King + Pawn vs King
The most important endgame. You will play this hundreds of times.
The Critical Questions
- Can the pawn promote?
- Where is the attacking king?
- Who has the opposition?
Winning Conditions
The attacking side wins if the king can reach a key square in front of the pawn.
FEN: 8/8/8/8/3k4/8/3PK3/8 w - - 0 1
White's goal: reach c4, d4, or e4 (key squares for the d2 pawn).
The Rule: King in Front
If your king is in front of your pawn with room to advance, you usually win.
FEN: 8/8/8/3k4/8/3K4/3P4/8 w - - 0 1
White has the king in front. After Ke4, White wins with proper technique.
Drawing Zones
The defender draws if they can keep their king in front of the pawn or reach opposition.
FEN: 8/8/8/3k4/8/8/3PK3/8 b - - 0 1
Black to move: ...Kd4! (king in front of the pawn) and Black holds.
The Rook Pawn Problem
Rook pawns (a-file, h-file) are special. The edge limits the king's movement.
FEN: 8/8/8/k7/8/K7/P7/8 w - - 0 1
This is drawn even with White's king in front! Black's king reaches the corner and cannot be expelled.
Practice Positions
Know these patterns:
| Position | Result |
|---|---|
| King in front, room to advance | Win |
| King behind pawn | Usually draw |
| Rook pawn, defender reaches corner | Draw |
Summary
- Get your king in front of your pawn
- Control the key squares
- Use opposition to gain ground
- Beware of rook pawns—they often draw