bishop+pawns vs pawns

Question 1

win this

Actually look at the answer

Answer 1

https://lichess.org/analysis/standard/8/p6p/1p1pk1p1/2p2p2/8/5PPP/PBP2K2/8w-_-_0_31

8/p6p/1p1pk1p1/2p2p2/8/5PPP/PBP2K2/8 w - - 0 31

Playing an endgame with a bishop and pawns against pawns can be tricky but manageable if you understand the key principles and nuances. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

1. Utilize the Bishop’s Strength
   Dominate the board: The bishop controls diagonals and can easily attack pawns on squares of its color. Use this to restrict your opponent’s pawn movement.
   Opposite-color squares: Pay attention to your opponent’s pawns. If they are on squares opposite in color to your bishop, they are harder to target, so you’ll need to coordinate your pawns carefully to break through.
   Long-range piece: Use the bishop’s ability to control a long diagonal, cutting off squares for the opposing king or blocking the advance of enemy pawns.
2. King Activity
   Centralize the king: The king’s activity is critical in endgames. It must support the bishop and work in tandem to both defend and help advance your pawns.
   Opposing king: Cut off the opposing king from reaching key squares or blockading your pawns. The combination of bishop and king can often keep the enemy king confined to a certain area.
3. Pawn Breakthroughs
   Create a passed pawn: Aim to advance your pawns to create a passed pawn. The bishop can help shield its progress and prevent the enemy king from catching it.
   Pawn structure: Keep your pawns on squares that the bishop can support, but also be cautious of pawn weaknesses, like isolated or doubled pawns.
   Fix opponent’s pawns: Force your opponent’s pawns onto squares where they can be targeted by your bishop.
4. Bishop vs. Pawns on the Wrong Color
   If the opponent’s pawns are on squares that your bishop can’t attack, you may struggle to capture them. In this case, maneuver your king aggressively, and try to fix those pawns to force zugzwang (a situation where the opponent has no good moves).
5. Blockade
   The bishop can effectively blockade pawns on squares of its own color, especially if the enemy king can’t assist. Use the bishop’s range to hold off multiple pawns if necessary.
6. Bishop Sacrifice for Pawns
   Be mindful of positions where the bishop might need to sacrifice itself to stop passed pawns, especially if this allows your pawns to promote or secure a draw. Calculate carefully whether this trade-off benefits you.
7. Opposition and Zugzwang
   Take advantage of opposition and zugzwang (a position where any move by the opponent worsens their situation). You can often outmaneuver the opponent’s king if their pawns are stuck or unable to advance.
8. Cornered Pawns and Promotion
   Watch out for situations where your opponent’s king might be able to corner your pawns, especially if your bishop can’t support them because of color restrictions (e.g., a rook pawn that can’t be supported by your bishop). Try to avoid placing pawns in these risky zones.
9. Bishop of the Correct Color for Promotion
   If promoting a pawn, make sure the queening square matches the color of your bishop. For instance, if you have a light-squared bishop, queening on a dark square could be problematic since your bishop won’t be able to support it.
10. Tactics with Skewers and Pins
    Use tactical motifs like skewers or pins against the enemy pawns or king. The bishop’s long-range power can often create tactical chances to win pawns or disrupt your opponent’s coordination.

you may want to allow to both queen, then force exchange queen and then queen another pawn
-try to stall the op pawns in squares with your bishops colour