{"id":3157,"date":"2023-10-23T17:20:27","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T17:20:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/?p=3157"},"modified":"2023-10-23T17:20:29","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T17:20:29","slug":"chess-books-for-beginners-endgames","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/chess-books-for-beginners-endgames\/","title":{"rendered":"Chess Books for Beginners: Endgames"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Chess endgames are one of the most crucial phases of the game. Once most of the pieces are off the board, it&#8217;s the endgame techniques that can make the difference between a win, a loss, or a draw. Mastering the endgame is often what separates the casual players from the more serious ones. For beginners, getting into the world of endgames can be challenging. In this post, we&#8217;ll explore the importance of endgames, the essential endgame concepts every beginner should be familiar with, and a few book recommendations from Forward Chess to help you on this journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Table of Contents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#checkmates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Checkmates<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>King and Queen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>King and Rook<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#pawn\">Pawn Endgames<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Opposition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Square of the Pawn<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#rook\">Rook Endgames<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Lucena<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Philidor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#endgame-books\">Endgame Books<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\" id=\"checkmates\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"313\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-96-1024x313.png\" alt=\"Checkmates\" class=\"wp-image-3288\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-96-1024x313.png 1024w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-96-300x92.png 300w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-96-768x235.png 768w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-96-1536x469.png 1536w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-96-150x46.png 150w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-96.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/the-russian-endgame-handbook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Russian Endgame Handbook<\/a> outlines the general process of these basic checkmates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"170\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-1-1024x170.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-1-1024x170.png 1024w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-1-300x50.png 300w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-1-768x127.png 768w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-1-150x25.png 150w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-1.png 1115w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>P.S There are a few different methods of doing these checkmates!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">King and Queen vs. King<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Goal: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get the King to the edge of the board, control the escape squares with your King, and give the checkmate with your Queen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-layout-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-1\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-1\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/3K4\\\/8\\\/3k2Q1 b - - 0 1\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-2\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-2\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/3K4\\\/3Q4\\\/3k4 b - - 0 1\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the Queen to corner the King to the side of the board, then bring your King in to execute the checkmate. An easy method is the &#8220;L-shape&#8221; method where your Queen pushes the King to the edge by always being an L-shape (or Knight&#8217;s move) away from the King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-9\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-9\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"King and Queen Mate\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"8\\\/8\\\/5k2\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/2Q5\\\/6K1 w - - 0 1\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"23\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.01.13\\\"]\\n\\n 1. Qe4 Kf7 2. Qe5 Kg6 3. Qf4 Kg7 4. Qf5 Kg8 5. Qf6 Kh7 6. Qg5 Kh8 7. Kf2 Kh7 8. Kf3 Kh8 9. Kf4 Kh7 10. Kf5 Kh8 11. Kf6 Kh7 12. Qg7# *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">King and Rook vs. King<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Goal: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get the King to the edge of the board, control the escape squares with your King, and give the checkmate with your Rook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-layout-2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-3\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-3\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"R6k\\\/8\\\/6K1\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8 b - - 0 1\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-4\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-4\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/4k3\\\/8\\\/4K2r w - - 0 1\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This one is a little trickier, let&#8217;s do it in steps: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Cut the King off with your Rook<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring your King toward the Opponent&#8217;s King for the <strong>Opposition<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When the King&#8217;s are in Opposition, give a check with the Rook<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If your Rook is ever under attack, just take it far from the King while staying on the cut-off file\/rank and if your opponent&#8217;s King is ever tricky and refuses opposition, make a waiting move with your Rook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-10\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-10\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[White \\\"Rook Checkmate\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"R7\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/3k4\\\/8\\\/8\\\/7K w - - 0 1\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"73\\\"]\\n[EventDate \\\"2023.??.??\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.10.06\\\"]\\n\\n{Here the white pieces are not yet coordinated, and the black king occupies its best possible position &#8211; in the center.  The goal may be acheived in any one of several different ways. First, we shall show the &#8220;slow, but sure&#8221; method, which works in all cases.} 1. Re8 {This move hems in the enemy king, not allowing him to get to the right half of the board &#8211; the e-, f-, g-, and h-files.} Kd5 2. Kg2 {White&#8217;s first task is to force the black king to go from the d-file to the c-file; in order to achieve this, the white king must approach.} Kd4 3. Kf3 Kd5 4. Kf4 Kd6 ({After} 4... Kd4 {(opposition)} 5. Rd8+ {Black is driven off the d-file at once.}) 5. Kf5 Kd7 {careful!} 6. Re1 {The rook retreats to the opposite end of the board, as there it is less vulnerable to attacks} Kd6 7. Re2 {A move typical in the endgamme. The problem is that the opposition does not always favor White. It favors White only when he has the move.} ({If White &#8220;took the opposition&#8221; with} 7. Kf6 {then Black would immediately break the opposition by} Kd5) 7... Kd7 (7... Kd5 8. Rd2+) 8. Kf6 Kd8 9. Kf7 {Now Black is forced ti take the opposition, or else go to the c-file himself. Either way, White moves his rook to d2} Kd7 10. Rd2+ Kc6 11. Ke7 {White places his King, not in opposition, but a knight&#8217;s move away from the black king, letting his opponent take the opposition with &#8230;Kc7} Kc5 12. Ke6 Kc4 13. Ke5 Kc3 {Careful!} 14. Rd8 Kc4 15. Rd7 {A waiting move} Kc3 16. Ke4 Kc2 17. Ke3 Kc1 18. Ke2 Kb2 19. Rc7 {Cutting off the c-file} Kb3 20. Kd2 Kb4 21. Kd3 Kb5 22. Kd4 Kb6 (22... Ka6 {The simplest is} 23. Kc5 {and mate the next move}) 23. Rc1 Kb7 24. Kd5 Kb6 25. Rc2 Kb7 26. Kd6 Kb8 27. Kd7 Kb7 ({If} 27... Ka7 {then instead of the routine continuation 28.Rb2 White could play} 28. Kc7 Ka6 29. Rc5 {with mate next move}) 28. Rb2+ Ka6 29. Kc7 Ka5 30. Kc6 Ka4 31. Kc5 Ka3 32. Rb8 Ka2 33. Kc4 Ka3 34. Rb7 Ka2 35. Kc3 Ka1 36. Kc2 Ka2 37. Ra7# *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Positions taken from <a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/the-russian-endgame-handbook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Russian Endgame Handbook<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" id=\"pawn\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"314\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-97-1024x314.png\" alt=\"Pawn Endgames\" class=\"wp-image-3291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-97-1024x314.png 1024w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-97-300x92.png 300w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-97-768x236.png 768w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-97-1536x471.png 1536w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-97-150x46.png 150w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-97.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>King and pawn endgames can be deceptively simple, but they are the foundation of all other endgames. Understanding the concepts of &#8216;opposition&#8217; and &#8216;the square of the pawn&#8217; is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Opposition: <\/strong>When two kings stand on the same rank, file, or diagonal, and it&#8217;s the turn of the player not controlling the square between them to move, the other player has the opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using Opposition to Win<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Goal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>White has the move, and the goal is to promote the pawn. To do this, the King needs to lead the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> 3 <em>Golden Rules<\/em> to remember<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Always keep the King in front of the pawn<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take opposition, don\u2019t allow your opponent to<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outflank after opposition (move up)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-11\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-11\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Opposition 1\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"1-0\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"4k3\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/4P3\\\/4K3 w - - 0 1\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"25\\\"]\\n[EventDate \\\"2023.??.??\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.01.13\\\"]\\n\\n1. Kd2 Ke7 2. Ke3 Ke6 3. Ke4 Kf6 4. Kd5 Ke7 5. Ke5 Kf7 6. Kd6 Ke8 (6... Kf6 7. e4 Kf7 8. e5 {And White wins.}) (6... Kf8 7. Ke6 {Also wins for White}) 7. Ke6 {And White wins.} Kf8 8. e4 Ke8 9. e5 Kd8 10. Kf7 Kd7 11. e6+ Kd6 12. e7 Kd5 13. e8=Q 1-0\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using Opposition to Draw<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Goal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Black has the move, and the goal is to stop White&#8217;s Pawn from promoting, by preventing the white King from moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Always take opposition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay in front of and close to the pawn<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-12\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-12\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"2023.10.05\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Opposition 2\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"1\\\/2-1\\\/2\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"4k3\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/4P3\\\/4K3 b - - 0 1\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"9\\\"]\\n[EventDate \\\"2023.??.??\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.01.13\\\"]\\n\\n 1... Ke7 2. Kd2 Ke6 3. Ke3 Ke5 4. Kd3 Kd5 5. e3 (5. e4+ Ke5 $11) 5... Ke5 {The side having the move in these two cases is able to keep an odd number of squares between the two Kings, and gains &#8220;the opposition&#8221; by doing so.} 1\\\/2-1\\\/2\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Positions taken from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/chess-endings-for-beginners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chess Endings for Beginners<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Square of the Pawn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A mental square drawn from a pawn to its promotion square which tells you if the opposing king can stop the pawn from promoting. Count the number of squares to the promotion square, then use the same number of squares to extend and create a large imaginary square <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If the opposing King is inside the square (or on its border), it can catch the Pawn before it promotes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the opposing King is outside the square, the Pawn can safely promote before being caught.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-5\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-5\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"6k1\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/P7\\\/8\\\/8\\\/7K w - - 0 1\",\"arrowMarkers\":{\"a5a8\":\"r\",\"a8e8\":\"r\",\"e8e4\":\"r\",\"e4a4\":\"r\",\"a4a8\":\"r\"},\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember: This rule assumes that it&#8217;s the pawn&#8217;s turn to move, and there are no other pieces involved in the play. As with many chess guidelines, there are exceptions in some positions, but the rule of the square is a quick and handy tool to judge the basic pawn races in endgames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When the King is in the square:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-13\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-13\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"2023.09.26\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Rule of the Square 1\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[Annotator \\\"charl\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/P3k3\\\/8\\\/8\\\/6K1 w - - 0 0\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"8\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.01.13\\\"]\\n\\n1. a5 Kd5 2. a6 Kc6 3. a7 Kb7 4. a8=Q+ Kxa8 *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When the King is <em>not <\/em>in the square:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-14\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-14\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Rule of the Square 2\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/P7\\\/5k2\\\/8\\\/6K1 w - - 0 1\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"7\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.01.13\\\"]\\n\\n1. a5 Ke4 2. a6 Kd5 3. a7 Kc6 4. a8=Q+ {The black King is not on time.} *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at an example where both sides have a passed pawn, and the rule of the square comes in handy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-6\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-6\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"8\\\/8\\\/4k3\\\/8\\\/P6p\\\/8\\\/3K4\\\/8 w - - 0 1\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If White pushes his pawn with <strong>1.a5?<\/strong> the square is moved up, and the new corner squares are a5\/a8\/d8\/d5. Black&#8217;s King could make it to that square if he wants, but in this position, he has a much stronger reaction: <strong>1&#8230;h3.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-7\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-7\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"8\\\/8\\\/4k3\\\/P7\\\/8\\\/7p\\\/3K4\\\/8 w - - 0 2\",\"arrowMarkers\":{\"h3h1\":\"r\",\"h1f1\":\"r\",\"f1f3\":\"r\",\"f3h3\":\"r\"},\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>White&#8217;s King is not in the square, AND Black will win the Pawn race and promote first. Therefore, going back to the first position, <strong>1.Ke3<\/strong> is the best move for White, entering the square of the black Pawn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-8\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-8\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"8\\\/8\\\/4k3\\\/8\\\/P6p\\\/4K3\\\/8\\\/8 b - - 1 1\",\"arrowMarkers\":{\"h4h1\":\"g\",\"h1e1\":\"g\",\"e1e4\":\"g\",\"e4h4\":\"g\"},\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Positions taken from <a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/chess-endgames-for-club-players\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Chess Endgames for Club Players<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"breakthrough\">Breakthroughs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Goal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a position where you have three Pawns facing off against your opponent&#8217;s three Pawns, and yours are more advanced, as in the position above, you want to have one of your Pawns break through to promote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Move your middle Pawn up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your opponent has two side Pawns to capture with. Push your second Pawn up on the side that did not move. i.e. your second Pawn will be the one with an opposing Pawn<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Voila! Your final Pawn has no opposing Pawns that can stop it from being promoted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-15\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-15\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Breakthrough\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"7k\\\/8\\\/ppp5\\\/8\\\/PPP5\\\/8\\\/8\\\/7K w - - 0 1\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"11\\\"]\\n[EventDate \\\"2023.??.??\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.10.23\\\"]\\n\\n 1. b5 axb5 2. c5 bxc5 3. a5 {And White wins} c4 4. a6 c3 5. a7 c2 6. a8=Q+ *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" id=\"rook\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-98-1024x315.png\" alt=\"Rook Endgames\" class=\"wp-image-3290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-98-1024x315.png 1024w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-98-300x92.png 300w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-98-768x236.png 768w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-98-1536x472.png 1536w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-98-150x46.png 150w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blog-covers-98.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rook endgames are the most common type of endgame. There are a few theoretical rook endgame positions that players should learn in order to easily convert the game to a win, or be able to hold the draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lucena Position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A winning position where the stronger side has a Pawn on the seventh rank and needs to promote it. You can only achieve this by using your Rook as a shield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Goal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your Pawn needs to promote, and to do this, your King needs to move out of the way. Your opponent&#8217;s Rook will check your King, and in order to shield from these checks, your Rook needs to get to the 4th rank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>First, ensure that your opponent&#8217;s Black&#8217;s King is at least two files away from your Pawn. Often we need to do this with a check<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place your Rook on the 4th rank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring out your King, towards your Rook, to the 5th rank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eventually, you will be able to promote the Pawn and shield Black&#8217;s check with your Rook<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-16\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-16\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Lucena\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"1-0\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"6K1\\\/4k1P1\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/7r\\\/5R2 w - - 0 1\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"15\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.01.13\\\"]\\n\\n1. Re1+ Kd7 2. Re4 Rh1 3. Kf7 Rf1+ 4. Kg6 Rg1+ 5. Kf6 Rf1+ 6. Kg5 Kd6 7. g8=Q Rg1+ 8. Rg4 1-0\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is an example from <a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/theoretical-rook-endgames\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Theoretical Rook Endgames<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-17\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-17\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Lucena\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"8\\\/1K6\\\/1P1k4\\\/8\\\/8\\\/8\\\/1r6\\\/2R5 w - - 0 83\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"17\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.10.20\\\"]\\n\\n{White is winning because Black&#8217;s king is cut off along the c-file and will not be able to stop the b-pawn. If Black is forced to sacrifice his rook for the b-pawn upon promotion, he will lose in king and rook against king. So, all White has to do is to get the pawn to the back rank.} 83. Ka7 {The king will not be secure on a7. But when it gets checked, it will be able to sit on b8 when Black will be unable to take on b6.} Ra2+ 84. Kb8 {Now and only now, Kb8 comes, and b6-b7 cannot be prevented.} Kd7 85. b7 Ra3 86. Rc4 {White puts the rook on the fourth rank. This is the perfect place for it. It is far enough away from Black&#8217;s king to be immune from harassment, but also close enough to White&#8217;s king that he will be able to block the annoying checks at a suitable moment.} Ra2 {Black has nothing better than waiting, and now White executes his plan.} 87. Rd4+ Ke7 88. Kc7 Rc2+ 89. Kb6 Rb2+ 90. Kc6 $1 {The point. With White&#8217;s rook on d1, his king would be checked endlessly. But now, Black&#8217;s next check will effectively be his last.} Rc2+ ({A waiting move like} 90... Rb1 {will not help, as White is ready to build the bridge next move anyway.} 91. Rd5 {There is nothing to be done about Rd5-b5 next, and White will promote the pawn.}) 91. Kb5 {Since White is ready to block any checks on the b-file with his rook, it is time for Black to stop the clocks. The Lucena position works with every pawn from the b- through g-files, but rook pawns are a different story.} *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Philidor Position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also reach endgame positions where you are only playing with a Rook and King vs a Rook, King, and Pawn, where the objective will be to draw. One of these positions is called the Philidor Position, and by learning this technique, you can save yourself half a point (and many headaches!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Goal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hold a draw by preventing your opponent&#8217;s King from moving in front of their Pawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep the Rook on the third rank (or sixth rank from its perspective) to prevent the Pawn from advancing. If the Pawn moves, move the Rook away and give checks from behind, stopping White&#8217;s King from entering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-18\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67f586eef-18\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Philidor\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[SetUp \\\"1\\\"]\\n[FEN \\\"4k3\\\/R7\\\/8\\\/3KP3\\\/8\\\/6r1\\\/8\\\/8 b - - 0 1\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"9\\\"]\\n[EventDate \\\"2023.??.??\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.10.20\\\"]\\n\\n1... Rg6 $1 {This is the basic defensive position when the king stands in front of the passed pawn. The rook stands on its 3rd rank and just waits. This manoeuvre is intended to stop the white king&#8217;s progress. As we will see, the advance of the pawn is much less dangerous.} ({Let us check what happens if Black deviates from the correct plan, or plays without a plan altogether. For instance:} 1... Rg1 2. Kd6 Rd1+ 3. Ke6 {and White is threatening checkmate} Rd8 {(a king move is better, but it would also lose as it would lead to the Lucena Position)} 4. Rh7 {and White wins straight away.}) 2. e6 {After this move, Black&#8217;s defence is very easy, whereas White cannot make further progress. Now it is easy to play against any move, as long as we follow this rule: &#8216;Keep the rook on the third rank until the pawn moves&#8217;.  Some players fear an eventual rook swap, but it is easy to see that the result would always be a drawn King + Pawn vs. King endgame: if rooks are swapped on c6, the black king gets to e7 and draws; there is no way to swap rooks on d6 or e6 (with the black king on d8) because&#8230; how could the white rook occupy those squares?} Rg1 $1 {The point! As soon as the pawn reaches the 6th rank, the white king loses his shield against rear checks. The black rook gets ready.} 3. Kd6 Rd1+ 4. Ke5 Re1+ 5. Kf6 Rf1+ {The white king lacks a shield against checks, so the ending is drawn. This simple position, known since the 18th century, is perhaps the most important one in endgame theory. A great number of rook endings eventually lead to this position, and it is usually enough to secure the draw.} *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Position taken from <a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/100-endgames-you-must-know4th-edition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">100 Endgames You Must Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Author Sam Shankland sums up the essence of the above two Rook and Pawn endgames as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"84\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-4-1024x84.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3271\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-4-1024x84.png 1024w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-4-300x25.png 300w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-4-768x63.png 768w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-4-150x12.png 150w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-4.png 1043w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Disclaimer for beginners:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a lot of terminology in chess, and it might be overwhelming to try and remember it all. At the end of the day, it is more important to understand the technique and theory than it is to know what it is called. However, if you do find yourself in a conversation where the terms &#8220;Lucena&#8221; and &#8220;Philidor&#8221; are thrown around, and can&#8217;t remember the distinction between the two, a little cheat code is to think of &#8220;Philidor&#8221; as &#8220;Phili<em>draw<\/em>&#8221; to help you remember that this is the drawing technique, making Lucena the winning one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that&#8217;s enough endgame theory for today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Endgames may seem like a huge mountain to overcome, but these books will guarantee an easier learning process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color wp-block-heading\" id=\"endgame-books\">Endgame Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:25% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3282 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2.png 480w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-150x188.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/the-russian-endgame-handbook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Russian Endgame Handbook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author:<\/strong> Ilya Rabinovich<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Publisher:<\/strong> Mongoose Press<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/sample\/the-russian-endgame-handbook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>View Free Sample<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:25% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3283 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3.png 480w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-150x188.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/chess-endings-for-beginners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chess Endings for Beginners<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Author: J. H. Blake (Updated by Carsten Hansen)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Publisher: Independent<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/sample\/chess-endings-for-beginners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>View Free Sample<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:25% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3284 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4.png 480w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-150x188.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/chess-endgames-for-club-players\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chess Endgames for Club Players<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Author: Herman Grooten<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Publisher: New in Chess<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/sample\/chess-endgames-for-club-players\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>View Free Sample<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:25% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3285 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5.png 480w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-150x188.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/100-endgames-you-must-know4th-edition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">100 Endgames You Must Know (4th edition)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Author: Jesus De La Villa<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Publisher: New in Chess<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/sample\/100-endgames-you-must-know4th-edition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>View Free Sample<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Level up and add a book or two to your library. For a limited time, get these and a further selection of award-winning endgame books with a 20% discount on: <a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/products\/endgame-special\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.forwardchess.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><strong>Have any questions, or opening suggestions? Let us know in the comments!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chess endgames are one of the most crucial phases of the game. Once most of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":3281,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3157"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3157"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3157\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3299,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3157\/revisions\/3299"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3157"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3157"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3157"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}