Lesson 1: Direct Opposition & King+Pawn Mates

Question 1

King - Direct opposition

Answer 1

1 pawn between kings, at the same file; or can be on rank. My king needs to make the move into direct opp, not the opposing king

Question 2

distant opposition

Answer 2

kings on the same rank / file; with more than 1 square between them

Question 3

If the pawn is on the second, third, or fourth rank, there are three key squares

Answer 3

he square two squares in front of the pawn and the squares to the left and right of that square

Question 4

pawn 2/3/4 rank - get to direct opposition, then

Answer 4

go the opposite direction of the enemy king to a key square 3 squares in front, then advance the pawn, and continue

Question 5

If the pawn is on the fifth or sixth rank

Answer 5

there are six key squares: the square in front of the pawn and the squares to the left and right, as well as the square two squares in front of the pawn, and the squares to the left and right of it

Question 6

There is an exception to the key squares rule when a knight pawn is on its sixth rank, and the defending king is in the corner.

Answer 6

Avoid the stalemate trick, take the king to the wing

Question 7

When the pawn is on the seventh rank,

Answer 7

the key squares are the squares on the seventh and eighth rank that touch the pawn’s square.

Question 8

An advanced rook pawn generally has two key squares:

Answer 8

the two squares on the adjacent file that touch the promotion square.