Practical chess endings [1st algebraic ed.] 9780713442106, 0713442107

Table of contents :
Part 1 Elementary endings: king and queen against king
king and rook against king
king and two bishops against king
king and two knights against king
king, bishop and knight against king
king and pawn against king. Part 2 Pawn endings: king and pawn against king
king and pawn against king and pawn
king and two pawns against king and pawn
king and two pawns against king
king and two pawns against king and two pawns
endings with more pawns
practical examples. Part 3 Queen endings: queen against pawn
queen against rook (and pawn)
queen against queen (and pawns)
queen against other pieces
practical examples. Part 4 Rook endings: rook against pawn(s)
rook and pawn against rook
rook and two pawns against rook
rook and pawn(s) on both sides
practical examples
rook against minor pieces. Part 5 Bishop endings: bishop against pawns
bishop and pawn against bishop
bishops of the same colour
bishops of opposite colour
bishop and pawn(s) against knight
bishop against knight and pawn(s)
practical examples. Part 6 Knight endings: kinght against pawn(s)
knight and pawn against pawn
knight and pawn(s) against knight
practical examples.

Citation preview

Practical Chess Endings PAUL KERES Translated by John Littlewood

B.T.Batsford Ltd, London

First published in West Germany, 1973 English translation© B.T. Batsford Ltd, 1974 First published 1974 Reprinted 1977 - first paperback edition First algebraic edition 1984 Reprinted 1985, 1986, 1988 ISBN 0 7134 4210 7 (l imp) Photoset by Andek Printing, London and printed and bound in Great Britain by Biddies Ltd, Guildford and Kings Lynn for the publishers B.T. Batsford Ltd, 4 Fitzhardinge Street, London W l H OAH

A BATSFORD CHESS BOOK Adviser: RD. Keene GM, OBE Technical Editor: Ian Kingston

Contents Preface I ntroduction I

2

Elementary Endings King and queen against king King and rook against king King and two bishops against king King and two knights against king King, bishop and knight against king King and pawn against king Pawn Endings King and pawn against king King and pawn against king and pawn A: Pawns on the same file B: Pawns on different files King and two pawns agai nst king and pawn A: Isolated pawns with a passed pa wn B: Isolated pawns without a passed pawn C: Connected pa wns with a passed pawn D: Connected pawns without a passed pawn a) When one pawn is blocked b) Without blocked pawns King and two pawns against king King and two pawns against king and two pawns A: Creation of a passed pawn B: The distant passed pawn C: The protected passed pawn D: The blockade of enemy pa wns E: Other possibilities Endings with more pawns Practical examples

VI Vll

l 2 2 3 4 9 9 9 IO 13 15 16 20 23 28 28 32 39 40 40 41 42 43 44 45 48

3

Queen Endings Queen against pawn Q ueen against roo k (and pawn) A: Queen against rook B: Queen against rook and pawn Q ueen against queen (and pawns) A: Queen against queen B: Queen against queen and pawn C: Queen and pawn(s) against queen and pawn(s) Q ueen against other pieces A: Queen against two rooks B: Queen against two bishops C: Queen against two knights D: Queen against bishop and knight Practical examples

4

Rook Endings Roo k against pawn(s) Rook and pawn against rook A: Rook and rook's pawn B: Rook and pawn other than rook's pawn a) Pawn on the seventh rank b) Pawn on the sixth rank 123 c) Pawn on the second to fifth ranks Rook and two pawns against rook Rook and pawn(s) on both sides A: Rook and pawn against rook and pawn B: Rook and two pawns against rook and pa wn Practical examples Rook against minor pieces Rook against bishop Rook against knight Rook and minor piece against rook Rook and bish op against rook Rook and knight against rook

57 57 62 62 64 74 74 75 80 81 81 82 83 84 87 95 95 106 109 120 120 130 140 154 154 159 166 177 177 186 190 190 192

5

Bishop Endings Bishop against pawns Bishop and pawn against bishop Bishops of the same colour Bishops of opposite colour

Bishop and pawns(s) against k night Bishop against knight and pawn(s) Practical examples

195 195 203 208 212 212 216 219 226 233

Knight Endings Knight against pawn(s) Knight and pawn against pawn Knight and pawn(s) against knight Practical examples

256 256 263 266 272

A: Bishop and two pawns against bishop B: Bishop and pawn(s) on both sides

6

Preface In chess literature throughout the world countless books have be en written on opening theory, the middlegame, chess tournaments and game selections. Within this vast production, however, books on the endgame are comparatively few in number, despite the fact that this is one of the most important parts of the game of chess . It is indeed difficult to over­ estimate the value of good endgame play and time spent on this department is amply repaid. The purpose of this book is to give the reader practical help in endgame technique. Many chessplayers are averse to studying the endgame, in the belief that it is boring. To a certain extent they are right, for most theoretical endings are relatively dry in content, requiring precise calculation and offering fe w

opportunities for individual flights of imagination . Nevertheless, there is much of interest in this phase of the game , and all chessplayers should strive to improve their play by maste ring the necessary technique . In order to pinpoint basic principles, I have decided to cut down on the number of examples but to examine them in greater detail than is customary. In this way I hope to make endgame theory a little more palatable. This has necessarily led me to reject many purely theoretical analyses and restrict myself to material which will be of most benefit to the practical player. In offering this volume to the reader I hope not only to stimulate interest in the subject matter but principally to raise the average level of endgame technique among chessplayers everywhere. Paul Keres Tallinn, July 1972

Introduction A normal game of chess usually consists of th ree phases; opening, middlegame and ending. In the opening a player attempts to develop his forces in the most effective manner and create favour­ able middlegame chances . The middlegame is the richest and apparently the most difficult part of the game, in which the player aims for a decisive superiority or at least an advantageous endgame. And, finally, the ending is that part of the game in which we must convert into a win any advantages won during the opening or middlegame. As a result, it is clear that the ending is one of the most critical stages of the game. A player can sometimes afford the lu xury of an inaccurate move, or even a definite error, in the opening or middle­ game without necessarily obtaining a lost position. This is explained by the fact that in both these complicated phases of the game there are great practical difficulties in detecting and exploiting our opponent's mistakes. In the end­ game, on the other hand, an error can be decisive, and we are rarely presented with a second chance. There could be no clearer proof of the vital need to perfect one's endgame technique. The world's

leading chessplayers pay special attention to this aspect of their gam e, and we can find numerous modern examples of finely con­ ducted endgames . It m ust be admitted that, from a purely technical point of view, endings are much less interesting to study than, for example, opening theory or the strategy of the middlegame. However, this study is essential, and there-is at least the advantage that most endings lend themselves to exact analysis of winning o r drawing possib ilities. In the following pages, we shall attempt to provide the reader with the m ost important principles for the correct handling of various practical endings . We all know that prese nt endgame theory in its entirety would fill many hefty tomes, the mere sight of which is a deterrent. The aim of this book, therefore , is to lighten the burden some what by selecting from the vast material available those endings which are of most practical value. For example, we shall be examining all basic endgame positions, presenting an indis­ pensable ABC of chess usage. Do not underrate such an approach. Even great players have been known to have weaknesses in this phase of the game.

1

Elementary Endings

In this section we shall examine positions which in fact belong to the ABC of every plaver and scarcely need any further elucidation. However, we mention them briefly here for the sake of completeness, first of all looking at the force required to mate a lone king. King and Queen against King This is always a win , the only danger being a possible stalemate.

One possible winning method from diagram I is the following: I �c3 'it>e4 2 'it>b7 'it;>dS the black king obviously wishes to remain in the centre as long as possible 3 'it>c7 'it>e4 4 'it>d6 'it>f4 5 �d3 'it>gS 6 'it>eS 'it>g4 7 �e3 'it>hS 8 'it>fS 'it>h4 9 �d3 'it>hS IO �h3 mate. Th is is perhaps not the shortest

way, I 'it>b7 being possibly quicker, b ut the given method shows how easily the enemy king can be mated in such positions. King and Rook against King This too is always a win. As in the above example, the enemy king must be driven to the edge of the board before he can be mated, although the task is slightly more difficult. Whilst the queen can drive the king to the edge without the help of its own king, it is essential for the rook and king to co-ordinate their action to achieve this ai m.

In diagram 2, White's task is not especially diffic ult. In order to force the black king to the side of the board , it is simplest to cut off the king by using the rook along

2 Elementary Endings

the rank or the file, beginning with I lla4 or I lle l . However, as no further progress can be made without the help of the white king, the clearest method is 1 ot>b7 -t>e4 2 ot>c6 ©d4 3 llel to fo rce the enemy king towards the a-file 3 ... ©c4 4 lle4+ @d3 5 @d5 now the black king is denied access to both the e-file and the fo urth rank 5 ... ©c3 6 lld4 ©c2 7 @c4 ©b2 8 lld2+ ©cl the king already has to go to the back ran k 9 @c3 ©bl 10 @b3 ©cl 1 1 lld3 @bl 12 lldl mate. Note especi ally the use of waiting moves by the rook. King and two Bishops against King It is clear that king and one bishop cannot possibly mate a lone king, but two bishops easily force the win, as can be seen in the play from diagram 3.

The winning procedure is the same as in the previous exam ples. The black king is gradually driven to the edge of the board by co­ ordinating the bishops to control its escape sq uares. The following line of play is readily under-

standable: 1 ©b2 ©e4 2 ©c3 @d5 3 .tf3+ ©e5 4 .tg3+ e6 5 ©d4 the black king is now completely cut off by the bishops and can easily be forced into the corner 5 ... ©f5 6 @d5 ©f6 7 .tg4 @g5 8 .td7 ©f6 9 .th4+ ©g6 the black king's movements are even further restricted but he must be driven into the corner 10 ©e5 ot>f7 1 1 ©f5 ©g7 1 2 .te8 ©f8 1 3 .tg6 @g7 14 .te7 @f8 15 ot>f6 ©h8 16 .trs ©gs 17 ©g6 ©hs 18 .td6 ©g8 19 .te6+ ©h8 20 .teS mate. There may of co urse be quicker ways but the winning method remains i n all cases the same. King and two Knights against King Whilst it is clear that a single k night and king cannot mate the enemy king, it is not so obvious foat there is no way to force a win with two knights. In this case there is a theoretical mating position, b ut White cannot bring it about against correct defence. Diagram 4 makes this clear, for White cannot strengthe n his position even though the black king is in the corner.

Elementary Endings 3

The attempt to restrict the king's movements by l li:Je7 or l li:Jh6 leads to stalemate. White can try 1 li:Jf8 ©g8 2 li:Jd7 ©h8 3 li:Jd6 ©g8 4 li:Jf6+ and if 4 . . . ©h 8? 5 li:Jf7 mate, but Black simply plays 4 ... ©f8 and White must start all over again . H owever hard White tries, there is no forced way of mating the black king with two knights only.

the knight and king can guard those squares which the bishop cannot control. Let us see how it all works by examining the play from diagram 5.

King, Bishop and Knight against King White can indeed fo rce mate in this ending, and it is worthwhile to acquire the necessary technique. Once again the black king must naturally be driven into the corner of the board, and mating positions are possible in all four corners. However, mate can be forced only in the two corners which are of the same colour as the bishop controls. In the two other corners, mate is only possible ifthe defender makes a mistake, as was the case with the two knights. This means that the task of the attacker is fairly tricky. Firstly, the enemy king has to be driven to the edge of the board , then into the corner, and finally into the other corner if the colour is the wrong one for his bishop. And whereas with the queen, rook or two bishops it was easy to cut the king off along the ra nks, files or diagonals, with knight and bishop such control is more difficult. The two pieces constantly require the support of their own king, so that

Wh ite must of course first bring up his king, whilst the black king tries to remain in the centre for as long as possible . As soon as he is driven away, he heads for the ' wrong' corner, a8 or h i , where he can not be mated with correct defence. Play might continue as follows: 1 ©b2 ©d3 2 li:Jc7 ©c4 to hold back the enemy king 3 li:Je6 ©dS 4 li:Jd4 ©c4 5 ©c2 ©b4 no better would be 5 ... ©d5 6 ©d3 6 ©d3 ©cS 7 .th2 as we can see, the white pieces supported by the king have taken many squares away from the black king 7 ... ©dS 8 li:Jb3 ©c6 the king must retreat, so he heads for a8, whereas 8 . . . ©e6 9 ©e4 would drive him towards h 8 9 ©c4 ©b6 better than 9 . . . 'it'd? 10 ©d5 10 li:JcS ©c6 11 li:Ja4 reaching a similar situation to the one after White's 8th move and showing a typical method of driving back the enemy king with

4 Elementary Endings

bishop and knight 1 1 ... ©b7 12 ©b5 ©c8 after 1 2 . . . ©a7 1 3 ©c6 we reach a position which occurs later in the main variation 13 ©c6 ©d8 14 \t>d6 ©c8 if Black tried to escape by 14 ... ©e8, he would be driven over to h8 after 1 5 ©e6 ©f8 1 6 i.e5 or here 1 5 . . . ©d8 1 6 lt:lb6, without being able to slip away towards a8 15 lt:lb6+ ©b7 16 ©c5 \t>a6 17 ©c6 ©a5 18 i.d6 ©a6 19 i.b8 barring the king's retreat towards a8 and beginning the manoeuvre to drive him towards a I 19 ... ©a5 20 lll d5! ©a4 White's task is simpler after 20 . . . ©a6 2 1 lt:lb4+ ©a5 22 ©c5 li;>a4 23 ©c4 ©a5 24 i.c7+ etc 21 \t>c5 ©b3 22 lt:lb4! a very important knight move and a typical way of driving the king from one corner to the other 22 ... ©c3 23 i.f4 and we can see that the splendid position of the knight stops the black king escaping 23 ... ©b3 24 i.e5 ©a4 25 ©c4 ©a5 26 i.c7+ ©a4 27 lll d 3 ©a3 28 i.b6 a waiting move; the black king is now compelled to go to al 28 ... ©a4 29 lt:lb2+ \t>a3 30 \t>c3 ©a2 31 ©c2 ©a3 32 i.c5+ ©a2 33 lll d 3 ©al at last ! The black king is now mated in three moves 34 i.b4 ©a2 35 lt:lcl+ ©a l 36 i.c3 mate. The reader will now realize that this ending is by no means easy. It is worth noting standard positions such as those after White's 8th, 19th and 22nd moves, and the beginner would do well to try to drive the black king into the corner from various positions on

the board, in order to get used to the way in which the three white pieces co-operate. It must not be forgotten that the king m ust be mated within 50 m oves, or else a draw can be claimed. This makes it all the more i mperative for us to be thoroughly conversant with the winning method, so as not to lose valuable time driving the enemy king back. King and Pawn against King We could have examined this ending in the section on pawn endings, but as we are dealing with simpler examples here , it seems best to include it in this section on elementary endings. In this type of ending it is difficult to give general principles, as everything depends on the placing of the pieces. It goes without saying that a win is only possible if the pawn can be promoted, so our task is to establish when this can or cannot be done. Of course, White wins easily when the enemy king is too far away to prevent the pawn queening. It is equally clear that the game is drawn when the white king cannot prevent the capture of his pawn. We are primarily concerned with those positions where the black king is placed somewhere in front of the pawn . Let us begin by examining the basic situation given in diagram 6, with the pawn on the 6th ran k and the black king on the back rank in front of the pa wn.

Elementary Endings 5 6

•

�

to

be in 'opposition' or more

specifically in 'close opposition', as compared with 'distant opposition'

•

when the kings are

3 or 5 squares

apart. Diagonal opposition occurs when there are

l, 3

or 5 squares

between both kings. We say that a player 'has the opposition' when he has brought about one of the above-described positions with his opponent to move. In such cases the latter has On the left is a typical position

lost the opposition. We could now

in this ending, always attainable

define the left half of diagram 6 as

the pawn originally

follows: the win in this position

further back, as its advance to the 6th rank cannot be prevented. The

depends on who has the opposition.

win here depends on who has the

has it,the game is drawn.

even

with

If White has it, he wins; if Black

move. With White to move the

This rule applies to all similar

1 c7+ ct>c8 2 ct>c6

positions, except those where a

game is drawn, as gives bring

stalemate,

and White cannot

about the same position

with Black to move. For instance, after

1 ct>dS ct>c7 2 cS, Black ct>c8! 2

plays the correct move and now both

3

...

3 ct>d6 ct>d8 and

ct>b6 ct>b8 amount to the same

pawn

rook's

example,

in

is the

For

involved. half

right

of

diagram 6, White cannot win even with the opposition, as

2 h7

gives

stalemate.

1

...

ct>h8

If the pawn is not on the 6th rank

but further back, Black's chances

increase

sig­

situation. Black's defence is easy:

drawing

he keeps his king for as long as

nificantly. Consider the bottom

possible on c7 and c8 until the

half of diagram 7.

white king reaches the 6th rank when

Black

must

immediately

place his king directly in front of the white king.

I

In connection with this ending, would like to stress one extremely

important point concerning the position of the two kings. In all pawn endings, when the kings face each other as above (i.e. standing on the same rank or file with one square in between), they are said

6 Elementary Endings

This and similar positions are drawn, whoever has the move. Black defends according to the principles we have given above, with the play going as fo llows: I c3+ ©c4 2 ©c2 ©cs 3 ©d3 'i.t>dS 4 c4+ ©cs S ©c3 ©c6 6 'i.t>d4 'i.t>d6 7 c5+ 'i.t>c6 8 'i.t>c4 'i.t>c7 9 'i.t>dS 'i.t>d7 I O c6+ lt>c7 1 1 ©cs ©c8! 12 'i.t>d6 'i.t>d8! and we have reached the known drawing position in which Black has the opposition. One might think that we have now finished with the king and pawn ending, but this is far from being the case . What happens, for instance, when the white king occupies a· square in front of his pawn? In this case equally there are no general rules for winning, but White's winning chances are much greater, especially if the pawn is advanced , as in the upper half of diagram 7 . The white king has managed to reach the important square in front of his pawn and this fact ensures the win in all cases, whoever has the move and however far back the pawn may be. With Black to move, there is a simple @a8 2 @c7 or I win after I 'i.t>c8 2 lt>a7, followed by the advance of the pawn . Even with White to move, there are few problems, for after I lt>a6 lt>a8 2 b6 White has the opposition , so wins as we have seen above . All similar positions are won, except for those which again involve the rook's pawn. It is, however, worth pointing ...

...

o ut one small fact about positions with a knight's pawn . Returning to the upper half of diagram 7, with White to move, it may seem at first sight that White can also win with I 'i.t>c6, as 1 . . . 'i.t>c8 2 b6 is lo st for Black. However, I 'i.t>a6 ! is the correct move although White can reach this position again even after I 'i.t>c6 which Black answers @a7! If White now with I carelessly plays 2 b6+? Black replies 2 . lt>a8 ! with a draw, for both 3 lt>c7 and 3 b7+ @b8 4 lt>b6 give stalemate. So White must swallow his pride and play 2 \t>c7 'i.t>a8 3 @b6 ! @b8 4 @a6 ! returning to the winning plan . ...

. .

If the white king is in front of the pawn but not so advanced, we arrive at the left half of diagram 8. In this typical position the win depends on who has the move. If White has the opposition , then 'i.t>b7 2 'i.t>d6 Black loses after I 'i.t>c8 or 2 . 'i.t>b8 3 'i.t>d7 3 cS 'i.t>d8 4 c6 'i.t>c8 S c7 etc . However, with White to move, Black draws after I 'i.t>dS @d7 2 cS @c7 3 c6 'i.t>c8 ! 4 @d6 @d8 with the well-known ...

..

Elementary Endings 7

drawing position . Fro m this example, it is clear that White wins easily if his pawn is further back, fo r in this case he can always gain the opposition by moving the pawn. Hence a useful rule for conducting this type of ending is as follows: the white king is advanced as far as possible in front of his pawn (of course, without losing the latter), and only the n is the pawn moved. The right half of diagram 8 illustrates the application of this rule. If Black has the move, he draws easily with 1 . . . @g4 or l . . . 'ittf4 , b u t White t o move wins in the following instructive way: 1 @g3! gaining the opposition , as compared with l @f3? @f5 ! when Black has the opposition and draws 1 ... @f5 2 @f3! maintaining the opposition; note that 2 f4? @f6 would again draw 2 . . . @es 3 @g4 'itt f6 4 @f4! once more White takes over the opposition and applies our rule of advancing his king without moving the pawn; a mistake would be 4 f3? @g6 5 @f4 ct>f6! drawing 4 ... @e6 5 @g5 ! @f7 6 ct>f5 6 f3 is possible, b ut not 6 f4? c;t>g7 ! drawing 6 ... ct>e7 7 c;t> g6 @es S f4 only now, with the white king on the 6th rank , is the pawn advanced; 8 @g7 would be pointless, as 8 . . . We7 9 f4 @e6 would force 1 0 @g6 S ... @e7 9 f5 i;t>f8 1 0 �6! it is vital to gain the opposition once more, as 10 f6? @g8 only draws 1 0 ... @es 1 1 c;t> g7 ct>e7 12 f6+ and the pawn queens. In conclusion we would like to

mention two exceptional cases involving the rook's pawn . The defence has better chances in this type of ending, drawing from positions that would be hopeless with any other pawn . For example, in the left half of diagram 9, even with the move White cannot win.

9

�· � � � • • • • � . . � :;� . . � � . . •• . . . � • • • • • • • • . � � �

After 1 ct>a7 @c7 2 a6 @cS 3 @aS or 3 @b6 @b8 3 ... @c7 4 a 7 @cs White himself is stalemated for a change. As a rule we can state that Black draws if he can reach the critical square c8 (or f8 on the o ther wing). An obvious exception to this rule is when the white king already occupies c6 or b6 and l a7 can be played. The right half of diagram 9 gives us another draw for Black in a situation that would be a loss against any other pawn . Again White cannot win even with the move, as 1 h5 Wf6 2 @h7 Wf7 3 h6 Wf8 gives us the drawing position we have j ust seen . So in general Black draws against a rook's pawn. With this example we complete our treatment of elementary endings and move over to more

8 Elementary Endings

complicated cases, dealing in turn with pawn , queen , rook, bishop, and knight endings. We shall however examine only those positions ill ustrating general prin­ ciples which can be applied to

various endings. As already stated, we are not compiling an endgame reference book but presenting important basic positions which every chessplayer must know how to handle.

2

Pawn Endings

It may perhaps seem rather strange that we should begin with pawn endings, but there are good reasons for this. Firstly, pawn endings are relatively simple in form (though not necessarily in content ! ), con sisting as they do of few men, and thus provide us with the best overall view of endings and their treatment . Secondly, pawn endings usually arise from other endings and rep resent so to speak the cornerstone of the whole of endgame theory. We have already examined those elementary pawn endings which are the basis of all pawn endings. If these examples have given the reader the impression that pawn endings are the easiest of the endgames, he is sadly mista ken. As we shall see later, some pawn endings are very complex and difficult to play for the uninitiated. King and Pawn against King We return again to this ending which we have already examined in our section on elementary endings. As a test-piece we shall consider diagram 10 which cannot be solved immediately by applying our given principles. We shall also

explain more fully 'distant opposition' .

the

term

If Black has the move h e cannot be prevented from reaching f4 with a draw, as we have already seen. The matter becomes more complicated, however, if White has the move. What will the result be then? To answer this question , we m ust examine the position in a little more detail . As we have seen in previous examples, White wins if his king can reach f6 with Black to m ove. His first move is naturally I @e2 (or I 'it>g2 giving similar variations) and it is Black who must select the best defence. Ob vio usly after I . . @f5? 2 'it>f3 ! White has attained his objective, and the same applies after I . . 'it>e5 2 'it> e 3 @f5 3 @f3 . The only co rrect defence lies in I @e6 ! in .

.

...

JO

Pawn Endings

order to answer 2 @e3 with 2 @e5 and 2 @f3 with 2 @f5 gaining the opposition and drawing. The move I . . @e6 ! gave Black the distant opposition and this is converted into the close opposition as the kings approach each other. This example shows us the b asic form of the distant opposition; we shall later examine much more complex examples of its application. The theory of the opposition is important and reasonably straight­ forward, but a player can manage without it if he understands the theory of 'related squares'. This theory is sometimes even more comprehensive and comprehensible than the application of the opposition rule, so let us examine it further by returning to diagram

...

...

.

IO.

What are 'related squares'? Let us assume that the white king is on f3 and his black counterpart on f5, when it is now known that White wins if it is Black to move. We can call these 'related squares' i.e. when the black king is on f5, White's king needs to be on f3 to win; or if Black wishes to draw, he must play his king to the related square after White's king goes to f3. Now let us try to find other pairs of related squares, from the defender's point of view. We know that the white king cannot be allowed to reach f4, when he wins in all variations . This means that if the white king is on e3, threatening to go to f4, the black

king must be ready to play to e5, f5 or g5; but g5 is no good, for with @e4 White wins at least the f4 square ; nor is f5 suitable for the black king, as he must be ready to occupy this square, in case the white king goes to f3 . There remains only e5, making this the related square of White's e3. To continue this logic, which black square corresponds to White's e2? As White can go to e3 or f3 from this square, Black must have a related square from which .he can reach e5 and f5 , i.e. e6 or f6. By this process we have re­ discovered the correct defence for Black. After I @e2, only I @e6! is sufficient to draw. As we have seen above, all other moves lose . This is , of course, a simple illustration of related squares, but we shall later give instructive examples of the usefulness of this method of calculation. ...

King and Pawn against King and Pawn Once again, for this type of ending there are no general rules for winning or drawing, as everything depends on the placing of the pieces. Normally these endings result in a draw, so we are primarily interested in those cases where White can force a win . First of all , let us divide our material into two groups: A:THE PAWNS A R E ON TH E SAME FILE

In this case, we can take

Pawn Endings 1 1

diagram 1 1 as our basic position.

Such positions are drawn who­ ever has the move and however many ranks back we move the pawns. If White has the move, Black has the opposition and clearly draws after 1 ©g4 ©g6 2 ©f4 ©f6 etc . If Black has the move, then he must lose the pawn as follows: I ©e6 2 ©gS ©e7 3 ©rs ©d6 4 ©f6 ©d7 s ©es and the pawn falls, as 5 . . . ©c6 6 ©e6 would still win it. However, Black can still draw by applying the principles we gave in our elementary endings. S ©e7! 6 ©xdS ©d7! gaining the opposition and drawing as already seen. The situation changes drastically, however, if the pieces in diagram 1 1 are moved up one or two ranks. Admittedly, White to move cannot win, but if Black has the move, he is lost. He loses his pawn as we

have j ust seen, but the white king meanwhile reaches the 6th ran k, with pawns other than the rook's pawn, produce the same result. An exceptional case is when the black pawn is on g7 or b7. The black king can then head for the corner where he i s stalemated if the white king approaches. Rook's pawn positions are drawn, as always. Let us next examine a few positions in which both kings have more roo m to manoeuvre, begin­ ning with diagram 1 2.

Such positions often occ ur in practice and their correct evaluation is therefore im portant. We know that White wins if he can capture the pawn, and if he has the move he can win comfortably, as Black cannot gain the opposition. Play might continue as follows: I ©c4! The only way to win. If 1 ©d4 ©d8 ! Black has the opposition and draws. 1 ©d7 2 ©bS! Again taking the diagonal

12 Pawn Endings

opposition. Not 2 @c5? @c7 ! drawing. 2 @c7 3 @cs @d7 @d8 4 @b6 @e7 S @c6 @e8 6 ©c7 7 ©d6 @fl 8 @d7 and wins. This is o n e possibility, but Black can also attempt to set up a counterattack on the white pawn by I . . ©f7. We then have: ©fl 1 ©c4! @g6 2 @cs Once again , this is a common situation, with both kings coming in at the pawns from opposite wings. A typical error would now be 3 @d6? when 3 . . . @f5 ! would even win for Black! A useful rule to remember in such situations is that the winner must be able to attack the pawn from one square below (here d7), in order to maintain the attack whilst guarding his own pawn next move ( ©d6). So W hite continues: 3 @c6! As before the white king heads for d7 , whereas Black heads for f4. It is clear that in this case White arrives first . 3 @gS If 3 . . . @f5 4 ©d6 wins at o nce. 4 @d7! ©fS S ©d6 wins. Of course, with rook's pawns the winning chances are re­ duced , but diagram 13 shows us a subtle and unexpected .

winning manoeuvre. 13

� � � w• m mwm 8. • • � • • • • • • • • • • • • . . . � � . � � � � � Schlage-Ah ues, Berlin 192 1 This position occurred in a tournament game Schlage-Ahues, Berlin 192 1 . With White to move, Black must obviously lose his pawn, but this seems unimportant fo r, in the five moves it takes White to win the pawn , the black king can reach the drawing square c7. Is the position drawn then? The game continua tion was in fact I ©e6 ©c3 2 @d6? @d4 3 @c6 ©e5 4 @b7 ©d6 5 @xa7 ©c7 etc, with a draw. But White could have won by choosing the correct route for his king. In pawn endings it is sometimes possible for the king to ch oose a diagonal route which is no further in move count but which restricts the route of the enemy king. White should have played: ©c3 1 ©e6 2 @dS! As can be seen, White still ca ptures the pawn in 5 moves but prevents the black king's approach via d4, e5 and d6. As a result he

Pawn Endings 13

cannot reach c7 in time and is lost. 'it>b4 2 If 2 . . . ©d3 3 ©c6 'it>e4 4 ©b 7 d5 5 ©xa 7 ©c6 6 ©b8 wins. 'it>aS 3 ©c6 'it>bS 4 ©b7 5 ©xa 7 'it>c6 6 ©b8 and the pawn queens. A simple but instructive example. It is interesting to note that if Black's king had originally stood on the seemingly worse sq uare h2, instead of b2, the game would have been drawn, as W hite cannot prevent the approach of the black king without wasting time himself. B: THE PAWNS ARE ON DIFFERENT FILES

In such positions, if the pawn can be stopped by t he opposing k i ng, the result is usually a draw, unless White can capture the enemy pawn under favourable circumstances. As an example of this, consider diagram 14.

F. Dedrle 1 92 1 White easily win s the black

pawn and it appears as if 1 ©c3 ©e5 2 ©b4 ©d5 3 ©xa4 etc would clinch matters. However, Black has the resource 1 . . . a3 ! which draws after both 2 ba ©e6 3 ©c4 ©d6 and 2 b4 ©e6 3 ©b3 ©d6 4 ©xa3 ©c6 5 ©a4 ©b6 etc. In order to win, White must plan for this black defence and be ready to capture the pawn with his king whilst keeping his own pawn as far back as possible, as follows: 1 ©bl a3 The best defence, as White wins easily after 1 . . . ©e5 2 ©a2 ©d4 3 ©a3 ©c5 4 ©xa4 ©b6 5 ©b4! etc. b3! 2 As will soon be seen, 2 b4 would only draw. 2 ©es 3 ©a2 ©dS 4 ©xa3 ©cS 5 ©a4 ©b6 6 ©b4! and wins. It is clear that, with the pawn on b4, this last move would be impossible , whereas now we have reached a well-known winning position. There are very interesting possi­ bilities when both passed pawns cannot be stopped. Often the game can be won by instructive king manoeuvres, using the above­ mentioned idea that in chess the shortest distance between two points is not necessarily a straight line. Let us examine an ending by grandmaster Duras (diagram 1 5). A cursory glance might lead us to believe that the position is equal, for both pawns still stand

14 Pawn Endings

on their original squares and the placing of the white king is only slightly better. I n the event, however, this minimal advantage, combined with the fact that White has the move, surprisingly gives him a forced win. Nevertheless, he must play most accurately to achieve this result, in particular when choosing the correct position­ ing of his king. 1 'i&cS ! Clearly the white king must in some way support the advance of his pawn, as otherwise the black king can stop it. But why this move which apparently places the king on an unfavourable square, in the firing line of a future black queen? The remaining moves provide an explanation. A 1 'i&g6 Black attempts to stop the white pawn. 1 . . . g5 will be discussed in B. b4 2 'i&f7 3 bS 'i&e7 4 'i&c6 ! N o w we see w h y 1 'i&c5 was essential. The ga me would be drawn after both 4 b6 'i&d7 and

4 'i&b6 g5 5 'i&c7 g4. 4 'i&d8 The point is that the black king is now unfavourably placed on the back rank where he can sub­ sequently be checked by the white queen. 5 'i&b7 ! gS b6 6 g4 7 'i&a7 g3 b7 8 gl 9 b8 't!V+ and wins. B 1 gS Instead of trying to stop the advance of the enemy pawn, Black attempts to push his own through , a line which i s all the more tempting because he would queen with check. However, the white king now reveals his flexibili ty with the following subtle win: 2 b4 g4 3 'i&d4 ! The black pawn will now require support from his king, but this means that W hite can drive the king onto a square from which he can be checked. Note that 3 b5? g3 would win for Black. 3 'i&gS 3 . . . g3 4 'i&e3 'i&g5 5 b5! would lead into the text variation, but not here 5 'i&f3? 'i&f5 drawing. 4 bS g3 If Black tries to hold off the white king with 4 . . . 'i&f4 then the white pawn queens first with check. 5 'i&e3 'i&g4 b6 6 'i&h3 7 b7 gl

Pawn Endings 15

8 ©fl ©h2 9 b8'4!¥+ and wins. A magnificent study, revealing with limited material the com­ plexities that some pawn endings can contain. Among countless compositions we could quote many other examples illustrating surprisingly deep ideas arising from relatively si mple positions. For the moment, let us consider one more study which is probably the most famous example i n chess literature of king and pawn on either side . 16

� � � m .. .. .. .. ·-�- .. .. .. .. . . , .. . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . �� . R.Reti 1 922

Although White is to move, he appears hopelessly lost, for the black pawn is going to queen and White needs at least two tempi to stop it. His own pawn seemingly offers little hope as it can easily be stopped by the black king. However, the geometrical motif once more comes into play, as the white king performs wonders: 1 ©g7 h4 ©b6 2 ©f6 So White has already won one tempo by forcing Black to make a

time-wasting move. If instead 2 . . . h 3 , then 3 ©e7 h 2 4 c7 draws, as both pawns queen at the same time. Black's first two moves could have been inverted, for after 1 . . . ©b6 2 ©f6 the threat of 3 ©g5 would force 2 . . . h4. 3 ©e5! The point of the whole play. As White now threatens to catch the pawn with 4 ©f4 Black has no choice. 3 h3 4 ©d6 h2 5 c7 bl 'tW 6 c8'tW with a clear draw . Who would have assumed this possible in the initial position? These examples are by no means comprehensive, but they indicate some of the various possibilities contained within the simplest pawn endings. Later we shall meet further e xamples, when more co mplicated positions simplify during the solution. King and two Pawns against King and Pawn Positions with king and two pawns against king and pawn represent a very complicated section of pawn endings. There are many and varied possibilities so we must be systematic if we are to obtain an overall picture of collected material. As a rule, the side with the greater material wins especially if his passed pawn is at a distance from the other pawns and can thus drag the defending

1 6 Pawn Endings

king away. There are also, however, many positions which admit of no easy win, and it is these positions which interest us most and to which the following section is mainly devoted. A: ISOLATED PAWNS WITH A PA SSED PAWN

We intend to classify endi ngs of two pawns against one by separating them into various groups depending on the position of the white pawns. Firstly we shall examine those in which the white pawns are isolated and one of them is passed. As already mentioned, White wins fairly easily here if the pawns are some distance apart , so we shall only examine those positions where there is one file between the pawns, which means that the passed pawn cannot take the black king too far away from the scene of action. A typical position is diagram 1 7 .

A s could be expected, this pm��n � a �n for Wh�, whoever has the move. Let us assume that White is to move.

d5 l ©d7 White wins easily after l . . @c5 2 ©e5 ©xb5 3 d6 ©c6 4 ©e6 etc. 2 ©es ©e7 3 d6+ @d8! The most cunning defence, setting W hite a few problems. After 3 . . @d7 4 ©d5 wins, whereas now 4 @d5 ©d7 or 4 ©e6 ©e8 5 d7+ ©d8 would not help White . However, White can now transpose to one of the elementary endings. d7! 4 The simplest winning method, giving up the pawn but gaining the opposition, then capturing the black pawn with a standard win. There is a more complicated way to victory by 4 ©d4 ©e8 5 ©e4 ©d8 6 ©e5 ! , a possibility we shall come back to agai n. 4 ©xd7 Or 4 . . . ©e7 5 d81!t'+ ©xd8 6 ©d6 wins. 5 @dS ©c7 6 ©e6 and wins. Now let us see what happens if we bring the pieces one rank further back, givi ng us diagram 18. .

.

Pawn Endings 1 7

This position is equally won for White, but he must here be more careful about a counterattack on his own pawn. Play could continue: @c4 d4 1 Hopeless would be l . . . @d6 2 @e4 @e6 3 d5+ @d7 4 @e5 @e7 5 d6+ @d7 6 @d5 followed by 7 @c5 winning. @xb4 2 @e4 @cs 3 dS Black has to place his king on this unfavourable square to stop the white pawn queening first. b4 4 @es b3 s d6 5 . . . @c6 6 @e6 would not alter the situation. b2 d7 6 bl 'ti' 7 d81!t' Both sides have a queen but Black's queen is lost after: @b4 8 1!t'c8+ 9 't!t'b7+ and wins. One might think that all positions like diagram 18 are won for White but there is a surpnsmg exception. This is when the black and white pawns are on the bish op's file, as in diagram 1 9 .

At first glance there seems no difference , as after l e4 @e6 2 @f4 @f6 3 e5+ @e7 4 @f5 @f7 5 e6+, or l . . . @d4 2 @f4 @xc4 3 e5 @d5 4 @f5 c4 5 e6 c3 6 e7 c2 7 e81!t' c l 'tit' 8 1!t'd8 + followed by 9 't!t'c7+, White wins in the same way we have seen above. However, there is one subtle difference , as follows: 1 e4 @d4! 2 @f4 @xc4 @b3 ! ! 3 es With this move Black e xploits the peculiar fact that a queen cannot win against a bishop's pawn on the 7th rank when the king is too far away. Insu fficient would be 3 . . . @d3 4 e6 c4 5 e7 c3 6 e81!t' c2 7 'ti'e3+ winning. 4 c4 e6 S e7 c3 6 e8'ti' c2 and the ending is drawn because White cannot stop Black's king reachi ng b2. We shall look at this in more detail in our section on queen endings but feel that it is worth a mention here. It is clear that if positions similar to diagram 18 are moved one rank down, they are drawn, as Black can al ways attack the white pawn . Yet, surprisi ngly, if we push the position two ranks up, so that the black pawn is on its original square , this also limits White's winning chances. The black king remains in front of the pawns and usually escapes with stalemate , but it would lead us too far astray to examine this aspect now. In conclusion we should mention

18 Pawn Endings

that positions similar to diagrams 1 7 to 19 are easily won for White, if Black has the move . In this case, the white pawn cannot be attacked, so White has only to advance his passed pawn, the sole exception again being positions with the black pawn on its original square. Usually, rook's pawns sig­ nificantly reduce White's winning chances, but in the positions examined this is surprisingly not the case. Consider diagram 20.

Fahrni-Alapin This position could have arisen from our analysis of diagram 1 7 moved one file t o the left with White having advanced his passed pawn . With Black to move the win is easy, but how does White win if he is to move? The same play as in diagram 1 7 does not work here, as 1 lt>d S lt>c8 2 c 7? lt>xc 7 3 \tics It> b 7, or here 2 lt>d6 lt>d8 3 c7+ lt>c8 both give Black a draw. So the win is not to be achieved by simple means and we must look a little deeper. As White would win if Black had the move, could we

perhaps lose a tempo and bring about this situation? Let us for a moment return to o ur theory of related squares. We have seen that Black must answer \tics with . . . lt>c7 and lt>d6 by . . . lt>d8 , s o here are two pairs of related squares . Which Black square corresponds to White's dS? The white king can go to cS or d6 from this square , so the black king m ust be able to go to the related squares c7 and d8. The only square is then c8, giving us another pair of related squares . Continui ng this process, we fi nd that White's c4 (controlling dS and cS) corresponds to Black's b 8 and d8 (controlling c8 and c7); it can indeed happen that two squares relate to one only. And what about W h ite's d4? As this square controls dS and cS , Black's related sq uares are b8 and d8. By doing all this preli minary work, we have already solved our problem. Let us assume that White has played lt>c4 and Black h as selected the related square b8. White then plays his king to d4, compelling Black to go to the related sq uares b8 or d8. B ut he is already on b8 and cannot move two squares to d8. So he has to move to an unrelated square, when he loses. Let us see how this works out in a given sequence of moves: @c8 1 \t>d5 2 \t>c4 It does not matter here whether c4 or d4 is selected, as they both

Pawn Endings 19

lead to the same result. ©d8 2 Or 2 . . . ©b8. 3 ©d4! ©c8 If 3 . . . ©c7 4 ©c5 wins quickly. ©c7 4 ©d5! s ©cs a nd White has reached the diagrammed position with Black to move. After 5 . . . ©d8 6 ©d6 ©c8 7 c7 ©b7 8 ©d7 ©a7 9 ©c6 (not 9 c8'it' stalemate) White mates in two moves. Let us close this section with one example of this type of ending.

White's tas k is made extremely difficult by the fact that his passed pawn is on the rook's file a nd that he has no manoeuvring space for his king to the left of this pawn. His only chance is to attack from the right , when he must continually reckon with a counterattack by the black king. For example , after the direct attempt l ©c3 ©a4 2 ©d3 Black plays 2 . . . ©b4 ! (not 2 . . . ©a3 3 ©e4 ©xa2 4 ©d5 winning easily), winning one of White's pawns, with a clear draw. Again we must look a little deeper.

In order to win , the white king must reach d5 without allowing Black in the meantime to capture the a-pawn and be in a position to guard his pawn by . . . ©b4. When Black plays . . . ©b4 White must be in a position to play ©d 3 after which Black is in zugzwang a nd cannot prevent ©e4-d5 . So our first pair of related squares are White's d3 and Black's b4. Let us proceed furt her. When the black king is on a3, threatening to take the a-pawn , White must be ready to answer this threat with ©d5 , so White's e4 and Black's a3 are related squares. Consequently Blac k's a4 (controlling a3 and b4) corresponds to White's e3 (con­ trolling e4 and d3), and Black's a5 (controlling a4 and b4) corre­ sponds to White's d2 (controlling d3 and e3). Once again we have now carried out the most difficult part of our task. There only remains for White to reach d2 by careful manoe uvring and Black cannot prevent the white king's advance to d5. For completeness we might mention that if the black king is on a6 or b6, the white king can occupy c I, c2 or c3, when he can always answer . . . ©a5 with ©d2. From our last comment it is clear that Black to move loses quickly, for after l . . . ©b6 (or a6) White plays 2 ©c3 (or c2) 2 . . . @a5 3 ©d2! immediately. With White to move, matters are more complex, but the win can be forced as follows:

20 Pawn Endings

I ©a3! The only move, otherwise Black plays 1 . . . ©a4 and White's king is too far from the related square e3. The text move wins a n important tempo. I ©b6 2 ©b2 ©a5 The best, as other moves allow 3 ©c3 with an easy win. It goes without saying that Black wo uld get nowhere by playing his king to the centre. 3 ©b3! Again winning a tempo. 3 ©b6 4 ©c3 (or c2) ©a5 If 4 . . . ©a6 White wins by ©c2(c3 )-d 3-e4 d5 etc . 5 ©d2! The winning move , not found until later by Kling. The theory of related squares, however, makes it all so easy ! 5 ©a4 ©b4 6 ©e3 ! 7 ©d3 a nd White reaches his goal, winning easily after 7 . . . ©a3 8 ©e4 ©xa2 9 ©d5 or here 8 . . . ©a4 9 ©d5 ©b4 1 0 a 3 + etc. There are many such examples in which the apparently com­ plicated solutions can be readily understood in the light of related squa res, whose i mportance will be seen in other positions to which we shall now proceed. B: ISOLATED PAWNS WITHOUT A PASSED PA WN

This kind of position gives the

defending side much greater chances of obtaining a draw, especially if the attacker has no tempo moves available with his pawns. The deciding factors here are the placing of the kings and the gaining of the opposition. Consider diagram 22.

This is a typical situation in which at first glance it is difficult to say whether White wins or not. A thorough analysis is required . A s a general rule, we can say that the defending side should restrict as far as possible the freedom of the white pawns, so that they have no tempo moves at their disposal. On the other hand , the attacking side must try to maintain this freedom and attempt to bring his king a s far forward as possible. If the reader keeps these points in mind , he will easily understand the following va riations. We shall begin with the simplest case , with Black to move . I e5! 2 f4 King moves do not help, e.g. 2 ©e4 ©e6 or 2 ©d2 ©e6 3 ©c3

Pawn Endings 21

�d5 etc. The text move is the sole winning attempt. 'it>f5 2 Black's only move to draw, as 2 . . . ef+ 3 'it>xf4 'it>e6 4 'it>e4 'it>d6 5 'it>d4! would win for White, whereas now 3 fe 'it>xf5 is co mpletely drawn. Apart from this simple line, Black also has another drawing method, requiring accurate play, as follows: 'it>e5 I But not l . . . 'it>f5 2 d4 'it>g6 3 'it>f4 �f6 4 'it>e4 followed by 5 'it>e5 winning, as will be seen later. 2 'it>e2 After 2 d4+ 'it>d5 or 2 f4+ 'it>f5, Black threatens 3 . . . e5 and if 3 f4 (or d4), we would arrive at a s ymmetrical position to the one arising after Black's l . . . e5. 2 'it>f4 Other king moves also draw, hut the text move is the most i nstructive. 'it>g5! 3 d4 This time the only move, for J . 'it>f5? 4 @e3 wins for White as we have seen . Black must make sure that he can answer 'it>e3 with ©f5, and the draw is forced, as White cannot strengthen his position. Going back to diagram 22, with White to move, he wins as follows: I 'it>e4! Obeying our rule about ad­ va ncing the king as far as possible! This is the only way to win , as I @f4? e5+ 2 'it>g4 'it>g6, or I f4 'it>f5 2 'it>f3 e5 only draw, as does l d4 . .

. . .

'it>f5 2 'it>d3 'it>f4 3 'it>e2 'it>g5 ! etc. 'it>f'7 I The best chance. After l . . . e5 2 f4! or l . . . 'it>e7 2 'it>e5 'it>d7 3 d4 'it>e7 4 f4 'it>d7 5 d5 (or 4 . . . 'it>f7 5 f5) White wins comfortably. 'it>e7 2 'it>e5 3 f4 'it>d7 3 . . . 'it>f7 loses at once to 4 f5. 4 'it>f6! If 4 d4? 'it>e7 ! Black would draw, as the reader can check for himself. 4 'it>d6 d4 5 Winning the opposition and the ga me . Also possible is 5 'it>f7 , as 5 . . . e5 6 f5 wins. 'it>d7 5 6 'it>f7 'it>d6 'it>c6 7 'it>e8 ! 8 'it>e7 'it>d5 9 'it>d7 'it>xd4 10 'it>xe6 and wins. It is worth noting that White won this ending only because he had the tempo move 5 d4 at his disposal. For insta nce , if we look at the position after White's 6th move and give him the move instead of Black, with best defence it is only a draw. Let us examine this in more detail. In order to win, White must gain the opposition with his king on f7 when Black's king is on d7, as we have seen. Other related squares are White's f6 and f8 corresponding to Black's d6 and d8, and if White's king is on the knight's file, then g8 and g7 correspond to Black's e8 and e7.

22 Pawn Endings

But what about g6? Black's e6 is occupied by his pawn so he has here only the distant opposition on c6, a square to which Black must be ready to play as soon as White plays 'Ot>g6. This means that the game might continue I 'Ot>f6 'Ot>d6 2 Wg7 'Ot>c7! n ot 2 . . . 'Ot>e7? 3 'Ot>g6! 'Ot>d6 4 'Ot>f6 'Ot>d7 5 'Ot>f7 winning 3 'Ot>g6 'Ot>c6! 4 'Ot>f7 'Ot>d7 5 'Ot>g8 'Ot>c8! again the only move, as both 5 . . . 'Ot>e8 6 Wg7 'Ot>e7 7 'Ot>g6! and 5 . . . 'Ot>c6 6 'Ot>f8 'Ot>d6 7 'Ot>e8 lead to a loss 6 dS there is nothing else 6 'Ot>d7! not 6 . .. ed? 7 f5 and White queens with check 7 Wg7 or 7 de+ 'Ot>xe6 and 8 . . . 'Ot>f5 7 ed and b oth pawns queen together. If White's two pawns are doubled, he ca n only hope to win if his rear pawn has important tempo moves available . Consider the interesting position in diagram 23. ...

...

As the black king is much more actively placed than the white king, it seems at first unlikely t hat White can win . However, his pawn on f3 gives him a vital te mpo

at the critical moment, and he wins nicely as follows: I 'Ot>fS! If his pawn were on f2 he would have no problems and could win at once with l 'Ot>g5 'Ot>e5 2 f3 , but in this position 1 'Ot>g5 would only draw after 1 . . . 'Ot>e5 2 f4+ 'Ot>e6 3 f5+ We5 , and 1 Wg4 fails to 1 . . . 'Ot>e6 2 Wg5 'Ot>e5 when he i s in zugzwang. He must first bring his pawn to f4 to guard e5 from the black king. I 'Ot>d6 White was threatening 2 f4 followed by the penetration of his king t o h6 via h5. For example, if 1 . . . 'Ot>d4 2 f4 'Ot>d5 3 Wg4! (not 3 'Ot>g5 'Ot>e6! and White is in zugzwang) 3 . . . 'Ot>d6 4 'Ot>h5 'Ot>e6 5 'Ot>g5 and 6 'Ot>h6 wins. So Black goes back with his king to p revent entry . f4 2 'Ot>d7 3 'Ot>g4! Again 3 'Ot>g5? 'Ot>e6 ! draws for Black. 3 'Ot>e8 4 'Ot>hS As will be seen later, 4 'Ot>g5 'Ot>f8 again puts White into zugzwang. 4 'Ot>f8 5 'Ot>gS Now it is Black who is in zugzwang and he m ust allow White in on o ne side or the other. It is interesting to note that if the whole positio n were one rank further back, Black would draw by 5 . . . 'Ot>f8 ! waiting to see which way White goes, but he lacks the necessary space here.

Pawn Endings 23

s 'it>g8 Or 5 . . . lt>e8 6 lt>h6 lt>f8 7 lt>h7 winning easily. lt>h7 6 @rs It is now too late for 6 .. . @f8 7 lt>e5 lt>e8 8 \t>d6 \t>d8 9 f5 ! (the winning tempo ! ) 9 . . . 'it>e8 IO \t>c7 winning. 7 lt>e4 ! White must still proceed care­ fully. 7 \t>e5 lt>g6 ! gives Black a d raw, as White wants this position with Black to move. 7 'it>h6 8 lt>dS �g6 lt>hS 9 lt>es �h6 10 \t>d6 11 \t>e7 �g6 12 rs+ and wins. A beautiful study with a subtle solution. < ' : CONNECTED P A W N S WITH A

PASSED PAWN

When White's pawns are con­ nected and one of them is passed, he usually has excellent winning chances. Black's defensive possi­ bilities are limited and he can only hope for a draw when White's pawns are not very advanced or if the black king has an unusually favourable position . I n the follow­ ing we try to indicate the factors by which a position can be evaluated. Let us start by examining positions with the pawns on the a­ and b-files. At the same time we shall consider how far advanced the pawns are, and in this way cover all types of position.

Diagra m 24 is a key position in this ending. A s it does not matter whose move it is, we shall make White's task a little more difficult by giving Black the move. 1 @cs 2 \t>d3 \t>dS 3 lt>e3 lt>eS 4 ©f3! We im mediately realize the tremendous advantage of a pro­ tected passed pawn which does not need the white king to remain near it and yet greatly restricts the enemy king's activity. In this example the black king da re not leave the quadrant represented by the b5-b8-e8-e5 squares, or else the b-pawn queens. This means that 4 . . . lt>f5 cannot be played, so Black is forced to relinquish the opposition . 4 \t>dS s @r4 @d6 6 lt>e4 White would make no progress with 6 \t>f5 \t>d5 , when he would have to return to the 4th rank. 6 \t>e6 7 \t>d4 \t>d6 8 lt>c4 lt>c 7

24 Pawn Endings

So Black has been compelled to concede White the 5th rank, but he has various defensive possibilities. 9 lt>cS A simpler win is 9 1!7d5 \!7b6 IO 1!7d6 \!7b7 l l 1!7c5 etc , but we shall give the longer win in order to show one or two instructive points. 9 lt>b7 IO lt>dS! White would spoil everything with IO b6? 1!7a6 ! l l 1!7c6, giving stalemate, and after IO 1!7d6 lt>b6 I I 1!7d7 \!7b7 Black keeps the opposition. IO 1!7c7 11 1!7e6 lt>b6 If I I . . . \!7b7 1 2 1!7d7 \!7b6 . 1 2 1!7c8 wins. 12 1!7d6 lt>b7 13 lt>cS (d 7) with an easy win. If the position in diagram 24 is moved one rank up (white pawns on a5 and b6 etc), it can no longer be won . Although the white king reaches c6, the b-pawn cannot be advanced because of the stalemate we have already seen. Equally drawn is the position one rank further up (White's pawns on a6 and b7 etc), for the black king can clearly not be driven fro m the b8 a nd c7 squares. If this position in diagram 24 is moved one rank down (white pawns on a3 and b4 etc), it is still won, but two ranks lower (white pawns on a2 and b3 etc) brings about a change. White to move still wins, I 1!7c2 1!7c5 2 1!7d3 ! \!7b4

3 1!7d4 lt>b5 4 1!7c3 ! 1!7c5 5 b4+ etc, but Black to move can draw by counterattacking the pawn with I . . 1!7c3 2 ©d i lt>b2 ! , when White must fo rce stalemate . Let us now turn to positions where the white pawns are on the b- and c-files. Move the position in diagram 24 one file to the right ( white pawns on b4 and c5 etc) and it is even easier for White to win, as is the same position one rank further down (white pawns on b3 and c4 etc). Further explanation seems unnecessary. It is equally clear that this position moved two ranks down ( white pawns on b 2 and c3 etc) or two ranks up (white pawns on b6 and c7 etc) cannot be won for White, j ust as in the corresponding positions already examined. There is, however, a difference if the position in diagram 24 is moved one file to the right and one rank up, giving us diagram 25. .

25

. -

�

� � � . . . l\ • � • � �

. .l. . .

� � . � � • • • • . . . � • • • • � This position is won for White as follows: I 1!7d6 2 1!7e4 1!7e6 3 1!7f4 1!7d6

Pawn Endings 25

The passed pawn severely re­ st ricts the black king's movements, so that White can immediately advance his king. @c7 4 @rs @c8 5 @e6 White is now suddenly faced wi t h a problem. If 6 @d6 @d8 7 1:7+ @c8 8 @c6?, Black is s t a l e mated, so a sacrifice is called I or. @xc7 6 c7! 7 @e7! and wins. The black pawn will be captured a nd White obtains the winning posi tion given in diagram 7. We shall now turn to positions resulting from moving diagram 24 1 wo files to the right. It is easy to sec that this position and its rn u nterpart one rank further up ( white pawns on c5 and d6 etc) are won for White . Equally the same position moved two ranks up ( white pawns on c6 and d7 etc) is won, because White has the possi bility of penetrating to the q ucenside via a6. The position one ra nk further down (with a slightly di fferent placing of the kings) �ivcs 'us diagram 26.

Compared with the similar p ositions we have seen, this one contains an interesting new possi­ bility. In order to give Black the most favourable defensive position we have p laced his king on e4 and given him the move, but this does not change the basic characteristics of the position. Let us first see how Black copes with White's usual winning method: 1 @f4 2 @f2? @e4 3 @e2! White must admit the e rror of his p revious move , because the n ormal 3 @g3 will not work here. Black replies 3 ... @d3 ! 4 d5 @xc3 5 d6 @b2 6 d7 c3 7 d81!¥ c2 and draws, as we saw in our analysis of diagram 1 9. This means that White's usual win does not s uffice , b ut he does have a chance to penetrate via the queen's wing. 3 'i&f4 4 @d2 'i&e4 'i&dS 5 @c2 Black m ust be ready to answer @d2 with . . . @e4 and @a3 with . . . @b5 , and i t seems h e can succeed, as 6 @b2 @c6 7 @a3 @b5 , and 6 @d2 @e4 both get White nowhere. However, th ere is one p ossi bili t y. 6 @cl ! This waiting move zugzwangs Blac k . If he plays 6 . . . 'i&e4 then 7 @b2 @d5 8 @a3 wins, whereas 6 . . . @c6 fails to 7 @d2 and 8 @e3 . S o Black is lost. Having seen this winning method, we should be able to evaluate

26 Pawn Endings

correctly the same position one rank further down (white pawns on c2 and d3 etc). White to move wins by I ©d 1 ©f3 (preventing 2 ©e2) 2 ©c l ©e3 3 ©b l etc. However, Black to move can draw by l . . . ©f3 ! 2 ©d i ©e3 3 ©c l ©d4, when White has no space for the tempo move we saw in diagram 26 (6 ©c l ! ), his king being already on the back rank. After 4 ©b I ©c5 5 ©a2 ©b4, or 4 ©d l ©e3 the game is drawn. If we move the position in diagram 26 one file to the right, with the white pawns now both on the centre files, White's winning chances are increased, the tric kiest position being the one with White's ct-pawn on d2, as in diagram 27:

White to move wins easily with ©e l ©g3 2 ©d l etc, but even with Black to move , White wins because his king now has the use of the a-file to penetrate down the queenside! ©g3 I ©f3 2 ©el 3 ©di ©e4

One file to the left, as we have seen , this position could not be won, but here matters are different. 4 s;t>c i. ©dS S ©bl ©c4 6 ©a3! wins. As a result of the above example, we can state that with the pawns on the centre files (as in diagram 27) all positions are won for White, ho wever advanced the pawns may be. It does not matter where the kings are placed for the black king cannot stop White's king from penetrating via a3 or f2. The other attempt, to counter­ attack in the centre, equally fails. For example, in the position with white pawns on d2 and e3 and king on c l , and black pawn on d3 and king on c4, Black can try I ©b3 2 ©d i ©b4 3 ©el ©b3 , in order to answer 4 ©f2 with 4 . . . ©c2 ! , but White wins by 4 e4! ©c4 S ©fl ©d4 6 ©f3 ©eS 7 ©e3 etc. Matters beco me a little more complicated again if we push the position further over to the right, as seen in diagram 28: ...

It hardly needs stating that

Pawn Endings 27

White's chances are vastly reduced h ere. He must try to penetrate via the queen's wing, as the h-file is hopeless for this purpose. However, lo advance on the queenside, he m ust gain the opposition, and the d istant opposition will not do. It is easy to see that he cannot succeed in doing this from the diagram, if Black defends correctly by using t h e distant opposition. White can of course try to u t ilize the fact that the black king i s tied down within the c4-c8-g8-g4 4 uadrant, and penetrate down the a -file. But Black can use the opposition to defend successfully a gainst this plan also, and White m ust in this case take into account a possible attack on his f-pawn. I .ct us see what might happen: 1 ©d4 The simplest, but I . . . ©e6 or . . . ©d6 are also possible. Black m ust play so that he can always a nswer ©d3 with . . . ©d5 and ©c3 with . . . ©c5 . There is no point at t he moment gaining the distant opposition, as the white king ca nnot be prevented from using the a-file. 2 ©d2 If 2 ©f2 ©e 5 3 ©g2 ©f6 4 ©h 3 lt>g5 etc draws. 2 ©c4 3 ©c2 ©d4 ©dS! 4 ©b3 Black must quickly take the diagonal opposition, as 4 . . . ©d3 fa ils to 5 g5, and 4 . . . ©c5? allows 5 ©c 3! gaining the opposition. But what about the counter-

attack by 4 . . . ©e3 5 g5 ©xe3 6 g6 ©e2 7 g7 f3 8 g8� f2 reach ing an ending similar to the one in our analysis of diagram 26? In fact the position is different, and the white king's position gives him a neat win with 9 �g2+ ©e l IO ©c2! f l � l l �d2 mate. s ©b4 ©d4 White can make no further progress. If 6 ©b5 Black can choose between 6 . . . ©e3 , which now works, or 6 . . . ©d5 . If 6 ©b3 ©d5 7 ©a3 ©c5 etc, and finally 6 g5 ©e5 7 ©c5 ©f5 8 ©d5 ©xg5 9 ©e5 ©g6 IO ©xf4 ©f6! gives us the standard drawing position. From the above , it i s clear that White's winning chances are even less if diagram 28 is moved down a rank, but White wins with the position moved up, as the passed pawn restricts the black king's activity too much. For example, with Wh ite's pawns on f4 and g5 and king on e3, and Black's pawn on f5 and king on e6, the black king is tied to the d5-h5-h8-d8 quadrant and cannot prevent the entry of White's king via c5, e.g. 1 ©dS 2 ©d3 ©e6 if 2 . . . ©c5 3 g6 wins 3 ©d4 ©d6 4 ©c4 ©e6 S ©cS and White soon wins the pawn. And now we must examine the case when the passed pawn is on the h-file, as in diagra m 29. Following our analysis of diagram 28 we can in all j ustice claim that this position is also drawn, but as there are one or two differences in the defensive play, ...

28 Paw'! Endings

29

•

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•

•

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• • • • • ••• . . . ,,,, �-�,,, - - . . . � � m m m � � m , . . . ?.. � •

•

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,,,,,,y,

.. . .

let us look at it a little more closely. ©e5 1 ©e3 ©d5 2 ©d3 As in the previous example, Black must keep the oppositi on , or else W hite will occupy the key square d4. ©e5! 3 ©c3 Black must defend even more accuratel y than in diagram 28, as he cannot attack the pawn here (it i s not a bishop's pawn). He can not leave the d4-h4-h8-d8 quadrant and he must never lose the opposition. For instance, after 3 . . . ©e4? 4 ©c4 ©e5 5 ©c5 the wh ite king pe netrates via d4 or d6. 4 ©c4 ©e4 ©e5 5 ©cs ©d6 6 ©b6 ©e7! 7 ©a7 Maintaining the distant op­ position! ©d8 8 ©b8 Once again, White can make no further progress and the game is drawn. The contin uation m ight be 9 ©b 7 ©d7 10 ©a6 ©e6 11 ©b6 ©d6! but not I I . . . ©f6 1 2 ©b5 ©f5 13 ©b4! ©e6 14 ©c4 ©e5

1 5 ©c5 and White reaches d4 1 2 ©a5 ©e5 1 3 ©a4 ©e4 14 ©a3 ©e5 ! 15 ©b3 ©d5 ! and we are back where we sta rted. Moving the position in diagram 29 one ran k down can only reduce White's chances, but the position one ran k further up is won for White. For example , with White's pawn s on g4 and h5 and king on f3 , and Black' s pawn on g5 and king on f6, Black's king is again tied down and cannot stop the entry of White's king, e.g. 1 ... ©e5 2 ©e3 ©f6 3 ©e4 ©e6 4 ©d4 ©f6 5 ©d5 with an easy win. Equally, White wins with pawns on g5 and h6, or g6 and h7 , unless in the latter case the black king is on h8 when the position is stalemate ! D: CONNECTED PAWNS WITHOUT A PASSED PAWN

a) When one Pawn is Blocked An example of such a position is diagram 30.

It is clear that, with no passed pawn, White's winning chances are lessened, as he can only win by advancing his king. To do this,

Pawn Endings 29

however, he needs to gain the 1 1 pposition, so in most cases it is I he opposition which decides one wa y or the other. If White's pawns are as advanced as in diagram 30, he can often win l· vcn without the opposition. The h l ac k king is tied within the d 5-a5-a8-d8 quadrant, so White wins as follows: 1 \tieS! I c6+ looks tempting, as I . . h e + fails to 2 \tic5 \tid8 3 \tid6! c8 ! ) 5 . . . \tic8 6 \tie7 etc. \tid8 4 \tic8 5 \tid 6 \tib8 6 \tie7 \tia8 7 \tid 7 And only now does the pawn advance win. c6 ! 8 be 9 \tic7 and mate in 3. If the position in diagra m 30 is moved one rank down, it cannot .

be won fo r White, assuming of course that Black has the opposition. For example, with White's pawns on b5 and c4 and king on d4, and Black's pawn on b6 and king on d6, Black can answer 1 \tie4 with 1 \tie6 2 c5 is no threat 2 \tif4 \tid6! (not 2 . . . \tif6? 3 c5) and the threat of 3 . . . \tic5 forces the white king back. However, after 3 \tie3 Black must avoid 3 . . . \tie5? 4 \tid3 \tie6 5 \tie4; or 3 . . . \tic5? 4 \tid3 \tid6 5 \tid4. Instead, 3 \tie7! with the distant opposition, gives him the draw. If Black were to move in the original position, he is lost after 1 \tie6 2 cS! or 1 \tic7 2 \ties \tid7 3 \tidS \tic7 4 \tie6 etc. Moving the position in diagram 30 further to the righ t does not alter the result which is always a win for White, whoever has the move. However, with White's pawns on f6 and g5 and king on h5, and Black's pawn on f7 and king on h7, when the white king can no longer penetrate on the right, another winning method m ust be used. The contin uation might be : 1 \tih8 2 gS fg+ 3 \tih6 ! \tig8 4 \tixg6 winning, or with White to move 1 g6+ fg+ 2 \tigS \tih8 3 \tih6 ! winning in the same way. However, with white pawns on g6 and h5 Black can draw by simply playing his king to g8, when there is nothing White can do. Nor does White have any winning chances if the opposing pawns are on the rook's file. For example, with White's pawns on ...

...

...

...

...

30 Pawn Endings

a5 and b4 and king on c4, and Black's pawn on a6 and king on c6, the opposition gives White nothing, for after 1 l.t>d6 2 b5 ab+ 3 l.t>xb5 1.t>c7 the a-pawn cannot queen. White would win only if he could capture the c5 square with h is king along with the opposition, clearly an impossibility. We have now considered all cases similar to diagram 30, but let us finally see an example of correct defence by means of the distant opposition. (31) ...

As already mentioned, if Black has to move he loses quickly after 1 . . . l.t>g6 2 e5, or 1 l.t>e7 2 l.t>g5 l.t>f7 3 l.t>f5 l.t>e7 4 l.t>g6 etc. With White to move , the position is drawn, although Black must defend very carefully. Consider the dangers which threaten Black. First of all he must never allow the white king to reach the 6th rank. I n other words, he must maintain the opposition whilst keeping his king o n the same file as White's king. For example, with the white king . . .

on f l , Black must not play his king to the g-file, for then White wins by 1 l.t>e2 l.t>f7 2 l.t>d3 1.t>e7 or 2 . . . l.t>f6 3 l.t>d4 3 l.t>c4 l.t>d7 4 l.t>b5 l.t>c7 5 l.t>a6! etc. Secondly, Black must always be alert to a possible e5, so must never place his king on the h-file. Futhermore , as far as the opposition is concerned, Black only has to worry about the a-, b-, f- and g-files. This is because the white king cannot pene trate on the c-, d- and e-files so Black can forget about the opposition on these files, as long as he is ready to regain it as soo n as he leaves them. With these points in mind, the reader should easily follow our analysis: 1 l.t>g4 l.t>g6 Not 1 . . . l.t>e5? 2 l.t>f3 l.t>f6 3 l.t>f4 gaining the opposition and winning. 2 l.t>h4 l.t>f6 As we have stated, Black dare not play 2 . . . l.t>h6 because of 3 e5 ! , but he could well play 2 . . . l.t>f7 , then later take up the opposition again on the g-file. 3 l.t>g3 l.t>g7! Again 3 . . . l.t>e5? loses, as does 3 . . . l.t>g5? 4 l.t>f3 ! when Black cannot go to f5 and 4 . . . l.t>f6 5 l.t>f4 wins for White. 4 l.t>g2 l.t>g8 It is safest to keep the distant opposition, although 4 . . . l.t>g6 is also possible; after 5 l.t>f2 l.t>f6 6 l.t>e2 Black does not need to worry abo ut the opposition on the e-file, so 6 . . . 1.t>e7 7 l.t>e3 l.t>e8 ! 8 l.t>f4 l.t>f8 ! 9 l.t>f5 l.t>f7 etc. holds the

Pawn Endings 31

d raw.

@g7 5 @gl The only move . If 5 . . . @f7 6 l.t>fl ! @f8 7 @f2 @f7 8 @f3 @f8 9 @f4 @e8 IO @g5 @f7 1 1 @f5 wins, or here 6 . . . @e7 (if 6 . . . '\t>g7 , t he white king heads for a6, as the hlack king cannot reach b7 in t i me) 7 @g2 @f8 8 @f2! '\t>e7 9 l!lg3 @f7 IO @f3 @e7 1 1 @g4 wins. @f7 6 �fl Again the only move , as should now be clear. '\t>e7 7 @e2 @d7 8 @d2 @c7 9 @c2 Black _could have chosen any sq uares on the files for his last t h ree moves, as the white king ca n not approach, but he must now be accurate agai n . @b8 10 @b2 IO . @b6 was also possible, but not 10 . . . @b7? 1 1 @b3 ! and White wins , as the reader can check for h i m se lf. @b7 1 1 @b3 @a7 12 @a3 Our analysis ends here, as White cannot strengthen his position further, if Black keeps the o pposition. White can try other sq uares, but the correct defe nce fo r Black can be fo und without great difficulty by applying the given principles. It could also happen that White's unblocked pawn is further hack and has tempo moves. This ci rcumstance of course greatly favours White whose winning chances are vastly increased. All

positions which up to now depended on the opposition are won for White because he can always gain a te mpo. Further el ucidation of this point seems superfl uous. However, it is interesting to note that such a pawn sometimes wins positions so far considered hopeless, such as diagram 32. 32

•

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• • • • ••• • • • -� � . . � . �� B g . B �r" . . • • • • •

•

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,,,,,,

J. Kling 1 848

. .

If White's h-pawn were on h3, there wo uld be no doubt about the draw, whoever is to move. Has this e xtra pawn move, then, such significance that it can alter our evaluation of the position? After all, as the opposition does n9t matter in diagram 32, why sho uld a reserve move by the h-pawn be of any importance? This would normally be the case, but we must examine whether White can first improve h is king's position, before using his extra pawn move. The first thing that springs to mind is for White to occupy the 4th rank with his king. He could then use his tempo move to gain the opposition , when

32 . Pawn Endings

Black can not prevent an entry via f5 . This means that White wins if his king reaches e4 before h3 has be en played. Furthermore, White has an additional threat of playing h4 if the black king goes too far away. As Black could not allow h5, he would have to take the pawn, when his king m ust be ready to occupy g6 as soon as White's king captures on h4. I n that case, the black king m ust be on f6 or the ending is lost. Now that we have progressed so far, we can look for some pairs of related squares. When White's king is on g3 , threate ning h4, the black king must be on f6, as we have seen. As White's king on f3 would threaten to occupy e4 as well as g3, the only square for Black's king is then e5, controlling f6 and e4 and finally, the white king on e3 would control both e4 and f3 , giving the black king again one square only: d5. This gives us three squares corresponding to Black's f6, e5 and d 5 . Continuing the process, what happens when W hite plays @f2? This controls e3 , f3 and g3, so Black must be ready to occupy d5, e5 and f6, giving us e6 as the related square. As for the white king on g2, controlling f3 and g3, the related square must again be e6, controlling e5 and f6 . This gives us the solution to our problem: as soon as the black king occupies e6, White m ust play @g2 (or @f2), wh ereupon Black cannot

remain on the related square e6, and he loses. Let us see what happens in practice: 1 @f2! Also correct is the sequence originally given by Kling: l @O @e5 2 @g3 @f6 3 @g2 @e6 4 @f2 etc. The text line 1s one move faster. 1 @e6 As White threatens 2 @g3 and 3 h4, the black king m ust quickly aim for f6 . If 1 . . . @e5 2 @f3 wins. @f6 2 @g2 ! Or 2 . . . @e5 3 @f3 @d5 (to prevent 4 @e4) 4 @g3 @e6 5 h4 gh+ 6 @xh4 @f6 (too late) 7 @h5 @g7 8 @g5 ! wins. Other king moves lose to @f3-e4 or @g3 and h4. 3 @g3 ! Blac k i s now in zugzwang. 3 @g6 If 3 . . . @e6 4 h4 etc , and other m oves lead into the main line. 4 @f3 @f6 5 @e4 @e6 h3! 6 At last, the decisive reserve tempo is used! White now wins the opposition and the game after 6 . . . @f6 7 @d5 etc. A most instructive example. b) Without Blocked Pawns We shall now turn to the group of positions in which White has no passed pawn but neithe r is one of his pawns blocked by a black pawn, giving him a backward pawn. Such positions are usually favourable for him. Consider diagra m 33.

Pawn Endings 33

This position is a win for White, he has the move, but Black to move has the tactical possibility I . f5+! 2 ef @f6 which draws for h i m . If the white king were n n ywhere else , s uch as h4, the position would be a win even with Black to move. General principles tell that White should obtain the best position for his king before moving his pawns. Here, for i nstance, both 1 e5 fe and I f5+ h8 2 lt>g6 \t>g8 3 h6 leads to the previous variation, and I . . . g6+ 2 f6 gh 3 lt>f7 wins 2 'it>g6 @h8 -' Wf7 not 3 h6? @g8 ! drawing 3 \!7h7 4 h6 gh S g6+ and White wins. If White's pawns are further hack, allowing the white king to move in front of them, Blac k's drawing chances with a knight's pawn are minimal. Take diagram ·'8 as an example . ...

White wins comfortably, whoever has the move. I 'it>fS With Black to move , play might go 1 . . . 'it>f8 2 @g6 @g8 3 h5 'it>h8 4 h6 lt>g8 5 g5 win ning. g6+ I Otherwise the white king reaches g6 with a win , as seen above . 2 lt>eS But not 2 @g5? @g7 2 'it>f4 'it>f6 d rawing. \t>e7 2 3 gS lt>f7 4 @d6 and wins. If Black has a rook's pawn i nstead of a knight's pawn , his drawing chances are much greater. Our basic position is diagram 39.

White can win here only if he has the m ove , as Black to move draws easily with I . . . lt>f4 2 @e2 lt>e4 3 'it>d2 'it>d4 (3 . . . h3 4 g3 @f3 is also playable here, but n o t with White's pawns further up the board) 4 @e2 (or 4 @c2 @e3 etc ) 4 . . . @e4 5 h3 'it>f4 6 @f2 @e4 and White can make no progress. h3 I lt>e3 No better is I . . . @f5 (I ... @g5 2 h3 'it>f5 3 'it>f3 wins) 2 @f3 @g5 3 \t>e4! \t>g4 4 h3+! (but not 4 @e5? h6! 5 g3 @f3 etc) 4 . . . lt>g3 5 @f5 'it>xg2 6 lt>g4 winning. 2 g3 @fS Or 2 . . . @g5 3 @f3 \t>f5 4 g4+ etc. 3 'it>d4! No good is 3 @f3 @g5, as now 4 g4? 'it>h4 ! gives Black a draw (5 'it>f4 is stalemate). The text move gains the oppositio n . 3 lt>gS 4 \t>eS @g4 5 \t>e4 lt>gS 6 @f3! Blac k is no w in zugzwang and loses after both 6 . . . lt>f5 7 g4+ and 6 . . . lt>h5 7 @f4. Moving the position in diagram

38 Pawn Enpings

39 one or two ranks fu rther up changes nothing. Black to move draws and White to move wins. But the position three ranks up, with White's pawns on g5 and h5, is drawn, whoever has the move. Black would of co urse continue I . . . @f7, whereas White to move can only stalemate Black after I @e6 h6 king moves are also playable 2 g6 Wg8 3 Wf6 Wf8 4 g7+ Wg8 5 Wg6. We already know that all positions similar to diagram 39 are drawn if Black has the move. But what happens if we change the position slightly, giving us diagram 40?

White to move can only draw, as we have seen, b ut with Black to move , the opposition wins for White as follows : I @e5 1 . . . Wg5 2 @e4 tra nsposes to a win we have already seen , and 1 . . . h4 2 g4+ @e5 3 @e3 wins even more easily. @rs 2 @e3 3 @d4 h4 The only chance, otherewise his

pawn falls eventually. 4 g4+ @f4 5 @d5 @g5 The counterattack 5 . . . Wg3, which would be good if the position were one rank further down, fails here. Consequently we can state that diagram 40,. a rank lower, would be drawn , whoever had the move . 6 @es @g6 7 @f4 @f6 8 g5+ and wins. Diagram 40 , one rank higher, gives the same result, but is drawn if two ranks higher, whoever has the move , as we saw when diagram 39 was moved three ranks up. Fro m o ur previous analysis, we can conclude that Black has the best drawing chances when his pawn is on its original square. In this case Black can draw even when White's king is in front of his pawns, as we can see if we take diagram 4 1 (diagram 38 with a black rook's pawn instead of a knight's pawn, and his king on g7). ·

41

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-�� ,,,,,, d • • • • . . . � . . . � � � First of all, with White to move:

Pawn Endings 39 A

I 'i.t>fS If l h5 h6+ 2 Wf5 Wf7 IS a k nown draw. I 'i.t>f7 2 'i.t>eS Or 2 g5 'i.t>e7 (or 2 . . . 'i.t>g7) 3 h5 '1!117 etc. 'i.t>e7 2 'i.t>f7 3 gS a nd White can make no progress. This positio n , with White to move, is drawn even if moved fu rther down the board. Now, with Black to move: B

I The most natural defence, a l though l . . . 'i.t>h8 or l . . . 'i.t>f8 are a lso playable, as we know that Black is not worried abo ut the advance of White's pawns. Only I . 'i.t>g8? would be an erro r, as 2 'i.t>h6 'i.t>h8 3 g5 ©g8 4 h5 'i.t>h8 '\ g6 hg 6 hg wins for White. Black m ust always play to answer 'i.t>h6 with . . . 'i.t>g8. Another mistake is I . h6+? 2 'i.t>f5 'i.t>f7 3 h 5 winning. 2 'i.t>h6 No better is 2 'i.t>f5 'i.t>e7 3 'i.t>e5 '1!117 4 'i.t>d6 'i.t>f6 or here 4 h 5 'i.t>e7 e t c . If Black had originally played h i s king to h 8 , White would now have played 2 'i.t>f6 'i.t>g8 3 g5 'i.t>f8 ! ( n ot 3 . . . 'i.t>h8? 4 'i.t>f7 ! ) 4 g5 'i.t>g8 , but this too is drawn . 'i.t>g8 2 3 gS 'i.t>h8 4 hS 'i.t>g8 hg s g6 6 hg 'i.t>h8 with a draw. ..

. .

The same position , with Black to move, cannot be drawn if moved fu rther do wn the board. For example, with white pawns on g2 and h2 and king on g3 , and black pawn on g5 and king on g5, Black loses after I 'i.t>fS if l . . . h4+ 2 'i.t>f3 'i.t>f5 3 h 3 , or here 2 . . . h3 3 g3 'i.t>f5 4 g4+ White wins also 2 'i.t>f3 'i.t>eS 3 g3 'i.t>fS 4 h3 as in diagram 40. This systematically covers the most important aspects of endings of two pawns against one, giving the reade r a comprehensive picture of this type of ending. Of course there are many other interesting and instructive examples which we have had to om it, as they would have led us too far astray . Readers who are interested enough can always look these up in reference works on the endgame. ...

King and two Pawns against King This kind of ending needs a little co mment, as it is usually won for White without difficulty. There are , however, a fe w ex­ ceptions which players should know. For ins tance , two or even more pawns on the rook's file do not win. The game is also drawn if Black can manage to win one of the pawns in a favourable position. From our previous analyses we also know that White cannot win if he has doubled pawns on the 5th or 6th rank. For example, in diagram 42, even with Black to move, the position is drawn after I 'i.t>c8! 2 'i.t>d6 'i.t>d8 3 c7+ ...

40 Pawn Endings

otherwise the black king returns to f7 3 ... cJlc8 when both 4 c6 and 4 @c6 give stalemate. An inte resting draw is to be seen in diagra m 43:

Despite his seemingly hopeless situation, Black to move can draw here by 1 ... @g7 2 @e6 @f8, as both 3 h6 and 3 @f6 give stalemate, and the h-pawn cannot win on its own. Finally, let us mention another typical drawn position, diagram 44 . White to move cannot win, as I @h8 @f8 2 h7 @f7 is stalemate.

King and two Pawns against King and two Pawns We cannot give specific rules about this type of ending, because we have here equality of material usually leading to a draw. However, apart from material advantages a position can also have other advantages which can have a decisive effect on the result. We are referring to positional ad­ vantages, some of the most i mportant of which will now be illustrated by simple examples. Of course, these positional elements also occur in more complex endings which are beyond the scope of the book. A : CREATION O F A PASSED PAWN

This is achieved by a pawn breakthrough which usually occurs when both kings are in another part of the board and as a result cannot stop or support the resulting passed pawn. The pawn breakthrough i s usually connected with a pawn sacrifice, giving both sides a passed pawn. This means

Pawn Endings 41

t h;l t the attacker must accurately r a l culate that the enemy pawn rn n not become more dangerous t han his own. Consider diagram ·t 'i .

offer by 1 . @e6, then 2 cb @d7 3 a5 wins easily. aS ! 2 But not 2 ab cb 3 c6 @e6 and Blac k draws. After the text move Black obtains a passed b-pawn but the white king is near enough. 2 b4 3 @e4 b3 4 @d3 and wins. The wh ite a-pawn cannot be prevented from queening. . .

B: T H E DI STANT PASSED PAWN

Following the usual principle of hri nging the white king nearer, W h ite achieves nothing, as after I Wc4 l!i>e6 the draw is unavoidable. I lowever, a pawn sacrifice gives Wh ite a win: 1 cS ! In calculating such a break­ t h rough White must consider the l o l lowing points. Firstly, that n it e r 1 . . be 2 a5 the black king rn n not stop the passed pawn. Srrnndly, that the newly created hlnck passed pawn can be stopped hy White, and thirdly, that the pnwn sacrifice cannot be profitably drd ined. bS 1 We select the third possibility as lllack's defence. The fi rst two rnnditions are fulfilled, as after I be 2 a5 this pawn cannot be rn u ght, whereas after 2 c4 3 a6 r l 4 @e3 the black c-pawn is -topped. If Black declines the .

One of the most common and i mportant positional advan tages in pawn endings lies in the possession of a distant passed pawn . By 'distant' we mean how far the pawn is away fro m the main scene of action . The principal advantage of such a pawn is that it can l ure the enemy king away, leaving the attacking king free to create an advantage on the other side. The distant passed pawn is so strong that it often more than compensates for other, even material, advantages.

. . .

. . .

Without his passed pawn White would lose, as the black king

42 Pawn Endings

would penetrate via c4 or e4. The passed pawn , however, reverses this result. 1 f5 Even though this pawn is now lost, it takes the black king away from the main scene of action (the b-pawns), allowing White to win quickly. 1 lt>e5 f6 @xf6 2 \t>e6 3 \t>xd4 \t>d7 4 lt>c5 @c7 5 \t>xb5 6 \t>a6 wins It is clear from this example that the passed pawn gains in value the further it is away from the main scene of action. For instance, if the white pawn were on h4 instead of f4, White wo uld win even if Black had an extra pawn on a6. The reader can test this for himself! C: THE PROTECTED PASSED PAWN

When a passed pawn is also protected by another pawn, it becomes a very strong weapon indeed, even stronger than the distant passed pawn (unless this can queen of co urse). Its main strength lies in the fact that it li mits the activity of the enemy king, at the same time allowing its own king complete freedom. Diagram 47 illustrates these characteristics: White's protected passed pawn on b5 here proves stronger than Black's h-pa wn, giving White a win as follows:

h5 1 @d5 2 @d3 Black tries to stop the white king capturing his h-pawn. 3 lt>e3 lt>e5 \t>d5 4 lt>f3 The black king can go no further without allowing the b-pawn to queen. 5 @b3 and wins. White simply captures the h-pawn , then returns to the queen­ side, while Black looks on help­ lessly.

It is worth mentioning that in such cases, White must always check that Black cannot draw by attacking the base pawn. To

Pawn Endings 43

p revent this, the protected pawn must be at least on the fourth rank. For example, in diagram 48, White cannot win. After 1 @e3 ©c3 2 @xf3 @b2 3 b4 @xa2 4 bS ©b2 S b6 a2 draws. However, even a protected passed pawn on the fourth ran k is not always sufficient to prevent a e4 b4 4 f5+ etc. c6 3 White must play exactly, as the apparently simpler 3 \t>e3 would throw away the win, after 3 . . . b3 4 \t>d3 b2 5 \t>c2 \t>e6 ! and Black captures one of the pawns, with a draw. Try it for yourself! \t>e6 3 After 3 . . . b3 4 c7 White would queen with check. f5+! 4 The white pawns are so advanced that they can win even without the help of the king. \t>d6 4 b3 f6 5 f7 6 \t>e7 7 c7 and wins. E : OTH ER POSS I BI LITIES

Apart from the above-mentioned advantages , there are vario us other elements which help in pawn endings , such as the better king position, pawns which are further advanced, connected pawns as agai nst doubled pawns, and so on. To examine all these elements individually would lead us too far astray, so we s hall restrict o urselves to a couple of examples, beginning with diagram 52. At first sight this position seems to offer both sides equal prospects, as they have two connected passed pawns each, with both kings able to stop them. It also appears i mpossible to advance the pawns further without allowing the

opponent's pawns to queen . In spite of these facts, however, White has a vital advantage in that his pawns are nearer to their queening squares, th us co mpletely li miting th e black king's mobility. As will be seen, this means that Black can be compelled to make weake ning pawn moves once his king is in zugzwang. We shall even demonstrate that Black is already in zugzwang in the given position and would lose at once if were not White's move. Let us first then consider a few possibilities from d iagra m 52 with Black to move. King moves fail for after 1 . . . \t>e8 2 \t>e5 wins the d-pawn because of the th reatened 3 \t>e6 followed by mate. As l . . . d3 2 \t>e3 loses the d-pawn im­ mediately, there re main only moves with the c-pa wn. In the co urse of the solution we shall see Black is also in zugzwang after l . . . c5 2 \t>e4 , and if 1 . . . c6 2 \t>f3 \t>e8 (or 2 c5 3 \t>e4) 3 \t>e4 c5 4 \t>d5 White reaches the winning position that will also . . .

Pa wn Endings 45

appear-in the sol ution. Having demonstrated that Black is in zugzwang in the original position, we now have the task of manoeuvring him into one of the above losing variatio ns. Here is how it is achieved : 1 'it>f3! c6 The most testing defence. Both 1 . . c5 2 'it>e4 and I . . . 'it>e8 2 'it>e4 c5 3 'it>d5 lead to the main line. 2 'it>f4 But not 2 'it>e4? c5, when White himself is in zugzwang and only draws . 2 c5 3 'it>e4! And now Black is in zugzwang and must give way to the white king. His next move is forced. 3 'it>e8 4 'it>d5 'it>d7 Again the only move, for 4 . . . d3 5 'it>e6 gives mate next move, and 4 . . . 'it>f7 5 'it>d6 d3 6 'it>d7 allows White to queen with check. 5 'it>c4 'it>e8 6 'it>xc5! d3 7 'it>d6 ©ti Or 7 . . . d2 8 'it>e6 d i 'it 9 f7 mate. 8 'it>d7 and wins. A better king position can sometimes be enough to convert a draw into a win , as we see in diagram 5 3 . This position i s completely symmetrical and it seems im­ probable that White can achieve any advantage . However, having fi rst move gives him the chance to set up a favo urable king position and win as follows : .

C. Salvioli 1 887 1 'it>f3 Of course 1 'it>e3 is an alternative, as White is aiming for the e4 square . Black to move would win by a similar manoeuvre. 'it>f6 1 I . . . 'it>e6 transposes into the main line, and I . . . e5 2 'it>e4 'it>e6 3 e3 wins for White . Finally, 1 . . . e 6 2 'it>e4 'it>f6 3 e 3 'it> f7 4 'it>e5 'it> e7 5 e4 wins in the same way. 'it>e6 2 'it>e4 3 e3 Putting Black into zugzwang and so forcing an entry for the white king. 3 'it>f6 ©ti 4 'it>d5 4 . . . e6+ 5 'it>d6 'it>f7 6 e4 transposes. 5 'it>e5 e6 6 'it>d6 'it>f6 7 e4 wins . Black's e-pawn is lost whatever he plays . Endings with more Pawns We have not yet examined any

46 Pawn Endings

endings in which one side has more than two pawns. This type of ending does not really belong to the purely theoretical positions we have been discussing so far, taking on more and more the character of a practical example. For this reason we shall restrict o u rselves here to a few positions only, selecting those which illustrate some aspect not yet dealt with . Firstly, let us consider a position which has practical value in assessing those endings where one side has a pawn majo rity on the wing.

G . Lolli 1 763 We shall show that White's 3 : 2 pawn majority i s much easier to utilize than the 2: I majority we have fully examined in previo us e xamples. First with White to m ove: A

1 g6 The simplest. I @d5 wins too , but not I h6 gh 2 gh @f7 or I f6+? g f+ 2 gf+ @f7 3 @f5 @e8 (or g8) 4 ©e6 @fS, both of which draw fo r

Black.

1 h6 White wins easily after I . . hg 2 hg etc. 2 @dS Again White must avoid 2 f6+? gf+ 3 ©f5 @f8 with a drawn result. 2 @f6 3 ©e4 Or 3 @d6 @xf5 4 ©e7 and 5 @f7 winning also. 3 ©e7 4 ©es ©rs 5 ©e6 @e8 6 @d6 But not 6 f6? @f8 d rawing. 6 ©rs 7 @d7 @g8 8 ©e7 ©h8 9 f6 gf 10 @f7 wins. And now with Black to move : B 1 @f7 Pawn moves would lose more quickly, e.g. I . . . h6 2 g6 (or 2 gh gh 3 f6+ winning, but not 2 f6+? @f7 with a draw) as in line A, I . . . g6 2 hg hg 3 fg ©e8 4 @d6 etc winning. 2 g6+ Or 2 @d6 which also wins . 2 @g8 3 @e6 ©h8 3 . . . hg would transpose into line A. 4 @f7 hg 5 h6 gh 6 fg and mate in 3 . In diagram 5 5 w e see a problem­ like finish which everyone should know thoroughly, as it can easily .

Pawn Endings 47

occur in practice. The pawn breakthrough is m uch more subtle l h an the one we saw in diagram

45. 55

·� � � • • d -·� �-7. d . . ··� �rn �� �� �. [� l'!:. �3 • • . . . � � . . . � . � . . • • • • ,,,,,;7,

Black is threatening to take his k i ng over to the queenside, when I he most White can hope for is a d raw. At first sight it looks as t hough nothing works, as both I c6 be 2 be and 1 b6 ab 2 cb cb lead to nothing. There is, however, a fine breakthrough combination which wins in a few moves. l b6 ch Or 1 . . . ab 2 c6 cb 3 a6 wins. ha 2 a6 3 c6 and wins. In playing s uch a combination, the reader must of course make sure that all the given elements are present. If the pawns were all one rank further down the board, the whole plan would be pointless as Black wo uld be able to accept both pawn sacrifices, queen his own pawn and remain with material advantage. Equally, the black king must be far enough away from the c-pawn, otherwise he could stop it queening. For instance, with the black king on f6

instead of g6, White's combination would lose after 1 b6? cb 2 a6 ba 3 c6 d6 ! gives play similar to the main line. 2 \t>d6 ! Black does not recapt ure the f-pawn not only because White would then queen with check, but because the black king's role is to hold up White's queenside pawns. Equally good is 2 . . . \t>d5 3 a5 \t>c5 4 a6 \t>b6 or here 4 b6 \t>c6, as the white king cannot stop both of Black's pawns. g3 3 as \t>c7! 4 a6 Now everything is clear. White's pawns are stopped, whereas one of the black pawns must queen. 5 \t>e2 d3+ Or 5 . . . g2 6 \t>f2 d3+ etc. g2 6 \t>xd3 7 \t>e4 g I t!f and Stoltz soon resigned. This instructive example shows us how complicated a pawn breakthrough can be and how exactly all variations m ust be

calculated . Equally subtle is our next example which occurred in a game between two grandmasters of world class .

...

Flohr-Capablanca 1 935 It is immediately clear that Wh ite has impo rtant positional advantages, as Black's pawn position is badly weakened by his doubled pawns. If White's king reaches f4, Black must sooner or later lose a pawn and the ga me. To reach f4, the white king must first occupy f3 , when he has tempo moves with his h-pawn which ensures that his king reaches f4. What can Black do to counter this plan? If he plays passively, then White wil l carry out the above plan with an easy win. This means that Black's only chance lies in playing . . . h4 at the moment when he can answer gh by . . . f4, eliminating the white e-pawn. But this would not work with the white king on e2 and black king on e5, as W hite would capture the h-pawn and

50 Pawn Endings

answer 1 . . . f4 with 2 h5! ©f5 3 ef, keeping all his pawns and winning. To draw, Black must be able to capture the e-pawn with check, i.e. the white king must be on d2 or f2. In other words, with the white king on e2 and b lack king on e4, White to move would have to place his king on d2 or f2, allowing . . . h4! drawing. On the other hand, the same position with B lack to move is a win for White, as . . . h4 does not work, and so the white king occupies f3, the winning square. Black must obviously plan his defence most carefully and it is interesti ng to see how Capablanca tackles the pro})lem: A 1 ©e5 ! Showing complete understanding of the subtleties of the positio n. The obvious gain of the opposition ©d5? would lose by 1 instructively to 2 ©d2 ©e5 2 . . . ©e4 3 ©e2 puts Black in zugzwang, and 2 . . . h4 3 gh f4 4 ef ©e4 5 h5 wins for White, which is why the b lack king needs to be on e5 3 ©el ! ©d5 4 ©fl ©e4 forced , as White was threatening 5 ©f3 5 ©e2 ©d5 or 5 . . . h4 6 gh f4 7 h5 ©f5 8 ef wins 6 ©f3 ©e5 7 h3 ©d5 8 ©f4 ©e6 9 h4 winning the fro nt f-pawn and the game . Stra ngely eno ugh , B lack has another means of defending successfully, by p laying his king ove r to g5, equally guarding the f4 sq uare and preparing . . . h4. We shall examine this later under B .

2 ©e2 As already mentioned, 2 ©d2 h4! 3 gh f4! 4 h5 fe+ 5 ©xe3 ©f5 draws. 2 ©e4 ! Black has now attained his objective and White is in zugzwang. As a king move alldw . . . h4, he must use up an important tempo by advancing his h-pawn . 3 h3 ©d5 Not of course 3 . . . ©e5? 4 ©f3 winning. 4 ©f3 ©e5 and both players agreed to a draw. After 5 h4 ©d5 6 ©f4 ©e6 , Wh ite no longer has the vital tempo move with his h-pawn. B 1 ©f7! This move leads to an alternative b ut riskier draw, with the king reaching g5 just in time. 2 ©e2 Other king moves are no better, e.g. 2 ©d4 ©e6 3 ©c3 ©f7 4 ©d3 ©g6 ! (not 4 . . . ©e6 5 ©e2 and 6 ©f3) 5 ©d4 ©g5 6 ©d5 ©g4 7 ©e6 ©h3 draws. 2 ©g6 3 ©f2 ©h6 ! The black king m ust not occupy g5 until the white king is on f3. For instance , 3 . . . ©g5? 4 ©f3 h4 5 gh+ ©xh4 6 ©f4 ©h3 wins for White. 4 ©f3 ©g5 5 h3 Or 5 h4+ ©h6 6 ©f4 ©g6 7 e4 fe 8 ©xe4 ©f7 9 ©f5 ©g7 IO ©e6 ©g6 1 1 ©e7 ©g7 ! drawing. The text move looks dangero us for Black, as 5 . . . ©h6 6 ©f4 ©g6 7 h4!

Pa wn Endings 51

wins for White, but another resource saves him . h4! 5 6 @g2 Or 6 gh+ @xh4 7 @f4 @xh3 (the point ! ) 8 @xf5 @g3 9 @xf6 @f3 drawing. @h5 6 Black can also draw with 6 . . . hg 7 @xg3 f4+ 8 ef+ @h5. hg+ 7 @f2 8 xg3 @gs @hS 9 h4+ 10 @h3 f4 f5 ef 11 and the position is clearly drawn. Our next example shows us a clever king manoe uvre such as we saw in diagram 1 3 .

Lasker-Tarrasch 1 9 1 4 Tarrasch had bro ught about this position on the assumption that White could now re sign. Black in fact threatens to win on the queenside, even without the help of his king, by 1 . . . c4 2 be be follo wed by 3 . . . a4 and 4 . . . c3. It looks as though the white king can do little about this, and the white

h-pawn can easily be stopped. However, to the great surprise of Tarrasch , the World Champion produced the following imaginative drawing manoeuvre: 1 h4 @g4 2 @g6 ! The point. Tarrasch had only· considered 2 @f6 c4 3 be be 4 @e5 c3 ! 5 be a4 and this pawn cannot be stopped. Lasker's move gains a vital tempo as he threatens 3 h5 and Black is forced to waste a move by capturing the pawn. This means that the white king can retreat along the light-squared diagonal (b l -h7) instead of the dark one ( a l-h8 ) which is blocked by a pawn , a vast difference as we shall see . @xh4 2 3 @fS @g3 It must have been about here that Tarrasch awoke from his dream of victory, for if he now continues with his original plan he loses as follows: 3 . . . c4 4 be be 5 @e4 c3 6 be a4? (he could still draw by 6 . . . @g5 7 @d5 @f6) 7 @d3 ! as the white pawn on c3 no longer forces the white king to waste a move in order to reach b2. @f2 4 @e4 @e3 5 @dS Now Black must be careful not to lose the game. 6 @xc5 @d3 7 @xb5 @c2 8 @xa5 @xb3 Yi - Yi

We have already tal ked a great deal about the opposition and its

52 Pa wn Endings

importance, with special emphasis on the distant opposition and related squares. However, the reade r may well feel that such ideas belong to the realm of endgame studies rather than practical play. The following extremely interesting example from the 1 9 3 7 Kemeri international tournament may help to disprove this fallacy.

Berg-Petrov 1 937 Once agai n, appearances can be deceptive, for although material is evenly balanced, with both kings holding the enemy pawns, it is Black who has a winning advantage. This is mainly because he can i mmediately set up a protected passed pawn , whereas White canno t achieve this. The advantage of a protected passed pawn lies in the fact that it severely li mits the freedo m of the enemy king whilst allowing one's own king to wander at will . In this case, the white king must constantly keep an eye on Black's b-pawn, whereas the black king can always

attack the white pawns. However, the win is by no means easy for Black, for White's king can go as far as e4 and still keep an eye on the b-pawn , and the white pawns on h4 and g4 form a barrier which cannot be broken by . . . g5 , allowing White a protected passed pawn himself after h5. As the game was adjourned here, both players had time to make a thorough analysis of the position and White resigned without co ntinuing! Let us now see why: 1 a5 ! Clearly an essential move, as Black must protect his b-pawn before White isolates it by 2 a5 . For this reason, 1 . . . g5 would fail to 2 h 5 , and as Black has no time for 2 . . . g4 because of 3 a5, White can support his passed pawn with 3 g4. 2 g4 Black was now threatening 2 . . . g 5 3 h g �g7 , o r here 3 h 5 g 4 with a straightforward win as in diagram 24. 2 �g8 3 �c2 �f7 4 �d3 �e6 As can easily be seen, the opposition plays the main part here. For example, with the black king on d4 and the black king on d6, if White has to move, then Black can im mediately penetrate via c5 or e5. As we shall show later, we can discount the fact that White has pawn moves available on the kingside.

Pawn Endings 53

Black cannot gain the opposition d i rectly, beca use White has e4, d4 or c4 for his king, as soon as the black king plays to e6, d6 or c6. So B lack has to make sure of the d istant opposition . With the black k i ng on e7 or d7, the related 'l( uares for the white king are e3 a n d d3 but as c3 is not available to I he king, he cannot take the opposition if the black king plays lo c7. All that remains is to find the hcst way of carrying out Black's p l a n , without allowing White I actical chances. The most econo­ m ical method would be 4 . . . @e7 'I @e3 @d7 6 @d3 @c7 ! but we ,l· lcct a longer way so that we can 1 mlicate some additional points 11 hout the position . 5 @e4 (61)

I ,ct us take this position as the

� l u r ting point of our analysis, as it

l ll' st ill ustrates the various possi­ b i l i ties open to both sides. It is first worth noting that if White tries to maintain the distant opposition by 5 @e2, in order to n nswe r a later . . . @c7 by @c l , this

allows the black king to reach c5 by 5 . . . @d5 6 @d3 @c5 ! . As c3 is not available for the whi te king, he loses after 7 @e4 (7 h 5 @d5) 7 . . . @c4 8 @e3 @c3 ! and the b-pawn queens. 5 @d6 Again a quicker way would be 5 ... @d7 6 @d3 or 6 h 5 @e7 ! 7 g5 @e6! wins by zugzwan g 6 ... @c7 etc, but we wish to point out an interesting trap. Note also the important variation 5 . . . b3 6 @d3 @e5 7 @c3 @f4 when 8 g5 ! cleverly draws for White after 8 . . . @g4 9 @xb3 @xh4 IO @c4 @xg5 l l @b5 @f5 1 2 @xa5 g5 1 3 @xb5 g4 and both sides obtain a q ueen. @d7! 6 @d4 Black must play exactly and not place his king on c7 until the white king is on the third ran k . This is to make sure that his king can reach e5 if the white pawns advance . An instructive error, for instance, is an immediate 6 . . . @c7? which admittedly gains the opposition but allows White to save himself by 7 h 5 ! @d6 8 g5 when the threat of h6 forces 8 . . . @e7 9 @e3 @e6 IO @e4, and White's has regained the opposition thus preventing . . . @f5 . 7 @d3 7 @e4 @e6 gives Black the opposition, and both 7 g5 @e6 8 @e4 g6, and 7 h5 @e6 lose at once. 7 @c7! Only now can this move be played without dange r, as 8 h5

54 Pawn Endings

would fail to 8 . . . ©d6 9 g5 ©e5 ! , o r here 9 ©e4 ©e7 ! 10 g 5 ©e6 ! etc. After the text move White is compelled to give up the opposition. 8 ©e4 Neither 8 ©c4 ©c6 nor 8 ©d4 ©d6 would change anything, and 8 h5 ©d6 ! 9 ©e4 ©e7 ! 10 g5 ©e6! gives us the zugzwang position we now know. Black also wins after 8 g5 ©d6! not 8 . . . ©d7? 9 h5 drawing 9 ©e4 ©e7! again 9 . . . ©e6? I 0 h5 draws 10 ©e3 ©e6! both 10 . . . ©f7 1 1 h5 and 10 . . . g6 1 1 ©d3 lead to a draw 1 1 ©e4 g6, and Black wins because his king obtains the f5 square . 8 ©c6! Gaining the diagonal opposition. 9 ©d4 Black also wins after 9 g5 ©d6 10 ©d4 ©e6 1 1 ©e4 g6 , or 9 h5 ©d6 10 g5 ©e6. As a general rule, with the wh ite pawns on g5 and h 5 , Black m ust always take the opposition on e6 when White plays ©e4. 9 ©d6 Black has achieved his objective and wins co mfortably. 10 ©e4 Pawn moves would be answered by 1 0 . . . ©e6. 10 ©c5 h5 11 We choose the pawn advance as our main line which could, of course, occurred earlier. Equally hopeless is 1 1 ©d3 ©d5 12 ©e3 ©e5 ! (simplest), and 1 1 g5 ©d6 1 2 h5 ©e6 transposes into the text

continuation . 11 ©d6 Or 1 1 . . . ©c5 1 2 ©e3 ©d5 winning. 12 g5 ©e6! 1 3 ©d4 ©f5 gh 14 h6 15 gh ©g6 and B lack captures the h-pawn after which he wins as shown in diagram 24. An un usually interesting and instructive example. Finally we give a position ill ustrating the importance of the opposition and tempo moves with pawns.

Randviir-Keres 1 947 Black has an extra pawn but has difficulties owing to the better placing of the white king, White's dangerous passed central pawn and the backward pawn on h7. However, a pawn is a pawn, and one of its uses might be to play . . . h 5 t o force the g-pawn . A more important use of this h-pa wn is as a tempo m ove ( . . . h6) at a critical moment, to gain the opposition, which may prove vital in forcing

Pawn Endings 55

the win. As we shall demo nstrate l a ter, Black wins this ending only because he has this tempo move at h is disposal - with the pawn on h6 the ending is drawn! ©b5 1 The only way. White draws a fter I . . . ©b6? 2 ©c4 a5 3 a4, as J . . . h6 is then forced. 2 a4+ This check is forced, as Black wins quickly after 2 ©d3 c4+ J ©d4 c3! 4 ©xc3 ©c5 etc. Black cannot now take the pawn because of 3 d6 winning. ©b6 2 3 ©c4 a5! In this way Black reaches the position we have seen , without having to use up his precious tempo move . . . h6. 4 d6 Or 4 ©c3 ©c7 5 ©d3 ©d6 6 ©c4 h 6 7 ©b5 @xd5 8 ©xa5 ©c6 ! l) �a6 c4 winning. @c6 4 ©xd7 5 d7 ©e7 6 @xc5 Black can achieve nothing in t he centre or on the queenside, as t he white king is too active, but he ra n threaten a breakth rough by . . . h 5 n o w that the resulting white h-pawn can be stopped. For 1 1 1stance, he neednot fear 7 @b5 , when 7 . . . h 5 ! 8 gh g4 9 h6 @f7 w i n s at once. In other words the white king dare not leave the s4 uare c l -c5-g5-g8. ©f7 7 ©d5 8 ©e4 White must brin g his king over

to prevent the threatened 8 . . . h5 9 gh ©g7 followed by IO . . . ©h6, which he could now answer with I O ©f3 @h6 l l @g4. Black would win easily after 8 @d4 h5 9 gh ©g7 IO ©d5 g4 l l ©e4 ©h6 1 2 ©f4 ©xh 5 . 8 ©f8! The winning move w h ich recalls the winning method of diagram 26. White is now in zugzwang. His king dare not leave the e-file by 9 ©d4 because o f 9 . . . h 5 ! , nor can he retreat as this allows the black king to reach d6 . He m ust choose between the two evils. 9 ©e3 ©e7 10 ©e4 ©d6 1 1 ©d4 h6! Only now does Black play his trump card , with his king one rank further up and on the d-file. He gains the opposition and thus manages to advance his king even more. It is clear that without this tempo move Black could not win despite his extra pawn. 1 2 ©e4 White has no time to counter­ attack on the queen's wing, as after 1 2 ©c4 ©e5 1 3 ©b5 h6 l 4 gh ©xf5 Black wins quickly . 12 @c5 13 �e3 @d5 ! M uch simpler than the alter­ native winning plan of 1 3 . . . ©b4 1 4 ©d4 ©xa4 1 5 ©d5 @b3 1 6 ©e6 a4 etc. 14 @d3 @e5 15 @e3 h5! 16 gh @xf5 1 7 ©f3 ©e6

56 Pawn Endings

Again simpler than 1 7 . . . g4+ 1 8 @g3 @g5 19 h6 etc. @f7 18 @g4 19 @f7 'i&g7 0- 1 With this exa mple we end our discussion of pawn endings. The reader has been provided with the most important basic positions ill ustrating the essential principles

of pawn endgames. There are of course many positions which cannot be dealt with in this book. As already stated , however, we intend our material to be in­ structive rather than exhaustive. If the reader st udies this material carefully, he ,will have enough information to steer him through the most complex endings. Let us now turn to queen endings.

3

Queen Endings

We began with pawn endi ngs because to a certain extent they form the basis of endgame theory. Now we shall examine the indivi­ dual pieces in descending order of strength, starting with the queen. It is far more difficult to systematize queen endings than was the case with pawn endings, as there are so many possibilities. For instance , it is well known that the queen usually wins against one of the other pieces, or against two minor pieces, whereas it only draws against two rooks or one rook plus a minor piece . We shall therefore refrain from examining s uch positions in detail. We are primarily interested in positions or groups of positions in which a win or a d raw can be demonstrated from general prin­ ci ples, with few exceptions. And in t hese endings we shall first consider t hose which have the most practical value. There is neither the space nor the necessity for examining here all possible ramifications of q ueen endings. Queen against Pawn At first sight it may seem strange

for us to consider endings with

such material disparity, as the

queen usually wins easily. However, complications do arise when the pawn has reached the seventh rank. This situation is common enough in practical play, as we have already seen, so the reader must know exactly how to handle such positions. Let us begin with diagram 63.

When Black has a centre pawn on the seventh, White always wins, however far away his king is, apart from the excepti onal cases when the pawn cannot be prevented from queening next move because of unfavourable placing of the white pieces. ( For example, with the white king on e6, queen on d8, and the black king on e2, pawn on d2, the white king blocks off the queen's checking possibilities, so that I . . d l 'it' cannot be stopped .) .

58 Queen Endings

White wins from the diagram by forcing the black king onto the square in front of his pawn , thus giving him a tempo in which to bring his king nearer. Play might proceed as follows: 1 'i!¥b2 @el No better is l . . . @e 3 2 'i¥c2. @e2 2 'i!¥b4 3 'i!¥e4+ @f2 @el 4 'i!¥d3 5 'i!¥e3+ @dl White has achieved his ai m and can now gradually bring up his king by repeati ng the above manoeuvre. @c2 6 @b7 7 'i!¥e2 @cl 8 'i!¥c4+ @b2 9 'i!¥d3 @cl 1 0 'i!¥c3+ @dl Again the black king has to b lock his pawn and White can play 1 1 @c6 , followed by the same tempo-gaining line we have already seen. There seems little point in conti nuing the play, as the reader can check for himself that the position is easily won. It is clear that White can also use the same method against the knight's pawn, but the situation changes with a rook's pawn or bishop's pawn. C onsider diagram 64: First of all, let us try the same winning plan as from diagram 63: 1 'i!¥g2+ @b l @b2 2 'i!¥fl+ 3 'i!¥b5+ @c2 4 'i!¥a4+ @b2 @c2 5 'i!¥b4+

6 'i!¥a3 @bl 7 'i!tb3 @al and we now realise the vital difference ; White dare not touch his king, because Black is stale­ mated, and 8 'i!¥c2, threatening mate, also gives stale mate . This means that White can make no progress, so the position is drawn. And yet there are positions in which White wins if his king is near enough. To be more precise , the king must be within the area represented by a l -a5-d5-e4-e l as indicated on diagram 64 . For example, let us see what happens with the king on d5 (diagram 65).

White wins by 1 'i!¥g2+ @b l if

Queen Endings 59

l . . . 'i.t>b3 2 'it'g7 ! 'i.t>c2 3 !Va l wins at once 2 'i.t>c4! a l !f 3 'i.t>b3! when, despite equality o f material, Black cannot prevent mate. Now let us try the king on e4 (diagram 66). The win is achieved here in a different way by 1 'it'g2+ 'i.t>bl 2 ct>d3! al 'if 3 !fc2 mate.

If Black has a bishop's pawn, the outcome again depends on the white king's positio n, but in addition it is important to take into consideration the placing of the black king. Diagram 67 shows the black king on a central file.

1 !fa2 'i.t>dl 'i.t>d2 2 !fa4 3 'it'd4+ 'i.t>e2 4 'it'c3 'i.t>dl 5 'it'd3+ 'i.t>c l White can only force the black king to block his pawn once, so must immediately bring his king nearer. 6 'i.t>b7 'i.t>b2 7 'it'd2 'i.t>bl 8 't!Vb4+ 'i.t>a2 9 !t'c3 'i.t>bl 1 0 't!Vb3+ 'i.t>al ! The point! Black is not compelled to return to c l , as 1 1 !fxc2 gives stalemate. White cannot strengthen his position any further and the game is drawn. We have again indicated in diagram 67 the area within which the white king must be to force a win. A few examples wil l make this clear. With the king on d5, White wins by 1 'it'g5+ 'i.t>dl 2 'it'gl + 'i.t>d2 3 'it'd4+ 'i.t>e2 4 !fc3 'i.t>dl 5 'it'd3+ 'i.t>c l 6 'i.t>c4 'i.t>b2 7 'it'd2 but not 7 'ti'e 2 'i.t>b l 8 'i.t>b3? c l lLi + drawing, altho ugh here 8 'i.t>c3 c l !t'+ 9 'i.t>b 3 still wins 7 ... 'i.t>b l 8 'i.t>b3 cl 'if 9 'it'a2 mate. 68

This position is drawn, as the white king is too far away. Play might proceed:

� � �� � • • • • • • • • • • • • B B B B • • • • • • • - • • � � � � "· · ··"

60 Queen Endings

Placing the white king over on g4 (diagram 68), the winning method is 1 1t'a2 @c3 I . . . @d i 2 @f3 2 1t'a3+ @d2 3 t!tb2 @dl 4 @f3! c 1 1t' 5 1t'e2 mate. Finally, with the king on e5, outside the given zone, White seems to win by 1 1t'a2 @d I 2 @e4 cl 1t' 3 @d3 ! forcing mate. Black has a better defence, however, in 1 ... @c3! 2 1t'a3+ @d2 3 1t'b2 @dl when White ca nnot strengthen his posi­ tion. From the above analysis we see that in certain cas es White can win only because the black king is unfavourably placed on d i and must lose a tempo when he is forced to go to c I . If we now place the king on the other side of the pawn, on the knight's file, the white king needs to be much nearer to force a win, as shown in diagram 69:

equally has no trouble, as I 1t'g2 @b l 2 @b3 ! c 1 1t' 3 1t'a2 is mate. Once again we must mention a position in which the white king stands outside the winning zone but can still cause Black problems. With his king on b5, White plays 1 "it'g2 @b l 2 1t'e4 @b2 3 1t'e2 and after 3 . . . @b I? 4 @b4! c11t' 5 ©b3 wins as already seen . Black must defend more precisely with 3 ... @a l ! when 4 "it'xc2 is stalemate, and 4 1t'd2 @b l ! 5 @b4 c l !V dra ws because the white queen is attacked. We have now covered all endings with a queen against an advanced pawn on the 7th rank. The given rules apply in all cases except when the white pieces are so unfavourably placed that the pawn cannot be stopped from queening. Against a pawn on the 6th rank, the queen always wins, except when the pawn cannot be prevented from playing to the 7th rank, as seen in diagram 70. 70

This position is of course drawn. In order to win, the white king must be within the indicated area (a4-c4-d3-e3-e l ) . On e3 and el he can easily stop the pawn by a subsequent @d2. On a4, he

� � � � . • . � �-� � !¥• • • • • • • • • • • • . � . . �----� • • • • • z•z•S • • S . ..

Chess World 1 865

White would win easily if his

Queen Endings 61

king were not so unfortunately placed on the long black diagonal. For example, with the king on b8, I 'i!¥11 1 + 'b2 2 �h8! 'b3 3 �d4 c2 4 'al wins. As it is however, as White cannot prevent the further advance of the pawn, Black draws by :

'b2 1 !i'hl+ 'cl 2 �b7+ 3 'f6 It is interesting to note that even now White would win if his king were on h6, as after 3 @g5 ! c2 4 @f4 he would be within the winning zone (see diagram 67). c2 3 @d2 4 ..ties As we saw in diagram 67, the position is now drawn, but we shall again give the correct defence . 'dl 5 �b2 @d2 6 �b3 'c3 7 �a2 And now 7 . . . 'd l ? 8 @d4 ! c l 'ti' 9 @d3 with a win for White, whereas now, after 8 !i'a3+ 'd2 White can make no progress. There are one or two further e xceptional positions where White i.:annnot force a win. For instance, with the white king on c6, queen on d8 and the black king on e2, pawn on f3, after 1 �e8(e7)+ ..tin White cannot prevent the advance of the pawn, so the position is d rawn (2 'd5 f2 3 'e4 @g2, as in d iagram 69). If Black has pawns in addition lo one on the 7th rank, the possibilities are various. In general

the q ueen has good winning chances , but the second pawn sometimes saves an otherwise lost position. For example , if Black possesses two pawns on the 7th rank, White can win only if his king is fairly near the pawns , as is the case when the second pawn is on the 6th . We do not intend to examine the n umero us possibilities here , b ut any interested reader can always look them up in a more specialised book on the endga me. Let us make do with one example, diagram 7 1 , which reveals Black's defensive resources.

Without Black' s . a-pawn, the position would clearly be drawn , but strangely enough White cannot profit from the fact that there is now no danger of stalemate. With the wh ite king on a4, for instance, victory is easily attained by 1 'ti'g7+ @f2 2 'ti'h6 @g2 3 'ti'gS+ 'f2 4 'i!¥11 4+ 'g2 5 °fi'g4+ 'f2 6 �h3 @gl 7 �g3+ @h i 8 @bS! a4 9 !i'f2 and 10 'fi'fl mate. However, as in diagram 7 1 the a-pawn is not blockaded, White cannot carry

62 Queen Endings

out this manoeuvre against correct defence. 'i.t>f2! 1 'it'g8+ Black must never allow the white queen to reach g4. For this reason, he loses after I . . . 'i.t>fl 2 !Vc4+ 'i.t>g2 3 'it'g4+ 'i.t>f2 4 'it'h3 'i.t>g l 5 'it'g3+ 'i.t>h l 6 'ti'f2 , or after I . . . 'i.t>f3 2 'it'g5 ! a4 3 'ti'h4 'i.t>g2 4 'ti'g4+ etc. However, Black can also draw by I . . . 'i.t>h3 2 'ti'd5 'i.t>g3 ! as in the main line. 2 'it'h7 'i.t>g3 3 'ti'd3+ 'i.t>g2 4 'ti'e4+ 'i.t>g3! The only move to draw. As already mentioned, B lack must not let the queen reach g4, when his king would be forced to h i . This means that both 4 . . . 'i.t>gl 5 'ti'g4+ followed by 6 'ifb3 , and 4 . . . 'i.t>f2 5 'ti'h l 'i.t>g3 6 'i.t>b 7 would lose for Black, as White gains an i mportant tempo on the main line. a4 5 'i.t>b7 a3 6 'i.t>c6 a2 7 'i.t>d5 al 'it' ! 8 'it'hl The extra black pawn completes his m ission by sacrificing himself and giving the black king the g2 square. 9 'ti'xa l 'i.t>g2 and the game is d rawn as we saw in diagra m 64. Strangely enough , White would win from diagra m 7 1 i f his king were o n any other square than a 8 ! Finally, let us consider a hidden defensive possibility which occurs with a knight's pawn suppo rted by a rook's pawn . In the position

with the white king on a8, queen on b7, and the black king on h I , pawns on g2 and h4, W hite cannot win . After the plausible con­ tinuation 1 'it'f3 Black was threatening I . . . h3 and 2 . . . 'i.t>h 2 'i.t>h2 2 'it'f4+ 'i.t>h3 3 'it'f2 1 gl 'ti'+! 4 !fxgl is stalemate. White wins here if his king is no further away than f6, when l 'ti'f3 'i.t>h2 2 'it'f2 h3 3 'i.t>g5 'i.t>h l 4 'iff3 'i.t>h2 5 Wh4 ! gl 'ti' 6 'ti'xh 3 mate is possible. ...

Queen against Rook (and Pawn) A: QUEEN AGAINS T ROOK

The ending of queen against rook and pawn will involve us in some complex analysis, but before we go into this , le t us briefly consider how the queen force s a win against a rook alone.

In general, apart from a few special cases, the queen wins against a rook , but this win is not easily achieved, as the following analysis shows: 1 'it'f3+ 'i.t>e5 2 !fe4+ 'i.t>d6 3 'i.t>d4

Queen Endings 63

In order to win, White must use both his king and queen to drive the black king to the edge of the board. lk6 3 We are not claiming that this is Black's best defence , but no matter where the roo k goes, White will eventually manage to drive the black king to the edge of the board by advancing his own king. Let us assume, for instance, that Black tries to prevent the king's advance by 3 ... lf a5. White would then proceed 4 't!t'g6+ @d7 after 4 . . . @e7 5 't!t'b6 l:lh5 6 ©e4 a position is reached which is symmetrical to the text position 5 't!t'f6 l:lbS or 5 . . . ©c7 6 't!t'e6 ©b7 7 ©c4 ©c7 8 ©b4 and the rook must retreat 6 't!t'f7+ ©d6 6 . . . ©c6 7 't!t'e6+ @c7 8 ©c4 is quicker 7 't!t'f8+ @d7 8 't!t'f6 ! l:la5 9 ©c4 ©c7 10 't!t'e7+ ©c6 1 1 't!t'e6+ ©c7 1 2 ©b4 and the black rook 1s forced back. 4 't!t'e5+ ©d7 5 ©d5 l:lc7 After 5 . . . l:la6 6 't!t'g7+ ©d8 (or 6 . . @e8 7 't!t'c7) 7 't!t'f8+ @d7 8 1Vf7+ @d8 9 ©c 5 wins. Or 5 . . . llc l 6 't!t'f5+ ©e8 7 't!t'h 5 + @d7 8 't!t'g4+ ©e8 9 @d6 wins. 6 't!t'e6+ @d8 7 't!i'g8+ It is important to avoid the trap 7 ©d6 l:lc6+ ! 8 ©xc6 stalemate. ©e7 7 8 't!i'g7+ ©d8 ©d7 (73) 9 't!t'f8+ 10 't!t'f4 This is probably the simplest of .

several wmnmg moves. Also possible is 1 0 't!t'h8 @e7 1 1 't!t'g8 ! l:ld7+ (or 1 1 . . . @d7 1 2 't!t'f8 etc ) 1 2 ©e5 l:l c 7 1 3 't!i'g7+ @d8 1 4 't!t'f8+ ©d7 1 5 ©d 5 ! l:l b 7 1 6 't!i'f7+ ©c8 1 7 't!t'e8+ ©c7 1 8 ©c5 ! and wins easily, as after 1 8 . . . l:la 7 1 9 't!t'e7+ ©b8 20 't!t'd8+ @b7 2 1 ©b 5 B lack will soo n lose the rook. White equally wins after 10 't!t'b8 but Black can set up a stiff resistance by 10 . . . l:lc2! 10 ©c8 If 10 . . . l:lb7 White continues 1 1 't!t'f7+ ©c8 1 2 't!t'e8+ ©c7 1 3 @c5 and wins as in the last note . ©b8 1 1 @d6 1 1 . . . l:la7 loses i mmediately to 12 't!t'f8+ ©b7 13 't!i'f7+ ©b8 1 4 't!t'e8+ ©b7 1 5 't!t'd7+ ©b8 1 6 't!t'd8+ ©b7 1 7 't!t'c7+ etc, as does 1 1 . . . ©b7 12 't!t'b4+ ©c8 1 3 't!t'a5 etc. l:lb7 12 't!t'e5 ! After other moves Blac k loses even more quic kly, as can easily be seen. 13 ©c6+ ©a8 1 4 't!t'al+ ©b8

64 Queen Endings

15 �as Philidor demonstrated that this position is a forced win, as long ago as 1 77 7 ! llbl 15 After l S . . . llh7 16 �e s+ ©a8 1 7 �a l+ ©b8 1 8 �b l + wins; or l S . . . llb3 16 �d8+ ©a7 1 7 �d4+ ©b8 1 8 �f4+ and the roo k is lost. Equally insufficient is lS . . . llf7 16 �es+ ©a7 1 7 �e3+ etc. ©a7 16 �d8+ © a8 17 �d4+ ©a 7 18 �h8+ 1 9 �h7+ wins t h e rook. We feel that t his example gives an accurate picture of how to play with a queen against a rook , but it is worth mentioning one of the exceptional cases:

B: QUEEN A G A INST ROOK AND PAWN

The situation is m uch more complicated now that Black has a pawn. Sometimes the analysis is so tricky that the assessment of a given position has changed over the years . Fro m the many possible endings we intend to consider only those in which the pawn protects the rook and is itself protected by the king. Other positions can al ways be examined by the reader in more special ized endga me books. Let us begin with positions in which the pawn is on its origi nal square, as in diagram 7 S .

A . Philidor 1 803 Black to m ove draws because the white king cannot escape perpetual check. Play might go l llh7+ 2 ©g2 llg7+ 3 ©f3 llf7+ 4 ©g4 llg7+ s ©f5 llf7+ 6 ©g6 llg7+ 7 ©h6 llh7+ ! when 8 ©xh7 gives stalemate. Of course , White to move would w i n from such a position. ...

As Philidor demonstrated years ago, White cannot win in this position. Blac k cannot be zug­ zwanged, as his rook can always play from c6 to e6 and back. This means that the white king cannot cross the sixth rank , nor the black king be driven away from the protection of his pawn .

Queen Endings 65

@e7 1 1Wb8+ llc6 2 1Wg8 3 1Wg7+ @d8 @c7 4 1Wf8+ lle6 5 1Wa8 White can make no further p rogress and the game is drawn . l 'h c game is equally drawn if the position is moved to the righ t or l t "ft , except in the case of a rook's pa wn, when Black loses , as m d i a g r am 76.

Black in zugzwang, e.g. 3 . . . llh6 (if 3 . . . ll b l 4 't!t'e8+ ©c7 5 't!t'f7+ followed by 6 1Wg8+ and 7 't!t'h 7+ wins , and if 3 . . . llb2 4 1We8+ @b7 5 1We4+ @a6 6 1Wd3+ @b7 7 1Wf3+ ©b8 8 'it'f8+ followed by 9 1Wg7+ equally wins the vulnerable rook) 4 1We8+ @b7 5 1We7+ @a6 6 't!t'f7 ! llb6 7 't!t'd7 ! transposes to the main line ; or 3 . . . lla6 4 ©b5 llb6+ 5 ©a5 and Black loses either his pawn or his rook . 3 1Wd7! Now Black is in zugzwang and must soon lose the rook, e.g. 3 ... llb2 if 3 . . . llb l 4 't!t'a4+ and 5 't!t'e4+ wins 4 1Wd3+ ©b7 5 1Wf3+ @c7 6 't!t'f7+ followed by 7 't!t'f8+ and 8 °t!t'g7+ wins. White's task is usually easier, however, if the black pawn has left its original square . Let us begin with diagram 77, with the black pawn on its third rank .

J. Berger 1 9 22 The difference here lies mai nly fact that the rook no longer h u s an extra square available w h l· rc he can be protected by the pu wn. As he has only one square ( hl1 ) , this means that once his king 1 � �t a lemated, the rook must move 1 1 w a y , allowing the white king to 1 1 1 t he

1 11· 1 1 l' l ra te . 1

@b7 W h ite to move would win at 1 1 1 1 1 T by 1 1Wc7 ! , e.g. l . . . ll b l ! •c8 + llb8 3 't!t'c6+ llb7 4 @d6 11 1 1 1 1 Black must give up his pawn. @a6 2 1We7+ Afte r 2 .. . @b8 3 1Wd7 places

A . Philidor 1 777 Philidor has proved that this position is won for White, albeit with some difficulty. Compared with diagram 75, White's queen

66 Queen Endings

now has an extra rank from which he can drive the black king into a less favourable position. I n order to win, W hite must firstly drive the black king to d5, secondly force .his own king over the fifth rank, and thirdly penetrate with h is king over the king's file. B lack then loses his pawn. All this is brought about by the use of the zugzwang weapon. 1 't!fh7+ ©d8 Not of course I . . . ©f8 2 't!fd7 , and I . . . ©e8 2 1!fc7 would make W hite's task easier. I . . . ©e6 2 't!fc7 l:lc5 3 't!fd8 l:le5 4 't!fe8+ ©d5 5 1!fc8 leads to the main line. ©c8 2 1!ff7! Again 2 . .. l:lc5 3 1!fe6 ©c7 4 1!fe7+ ©c6 5 't!fd8 transposes to the main line. 3 1!fa7 ©d8 Or 3 . . . l:lc5 4 1!fe7 etc. 4 't!fb8+ ©d7 5 't!fb7+ ©d8 6 't!fc6 ©e7 7 1!fc7+ ©e6 ©d5 8 't!fd8 The situation would not be altered by 8 . . . l:l f5+ 9 ©g4 l:le5 IO 1!fe8+ ©d5 1 1 't!fc8 etc. White has now attained his first objective and must next force his king over the fifth rank . 9 't!fc8! (78) We have reached the first important zugzwang position, as indicated by Philidor. Black cannot prevent the advance of White's king. 9 l:le4+ If 9 . . . ©d4 IO 't!fc6 l:ld5 Wh ite

A . Philido r 1 777 wins by 1 1 ©f3 l:lf5+ 1 2 ©g4 l:ld5 1 3 ©r4! , or here 1 1 . . . ©e5 12 't!fc3+ ©f5 1 3 1!fc4 etc . Other rook moves lose as follows: if 9 . . . l:lh5 IO 't!fa8+! ©d4 1 1 1!fa4+, and if 9 . . . l:l e 7 IO ©f5 l:l f7 + 1 1 ©g5 ! (if 1 1 ©g6 l:lf4 can be played) and Black must quickly play 1 1 . . . l:le7 i n order not to lose his rook . 10 @f5 l:le5+ If IO . . ©d4 1 1 1!fc6 d5 1 2 't!fc2 ! l:le5+ 1 3 @f6 l:le4 1 4 ©f7! and Black must allow the white king to cross the king's file. l:le4 11 ©f6 The only move , as otherwise 1 2 't!fb 7+ wins material. 1 2 1!fc3 Suggested by Guretzky-Cornitz and simpler than Philidor's 1 2 't!ff5+ which equally wins . 12 l:le6+ Or 12 . .. l:le5 1 3 @f7 etc. 1 3 @f7 l:le5 14 ©f8! (79) Bringing abo ut a zugzwang position to attain his third objective, crossing the king's file with his king. .

Queen Endings 67

l'' � � m "• • • • • • . • • . • • • • • . . . . � . � . � � . � . . �� • • • • • • • • ,,,,,,,,

�

,,,,,,

lle4 14 Nor wo uld 14 . . . lle6 help, after I S �b3+ @e5 16 @f7 ; or 14 . . . c6 6 '§'c2 S '§'c4+ 'it>g6 or 5 . . . 'J/g7 6 '§'c7+ and 7 a8'§' 6 '§'d3+ followed by 7 a8'§' winning. ©g7 3 ©h6 4 @'d7+ Seemingly setting up a successful defence. 'it>xgS gS+! S If 5 . . . fg 6 '§'c6+ or 5 . . . Wg6 (1 'it'e8+, both followed by 7 a8 'it' . 6 '§'g7+ 'it>fS Or 6 . . . ©h5 7 @'h 8+ etc. 7 '§'g4+ wins. After 7 . . . ©e5 8 '§'f4+ the white q ueen checks on f3 or e4, then promotes his pawn . ...

As we have already mentioned, we shall examine other endings, with pawns on both sides, in our practical endings section. Q ueen against other pieces We have already dealt with endings of queen against rook, against pawn, and against rook and pawn. In general a queen and minor piece cannot win against a queen alone, although exceptions are possible. Equally, endings with queen against rook and minor piece are usually drawn. On the other hand, a q ueen wins easily against a single minor piece, but a minor piece in conj u nction with a far advanced passed pawn can sometimes draw. However, with two rooks, or two bishops, or two knights, or bishop and knight, against a queen , the result depends on the placing of the pieces. Let us examine these fo ur possibilities in turn. A: QUEEN AGAI NST TWO ROO KS

This ending is usually drawn, so we will just analyse an exceptional position in which the two rooks win because of an unfavo urably placed black king. (99) 1 llh7+ ©g8 2 lihe7 White's first move too k away g8 fro m Black's queen and also prevented the black queen from escaping ( I llf7 '§'d6 !). He must constantly be on the watch for the latter threat which would give

82 Q ueen Endings

H . Rinck 1 9 1 6 Black perpet ual check, and the following rook moves can be u nderstood in this con text. 'i!?h8 2 Queen moves along the rank fail to 3 lig7+ 'i!?h8 4 lih7+ 'i!;>g8 5 libg7+ 'i!?f8 6 lih8+ winning the queen . 3 libc7! Why this square? The idea is to answe r 3 . . . ti'g8 with 4 'i!?fl ! when c4 is denied to Black's queen and after 4 ... ti'f8+ 5 lif7 ti'g8 6 'i!?f2 ! would lead to zugzwang, winning the qµeen o r mating. S o Black must continue to play waiting moves. 'i!;>g8 3 4 lia7 4 licd7 would also win, as in the main line, but not 4 'i!?e l 'i!;>h8 5 lif7 because of 5 ti'b4+, whereas 4 lib7 'i!?h8 would give us the same position as after Black's second move . 'i!?h8 4 ti'e8+ 5 lif7 If 5 . . . ti'g8 any king move to the ...

f-file wins. 6 'i!?f2! But not 6 'i!?f3? ti'c6+ or 6 g8 7 lig7+ 'i!?f8 Or else the queen is lost as we have seen. 8 lih7! 'i!;>g8 Black has no checks and his queen cannot simultaneously pre­ vent the mates on a8 and h8. 9 liag7+ 'i!?f8 10 lih8+ wins the queen. It may even be possible for the queen to win against two rooks, but only if the latter are loose , i.e. not guarding one another or guarded by the king. If either side has a minor piece as well this i11 usually sufficient to ensure the win. Even the ending of queen against rook and two minor pieces is worse for the side with the queen , b ut should usually be drawn. B: Q U E E N AG A I NST TWO BIS H O PS

With a queen against minor pieces, the result usually depends on the placing of the pieces. Fo ur minor pieces usually win , th rcc minor pieces do no more than draw, and two minor pieces can he disadvantageo us. Let us begin hy examining diagram 1 00 in which the two bishops manage to hold their own . Diagram 1 00 shows the set-up Black m ust aim for. Both bishopN

Queen Endings 83

G. Lolli 1 763 stand best next to each other to prevent the advance of the enemy king and the king is best placed near the corner, next to the two hishops, on the second rank. This means that he has sufficient room 1 0 manoeuvre whilst being well protected from attacks on both sides. The defence goes as follows: @g8! 1 'ti'd7+ i.f7? which allows But not 1 l he white king to approach by 2 d7 ! when 8 !t'xh6 !t°d3 + 9 !t'e3 !t'xe3+ IO @xe3 gives him a won pawn ending. 3 !t'c4 4 g3 Black was threatening to increase his pressure by 4 . . . @d5 which would now be countered with 5 !t'g2+. However, this pawn move entails a further weakening of the king's wing, and in particular of the f3 square. In the following play Capablanca ex­ ploits in masterly fashion the weakness of this square . Bondarevsky has recommended a more active defence for White by means of 4 !t'b I ! , certainly giving White better prospects than the game continuation. After 4 . . . !t'c3+ 5 !t'd3 !t'xd3+ 6 'it>xd 3 @d5 Black wins the ending (7 @e3 g5 ! 8 hg fg 9 @d3 h4 I O @e3 g4, or here 8 g3 g4 ! 9 @d3 f5 10 'it>e3 @c4 etc),but White can instead play

88 Queen Endings

5 @e2! with counterplay, for even though Black wins a pawn by 5 . . . 'it'xd4 6 'it'xg6 'it'e5+ 7 @ f3 'it'xb5, White has some drawing chances after 8 'it'g8+ @e5 9 'it'b8+ etc. A good general rule in queen endings is not to u se the queen as a passive defender but always be on the l ook-out for active counterplay. g5 4 hg fg 5 6 'it'h2 Surprisingly, White has been forced i nto a kind of zugzwang position, a ra re situation indeed in queen endings. The pawn ending after 6 'it'e2 would clearly be lost, and 6 @e4 g4 7 @f4 @f6 8 @e4 'it'e6+ 9 @d3 'it'd5! seems un­ attractive for White. Relatively best is 6 'it'b I 'it'c3+ 7 @e2 losing a pawn after 7 . . . 'it'xd4 b u t giving White some drawing chances with 8 'it'g6+ 'it'f6 9 'it'xh 5 . The counterattack begun by the text move is a desperation measure which quickly loses. 'it'b3+ 6 g4! 7 @e4 Threatening 8 . . . 'it'f3 mate, so forcing the white queen back to defence. 8 'it'e2 Or 8 'it'f2 'it'd5+ 9 @e3 'it'xb5 etc. 'it'xg3 8 'C!le7 9 'it'c4+ 1 0 'it'c8 At last White looks like ob­ taining some counterplay but it is all too late.

'it'f3+ 'it'f6+ @es @d5 'it'd6+ 0- 1 Black forces the exchange of queens next move and easily wins the pawn ending. In queen endings , passed pawns are vitally important. It is clea r that a passed pawn supported by the queen is a force to be reckoned with, and many a time such a pawn has compen sated for material disadvantage. This means that pawns can sometimes br sacrificed to create a passed pawn and save what would would otherwise be a totally lost position. Diagram 1 07 illustrates this type of imaginative defence. 10 11 12

Rubinstein-Capablanca 1 9 1 4 White i s a pawn up and has 11 more actively posted queen. Thr black queen o n the other ha nd i N tied to the defence of his queensidr pawns. If Black defends passivc l v White will advance h i s pa wn majority and soon obtain 1 1 winning position.

Queen Endings 89

What can Black do? His c-pawn is attacked and after I . . . c4 2 a3 the black queen would be per­ manently tied to the p rotection of the a-pawn. Nor would I 'tifc8 change the situation much, as the q ueen would still be tied down to passive defence. Finally, there is the counterattack by I . . . 'tife4, but t h is is ineffective after 2 'tifxa6, when White is two pawns up and has a secure king's position. ( 'apablanca finds another way of creating excellent counterchances. 1 b4! The object is to create a passed pawn as quickly as possible. 2 'tifxc5? This makes Black's task relatively easy. No better is 2 cb 'tifxb4 but 2 c4! would pose more problems for Black , as both 2 . . . 'tifc8 3 'tifb6 a n d 2 . . . 'tifa7 3 'tifd8+ followed by 1ia5 are no good for him. As soon n s White fixes Black's queenside pawns, he can proceed with the n d vance of his pawns. However, Black has one in­ teresting possibility at his disposal. I le can counte rattack by 2 . . . 'tife4 ! when 3 'tifxc5 'tifb I+ 4 @h2 'tifxa2 � 'it'xb4 'tifxf2 gives White no r h a nces. So best is 3 'tifxa6 when Black coolly replies 3 . . . @h7 ! lra ving White with difficult prob­ ll'ITIS to solve. His queen is tied to l he defence of his a- and c-pawns, 11 1 1 d the capture of either would 11 1 ve Black a strong passed pawn. II Wh ite guards his h-pawn with •I �3. Black forces repetition of m o ves after 4 . . . 'tifb l + 5 @g2 . . .

'tife4+ 6 @h2 !t'c2 etc. Despite his two extra pawns, there may be no way for White to utilize his advantage , but he should at least have tried this line. 2 be 3 !fxc3 'tifbl + 4 @h2 !fxa2 We can now see the first results of Black's play on the queen's wing. He has created a passed a-pawn which threatens to march on to the queening square. Moreover White must lose time defending his f-pawn, after which he hi mself has to start an action on the kingside. His winning chances have gone. 5 'tifc8+ @h7 6 !ff5+ g6 Of course 6 . . . @g8 was also possible, but the text move gains an important tempo , even though it slightly weakens his kingside . 7 'tiff6+ a5 8 g4 a4 9 h5 gh! Black must be carefu l , as 9 a3? 1 0 h6 ! @xh6 1 1 'tifh8+ @g5 1 2 @g3 ! gives a mating attack . Similarly 9 . . . 'tife6 loses t o 1 0 hg+. 10 'tiff5+ Rubinstein decides not to play with fire . I ndeed 10 gh 'tife6 ! would give Black winning chances. 1 0 @g7 1 1 'tifg5+ @h7 Or 1 1 . . . @f8 1 2 'tif d8+ etc. 12 'tifxh5+ @g7 13 !fg5+ @h7 . . .

Yi - Yi

Black cannot escape perpetual

90 Queen Endings

check and White has nothing better than to take the draw. In queen endings, as we have said, passed pawns are more important than material considerations. It might be thought that purely theoretical endings have little application to practical play, but this is hardly the case with queen endings, many of which arise after pawn promotion on both sides. Diagram 1 08 is such an example, also illustrating the inexact play which often occurs in endgames.

@e5 3 !t'g7+. White cannot now play 3 e7 because there is perpetual check after 3 . . . !ff6+. !fgl + 3 @g6 W e pointed o u t many times that ill-considered, purposeless checks often have disastrous consequences. The text move in no way improves the position of Black's queen but gives White a useful tempo by forcing his king to go where it wants to go! Such checks should always be avoided. We already know that active centralized queens are called for in this kind of ending, and as White has not been able to centralize his own queen , it is up to Black to take his chance of playing 3 !fe5! As Alekhine himself ad mitted after the game, this move would have given Black a draw. 4 !t'c8+ or 4 !fa7+ get nowhere after 4 . . . @d6, and 4 @f7 gives Black perpetual che ck by 4 . . . !fh5+ 5 rj;;e7 !t'h4+ 6 rj;;eg !fh8+ etc, as does 4 e7 !t'g3+ 5 @[? !t'f4+ 6 @e8 'ifb8+ 7 !t'd8 !t'b5+ 8 @f7 !ff! + etc. 4 @f7 !fhl Black can no longer prevent the advance of the pawn, ri.or has he any chances of perpetual check . For instance, after 4 . . . !t'f2+ 5 @e8 !t'g3 6 !fe7+ @c6 7 !t'f6 @g8+ 8 @e7 !t'h7+ 9 @f8 Black could resign . Or 4 . . . !ff! + 5 @e8 !Va l (to prevent White's !Ve?+ and !t'f6) 6 !fc7+ @b5 7 e 7 and White's king soon escapes the checks . Black most stubborn defence i s 4 !ff2+ 5 @e8 !t'h2 but afte r .. .

Alekhine-Stoltz 1 942 In general such positions offer White good winning chances, or are even theore tically won, but one circ u mstance favours Black here . His king is near the pawn and prevents the white queen from taking up a dominating position in the centre where it would be able to protect the white king from checks. Let us see the game proceeded: 1 !ff7+ @d6 2 !t'd7+ @c5 Black loses his queen after 2 . . .

...

Queen Endings 91 t1 �e7+ and 7 'iff6. White can 11d vance his pawn when Black would hardly be able to hold the position. 5 'ifc7+ @b5 Stoltz defends badly and makes Wh ite's task fairly easy. But even 'I 'it>b4 would not save the game n iter 6 't!t'f4+ 'it>a3 7 e7 'ifh7+ (or 'it'd5+ 8 'it>g7 'f!t'd 7 9 'it>f8 wins) 7 K lt>e6 'ifh3+ 9 \t>d6 'ifd3+ 10 'it>c7 •d+ 1 1 'it>b7 'ifb2+ 1 2 'it>a7 'ifg7 1 .l 't!i'd6+ and 14 'it>a6 wins. 6 'ife5+ @a4 (I 09) I f the king goes to the third rank l hc n 7 e7 'ifh 7+ 8 'ifg7 wins at o n c e , and 6 . . . 'it>b4 is certainly no i m provement on the text line. . . .

. • •

Alekhine-Stoltz 1 942 7 'ifd4+ Alekhine he re makes the same m i s ta ke as his opponent did 1·11 rl i c r , by needlessly checking the hlack king into a better position w h i l s t in no way i mproving the position of his queen. White has l wo simple ways of winning. l � i t he r 7 e 7 !fh7+ if 7 . . . 'iff3+ or !ffl + , then 8 'iff6 and 9 'it>f8 l . . .

wins 8 'it>e6 'ifh3+ 9 'it>d6 'ifd3+ 1 0 'it>c7 'ifc4+ 1 1 'it>b8 �3+ 12 'it>a7 'iff7 13 'ifd6 ! wins. Or 7 'iff5 ! 'ifb7+ 8 e7 winning as we showed in our analysis of diagram 94. Of course, the text move does not spoil anything, unlike Stoltz's error, but unnecessarily complicates matters. 7 'it>a3 8 'ifd3+ 'it>b4 This loses immediately but even the better 8 . .. 'it>b2 would eventually lose. White could play either 8 e7 �5+ 9 'it>e6 'ifg4+ l 0 'it>d6 (or l 0 !ff5), or 8 'iff5 followed by 9 e7, as in the analysis to diagram 94 . 9 !ff5! Now even simpler than 9 e7 etc. 9 'ifc6 Blac k would have m ore choice after 9 . . . 'ifb7+ 1 0 e7 but would still lose. 10 . .. !fc7 tra nsposes into the main line, 1 0 . . . 'ifa7 1 1 'it>f8 loses at once, and 1 0 . . . 'it>a3 1 1 'iff4! 'ifa7 1 2 'it>e6 wins, as we saw from diagram 94. 10 e7 'ifc7 1 1 'ife4+ 'it>a3 12 'ifd4! Now the threat of 1 3 'it>f8 cannot be prevented, as 1 2 . . . 'ifb7 fails to 13 'ifa l + and 14 'ifb l +. Black could resign b ut hopes for o ne last trap. 12 'ifh2 13 'ifc5+ 'it>a2 14 e8'if 'iff4+ 15 'it>g7 'ifg3+ 16 'it>f8!

92 Queen Endings

Careful to the end. After 16 �g6? �c3+! would produce a surprising stalemate. Black now finally resigned. Diagram 1 1 0 provides us with an interesting example of queen against rook and knight.

Samisch-Prins 1 93 8 White has a clear material advantage which is, h owever, difficult to convert into a win. All the pawns are on the same wing, White has no passed pa wn yet, there are no points of attack in Black's ca mp and as the roo k can oscillate between d4 and f4, zugzwang is out of the question. Nevertheless White has a clear winning plan: play g3 and create a passed pawn which he can then queen . He could prepare this with 1 �h8 but instead endangers his chances of victory by playing overhastily: hg g4 1 fg 2 lt:lg5 A clever defensive move which almost saves Black. He eli minates the passed pawn and brings about

a queen versus rook ending with a pawn on either side. An interesting position arises. 3 �f5 lt:lxh3+ 4 �xh3 lic6 White was now ostensibly so shaken by the knight sacrifice that he continued planlessly and finally agreed to a draw with White's king on f5 , queen on c3, pawn on g4, a nd Black's king on g8 , rook on e6, pawn on f7. White can in fact make no progress in this position, for the black king cannot be driven from g8 or g7, nor the black rook from the third rank. However, let us forget about the game continuation and devote our attention to the position reached after the sacrifice. It turns out that White threw his chances away by allowing Black's king to reach g8. The king had to be kept on the e-file when we shall prove that White could force a win: 5 �h4+ 'it>e8 As we have seen in our analysis of queen versus rook endings, 5 . . . f6 would only help White. 6 �h8+ 'it>e7 7 'it>f2 I Now that Black's king has been restricted, White plans to play his pawn to g5 and his king to f5 or h5. Black can only wait. lig6 7 lie6 8 'it>f3 9 'it>g4 lig6 10 'it>h5 lie6 Not of course 1 0 . . . lixg3? 1 1 �e5+ etc. 11 g4 li g6

Queen Endings 93

12

g5

lle6 (1 1 1)

rare situation in which White's material advantage has to be geared to stopping a strong passed pawn . 1 12

�� � � B • • • •, • • • • • • • • • • m"• • ?"""�"�.-. m • ••• • • • •• • • � � . �"' � � . %

Sa misch-Prins 1 93 8 (variation) White can now proceed to more 11c live measures in this theoretically won position . llg6 13 1!t'b8! The only move , as 13 . . . @d7 l a i ls to 1 4 1!t'f8 , and 1 3 . . . lld6 14 ti'c7+ would allow the exchange of pawns. @e8 14 1!t'b4+ Black cannot let the queen reach f8 and 14 . . . lld6 fails to 1 5 ti'b7+ and 1 6 1!t'b8+ exchanging l hc pawns, as we have seen. lle6 1 5 1!t'e4+ Or 15 . . . @f8 16 1!t'xg6 fg+ 1 7 �xg6 @g8 1 8 @h6 @h8 1 9 g6 wins. fe 16 1Wxe6+ 1 7 @h6 and wins. The pawn cannot be stopped. A most instructive winning method a nd not at all obvio us, for even a fter the ga me both players were con vinced that g4 was the decisive mistake that threw away the win . Diagra m 1 1 2 presents us with a

%, ,,7,

Flohr-Ozols 1 9 37 At first sigh t it seems that Wh ite wins easily, but on closer examin­ ation certain diffic ul ties emerge. Black has the move and can im mediately advance his pawn to the seventh rank. Indeed, if it were not for the h-pawn, Black could draw at once by giving up his rook for the knight, then advancing his pawn. In addition, the win is not always guaranteed even if White wins the rook, for his knight is far a way from the scene of actio n. First of all, let us briefly exa mine the game continuatin: llb2+ 1 The idea behind this move is to drive the white king to the third rank so that the rook can later pin pieces along this rank . However, the plan cannot be executed and quickly leads to a loss . By 1 . . . f2 ! Black could have s e t White difficult problems, as we shall see

94 Queen Endings

later.

llg2 2 'it>c3 Now 2 . . . f2 would be answered by 3 'ii'f3 'it>g 1 4 'ii'g4+ 'it>h2 5 'ii'd 1 'it>g2 6 lll c4 ! winning. 3 ll:Jc4 Not of co urse 3 �xf3? llg3 pinning the queen. f2 3 4 lll d2! Black had hoped for 4 lll e 3? when 4 . . . llg3 ! would have drawn. Now, however, the game is lost and Black resigned after 4 h5 5 'it>d3 h4 6 lll fl + @g t 7 �al 'it>hl 8 'it>e3 h3 9 'it>f3 llgl 1 0 �bl ll xfl 1 1 �xfl+ 'it>h2 1 2 �xf2+ 'it>hl 13 'it>g3 with mate next move. So far so good, but could W hite have won against the better move f2 ! given by the tournament 1 book as drawing for Black? Let us analyse: f2! 1 2 �f3! The tournament book continues with 2 'ii'b 8+ 'it>h l 3 �7+ 'it>h 2 4 �xh7+? 'it>g2 5 'ii'e 4+ 'it>h2 1eading to a draw after 6 'ii'f3 @g 1 7 'ii'g4+ 'it>h2 8 �d i llxa3 ! 9 wxa3 'it>g2 etc. However, this variation contains a gross error. White should not capt ure the h-pawn, for we have already shown that an extra pawn is a hindrance to the defence in such endings, preventing the stalemate resource . 'it>gl 2 3 �g4+ Even here White must be careful. For instance, 3 �e3? ...

. . .

allows Black to draw by 3 . . . llxa 3 ! 4 @xa3 h 5 ! 5 'ii'g 3+ 'it>fl 6 �b2 h4 etc. 3 'it>h2 4 �dl ! The winning move, threatening 5 'ii'f l followed by 6 lll c 4. As Black cannot play 4 . . . 'it>g2 5 lll c4 ! he must elimi nate the knight. llxa3 4 5 wxa3 'it>g2 If the black pawn had already advanced to h5 or h4, the game would be drawn, whereas now White wins without great difficulty. 6 �g4+ 'it>h2 7 �f3 'it>gl 8 �g3+ 'it>fl 9 'it>b3 h5 lf 9 . . . 'it>e2 10 'ii'g 2 'it>e l 1 1 'it>c2 ! wins. 1 0 'it>c2 h4 h3 1 1 �g4 h2 1 2 'it>d2 1 3 �f3 'it>gl 14 'it>e2! wins. With this example we conclude o ur discussion of queen endings. Once again we have only been able to consider a few among many possibilities, but hope that we have i ndicated the basic essentials of such endings. If the reade r wishes to study these furt her, he should turn to specialized books on the endgame o r play through games con tai ning instructive end­ games. Only through this kind of intensive study can he hope to understand fully the many rami­ fications of this difficult aspect of endgame play.

4

Rook Endings

< > f all e ndi ngs there is no do ubt rook endings are by far the most common . For this reason I hl'y are probably the best analysed, w i t h most examples coming from p1 a c t ical play. In spite of all this, h o wever, they form the most d i l fic ult part of e ndgame theory, 11 1 1 1 1 amongst leading specialists 1 1 1 1 l y a few have a thoro ugh grasp • 1 1 I hem. Even the best grandmasters 1 1 1 t h e world have had to work h 1 1 1 d t o acquire the technique of It is said of 1 1 " 1k endings . I ' 1 1 p a h lanca that in his early years hr e x haustively analysed more 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 a thousand such endings, l w l o re he attained his splendid 1 1 1 11 k t e ry in this field. 1 1 1 view of the above, one can l 1 11 1 d l y exaggerate the importance • 11 11 good understanding of this 1 v pr of ending. As in queen 1· 1 1 d 1 11gs, there is a vast range of p o � s i h i l i t ies, but these are easier to • l i 1 � \ l fy and assess. In the following we intend to give the �•·• t 1 1 1 1 1 1 1' 11 1 In a li mited selection of p 1 1� 1 t 1 1 1 1 1 s which are basic to rook I hat

I

l l d l l ll(S.

H ook

ni.:ainst Pawn(s)

I h t· rook usually wins against a 1 111 w 1 1 hut there are many exceptions,

especially when the king cannot be brought up quickly enough a nd the rook has to stop the pawn on its own. Occasionally there are exceptions when the pawn proves stronger than the rook, and we shall begin with the classic case of this.

F. Saavedra 1 895 This position occ urred in a game played in 1 895 which ended in a draw. After the game Saavedra demonstrated that White can win in the following imaginative way: I lid6+ c7 This is forced, as d8 and c5 are inaccessible to the rook. The next few moves can easily be understood in this light. lid5+ 2 @b5

96 Rook Endings

3 @b4 lid4+ 4 @b3 ll:d3+ S @e2! Only now does White play his king to the c-file, as 5 . . . ll: d l is now impossible. The ga me seems over, but Black is not finished yet. ll:d4 s 6 eU i ! 6 c8..W li c4+! 7 ..Wxc4 is stalemate. White now threatens 7 li a8 mate, so Black's reply is forced. ll:a4 6 7 @b3 and White wins the rook or forces 8 li c l mate. A glorious position of classical beauty! The same idea is presented in an even more complicated form in the following study by Selesniev:

White wins as follows: 1 f7 :S:e6+ 2 @eS! bu t not 2 ©e7 lic l ! 3 f7 ..W lle l + and 4 . :S:fl + drawing 2 lies+ 3 @e4 li e4+ 4 ©e3 ll: e3+ S ©f2! ll:e2+ 6 @g3 lie3+ 7 @g4 lie4+ 8 @gs li es+ 9 @g6 li e6+ 10 ©g7 and White queens next move. As already sta ted , however, .

...

.

these are rare occurrences. More useful to us are those positions in which the rook can stop the pawn , the main question being whether or not they are won . Such positions arise when the pawn is protected by the king and can not i mmediately be s topped by the enemy king. Let us begin wi th a typical set-up:

It is clear that the rook on its own cannot win , but can the white king arrive in time to stop the pawn queening? It is fairly easy to ans wer this question if we co unt moves. In order to stop the pawn, the white k ing must reach g2 (or e2 if t he black king is on the g-file ). He needs 6 moves , for this, whereas Black needs only 5 moves to reach a position with his king on e2 and pawn on f2. We ca n concl ude from this that White wins only if h e has the move, as follows: 1 ©e7 Black to move draws by I . . f4 2 ©e7 f3 3 @f6 f2 4 @g5 @c3 5 @g4 @e2 etc. 1 f4 .

Rook Endings 97

f3 2 @f6 makes no difference whether l l l a c k moves his pawn or his king. f2 3 @gs @e3 4 @g4 @e2 S @g3 6 @g2 wins. < > f course, positions are not 11 l wa ys so clear-cut. We have seen 1 h 11 t the white king has to 11 p p roach on the opposite side to l h l' e n e m y king, fo r his way not to I ii' h lucked. Black can sometimes 1111 1 1 1 valuable time by preventing l h l' k i ng's approach and this can 1 ,.. 11 11 effective method of defence. h>r example , if we change i l 1 1 1 J.( r a m 1 1 5 by placing the white k 1 1 1 1( o n c7. White cannot win with t l ir m ove , even tho ugh theoretically hh k i n g only needs 5 moves to I 1 ' 1 11' h g2. The reaso n for this is 1 h 11 1 the black king can force W h i t e to waste time, as follows: I ·JJ d6 f4 2 l:fa 4+ or 2 @e6 f3, or , • ·JJr 5 f3 3 @c4 f2 4 @c3 @e3 etc ! \.t>c3 3 @es f3 4 ll a3+ @e2 S ·J.·1·4 f2 6 lla2+ @el 7 @e3 fl lll +! 1 1 1 1 t l Black draws . O r I llel+ @d4 I U fl \1ie4 3 @d6 f4 4 @e6 or 4 @c5 I I � \t>c4 @e3 6 @c3 f2 etc 4 f3 S ·J.·111 \t>c3 6 @gS f2 7 @g4 @e2 1 1 11. 1 1 1 1 1 d rawing. II t h e white king is o n the wrong •1 l l k , he must be correspondingly 1 1 1 · 1 1 1 l' I' the queening square to win. I 1 1 1 l' Xample, if we place the king 1 1 1 1 d> in diagram 1 1 5 , White wins l i v I \.tics f4 2 @c4 @e3 or 2 . . . f3 I lll- 1 t- and 4 @d3 3 @c3 @e2 or I IJ 4 If. e l + @f2 5 @d2 @g2 6 ·Jil· I 1'2 7 lle2 4 @d4 f3 S lla2+ It

followed by 6 @e3 . W e have not yet exhausted all the possibilities of diagram 1 1 5. Instead of moving the white king, let us place the white rook on d l , with White to move . The normal sequence comes up against a difficutly, as after l @e7 f4 2 @f6 f3 3 @g5 f2 4 @g4 @e3 5 @g3 @e2 the white rook is attacked, so the game is drawn. In order to win from this positio n , White must first improve the placing of his rook by I llel+! @d4 or l . . . @f3 2 llf l + @g4 3 @e7 f4 4 @e6 f3 5 @e5 @g3 6 @e4 f2 7 @e3 etc 2 llfl ! @e4, and only now play 3 @e7! f4 4 @f6 f3 S @gs @e3 6 @g4 f2 7 @g3 winning. In practice , positions occur where the rook is not on the first rank but somewhere behind the pawn along with the king. Let us analyse such a position :

. . .

...

.

M.E uwe 1 9 34 White has various ways of winning, so we will choose one of the m as our main line: I @d6

98 Rook Endings

Alternatives are 1 :ii f8+ @e4 2 @f6 or 2 ll:g 8 @f4 3 @f6 g4 4 @g6 g3 5 @h 5 etc 2 ... g4 3 lt>g5 g3 4 'it>h4 g2 5 1ig8 @f3 6 @h3 winning, or 1 ll:g8 or first 1 @f7 1 ... g4 2 @f7! @f4 3 \t>g6 g3 4 \t>h5 @£3 5 @h4 with an easy win. g4 1 If Black tries to prevent the king's advance by 1 . . . @e4 White wins afte r 2 1Ig 8 @f4 3 @d5 etc. @f4 2 @d5 @f3 3 @d4 If 3 . . . g3 4 1H8+ and 5 lt>e3 wms. g3 4 @d3 Or 4 . . . @f2 5 lif8+ @g2 6 @e2 etc. 5 1If8+ @g2 6 @e2 @gl g2 7 @f3 8 1I g8 @hi 9 'it>f2! wins. H owever, if we change the placing of the white rook, our asssessment of this positio n may alter. For example, with the rook on a6, White can no longer win, as the rook is unfavourably placed on the 6th rank. After 1 ll:f6+ @e4! the rook blocks its own king and must lose a te mpo by 2 1Ig6 'it>f4 3 @f6 o r 3 @e6 g4 4 @d5 g3 5 @d4 @f3 draws 3 ... g4 with the rook again blocking his king's approach via g6, or here 2 @d6 g4 3 @cs g3 4 ll:g6 \t>f3 5 \t>d4 g2, both drawing. If instead 1 @f7 g4 2 @g7 g3 3 @h6 @f4 4 lt>h5 g2 and 5 ... @f3 draws, or 1 @d6 g4 2 @d5 g3 3 \t>d4 g2! (king moves would lose),

as the rook cannot go to g6, Black dra ws afte r 4 laal @f4 5 @d3 @f3 etc. One final attempt by White is 1 laa5+ @f4 2 @f6, but Black still draws by 2 ... g4 3 1Ia4+ @f3 4 @f5 g3 5 E'. a3+ @f2 6 @f4 g2 7 1i a2+ @fl 8 @f3 gl lb +! etc . This ending cannot b e w o n a s we shall see later. However, if in the diagra mmed position we place the wh ite king on f7, Wh ite wins wherever his ro ok is positioned. The reader can check for h i mself. Finally let us look at a most interesting study by Reti:

R. Reti 1 928 The rook must retre a t, because

1 :ii a4 (or h4) fails to 1 . . . e4 2

l'ia5+ @f4 3 @e6 e3 4 1ie5 @O 5 @d5 e2 6 @d4 @f2 drawing, as Wh ite is a tempo too late. 1 lae2 (e3) ! ! This retreat i s not only surprising but even incomprehensible without a thorough analysis of the position. 1 E'.el seems more logical, as after 1 ... e4 2 @e7 @f4 3 @d6 e3 4 @d5 @f3 5 \t>d4 e2 6 @d3 White wins

Rook Endings 99

r 1 1 s i l y . However, Black has a more 1 1 1 1 1 11ing defence in 2 'it;eS! when h 1 1 1 h 3 ©f7 ©f5 ! and 3 ©d7 ©d5! lrnd to no progress for White. He 1 1 1 1 1 s l therefore move his rook, and 1 1 � it dare not leave the e-file l wra use of 3 . . . e3 3 lle2 is forced I I lie3 transposes). But now l l l a c k can play 3 ©d4 or 3 . . . w t 4 4 ©e6 e 3 5 ©f5 ©d3! gaining l h 1· vital tempo to draw. In other words , 2 . . . ©e 5 ! would p l a ce White in z ugzwang, which r � plains the text move . e4 1 Or l . . . ©f4 2 Ile ! e4 3 ©e6, or hne 2 . . . ©f5 3 'it;e7 etc winning rn sily. 2 llel ! < >nly now does the rook go to l h c fi rst rank. ©e5 2 3 ©e7! Now it is Black who is in 1 1 1 gzwang and he must give way to l h e w hite king. 3 ©g6? would spoil rvl· ry t hing, as 3 . . . ©f4! 4 ©h5 e3 � \!/h4 ©f3 draws. ©d4 3 Or 3 . . ©f4 4 ©d6 e3 5 ©d5 etc. e3 4 ©f6 5 'it;fS 'it;d3 6 ©f4 e2 7 ©f3 wins. One of the best studies with this 1 1 1 1 1 t e rial . It is amazing how much � 1 1 h tlcty is contained in such a � 1 1 1 1 p i e setting. Before we end this part, let us rn nsider two useful positions i.11ven in diagram 1 1 8 . I n the top position White wins ...

...

.

by a noteworthy manoeuvre which often occurs in such e ndings: lla5! 1 White profits from the fac t that the pawn cannot advance to the sixth rank without the help of the king which is now shut off from one side of the pawn. He must not play the alternative 1 'it;b7? 'it;eS! 2 ©c6 g4 3 llg7 or 3 ©c5 g3 4 ©c4 ©e4! 5 llg7 ©f3 6 ©d3 g2 7 ©d2 ©f2 8 llf7+ 'it;g3 ! 3 ©f4 4 ©d5 g3 5 ©d4 ©f3 6 ©d3 or 6 llf7+ ©e2! 6 g2 and Black draws . ©g6 1 The pawn cannot advance as after I . . g4 2 ©b7 g3 3 lla3 ! it is lost, and even if the pawn does not go to the sixth the king is permanently cut off. Black now intends to bring his king up first, but this costs a great deal of time which White uses to advance his own king. 2 ©b7 ©h5 3 ©c6 ©g4 Black must lose even more time in order to prevent the white king's advance, as 3 . . . ©h4 loses at once to 4 ©d5 g4 5 ©e4 g3 ...

...

.

J OO Rook Endings

6 @f3 etc. @f3 4 @d5 Or 4 . . . @f4 5 @d4 g4 6 @d3 @f3 7 Iif5+ etc. 5 @e5! Much simpler than 5 @d4 g4 when White must avoid the pitfall 6 @d3? g3 7 lif5+ @g4 ! 8 llf8 or 8 lifl g2 9 Ila ! ©f3 etc 8 ... g2 9 @e2 gl ll:i + ! White must play i n s tead 6 lla3+ ©f4 or 6 . . . ©f2 7 @ e4 7 ©d3 ©f3 8 ©d2+ ©f2 9 Ifa8 g3 10 llf8+ followed by 1 1 @e2 winn ing. 5 g4 6 lla3+ wi t h an easy win . The reader should remember th is idea of using the rook on the fi fth rank to cut off the ene my ki ng . The bottom position of diagram 1 1 8 is dra wn, despite the fact that W hi te has the move. The reason fo r this lies in the unfavo urable po si tion of White's rook. For ins ta nce , if the rook were on g8 , White would win easily by 1 c 3 b2 2 lla8+ ©b l 3 llb8 ©a l 4 c 2 ! etc . Play fro m the diagram might go as fo llows: 1 ©c3 b2 2 llg2 Or llg8 b l ll:i + ! draws . ©al 2 3 llxb2 stalemate . If Black h as two pawns, then every thing depends on the placing of t he pieces . I f the pawns are advanced and supported by the king, they can often win , but if

they are blockaded, the rook wins. Let us consider a few examples:

Tarrasch-J anowski 1 907 This instructive position occurred in an important tournament game. White has strong passed pawns but they still need the support of the king, as otherwise the rook would simply pick them up by I . . . llf5 , 2 . . . llxg5 and 3 . . . llf5 . As it is, White can support the pawns with his king, but must play exactly. 1 @d4! Following the principles we have already stated, White advances his king whilst at the same time hindering the black king's approach. Black to move would easily draw by I . . . ©c3 2 ©e4 ©c4 3 ©e5 Ilg! 4 f7 (or 4 @f5 ©d5 and Black wins ! ) 4 . . . llxg5+ 5 ©e4 (or 5 ©e6 llg6+) 5 . . . Ilg ! 6 ©e5 with a draw. 1 ©b3 Black m ust bring his king nearer the pawns as quickly as possible. Rook moves are useless, for after I . . . llf5 2 ©e4 ! llxg5 3 f7

Rook Endings 101

ll i-:4+ 4 ©e3 I!g3+ 5 ©f2 wins. 2 ©e5 Maizelis subsequently showed l h a t 2 ©d5 ! would have made W h i te's task easier. Black's king is k l·pt away fro m c4, and 2 . . . I!f5+ l oses to 3 ©e6 lixg5 4 f7. After 2 . . . '.!Id 3 ©e6 ©d4 4 f7 wins, o r here I . lie ! + 4 Wf7 \t7d4 5 g6 ©e5 " �g7 ! ©c4 2 3 g6 Stronger according to Maizelis 1 s 3 ©e6 ! lie ! + (as 4 f7 was t h reatened) 4 ©f7 ©d5 5 g6 t h reatening 6 g7 and after 5 . . . ©e 5 or 5 . . . lig l 6 ©g7 ! and 7 f7 wins. 3 liel+ 4 ©d6 But not 4 ©f5 ©d 5 ! 5 f7 I!fl + a nd 6 . . . ©e6 drawing, or here 5 g7 Iffl+ 6 ©g6 li g l + 7 ©f7 ©e 5 X ©e7 I!g2 etc. I! g l ! 4 In the actual game Janowski played the weaker 4 . . . I!d l + 5 ©e7 lie 1 + 6 © f7 and had to resign. On the other hand, the text move poses i nteresting problems. 5 g7 The only move, as Black draws a fter 5 f7 lixg6+ 6 ©e5 lig5+ 7 ©e4 I!g l ! etc. ©d4 5 Preventing 6 f7 when he draws by 6 . . . lig6+ and 7 . . . lixg7. Now White can not win by 6 ©e6 ©e4 7 ©f7 ©f5 , nor by 6 ©e7 ©e5 etc. 6 ©c6 ! Threatening 7 f7. If now 6 . . . I!g6 7 ©b5 wins. ©c4 6 . .

7 ©d 7! Profiting from the fact that Black cannot play 7 . . . ©e5 . Instead 7 ©b6 would only draw afte r 7 . . . I!g6 8 ©a5 (8 ©c7 ©d5 9 ©d7 ©e5) 8 . . . lig5+ 9 ©a4 I! g l I O ©a3 ©c3 1 1 ©a2 li g2+ etc . 7 ©d5 8 ©e8 And now 9 f7 cannot be stopped. 8 ©e6 9 n lial The last try, threatening mate. f8 lb + ! 10 followed by 1 1 g8'§' winning. This example has shown us that the rook has excellent defensive chances against advanced pawns, sometimes in seemingly hopeless situations. O ur next position reinforces this point.

H . Keidanski 1 9 1 4 Compared to the pre vious example, the black king is here more favo urably place d, whereas the rook is at the moment in rather a passive position, being unable to preve nt the threatened f6. Black's

102 Rook Endings

first tas k , therefore , is to improve the position of this rook. licl ! l Even simpler according to Kopayev is l . . . llc4+ ! 2 ©e5 (2 @d5 llc5+ 3 ©d6 lixf5 ! or 2 ©d3 lic3+ 3 ©e2? lic8 ! and 4 . . . ©c5 etc) 2 . . . ©c5 3 e 7 lic l giving us the main variation. 2 e7 This move gives the defence the most problems, whereas 2 ©d 5 is harmless after 2 . . . llfl 3 ©e5 ©c5 , or here 3 e7 lixf5+ 4 ©d4 llfl ! etc . 2 f6 is also easier to answer, Black playing 2 . . . :!Id I+ 3 ©e5 ©c5 4 f7 (or 4 e7 li e l + and 5 . . . ©d6) 4 . . . li e l + 5 ©f6 llfl + 6 ©e 7 ©d5 7 ©d 7 llf6 drawing. 2 lidl+ 3 ©e5 ©c5 4 ©e6 Again 4 f6 lie l + and 5 . . . ©d6 gives an easy draw, or 4 ©f6 :!le i 5 ©f7 ©d6 6 e8..W (6 f6 ©d7 7 ©f8 lle6 etc) 6 . . . lixe8 7 ©xe8 ©e5 draws. 4 liel+ 5 ©d7 lldl+ 6 ©c7 If 6 ©e8 llfl and the king m ust return to the d-file . Or 6 ©c8 lie I 7 f6 ©d6 8 ©d8 lia l ! draws. 6 :!lei lie6! f6 7 The only move, preventing the threatened 8 ©d7 lld l + 9 ©e8 and l 0 f7 . lid6+ 8 ©d7 9 ©c8 Not 9 ©e 8 lixf6. White now

hopes for 9 . . . lle6 I O f7 winning, but Black has a stronger move. lic6+ 9 llb6+ IO ©b7 lle6! 1 1 ©a7 a nd the draw is clear, for White cannot prevent 1 2 . . . ©d6 and 13 . . . llxe7. We already seen that far advanced pawns can be neutralized or captured by the rook, if they are unsupported by the king. Here is a further example of this:

Black to m ove wins easily by I . . . f3 or l . . . g2, but with White tu move the rook can destroy the pawns on its own by l lig6 ! ©d7 2 llg4 g2 or 2 . . . ©e6 3 llxf4 and 4 lig4 3 llxg2 ©e6 4 llg5! ©f6 5 lia5 with an easy win , as the pawn can never advance. Very interesting positions arise when the king is cut off at the side of the board but his pawns are fa r advanced, as i n our next example. With White to move , the position seems hopeless for Black as the pawns cannot be stopped . However, Black saves himself by using the unfavourable position of

Rook Endings 103

after J. Moravec 1924 W h i te's king which cannot escape constant mating threats. b7 1 Si milar variations arise after I 1 1 7 l:[a2! 2 ©d i (2 ©fl @f3) 2 . . . ·J.id J 3 @c l @c3 4 @b l lla6 5 b7 1Ih6+ 6 ©c l llh6! 7 ©d i Wd3 K 1!.>c I ©e3 9 ©fl Wf3 IO Wg I U�6+ 1 1 @fl llh6 and White 1 11 1 1 not escape the mating threats. A n astonishing draw! llh2! 1 The only square for the rook. I . lib2 loses to 2 Wd l Wd3 3 We i ·.lid 4 a7 llh2 (if 4 . . . lla2 5 b 8 'i¥ ! ) 'I b l l:[ b6+ 8 @c l llh6! or by ·I . l:[ h l + 5 Wa2 llh2+ 6 @a3 Uh I 7 Wa4 Wc4 8 Wa5 Wc5 and l h l· k i ng must return. ©f3 2 I he

. .

. .

llg2+ 3 ©gl Not 3 . . . llb2? 4 a7 ll b l + 5 Wh2 llb2+ 6 @h3 llb l 7 b8'i¥ llh l + 8 'i¥h2 winning, b u t 3 . . . llh8 is equally possible. 4 ©bl llg8 llh8+ a7 5 li[g8+ 6 ©gl llh8 7 ©fl and White can make no progress, e.g. 8 @e l @e3 9 @d i Wd3 1 0 @c l @c3 1 1 ©b l ll h l + 1 2 @a2 llh2+ 13 @a3 llh l 14 Wa4 Wc4 1 5 Wa5 Wc5 16 Wa6 Ila I mate, so the king must turn back . When the pawns are isolated, the rook usually wins, unless they are far advanced. An instructive position from practical play 1s given in diagram 1 23. 1 23

� � t • •, wm � � . . � • • • • . . . . . �� � • • • • • • • • � . . . . . . �

•

Lehner-Rotschild 1 8 8 1 In the actual game, play went

I llxh7? ©d5! 2 llf7 ©e4 3 ©c5 f3

4 Wc4 We3 5 Wc3 f2 6 Wc2 We2 7 lle7+ @f3 ! 'Ii- Yi . White's first move was a serio us error for the dangerous pawn is the f-pawn not the h-pawn . He could have won as follows: 1 llfS!

1 04 Rook Endings

Or 1 lid8+ @e5 2 @c5 etc, with the same result. @es 1 @e4 2 @cs After 2 . . . h5 3 1Ie8+ @f5 4 @d4 h4 the simplest win is 5 @d3 and 6 @e2. @e3 3 @c4 hS 4 @c3 Or 4 . . . f3 5 1Ie8+ @f2 6 @d2 h5 7 1Ih8 @g2 8 @e3 followed by 9 1Ig8+ with an easy win . S 1Ie8+ @fl 6 @d2 6 1Ih8 would waste time after 6 . . . @e2 when White must play 7 1Ie8+ again, as 7 1Ixh5 f3 draws . h4 6 7 1Ih8 @g3 8 @e2 h3 9 1Ig8+ and 1 0 @fl with an easy win . Endgames with rook against three or more pawns belong to the sphere of the practical ending. Of so me interest to us here is the case when the rook is up against three connected pawns , as in our next diagram. 124

� •

�

�

.

•

�•

• . ... . . . ··� . ... � . . � . . . • • • • . . . • • • •

.

•

� •

H . Lehner 1 8 87

In this position B lack to move is in zugzwang and loses quickly, e.g. 1 ... @h7 or 1 ... @h5 2 @f4 @h6 3 @xf5 2 li gS @h6 3 lixfS h2 4 llfl g3 s @f3. However, White to move can seemingly do nothing decisive, as after 1 @f4 @h7 2 ligS @h6 Wh ite cannot capture the f-pawn because of 3 . . . h2 winning . If he continues 3 1Ig8 @h7 4 1Ia8 Black plays 4 ... @g7! but not 4 . . . @g6 5 1If8 ! @h6 6 1If6+ and 7 1I xf5 winning S 1Ia6 @f7! not 5 . . . @h7 6 @g5 ! @g7 7 1Ia7+ followed by 8 @f4 and 9 1Ia5; 5 . . . @g8 or 5 . . . @f8 also lose to 6 1Ia5 6 1Ih6 @g7 7 1Ih5 @g6 8 ligS+ if 8 1Ixf5 h2 9 1Ig5+ @h6 1 0 1Ig8 @h7 wins 8 ... @h6 9 1Ig8 @h7 10 1Ia8 @g7 and we are back where we started. Black must watch that the rook does not reach f8 or, as we shall see later, in some lines g8. Yet despite all this, White to move can still force a win, as Kopayev has shown in the following fine analysis: 1 @e2 White intends to lose a tem po and bring about the same diagram with Black to move. As we shall see, Black cannot prevent this, so diagram 1 24 must now be assessed as won for White, whoever has the move . 1 @hS There is no pawn move available . 2 @fl @h4 If 2 . . . @h6 3 @e3 gives u s diagram 1 24 with Black t o move , and 2 . . . f4 3 1Ih8+ leads to the

Rook Endings 105

line. f4 3 1Ig7 < >r 3 . . . @h5 4 @e3 @h6 5 1Ig8 11 1 1 d aga i n White has achieved his 11 1 1 1 1 . Even the present position w 1 1 � l o n g thought to be drawn, but 1 1 11' following winning plan of' I\ 1 1 pa yev is convincing enough. 'it>g5 4 1Ih7+ 5 @g l ! l h i s i s t h e subtle point. White's � 1 1 1 1-t heads for h2 to prevent for ' ' " n the advance of the pawns. l l l u r k will then be forced to play l .l when @g3 prove s decisive . @f5 s I :. vcn easier for White is 5 . . . f3 , , \l/f2 @f4 7 1If7+ and 8 @g3 . @e4 6 @h2 N o r would previous play be any l 11• 1 t c r . After 6 . . . @g5 7 1I f7! or ,, . . ©e5 7 1Ig7 @f5 8 1Ig8 ! White l 1 1 1 rc s 8 . . . f3 when 9 @g3 wins 1• 11 s i l y . 7 1Ig7 @f3 8 1Ig8! :t.ugzwang! Black must give up 11 p a w n . @e2 8 Or 8 .. . g3+ 9 @xh3 @f2 1 0 Ila8 etc. 9 1Ixg4 f3 @fl IO 1Ie4+ 11 @g3 B u t not I I 1!7xh3 f2 with a draw. 11 f2 Or l l . . . h 2 I 2 @xh2 f2 1 3 1If4 n m l 1 4 @g2. 12 1If4 wins. We can draw various conclusions I I om this fine piece of analysis. A1tai nst three. connected pawns, 1111n11

White wins if his king is near and the pawns are no further advanced than the fourth rank. With a pawn on the sixth, Black has good drawing chances, and a pawn on the seventh usually forces White to look for a draw.

For example in diagram 1 25 Black to move wins by 1 . . . f3+ ! 2 1Ixf3 h 1 'i!V + 3 @xhl @xf3 4 @gl g2. White to move can draw by 1 'it>hl ! as 1 ... £3 or I . . . @h3 2 1If3 2 1Ixf3 @xf3 gives stalemate . Finally, another interesting study by Reti: 126

� � � m m m m m m m m m ··� • • . . . m m ••• m m m � m m m m � � . . • � • v.

R. Reti I 929 As the white king is far away from the scene of action, his only

106 Rook Endings

hope is to draw. To do this he must eliminate at least one of the dangero us connected pawns, but which one is the all-important question. Reti's solution gives us the answer: 1 llg8! The alternative I llf8 would lose in the following instructive way: I . . . f3 2 llf4 b4 3 ll xg4 b3 4 llg l (4 llg5+ @d4 5 llg4+ fails to 5 . . . @e5 ! 6 ll g5+ @f4, but not here 5 . . . @d3 6 llb4 @c2 7 ll c4+ @d2 8 ll d4+ @e2 9 ll e4+ etc) 4 . . . f2 5 ll f l b 2 6 @g7 @d4 7 @f6 @d3 ! wins. 8 . . . @e2 is threatened and 8 li b ! fails to 8 . . . @c2 and 9 . . . b l 'i!t' . We shall soon see the difference between this and the main line. g3 1 The only chance, as I . f3 2 llxg4 and 3 ll f4 wins the f-pawn, and I . . . @d4 2 llxg4 @e3 3 llg5 l eads to the capture of the b-pawn. 2 llg4 b4 3 llxf4 b3 4 llfl The o nly way of holding both pawns. g2 4 b2 5 ll gl 6 @g7 @d4 @e3 7 @f6 Again threatening to win by 8 . . . @f2 , but White in this case has a liatisfactory defence. 8 llbl ! @d3 9 ll gl ! draw. Black can bring his king no nearer. For White to draw like this, there must be at least four files ..

between the pawns. We could show many mon· i nteresting positions in which the rook has to fight against several pawns, but this would take us too far afield. Let us instead turn to perhaps the most important parl of the simpler rook endings, rook and pawn against rook. Rook and Pawn against Rook We have already mentioned that rook endi ngs are in practice the most common of all endings and therefore represent an especially important part of endgame theory . For this reason the reader mus l devote special attention to the following section. In spite of their apparent simplicity, rook endings are in reality very difficult to play well and often contain subtleties which one would hardly suspect at first glance.

Before we proceed to a thorough examination of basic positions, le t us briefly consider the few exceptional situations in which rook against rook can win, even without pawns on the board. Of

Rook Endings 107

this can only happen when is in a mating net or when l l i nc i s a forced win of a rook. For 1· � 1 1 m ple, in diagram 1 27 , Black l 1 1�es even with the move, for he 1 1 1 1 1 s t give up his rook to prevent 1 1 1 1 1 t c . Black equally loses in the p 1 1 � i t i on with White's king on e6, 1 1 1 1 > k on a6, and Black's ki ng on di , rook on f5 . •

� i ng

1 1 1 1 rs c ,

11

hnally, in diagram 1 28 , White m ove wins the rook by I lih6+ 11 ml 2 li h7+. Naturally, these 1· xccptional positions usually occur d u r ing a more complicated ending 1 1 1 t her than on their own (see the Saavedra position), but are worth lra rning. The reader will soon see how rnm plicated even the simplest l oo k i ng ending can be, but these husic positions must be fully u nderstood before more complex p o s i tions can be attem pted . This is why a relatively large pa rt of this book is devoted to l hcse endings. Many chessplayers may find it a little dull to study N 11f2 c;;i>h 7? 2 c;;i>e 2 c;;i>g 7? 3 c;;i>d3 lia4 4 c;;i>c3 c;;i>f7 5 c;;i>b 3 lial 6 c;;i>b 4 libl+ 7 c;;i>c S licl+ 8 c;;i>b 6 libl+ 9 c;;i>a 7 c;;i>e 7 10 lib8 licl 1 1 c;;i> b 7 libl+ 12 c;;i> a 8 lial 13 a 7, continuing as in our analysis of diagram 1 36. All this means that Black must take active measures if he is to draw. His aim is to reach the drawing position shown in diagram 1 3 8, as follows: li a5 ! 1 c;;i>f2 2 c;;i>e 3 2 lia7+ changes n othing, as Black simply plays 2 . . . c;;i> g6, al though 2 . . . c;;i> g 8 is possible. 2 lie5+ 3 c;;i>d4 lie6 ! a nd w e have reached Vancura's position which we know is drawn. It would, however, be wrong to

1 14 Rook Endings

assume from this that all positions similar to diagra m 1 39 are drawn. As we have said, everything depends on the placing of White's king. For example, with the king on the fourth ran k, the rook can obviously not use the same method to arrive at Vancura's position. Is it then essential for Black's rook to gain a tempo to reach the third rank? Why cannot Black leave his king on g7 and play his rook away from the a-file, then back to the third rank? Play might go, from diagram 1 39, 1 lt>f2 licl, and as Black is threatening 2 . . . lic6, White must move h i s rook. 2 lib8 lial 3 lib6 lit>f7 4 lt>e3 lt>e7 5 lit>d4 \t>d7 6 lt>c5 \t>c7 7 li b7+ \t>c8 8 lt>b6 libl+ 9 \t>a7 licl gives White nothing (even simpler here 3 . . . lia3 ! ) so he must try 2 li a7+ Where doe s Black now play his king? Black loses after 2 . . . \t>f8 3 lib7 and 4 a7 , but draws with 2 ... \t>g6 3 lib7 lial 4 a7 lia3 5 \t>e2 \t>f6 etc. This means that Black has a second way of reaching Vancura's position, so long as the white king is far eno ugh away. How far must this be then, if Black is to draw? Before defining these limits, let us examine a further position, as seen in diagram 1 40. The white king is just near enough to his pawn to achieve the win in the following instructive fashion: 1 \t>d3 The only winning move, as

1 lt>e3 fails to 1 . . . lie l + and 2 . . . lie6, a nd 1 lit>d2 li b l 2 lia7+ \t>g6 draws for Black, e.g. 3 lib7 lia l 4 lib6+ (or 4 a7 lit>f6 5 \t>c3 lt>e6 6 lt>c4 \t>d6) 4 . . . \t>f7 5 \t>c3 lt>e7 drawing. Equally ineffective is 1 lia7+ lit>f6 2 \t>d3? lt>e6 3 \t>c4 \t>d6 and Black draws. This analysis shows that, with Black to move, the position is drawn after 1 . . . li c l or 1 . . . lia5. 1 lia4 The al ternative method 1 . . . li d l + 2 \t>c4 lid6 fails t o 3 \t>b 5 ! lid5+ 4 \t>c6 li a 5 5 \t>b6 winning. Or 1 ... lifl 2 lia7+ ! not 2 lic8 lia l 3 lic6? \t>f7 4 \t>c4 lt>e7 5 \t>b5 lit>d7 6 lic4 lib l + 7 \t>a5 lia l + 8 \t>b6 lib l + 9 \t>a7 lib2 etc. 2 ... \t>g6 or 2 . . . \t>f6 3 lih7! \t>g6 4 lib7 transposing; or here 3 . . . lia l 4 a7 lt>e6 5 \t>c4 \t>d6 6 \t>b5 winning 3 lib7 lial 4 a7 \t>f6, or 4 . . . lia4 5 \t>c3 \t>f6 6 \t>b3 lia l 7 \t>c4 \t>e6 8 lt>c5 or 8 lih7 wins 5 \t>c4 \t>e6 6 lt>c5 or 6 lih7 with an easy win. Finally, Black can try 1 . . . li h I to prevent 3 lih7 after 2 lia7+ \t>f6 ! and to draw after 3 lib7 lia l 4 a7 lt>e6 5 \t>c4 \t>d6 .

Rook Endings 1 15

However, the rook is badly placed on the h-file and allows White to w i n by 2 c;;i>c 4! llh6 3 c;;i>b 5 lah5+ 4 c;;i>b 6 ll h6+ 5 c;;i> b 7, as the black k i ng now interferes with the rook's action. llh4 2 c;;i>c3 Black cannot wait, because .1 c;;i>b 3 and 4 c;;i> b 4 is threatened. If 2 . . . llf4 3 lla7+ c;;i>f6 4 llh7 ©g6 5 llb7 wins as we have a l ready seen. c;;i>f6 3 l:l a7+ The point of his previous move. White wins after 3 . . . c;;i>g6 4 l:lb7, whereas now 4 l:lb7 lla4 5 a7 c;;i>e6 ,, ®b3 l:l: a l draws for Black. l:lhl 4 c;;i> b 3! The black king dare not play to l h e e-file because of 5 lla8 followed by 6 a7 , and if 4 . . . llh8 � llb7 c;;i> e 6 6 a7 lla8 7 c;;i> c4 c;;i> d6 X c;;i>b 5 wins. l:lal 5 l:la8 The th reat is 6 a7, and 5 ... c;;i>g7 ,, c;;i>c4 wi ns, as we saw in our note l o move 1 . 6 �b4 a nd White wins by playing his k i ng to a7. Black cannot play 6 . . . oJic7 (or e6) because o f 7 a 7 . We h a ve already demonstrated this w i n ning method. We can now define the zone wi thin which the white king must he si tuated for Black to draw with l h c move. Diagram 1 4 1 illustrates I h is.

In order to give an example of r o rrect defence by Black, let us assume that the white king is on 14.

P. Romanovsky 1 950 1 llcl Black has an alternative and perhaps even simpler drawing method in 1 lla5! 2 c;;i> e4 la c5 3 laa7+ Black threatened 3 . . . l:lc6, and 3 llb8 lla5 4 ll b6 c;;i>f7 5 c;;i> d4 c;;i>e 7 6 c;;i>c 4 c;;i> d 7 also draws 3 c;;i>g6 ! but not 3 . . . c;;i> f6? 4 c;;i>d 4 l:l: c6 5 llh7 c;;i> g6 6 a 7 lla6 7 ll b7 winning 4 llb7 l:la5 5 a7 or 5 llb6+ c;;t>f7 6 c;;i>d 4 c;;i> e7 etc 5 c;;i>f6 6 c;;i>d4 c;;i>e 6 7 c;;i> c4 c;;i>d6 8 c;;i> b4 llal and Black draws comfortably. Ho wever, other moves lose for Blac k. 1 . . . ll b l fails to 2 lla7+ c;;i>g6 (or 2 . . . c;;i>f6 3 c;;i>e4 l:l b6 4 l:lh7 etc) 3 llb7 lla l 4 llb6+ ! c;;t>f7 5 c;;i>e 5 as Black is forced into 5 .. c;;i>e 7 6 llb7+ and 7 a7 winning. Or 1 . . . llh l 2 ll a7+ c;;i>f6 3 c;;i> e 4! c;;i> e6 4 lla8! and 5 a7 wins. Or 1 . . . llfl + 2 c;;i> e 5 l:lf6 3 llg8+ wins. 2 l:la7+ As already mentioned, White o nly draws after 2 ll b8 l:la l 3 llb6 :!Ia5 ! 4 c;;i> e4 c;;i> f7 5 c;;i> d 4 c;;i> e 7 etc. M eanwhile, Black is th reatening 2 . . llc6. ...

...

...

.

1 16 Rook Endings

2 �g6 The only move. After 2 . . . �f6? (or 2 . . . �f8? 3 lib7 and 4 a 7 wins) 3 �e4 ! lic6 (3 . . . ®e6 4 lia8! and 5 a7 ) 4 lih7 �g6 5 a7 lia6 6 lib7 lia5 7 �d4 �f6 8 �c4 �e6 9 �b4 and I 0 �b5 wins. A fter the text move, Black again threatens to play 3 . . . lic6. 3 lib7 licS An alternative drawing line is 3 . . . �f6! as 4 �e4 can be answered by 4 . . . lia l 5 lia7 �e6 6 l:ia8 �d6 7 a 7 �c7 etc. After 4 ii b8 lia I 5 lia8 lia4+ ! 6 �e3 �g7 7 �d3 lif4 8 lia7+ �g6 ! 9 lib7 lia4 I O a7 �f6 I I �c3 �e6 I 2 �b3 lia I 1 3 �c4 �d6 Black draws . No tice that this variation does not disprove our indicated drawing zone for the position of the white king, as diagram I 4 I is only valid with the black king on g7, not e6 as here, after White's 6th move. 4 a7 After 4 �e4 lia5 5 li a 7 li c 5 ! again threatens 6 . . . lic6. Or 4 lib8 lia5 5 lia8 �g7 fol lowed by 6 . . . lic5 , and White can make no progress. liaS 4 �f6 S �e4 and draws after 6 �d4 �e6 7 �c4 �d6 8 �b4 lia I etc. Now let us see how White to move can win from diagram I 4 I : I �es Or I �e4, as illustrated by our zone , with play similar to the main line. liaS+ I

Black has no choice, as I ... lie I + only helps the white king to reach a7 and I . . . li b I 2 lia7+ �g6 3 lib7 lia I 4 a7 wins. 2 �d4 We give this contin uation because it could also arise from the I �e4 line. White can also win by 2 �d6 lif5 3 lia7+ �f8 (or 3 . . . �g8 o r 3 . . . �g6 4 lie7 wins, whereas now 4 lie7 fails to 4 . . . lia5 5 a 7 lia6+) 4 �e6 lia5 5 lia8+ �g7 6 �d7 lif5 7 lie8 winning. 2 libs 3 lia7+ �f6 Or 3 . . . �g6 4 lib7 lia5 5 a7 �f6 6 �c4 �e6 7 �b4 lia I 8 �c 5 wins. 4 �c4 4 lih7 also wins after 4 . . . lia5 (or 4 . . . �g6 5 lib7) 5 a7 �e6 6 �c4 �d6 7 �b4 lia I 8 �b5 etc. Not, however, 4 lib7 lia5 5 a7 �e6 6 �c4 �d6 7 �b4 li a l drawing. 4 lib6 Or 4 . . . lia5 5 lia8 and the white king reaches a7. lie6 S �cs 6 lih7 and wins easily after 6 . . . �g6 7 a7 lia6 8 lib7 etc. In order to complete our discussion of diagram I 4 I , let us finally examine what happens with the white king on f5 . Black draws by I liaS+ ! but not 1 .. . lifl + 2 �e 5! lif6? 3 lig8+, or I . . . lib I 2 li a7+ �h6 3 lib7 and 4 a7 2 �e6 or 2 �e4 lic5 , as a lready analysed 2 lihS ! if 2 . . . lig5, then Wh ite wins by 3 lia7+ �g8 ...

...

Rook Endings 1 1 7 I

·I

�f6 lla5 5 @g6 'i&f8 6 ll:a8+ @e7 3 ll:a7+ or 3 @d7 ll:h6 4 'i&c7

a7

U l a8 wins 7 b6 'it>f7 or 7 . . . lih8 8 'it>c3 llb8 9 libl 'it>e6 1 0 'it>c4 'it>d7 1 1 'it>b5 ©c8 1 2 lic l + and 12 . . . 'it>b7 allows mate in two 8 llbl lih8 9 ©c3 'it>e6 10 'it>b4 ©d7 1 1 licl ! lic8 12 licS winning ( 1 2 . . . llc6 1 3 'it>b5). The a bove variation not only shows us a new defensive resource but also a subtle winning method for White. It is worth noting that after Black's 4 . . . lih3 ! , if his king now s tood on f5 instead of f4, he would dra w after 5 'it>c2 'it>f6 6 b5 lih5 7 b6 lic5+ 8 'it>d3 lib5 as White could no longer play 9 lie6. Or 5 b5 lid3 ! 6 'it>c2 lid5 7 lib 1 lic5+ 8 'it>d3 'it>e5 9 b6 lic8 draws. Now let us return to our main line: 3 'it>c3 White could play 3 lie l and bring about diagram 1 70 with Black to move, but we now know that Black can change his defensive plan by 3 . . . lih 8 ! when White is compelled to play 4 lle3, as 4 b4? lih3 ! 5 'it>c2 'it>f7 6 b5 lih5 7 lib 1 'it>e6 draws. 3 lic8+ 4 'it>d4 llb8 Or 4 . . . lid8+ 5 'i!tc5 llc8+ transposing. llc8+ 5 'it>cS lib8 6 'it>d6 !. Or 6 . . . lid8+ 7 'it>c7 lid4 8 'it>c6 lih4 9 'it>b 5 lih5+ 10 ©a4 and the pawn advances. 7 llf3+! The point of the whole man­ oe uvre . The fact that White's pawn was guarded by the rook on e3 allowed 5 'i!tc5 and 6 'it>d6 w.h ich

Despite his advantage, Whitc'N task is still not easy. If 8 'it>c7 Ji[ h4 9 ©c6 lib8 and the pawn cannol advance. Rook moves allow t lw black king to return . In order t o win, White h a s t o switch pla n� back to placing his rook on b8, when he will win because Black ·� king is j ust far enough away. lic8+ 8 'it>cS! Or 8 . . . 'it>g4 9 lld3 ! llc8+ ( t o stop 1 0 b4) 1 0 'it>b6 lib8+ 1 1 �i: 7 lib4 1 2 'it>c6 ©f4 (or 1 2 . . . Ji[ h 8 13 lid4+ 'it>f5 1 4 b4 ©e5 1 5 ll h 4 wins) 13 'it>c5 lib8 1 4 b4 likH I 1 5 'i!;>d5 lid8+ 1 6 'it>c4 li:[c8 I 1 7 'it>b3 'it>e4 (o r 1 7 . . . lib8 1 8 l:[ LI � . o r 1 7 . . . 'it>e5 1 8 b 5 etc) 1 8 lldt1 ©e5 19 lia6 and wins as we sa w i n our analysis o f diagram 1 67. llb8 9 'it>d4 lic8+ 10 'it>c3 Here, or previously, 10 . . 'it>)t4 1 1 lifl would only help White. 11 'it>b2 lib8 After a great deal of trouble a nd subtle play, White is now almo11I .

Rook Endings 139 huck

where he started, with the difference that the black king 1 � fo ur files away from the pawn 1 1 1 stead of three. This is the 1 k r i d i n g factor. 12 nm I l e ading for b 1 . There 1s no o lr f c n ce to this plan. ©g6 12 1 3 ©c3 Begi nning the old dance routine 1 1 1 1 t he last time! lic8+ 13 lib8 14 ©d4 lic8+ 1 5 ©c4 lib8 1 6 ©dS 17 libl ! h n a l l y . The black king now 11 1 1 1 ve s too late. ©f7 17 ©e7 18 b4 19 ©c6 and wins easily. A t remendous piece of analysis h v ( i rigoriev, full of subtle a nd • 1 1 1 prising points. We have brought 11 1 1 1 t h e reader's attention in order 111 convi nce him about the 1 l t l l 1 rn l t i es even the simplest l o 11 1 k i ng ending can contain. All t hr more reason, then , for studying •111 h endings before we are faced w i t h t hem over the board. l 'h c re a re many more interesting 1• 1 1 ' 111n mcs with the pawn on its 1 1 1 l 1& 1 1 1 a l square or with a centre p11 w 1 1 on the third rank, but we • h 11 1 l d i spense with these. Instead, 111 1 u s e xa mine two exa mples in w h h h the defending king is placed 1 ... 1 i 1 1 1 d the pawn. 1 1 1 �cneral such positions are w 1 1 1 1 for White, especially if the vital

Kling and Horwitz 1 85 1 king is a rank away from the . pawn. Black has drawing chances only when the white pieces are awkwa rdly placed or the pawn has not advanced much. At first sight diagram 1 7 2 seems to give Black good dra wing chances, for the white pieces are tied to the defence of the pawn . However, White frees his game by the fol lowing typical manoeuvre: 1 lih8! But not 1 d7? lie6+ 2 ©f7 which wou ld indeed win after 2 . . . ©d6? 3 lie8! but which only draws after 2 . . . li f6+ ! 3 ©g7 ©e6 4 lie8+ 'it>xd7. lixd6 1 2 lihS+ wins. This position is still won if we move it to the left , but it is clear that, one file to the right, it is drawn after 1 lih8 li xe6 2 lih5+ 'it>g4 etc. Diagram 1 73 is another position of practical value. White's pieces are more effectively placed than in the preceding example, yet s ur-

140 Rook Endings

prisingly eno ugh Black to move can draw.

6 lle2+ lt>f7 7 d7, reaching a position of the diagram 1 49 type . Moving the position to the righ t does not change the result, but, two files to the right, Black has to 'it>h� defend differently. After 1 2 g6+ 'it>h6 3 l:ia6 llg2 4 ll f6 l:igl? 5 lif2 l:i a l 6 l:ih2+ wins , a s Black's king m ust go to g5 . However, Black has a stalemak l:igS! 5 lift llfS+ I resou rce in 4 6 llxfS stalemate. Note that Black dare not play 3 . . . lig5? as 4 llf61 then places him in zugzwang, and wins for White. With this, we conclude our treatment of rook and pawn against rook. We make no apology for the size of this section which only serves to indicate the extra­ o rdinary importance of this type of ending. More complex rook and pawn endings are usually reduced to one of these basil' positions which m ust therefore be known thoroughly. ...

...

White to move wins by 1 e6, but Black to move draws as follows: 'it>fS 1 Black must use this opportunity to b ring his king to the fo urth rank. 'it>f6 e6+ 2 lie2 ! 3 lla6 The rook must play a waiting move on the e-file, as both 3 .. . lld l +? 4 @e8 and 5 e7+, and 3 . . . @g7 4 l:ia2 win for White. 4 l:i d6 After 4 e7+ @f7 the d raw is clear. 4 l:iel Ita l ! 5 lid2 Again the only move , a s White was threatening to win with 6 llf2+ and 7 e7. Of course 5 . . . l:ixe6 fails to 6 llf2+. @g7 6 l:if2+ and Black has reached a dra wn position of the diagram 1 54 type . If the position in diagram is moved one file to the left, it is won for White after 1 @es 2 d6+ @e6 3 lla6 lid2 4 llc6 lldl 5 llc2 llal ...

Rook and two Pawns against Rook The ending of rook and two pawns against rook is usually won quite easily for White . Even if hr has to lose one of the pawns he ca n normally use this opportunity to set up a theoretically won position with the re maining pawn. Only in exceptional cases can Black hopr for a draw, and it is a few of thcsr cases with the most practical value that we shall examine now. Our first position is extremely interesting. Despite the fact th: ;t his rook pro tects both pawns and

Rook Endings 141

S myslov-Bondarevsky 1 940 his king has freedom of along the rank, White 1 11 1 1 not force a win. Black keeps 1 1 1 mind the important Vanc ura p os i tion (diagram 1 3 8) and draws, w h i le the pawn on h6 plays no part 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 in the proceedings. I ©d3 l -Jig5 lig l + IO @f5 lih 1 1 1 @g5 llg l + 12 @h6 lifl 1 3 lig4 lih l . O r 9 lia6 ligl I O h 6 li h I + 1 1 @g5 llg l + 1 2 @f5 lih l 1 3 lia7+ @g8 1 4 Wg6 lig l + 1 5 @f6 lih l 16 llg7+ @h8 17 f5 li xh6+ 18 lig6 ll h 7 ! 19 lig l lia7 20 lie l lia6+

21 @f7 li a7+ 22 @g6 lig7+ 23 @f6 lig2 and Black draws after both 24 @f7 lig7+ 25 @e8 lia7! 26 f6 @g8 ! and 24 @e7 lig7+ 25 @d6 li f7 ! etc. Long and complex variations which are explained in more detail in specialized books on endings. 8 ... libl 9 licS or 9 h6 lia I ! I O :S:h5 @g8 1 1 h7+ @h8 , or here 1 1 f5 @h7, both drawing 9 . . @r6 10 lic6+ @g7! 1 1 @gs ligl+ 12 @rs lial 13 lic7+ @h6 14 lie7 libl and we have reached a position similar to diagram 1 78. After a further 25 m oves the game ended in a draw. lia6 hS 3 Admitting his m istake. After 3 . . . lih I 4 lih4 lig l + 5 @f2 lig7 6 h6 lih7 7 @g3 wins easily. 4 lih4 lih6 s lir4+ White must stop the king blockading the h-pawn, so 5 lla4 lib6 6 lia5+? @f6 would not be so effective . s @gs 6 lig4+ ctirs After 6 . . . @xh5 7 lih4+ or 6 . . . @f6 7 lig6+, both pawn endings are lost for Black. 7 @h4 lih8 The black rook must remain passive, as 7 . . . lia6 fails to 8 lig5+ @f4 9 lig6 and IO lif6+. @r6 8 ligS+ Or 8 . . . @f4 9 lig7 wins. 9 @g4 @f7 1 0 lirs+ White must not throw away his advantage by playing I O lia5 .

148 Rook Endings

lig8+ l l ..t>f5 ..t>g7 ! when the black king reaches the h-file. ..t>g7 10 lig8 11 ..t>gS ..t>h 7+ 12 lif6 So the king finally manages to blockade the h-pawn, but mean­ while White's pieces are placed so actively that Black cannot save the game. lia8 lig6 13 lial 14 f4 ligl+ 1 5 lie6 1 6 ..t>f6 (1 81)

Keres-Sokolsky 1 947 It is very important to have left the h-pawn on h5 where it cannot be capt ured so easily. With this pawn on h6 the game would be drawn, as the reader can verify for himself. 16 li fl After 1 6 . . . lih l White wins by 17 f5 li xh5 18 lie?+ ..t>h6 19 lie8 ..t>h7 20 ..t>e6 and 2 1 f6. 17 rs lif2 Or 17 ... ..t>h6 18 ..t>f7+ ..t>xh 5 1 9 f6 ..t>h6 20 ..t>f8 wins. 1 8 lie5 lih2

Or 18 . . . ..t>h6 19 ..t>f7 ..t>xh5 20 f6+ ..t>h6 2 1 lie l wins. ..t>h6 1 9 lie?+ ..t>h7 20 lie8 21 ..t>e6 lie2+ 22 ..t>f7 lia2 23 f6 lia6 24 ..t>e7 lia7+ 25 ..t>f8 lia6 White's h-pawn prevents the saving move 25 . . . ..t>g6. f7 26 lia7 27 lic8 lial 28 ..t>e7 l-0 This example completes our discussion of rook and bishop's pawn against rook. We have devoted a fair amo unt of space, perhaps relatively too much space, to this ending but it is of great practical importance and still badly understood by many chessplayers. It is basic rook endings such as this which arc mishandled over the board. If White has two connected pawns, he almost always wins . Consider, for example, how to win with the g- and h-pawns.

1:; . �. �- =-t�

• • • • •.• • • . -�­ • • • . • -� m m mwm � � � � ,,,,,,7,

r.

(Zukertort-Steinitz 1 883)

Rook Endings 149 !\. guiding rule in this type of position is to post the king as 11tlva ntageously as possible before 11dvancing the pawns. If the king is 1 1 10 far from the pawns, the d r lcnder can often draw by 11 1 1 ac king the pawns and driving l ht· m to unfavourable squares. In 1 1 ur analysis we shall follow the 111 1 11 al game with its instructive 1 · 1 1 1 1 rs , rather than give the � 1 1 ongest continuation. l I!b8 l 'h e most logical plan would be J:l h 'i-f5-f3 followed by ©g3 and 1 1 1 1 l y then begin to advance the p u w n s . White makes his task 1 1 1 1 1 c h more difficult by ignoring 1 1 1 1 � general principle. ©g6 l I!c3 2 I!b5 3 nes I le should still play 3 I!f5 and ·I lllJ but not of co urse 3 h4 when 1 t 1 � k i ng would have no protection 1 1 0 1 1 1 horizontal checks after 3 . . . ll l.' 1 .

I!a3 3 h4 4 A d vancing his pawns before l 1 1 1 1 1 � i n g up his king. Admittedly 1 1 1 1 · posi tion is still won but more l 1 1� 1 r a l was 4 I!f5 I!b3 5 I!f3 I!b l ,, ·.lt p, .1 I!g l + 7 ©h4 I!a l 8 I!b3 U 11l1 IJ I!b4 followed by I O g5, 1 1 J.;g4 and the advance of the I t j l l l W l l to h5. I!b3 4 h5+ 5 II w a s important to avoid 5 g5? 1\· l 1 1 , h would only draw after 5 . . . J.· h ' ! (1 Iie4 ll a 3 7 I!f4 I!b3

8 I!f3 I!b4 etc. The pawns must never be advanced in such a way that the black king can attack the backward pawn and be sheltered by the other pawn. ©h6 5 6 nrs I!a3 I!a l 7 I!f3 Black could set a trap by 7 . . . I! a 5 when 8 ©g3? ©g5 ! draws. However, White wins by 8 I!f6+ ©g5 (or 8 . . . ©g7 9 I!g6+ and I O ©g3) 9 I!g6+ ©f4 I O h6 etc . Note that in this position the pawns can advance without the help of the king, e.g. 10 . . . E:a8 1 1 g5 ©f5 1 2 I!g7 I!h8 1 3 h7 fol lowed by 1 4 g6 and 1 5 I!g8 . 8 ©g3 White creates difficulties for himself. There was an easy win by 8 I!f6+ ©g5 9 I!g6+ ©f4 IO h6 I!a2+ 1 1 ©fl (not 1 1 ©h i ? ©g3 and Black even wins ! ) 1 1 . . . . ©f3 1 2 ©e l ©e3 1 3 ©d i ©d3 1 3 I!d6+ and 1 5 g5 etc. Or here 8 . . . ©g7 9 I!g6+ and 1 0 ©g3 winning. 8 I!gl + I!hl + 9 ©h4 I!gl (183) 1 0 I!h3

� � wm • • • • • • . • . . . . . -� • • -�� . . . � m m m mn • • • • �" �� � � . .

183

�

�

""""

,, ,,7,

(Zukertort-Steinitz 1 883)

150 Rook Endings

11 lih2! Placing Black in zugzwang and so forcing g5, but White ought not to have to resort to such methods! 11 lial ©g7 12 g5+ 13 lif2 White dare not move any of the pawns and he must k eep his rook fairly near in case of horizontal checks. 13 lihl+ Or 13 ... lia4+ 14 ©g3 lib4 15 li f4 li b l 16 ©g4 etc, as in the game. 1 4 ©g4 ligl+ 1 5 ©f5 lihl �h7 16 h6+ In the actual game Zukertort now contin ued 1 7 ©f6 and after 1 7 .. . lig 1 ! had to change his plan again. After the game (which was played with colo urs reversed) he gave our text line as an improve­ ment. However, the quickest way to win lies in 1 7 g6+ ! ©xh6 1 8 ©f6 and the pawn cannot be stopped. To prevent this line, B lack sho uld . have played 1 5 . . . lia l instead of 1 5 . . . lih l . 1 7 lif4 ligl 18 lie4 lift+ 1 9 ©g4 ligl+ 20 ©h5 lihl+ 21 li h4 ligl lig3 22 li h2! Forced, or else White plays 23 g6. However, Black's rook is now too near his king and White can decisively i mprove the placing of his pieces . 23 lie2 lih3+

24 ©g4 lia3 25 lie7+ ©g8 26 g6 Clinching matters, although there are now several ways of winning the game. lia4+ 26 lia8 27 ©f5 28 lie5 Also possible is 28 lid7 followed by advancing the king to e7 and the exchange of rooks on d8, e n after 29 ©f6 ©h8 White has thr neat finish 30 lif7 lia6+ 31 ©g� lia8 32 lif8+ lixf8 33 g7+ ©gK 34 ©g6! winning. 28 ©h8 29 ©g5 and Black has no defence against 30 h7 and 3 1 ©h6. Certainly a ve ry long-winded method of play, but giving us the chance of acquaintinll the reader with various instructivr possibilities in this ending. Our next example, diagram 1 84, illustrates the difficulties Whitr faces when he allows the enemy king to occupy a favo urablr blockading square.

A. Cheron 1 9 26

Rook Endings 151

A l though White's pawns are far and the white rook is 1 1 1 1 1 v c l y place ci. there is no way to w 1 1 1 , mainly because of the excellent I" " i t i on of Black's king. llg7 1 ..t>c8 llg8+ 2 lld7 llg7 3 li:d8 4 ..t>b8 I n directly protecting his pawn, 11 � 4 . . . ..t>xb5 fails to 5 a7. If ·I U d6 + ..t>xb5 5 ..t>b8 then 5 . . . Ill(X+ draws. llh7 4 5 li:d6+ < >r 5 lle8 li:g7 6 li:e6+ ..t>xb 5 I a 7 llg8+ 8 ..t>b7 llg7+ draws. ..t>c5 5 A nd not 5 . . . ..t>xb5 6 a7 li:h8+ I ·JJ c7 llh7+ 8 lld7 winning. b6 6 I f 6 li:e6 then 6 . . . ..t>xb5 can be p l 1 1 y c d . Or 6 a7 ..t>xd6 7 b6 ..t>c 5 " I t . Or 6 li:d8 ..t>b6! draws. ..t>xd6 6 11 1 1 d t h e game is drawn after both I h7 li:h8+ followed by 8 . . . ..t>c7 11 1 1 d 7 a7 ..t>c5 8 b7 ..t>b6 ! etc. W h ite's winning chances are far hrt t c r if the pawns are nearer the 1 r u t re and there is fittle point in 1 1 1 1 1 1 l ysing such positions. However, hr l o re leaving the connected l. 1 1 1 g h t ' s · pawn and rook's pawn, w r must mention the following t 1 1 t r rcsting study by Kling and 11 1 l v a nced

1

Kling and Horwitz 1 8 5 1 moves would be answered by check along the rank followed by . . . llh8. If the same position occurred further down the board, the text move wo uld not be available , so Black would draw 3 llh5+ 4 ..t>b4 llh4+ 5 ..t>c5 llh5+ 6 ..t>d4 llh4+ 7 ..t>e5 llh5+ 8 ..t>f4 li:h4+ 9 ..t>g5 li: h8 1 0 llc6! ..t>b8 forced, as White threatened 1 1 llc8 1 1 ..t;>g6 llf8 12 ..t>g7 lid8 13 llf6 and 14 llf8 winning. Surprisingly enough , if the white king is far eno ugh away fro m the connected pawns, there are many drawing positions. Consider our next example : ...

l or w i tz.

W h ite has great difficulties to 1 1v l' rcome before he achieves the W i i i : 1 ..t>a5 llh5+ 2 llb5 llh8 \ ll b6 ! t h e only move to win; after I llc5? llh6 ! draws and other king

G. Kasparian

1 52 Rook Endings

At first sight there seems no problem, for White's king has only to reach h6 and Black can resign. However, upon closer examination of Black's hidden resources, we see that White has considerable difficulties. His plan is to drive the black rook away from the attack on the h-pawn so as to activate his own rook. To do this, his king has to go to g2 whereupon Black plays . . . li a3 , and if n o w li b 7 then . . . lia5 ! follows. The white roo k must now go back to h7, beca use the position of White's king means that h6 allows . .. lig5+ and . . . lixg6 . If White plays an immediate h6, Black answers . . . lih5-g5 forcing lig7+ when Black's king nestles i nto the corner stalemate position by . . . @h8! and White must lose a pawn or allow perpetual check by Black's rook . So White must free his rook fro m defence of the h-pawn without placing his k ing on the g-file. This is indeed possible with Black to move, but White to move is equally in zugzwang and cannot transfer the move to his opponent. In other words, Black to move loses , W hite to move can only draw. 1 lia3 Black cannot allow White's king to cross the third ran k . If instead I . . . @f8 2 lif7+ @g8 3 lif5 follows. On the other hand, White to move can make no progress, for if I @fl lif3+ (or I . . . lih2) 2 @g2 lia3 3 @f2 li h3 etc, whereas if the

king moves away from the kingsidC', the black rook oscillates between h3 and g3 . 2 lic7 lih3 Now that W hite's king is not on the g-file, 2 . . . lia5 loses to 3 h6 etc . 3 lic5 @g7 4 @g2 White now wins fairly easily, a N the black rook is forced to give way. Even if White's king were further away, he would still win, but with much more difficulty. For instance, with his king on a2, we have diagram 1 87.

White would proceed as follows: 1 lig5 or I @b2 @h6 2 lig5! 1 lih4 the rook dare not leave the file because of 2 h6+ 2 @b3 lih l 3 @c4 no quicker is 3 @c2 lih4 4 @d3 lih I 5 @e2 lih4 6 g3 Iifl 3 ©g2 l:if4

154 Rook Endings

4 @h3 l:ifl draws. 2 llg2 Whereas now it is the g-pawn which is attac ked. @f7 3 l:ig6+ l:l:gl 4 @f3 l:l:g4 5 @f2 The black rook cannot be driven away, so White's king must now head for d7. l:l:gl 6 @f3 llel+ 7 @e4 llgl 8 @dS 9 llf6+ Or 9 @d6 l:ig2 I 0 @d7 llg2 transposing. @g7 9 llel +! 10 @e6 After 1 0 ... llxg5 I I l:if7+ wins , e.g. I I . . . @h6 (or I I . . . @g8 1 2 lla7 llg I 1 3 lla8+ @h7 I4 f6 etc) I2 llf8 l:ig I 13 f6 l:i a I (or I 3 . . . l:ie l + I 4 @f7 @h7 I 5 lle8 wins) I 4 l:ih8+ @g6 I5 llg8+ and I6 f7 wins. 11 @d6 Black draws at once after I I @d7 lle5 I 2 @d6 lla5 etc. l:igl 11 1 2 llg6+ Or I2 @e7 l:l:xg5 I 3 l:i f8 @h7 ! 1 4 f6 lle5+ 1 5 W lla5 drawing. @f7 12 1 3 @d7 llg2 1 4 l:i f6+ @g7 White makes his final attempt by sacrificing his g-pawn in order to advance the f-pawn. llxgS 1 5 l:id6 l:l:gl 16 @e6 17 @e7 Or I 7 f6+ @g6 1 8 @e7 l:ifl

I 9 l:ie6 l:if2 20 l:ieI l:i a2! 2 I l:i g l + @ h 7 drawing. 17 l:ifl 1 8 llg6+ @h7 and the game is clearly drawn . There are many other interesting positions in which Blac k manages to draw with two pawns down. However, as these are usually distinguished by a badly placed white piece, they can be classed as exceptional. As such they are of little practical value and beyond the scope of this book. Rook and Pawn(s) on both sides Let us now consider positions in which both sides have one or more pawns. This type of ending naturally occurs the most often in practice and almost all rook endings can be placed in this category . It is clear that a volume such as this can scarcely classify this vast amount of material or evaluate the many possibilities. For this reason, we intend to select only basic examples which will show the reader how to tackle the most important situations that can arise . A: ROOK AN D PAWN AGAINST ROOK AND PAWN

Equally balanced material usually means a drawn result, so we are here mainly interested in special cases where one side has sufficient positional advantage to win. The most well-known example of such ending is the following study composed by a former World

Rook Endings 155

( 'ham pion, Lasker:

P. Keres 1 944 Dr Em. Lasker 1 890 If White's king steps out into t he open , he is checked away from t he pawn which is then attacked again by . . . llc2, forcing the king hack to its defence . However, White can still win by an instructive manoeuvre which occurs with surprising frequency in practical p lay. l @b7 llb2+ llc2 2 @a7 All forced, as is clear. @a4 3 llh5+ After 3 . . . @b4 4 @b7 wins a t once. White n o w repeats his previous manoeuvre. 4 @b7 lib2+ 5 @a6 llc2 @a3 6 lih4+ llb2+ 7 @b6 White was threatening 8 :i:l:xh2. llc2 8 @a5 ! @a2 9 llh3+ 10 llxh2 wins. This is the point, as Black's rook is now pinned and cannot take the pawn .

Lasker's idea has since been repeated in various forms by to urna ment players who have introduced further subtleties. Con­ sider diagram 1 9 1 in which the winning idea is used with a central pawn, although admittedly the black rook is passively placed in front of his own pawn. White first uses the black king's position in order to adva nce his pawn to the 7th rank. l @e8+ @g6 As we shall see later, White wins fairly easily if his rook can reach the second rank without Black's king being too near the a-pawn. For this reason 1 ... @g8 would lose more quickly. 2 e7 @h5 In order to answer 3 l:l:a3 with 3 . . . @h4 preventing 4 l:l:h3+ and 5 l:l: h2. If Black plays passsively here is what happens: 1) 2 ... @g7 3 :i:l:a3 :i:l:bl or variation 2 4 lixa2 llb8+ 5 @d7 llb7+ 6 @d8 l:l:b8+ 7 @c7 wins. 2) 2 ... @h6 3 :i:l:a3 @g5 or 3 . . . @h5

156 Rook Endings

4 lih3+ @g4 5 lih2 @g3 6 lid2 @f3 7 @d7 @e3 8 lixa2 wins 4 lig3+ @f4 S lig2 @f3 or 5 . . . @e3 6 li b 2 wins, as the black king cannot go to the d- or f-files, and 6 . . . @e4 7 @d7 transposes 6 llb2 but not 6 lid2 @e3 7 @d 7 @xd2 8 e8'ik lid l ! etc 6 ... @e3 7 @d7 lidl+ 8 @c7 licl + 9 @b7 winning, for the pawn queens with check . In other words, Black dare not allow White's rook to reach the 2nd ran k. The question now is whether Wh ite can make any progress. He succeeds in an i nteresting way by bringing about a zugzwang position. @h4! 3 ll a3 The best defence. After 3 . . . @g4 4 @f7 gains a tempo on the main line , whereas now 4 @f7 lifl + 5 @g6 lig l + 6 @h6 lie l 7 lia4+ @g3 draws. Because the black king has an extra file at his disposal, Lasker's manoeuvre does not appear to work. However, Wh ite wins by a cunning move . 4 liaS! Placing Black in zugzwang, as his king cannot retreat, nor can it go to the 6th rank when White can employ the Lasker stratagem. It is incred ible what subtleties can be hidden i n the si mplest looking positions! 4 @g4 s @f7! The point is that Black no l onger has a check on the g-file, so Lasker's idea is now successful! lifl+ s

6 @g6 liel @h3 ! 7 lla4+ Again the best. White wins easily after 7 . . . @g3 8 @f6 etc. 8 @f6 lifl+ ligl+ 9 @gs 10 @hS liel Unfortunately for Black, although he has driven the white king far enough away from the pawn, his own king has advanced one rank too much. 11 lia3+ @g2 12 lixa2+ In Las ker's study, the capture of this pawn finished the game immediately, whereas here it is only the end of the beginning. By using the fact that White's king is two files away from the pawn, Black can set up a stubborn defence. 12 @f3 lie6 13 lia7 An important move , cutting off the white king from the sixth rank and threatening to play his own king over to d6. To win this position, White has to create another endgame study. @e4 1 4 @gS lS lib7! But not the obvious 15 lld7? @e5 ! when it is W hite who is in zugzwang and the position is drawn. H owever, 15 llc7 is also possible. Black is now in zugzwang, as he cannot allow White's king to reach f5 and 1 5 . . . lle5+ fails to 16 @f6 with an easy win. lS @es

Rook Endings 157

16 lid7 Only now is this move played, l l'ading to a forced win. lite4 16 litf3 17 lidl ! lite2 18 lift + 19 lif7 and 20 litf5 winning easily. Who would have thought that 1 hc solution would be so long? Here is another example in which the Lasker idea only occ urs n ft e r some complex preliminary ma noeuvres.

The black pa wn is still on the Mh ran k, which gives White va rious advantages. Firstly, to ca rry out the Lasker plan, he n eeds to drive the black king back one rank. Seco ndly, he can· now in certain circumstances use his rook to protect his king fro m checks, as his pawn queens one move earlier. These factors lead to an instructive win.

lid3+ 1 li;>d8 lie3 2 li;>c8 3 lih6+ Beginning our well-known man­ oe uvre, but s urely Black's king

has too many files at his disposal on the queenside? As will be seen, White must utilize some hidden resources to back up the main plan . 3 litc5! The best square for the king. 3 . . . litd5 allows 4 litd7, and 3 . . . litb5 fails t o 4 litd7 lid3+ 5 lid6! and White 's pawn queens with check! However, this means that Black's king can now be driven further back. 4 litd7 lid3+ 5 litc7 White achieves nothing with 5 li;>e8 when Black plays 5 . . . lie3 or 5 . . . lia3. lie3 5 6 lih5+ litb4! The king must now leave the c-file, as 6 . . . litc4 loses at once to 7 Wd7 lie3 8 lih4+, 9 lih4+ and IO lixh3. 7 d7 lid3+ 8 litc6 lie3 Once again 8 . . . lic3+ allows 9 litb6 lie3 I O lih4+ and 1 1 lixh3 winning. It now seems that White can make"no progress, but there is one final resource in the position. 9 lih4+ ! lita5 Forced, as other moves lose to I O lixh3. 10 litd6! If I O litd 7 l:i d3+ 1 1 lite 8 threatening 1 2 lih8 Black saves himself by 1 1 . . . lib3! etc, when White must come back with his king. 10 lid3+ Black can set a trap with IO . . .

158 Rook Endings

©b6 1 1 l:ixh3? llxh3 1 2 e81W ll:d3+ followed by 1 3 . . . ll:e3+ drawing, but 1 1 llh8! wins easily. l:ie3 1 1 ©c5! Or 1 1 . . . llc3+ 1 2 ©d4 llc8 13 llxh3 and 1 4 lle3. 12 llxh3! wins. After 12 . . . l:ixe7 13 lla3 is mate ! A surprising twist. There are other interesting and instructive positions on the same theme, but these wo uld take us too far afield. The keen reader can find many examples of such endings both in ga mes and in studies. Here is one final illustration of rook and pawn against rook and pawn , underlines once again the need to understand ele mentary endings . This example shows us that even in World Championship matches errors can occur in endgame play.

1 93

• � � m m m � • • • �Q7. @ • • m m ••• m m m m m m m m m m m m - :§: � � �

sm

�

,,,,,,7,

Alekhine- Bogoljubow 1 9 29 This is taken from the 1 9th game of the Alekhine-Bogolj ubow match, 1 929 . White clearly stands better, for his passed pawn, supported by king and rook, cannot be stopped and is only two

squares away from queening. Black m ust soon give up his rook, so the only chance lies in his own pawn. The ga me conti nued: 1 ©g4 Forgetting the important rule which we gave earlier. When time is of the essence, both kings m ust position themselves so as to restrict as far as possible the approach of the enemy king. In our exa mple it is clear that Black must soon give up his rook on the b8 square, when the white king will have to cross over the d-file as quickly as he can , if he wishes to stop Black's pawn. This points to Black's correct defence. He sho uld play his king to the e-file by 1 . . ©e4! bloc king the white king's approach , when he draws after 2 b7 or 2 lle l + ©f4 3 l:ifl + ©e5 4 b7 f5 5 ©c7 l:l:f8 6 b81W l:ixb8 7 ©xb8 f4 8 ©c7 ©e4 9 ©d6 f3 draws 2 ... f5 3 b81W or 3 l:l:a 1 llb8 etc 3 . . llxb8 4 ll xb8 f4 5 l:ib4+ o r 5 lle8+ ©d4 6 l:i f8 ©e3 and 7 . . . f3 draws 5 . . . ©e3 6 ©d5 f3 7 llb3+ ©e2 but not 7 . . . ©f4? 8 ©d4 f2 9 ll b l ©f3 1 0 ©d3 winning 8 ©e4 f2 9 l:ib2+ ©e l 10 ©e3 fl .!D + ! with a book draw. b7 2 f5 Or 2 . . . l:ib8 3 ©c7 l:ixb7+ 4 ©xb7 f5 5 ©c6 wins. b8 1W 3 l:ixb8 4 llxb8 f4 5 ©d5 f3 6 ©e4 f2 7 ll:f8 ©g3 8 ©e3 1 -0 .

.

Rook Endings 159

Even the simplest endings must he played with precision ! B: ROOK AND TWO PAWNS

A G A I N ST ROOK AND PAWN

This is another type of situation which it is difficult to state general rules , as so much depends upon the placing of the pieces. Once again we shall therefore rest rict ourselves to examples of most practical value to the average i:hessplayer. Let us begin with White having lwo connected pawns , as against Black's single paw n. in

Chekhover-Kasakevich 1 949 Usually when none of the pawns is passed, the defender has l(Ood drawing prospects . White has chances only if his pawns are rea sonably far advanced or if his k i ng can occupy vital squares in fro nt of the pawns. The play from l he diagram shows us an interesting w i n based on the favo urable position of White's pieces: l @h5 A strong square for the king,

li miting Black's choice of moves. lic7 l Tem pting is l . . . g6+ in order to obtain a drawn position after 2 fg+ @g7. However, this is refuted by 2 @h6! gf 3 g6+ @f6 4 I! b6+ (if 4 g7 Ita l ! draws) 4 . . . @e5 5 g7 I!a8 6 llg6 lig8 7 @h7 I!a8 8 g8'i!t' I! xg8 9 llxg8 f4 IO @g6 f3 1 1 @g5 winning. Equally hopeless is l . .. �Ia l 2 I!b7+ @f8 3 @g6 I!a6+ 4 f6 gf 5 gf I!a8 6 llh7 with an easy win. If Black plays l ... I!a6 2 I!b7+ we are back in the main line. lic6 2 I!b8 Givi ng White the most diffi­ culties. The actual game continued 2 . . . I!a7 3 g6+ @£6 4 llf8+ @e5 5 f6 ! (if 5 I!f7 Ita l White dare not play 6 llxg7 when 6 . . . @f4! eve n wins for Black ! ) 5 . . . gf 6 @h6 lia l 7 g7 I! h l + 8 @g6 lig l + 9 @f7 1 -0. The finish might have been 9 . . . f5 I O g8'i!t' I!xg8 1 1 I! xg8 f4 1 2 @g6 f3 1 3 @g5 @e4 14 @g4 with an easy win. g6+ 3 If Black had pl ayed l . . . I!a6 2 I!b7+ @f8 3 lib8+, he would now have 3 . . . @e7 at his disposal . White would then win by 4 f6+! gf 5 g6 ll:a 1 6 g7 Ith l + 7 @g6 lig l + 8 @h7 I! h l + 9 @g8 f5 I O ll:b7+ @e6 (or IO . . . @f6 1 1 @f8 ll:g l 1 2 lif7+! @e5 1 3 g8'i!t' lixg8+ 1 4 @xg8 f4 1 5 @g7) 1 1 @f8 I!g l 1 2 g8'i!t' + li xg8+ 1 3 @xg8 f4 1 4 ll: f7 and the black pawn is again stopped. @e7 3 4 I!g8 @f6 @e s ms+ s

160 Rook Endings

f6! 6 Given by Chekhover and sur­ prisingly strong. White makes no progress with 6 lif7 li c l (7 lixg7? @f4 ! ) or with 6 @g5 li c l 7 lie8+ @d6 etc . lixf6 6 @e6 lif7 7 Or 7 . . . li f5+ 8 @g4 lic6 9 @g5 lla6 1 0 li xg7 wins. 8 lixg7 lin lia7 and wins easily. 9 As can be seen from this example, Black has great difficulties if White has managed to advance his pawns far enough . Of course, White has even better chances if the pawns are on the central files, as his king the n has more room to manoeuvre. Diagram 195 gives us some idea of the dangers facing Black in such a situation.

From a ga me played in 1 9 56 This position arose in a game played in M oscow, 1 956. It had to be adj udicated and was given a win for White. However, Levenfish later pointed out the following draw:

licS! 1 @gS The only defence to p revent White setting up a winninl( position similar to diagram 1 94 h y playing 2 f5 . This means tha t Black loses afte r 1 ... licl 2 lib? I @f8 or 2 . . . @e6 3 f5+ @xe5 4 lie?+ @d6 5 li xf7 winning 3 f� lihl or 3 . . . lic6 4 lib8+ winN easily, e.g. 4 . . . \tie? 5 f6+ 'i!?eti 6 lie8+ @d5 7 @h6 winning. Or 4 . . . @g7 5 f6+ @h7 6 lie8 when both 6 . . . li c l 7 e6 and 6 . . . lic5 7 lie? @g8 8 @h6 lic8 9 e6! fc 1 0 @g6 win for White 4 li a7! but not at once 4 lib8+ \tie? 5 f6+ @d7 6 lif8 lig l + and Black checks until he frees f5 for his king. The text move uses zugzwang to drive Black's rook one rank further up the board 4 ... llh2 S lia8+ @e7 or 5 . . . @g7 6 f6+ @h7 7 e6! etc 6 f6+ @d7 7 lif8 lih7 now 7 . . . lig2+ fails to 8 @f4 @e6 9 lle8+ @d5 1 0 l:i:d8+ @c6 1 1 lif8 s itirs lihS+ 9 ®f4 lih7 10 @gS @e6 or 1 0 . . . @c6 1 1 lie8 wins 1 1 lie8+ @dS 12 e6 fe 13 @g6 and 1 4 f7 winning. 2 @h6 If 2 lib?+ then Black does not play 2 . . . @e6? 3 f5+ @xe5 4 lie?+ and 5 llxf7 winning, but 2 . . . @f8! 3 f5 lixe5 4 @f6 lie ! 5 lixf7+ @g8 6 lig7+ @h8 7 li a7 lifl ! with a book draw. The text move threatens 2 @g7 , so Black's reply is forced . licl 2 3 lib7+ @f8 4

rs

White has now apparently reached his goal and is threatening

Rook Endings 161 1 1 1 w 1 1 1 hy 5 Iib8+ and 6 f6+. l l 1 1 w 1 · vn, i n order to obtain this 1 ' 1 1� 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 , White's king has to leave 1 1 1 1 p a wns. Black can use this ' I I • 1 1 1 1 1 s t a nce to set up a succe ssful ' '" ' ' 1 1 1 l' . 4

!\ j,!1 1 1 1 1 the only 1 1 1 1 W h i te's king.

I!gl ! defence, cutting

5

I

@e7 I!b8+ f6+ hne is no other way to make 6

j l l l l jl l l' S � . 6

@e6 @rs

I!e8+ @h7 If K e6 ©xf6 draws. Or 8 Iie7 11 11 .1 9 lixf7 @xe 5 10 Iig7 I!f2 1 1 I I \t>e 6 12 @g6 Iif6+ draws. I!g2 8 Iig5! 9 Iie7 l l l n r k must be careful, as after '' ll g l 10 Iixf7 @xe5 1 1 Iig7 ! ll h I I 1 2 @g6 I!g l + 1 3 ©f7 wins. I h 1· l r xt move zugzwangs White, 1 1 1 1 1 1 now 10 @h8 I!g l ! 1 1 Iixf7 ..a.. �1· g4 lla I 3 lla6+ @fl 4 \t>g5 a2 5 g4 (White's pawns are now too far advanced) 5 . . . \t>e7 6 lla7+ \t>e8 7 h5 @f8 8 h6 lib ! (or 8 . . . Wg8 9 \t>g6 etc) 9 ll xa2 with an easy win. The loser pointed out later the correct defence in an i nstructive piece of analysis: a2! 1 This ties White's rook to the a-file, which would not be the case after I . . . llc3. @f6 h5+ 2 An alternative is 2 . . . @h6 3 \t>h4 llh2+ 4 \t>g4 llb2 5 lla6+ \t>g7 6 \t>g5 llb5+ 7 \t>h4 llb2 8 g4 @fl ! transposing to the main line . 3 @h4 The only try. If 3 g4 llc5! 4 ll xa2 \t>g5 ! Black has a theoretical draw. llh2+ 3 Black could also play a waiting move wit h his rook, as he cannot in the long run prevent the advance of White' s g-pawn. llb2 4 \t>g4 @f7 5 lla6+ Or 5 . . . \t>g7 6 \t>g5 llb5+ 7 \t>h4 llb2 8 g4 @fl ! draws. 6 \t>g5 llb5+ An important move, as Black dare not allow his king to be drive n to the back rank, e.g. 6 . . . llc2? 7 lla7+ \t>g8 8 g 4 followed by h6 and IO @h 5 wins. White's

king must now retreat as 7 @h6? allows 7 . . . llb6+! llb2 7 @h4 g4 8 llc2 And not 8 .. . \t>g7? 9 h6+ and IO \t>h5 winning. In this defence , it is vital for Black to have his king on fl, with White's rook o n a6, in order to prevent 9 @g5 llc5+ I O @h6? because of 1 0 . . . llc6+ ! White can now make no progress. 9 h6 Or 9 lla7+ @f6 I O g5+ @f5 1 1 h6 ( I I lla5+ \t>f4 etc) 1 1 . . . llh2+ 1 2 \t>g3 ll h l 1 3 llxa2 @xg5 draws. Or 9 g5 llc4+ IO \t>g3 llc3+ 1 1 @f4 llc4+ 1 2 @e3 llh4 1 3 h6 ( 1 3 g6+ \t>g7 1 4 lla7+ \t>g8 etc) 1 3 . . . llg4 draws. 9 llc6! and draws . As Black's main defence here consisted of checks along the ra nk, it is worthwhile asking ourselves if White can do better by advancing his g-pawn first . This wo uld then serve as a protection for his king while he advances both pawns. In most cases, this is indeed the correct winning procedure , failing only when the pawns are too far back . Diagram 20 I is an excellent exa mple of this type of position. One can scarcely credit that the result of this position depends upon who has the move! Apparently Black can do little against White's plan o f g4 , \t>g3, h3, \t>h4, lla6+, g5 , \t>g4 etc. This is indeed the case with White to move, when he wins as follows:

Rook Endings 1 65

@e6 1 g4 Black's only chance is to play his king over to the queenside. If 1 . . . Iib2 2 @g3 Iic2 3 h3 Iib2 4 @h4 Iih2 (White threatened 5 Iia6+ and 6 @h5) 5 Iia6+ @e5 (or 5 . . . @f7 6 g5, and 7 @g4 wins) 6 @g5 Iixh3 (or 6 . . . @d4 7 h4 @c3 8 h5 @b2 9 @h6 followed by the advance of the g-pawn winning) 7 Ii xa2 Iih 1 8 Ii e2+ and 9 @f6 wins. @d6 2 @g3 h3 3 Surprisingly enough, White cannot play 3 h4, when Black checks from the side until White's k ing leaves his pawns, then plays . . . Iic4! drawing. Or 3 g5 Iic5 etc draws . @c6 3 4 @h4 Again White must not bare his king, as after 4 g5 @b6 5 Iia8 @b5 , Black threatens horizontal checks and the white k ing dare not play to the 4th rank because of . . . Iic4+ and . . . Iia4. The g-pa wn cannot be advanced until White's k ing is in safety.

@b6 4 @b5 5 Iia8 The threat was 6 g5 followed by 7 @h5. @b4 6 @h5 7 g5 Again White must be careful, for Black threatened to play 7 . . . Iic5+ and 8 . . . Iia5 . 7 @b3 h4 ! 8 Exact to the end ! 8 g6? would only draw after 8 . . . Iic8! 9 Iia7 Iih8+ 1 0 @g4 Iih6! etc. Iicl 8 Or 8 .. . Iic8 9 Ii xa2 @xa2 10 g6 @b3 1 1 g7 @c4 1 2 @g6 @d5 13 h5 @e6 1 4 h6 wins. The black king is too far away. 9 g6 alt!V 1 0 Iixal Iixal 11 g7 Iigl 1 2 @h6 @c3 13 h5 Avoiding the last trap 1 3 @h7? Iih l ! drawing. 13 @d4 14 @h7 @es 15 g8 ti' wins. The black k ing is j ust one tempo too late. The reader will now realize that if Black has the m ove in diagram 20 l , he can begin his queenside counterplay at once. Note that Blac k would draw easily if White's rook were placed less favourably, for instance on a4 instead of a5 . He would play 1 . . . @f5 2 Iia5+ @e4 3 g4 @f4 4 Iia4+ (or g5 a l ti' ) 4 . . . @g5 drawing. Let u s return to diagram 20 1 , with Black to move:

1 66 Rook Endings

'it>e6 ! 1 'it>d6 2 g4 3 'it>g3 Premature is 3 g5 'it>e6 ! threaten­ i ng 4 . . . Ilc5 etc. 'it>c6 3 h3 4 As we saw before, White cannot advance his pawns more quickly, because after 4 g5 'it>b6 5 Ii:a8 'it>b5 gives White no defence against h orizontal checks. 'it>b6 4 'it>b5 5 Ii:a8 6 'it>h4 The sa me plan as before, using the g-pawn as a shield in o rder to advance his king. 'it>b4 6 'it>b3 7 g5 8 g6 Or 8 'it>h5 Ile ! transposing. II cl 8 Simpler than 8 . . . Ilc4+ 9 'it>h5 Ila4 10 Ilxa4 'it>xa4 1 1 g7 a l "t!t' 1 2 g81!t' which is also drawn . 9 'it>h5 But not 9 g7 Ilg! etc. al "t!t' 9 10 Ilxal Ilxal 11 g7 It is clear that 1 1 h4 'it>c4 makes no appreciable difference. 11 Ilgl 1 2 'it>h6 'it>c4 1 3 'it>h7 'it>d5 14 g81!t' Ilxg8 1 5 'it>xg8 'it>e5 and the draw is clear with the inevitable capture of the last pawn. Although there are many more

interesting rook and pawn endings, we feel that the reader now has sufficient basic theory to enable him to tackle these endings with confidence. Let us finally look at a few examples from practice to see how our basic knowledge can be applied to them. Practical examples We shall begin with an interesting position taken fro m a game Alatortsev-Chekhover, 1 93 7 .

Alatortsev-Chekhover 1 937 At first sight, Black's position seems hopeless. White's a-pawn is very strong and will sooner or later cost Black his rook, whereas an attack on White's f-pawn appears to have little chance of success, with the white rook guarding it. What can Black do? H o wever, rook endings are notoriously tricky and contain u nexpected resources which a superficial analysis seldom reveals. Upon closer examination, we find tht Black has a chance of winning the f-pa wn once he has been

Rook Endings 167

forced to sacrifice his rook for the a-pawn. Secondly, Black can effectively use his rook for checking along the ranks if the white king tries to win without using his rook. Thirdly, if White attempts to defend against checks by playing his rook to c2, Black in some cases can play . . . lle2. When we proceed to a more detailed analysis , we shall discover that Black's counterchances are very nearly sufficient to save the game for him. It is only by extremely precise play that White s ucceeds in winning, as follows: lle8 a7 1 lla8 2 ll a2 These and the next few moves require little in the way of explanation. 'it>g2 3 'it>c4 4 'it>c5 ! It is now time to work out how far away fro m the f-pawn White's king dare go without having to fear . . . llxa7. The text move just works after 4 . . . llxa7 5 llxa7 'it>xf2 6 'it>d4 etc, but 4 'it>b5 allows Black to draw by 4 . . . ll xa7 ! 5 ll:xa7 'it>xf2 6 'it>c4 'it>e2 !etc. In other words, White's king cannot go beyo nd the c-file or the 5th rank, whenever Black can play . . . llxa7. llc8+ 4 Or 4 . . . ©fl 5 'it>b6 lle8 transposing. As White threatens 'it>b6-b7, Black must play his rook away. lle8 (203) 5 'it>b6

Alatortsev-Chekhover 1 937 Again confronting White with problems , as 6 a8!¥ llxa8 7 ll xa8 'it>xf2 is drawn, as we know, and 6 Wb7 allows 6 . . . lle7+ 7 Wb6 lle8 etc. However, White has a subtle plan at his disposal. If his rook is on c2, he can play 'it>b7-b8 to escape the checks, when . . . llxa7 i s no good, a s White's rook guards his f-pawn, and ... lle8+ fails to ll c8 . Still, if White now plays 6 llc2 Black can defend by 6 . . . lle6+ 7 'it>b7 (or 7 Wc7 lle8 ! ) 7 . . . lle2! the point being that after 8 llxe2 fe 9 a8!¥ is no longe r check and 8 a8!¥ llxc2 followed by 9 . . . ll xf2 is clear dra w. A further idea is needed before White can win . . . 6 'it>c6! This beau tiful move places Black in zugzwang! If now 6 . . . llc8+ 7 'it>b7 o r 6 . . . lle6+ 7 'it>d7 both win. Nor can Black's king move away from White's f-pawn because of 7 a 8 !¥ . Finally, if the rook leaves the e-file (say, 6 . . . llh8), White plays 7 Wb7 llh7+ 8

168 Rook Endings

©b6 lih8 (or 8 . . . lih6+ 9 ©c5 ! lih8 I O a8 ti' wins) 9 lic2 lie8 IO ©c7 ! transposing to the main line. ©fl (gl ) 6 7 ©b7 lie7+ lie8 8 ©b6 Again 8 . . . lie6+ fails to 9 ©c5 ! lie8 I O a8 ti' , when White's king is near enough to stop the pawn. 9 lic2! Exploiting the position of Black's king with the threat of IO ©b7 lie2 1 1 lic l + (the point ! ) , or here I O . . lie7+ 1 1 ©b8 lie8+ 1 2 lic8 wins. So Black's king must go back to g2. ©g2 9 10 ©c7! Again placing Black in zugzwang. Against king moves by Black, or if the rook leaves the e-file, White wins by 1 1 ©b7, e.g. IO . . . ©h2 1 1 ©b7 lie2 1 2 lic6 winning easily, as the black king will not be in a position to capture the f-pawn after 1 2 . . . lie8 1 3 a8ti' li xa8 14 ©xa8. 10 lie7+ 1 1 ©b8 lie8+ White now queens with check after 1 1 . . . lie2 12 lixe2 fe 13 a8ti' + ©xf2 and 1 4 t!Va2+ gives him a win, as we have already demon­ strated (diagram 5 7). li xc8+ 1 2 lic8 1 3 ©xc8 ©xf2 a8ti' 14 and Black resigned a few moves later. A most instructive and well­ played ending. Our next e xample has the same

balance of material. Notice that without Black's g-pawn a nd White's h-pawn, we would have the well-known Philidor position (diagram 1 30) which is drawn .

.

Keres-Mikenas 1 937 As it is, White has various i mportant advantages. Firstly, he is a healthy passed pawn up. Secondly, his pieces are actively posted. Thirdly, Black's king is cut off on the back ran k . His only weakness is the h-pawn and strangely enough this gives Black excellent counterchances. What can White do? We already know from the Philidor position that he m ust not advance his d-pawn which only helps the defender. Nor can he exchange the kingside pawns, when the position is clearly drawn. So he must try to strengthen his position by means of threats . ©e6 1 lie3+ 2 ©f6 Before playing his king to d6, White sets a little trap, for i f now 2 ... lif3+ 3 ©xg5 lid3, then

Rook Endings 169

4 Wf6! lhd5 5 We6 wins. But Black is not falling for this. Iid3 ! 2 Iie3+ 3 we6 4 wd6 Iia3! The most active place for the rook. It would be a mistake to play, for example, 4 . . . :S f3 5 h4! gh (or 5 . . . g4 6 Iig7 g3 7 h5! winning, e.g. if 7 . . . :Sf6+ 8 wc5 :Sh6 9 d6 Iixh5+ 10 Wc6 wins, or 7 . . . wf8 8 :S g4 :S f6+ 9 wc5 :Sh6 10 Iixg3 :S xh5 1 1 :Se3 wins) 6 :Sh8+ Wf7 (or 6 . . . Iif8 7 :Sxh4 wd8 8 wc6 winni ng) 7 Iixh4 Iia3 8 :Se4 ! with a book win. An alternative defence is 4 . . . :Sd3, albeit demanding extreme precision on Black's part. We shall be coming back later to this interesting position, when we analyse diagram 207. 5 Iih5 After 5 Iih8+ Wf7 6 h4 gh 7 :Sxh4 White obtains a won position, but Black does not need to exchange pawns. By 6 . . . :Sh3 7 h5 Wg7 8 Iic8 :Sxh5 9 Wc6 :Sh I ! his g-pawn guarantees him sufficient counterplay. Or he can even try 6 . . . g4 7 :Sh5 :S a6+ 8 wc7 g3 9 d6 (or 9 :Sg5 :Sg6 ! ) 9 . . . Iia7+ 10 Wb6 Ila ! etc. Iia6+ 5 Also possible is 5 . . . :Sd3 when 6 :Sxg5 :Sxh3 7 :Sg8+ wf7 8 :Sd8 :Sa3 ! 9 :Sb8 :Sd 3 ! gives us the well-known Kling and Horwitz draw (diagram 1 62), or 6 we6 :Se3+ 7 wf6 :Sd3 8 :Sh7 :S g3 and White can make no progress. :Sg6 6 we5

Making his task more difficult. He could tranpose to the variation in the previous note by playing 6 . . . Iia3 7 we6 :Se3+ 8 wd6 Iid3. 1 wrs After 7 d6 g4 8 :Sh8+ Wd7 9 :Sh7+ we8 (not 9 . . . wd8? 10 Wd5 and 1 1 Wg8 2 1I a7+ 3 g6? A casual move . White wrongly asssu mes that the win is easy, a common error in such situations. K opayev has poi nted out the fo llowing instructive way to win: -' h6! a2 White th reate ned 4 \t>g2 ila2+ 5 lt>f3 and 6 g6 4 lt>h2 if 4 \t>g2 II b l ! 5 1Ixa2 llb5 draws! 4 ... llbl 5 llxa2 llb5 6 1Ig2 hut not 6 lla8+ \t>h7 7 1Ia7+ 11lh8 8 llg7 with perpetual check , beca use the black king is in a stale mate position 6 ... lt>h7 t hreatening 7 . . . \t>g6 and 8 . . . 1I b6 d rawing 7 g6+ lt>g8 8 llg3 llh5+ 9 llh3 ll g5 IO h7+ lt>h8 11 1Ig3 I!h5+ 1 2 lt>g2 lt>g7 1 3 llh3 llg5+ 14 lt>f3 1I f5+ or 14 ... \t>h8 15 1Ig3 ll f5+ 16 lt>e4 and 17 g7+ 1 5 lt>g4 llf8 1 6 \t>g5 winning. a2 3 llbl 4 lt>g2 White was threatening 5 h6. llb5 5 l ha2 6 ll a8+ The only way to guard the h-pawn, as 6 h6 fails to 6 . . . 1Ig5+. lt>g7 6 7 lla7+ lt>g8 llg5+? 8 ll h7 And now it is Black's turn to go wrong. He could draw by 8 . . . ll b3 ! and if 9 lt> f2 1Ih3 ! obtaining d iagram 1 86 wh ich we have already analysed as drawn . 9 lt>h3 wins. Let us tu rn to a position containing man y more pawns,

which arose in the fa mous game Capablanca-Ta rtakower, 1 924.

Capablanca-Tartakower 1 924 A very interesting situation, difficult to assess at first sight. White has two main advantages: Black's king is cut off on the back rank and the g-pawn is a strong protected passed pawn. Black on the other hand is about to pick up some of White's weak queen side pawns. It is a question of whose advantages are the most iinportant. A basic rule in rook endings , although to a slightly lesser extent than in qu een endings , is to create a passed pawn as soon as possible. There are hundreds of exam ples of endi ngs in which one side sacrifices a great deal of material in order to create a strong passed pawn and saves or even wins the game with it. Diagram 209 is an excel lent example of such an ending. Ho wever, whereas in queen endings a passed pawn ca n be pushed through with the help of the queen alone, in rook endings the king is usually requ ired to give

1 74 Rook Endings

additional help. I n fact, a passed pawn supported by the king and by a rook on the seventh rank restricting the enemy king to the back rank, is an extremely powerful weapon, often enough to win the game in itself. In our example White's rook is already on the seventh ra nk, but the support of the king is required. Only by fo llowing the above logic will the reader understand Capablanca 's brillia nt winning plan: l lt>g3! The only way to win, combining attack and defence. On no account must he allow his king to be cut off by Black' rook. For example the plausible continuation I \t>e2 l:ixc3 2 l:ih6, wi nning Black's f-pawn, fails to 2 ... l:ic4 3 ll f6+ \t>g7 4 l:i xf5 (or 4 lt>e3 c5 ) 4 . . . l:ixd4 which gives Black excellent counterchances . l l:ixc3+ l:if3 2 \t>h4 White' s main threat was 3 g6 and 4 \t>g5 , which he still plays despite the loss of another pawn. If 2 . . . c5 3 g6 cd 3 \t>g5 d 3 5 l:id7 llc5 6 \t>h6 wins. Or 2 . . . llc I 3 \t>h 5 and Black ca nnot exchange roo ks, so must play 3 . . . l:ifl 4 \t>g6 l:ixf4 5 \t>f6 which is no improvement on the game continuation. Even a mi xture of the two plans by 2 . . . llcl 3 lt>h5 c5 , relying on the fact that White cannot play 4 g6 at o nce , does n o t help Black much after 4 lld7 .

3 g6! Note how White heads straight for his goal, without wasting unnecessary time by playing 3 l:ixc7 . ll xf4+ 3 l:i e4 4 lt>g5 Another important idea in such endings would be seen if Black played here 4 . . . llg4+. White would not capture the pawn (5 \t>xf5? l:ixd4) but would use it to protect his own king fro m the rear, winning at once by 5 lt>f6! The alternative 4 . . . l:ixd4 loses to 5 \t>f6 \t>e8 6 l:ixc7 when White picks up more pawns before winning Black's rook for the g-pawn. 5 \t>f6 White has now reached the ideal position he originally en­ visaged. Black's king is in a mating net, and to avoid the worst he must eventually hand back more material than he has gained. A classic piece of endgame strategy ! \t>g8 5 lt>h8 6 ll g7+ lle8 7 ll xc7 8 lt>xf5 Only now is this pawn captured; Black is positionally lost, the remainder being p urely a matter of technique. lle4 8 Or 8 . . . a6 9 llb7 b5 10 ab ab 1 1 llxb5 l:id8 1 2 \t>e6 wins. Or Wh ite can play here 9 lla7 b5 10 a5 winning. lif4+ 9 \t>f6

Rook Endings 1 75

llg4 1 0 ©es 11 g7+ ! ©g8 Black obviously dare not exchange rooks. 1 2 lha 7 ll g l The d-pawn cannot be held, as 1 2 . . . llg5+ 1 3 ©f6, with the th reat of 1 4 lla8+ and 1 5 llh8 mate , wins instantly. For the two pawns sacrificed, White now wins back four ! llcl 13 ©xdS 14 ©d6 The game is of course won, and Tartakower resigned after 14 . . . llc2 1 5 d5 llc l 1 6 llc7 lla I 1 7 ©c6 ll xa4 1 8 d6. Finally, we m ust quote the famous example given in diagram 2 1 0, which occurred in the game Taimanov-Larsen, Pal ma de Mallorca Interzonal, 1 970. This underlines the fact that even leading grandmasters are not always acquai nted with basic endings.

Taimanov-Larsen 1 970 If we cast our minds back to diagrams 1 67 and 1 70, we know

that B lack should have no trouble drawing this position. For White to have winning chances, B lack's king must be at least three files a way from the pawn . The usual plan for B lack in such positions is to drive White's king back by checking with the rook . If the king advances , then the rook stays in front of the pawn to prevent its advance. As the pawn is only on the third ran k , the draw llg8+ is al ways clear after 1 2 ©fS llf8+ 3 ©g6 llg8+ 4 ©f7 llg4 or here 2 ©f6 ©d4! 3 lla3 ©e4 4 llb3 ll g4! etc. This would have been the logical continuation but Black is so well-placed here that he can even allow the pawn to reach the fo urth rank, without risking a loss. However, let us see how play went: 1 ©d4 Not a mistake, but the most exact move was I . . . llg8+, as we have already seen . The text move al lows Wh ite to advance his pawns one square. 2 lla3 ©e4 Now 2 . . . llg8+ would be pointless because after 3 ©f7 llg5 4 ©f6 llg8 White can play 5 g4 ! (5 . . . llxg4? 6 lla4+). Or 2 . . . ©e5 3 lla5+ ©e6 (e4) 4 ©g7 wins, as Wh ite's pawn reaches g5. 3 g4 The alternative 3 ©g7 would only waste time after 3 . . . llh3 4 ©f6 llh6+ 5 ©f5 llh8 because 6 lla5 is effectively answered by . . .

1 76 Rook Endings

6 . . . @f3 . :ilg8+ 3 Forced, because Black is lost if the pawn reaches the fifth rank. llh8+ 4 @hS ngs+ s @gs 6 @h4 (2 1 1)

Taimanov-Larsen 1 970 @es?? 6 It is clear that Wh ite had to retreat his king in order to avoid the checks and Black's logical continuation is to drive the king back as far as possible before using the rook to prevent the advance of the pawn . After 6 ... llh8+ 7 @g3 llg8 , however, 8 lla5 ! wins , so Black would draw by 7 ... @eS! threatening 8 . . . @f6. Continuing our analysis, play might go 8 :ila6 (8 g5 @f5 ! ) cutting off Black's king, but White can make no progress because his own king cannot advance. Black simply waits by 8 ... llhl (not 8 . . . llg8? 9 @h4 winning) with an easy draw. The other possibility is 8 llf3 when Black's simplest is 8 ... ll g8

also possible is 8 . . . @e6 9 g5 @e7 IO @g4 llf8 ! 9 llf4 @e6 10 @h4 @es ! 1 1 nrs+ @e6 12 @hs llh8+ , or here 9 llf5+ @e6, with well­ known drawing positions. Apart from this thematic defence, Black could also play 6 . . . @f4! 7 lla4+ @f3! which would have at least justified Larsen's original plan. White can make no progress as 8 g5?? allows mate in one, whereas after 8 @hS llh8+ 9 @g6 llg8+ 10 @CS nrs+ 1 1 @e6 ngs! the draw is clear. 7 lla6! Perh aps Larsen failed to ap­ preciate the strength of this move which cuts off his king and allows the white king to advance. The game is now lost. @f4 7 Or 7 . . . llh8+ 8 @g5 n g8+ 9 @h5 nh8+ I O llh6 and l l g5 winning. 8 llf6+ @es gS 9 l -0 After 9 . . . llh8+ I O @g4 followed by l l nf2 and the advance of White's pawn and king. A defeat which should be a warning to us all. This example brings to an end our treatment of rook and pawn endings . We have devoted a great deal of space to this part of the endgame but have still had to omit much useful and interesting material. We make no apologies for stressing the importance of such endings which occur most frequently in practice. The keen reader would

Rook Endings 1 77

do well to spend even more time on them, by consulting more specialized endgame volumes. Rook against minor pieces The ending of rook against bishop or knight is usually drawn, but there are some positions in which the unfavourable placing of the pieces allows the holder of the major piece to win. This is mainly when the defending king is on the edge of the board .

After 1 . . . i.f5 2 lld8+ i.c8 3 lle8 it is mate next move. The moral is clear: the possessor of the bishop should aim to place his king in the corner not controlled by the bishop, assu ming, of course, that he is compelled to go to the edge of the board. It is not al ways easy to bring about positions such as diagram 2 1 2 if the bishop has freedom. Diagram 2 1 3 i s a typical set-up which White must try to obtain .

ROOK AGAINST BISHOP

As we have said , the rook can only hope for success if the enemy king has been driven to the edge of the board. Diagram 2 1 2 offers us two basic examples:

Kling and Horwitz 1 85 1

White cannot win fro m the right-hand position, even though his pieces have reached maximum efficiency. The point is that 1 . . . i.g8 2 l:ie8 gives stalemate, and if i nstead 2 l:ib5 i.e6 3 llb8+ i.g8, White can similarly make no progress . However, in the left-hand position White wms quickly.

White wins this type of position, wherever the bishop may be, but he must not allow Black's king to cross the f-file and head towards the 'safe' corner. i.gl 1 The only move to prevent a double attack by White's rook , threatening mate and the bishop, e.g. 1 . . . i.b2 2 l:ib7 i.e5 3 l:ie7 wins . 2 l:ifl Driving the bishop out into the open. But not 2 l:id7 or 2 Iic7 when the black king escapes by

1 78 Rook Endings

2 . . . \t>f8 ! .i.h2 2 .i,g3 3 l:if2 Or 3 . . . .i.gl 4 llg2 etc with similar play. 4 :ilg2! This wins the bishop. If now 4 . . . .i.f4 (or 4 . . . .i.h4) then 5 lt>f5+ (5 lt>h5+) wins. Or 4 . . . .i.c7 (or 4 . . . .i.b8) 5 l:i c2 wins, or 4 . . . .i.e5 5 lle2 wins . .i.d6 4 .i.e7 5 l:id2 Or 5 . . . .i.c7 6 lld7 .i.b6 (or 6 . . . .i.a5) 7 llb7 ( l:ia7) wins. 6 l:ia2 wins. There are other positions in which the rook wins even when the enemy king is not in a mating net . However, these are unus ual situations which we do not intend to discuss here. Nor shall we spend time on positions of rook against bishop and pawn, in which the rook manages to do more than draw. Ho wever, it is worth paying some attention to positions in which roo k and pawn face a single bishop. Of course, these positions are usually won for White, but there are a number of exceptions when the bishop manages to draw. Let us first co nsider a general case. The correct normal winning method for White is to advance his king as far as possible before moving the pawn , but here White has pushed his pawn on too early. This means that he has great techn ical difficulties to overcome before he ca n force the win.

A . Philidor 1 7 77 llal 1 It is not so much individual moves which matter, but the general winning plan. White can win only if his king succeeds in occupying c5 or e5, so that he can drive Black's king to the back ra nk. To achieve this, he has to ch ase the bishop away from important squares, by no means an easy task. 1 .i.g3 He has not much choice. 1 . . . .i.h2? loses t o 2 lla7+ \t>d6 3 llg7, and I . . . .i.d6? to 2 l:ia7+ .i.c7 3 \t>f5 followed by 4 l:i xc7+ and 5 \t>e6. If I . . . .i.b6 2 l:ifl .i.c7 .l l:if7+ \t>d6 4 llf6+ \t>d7 5 \t>d4 .i.h2 ! 6 l:ig6 .i.f4 7 l:ig4, or hen: 2 . . . .i.a5 3 llf7+ \t>d6 4 l:if6+ lt>d7 5 \t>d4 .i.d2 6 l:if2, both giving the same positions wh ich later occur in the main variation. Sim ilarly , I . . . .i.b8 2 l:ig I gives Black nothing better than to tran spose to our main line by 2 . . . .i.c7. 2 llgl This position has an interesting

Rook Endings 1 79

history . Philidor originally con­ sidered it drawn, then Guretzky­ Cornitz demonstrated a win by 2 1Ia7+. Finally , Berger pointed out the text move which is the 4 uickest method. �c7 2 The only move . If 2 . . . �h4 3 l!i>e5 wins . Or 2 . . . �f2 3 1Ig7+ l!i>d6 4 l:lg6+ ©d7 5 ©e 5 wins. Or 2 . �h2 3 l:lg7+ ©d6 4 l:lg2 etc. And of course 2 . .. �d6 fails to .1 l:ig7+. There is an interesti ng way to win after 2 . . . �b8 White plays 3 l:ig7+ ©d6 4 l:lg6+ (but not 4 \t>d4 �a7+! when 5 1Ixa7 is stalemate) 4 . . . ©d7 5 ©f5 ! placing Black in zugzwang. The threat is 6 l:lg7+ ©d6 7 1Ib7 �c7 8 l:lxc7, a nd after 5 ... �h2 6 l:ig7+ ©d6 7 ©e4! produces another zugzwang. ©d6 3 l:lg7+ ©d7 4 1Ig6+ 5 ©d4 The best square for the king from where he is eyeing both c5 and e5. If instead 5 ©f5 then 5 . . . .ia5 etc. �f4 5 Again the only move. The t h reat was 6 ©c5 which would be t he reply to 5 . . . �a 5, 5 . . . �h2 or � �d8 . If 5 . . . �b8 6 l:lg7+ \t>d6 7 ©c4 �c7 8 l:ig6+ \t>d7 9 ©c5 wins. 6 l:ig4! (21 5) Driving the bishop from the h8-h2 diagonal, as 6 . . . �h2 (or li �c7) allows 7 ©c5 , and if 6 . . . .ib8 7 l:ig7+ etc. �d2 6 Or 6 . . . �c l (6 . . . �h6 7 ©e5 ) . .

. . .

. . .

7 1Ig7+ ©d6 8 1Ig2! zugzwangs Black, as the following lines show: a) 8 . . . �f4 (or 8 . . . ©d7 9 ©e5) 9 ©e4 �c l 10 l:la2! �g5 (or 10 . . . ©d7 1 1 ©e5) 1 1 1Ia6+ ©d7 1 2 ©e5 wins. b) 8 . . . �a3 9 1Ig6+ ©d7 10 l:lb6 �f8 (the threat is 1 1 ©e5 , and if 10 . . . ©c7 1 1 1Ia6 wins) 1 1 l:lb7+ ©d6 1 2 ©e4 (again not 1 2 1Ia7 beca use of 12 . . . �g7+!) 12 . . . �e7 13 l:l b6+ ©c7 (or 1 3 . . . ©d7 14 ©e5 wins) 1 4 l:la6 wins . 7 1Ig2 On the surface White appears to wi n by 7 1Ig7+ ©d6 8 l:lg6+ ©d 7 9 d6 threatening 1 0 ©d5 . In reality, however, this thro ws away the win after 9 . . . ©c6! 10 ©e5 �b4! when White's rook cannot leave the sixth rank nor can his king cross it. An instructive drawing position! 7 �f4 The only alternative is 7 . . . �b4, as 7 . . . �a5 (e l ) 8 ©c5, or 7 . . . �h6 (c l ) 8 ©e5 both lose. After 7 . . . �b4 8 1Ib2! we have a position symmetrical to the main variatio n, e.g. 8 . . . �a3 (or 8 .. . �a5 or 8 . . . �e l 9 ©c5 , or 8 . . .

180 Rook Endings

J.. e7 9 @e5 . We have already examined 8 . . . J.. f8 9 1Ib7+ in our variation to Black sixth move) 9 l:l b7+ @d6 I O 1Ib6+ c8 we are back wh ere we .

Rook Endings 1 83

s t a rted and White can make no progress . However, if B lack has the ' wrong' bishop (i.e. controlling t he pawn's queening square) White wins without any trouble, as we see in the play from the right-hand position of diagram

White also wins, even against the 'correct' bishop, if his roo k's pa wn is on the fourth rank or lower, as in our next example:

2 1 8:

i.cl 1 Wg4 2 wrs Or first 2 lk3 and 3 llc6 followed by 4 Wf5 . i.d2 2 i.cl 3 llb3 wh7 4 ll b6+ Or 4 . . . Wxh5 5 lI b 1 winning the hishop. 5 h6! i.d2 If 5 . . . i.xh6 6 lib7+ i.g7 7 wg5 wi ns. 6 lig6! This is simpler than 6 li f6 .Ite l 7 Wg4 i.xh6 8 Wh5 to be followed by 9 lif7+ and 1 0 Wg6 wi nning. i.cl 6 If 6 . . . i.xh6 7 Wf6 and 8 wf7 wi ns. Or 6 . . . i.c3 7 Wg5 and X Wh5 wins. So Black plays a waiting move. 7 lig7+ wxh6 Or 7 . . . wh8 8 Wg6 i.xh6 l) llh7+. wh7 8 li g6+ After 8 ... Wh5 9 li g l the bishop is lost. 9 Wf6 and 10 Wf7 wins. Once again we have a variation o f the winning set-up in diagram 2 1 3.

Guretzky-Cornitz 1 863

.

First of all White plays a few preliminary moves before beginning his main plan. 1 wh6 Wg8 We have already seen that Black loses after 1 . . . i.d5 2 lld7 i.e6 3 lid8+ i.g8 4 wg5 wg7 5 lld7+, as given in our analysis of diagram 2 1 8 , left, note to Black 2nd move . 2 ng7+ wf8 Or 2 . . . Wh8 3 lle7 i.d5 4 lle8+ etc, as in the previous note. 3 ligS ! Beginning the main plan. To win, White's king must reach f6, b ut the bishop stops him going via g6, and ligl followed by Wg5 would allow . . . Wg7. So White m ust play with more subtlety. The text move already threatens 4 Wh5 5 Wg4 (now we see why White's pawn must not be on the fifth ran k ! ) If Black then plays 4 . . .

184 Rook Endings

i.f3+ then 5 'it>g6 wins, for if 5 . . . 'it>g8 6 'it>h6+ Black's king m ust go into the corner, as 6 . . . 'it>f8 7 lif5+ wins the bishop. 'it>f7 3 If 3 . . . i.d3 ( c2) 4 'it>h5 i.e2 ( d I )+ 5 'it>g6 'it>g8 6 lid5 ( c5) wins, for his king reaches g7. Now 4 'it>h5 fails to 4 .. . i.f3+. 4 li g3! Threatening 5 'it>g5 'it>g7 6 'it>f4+. .ic2 (220) 4 Or 4 . . . i.b l 5 lig7+ 'it>f8 (if 5 . . . 'it>f6 6 lig l i.d3 7 li d I follo wed by 8 lifl + or 8 'it>h7 wins) 6 lig5! and Black cannot prevent 7 'it>h5.

5 'it>h5 The line suggested by Guretzky­ Cornitz. Simpler is the method given by Kling: 5 lif3+ 'it>g8 6 lic3! when 6 . . . i.e4 7 lig3+ 'it>f7 8 'it>g5 ! wins. Or 6 . . . i.b l 7 lig3+ 'it>f7 8 lig7+ 'it>f8 9 lig5 ! and 10 'it>h5 wins . Or finally 6 . . . i.a4 7 lic8+ 'it>f7 8 'it>h 7 i.b5 (if 8 . . . i.b3 9 li c l , or 8 . . . i. d 1 9 lic4 etc) 9 lid8 ! i.c6 (a4) 10 lid4 (d2) wins. 'it>f6 5 The point of this variation lies in the fact that after 5 . . . i.d I +

6 'it>g5 'it>g7 7 lic3! the bishop cannot ret urn in time to the g8-b 1 diagonal, e.g. 7 . . . i.e2 8 h 5 i.b5 ( f l ) 9 h6+ 'it>h7 1 0 lic7+ 'it>h X 1 1 h7 and 1 2 'it>h6 wins. If 5 . . . .ib l (h7) 6 lig5. Or 5 . . . i.e4 6 'it>g5 . O r 5 . . . i.a4 6 'it>g5 'it>g7 7 li c3 ! whe n there is no defence to the advance of t h l· pawn. 6 lig5 i.dl + Or 6 . . . i.f5 7 'it>h6 i.d3 8 lig.l i.e4 9 lig4 and I 0 lif4+ wins. 'it>f7 7 'it>h6 White was threatening to bring his rook to the f-fi le with gain of time, e.g. 7 . . . i.f3 8 li g l i.c2 9 lig2, or 7 . . . i.b3 8 lib5 etc. 8 lig7+ 'it>f6 Or 8 . . . 'it>f8 9 'it>g6 and I 0 'it>f6 WtnS. i.e2 9 ligl 10 lig2 i.d3 lifl+ wins. 11 This example ends our discussion of rook and pawn v bishop. Apart from the few exceptions given, this type o f ending is won for White, but can sometimes require ex­ tremely precise handling. E ndings with rook against bishop and pawn or bishop and two pawn arc usually drawn, although in certa in positions either side can win, depending on the piece con­ figurat ion. From among the many possibilities, we select a position in which both sides have two pawns and which has grea t practical value. All the pawns are on the same wing, with none being passed, and

Rook Endings

I 85

and can play 3 . . . i.g2 4 :!If2 i.h 1 in order to answer 5 b4 with 5 . . . ab 6 :!Ib2 ©b7 7 :!Ixb4 ©a6 8 :!l:b5 i.f3 9 ©c7 i.d I 10 :!l:xb6+ @a5 etc. White would have no real winning chances. 1 i.f3 If I . . . a5 2 ba ba 3 @c 5 a4 4 @b6 @c8 5 :!Ic7+ and 6 :!Ic4 wins Black's pawn. 2 a4 i.e4 a5! 3 An interesting pos1t1on arises Black has the 'correct' bishop. He after 3 b5 i.f3 . If White then has set up the correct defensive makes a non-co mmittal move fo rmation of pawns on the black squares combining with his bishop such as 4 :!Ig I , Black can cleverly to prevent the entry of White's . reply with 4 . . . a 5 ! If then 5 ba king. The question is whether Black plays 5 . . . ©a7 and 6 . . . White can achieve anything by @xa6, and i f White does not advancing his pawns or whether capture the pawn, Black maintains Black can defend his hedgehog his bishop on the long diagonal and White's king can never attack position. the b-pawn. This idea was seen in I b4! a game S tein-R. Byrne, Moscow Only by immediately preventing I . . . a5! can White win the ga me, 1 97 1 (with colours reversed). However, even without this possi­ as it is difficult to see how he could bility, Black can probably hold proceed after this, if Black had the the position after 3 b5. To make move. The bishop would remain any progress, White would have on the long diagonal; it could not be driven away, and if White's to play a5 and after . . . ba recapture with his king. Black king tried to penetrate via b5 must then place his bishop on the Black would place his bishop on c6 and move his king between the c8-h3 diagonal in order to play first and second ranks. . . . i.c8+ as soon as White's king White's on ly try would be 2 a4 goes to a6. On the other hand , if i.f3 3 :!l:f7 in order to answer 3 . . . the king ret urns to c5, Black's i.e4 with 4 b4 a b 5 lif4. The bishop goes back to the long situation would then be critical for diagonal. It is difficult to see how B lack , although 5 . . . i.d3 ! 6 :!l: xb4 White can make any progress. ©a7 7 ©c6 ©a6 8 lixb6+ ©a5 3 ba a6 9 lib3 i.g6! would draw. However, ba 4 Black need not even allow this, Black must play this move

186 Rook Endings

sooner or later. If 4 . . . .id3 5 lig3 followed by either 6 a6 or 6 'i!?c6. After the text move, a fresh situation has arisen, posing tricky problems for White. He must drive B lack's king far enough away from the pawn for the sacrifice lixa6 to win. The following analysis by Enevoldsen shows that this is in fact possible: .id3 s @cs 'i!?c8 6 @b6 @d8 7 li c7+ White has made the first step, as 7 . . . @b8? loses to 8 lid7 , but Black's king must be driven even further away. .ie2 8 lies Not of course 8 . . . .ib5 9 li xb5 etc. If 8 . . . @e7 9 lid5 and 1 0 @c7 gains time on the main line. 9 @b7 @d7 @e6 1 0 lidS+ .ic4 Iii d2 ll It makes no appreciable difference which square the bishop chooses, as White purs ues his strategic plan unhindered. .ibS 1 2 'i!?c7 1 3 lid4! Placing Black in zugzwang, so driving hs king further afield. If now 13 . . . 'i!?e5 14 :ii d 6 transposes to our main line . 13 .ifl @es 14 li d6+ Or 14 . . . 'i!?e7 1 5 li d l and 16 Ite l + wins . l S 'i!?c6 .ie2 .ibS 16 @cs lib6 17 .ie2 If 17 . . . .id3 1 8 lib3 or 1 7 . . .

.ifl 1 8 lib l , the rook equally reaches the d-file. 18 lib8 Quicker than 18 lib2 .id3 1 9 li b 3 etc, as 1 8 . . . .ib5 now fails to 1 9 lixb5 . .id3 18 lie8+ 19 @f6 Or 1 9 . . . @f5 20 @d4 winning more quickly. 20 @d6 Translator's note: 20 @b6 followed by 2 1 lia8 and 22 lixa6 wo uld shorten the solution by 8 m oves. @rs 20 Or 20 . . . @f7 2 1 lie7+ @f8 (if 21 . . . 'i!?f6 22 lie3) 22 'i!?e6 and 23 @f6 wins. lieS+ 21 @f4 .ibS 22 @dS .ia4 23 @d4 Or 23 . . . .ifl 24 lie8 etc. .ibS 24 lie6 lif6+ 2S @gs lif8 26 Black's king is now far enough away, otherwise White could have continued the process with 26 'i!?c5 etc. 26 @g6 27 @cs @g7 28 lia8 @f7 29 @b6 @e7 lixa6 wins. 30 A lengthy solution but easy to follow once we have seen the basi1: idea of driving away Black's king. ROOK A G A INST K N I G H T

This ending also is usually drawn. A win is only possible in

Rook Endings 187

exceptional circumstances. Let us examine a few possibilities from diagram 222. 222

Here are two examples in which White has driven the enemy king to the edge of the board. Nevertheless, there is no win to be had. In the botto m position, play might go: 1 Itb2+ @a l 2 l:i'.b8 Or 2 I!h2 @b l 3 Itd2 @a l 4 @b4 @b l 5 ©c3 lba2+ etc. lbe2 ! 2 The only move . Black loses after both 2 . . . lDd3 3 ©b3 lbc l + 4 ©c2 lba2 5 Itb l mate , and 2 . . . lba2 3 ©b3 ©b l 4 l:i'.b7 lbc l + 5 @c3+ and 6 ©c2. ©bl ! 3 ©b3 Threatening t o escape via c l . lbcl+ 4 l:i'.e8 5 ©c3 lba2+ White must now allow perpetual check or else let the black king out. The position is drawn. The top position in diagram 222 is also a typical drawing position. lbh6 1 l:i'.b7 lbg8! 2 Ith7

The black knight must stay close to the king. In a game Steinitz-Neumann, 1 8 70 (with colours reve rsed), Black wrongly continued 2 . . . lbg4 and lost after 3 Ith4 lbe3 4 Ite4! lb d l (or 4 . . . lbg2 5 @f5 , o r 4 . . . lbc2 5 @d5) 5 l:i'.f4+ @g7 6 l:i'.f3 ©g6 (or 6 . . . lbb2 7 @d 5 ©g6 8 ©d4 ©g5 9 lift lba4 1 0 Itb l etc) 7 ©e 5 ©g5 8 @d4 @g4 9 l:i'.fl lDb2 1 0 It b l lb a4 1 1 Itb4 winning the knight. 3 I!f7+ @e8 4 Itg7 ©f8! Again this is the only move, as 4 . . . lbh6 5 l:i'. g6 wins the k night. 5 Ith7 @e8 lbh6 6 Itf7 7 l:i'.fl Or 7 I!g7 ©f8 8 ©f6 lbg8+ 9 _@g6 lbe7+ etc. 7 lbg8 and White can do nothing further. It is clear that if this last position were moved one square to the right, with Black's knight on h8, Black would be completely lost. White also has winning chances if the knight is separated fro m the king, or is placed unfavourably near the corner on the second ran k. However, the reader can look up this material in more specialized endgame books. When we have rook and pawn against knight, it is only rarely that Black can save hi mself. This can o nly occur when the pawn is bl ockaded and sepa rated from its own king, as the couple of positions given in diagram 223. •

188 Rook Endings 223

In the left-hand position, Black is blockading the pawn, and it is difficult to see how White can proceed. His only chance lies in approaching with his king along the top of the board , and Black must defend very carefully to hold the position. (Note that if the pieces are moved one rank further up, even this white plan would be impossible). lt::i a 5! li.b4 I Berger suggested the following drawing line: 1 . . . lt::i d 6 2 @e5 lt::i b 7 3 @e6 lt::i c5+ 4 @e7 lt::i b7 (if 4 . . . @b7 5 @d6 lt::i a 6 6 ii.b l lt::i b 8 7 ©c5 lt::i d 7+ 8 @b5 wins) 5 ii.b l lt::i a 5 6 @d8 @b7 7 @d7 lt::i c4 wi nning the pawn.

However, as Cheron pointed out, White wins here by 8 li.b4! lt::i x b6+ (or else White's reaches c5) 9 @d6 @a7 10 @c6 etc. The text move was analysed by Frink. 2 ©e4 If 2 @e5 then 2 . . . @c5 ! 3 b7 lt::i c6+ and 4 . . . @xb4 draws at o nce. 2 lt::i b 7 lt::i c5 3 @e5 So that if 4 @f6 lt::id 7+ follows. 4 @f5 lt::i d 7! After 4 . . . @b7 5 @f6 lt::i d 7+ 6 @e7 lt::i xb6 7 @d6 we have Cheron's winning position . b7 5 @c7 and Black has reached the position we mentioned earlier, in which White's king has no manoe uvring space, e.g. 6 li.b5 lt::i b 8 7 @e4 @c6 8 lib 1 @c7 9 @d5 lt::i d 7 1 0 @c4 lt::i b 8 1 1 li.b5 lt::i d 7 1 2 @b4 @b8 1 3 @a5 @a7 drawing. If this position is moved towards the centre , it is still drawn. Black defends , as we have shown, by placing his king on whichever side the white king threatens to penetrate. He does not even have to fear C heron's winning line which of course does not work with bishop's pawn, king's pawn or queen's pawn. When we come to the roo k's pawn, Black's chances are fa r worse for the simple reason that White can sometimes even advantageousl y give up the pawn . The right-hand position in diagram 223 is an interesting case in poi n t . Black will lose i f he allows White's

Rook Endings 189

king to reach g6. His only chance l ies in the fact that White's rook h as little space to manoeuvre behind the pa wn, which makes the pawn hard to defend. Wh ite wins in the following instructive way: Iii h 2 I Not of course 1 @e3 lbg3 d rawing at once . lDf4 I After 1 .. . lbf6 Berger gives a win as follows: 2 @e3 @g3 3 Iii h 1 ©g2 (or 3 . . . lbg4+ 4 @e4 lDf2+ 5 \t>f5 lbxh l 6 h5 and the pawn can not be stopped, or 3 . . . lDh5 4 @e4 gives a line we shall see l a ter) 4 lld 1 @g3 5 lld4 wins , as 5 lbg4+ is answered by @e4. lbhS 2 @e3 But not 2 . . . @g3 3 h 5 ! lDd5+ 4 'lt>c4 lbc3+ 5 @e5 and the pawn rnns through . 3 @e4 lbg3+ Weaker is 3 . . . 'i!?g3 4 li h l @g2 'i :tl d l @g3 (h3) 6 @f5 ! and the pa wn cannot be captured . lDhS 4 @es Or 4 . . . lDfl 5 lif2 lbe3 6 @e4 etc. S @e6 @g3 Black cannot stop White's king 1 1·a ch ing g6. For exa mple, if 5 . t) 114+ 6 @f6 @h 5 7 @f5 lDg6 K ll h 1 and again th e pawn cannot he taken. 6 Iii h l @g4 Or 6 . . . ©g2 7 lld l @g3 K 'lt>f5 ! etc. lbg3 7 @f7 Black seems to have defended •11 1 rccssfully, as 8 llh2 lDfl 9 li f2 fi 1 � .l, o r here 9 h 5 lbxh2 1 0 h 6 ( 1 0 �g6 lDf3) 10 . . . lbf3! draw for

h i m . However, there is a surprise in store. 8 @g6 ! This decides matters, as the ro ok sacrifice must be accepted. lbxhl 8 9 hS lbg3 h6 wins. IO The pawn ca nnot be stopped .

. . .

. .

There is another type of drawing position, when the pawn is guarded from the side by the rook. For example, in diagram 225, White cannot win against correct defence. Black must play h is king to b3 if the wh ite king stays behind the pawn, but must transfer to b5 if Wh ite takes his king up the board. Play might go: I @f3 @b3 2 @g4 ©a4 3 @rs lba3 s @es 'i!?bS and Black is threatening to win the pawn after 5 . . . lbc2. Common sense tells us that White would win with a rook's pawn in the same situation, for Black has two disadvantages: he now has no file to the left (a4! ) to manoe uvre round the pawn, nor can his king attack the rook which is no longe r behind t he pawn. The

190 Rook Endings

reader can try out this position for himself to see how White wins. Rook against knight and pawn or knight and two pawns is usually drawn, but of course there are exceptions which we shall not discuss here. With equal material, the rook usually wi ns, unless Black can set up a hedgehog position. Consider the following example :

White can make no progress, as one of his pieces is always tied to the defence of the pawn. The most White can do is win the pawn after 1 'ittd 3 'ittf7 2 1Ixe6 'itt xe6 3 'ittc 4, but the pawn ending is a book draw. However, the same position one rank further up would result in a winning pawn ending! Rook and Minor Piece against Rook The ending of rook and bishop or rook and k night against rook is usually a draw, the rook and knight co mbination winning only rarely. White's prospects are somewhat better with rook and bishop, although even here there are not many positions from

which a win can be forced. H owever, as we shall soon see, the defence is not always easy to conduct. ROOK AND B I S H O P A G A I N ST ROOK

Surprisingly enough, this ending occurs relatively often in tourna­ ment practice , and is just as often needlessly lost by the defence. It will therefore be worthwhile if we explain here some of the basic principles of defence. First of all, let us consider a famous position from which Philidor demonstrated a win more than two centuries ago.

A. Philidor 1 749 White wins as follows: 1If8+ 1 In order to prevent the defensive move . . . Ja d7+ which is possible even after l .tc6. 1 ll:e8 Iii e 2! 2 llf7 White was threatening 3 Iii a 7. lf 2 . . . 'itt c 8 3 :Ila 7 ll:d8+ 4 'itic6 'itt b 8 5 ll:a l and Black is in zugzwa ng.

Rook Endings 191

2 . . . lie l or 2 . . . lie3 slightly shorten the main variation. 3 lih7 A tempo move to force Black's rook to a less favourable square on the e-file. liel 3 A more stubborn defence than 3 ... lie3 after which 4 lid7+ 'it>e8 (or 4 . . . 'it>c8 5 lia7 when Black cannot play 5 . . . lib3) 5 lia7 'it>f8 6 lif7+ 'it>e8 7 1if4! 'it>d8 (White threatened 8 .ic6+ and 7 . . . lid3 allows 8 lig4 when 8 . .. lif3 cannot be played) 8 .ie4! wins (8 ... 'it>e 8 9 .ic6+). 4 lib7 licl Or 4 . . . 'it>c8 5 lia7 lib 1 6 lig7 'it>b8 7 lig8+ 'it>a7 8 lia8+ and 9 lib8+ winning the rook. 5 .ib3 We now see why the black rook was driven to bottom rank (no check on d I ! ). Grigoriev gives the alternatives 5 lif7 lie ! (or 5 . . . 'it>e8 6 lif6 li d I 7 lif2! lid4 8 lie2+ and 9 lig2 etc) 6 .if3 as winning, e.g. 6 . . . lie3 (or 6 . . . 'it>e8 7 lif4 'it>d8 8 .ih5 'it>c8 9 lib4 ! ) 7 .ic6 continuing a s i n the main variation. lic3 5 Or 5 . . . 'it>c8 6 lib4 'it>d8 7 lif4 lie l (if 7 . . . 'it>c8 8 .id5 'it>b8 9 lia4 etc) 8 .ia4 'it>c8 9 .ic6 lid I + 10 .id5 'it>b8 1 1 1ia4 wins. The black rook has now been driven to the unfavou rable sixth rank and White can carry out his winning plan. lid3+ 6 .ie6 1ic3 7 .idS

Or 7 ... 'it>c8 8 lia7 winning. 8 lid7+! 'it>c8 White mates after 8 . . . 'it>e8 9 lig7 (Black's rook cannot go to f3 ! ). 9 1if7 'it>b8 IO lib7+ 'it>c8 'it>d8 11 1ib4! Or 1 1 . . . lid3 1 2 lia4 e tc. 1 2 .ic4! wins. Black can no longer prevent mate. As can be seen, this winning method is complex and needs to be well planned. There are many similar positions, some of which are won for White, some drawn . We cannot deai with these fully but will just poin t out that positions similar to diagra m 227 are won if the kings are on the rook's or bishop's files, but only drawn with the kings on the knight's file. The reader can fi nd more extensive analysis in specialized endgame books. What interests us here is the practical problem of how to defend such positions.

J. Szen

1 92 Rook Endings

Let us assu me that Black's king has been driven to the edge of the board and has reached a position similar to diagram 228. This is a drawing position given by Szen. It has the following characteristics: the black king is a knight's move away from White's king and on a square of the same colour as the bishop controls , and Blac k's rook is preventing the threatened mate. White is unable to strengthen his position any further, as the following analysis shows: l:lc8 1 l:lb8+ g7 5 \t>e 5 i.h5 6 \t>e6 i.f7+ 7 \t>e7 i.h5 8 f6+ \t>g8 he has allowed them to be bl ockaded . 3 i.e8? An instructive mistake , after which the game is lost for Black. This was the last chance to play the bishop to the more active diagonal h 5-d l . After 3 . . . i.b3! Black can still draw, e.g. 4 ©f4 i.d 1 ! or 4 f6+ \t>f7 5 ©h6 \t>xf6 6 g5+ \t>f7 7 \t>h7 i.c2+ 8 g6+ \t>f6 , in both cases drawing comfortably. 4 ©f4!

198 Bishop Endings

The only way to win, pointed out by Karstedt in 1 906. Horwitz, who had analysed the position in 1 8 80, gave 4 f6+ as winning, when play might go: l) 4 ... h7 8 @d6! The simplest. W hite's king reaches e7 without being troubled by the bishop (8 ©e6 .ig4 9 @f6 ! ) . 8 .id3 Or 8 . . . .ig4 9 f6 .ih5 IO @e7

@g8 1 1 f7+ etc. f6 @g6 9 .ic4 10 @e7 .ixf7 f7 11 h7 @xh 7 12 @h8 13 @xf7 14 @g6! wins. In his fight against the three con nected pawns, Black m ust try to force them to the same diagonal so that he can blockade them with his bishop. Or if they form a tri angle , he can use his bishop to blockade two pawns and his king to stop the other. Consider this position:

Black can d raw if he continues to prevent the approach of White's king. Play might go: 1 @d4 @e6 2 @e4 .ie8 3 @f4 .td7 4 @gs .te8 S @h6 @f7! (not 5 . . . .id7? 6 @g7 .ie8 7 fl .ixfl 8 d 7 winning) and White can make no progress. If White's three pawns arc isolated, it is difficult to give gene ral rules. Black's defence will be trickier, because the bishop h a s problems stopping the pawns 11 1 some distance from each oth e r .

Bishop Endings 199

We shall restrict ourselves to one example.

M. Lewitt 1933 As two of White's pawns are doubled, Black has an apparently easy task, for the bishop will only h ave one pa wn to deal with . I l owever, as we saw also in d iagram 232, the bisho p j ust rn nnot do this, and White wins as follows: .td8 1 ©e4 b6 ! 2 Again the pawn sacrifice is the n nswe r, creating a self-block after 2 ©xb6 3 ©f5 when the pawn cannot be stopped. Or if 2 . . . .txb6 _\ h7 wins. However, Black has a cunning defensive idea. ©a6 ! 2 Intending to answer 3 h7 with ·' . .tf6, and 3 ©f5 with 3 . . . .txb6. In a s urprising way, however, White's b-pawn now becomes an important factor which White uses cleverly as follows: .tg5 3 ©e5! Black cannot play 3 . . . .tc7+ . . .

.

.

which would otherwise force White to give up con trol of d4 or f6. The text move is Black's only chance. 4 h7 .tel 5 ©d6 .txb2 6 ©c7! Another fi nesse. After 6 ©c6? .te5! White would be in zugzwang, and Black would draw. Now 7 b7 is the threat. 6 .te5+ 7 ©c6 .td4 Whe reas now Black is in zugzwang and 7 . . . ©a5 fails to 8 b7. ©a7 b7 8 .te5+ 9 ©c7 10 ©c8 wins. One of the pa wns m ust queen. A fine study, showing the problems that the bishop has to face against distant passed pawns . There are many positions in which the side with the bishop also has pawns, but most of them are examples from practical play and difficult to classify. Let us j ust examine a few exceptional positions which every player m ust know, beginning with diagram 238.

200 Bishop Endings

White's material advantage would normally win, but both these positions are drawn. On the left, Black's king cannot be driven out of the corner and is usually stale mated. To win, White's bishop must be able to control the queening square of the pawn. On the right we have an exception known for almost two ce nturies, in which the bishop cann·ot win, even with a k night's pawn . As can easily be seen, Black's king cannot be driven fro m the g7, h8 squares without being stalemated, and sacrificing the bishop on g8 only gives White a drawn pawn ending. We see similar examples in diagram 239. 239

useless in the right-hand position. Black's pawn again can not be captured, and if 1 i.e4 ©g8 2 ©e7 ©h8 3 i.d5 or 3 ©f7 gives stale mate. The position is even drawn when Black's king cannot reach the corner. For i nstance, if we switch the white king and bishop in diagram 239 (right), Black still draws , e.g. 1 ©e5 ©e7 2 i.dS ©f8 3 ©d6 ©e8 4 i.e6 �f8 5 ©d7 stale mate. There is no way of driving the black king away from the pawn. Surprisi ngly enough, this pawn setting ensures Black a draw, even if White has a black-squared bishop and can attack the g-pawn. For example, changing White's bishop from f5 to e 5 , we have 1 ©d7 ©g8 2 ©e7 ©h8 when 3 ©f7 again gives stalemate. Nor is 3 i.f6 any good, as Black does not play 3 . . . gr! 4 � winning, but 3 ©g8! 4 ©e6 gf 5 ©xf6 � drawing. As we have already said, we cannot devote m uch space to endings of bishop and pawn versus pawn, but here is one final example of great practical val ue, which has been thoroughly analysed during the last century. This interesting position was originally analysed by Kling and Horwitz ( 1 85 1 ) and poses fascinating problems. We know that Black draws if his king reaches a8, even if he loses his pawn. Can White capture the pawn without allowing Black's king to reach a8? The answer to this question decides ...

Black saves himself on the left by the fact that his a-pawn cannot be captured, nor can his king be drive n fro m the corner. White can try I ©c6 when 1 . . . ©a8? allows 2 ©c7 mate , but after the correct ©c8 ! 2 i.e6+ ©b8 3 i.fS ©a8 I White has nothing better than 4 ©c7 stalemate, as the reader can verify for hi mself. White's bishop also proves ...

Bishop Endings 201

Kling and H orwitz 1 8 5 1 whether White wins or not. The composers thought that White could win only if he had the move , an opinion also held by other experts, until Rauser proved in 1 928 that White wins , whoever has the move . Let us follow the play, first with White to move: 1 i.f4! As already mentioned, White aims to captu re the pawn without allowing Black's king to reach a8. From Black's point of view, this means that, if White's bishop is, for example, on h2 guarding the long diagonal, Black's king must be in a position to answer a s ubsequent Wxa4 by . . . Wc6. So as soon as White threatens to take the pawn, Black must be able to play . . . Wd7 . If his king can only reach e6, he loses after l Wxa4 �d7 2 Wb5 Wc8 3 Wc6 etc. All this means that White must ma noeuvre his king and bishop so as to drive Black's king as far down the board as possible. White can then capture the pawn

before Black's king can occupy d7. Wg2! 1 Blac k must keep his options open. Other moves lose quickly, e.g. l . . . Wf2 2 We4 Wg2 3 Wd4 Wf3 4 i.h2 and Black is a move too late . 2 Wg4! If White heads straight for the pawn , Black d raws after 2 We4 Wh3 3 Wd4 Wg4 4 i.h2? Wf5 5 Wc4 We6 6 Wb5 Wd7 obtaining the co rrect defensive position. White first drives the king further away. 2 c;.t>f2 3 i.cl We2 As subsequent play reveals, White has nothing to fear when Black's king moves over to the queenside . However, 3 . . . Wg2 also loses to 4 i.e3, driving the king to the edge of the board. We shall be coming back to this position. 4 Wf4 Wf2 The black king tries to return to his c8-h3 diagonal, in order to reach d7. W hite's task is easier if the king continues towards the queenside, e.g. : 1 ) 4 . . . Wd3 S i.e3 Wc4 6 WeS! Wb3 if 6 . . . Wb5 7 Wd5 7 i.cS Wc4 8 Wd6 WbS or 8 . . . Wd3 9 Wd5 Wc3 IO i.d6 Wd3 1 1 Wc5 We4 1 2 Wb5 Wd5 13 i.h2 wins 9 WdS was 1 0 Wc6 Wa6 1 1 i.e3 was 1 2 Wb7 WbS 13 i.b6! Black's king has to go back! 1 3 ... Wc4 1 4 Wc6 Wb3 or 14 . . . Wd3 1 5 Wb5 and 16 Wxa4 lS i.cS Wc4 16 i.d6 Wd4 1 7 WbS

202 Bishop Endings

©d5 18 i.h2 ©e6 19 ©xa4 ©d7 20 ©b5 ©c8 21 ©c6 wins. 2) 4 ©di 5 i.e3 ©c2 if 5 . . . ©e2 6 ©e4 wins 6 ©e5! but not 6 ©e4? ©b3 7 i.c5 ©c4 drawing 6 ©b3 or 6 . . . ©d3 7 i.c5 7 i.c5 ©c4 8 ©d6 as in the previous variation. ©g2 5 i.e3+ After 5 . . . ©e2 6 ©e4 the black king is driven back to the back rank. With the text move, Black's king still hopes to reach d7. 6 ©g4! ©h2 If 6 . . . ©h i 7 i.f4 transposes. If 6 . . . ©fl 7 ©f3 ©e I 8 i.f4 wins easily. 7 i.f4+ ©g2 8 i_g3! This recurrent move drives Black's king to the bottom rank. ©gl 8 ©h i 9 ©f3 10 i.b8 Other moves on the long diagonal also win. As can be seen , Black's king cannot reach d7 in time. ©gl 10 II ©e4 ©g2 12 ©d5 ©f3 13 ©c4 ©e4 14 ©b5 ©d5 15 i.h2 wins. Now let us give Black the move in diagra m 240, when it is not so easy to drive his king down the board . This is why it was thought for a long time that White could not win. I ©g3! 2 i.f6 ©f3 Or 2 . . . ©h3 3 ©f4 ©h2 4 ©g4 ...

...

©g2 5 i.d4 winning, as we have already se en. 3 i.e5 Black's king must not be allowed to ret reat via the d4 or h4 squares. This move cuts off the latter possibility. 3 ©e3 4 i.b2! The only way to win, discovered by Rauser in 1 928. The bishop now covers the vital d4 square whilst preparing to occupy the important c l -h6 diagonal to prevent penetration on the kingside . Earlier analysts only considered 4 i.b8? ©d4 5 ©e6 ©c5 6 ©d7 ©b6 7 ©c8 ©c5 drawing. 4 ©d3 Or 4 . . . ©f3 5 i.c l ©g3 6 i.g5 ©f2 (if 6 . . . ©f3 7 i.f4 etc, as given above) 7 ©f4 ©e2 8 ©e4 ©f2 9 i.f4 wins, as in our analysis to diagram 240 with White to move. 5 ©e5 ©e3 We have alread examined 5 . . . ©c2 6 i.d4 ©b3 7 i.c5 ©c4 8 ©d6 etc (variation 1 in our note to Black's 4th move of the analysis to diagram 240 with W hite to move), and after 5 . . . ©c4 6 ©d6 ©b3 the simplest is 7 ©c5 ! ©xb 2 8 ©b4 winning. 6 i.cl+ ©f3 7 ©f5 ! ©g3 8 i.g5 ©f3 If 8 . . . ©h3 9 ©f4 and 1 0 i.h4 drives the king back. We have now reached diagram 240 with White to move ! 9 i.f4! wins. As we have seen , the black king

Bishop Endings 203

must not be allowed into the top half of the board, if White wishes to win. Once there, he cannot be forced back again. In diagram 240 we have indicated the critical zone. If Black's king is above the line, White cannot win. We shall not dwell any longer on this, but instead turn at once to the struggle of bishop against bishop. Bishop and Pawn against Bishop A general rule in endings is that a pawn gains in strength as the material on the board is reduced. In other words an extra pawn is worth more if there are weaker pieces on the board ; in queen endings .it can have relatively little i mportance, whereas in pawn endings it is usually enough to win the game. Following this argument, in bishop endings an extra pawn is of great value, especially when the bishops control squares of the same colour, and gives good winning chances. We shall first consider cases in which a single pawn is left on the board. Naturally, Black has fairly good drawing chances and our task is to find out under which conditions the pawn leads to a win. Let us begin with diagram 24 1 , where White's pawn i s already on the sixth rank. To win, White m ust of course queen his pawn, and this is only possible if Black's king is not immediately in front of the pawn and if his bishop can be prevented from sacrificing itself

fo r the pawn. With bishops of opposite colour there would clearly be no way of stopping this.

241

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White can always succeed in playing his pawn to e7. The following manoeuvre is typical of such positions: @c8 1 .if6+ Or l . . . @c7 2 .ie7 .if2 3 .id6+! etc. 2 .ie7 .if2 3 .id6 .ih4 Having been driven from the f8a3 diagonal, the bishop tries the d 8-h4 diagonal, but to no avail. 4 .ieS wins. Black has no defence to threat of 5 .if6 and 6 e5. As we have seen, White can make progress if Black's bishop is driven away from control of e7. H owever, White also needs to challenge the bishop by playing a later .if6. Is this always possible? To find out, let us place B lack's king on f5 , giving us diagram 242. The black king is now ideally posted, not only attacking the pawn but preventing a subsequent .if6. White cannot win, as the fol lowing shows:

204 Bishop Endings

242

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1 j.f6 .ib4 .iel 2 .ie7 .ih4 3 .ic5 The bishop cannot be driven fro m the new diagonal. .ig5 4 .id4 As 5 .if6 is now i mpossible, White can make no progress. Black plays his bishop up and down the d8-h4 diagonal until White plays .ie7, when he switches back to his o riginal diagonal . The game is drawn. This means that in positions similar to diagram 242 the result depends on whether Black's king can reach in ti me the critical square. Consider diagram 243 :

243

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The result depends on who has the move . White to move wins

easily, as we have seen , after 1 .ie7 .id2 2 .ia3 .ig5 3 .ib2 ! when 4 .if6 cannot be prevented . However, Black to move can hold the position, albeit with precise defence, as follows: 1 \t>e4! The only move. Black's king must be ready to go to f5 as soon as White threatens .if6. Only knowledge of diagram 242 could help Black to find this move. Note that I . \t>e5? loses to 2 .ie7 .ie l 3 .if6+ etc. .iel 2 .ie7 3 .ia3 .ih4 4 .ib2 \t>f5! The draw is now ens ured, as we already know. These examples have shown us that Black must be in a position to combat o n two diagonals the advance of the pawn (f8-a3 and d8-h4 in the ones we have quoted). If the pawn is near the edge of the board , one of these diagonals will obviously prove too short, and this gives White a win when a central pawn would only draw. Consider our next example: .

24 4

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The critical diagonals for Black's

Bishop Endings 205

bishop are here f8-a3 and f8-h6, but the latter is only three squares l ong, which is insufficient for a successful defence, as our following analysis shows: 1 'i!tg8! White's king has a choice of sides, and the result depends upon this decision. I 'it>e8? only draws after I . . . i.d6 2 i.f8 i.f4 3 i.b4 i.h6 4 i.c3 'it>d6! etc. Black cannot be manoeuvred into a zugzwang position, as White's bishop cannot prevent at one and the same time the moves . . . 'it>d6, . . . @f6 and . . . i.g7 . The finish might be: 5 i.d2 i.g7 6 i.e3 'it>e6 7 i.f4 'it>f6 drawing. As a general rule, we can state that in such positions White's king should always aim for the side where Black's bishop has the shortest defensive diagonal. He can then control squares on it and make it even shorter. 1 'it>f5 The threat was 2 i.f8 i.e3 3 i.a3 i.h6 4 i.b2 and 5 i.g7 winning at once. i.e3 2 i.f8 3 i.b4 i.h6 4 i.d2 ! wins. White's king controls g7 and Black's bishop is short of squares on the diagonal. Even if Black's king were now on . . . g6, he would still lose. For instance, White could play 4 i.c3 'it>g6 5 i.d2 i.g7 6 i.e3 and Black is in zugzwang (6 . . . @f6 7 i.d4+). So, in order to defend successfully, Black must have at least four

squares on the bishop's shortest diagonal. For example, consider the position in diagram 245 .

Black can draw, as the bishop's e8-h5 diagonal is long enough. After 1 ... i.e8 2 i.c2 'i!;>gS! Black prevents i.g6 and draws easily. Grandmaster A verbakh has systematized the above points in the form of the zone in diagram 246.

For White to be able to win, the pawn must be above the indicated line. With black-squared bishops, the zone is symmetrically opposite, being drawn above all the white squares in the diagonals a4-d7-h3. According to A verbakh, this

206 Bishop Endings

rule has two exceptions, the first being seen in diagram 244 after White has wrongly played I \t>e8?, and . the second shown in diagram 246. White cannot win here, despite the fact that his pawn is in the winning zone, because his bishop can never occupy a8. Play might go: 1 .tb7 After I a7 .td5 Black's bishop can never be driven from the l o ng diagonal, as there is no b9 available for White's bishop ! .te4 ! 1 This is the poin t. As White cannot capture the bishop, it remains on the long diago nal , and White can do no more than draw. We can see the logic of all this, if we move the position one rank down the board, giving us diagram 247 .

square a7, which was impossible in the previous diagram. 3 .td4 4 .ta7 .tes s .tb6 .tb8 6 .td8 wins. Black is in zugzwang. If we again move the position one rank lower, White still wins, as the 'short' diagonal of Black's bishop, c8- a6, is only th ree .tb3 2 aS squares long. After 1 .tc4 3 .tb7 .td3 other bishop moves lead to the same finish 4 .ta6 .tfS or 4 . . . .te4 5 .tb5 .tb 7 6 .td7 wins S .tbs .tc8 6 .tc6 ! and again Black is in zugzwang, e .g. \t>c4 7 .tb7 and 8 a6 wins. 6 One peculiarity of the rook's pawn can be seen, however, if we hare place the black king on d6 instead of b4: ...

...

.tb3! 2 aS Black draws by 1 .tc4, as White cannot advance the pawn or play his bishop to b5 or a6 , when bishops are exchanged with a drawn pawn ending. Finally, in diagram 249 we have another interesting position in which White's b-pawn has reached ...

As White's bishop now has b8 at its disposal , White wins, whoever has the move, as follows: .tb4 1 a6 2 .tcS 3 .tb8 ! The bishop reaches the critical

Bishop Endings 207

the seventh rank. According to Averbakh's zone, the position is won for White, but the winning method is particularly instructive and by no means easy.

zugzwang, as Black's bishop can oscillate between d6 and h2, and after 1 ..te7 gl 7 llid7 i.g6 8 ©d8 The bishop must momentarily l eave both critical diagonals but heads straight for f5 . 9 ©e 7 i.f5 The threat was I 0 llif8 i.f5 1 1 llie6 winning. 1 0 llic5 i.c8 ! Using the same defensive method on a different diagonal. White can make no progress, e.g. 1 1 'it>d8 i.f5 , or 1 1 llid7 ©h I 12 ©d8 i.a6 1 3 ©c7 i.b5 14 llie5 i.e8 ! etc . Grandmaster A verbakh has indicated the zone that the pawn must be in, if it is to be stopped by the bishop witho ut the help of the king (see diagram 273). This is valid for a white-squared bishop controlling the square in front of the pawn . In the case of a black­ squared bishop, as sym metrical zone applies bounded by the squares b3, c4, d 5 , e6, f5 and g4. The bishop cannot stop a rook's pawn without the help of the king. However, if the white pawn is over the critical line, the win depends upon how far away Black's is. Analysts have even indicated a zone for Black's king, within which he must be in order to draw against various positions of the pawn . We have no space here to analyse s uch possi­ bilities but advise any interested reader to refer to more specialized works on the endgame. Meanwhile

here is one example of this type of ending.

V. Kosek 1 9 2 1 White's pawn has crossed the critical f5 square , which means that the res ult depends upon the position of Black's king. We shall see that Black's king is too far away to control f4 in time, as the following analysis shows: 1 llig5 i.g8 Forced, as White was of course threatening 2 llie6. 2 llif7 ©d2 Heading for f4, but he is too late. After 2 . . . i.h7 3 llih6 i.g6 4 llif5 'it>d2 5 llih4 i.h 5 6 llig2! wins for White, as Black's king cannot prevent the decisive threat of 7 llif4. We can now see why this sq uare is so important; White's knight controls g6 and h5, and as White's king guards f7 and e8, the black bishop is driven fro m the diagonal. 3 ©f8 i.h7 4 llig5 i.d3 If 4 . . . i.g6 5 'it>g7 i.h5 6 'it>h 6 i.e8 7 llie4+ and 8 lt:ld6 wins, or

228 Bishop Endings

here 5 . . . i.e8 6 lt:le4+ 'it>e3 7 lt:ld6 i.h5 8 'it>h6 wins. 5 lt:le6 i.g6 Or 5 . . . i.f5 6 'it.>e7 i.g6 7 lt:lf4 wins . .ic2 6 lt:lf4 7 'it.>e7 .ib3 8 lt:le6 wins. This analysis shows us that Black only loses because his king cannot defend f4 in time. If, for example, in the original position Black's king is placed on d l i nstead o f c I , White cannot win, e.g. 1 lDg5 i.g8 2 lt:\f7 .ih7! 3 lt:lh6 i.g6 4 lt:\f5 'it>e2 5 lt:lh4 .ih5 6 lt:lg2 'it>f3! draws . The nearer the pawn is to the side of the board, the more difficult is the defence. The reason for this is clear: the bishop has virtually only one diagonal for defence, so the knight can easily cut it off. A successful defence is possible only if Black's king can support his bishop. The rook's pawn allows the defence new possibilities. Firstly, it means that the bishop can sometimes be exchanged for the knight, because of drawing chances in the pawn ending. Secondly, there is so metimes the opportunity for a bishop sacrifice in order to force White's king to block the pawn. Our next example illustrates these points . It is clear that White's only plan is to play his king to b8 and knight to b7, to cut off the bishop from the long diagonal. This plan fails, however, if Black's king reaches

B . H orwitz 1 885 b6 or a6, preventing lt:lb7. White's aim, therefore, is to keep Black's king away, whilst improving the position of his knight. 1 'it>b6! White gets nowhere with the i mmediate 1 lt:la6+ 'it>b5 2 'it>b8 i.g2 3 lt:lc7+ 'it>b6 etc drawing as White's knight can never play to b7. 1 'it.>c4 Passive defence would be hope­ less, as White would play his knight to d6, force Black's bishop to a8 because of the threat of lt:lb7, then win by lt:l b7 followed by 'it.>c7-b8 . Black intends to defend against this manoeuvre, which is wh y his king needs to reach the d8-d6 squares. 2 lt:la6 'it>d4 3 lt:l c7 .if3 4 lt:le6+ 'it.>e5 5 lt:ld8 .i a8 The th reat was 6 lt:lb7. It now seems that White still wins with this move, followed by 'it>c7-b8 , but matters are not so simple.

Bishop Endings 229

6 ©c 7 ©d5 Any bishop move would allow 7 lll b 7. (276) 216

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7 lll b 7! Apparently, White can also win by 7 ©b8 when the bishop cannot move , but Black's defensive plan 7 . . . ©d6 ! 8 ©xa8 ©c7 ! forcing a draw. This drawing position is characterized by the stalemate situation of White's king in front of the pawn , and by Black's king being placed on the same coloured square as the knight, with White to move. It is a well-known fact that the knight can never lose a tempo (i.e. hand the move over to Black), so Black's king can never be driven away from the c8 or c7 squares. A most s urprising draw! Now that we know the position, the following play is easier to u nderstand. White intends to capture the bishop only when Black cannot bring about the above drawing position. ©e6 7 The only move, as Black m ust be prepared to answer 8 ©b8 with 8 . . . ©d7.

8 lll a 5! As already seen, White only draws after 8 ©b8 ©d7 9 ©xa8 ©c8 ! etc, so he plans a subtle knight manoeuvre. 8 ©e7 9 ©c8! After 9 ©b8 Black cannot play 9 . . ©d7? 10 lll b 7! ©c6 1 1 ©xa8 ©c7 1 2 lll d6 ! winning, but he draws by 9 . . . ©d8 ! 1 0 lll b 7+ ©d7, or here 10 ©xa8 ©c7! etc . 9 ©e8 The bishop cannot move because of lll b 7, and if 9 . . . ©d6 1 0 ©b8 ©d7 1 1 lll b 7! again zugzwangs Black. ©e7 10 lll c 4! Again forced, as bishop moves allow 1 1 l!Jd6+ and 12 lll b 7. ©d8 11 ©b8 The king has to go to the ' wrong' square, as 1 1 . . . ©d7 fails to 12 lll b 6+ winning the bishop , and 1 1 . . . i.f3 allows 1 2 lll a5 etc. 12 llld 6 ©d7 13 lllb 7! and wins after 13 . . . ©c6 14 ©xa8 ©c7 (the correct square is c8 ! ) 1 5 lll d 6! etc. A neat ending. There are many more interesting endings of knight and pawn against bishop which will not concern us here . Instead, we turn at once to positions in which the bishop is fighting against a knight and two pawns. Whereas a bishop and two pawns almost always win against a knight, the weaker side has greater drawing chances with a bishop against knight and two pawns. If the pawns are connected, .

230 Bishop Endings

the stronger side usually wins, but even here there are exceptions, especially when one of the pawns is a roo k's pawn and the bishop and king have managed to set up a successful blockade. Let us fi rst turn to diagram 277 to see how the win is normally brought about.

White must clearly advance a pawn sooner or later if he is to win, but must be careful to avoid certain drawing positions. First of all, he must not allow Black to give up his bishop for both pawns, and secondly he must not al low them to be blockaded after, for example, l b4+ lt>c4. With methodical preparation, however, the win is not difficult: 1 \t>b2 In order to advance the pawns, the king is best placed on a3 , with the knight guarding c4. 1 i.g8 i.f7 2 lLic2 Or 2 . . . \t>d5 3 c4+ and 4 lt>c3 winning. 3 lLie3 i.g8 4 \t>a3 i.f7 Black can only remain passive

whilst White completes his pre­ parations for advancing the pawns. 5 b4+ \t>b5 c4+ ! 6 Driving Black's pieces further back, as the pawn ending is lost after 6 . . . i.xc4 7 lLixc4 lt>xc4 8 \t>a4. 6 \t>b6 7 \t>b3 Also good was 7 lLid5+, but the text move is the most l ogical . The king is brought to d5, after which the c-pawn can advance. 7 i.e6 8 lt>c3 i.f7 9 \t>d4 i.e8 Black can do nothing but wait. \t>c6 10 lLid5+ 11 b5+ The most meth odical plan is 1 1 lLic3 followed by 1 2 c5 and 13 b5+, but the text move leads to a slightly quicker finish . 11 lt>b7 12 lt>c5 i.f7 13 lt>b4 i.e6 14 lLie7 i.g4 15 c5 i.f3 1 6 'i!.>a5 wins. Black has no defence against the threat of 17 b6 followed by 1 8 c6+ winning easily. Matters are far more complex, however, if the pawns are advanced prematurely and have become partially blockaded . Diagram 278 offers us an interesting and instructive example of this. This position has been known for al most a century as an unusual draw. Its composer made a few

Bishop Endings 231

mistakes in his original analysis, but later analysts have nevertheless demonstrated that White can draw with the best defence. The following variations are very instructive, and illustrate the defensive possibilities in s uch positions: 1 .i.bS! The only move. King moves would clearly allow the g-pawn to advance, as would l .i.h5 tll f3 ! , bringing about a zugzwang position, whereas l .i.a4 fails to l . . . g4+ 2 ©xh4 tll f3+ 3 ©h5 g3 and 4 . . . g2 winning. 1 tll g4 The best chance. I f l . . . g4+ 2 ©xh4 tll f3+ 3 ©h5 g3 White plays 4 .i.fl \t>e3 5 \t>g4 ©f2 6 .i.h3 ! (not 6 ©h3? tll e l ! 7 \t>g4 tll g2 8 ©h3 tll e 3 winning) 6 . . . tll g l 7 .i.fl ! and Black can make no progress. If Black tries the alternative 1 ... tll g6, threatening 2 . . . g4+ in order to answer 2 .i.d7? with 2 . . . ©f3 ! 3 .i.c6+ ©f2 4 ©g4 tll e 5+ etc , reach ing a winning position from

the main line, White replies 2 .i.e2! ©e3 3 .i.a6! e.g. 3 ... ©fl or 3 . . . ©f3 4 .i.b7+ ©f2 5 \t>g4 etc 4 \t>g4 tll eS+ 5 ©xgS! but not 5 \t>h3 g4+ ! 6 ©xh4 g3 7 .i.fl tll f3+ 8 ©h3 tll e l ! winning as shown above 5 . .. ©g3 or 5 . . . h3 6 ©f4 h2 7 .i.b7 tll d 3+ 8 \t>g4 tll e l 9 \t>h3 draws 6 .i.c8 and White draws comfortably. Finally, we must mention that after I . . . tll f3 2 .i.d 7 tll d4 (threatening 3 . . . tll f5) 3 .i.g4 tll f5 4 .i.e2 Black has obtained nothing, and after I . . ©f3 2 .i.a6 White's bishop can again reach the correct squares. 2 .ta6! Again the only move to draw. The bishop must be ready to prevent the advance of the pawns by playing to c8 and b7, and must keep as far away as possible fro m the kingside to avoid forks by the knight. Horwitz thought that 2 .i.d7 was the correct move here, but Karstedt later pointed out that Black then wins as follows: 2 ... tll f2+ 3 \t>g2 tll d 3! 4 ©h3 or 4 .i.b5 ©e3 5 ©h3 tll f2+ and 6 ... g4 wins 4 ©f3! 5 .i.c6+ or 5 .i.g4+ ©f2 6 .i.c8 tll f4+ when both 7 ©g4 h 3 8 \t>xg5 h2 9 .i. b 7 tll g 2 and 7 \t>h 2 ©f3 8 .i.b7+ \t>g4 win for Black 5 . . ©fl 6 \t>g4 tll e S+ 7 ©xgS \t>g3! not 7 . . . h 3? 8 ©h4 h2 9 ©h 3 drawing 8 .i.g2! tll g4 9 ©hS tll e3 1 0 .thl h3 1 1 \t>gS h2 wins. An interesting piece of analysis which can occur later also. tll f2+ 2 3 \t>g2 ©e3 .

...

.

232 Bishop Endings

4 .ic8 ! Preventing 4 . . . g4 because of 5 .ixg4! lLixg4 6 @h3 drawing. lLid3 4 lLif4+ 5 @h3 Or 5 . . . @f3 6 .ib7+ @fl 7 @g4, and after 7 . . . lLie5+ 8 @xg5 @g3 the bishop is not attacked , so that 9 .ic8 draws easily. h3 6 @g4 7 @g3 The simplest, although 7 @xg5 h2 8 .ib7 ! and 9 @g4 was also playable. Black can no w do nothing to strengthen his position, as White maintains his bishop on the h 3-c8 diagonal and simply captures the h-pawn if Black's king gives up control of f4 or f3. The position is drawn. With isolated pawns White usually wins, if they cannot be effectively blockaded or one of them captured, but here again there can so metimes be great technical difficulties if one is a rook's pawn. Rather than co ncern ourselves with such positions, let us conclude with an example of k night and two pawns against bishop and pawn.

All the pawns are on one wing, with White having a protected passed pawn . Such an ending could not be won with bishops only, but the knight gives White a definite advantage. This is mainly because the bishop can only co ntrol squares of o ne colour whereas the k night can attack all squares. For example, in the diagram the bishop can do nothing to drive White's king from its dominating po sition, whereas the knight can switch squares and create problems for the defender. It is clear why the knight is at its best when all the pawns are on the same wing. For instance, if Black's pawn were on b5 instead of f5 , he would draw easily, as this pawn would tie down one of White's pieces while Black's king and bishop hold up the pawns. The diagrammed position is a vanat10n from the game Romanovsky-Verlinski 1 925, and the following instructive analysis is the work of Grandmaster Averbakh : 1 lLid7+ White must proceed methodically if he is to win. It is clear that his king must advance via e5 or g5, which means that Black's king must be driven away fro m f6 without it being possible for him to return immediately. To bring this abo ut, White has to play h 5 , b u t t o d o s o at once allows 1 . . . .ie6! followed b y 2 . . . .if7 , capturing the h-pawn, once the

Bishop Endings 233

knight has moved. White first i mproves the position of his knight. ©e6 I If I . . . ©g6 2 h5+! wins the pawn immediately . 2 liJcS+ ©f6 3 hS! ..th7! The best defence . Black cannot prevent the knight check on d7, and if 3 . . . .if7 (a2) 4 l0d7+ ©e6 5 h6! wins, or here 4 . . . ©e7 5 h6 .ig8 6 ©xf5 ! ..th 7+ 7 ©g5 ©xd7 8 ©f6 wins. Note that after the text move, Black would lose if he had the move, e.g. 4 . . . .ig8 5 l0d7+ ©e7 (or 5 . . . ©e6 6 h6! ©xd7 7 ©xf5 ©e7 8 ©g6 etc) 6 ©xf5 ih7+ 7 ©g5 ©xd7 8 ©f6! wins , as the pawns cannot be stopped. How­ ever, as we know, the knight cannot lose a tempo, and 4 h6 would give Black's king the use of g6. So further preparation is required. ©e7 4 l0d7+ ©f6 5 ll:leS Or 5 . . . ©e6 6 liJf3 ©f6 7 ll:ld4 wins the pawn. h6! 6 Now that the knight has a strong central post, this pawn advance is decisive, as Black is in zugzwang. A verbakh points out that 6 ll:\f3 .ig8 7 l0h4 fails to 7 . . . .ie6 ! 8 h 6 .ic8 ! etc, but not here 7 . . . ..tf7? 8 h6 ie6 9 h7 ©g7 10 ll:lg6! ©xh7 1 1 ll:lf8+ and 12 ll:lxe6 winning. 6 ..tg8 Or 6 . . . ©e6 7 ll:lf3 ©f6 8 ll:ld4

wins the pawn . The text move leads to a beautiful finish. ©g6 (280) 7 l0d7+ If 7 . . . ©e6 8 h7 wins, or 7 . . . ©e7 8 ©xf5 wins, a s we saw in the note to Black's 3rd move.

280

�

� � .t � a B ttJ B a a a B•D B B B£B � � . • . � d • a a . D • • • • • • • •

8 h7! This surprising move wins at once, as capture by either piece allows a knight fork, exchanging pieces and bringing about an easily won pawn ending. This example concludes our theoretical discussion of bishop endings. We have seen that in many cases it is impossible to lay down general rules. It is best for the rt:ader to recognize certain key positions on which he can base his analysis. We now give a selection of endings fro m practical play to show how these principles are applied. Practical examples The reader may feel that our basic positions are of limited practical value, as they hardly ever occur as such in actual games. This is faulty reasoning; although

234 Bishop Endings

many endings never reach this stage, these key positions are a vital part in any analysis, and a player must know them thoroughly before he can even begin to understand more complex end­ games. O ur next example shows us that even leading masters are not above reproach in this respect.

Capablanca-Janowski 1 9 1 6 This ending occurred i n the game Capablanca-Janowski, New York, 1 9 1 6 . White has an extra pawn but has great difficulties in converting this advantage to a win. The g-pawn cannot be queened, so White must devote his attention to the capture of Black's pawn in the best possible circum­ stances. Black cannot guard this pawn but he can force the white bishop to leave the a l -h8 diagonal, when . . . Wg7 is possible. Clearly a bishop ending will then arise in which White will try to force his b-pawn through. It is now that our basic positions come in. We must think back to which positions are won

and drawn in bishop endings with a knight's pawn ! I n our notes to diagram 246 we indicated the zone within which the pawn must be if Black is to draw, with blac k­ squared bishops. This means that the pawn must be stopped before it reaches b6. All this will help us to understand the following analysis: 1 '3;e4 A typical waiting manoeuvre , designed with the practical purpose of allowing Black to go wrong. Capablanca was no doubt aware that his only winning chances lay in 1 '3;c5 b4 2 Wc4 .tel 3 ..tcS '3;g7 4 ..txb4 (diagram 282) but he does not play this at once. He first waits to see if B lack defends correctly; only then will he co me back to the main plan .

Capablanca-Janowski 1 9 1 6 (variation) Let us see how the game would proceed if White goes at once f o r the win of the pawn. We follo w Averbakh's analysis . After 4 ..txh4 Black has three bishop moves giving three different variations:

Bishop Endings 235

l ) 4 . . . i.h4? leads surprisingly to a l oss after 5 i.c3+ li&xg6 6 b4 @f7 Black's king must help, and 6 . . . @f5 7 @d5 li&f4 8 b 5 i.d8 9 i.e5+ li&e3 IO @c6 and 1 1 J;.c7 wins for White 7 b5 i.d8 the pawn must be stopped before it reaches b6; if 7 . . . @e6 8 b 6 @d7 9 @b5 i.g3 I O @a6 wins 8 @d5 li&e8 9 li&c6 and there is no defence to the threat of 10 i.e5 and 1 1 i.c7. 2) 4 ... .. i.g3! the best defence 5 i.c3+ @xg6 6 b4 li&f7 7 b5 i.c7! 8 @d5 li&e7 9 @c6 @d8 we now see the difference, as in the first varia tion Black's bishop blocked its own king 10 @b 7 otherwise IO . . @c8 draws at once 10 @d7 1 1 i.d4 i.d8 12 i.b6 i.g5 13 i.a5 i.e3 14 li&a6 @c8 15 i.b6 i.g5 16 i.d4 i.d8 17 i.c3 i.c7 and White can ma ke no progress as 18 i.a5 i.xa5 gives a drawn pawn ending. 3) 4 i.f2 weaker than 4 . . . i.g3 , but playable 5 i.c3+ @xg6 6 b4 c;&f7 7 i.d4 i.g3 8 b5 i.c7! 9 @d5 @e7 1 0 @c6 @d8! and after 1 1 i.b6 @c8! stalemate saves Black. b4 1 i.c3 2 i.e3 i.el 3 @d3 i.f2 4 i.d2 Clearly the pawn ending would be lost, whereas now 5 i.xb4 ®g7 6 i.c3+ @xg6 7 b4 li&f5 8 i.d4 i.g3 etc gives White no winning chances. So Capablanca tries another plan. i.c5? 5 @e4 A success for White's crafty waiting policy ! This move gives White a decisive tempo . White .

•••

...

threatened 6 i.xb4, but Black sh ould have interposed 5 . . . @g7 6 li&f5 and only then 6 . . . i.c5 . Capablanca would have had to revert to the original plan after driving Black's king away from the g-pawn (see note to move I ). 6 @d5! Gaining the all-important tempo, as shown in the line 6 .. . i.f2 7 i.xb4 @g7 8 i.c3+ li&xg6 9 b4 @f7 when Black's king arrives too late, e.g. IO i.d4 i.g3 (or IO . . i. e I 1 1 b5 i.a5 1 2 @c6 @e8 13 i.f6! @f7 14 i.e5 etc) l l b5 i.c7 12 @c6 i.a5 13 i.e5 and 14 i.c7 winning easily. 6 i.e7 The only chance, as 6 . . . i.f8 leads to the exchange of bishops after 7 @c4 @g7 8 i.xb4. 7 li&c4 @g7 i.d8 (283) 8 i.xb4 Janowski does his best, but his bishop has been driven to the wrong diagonal. If, for example, 8 . .. i.h4 9 i.c3+ @xg6 I 0 b4 we have the winning variation I given in our note to move I . .

Capablanca-Janowski 1 9 1 6

236 Bishop Endings

9 i.c3+? Averbakh has demonstra ted, i n the following subtle analysis, that this natural move throws away the win. We can see why this is so if we turn to diagrams 24 1 and 242. We saw there that the bishop alone cannot defend against the pawn, and that the help of the king is required. We also saw from diagram 242 that Black's king must not support the bishop from the side but from behind. In the present case this means that, with White's king on c6, the black king must reach c4 in time, and with White's king on a6 the black king has to occupy a4. Capablanca's move does nothing to stop Black's king reaching c4. If he had remem bered the basic positions, he would have found the correct 9 i.d2! giving two variations: 1 ) 9 ... 'i&xg6 10 b4 xe8 1 8 @xh6 i.g8 19 d6 @d7 20 h4 i.f7 draws . 2) 1 6 i.f7 @e7 1 7 @h5 (after 1 7 i.e6 i.g6 1 8 ..&g3 @d6 19 ..&f2 Black can calmly play 1 9 . . . i.e8 20 i. xf5 @xd 5 with a clear draw) 1 7 . . . @xf7 18 @xh6 i.g8 19 d6 'it>f6 draws. 16 i.g6 i.xd5 Or 16 . . . @f6 1 7 °it'h 5 @g7 1 8 d6 i.e6 19 i.e8 wins . @f6 1 7 @h5 ! i.e6 1 8 @xh6 White has made definite progress but still has problems, because his king is in the way of the powerful h-pawn. The whole question is whether the king can escape from the h-file . Apparently he cannot do so because Black's bishop controls the exit square on g8, but a little combination comes to his aid. 19 'it>h7 i.d5 20 h4 i.c4

Keres-Lilienthal 1 945 22 i.e8! White must be careful not to throw away the win. After 22 h6? i.f7 ! Black clearly draws, but play is m uch more subtle after the other winning atte mpt of 22 @h8 intending i.h7-g8 etc. Black defends by 22 . . . i.c6! 23 i.h7 we already know the defensive point in 23 @g8 i.d 5+ 24 @f8? i.f7 ! , but White can still revert to the game continuation by playing 23 @h7 23 ... i.e8! 24 h6 i.f7! or 24 . . . i.g6 25 i.g8 i.e8 as below, or here 25 i.xg6 @xg6 26 @g8 'it>xh6 27 @f7 @h7! 28 @f6 °it'g8 etc 25 i.g8 i.e8! 26 i.c4 if 26 h7 i.f7, or 26 @h7 i.g6+ 26 ... °it'g6 27 h7 i.f7 28 i.d3 i.e6 ! and White's king is permanently shut

240 Bishop Endings

in. A n interesting variation. i.e6 22 The waiting move 22 . . . i.c4 resists a little longer, but a simple winning plan then is 23 i.d7 i.b3 24 h6 i.f7 (the th reat was 2 5 i.xf5 ! @xf5 26 @g7, and if 24 . . . i.c2 2 5 i.e6 ! wins) 2 5 i.c8 i.g6+ (if 25 . . . i.e8 or 25 . . . i.h5 26 �g8 wins) 26 @g8 i.f7+ 27 @f8 i.g6 28 i.d7 i.h 7 29 i.e8 i.g6 and now Whi te wins with either 30 i.xg6. @xg6 3 1 @e 7 or 30 i.f7 i.h 7 3 1 i.g8 etc . 23 h6 i.f7 Or 23 . . . i.d5 24 i.d7 i.f7 25 i.c8 e tc wins. 24 i.d7! i.c4 25 i. x f5! The point! Black cannot play 25 . . . @xf5 because of 26 @g7 followed by 27 h7, but with two pawns down Black is now lost. 25 @f7 26 i.d7 i.d3+ 27 f5 @f8 Hoping for 28 @g6? @g8 followed by 29 . . . i. xf5 drawing against the 'wrong' rook's pawn. 28 i.e6 1 -0 Our last two examples have shown us the difficulties that can arise when little material is left on the board or when all material is placed on one side of the board. In general , with bishops of the same colour, the extra pawn guarantees the win . However, we may have a position­ al advantage which is often no less

i mportant than a material one. S uch advantages as the better pawn position, a more effectively placed bishop or king, a strong passed pawn, enemy pawns or squares which are weak, are often sufficient to ensure the win. We have no ti me here to ill ustrate all these positional elements , but diagram 288 shows a number of them.

Smyslov-Keres 1 9 5 1 This position occurred in the game Smyslov-Keres, 1 95 1 . Both sides have equal material, but Black has several imp ortan t positional advantages. Firstly, White's pawns on the queensidc are badly placed on the samc colour as his bishop. Let us explain this point further: although such pawns can of co urse bc defended more easily by t h l' bishop, a grave disadvantage is that all the squares of opposill' colour are se riously weakened . This allows the penetration o f tlw enemy king who can be s topped o nly by the opposing king. This is

Bishop Endings 241

why it is usually advisable to place one's pawns on squares of opposite colour to one's own bishop . Secondly, Black's king can reach the unassailable post on e5. From here he controls the centre and can penetrate via d4 or f4 after playing . . . g5 and . . . f5-f4. As White must use his bishop to defend his queenside pawns, he is soon in zugzwang and compelled to give way to the black king. We can see Black's winning plan already, and can easily understand the game continuation: .ibl 1 Gaining a tempo by attacking the a-pawn. a5 ! a3 2 A vital move, preventing b4 once and for all and threatening to win the b-pawn after 3 . . . .ic2 . 3 .idl Bitter necessity. The white bishop remains here fo r the rest of the game, tied down to the defence of the b-pa wn. The black bishop, o n the other hand, is free to move along the h7-b l diagonal whilst maintaining the threat of . . . .ic2 . In other words White is practically playing minus a piece, so can hardly avoid an eventual zugzwang. 3 @g6 @f5 4 @g2 5 @f3 @e5 (289) Making his tas k more diffic ult. The immediate 5 . . . g5! would have prevented White's counter­ chance of 6 h4, when Black wo uld exchange and prepare . . . f5-f4 followed by an attack on the

h-pawn or on the queenside. It is important that the pa wns are left on the h-file, as we shall see.

Smyslov-K eres 1 95 1 6 a4 White neglects the opportunity to play 6 h4 ! , placing this pawn on a black square and making Black's task extre mel y difficult. The main reason fo r this is that, if Black then plays 6 . g5 followed by the advance of his f-pa wn to f4, all the kingside pawns are ex­ changed, giving White good drawing chances . If instead Black plays 6 . . . g 5 7 hg fg, then 8 g4! blocks the kingside pawns. Nevertheless , even 6 h4 should not be sufficient to draw the game if Black pursues a logical plan. He plays 6 ... .id3 forcing 7 a4 because of the threatened 7 . . . a4, then continues 7 . . . g6! The idea is to play . . . .if5 and h5, taking away the e2 and f3 squares from White's king and allowing Black's king to penetrate via e4. However, with White's king o n f2 , he can answer . . . @e4 with .ic2+, so Black must . .

242 Bishop Endings

bring about this position with White to move. It is then zugzwang, as the bishop cannot move and the king must leave the defence of his e-pawn (the pawn ending is lost after @e2 and the exchange of bishops). For instance, if White plays @e 1 Black plays his king to e4 and , if @d2, .. . J.g4 winning. The plan is clear b ut its executi on is fraught with technical problems . The point is that after, for example, 8 @f2 h5 9 @f3 J.f5 1 0 @f2 ! it is Black who is in zugzwang and 1 0 . . . g5 does not lead to a clear win. Black m ust therefore manoe uvre with more subtlety to bring about the same position with White to move. Play might go: 8 @fl 8 g4 only helps Black after 8 . . . g5 ! 9 hg hg and 10 . . . f5 , creating an outside passed pawn 8 @e4! 9 J.f3+ @fS! 10 J.dl @es II @£3 or 1 1 @e l J.f5 ! 1 2 @f2 h 5 , or here 1 2 @d2 @e4 threatening 1 3 . . . h5 and 14 . . . J.g4 I I ... J.fS! if 1 1 . . . h5 1 2 @g2! can be played 12 @fl hS the required position 13 @el @e4 1 4 @d2 J.g4! and Black wins after both 1 5 J.c2+ @f3 and 1 5 J.xg4 hg 1 6 @e2 f5 e tc. After the text move, anticipating the threat of . .. J.d3 and . . . a4, Black's task is far easier. 6 gS ! 7 @e2 Now 7 h4 is too late, as 7 . . . gh 8 gh f5 9 @f2 @e4 10 @e2 f4 wins easily. If instead 7 'i!?f2 Black's simplest plan is to play . . . f5-f4. 7 J.fS! •••

Forcing White to advance the g-pawn, as 8 h4 allows B lack to exchange bishops. 8 g4 J.bl 9 @f3 rs 10 gf Or 1 0 @e2 f4 1 1 @f3 fe 1 2 @xe3 J.e4 and Black's king reaches d4 or f4. 10 @xfS After 1 0 . . . J.xf5 1 1 @g3 Black cannot play 1 1 . . . @e4 because of 1 2 J.c2+. I I @fl J.e4 1 1 . . . @e4 would be pointless after 1 2 J.h5. The text move restricts the activity of W hite's king and prepares the decisive advance of the h-pawn. 1 2 @g3 @g6 13 @fl If 1 3 h4 h5 ! 1 4 @h3 J.d3 1 5 @g3 J.f5 ! forces the exchange of pawns , when the h-pawn wins quickly. 13 hS 1 4 @g3 h4+ IS @fl J.fS White's new weakness on h3 ties his king down and gives Black's king a way through the centre. @f6 16 @g2 1 7 @h2 @e6! The final point. I f at once 1 7 . . . @e5 1 8 @g2 Black i s i n zugzwang ( 1 8 .. . @e4 1 9 J.c2+ ), whereas now the opposite is the case . 0-1 , for after 1 8 @g2 @e5 1 9 @h2 J.b I 20 @g2 @e4 2 1 'i!?f2 'i!?d3 22 @f3 @d2 23 J.e2 J.f5 Black wins easily.

Bishop Endings 243

Let us now consider a few examples of endings with bishops of opposite colour. As we have already mentioned there is a strong drawing tendency here , mainly because the bishops can never challenge each other. If the weaker side manages to blockade the enemy pawns, he can draw even with a great material deficit. Take the following position:

White can do nothing, as Black's bishop guards the queen­ side pawns , and the kingside pawns are permanently blockaded. The extra material is useless. However, if we now place the black king on g8 , White wins easily after 1 i.d3 2 f5! etc. Or if Black's a-pawn is on a6 and White's on a5, the black bishop cannot defend his backward pawn . Our first example comes from the game Nimzowitsch-Tarrasch, Kissingen 1 928. White has an extra pawn but the win is still a long way off. He has no passed pawn yet and the few weaknesses in Black's posiiion seem difficult to exploit because ...

the bishop can guard the kingside pawns. One might i magine that Black has little to fear i f he uses his bishop to protect his kingside pawns while his king holds up the eventual passed pawn on the queenside. However, m atters a re not so simple, as the instructive game contin uation shows us. The reason for this is that Black's bishop finds difficulty in defending without the help of the king, precisely because of the weak pawn position. For instance, if his e-pawn were on g7, he would have no trouble at all. Let us see what dangers are l urking in this position: 1 �h2 c4? It is understandable that Black wishes to place his queenside pawns on the same colour as his bishop, so that his king can cross over to the ki ngside. (As we shall see later, the bishop cannot gua rd his weak f- and h-pawns without the help of the king.) H owever, the disadvantage of marching the king ove r to the

244 Bishop Endings

kingside is that White can create a passed pawn on the queenside. There are admittedly some technical problems to overcome, but once White has a passed pawn, Black's defence crumbles. Apparently Tarrasch did not recognize the danger in time, or else he would have taken specific measures against it. Of course , he could not play 1 . . . f4 2 �g5 f3 3 g4 ! and White can eventually create a passed pawn on both wi ngs . Grandmaster A verbakh pointed out the correct defence: 1 ... �b5 ! 2 \t>g3 �fl preventing the advance of White's king. After 3 h4 h5 4 \t>f4 �xg2 5 \t>xf5 �f3 Black's bishop protects both his kingside pawns. The same happens after 2 g4 fg 3 hg �e2 etc. After missing this chance, Black has a lost position . \t>c8 2 \t>g3 \t>d 7 3 \t>f4 \t>e 6 4 �b4 �d7 5 �c3 If Black tries 5 . . . �g6, then the ltdvance of White's h-pawn soon brings him into difficulties. Fine gives the following interesting conti nuation: 6 \t>g5 \t>d5 7 g3 b5 8 h4 (if 8 \t>h6 Averbakh gives 8 . . . f4! 9 g f e3 1 0 e f �xc2 etc) 8 . . . \t>c6 9 b3! cb (or 9 . . . \t>c5 1 0 a4 and White still obtains a passed pawn) 10 cb \t>b6 1 1 a4 ba 12 ba \t>a6 1 3 a5 \t>b5 1 4 h 5 �e8 1 5 \t>xf5 �xh5 16 \t>xe4 and White wins by advancing his f-pawn . This variation clearly shows us why Black's bishop cannot defend

the kingside pawns on its own . Black has decided to switch the roles of his king and bishop, but this plan too proves unavailing. bS 6 g3 7 \t>gS \t>f7 Forced, as 8 \t>h6 was threatened. 8 h4 �c8 9 \t>h6 \t>g8 Black is now holding everything on the kingside, so White turns his attention to the q ueenside where he creates a passed pawn . 10 b3! ch Or 10 . . . �e6 1 1 a4 ! and White still obtains a passed pawn . 11 cb (292)

Nimzowitsch-Tarrasch 1928 11 f4 Despair, but there was no defence. After 1 1 . . . �d7 1 2 �e5 Black is in zugzwang, e.g. 12 . . . �e6 1 3 a4 ! b a 1 4 b a �d7 1 5 a5 �c8 16 �d4 �a6 17 \t>g5 �c8 18 \t>f6 wins. Or 12 ... �e8 13 \t>g5 �d7 14 \t>f6 \t>f8 1 5 �d6+ \t>g8 16 \t>e7 �c6 (or 16 . . . �c8 17 a4 etc) 1 7 \t>e6 and Black's f-pawn falls. Tarrasch's move doubles White's pawns but the passed

Bishop Endings 245

f-pawn is now decisive. �d7 gf 12 ©f7 13 ©g5 f5 14 �c6 ©e7 15 ©f4 �e8 16 ©e5 He cannot hold the e-pawn, e.g. 16 . . . ©f7 17 ©d6 �e8 18 ©d5 wins, or here 17 . . . �b 7 18 ©c5 etc. 17 ©xe4 This virtually ends resistance. The game finished : 1 7 .. . �c6+ 1 8 ©e5 �e8 1 9 ©d5 �f7+ 20 ©c5 �e8 2 1 �e5 �d7 22 ©b6 ©f7 23 f6 �e8 24 f4 ©e6 25 ©a6 ©f7 26 b4 ©e6 27 a4 ba 28 b5 1-0. A very interesting and instructive ending. In such endings , passed pawns play a vital part, and surprising sacrifices of material are often necessary to create these passed pawns, even if it means giving so me to the enemy. Connected pawns or pawns standing on the same diagonal can be held by the bishop, so it is much better to have passed pawns which are far apart. Our next bea utiful example shows how this works out in practice . 293

.i. � � � � � . . . � - ••• , . . � .,., � � � � � � ,,,,,,,, f,� • • -�� • • • • • • • • Y. Averba kh 1 95 1

This position occurred in a variation of the game Smyslov­ Averbakh, Moscow 1 950. In the act ual game Smyslov only dre w, but Averbakh poi nted out after­ wards that White could have obtained the diagrammed position which is won for him. White has two extra pawns, but they are doubled. He can undertake nothing on the kingside and Black's king bars the way to the q ueenside. No wonder that Smyslov felt he could make no progress and gave up the game as drawn, after a few unsuccessful attempts at a win. Nevertheless, there is a surprising way to win, as we see in the following analysis by A verbakh: 1 ©g5 ©f7 If l . . . �xf3 2 Wxg6 ©e5 3 �e3 ©e6 4 �f4 White wins another pawn. Black now threatens 2 . . . �xf3 . f4! ! 2 A bizarre-looking move, blocking in his own king, but it is the only way to win. After 2 g4 Black draws fg! if 2 . .. �xf3 3 gf gf by 2 4 a8'tif �xa8 5 ©xh5 f4 6 ©g5 f3 7 ©f5 and 8 �f2 followed by the transfer of the king to the queenside , winning 3 fg hg 4 ©xg4 We6 5 Wg5 �e4! not 5 .. . ©f7 6 �d4 �h l 7 �f6 threatening 8 h5 and 9 ©f5 etc 6 a8'tif �xa8 7 ©xg6 ©d7 8 h5 ©c7 and Black draws by giving up his bishop for the h-pawn. The idea of White's move is to break thro ugh with g4, creating an other passed pawn on the ...

246 Bishop Endings

kingside, even though this means giving Black two connected passed pawns. These will be held by the bishop, as the following exciting play shows. i.e4 2 Guarding the f-pawn, so that after 3 g4 hg 4 h5 gh White would have to give up one of his doubled pawns in order to win the f-pawn. At all events, White must make preparations before he can break through. 3 i.f2 This is the best square for the bishop in the coming fight against Black's future passed pawns. Afte r, for example, 3 i.d4 i.f3 4 g4 hg 5 h5 gh 6 @xf5 h4 Black draws. 3 @g7 Or 3 . . . i.f3 4 g4 ! hg (4 . . . fg 5 i.g3 ! @g7 6 f5 gf 7 @xh5 f4 8 i.xf4 g3+ 9 @g5 g2 1 0 i.e3 wins, as the white king heads for the queenside) 5 h5 gh 6 @xf5 winning even more easily than in the main line. g4! 4 The key move of the whole plan. Black cannot prevent the creation of another passed pawn. 4 hg Giving White more problems than 4 . . . fg 5 f5 gf 6 @xh 5 , e.g. 6 . . . @f6 7 i.g3 i.f3 8 @h6 i.e4 9 h5 i.f3 1 0 i.h4+ @f7 (or 1 0 ... 'itte 5 1 1 @g5 f4 12 h6 etc) 1 1 @g5 i.e4 1 2 i.g3 @g7 1 3 i.e5+ @h7 14 h6 i.a8 15 @xf5 @xh6 16 @e6 wins easily. gh hS 5

a8 'it'! 6 White has no time for 6 @xh 5 @f6 7 i.h4+ @e6 8 @g6 i.a8 9 @g7 i.c6 1 0 @f8 @d5 ! 1 1 @e7 'ittc 5 12 i.f2+ @b5 1 3 @d6 i.e4 14 @c7 @xa6 1 5 @b8 @b5 drawing, as given by Averbakh. i.xa8 6 7 @xfS (294)

White has now given up his two extra pawns but has reached a very favo urable ending with his passed pawns far apart and effective, whilst Black's pawns are easily held by the bishop. @f7 7 White was threatening 8 @e6 followed by t he advance of his f-pawn . 8 'it>gS i.f3 Black could draw if only his king could reach the queenside and his bishop be sacrificed for White 's f-pawn. But he has no time for this, e.g. 8 . . . 'itte 7 9 f5 @d7 10 f6 i.d5 1 1 a7 wins. a7 9 i.dS 10 i.h4 Not 10 @xh 5 @e6! 1 1 @xg4 @d7 1 2 f5 'ittc 7 1 3 f6 @b7 and

Bishop Endings 247

Black's king arrives time to draw. �f3 10 rs 11 If 1 1 @xh 5 g3+ 1 2 @g5 g2 1 3 �f2 �e4 Black draws, for if White's king heads for the queen­ side, his bishop can not maintain a guard on the f-pawn. @g7 11 @f7 12 �g3 �e4 1 3 �es Or 1 3 . . . @f8 14 @f6 h4 1 5 �d6+ @e8 (if 1 5 . . . @g8 1 6 @e7) 16 @g7 wins. Or 1 3 . . . @e7 1 4 @g6 wins. Black is in zugzwang. 14 @xhS Apparently allowing Black to win the f-pawn . g3 14 @f6 l S �xg3 �xfS+ 1 6 @g4! 1 7 @f4 wins. White's a-pawn queens. An attractive finish , the whole play being typical of the subtleties involved in endings with bishops of opposite colour. And now, to conclude this section on practical endgames let us analyse a fe w very useful examples of the struggle between knight and bishop. We have already mentioned that the bishop is superior to the knight when the centre is open and there are pawns on both wings . The advantage of the bishop is also clear when the knight has strayed into the enemy camp and is threatened with capture. Our next example shows us that a win is even possible with li mited material on the board and

all the pawns on the same wing.

Marshall-Nimzowitsch 1928 This position occu rred in the game Marshall-Nimzowitsch, Berlin 1 928. Although material is even, and a Black victory would normally be o ut of the question, the position of White's knight is a serious handicap to him. It has no way of getting back into the game and could even be lost. Nimzowitsch skilfully uses this factor to win as follows: 1 @dS! Cutting out the knight's retreat to c5 and th reatening to capture it by 2 . . . �a2 and 3 . . . @c6. 2 @h2 Why does White choose to ignore the threat? The following analysis shows that if White tries to save his knight he still loses the ending: 2 lll d8 @d6 3 lll b 7+ @c6 ! 4 lll a S+ @dS if 4 . . . @b5 5 lll b 7 and the threat of 6 ll'id6 forces the king to go back S lll x c4 or 5 @h2 �a2! and White has insufficient compensation for his piece after both 6 g4 @c5 7 @g3 @b6 8 @f4

248 Bishop Endings

\t>xa5 9 \t>xe4 \t>b4 1 0 \t>f5 \t>c3 , and 6 \t>h3 \t>c5 7 \t>g4 \t>b 5 8 \t>h5 \t>xa5 9 \t>xh6 \t>b4 5 ... \t>xc4 6 \t>fl or 6 f3 e3 7 \t>fl \t>d3 8 \t>e 1 f5 followed by 9 . . . e2 and 1 0 . . . \t>e3 winning easily 6 ... \t>d3 7 \t>el h5 8 \t>d l e3! 9 fe or 9 f3 f5 wins 9 ... \t>xe3 1 0 We 1 \t>e4 1 1 \t>e2 \t>f5 1 2 \t>f3 \t>g5 13 \t>e3 \t>g4 14 \t> f2 f6 and Black wins by capturing the g-pawn then advancing his h-pawn . Marshall is hoping to exch ange all the pawns while Black is using time to capture the knigh t. i.a2 2 f6 g4 3 Winning more easily than after 3 ... \t>c6 4 lll d 8+ \t>c7 5 lll xf7 i.xf7. However, as this position could have arisen if Marshall had played 2 lll d 8 \t>d6 3 lll b 7+ \t>c6 4 lll a 5+ \t>d5 5 \t>h2 i.a2 6 g4 \t>c5 7 lll b 7+ \t>c6 8 lL\d8+ \t>c7 9 lt:Jxf7 i.xf7 , let us examine it more closely:

Marshall-Nimzowitsch 1 928 (variation) White must of course continue with 6 \t>g3 \t>d6 7 \t>f4 attacking

the e-pawn. Black guards it by 7 ... i.g6 and play goes 8 f3 8 g5 h5 only helps Black 8 ... ef if 8 ... \t>d5 9 fe+ i.xe4 10 g5 h5 1 1 g6! i.xg6 1 2 \t>g5 and 1 3 g4 draws. Or 8 . . . \t>e6 9 g5 ! h5 1 0 fe \t>d6 1 1 \t>g3 ! \t>e5 1 2 \t>h4 \t>f4 1 3 g3+ \t>f3 1 4 e5 i.e8 1 5 e6 i.g6 1 6 \t>h3 ! draws 9 gf when Black still has several technical problems to overcome. The winning method is as follows: 9 ... \t>d5 1 0 \t>e3 or 1 0 \t>g3 \t>e5 1 1 f4+ \t>e4 wins 10 . . . i.c2 1 1 \t>f4 or 1 1 f4 i.d l 12 g5 h 5 etc 11 ... i.bl waiting 12 \t>e3 or 1 2 \t>g3 12 ... i.g6! and White is in zugzwang, giving us two variations: 1) 1 3 \t>f4 \t>d4 14 \t>g3 easier for Black is 14 g5 h5 14 ... \t>e3 15 f4 \t>e4! 1 6 f5 i.e8! 17 g5 h5 1 8 f6 \t>f5 wins. 2) 13 f4 i.e8! so that 14 f5 is not played with gain of time 14 \t>f3 or 14 g5 h5 1 5 f5 \t>e5 winning the pawn s 14 ... \t>d4 1 5 \t>g3 \t>e4 16 f5 \t>e5 wins, or here 1 5 g5 h 5 1 6 f5 \t>e5 wins. Returning to the actual game, Black's last move preserves his f-pawn. His task is thus made a little easier, but the finish is still interesting. 4 \t>g3 \t>c6 5 lLla5+ As the knight is lost anyway, it is best to drive Black's king as far away as possible from the kingside. 5 \t>b6 6 \t>f4 \t>xa5 7 \t>xe4 White dare not let Black keep the strong e-pawn . For example,

Bishop Endings 249

after 7 ©f5 Black wins by 7 . . . ©b4 8 ©xf6 ©c3 9 g5 hg 1 0 ©xg5 ©d2 1 1 ©f4 i.b l ! 1 2 g4 ©e2 1 3 ©g3 i.a2 1 4 g5 i.f7 1 5 ©g2 i.g6 and Black's king comes in decisively at fl or f3 . i.e6 7 ©b4 8 ©f4 ©c S 9 ©g3 i.f7 10 ©h4 Black must not allow White's king to reach h5. White now manages to exchange one of his pawns. ©d6 f4 11 hg+ 12 gS Not of course 1 2 . . . fg+ 1 3 fg h5 1 4 g4 etc. 13 fg rs (297)

Marshall-Nimzowitsch 1 928 i.e6 14 g6 ! Again White draws after 1 4 . . . i.xg6 1 5 ©g5 and 1 6 g4. ©es 1s ©gS ©f6 16 ©h6 The more active 1 6 . . . ©f4 only leads to a draw after 1 7 ©h5 ©g3? 1 8 ©g5 f4 1 9 g7 i.g8 20 ©f5 i.h7+ 21 ©g5 etc.

17 g3 Sooner or later White is compelled to make this dis­ advantageous move, e.g. after 1 7 ©h5 �d5 etc White l oses at once after 17 ©h7 ©g5 1 8 g7 f4 or 1 8 ©g5 i.e6. 17 �d7 18 ©hS If 1 8 ©h7 ©g5 19 g7 i.e6, or 1 8 g7 i.e6, as given in the last note. 18 ©g7 A little quicker is 1 8 . . . i.e8 19 ©h6 i.xg6 20 g4 f4 2 1 g5+ ©£5 etc. i.e6 19 ©gS 20 ©hS i.c8 i.d7! 21 ©gS Black has now lost a tempo and White is forced to give way. ©f6 22 ©hS Not of course 22 . . . i.e8 2 3 ©g5 i.xg6 24 g4 drawing. i.e8 23 ©h6 �f7 24 g7 and White resigned in view of the continuation 25 ©h7 ©g5 26 g8't!t'+ i.xg8 27 ©xg8 ©g4 winning. A remarkable ending whose outcome one could hardly suspect from looking at the original diagram. Our next example ill ustrates most clearly the advantage of the bishop in positions with play on both wings. Again material is even. White has little to fear on the kingside at the moment, but his queenside pawns co uld easily become weak. Not in the sense that they can be captured, but that they cannot

250 Bishop Endings

Chekhover-Lasker 1 9 35 prevent the entry of Black's king. So White must try to stre ngthen his queenside. If his a-pawn were on a4, for example, he could play 1 lt:J c l and 2 lt:Jd3, covering all points of entry, with a reasonable positio n. However, he has no time for 1 a4 because of 1 . . . 'i!tc6 2 lt:Jc 1 'Ot>c5 pe netrating via b4 or d4. White's only chance is to bring his king over a quickly as possible to the queenside . hS! 1 'Ot>fl With the idea o f creating a weak white pawn on a4. 1 . . . �b2 loses time , as after 2 a4 'Ot>c6 3 d2 @b4 5 'Ot>c2 White gu ards his weak b-pawn. �h2 2 @el 3 ha a4 4 ha 'Ot>c6 ! O r , o f course, 4 . . . 'Ot>b6, but after 5 'Ot>d2 Black must not play 5 ... 'Ot>a5? 6 'Ot>c2 �e5 7 f4 �d6 8 @b3 with a perfectly acceptable position for White , instead, 5 . . . 'Ot>c5 ! transposes to o u r m ain line . Lasker's deep positional under-

standing tells him that it is not enough to attack a single weakness, so he plans to centralize his king, aiming also at White's e-pawn . S @d2 @cS! 6 lt:Jc3 Lasker's idea would be clearly seen in the variation 6 'Ot>c2 �d4 7 f3 'Ot>c4! when Black's pieces domi nate the whole board and White must lose material , e.g. 8 lt:Jc l �e 5 9 h4 'Ot>b4 winning a pawn . Or 8 lt:J xd4 'Ot>xd4 9 @b3 a5 with an easily won pawn ending. With the text move White seeks co unterplay, but in so doing he plays his knight too far away from the queenside and allows Black a powerful passed a-pawn. 6 'Ot>h4 Lasker does not need to calculate whether the pawn ending could be won after 6 . . . �xc3+ etc. In endings o ne should always choose the most clear-cut plan, and there is no doubt that the safest way to win lies in the capture of the a-pawn . 7 lt:JhS as 8 lt:Jd6 @xa4 9 @c2 After 9 lt:Jxf7 @b3 the a-pawn costs at least .the knight , e.g. 1 0 lt:Jd8 a4 1 1 lt:Jxe6 a3 1 2 lt:Jc5+ @c4 etc. The text move on t he other hand loses the h-pawn. 9 �es 10 lt:Jxf7 �xh2 Black must now win with his extra passed a-pawn, and Lasker faultlessly solves the technical probl ems.

Bishop Endings 25 1

e5 1 1 ll:id8 �gl 12 ll:ic6 �cs f3 13 Restricting the activity of White's knight. 'it>bS 14 lll b 8 �e7 g4 15 g5 16 The knight was already threatened with capture. fg 16 �d6 1 7 ll:id7 'it>c4 18 lll f6 and White resigned, as 1 9 lll x h7 fails to 19 . . . �e7. A beautiful example of the strength of a bishop in an open position with play on both wings. Let us now examine the other side of the coin. The knight is often superior to the bishop when the position is of a more closed nature or when the bishop is restricted by its own pawns. It is here that the knight can exploit its ability to control squares of either colour, as our next example shows.

Kan-Keres 1 9 5 5 This position occurred

m

the

game Kan-Keres, Moscow 1955. At first sight it may seem that White's passed pa wns, backed by his centralized bishop, give him a good game. However, on closer examination certain disadvantages appear. Firstly, both passed pawns are effectively blockaded and can be supported only by the bishop, as White's king is tied to the defence of the c-pawn . Secondly, the weakness of the black squares means that Black's king is threatening to occupy e5, when White's f-pawn is lost . If we add to all this the fact that Black also has two possible passed pawns, then the good points of White's position d windle in importance. We can conclude that Black's prospects are better, but is White's position lost? Although the situation is difficult, White's long-ranging bishop ensures him good defensive chances, but only if he plays with the utmost precision. The game continued as follows: 1 �d5? This obvious move, protecting the c-pawn and freeing White's king, leads to the loss of the game. It is clear that White use his passed f-pawn as a. counter-threat to t he advance of Black's h-pawn . Once this pawn reaches h2 it will co mpletely tie the bishop down , so White must play 1 �f3! h4 2 gh gh 3 �g4 ! (300) stopping the h -pawn and threatening f6, with t he following variations: l) 3 ... 'it>d6 if 3 . . . lll c6 4 f6 lll e 5+ 5 'it>c2 , Black's knight dare not

252 Bishop Endings

Kan-Keres 1 955 (variation) capture the bishop or the c-pawn 4 f6 ! White must not allow this pawn to be blockaded, e.g. 4 i.. h 3? c.t>e5 5 i..g4 c.t>f6 6 i.. h 3 c.t>g5 with zugzwang 4 lt:lc6 5 c.t>c2 only this problem move saves White, as 5 . . . lt:le5+ was threatened, winning the c-pawn 5 ll:ie5 6 a5! ll:ixc4 not of course 6 . . . ll:ixg4 7 f7 c.t>e7 8 a6 winning, or 6 . . . c.t>c7 7 i..e 6 c.t>b7 8 c.t>b3 etc 7 a6 lt:lb6 8 c.t>b3 and if anyone has the advantage, it is not Black. 2) 3 c.t>d8 in order to attack the f-pawn via e8 and f7 4 f6 lt:lc6 if 4 . . . c.t>e8 5 i..e6 5 i.. e6! and it is difficult to see how Black can make any progress. Any atte mpt to attack the f-pawn or advance the h-pawn would allow White's a-pawn to advance . This defensive plan may appear simple enough , but in practice it was not so easy to find, when one considers that l i.. d 5? was the first move played after the time control. Despite long thought during the adjournment, Master ...

...

...

Kan failed to grasp all the subtleties of the position. It is interesting and instructive to see how the text move leads to a loss. 1 c.t>d6 f6 h4 2 3 gh gh There is not much difference between this position and the one we examined above, except that the bishop is posted less effectively. Unless White wants to lose his f-pawn he has to allow Black's h-pawn to reach h2. The white king is still tied to the queenside because of Black' s passed b-pawn. 4 f7 Passive defence is no good either. After 4 c.t>d2 h3 5 c.t>c2 h2 6 c.t>d3 c.t>d7 ! White is in zugzwang, as bishop moves lose the c-pawn. Nor would 4 c.t>e4 save White, because Black's b-pawn then becomes too dangerous, e.g. 4 . . . h 3 5 c.t>f3 (or 5 c.t>f5 h 2 when White loses after both 6 f7 c.t>e7 7 c.t>g6 c.t>f8 and 6 c.t>g6 lt:lxc4 7 f7 ll:ie5+) 5 . . . b3 6 c.t>g3 b2 7 i.. e4 c.t>e6! 8 c.t>xh2 c.t>xf6 9 c.t>g3 c.t>e5 winning easily. 4 c.t>e7 5 i.. e 6 So White has managed to hold up the h-pawn, but at the cost of an insecure position for his bishop. Black now wins the f-pawn. 5 lt:lc6! Threatening both 6 . . . ll:ie5 and 6 . . . lt:ld8. 6 i..d 5 Or 6 c.t>e4 b3 7 c.t>d3 b2 8 c.t>c2

Bishop Endings 253

�d4+ winning the bishop . lLie5+ 6 lLixf7 7 @c2 The beginning of the end, for if White exchanges pieces, Black's h-pa wn queens first,stopping the a-pawn. lLid6 as 8 a6 9 The attractive idea 9 i.b7 �xb 7? IO a6 fails to 9 . . . @d7 10 a6 @c7 etc. lLic8 9 @d6 IO i.g2 @c7 11 @b3 White's a-pawn is now harmless and Black wins easily. 12 i.b7 h3 h2 1 3 @a4 0- 1 However, the knight is really seen at its best in blocked positions, when the bishop can find no scope for its long-ranging movement. This is especially the case when there are no points of attack in the enemy position. D iagram 30 I offers us a good example of this.

Hen neberger-Ni mzowitsch 1 93 1

This position comes fro m the game Henneberger-Nimzowitsch, Winterthur 1 93 1 . White has the so called 'bad' bishop, restricted by its own p awns and unable to attack the enemy pawns. It must remain o n e 1 permanently to guard his c- and g-pawns against the threat of . . . �e4. Contrast the complete freedom of Black's knight which can attack from various positions. Nevertheless, despite all this, coupled with a grave weakness on the white squares, it is not easy for Black to exploit his positional advantages. The main reasons for this are that White is for the time being holding all his weak points and can use his king to prevent the entry of Black's king. Black must therefore think of a way of strengthening his position. The usual weapon in such situations is zugzwang. White's bishop can easily be tied down by . . . �e4 but this knight then blocks the square needed for Black's king. Careful co nsideration of the position produces a winning plan: if Black plays his k night to bl via a3 then places his king on d5, White is in zugzwang, and the pawn ending is lost after . . . i.d2 because of the tempo move . . . a3 ! This is the plan, then, but how can it be executed? The first moves are simple enough to understand: 1 �e4 2 @e2 @d5 Apparently Nimzowitsch has not yet seen the winnng idea, or

254 Bishop Endings

else he would play 2 . . . @d6 ! 3 @e3 @d5 with a quicker win . @d6! 3 @e3 He now realizes that there are problems if he immediately plays 3 . . . �d6. After 4 i.d2 lll b 5 5 i.e 1 �a3 6 i.d2 �b l (or 6 . . . �c2+ 7 @e2 @e4 8 i.c l and the knight has no re treat) 7 i.e 1 Black is in zugzwang. If then 7 . . . a3 8 i.d2 lll x d2 9 @xd2 @e4 I O @e2 draws , as Black no longer has the tempo move . . . a3. Black must therefore bring abo ut the same position with White to move. In other words he m ust lose a move by triangulating with his king (we already know that a knight cannot lose a move). 4 @e2 @c6 5 @e3 @dS! 6 @e2 lll d6 7 @e3 lll b S 8 i.d2 lll a 3 9 i.cl If 9 i.e 1 Black has a choice between 9 . . . lll b l IO i.d2 � xd2 and 1 1 . . . @e4, or 9 . . . lll c 2+ and 10 . . . � xe 1 , winning as we have already seen . So White has no alternative. lll b l 9 1 0 i.b2 a3 Although this completely blocks in his own knight, the fact that White's bishop is immobilized in the corner is more than enough compensation . We now have a curious position which is almost a pawn ending and won by Black without great difficulty. 11 i.al (302)

Or 1 1 i.c 1 lll x c3 1 2 i.xa3 lll xa2 winning easily.

H enneberger-Nimzowitsch 193 1 11 @d6 ! Black again manoe uvres to lose a move. White's king cannot do the same without allowing the knight in at d2, e.g. 12 @f2 �d2 13 @g2 �b3 ! etc . 1 2 @e2 @c6 13 @dl The best chance . If 13 @e3 @d5 White is in zugzwang and loses at once after 14 @f2 ( 1 4 @e2 @e4) 14 . . . �d 2 and 15 . . . lll b 3 or 1 5 . . . �e4. The text move wins the knight, but allows the entry of Black's king. 13 @dS 14 @c2 @e4 15 @xbl @f3 (303) 1 6 i.b2! The only way to keep the game alive , creating a passed a-pawn . 16 ab! The bishop must be captured, as after 1 6 . . . @xg3 1 7 i.xa3 White could even wi n. 17 a4 @xg3

Bishop Endings 255

�h2! as 18 Black wants an easily won pawn ending, not the queen ending he would reach after 1 8 . . ©xf4 1 9 a6 etc. 19 a6 g3 20 a7 g2 21 a8'§' gl 1lt + 22 �xb2 '§'g2+ ! .

All of which had to be exactly calculated when Black blocked in his knight on b 1 . 23 '§'xg2+ �xg2 24 �a3 �f3 25 �b4 �xf4 26 �xc4 �e3 27 d5 ed+ 28 �xd5 f4 0- 1 White's pawn reaches c7 but his king is wrongly placed fo r the draw. An excellent example of the strength of a knight in blocked positions. This concludes our practical examples . We have obviously only shown the reade r a small amo unt of the available material , but hope that he has now acquired the basic knowledge required for handling such endings with some confidence.

6 Knight Endings In the fight against pawns, the knight usually cuts a poor figure, especially if the pawns are far apart . It takes at least three moves to cross the board and often finds a single pawn more than a match for it. Let us therefore begi n with this aspect. Knight against Pawn(s) As already mentioned, the knight is not at its best when trying to stop pawns, and is sometimes helpless against a far­ advanced pawn. Here are a few examples in which the knight is trying to stop a pawn without the help of the king:

reason for this is the same: against a rook's pawn the knight's defensive possibilities are halved, as it has only one side of the pawn to work on. In the left half of diagram 304, we have the classic case of the knight being powe rless against the rook's pawn, despite the nearness of its own king. White wins by 1 a6! when the pawn cannot be stopped; @c7 2 a7! Contrast this I position with the one on the right. Against the knight's pawn Black can draw after 1 @e6 lll g8 2 @f7 lt:ih6+ 3 @g6 ll:lg8 etc. When the rook's pawn has reached the seventh rank, White wins if the black king is not near enough. In the left half of diagram 305, Black cann ot prevent the loss of his knight. . . .

305

� ,,,,,,, ,

• It is clear that t he knight's task is harder, the nearer the pawn is to the edge of the board, as was also the case with bishop endings . The

• •

� �-

w B .

. -

. .

• • •

� ·�

��-F

-�

,,.,

�

White plays 1 @c6 lll a 8 2 @b7

Knight Endings 25 7

winning. To draw, Black's king must be ready to occupy c8 or c7 as soon as White's king captures the knight. However, if the pawn is not so far advanced, the knight can draw without the help of the king. For example, in the right half of diagram 305, White cannot win, (or after 1 @f5 ll:ih7 2 @g6 ll:if8+ 3 @g7 ll:ie6+ 4 @f7 ll:ig5+ 5 @g6 Black has the saving resource 5 ... ll:ie6 ! 6 h7 ll:if8+ etc. In practice , we usually meet positions in which the knight is far away from the pawn. The difficulty then lies in calculating whether the pawn can be stopped. If the pawn is on its own, matters are relatively simple, but if it is s upported by the king, extremely complex situations can arise which demand exact calculation. Diagram 306 is a good example of this.

N.Grigoriev 1 932 White's task is to stop the pawn. On an empty board , various knight routes are possible , but in the actual position the way is

barred by the excellently posted black king. We know from diagram 305 that the knight can hold the game if it reaches fl or g4 before the pawn reaches the seventh rank. As the presence of Black's king puts fl out of the question, the white knight must look for ways of reaching g4. How can this be done? Let us try I ll:ic3 h5 2 lll d 5+ @f3 (it is well known that the king is best placed in diagonal opposition to the knight which then requires 3 moves before it can check him) 3 lbc7 h4 4 ll:ie6 @g4 ! 5 ll:ic5 h3 6 ll:ie4 h2 7 lll f2+ @f3 8 ll:ih I @g2 and Black wins. White's only way to draw is as follows: 1 ll:ib4 ! h5 2 ll:ic6 We have already seen that 2 lll d 5+ @f3 wins for Black. If instead 2 ll:ic2+ @e4 3 ll:ie I h4 4 ll:ig2 h3 wins . 2 cJ;>e4 Or 2 . . . h4 3 ll:ie5 and the knight reaches g4 because 3 . . . @f4 allows 4 ll:ig6+ . 3 ll:ia5 ! ! This bizarre knight move can only be understood in the context of the critical squares fl and g4. From c4 the knight is excellently placed for reaching either square. The knight cannot reach g4 at once , as after 3 ll:id8 h4 4 ll:ie6 @f5 ! 5 ll:id4+ @g4 6 ll:ic2 @f4 Black wins. 3 h4 Black cannot prevent the knight reaching c4. If 3 . . . @d4 (d3)

258 Knight Endings

4 ll:ic6 (+) follows, and if 3 . . . ct>d5 4 ll:ib3 and the knight reaches fl via d2. 4 ll:ic4 Reaching the ideal square and threatening to draw at once with 5 ll:id2+ and 6 lll f l . If instead 4 ll:ib3 Black wins by 4 . . . e3 ! ct>f3! 4 Giving White the most trouble. If 4 . . . h3 5 ll:id2+ and 6 ll:ifl draws, as we have seen. N. Grigoriev 1 932 5 ll:ie5+ Precise play is still required. If 5 ll:id2+ e2 ! 6 ll:ie4 h3 7 ll:ig3+ square White chooses, and why: f2 Blac k wins. 1 ll:if7! It is clear that White cannot g3 5 stop the pawn reaching the h3 6 ll:ic4 If 6 . . . f2 then 7 ll:ie5 is again seventh rank , so he must keep played, and 6 ... ct>f4 allows 7 ll:id2 open the option of playing to f2 or g3 . Only from e4 can the knight do and 8 lll fl . this. For this reason, 1 ll:ig6 is 7 ll:i e3 and we have reached the drawing wrong. After 1 . . . h3 2 ll:if4 h2 position '>L'L' l l in our analysis of 3 ll:ie2+ ct>d2 ! 4 ll:ig3 e 1 and 5 . . . diagram 305 . A beautiful ending. f2 Black wins easily. 1 h3 There is one further point worth 2 ll:ig5 mentioning about the struggle of 2 ll:id6 fails to 2 . . . ct>d3 ! 3 ll:if5 knight versus rook's pawn. We saw from diagram 305 that our e2 ! 4 ll:ig3+ f2 winning. 2 h2 knight was powerless against a pawn on the seventh rank, providing 3 ll:ie4+ c2 that the enemy king was near and The king dare not approach the our king was too far away. If the pawn ! If 3 . . . ct>d3 4 ll:ig3! and ene my king is some distance away, Black's king cannot cross the the knight can prevent its approach e-file without losing the pawn . His and create surprising defensive only routes would then be c2-d 1 -e 1 possibilities. Diagram 307 shows or d4-e 5-f4, but this would give White's king time to come nearer. us how this is done. To stop the pawn, White's We now see why the black king knight must gain a tempo by goes to c2: to gain a tempo in his checking on e4 or e2. The journey to e 1 . Blac k could also try 3 . . . ct>d4 in following solution shows us which

Knight Endings 259

order to approach by the other route. White's knight would then go to f2, agai n preventing the immediate approach of the black king (White's king can stop him taking the d5-e6-f5 route). Equally hopeless would then be 4 . . . @c3 5 @d6 @d2 6 @e5 @e2 7 ltJh I @f3 8 @d4 @g2 9 @e 3 @xh 1 10 @f2 stalemate. The above variations demonstrate that the knight can successfully hold' back the enemy king until its own king comes nearer. 4 ltJg3! It is clear that 4 ltJf2 would allow Black's king to approach by 4 . . . @d2 5 @d6 @e2 6 ltJh l @f3 winning. @dl 4 @el 5 @d6 6 @e5 @f2 7 @f4 draws . White's king manages to guard the knight. Note that White would have lost if his king had been one sq uare further a way in the original position. Surprisingly eno ugh , the knight is not always on the defending side in such positions. When the enemy king is unfavourably placed in front of his own pawn, there are a few typical positions which are won for the side with the knight. Consider diagra m 308 . In both positions White has a mating attack. On the left he wins by 1 @c2 ! @al 2 ltJcl a2 3 ltJb3 mate. On the right, we have a more complicated form of the same mate: 1 @{3! but not I @f2

@h I and White is in zugzwang 1 @h i 2 @f2 @h2 o r 2 . . . h2 3 ltJg3 mate 3 ltJc3 @h t 4 ltJe4 @h2! 5 ltJd2 @hl 6 ltJfl h2 7 ltJg3 mate. Of course, such positions are rare , but they must be known. When the knight faces two connected passed pawns, everything depends on the placing of the pieces. When the pawns have reached the sixth rank, the knight can only draw if it is near the pawns and if its own king is in front of them. Our next example ill ustrates this. ...

Although the pawns look most dangerous, Black to move can draw by careful defence. White to

260 Knight Endings

move would win at once by 1 ©d7 , but even with the move Black's position is difficult. Play goes: lll g 6! I The only move. Bad are 1 . . . lll f5+ 2 ©d7 followed by 3 e7+ and 1 . . . ©e8 2 f7+ ! ©f8 3 e7+ ©xf7 4 ©d7 , both winning. Black also loses after 1 . . . lll f3 2 f7 ! when he is in zugzwang, e.g. 2 . . . ©g7 3 ©e7 wins or 2 . . . lll d 4 3 e7+ ©xf7 4 ©d7 wins . 2 ©d7 If 2 f7 llle 7 draws. Or 2 e7+ ©e8 or 2 . . . ©f7 or 2 . . . lll x e7 all draw. ltie5+ 2 3 ©d8 Or 3 ©c7 lll g4 etc. ltJc6+ 3 llld 4 4 ©c7 5 ©d7 Or 5 e7+ ©e8 6 ©d6 lll f5+ and 7 . . . lll x e7 draws. ltJxe6 5 6 ©xe6 ©e8 draws. If the pawns are not so far advanced, the k night's task is easier. For insta nce, the knight can usually defend against pawns o n the fifth rank, even without the help of the king.

White plays I lll b 3! stopping the pawns after both I e3 2 llld4 f3 2 lll d 2 f2 3 lll fi etc. and I A position by Chekhover shows us that the knight can sometimes produce near miracles: ...

...

Chekhover White's position seems hopeless, but he saves hi mself by the surprising manoe uvre I lll e 6! g4 2 lll g 7 f4 if 2 . . . g3 3 lll xf5 g2 4 lll e 3+ 3 lll h 5! f3 4 lll f6 g3 and now 4 . . . f2 fails to 5 lll xg4 fl 'ti' 6 lll e 3+ 5 lll e4 g2 6 llld 2+ and 7 lll x f3 draws. A remarkable defence, helped admittedly by the u nfavourable position of the black king. Against isolated pawns the knight usually defe nds badly and needs the help of the king, especially if the pawns are far apart. There is no space for examples of such positions, but we can consider the case of three co nnected pawns agai nst k night. The knight draws, provided the pawns have not· reached the fifth rank, as we can see in our next

Knight Endings 261

example.

White to move wins because he can play his pawns to the fifth rank. Black to move draws by skilful use of his knight. Let us analyse both these possibilities: 1 f5+ White must not allow Black to blockade the pawns , e.g. I g5 lll d 5! 2 @e4 llle 7 3 @e5 @h5 ! 4 f5 @xh4 5 @f6 (or 5 g6 @g5 6 g7 lll g 8 etc. Or 5 f6 lll g6+ 6 @f5 @h5 etc) 5 . . . lll d 5+ 6 @g6 lll e 7+ drawing. @g7 1 ll:id5 2 g5 h5 3 All pawns are now on the fifth rank and White wins easily. 3 lll c 3 If 3 . . . @f7 4 h6 ll:ic3 5 h7 @g7 6 g6 wins. 4 @f4 lll e 2+ 5 @e5 lll g3 f6+ 6 @g8 h6 7 lll h 5 8 g6 and White wins , e.g. 8 .. . lll g 3 9 h7+ @h8 IO fl and one of the pawns queens. With Black to move , White

cannot advance his pawns as he wo uld like: lll d5 1 2 h5+ Or 2 f5+ @f6! 3 @e4 lllc 3+ 4 @e3 (if 4 @d4 or 4 @d3 , the simplest is 4 . . . lll d l threatening 5 . . . lll f2 ) 4 . . . @e5 5 h5 lll e 4 6 h6 lll g 5 and White can make no progress . @h6! 2 The king must blockade the furthest advanced pawn . For instance, 2 . . . @f6 loses 3 h6 @g6 4 g5 lll e 7 5 @g4 lll f5 6 h7! etc . 3 @e4 If 3 @g3 lll e 3 4 @h4 lll g 2+, or here 4 @h3 lll d 5 , both drawing. lll c 3+ 3 This line is given , as it is more intstructive than the simpler 3 . . . lll f6+ 4 @f5 lll d 5 when White can do nothing, e.g. 5 @e5 lll e 3 etc. 4 @e5 There is nothing better. If 4 @f5 lll d 5 we have the line given in the last note. If 4 @d4 (d3) lll d I and the threat is 5 . . . lll f2 . lll d l 4 5 @f6 Or 5 gs+ @xh 5 6 f5 @xg5 7 f6 @g6 8 @e6 lll e 3 9 fl @g7 I 0 @e7 lll f5+ draws. 5 lll e3 6 g5+ @xh5 7 g6 Or 7 f5 lll g4+ winning the g-pawn. lll g4+ 7 and Black draws , e.g. 8 @g7 lll h 6 9 @h7 lll f5 IO g7 lll x g7 I I @xg7 @g4. Or 8 @fl lll h 6+ 9 @g7 lll g4

262 Knight Endings

1 0 f5 @g5 etc . For further examples of knight against pawns, the reader m ust refer to more specialized volumes. Let us j ust consider a few e]!:ceptional positions in which White cannot force a win with a whole knight up:

313 · � � ,,Q7,

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B �"-- ��,-� - tb � � � --7. . � . . � � � � . . . . � . � � � � . In the left half of the diagram , White has a knight and a pawn extra, but he cannot win. If the k night moves, the pawn is lost, and if the white king guards the pawn , it is stalemate. When analysing diagram 275 , we met another position in which knight and pawn fail to win against a bare king. Here is the position once again:

White to move can never force

Black's king away from c8 and c7. However, Black to move is in zugzwang and loses. As a rule, in such positions Black must place the king on a square of the same colour as that occupied by the knight, with White to move. As the knight cannot lose a tempo, there is no way of handling the move over to Black. On the right of diagram 3 1 3 , we have a most unusual drawing position. Black's king cannot be driven from the corner. After 1 liJn @g8 then 2 @e7 is stalemate. Of course, if the position is moved fro m the side of the board, White wins easily. For instance, moving it one square to the left, White wins by I liJc7+ @f8 2 @d7 @g8 3 @e7 @h8 4 liJdS @g8 5 @e8 @h8 6 liJf6! gf 7 @n etc. Finally, it is useful to note that, with knight and pawn against king, when one's own king is far away,the pawn is best guarded by the k night from behind. The enemy king can then never capture the knight witho ut allowing the pawn to queen. Consider, for example, this position:

Knight Endings 263

As Black threatens 1 . . . ©b3 , the knight must move away. Only 1 lLlb2 ! '\&b3 2 a4 wins whereas both 1 lLlb6? ©b3 2 a4 ©b4 3 ©d2 ©a5 and 1 lLlc5? '\&c3 2 ©e2 ©c4 3 lLld3 ©b3 lead to a draw. Knight and Pawn against Pawn Material advantage such as this usually means an easy win for the stronger side. Nevertheless there are a number of positions in which a successful defence is possible. Let us examine a few of the more interesting ones.

N.Grigoriev 1 933 Positions similar to this are quite com mon in knight endings. Despite his extra knight, White has difficulty in winning, mainly because his rook's pawn cannot be queened with out the help of the knight which is apparently tied down on the queenside . White l oses his own pawn if his king goes over to the queenside, so the only winning chance lies in stalemating Black's king, then bringing his k night over to mate him. As the

following solution shows, the timing is vital : 1 lLla2! In order to win, White must reach a position with Black's king o n g8, his own king on g6 and knight on b4. He can then play I h7+ ©h8 2 lLlc6 followed by mate in 2 . Black on the other hand must bring about the same position with himself to move, when he can play I . . Wh8 stopping White advancing his h-pawn with gain of time. In the diagram position , for instance, Black is threatening to draw by I .. . ©g8 ! , e.g. 2 '\&g6 ©h8 and White's knight needs to be on a2. Hence the reason for the text move, preparing 3 lLlb4 in the above line, winning as we have seen. 1 wrs 2 ©f6 ! Not of course 2 '\&g6 Wg8 and if now 3 lLlb4 ©h 8 4 lLlc6 a2 5 lLle5 a l 'ti' 6 lLlf7+ '\&g8 7 h7+ ©f8 and the black queen co ntrols the queening square of the h-pawn. 2 wg8 3 '\&g6 ©h8 4 lLlb4 '\&g8 h7+ 5 ©h8 6 lLlc6 with mate in 2 moves. Occasionally there are positio ns in which the e nemy king is attacking both the knight and the pawn, and White cannot free his pieces, as in our next example. This position occurred in a match game between Blackburne .

264 Knigh t Endings

Blackburne-Zukertort 1 88 1 and Zu kertort in 1 88 1 . The actively placed king can hold the position by maintaining his attack on the pawn. As White can neither advance the pawn nor move the k night, his only chance is to attack Black's pawn with his king. H owever, this fails against the correct defence , as follows: 1 @g3! Black must stop White's king going to f2 and he dare not move h is own pawn, e.g. l . . . g5 2 @d3 ©f3 3 ©d4 ©f4 4 @d5 ! @xe 3 5 @e5 wins. Or if l . . . @e4 then 2 lll g 2 and 3 ©f2 wins easily . In the same position with White to move, he plays l @f2 ! practically forcing l . . . g5 ( I . . . ©e4 2 lll g 2) when 2 ©e2 ©g3 3 ©d3 wins as above . 2 ©dl ©f3! Black must always take the opposition when his king plays to the f-file . For example, both 2 . . . ©f2 and 2 . . . ©f4 allow White to take the opposition with 3 @d2 ©f3 4 ©d3 ©f4 5 @d4 @f3 6 @e5 !

@xe3 7 @f6 @f4 8 g5 winning. ©fl 3 ©d2 Also sufficient is the diagonal opposition, for after 3 . .. ©f4 4 ©e2 @g3 ! we are back whe re started. After the text move , Black has no need to fear 4 lll f5 @f3 5 lll h 6 because of 5 . . . ©f4 and 6 . . . @g5 etc. ©f3 4 @d3 ©f4! 5 ©d4 a nd White can make no progress. A fter 6 @d5 @xe 3 7 ©e 5 ©f3 White is forced to draw with 8 ©f6, as 8 g5 eve n loses to 8 . . . ©g4 9 ©£6 ©h5. This resource is worth noting, as it is often possible in practical play, and saves apparently hopeless games. Take this position for example:

White to move cannot win, e .g.

l @e6 ©g6 ! 2 ©e5 @g5 3 @�4 ©g4 draws. Or l lll e 3 h4! 2 g4 h3 etc. If

Black has the move, White wins easily of course. Now that we have see n these two positions, we are prepared for our next beautiful study. White can capture Black's

Knight Endings 265

L.Prokes 1 946 remaining pawn, but his own pawn is threatened by I . . . f2. As White's king cannot guard the pawn in time, the knight must do this job, giving us the following interesting play: 1 e4! After I lll xe6 ©f2 2 e4 ©e3 Bl �c k draws , e.g. 3 e5 e4. Or 3 lll g 5 ©f4. Or 3 lll c 5 lll d 4. The black king must now chase the pawn, as I . . . e5 fails to 2 lll d 5 ©f2 3 ©b2 ©f3 4 lll f6 etc. 1 ©f2 2 lll d5 ! The point of this fine move is clear, if we think back to our solution to diagram 3 1 7 . If 2 lll b 5 ©e3 3 lll c3 then Black wins the opposition after 3 . . . ©d3 ! 4 ©b2 ©d2 5 ©b3 ©d3 6 ©b4 ©d4 with a dra w similar to the one already seen. The text move guards the important e3 square, stopping Black's king reaching the queenside so quickly. �f3 2 Or 2 . . . ©e2 3 lll f6 ©d3 4 e5 ©d4 5 lll d 7 etc.

3 lllc 3 ©e3 4 ©a2 ! A s we saw i n o u r analysis to diagram 3 1 7, White must take the opposition, if he is to win. From a2 White's king eyes the squares b2 and b3 , corresponding to Black's d2 (d4) and d3 squares . It is clear that Black draws after both 4 ©b2 ©d2 ! a nd 4 ©b l ©d3 ! 4 ©d4 5 ©b2! ©d3 If 5 . . . ©e3 6 ©c2 wins. Or 5 .. . ©c4 6 ©c2 ©d4 7 ©d2 e5 (7 . . . ©c4 8 lll e 2) 8 ©c2 ©e3 9 b3 ©d3 1 0 ©b4 ©d4 1 1 ©b5! ©xc3 12 ©c5 winning. 6 ©b3 ©d4 7 b4 ©d3 8 ©c5 ©xc3 e5 and 9 10 ©d6 wins. If the defending side has more than one pawn, very complex situations can arise which are impossible to classify. Usually the extra piece should guarantee the win , but not without difficulty, as the following interesting position shows:

266 Knight Endings

It is scarcely credible that White can win, as his knight and king seem badly placed for stopping Black's f-pawn. H owever, Black's king is badly placed too, and White uses this factor to win in the following instructive fashion: 1 lll d 6 ! It is clear that the knight m ust check on c4 if it is to stop the pawn , but it is importa nt to choose the correct ro ute. For instance, I lll e 5 only draws after 1 . . . ©b5 ! 2 lll xf3 (or 2 lll g4 ©c4 3 lll f2 ©c3 4 ©a4 ©d2 5 e4 ©e3 draws) 2 . . . ©c4 3 e4 h 5 4 ©b2 h4 5 ©c2 (or 5 e5 ©d5 etc) 5 . . . h3 6 ©d2 h2 7 lll xh2 ©d4 and the last pawn falls. The text move stops 1 . . . ©b5 and threatens to win at once by 2 lll e 4 followed by 3 ©b3. 1 f2 ©b5 2 lll c4+ fl � ! 3 lll d 2 To create counterplay by making a path for his king. If he tries to cling to his material , both pawns eventually fall, e.g. 3 . . . h5 4 ©b3 h4 5 ©c3 h3 7 lll f l etc. 4 lll xfl ©c4 5 ©b2 ©d3 6 ©c l ©e2! The only chance. If 6 ... h5 7 @d l h4 8 ©e l h3 9 ©f2 wins easily. ©xfl 7 e4 Black's play seems to have succeeded , for if White queens his pawn , Black's h-pawn reaches h2 with a book draw. However, White has not yet finished . 8 ©d2! h5

Or 8 . .. ©f2 9 e5 h5 1 0 e6 h4 1 1 e7 h3 1 2 e8� h2 13 �e2+ ©g l 1 4 ©e3 h l � 1 5 �f2 mate. 9 ©e3 ©g2 Black loses his pawn after 9 . . . h 4 I O ©f3 , and if 9 . . . ©g l 1 0 ©f3 ! (not I O ©f4? ©g2 1 1 ©g5 ©g3 ! drawing) 1 0 . . . ©h2 1 1 e5 wins . 10 e5 h4 11 e6 h3 12 e7 h2 e8� 13 hl� White's subtle play has given him a well known winning queen endgame. 14 �g6+ ©h 3 If 1 4 . . . ©fl 1 5 �f5+ ©g2 16 �g4+ transposes to the main line, and 1 4 . . . ©h2 1 5 ©fl leads to mate. 15 �h5+ ©g2 16 �g4+ ©h2 Or 1 6 . . . ©fl 17 �e2+ ©g l 1 8 �f2 mate. 1 7 ©f2 wins. A wonderful ending ! We could quote many similar positions , but feel that the reader now has sufficient ideas of how to handle knight versus pawns endings. Let us turn at once to positions in which both sides possess a knight. Knight and Pawn(s) against Knight We shall begin with knight and one pawn against knight. This ending is usually drawn, as the knight can either give itself up for the pawn, or else blockade it. However, if the pawn is far advanced and supported by the king, there are good winning

Knight Endi.ngs 267

prospects for the stronger side. Consider our next example.

J. Kling 1 867 This study is over a h undred years old but has permanent instructional value . White wins as follows: 1 lll g 6 The black knight must be driven away from its control of the pawn's queening square, and White now threatens 2 lll e 5+ or 2 lllf8 winning im mediately. Also possible i s l ll:ie6 Wd5 ! 2 lll f8 etc , transposing. 1 wds! Black prepares to answer 2 lll f8 with 2 . . . lll e 5, so his king must not go to c7 or b5 where will be checked by the new queen . Also unsatisfactory is l . . wc5 2 lll f8 ll:ie5 3 wa8 lll c6 4 lll e6+ and 5 lll d 8. lll e 5 2 lll f8 3 wb6 Even simpler 3 wa8 lll c 6 4 lll d 7 planning lll b6-c8-a7 , 4 . . . Wd6 (4 . . . we6 5 ll:ib6 wd6 6 ll:ic8+ wc7 7 lll a 7 lll b 8 8 lll b 5+ etc) 5 lll b 6

wc7 6 lll d 5+ and 7 lll b4 wins. lll c6 3 4 wc7 The composer's solution was a little slower, as follows: 4 lll d 7 wd6 5 lll e 5! lll b 8 6 wa7 wc7 7 lll c 4 lll c6+ (or 7 . . . lll d 7 8 lll b 6 lll b 8 9 lll d 5+) 8 wa8 lll b 8 9 lll b 6 ll:ia6 (or 9 .. . lll c 6 10 lll d 5+ and 1 1 lll b 4 wins) 10 lll d 5+ followed by 1 1 wa7 or 1 1 lll b4 winning. lll b4 4 Or 4 . . . ©c5 5 lll e 6+ Wd5 (5 . . . Wb5 6 lll d4+) 6 lll d 8 lll b4 7 wb6 wins. lll c 6 5 llld 7 After king moves or 5 . . . ll:ia6+ , then 6 Wb6 wins. 6 lll e 5 ! lll b4 7 wb6 wins. Black's task is far easier if his king is in front of the pawn. In this case he can hope to save the game , even if the remaining pieces are favo urably placed for White. Diagram 322 gives us an example of this.

.

Y. Averbakh 1 956 Despite the fact t hat Black's

268 Knight Endings

knight is badly placed and White's king and knight can support the pawn , it was thought that Black could draw. @e8 1 @d7 2 @dS Not of course 2 . . . lbc3+ 3 @e6 winning at once. The original solution, now known to be cooked, ran : 3 lLieS+ @c8. The only defence . Other moves lose to 4 ©e6, whereas now White cannot play 4 @c6 because of 4 . . . lLi b4+ 4 lLid3. This offers more chances than 4 @e6 lLib4 5 d7+ ©c7 6 ©e7 lbd5+, or here 6 lbf7 lbc6, both drawing. 4 ... lLic3+ ! If 4 ... @d7? 5 lbc5+ @c8! 6 d7+ @c7 7 @e6 lLib4 (or 7 ... lLic3 8 lLib7) 8 lLi a6+ ! lLixa6 7 ©e7 wins. 5 @c6 lLie4 6 d7+ @d8 7 lLieS lLigS with a clear draw. 3 lLib8+ ! The point is that 3 . . . @c8 4 @e6 lLib4 5 d7+ @c7 (5 . . . . @d8 6 @d6) 6 lLia6+ ! lLixa6 7 @e7 and finito ! Like the bishop, the kn ight has most trouble against the rook's pawn , which can be attacked from one side only. This gives White good winning chances if his king supports the pawn from the front, as illustrated in the following interesting study by Reti. White would, of cou rse , win easily if Black's king were further away from the pawn , or if it were Black to move, e.g. l . . @b4 2 @b6 ©c4 3 lLic3! lLid6 4 @c7 @c5 5 a7 winning. The problem, then, is how to hand the move over to .

R.Reti 1 929 Black. There is clearly no waiting move available, so the following i nstructive manoeuvre is both forced and forcing: 1 lLicS ! The only move , a s White's pawn must be protected against the threat of I . . . lLid6 and 2 . . . lLic8+ drawing. 1 ©b4 After l . . . lbd6+ White would triangulate with his king by 2 @c7 ! lbb5+ 3 @c6 lLia7+ 4 @b7 lLib5 5 lLie4! reaching the o riginal position with Black to move. lLid6 2 @b6 3 lLie4 ! Driving the black knight from its key post. If the knight is taken , then 4 a 7 wins. 3 lLic8+ 4 @c7! Care is still required . If 4 @b7 @b5! zugzwangs White and draws, e.g. 5 lbc3+ @a5. Or 5 lLif6 lLid6+ 6 ©a7 lLic8+ etc. After the text move, 4 . . . lLia7 loses to 5 @b7 lbb5 6 @b6 @c4 7 lLic3 ! , so

Knight Endings 269

Black's reply is forced. ©bS 4 Black loses more quickly after 4 . . . ©a5 5 lll c 5 lll a 7 (or 5 . . . lll b 6 6 a7 winning) 6 ©b7 lll b 5 7 lll e 4! etc. was 5 ©b7 lll d 6+ 6 lll c S lll b S+ 7 ©c7 lll a 7+ 8 ©c6 Or 8 . . . ©b4 9 lll e4 lll a 7+ (if9 . . . ©a5 1 0 ©b7 etc) 1 0 ©b7 lll b 5 1 1 ©b6 wins. lll b S 9 ©b7! 1 0 lll e 4! and we have reached the original position with Black to move, which we have already demon­ strated as a win. A very fine study. The ending of knight and pawn against knight and pawn is usually drawn. Wins are possible only if one side a definite advantage such as an unstoppable passed pawn, better piece placing, chances of trapping or stalemating an enemy piece etc. Rather than deal with such unusual situations, let us consider a position in which White has a knight and pawn against knight and two pawns. It is difficult to generalize about such positions, as everyth ing depends upon the placing of the pieces. If the stronger side has a passed pawn supported by the pieces on one wing, whilst the other pawns are on the opposite wing, winning prospects are good, as they are with two connected passed pawns. However, if all the pawns and pieces are on the same

wing, the weaker side has d rawing chances, despite the fact that knight endings give the stronger side more opportunity of exploiting advantages than is the case with other pieces.

Goldenov-Kan 1 946 In this position, all the pawns are together a nd the white king is favourably placed in front of the m. White's only problem is his badly placed knight, but this should not be enough to give Black a Win. l e3 Black makes his last attempt before White's knigh t returns to the fray, and sets White tricky problems. fe+ 2 Also possible is 2 lll e 6+ ©e5 (or 2 . . . ©d5 3 lll f4+ and 4 fe) 3 lll g5 ef+ 4 ©fl ©f4 5 lll xf3 ! ©g3 6 ©e2 , and it is difficult to see what Black can do. ©e4 ! 2 Finely played. 2 . . . ©xe3 allows 3 lll d 5+, whereas now White is in zugzwang. 3 ©fl ! lll x e3+

270 Knight Endings

lLid l + 4 @f2 O r 4 . . . lb g4+ 5 @g3 ! drawing. 5 @e l? This mistake costs White the ga me . He could draw by 5 @g3 ! f2 (if 5 . . . @e3 6 lLid5+ @e2 7 lLif4+) 6 @g2 @e3 7 lbd5+ 'it>e2 8 lLi f4+ etc. Even 5 @fl f2 6 @g2, or here 5 . . . @f4 6 lLid5+ @g3 7 @e l ! would hold the position. f2+! 5 This move was completely overlooked by White . 6 @e2 @f4 0- 1 If 7 lLid5+ ( e6+) Black places White in zugzwang by 7 . . . @g3 , e.g. 7 lLid5+ @g3 8 @fl @f3 follo wed by mate. Before going ove r to further practical examples of knight endings, we must mention an endga me which has little practical val ue but about which the reader should know something: two knights against a pawn. It is well known that two knights alone ca nnot force mate because of the danger of stalemate. As the pawn removes this danger, in certain positions a win is possible. A great deal of research has been done on this ending, in particular by, the study composer Troits ky , but we do not in tend to go into the matter too deeply here, We shall give one diagra m to illustrate the main principles to be follo wed. It is clear that Black's pawn must be blockaded by a knight until the last possi ble minute, or

325

else it will simply push forwa rd and sacrifice itself, when the two remaining knights cannot mate. We a re left with the important question of on which square the pawn must be stopped. In diagra m 325 we have drawn the line which the pawn must not have crossed if White is to win. If the pawn is behind this line White al ways wins , but if the pawn has advanced fu rther Wh ite can only win with his pieces favourably placed . All this assumes, of course , that Black's king cannot lift block ade of the pawn by attacking a knight. Let us now see how play might go from the diagram: I

@b5!

We quote Chekhover's analysis. The text move gives White the most problems as the following variations show: 1) l . . . @b7 2 lb c4 @a6 3 @c6 'it>a7 4 lLid6 @a6 5 lLi b7 @a7 6 lLibc5 @b8 7 @d7 @a7 8 @c7 @a8 9 lLi b4 d3 1 0 lLic6 d2 1 1 lLid 7 d l 'ti' 1 2 lb b6 mate. 2) l . . . @a7 2 lbc4 @b7 (or 2 . . . @a6 3 @c6 a s above) 3 lLic5+!

Knight Endings .271

@a7 (or 3 . . . @b8 4 lLie5 etc) 4 @c7 d3 5 lLie5 d2 6 lbc6+ and mate in 2 moves. 3) I . . . @a6 2 @c7! @b5 3 @b7 @a5 4 @c6 @a6 (or 4 . . . @a4 5 @b6, as in the next variation) 5 lbc4 transposing into variation I . 4 ) I . . . @a5 2 @c6 @a4 3 @b6 @a3 4 @b5 @a2 5 @b4 @a l 6 lLic4 @a2 7 @a4 @b I 8 @b3 @a I 9 @c2 @a2 IO lb b4+ @a I 1 1 lLia3 d3+ 1 2 @b3 d2 1 3 lLibc2 mate. '3la6 2 @c7 @as ! 3 @c6 It is easier for White after 3 . . . @ a7 4 lLic4 @b8 (or 4 . . . @a6 5 lbc5+ and 6 @c7) 5 lbd6 @a7 ! 6 lLic5 ! @b8 (or 6 . . . d3 7 @c7) 7 @b6 d3 8 lLid7+ and mate in 2 moves. 4 @cs White would be in zugzwang after 4 @b7 @b5 , so the kn ight on d2 is needed. However, an immediate 4 lLic4+ would not be good because of 4 . . . @a4, threatening to go to b3. As a general rule, the enemy king must be kept away from the blockading knight, whilst the king and the other knight drive him towards the edge of the board. 'it>a6 4 If 4 . . . @a4 5 @b6 winning as we saw in variation 4 above. 'it>b7 S lLic4 'it>c8 6 @d6 'it>d8 7 lLi aS Black's king cannot be confin ed to the left corner, so he is driven to the kingside. This move is forced, as 7 . . . @b8 loses to 8 @c6 ! @a 7 ·

(or 8 . . . 'it>c8 9 lLib7 @b 8 IO lLid6 etc) 9 lLib7 @a6 IO lLib4+ @a7 1 1 @c7 d 3 1 2 lLia5 d2 1 3 lLiac6+ and mate in 2 moves. 8 lLib7+ @e8 Or 8 . . . @c8 9 @c6 as in the last note. 9 @e6 @f8 1 0 lLid6 @g7 11 @rs (326)

326

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11 @h6 Or 1 1 . . . @f8 1 2 @f6 @g8 1 3 lb f5 @ f8 1 4 lLig7 @g8 1 5 lLi e 6 @h7 16 @g5 @g8 1 7 @g6 with a quick mate . Black's king is to be driven to the bottom right corner, whatever he plays , e.g. 1 1 . . . @h7 1 2 @f6 @h6 13 lLic4 @h7 (or 1 3 . . . @h 5 1 4 lLi ce5 @h4 1 5 @g6 @g3 16 @g5 @g2 1 7 @g4 @fl 1 8 @f3 etc , or he re 14 . . . @h6 1 5 lLig4+ @h5 1 6 'it>f5 etc) 14 lLice5 @g8 1 5 lLi g6 @h7 16 lLie7 @h6 1 7 lLig8+ @h5 1 8 f3 ll:lg2 8 \t>e2 ll:lh4+ 9 \t>f3 ll:lg6 10 \t>e3 Black has now reached a position similar to the one we gave in the previous note. 1 1 lDf2 ll:lf4 would now transpose to this line, and 1 1 \t>d3 lD f4+ or 1 1 \t>f3 \t>d4 are not worth serious consideration. Lasker chooses another con­ tinuation which does not alter the situation overmuch . \t>f6 1 1 ll:lg5 1 2 tDh7+ Or 1 2 ll:lh3 ll:le5 1 3 \t>d4 transposing to the game line. \t>e7 12 ll:le5 13 ll:lg5 \t>d6 14 \t>d4 15 ll:lh3 White would like to preve nt the blockade of his queen side pawns, but 15 a4 tDc6+ would eventually give Black's king an entry point at b4. Best is probably 15 b3, but Black's ou tside passed pawn would still guarantee him the win. a4! 15 16 lDf4 h4 1 7 tDh3 b6 A subtle tempo move. Black later wants to play . . . ll:lc6+ and . . . \t>c5 , but only with White's knight on h 3 , so he takes two moves to play his pawn to b 5 . 1 8 lDf4 b5 19 tDh3 (329) ll:lc6+ 19 Pursuing his logical plan of attack on the queenside. An alternative plan is 1 9 . . . lDc4

Lasker-Ni mzowitsch 1 934 20 \t>c3 \t>e5 etc. Black presumably did not want to allow counterplay after 20 ll:lf4 ll:lxb2 2 1 e5+, but 21 . . . \t>c6 ! and 22 . . . tDc4 win s for him. 20 \t>e3 If 20 \t>d3 \t>e5 21 \t>e3 tDa5 wms . 20 \t>c5 b4 21 \t>d3 With so few pawns on the board, the attacker should usually avoid pawn exchanges, but Nimzowitsch has calculated a forced win. W hite must now exchange, as 22 ll:le5+ is threatened. ab+ 22 \t>xb4 23 \t>c2 lDd4+ 24 \t>bl His only chance, intending to attack the a-pawn. If 24 \t>d3 tDe6, White's king would be forced back by the threat of 25 . . . \t>b3 , as 25 \t>e3 \t>b3 26 ll:l f4 fails to 26 . . . \t>xb2 ! 2 7 tDxe6 a3. 24 ll:le6 There is no need for 24 . . . \t>b3 , as the e-pawn is now the target, e.g. 25 \t>c2 \t>c4 26 \t>d2 \t>d4

Knight Endings 275

27 ll:if2 ll:ig5 etc. Lasker' s last attempt is prettily refuted by Nimzowitsch. lt>c4 25 lt>a2 \t>d4 26 lt>a3 27 \t>xa4 \t>xe4 Although Black has only one pawn left, White's knight cannot stop it. If now 28 ll:ig l lt>e3 and 29 . . . lt>f2 wins. Or 28 ll:if2+ \t>f3 wins. b4 \t>f3 28 bS 29 lt>g2 0- 1 After 30 b6 \t>xh3 3 1 b 7, then 3 1 . . . ll:ic5+ wins the pawn, and if he re 3 1 \t>b5 ll:id8 32 \t>c5 lt>g4 33 \t>d6 h3 34 lt>c7 h 2 3 5 \t>xd8 h l 't!f wins. A splendidly played ending, well illustrating the strength of a passed rook's pawn against a knight. This example might lead the reader to think that knight endings are purely a matter of technique, with given advantages being methodically exploited. However, our next position shows us that imagination can also play a part and provide us with interesting tactical possibilities.

This position occurred in the game Pillsbury-Gunsberg, Hastings 1 895. White has a strong protected passed pawn on c5, but this in itself is not enough. Much more i mportant is the fact that by energetic play he can successfully attack Black's pawn s on e6 and d5. We have here a position in which dynamic elements are more i mportant than static ones. From a static point of view, Black's p osition seems acceptable. He can create a passed pawn on the queenside and has the blockading move . . . ll:ic6 available. In fact, if it were Black to move , l . . . ll:i c6 would hold everyt hing. However, in chess we must always examine concrete tactical possibilities along with positional considerations. In this case, White can immediately disorganize Black 's position by attacking the pawns on e6 and d5, as follows: fS! 1 White cannot allow l . . . ll:ic6. His th reat is now 2 fe followed by 3 ll:if4+ or im mediately 2 ll:if4. 1 gS Necessary, or else the d-pawn falls, e.g. l . . gf 2 gf ef 3 ll:i f4 regaining the pawn with a clear positional advantage . Or l . . . ef 2 gf g5 3 ll:i b4 winning the d-pawn . as 2 ll:ib4! Selecting the line which leads to beautiful combinational play. There is hardly anything better, for the threat is 3 c6 \t>d6 4 fe, as in the game, and if 2 . . . \t>d7 3 fe+ lt>xe6 4 c6 ! \t>d6 5 c7 lt>xc7 6 ll:ixd5+ and .

Pillsbury-Gunsberg 1 895

276 Knight Endings

7 lll x f6 wins easily. With the text move Black hopes to drive the knight away, when 3 . . . lt:lc6 gives him a good defensive position. ©d6 c6 ! 3 Black obviously cannot take the knight because of 4 c7 , and 3 . . . ©d8 allows 4 fe ! with play similar to the ga me. lt:lxc6 fe! 4 All forced, as 4 . . . ab loses to 5 e7 ©xe 7 6 c7, revealing the helplessness of the knight. ©xc6 (33 1) 5 lt:l xc6

©d6 dS+ 7 8 ©e3 It is only now t hat we real ize how far ahead Pillsbury had to calculate. He captures the e-pawn just in time to stop Black's passed queenside pawn. 8 b4 9 ©xe4 a4 10 \t>d4 ©e7 The best defe nce. In the actual ga me Gunsberg continued with I 0 . . . h5 and had to resign after I I gh a3 1 2 ©c4 f5 1 3 h6 f4 14 h7. If IO . . f5 1 1 gfg4 1 2 f6 wins easily. b3 11 ©c4 Again I I . . . f5 1 2 gfg4 1 3 ©xb4 h5 is too late, as White's pawns are too far advanced, e.g. 14 \t>c5 h4 1 5 d6+ wins. a3 ab 12 Or 1 2 . . . ab 1 3 lt>xb3 f5 1 4 gf g4 1 5 lt>c3 and Wh ite stops the pawn. 13 ©c3 rs gf 14 g4 Black has at least succeeded in creating a passed pawn on both wings, but has also given White a passed b-pawn which now decides the ga me. hS b4! 15 h4 bS 16 17 b6 a2 To force White's king to the back rank where he will be in check fro m a new queen , but it never co mes to that. 1 8 ©b2 g3 19 hg hg d6+! 20 More exact than 20 b7 g2 21 b8� a l + 22 ©xa l g l �+. when .

Pillsbury-Gu nsberg 1 895 We have now reached a pawn ending in which material is even and which superficially still see ms all right for Black. H e not only threatens to win the e-pawn but has the chance of creatipg an outside passed pawn. H owever, White has foreseen that he can guard his advanced passed pawn and set up two powerful passed central pawns before Black has time to use his passed pawns effectively. de e4! 6

Knight Endings 277

Black could still fight on. @xd6 20 Or 20 . . . @f6 2 1 d7 @e7 22 b7 g2 23 d 8 't!' + @xd8 24 b8't!'+ wins, a recurring theme. @c7 b7 21 e7 wins. 22 Again White queens with check. Extremely fine play by White. Here is another example of how concrete tactical possibilities must be offset against formal advantages:

Barcza-Simagin 1 949 Not only is White a pawn up, but he has an outside passed a-paw n and can hope to create another on the f-file. N evertheless, he is lost. Firstly, Black's beautifully centralized pieces lend excellent support to his passed d-pawn. Secondly, White's knight is badly placed for joining in the defence against the d-pawn. These two factors allow Black to win as follows: d3 1 2 @fl lLic3 @d4 3 @e l It is clear that all White's moves

are forced, as is his next. 4 . . . @e3 is now the threat. lbe4+ 4 @d2 5 @c l Other king moves lose at once to 5 . . . @e3, but what is Black to do now? If 5 . . . d2+ 6 @c2 follows, and if 5 . . . 'C!Je3 W hite saves himself by 6 ll'lb5 d 2+ 7 c2 lll f2 (or 7 . . . 'C!Je2 8 lLid4+) 8 lLi c3 etc. N evertheless, Black can win by the following instructive manoeuvre, reminding us of possibilities arising from diagram 322. How vital it is to be acquainted with basic endings ! 5 ll'ld6 ! Heading for c5. We shall soon see the difference this makes. 6 @d2 Allowing Black to pursue his winning plan , but other moves also lose, e.g. 1) 6 lLi c6+ 'C!Jc3 7 lll e 7 (the threat was 7 . . . lLie4 and 8 . . . d2+) 7 . . . d 2 + 8 'C!Jd l lLie4 9 lll d 5+ @c4 wins, as knight moves allow 10 . . . @d3 . 2) 6 a 4 e3 7 lll c 6 lbc4 ! 8 ll'l b4 (or 8 a5 d2+ and 9 . . . li'lb2) 8 . . . d2+ 9 @c2 @e2 wins. 6 lLic4+ 7 @cl If 7 @d i (e l ) then 7 . . . @e3 is decisive. 7 d2+ 8 c2 @e3 9 lbbS Apparently setting up a successful defence by threatening to go to c3, but we now see the reason why Black played his knight to c4 .

278 Knight Endings

ll:ia3+! 9 The same idea as in diagram 322. White's knight is lured away. 'itie2 IO lLi xa3 and the pawn queens. It is scarcely credible that Black has a forced win from diagram 332. We have already mentioned that an extra pawn gains in value when there is less material on the board. In pawn endings an extra pawn is almost always decisive, and in minor piece endings it usually gives good winning pros­ pects. On the other hand, in rook and queen endings the placing of the pieces is usually more important than the extra pawn. Our final example illustrates this basic principle once again. Black has an extra pawn but it seems difficult to exploit this fact, as all the pawns are on the same wing, the passed pawn is effectively blockaded, and at the moment White can defend his weak c-pawn. How is Black to use his material advantage?

l\ll a rco-l\ll a roczy 1 899 This position arose in the game

l\ll a rco-l\lla roczy, Vienna 1 899. Black's passed pawn in itself would not be sufficient wi thout other advantages. Firstly, his king is especially well placed and he could win the pawn ending even if he lost his passed pawn . Secondly, White's knight is badly placed and in some lines blocks his own king. l\ll a roczy exploits these advantages in masterly fashion, a:s follows: lll d3 ! I I m mediately using the fact that the pawn ending is won after 2 ll:ixd3 a2 3 \t>b2 \t>xd3 etc. As White also loses after 2 lll a 2 lt>e2! 3 \t>b3 \t>d2 4 'itixa 3 'itic2, he has only one move. 2 lll b 3 ll:iel + It is not so easy after 2 . . . a2 3 lll a l lt>e2 4 lll b3, as White's king can stop the a-pawn as soon as the black knight moves, thus freeing his own knight. 3 \t>d l Or 3 'itt b 1 \t>d3 4 ll:ia5 'itixc3 5 ll:ixc6 (or 5 'itia2 lll c 2 ! ) 5 . . . ll:ic2 winning easily. 3 \t>d3! In endings with pawns on one side only, one must always be on the look-out for such piece sacrifices, to open the way for the king. In this case it is pa rticularly effective, for we know that the knight defends badly against a rook's pawn. 4 lt>xe I lt>xc3 5 lll a l ! A n imaginative defence. I f Black now tries to win the knight, he only draws after 5 . . . lt>b2?

Knight Endings 279

6 @d2 ! @xa l 7 @c l @a2 8 @c2 etc. 5 @xd4 6 lbc2+ If 6 @d2 @c4 7 lbc2 @b3 8 @c l a2 etc, we have a si tuation like the one t hat occurs later. @c3! 6 7 @dl The subtleties of t his ending are not yet over. If 7 lb xa3 @b2 and the knight is lost. 7 a2 8 @cl d4 d3 9 lba l 1 0 lbc2 The last trick, as I O . . . de gives stalemate. cS ! 10 0- 1 M aroczy was one of the finest endgame artists . This not only ends our discussion

of knight endings but also completes our treatment of the endgame. We h ope t hat by explaining each position in detail, we have succeeded in making endgame t heory more palatable. Of necessity, this h as meant a rigorous selection of material, making certain omissions inevitable, but we have endeavoured to present all the basic endings of use to the practical player. We hardly need to stress the i mportance of this part of the game. One has only to consider the outstanding endgame technique of World Champions and leading Grandmasters to realize the efforts t hey must have made in t his field. If the study of this volume enables the reader to make some progress in his own endgame play, we shall have succeeded in our aim.