Knight vs Bishop and Pawn: Holding the Draw
White to play and draw
PlayA lone knight draws against bishop and pawn when it can blockade the pawn. The knight covers the square in front of the pawn, the king supports it, and the extra pawn never advances.
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Knight Holds vs Bishop & Pawn
White to play and draw · Hold the draw against perfect play
Waking the engine…
The theory
Watch the method: press play to see the winning idea run, or step through it move by move.
Bishop and pawn usually beats a knight, but when the knight can plant itself in front of the pawn with king support, it builds a fortress the bishop cannot crack.
The method. Blockade the pawn on the square in front of it with the knight, and keep the king close so the blockade cannot be chased away. A bishop cannot force a knight off a defended square.
The safety valve. If the attacker ever wins the blockade, trade the knight for the pawn: king and bishop versus king is a draw. That resource removes all danger.
In this drill you defend with the knight. Blockade, keep the king near, and give the knight for the pawn if the fortress is ever pried open.
Keep going
Win It by Zugzwang, Not by Pushing
White to play and win
Keep the Knight Away From the King
White to play and draw
Cutting the Knight Off with the Bishop
White to play and win
All 15 bishop vs knight positionsFollow the full curriculum (free)