Bishop and Pawn vs Bishop: Averbakh's Saving Defense
Black to play and draw
PlayThis is where Janowsky gave up against Capablanca. Averbakh later showed that it is a draw. One move holds, and the plan behind it is the same: king behind king.
Updated
New to this ending? Learn the method first: The Wrong Bishop
No signup needed. The opponent never gives up, and every mistake gets explained.
The Position Janowsky Resigned
Black to play and draw · Hold the draw against perfect play
Waking the engine…
The theory
Bishop and pawn against bishop of the same color is drawn when the defender can both watch the pawn's advance square and keep his king behind the attacking king.
Watch, do not blockade. The bishop controls the square in front of the pawn from a long diagonal. Sitting on that square with the bishop is not the method and usually loses the piece to a deflection.
King behind king. As the white king walks c6, b7, a6 to shepherd the pawn, the black king follows it around with c4, b3, a4. It can never break through.
Precision. Only one move holds this position. Bishop endings are unforgiving that way.
In this drill you defend the ending a great player resigned.
Keep going
Driving Off the Lone Bishop
White to play and win
The Frontal Defence
Black to play and draw
Bishop Holds Two Connected Pawns
White to play and draw
All 24 bishop endgames positionsFollow the full curriculum (free)