Holding the Opposition a Pawn Down

Black to play and draw

Play

You are the defender, facing an extra enemy pawn. The opposition is the whole defense: hold it and the hostile king can never make progress.

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

Holding the Opposition a Pawn Down

Hold the draw against perfect play

Waking the engine…

The theory

The opposition is the tool that lets a lone king hold back a stronger force. Two kings a square apart, and the side not to move controls the ground.

Facing off. Answer each enemy king move by moving your king to keep the kings a single square apart along the same line. This denies the attacker any outflanking route.

Stay in front. Keep your king planted before the passed pawns. If you lose contact to grab material or wander, the enemy king marches around the side and promotes.

In this drill you defend against tablebase-perfect play. Take the opposition on every move and the half point is yours.

Keep going

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