Opposition

First of all. What is opposition?

Opposition is a position, where two Kings face each other on a rank or file, with only one square between them. This is what opposition looks like:

Of course, there aren't any other pieces in this endgame so this is a draw, but this is the definition of opposition - two Kings facing each other on a rank or a file, with only one square between them.

So now you know the basics, how can you master opposition in a real endgame? Here is a link of a game that I played recently, that included opposition.

If you see on move 55, I was completely winning, although short on time. This is why it is important to know this technique by memory, because in the endgame one is usually deprived of lengthy thinking time.

Kh2 was played, attacking black's final pawn. After black played Kc6, trying to get back in time to cause problems for white, the h3 pawn was captured, leading to a "Checkmate in 27" claim from the computer.

Kd6 and then Kg4 from white, getting in front of the pawn to defend it and also block the black King from getting there.

Black played Ke7, trying to get on the back rank and squeeze out an unlikely stalemate. Kg5 really kills the game off, and white is now a few moves from promoting. Kf7 from black, and then quite an easy-to-see move, Kh6 was played by white.

It's really a dance of Kings to ensure that the pawn is safely promoted. Kg8 was played by black, which ensures white can push the pawn.

However, Kg6 is also possible, and we come back to the 1st Chapter's position, alas with an extra pawn for white. In response to this position, black plays Kf8, which leads white to push the pawn to g4. Black goes back to g8, and another pawn push from white follows. And then black goes to h8, to the corner of the board. White responds to crush black, with the move Kf7, where Black resigned.

Thank you for viewing this blog, and if you liked my analysis, feel free to give this blog a heart!