Horsham Grand Prix, Farlington School, 22nd November 2009
Even the simplest looking positions can be tricky as shown by the following 3 King and Pawn endings from the Horsham tournament.
Let’s start with the simplest and work our way up!
Joseph vs. Scott (U11 Major)
Joseph has an extra pawn but it is on the edge (a Rook’s pawn) and Scott has got his King in front of the pawn and the position is an easy draw.
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|
White |
Black |
|
1. |
Kg5-h5 |
Kh7-h8 |
|
2. |
Kh5-g6 |
Kh8-g8 |
|
3. |
h6-h7+ |
Kg8-h8 |
|
4. |
Kg6-h6 |
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The only way to guard the pawn but … stalemate ! |
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Joe vs. Daniela (U11 Major)
Joe and Daniela had been slugging it out for some time and were both short on time. Joe has an extra pawn just like the previous game but it is NOT on the edge and this makes Daniela’s defence a lot more difficult.
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White |
Black |
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1. |
|
Kb7-c8 ? |
Black must play 1…Kb7-b8 and when the White King goes go c6, then it is time to go to c8. The technical chess term for this is the ‘opposition’. Play could continue 2. Kc5-c6, Kb8-c8; 3. b6-b7+, Kc8-b8; Kc6-b6 stalemate. |
2. |
Kc5-b5 ? |
|
Joe misses his chance – Kc5-c6 wins |
2. |
|
Kc8-b7 ! |
Excellent defence, stopping the White King coming forward |
3. |
Kb5-c5 |
Kb7-c8 ? |
Daniela instinctively tries to repeat the position (Kb7-b8 draws) but this time Joe has it worked out … |
4. |
Kc5-c6 ! |
Kc8-b8 |
|
5. |
b6-b7 |
Kb8-a7 |
This King has to give way |
6. |
Kc6-c7 |
|
Followed by b7-b8 and a new Queen.
Well done, Joe, unlucky Daniella. |
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Spend time studying and understanding this type of ending and I guarantee it will gain you valuable points. Get a set out and play through the analysis time and again until you’re comfortable. If you need help, please ask one of the SJC coaches / trainers to explain at the next tourney / training.
And now for the really difficult one:
James vs. Josh (U11 Major)
Another long, tough struggle in progress and the following position is reached with Josh to move.
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This is one of those positions where you need to find a plan and then play according to that plan.
Here is how my thinking would go if I were Josh:
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What is James going to do? He is going to capture the pawn on a7 and then try and race his a4 pawn to the other end.
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Can I stop his plan? Not really, after he takes on a7 I may be able to try and box him in with my King on c7 but it looks risky
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What can I do about it then? Hold on, I’ve got 3 pawns against 2 on the other side. If I can get my pawns to f4 and g4 and play f3 then I’ll get a new Queen. I’m not sure who will win the race but at least it will give him something to think about
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White |
Black |
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|
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So the move to play is … |
1. |
|
f7-f5 ! |
|
2. |
Kc4-b5 |
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If White changes plan and plays Kc4-d5, Black plays Kg7-f6 and slowly advances the 3 pawns against the 2 with the help of the King |
2. |
|
f5-f4 |
|
3. |
Kb5-a6 |
g6-g5 |
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4. |
Ka6xa7 |
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If h2-h3 then Black plays h6-h5 |
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|
g5-g4 |
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5. |
Ka7-b7 |
f4-f3 |
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6. |
g2xf3 |
g4xf3 |
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7. |
a4-a5 |
f3-f2 |
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8. |
a5-a6 |
f2-f1 (Q) |
And Black gets there first. |
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