Blocked Pawns, Bishop Draws

Black to play and draw

Play

You hold the rook and an extra exchange, yet the pawns are frozen on adjacent files and the bishop guards the blockade. Against this fortress even a rook comes up short.

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

Blocked Pawns, Bishop Draws

Hold the draw against perfect play

Waking the engine…

The theory

An extra exchange usually wins, but a blockade can nullify it. With pawns fixed on the same or adjacent files, the bishop and king form a fortress the rook cannot crack.

One weakness is not enough. The rook needs a second target to win. When the bishop guards the blocked pawn and the king supports it, there is nothing else to attack.

Take the draw. Recognizing a fortress prevents throwing the half point away. Keep the setup intact and hold.

In this drill the stronger side searches for a breakthrough that is not there. Maintain the blockade and draw.

Keep going

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