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Opposition

Beginner Must Know

Opposition is the most important concept in king and pawn endgames. Master this before anything else.

What Is Opposition?​

When two kings stand on the same rank, file, or diagonal with one square between them, they are "in opposition." The player who does not have to move has the opposition—an advantage.

FEN: 8/8/8/4k3/8/4K3/8/8 w - - 0 1

White to move: Black has the opposition. Black to move: White has the opposition.

Why Does It Matter?​

The side with opposition can force the enemy king to retreat or step aside, gaining ground.

Example: White Has Opposition​

FEN: 8/8/8/4k3/8/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 1

Black to move must retreat or go sideways:

  • ...Kd5 allows Kd3 (White gains space)
  • ...Ke6 allows Ke4 (White advances)
  • ...Kf5 allows Kf3 (White follows)

Types of Opposition​

Direct Opposition​

One square between the kings on a rank or file.

FEN: 8/8/4k3/8/4K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1

Diagonal Opposition​

One square between the kings diagonally.

FEN: 8/8/5k2/8/3K4/8/8/8 w - - 0 1

Distant Opposition​

Multiple squares between, but still effective. Same rule: the side NOT to move holds it.

FEN: 8/8/8/4k3/8/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1

Rule for distant opposition: If there's an odd number of squares between the kings, the side not to move has the opposition.

Opposition in Practice​

Winning with Opposition​

FEN: 8/4k3/8/4K3/4P3/8/8/8 w - - 0 1

White to move: Kf5! (takes opposition). After ...Kf7 Ke5, White's king supports the pawn.

Losing Without Opposition​

FEN: 8/8/4k3/8/4K3/4P3/8/8 w - - 0 1

White to move must be careful. Ke5? allows ...Ke7! (Black takes opposition). Kd4 allows ...Kd6. The king needs to maneuver to gain opposition.

Taking the Opposition​

Principle: Move your king to face the enemy king with one square between.

FEN: 8/8/8/3k4/8/8/3K4/8 w - - 0 1

White plays Kd3! — now if Black moves, White gains ground.

Exercises​

Exercise 1​

FEN: 8/8/8/8/3k4/8/8/3K4 w - - 0 1

White to move. How does White take the opposition?

Solution

Kd2! — Taking direct opposition. Black must yield ground.

Exercise 2​

FEN: 8/8/2k5/8/8/8/2K5/8 w - - 0 1

White to move. Does White have the opposition?

Solution

No! White must move, so Black has the opposition. Any king move allows Black to maintain or improve position.

Summary​

  1. Opposition = kings facing each other with one square between
  2. The player NOT to move has the advantage
  3. Use opposition to advance your king or support pawn promotion
  4. Distant opposition follows the "odd squares" rule