August 2017

Endgame: Count Squares

When you have a pawn race in an endgame count the number of moves it will take you to promote your pawn. If one of your moves (like a decoy sacrifice) forces a reply from your opponent that is not part of their plan to promote a pawn do not count your move. Then note if you promote with check or a threat. Repeat for your opponents pawn push. The lower number of moves will promote first. This is easier than trying to calculate if I make this move, my opponent makes that move, I make this move, my opponent makes that move etc.

Remember when planning to push a pawn unsupported by other pieces that it cannot be taken or intercepted by your opponent.

Tim Turner