When the Extra Pawn Only Draws

White to play and draw

Play

The same bishop and pawn, but the White king has drifted to the queenside, and that one detail erases the win. The knight blockades the passer and the best result is now a draw.

No signup needed. The opponent never gives up, and every mistake gets explained.

When the Extra Pawn Only Draws

Hold the draw against perfect play

Waking the engine…

The theory

Being up a bishop and a pawn does not guarantee a win. If the knight can plant itself in front of the passer and the king cannot pry it loose, the whole edge evaporates.

King placement decides. The winning method needs the king in front of or beside the pawn to force progress. Park the king on the wrong wing and the pawn is stuck for good.

The blockade holds. Once the knight blockades a square the bishop cannot contest, White can never advance. Trade off the pawn and you reach bishop versus knight, which is drawn.

In this drill the goal is to recognize the fizzle and secure the half point rather than overpress into nothing.

Keep going

Follow the full curriculum (free)