Chess Endgame-King+ Pawn vs King

The King+ Pawn is a very important basic must know endgame. It helps you choose whether to exchange the pieces or not in the game.

DI Ashirwad Tupe

3/13/20251 min read

Concepts to know for K+P vs K endgame

  1. Opposition

  2. Outflanking

Notes-

  • King(K) with the pawn(P) is called stronger King.

  • King without pawn is weaker King.

  • These principles or tips are for the position when weaker king is always in the line or close to the promoting pawn.

  • The principle only applies when both of the players are playing the best moves.

Principles of K+P vs K

  1. When the king reaches 6th rank (3rd for Black) the game is always winning for the stronger King whether it is white to play or black to play.

2.When the pawn reaches the 6th rank (3rd for black) and the stronger king is behind him, the game is always a draw whether it is white to play or black to play.

Tips to follow the while playing the K+P endgames.

  • Tips for weaker king:

    1. The king should always stay in front of the pawn.

    2. If you can't stay in front of the pawn stay in front of the king(taking Opposition).

    3. If you can't stay in front of the pawn and the king, move behind in pawns line.

  • Tips for stronger king

1. King should always stay in front of the pawn. Not even come in the line of the pawn until he reaches 6th rank (3rd for black).