on 'g4' loses a piece to 2.Ng4:, as 2...hg costs Black a R for a Pawn after 3.h5. Black still clings
forlornly to a slim hope for escape.
---------------------------------------------------------
Black is hoping to lose only a small amount of material, and possibly exploit your loose kingside. Disillusion him.
3. G5 - Black's Rook on 'g6' will never move agian unless he wants to give it up for a mere Pawn. A quick
queenside invasion should end things quickly as White will be, in effect, a Rook ahead.

34
Fork
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

Black to play
KnightFork.pgn

Thanks to the ability to switch the colours of its attack, the knight is very suitable for sudden double attacks.
---------------------------------------------------------
Marin,Mihail - Bruno,Fabio, Capo d'Orso Open 2008 Porto Mannu ITA, 2008

1. …Nb3+

Blockade
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

Black to play
Blocader.pgn

Blockade. Thanks to the "colour-blindness" of the bishop, the knight can organize a successful blockade on the opposite
colour and defend even against two connected passed pawns.
---------------------------------------------------------
Averbakh (theoretical position) Black simply waits around the d6 square with his knight, and White cannot make progress.

35
Barrier
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

Black to play
Barrier.pgn

Thanks to his ability to change the colours of its attack the knight is able to build barriers, and prevent the
opponent's king from reaching our pawns, or helping his own pawns.
---------------------------------------------------------
Gruncharov-Kajkamdjozov Bulgaria, 1975 After the starting move Black puts a barrier on the road of the white
king, thus making the h5 outside passer harmless.

1. . …..Ng4 The knight will stop the opponent's king.

2. Be2 – Ne3 2.Ke4 loses to 2...Nf6+; 2.Ba2 loses to 2...Ka3-b2. There are many ways to win now a3 or f5 or Ne3
3. Bd3 – a3
4. Bb1 – Nf5+
5. Kd3 – Kb3

36
Domination
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play

DominateONshortDiagonal.pgn
If the bishop is on a short diagonal it can be dominated by a kngiht and a king and the stronger side can
force zugzwang.
---------------------------------------------------------
Bologan,Viorel - Arsovic,Zoran 25th ECC Ohrid MKD, 05.10.2009

1. H6 – Bg8 Otherwise the opponent's bishop can occupy the long diagonal.
2. Kf3 – Kd6 63...Kd5 Does not save either after: 64.Kxf4 Kd6 65.Kf5 Ke7 66.Ke5 or(66.Kg6 Bb3 67.Kg7 Bc2 68.Nf3
followed by Ne5(h4)-g6.)
3. K*f4 – Ke7
4. Ke5 – Kf8
5. Kf6 1-0

37
Domination on the Long Diagonal
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play
DominationONlongDiagonal.pgn
A knight can dominate the bishop on the long diagonal only if it has support of its own king, and a passed pawn. It is a
common theme in the study composition.
---------------------------------------------------------
Pogosiants,E (Study), 1976

1. Nb5+ - K*c6 White needs to save his future f passer. The most stubborn defense by black.
Alternatives lose even faster: 1...Kxe6 2.Nc7+ 1...Ke7 2.Na7! – K*e6 3. Kg4 – and if king goes to
queenside then white can promote h pawn or if king stays on king side then bishop can be snatched
for c pawn and then its easy win.
2. E*f7 – Kd7+
3. Kf2 – Ke7 This is the only way for white to coordinate the forces and catch the bishop on the long
diagonal.
4. Nc7 –Bh1 Improves the position of the knight that will soon dominate the bishop completely.
5. Kg1 – Bb7 The black bishop can't find a safe square on such a long diagonal!
6. Ne6 1-0

38
Extra Pawn.
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play
ExtraPawn.pgn
The outcome in the endgames with only one pawn left on the board depends on if the stronnger side can limit
the bishop or cover it's diagonal with the knight.
---------------------------------------------------------
Predojevic,Borki - Romanov,Evgeny World Jr Ch - Boys U20 Istanbul TUR 2005

1. Ke7 – Kc6 Shouldering. White gains important time to advance the passer. Black can also transfer
the bishop on the long diagonal:1...Ba2 However, later White can cover it's way to the promotional
square. E.g. 2. Ne6+ followed by e6. Or 2.g6 – Bg8 3. Ne6+ - Kc6 4. Nd8+ - Kc5 5. Nc2 followed by Kc1
2. G6 – Kd5
3. Nd7 – Kd4
4. Kf6 – Bb3
5. Ne5 – Bc2
6. G7 – Bh7
7. Nf3+ Black resigned due to the line: 7.Nf3+ Ke3 8.Ng5 Bg8 9.Ke7 Kf4 10.Kf8

39
Knight and Corner Pawns
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play
NandCornerPawn.pgn
Knights are not afraid of corner pawns. They can cooperate with them in perfect harmony.

1. G*h6 –Bg7 Imagine that at the moment Black can change the white knight with a bishop. I am sure
he is ready to give his bishop for free for such a swap!
2. Ng3 – Bb2
3. Nf5 – Kf8
4. H7 – Be5
5. Nh6 1-0

40
Outside Passed Pawn
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play
Outsidepasser.pgn
Outside passed pawn is used as in the other endgames to deflect the opponent's pieces for fight with the passer thus leaving
the other flank exposed.
---------------------------------------------------------
Carlsen,Magnus (2772) - Jakovenko,Dmitry (2760) Sparkassen GM Dortmund GER 2009

1. H5 – g*h5 White creates an outside passer at once. The alternative does not save either-1...Kf6 2.g5+ Kg7 3.h6+
Kh7 4.Ke5 and White is complete control.
2. G*h5 – Bd3 After: [2...Kf6 3.Ne5 Be6 4.Ng4+! White uses the fact that his opponent cannot go into a
pawn endgame to further press him. 4...Kg7 5.Kg5 Kh8 6.Nf6 with his next move White will put the
black monarch in a cage with h5-h6, thus giving a free hand for his king to march on the queen's flank
and taking the black pawns there.; 2...f6 3.Nd8+ Ke7 4.h6 Bd3 (4...Bg8 5.Nb7 Kf8 6.Kf5) 5.Nb7 Kf7
6.Nc5 Bf1 (6...Bc4 7.h7 Kg7 8.Kf5 and then White exchanges his h pawn for the f one of te opponent
and marches for the c and a pawns on the queen's flank.) 7.Ne6! Kg6 8.h7 The simplest. 8...Kxh7
9.Kf5]
3. Kd3 – Bf1 King is needed on queen flank
4. H6 – Kf6
5. Ne5 –Bb5 Domination
6. Kd4 – Ba4 The king is aproaching the queen's flank pawns.
7. H7 – Kg7 Everything is ready for the harvest.
8. N*f7 – K*h7
9. Ng5+ - Kg6
10. Ne6 and white wins both the pawns

41
Central Outpost
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play
CentralOutpost.pgn
Knights adore the central outposts. From their protected position they can attack on both flanks, and easily
reach almost any square. The presense of many pawns on the board helps them dominate the bishop.
---------------------------------------------------------
Lu Shanglei (2349) - Ji Dan (2379) ch-CHN Xinghua CHN 2010
1. F5 - g*f5 White's excellent knight on e5 clearly dominates the bishop, which is limited by it's own
pawns. White also has practically an extra pawn, as the b4 and d4 pawns stop the three black pawns.
However in order to win White needs to break into Black's fortress.
2. G5 – h*g5
3. H*g5 – c5 Alternatives does not save either: [3...Ke7 4.Kf4 Ke6 5.g6 Kf6 6.g7 Kxg7 7.Kxf5+-and the
king reaches the queen's flank pawns; 3...Bh5 4.Nxc6; 3...Bf7 4.Nxc6
4. b*c4 – b4
5. Nd3 - Black resigned due to the line: 5.Nd3 f4+ 6.Nxf4+ Kf5 7.Nxd5 b3 8.Kd3 win easy win. [5. …b3
6.Nf4+ - Kd7 7. Kd3 ]

42
Pawns on One Flank
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play
PawnsONONEflank.pgn
Even if there are pawns left only on one side of the board, the defender is in great danger for the various
zugzwangs that can arise, and the lack of space. The bishop also is not much of a help in the defense.
---------------------------------------------------------
Li Chao - Barua,Dibyendu, Doeberl Cup Canberra AUS 2010

1. Nc8+ - Kf8 White first gains some space.

2. Kd8 - Bc6
3. Nd6 – Ba4 Improving the knight. Now Ideal square for knight is f6, but how to take it there?
4. C4 - d*c4 Although the exchanges usually favour the defender here this one is
perfectly justified, as White needs the e4 square for his knight. 4...d4 leaves White with
powerful passed pawn that immediately decides the outcome after c4-c5 and Nd6-e4.
5. N*c4 – Bb5
6. Nd6 – Bc6 Both e4 and e8 are covered, but the next moves forces a zugzwang.
7. H4 – Ba4
8. Ne4 – Bb5
9. Nf6 – Ba4 Black cannot allow the opponent's king come closer. [9...Kg7 10.Ke7 with the threats
Nf6-e4 (e8)-d6 and wins all the pawns. 10...Bc6 11.Ng4 and Nh6xf7 to follow.]
10. N*h7+ - Kg7
11. Nf6 – Kf8
12. Nd7+ B*d7 White won a pawn, and now needed only to discover the beautiful breakthrough
idea in the pawn endgame. The win is: If Black retreats with his king White can freely attack the
f7 pawn to win-12...Kg8 (12...Kg7 changes nothing. 13.Nb6 Bb5 14.Ke7) 13.Nb6 Bb5 14.Ke7 Bd3
15.Nc8 Kg7 16.Nd6 Be2 17.Nxf7
13. K*d7 –Kg8
14. Ke8 – Kg7 Forces the black king on the eight rank when the white pawn is promoted.
15. Ke7 – Kg8
16. H5!! – g*h5 The decisive breakthrough.
17. F5 – e*f5
18. G6 – f*g6 Finally cleaning the road for the e passer.
19. Kd7 - h4
20. E6 – h3
21. E7 – h2
22. E8=Q + -

43
Wrong Pawns
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to move
Wrongpawns.pgn
Under certain circumstainses bishop's own pawns can cause limitation of it's own mobility, thus
making the kngiht the superiour piece.
---------------------------------------------------------
Tairova,Elena - Galliamova,Alisa ch-RUS w Gorodets RUS 2006 (GM Ruslan Scherbakov annotations
are used in this smaple) Without the f6 pawn Black would have been out of danger. However it
now limits the bishop, thus depriving it from it's second diagonal.

1. Kb7 – e4 The more stubborn [70...h4 was strongly met by 71.Kc8! (71.Nxh4? f5 prolonging the diagonal is
what Black is aiming for- 72.Nxf5 Bg5=) 71...Bb6 72.Nxh4 e4 73.Nf5 Ba5 74.Ne3 Ke7 or (74...Kg7 75.Nc4 e3
76.Nxe3) 75.Nc4 Bd8 76.Nd6 e3 77.Nf5+ Ke6 78.Nd4+! and White wins.]
2. Kc8 – Ba5
3. Ne3 - Ke7 with the threat to shut the bishop's diagonal after Ne3-d5-c7. Now black can handle Nd5+
with 3...Kd6 covering the c7 square.
4. Nd6 – Bb6 with the threat Nd6-f5+ to win the bishop. [4..e3 5.Nf5+ - Ke6 6. Nd4! – Ke5 7. K*d8 – K*d4 8.
Ke8 white wins]
5. Nb5 – Bb8 The threat is Nc7 to exclude the bishop.
6. Nc7 – e3 was winning now, instead of repeating the move with 6.Nd6 like in the game.
7. Nd5+ - Kd6
8. N*e3 – Bc7 We first deprive Black from any counterplay.
9. Nf5+ - Kc6 The bishop will be won by force.
10. Nd4+ - Kb6 [Kc6 would have lost bishop with Nb5+]
11. Nb5 black is defenceless 1-0

44
Thinking in Schemes
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

Black to play
ThinkingScheme.pgn

When we owe the knight the most effective way to use it is to imagine where exactly is the best place for
it. The same principle can be applied for the rest of the pieces, too. Thus with small improvements
seemingly slight edge can easily transform into a decisive one.
---------------------------------------------------------
Bodrogi,Mihaly - Lukacs,Janos, Budapest Spring op 25th Budapest 2009 The first question that we need to
answer ourselves is-where is the best square for the knight?

1. ….Nd7 From the ideal square c5 the knight will both block the enmy passer, but it will aslo
support his own future passed pawn, and limit the opponent's bishop.
2. Bc8 - Nc5 The point, the knight now is ideal on c5.
3. Kd2 - Ke5 We are thinking in schemes in order to improve the king.
4. Bh3 – Kd4
5. G*f4 –g*f4
6. Bf1 – a5 All Black's pieces are ideally placed.
7. Be2 – a4
8. Bd1 – a3 44.bxa4 Nxa4 45.Bh5 Nb2 White loses the c4 pawn. Black created the so called reserved
passed pawn.
9. Bc2 – Ke5 Now the bishop is tied forever for it's b pawn due to the threat Nxb3. This does not spoil the
win. Black threatens to march for the h2 pawn. [45...e3+! is winning on the spot: 9.fxe3+ fxe3+
10.Ke2 Kc3 11.Bg6 Kb2 and Black harvests all the white pawns and will soon promote.]
10. Ke2 – Kd6
11. F3 – e3 Black now has defended passed pawn.
12. H4 – Ke5 There is no defense against Ke5-d4-c3-b2xa2 scheme march. Black wins.

45
Pawns on the Colour of the Bishop

Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

Black to play
Pawnsonbishopscolour.pgn
http://www.chess.com/chessmentor/view_lesson?id=6014

Pawns on the colour of the bishop are extremely good news for the knight. They obstruct the bishop
mobility, while at the same time the knight can show superiority by both attacking them, and which is
more usual- playing on the squares with the opposite colour.
---------------------------------------------------------
Abdalla,Luiz Guilherme - Rychagov,Andrey, Dos Hermanas Internet qual-C 10th ICC INT 2009
1. …h6 g2-g4 exchanging pawns is a positional threat we need to prevent. At first Black chases away
the opponent's king from it's active position.
2. Kf3 – g5 2. g4 g5+ 38.Kf3 f4 leads to the same.
3. H*g5 –h*g5
4. G4 – f4 Passive defense will not save neither-39.Bc2 Nd6 40.Bd3 Ke5 41.Ke3 Ne8 42.Bb1 f4+ 43.Kf3 Nf6
44.Bg6 (44.g3 fxg3 45.Kxg3 Kd4 46.d6 Ke5!) 44...g4+ 45.Kf2 Nd7 46.g3 f3 47.Be8 Kd6 48.Ke3 Ne5 49.Bb5 Kc7 50.a4
Nf7 51.Kf2 Nd6–+
5. Be4 – Ke5 5.Kg2 Ke5 6.Kf2 Nd6 does not change anything. Black just improves all his pieces before
the final assault.
6. Bd3 – Kd4
7. Bf1 – Nd6
8. A4 – a5 Or-8.Kf2 Nf7 9.Be2 Ne5 10.d6 (10.Ke1 f3 11.Bf1 Nf7 12.Kf2 Ke4 13.Kg3 Ke3 14.a4 Nd6 15.a5
Ne4+ 16.Kh2 Kf4 17.Bd3 Nd6 18.Kh3 a6-zugzwang) 10...Nd7 11.Kf3 Ke5–+. Fixing another pawn on the
colour of it's own bishop.
9. Kg2 – Ke3 9.Be2 Nc8 followed by Nc8-b6 and wins. White' pieces get less and less air.
10. Kh3 – Kf2
11. Bd3 – Kg1
12. Be2 – Ne4 0-1 Nf2+ mate

46
Preventing the Counterplay
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play
PreventCounterPlay.pgn

We have mentioned it before. The method called barrier can be used to prevent the couterplay on one of the
flanks. The knight cooperates with its' own pawns to stop the enemy pieces from breaking in, thus letting the
king a free hand.
---------------------------------------------------------
Kozul,Zdenko - Baramidze,David EU-ch 8th Dresden, 2007 This position arised from the Catalan, an opening in
which the knight is almost always better than the black-squared bishop.

1. E4 – Kg6 Barrier! At the cost of the f2-pawn White has managed to stabilise the kingside.
2. K*b4 – Kf7
3. Kb5 – B*f2
4. Kc6 – Ke7
5. B4 – Ke6
6. B5 – Ba7
7. Kc7 – Bf4
8. B6 - Bd6+
9. Kc8 – Bc5
10. B7 – Bd6
11. Nd4+ – Ke5 The most technical continuation.
12. Nb5 - 1-0

47
French Endgame
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play

FrenchDefenceEndgame.pgn

One of the most unpleasant games for the bishop is the so called French one. If Black is left with his light-
squared bishop his task in achieving a draw is extremely difficult. The bishop is usally limited by it's pawns,
and as in the French the c5 black pawn is usually exchanged for the white d4 there are additional routes and
squares for the white pieces to be occupied.
---------------------------------------------------------
Zubarev - Alexandrov, Moscow 1915 White is obviously better. In order to win he needs to achieve three
things. The first one (as usual) is to activate his forces to the maximum.

1. Kf2 –Ke7 The white king has an excellent path in the opponent's camp. This is the first part in White's
plan. The only way not to resign immediately. Black should oppose the opponent's king at any rate.
2. Ke3 – Kd8
3. Kd4 – Kc7
4. Kc5 – Bc8 King is activated at its best.
5. Nb4 – Bb7
6. G3 – Bc8 Profilaxis. Black has only one threat d5-d4 and no other way to improve his position. There
is no need to allow him any couterplay. [In fact Nd3 is also possible, but only if you have foreseen the
line: 6...d4 7.Kxd4 Bxg2 8.Nc5 with double attack against a6 and e6 pawns.]
7. Nd3 – Bd7 White now starts the second part of his plan. He will force the black pawns on
the king's side to move in order to fix them on light squares.
8. Nf4 – g6 Nh5 followed by Nf6 is the threat.
9. Nh3 – h6 White is consistent with his plan. He forces the pawns to take more vulnerable position.
10. Nf4 – g5
11. Nh5 – Be8
12. Nf6 – Bf7
13. Ng4 – h5
14. Ne3 – Bg6
15. H4 – g*h4
16. G*h4 – Be4
17. Nf1 – Bf3 Here comes the third and final part of White's plan. He must put his opponent in zugzwang.
18. Nd2 – Be2
19. Nb3 – Bg4 [19...Bc4 20. Nc1-Bf1 21 b3! –Bh3 22 Nd3 followed by Nf4]
20. Nd4 – Bh3
21. Ne2 – Bf5
22. Nf4 – Bg4 Now black bishop is tied to defend two pawns
23. B4 – Kd7 And black is in complete zugzwang.
24. Kb6 – Bf3
25. K*a6 – Kc6
26. N*e6 and white wins

48
The Berlin/Exchanged Ruy Lopez Endgame
Knight versus Bishop (Part 2)

White to play
BerlinDefRuyLopezEndgame.pgn

This is another extremely favourable endgame for the knight. The position is usually closed, the knight feels
much comfortable here. In addition three white pawns on the queen's flank stop four black, which means that
White is practically a pawn ahead.
---------------------------------------------------------
John Cox (sample position)

1. Kf3 – Ke8
2. G4 –h*g4 Widening the scope of white's pieces. Black cannot stand still, as after:2...Kf7 3.Ng3 h4
4.Ne4+- White will proceed with g4-g5 and win the h4 pawn with his king.
3. K*g4 – Bd8 Otherwise White needs to exchange too many pawns to penetrate with his king.
4. Ng5 – Ke7 [4...Kd7 5.Nf7 Be7 6.Nh8+- loses a pawn at once 4...Bxg5 leads to a completely hopeless
pawn endgame.]
5. H4 – c6 After the king is tied with the defense of the e6 pawn White can get in with his king easier.
6. H5 –g*h5
7. K*h5 – Bc7
8. Kg6 – Bd8
9. Kg7 – Bc7 The king is ready to get further in the opponent's camp.
10. Ne4 – Bd8
11. Nf6 – b5 [Or: 11...Bc7 12.Ng8+ Ke8 13.Kf6 Kd7 14.Kf7 and then the knight comes for the defenceless
e6 pawn]
12. Ne4 – b*c4 [White just needs to wait until Black's moves are over.]
13. B*c4 – Bb6
14. Kg6 – Ba7 Black has to defend c5 pawn and this will soon force a zugzwang.
15. Nd6 – Bb8 Decisive penetration, Black loses material.
16. Nc8 – Kd7 The knight sacrifice will help White promote his passers.
17. Kf7 – K*c8
18. K*e6 1-0 as there is no defense against Ke6-f7 and e5-e6-e7-e8+Q.

49
50