Endgame Bootcamp Part 4

One major benefit to having Bishops in Endgames: the way they prevent/help pawns promote, and quickly cross the board in one move. When Bishops are on opposite colors, it is considered to be an easy draw with experience.

First Endgame

Who's move is it? White to move? No matter what, it's losing. Black to move? Only one option for the win.

The White King is in zugzwang. A player is said to be "in zugzwang" when any legal move will worsen their position.

The Black King already protects the base of the pawn island. White's e pawn prevents Black from walking to the Queenside, unless they want to lose both pawns. Notice the Black pawns are on the opposite colors of the Black Bishop. White's pawns are on the same color as their Bishop. Black has the better Bishop because it has access to more squares, and it can theoretically capture each of White's paws. White cannot say the same.

Black has a clear path to promotion with their duo pawns on c4 and d5. White will only be able to move their Bishop if Black secures the diagonal, preventing White's Kc5. The ulterior motive beyond securing the diagonal is eventually capturing on e5.

For example: Ba3 Bf4 Bf8 Be3 Bh8. The White King going c5 is no longer an issue due to the exchanges on e5 thereafter.

Second Engame

Who's move is it? White to move, there's only one chance to draw. Black to move, there's only one chance to win.

How can White hold a draw if they are moving? The Black King is already in a corner. With the Black King contained, the two Bishops dance around peacefully. Therefore, the best way to contain the Black King, or create some sort of "box" around it, is Ke3. An extreme example is Ke3 Kh2 Kf2

If Ke3 Kf1? Kd3 wins for White. A pawn race is involved and Queens appear after Kg2 a4 Kh2 b5 Kg2 b6 h2 b7 h1=Q b8=Q

1Q6/8/8/6B1/1P4p1/3K2P1/6k1/7q b - - 0 57

Even though Black delivers Check on their turn, White can avoid constant or perpetual Checks. Repositioning the King to escort the b pawn is one idea, especially if a Queen trade becomes forced. If Black's Checks allow the White King to approach the Black g pawn, even better! The White King will cross the bridge once it can reach the 5th rank, and decide on e5 or f5. White also has use of their Bishop to block checks, which is a major advantage.

If White decided to take the Black Bishop as their first move, it would result in a similar line as when Black has the first move.

or

Kh2!

Taking on h2 and stepping back to g2 allowing the h pawn to promote is the way to win for Black ( and if White was to move and took the Black Bishop). White can't do anything to prevent Black's h pawn from promoting. The White bishop is on the opposite color of the h pawn promotion square: a1.

If Black were to play any other move, then White still plays Ke3 to force the draw.

It is very important to notice advantageous Endgame "sacrifices" (especially when a Queen is achievable), as White's "best" continuation is taking the Black Bishop after Kh2.

If White tries a4, it's not fast enough: a4 Kg2 a5 (b5 h2 b4 h1=Q) h2 a6 (Kd3 h1=Q) h1=Q. Black could also take the a pawn immediately with their b pawn, and lose their Bishop to Ke3, because the Queen is......inevitable!