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Endgame Bootcamp
The first of many Endgame Positions to ponder and practice your technique.
8/7R/7P/1p6/2k1p3/8/1K5r/8 w - - 1 42
Let us Begin with White to move, and Black to Win(Addendum)
Overview
- The threat of promotion drives Black’s win.
- Black's rook is amazing. It’s well placed on the h file behind White’s only pawn, and it’s cutting the King.
- Black will push the split pawns and pick up the h pawn. If White is not checking Black consistently while the King escorts the pawns, then Black wins quickly.
Applying Endgame Knowledge
There should be very little trial and error if you are well versed in K+R+P endings, but for those who are still learning, let's take a deep dive into the position.
There's really only one good square for White, Kc1. Black has two wonderful pawns that can promote. One can easily be sacrificed to the cause. The rook locks the White King on the First Rank and eyes White's only pawn on the board.
If Kb1 e3.
It's fine if Black gets checked when the white King is on b1. Rc7+ Kb3, and if Kc1 b4, otherwise Rc1 tries to slow down the e pawn promotion and Black can still play b4. Note that Black doesn't have to take the h pawn right away in this position depending on how White continues.
If Kc1 Kb3.
Black avoids checks by stepping to Kb3. Black keeps White at bay by controlling the 2nd rank with it's Rook. Black will also use its b pawn to advance forward and keep out of continual checks, either promoting or sacrificing it's e pawn in the process. Either of the pawns will Queen no matter White's defense. Black is also foaming at the mouth to take the h pawn in some of these responses by White. The Tablebase is very fun to play with in these and you can come up with flavorful lines. I'd also suggest practicing with the computer so you can get different lines and spot mistakes to practice your technique.
