Monster Your Endgame Planning Vol 2 - Grivas PDF

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Key to symbols
Foreword
The Endgame
The Golden Rules of the Endgame
Evaluation — Plan — Execution
CHAPTER 1. UNBALANCED MATERIAL ENDINGS — QUEEN

Queen vs Bishop Pair
Queen vs Knight Pair
Queen vs Rook & Bishop
Queen vs Rook & Knight
Queen vs Rook(s)
CHAPTER 2. UNBALANCED MATERIAL ENDINGS — ROOK
Rook vs Bishop
Rook vs Knight
Rook vs Two Pieces (Bishop & Knight)
Rook vs Two Pieces (Bishop Pair)
Rook vs Two Pieces (Knight Pair)
CHAPTER 3. VARIOUS ENDINGS
Opposite-coloured Bishops
The Lucena Position
The Philidor Position
Index of Games
Index of Openings (ECO Classification)
2
Efstratios Grivas
MONSTER YOUR ENDGAME PLANNING
VOLUME 2
Cover designer
Piotr Pielach
Monster drawing by Ingram Image
Typesetting
i-Press ‹www.i-press.pl›
First edition 2019 by Chess Evolution
Monster your endgame planning. Volume 2

Copyright © 2019 Chess Evolution
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.
ISBN 978-615-5793-16-5
3
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KEY TO SYMBOLS
= Equality or equal chances

² White has a slight advantage
³ Black has a slight advantage
± White is better
µ Black is better
+– White has a decisive advantage
–+ Black has a decisive advantage
∞ unclear
© with compensation
„ with counterplay
ƒ with initiative
‚ with an attack
… with the idea
™ only move
N novelty
! a good move
!! an excellent move
? a weak move
?? a blunder
!? an interesing move
?! a dubious move
+ check
# mate
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FOREWORD
The MYEP series offer training on a vital subject, the choice of the ‘best’ available endgame plan. As is
commonly accepted, a correct Evaluation of the position, a strong Plan and an accurate Execution are
the three important factors that separate ‘the expert from the amateur’.
In a way, efficient training on the three above mentioned concepts can help a chess player mature and
lead him to new successful paths.
The today Author has at his disposal powerful databases, tablebases, analysed material, books and by
adding his knowledge, you will get what you are looking for!
The endgame is the phase of the game that it has been extensively analysed and formed to concrete
conclusions, although in nearly all the books I do know, very little space is dedicated to forming plans.
I think this is because of space limitations and because it’s a difficult theme that doesn’t looks too
interesting for the readers. But a modern chess player cannot really choose what he likes or prefers —
this has nothing to do with openings!
Today we have shorter time-controls and there isn’t really enough time to dig on the subtleties of each
ending.
You have to know and to repeat knowledge; don’t be carried away by the usual myth of the ‘chess
talent’. As I repeatedly wrote and proved ‘talent is the excuse of the failed’.
‘Unfortunately’, the modern chess player is entitled and forced to work more than his predecessors. The
modern chess trainer as well needs to prepare more delicate themes, understand them and teach them as
well to his students. So, there is plenty of room for everything and for everybody who is thirsty for
knowledge.
Knowledge is the key word. And knowledge is absorbed sub-consciously; it is impossible to remember
everything you study. So, it is highly important to work with good material and good trainers in order
to improve and get higher in the Chess Olympus Mountain.
Nowadays the help of the Silicon Monster (chess analysis engines) is quite valuable, as it can save an
author countless hours of analysis and checking. But still the role of the qualified trainer remains
important; he knows where the truth is — he knows what to keep and what to throw away...
I do not like to claim that everything I wrote is perfect and completely sound; I always think of the
surprise factor; I just try to present my thoughts honestly and with responsibility.
HOW TO DEAL WITH THE BOOK
Back in 2007 I published my first English language book on planning (Modern Chess Planning —
Gambit), which was later translated and published in the Greek, Spanish and Iranian languages, making
it a best-seller. In 2019 I published a two-volume series called ‘Monster Your Middlegame Planning’
and now it was time to do the same on the Endgame! All four books are published by ‘Chess
Evolution’.
The format is the same as in MYMP, with 13 thematic chapters, where in each of them 6 tests are
included (in each volume). Each theme is analysed by modern concepts and tips, which will drive the
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reader to the right path. For me solving the tests is not the most important feature. Understanding them
and learning how to do the job in an over-the-board game is far more important and what counts at the
end of the day!
With this book-series I have sought to provide a training guide that will be helpful mostly to players in
the 1500–2200 range — corresponding to a lower club level up to those with aspirations for a FIDE
title.
Of course, the books may well also be useful for players weaker than 1500, or for those stronger than
2200, but this is a decision these players should make for themselves!
In this book there are 78 tests, each based around a game. In each of these tests, the starting point is the
first diagram. There is an evaluation of the diagrammed position, which helps the reader to understand
some important facts about the position itself.
A presentation of three possible plans follows. Then the reader must decide which is the most
valuable/best plan. The best plan receives a maximum of 50 points. The other, less good, bad or
indifferent plans normally receive some points or none at all, depending on their actual value and
correctness. Some of the plans receive no points at all; they are just bad!
After completing the work on each test, the reader must take a look at the solution, where he can find
the answers. In the solutions, the game is analysed until its end, so the reader can better understand why
the rewarded plan was the ‘best’ in the position and how it worked out. There are a few examples
where the best available plan was overlooked, but these are exceptions and the games are nevertheless
quite interesting.
By this point, you will have received some very good training. But then, it will do no harm to measure
your ‘strength’ on this subject. The maximum score is 3.900 points and you should divide your total
score by 1.5:
Total Points Planning Strength
2400–2500 Grandmaster
2300–2399 International Master
2200–2299 FIDE Master
2000–2199 Candidate Master
1800–1999 National Master
1600–1799 National A’ Category
1400–1699 National B’ Category
1200–1399 National C’ Category
0–1199 Should try harder!
As one might notice from the score-table, expectations are a little higher than usual for the categories
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listed, as in this book the evaluation of the position is given by the author beforehand, and this is a great
help for the reader. A correct evaluation of any position is one of the most significant factors in chess,
but that could be the subject for another book.
It is now time for you to work and train on that important chess concept, the plan. Have fun and train
well!
Sharjah, 2019
Efstratios Grivas
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to thank Mr. Manolis Kotsifis for being the first tester and proofer of the book, advising
me with some important thoughts and suggestions.
DEDICATION
This series is dedicated to my parents, Father Georgios Grivas, who died on 2010 and Mother Katina
Griva-Bouli, who died on 2015. Finally I understood what means to be an orphan...
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THE ENDGAME
150 years ago the quality of played end games was quite low, as chess-players were reaching it quite
rarely!
As strategy and manoeuvres were starting to overcome tactics, more and more endgames were suddenly
seen. So, a need for endgame material was essential.
‘Basic Chess Endings’ (abbreviated BCE) is a book on endgames which was written by Grandmaster
Reuben Fine and originally published on October 27, 1941.
It is considered the first systematic book in English on the endgame phase of the game of chess. It is the
best-known endgame book in English and is a classic piece of chess endgame literature.
The book is dedicated to World Champion Emanuel Lasker, who died in 1941 (the year the book was
published). It was revised in 2003 by Pal Benko.
‘Basic Chess Endings’ was written by Reuben Fine in only four months and was published in 1941 by
McKay (a division of Random House) in hardback. The book used the now obsolete descriptive chess
notation and used the old system of using the abbreviation ‘Kt’ to stand for knight instead of the more
modern ‘N’.
In a 1984 interview, Fine said that it took him three months to write the book. He said that organising
the material gave him no trouble, but it was hard work coming up with example positions. He created
many of the examples.
There was a Hardback Limited Edition of 500 signed by Ruben Fine sold by USCF in the 1940s. The
hardback edition was reprinted at least as late as 1960. The copyright was renewed in 1969 as the book
went through many paperback impressions. It went through ten printings in paperback by 1981.
The original book contains 573 pages and 607 diagrams of positions. Many other positions were given
by listing the location of the pieces rather than showing a diagram. The 2003 revision contains 587
pages with 1330 positions, most with diagrams.
Of course many other good books followed, mainly those of Yuri Averbakh, Vasily Smyslov and Paul
Keres. But all of them had some analysis flaws as well — it was rather difficult to be accurate...
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
The computers’ evolution changed everything in the way we learn and analyse endgames today, at least
in some important degree.
Nowadays chess players have access to many good and accurate endgame books, mainly because of the
tablebases, which changed our endgame vision.
These tablebases contain the game-theoretical value (win, loss, or draw) of each possible move in each
possible position, and how many moves it would take to achieve that result with perfect play.
Thus, the tablebases act as an oracle, always providing the optimal moves. Typically, the database
records each possible position with certain pieces remaining on the board, and the best moves with
White to move and with Black to move.
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Tablebases are generated by retrograde analysis, working backwards from a checkmated position. By
2005, all chess positions with up to six pieces (including the two kings) had been solved — this is what
we call today the Nalimov Tablebases.
The tablebases of all endgames with up to six pieces are available for free download, and may also be
queried using web interfaces. They require more than one terabyte of storage space.
By August 2012, tablebases had solved chess for every position with up to seven pieces (the positions
with a lone king versus a king and five pieces were omitted because they were considered to be ‘rather
obvious’) — this is what we call today the Lomonosov Tablebases. The size of all tablebases up to
seven-man is about 140 TB.
The solutions have profoundly advanced the chess community’s understanding of endgame theory.
Some positions which humans had analysed as draws were proven to be winnable; the tablebase
analysis could find a mate in more than five hundred moves, far beyond the horizon of humans, and
even beyond the capability of a computer during play.
For this reason, they have also called into question the 50-move rule since many positions are now seen
to exist that are a win for one side but would be drawn because of the 50-move rule.
Tablebases have enhanced competitive play and facilitated composition of endgame studies. They
provide a powerful analytical tool.
Of course we can expect the 8-pieces version but I feel that it will be a bit delayed!
Chess players tend to think that theory only applies to openings. This is a very wrong attitude, as logic
and practice have proven that theory counts for every part of a game.
ENDGAME THINKING
‘To learn and to play endgames well the chessplayer must love endgames’ — Lev Psakhis.
Different kinds of endgames have specific characteristics and rules. Every serious player must know
many typical positions and main principles of all types of endings.
That knowledge should help us during the game, but it is not enough to be a good player, not yet. There
just too many different endings, some of them with two or more pieces, some very complex.
To be comfortable and play well those complex endings requires specific knowledge and specific ways
of thinking. We will call it ‘endgame thinking’.
First of all we will separate endgames into two categories:
SOS Tip 1 — Endgame Categories
1. Tactical — Tactical complex endgames must be treated as a middlegame.

2. Strategical — Pure Endgames.
As in the middlegame our thoughts are busy with calculation based on the specific characteristics of the
position.
But more often in our games, as practice proves, we have so-called strategical endgames; the endgames
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where even computers have difficulties to find the best move. These are the endgames that do not rely
on calculation.
It is known from the time of Jose Raul Capablanca that in strategical, positional endgames we have to
think by plans, schemes. Variations and calculation plays a secondary role.
First we have to understand where to put our pieces; to find an idea for improving position. After, we
start to form a plan. This is what we call ‘endgame thinking’.
Thinking correctly, in the right order, will significantly simplify the process of calculation...
SOS Tip 2 — Endgame Thinking
1. Piece placement.
2. Plan forming.
3. Do not rush!
So, how to approach ‘endgame thinking’, how to switch the right button in our brain. The Russian
master Sergei Belavenets, great chess thinker, gives the following great advice:
‘After tactical complications, when our brains have been busy with calculation of beautiful variations,
the exchange of pieces might follow, and some kind of prosaic endgame arises...
Every player has to spend a few minutes, if the clock allows, just to relax, and to calm down your
emotions in order to look differently at the position. This investment of time will pay back later in the
game.
I am well aware that this advice was given before World War II, when they had very different time
controls.
So do not waste your time, just switch on the button in your brains, just remember that positional
endgames require ‘endgame thinking’ by schemes, by plans.
And do not forget to respect your opponent’s ideas. The art of endgame play is how to achieve your
plan and subdue the opponent at the same time. And this series is here to help understand it!
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THE GOLDEN RULES OF THE ENDGAME
The endgame is the moment of truth. It is the phase of the game where we will try to reap the seeds of
our effort, regardless of whether that is the full point of victory or the half point of the draw.
In the endgame the significance of errors increases, as the opportunities for correcting them are few.
The following rules are considered to be the Golden Rules of the Endgame. They were recorded by
GMs Reuben Fine and Pal Benko, two of the world’s greatest experts in this field:
1. Start thinking about the endgame in the middlegame.
2. Somebody usually gets the better deal in every exchange.
3. The king is a strong piece: Use it!
4. If you are one or two pawns ahead, exchange pieces but not pawns.
5. If you are one or two pawns behind, exchange pawns but not pieces.
6. If you have an advantage, do not leave all the pawns on one side.
7. A distant passed pawn is half the victory.
8. Passed pawns should be advances as rapidly as possible.
9. Doubled, isolated and blockaded pawns are weak: Avoid them!
10. The easiest endings to win are pure pawn endings.
11. Passed pawns should be blockaded by the king, the only piece that is not harmed by watching a
pawn is the knight.
12. Two bishops vs bishop and knight constitute a tangible advantage.
13. Bishops are better than knights in all except blocked pawn positions.
14. Do not place your pawns on the colour of your bishop.
15. The easiest endings to draw are those with bishops of opposite colours.
16. Rooks belong behind passed pawns.
17. A rook on the seventh rank is sufficient compensation for a pawn.
18. Not all rook endings are drawn!
19. Perpetual check looms in all queen endings.
20. Every move in the endgame is of the utmost importance because you are closer to the moment of
truth.
Of course there are plenty of other guidelines for dealing with the endgame. One of them goes as:
1. Activate you king.
2. If you have more pawns than your opponent, exchange pieces not pawns.
3. If you have fewer pawns than you opponent exchange pawns not pieces.
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4. Try to create a passed pawn.
5. Protected passed pawns are very strong.
6. Outside protected passed pawns are usually decisive.
7. Try to promote a passed pawn.
8. If your opponent has a passed pawn, try to blockade that pawn.
9. Bishops are generally stronger than knights.
10. Bishops of opposite colour increase the chances of a draw.
11. Be aggressive with your rooks; if you choice is between defence and counter-attack, always
counter-attack.
12. Rooks belong behind passed pawns.
13. Know the basics.
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EVALUATION — PLAN — EXECUTION
The most important element in modern chess practice is probably correct planning. The plan is
associated with evaluation and execution, three valuable concepts that cannot be separated and which
most of the time determine the fate of our positions.
During my training sessions I do ask from my trainees the famous EPE procedure, as below:
SOS Tip 1 — EPE
1. Evaluation (strategical & tactical)

2. Plan (ours and our opponent’s)
3. Execution (calculation & move)
That’s the right order, although many trainers/authors do not really follow it — they prefer to teach first
to move and then to think. With this way they have some success but they will never have a GM or a
player near such strength.
Chess is a mind game — it asks you to think to find solutions, even if these solutions are more or less
obvious.
In every position you must know where you are (evaluation), where you want to go (plan) and how you
will go there (execution). So simple, but we tend to forget this procedure in the heat of the battle.
Nowadays, chess games between decent players are full of small plans of different types and ideas,
based on purely strategic and tactical motives. The one who will eva-luate, plan and execute better than
the oppo-nent earns the first option to win the game.
A closer examination of games played between strong players will prove that there is some harmony
among their moves, some central idea that guides the movements of their forces. This is what we call a
plan. A good chess player refuses to act without any plan, even if this plan sometimes turns out to be
mistaken in the long run.
First of all, it is important to identify the most important strategic and tactical elements of each
particular position. According to the needs of that certain position, we should create our plan and stick
to it. Games where only one plan is used are rarely seen these days. We are usually obliged to create
several small plans, which of course are just parts of our main goal: winning!
Many weak players are not able to construct an acceptable plan. This has nothing to do with
intelligence, but just with basic chess education. Nowadays, with so many books, electronic help and
trainers available, anything can be learned and, by constant practice, it can be understood and
assimilated. Without basic chess education and knowledge we can’t go very far. So, the first step is to
understand the basic strategic and tactical elements that govern our game.
Plans are necessary and can be found in every phase of a chess game. From the early opening till the
late endgame, chess players create the necessary plans, derived from such varied factors as the
occupation of an important square to an aggressive attack.
More common are the plans we draw right after the end of the opening phase, but this is of course not
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the rule. Nowadays, with the opening theory having gone very far, the choice of a certain opening very
much depends on a plan we would like to use!
Some general advice could be presented to the reader as follows:
SOS Tip 2 — Planning
1. Notice and understand the main merits and disadvantages of each side.
2. Notice the immediate threats of both sides, but especially of your opponent!
3. Determine what is (are) the main, most significant target(s) and how the plan should be executed.
4. Examine what will be the opponent’s reaction to your plan.
5. Examine what your opponent’s possible main plan is (can be) and how you should react to it.
6. If you can choose among two or more good plans, opt for the one that you think can bring most
benefits.
7. Follow your plan. Do not change it without a really good reason.
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Show in Text Mode
CHAPTER 1.
UNBALANCED MATERIAL ENDINGS — QUEEN
QUEEN VS BISHOP PAIR

Two bishops, curiously enough, are almost never able to draw against a queen, although the winning
process is often complicated and requires many dozens of moves.
The only drawing position was discovered as early as the 18th century:
EXAMPLE
Lolli Giambattista
Study 1763
1.Qe7+ Kc8 2.Qe6+

In case of 2.Qd6 Kb7 3.Kc4, Black should play 3...Ba7! (3...Bc7?, loses to 4.Qe7 Kb6 5.Qb4+ Ka6
6.Kc5+–) 4.Qe7+ Kb8, with the idea ...Bb6=, or even 4...Kb6=.
2...Kb7 3.Qd6 Ba7
3...Bc7 4.Qe7 Kb6= is also playable, as White has no 5.Qb4+.
4.Qe7+ Kb6!
Rather than 4...Kb8? 5.Ka5+–.
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5.Qd8+ Kb7 6.Ka5 Bc5!
White is in zugzwang, as every possible move allows the black bishop to return to b6. If White brings
his king to e7, the bishop occupies the c7-square, with the same position.
½-½
When there are pawns for both sides, we have a very interesting ending, where the queen usually
prevails but things are not so clear-cut or easy, to put it mildly.
With one-side pawns the win becomes quite difficult. The stronger side will have to clear-off the pawn
structures and then avoid the above examined ‘Lolli Position’, in order to prevail.
With pawns on both sides things are easier for the ‘queen’ side, as the ‘bishops’ side has to care for the
protection of its pawn(s) and this is just an extra headache!
SOS Tip 1 — Ways to Go
1. A passed pawn always helps the strongest side.

2. The strongest side’s king should be activated and assist his queen.
3. The ‘Lolli Position’ is important for both sides.
4. Pawns on both sides help the queen to prevail.
5. When facing pawns on one side, some fortress cases can appear and both sides should be aware
of them.
EXERCISE 1
Corbet Laurent
Lupu Mircea Sergiu
B09 Bourbon Lancy 1998
39.Kh2
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EVALUATION
Well, surely I am not happy with my position, as I have to defend a lost case, as per endgame theory.
White wins in this kind of endings, usually by exchanging all pawns and achieving a won, none ‘Lolli
Position’. So, my main object should be to make it difficult for my opponent and try to get the ‘Lolli
Position’.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I think that my best chance is to opt for the direct 39...h4. Then White should proceed on exchanging
pawns: 40.g4 hxg3+ 41.Kxg3 Bd8 42.h4 Bf6 43.Qb5 Kh6 44.Qb6 Be6 45.Qc5 Kg7 46.h5 gxh5
47.Qxh5. Then he will go f5 and his king will be driven to e8. Of course I will face problems to remain
with my bishop on the a2-e6 diagonal, but probably this is my best practical chance.
PLAN B
Obviously I should opt for the ‘Lolli Position’ as quick as I can, so going directly for pawn exchange
by 39...g5 40.fxg5 Bxg5, seems optimal and on the right track.
PLAN C
Nothing to do but to wait for my opponent to show his hand, so, I will go for 39...Be6 40.g3 Bf5
41.Qd1 Be6 42.g4 hxg4 43.hxg4, when I will have to play 43...g5, safely preserving my bishop on the
long diagonal, hoping to survive in the end.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 1
Plan A is probably Black’s best chance.

Plan B is the worst, as it is only helping White to his plans.
Plan C is what we call normal — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 35 45
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39...Be6 40.g3 Bf5 41.Qd1 Be6 42.g4 hxg4 43.hxg4 g5
44.Kg3
44.f5, is Polugavsky,L-Geller,E Skopje 1968 — the game/exercise that follows.
44...Kh6 45.Qh1+ Kg7 46.Qh5 gxf4+
Black has no time to place his bishops on the diagonals a1-h8 and b1-h7: 46...Ba2 47.fxg5 Be5+
48.Kf3 Bb1 49.g6+–.
47.Kxf4 Be7 48.g5 Bd6+ 49.Ke4 Kf8
49...Ba3, loses to 50.Qh6+ Kg8 51.g6! Bb2 52.gxf7+ Bxf7 (52...Kxf7 53.Qh5+ Kg7 54.Qe8+–)
53.Qg5+ Bg7 54.Kf5+–.
50.Qh7 Ke8 51.Kd4 Kd8 52.Qg8+ Kd7
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53.g6!
According to the tablebases this move is a mistake, as it is adding 20 more moves to mate. But from the
human point of view it is justified.
53...fxg6 54.Qxg6 Ke7
White of course has achieved a winning position but here he decided to make a draw! A common
mistake of low-rated players (when facing much stronger opponents) with low knowledge of theoretical
endings...
55.Qxe6+?
55.Qg5++–.
55...Kxe6
½-½
EXERCISE 2
Polugaevsky Lev
Geller Efim
E74 Skopje 1968
31...Bc3
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EVALUATION
My position is theoretically won, although not without accuracy, as my opponent’s position and pawn
structure is healthy without any weaknesses. Pawn breakthroughs and assistance by my king are
obligatory concepts in my way to prevail.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Advancing my pawns should be my first step. Then I will try some exchanges and not getting the ‘Lolli
Position’. So, good seems to be 32.h3, preparing the pawns’ advance with g4 and then f4-f5.
PLAN B
Of course I should advance my pawns to try to get exchanges and in the end the ‘Lolli Position’, but I
should do it in a different way. This is by playing 32.h4, followed by f3 and g4.
PLAN C
In such endings the value of the king increases. So, it is important to involve my king into the
procedures by activating him. Good to start by the natural 32.Kf1, trying to get to e8 and create
zugzwang positions.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
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SOLUTION 2
Plan A is the best chance — see the game.

Plan B is playable, but it makes things more difficult.
Plan C is fine, but in the procedure White cannot do without the pawn advance idea.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 35 45
32.h3! Kg7 33.g4 hxg4 34.hxg4 Bf6 35.Qe4 g5

Black will not last long without the text move: 35...Ba2 36.f4 Be6 37.f5 gxf5 (37...Ba2 38.g5! Bxg5
39.Qg2 Be3+ 40.Kh1 Bc4 41.fxg6 fxg6 42.Qe4+–; 37...Bb3 38.Qb4 Ba2 39.g5 Be5 40.f6++–) 38.gxf5
Bd7 (38...Bb3 39.Qg4+) 39.Qf4+–. As it is understandable from the above variations, it is vital to
preserve the lightsquared bishop’s protection of the f7-pawn.
36.Kg2 Be7 37.Kh3 Bf6
38.Qb4?
The text move allows Black to create a fortress, so White had to go for 38.f4! gxf4 39.Qxf4 Kg6
(Black must not allow easily the g5-g6 advance — see previous example) 40.Qe4+ Kg7 41.Qf4!
(41.Kg3? Bg5 42.Qd4+ f6=) 41...Kg6 42.Qb8 Bg5 43.Qg8+ Kh6 44.Qh8+ Kg6 45.Qh5+ Kf6
46.Kg3 Bd5 47.Qh7 Be6 48.Qh8+ Kg6 49.Qh5+ Kf6 50.Qh7 Be3 51.Qh8+ Kg6 52.Qh5+ Kf6
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53.Kf3 Bg5 54.Ke4 Bb3 55.Qh3 Ba2 56.Qh2 Bc4 57.Qh7 Be6 58.Qh8+ Ke7 59.Qg7 Bf6 60.Qg8
Bd7 61.g5+–.
38...Bd8?
After 38...Be5 and ...Bf4, Black would have built a fortress.
39.Kg3?
39.f4!, is obligatory.
39...Bf6?
Black could go for 39...Bc7+! 40.Kf3 Bf4=.
40.Qc5 Ba2 41.f4 Bb1!?
As after 41...gxf4+ 42.Kxf4 Kg8 (Black has no time for 42...Bb1 43.g5 Bb2 44.Qb4 Bc1+ 45.Kg4
Bg6 46.Qc3++–) 43.g5 Bg7 44.Qc8+ Bf8 45.Qb8 Bc4 46.Qd8 Ba2 47.g6! fxg6 48.Kg5, the end is
near, Black decided to let White push his pawn on f5.
42.f5!
After 42.fxg5? Ba1 43.Kf4 Bg6 44.Qa5 Bb2 45.Qd2 Ba1, Black seems to have created a kind of
fortress, as the white king cannot pass to the opponent’s camp; the a1-h8 and b1-h7 diagonals are fully
controlled blocking his pass via the queenside and in the kingside he is restricted by his own pawns!
42...Be4 43.Kf2 Bh1 44.Ke3 Bb7 45.Qc7 Bg2 46.Qd6 Bb7 47.Kd3
White starts his king journey to the 8th rank. He must only care about his weak g4-pawn.
47...Bf3 48.Qg3 Bd5 49.Qe3 Kg8 50.Kd2!
A smart manoeuvre! As the light-squared bishop is placed on an excellent position, controlling squares
c4 and f3, it has to be driven away!
50...Kg7 51.Kc2 Kg8 52.Qd3! Bc6
52...Ba2, loses to 53.Qa6+–.
53.Qd6 Be4+ 54.Kb3 Kg7 55.Kc4 Bf3 56.Qg3 Bh1 57.Qh3 Be4 58.Qe3 Bc6 59.Kc5 Bd7 60.Kd6
Bb5
23
61.Qb3! Be2
61...Be8, loses to 62.Qc4! Kh7 (62...Kg8 63.Qc8 Kf8 64.Kd5! Be7 65.Ke5 Ba3 66.f6+–) 63.Qe4 Bb5
64.Kc5 Bd7 65.Qb7 Be8 66.Qa8 Be7+ 67.Kd5 Bd7 68.Qb7+–.
62.Qb4 Bf3 63.Qc4 Kg8 64.Kd7 Kf8 65.Qc5+ Kg8 66.Ke8 Bg7 67.f6
67.Qc4, is also curtains.
67...Bh6 68.Qc4
1–0
EXERCISE 3
Lputian Smbat
Sulskis Sarunas
E11 New York 1998
41...Kf7
24
EVALUATION
My material advantage should tell in the end, but not without some precise play. In view of the
protected position of the bishops and pawns, I can only win if I can succeed in traversing the open route
g1-f1-e1-d2-e3-d4/f4, and can then produce a mating attack with my king and queen alone, based on
the offside position of the bishop on f3. The presence of pawns on both sides obviously is in my favour,
as my opponent is tight down to its protection
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Gaining space on the kingside should be a good idea. I can start by 42.h4 h5 (he must give me control
of g5, otherwise I will play h5-h6) and then bring my king (as I have secured the c1-h6 diagonal) to
assist my queen, creating mating threats.
PLAN B
Advancing my pawn structure, gaining space, should be the right strategy here. I can start by 42.g4 and
after the logical 42...Bxg4 43.Qxe4 Be6 44.h4, I will activate my king as well.
PLAN C
Mixing the advance of my pawn structure and my king in a harmonious way should be my primary
thought. But I should avoid fixing pawns at first sight, so I should opt for 42.h3 h5 43.Qe5 g6 44.Kf1,
trying to get to e7 and create zugzwang and mating positions.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
25
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 3
Plan A should be OK as well, but there is no need for fixing the pawn structure.
Plan B is only worsening White’s pawn structure and thee is no need for it.
Plan C is the best — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
40 35 50
42.h3 h5 43.Qe5 g6 44.Kf1 Bf8

44...Bf6 45.Qd5+ Kf8 46.Qd6++–.
45.Ke1 Bg2
46.Qd5+
46.g4, looks good as well: 46...Bxh3 (46...Bf3 47.Qd5+ Kg7 48.Qd7+ Kg8 49.Qe8 Kg7 50.g5+–)
47.Qf4+ Kg7 48.gxh5 Bf5 49.Qg5 Kh7 50.Qf6 Bg7 51.hxg6+ Bxg6 52.Qe7+–.
46...Kf6 47.Qd8+ Kf7 48.Qd7+ Kf6 49.Qc8 Kf7
26
50.Ke2
Because of the necessity of defending b4, the king cannot be denied entrance to e3.
50...Bf3+ 51.Ke3 Bh6+ 52.Kd4 Bg7+ 53.Kc5 Bc3
A more stubborn defence was 53...Bf8+, although Black will not escape: 54.Kb6 Be7 55.Kc7 Bg2
56.Qd7 Kf6 57.g4 hxg4 58.hxg4 Bf3 59.g5+ Kf7 60.Qd5+ Kf8 61.Qe6! Bxg5 (61...Bh5 62.Qxe4
Bxg5 63.Qxb4++–) 62.Qxg6 Be7 (62...Bf4+ 63.Kd7+–) 63.Kd7+–.
54.Kd6 Kg7 55.Ke7 Bd4
55...Bd1 56.Qf8+ Kh7 57.Qf7+ Kh8 58.Qd5+–.
56.Qf8+
Black resigned, as mate is near: 56...Kh7 57.Kf7 g5 58.Qg8+ Kh6 59.Qg6#.
1–0
EXERCISE 4
Ding Liren
Ganguly Surya Shekhar
D71 Doha 2014
29...Bc4
27
EVALUATION
My material advantage should be sufficed to cash the point, if I simply keep the black b-pawn in bay
and get my pawns rolling, seeking for weaknesses in my opponent’s camp. My king as well will have
to assist the battle.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
So, a technical win demands precision and activity. For this I will have to mix the advance of my
pawns and the activity of my king. I think that this is best done by 30.h4 h5 31.f3, planning g4. Then
either I will get a passed pawn after 31...Kg7 32.g4 hxg4 33.fxg4 Kg8 34.h5 gxh5 35.gxh5, or I will
create a target after 31...Kg7 32.g4 Kg8 33.gxh5 gxh5.
PLAN B
I am not sure yet of how to advance my paws, so I should refrain for the time being doing so. The most
flexible idea here is to advance my king, going for a direct mating attack towards his counterpart, by
30.Kg2.
PLAN C
I should directly advance my central pawns and my king — this is the right follow-up in this kind of
positions. So, I will opt for 30.e4 Bd3 31.f3 (no need to hurry — Black cannot improve) 31...h5
32.Kg2 Kg7 33.e5, when I am ready for the final assault.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
28
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 4
Plan A is the worst; it is not sure that White wins at all after it...
Plan B is flexible and good, as it will transpose to Plan C sooner or later.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 45 50
30.e4 Bd3
31.f3!
No need to hurry — Black cannot improve.
31...h5 32.Kg2 Kg7 33.e5! Bc4
33...Be7? 34.Qb7 Kf8 35.Qc8+ Kg7 36.Qd7+–, is a nice variation.
34.Qc6 Kg8
Not much choice: 34...Bd3 35.Qf6+ Kg8 36.e6 fxe6 37.Qxe6+ Kh8 38.Qf6+ Kg8 39.g4 hxg4 40.fxg4
29
b4 41.Qe6+ Kh8 42.Kf3 and Black is in zugzwang.
35.f4
The pawns are advacing!
35...Be7 36.Kf3
And the king as well!
36...Bf8 37.Ke3 Be7 38.Kd4 Bf8 39.Qd7 Ba3
40.f5!
The decisive breakthrough, which creates new weaknesses in Black’s camp.
40...gxf5
40...Bf8, loses to 41.fxg6 fxg6 42.e6+–.
41.Qxf5 Be6 42.Qg5+ Kf8 43.Qxh5
And material is won!
43...b4 44.Qh8+ Ke7 45.Qb8 Bb2+ 46.Kc5 b3 47.Qd6+ Ke8
30
48.Kb6!
And as 49.Kc7 is lethal, Black resigned.
1–0
EXERCISE 5
Khairullin Ildar
Vallejo Pons Francisco
A50 Khanty-Mansiysk 2013
47...Kg7
31
EVALUATION
This is a well-known technical winning position. I should advance my forces (king & pawns), while my
queen will have to stop the black b-pawn’s advance.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I think that here I have at my disposal a small combination which will help me to weaken my
opponent’s king position. I can opt for 48.e6 Bg5 (48...fxe6? 49.Qc3+, would be a cheap trick) 49.exf7
Kxf7 50.Kg2 Be7 and now 51.Qa6, will keep everything under control. Next I will advance my king to
create mating threats.
PLAN B
The usual way in this kind of positions is to keep everything under control and advance my king and
pawns. This is best done by 48.Qc7 Bd4 49.Qd6 (49.f4? Bd5#, can ‘prove’ the bishop pair power!)
49...Ba7 50.Kg2 Kg8 51.f4 and so on.
PLAN C
I think that I have seen this (similar) position beforehand 48.Qa6 Bc5 49.Qc6 Be7 50.f4, is the
‘known’ way to go and I will opt for it.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
32
SOLUTION 5
Plan A is good — see the game.

Plan B is also fine.
Plan C is fine and similar to Plan B — all plans are good enough.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 50
48.e6!? Bg5
48...fxe6? 49.Qc3+, would be a cheap trick.
49.exf7 Kxf7 50.Kg2 Be7 51.Qa6!
The usual trick to stop the black b-pawn’s march.
51...Bd3 52.Qc6 Bc4
52...b4 53.Qd5++–.
53.Kf2 Bf6 54.Ke3 Ke7
55.h3!
33
Preparing the pawn advance on the kingside.
55...Bf1
55...Kf7, loses to 56.g4 hxg4 57.hxg4 Be7 58.f4 Be6 59.Qh1!+–.
56.g4! Bxh3 57.gxh5 gxh5 58.Qc5+! Ke6?!
Loses on the spot, but the result wouldn’t have changed after 58...Kd7 59.Qxb5+ Kd6 60.Qxh5+–.
59.Qxh5?!
White missed the simple 59.Qc8++–.
59...Bf1 60.Qe8+ Be7 61.f4
As we already know, a passed pawn for the ‘queen’ side is heaven!
61...b4 62.f5+ Kd6 63.Qf7 Bg5+ 64.Kd4 Bd2 65.Qe6+ Kc7 66.f6
White’s piece cooperation is great! A passed pawn, an active king, while the queen supports her pawn
and stops the enemy one!
66...Bc3+ 67.Ke3
A nice variation occurs after 67.Kc5 Kb7 68.f7 Bg7 69.Qb6+ Kc8 70.Qc6+ Kb8 71.f8=Q+! Bxf8+
72.Kb6+–.
67...b3 68.Qxb3 Bxf6 69.Qf7+ 1–0
EXERCISE 6
Topalov Veselin
Lautier Joel
34
C74 Linares 1995
31...Qg2
EVALUATION
A very interesting position, which is quite difficult to evaluate properly. I have the bishop pair and a
quite dangerous a-passer, which is ready to queen. Of course a queen is always strong enough to make
me worry! If I want to improve, I will have to take the long diagonal h1-a8 with my bishop, but I have
the feeling that my king is too exposed to avoid perpetual check.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
It is important to get the h1-a8 diagonal with my bishop; otherwise there is nothing to hope for. An
interesting follow-up is to opt for 32.Bf7, when it looks like I am in the right track: 32...Qc6+ 33.Kb4
h5 (33...h6 34.Bg6 Qb7+ 35.Kc4) 34.Bxh5.
PLAN B
My thoughts are similar to the previous plan, but I feel that I can do it better: 32.Bc5 h5 33.Kd4 Qf2+
34.Ke4, when I am near to my target.
PLAN C
King’s centralisation is highly important, not for general reasons, but for a concrete one: to place the
bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal. So, I can start with 32.Kd4 Qa8 (interesting is 32...h5 33.Bd5 Qb2)
33.Ke5 Qe8+ (33...h5 34.Bd5 c6 35.Be4 h4 36.Kd6 h3 37.Bxc6 Qd8+, might prove that my king is
quite exposed) 34.Kf4. when I will try to benefit from my opponent’s potential mistakes — if any.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
35
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 6
Plan A might be the best try, although after 34...Kh7, the white king is too exposed and Black should
be able to draw.
Plan B is heading to a perpetual check draw after 34...Qg2+.
Plan C is similar to Plan B — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 40 40
32.Kd4 Qa8 33.Ke5 Qe8+

33...h5 34.Bd5 c6 35.Be4 h4 36.Kd6 h3 37.Bxc6 Qd8+, is still a draw by perpetual check. As said, the
white king is too exposed.
34.Kf4
Not an improvement was 34.Kd4 c5+ 35.Kc3 Qc6 36.Bc4 h5 37.Bxc5 g5=.
34...c6
Possible was 34...g5+ 35.Kf5 Kg7! 36.Bd4+ Kh6=, or 34...Qd8 35.Ke4 Qe8+ 36.Kf4=.
35.Bc5
White could try 35.Be6!?, but after 35...Qf8+ 36.Ke5 c5! 37.Bd7, the balance remains.
35...h5
35...Qa8, is also good for the draw: 36.Ke5 h5 37.Kd6 Qd8+ (37...h4? 38.Ba4 Qd8+ 39.Kxc6 h3
40.Kb7 h2 41.Bc6+–) 38.Kxc6 Qc8+ 39.Kb6 Qd8+=.
36
36.Bd6
White might have tried 36.d4!, with the idea d5, when Black should be careful: 36...h4 37.Be6 Kh7!
38.d5 Kh6! 39.d6 Qxe6 40.a8=Q g5+ 41.Kf3 g4+ 42.Kg2 Qd5+=.
36...Qd8
Drawish was 36...Qa8 37.Bb8 h4 38.Kg4 g5 39.Be6 Qb7 40.Kxg5 Qe7+ 41.Kf5 Qa3 42.Kg5=, but
the most clear draw was with 36...g5+! 37.Kxg5 (37.Kf3 Qa8 38.Bb8 Kg7 39.d4 Qb7, looks like much
better, if not winning, for Black) 37...Qe3+ 38.Kg6 (38.Kxh5 Qxa7) 38...Qg1+ 39.Kh6 Qg7+
40.Kxh5 Qxa7 41.Be5+ Kh7 42.d4.
37.Bb8 Qd4+
A forced draw was 37...Qa5 38.d4 h4 39.d5 h3 (39...cxd5 40.Ke5 h3 41.Bxd5 Qe1+ [41...h2?
42.a8=Q+–] 42.Kd6 Qb4+=) 40.dxc6 h2 41.c7 Qb4+! 42.Kg3 Qc3+ 43.Kxh2 Qd2+=.
38.Kf5
Not of course 38.Kg5? Qg4#.
38...Qxd3+ 39.Ke6 Qa6
37
40.Kd7
Not really changing anything, but 40.Kd6! g5 41.Kc7 (41.Bc4 Qa4 42.Be6 g4 43.Bd7 g3 44.Bxc6
Qf4+=) 41...h4 42.Bc4 Qa5+ 43.Kb7 Qb4+=, was precise.
40...g5
40...Qb7+ 41.Kd6 g5 42.Bc2 Kg7 43.Be4 Kf6 44.Bxc6 Qe7+=, or 40...h4 41.Be6 (41.Kc7? h3 42.Bc4
Qxa7+ 43.Bxa7 h2–+) 41...Qb7+ 42.Kd6 Qa6 43.Bd7 Qxa2 44.Bxc6 Qa3+=.
41.Kc7 g4 42.Bc4
White could try 42.Be6 g3, but now not 43.Bc8? (43.Bc4 Qa3 44.Kb7 Qb4+ 45.Kc7=) 43...Qxa2
44.Kb7 Qb3+ 45.Kc7 g2 46.a8=Q g1=Q–+.
42...Qa4
42...Qa5+ 43.Kb7 Qb4+ 44.Kc7=, or 42...Qxc4 43.a8=Q g3 44.Qxc6 Qxa2=.
43.Bb3 Qa6 44.Bc4 Qa4 ½-½
38
Show in Text Mode
QUEEN VS KNIGHT PAIR

A lone knight cannot defend against a mighty queen. Usually the mate takes approximately 10–15
moves and it is quite simple.
Although the procedure looks like relatively easy, it should be kept in mind that at this late stage of the
game there is not enough time to think, so good knowledge result in cashing the points. That’s why the
ending must be studied.
Adding one pawn doesn’t really help the knight; the position remains an easy case for the queen.
Of course some exceptions do exist and they are connected on how far advanced is the pawn — the
queening threat is always strong!
The mighty queen wins against two pawns as well. Some exceptions occur when the pawns are
connected and far advanced. And of course when the ‘queen’ side has no clue on what to do!
But the win in general is not that difficult; zugzwang and the ‘queen’ side’s king involvement are the
usual techniques:
Although the chances are fairly increasing, the knight is still weak with even three pawns. The ‘queen’
side strategy is to win firstly the weakest pawn (if any of course) and then concentrate on the others.
The problem with the knight in contrast with the bishop is that it cannot have a mutual protection with a
pawn.
When the ‘queen’ side has an extra pawn (or pawns) the win is trivial, because the stronger side has at
his disposal added values:
SOS Tip 1 — Ways to Prevail
1. The extra pawn (or pawns), if not passed, can stop one or more opponent pawns, freeing his
pieces to deliver the mate.
2. If passed, then a new queen can be promoted or material can be won.
Keep in mind that rules in chess are a kind of guide to proceed with ideas; each position is unique and
should be treaded with care and responsibility, paying attention to specific moves and calculation.
In contrary to the queen vs two bishops ending, it is a bit surprising that the queen vs two knights
ending offers the best chances for survival.
In fact the ending is generally draw if the ‘knight’ side’s king isn’t separated from the knights, which
should also occupy reasonable positions, next to each other.
Also, keep in mind that positions where the knights just protect each other are usually lost, as the
important thing is to stop the opponent’s king entrance and his cooperation with the queen, delivering
39
mate.
EXAMPLE
Basic Draw
This is a basic drawn position.

1.Qa6 Kg7
1...Kf7, or 1...Ke7, are OK as well.
2.Kf3 Kf7
2...Nh7? 3.Qb7+!, loses, as the harmony among the knights is disturbed and the white king enters:
3...Kg8 4.Ke4+–.
3.Qb7+ Ke6!
3...Kg8?, loses to 4.Ke3 Kf8 5.Kd4 Kg8 6.Kc5+–.
4.Qb3+ Ke7 5.Ke3 Nf8 6.Kd4 Ne6+ 7.Ke5 Nd7+ 8.Kd5 Nf6+
The king should always be attached to his knights!
½-½
When dealing only with one pawn, the ‘queen’ side still has some chances. The defending side should
mainly ‘forget’ about the extra pawn and focus on creating a usual drawing line, as per queens vs two
knights.
Of course the extra pawn can be used as a good protector of the knight(s) but we should keep in mind
that this is not the most important factor; the knights have to get optimal position, just helped by the
pawn. The ‘knights’ side shouldn’t feel secure...
With two pawns things should be easier but sometimes the ‘knights’ side is carried away feeling secure
40
and this can cause damage.
If the pawns are connected no problem occurs. But if the pawns are separated, then probably best is to
get ride (if pressed too much) of one of the extra pawns, achieving drawn positions with one or no
pawn — knowledge of the last diagram position is important!
With three or more pawns it is the ‘knights’ side that can try for a win! The ‘queen’ side has to be
careful and try for perpetual check as soon as it is possible.
Positions with queen & pawn(s) vs two knights and pawns are usually won for the ‘queen’ side — the
extra pawn(s) here is a great advantage.
Adding an extra pawn for both sides, nothing really changes — exceptions in chess are always around!
The ‘queen’ side pawns help to restrict the opponent pieces and if passed, even better!
More pawns on the board better for the ‘queen’ side! The knights are more restricted in general, but if
they can find a healthy environment and some good outposts they can be a hard nut to crack.
In chess, the defending side should seek for counterplay when some available of course! Passivity
usually turns to nothing; just the usual slow death.
I noticed that when the knights can have a past pawn as well, interesting positions can arise and
obviously the ‘queen’ side can go wrong, as the knight is a tricky piece, setting traps!
EXERCISE 7
Andriasian Zaven
Dobrov Vladimir
B50 Moscow 2006
53...Ke6
EVALUATION
41
Of course I have the upper hand and I can improve the position of my pieces, while my opponent has to
stay put and wait for my moves...
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Centralisation is important and in endgames the queen is an ideal piece for this asset. With the
manoeuvre 54.Qg1 Nf5 55.Qg8+ Ke7 56.Qd5, I have succeeded in that. Then I can activate my king:
56...Nd4 57.Kc1 Kd8 58.Kd2 and I can feel assure that I will prevail with a steady hand.
PLAN B
As in Plan A, I need to go for queen centralisation, but with a different way: 54.Qe3 Kd5 55.Qf3+ Ke6
56.Qc6 Ke7 57.Qd5 Ne8, followed by my king’s activation: 58.Kc1.
PLAN C
Enlarging the battlefield by exchanging central pawns seems to me the best solution. For this best
seems to be 54.d4 exd4 55.Qxd4, when my king’s march will follow.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 7
Plan A is fine and logical.

Plan B is similar to Plan A — see the game.
Plan C although winning s well, should be considered inferior, as pawn exchanges favour the defender.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 40
54.Qe3 Kd5 55.Qf3+ Ke6 56.Qc6 Ke7 57.Qd5 Ne8 58.Kc1 Nc7 59.Qc6 Ne6 60.Kd1 Nd4 61.Qd5
Ne6 62.Ke1 Nd4 63.Kf1 Ne6 64.Kg1 Nf4 65.Qe4 Ne6 66.Kh2 Nd4 67.Qd5 Ne6 68.Kg3 Nd4
69.Kh4 Ne6
42
70.b4
Now that the white king approached by a secure root, the white b-pawn will help in the restriction.
70...Nd4 71.Kg5 Ne6+ 72.Kh6 Nd4 73.Qe4 Ne6 74.Qh4+ Kf7 75.Qf2+ Ke7 76.Qf1 Ndf8 77.Qf5
Nd7 78.Qf2 Nd4 79.Kg6 Nf8+ 80.Kg7 Nde6+ 81.Kg8 Nd7 82.Qf7+ Kd6 83.Qg6 Ke7 84.Qh7+
Kd6
85.Qh4!
Allowing the white king to come closer.
85...Nc7 86.Kf7 Nd5 87.Qg4 Kc7 88.Qe4 Kd6 89.Qf5
89.b5, was fine.
43
89...Nxb4 90.Qe6+ Kc7 91.Ke8 Nc5 92.Qxe5+ Kc6 93.d4
White exchanged his b-pawn for Black’s e-pawn, creating a passed pawn.
93...Nb7 94.Qe4+ Nd5 95.Qc2+ Kb5 96.Kd7 Na5 97.Ke6 Nb4 98.Qe2+ Ka4 99.d5 Nb3 100.Qd1
Ka3 101.d6 Nc5+ 102.Ke7 Nc6+ 103.Ke8 Nb8 104.Qa1+ Kb4 105.Qa7
105...Nca6
105...Nbd7 106.Qxd7 Nxd7 107.Kxd7 b5 108.Kc6+–.
106.Qxb6+ Kc3 107.d7 Nxd7 108.Kxd7 Nb4 109.Qc5+ Kb3 110.Kd6 Nc2 111.Kd5 Nb4+
112.Kd4 Nc2+ 113.Kd3 Na3 114.Qb6+ Ka4 115.Kc3 Nb5+ 116.Kc4 Na3+ 117.Kc5 Nc2 118.Qb2
1–0
EXERCISE 8
Valerga Diego
Sosa Tomas
E70 Buenos Aires 2015
48...Kf4
44
EVALUATION
My material advantage is huge, but my problem is the black pieces’ centralisation and harmonious
standing, facts that deny my king’s penetration. I also have to do something to protect my pawns; so
things look far from easy...
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My first priority should be to protect my c4-pawn and then slowly kick away the black pieces,
liberating my queen. So, I will go for the natural 49.Qb5.
PLAN B
My queen should be active, creating threats and routes for my king to march. I should opt for 49.Qc1+
Kg4 50.Qg1+ Kf4 51.Qf1+ Kg5 (51...Ke4 52.Qf2 Nxc4 53.Qf3+ Ke5 54.Qd3 Nb6 55.Kf3, winning)
52.Kd2, when I should be in the right track.
PLAN C
My thoughts are similar to the previous plan, but the way to do the job is a bit different: 49.Qf1+ Ke4
50.Qf2 Nxc4 51.Qf3+ Ke5 52.Qd3 Nb6 53.Kf3 and I am ready for Qe4+ and my king’s march.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
45
SOLUTION 8
Plan A is not acceptable, as it cannot be logical to enslave a queen to a lonely pawn! After 49...Ng3+
50.Kd2 Kf3, Black is good.
Plan B is quite similar to Plan C, but second best.
Plan C is best — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
20 40 50
49.Qf1+ Ke4 50.Qf2 Nxc4 51.Qf3+ Ke5
52.Kd3?
52.Qd3! Nb6 53.Kf3, was precise and good enough.
52...Nce3?
White would have to work a lot after the correct 52...Nb2+! 53.Ke2 Na4! (53...Nc4 54.Qd3 Nce3
55.Kf3 Kf6 [55...Nxd5 56.Qe4++–] 56.Qe4 Kg5 57.Qe6+–) 54.Kd2 Nb6.
53.c4
53.Qe4+! Kf6 54.Qe6+ Kg5 55.Ke4, looks easier.
53...Kf6 54.Qf4 Kg6
46
55.Ke4
King and queen operates harmoniously and ends the game.
55...Kf6 56.Qf2 Kg5 57.Qh2 Kf6 58.Qh8+ Kg5 59.Qg8+ Kf6 60.Kf4
Black is forced to give more ground...
60...Ke7 61.Kg5
Winning was 61.Qc8! Kf6 62.Qe6+ Kg7 63.Kg5 Kf8 64.Kf6+–.
61...Kd7 62.Qf7+ Kd8
63.Qxf5!
47
Transposition to a winning pawn ending — the dream of every endgame advantage!
63...Nxf5 64.Kxf5 Ke7 65.Kg6 1–0
EXERCISE 9
Sammour Hasbun Jorge
Waitzkin Joshua
B31 New York 1992
45.g3
EVALUATION
My material advantage should be good enough to give me the full point. My winning plan is easy to
understand: I will invade with my king and I will also push my pawn to restrict the white knights. It
might take some time, but White is passive and cannot create any problems.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Restriction of the opponent knights should be my first priority and this can be of course done with the
advance of my pawns: 45...Qb1 46.h4 Qe4 47.Ng2 g5 and then my king will assist the advance ...f4,
which will dominate White’s position.
PLAN B
Creating weakness in my opponent’s camp should be enough to give me targets and improve my
position. So, I will go for 45...h5, intending ...h4. After 46.h4, I will prepare a timed ...f4, breaking
White’s pawn structure.
48
PLAN C
Advancing my king should be my first idea, as this is common feature in this kind of endgames. After
45...Ke6 46.h4 Ke5 47.Ng2 Qa1, I am also ready to advance my pawns, restricting the white knights:
48.Nf4 g5 49.hxg5 hxg5.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 9
Plan A is fine and should win.

Plan B is not the best — knights love blocked positions and outposts!
Plan C is best and quite similar to Plan A - see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 30 50
45...Ke6 46.h4 Ke5 47.Ng2 Qa1 48.Nf4 g5 49.hxg5 hxg5

Black is on his way to complete his main two-branch plan and everything seems to be in order. But of
course chess is not that simple when comes to practice; factors as time trouble and fatigue play their
nasty roles...
50.Nh3 Qc1?
Blundering an important pawn. Good was 50...Kf6! 51.Kg2 Qa8+ 52.Kg1 Qe4 53.Nh2 Qe1+ 54.Kg2
Qe2–+.
49
51.Nxg5!
This pawn was Black’s back-bone. As there is no more the ...f4 advance, White’s healthy pawn
structure achieves the draw.
51...Kd4
51...Qxg5?! 52.f4+ Qxf4 53.gxf4+ Kxf4=.
52.Ne6+ Kd3 53.Nf4+ Ke4
54.Ng2
Even more harmonious was 54.Kg2 Qc6 55.Ne3 and White should hold.
50
54...Kf3 55.Nf4 Qd1 56.Ng2 Qb1 57.Nf4 Qa1 58.Ng2 Qb1 59.Nf4 Qe1 60.Nd3 Qd1 61.Nf4 Qa1
There is no way for Black to improve...

½-½
EXERCISE 10
Efimov Igor
Chernin Alexander
A07 Moscow 1977
49...Ne8
51
EVALUATION
This should be an easy position to win. It is not only my material advantage, but also the facts that
Black has weak pawn structure and my king has easy entrance in my opponent’s camp.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Getting square domination is of primary importance. I feel that this is best done by 50.Qa3+ Kf7 51.g4,
when I get control over the important f5-square, followed by my king’s march.
PLAN B
My king’s march can’t ‘wait’ and there is no need for, so I should directly go for 50.Kh3 Nd6 51.Qa3,
when Black is already in grave trouble. After something like 51...e5 52.dxe5 Nxe5 53.f4 Nd7 54.g4, I
feel that I am quite near to my tasks.
PLAN C
I feel that nearly everything wins here, but of course some precision is always welcomed! Avoiding any
pawn exchange should be good, so I will stop ...e5 by 50.Qa1. After 50...Nf8 51.Qa7+ Nd7, I can start
my king’s march: 52.Kh3 Nd6 53.Kh4 Nf7 54.Qc7 and there is not much that Black can play.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
52
SOLUTION 10
Plan A is fine and wins.

Plan B is also good.
Plan C is the most precise — see the game.
All plans are good enough to get the win and we should understand how hopeless is Black’s position —
the queen is a mighty piece!
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
45 45 50
50.Qa1 Nf8 51.Qa7+ Nd7 52.Kh3 Nd6 53.Kh4 Nf7 54.Qc7
Black is in zugzwang: 54...Nd6 (54...Ke8 55.Qc2 Nf8 56.Qc8+ Ke7 57.Qc5+ Ke8 58.f4+–) 55.g4
Nf7 56.f4 Nd6 57.Kg5.
1–0
EXERCISE 11
Morozevich Alexander
Caruana Fabiano
53
A17 Thessaloniki 2013
52.Kg3
EVALUATION
Of course my win is on the cards and shouldn’t be too problematic. The presence of pawns on both
sides is also to my favour. On the other hand negative is the fact that my opponent has strong outposts
for his knights, which will help him to put-up tough resistance.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My king should assist my plans and for this reason I will have to directly activate it. So, I should go for
the natural 52...Kg7 53.Nc7 Kf7 54.Ncd5 Kg6, when my position has been improved, while White
will be pushed back.
PLAN B
My main trump is the presence of the queenside pawns, so I should go for this side. My first priority is
to fix the a3-pawn and then attack it, trying to get it and achieve a passed pawn. For this good looks
52...a5 53.a4 Qd4 54.Kg2 e4 55.Nf4 and now the activation of my king will do the job: 55...Kh7
56.Nfd5 Qa1 57.Nb6 Kg6.
PLAN C
I feel that I should immediately go after the white a-pawn by 52...Qd3 53.Nxf6 (or 53.a4 Kg7 54.Nc7
Kg6 55.Ne6 Qa3–+) 53...Qxa3 54.Nd7 a5, winning.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
54
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 11
Plan A is fine and wins.

Plan B is good enough — see the game.
Plan C is direct and probably best.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
45 45 50
52...a5 53.a4 Qd4 54.Kh4?!

Making it easier for Black. White had to stay put with 54.Kg2 e4 55.Nf4 Kh7 56.Nfd5 Qa1 57.Nb6
Kg6 and pray...
54...f5!
Creating the important passed pawn.
55
55.Nxf5 Qxc4 56.Nde7 Qe6
Possible was 56...Qxa4, but Black cared more for nasty checks on his king.
57.Kh5
Good or bad, White had to opt for 57.g5 c4 58.g6 c3 59.g7+ Kh7 60.g8=Q+ Qxg8 61.Nxg8 c2
62.Nf6+ Kg6 63.Ne3 c1=Q 64.Nfd5 Qa1–+.
57...c4 58.Ng6+ Kg8 59.Nh6+ Kg7 60.Nf5+ Kf7 61.Nh6+ Ke8 62.Nf5
62...Qf6!
White resigned, as after 63.Ne3 Kf7 64.Nh4 c3 65.Nhf5 Qg6+ 66.Kh4 Qc6 67.Nc2 Qxa4, the win is a
matter of time.
0–1
EXERCISE 12
Gurevich Dmitry
Seirawan Yasser
E01 Seattle 2000
51.Ncd4
56
EVALUATION
Things are not so easy for me, as the white knights are standing in good outposts, protecting each other
and make my life difficult. Additionally, my passed d-pawn is blocked, while my opponent has a
mobile majority on the kingside. Nevertheless, with precise play I should prevail.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My king has nothing to do on e8, so I should activate him, probably on c5, via the entry route d7-d6-c5.
So I will start with the natural 51...Kd7. My opponent has hardly any active idea and he will be soon
pushed back.
PLAN B
I think that my opponent will try to reduce the number of pawns on board, by playing a timed h5. So,
before I activate my king, I should stop that by 51...Qd6. After 52.Kh3 Kd7, I am in the right rack.
PLAN C
My thoughts are similar to the previous plan, but I think that my queen is not standing good on d6, as it
blocks the route of my king. Therefore, I would opt for 51...Qh8 52.Kf4 Ke7 (heading for b4/c4) 53.g4
Qf6+ 54.Ke3 Kd6 55.Nc6 Kc5 56.Ncd4 Kb4, when White is short of moves.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
57
SOLUTION 12
Plan A is not a good idea, as White can exchange pawns by 52.h5!.

Plan B is good enough, but the second best.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
20 45 50
51...Qh8 52.Kf4 Ke7 53.g4 Qf6+!
54.Ke3
54.Kg3?! Qd6+ 55.Kh3 Qf4 and White is in trouble.
54...Kd6 55.Nc6 Kc5 56.Ncd4 Kb4
Now White is short of moves.
57.g5 Qe7+ 58.Kf4 Qe4+ 59.Kg3 Ka4
59...Kc3 60.Nc6 Kd3, is natural.
60.Kf2 Qg4 61.Ke3 Kb4 62.Kf2 Qe4 63.Ne2 Qe8 64.Ned4 Kc4 65.h5!
58
A good active try, as the alternative didn’t promise much: 65.Ne2 Kxb5 66.Nf4 Qe4–+.
65...gxh5 66.g6 Kc5?!
66...Qf8!, was accurate: 67.Nc6 Qf6 68.Nce5+ Kc3–+.
67.g7 Qg8?
A bad mistake that could cost the half-point. Good was 67...Qf7! 68.Ke3 Qg6 69.Kf2 Qg4–+.
68.Nf5! Qh7 69.Ke3
White could also save himself by 69.N3d4! h4 70.Kg2 h3+ 71.Kh2 Qg6 72.Kxh3 Qh5+ 73.Kg3
Qg5+=.
69...Kxb5
70.N3d4+!
Very nice variations occur after 70.Kf4? h4! 71.N3xh4 (71.Kg5 Kc4 72.Kf6 b5 73.Ng5 Qg8 74.Ne7
Qa8 75.g8=Q Qxg8 76.Nxg8 b4 77.Nf3 b3 78.Nd2+ Kc3 79.Nxb3 Kxb3–+) 71...Ka4 72.Nf3 b5
73.Ne5 (73.Ke5 b4 74.Ng5 Qg6 75.Ne6 d4 76.Nfxd4 b3 77.Nc5+ Kb4 78.Ncxb3 Qxg7+–+) 73...b4
74.Ng4 b3 75.Nf6 Qh2+ (75...Qg6? 76.g8=Q Qxg8 77.Nxg8 b2 78.Nf6 b1=Q 79.Nxd5=) 76.Kg4
Qg1+ 77.Ng3 b2 78.g8=Q b1=Q 79.Qa8+ Kb4 80.Nxd5+ Kc5 81.Nf4 Qbd1+ 82.Qf3 Qd7+!
(82...Qxf3+? 83.Kxf3=) 83.Kg5 Qg7+ 84.Kh4 Qh2+ 85.Nh3 Qd4+ 86.Ne4+ Kd5 87.Qf5+ Qhe5
88.Nf4+ (88.Qxe5+ Kxe5–+) 88...Kc6 89.Qg6+ Kb5–+.
70...Ka4
70...Kc5, doesn’t win: 71.Ne6+ Kc4 72.Nf8 (72.Ne7 Qe4+ 73.Kf2 Qxe6–+) 72...Qg8 73.Nd7 d4+
74.Kf4 d3 75.Nf6 Qb8+ 76.Ke4 d2 77.g8=Q+ Qxg8 78.Nxg8=.
59
71.Kf3?
A bad mistake, when White was near to salvation: 71.Nc6! Qxf5 72.g8=Q Qe4+ 73.Kd2=.
71...b5 72.Kf4 b4 73.Nc6 b3 0–1
60
Show in Text Mode
QUEEN VS ROOK & BISHOP

The queen vs rook & bishop is a very common ending in practice. It appears from a lot of cases but
mainly when the defender needs to ‘lose’ some material in order to seek salvation.
The pawnless ending is rather simple for the defender and it is mainly drawish, except from some rare
cases where the pieces cannot coordinate properly and their king is edged and in danger.
When adding pawns, things become hard for the pieces, as the ‘queen’ side can prevail, in cooperation
with his king of course!
If the ‘pieces’ side’s pawns are passed and well advanced, things can become dangerous; precise
calculation is in need.
Quite common are positions with even and symmetrical pawns. Here the queen feels at home and
creates threats with her pawns on both sides of the board. Then the king assists usually; although not
necessary.
SOS Tip 1 — Queen Assets
1. Centralisation.
2. Weak targets.
3. King’s activity.
In general the ‘pieces’ side is doomed to passivity and long, tiring and blunderfull (most of the times)
defence...
An important technique to remember is the stalemate! It can save the half-point or hand the entire! Both
sides have to carefully look for it.
When the ‘pieces’ side has no weaknesses, strong outposts for the pieces and ‘healthy’ king, usually
succeeds to gain the half-point, without much trouble.
Of course, trying for the best in drawish positions cannot harm the ‘queen’ side. One should have plan
and vision and take advantage of every small slip or time trouble.
Of course the ‘pieces’ side is not always condemned to defend and fight for only the half-point. There
are many cases where the ‘pieces’ are in the driver’s seat and cashing points as well.
SOS Tip 2 — Rook & Bishop Assets
1. Positional superiority.
2. Passed pawn (if any).
3. Common target(s).
4. Activity.
61
Still, nobody can underestimate the queen’s strength and her enormous possibilities.
EXERCISE 13
Kramnik Vladimir
Shirov Alexei
D85 Wijk aan Zee 1999
19.Qc3
EVALUATION
This endgame had been considered rather drawn; however, my opponent has a different opinion on this
evaluation. My defence will be long, but as far as I do not create any weakness, I should hold. White’s
plans seem to involve the advance of his pawn structure on both sides and I should be prepared for it.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
It’s all about the set-up I will choose and I should be to the point. I think that my bishop belongs to b6,
liberating my rook to act actively. So, I will opt for the natural 19...Bb6. The most annoying
continuation seems to be 20.a4 a5 21.Qc6 Rb8 22.g3, when, although passive, I can hold.
PLAN B
There is no need to show my hand in such an early stage. I should opt for 19...Rc8, planning ...Rc7 and
...Bb6. After 20.Kf1 Rc7, I would have the options of a future ...Bb6 or ...Bd6 available, according to
the circumstances.
PLAN C
Activity is important, so I will go for 19...Rd8 20.Kf1 Bb6 (20...Bd4, looks interesting: 21.Qc7 Bb6
22.Qxe7 Rd2 23.Qe8+ Kg7 24.Qe5+ Kg8 25.f4 Rf2+ 26.Ke1 Rxg2) 21.a4 e6 22.a5 Bd4 23.Qc7 Rf8,
62
when I feel that I should hold.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 13
Plan A is not a good idea, as Black is passive.

Plan B is the best — see the game.
Plan C is again difficult to hold — see the analysis.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
20 50 20
19...Rc8
Planning ...Rc7 and ...Bb6. Previously 19...Rd8!?, have been played: 20.Kf1 Bb6!? (20...Bd4?! 21.Qc7
Bb6 22.Qxe7 Rd2 23.Qe8+ Kg7 24.Qe5+ Kg8 25.f4! Rf2+ 26.Ke1 Rxg2 27.f5±, Ftacnik,L-
Ivanchuk,V Yerevan 1996) 21.a4 e6 22.a5 Bd4 23.Qc7 Rf8 24.e5 h5 25.Ke2 Kg7 26.f4 Rh8 27.Kf3
Bg1 28.Qc1 Bd4 29.Ke4 Rd8 30.Qc7 Rd5 31.g3 Bg1 32.h3 Rd1 33.g4 hxg4 34.hxg4 Rd4+ 35.Kf3 Rd5
36.Ke2 Bd4 37.Kf3 g5 38.f5 exf5 39.e6, 1–0 Kramnik,V-Kasparov,G Moscow 1998.
19...Rc8
63
20.Kf1 Rc7 21.a4
This may be a future queen! Besides, it is important to push the black bishop from its comfortable b6-
square. And here we can observe Black’s problems, created by the advance of White’s pawn structure.
21...Bb6
After 21...Bd6 22.Qa5! f6 23.h4!? (23.g3 g5!) 23...Kg7 24.g3 h5 25.f4±, White is on the top.
22.Qe5! Rc2
22...Rc1+, doesn’t help: 23.Ke2 Rc2+ 24.Kd3 Rxf2 25.a5 Bxa5 26.Qxa5 Rxg2 27.Qd8+ Kg7
28.Qxe7+–.
23.a5!
A much better move than 23.f4?! e6 24.a5 Bc7! 25.Qd4 Bxa5 26.Qxa7 Bb4, when Black can defend.
23...Bc5!
The only move, as basically everything else lose: 23...Bxf2? 24.Qb8+ Kg7 25.Qb3+–, or 23...Bc7?
24.Qxe7+– Bxa5? 25.Qe8+ Kg7 26.Qe5++–, or, finally, 23...Rxf2+? 24.Ke1 Rxg2! (24...Be3
25.Qxe7! Rxg2 26.e5+–) 25.axb6 axb6 26.Qxe7+–.
24.f4
64
24...e6?
Until here Black has defended optimally. Now he had to avoid as well 24...Bd6? 25.Qd4 Bxf4
(25...Rc7 26.e5+–) 26.Qxa7+–, but he had to opt for 24...h5 25.f5!±.
25.g4!
Not much was offered by 25.Qb8+ Kg7 26.Qb3 Rc1+ 27.Ke2 Bd4±. Now the weak black king will
tell.
25...Rc4 26.Qc7! h6
After 26...Kg7 27.f5!, is strong.
27.f5! gxf5 28.gxf5 exf5 29.exf5 f6
Unfortunately for Black he cannot do without this move: 29...Rc2 30.f6 Rf2+ 31.Ke1 Rxf6 32.Qxc5 a6
33.h4 Re6+ 34.Kf2 Kg7 35.Kf3 Kg8 36.Kf4 Kg7 37.Qd4+ Kg8 38.h5 Kh7 39.Kf5 Kg8 40.Qd5 Kg7
41.Qxe6 fxe6+ 42.Kxe6+–, or 29...Kg7 30.Qe5+ Kg8 31.f6 Bf8 32.Qg3+ Kh8 33.Qb8+–.
30.Qg3+! Kf8 31.Qg6
More material is gained — the white h-pawn is a future queen!
31...Bd4 32.Qxh6+ Ke7 33.Qf4 Kd7 34.h4 Ra4 35.Qe4 Kd6
35...Ra1+, loses to 36.Ke2 Be5 (36...Ra2+ 37.Kd3 Ra3+ 38.Kxd4 Ra4+ 39.Ke3+–) 37.Qb7+ Bc7
38.a6+–.
36.h5 Ra1+ 37.Ke2 Be5 38.Qb4+ Kd5 39.Qb7+ Kc4
39...Kd4 40.Qb2+ Ke4 41.Qxa1 Bxa1 42.h6.
40.h6 Ra2+ 41.Kf3
1–0
65
EXERCISE 14
Aronian Levon
Shirov Alexei
A11 Zuerich 2016
28.Bf1
EVALUATION
I am having a pleasant ending, where my material plus can be proved rather sufficient. Improvement
can be achieved by activating the king and advance of my both sides pawn structure; creating targets
and threats.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
First of all I should block the queenside pawn structure by 28...Qb3. After 29.Rd2 Kg7 30.h4 Qa2, I
will continue with advancing my b-pawn to b3, tying down the white pieces.
PLAN B
Centralisation is a welcomed asset for the queen, so I should opt for 28...Qd4. After 29.h4 Kg7 30.b4
b6 31.Re7 a5 32.bxa5 bxa5 33.Re3 Qc5 34.Rf3 f5, I am in the right track, as my plan of ...h6, ...g5 and
...f4, will restrict the white pieces, making it harder to defend.
PLAN C
As White threats to win with 29.Re8+, I should calmly play the natural 28...Kg7. My plans are easy to
find and are the activation of my king and the advance of my pawns, mainly my kingside ones, which
66
will restrict the white pieces and create zugzwangs.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 14
Plan A is not the best idea, as Black cannot expect much on the queenside.
Plan C is similar to Plan B.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
30 50 50
28...Qd4!
Centralisation!
67
29.h4 Kg7 30.b4 b6 31.Re7 a5 32.bxa5 bxa5 33.Re3 Qc5 34.Rf3 f5!
Black has to advance his kingside pawns and restrict the white pieces.
35.Bg2 Kf6 36.Kh2 h6 37.Kg1 g5?!
Flexibility is a key word. Better was 37...Qc1+ 38.Bf1 g5 39.hxg5+ hxg5, as then Black would have
more options on how and when to push his pawns.
38.hxg5+ hxg5 39.Bh3 f4 40.gxf4 Qc1+ 41.Kh2
Maybe White should opt for 41.Bf1 gxf4 42.Rb3 Qc6 and pray.
41...gxf4 42.Bg2 Qd2 43.Kg1 Ke5 44.Rh3 Qd1+ 45.Kh2 Qe1 46.Rf3 Qd2
Preferable was 46...Kf5 47.Bh3+ Kg5 48.Bg2 Kg4 and White hardly has any good move left: 49.Bh1
Qxh1+ 50.Kxh1 Kxf3 51.Kg1 Ke2 52.Kg2 f3+ 53.Kg3 a4–+.
47.Kg1 Kd4 48.Kh2
48...a4?
Black loses a future useful tempo and anyway he didn’t need to have his pawn on a4. I think better is
48...Qc1 49.Bh3 Ke5 50.Bd7 (50.Bg2 Kf5 51.Bh3+ Kg5 52.Bg2 Qe1 53.Bh1 Qe2 54.Kh3 Kf5
55.Bg2 Qe1 56.Kh2 Kg4–+) 50...Ke4 51.Kg2 Qc7 52.Bg4 Qg7 53.Kh3 Qh6+ 54.Kg2 Qh4–+.
49.Kg1 Qd1+ 50.Kh2 Ke5 51.Rh3 Kf5
Black came back to the right track but unfortunately with his pawn on a4.
52.Bf3?
A bad move but this was a blitz game anyway! 52.Rf3 Kg4 53.Rc3 Qd2 54.Bh3+ Kg5 55.Rf3 Qe2
56.Bg2 (56.Kg2 Qe4–+) 56...Kg4 57.Kh1 Qe5 58.Kh2 Qe1 59.Bh1 and with the black pawn on a5
this position would be a win (see notes above) but now there is nothing to improve.
68
52...Qc1?
52...Qf1!, was winning on the spot!
53.Bg2 Kf6 54.Rd3 Qc5 55.Rf3 Kg5 56.Bh3 Qd4 57.Kg1?
Simple was 57.Bg2!.
57...Qd1+! 58.Kg2 Qd5!

Now the bishop will be short of squares.
59.Bc8 Kh4
59...Qc6 60.Bh3 Kf6 61.Bg4 Kg6 62.Bh3 Kg5–+.
60.Bh3 Kg5 61.Bc8 Qc6 62.Bh3 Kh5 63.Bf5 Kh4 64.Bh3 Kg5
And White has no move left...
0–1
EXERCISE 15
Grivas Efstratios
Kofidis Andreas
D40 Kalavrita 1998
32...a5
69
EVALUATION
My advantage is huge, based not only on my queen vs rook & bishop, but also due to my better pawn
structure, as Black’s shuttered kingside weaknesses are not helpful for him. In general I should get my
king seriously involved and my queen should attack Black’s weaknesses (a5 and h6).
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Advancing my kingside pawns should be my first priority, so I should opt for 33.g4 fxg4 34.hxg4 Rd5,
followed by my king’s activation with 35.Kg3.
PLAN B
I should keep all my options open for the time being, simply activating my king by the natural 33.Kg3.
I will then attack the black weaknesses, activating my queen as well.
PLAN C
Improving my queen by 33.Qf6, looks like a nice feature. Black is obliged to go for 33...Rd3 34.a4
Kh7 (34...Ra3? 35.Qd8+) and after 35.Kg3, I am also improving my king.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
70
SOLUTION 15
Plan A is not the best, as Black gets ride of all his kingside weaknesses after 35...h5!.
Plan B is natural and sound.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
30 50 50
33.Qf6 Rd3! 34.a4
34...Kh7
Forced (34...Ra3? 35.Qd8+).
35.Kg3 Ra3 36.Qd4 Ra2 37.Kf4
The white king heads for the weakened dark squares around its black counterpart, to create mating
threats. Maybe even better is 37.h4! h5 38.Kf4.
37...Rxg2 38.Ke5 f4
38...Rg3 39.Qc3 Rxh3 40.Qxa5 Rxf3 41.Qc5+–.
39.h4! Kg7 40.Kxf4+ Kg6
71
41.Qe5! Rh2 42.Qxa5
42.Kg3 Rh3+, is useless.
42...Rxh4+ 43.Kg3 Rc4 44.f4
White has created a passed pawn and the win is now in sight.
44...h5?!
Making White’s win easier. Anyway, Black cannot continue with 44...Bd7 45.Qd5! Rc3+ 46.Kf2
Bxa4? 47.Qe4+.
45.Qg5+ Kh7 46.Qxh5+ Kg7 47.Qe5+ Kg6 48.Qg5+ Kh7 49.f5 Rc3+ 50.Kf2
50...Bb3 51.f6+–.
1–0
EXERCISE 16
Harikrishna Pentala
Ivanisevic Ivan
E90 Kallithea 2008
48...Qd7
72
EVALUATION
I have rook, bishop & pawn for my opponent’s queen, but I feel that I have the advantage. Black is
passive, as his queen has to block my strong passed d-pawn, which is well protected by my both pieces.
My only problem is my nude king, so a perpetual check is looming.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Obviously something has to be changed I can hope for something better than a draw. I will have to
create weaknesses and targets in Black’s camp and for this good looks the advance 49.a4. After
49...Kf8 50.Be1 (50.a5 bxa5 [50...Kf7 51.a6±] 51.Rxc5 Qg4=) 50...Ke8 51.a5 Kd8 (51...bxa5
52.Bxa5±) 52.Bh4+ Ke8 53.a6, when I feel that I am standing clearly better.
PLAN B
My king’s position is not ideal, as he is a subject of perpetual check on the d1-h5 diagonal. I should try
to improve him and re-shuffle my pieces in general. So, I can opt for 49.Bh4 Kf7 50.Kg3 Kg6 51.Be7.
Although I do not see something concrete, I feel that I have improved.
PLAN C
I do not really feel that I have any advantage, but at least I can try to ‘fish’ around. I can go for 49.Bf4
Qg4 50.Bg3 Qd7 and now 51.Rd3 Qf5 52.Rf3, when Black has to find concrete and good moves.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
73
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 16
Plan A is the best, when White stands clearly better.

Plan B is not much.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 30 30
49.Bf4
In the next moves White tried to fish something(!) and he succeeded. A sensible plan is to place the
white a-pawn to a6: 49.a4 Kf8 50.Be1! (50.a5 bxa5! [50...Kf7 51.a6±] 51.Rxc5 Qg4!=) 50...Ke8 51.a5
Kd8 (51...bxa5 52.Bxa5±) 52.Bh4+ Ke8 53.a6!±.
49.Bf4
49...Qg4 50.Bg3 Qd7 51.Rd3 Qf5 52.Rf3 Qg4 53.Rf4 Qd1?

53...Qe6!, was fine.
74
54.Rh4?
After 54.Rf5!, Black is lost: 54...Qd4 (54...Qg4 55.d7 Qxf5 56.d8=Q++–) 55.Rd5 Qxc4 56.Rd2! Qc1
57.Bf4 Qe1 58.g3+–.
54...Kh7 55.Bf4 h5 56.Bg3 Kg6 57.Re4
57...Kf5
57...Qd3!, was fine, as after 58.Re7 h4 59.Be5 h3!, the white king gets naked and perpetual check is
looming...
58.Rf4+ Kg5 59.a4 Kg6 60.Re4 Kf5 61.Rh4 Kg5 62.Rh3 Kf5 63.Rh4 Kg5 64.Rf4 Kg6 65.Re4 Kf5
66.Re5+ Kg4 67.Re7
75
67...Qd3?
The text move is losing. Black had to sac the h-pawn with 67...h4! 68.Re4+ Kf5 69.Rxh4 Qd3 70.Rh7
Kg6 71.Rxa7 Qd2, with perpetual check through the open h-file (...Qc1-h6).
68.Be5?!
Not so difficult was 68.Rg7+ Kf5 69.d7 Ke6 70.Bc7+–, but fortunately White still wins.
68...Kf5 69.d7 Qxc4
70.Bg3! Qd3 71.Bc7 Qc4 72.d8=Q 1–0
EXERCISE 17
Portisch Lajos
Seirawan Yasser
D28 Dubai 1986
46...Rd2
76
EVALUATION
It seems that I have material advantage, but one of my pawns (b2 or f2) will be lost. The black pieces
are well-placed and active, preserving the equilibrium.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I think that I can try to win, so I should preserve my b-pawn. But there is no need to be in hurry, but
instead to improve my king as well. I can go for 47.b3 Bd4 48.Ke4, when I feel that my chances are
better.
PLAN B
I do not think that I can preserve any advantage, so I should keep my kingside pawn structure safe. I
would clearly prefer 47.Ke3 Rxb2 48.Qc4, where I do not think that any side can improve.
PLAN C
The queen is a strong piece and I should try to benefit from, preserving my passed pawn. I will opt for
47.b4 and after 47...Bd4 48.Qd7 Rxf2+ 49.Ke4, I feel that my chances should be better, although the
position is far from easy...
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
77
SOLUTION 17
Plan A is losing: 48...f5! 49.Kf4 Rxf2+ 50.Kg5 Bf6#.

Plan B is the most objective, with a draw.
Plan C although not losing, it can be dangerous only for White — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 50 35
47.b4
I would clearly prefer 47.Ke3 Rxb2 48.Qc4, where I do not think that any side can improve. Black
didn’t want to be ‘passive’ or he even thought that he can be better, so he chose to preserve his b-pawn
and not the f.
47.b4
47...Bd4 48.Qd7 Rxf2+ 49.Ke4 e5!

Now the black pieces are perfectly cooperating and attack the white pawns, while the b-pawn will never
pass the 6th rank; b6 is controlled by both black pieces.
50.h3 Re2+ 51.Kf3 Rf2+ 52.Ke4 Re2+ 53.Kf3 Re1 54.Kg2 Rg1+ 55.Kf3 Rf1+ 56.Ke4
56.Kg2 Rf2+ 57.Kh1 Rf1+=.
78
56...Re1+ 57.Kf3 Re3+ 58.Kg2 Rd3 59.Qc6 Rd2+ 60.Kf1 Rf2+ 61.Ke1
61...Rf6!
Another white pawn is lost now.
62.Qd5
62.Qg2 Bc3+ 63.Ke2 Bxb4µ.
62...Bf2+ 63.Ke2 Bxg3 64.b5
White’s only chance is his b-pawn.
64...Rf2+ 65.Kd1 Rf1+ 66.Kc2 Rf6 67.Kd2 h4 68.Qc5 Rf2+ 69.Kd1 Rf1+ 70.Kd2 Rf2+ 71.Kd1 Rf1+
72.Kd2 Bf4+ 73.Ke2 Rb1 74.b6 Rb2+ 75.Kd1?!
Passivity cannot be advisable. White had to opt for 75.Kd3 g5 76.Qc6 g4 77.hxg4 h3 78.b7 Rb1
79.Ke4! h2 80.Kf5 and he will draw by perpetual check.
75...g5 76.Qc7 g4!
79
77.Qc8
Sooner or later White will have to go for 77.b7 g3 78.Qc8 g2 79.Qg4+ Kf8 80.b8=Q+ Rxb8 81.Qxg2
Rd8+µ.
77...g3 78.Qg4+?
This loses; White had to opt for the variation above.
78...Kf6 79.Qxh4+ Kg6 80.Qg4+ Kf6 81.Qh4+ Ke6! 82.Qg4+ Kd6 83.b7 Rxb7 84.Kc2 Rb6!
Going for g6!
85.h4 Ke7 86.h5 Rd6 87.Kc3 Rd2 88.Qh4+ Ke8
80
89.Qg4
Or 89.h6 Rh2 90.Qg4 Ke7–+.
89...g2 90.Qg8+ Ke7 91.Qg7 e4! 92.Kc4 Bh2 93.Qg5+ Ke6 94.Qh6+ Kf5 95.Qh7+ Kg5 96.Qg7+
Kh4 97.Qf6+ Kg4 98.Qg7+ Kh3 0–1
EXERCISE 18
Kramnik Vladimir
Anand Viswanathan
A30 Las Palmas 1996
30.Rd3
EVALUATION
The powerful d6-pawn cannot be stopped and it seems that I am in grave trouble. Unfortunately my
queen here is not an asset, compared to the white rook, bishop and passed d-pawn. But I have to find
the most stubborn defence; the one that will create various problems to my opponent.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
It is obvious that my queen will be lost, but I should win as much material as possible and this can be
done by 30...Qxa2 31.Bf5 Qa5 32.d7 Qd8 33.Rc3 Kf8 34.Rc8 Ke7 35.Rxd8 Kxd8 36.Kf1 g6 37.Bg4
f5 38.Be2 a6, when with my two queenside pawns I would have good chances to get the draw.
PLAN B
As the passed d-pawn cannot be stopped, I should try to get a perpetual check. For this I will have to go
81
after the white king: 30...Qe4 31.Bxb5 Qe1+ 32.Kg2 Qe4+ 33.Kg1 Qe1+ 34.Kg2 Qe4+, when I will
get the half point.
PLAN C
My king should assist the efforts of his queen — cooperation is the secret! So, good seems to be
30...Kf8 31.Bf5 Ke8. Unfortunately here White can play 32.h3 (32.d7+? Kd8µ) 32...g6 33.Bc8 Qxa2
34.d7+ Kd8 35.Re3 Kc7 36.Re8 Qd5 37.d8=Q+ Qxd8 38.Rxd8 Kxd8 39.Ba6 b4 40.Kf1, having
excellent winning chances, but I can still fight with my two queenside pawns.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 18
Plan A is losing quickly after 33.Be4! b4 34.Bc6 Kf8 35.Re3.

Plan B is not satisfactory, as White can avoid the perpetual check — see the game.
Plan C is best. Although it seems that White will prevail, it is not simple at all.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
30...Qe4?
Alternatives are not that better: 30...Qxa2? 31.Bf5 Qa5 32.d7 Qd8 33.Be4! (33.Rc3 Kf8 34.Rc8 Ke7
35.Rxd8 Kxd8 36.Kf1+–) 33...b4 34.Bc6 Kf8 35.Re3+–;
30...Kf8! 31.Bf5 Ke8 32.h3! (32.d7+? Kd8µ) 32...g6 33.Bc8 Qxa2 34.d7+ Kd8 35.Re3 Kc7 36.Re8
Qd5 37.d8=Q+ Qxd8 38.Rxd8 Kxd8 39.Ba6 b4 40.Kf1+–.
30...Qe4?
82
31.Bxb5 Qe1+ 32.Kg2 Qe4+ 33.Kg1 Qe1+ 34.Kg2 Qe4+ 35.Kf1! Qh1+ 36.Ke2 Qe4+ 37.Kf1 Qh1+
38.Ke2 Qe4+
39.Kd1! Qg4+
Or 39...Qh1+ 40.Kc2 Qa1 41.d7 Qxa2+ 42.Kd1 Qb1+ 43.Ke2+–.
40.f3 Qh3
No salvation either with 40...Qb4 41.d7 Qb1+ 42.Ke2 Qxa2+ 43.Rd2 Qe6+ 44.Kf1 Qh3+ 45.Kg1+–.
41.d7
Black resigned, as the pawn queens: 41...Qf1+ 42.Kc2 Qe2+ 43.Rd2+–.
83
1–0
84
Show in Text Mode
QUEEN VS ROOK & KNIGHT

The queen vs rook & knight is another very common ending in practice. It appears from a lot of cases
but mainly when the defender needs to ‘lose’ some material in order to seek salvation, as exactly in the
previous Chapter.
The pawnless ending is rather simple for the defender and it is mainly drawish, except from some rare
cases where the pieces cannot coordinate properly and their king is edged and in danger.
When adding pawns, things become hard for the pieces, as the ‘queen’ side can prevail, in cooperation
with his king of course!
If the ‘pieces’ side’s pawns are passed and well advanced, things can become dangerous; precise
calculation is in need.
Quite common are positions with even and symmetrical pawns. Here the queen feels at home and
creates threats with her pawns on both sides of the board. Then the king assists usually; although not
necessary.
SOS Tip 1 — Queen Assets
1. Centralisation.
2. Weak targets.
3. King’s activity.
4. Breakthrough.
In general the ‘pieces’ side is doomed to passivity and long, tiring and blunderfull (most of the times)
defence...
An important technique to remember is the stalemate! It can save the half-point or hand the entire! Both
sides have to carefully look for it.
When the ‘pieces’ side has no weaknesses, strong outposts for the pieces and ‘healthy’ king, usually
succeeds to gain the half-point, without much trouble.
Of course, trying for the best in drawish positions cannot harm the ‘queen’ side. One should have plan
and vision and take advantage of every small slip or time trouble.
Of course the ‘pieces’ side is not always condemned to defend and fight for only the half-point. There
are many cases where the ‘pieces’ are in the driver’s seat and cashing points as well.
SOS Tip 2 — Rook & Knight Assets
1. Positional superiority.
2. Passed pawn (if any).
85
3. Common target(s).
4. Activity.
5. Strong outposts.
Still, nobody can underestimate the queen’s strength and her enormous possibilities, but it seems (by
statistics) that rook & knight cooperate better than rook & bishop.
EXERCISE 19
Topalov Veselin
Anand Viswanathan
D56 Sofia 2010
47.Kxg2
EVALUATION
Of course I am in the top, as my material advantage is huge and I have easy targets to attack in the
queenside. There are still some tricks to overcome, but this only requires a bit of precise play.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I do not feel that I should be in hurry; a good general endgame tip, so I should prepare my queenside
assault by 47...c4. If White goes for 48.Rf7+, then the pawn ending is won after 48...Kg6 49.Rg7+
Kxf5 50.Rxg4 hxg4.
PLAN B
My queen should directly attack the white queenside and this is best done by 47...Qe2+ 48.Kh3 c4. My
opponent has no counterplay and no tricks left to make me worry.
PLAN C
86
Capturing pawns at once is a straightford way to capitalise on my advantage. So, I will opt for
47...Qe4+ 48.Kf2 Qc2+ 49.Kf3 Qxb2. My opponent would have some activity after 50.Kf4, but this
should be enough after 50...Kg6 51.Rg8+ Kf6 52.Rf8+ Ke6 53.Re8+ Kd5 54.a4 Qf2+.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 19
Plan A is throwing the win away; the ending is drawn after 51.Kf2 Ke4 52.Ke2 a6 53.a3 a5 54.a4.
Plan C is similar to Plan B.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 50 50
47...Qe2+ 48.Kh3
87
48...c4!
Precise as an analysis engine!
49.a4 a5 50.Rf6 Kg8!
Creating an unpleasant zugzwang!
51.Nh6+ Kg7 52.Rb6 Qe4
52...Qf3, would win as well: 53.Kh4 Qe4+! 54.Kxh5 Qd5+–+.
53.Kh2 Kh7!
Zugzwang again!
54.Rd6 Qe5 55.Nf7 Qxb2+ 56.Kh3
88
56...Qg7!
And White resigned: 57.Nd8 Qg4+ 58.Kh2 h4–+.
0–1
EXERCISE 20
Karpov Anatoly
Lautier Joel
D20 Monte Carlo 1996
33...fxg4
89
EVALUATION
It seems that my opponent, having a queen for rook, knight and pawn, should be in the driver’s seat.
But this is an illusion, as my pieces have great outposts and no weaknesses or negative targets to think
about. On the contrary, the black pawn structure is weak and headache for its possessor.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I should try to activate my b1-rook, but this cannot be done immediately, as my queenside pawns will
fall. So, I should start by 34.a4 Qc2 35.Kg2 Rc8 36.Rh1 Qxb2 37.Nd5, when I should have the
initiative.
PLAN B
I should directly attack the weak black pawns, starting by 34.Rf6. After 34...b5 35.a3, the b5-pawn
would be rather weak, giving me the upper hand.
PLAN C
First of all I should consolidate and liberate my f4-rook. This can be done by 34.Kg2. Black has a lot of
replies, but all seem to be good for me: 34...b5 35.Rxg4 Rf8 36.Ne4 Qc2 37.Rh1, or 34...h5 35.Rf5
Kg7 36.Rxh5 Rf8 37.Ne4, or, finally, 34...Rg8 35.a4 Qc2 36.Rf6. In all cases I should have the upper
hand, although Black should be able to defend.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
90
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 20
Plan A is OK, but Black can escape — see the game.

Plan B is not good, as Black can opt for 34...Kg8 35.Kg2 Rf8!µ.
Plan C looks like the most interesting, when White can try without much risk to lose.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
40 10 50
34.a4 Qc2 35.Kg2 Rc8 36.Rh1 Qxb2 37.Nd5 Rc1!

Exchanging one pair of rooks is good for Black, as it stops White’s initiative.
38.Rxc1
38.Rh4?! Qa1!, can be dangerous for White.
38...Qxc1 39.Ne3
White has good piece cooperation and strong outposts protecting all his pawns. As Black cannot
improve, the position is drawn.
91
39...Qc6+ 40.Kh2 h5 41.Rf5 Qg6 42.a5
No harm to exchange pawns.
42...bxa5 43.Rxa5 Kh7 44.Ng2
The knight is heading for h4 and the rook will be placed on f4; two strong outposts.
44...Kg8 45.Nh4 Qb6 46.Rg5+ Kf7 47.Rf5+ Kg7 48.Kg1 Kh6 49.Rf7 Qe6 50.Rf4 Qe1+ 51.Kh2
Qd2 52.Rf6+ Kg7 53.Rf5 Kh6 54.Ng2 Kg6 55.Rf8 Kg7 56.Rf4 Kh6 57.Nh4 Kg7
½-½
EXERCISE 21
Movsesian Sergei
43.Qc6
EVALUATION
I should feel safe here, as the material advantage of queen vs rook & knight cannot be dangerous in this
position. As the pawn structures are limited to one side, without any weaknesses, the queen cannot
benefit from her power, as long as Black does not commit any serious mistake. I have only to find the
ideal set-up for my pieces.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I need to stop White’s pawn activity, which can create some (small) problems. Good seems to be
92
43...h6 and after 44.g4 Re8 45.Kg2 Re6 46.Qc8+ Re8 47.Qf5 Re6, there seems to be nothing that
White can do to harm me.
PLAN B
I think that the ideal set-up is achieved by re-shuffling my knight to e6. So, I can opt for 43...Nh5 44.g4
(otherwise I can go for ...g6 and ...Ng7-e6) 44...Nf4 45.h4 Ne6, where I can feel safe.
PLAN C
As White is planning to go for g4 and f4/h4, it would be sound to exchange as many pawns as I can.
For this good is 43...h5 and after 44.Kg2, I can activate my rook by 44...Re8 45.Kf3 Re6, getting an
easy position.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 21
Plan A is fine and will draw.

Plan B is perfectly good.
Plan C is fine as well — see the game.
All three plans are equally good, proving that Black’s position is absolutely safe and that White can do
nothing to harass Black.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 50
43...h5 44.Kg2 Re8 45.Kf3 Re6 46.Qc8+ Re8 47.Qf5 Re6 48.Kg2 g6 49.Qb5 Kg7 50.f3 Nh7 51.g4
hxg4 52.hxg4
93
52...g5!
Avoiding any nasty surprises with f4.
½-½
EXERCISE 22
Kramnik Vladimir
Ding Liren
A26 Berlin 2018
31...Qe6
94
EVALUATION
It seems that I am not in real danger here, despite my material deficit. Black’s weaknesses, in
conjunction with the b5-passer and my harmoniously placed pieces should make enough compensation.
Maybe I can even press my opponent, but a queen cannot be underestimated.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
As my b3-pawn is under attack and Black might even threat ...f4, I should take measures against these
‘ideas’. A good way to go is by 32.Rc3, which stops both of Black’s threats. After 32...h5 33.h4, I can
try to get my knight on the f4-outpost and then to attack Black’s weak pawns, having good chances to
prevail.
PLAN B
I think that I can do my job by the active 32.Rc4, planning Ne3 and then b4, creating two passed pawns
on the queenside.
PLAN C
I do not feel that I have any winning chances here, as the queen is quite a strong piece. I should
concentrate on a drawing set-up, which is best built by 32.Ne3 Qxb3 33.Rc4 h5 34.h4 Kh7 35.Kg2 f6
36.Rd4. Black cannot improve here.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
95
SOLUTION 22
Plan A is the best — only White can have winning chances.

Plan B is not that good, as Black can opt for 32...h5 33.h4 f4!, breaking White’s kingside pawn
structure.
Plan C is OK, but nothing more — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 25 35
32.Ne3 Qxb3 33.Rc4 h5 34.h4 Kh7 35.Kg2 f6 36.Rd4 Kg6 37.Rc4 Kf7 38.Kh2 Kg6 39.Kg1 Qb1+
40.Kg2 Qb3 41.Rd4 Kf7
42.Rd5
Clearing the house!
42...Qxa4 43.Rxf5 Kg6 44.b6! Qb3
44...Qb4 45.Rxf6+! Kg7 46.Rc6=.
45.Rxa5 Qxb6
96
46.Rd5
The position is a dead draw already, but Black continued to try...
46...Qb2 47.Rf5 Qa2 48.Rc5 Qe2 49.Rc4 Qa2 50.Rb4 Qa5 51.Rb8 Qa2 52.Rd8 Qa5 53.Rd5 Qa2
54.Rf5 Qe6 55.Rd5
55.Kg1 Qxf5 56.Nxf5 Kxf5 57.Kf1, is still a draw.
55...Qa6
56.g4!?
V.Kramnik could ‘wait’ with the known 56.Rf5, but he went for more ‘clear’ stuff, as he knew how to
reach theoretically drawn positions. This is the kind of endings he learned when he was extremely
97
young...
56...hxg4 57.h5+ Kf7 58.Rd7+ Ke6 59.Rg7 Qe2 60.h6 Qf3+ 61.Kg1 g3
61...f5 62.h7 Qh3 63.Ng2 Kf6 64.Rb7=.
62.Rxg3 Qh5 63.Rg7!
A tactical shot which preserves the important h-pawn.
63...f5
Even the ‘blunder’ with 63...Qxh6 64.Re7+ Kxe7 65.Nf5+ Ke6 66.Nxh6 f5, is still drawn, as per the
tablebases!
64.h7 f4 65.Ng4 Qh3
65...Kf5 66.Kg2 and Black can’t improve.
66.Rg6+! Kf5 67.Rg7 Ke6
67...e3 68.fxe3 fxe3 69.h8=Q Qxh8 70.Nxe3+=.
68.Rg6+ Kf5
69.Nh6+!
69.Rg7=.
69...Kxg6 70.h8=Q Qxh6 71.Qe8+ Kf5 72.Qb5+ Kg4 73.Qe2+ Kf5 74.Qb5+
½-½
EXERCISE 23
98
Malakhov Vladimir
D45 Moscow 2013
32...Rf7
EVALUATION
My material advantage should tell here, as Black barely has any threats, while his kingside pawn
structure is weak and can be attacked by my pawn advance. I should prevail without too many
problems.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Before I go on with my pawn advance, I should think of centralisation, which can make a queen
powerful. So, here good seems to be 33.Qe5 Rd7 34.g4 fxg4 35.hxg4, followed by a timed f4-f5. My
king will also advance (Kg2-g3-h4), making it hard for Black to defend.
PLAN B
Centralisation by checks is the best, so I can opt for 33.Qd8+ Kg7 34.Qd4+ Kg8 35.g4 fxg4 36.hxg4
and I am in the right track — f4-f5 and Kg2-g3 will follow.
PLAN C
I think that I should create weaknesses in the black kingside pawn structure and this is best done by
33.h4 Ne8 34.Qd8 Kf8 35.h5, when my threats (hxg6 or h6) are strong.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
99
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 23
Plan A is probably the best.

Plan B is not that good, as Black controls square f4 after 36...Ne6!.
Plan C is fine as well — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 25 45
33.h4 Ne8 34.Qd8 Kf8 35.h5!
35...gxh5
This weakens the pawn structure, but the alternative 35...Re7, is hardly satisfactory: 36.h6 Kf7
37.Qd5+ Kf8 38.f3 Nf6 39.Qc4 Ke8 40.b4 Kf8 41.Kh2 and the white king will land on g5.
36.Kh2
The white king gets ready to attack the black pawns!
36...Re7 37.Kh3?!
100
37.Qd5 Rf7 38.Kh3 Kg7 39.Qe6+–, is accurate here.
37...Kf7 38.Qd5+?!
38.Kh4 Ng7 39.Qb6 Rd7 40.Kg5+–, is again best — White have made already some inaccuracies...
38...Kg6 39.Qg8+ Ng7 40.f3 Rf7 41.b4 Re7 42.Qd8
42...b5?
A blunder in time trouble. Black had to opt for 42...Kf7 and ask White to prove his material advantage:
43.Qb6 Ne6 44.Qd6 Ng7 45.b5 axb5 46.g3 Ne8 47.Qb6 Kg7 48.Kh4+–.
43.Qxe7
1–0
EXERCISE 24
Topalov Veselin
Anand Viswanathan
C80 Dos Hermanas 1996
23...c5
101
EVALUATION
My opponent has sacrificed his queen for rook & knight. His point is to build a drawing endgame
fortress, regardless my (immobile) extra pawn on the kingside. Well, although it seems to be not easy at
all, I should try to do something — I can safely play for two results. I think that the only hope is to
press through g4 and f5 to drive the gigantic knight away, but it looks very difficult — especially if
Black posts his rook on d4.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
As the black rook is about to land on d4, making difficult my f4-f5 plan, I should exchange the b-pawns
by 24.b4 cxb4 25.Qxb4. After 25...h5 26.Ke2, I will control d4-square with my king and queen, trying
for the basic f4-f5 advance.
PLAN B
There is no need for any exchange by now and it is better to keep all my options open. So, I will opt for
24.Kg2 Rd4 25.Qe2 Rb4 26.Qd2 Kg7 27.Qc3, when I can speculate with both ideas of f4-f5 and
penetration of my king on the queenside.
PLAN C
I feel that I should try to weaken Black’s kingside pawn structure and this can be done by a well timed
f4-f5 advance. After 24.h4 h5 25.f4 Rd4 26.Qb3 Rb4 27.Qc2, I am ready for the thematic f5 break.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
102
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 24
Plan A is probably the best, although it is quite difficult for White to prevail.
Plan B is offering nothing to White.
Plan C is parried by the logical 27...Ng7! — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 25 25
24.h4
Alternatives played here are:
a) 24.b4 cxb4 25.Qxb4 h5 26.Qe7 (26.Ke2!) 26...Rb8 27.Kg2 Rd8 28.Qf6 Rd2 29.Kf1 Ra2 30.h3 Ra3
31.Kg2 Ra2 32.Kf3 Ra3+ 33.Ke4 Ra4+ 34.Ke3 Ra3+ 35.Kd2 Rb3 36.Kc1 Rc3+ 37.Kd2 ½-½
Wedberg,T-Ernst,T Stockholm 2001.
b) 24.Kg2 Rd4 25.Qe2 Rb4 26.Qd2 Kg7 27.Qc3 Rd4 28.h4 h5 29.Kh3 Rb4 30.f4 Rb8 31.b3 Rb5
32.Qc4 Rb4 33.Qc2 Rb5 34.Qc4 Rb4 35.Qc3 Rb5 36.Kg2 Kg8 37.Qd3 Rb4 38.f5 gxf5 39.Qxf5 Rxb3
40.Qxh5 Rb4 41.Kh3 Rd4 42.Qf5 c4 43.h5 c3 44.h6 Rd7 45.h7+ Kh8 46.Qf6+ Kxh7 47.Qh4+ Kg7
48.Qg4+ Kh8 49.Qh4+ ½-½ Vuckovic,B-Todorovic,G Subotica 2008.
c) 24.Ke1 Rd4 25.Qb3 Kg7 26.Qc3 Kg8 27.h3 Kg7 28.Ke2 Kg8 29.Ke3 Rb4 30.Qc2 Kg7 31.f4 h5
32.h4= Mosadeghpour,M-Hosseinzadeh,N Hamedan 2018.
24.h4 h5
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25.b4
After this exchange White has no one chance to press. Probably better was to preserve the b-pawn and
to try to speculate with both ideas of f4-f5 and penetration of the white king on the queenside. But the
position after 25.f4 Rd4 26.Qb3 Rb4 27.Qc2 Ng7! 28.Qxc5 Rxb2, is drawn, as Black has built a
fortress.
25...cxb4 26.Qxb4 Kg7 27.Kg2 Kg8 28.Qc3 Ra8 29.Qf3 Rb8 30.Qe3
½-½
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Show in Text Mode
QUEEN VS ROOK(S)
The ending of queen vs rook(s) looks like an easy one, but there are many details to be studied and
applied.
The queen wins but the main opponent is the 50-move rule and the restricted time to think that both
opponents have in their disposal, as in these late phases of the game they have usually consumed most
of it and they live on the (usual) 30-seconds/per move increment time.
SOS Tip 1 — Rook’s Defences
1. Close defences.
2. Distant defences.
3. Cut-off defences.
4. Harassment defences.
5. Third rank defences.
And how does the queen win this ending?

SOS Tip 2 — Queen’s Success
1. By giving mate.
2. By forking the rook.
3. By creating a zugzwang position.
And finally, how does the rook draw this ending?

SOS Tip 3 — Rook’s Success
1. By stalemate tricks.
2. By skewer or pin of the queen.
3. By the 50-move rule.
4. By confusing the opponent.
5. By superior knowledge.
When the side with the rook has an extra pawn, then things may turn out differently, provided of course
that the ‘rook’ king and rook are close to the pawn and the opponent ‘queen’ king cannot attack from
behind. The basic (but not absolute in some cases) rules are:
SOS Tip 4 — Extra Pawn 1
1. With a central (c/f- and d/e) pawn: Draw on 2nd, 6th and 7th, otherwise win.
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2. With a knight pawn (b/g): Nearly always draw (beware of the 5th rank).
3. With a rook pawn (a/h): Draw on 3rd and 7th, otherwise win.
4. The further the pawn is advanced the greater are the chances for a draw. Almost all positions with
the pawn on the 5th rank are won. However if the pawn has reached 6th or 7th rank, a draw is quite
probable.
In general for better defence the following should be kept in mind:

SOS Tip 5 — Extra Pawn 2
1. The rook should have two safe squares, as otherwise it might have to move away from its king
and thereby lost.
2. The ‘rook’ king should be on the short side of the board (either ranks or files).
3. The ‘queen’ king shouldn’t be allowed to cross the rank of the pawn and attack from behind.
4. Pawns on the 6th rank can create more interesting positions! The rook pawn loses when on 7th
rank, but draws when on 6th!
5. An important technique of exploiting an advantage can be a queen sacrifice that results in a
winning pawn endgame.
6. The ‘rook’ side should keep his king in front of the opponent’s pawn; this can often (but by no
means always!) neutralise the threat of the queen sacrifice.
7. With the offending king on the 7th rank, the defender’s position is most often lost.
In general, a queen and one pawn equal two rooks. This is of course the simplistic way to be examined,
as its misunderstanding will eventually guide us to nearly always prefer the two rooks.
Thus, in a situation with an equal number of pawns and no particular structural weaknesses for either
side, the side with the rooks usually has the upper hand.
In general, it is not an easy job to say when the two rooks are better than a queen; it all depends on the
strategical factors of each exact position. The two rooks might offer a serious advantage and high
chances of getting the full point, if they meet their positive assets.
SOS Tip 6 — Queen’s Domination
1. The queen should avoid passive positions or if this is not possible, then should avoid such kind of
ending at all! The queen has the upper hand when the rooks are disconnected or doomed to
passivity because of the need to stop an opponent’s passed pawns or to defend their own pawns.
2. The side with the queen will be stronger when the player with the two rooks has a lot of weak
pawns and/or squares. Yet, the balance in a queen versus two rooks’ situation depends a lot on the
position.
3. Thus, a rule of thumb is to prefer the queen when it has a lot of weak squares and pawns to
attack. Remember that things are not always that bleak for the queen! Such a strong piece must have
its glorious moments as well.
4. The further the pawn is advanced the greater are the chances for a draw. For instance, the queen
side wins in all cases when his king blocks the pawn that has not crossed the middle line. Almost all
positions with the pawn on the 5th rank are won. However if the pawn has reached 6th or 7th rank,
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a draw is quite probable.
Rooks are powerful when act together. A standard method is doubling the rooks to gain, or at least stop,
an enemy’s pawn. Rooks can also create mating threats, particularly when the opponent’s king is cut
off at an edge. The most important factors that usually are in favour of the rooks are:
SOS Tip 7 — Rooks’ Domination
1. The rooks have full control of the position.

2. The king is safe.
3. The rooks support a passed pawn.
4. There are fixed pawn structures.
5. The rooks have safe anchor squares.
6. The queen has no real targets.
7. The queen must passively protect weak pawns.
EXERCISE 25
Anand Viswanathan
Ragger Markus
E61 Solingen 2014
57.Kd7
EVALUATION
My position is a theoretical draw, but my memory betrays me on the exact way; baring the heavy time
trouble I am facing. Here I need to be concrete.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
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I need to preserve my rook on the f-file and for this best seems to be 57...Rf1 58.Qd6 Kg7 59.Qd3 Rf6
60.Qd4 Kg6 61.Qg4+ Kh7, when I should be able to draw without difficulty.
PLAN B
My thoughts are similar to Plan A, but I feel that the rook shouldn’t be placed too far away from its
king, as it might be lost. So, I will opt for 57...Rf5 58.Qd6 Rg5 59.Qf4 Kg6, when I should be able to
draw as well.
PLAN C
I think that preserving the rook on the f-file is a lost case. I should go for 57...Rg6, which is the right
drawing method and if the white queen leaves f8, with let’s say 58.Qe7, I am achieving the drawn
position with 58...Kg7.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 25
Plan A is losing after 62.Ke7.

Plan B is similar to Plan A - see the game.
Plan C is the correct defence.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
57...Rf5?
Loses! 57...Rg6!, was the drawing method and if the white queen leaves f8, with lets say 58.Qe7, Black
achieves the drawn position with 58...Kg7.
57...Rf5? 58.Qd6! Rg5
58...Kg7 59.Ke8 Rg5 60.Qf8++–.
59.Qf4 Kg6
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60.Ke7!
Now the white king can operate from behind.
60...Rf5 61.Qg4+ Rg5 62.Qe4+ Rf5 63.Qd3 Kg5 64.Qg3+ Kh5 65.Ke8 Kh6 66.Qg4 Rf6 67.Kf8 1–0
EXERCISE 26
Chiburdanidze Maia
Donaldson Akhmilovskaya Elena
D04 Tallinn 1977
43.Kf3
109
EVALUATION
My position is difficult, maybe simply lost, but I should try my best to make it as hard as possible for
my opponent.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My main aim should be to exchange pawns, staying with rook & (right) pawn vs queen. So, I should try
43...g5 44.fxg5 Rxg5 45.h3 Kh7 46.Ke4 Rd5 47.Qb8 Kg7 48.Qb2+ Kh7, when it is not easy for
White to find easy ways.
PLAN B
I will have to wait for White’s hand and I will do it by not exposing my rook to any double attack or to
any transposition to a won pawn ending, so I will try to hide my rook in the last rank by 43...Rc8.
Probably White will penetrate with his king but there is not much to do as my f7-square can be
defended by both my pieces.
PLAN C
I will have to stay put, preserving my rook on the 5th rank, as in this way the white king is deprived
from penetrating in my camp. So, I will go for 43...Rf5 44.Qb6 Rd5, when my opponent should try
45.h3 Rf5 46.Ke4 Rd5 47.g4 hxg4 48.hxg4 Kg8 49.Qc7 Kg7 50.Qc6 Kf8 and the fight is going on.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
110
SOLUTION 26
Plan A is an interesting and ‘best’ try, but not enough — see the game.
Plan B is probably the worst defence.
Plan C is of course losing but the technical way is instructive.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 20 30
43...g5
Black decides to become active. Alternatively, 43...Rf5 44.Qb6 Rd5 45.h3 Rf5 46.Ke4 Rd5 47.g4 hxg4
48.hxg4 Kg8 49.Qc7 Kg7 50.Qc6 Kf8 (50...Rd1 51.Qc3+ Kg8 52.Ke5 Kg7 53.f5! exf5 54.gxf5 Rf1
55.fxg6 fxg6 56.Ke6+, with a theoretical win) 51.Qa8+ Kg7 52.Qxd5! exd5+ 53.Kxd5 Kf8 54.Kd6
Ke8 55.f5 g5 56.Kc7 Ke7 57.Kc8! Kd6 58.Kd8, is also a win for White.
43...g5
44.fxg5 Rxg5 45.h3 Kh7 46.Ke4 Rd5 47.Qb8 Kg7 48.Qb2+ Kh7
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49.Qb1
At first, 49.Qf6 Rf5 50.Qxf5+ exf5+ 51.Kxf5, seem to lead to a won pawn ending. On closer
inspection though, Black can save himself with 51...h4! 52.g4 Kg7 53.Kg5 f6+ 54.Kxh4 Kg6 55.Kg3
f5!. It must also be mentioned that White can continue with 49.g4 hxg4 50.hxg4 Rg5 51.Kf4 Rg6
(51...Kg6 52.Qh8 e5+ 53.Kf3 e4+ 54.Kf4 Rc5 55.Qg8+ Kf6 56.g5+ Ke7 57.g6 fxg6 58.Qxg6)
52.Qe5! Kg8 53.g5 and the white king is free to penetrate Black’s position.
49...Kg7 50.Qa1+ Kg6 51.Qh8 Rg5 52.Qg8+ Kf6 53.Qd8+ Kg6
54.Qf8!
Preventing 54...Rxg3? 55.Qg8+, or 54...Kf6 55.Qh6+ Rg6 56.Qxh5.
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54...Rf5 55.g4 hxg4 56.hxg4 Rd5 57.Qg8+ Kf6 58.Qh8+ Kg6 59.Kf4 Rc5 60.Qg8+ Kf6 61.g5+ Ke7
62.g6 Rf5+ 63.Ke4 fxg6 64.Qxg6
And White has obtained a won queen vs rook & pawn ending. The technical part of the game is
particularly instructive for this type of ending:
64...Kd6 65.Qg7 Rb5 66.Qg3+ Kd7 67.Qa3 Rd5 68.Qb4 Rf5 69.Qb7+ Kd8 70.Qb8+ Kd7 71.Kd4
Rd5+ 72.Kc4 Ke7 73.Qg8 Rf5 74.Qg6 Kd7 75.Qg3 Rd5 76.Qg7+ Ke8 77.Qf6 Kd7 78.Qf7+ Kd6
79.Qe8 Rc5+ 80.Kb4 Rd5 81.Qd8+ Ke5 82.Qe7 Kf5 83.Kc3 Ke5 84.Qf8 Rd7 85.Qh8+ Kf5 86.Kc4
Rd5 87.Qg7
1–0
EXERCISE 27
Sasikiran Krishnan
Hou Yifan
E05 Caleta 2012
47.Rf6
EVALUATION
I am under pressure, as the white rooks are active and have targets (f7 and a6), while my counterplay
looks slim. Nevertheless, I will have to find a proper plan to stay in the game as long as it is possible.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I should try to get an uneven position where I can show counterplay and I think that this is best done by
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47...Kg8 (so the capture on f7 wouldn’t be with check) 48.Kg2 Qe4 49.Rxf7 Qxb4 50.R3f4 Qc5
51.R7f6 a5, with an unclear position.
PLAN B
I think that White cannot do much and I can wait with 47...Qa2. After 48.Rxf7+ Qxf7 49.Rxf7+ Kxf7
50.Kg2 (50.f3 Ke6 51.Kg2 Kd5 52.Kf2 Kc4 53.g4 Kxb4 54.f4=) 50...Ke6 51.Kf3 Kd5 52.Ke3 Kc4
53.f4 Kxb4 54.g4 Kc5 55.f5 Kd5 56.fxg6 Ke6 57.gxh5 Kf6, I am getting a drawn endgame.
PLAN C
Counterplay is important and for this I will have to go for 47...a5 48.bxa5 b4, when White has the
choice between a queen endgame with an extra pawn or two rooks against queen: 49.R3f4 (49.Rxf7+?
Qxf7 50.Rxf7+ Kxf7 51.a6 b3 52.a7 b2 53.a8=Q b1=Q=) 49...b3 50.Rb6 Qxa5 51.Rxb3 Qd5 52.Rb6
f5 and White is on the top but I have some practical drawing chances.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 27
Plan A is an interesting one but not the best — see the analysis.
Plan B is easily losing — see the game.
Plan C although maybe not enough, is best.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
30 20 50
47...Qa2?
This is not the way that Black should start real counterplay. The retreat 47...Kg8?, is met by 48.Kg2
Qe4 49.Rxf7 Qxb4 50.R3f4 and Black should also be lost despite her passed queenside pawns:
50...Qc5 51.R7f6 a5 (51...Kg7 52.Rxa6 b4 53.Rff6 Qd5+ 54.Kh2 Qd3 55.Rfb6 Kh6 56.Ra2 Qc3
57.Rb7 Qd4 58.Rc2+–) 52.Rxg6+ Kh7 53.Rg5 Qc6+ 54.Kh2 a4 55.Rf7+ Kh8 56.Rxh5+ Kg8 57.Rf4
a3 58.Rg4+ Kf7 59.Rf5+ Ke7 60.Rg7+ Ke8 61.Rh5 Kf8 62.Ra7 Qf6 63.Kg1 b4 64.Rb5+–.
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The only way to fight on was the direct 47...a5! 48.bxa5 b4, when White has the choice between a
queen endgame with an extra pawn or two rooks against queen: 49.R3f4 (49.Rxf7+? Qxf7 50.Rxf7+
Kxf7 51.a6 b3 52.a7 b2 53.a8=Q b1=Q, with a queen endgame which should be tenable) 49...b3
50.Rb6 Qxa5 51.Rxb3 Qd5 52.Rb6 f5 and White is on the top but Black has some practical drawing
chances.
47...Qa2?
48.Kg2!
Preparation for the simplification, as White wins an all important tempo for the coming pawn ending.
48.Rxf7+?, violates the endgame principle of do not rush: 48...Qxf7 49.Rxf7+ Kxf7 50.Kg2 (50.f3 Ke6
51.Kg2 Kd5 52.Kf2 Kc4 53.g4 Kxb4 54.f4=) 50...Ke6 51.Kf3 Kd5 52.Ke3 Kc4 53.f4 Kxb4 54.g4
Kc5 55.f5 Kd5 56.fxg6 Ke6 57.gxh5 Kf6=.
48...Kg8
Now it is too late for 48...a5, due to 49.bxa5 Qxa5 (49...b4 50.a6 b3 51.Rxf7+ Kh6 52.Rb7 Qxa6
53.Rff7+–) 50.Rxf7+ and White’s attack is too quick: 50...Kh6 (50...Kg8? 51.Rf8+ Kg7 52.R3f7+ Kh6
53.Rh8#) 51.Rb7 Qa6 52.Rff7 Qc6+ 53.Kh2 g5 54.Rh7+ Kg6 55.Rbg7+ Kf5 56.Rxg5++–.
49.Rxf7! Qxf7
The pawn ending is lost, but 49...Qd5 50.R7f6+–, also offers no real hope.
50.Rxf7 Kxf7 51.Kf3!
The king comes first to stop Black’s queenside counterplay based on the breakthrough ...a5. Afterwards
White’s kingside majority will decide the day.
51...Ke6
After 51...a5 52.bxa5 b4 53.Ke4+–, White’s king is in the square and Black’s king is not.
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52.Ke4 Kd6 53.f3 Kc6
54.g4!
This advance wins the resulting races.
54...Kc7
The breakthrough 54...g5, backfires due to 55.gxh5 gxh4 56.h6 h3 57.h7 h2 58.h8=Q+– and after
54...Kb6 55.gxh5 gxh5 56.f4 a5 57.bxa5+ Kxa5 58.f5 b4 59.f6 b3, White must deal with the b-pawn:
60.Kd3! (60.f7? b2 61.f8=Q b1=Q+=) 60...Ka4 61.f7 b2 62.Kc2 Ka3 63.f8=Q++–.
55.gxh5 gxh5 56.f4 Kd6 57.f5 Kd7 58.Ke5 Ke7
59.f6+
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Black resigned due to 59...Kf7 60.Kf5 a5 61.bxa5 b4 62.Ke4! and White’s king stops the b-pawn, but
not 62.a6? b3 63.a7 b2 64.a8=Q b1=Q+=.
1–0
EXERCISE 28
Eidelson Rakhil
Kochetkova Julia
D36 Voronezh 2004
47.Qf7
EVALUATION
In general I know that the endgame of this type is drawn, as Black can hardly avoid the perpetual check
when the rooks will go after their targets. But here something is wrong; the ugly position of the white
king.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I think that my main plan should be to drive the white king away, preferably in the a-file. Then I will
combine mating threats with an attack on the white pawns. For this good is 47...Rdd8 48.Qg6 Rgf8
49.g4 Rde8+ 50.Kd3 Rf3+ 51.Kc4 Rf4+ 52.Kd3 Re1, when it seems that I am in the right way.
PLAN B
My thoughts are similar to the previous plan — the white king should be kicked away, but I think that
the best way to do it is by 47...Rd6 48.Qe7 Rf6 49.Qe4 Rgf8, when White is in grave danger.
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PLAN C
The direct attack on the enemy pawns is the only way to improve. For this I am gonna need both my
rooks, so good seems to be 47...Rgd8 48.Kf2 Rg5, when I am ready for double-attacking the white
pawns.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 28
Plan A is correct and similar to Plan B.

Plan C is bad and should be avoided, as it gives Black nothing.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 0
47...Rd6!
Now the white king cannot cross the f-file. This is looking like an easy draw, but the central position of
the white king is bad — he should be on the kingside.
48.Qe7 Rf6 49.Qe4 Rgf8 50.Ke2 Rf2+ 51.Kd3 Rd8+ 52.Ke3 Rff8 53.Qc6 Rde8+
The king is pushed further away from his kingside, where he will not be protected by her pawns and
can be caught in mating nets.
54.Kd4 Re2 55.Kd3 Rfe8 56.Qf3 R2e5 57.Kd4 Re1
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58.Kd3?!
The only way of resistance is to place the king near to Black’s first rank, hoping that the opponent
rooks will leave it, allowing a perpetual check. 58.Kd5! Rd8+ 59.Kc6 Rc1+ 60.Kb7. But of course
Black has a winning plan: 60...Rd7+ 61.Kb6 Rd6+ 62.Kb7 Rf6 63.Qe4 Rcf1 64.g4 R1f4 65.Qe2
(65.Qe8+ Rf8 66.Qe2 R4f6–+) 65...Rd4 66.Kc7 Kg8! 67.Qe8+ Kh7 68.Qe2 Rff4–+. Easier said than
done!
58...Rd8+ 59.Kc2
59...Re5!
The white king will be pushed to the a-file and a mating double attack will end the game.
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60.Kc3
60.Qc6 Ra5! 61.g4 Raa8 62.Qe4 Rac8+ 63.Kb2 Rc5–+.
60...Rc5+ 61.Kb4 Rc1 62.Ka3 Rb8 63.Ka2 Rc5 64.Ka3
White resigned as she show 64...Ra5#. The ‘best’ 64.Qa3, is losing anyway to 64...Rc2+ 65.Ka1 Rxg2–
+.
0–1
EXERCISE 29
Nakamura Hikaru
Caruana Fabiano
A61 Saint Louis 2016
41...Qa3
EVALUATION
More or less I feel that I have the advantage. My plan should be to win the black a-pawn by a combined
rook assault and then trade my two rooks for Black’s queen and a pawn, probably the f one, achieving a
winning pawn ending.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I have no time to lose, as the black a-pawn can advance. The ‘usual’ 42.Rd1 a5 43.Rcc1 a4 44.Ra1
Qb3 45.Rd2 (or 45.Rd4 a3 46.Rd8+ Kg7 47.Ra8) 45...h4 46.h3 g5 47.Rda2, seems nice, when Black
would be in real trouble.
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PLAN B
Before I am going with my rooks for my primary target, I will have to care for back rank and stop
Black’s pawns on the kingside. For this good looks 42.h4 a5 43.g3 a4 44.Re1 Qb3 45.Rce2, when I am
more or less ready.
PLAN C
My thoughts are similar to the previous plan, but I do not wish to give Black any target with ...g5, so I
will push my h-pawn only one square: 42.h3. Then I will proceed as in the previous plan.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 29
Plan A is the best — the analysis is correct.

Plan B allows Black to draw — see the game.
Plan C is similar to Plan B; Black can draw!
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 0
42.h4?
A bad move, which loses valuable time. White had to find the ‘usual’ 42.Rd1! a5 43.Rcc1 a4 44.Ra1
Qb3 45.Rd2 (or 45.Rd4 a3 46.Rd8+ Kg7 47.Ra8) 45...h4 46.h3 g5 47.Rda2, when Black would be in
real trouble.
42.h4?
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42...a5! 43.g3 a4 44.Re1 Qb3 45.Rce2
If 45.Rcc1, then 45...a3 is OK.
45...Qc3 46.Re3 Qb2 47.R1e2 Qb4 48.Kh2 Kg7 49.Rf3
49.Ra2, looks like being on the right track, but Black can continue with 49...g5! 50.hxg5 h4 51.Rea3
Qg4 52.Rxa4 hxg3+ 53.fxg3 Qxg5, achieving a drawn position.
49...g5! 50.hxg5 h4 51.Ree3 hxg3+ 52.Kxg3 Kg6

White’s king is too exposed to perpetual check, so there are no real winning chances.
53.Kh2 Qc4 54.Rg3 Qf1 55.Ref3 Qc4 56.Rf6+ Kg7 57.Rff3 Kg6 58.Rf6+ Kg7 59.Rff3
122
½-½
EXERCISE 30
Svidler Peter
Ponomariov Ruslan
C43 Moscow 2001
27.fxg4
EVALUATION
I am standing better, as my passed and protected e-pawn and the weaknesses of the white pawn
structure (g4, c3, a2), makes my opponent’s life miserable. Moreover, White’s rooks are deprived of
any counterplay and of course passivity cannot be in his favour.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I should go after the c3-d4 white pawn structure, exchanging the main protection; the c3-pawn. For this
I will have to go for 27...Qc6 28.Kg2 Qc4 29.Rf2 b5, when I will be ready for it. Capturing the d4-
pawn will give me two connected lethal passers.
PLAN B
The white kingside is also weak, so I can try to benefit from this fact by 27...Qh4 28.h3 Qh6 29.Rfe1
b5. Playing on both sides is fine and welcomed.
PLAN C
I am more or less to proceed like in the previous plan, but I will do it a bit differently: 27...Qg5 28.Rg3
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(28.Re2, loses to 28...Qxg4+ 29.Rg2 Qd7) 28...b5, when I am ready for ...b4 and so on.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 30
Plan A is good enough.

Plan B is fine and should win.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
40 50 50
27...Qg5!
28.Rg3
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28.Re2, loses to 28...Qxg4+ 29.Rg2 Qd7.
28...b5!
Targets must be fixed for ever! Also Black prepares the idea ...a5 and ...b4, weakening the d4-pawn.
29.Rf2
29.Rb1 Qd2!, doesn’t help: 30.Rxb5? Qe1+ 31.Kg2 Qe2+–+.
29...Kg7 30.Kg2 a5 31.Rb2 b4! 32.cxb4 axb4
Even better was 32...Qc1! 33.Rf2 axb4 34.Rb3 Qd1–+.
33.h3 Qc1
The rooks are too passive and clumsy as defenders; the black queen dominates the game.
34.Rgb3
34...Kh6!
It’s time for the black king to assist his queen.
35.Rxb4 Qd1!
With the simple threat ...e3-e2.
36.Kf2
Alternatives as 36.a4 e3 37.Rb1 e2–+, or 36.R4b3 Qxd4 37.Re2 Kg5 38.a3 Qd1 39.Rbe3 Kf4–+, are
not helpful.
36...Kg5
36...Qf3+ 37.Ke1 Qxh3 38.a4 Kg5, was more accurate.
37.Re2
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37.a4 Kf4 38.R4b3 Qxd4+–+.
37...Kf4 38.Rb3
38.a4 e3+ 39.Rxe3 Qd2+ 40.Re2 Qxb4–+.
38...Qxd4+ 39.Kg2 Qc4 40.Rf2+ Kg5 41.Rf7 d4
42.h4+
A last clever try/trap, as the alternative 42.Rxh7 Kf4 43.Rb2 e3–+, was easy.
42...Kxh4
Black could be easily be carried away and fall for the simple but very effective for White 42...Kxg4?
43.Rg3+ Kh5 44.Rxh7#.
43.Rxh7+ Kxg4 44.Rg3+ Kf5 0–1
126
Show in Text Mode
CHAPTER 2.
UNBALANCED MATERIAL ENDINGS — ROOK
ROOK VS BISHOP
The mighty rook vs a bishop, looks like an easy case. But of course chess is more complicated than we
think!
The ending of rook & pawn vs bishop & pawn in general is an easy win for the side with the rook.
However, the ‘rook’ side must be careful, avoiding certain exceptional cases that lead to a draw.
Rook pawns (a and h) require the utmost attention. In this case the concept that applies to all other
pawns is not applicable. The king and the rook must cooperate in order to force and cut-off the enemy
king as far as necessary, to a file from which he will be unable to return to the battlefield in time to
secure the draw. Or to keep him in the ‘box’, creating mating threats and zugzwangs.
As there are a lot of drawing possibilities, the theoretical understanding of this particular ending is
needed.
In 1954, Boris Fedorovich Baranov discovered that the ‘bishop’ side can avoid being pushed too far
and that the logical result would have been a draw. His conclusions are valid up to this moment, but
only for the case when the defending king escapes the zone surrounding the pawns.
Later, the renowned endgame expert Ilya Maizelis (who was one of Yuri Averbakh’s collaborators for
the first edition of his books, published in the late 1950s), discovered the dangers facing the king in the
neighbourhood of the pawns.
If the king is free, the attacker has to push him one file further than it is needed, namely to the opposite
edge of the board.
According to the excellent researcher and publisher of Chess Today, GM Alexander Baburin, the
‘bishop’ side should avoid two main situations:
SOS Tip 1 — Negative Situations
1. His king is locked in the low right corner (f2/f7, f1/f8, g2/g7, etc) with the rook cutting it off
along the e-file.
2. His king is above the 4th (5th) rank and is left of the e-file (i.e. the white king is on d5, while
Black has a rook on e4).
So, in conclusion, we can create a detailed guide of important facts:

SOS Tip 2 — Facts’ Guide
127
1. The ‘rook’ side wants to sacrifice the exchange back, when the defending king is too far away.
2. Therefore the ‘bishop’ side must not allow his king to be pushed away beyond the c- or f-file.
3. The ‘bishop’ side should not move his king past the 4th (5th) rank either.
4. Usually the ‘bishop’ side should place his king in diagonal opposition to the enemy king (i.e.
Kc2 vs. Ke4).
5. The ‘bishop’ side does not want his king to be too close to his pawn either — there the king will
be in real danger.
Well, positions with just one pawn for each side come from positions with more pawns for both sides!
A so powerful piece as the bishop cannot be underestimated! Surely, playing against the rook must be
the underdog, but there have been many cases where it was in the driver’s seat...
EXERCISE 31
Kramnik Vladimir
Ponomariov Ruslan
D38 Moscow 2009
60...Bg3
EVALUATION
My ending is won. I know the basic principles of the winning method and I will never endanger my
victory. If the black king could cross the e-file then apparently it would be a draw, but as far as I lock
him in the kingside box, I should feel safe of cashing the point.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My first priority is to keep the black king on the kingside and then by using the zugzwang method
128
either to force mate or win the black h4-pawn. Good is 61.Rf3 Kh6 62.Rf6+ Kg7 63.Kg5 Bc7 64.Re6
Kf7 65.Re4 Bg3 66.Re3 Kg7 67.Rf3 Be1 68.Rf1 Bg3 69.Kh5 Kh7 70.Rf7+ Kg8 71.Kg6 Bh2 72.Rd7
Kf8 73.Rd4 Bg3 74.Re4, when Black is in zugzwang.
PLAN B
My thoughts are similar to the previous plan, but I think that I should go in a different way by 61.Re3
Kf6 62.Re4, when Black will not last long.
PLAN C
I feel that I should kick the black king away from his pawn, so I will opt for 61.Rb6+ Kf7 62.Kf5 Ke7
63.Rf6, when I will drive him on the a-file.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 31
Plan A is the best — see the game.

Plan B is equivalent to Plan A.
Plan C is bad and draws!
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 0
61.Rf3
61.Re3+–, is equivalent,
but not 61.Rb6+? Kf7 62.Kf5 Ke7=, which allows Black’s king to escape from the dangerous corner.
61.Rf3
129
61...Be1
61...Kh6 62.Rf6+ Kg7 63.Kg5 Bc7 64.Re6 Kf7 65.Re4 Bg3 66.Re3 Kg7 67.Rf3 Be1 68.Rf1 Bg3
69.Kh5 Kh7 70.Rf7+ Kg8 71.Kg6 Bh2 72.Rd7 Kf8 73.Rd4 Bg3 74.Re4 and zugzwang! We will see
this method (and final position) in the game as well.
62.Re3 Bf2
Similar is 62...Bg3 63.Re6+ Kf7 64.Kf5.
63.Re6+ Kf7 64.Kf5
64.Re2! Bg3 65.Kg5, is slightly faster.
64...Bg3 65.Re4 Bf2 66.Kg5 Bg3 67.Re2
See the 64.Re2! line.
67...Kg7 68.Re7+ Kf8 69.Kf6 Bf2
130
70.Re6
70.Ke6! Be1 (70...Bd4 71.Rh7+–) 71.Rc7 Bg3 72.Ra7 Bh2 (72...Be1 73.Kf6 Bc3+ 74.Kg6 Be1
75.Ra4! Bg3 76.Re4+–) 73.Rf7+! Kg8 (73...Ke8 74.Rh7+–) 74.Kf6 Bg3 75.Kg6 — 61...Kh6.
70...Bg3 71.Kg6 Bh2 72.Re4 Bg3
We have already seen that White must achieve this position with Black to move, thus forcing
zugzwang.
73.Kf6 Bf2 74.Kg6
74.Re7! Bd4+ 75.Ke6 Bc3 76.Rh7 Be1 77.Rc7 Bg3 78.Ra7 — 70.Ke6!.
74...Bg3 75.Re2 Bd6 76.Kg5 Bg3
76...Be7+ 77.Kf5 Bc5 78.Re4 Bf2 79.Kf6 Bc5 (79...Bg3 80.Kg6) 80.Ra4 Be7+ (80...Ke8 81.Ke6)
81.Ke6 Bg5 82.Ra7 Kg8 83.Kf5 Be3 84.Ra3 Bc5 85.Ra5 Bd6 86.Ra4 Bg3 (86...Be7 87.Kg6) 87.Kg6
Kf8 88.Re4+–.
77.Kf6 Bf4 78.Re4 Bd6
78...Bc7 79.Rc4 Bd8+ 80.Kf5 Kf7 81.Rd4 Be7 82.Rd7+–.
79.Rd4
131
79...Bc7
More resilient, but equally hopeless is 79...Be7+ 80.Kf5 Kf7 (the king won’t escape: 80...Ke8 81.Ke6
Kf8 82.Rf4+ Ke8 83.Ra4+–) 81.Rd7 Kf8 82.Ke6 Bg5 83.Rb7 Bd2 (83...Kg8 84.Kf5 Bd2 85.Kg6 Kf8
86.Rb5 Bc1 [86...Be1 87.Rf5+] 87.Rh5+–) 84.Rf7+! Kg8 (84...Ke8 85.Rh7) 85.Kf6 Be1 86.Kg6 Bg3
87.Re7 Kf8 88.Re4+–.
80.Kg6 Bg3 81.Re4
This is the position we saw above, after move 72 when White was to move. Now it is Black’s turn and
he is in zugzwang, therefore he resigned.
1–0
EXERCISE 32
Kunte Abhijit
Du Toit Stefan
A58 Ekurhuleni 2011
57...Be6
132
EVALUATION
My ending is theoretically won. Black seems to have achieved a fortress, but this is an illusion as I can
break it by a combined action of my forces.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
The transposition to a won pawn ending is the dream of every endgame player, so I can opt for 58.Ra6
Kg7 59.Rxe6 fxe6 60.Kf4, winning, due to the weak pawn structure.
PLAN B
Breaking the fortress is an obligation. And I can do that by placing my king on e7, then my rook on f6
and finally advance my pawn to f5, when there is little that Black can do. So, I will start with 58.Ke4.
PLAN C
I think that I should push my pawns, aiming either to create a weakness or a passed pawn; a well-
known technique. So, I will opt for 58.f3 Kg7 59.Kf4 Bc4 60.g4, when Black is on difficult crossroads.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 32
133
Plan A is drawn — the position is won only with the white pawn on g5.
Plan C is bad and draws!
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 50 0
58.Ke4 Bg4 59.Ke5 Kg7 60.Kd6 Be2 61.Ke7 Bd1 62.Rb5 Be2 63.Rb4 Bd1 64.Rf4 Bb3 65.Rf6 Bd5
66.f4 Bc4 67.f5
White’s plan has been fulfilled.

67...Bd5
If Black captures on f5 with 67...gxf5, then White wins as follows: 68.Rxf5 Kg6 69.Rg5+ Kh6 70.Kf6
Bb3 71.Rg7 Bd5 72.Rxf7 Bxf7 73.Kxf7+–. The occupation of the g5- and f6-squares is decisive.
68.Rd6
White can also win by 68.fxg6 fxg6, planning first to get his king to g5: 69.Rf4 Bb3 70.Kd6 Ba2
71.Ke5 Bf7 72.Ra4 Bb3 73.Ra7+ Kh6 74.Kf6 Bd5 75.Rd7 Ba2 76.Rd8 Kh7 77.Kg5 Bb1 and then win
the black g-pawn as follows: 78.Rd7+ Kg8 79.Kf6 Bc2 80.Rg7+ Kf8 81.Rxg6+–. Now, after the text
White wins by placing his pawn on f6: 68...Bc4 69.f6+ Kh7, winning the f7-pawn: 70.Rd8 Bb3
71.Rf8+–.
134
1–0
EXERCISE 33
Speelman Jonathan
Kasparov Garry
A30 Graz 1981
46.Bb3
EVALUATION
Such endings are easily won for the side with the rook, so my position is won. The presence of a
lightsquared bishop implies a weakening of the f2-square, which will be my primary target.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My winning plan is built by two microplans: first I will bring my king to e1, forcing White to push his
f-pawn to f4 in view of the threat of ...Rb2. Then, I will prepare the ...g5 advance by placing my rook
on g7, so in the end to capture on g5 with the rook. I will start this plan by 46...Ke7.
PLAN B
I need to break White’s fortress. I can do that by placing my pawn on f4 and my rook on the 3rd rank,
when my king will be able to penetrate. I should opt for 46...h6 47.Ba2 g5 48.hxg5 hxg5 49.Bb3 f5
50.Ba2 Ke7 51.Bb3 Rc3 52.Ba2 f4 53.gxf4 gxf4, when my plan has been fullfield.
PLAN C
For winning I should place my h- and f-pawns on the 5th rank and try a breakthrough with ...g5: 46...h5
135
47.Ba2 f5 48.Bb3 Ke7 49.f4 Rc6 50.Bd1 Kd6 51.Bf3 Rb6 52.Kf2 Kc5 53.Kg2 Kd4 54.Kg1 Ke3
55.Bd5 Rd6 56.Bb7 g5, achieving a well-known winning position.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 33

Plan B is bad and draws!
Plan C is OK, but demands a lot of knowledge and it is not that simple as the Plan A.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 45
46...Ke7 47.Ba2 h6 48.Bb3
136
48...Rc7
The f7-pawn needs protection — it is too early to advance it.
49.Ba2 Kd6 50.Kh3 Ke5 51.Kg4 Ra7 52.Bb3 Rb7 53.Bd1
53.Ba2 Ke4!, is even simpler.
53...Rb2 54.Kf3 Kd4 55.Be2 Rb3+ 56.Kg2 Kc3 57.Bf3 Rb5!
57...Kd2?, would be a critical blunder after 58.Bd5=.
58.Bc6 Rc5 59.Be8 Rc7 60.Kf1 Kd2 61.Ba4 Rc1+ 62.Kg2 Ke1 63.Bb3 Rc7! 64.f4
White is obliged to push his f-pawn. 64.Bd5, loses to 64...Rd7 65.Bc4 Rd2.
64...Ke2
Commencing the second stage of the plan.
65.Bd5 Ke3
The black king is placed on the right square.
66.Ba8 f6!
Time for the last act.
67.Kg1
67...Rg7! 68.Kg2 g5 69.hxg5 hxg5 70.fxg5 Rxg5!

White resigned in view of 71.Bc6 f5 72.Kh3 Kf2. 70...fxg5?, would be a criminal mistake, as it leads
to a theoretical drawn position!
0–1
137
EXERCISE 34
Krush Irina
Grivas Efstratios
A83 Wijk aan Zee 2008
49.Bb3
EVALUATION
The ending is of course theoretically won for me, but some care is needed. Not only I stand an
exchange-up but my opponent’s pawn structure is wrecked as well. If I succeed in exchanging a pair of
rooks, then my king will deliver the final blow by penetrating White’s camp — but White will surely
not cooperate!
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My plan should be to double my rooks on the h-file, threatening ...Rh8 and ...Rh7. This will force the
white rook to retreat, allowing a potential ...b5 advance. I will start with 49...Kc5 50.Ra8 b6 51.Rf8
R7g5 52.Ra8 Rh4 53.Ra7 Rgh5 54.Rg7 (54.Ra8 Rh8 55.Ra7 R4h7–+) 54...b5 and White will not last
long.
PLAN B
The doubled white a-pawns cannot be to my opponent’s benefit, so I should go for a rook ending by
49...Rf4 50.Re8 Rgg4 51.Re7 (51.Ka3 c5 52.c4 Rxc4 53.Bxc4 Rxc4) 51...Rxa4 52.Bxa4 Rxa4, which I
should win, as I have already a passed pawn and targets to go after (the white a-pawns).
PLAN C
Harassing the white bishop cannot be a bad strategy. I can opt for 49...c5 and after 50.c4 Rg2+ 51.Ka3
Kc6, I should be on the right track, marching with my king to c1/b1. White has no counterplay, as I
138
will place my pawn on b6 and my rook on g6.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 34

Plan B is bad and draws!
Plan C is quite bad; White has achieved a fortress!
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 0
49...Kc5
The naive 49...c5?, leads to a drawn position: 50.c4 Rg2+ 51.Ka3, as Black cannot break down White’s
fortress! So, ...b5 is prepared.
49...Kc5
139
50.Ra8! b6 51.Rf8 R7g5 52.Ra8 Rh4!
Black finds the correct plan: to double his rooks on the h-file, threatening ...Rh8 and ...Rh7. This will
force the white rook to retreat, allowing the ...b5 advance.
53.a3?!
White ‘loses’ the drawing possibility noted in the comments on Black’s 49th move. A bit ‘tougher’ was
53.Ra7 Rgh5 54.Rg7 (54.Ra8 Rh8 55.Ra7 R4h7–+) 54...b5–+. But of course Black is winning in any
case — the advantage of the exchange is a huge asset.
53...Rg6
The plan mentioned above was still fine, but as White self-destroyed her potential fortress, Black
140
decided to go for ...c5 finally.
54.Ra7 Rhg4 55.Ra8 Rg7 56.Kc3 Rh7 57.Kb2 Rgh4 58.Rg8 R7h5 59.Rf8 Re5 60.Ra8 Kd6! 61.Rd8+
Kc7 62.Rg8
62...c5!
Now it’s all over.
63.Rg7+ Kd8 64.Bg8
Or 64.Rb7 c4 65.Ba2 Re6 66.Rf7 (66.Kc3 Kc8 67.Ra7 Re3+ 68.Kb2 c3+ 69.Kb3 Kb8 70.Rg7 b5!–+)
66...Re7–+.
64...Rxa4 65.Rb7
65.c4 Re3–+.
65...Rg4 66.Rxb6 Kc7 67.Re6 Rxe6 68.Bxe6 Rg3
And now, after the exchange of a pair of rooks, the black king will march.
69.Bc4 Kd6 70.Be2
Or 70.Bb5 Kd5 71.c3 Rg1 72.a4 c4–+.
70...Kd5 0–1
EXERCISE 35
Grivas Efstratios
Marinkovic Ivan
A57 Leningrad 1989
141
48.Kd5
EVALUATION
My opponent has avoided an immediate draw by sacrificing the exchange in order to create winning
chances. His decision was mostly based on the activity of his king and the distant king of mine and not
on calculating endless and complicated variations. Over the board, the facts and the instinct (based on
experience) can prove to be highly important, so I have to find the correct plan and continuation.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I should try to stop the white b-pawn by both my king and rook and this can only be done from my 1st
rank. So, 48...Rc8, seems good: 49.Be3 Kb3 50.b5 Kb4 51.b6 Kb5, when the draw seems to be near,
as White cannot prove anything.
PLAN B
Sooner or later I will have to give-up my rook for the white b-pawn, so in-between I should capture
some material. I should go for 48...Rh4 49.b5 Rxh2 and pray...
PLAN C
Pawns in general are stopped from behind, so I should strongly examine 48...Rc2, when I feel that I
should be safe: 49.Bf4 (49.Be3 Kb3 50.b5 Kb4 51.b6 Ka5 52.Kd6 Ka6 53.Ke7 Rc4=) 49...Rxf2
50.Be5+ Kb3 51.b5 Ra2.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
142
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 35
Plan A is bad; White wins easily by 49.Bf4! — see the analysis.

Plan B is bad, as it is losing easily after 50.Be3 — see the game.
Plan C is the best — see the analysis next.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
48...Rh4?
Losing relatively quickly and without a real fight. Similarly easy is 48...Rc8? 49.Bf4 Kb3 50.b5 Kb4
51.b6 Rc5+ 52.Kd6 Rb5 53.Bd2+ Ka4 54.Kc7+–,
but Black should have gone for the active 48...Rc2, when White would have to find 49.Bf4! (49.Be3?
Kb3 50.b5 Kb4 51.b6 Ka5 52.Kd6 Ka6 53.Ke7 Rc4=) 49...Rxf2 (49...Kb3? 50.b5 Ka4 51.b6 Rb2
52.Bc7+–) 50.Be5+ Kb3 51.b5 Ra2 (51...Rd2+? 52.Bd4 Rxh2 53.b6 Re2 54.b7 Re8 55.Be5+–)
52.Bc7! (52.b6? Ra5+ 53.Kd6 Rb5 54.Bd4 Rxg5 55.Kc6 Kc4 56.b7 Kxd4 57.b8=Q Rc5+ 58.Kd6
Rh5=) 52...Kb4! (52...Rg2? 53.h4+–, or 52...Rd2+? 53.Kc6 Rc2+ 54.Kd7 Rc5 55.b6 Rxg5 56.b7 Rb5
143
57.b8=Q Rxb8 58.Bxb8+–) 53.b6 Ra5+ 54.Kd6 Rb5! (54...Rxg5? 55.b7 Rb5 56.b8=Q Rxb8
57.Bxb8+–) 55.h4 Kc4, when Black should be able to draw. Maybe there is some hidden way for
White, but this is not an easy job at all to be found!
48...Rh4? 49.b5 Rxh2
50.Be3!
Now, not only the black king but also the black rook has abandoned the battlefield.
50...Kc3 51.b6 Rh1 52.b7 Rb1 53.Kc6 Kd3
53...Rxb7 54.Kxb7 Kd3 55.Kc6 Ke4 56.Kd6 Kf5 57.Ke7+–.
54.Bb6
1–0
EXERCISE 36
Chraibi Mohcine
Winnicki Alice
B54 Hamburg 2005
35...Bf6
144
EVALUATION
I have won the exchange but Black’s compensation is excellent as she has at her disposal the bishop
pair, a pawn, an active rook and certainly a much better pawn structure. So, the position should be
dynamically balanced.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I should be quite careful and try to improve my position, as passivity will allow my opponent to get
slowly but surely better. Good looks 36.Rf4 Rh1 37.Rff2 Bb5 38.Re3 Kc7 39.e5 dxe5 40.Nxe5, when
my knight has found a good post, which is very important.
PLAN B
A nice way to go is to try to break Black’s pawn structure and improve my knight. For this, good looks
36.e5 dxe5 37.Nxe5 Bb5 38.c4 Be8 39.Rge4, when my position has significantly improved.
PLAN C
There is nothing to be done for the time being, so I should simply go for 36.Rgg2 Bb5 37.Rd2, waiting
for the procedures.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
145
SOLUTION 36
Plan A is fine, but the second best.

Plan B is best — see the analysis.
Plan C is passive — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
40 50 30
36.Rgg2?! Bb5 37.Rd2 Rf3?!

37...Kc7!?, according to the old positional rule that ‘the worst placed piece should be improved’ was
more precise.
38.Kc2?
Again it was better to improve the prospects of the knight: 38.Rg3 Rf1 39.e5! dxe5 40.Nc5 and White
is not worse: 40...Bc4 41.Rh3 Bg5 42.Rd7 Rf2+ 43.Ka1 Rf1+=.
38...Bc4?
38...Ba4+ 39.Kb2 Bc6, would be very unpleasant for White due to his weak pawns. A sample variation
could go as 40.e5 (40.Rg4 h5 41.Rg3 Bxe4, or 40.Rge2? Bb5 41.Kc2 Bg5–+) 40...dxe5 41.Nb4 Bb5
42.Nc2 Bc4µ.
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39.a3 Rf1?!
Again, activating the king with 39...Kc7, is of primary importance.
40.Nb2! Bb5
40...Ba2, was called for, but White can keep the balance with 41.Nd1 Rf4 42.Nf2 Kc7 43.Ng4.
41.Rxd6 Rf3 42.Rxe6?!
Without the c3-pawn White’s king lacks shelter, which will be his undoing in the end. 42.Nd1! Kc7
43.Rxe6 Bc4 44.Rxf6 gxf6, is about equal.
42...Rxc3+ 43.Kd1
The other king’s moves also offer nothing: 43.Kb1 Bd7 44.Rd6 Bc6³, or 43.Kd2 Rb3³.
43...Bd7 44.Rd6 Kc7 45.Rdd2
45.Rd3?! Ba4+ 46.Ke1 Rc1+ 47.Nd1 Ra1, gives Black a strong bind. A real nightmare for the poor
pinned knight.
45...Rxa3 46.Rc2+?!
46.Nc4!? Ba4+ 47.Ke1 Bh4+ 48.Ke2 Bb5 49.Rc2 (49.Rxg7+ Kc6 50.Rc2 Ra2! 51.Kd1 Ba4 52.Ne3+
Bxc2+ 53.Nxc2 Ra4 54.Rxh7 Rxe4³) 49...Bf6³, but probably White should be able to hold.
46...Kb8?!
46...Bc6µ, certainly looks more promising.

47.Rc5
47.e5 Bxe5 48.Nc4, doesn’t solve White’s problems due to 48...Ra1+ 49.Kd2 Bc6! (49...Bf5 50.Nxe5
Bxc2 51.Rxg7 [51.Kxc2? Ra2+–+] 51...Ra2³) 50.Re2 Bf6µ.
47...Bh3 48.Rgc2 Re3 49.e5
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49.Kd2 Rxe4 50.R2c4 Re8 51.Nd3 Bd7, is horrible for White. But he should have tried 49.Nc4!? Rxe4
50.Nb6 Ka7 51.Kd2 (51.Rc8? Bxc8 52.Rxc8 Rd4+ 53.Ke2 Rd8–+) 51...Re8µ.
49...Bg4+
49...Be7 50.Kd2 Bxc5 51.Rxc5 Re4µ, was the natural follow up.
50.Kd2 Bg5! 51.e6 Re5+ 52.Kd3 Bf5+ 53.Kd4 Re4+
54.Kd5?
54.Kd3, was forced, although Black’s winning chances are excellent: 54...Re3+ (54...g6 55.Rxf5 gxf5
56.Rc5 Rxe6 57.Rxf5 Be7µ) 55.Kd4 Bxc2 56.Rxg5 Rxe6 57.Rxg7 Rh6µ.
54...Bf6 55.Nc4?
Going for the most ‘beautiful picture’ but hopeless also was the alternative 55.Rd2 Re5+ 56.Kd6 Rxe6+
57.Kd5 Re5+ 58.Kd6 Re8 59.Rcd5 Rc8–+.
55...Rd4# 0–1
148
Show in Text Mode
ROOK VS KNIGHT
The pawnless ending is drawn. It is best for the defending king to remain in the centre; all exceptions to
the rule occur when the king is restricted to the edge of the board.
In order to win, the ‘rook’ side must either create mating threats (forcing the capture of the knight) or
force the knight away from its king and then enforce its capture.
As noted, a knight draws easily against a rook. But there are exceptions:
SOS Tip 1 — Pawnless
1. When the knight becomes separated from the king, then it can sometimes be trapped.
2. When the knight is in the corner, it will be lost through zugzwang.
3. It must be also noted that the knight stands poorly at g7 or b7.
When the ‘knight’ side has an extra pawn (which can be protected of course), things are quite easy; the
draw is in sight.
Sometimes, when the knight is being a bit far-away, problems can be met. In this case concrete
calculation is required to save the game.
Two pawns for the ‘knight’ side can be a problem only for the ‘rook’ side.
But the most interesting positions define when the ‘knight’ side has three pawns at his disposal. And
think about these pawns to be connected and healthy!
We can draw some conclusions for the rook vs knight & three pawns ending. In order to finalise the
win, the side with the pawns should apply the following:
SOS Tip 2 — Three Pawns Situation
1. Advance the pawns on the same rank.

2. The middle pawn should not stay in a rank behind alone.
3. The opponent king should not block the pawns efficiently.
4. The knight should be able to protect the king from horizontal or ranked checks.
5. The king of the stronger side should advance in harmony with his pawns.
6. When give-up (lose?) one of the pawns it shouldn’t be the middle one and we should be sure that
we have a forced win.
All these look a lot for such a simple ending, but it has been a long ago that there were easy things in
chess!
With four pawns and more the ‘knight’ side should always win.
149
When of course the ‘knight’ side has no pawns (while the ‘rook’ side has), the win should be easy.
When the pawns are on the same or adjacent files (that is, when neither pawn is passed), in order to
win, it will be necessary for the stronger side to attack the pawn with his king — which the weaker side
may sometimes be able to prevent by a proper piece placement.
The best position for the knight is one from which it controls the invasion square(s), while
simultaneously attacking the enemy pawn(s).
When there are three pawns against three, or even two pawns against two pawns, all on the same side of
the board, the rook will, in the overwhelming majority of cases, win against the knight.
But if the weaker side has an extra pawn, then he has real chances to draw.
When the battle takes place on both sides of the board, especially when there are passed pawns
involved, the rook is a much more mobile piece than the knight.
The knight is no weaker, and sometimes even stronger, than the rook, when the board is strewn with
pawn chains and the rook has nowhere to break into the enemy camp.
Another possibility: sometimes, the rook has a hard time dealing with a far-advanced enemy passed
pawn, supported by the knight.
In such situations, the knight’s tactical abilities come to the fore: it can create forks, win tempi by
checking the enemy king, or cut the rook off from the pawn.
EXERCISE 37
Vovk Ilja
Ahmed Abuzied
A14 Tromso 2014
61...Kxe1
150
EVALUATION
The main question here is if I have realistic winning chances or not. I feel that I only have the better
side of a draw, but as I am not in any danger of losing, I should make my opponent’s life hard.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My connected passed pawns can have a decisive role if I succeeded to push them enough, but probably
this is an illusion, as I need a high number of moves. Nevertheless, I should try by 62.h5 Kf2 63.g4
Ke3 64.Ng6 (64.g5 Kf4 and I am one tempo short) 64...Rc7 65.Kg3 Ke4 66.Kh4, when still my
opponent has to be accurate, which is not easy in this late stage of the game.
PLAN B
As the black king annoys me getting on f2, I should body-check him by 62.Kg2. After 62...Ke2 63.h5
Ke3 64.h6, I feel that my chances has increased.
PLAN C
Maybe the secret here is to forget about king moves or try with the h-pawn and instead go for my g-
pawn. So, I can try to mess-up things by 62.g4 Kf2 63.g5, where my opponent will have to take some
radical decisions.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 37
Plan A is OK but nothing great, as Black can defend.

Plan B is probably best — see the game.
Plan C is not much — Black achieves an easy draw by 63...Rg3 64.g6 Rg2+ 65.Kh1 Rg1+ 66.Kh2
Rg2+ 67.Kh3 Rg3+.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
40 50 30
151
62.Kg2 Ke2 63.h5 Ke3 64.h6
64...Rc7!
The only way to defend, as 64...Rc8?, loses to 65.Nf7.
65.Ng4+ Kd4!
Again the only move to draw. 65...Ke4? 66.h7 Rc8 67.Nf6+ Kf5 68.Ng8+–.
66.Kh3 Ke4! 67.Nf6+
Shall the king advance or retreat? With a knight still on the board careful calculation is often needed:
67...Kf3?
152
Now the pawns will decide the day. After 67...Kf5!, Black has everything under control: 68.h7 Rc1
(68...Rc8? 69.Ng8 Rc1 70.Nh6+ Kg6 71.h8=Q+–) 69.Kg2 (69.g4+ Kg6 70.Kg2 Rc8 71.g5 Rh8=)
69...Rc2+ 70.Kf3 Rh2 71.Nh5 Rxh5 72.g4+ Kg6 73.gxh5+ Kxh7=.
68.h7 Rc8
68...Rc1, is met by 69.Ng4! (69.Kh4? Rh1+ 70.Kg5 Rxh7 71.Nxh7 Kxg3=) 69...Rc8 (69...Rh1+
70.Nh2++–) 70.Ne5+ Ke4 71.Ng6 Rc1 72.h8=Q Rh1+ 73.Kg4 Rxh8 74.Nxh8+–.
69.Kh4 Rh8
69...Rc1 70.Kg5 Rh1 71.Nh5+–.
70.g4! Kf4 71.g5 Kf5 72.Kh5 Ke5

72...Ra8 73.Ng8 Ra1 74.Nh6+ Kf4 75.h8=Q+–.
73.Kg6 Kf4 74.Kg7
Black resigned: 74...Rxh7+ (74...Kxg5 75.Kxh8 Kxf6 76.Kg8+–) 75.Nxh7+–.
1–0
EXERCISE 38
Suba Mihai
Chiburdanidze Maia
E71 Dortmund 1983
104.Ke2
153
EVALUATION
In general I should lose this ending, but here I feel that I can be saved, as White can hardly improve,
due to my pressure on his g2-pawn.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My position is optimal, so I should stay put, just moving my king in the centre. I should go for
104...Ke5 and after 105.Rg5+ Ke4, feeling safe.
PLAN B
As in Plan A, I should wait for White’s hand, but I will make it by the direct 104...Ke4, when I do not
see how White will improve.
PLAN C
Waiting can be dangerous. I should force matters and for this good looks 104...Ng6 105.Kd3 Ne5+
106.Kd4 f3 107.Rf8+ Kg4 108.Kxe5 fxg2 109.Ke4 Kg3, with a draw.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 38
154
Plan A is losing after 106.g3!.
Plan B is similar to Plan A - see the game.
Plan C is the best — the analysis is correct.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
104...Ke4?
Missing the draw by 104...Ng6! 105.Kd3 Ne5+ 106.Kd4 f3 107.Rf8+ Kg4 108.Kxe5 fxg2 109.Ke4
Kg3!=.
104...Ke4? 105.g3!
An unexpected move!
105...Nf3
105...fxg3 106.Rg4+ loses on the spot. 105...f3+ 106.Kf2 Nf5 107.Re8++–.
106.Rg4 Nd4+ 107.Kf2 Ne6 108.gxf4 Nd4
108...Nxf4 109.Kg3+–.
109.f5+!
Black resigned: 109...Ke5 110.Rxd4 Kxd4 111.f6+–.
155
1–0
EXERCISE 39
De Firmian Nick
Alburt Lev
B05 Greenville 1983
66...Kg6
EVALUATION
My position is a won one, but I should proceed with the ideal set-up, as some drawn positions are
looming. I should avoid positions that my pawn(s) are permanently attacked.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
There is no need to commit any pawn move for the moment. I should calmly go for 67.Kf2 Nf6 68.Ra6
Kg7 69.Ra1 Nd5 70.Rd1 Nf6 71.Ke3, when I feel that I am in the right track.
PLAN B
I cannot stay with my king passive, so I should push one of my pawns. I think that I should deal with
the f-pawn and more concrete, after 67.Ra6+ Kf7, to go for 68.f4, when I have got a theoretically won
position.
PLAN C
As in the previous plan, one of my pawns should be pushed. But I think that it is the g one that should
do the job, so I will opt for 67.g4 fxg4 68.fxg4 Nf6 69.Ra4 Nd5+ 70.Kd3 Nf6 71.Rd4 Kf7 72.Kc4,
156
when my king is ready to penetrate Black’s position.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 39
Plan A is drawn after 71...Nh5! — see the analysis.

Plan C is also drawn after 72...Ke6!.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 50 0
67.Ra6+
67.Kf2?, is out of the idea: 67...Nf6 68.Ra6 Kg7 69.Ra1 Nd5 70.Rd1 Nf6 71.Ke3 Nh5! 72.Kf2 Nf6
73.Ke2 Nh5 74.Rg1 Kf6 75.Kd3 Ke5 76.Kc4 g4! 77.Re1+ Kf6 78.fxg4 (½-½ Martin Ortega,O-
Schneider Sanchez,C Tenerife 2009. Obviously White didn’t know the winning method) 78...Nxg3
79.gxf5 Nxf5.
Also drawn is 67.g4? fxg4 68.fxg4 Nf6 69.Ra4 Nd5+ 70.Kd3 Nf6 71.Rd4 Kf7 72.Kc4 Ke6.
67.Ra6+
157
67...Kf7
There are two things to keep in mind in situations of this type: The first is, that if the whole position
were moved one rank higher, White would win by sacrificing the exchange. And secondly, White
would prefer the pawns not to be blocking one another — that is, it would be better to have his pawn on
g2, than g4, because then he would not have to defend it.
68.f4!
68.g4? fxg4 69.fxg4 Nf6!=, leads to the ideal defensive setup for Black, where the knight guards
important squares, while simultaneously attacking the g4-pawn — an effortless draw.
68...gxf4+
Black cannot seek salvation by 68...g4, due to 69.Kd4! Nxg3 70.Ke5+–.
69.gxf4
With this pawn structure Black could draw, if his knight was on e6 or g6. From h5, although the knight
would be attacking the pawn, it would not control the invasion squares d4 or e5.
69...Kg7 70.Rb6
Also good was 70.Ra1 Kf6 (intending ...Ng7-e6) 71.Rh1 Ng7 72.Rh6+ Kf7 73.Kd4+–.
70...Kh7
After 70...Kf7 71.Rh6 Nf6 72.Kd4 Ng4 73.Ra6 Ke7 74.Kd5 Kf7, we reach a position examined in
1941 by R.Fine. His analysis: 75.Kd6 Kf6 76.Ra8 Kf7 77.Rd8! Kf6 78.Rf8+ Kg6 79.Ke6 Ne3
(79...Nh6 80.Rf6+ Kg7 81.Rxh6 Kxh6 82.Kxf5+–) 80.Rf7 (80.Rg8+ Kh6 81.Rg5+–) 80...Nc2 81.Rf6+
Kg7 82.Kxf5+–.
158
71.Rb1
As K.Mueller indicates, the immediate 71.Kd4, also wins: 71...Nxf4 72.Ke5 Ng6+ (72...Nh5 73.Kxf5
Ng7+ 74.Kg5+–) 73.Kf6! f4 74.Rb1 Nf8 75.Rd1! (75.Rh1+ Kg8 76.Rg1+ Kh7 77.Kf7? Kh6! 78.Kxf8
Kh5=) 75...f3 (75...Kg8 76.Rd8 f3 77.Ke7+–) 76.Rh1+! Kg8 77.Rg1+ Kh7 78.Kf7+–.
71...Kg6 72.Rh1 Nf6 73.Kd4 Nd7 74.Kd5 Nf6+ 75.Ke5
75.Ke6 Ne4 76.Rg1++–.
75...Nd7+ 76.Ke6 Nf8+
76...Nc5+ 77.Kd5 Ne4 78.Ke5+–.
77.Ke7
1–0
EXERCISE 40
Danielian Elina
Dzagnidze Nana
E49 Rogaska Slatina 2011
76...Kf3
159
EVALUATION
My material advantage should be sufficient to gain the point, but a clear minus here is the excellent
position of the enemy king, who attacks my pawns. I am feeling a bit pessimistic and if there is a win it
must be well hidden.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I feel that my rook should defend the precious g5-pawn and then assisted by my king, to push Black
back. So, I should opt for 77.Re1 Kxf4 78.Rh1 Kg4 79.Rg1+ Kxh4 80.Ke4, when my position should
be winning.
PLAN B
Capturing the black pawns should be the right way. So, I will go for 77.Rxg6 Nxh4 78.Rxg7 Kxf4
79.Kc4, winning.
PLAN C
I should preserve my important f4-pawn and then penetrate with my king via the queenside. Good
looks 77.Re4 Kg4 78.Ra4 Kf3 79.Kc4, where I should prevail.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
160
SOLUTION 40
Plan A is drawn after 79...Kf4!.

Plan B is wrong — see the game.
Plan C is the correct one — see the analysis.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
77.Rxg6?
This violates the principle ‘do not rush’. White had to use the backdoor on the queenside to invade with
the king: 77.Re4! Kg4 (77...Ng3 78.Ra4 Kg4 79.Ke3 Nf5+ 80.Ke4 Nxh4 81.Ke5+–; 77...Nxh4
78.Kd4 Kg4 [78...Ng2 79.Ke5 Kg4 80.Ra4 Kh5 81.Ra7 Kg4 82.Rf7 Kg3 83.Rxg7 Nxf4 84.Kf6
Nh5+ 85.Kxg6 Nxg7 86.Kxg7+–] 79.Ke5 Nf5 80.Rb4 Ng3 81.Rb6 Kh5 82.Rb7 Nf5 83.Ke6 Kg4
84.Rb4 Ne3 85.Rd4 Ng2 86.Ra4 [86.f5++–] 86...Ne3 [86...Nxf4+ 87.Ke5+–] 87.Kf7 Nd5 88.Kxg7
Nxf4 89.Rxf4+ Kxf4 90.Kxg6+–) 78.Ra4 Kf3
79.Kc4! Kxf4 (79...Nxh4 80.Kd5 Ng2 81.Ke5 Kg4 82.Ra7 Nxf4 83.Ra4+–; 79...Ke4 80.Kc5+ Kf3
81.Kd5+–) 80.Kd5+ Kg3 81.Ke6 Nxh4 82.Kf7 Nf3 83.Ra3 Kg4 84.Rxf3 Kxf3 85.Kxg7 Kg4
86.Kxg6+–.
Also drawn is 77.Re1? Kxf4 78.Rh1 Kg4 79.Rg1+ Kf4! (79...Kxh4? 80.Ke4+–).
161
77.Rxg6? Nxh4 78.Rxg7 Kxf4 79.Kc4
79.g6 Kf5 80.Kd4 Nxg6=.
79...Kf5 80.Kd5 Ng6 81.Kd6 Kxg5 82.Ke6 Kh5 83.Kf6 Nh4!
83...Nf4? 84.Kf5 Kh6 85.Rg3 Nd5 86.Rd3 Ne7+ 87.Kf6+–.
84.Rg8 Nf3 85.Rg3
85...Nh4!
The knight must of course stay near its boss. After 85...Nd2? 86.Rd3, it is dominated: 86...Nf1 87.Rf3
Nd2 88.Rf4+–. Also bad was 85...Nd4? 86.Re3 Nc2 87.Re2 Nb4 88.Re5+ Kh6 89.Rc5 Nd3 90.Rc2
Kh7 91.Rd2 Nc5 92.Kf7 Kh6 93.Rd6++–.
86.Rg5+ Kh6 87.Ra5 Ng6 88.Ra7 Nh4 89.Rg7 Kh5 90.Rg5+ Kh6 91.Rg1 Kh5 92.Rg8 Nf3 93.Kf5
Nh4+ 94.Ke5 Ng6+ 95.Kf6 Nh4 96.Rg5+
½-½
EXERCISE 41
Carlsen Magnus
Aronian Levon
C67 Moscow 2012
56.Kd7
162
EVALUATION
The fact is that I am the exchange (for a pawn) down I feel here that I should be safe drawing, as I have
achieved a fortress. But I should be careful, as not all moves are preserving this fortress.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Important is to kick the enemy king away, so I can go for the natural 56...Nf6+ 57.Ke6 Nd5, where
there is nothing for White to improve.
PLAN B
I shouldn’t give any dangerous ‘thoughts’ to my opponent, so I should carefully proceed with 56...Ne3
57.Rh4 Nd5, when I should be fine.
PLAN C
Proceeding carefully should be my primary thought. Good seems to be 56...Nc3 57.Ke6 Kc8 58.Rd3
Nd5, but not 58...Ne2? 59.Ke5, where I will lose.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 41
163
Plan A is losing after 58.Rxd5! cxd5 59.Kxd5 — see the analysis.
Plan B is fine and draws.
Plan C is equally good — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 50 50
56...Nc3
56...Ne3, draws as well,
but not 56...Nf6+? 57.Ke6 Nd5 (57...Ne8 58.Kf7+–) 58.Rxd5 cxd5 59.Kxd5 Kc8 (59...c6+
60.Kd6+–) 60.Kc6 Kd8 61.Kb7 (61.Kxb5 Kd7 62.Ka6 Kc6 63.Ka7+–) 61...Kd7 62.Kb8 Kc6
63.Kc8 Kd5 64.Kxc7 Kc4 65.c6 Kxb4 66.Kd6+–.
56...Nc3 57.Ke6 Kc8 58.Rd3
58...Nd5
Of course not 58...Ne2?, when 59.Ke5, separates the knight from the rest of Black’s forces and White
wins: 59...Nc1 60.Rd2 Nb3 61.Rb2 Nc1 62.Kd4 Kd7 63.Ke3 Ke6 64.Kd2+–.
59.Rd4
Now the pawn ending after 59.Rxd5 cxd5 60.Kxd5, is only drawn due to 60...Kd7 61.c6+ Ke7 62.Kc5
164
(62.Ke5 Kf7 63.Kf5 Ke7 64.Ke5 Kf7 65.Kd5 Ke7=) 62...Ke6 63.Kxb5 Kd5=.
59...Nc3 60.Rd3 Nd5
½-½
EXERCISE 42
Grivas Efstratios
Petrovic Dusan
E17 Vrsac 1983
45...Kf8
EVALUATION
This should be an easy win for the stronger side. I will combine pressure to the black pawns with the
rook duo, while in a certain moment I can invite Black to exchange a pair of rook, ending in well-
known paths.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Exchanging rooks is a good idea; in this way my opponent’s potential counterplay is limited to nearly
0. So, I will go for the simple 46.Rd2 Nf6 47.Rdb2 g6 48.Rb8+ Rxb8 49.Rxb8+ Kg7 50.Rb7 Ne8
51.g4, winning slowly but surely.
PLAN B
The clearest way in such cases is to exchange one pair of rooks, allowing my king to advance without
any danger. So, good is 46.Rcb2, going for the b8 exchange.
165
PLAN C
Going for the 7th rank with both my rooks, should be ideal. I can opt for 46.Rc5 Rd8 47.Ra5 Ne7
48.Raa7 Re8 49.g4, which looks like an optimal way. Black is limited and I will enforce my position
with the advance of my king and pawns.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 42
Plan A is good — see the game.

Plan B is equal to Plan A.
Plan C is equally good, but clearer is the exchange way.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 45
46.Rd2
46.Rc5 Rd8 47.Ra5 Ne7 48.Raa7 Re8 49.g4, was another good way. Black is limited and White will
enforce his position with the advance of his king and pawns.
46.Rd2 Nf6 47.Rdb2!
Exchanging a pair of rooks is the simplest method.
47...g6 48.Rb8+ Rxb8 49.Rxb8+ Kg7 50.Rb7 Ne8
166
51.g4!
White will need to advance his king and pawns, to further restrict the black knight.
51...h6 52.Kf2 Nf6 53.Ke3 Ne8 54.Kf4
54.Ke4? Nd6+–+, proves the tricky knight!
54...Nf6 55.Ke5 Nh7
Black could try 55...g5, where White wins with 56.h3 Ne8 57.f4 gxf4 58.Kxf4 Nf6 59.Ke5 Ne8
60.Rb6 (60.h4 Nf6 61.Kf5+–) 60...Nc7 61.Rc6 Ne8 62.h4+–.
56.h4 g5 57.h5 Kg8 58.Kd6 Kf8 59.Rb8+ Kg7 60.Rb5! Kf8 61.Kd7 Nf6+ 62.Kd8
167
And Black is in zugzwang...
62...Ne8
After 62...Kg7 63.Rf5! Ng8 64.Ke8 Nf6+, White wins with 65.Rxf6! Kxf6 66.Kf8+–. The transition
to a won pawn ending must always be kept in mind!
63.Rb6! Ng7
63...f6 64.Re6+–.
64.Rxh6 Ne6+ 65.Rxe6! fxe6 66.Kd7 Kf7 67.Kd6
1–0
168
Show in Text Mode
ROOK VS TWO PIECES (BISHOP & KNIGHT)

The first ‘feeling’ for this ending is that the pieces should prevail, but things are not that easy and not
that clear.
It is true that the bishop and the knight make an ideal partnership, but still the rook must be respected!
Pawn structures are always important; passed pawns, targets, etc, make the day for the one side.
When we have even pawns in one side, the draw probability strongly increases, especially if the pieces
have no clarified and certain targets.
With less pawns there are not real guides; anything can happen, depending on each particular position.
Cooperation of the pieces is highly important, as they should be able to attack and defend
harmoniously.
As noted, the pieces can prevail if they have certain targets to attack; if they could support a passed
pawn and/or defend against an enemy passed pawn. Harmoniously cooperation is the secret word!
An extra outside passed pawn for the ‘rook’ side can be a decisive factor, if of course the opponent has
no counterplay.
While the pieces are ‘dealing’ to stop the passed pawn, the rook, assisted by its king can create too
much trouble on the other side!
EXERCISE 43
Beliavsky Alexander
Miles Anthony
69.Kf3
169
EVALUATION
The position is tricky. Although it seems that I can manage to draw, this is more difficult than it looks.
My opponent keeps full control over the c2-square, not permitting my ...c2 advance, while his f-pawn
can march. I need to find a concrete solution to solve my problems.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
The c2 advance should be always in mind and I think that the solution to my problems is by 69...Rb3
70.Ne3+ (70.f5 c2 71.Ne3+ Kd2=, should be fine) 70...Kd2 71.Bc2 Rb8 72.f5 (72.Be4 Rb3 73.Nc2
Rb2 74.f5 Rxc2 75.Bxc2 Kxc2 76.f6 Kb2 77.f7 c2 78.f8=Q c1=Q=, is again OK) 72...Rh8 73.Kf4
Rh3, where I think that I am OK.
PLAN B
Tactical solutions are always welcomed to solve ‘strategical’ problems, so I think that I can opt for
69...c2, when I should be fine: 70.Ne3+ Kd2 71.Bxc2 Rc8 and as the threat ...Rc3 will win a piece, the
draw is near.
PLAN C
No need to go for radical decisions. I can go for 69...Rh8 Be4 70...Ke1 71.Na3 Kd1 72.f5 Rh7 and
White cannot prevail.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
170
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 43
Plan A is good and draws.

Plan B is equal to Plan A.
Plan C is not so bad, except the last move — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 40
69...Rh8?!
Black here missed a direct solution to his problems with 69...c2! 70.Ne3+ Kd2 71.Bxc2 Rc8 and as the
threat ...Rc3 will win a piece, the draw is near. Netherless, the position is still drawn.
Also good is 69...Rb3 70.Ne3+ (70.f5 c2 71.Ne3+ Kd2=) 70...Kd2 71.Bc2 Rb8 72.f5 (72.Be4 Rb3
73.Nc2 Rb2 74.f5 Rxc2 75.Bxc2 Kxc2 76.f6 Kb2 77.f7 c2 78.f8=Q c1=Q=) 72...Rh8 73.Kf4 Rh3=.
69...Rh8?!
70.Be4
171
Now White is back in business and he can try...
70...Ke1 71.Na3 Kd1 72.f5 Rh7?
The losing move. 72...Kc1! 73.Ke3 Kb2 74.Nc2 Re8, is a draw.
73.Kf4 Rf7 74.Ke5 Re7+ 75.Kd4 Ke2 76.f6 Rc7 77.Ke5 Ke3 78.Nc2+ Kd2 79.Kf5 Rc5+ 80.Kf4
Rc8 81.Kg5 Rg8+ 82.Kf5 Rf8 83.Kg6 Rg8+ 84.Kf7 Rg4
85.Bh7! Rh4 86.Bg6 Rg4 87.Na3 Kc1 88.Kg7 Kb2 89.f7 Rf4 90.Nc2 Rxf7+ 91.Kxf7
1–0
EXERCISE 44
Bauer Christian
Mastrovasilis Athanasios
C54 Baku 2016
72...Kh7
172
EVALUATION
I feel that I am in the driver’s seat, as I have a passed pawn and my pieces are more active. But I need
to find concrete solutions to cash the point.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Full domination is the expected asset here. I can do it by 73.Rb7 Bd8 74.Rd7 Bf6 75.Rd6, when the
bishop is dominated and the b-pawn lost.
PLAN B
I think that the most important here is to dominate the black king, not allowing him to become active by
...Kg6, so, I should opt for 73.Rc6 Bd8 74.Ke4 Kg8 75.Kd5, when by active king and rook the win
shouldn’t be away.
PLAN C
I think that my rook is optimally placed, so I should think to activate my king as well. 73.Ke4, is
natural and according to endgame rules (king’s centralisation).
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
173
SOLUTION 44
Plan A is best and wins.

Plan B is not worthy, as it is just a draw — see the game.
Plan C is just draws, as Black can consolidate.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 0
73.Rc6?
Now Black can protect his b-pawn and survive. After 73.Rb7! Bd8 74.Rd7 Bf6 75.Rd6, the bishop is
dominated and the b-pawn lost: 75...Kg6 76.Rxb6 Kf7 77.Rb8 Be5 78.Rc8 Ne8 79.b6 Nf6 80.b7 Nd7
81.Ke4 Bg3 82.Kf5 Nb8 83.g5 Kg7 84.Re8 Bd6 85.g6 Bg3 86.Re7+ Kg8 87.g7 Nc6 88.Re4 Bc7
89.Kf6 Bd8+ 90.Kg6+–.
73.Rc6? Bd8 74.Ke4 Kg8 75.Rd6
75.Kd5, does not help due to 75...Kf7 76.Rd6 Ke8 77.Rh6 Kf7 78.Kc6 Ne6=.
75...Bc7
76.Rd7
76.Rc6 Ne8=.
174
76...Bg3 77.Kd5 Kh7 78.Rb7 Bf2 79.Kc6 Kg6 80.Rxb6
The last try, but Black can defend.
80...Bxb6 81.Kxb6 Ne6
81...Ne8 and 81...Kg5, also draws.
82.Ka5 Kg5 83.b6 Nd8 84.Ka6 Kxg4 85.b7 Nxb7
½-½
EXERCISE 45
Timman Jan
Karpov Anatoly
C92 Bugojno 1980
55...Bf6
EVALUATION
Although my opponent has a material advantage, the position can be defended. Obviously one pair of
rooks should be exchanged, but how can I do it favourably?
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I feel that the good way to do the rook exchange is by 56.Kf3 g4+ (what else? If 56...Nc5 57.Rxe7
Bxe7 58.Ra7 Bd6 59.Ke3, with a drawish position) 57.Kg2 gxh3+ 58.Kh2 h4 59.gxh4 Bxh4 60.Raa2
Bxf2 61.Rxf2 Nxf2 62.Rxf2 and the rook ending with the f- and h-pawns is drawn.
175
PLAN B
The optimal set-up is by 56.f3 Nc5 (56...Nc3 57.Rxe7 Bxe7 58.h4 gxh4 59.Rxh5=, or 56...Nd6
57.Rxe7 Bxe7 58.h4 gxh4 59.Re5 [59.Rxh5? f5!µ] 59...Kf6 60.Rxh5=) 57.Rxe7 Bxe7 58.Ra7, when I
should be able to draw.
PLAN C
No need to go for something risky and the calm 56.Ra4 Nc5 (56...Nd6 57.Rxe7 Bxe7 58.f4 g4 59.hxg4
hxg4 60.f5=) 57.Rxe7 Bxe7 (57...Nxa4 58.Rc7 Nc3 59.Kf3=) 58.Rc4, is a good way to preserve my
equal chances.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 45
Plan A is best — see the analysis.

Plan B is not worthy — see the game.
Plan C is playable but White is not out of danger.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 30
56.f3?
Bad is here 56.h4? gxh4 57.Rxh5 Nxg3! 58.Rxe7 Nxh5–+.
Another option is 56.Ra4 Nc5! (56...Nd6 57.Rxe7 Bxe7 58.f4! g4 59.hxg4 hxg4 60.f5=) 57.Rxe7 Bxe7
(57...Nxa4 58.Rc7 Nc3 59.Kf3=) 58.Rc4
176
58...Kg6. This position is certainly better for White than that from the actual game, but still not fully
safe. J. Timman noted that a certain disposition of Black’s forces can be successful against White’s
passive defence: the pawn goes to f6, bishop to e5, knight to f5, and thereafter ...h4 follows. It is not
clear whether White can prevent this setup by active measures.
The right way is by 56.Kf3! g4+ (56...Nc5 57.Rxe7 Bxe7 58.Ra7 Bd6 59.Ke3=) 57.Kg2! (57.hxg4?
Ng5+ 58.Rxg5+ Bxg5 59.gxh5 Rxe2 60.Kxe2 Bc1! [60...Kh6? 61.f4 Be7 62.g4=] 61.Kf3 Kh6 62.Kg4
Bg5–+) 57...gxh3+ 58.Kh2! h4 59.gxh4 (59.g4? Ng5! 60.Rxe7 Bxe7 61.f4 Ne6–+) 59...Bxh4 60.Raa2!
Bxf2 61.Rxf2 Nxf2 62.Rxf2 and the rook ending with the f- and h-pawns is drawn.
56.f3? Nc5!
Best! Wrong would be 56...Nc3? 57.Rxe7 Bxe7 58.h4! gxh4 59.Rxh5=, or 56...Nd6? 57.Rxe7 Bxe7
58.h4! gxh4 59.Re5! (59.Rxh5? f5!µ) 59...Kf6 60.Rxh5=.
57.Rxe7 Bxe7
And now the weak g3-square will tell.
58.Ra7
After 58.f4 gxf4 59.gxf4, comes the decisive 59...f5!, with the idea ...Kf6, ...Bd6, ...Ne6 ×f4; the f4-
pawn is lost.
58...Bd6
The wrong advance of the white f-pawn has weakened the dark squares and White’s position is
hopeless now.
59.Ra8 h4
177
60.gxh4
Nothing is gained by the alternative 60.f4 Ne6! (60...hxg3? 61.fxg5 Be5 62.Ra3 Kg6 63.h4 Kh5
64.Kh3 Ne4 65.Ra5 Nf2+ 66.Kg2 Nd3 67.Kh3, seems to hold) 61.Ra5 gxf4 62.gxh4 Bc5–+.
60...gxh4 61.Kf2 Ne6 62.Ra1 Bg3+ 63.Ke3 Nf4 64.Rh1 Kf6 65.Ke4 Ke6 66.Kd4 Kf5 67.Kc3 Ne6
68.Kd3 Kf4 69.Ke2 Ng5!
Accurate and White resigned. Of course not 69...Nd4+ 70.Kd3 Nxf3? 71.Rf1 and Ke2.
0–1
EXERCISE 46
Grivas Efstratios
Wagner Claude
A58 Cap d’Agde 1983
24...Kxg7
178
EVALUATION
My opponent seems to be fine here, as his pawn structure seems to be more compact than mine, but on
the other hand my passed a-pawn cannot be underestimated. A concrete plan must be formed.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Passed pawns in endings are assets than cannot be underestimated. So, good seems here to opt for
25.Nc3 Bxg2 26.Kxg2, when my passed a-pawn should give me the advantage.
PLAN B
Rooks belong behind passed pawns and this can be the solution to my problems. After 25.Ra1 Rb2
26.a4 Bxe4 27.Bxe4 Rxe2 28.Bc6, I should have great compensation.
PLAN C
An interesting way to proceed is the transfer to an alternative endgame by 25.Nxd6 Bxg2 (25...exd6
26.Bxd5 Rb2 27.Re1±, cannot be really called an option) 26.Nxb7 Bxb7 (the knight ending after
26...Bxf1 27.Kxf1, should be an easy win) 27.Rc1 Bd5 28.a4. Here my active rook and my passed a-
pawn can be proven better than Black’s two pieces.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
179
SOLUTION 46
Plan A is not much, as Black is OK after 26...Nc5 27.Ra1 Ra7.

Plan B is not worthy, as Black should be fine.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
25 0 50
25.Nxd6! Bxg2
25...exd6 26.Bxd5 Rb2 27.Re1±, cannot be really called an option.
26.Nxb7 Bxb7
The knight ending after 26...Bxf1 27.Kxf1, should be an easy win.
27.Rc1 Bd5 28.a4
Now the two minor pieces will be tight down to the a-pawn.
28...Nb6?!
A better defence is 28...Kf6 29.a5 Ke6 30.a6, although White is on the top.
29.a5 Na8 30.f3!
Domination and restriction above all!
180
30...f5 31.Rc5 e6 32.Kf2
The white king will either try to help his rook on the queenside or the kingside, creating the concept of
the two weaknesses.
32...Kf6 33.Ke3 g5 34.a6 Nb6 35.a7 h5 36.Rb5 Na8 37.Kd4
Black is passive and White is in the driver’s seat.
37...g4 38.f4 Nc7 39.Rb8 Na8 40.Kc5 Ke7 41.Rh8 Kf7 42.Kd6 Kg6 43.Kd7
White could simply think of moving his king to b8 and his rook on b7, as well.
43...Kf6 44.Rxh5 Nb6+ 45.Kc7 Na8+ 46.Kd6 Nb6 47.Rh8 Na8
48.h4!
48.Rf8+ Kg7 49.Ke7, is also winning.
48...gxh3 49.Rxh3 Nb6 50.Rh8 Na4
Or 50...Na8 51.Rf8+ Kg7 52.Ke7 Nb6 53.Rd8 Na8 54.g4! fxg4 55.f5+–.
51.Rf8+ Kg7 52.a8=Q Bxa8 53.Rxa8 Nc3 54.Kxe6 Nxe2 55.Ra3 Kg6 56.Ke5 1–0
EXERCISE 47
Slipak Sergio
Almasi Zoltan
20.Rc2
181
EVALUATION
I think that I have the better ending due to my pressure upon the White’s queenside; all my pieces work
at a maximum capacity, however my opponent may relies somehow after the eventual b3. Thus I must
take some actions without delay.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Creating weaknesses on the queenside seems like a good way to proceed. After 20...b5 21.b3 (21.c5
b4, looks good) 21...Nb6 22.c5 Nd5 23.b4 a5 24.a3 Ra8, when my rook will penetrate via the a-file.
PLAN B
Improving the position of all my pieces is the necessary need of the position. My king should be
activated and get a central place. This can be made by the natural 20...Kf8 and so on.
PLAN C
The transfer to an endgame of rook & pawn vs two pieces looks interesting here. So, I will opt for
20...Nxb2 21.Rcxb2 Bxb2 22.Rxb2 Rxc4, when I feel that I am in the driver’s seat.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
182
SOLUTION 47
Plan A is not that good, as White’s passed c-pawn, is a good asset.

Plan B is not bad in general, but Black has a better way!
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
5 15 50
20...Nxb2! 21.Rcxb2 Bxb2 22.Rxb2 Rxc4 23.Ne5

White should try 23.Ke2 f6 24.h4 e5 25.g3 Rdc8 26.Rd2 Rc2 27.h5 Kf7, although his position would
still be miserable.
23...Rc3 24.Bd2 Rc5 25.f4 Rdc8 26.a3 Rc2 27.Rxc2 Rxc2
This is the position Black aimed for when he played 20...Nxb2. Black’s advantage is decisive. Here we
have an endgame, the phase of a game when a rook and just one pawn are often superior to two minor
pieces, in contrast to a middlegame. There, the two minor pieces can prove really powerful, particularly
if they can be employed in an attack against the king. Here Black has a rook and two pawns (not just
one). Secondly, White has no counterplay, no passed pawns, no objects to attack, while Black can
attack the weak a3-pawn and simply create a passed pawn on the queenside — and one in the centre, if
necessary. Therefore we can evaluate the position as won for Black; the active position of his rook and
the bad placement of the white king makes Black’s task easier.
183
28.Bb4 f6! 29.Nf3 Kf7 30.Nd4 Rc4 31.Ne2 a5 32.Bd2
Or 32.Bc3 Ra4 33.Bb2 b5 34.Kf2 b4 35.axb4 axb4–+.
32...Rc2 33.Bc1
Or 33.Be3 Ra2 34.Bxb6 Rxa3–+.
33...b5 34.Kf2 b4 35.axb4 axb4 36.Ke3 b3 37.Kd3
37...Rxc1!
The simplest method to prevail!
38.Nxc1 b2 39.Kc2 bxc1=Q+ 40.Kxc1 Kg6
The pawn ending is easily won.
41.Kd2 Kf5 42.Ke3 Kg4 43.Ke4 h5 0–1
EXERCISE 48
Eljanov Pavel
Nakamura Hikaru
E05 Baku 2015
19...Na6
184
EVALUATION
I have a good spatial advantage and good outposts for my knight, especially the one of c5. My
opponent’s position looks rather solid, without any obvious weaknesses, so it looks like a long fight is
on the cards.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Central occupation is always nice. Going for the simple 20.Nxa6 Rxa6 21.e4, should give me a good
spatial advantage and better placed pieces. My knight can go on c4 and well-timed d5 break will be
always dangerous for my opponent.
PLAN B
My c5-knight is my best placed piece and it should remain! 20.Ned3 (20...Bxd3 21.Nxd3 Nb4 22.e3,
is pleasant and slightly better for me) 20...Nxc5 21.Nxc5, where I am standing better, as my pieces are
well placed, especially my c5-knight, which exerts pressure on the black queenside.
PLAN C
I should examine the possibility of the transfer to an ending with two rooks and two pawns for two
minor pieces. I can do this by a forced line: 20.Nxb7 Qxb7 21.Bxc6 Qc7 22.Bxa8 Qxc3 23.bxc3
Rxa8. I think that here I hold a significant advantage.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
185
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 48
Plan A is OK, as it gives White a slight advantage.

Plan B is not bad, as White holds a tiny advantage.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
30 30 50
20.Nxb7! Qxb7 21.Bxc6 Qc7

21...Qa7 22.Bxa8 Qxa8 23.Qxa5 Be4, is an interesting alternative. As long as the queens are in the
board, Black can always create some nasty counterplay, as now he is doomed to passivity.
22.Bxa8 Qxc3 23.bxc3 Rxa8 24.Nc6 Bd8 25.Nxd8 Rxd8
The position is material unbalanced; White has a rook and two central pawns for two minor pieces —
he should stand better.
26.f3! Rc8 27.Ra3 Bg6 28.Kf2 Rb8 29.Rd2 f6
186
Black’s main problem is that there are no white targets to be attacked by the minor pieces, so he has to
stay put.
30.Raa2! Rb3
30...Be8 31.Rab2 Rxb2 32.Rxb2 Bxa4 33.Ra2 Bb5 34.Rxa5 Bc4 35.e4, would be a slow death.
31.Rab2! Rxc3 32.Rb5 Bc2 33.Rxa5 Nc7 34.Ra7 f5 35.a5 Kh7 36.Rb7 Rc4 37.Rb6 Ba4 38.a6 Bc6
39.a7 Bd5
40.Ra2! Rxd4 41.Rc2 Na8 42.Ra6 Rd1

The pair of white rooks are rather active.
43.h4 h5
Black would always face the threat of h5, Rc8 and Rd6-d8, so sooner or later he would have to go for
this.
44.Ke3
The king is heading for the kingside, helping in mating ideas among other.
44...Rg1 45.Kf4 Rg2 46.Rd6 Rg1 47.Rc8 Ra1 48.Kg5
48.Rxd5 exd5 49.Rxa8 Kg6 50.Ke5, is a win as well.
48...Rxa7 49.Rdd8 g6 50.Rh8+
50.Kf6, mates: 50...Kh6 51.Rh8+ Rh7 52.Rcg8.
50...Kg7 51.Rcg8+ Kf7 52.Rxg6 Ra6 53.Rh7+ Kf8 54.Kxh5 Nb6 55.Kg5 Nc4 56.h5 Nd6 57.Rf6+
Kg8 58.Rd7
1–0
187
Show in Text Mode
ROOK VS TWO PIECES (BISHOP PAIR)

The pawnless ending is a drawn case, where the ‘bishops’ side has some winning chances, if the
opponent king is cornered and his rook cannot assist.
The bishops have two winning plans:
SOS Tip 1 — Pawnless
1. To mate the opponent king.

2. To win the rook, mating later.
But of course both of the above plans are not easy to meet without the ‘help’ of the opponent.
An extra pawn for the ‘bishops’ side is a deadly factor. The ‘rook’ side cannot draw by sacrificing his
rook for the pawn, as then the two bishops can deliver an easy mate.
In general the bishop pair is nearly ineffaceable when there are many pawns on the board and the ‘rook’
side has not any passed pawns as counterplay.
The bishop pair is a strong weapon when facing a rook but the reduced material can help the defender.
The power of the bishop pair can be also seen when facing the exchange-down theme; then it can form
very good compensation.
With more pawns on the board and more weaknesses, things are easier for the bishop pair.
With the help of its king an assault can be created towards a potential weakness, which is usually a
goner in this case.
The theme of the exchange-up vs the two bishops is a very sensitive one which we are not usually come
across on chess magazines and publications.
The bishop pair can be an excellent compensation for sacrificing or losing (blunders exist!) the
exchange, especially when the opponent has a knight.
The bishops’ combined power in cooperation with other pieces can form a deserved line of defence.
EXERCISE 49
Smyslov Vassily
Blackstock Leslie Steven
A52 London 1988
60.h4
188
EVALUATION
The bishop pair almost always comprises an enviable and powerful force. Still, even in this case, the
position might be drawn as the material is greatly reduced. My opponent must seek the exchange of the
g-pawns, after which he might be able to sacrifice his rook for my darksquared bishop, reaching a
theoretical draw. My only good idea is to try mating my opponent but this easier said than done!
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My line of defence should be from my first rank, so I should opt for 60...Ra8. After something like
61.h5 Rf8+ 62.Bf7 gxh5 63.gxh5 Rxf7+ 64.Kxf7, it’s a draw. Of course my opponent can try different
pressure and my defence will be long.
PLAN B
The 3rd rank defence is ideal in such positions. So, good is 60...Rb6 61.Kf7 h5 62.g5 Rb7+ 63.Kf8
Rf7+ 64.Ke8 Re7+, with a draw.
PLAN C
A good defence is to try to activate my rook from behind by 60...Ra3. By this way I should be able to
start checking, harassing the white king. After something like 61.Bd5 Re3 62.h5 gxh5 63.gxh5 Rxe5
64.Kxe5, it is a draw.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
189
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 49
Plan A is losing; (60...Ra8) 61.Bd5! (61.h5? Rf8+ 62.Bf7 gxh5 63.gxh5 Rxf7+ 64.Kxf7=) 61...Rf8+
62.Bf7 and White should win.
Plan B is also a lost case — see the game.
Plan C is the best — the analysis is correct.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
60...Rb6?
Black had defended excellently up to this point and could have maintained the draw with 60...Ra3!.
60...Rb6? 61.Kf7 Rb5?!
The text considerably shortens the defeat. More stubborn was 61...h5 , although White wins after
62.gxh5! (62.g5? Rb7+ 63.Kf8 [63.Kf6 Rb6] 63...Rf7+! 64.Ke8 Re7+!=) 62...Rb7+ 63.Kf6 (63.Kf8?
Kh6! 64.hxg6 Kxg6 65.Bg3 Kf6 66.Bc4 Rb4 67.Ba6 Kg6=) 63...gxh5 64.Bf5+! (64.Kg5?! Rg7+
65.Kxh5? Rg5+!=) 64...Kg8 65.Bf4 Rg7 66.Be3 Kh8 67.Bg6 Rb7 68.Kg5 Rb3 69.Bd4+ Kg8
190
70.Kxh5.
62.h5!
Mate follows, so Black had to resign.
1–0
EXERCISE 50
Karlovich Anastazia
Georgiev Krum
B88 Thessaloniki 2009
48...Kg6
EVALUATION
I am having a difficult and long defence ahead. My opponent is helped by the fact that his pawns are
more ‘central’, but still the remained material doesn’t help him. In general I should stay put, avoiding
radical pawn moves and deal with my rook or the king, waiting for my opponent to show his hand.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I have to create some more space for my king to move freely and this can be best done by 49.f3 Bb5
50.Ra5 Bc6 51.Kf2 Bb4 52.Ra6, when my position should be holdable.
PLAN B
I think that I can create the ideal set-up by 49.Kg2 Bc8 50.Ra7 Kf5 51.f3 Bd6 52.Ra8 Bb7 53.Ra7
Bd5 54.Ra5 Ke6 55.g4, when although Black can press, I do not think that in the end he can win
191
without my ‘help’.
PLAN C
Staying put and waiting for the procedures should be OK here. 49.Ra7 Bc6 50.Rc7 Be4 51.Rc8 Bd6
52.Rd8 Be5 53.Rd7, seems to be fine and quite holdable.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 50
Plan A although not losing yet, makes the defence harder.

Plan B is the best — the analysis is correct.
Plan C is similar to Plan A - see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
35 50 35
49.Ra7?!
An inaccuracy. 49.Kg2 Bc8 50.Ra7 Kf5 51.f3 Bd6 52.Ra8 Bb7 53.Ra7 Bd5 54.Ra5 Ke6 55.g4, was the
correct continuation.
49.Ra7?!
192
49...Bc6
Now Black controls the important h1-a8 diagonal and the f3-square of course!
50.Rc7 Be4 51.Rc8 Bd6 52.Rd8 Be5 53.Rd7
53.Kf1? Kf5 54.Ke2 Kg4 55.Rc8 Bb7 56.Rc4+ Kh3, was a lost case.
53...Kf5 54.Ra7 Kg4 55.Ra3
It seems that White can control the f3-square, not allowing the black king to enter it, so he keeps her
opponent’s winning plans in bay.
55...f5 56.Kh2 Bd6 57.Rc3 Be7 58.Rc7?!
White can draw by just holding the black king away from f3: 58.Rb3 Bf6 59.Ra3 f4 60.gxf4 gxf4
61.Kg1 Bd5 62.Ra5 Bc4 63.Kg2. But of course this is not yet the final mistake.
58...Bb4
193
59.Rc1?
But this is! White should try to be active and attack the black g-pawn with 59.Rg7 Bc3 (59...Bd2?!
60.f4!) 60.Rg8 Be1 61.Kg1 Bd2 (61...Kf3 62.Rxg5 Bxf2+ 63.Kh2=) 62.Rd8 (62.f4? Kxg3 63.fxg5
Bg2 64.Re8 f4 65.g6 Be3+ 66.Rxe3+ fxe3 67.g7 Bd5–+) 62...Ba5 63.Rg8, when Black has no winning
plan, as 63...Kf3 64.Rxg5 Bb6 65.Kh2, leads to a draw.
59...Kf3
And now Black wins, as he fulfils the plan mentioned in the first diagram.
60.Kg1 Bd3 61.Rd1 Ke2 62.Ra1 Bc5 63.Ra2+ Kf3 64.Rb2 g4 65.Rd2
65...Be2!
194
That’s the trick — the f2-pawn is gone and the rest were easy.
66.Rd5 Bxf2+ 67.Kh1 Kxg3 68.Rxf5 Bf3+ 69.Rxf3+ Kxf3
0–1
EXERCISE 51
Carlsen Magnus
Nakamura Hikaru
D37 Saint Louis 2015
49.Be3
EVALUATION
It looks like I am not in great danger here, but still some accuracy is needed, otherwise I might suffer
for a long time. As my opponent has to deal with my extra a-pawn, which ‘buys’ time for organising
my counterplay.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
There is nothing more to do here than wait by 49...Ra1 50.Kb3 a2 51.Kb2 Rd1 52.Bxa2 Kg7. As I do
not have any static weaknesses and White has not any pawn breakthrough, I should feel safe.
PLAN B
I do not see anything radical, so there is not much to think about; I should wait by 49...Kg7 50.Kb3
Rb1+ 51.Kxa3 Kf6.
PLAN C
195
Being concrete is important. I have a nice idea to show here: 49...f4 (a good pawn exchange) 50.Bxf4
(50.gxf4, allows me to become dangerous after 50...Rh1 51.Kb3 Rxh4 52.Kxa3 Rh1, as my h-pawn is
passed) 50...a2 51.Bxa2 Re2+ 52.Kb3 Rxf2, when I am out of danger.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 51
Plan A is fine but not accurate.

Plan B is similar to Plan A.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
35 35 50
49...f4!
196
A good pawn exchange!
50.Bxf4
50.gxf4, allows Black to become dangerous after 50...Rh1 51.Kb3 Rxh4 52.Kxa3 Rh1, as his h-pawn is
passed. Nevertheless, it will be a draw after 53.Kb2 h4 54.Bd5 Re1 55.Be6.
50...a2 51.Bxa2 Re2+ 52.Kb3 Rxf2
This is already a convincing fortress! A major problem for White is that Black sometimes has the
possibility to sacrifice his rook for the darksquared bishop if he manages to exchange the g-pawns
afterwards.
53.Bb1 Re2 54.Kc4 Kg7 55.Kd5 Re1 56.Bc2 Re2
Black’s rook stays on the e-file pinning on, while when in need will do the same on the f-file. This is
the best way to defend.
57.Bd3 Re1 58.Be4
Another try is 58.Be5+ Kh7 59.Ke6, but White cannot make progress in this way, because Black can
solve his problems radically: 59...Kh6! 60.Kf6 Rxe5! 61.Kxe5 g5! 62.hxg5+ Kxg5 63.Be2 h4 64.g4
h3=.
58...Rd1+ 59.Ke5 Re1 60.Bd2 Re2 61.Bc3 Kh6 62.Bb4 Rf2
White is unable to cross the f-file but Black could still go astray: 62...g5? 63.Bf8#.
63.Bc5 Rf1 64.Bb4 Rf2 65.Be7 Rf1 66.Bf6 Rg1 67.Bg5+ Kg7 68.Bf4 Re1 69.Kd5 Rd1+ 70.Ke6 Re1
197
71.Ke5
Nothing is gained by 71.Be5+ Kh6 72.Kd5 g5=. Here H.Nakamura claimed a draw on a three-fold-
repetition. The position has indeed been reached for a third time, but while now it’s Black´s turn to
move, in the earlier versions it was White to move. So after adding some extra time to M.Carlsen’s
clock, the game continued.
71...Re2 72.Kd5 Re1 73.Bd3 Kh7 74.Kd4 Kg7 75.Be3
Now that the rook cannot stay on the e- and f-files, but the white king has gone back as well, it will be
transferred to the long side for side checks.
75...Ra1! 76.Ke4 Ra4+ 77.Kf3 Ra3 78.Bb5 Rb3 79.Be8 Rb1 80.Bc6 Rb4 81.Bd2 Rb6 82.Bc3+ Kh6
83.Bd5 Rb1 84.Kf4 Rf1+ 85.Ke5 Rg1 86.Bd2+ Kg7 87.Bf4 Re1+ 88.Kd6 Kf6 89.Bf3
198
This allows Black to end his suffering, but nothing is gained anyway by 89.Bc6 Rd1+=.
89...Kf5! 90.Kd5 Rf1 91.Be4+ Kg4! 92.Bxg6
White might have tried 92.Ke5, when Black had to find the accurate 92...Re1! (92...Rg1? 93.Kf6!
[93.Bxg6? Rxg3 94.Bg5 Ra3 95.Bf5+ Kg3=] 93...Rxg3 94.Bxg3 Kxg3 95.Kg5+–) 93.Kd4 Rg1=.
92...Rxf4 93.gxf4 Kxf4 94.Bxh5 Kg3 95.Bd1 Kxh4 ½-½
EXERCISE 52
Tilicheev Viacheslav
Vorobiov Evgeny
E04 Moscow 2011
114.Ra7
EVALUATION
A difficult case, as more pawns obviously is a good case for the ‘bishops’ side. Still, the win is not easy
at all, if any...
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I should try to improve my king by 114...Bd2 115.Re7 (it looks that the best file for the rook is the e)
115...Kd1 116.Re8 Bg2+ 117.Kg1 Bc6 and so on.
PLAN B
As in the previous plan, improvement of the king is important: 114...Kd3 115.Re7 Bb2, when I must
be in the right track.
199
PLAN C
It is time to opt for a pawn break by 114...f4 115.Rc7+ Kb2, when my position is fairly improved and
more targets are on.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 52
Plan A is going nowhere after 118.Re7.

Plan B is similar to Plan A, after 116.Re3+.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
40 40 50
114...f4
Black will have sooner or later to try this.
115.Rc7+ Kb2 116.Kg1 fxg3
200
117.hxg3?!
Although scary, 117.fxg3, should be correct: 117...Be3+ 118.Kf1 Bg2+ 119.Ke2 Bg1 120.Rf7! Kc2
(120...Bf3+ 121.Rxf3 gxf3+ 122.Kxf3 Bxh2 123.Kg4=; 120...Bxh2 121.Kf2=) 121.Rf4=.
117...Bd2 118.Rc8 Bc3 119.Rb8+ Kc2 120.Rc8 Kd3 121.Rd8+ Bd4 122.Kh2 Ke4 123.Re8+ Kf5
124.Rf8+ Ke6 125.Re8+ Kd7 126.Re1 Kc6 127.Re6+ Kb5 128.Re1 Kc4 129.Rb1 Kd3 130.Rb4 Bc5
131.Rb5 Ba7 132.Ra5 Bd4 133.Ra2
133.Ra4, is also OK: 133...Bd1 (133...Bxf2 134.Rd4+!=) 134.Ra2 Ke4 135.Rd2 Bf3 136.Rc2 Bg2
137.Re2+ Kf3 138.Re7, as the stalemate tricks save the day for White.
133...Bd5 134.Ra4 Bc4 135.Ra3+ Ke4 136.Ra4 Bd5 137.Rb4 Ke5 138.Ra4 Be6 139.Kg1 Bd7
140.Ra2 Ke4 141.Rd2 Bb5
201
142.Ra2?
This loses. 142.Kh2!, should be OK for White.
142...Kf3 143.Ra3+ Ke2 144.Ra2+
144.Ra5 Bxf2+ 145.Kh2 Bc4–+.
144...Ke1 145.Rc2 Be2!
146.Rc1+ Bd1 147.Kh2 Bxf2 148.Ra1 Ke2 149.Ra2+ Kf3 150.Ra3+ Be3 151.Ra1 Be2 152.Ra8 Kf2
153.Ra2 Bc5 154.Rc2 Bd4 155.Rc1 Be5 156.Rg1 Kf3 157.Kh1 Bxg3 158.Ra1 Kf4 159.Ra4+ Kg5
160.Ra5+ Kh4 0–1
202
EXERCISE 53
Carlsen Magnus
Karjakin Sergey
C54 New York 2016
56.Kf5
EVALUATION
My defence is difficult and full of problems. My pawn structure is not helpful, as the opponent king is
always threats to come on g6. I will have to be accurate if I want to survive.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
As my g6-square is weak, 56...Kh7, to prevent Kg6, looks logical, but still White can be in the driver’s
seat with 57.Ke6+ (57.Kg4+ Kh8 58.Kh5 g5) 57...Kh8 58.h5, nevertheless I do not think that it is that
clear.
PLAN B
Exchanging pawns is a welcomed action, so I should opt for 56...g5 57.hxg5 fxg5 (57...hxg5 58.Bd2
Kg7 59.Bc3 Rb6 60.g4 Rd6 61.Be4 Kf7 62.f3 Rb6 63.Bd5+ Kg7 64.f4, is winning) 58.Be5 Rb6 and I
am still holding.
PLAN C
I think that I can hold by waiting the white procedures. I will opt for 56...Rd7 57.Bc2 Rb7 and fight.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
203
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 53
Plan A is the best — see the analysis.

Plan B is bad, as Black has a lost case.
Plan C is not holding — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 0
56...Rd7?
56...Kh7!, to prevent Kg6, looks logical, but still White can be in the driver’s seat with 57.Ke6+!
(57.Kg4+ Kh8 58.Kh5 g5!) 57...Kh8 58.h5, and so on. K. Mueller thinks that this was the last chance
to fight and he can’t say, if White wins e.g. by bringing the king to g6 in the long run or not. More
analysis is needed here.
56...Rd7?
204
57.Bc2 Rb7 58.Kg6!
A great move. King’s activity is more important than the f2-pawn, here. 58.Be4, looks ‘stronger’, even
though 58...Re7! (58...Rb4?! 59.f3 [59.Bd5+ Kh7 60.h5+–] 59...Kh7 60.h5+–) 59.f3 Kh7!,
considerably complicates White’s further progress.
58...Rb2 59.Bf5 Rxf2 60.Be6+ Kh8 61.Bd6! Re2 62.Bg4?
As it turns out, White could win here: 62.Kf7 Rc2 (62...Rb2 63.Bf8 Rb7+ 64.Kg6+–) 63.g4! (63.Bf8?
Rc7+ 64.Kg6 f5!) 63...h5! (63...Rc6? 64.Bf8 Rc7+ 65.Kg6, followed by Bf7 would be simple) 64.gxh5
Rb2 65.h6! gxh6 66.Bf8 Rb7+ 67.Kg6 Rh7 (67...h5 68.Bf7+–) 68.h5 (or 68.Kxf6 Rb7 69.Bxh6+–)
68...f5 69.Bc5 Rg7+ 70.Kxh6 Rh7+ 71.Kg6 Rg7+ 72.Kxf5. This endgame is winning for White, even
though he still needs to display a good technique. But it is extremely easy to criticise the players, when
being equipped with the modern technology. And it is very difficult to play such a position accurately.
62...Re8 63.Bf5 Kg8 64.Bc2 Re3 65.Bb1 Kh8 66.Kf7 Rb3 67.Be4 Re3 68.Bf5 Rc3 69.g4 Rc6 70.Bf8
Rc7+
71.Kg6
White is threatening Be6-f7.
71...Kg8! 72.Bb4
We must admit that the ending is extremely difficult not only to play but to analyse as well! From now
on a serious of mutual mistakes are played, which is quite natural due to the short time left for both
opponents.
72...Rb7?
72...Rc6, or 72...Kh8 were called for.
73.Bd6?
205
73.Be6+! Kh8 74.Bf8!, was winning: 74...f5 75.gxf5 Ra7 (75...h5 76.f6! gxf6 77.Bf7+–) 76.f6 gxf6
77.Bf7 and Black can resign.
73...Kh8? 74.Bf8! Kg8
75.Ba3?
75.Bc5!, avoiding a future ...Rb6 defence, is the winning move: 75...Kh8 (75...Rb5 76.Be6+ Kh8
77.Bf8 Rb7 78.Bf7+–; 75...Rb8 76.Be6+ (76.h5 Ra8 77.g5!+–) 76...Kh8 77.h5+–) 76.Be6 Rb8
(76...Rc7 77.Bf8+–) 77.h5 Ra8 (77...Rb5 78.Bf8 Rg5+ 79.Kf7 Kh7 80.Bf5+ Kh8 81.Bg6+–) 78.g5!!
Ra5! (78...hxg5? 79.h6! gxh6 80.Be7 Rg8+ 81.Kxh6 Rg7 82.Bxf6+–; 78...fxg5? 79.Bd4+–) 79.gxh6
gxh6 80.Be7 Rg5+ 81.Kxh6 Rg7! 82.Bd8! Rh7+ 83.Kg6 Rg7+ 84.Kxf6+–.
75...Kh8? 76.Be6?
76.Bf8! Kg8 77.Bc5!+–.
76...Rb6! 77.Kf7 Rb7+ 78.Be7 h5!
Black uses the right moment to force a draw.
79.gxh5
79.g5 fxg5 80.hxg5 h4=.
79...f5
79...Kh7, was also sufficient.
80.Bxf5 Rxe7+! 81.Kxe7 Kg8
This position is a theoretical draw. White would need to deprive Black’s king of the squares g8 and h7
to force ...g5 and then take the pawn en passant. However, it is not possible to protect g8 and h7
without attacking g7 as well, which leads to a stalemate after h5xg6. If White had two lightsquared
bishops, he could put one of them on g8 or h7 while defending it with the other one, thus winning. But
206
this is clearly not the case!
82.Bd3
After 82.Ke6, Black draws with 82...Kh8!, but not with 82...Kf8? 83.Bh7! Ke8 84.Bg6+ Kf8 85.Bf7!
g6 86.h6 g5 87.Kf6 g4 88.h7 g3 89.h8=R#.
82...Kh8 83.Kf8 g5 84.hxg6
½-½
EXERCISE 54
Ljubojevic Ljubomir
Miles Anthony
B30 Tilburg 1985
42...d5
EVALUATION
My position is quite difficult, as I will remain with two weaknesses, the d/e- and f-pawns (according to
what I will choose), so my opponent has excellent winning chances.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I think that I should remain with the e- and f-pawns, as weaknesses, so I should opt for 43.Kg2 dxe4
44.dxe4. Material is reduced and I cannot see how my opponent will improve.
PLAN B
207
As in the previous plan, I should say put, but not with my king, as I do not know yet if I will need him
on g2 or e2. So, I will go for 43.Rc6 dxe4 44.dxe4 and I will wait for the procedures.
PLAN C
I think that I should go for another set-up, staying with the d- and f pawns, so I will go for 43.exd5
Bxd5 and after 44.Ke2 Be6 45.Rc6 Ke7 46.Ke1 Kd7 47.Ra6, I feel that I should hold.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 54
Plan A is not enough — see the analysis.

Plan B is similar to Plan A.
Plan C is relatively better but still not enough — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
30 30 50
43.exd5
If White allows Black to capture on e4 with 43.Rc6 dxe4 44.dxe4, then his two weaknesses (e4 and f2)
remains and Black can attack them via b1 or g6: 44...Kf7 45.Rc7+ Kg8 46.Ke2 g5 47.Ke1 (47.Rb7
Bc4+ 48.Ke1 Bd3) 47...Bf7 48.Ke2 Bg6 49.f3 (the f2 weakness is gone but a new one appeared; the
g3) 49...Bh5 50.fxg4 Bxg4+ 51.Kd3 (51.Ke1 Bf3) 51...Bf3 52.Re7 g4–+, as ...Kf8 and ...Bf2 decides.
43.exd5 Bxd5 44.Ke2 Be6
Black’s plan is now simple: he will place his bishop on f5, protecting all his pawns and attacking the
white d-pawn, and then he will penetrate with his king via the queenside, towards the d-pawn.
45.Rc6 Ke7 46.Ke1 Kd7 47.Ra6
208
47...Bf5! 48.Ke2 Kc7 49.Ra8
White is in ‘zugzwang’, so he has to allow the black’s king entrance: 49.Rf6 Bc5 (49...e4? 50.Rf7+;
49...Kb7 50.Rd6 Bb6 51.Rd5) 50.Ra6 Bb6.
49...Kb6 50.Rb8+ Ka5 51.Rb7 Ka4 52.Rb8 Ka3 53.Rb7
If 53.Rd8, then 53...Kb2 54.Rd6 Kc2 55.Rc6+ Bc3 56.Rd6 g5! (zugzwang) 57.Rd5 Bd4–+.
53...Be6!
Best. After the inaccurate 53...Ka2?! 54.Rb8 Bb2 55.Rb7 Kb1 56.Kd2, Black can make no progress (he
has to come back to this position). Now he gives up an unimportant pawn in order to march with his
king.
54.Rg7
White has no choice, as he cannot save himself with guarding the b-file: 54.Rb8 Bd5 55.Rb5 Bf3+
56.Ke1 Bc3+ 57.Kf1 Bd1 and ...Bb3 with ...Kb2-c2 to follow.
54...Bd5 55.Rxg6 Bf3+ 56.Kf1 Kb2
The king finally succeed to penetrate.
57.Ra6 Kc2 58.Re6
209
58...Kd2!
The f-pawn is the real target. The d-pawn will be captured by the bishop and then it will be placed on
f3.
59.Re8 Be2+ 60.Kg2 Ke1 61.Rf8 Bf1+ 62.Kg1 Bxd3 63.Rf7 Be4 64.Kh2
64.Rf8 Bf3.
64...Kf1!
And not falling for White’s last trap: 64...Bxf2? 65.Rxf2=.
65.Rf8 Bf3
0–1
210
Show in Text Mode
ROOK VS TWO PIECES (KNIGHT PAIR)

The pawnless rook vs two knights case is one of the simplest one, as is a dead draw in nearly 99% of all
cases.
Two lone knights cannot mate, so even if the rook is lost the draw is guaranteed. On the other hand the
rook is not able to win vs one knight; no talk about two!
Two knights vs rook is not a very often met case in comparison to the ‘bishops’.
The knights prefer blocked position with no open files. They love outposts and they can more easily
‘concentrate’ on a target as both of them can attack it.
When the knights discover targets they can be lethal. One should keep this in mind and avoid any
structural weaknesses.
An extra pawn for the ‘knights’ side is an important factor but usually the ‘rook’ side succeeds to draw
by sacrificing his rook for the pawn.
Of course the defence is not always easy for the ‘rook’ side and a lot of care is needed.
With two or more pawns the ‘knights’ side usually prevails, as then the rook cannot be sacrificed.
When we have cases with pawns involved for both sides, then interesting positions arise.
EXERCISE 55
Benjamin Joel
Timman Jan
C90 Amsterdam 1994
62...hxg4
211
EVALUATION
In general I should draw this ending, by simply giving-up my rook for my opponent’s last pawn. But I
will have to find accurate moves and this is more difficult that it looks like, as time trouble is also a
negative factor to my efforts.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I should re-shuffle my pieces; my rook should be placed from behind and my king should advance in
the centre. I should do this by 63.Rb7 Ng6 64.Kc1 g3 65.Rg7 Nfh4 66.Rb7 Ne5 67.Rg7 Nhg6 68.Rc7,
when I should be able to draw.
PLAN B
I should proceed like in the previous plan, but I should do it by 63.Rb6 g3 64.Rh6+ Kg1 65.Rh3, when
the draw is obvious.
PLAN C
Like the two previous plans, king & rook must improved, but I think that I will have to go for 63.Rb8
Ng5 64.Rb5 Nef3 65.Rb4, when I will be in the right track.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
212
SOLUTION 55
Plan A is fine — the analysis is correct.

Plan B is losing, as Black can opt for (64.Rh6+) 64...Kg2! (64...Kg1? 65.Rh3!=) 65.Rh7 Ng4 66.Rc7
Kh3 67.Rc2 Nf2.
Plan C is drawing — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 50
63.Rb8! Ng5 64.Rb5 Nef3
65.Rb4
65.Rb2+, is the only alternative drawing move.
65...Ne4!
Black is preserving his pawn with small tactics.
66.Kc2 Nfg5 67.Rb3 Kg2 68.Ra3 Kf2 69.Kd3 Kf3 70.Kd4+ Kf4
213
71.Kd5!
Again White plays the only move, as he needs to pin the e4-knight. 71.Ra2?, is losing to 71...Nf3+
72.Kd3 g3 73.Ra1 g2 74.Ke2 Kg3 75.Rc1 Ned2 76.Rd1 Kh3 77.Kf2 Kh2 78.Ke2 Kg3 79.Rc1 Nd4+
80.Kd3 Kf2 81.Ra1 N4f3 82.Rc1 Ne1+.
71...Nf3 72.Ra4!
Again the only move!
72...Nfd2 73.Ra3!
73.Ra8? g3 74.Ra1 (74.Rg8 Nf6+) 74...Nc3+! 75.Ke6 Nf3!–+.
73...Nf1 74.Kd4
74.Ra4, should be also OK.
74...Nfd2 75.Kd5! Nf3 76.Ra4! Nfg5
A last try...
77.Ra3! Nf6+ 78.Kd6 Nge4+ 79.Ke6 Ne8 80.Kd5 Nc7+ 81.Kc6 Ne6 82.Kd5 N6g5
214
83.Rb3?
A blunder, but the decision wasn’t easy. 83.Ra1, or 83.Kc6 draws.
83...Nf3! 84.Rb2
Now after 84.Rb4 Nfd2, the white rook cannot return on the 3rd rank.
84...Nfd2! 85.Rc2 g3
Finally, the pawn moves!
86.Rc1 Nf3
86...Nc3+, was the second winning move: 87.Ke6 (87.Rxc3 g2 88.Rc1 Nf1–+) 87...Ne2 88.Rc8 Nd4+!
(88...g2? 89.Rf8+!=) 89.Kd5 (89.Kd7 N4f3 90.Rf8+ Kg4 91.Rg8+ Ng5–+) 89...Nf5 90.Rc1 Ne3+
91.Ke6 Ndf1–+.
215
87.Rc2
White resigned, as the pawn promotes: 87...Ned2 88.Kd6 g2 89.Rc1 Nf1.
0–1
EXERCISE 56
Gretarsson Hjorvar Steinn
Tan Justin
E11 Benasque 2015
64...Ra1
216
EVALUATION
Of course my material advantage (two knights & 2:1 pawns) and the lack of any black counterplay,
should tell soon. It is obvious that the presence of more pawns for both sides is in my favour, as my
opponent cannot give-up his rook to get the desired draw. I will just have to be careful in my choices.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Both my knights should focus on the last black pawn and win it. I can do this by 65.Nge3 Ra3 66.Ng4
Kg6 67.Ne7+ Kg7 68.Nd5 and the win is near.
PLAN B
I should stop the black king from coming back to assist his pawn, so I think that I can opt for 65.Ngh4
Rg1 66.Ke3 Rg8 67.Kd4, when my king will advance and attack the black pawn.
PLAN C
Going directly for the black last pawn should be my first priority. This is best done by 65.Ne7 Ra7
66.Nd5 Kg6 67.Nge3 Rf7 68.Ng4, when I should prevail.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
217
SOLUTION 56
Plan A is fine — see the game.

Plan B should win in the long run, but knight on the rim is not advised!
Plan C is also good — the analysis is correct.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 35 50
65.Nge3 Ra3 66.Ng4 Kg6 67.Ne7+ Kg7 68.Nd5

Another pawn is gone...
68...f5 69.exf5
69.Kxf5?, would have thrown the win away: 69...Rxf3+ 70.Nf4 Rc3=.
69...Ra5 70.Nde3
White’s harmonious position is easy to handle. 70.f6+ Kf8 71.Nb6, also wins.
70...Ra4+ 71.Kg5 Ra3 72.f6+ Kf7 73.f4 Ra1 74.Nc4
74.Ne5+ Ke6 75.f7 Ra8 76.N3g4+–.
74...Rd1 75.Nce5+ Kg8 76.Kg6 Kh8 77.f7 Rd8
78.f8=Q+!
218
A good practical decision to clear-up the situation and cash the point.
78...Rxf8 79.Nf7+ Kg8
79...Rxf7 80.Kxf7+–.
80.Nf6#
1–0
EXERCISE 57
Keres Paul
Szabo Laszlo
B92 Zuerich 1953
36.N3c5
EVALUATION
I am in the driver’s seat, but my opponent has succeeded to create a wonderful defensive setup on the
queenside. If my king succeeds in reaching the c6-square, the win would be near. But now the white
knights control all the critical squares and cooperate with each other excellently, so I will have to look
for in the kingside.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My primary thought should be the activation of my king, but as long as White controls squares on the
queenside, I should go for the kingside. My king can do it by 36...Kf8 37.Kg1 Kg7 38.Kf2 Kg6 and so
on.
219
PLAN B
I should start my kingside ‘domination’ by 36...h5 37.Kg1 Rb2. Then I will go for 36...f5 and the
improvement of my king. Slow but surely I can get a good advantage.
PLAN C
A good way to proceed in order to activate my king, is by 36...f5 37.Kg1 Rb5 38.Kf2 Kf6. White is
passive and I can slowly improve my position.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 57
Plan A is slow and White can stay in the game by 39.Nd6.

Plan B is not bad and can be followed.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
30 35 50
36...f5!
220
With the idea of advancing the king via f6, e5 and d4-squares.
37.Kg1 Rb5
Care is necessary: 37...Kf6 38.Kf2 Ke5? 39.Nd3+.
38.Kf2 Kf6 39.Nd7+! Ke6 40.Nb6
White has regrouped his knights, preventing Black’s plan.
40...Ke5 41.Kg3 Rb3+
Black could have tried 41...f4+ 42.Kg4! (42.Kh4? f3! (42...Rb3µ) 43.gxf3 Kf4µ) 42...h5+ 43.Kxh5 f3
44.gxf3 Kf4+ 45.Kh6 Kxf3 46.Nd6 Rxa5 47.Nxf7=. The result of the game would most likely not
change, but this try would have been worthwhile.
42.Kh4
42.Kf2?! Rc3 43.Nd8 Rc2+ 44.Kf3 Rc7µ.
221
42...Rc3?!
The good way for Black was 42...f4! 43.Nc5 Rg3 44.Nxa6 Rxg2 45.Nc7 f3 46.a6 Ke4 47.a7 Ra2
48.Kg3 f2 49.a8=Q+ Rxa8 50.Kxf2 Rd8, when he would have good chances due to the loose white
knights.
43.Nc5!
A nice trick which keeps White in the game..
43...Rxc5
Compulsory, but the resulting ending is drawn, despite Black’s extra pawn.
44.Nd7+ Kd6 45.Nxc5 Kxc5 46.Kg5!
Typical and good. The white king is primarily interested in creating a passed pawn and thus heads for
the black h-pawn. The doubled black f-pawns are of no substantial importance and their capture would
merely be a loss of time.
46...Kb5
Forced (46...Kd4 47.Kxf5!).
47.Kh6 Kxa5 48.Kxh7 Kb4 49.h4 a5 50.h5 a4 51.h6 a3 52.Kg8 a2 53.h7 a1=Q 54.h8=Q Qa8+
55.Kh7
222
55...Qxg2
The result is not changing after 55...Qxh8+ 56.Kxh8 Kc3 57.Kg7.
56.Qd4+ Kb3 57.Qd3+
Draw: 57...Kb2 58.Qxf5 Qc2 59.Qxc2+ Kxc2 60.Kh6!.
½-½
EXERCISE 58
Kasparov Garry
Seirawan Yasser
D21 Thessaloniki 1988
22...Nxa8
223
EVALUATION
My opponent was very close equalising the position, thus, I decided to exchange my two minor pieces
for rook and pawn. Although the position looks to be promising, I feel that my opponent can preserve
the equality with accurate play. Still, I need to find way to press him.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
My rook has to find targets inside Black’s camp and with the help of creating a passed queenside pawn
to prevail. So, I will opt for 23.Rc8 Nb6 (not good is 23...N6c7 24.Ke2! Kd7 25.Rh8±) 24.Rg8 Kf7
25.Rh8, with the initiative.
PLAN B
A breakthrough in the centre seems like a good way to me, as I need to enlarge the battlefield for my
king & rook. Good is 23.g3 Nb6 24.f4, where I can hope for a wealthy advantage.
PLAN C
I think that I have to combine a passed pawn with central activity, so I can opt for 23.b4 N6c7 24.a4
Kd7 25.g3, where I am ready for f4 and so on.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
224
SOLUTION 58

Plan B is not much for White.
Plan C is similar to Plan B, but a bit better.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 25 30
23.Rc8 Nb6!
Worst is 23...N6c7? 24.Ke2! (24.b4? Kd7 25.Rb8 Nb6 26.Kd3 Nc8 27.b5 Nd6 28.a4 Ne6 29.Kc3
Kc7 30.Rg8=) 24...Kd7 25.Rh8±. It is obvious that the black knights are unable to cooperate properly,
in contrast to the white rook that can become menacing.
24.Rg8 Kf7 25.Rh8 Nc5 26.Rb8
26.Rxh7? Kg8 27.Rh4 Nc4+, can be good only for Black.
26...Ke7 27.b4
225
27...Nc4+?
This is simply bad. Correct is 27...Ncd7 28.Rb7 Nc4+ 29.Kd3 Nxa3 30.Rxa7 (30.Kc3? a6!–+)
30...Nb5 31.Ra5 Nd4, with an even position.
28.Ke2 Nd7 29.Rg8!
Probably missed by Black! Nothing is promised by 29.Rb7 Nxa3 30.Rxa7 Nb5=.
29...g5
29...Kf7? 30.Ra8+–.
30.a4 a5
What else? 30...Ndb6 31.Rg7++–, or 30...Ncb6 31.a5+–, are lost cases for Black.
31.bxa5?!
Clearer is 31.Kd3 Nb2+ 32.Kc2 Nxa4 33.Rg7+ Ke6 34.Kb3+–.
31...Nxa5 32.Ra8?!
Simpler is 32.Rg7+ Ke6 33.Rxh7 Nc6 34.g3! Nb6 35.h4 gxh4 36.gxh4 Nxa4 37.h5 Nd8 (37...Nd4+
38.Kf2 Nb2 39.h6+–) 38.Rc7! Nf7 39.Rc4! Nb2 40.Rb4+–.
32...Nc6 33.a5 Kd6 34.g3?!
A third inaccuracy in a row. 34.a6! Kc7 35.Rh8+–, is curtains.
34...h5 35.h4 gxh4 36.gxh4 Nc5 37.a6
226
37...Kc7?
The final blunder. Black had to go for 37...Ne6! 38.Rh8 Nc7 (38...Nf4+ 39.Ke3 Kc7 40.Rh6±)
39.Rxh5 Nxa6 40.Rh7! Nd8 (40...Ke6 41.h5 Nd8 42.Ra7+–) 41.h5 Nc7 42.h6 Nce6 43.Ra7 Ng5
44.Rg7! (44.h7? Ndf7=) 44...Ndf7 45.h7 Ke6 46.Ke3 Kd6 47.Kf2 Ke6 48.Kg3 Kd6 49.Kg4 Ke6
50.Kh5 Nxh7 51.Rxh7 Ng5 52.Ra7 Nxf3 53.Kg6 Nh4+ 54.Kg7 Nf3 (54...f5 55.Ra6+ Ke7 56.Rh6+–)
55.Ra6+ Ke7 56.Rxf6 Nd2!=.
38.a7
Even better is 38.Ke3 Ne6 39.a7 Kb7 40.Re8 Ncd8 41.Re7+ Ka8 42.Rh7+–.
38...Nb7?!
No better is 38...Kb7 39.Rc8!+–, or 38...Kb6 39.Rh8 Kxa7 40.Rxh5+–, but the text is losing on the
spot.
39.Rc8+
1–0
EXERCISE 59
Harikrishna Pentala
Short Nigel
E05 Hyderabad 2002
26.Ra8
227
EVALUATION
I have the better position as my opponent’s pawn structure is weak and my knight pair has targets to go
after. With his last move my opponent tries to win a pawn before I consolidate.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I will lose a pawn on the queenside, so I will have to make the optimal for my knights. I should go for
26...Nec5 27.b4 (27.Ra7 b4µ) 27...Na4 28.Rxa6 Ne5, with ideas such as ...g4, ...Nc3 and ...Nc4,
where I should stand clearly better.
PLAN B
I cannot afford to lose a pawn here, so I should think on a tactical way by 26...Ne5 27.Rxa6 Nc4, when
I will recover my lost pawn and I will be in the driver’s seat.
PLAN C
I am accepting the fact that I will lose a queenside pawn, but I should create blockading positions
(loved by knights) and stop all White’s activity. So, good is 26...Ndc5 27.b4 Na4 28.Rxa6 Nec3,
where I protect my pawn structure and on the same time I am getting ready to attack the a-pawn.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
228
SOLUTION 59
Plan A is also good for Black.

Plan B is bad for Black after 28.b3 Ncd2 29.a4±.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
40 0 50
26...Ndc5 27.b4! Na4 28.Rxa6 Nec3

Black protects his pawn structure and on the same time he gets ready to attack the a-pawn.
29.Ra5
White could also play 29.a3, when Black would go for 29...g4!µ and not for the greedy 29...Nxe2?
30.Rxa4! bxa4 31.b5+–.
29...g4!
Again not falling for 29...Nxe2? 30.Rxa4! bxa4 31.b5+–.
30.h3
Doesn’t look ‘healthy’ but the alternative was 30.Kf2 Nb2 31.Ra3 (31.Ke1 Nc4µ) 31...Nba4µ.
30...gxh3+ 31.Kxh3 Kg6
229
Now Black is ready to enter White’s camp by ...Kf5-e4.
32.Kg4 f5+
32...Nb2, looks better: 33.Ra7 Nc4 34.Kf3 f5 and White is in trouble.
33.Kf3 Kf6 34.a3 g5! 35.g4
What else? If 35.Ra7 g4+ 36.Kf2 Nd1+–+.
35...Nb2! 36.Ra8
36.e4 fxe4+ 37.Kf2 Ke5–+.
36...Nc4 37.gxf5 exf5 38.Rf8+ Ke6 39.Rc8
39...g4+!
Black ‘achieved’ a passed pawn as well!
40.Kg3
Or 40.Kf2 Ne4+ 41.Kg1 Nxe3–+.
40...Nxe2+ 41.Kh4 Kd7 42.Rc5 g3! 43.Kh3 Nxe3
0–1
EXERCISE 60
Banikas Hristos
Ilandzis Spyridon
E42 Ikaria 1998
38.Ne2
230
EVALUATION
The pawn structures are healthy and there are pawns in both sides, so this fact can be helpful for my
rook. Of course my opponent’s knights are superior to my rook but they must find targets and outposts
to become threatening. On the other hand I will need open files to penetrate with my rook and create
threats.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
For the time being I should stay put, not creating any weakness and wait for my opponent to show his
hand. After 38...g6 39.Nb4+ Ke5 40.Nc3 Ke6, I will have a long defence ahead but I can fight with
good chances.
PLAN B
As in the previous plan, I will have to stay put, but on the other hand I have to protect some squares on
the queenside. For this good is 38...a5 39.Nc3+ Kc6 and the fight goes on.
PLAN C
Activity and open files are of primary importance here. So, I will opt for 38...g5 39.Nc3+ Ke6 40.Nb5
Rd7 41.Ke3 Kd5, where I feel that I am very much in the game.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
231
SOLUTION 60
Plan A is the best, as Black needs to avoid creating weaknesses or outposts.

Plan B is inferior, as White gets an outpost by 40.a4.
Plan C is the worst — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 35 15
38...g5?!
This pawn advance simply creates weaknesses in Black’s pawn structure (square f5), while give him
nothing. Black should stay put and not push any pawn if possible!
39.Nc3+ Ke6 40.Nb5 Rd7 41.Ke3 Kd5
Black could try to get-rid of the f5-square problems with 41...f5, but White is also on the top after
42.f4! h6 43.g3 Kf6 44.a4±.
42.g4! Re7+ 43.Kd2 h5 44.h3 hxg4 45.hxg4 Kc6

45...Rh7!, sooner or later had to be played; the rook needs open files to operate and attack targets.
232
46.Nc3 a5 47.Ne4! Re6
Now the rook will stay passive.

48.Nc1!
Going for the outpost on f5 and the pawn on f6.
48...Kd5 49.Ne2 Ke5 50.N2g3 b5
50...Re7, was a more stubborn defence: 51.Nh5 f5 (51...Rf7 52.Nhxf6 Rxf6 53.Nxf6 Kxf6 54.Ke3+–)
52.Nxg5 fxg4 53.fxg4 a4 54.b4 Kd4 55.Nf3+ Kc4 56.Kc2 Re3 57.Nd2+ Kd4 58.Nf4! Rxa3
(58...Rc3+ 59.Kb2 Rc8 60.Nb1!+–) 59.Ne2+ Kd5 60.Nc3+ Ke6 61.Kb2+–.
51.Nh5!
233
51...a4
The only chance for some counterplay...
52.b4! Rc6 53.Nhxf6! Kf4 54.Nd5+
54.Kd3 Rc8 55.Nc3 Kxf3 56.Nxb5+–.
54...Kxf3 55.Nxg5+ Kxg4 56.Ne4
The kingside was cleared but the weak b5-pawn will soon fall.
56...Rh6 57.Nec3 Kf5 58.Nxb5 Ke5 59.Ndc3 Ra6 60.Kd3 Ra8 61.Nc7 Ra7 62.N7d5 Ra8 63.b5 Kd6
64.Nb6
1–0
234
Show in Text Mode
CHAPTER 3.
VARIOUS ENDINGS
OPPOSITE-COLOURED BISHOPS
For many players, opposite-coloured bishops are linked with a peaceful outcome, even if there is a
material advantage (1–2 pawns).
This view, though not without merit where the theory of pure opposite-coloured bishop endgames is
concerned, is quite unfair to the rich possibilities offered by the opposite-coloured bishops.
In the middlegame, the presence of opposite-coloured bishops is often a signal for attack, as the more
active bishop cannot be exchanged for its counterpart — they move on squares of opposite colours!
Consequently, the attacking side employs one extra piece in the attack, something that can be proven
fatal for the opponent.
The superior placement of one of these bishops (with regard to the pawn structures) creates the
preconditions for an attack and, in general, a strong initiative.
In the endgame, winning chances diminish and the number of theoretically drawn positions increases.
But in the presence of other pieces, major ones in particular, the principle that ‘opposite-coloured
bishops favour the attacker’ can be enough on its own to offer one side the upper hand.
Nevertheless, it is a fact that opposite-coloured bishop endings are the refuge of all chess players who
have lost a pawn.
It is also a fact that not all such endings are drawn but, like all strategic and tactical elements, the
evaluation depends on the pawn structures and in general to all the normal factors that determine the
outcome of a game.
GM Edmar Mednis gives two principles for endgames with bishops of opposite colours:
SOS Tip 1 — General Principles
1. If a player is down material he should look for drawing chances in an endgame with only the
bishops and pawns.
2. With major pieces (queen or rook) on the board, having bishops on opposite colours favours the
side with an attack.
GM Ian Rogers gives three principles when there are only the bishops and pawns:
SOS Tip 2 — General Principles
235
1. Two connected pawns are not sufficient to win unless they reach their sixth rank.
2. If the attacker has two widely separated passed pawns that cannot be controlled by the opposing
bishop on a single diagonal, they usually win.
3. When the attacker has an outside passed pawn, it should be stopped by the bishop only when the
king can block the opposing king.
In endings with opposite-coloured bishops, a material advantage is less important than in most
endgames and position is more important.
Positions when one side has an extra pawn are usually drawn and even two extra pawns (and
occasionally more) may not be enough to win, according to GM John Nunn.
About half of the endings with a bishop and two pawns versus a bishop on the opposite colour are
drawn, according to GM John Emms. By contrast, over 90% are won if the bishops are on the same
colour.
Zugzwang is a tool that often helps the superior side to win an endgame. It is a fairly common
occurrence in endings with bishops on the same colour but it is much less common in endgames with
opposite-coloured bishops.
The weaker side should often try to make his bishop bad by placing his pawns on the same colour of his
bishop in order to defend his remaining pawns, thereby creating an impregnable fortress.
The attacker should generally put his pawns on squares of the opposite colour as his bishop to prevent a
blockade.
EXERCISE 61
Walther Edgar
Fischer Robert James
B99 Zuerich 1959
53.Kb5
236
EVALUATION
Being two pawns down in an endgame is not the best that can happen to anybody, but still here I feel
optimistic for two reasons: the opposite-coloured bishops and the wrong square of the white h-pawn
(the white bishop is not controlling h8). It looks enough to draw if I can give-up my bishop for the two
queenside white pawns while my king can land on h8. On the other hand, my opponent’s goal is to put
his king at a6 and his pawn at b5.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I think that my bishop should take position behind the white pawns and I can do this by 53...Be5 54.b4
Kd6 55.Ka6 Kc7, when I am near to my target.
PLAN B
It is important for my king to move quickly to the queenside, so natural is to go for 53...Kd7 54.a4 Kc7
(or 54...Bg3 55.Kb6 Bf2+ 56.Kb7 Be1=) 55.b4 Kb8, when I have reached a drawn position.
PLAN C
Before anything else it is important to place my bishop on optimal squares and I can do this by 53...Bf4
54.b4 Bd2 55.a3 Bc1 56.a4 Bd2 57.Kc5 Kd7 58.a5 (58.b5 Be3+ 59.Kc4 Kd6 60.a5 Bd2 61.a6
Be3=) 58...Kc7 59.Kb5 Be1 60.Ka4 Bd2 61.b5 Kd6 62.b6 Kc5, when the draw is near.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
237
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 61
Plan A is a wrong idea, as after 56.a4, White wins.

Plan B is a lost case — see the game.
Plan C is the correct idea — the analysis is fine.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
53...Kd7?
Black could have achieved the draw by 53...Bf4! 54.b4 Bd2 55.a3 Bc1! 56.a4 Bd2 57.Kc5 Kd7 58.a5
(58.b5 Be3+ 59.Kc4 Kd6 60.a5 Bd2 61.a6 Be3=) 58...Kc7 59.Kb5 Be1 60.Ka4 Bd2 61.b5 Kd6! 62.b6
Kc5=.
53...Kd7? 54.a4?
And by his turn, White returned the favour. Good was 54.b4! Kc7 55.Ka5! Kb8 (55...Bg3 56.b5 Bf2
57.Ka6 and a4-a5, winning) 56.b5 Ba3 (56...Ka7 57.b6+, or 56...Bc5 57.b6) 57.b6 (57.Ka4? Bc5
58.Ka5 Ka7=) 57...Kc8 58.Ka6 Kb8 59.Be4 Kc8 (59...Bc5 60.a4+–) 60.Ka7 Bc5 61.a4+–.
54...Kc7
Now Black is back in business and simpler was 54...Bg3 55.Kb6 (55.b4 Be1=) 55...Bf2+! 56.Kb7
Be1=.
55.b4
238
55...Kb8!
‘By tucking his king at a7, Fischer gains control of a6, which prevents his opponent from going on
autopilot’ (M.Dvoretsky).
56.a5 Ka7 57.Kc4 Bg3 58.Kb3
Or 58.b5 Be1! 59.b6+ Ka6=.
58...Be1 59.Ka4 Bd2 60.Bh5 Be1 61.b5 Bf2! 62.Be2
Not much is 62.b6+ Bxb6 63.axb6+ Kxb6=, as the black king goes to h8. Also nothing offered 62.Bf3
Be3 63.Kb3 Bd2 64.b6+ Ka6=.
62...Be3 63.Kb3 Bd2! 64.b6+ Kb7 65.Ka4
239
65...Kc6! 66.Bb5+ Kc5 67.Be8
Or 67.b7 Bf4 68.a6 Kb6=.
67...Be1
½-½
EXERCISE 62
Marin Mihail
Slovineanu Viacheslav
A07 Sovata 1999
56...Kf8
240
EVALUATION
I am just a pawn-up in this opposite-coloured endgame, but I can feel optimistic, as my king is active,
while the black kingside pawns are weak. Still, the drawing tendency of this type of endgames can be
helpful for my opponent.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Natural is the continuation 57.Kc6 Be7 58.b5 Bc5 59.Kd7 Bb4, when after 60.e6 Bc5 61.Bd3 Be7
62.Be4 Bc5 63.f5 gxf5 64.Bxf5 Be7 65.Kc6, I am near to my target.
PLAN B
I think that I should concentrate on the black kingside pawns and for this I should opt for 57.Ke6 Ke8
58.b5 Be7 59.Bd3 Bf8 60.Bxg6+ hxg6 61.Kf6, when I am winning.
PLAN C
I think that I should try to prevail by the natural penetration 57.Kc4 Be7 58.Kb5, when Black will be
in trouble.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
241
SOLUTION 62
Plan A is the best try for White; the one that can create problems to Black. Of course it is still a draw
— see the analysis.
Plan B is drawn as well.
Plan C is not much as well — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 40 40
57.Kc4
A better try is 57.Kc6 Be7 58.b5 Bc5 59.Kd7 Bb4 60.e6 Bc5 61.Bd3 Be7 62.Be4 Bc5 63.f5 gxf5
64.Bxf5 Be7 65.Kc6, but Black can still draw after 65...Bxg5 (65...Bd8? 66.Bxh7+–) 66.Kxb6 Ke7
67.Ka7 (67.Kc6 Bf4 [67...h5 68.b6 Kd8 69.Kb7 {69.b7 Bf4 70.Kb6 Bb8!=} 69...Be3!=] 68.b6
68...Kd8! [68...h5? 69.Kb7 Be3 70.Kc7+–] 69.Bxh7 Bg3=) 67...Kd8! (67...h5? 68.b6 Be3 69.Ka6 Bf4
[69...h4 70.b7 Bf4 71.Ka7+–] 70.Kb7+–) 68.b6 Be3 69.Ka6 Bf4! 70.b7 Bb8=.
Also drawn is 57.Ke6 Ke8 58.b5 Be7 59.Bd3 Kf8 (59...Bf8?, loses to 60.Bxg6+ hxg6 61.Kf6+–)
60.Kd7 Bc5 61.e6 Be7.
57.Kc4 Be7 58.Kb5 Kg7
58...Bd8 59.Kc6 Be7 60.b5 Bc5, is also fine.
242
59.Bd3 h6
½-½
The same motif we can see next:
Kotronias Vasilios
Grivas Efstratios
Iraklion 1992
In the diagramed position, the white pawns are separated by two files and thus, in view of the above,
White should be winning. However, the white king is unable to penetrate to a square from which he
could capture the black bishop.
66...Kb8?
A fatal mistake. Black could have held the draw by means of 66...Bd6! (or 66...Kd8) 67.b6+ Kd8!
68.Kb7 Bc5 69.Kc6 Bf2 70.b7 Bg3 71.Kb6 Bb8, as the white king has no path to the a8-square
available.
66...Kb8? 67.b6 Be7 68.Kb5
1–0
EXERCISE 63
Topalov Veselin
Shirov Alexei
D85 Linares 1998
47.Kg1
243
EVALUATION
Two passed pawns up and still I feel that I will not prevail, as my opponent can create a fortress. It
seems that I do not have the required tempos to penetrate with my king and achieve my aim, so I have
to find something extraordinary, yet logical continuation.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Activation of my king, penetrating on the kingside, should be my primary thought and I should do this
by 47...Be4 48.g3 Kf5 49.Kf2 a3 50.Ke3 Kg4 51.Bxf6 Kxg3, when I feel that I can have what I want.
PLAN B
I should gain the missing important tempo to prevail and I think that I can do this by the strange but
‘logical’ 47...Bh3 48.gxh3 (declining the sacrifice is not of a help: 48.Kf2 Kf5 49.Kf3 Bxg2+
50.Kxg2 Ke4–+) 48...Kf5 49.Kf2 Ke4, when I should win.
PLAN C
Penetration should be good, but on the queenside, where my outside passed pawn is laying. Opting for
47...Kd6 48.Kf2 Kc5, should give me a decisive advantage.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
244
SOLUTION 63
Plan A although by difficult defence, is just a draw — see the analysis.

Plan B is the very best — see the game.
Plan C is an easy draw after 49.Ke3.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
20 50 0
47...Bh3!!
The only winning move! Black cannot prevail after 47...Be4? 48.g3 Kf5 49.Kf2 a3 50.Ke3 (50.Ba1
Bh1 51.Ke3 Kg4 52.Bxf6 [52.Kf2? f5 53.Be5 a2 54.Bb2 f4 55.gxf4 Kxh4 56.Ke3 Be4 57.Kf2 Kg4
58.Ke3 {58.Be5 Kf5 59.Ke3 g5–+} 58...Kg3 59.Ba1 Kg2 60.Be5 {60.Ke2 Bf5 61.Bd4 Bg4+ 62.Ke3
Kf1 63.Kd2 Be2 64.Kc1 Kg2 65.Kb2 Bc4–+} 60...Kf1 61.Bc3 Bf5 62.Kd2 {62.Kf3 d4 63.Bxd4 Ke1
64.Ke3 Kd1–+} 62...Kf2 63.Bb2 Kf3 64.Be5 Bb1–+] 52...Kxg3 53.Ke2 a2 [53...d4 54.Bxd4 Kxh4
55.Bf6+ g5 56.Kd2=] 54.Ke3 Kg4 55.Ke2 Kf5 56.Ba1 Ke4 57.Kd2 d4 58.Bb2 Bf3 59.Ba1 d3 60.Bf6
Bg4 61.Ba1 Bf5 62.Bb2 Kf4 63.Bc3 Kg4 64.Bf6 a1=Q 65.Bxa1 Kxh4 66.Bf6+ g5 67.Ke3 Kh5
68.Bc3 g4 69.Be1 [69.Kf4? Kh4 70.Ke3 {70.Kxf5 g3–+; 70.Be1+ Kh3 71.Ke3 g3 72.Kf3 g2 73.Bf2
Kh2–+} 70...g3 71.Kd2 Kh3 72.Bd4 Kg2 73.Be5 Kf2–+] 69...Kg5 70.Bg3 Kf6 71.Bh2 Ke6 72.Bg3
Kd5 73.Bf2 Kc4 74.Be1 Bc8 75.Ba5 Bb7 76.Kf4 Bf3 77.Ke3 Bg2 78.Kf4 Bh3 79.Ke3 g3 80.Kd2
Kd4 81.Bc7 g2 82.Bb6+ Ke4 83.Bg1=) 50...Kg4 51.Bxf6 Kxg3 52.Ke2 d4 (52...a2 53.Ke3 Bf3
54.Kd2 d4 55.Bxd4 Kxh4 56.Kc1=; 52...Kf4 53.Kd2) 53.Bxd4 Kxh4 54.Kd2 g5 55.Kc3 a2 56.Kb2
Bd5 57.Bf6 Kg4 58.Bxg5 Kxg5 59.Ka1=.
Also nothing is achieved by 47...Kd6? 48.Kf2 Kc5 49.Ke3=.
47...Bh3!!
245
48.gxh3
Declining the sacrifice is not of a help: 48.Kf2 Kf5 49.Kf3 Bxg2+ 50.Kxg2 Ke4–+.
48...Kf5
The natural follow-up. Everything would go wrong after the naive 48...f5? 49.Kf2 Kd6 50.Ke3
(50.Bd4 Kc6 [50...a3 51.Ke3 Kc6 52.Kf4 Kb5 53.h5 gxh5 54.Kxf5 Kc4 55.Ke5 h4 56.Ba7 Kd3
57.Kxd5 a2 58.Bd4 a1=Q 59.Bxa1 Ke3=] 51.Ke3 Kb5 52.Kd3 a3 53.Be5 a2 54.Ba1 Kc5 55.Kc3 f4
56.Kd3 Kb4 57.Ke2 Kc4 58.Kf3 d4 59.Kxf4 Kd5 60.Kf3 Ke5 61.Bb2 Kd5 62.Kf4 Kc4 63.Ba1
Kd5=) 50...Kc5 51.Kd3 (51.Bd4+? Kc4 52.Bb2 d4+ 53.Bxd4 [53.Kf4 d3–+] 53...f4+ 54.Ke4 f3
55.Be3 a3 56.Kxf3 a2–+) 51...a3 52.Bf6 a2 53.Be5 f4 54.Ba1 Kb4 55.Ke2 Kc4 56.Kf3 d4 57.Kxf4
Kd5=.
49.Kf2 Ke4 50.Bxf6
There is no salvation for White: 50.Ke2 f5–+, or 50.Bb4 Kd3 51.Ba3 d4 52.Bb2 f5 53.Kf3 Kc4
54.Ke2 d3+ 55.Kd2 f4 56.Be5 f3 57.Ke3 f2 58.Kxf2 Kb3–+.
246
50...d4! 51.Be7
51.Ke2?! a3–+, or 51.Bg5 Kd3 52.Ke1 Kc2–+.
51...Kd3 52.Bc5 Kc4 53.Be7 Kb3
White resigned, as there is no hope anymore: 54.Bc5 d3 55.Ke3 Kc2 56.Bb4 a3–+.
0–1
EXERCISE 64
Kotov Alexander
Botvinnik Mikhail
D45 Moscow 1955
59.Bc5
247
EVALUATION
One pawn-up but opposite-coloured bishops; a positive and a negative factor. My king is quite active
and my passed b-pawn strong. I feel that I should be winning, but I have to find the right way.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Passed pawns are important in such endgames, so I should try to create a second one by 59...g5 60.fxg5
(60.hxg5 h4 61.f5 Bxf5 62.Kxb3 h3 63.Bd6 Kxe3–+) 60...d4+ (the b3-pawn must be defended.
60...Kg3 61.Kxb3, is a draw) 61.exd4 Kg3 and I should prevail.
PLAN B
My most valuable asset here is my outside passed pawn and I should preserve it by 59...d4+ and after
60.Bxd4 Ke2, I should try to improve further.
PLAN C
I should first try to exert pressure on the isolated white h-pawn by 59...Kg4 60.Be7 Kf3 61.Kd2 and
then improve by 61...b2 62.Kc2 Kxe3 63.Kxb2 Kxf4, when I must be in the right track.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
248
SOLUTION 64

Plan B gives nothing to Black.
Plan C is an easy draw after 64.Kc3.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 0
59...g5!
This decisive breakthrough aims to create a second passed pawn. Wrong would be 59...Kg4? 60.Be7
Kf3 61.Kd2! (61.Bc5? g5!) 61...b2 62.Kc2 Kxe3 63.Kxb2 Kxf4 64.Kc3=.
59...g5! 60.fxg5
White stands no chance as well after the alternative capture: 60.hxg5 h4 61.f5 (61.Bd6 Bf5 62.g6 Bxg6
63.f5 Bxf5 64.Kxb3 Kg2–+) 61...Bxf5 62.Kxb3 h3 63.Bd6 Kxe3–+.
60...d4+!
The b3-pawn must be defended. 60...Kg3? 61.Kxb3, is a draw.
61.exd4
White is also lost after the alternative 61.Bxd4 Kg3 62.g6 Kxh4 63.Kd2 Kh3! (63...Kg3 64.Be5+ Kg2
249
65.Bf6) 64.Bf6 (64.Ke2 Kg2 65.Bf6 h4–+) 64...h4 65.Ke2 Kg2–+.
61...Kg3!
A very accurate move! After the naive 61...Kg4? 62.d5! Bxd5 63.Bf2=, White is saved.
62.Ba3
Note the black bishop’s excellent position in the variation 62.Be7 Kxh4 63.g6+ Kg4. It protects the b3-
pawn and restrains both enemy pawns along the single diagonal a2-g8. White has no counterplay, and
can only advance his h-pawn, winning the bishop for it (Y. Averbakh).
62...Kxh4 63.Kd3 Kxg5
63...Kg3, wins as well: 64.Ke4 h4 65.d5 h3 66.dxe6 h2 67.Bd6+ Kg4 68.Bxh2 b2 69.e7 b1=Q+–+.
64.Ke4 h4 65.Kf3
65.d5 Bxd5+–+.
65...Bd5+
White resigned. After 66.Kf2, Black’s king goes to his the b3-pawn. The bishop, meanwhile, defends
the h-pawn, while restraining the d-pawn along the diagonal c8-h3.
0–1
EXERCISE 65
Adams Michael
Van Wely Loek
B80 Hoogeveen 2013
250
25...Rb6
EVALUATION
A forced sequence has ended in this endgame. The issue for my opponent here is that he holds two
permanent disadvantages. The first is that his bishop will simply never be as useful as mine, which will
dominate the board. The second is that I have a mobile majority on the queenside, this I can create a
passed pawn. Black will never push ...d5, so he will have a permanent weakness on this square, along
with his other disadvantages. Thus, I am holding a pleasant and permanent advantage.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Getting a passed pawn as quickly as it is possible, should be a nice feature here. I can go for it by
26.Re3 Ke7 27.Ra3 a5 28.Rxa5 Rxb2+ 29.Kxb2 Bxa5 30.Rd5, when my advantage is significant.
PLAN B
Exerting pressure all over the board is welcomed. I can opt for 26.Rd3 Rf8 27.Rc1, when I am getting
the c-file, pressure on d6 and threatening Ra3 at an appropriate moment.
PLAN C
Pressure on d6 is nice but will give nothing, at least for the moment. I should go for the only open file,
the c one and this can be done by the simple 26.Rc1 Ke7 27.Bd5, when I am ready to double my rooks
and penetrate into Black’s position.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
251
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 65
Plan A is OK but not the best.

Plan B should be the best — see the game.
Plan C is quite playable and pleasant.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
35 50 45
26.Rd3 Rf8 27.Rc1 f5

An attempt at alleviating the blockade. White has to decide whether to let go a bit of his hold on d5 or
give Black the f-file.
28.Bd5 Kd7 29.exf5!
The correct decision. The rooks and bishop will be enough to consolidate the blockade.
29...Rxf5 30.Be4 Rf4 31.g3 Rf6 32.h4 a5 33.Rc5 Rf8
34.a3!
252
As it’s suicide for Black’s a-pawn to ever advance to a4, White can play this move to prepare a future
b4 (passed pawn).
34...Ke6 35.Rc8 Be7 36.Rc7 Rb5 37.Bc6?!
37.a4! Rc5 38.Rxc5 dxc5 39.Rb3!, was maybe better, as Black has difficulty holding on to all his
pawns.
37...Rb6?
A bad mistake. 37...Rc5!, was the only way to play for Black: 38.Ka2 Rb8! (halting b4), and White still
has to prove his advantage.
38.Bd5+ Kf6
39.g4!
Now it’s winning. Black’s rook on b6 is nowhere near as important as White’s on c7, which is fueling a
strong attack against the opponent king.
39...hxg4 40.fxg4 e4
Otherwise Black will lose his bishop after 41.g5+.
41.Bxe4
41.g5+!, was stronger: 41...Kf5 42.Re3 and White wins a pawn while Black’s king is still not feeling
comfortable.
41...Bd8 42.Rc2 g5 43.Rf3+ Kg7 44.Rxf8 Kxf8 45.Rc8 Ke7 46.h5
253
White’s passed pawn on the h-file is too strong. Black can’t afford to lose any more material, but it is
not easy to put a stop to the h-pawn.
46...d5 47.Bxd5 Kd7 48.Ra8 Rf6 49.Be4 Rf1+ 50.Ka2 Rf2 51.Bf5+ Ke7 52.h6 Bb6 53.h7 Bd4
54.h8=Q
And Black resigned as there is nothing to play after 54...Rxb2+ 55.Ka1+–.
1–0
EXERCISE 66
Adams Michael
Esen Baris
B90 Konya 2010
22...Kg7
254
EVALUATION
I am holding a pleasant and nearly permanent advantage. My bishop is certainly a much better piece
than its counterpart, as there are many more targets in its disposal. Also, the backward black d-pawn is
not a great fact for my opponent either; it will not fall easily but hardens his defence. So far with the
evaluation; what are my plans? Well, I think that I should combine offences in various parts of the
board (Ra3-f3, g3, Kg2, h4-h5, etc) but most important is that I should not change any of the remaining
pieces. With every exchange Black can more easily organise his defence, as his lack of space is difficult
to meet.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Creating more weaknesses is welcomed. I can do this by the natural offence 23.a5 b5 (23...bxa5
24.b3±) 24.c4 bxc4 25.Bxc4 Bf8 26.b3, when the a6-pawn has become a nice, extra target.
PLAN B
A good idea is to exert pressure on the queenside with my rook. This is best done by 23.Ra3 Qa8
24.Rb3 Qxd5 25.Rxd5, when Black is facing extra problems to protect all his weaknesses.
PLAN C
Improving my pieces is a natural and welcomed thought. My bishop should take his position on c4,
eyeing the first and permanent target; the f7-square (and not by ‘force’ the f7-pawn) and generally the
a2-g8 diagonal. Then my a1-rook will follow. So, good is 23.Bc4 Rf8 24.Ra3, when Black has no
counterpart to actively defend with and he must stay passive for the time being.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
255
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 66
Plan A is not the best; in the proposed line Black can go for 24...b4!.
Plan B is not so bad, but no need to exchange pieces.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
25 35 50
23.Bc4 Rf8 24.Ra3
24...Rc7?!
Black’s policy (the passive one) cannot be recommended. He should try to become active and exchange
some pieces; therefore he should try 24...f5. After 25.exf5 Rxf5 (25...gxf5 26.Rg3+ Kh8 27.Qd2!±)
26.Rf3±, White stands clearly better but far from winning.
25.Rf3 Qe8
256
Now 25...f5?!, fails to 26.exf5 gxf5 (26...Rxf5 27.Rxf5 gxf5 28.Qf7+ Kh8 29.Bxa6+–, or 26...Qa8
27.Qxa8 Rxa8 28.Bd5 Rf8 29.c4 gxf5 30.Rb3 Rb8 31.a5 b5 32.cxb5 axb5 33.a6±) 27.Qe6 Kh8
28.Bxa6±.
26.Bb3 f6
Black weakens the a2-g8 diagonal but somehow he had to liberate his queen. Note that 26...f5?!, wasn’t
good here either: 27.exf5 Rxf5 28.Rxf5 gxf5 29.Qe6+–.
27.Qd2
Now the bishop will be placed in the ‘royal’ d5-square, while square h6 might come under a combined
attack.
27...a5 28.Rc3?
A mysterious move. White exchanges an active piece, losing his combined attack on h6. More logical
was 28.Rh3 h5 29.Qe2±.
28...Rxc3 29.Qxc3 Qc8
White advantage was certainly reduced; he is now obliged to keep the queens on board, otherwise he
would lose the opportunity to attack various spots in Black’s camp.
30.Qe3 Qc5 31.Qe2
31...f5!
Correct — Black has to be active.
32.exf5 Rxf5
Safe and correct. After 32...gxf5?! 33.Rd3!, White’s attack cannot be underestimated.
33.Rd5 Qc7 34.g3 Rf8 35.h4
257
This is the plan that was discussed above. White tries to weaken Black’s kingside defence by
organising an attack on g6-pawn.
35...Qc8 36.Rd3 Qf5 37.Bd5 Qd7 38.Qe4 Rc8 39.Rf3 Bf6?!
Exchanges nearly always favour the defender! For this reason Black had to opt for 39...Rf8.
40.Kg2 Rc5 41.b3 Rc8 42.h5 Qe7
Now after 42...Rf8 comes 43.hxg6 hxg6 44.Bc4 Be7 45.Rxf8 Bxf8 46.Bd3 Qf7 47.c4 and White wins a
pawn with 48.Qc6.
43.Qg4 Rc5
43...Rxc2 44.hxg6 hxg6 45.Be4+–.
44.c4
Now it’s all over; Black has no real defence against White’s kingside threats.
44...Rc7 45.Qh3 Qd8
Or 45...gxh5 46.Qxh5 h6 47.Qg4+ Bg5 48.Rf5+–.
46.Qe6
Also good is 46.h6+ Kh8 47.Qg4 and Black is in zugzwang!
46...Bg5 47.hxg6 hxg6 48.Be4 Bf6
49.Rd3! Rd7 50.Qg4 Bg5

50...g5 51.Qh5 Rf7 52.Bg6+–.
51.f4
White wins as the black king will not find any shelter.
258
51...exf4 52.gxf4 Bf6 53.Qxg6+ Kf8 54.Rg3 d5 55.Bxd5
1–0
259
Show in Text Mode
THE LUCENA POSITION

The ‘Lucena Position’ is one of the most famous and important position in the endgame theory, where
one side has a rook and a pawn and the defender has a rook.
It is fundamental in the rook and pawn vs rook endgame. If the side with the pawn can reach this type
of position, he can forcibly win the game. Most rook and pawn versus rook endgames reach either the
‘Lucena Position’ or the ‘Philidor Position’ if played accurately.
The side with the pawn will try to reach the ‘Lucena Position’ to win; the other side will try to reach the
‘Philidor Position’ to draw.
The ‘Lucena Position’ is named after the Spaniard Luis Ramírez de Lucena, although it is something of
a misnomer, because the position does not in fact appear in his book on chess, ‘Repetición de Amores e
Arte de Axedrez’ (1497).
It does appear, however, in Alessandro Salvio’s ‘Il Puttino’ (1634), a romance on the career of the
chess player Leonardo da Cutri, and it is in that form that it is given here.
Salvio attributes it to Scipione Genovino. It is likely that the error arose from the sixth edition of the
‘Handbuch des Schachspiels’, in which editor Constantin Schwede incorrectly attributed the position to
‘Lucena 96’, possibly as a result of confusion over the references in Antonius van der Linde’s 1874
work ‘Das Schachspiel des XVI. Jahrhunderts’.
The essential characteristics of the ‘Lucena Position’ are:
SOS Tip 1 — Characteristics
1. The pawn is any pawn except a rook pawn.

2. The pawn has advanced to the 7th rank.
3. The stronger side’s king (the one with the pawn) is on the queening square of his pawn.
4. The stronger side’s rook cuts off the opposing king from the pawn by at least one file.
5. The defending rook is on the file on the other side of the pawn.
6. The winning method: building a bridge.
Like in almost all endings, the rook pawns (a and h) are the least desirable for the attacker in rook
endings as well.
Even in the favourable case that a ‘Lucena Position’ has been reached, the defending king must be cut
off for at least three files.
Thus, if White has an a-pawn and the black rook controls the b-file, the black king must be not nearer
than on the f-file in order for White to win.
Hence we can conclude:
260
SOS Tip 2 — Conclusions
1. If the pawn is on the 7th rank, multiple winning methods exist. The most important ones are
building a bridge for protection from checks along files and a rook manoeuvre for protection from
side checks along ranks.
2. When the king of the weaker side is cut off from the pawn, the only defensive technique consists
in side checks.
3. A rook pursuit of the enemy king can only be successful when the rook and the pawn are
separated at minimum by three lines.
4. A central or a bishop pawn divides the chessboard into two unequal parts: one is ‘long’, another
is ‘short’. The correct positioning of forces for the weaker side is to keep the king on the short side,
and the rook on the long side.
The ‘Lucena Position’ is the heaven for the side with the extra pawn; it is the desired outcome of every
rook ending.
In most cases it an easy to play concept, but there are certain cases where knowledge and accuracy are
demanded.
EXERCISE 67
Grivas Efstratios
Miralles Gilles
E13 Bucharest 1984
54...Ra8
EVALUATION
My extra pawn should be enough to give me the point, on the condition that I will reach the ‘Lucena
Position’, avoiding the ‘Philidor Position’. So, concrete knowledge is required.
261
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
It is not advisable to let my opponent start checking my king. I should avoid this by the simple 55.Rd2+
Ke7 56.g5, when I am safely on my way.
PLAN B
Marching with my king is the right way to take control over the queening square, so good must be the
continuation 55.Kg6 Ra1 56.g5, when the ‘Lucena Position’ will be soon appear.
PLAN C
There is no time to lose here; the pawn must be pushed at once to limit his squares to queen to three.
So, by 55.g5! Rf8+ 56.Kg6, I will soon reach the ‘Lucena Position’, cashing the point.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 67
Plan A is bad, as Black can reach the ‘Philidor Position’ after 56...Ra6!.
Plan B is also bad; Black can opt for 55.Kg6 Rg8+ (55...Ra1? 56.g5+–) 56.Kf5 Rf8+ 57.Kg5 Rg8+,
with a draw.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
Note that if Black was to move, he could continue with 55...Rf8+ 56.Kg6 Rg8+, with a draw.
55.g5!
262
55.Ke4, or 55.Re4, also win.
55...Rf8+ 56.Kg6
56.Kg4, also wins: 56...Rg8 57.Kh5 Rh8+ 58.Kg6 Rg8+ 59.Kh6 and so on.
56...Rg8+ 57.Kf6 Rf8+ 58.Kg7 Rf1 59.g6 Rg1 60.Kf7
The usual way to push the pawn.
60...Rf1+ 61.Kg8 Rg1 62.g7 Rh1
62...Rf1 63.Rh2 Rf3 64.Kh8+–.
The ‘Lucena Position’ is reached. Now it is time for the ‘Bridge Method’ — king goes to g5 and rook
263
to g4.
63.Re4! Rh2 64.Kf7 Rf2+ 65.Kg6 Rg2+ 66.Kf6 Kd7
Or 66...Rf2+ 67.Kg5 Rg2+ 68.Rg4.
67.Re5!
And as 68.Rg5, is coming, Black resigned.
1–0
EXERCISE 68
Sax Gyula
Tseshkovsky Vitaly
B15 Zagreb 1975
89...Kh7
EVALUATION
My main concern here is to reach the ‘Lucena Position’ as soon as it is possible and maybe the black
king’s position is not helping my plans. But I think that by accurate play I can fulfil my target.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I think that I can do the job fairly quickly by the simple 90.f7 Rc8 (90...Kg7 91.Rg3++–, or 90...Re1+
91.Kf6 Rf1+ 92.Ke7 Re1+ 93.Kf8 Ra1 94.Rh3+ Kg6 95.Kg8+–) 91.Ke7 Rc7+ 92.Rd7+–.
PLAN B
264
Reaching the ‘Lucena Position’ here is not a big trouble. Good is 90.Ke7 Rc7+ (90...Re1+ 91.Kf8+–)
91.Rd7 Rc1 92.f7 Re1+ 93.Kf8 and here we are!
PLAN C
No need for complications here. Simple is 90.Rh3+ Kg8 91.f7+ Kg7 (91...Kf8 92.Rh8++–) 92.Rg3+,
winning on the spot.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 68
Plan A is correct and wins.

Plan B is an alternative win.
Plan C is fairly bad and draws — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 0
90.Rh3+?
A blunder; White should not move the rook away from the d-file where it was protecting the king from
side checks. An easy win was 90.f7! Rc8 (90...Kg7 91.Rg3++–, or 90...Re1+ 91.Kf6 Rf1+ 92.Ke7
Re1+ 93.Kf8 Ra1 94.Rh3+ Kg6 95.Kg8+–) 91.Ke7 Rc7+ 92.Rd7+–.
Another win was by 90.Ke7! Rc7+ (90...Re1+ 91.Kf8+–) 91.Rd7 Rc1 92.f7 Re1+ 93.Kf8+–.
90.Rh3+? Kg6!
90...Kg8?, is losing to 91.f7+ Kg7 (91...Kf8 92.Rh8++–) 92.Rg3+.
91.Rg3+
265
Black resigned; as he failed to recognise that the position had become drawn: 91...Kh7 92.f7 Rc8!
(92...Rc6+? 93.Kd7+–) 93.Ke7 (93.Rd3 Kg7=) 93...Rc7+ 94.Ke8 Rc8+ 95.Kd7 Ra8=. Such an
‘unjustified’ resignation in not common among GMs, but strange things can happen in the heat of the
battle and so many hours of fighting...
1–0
EXERCISE 69
Bousios Hristos
Grivas Efstratios
C02 Athens 1987
54.Rb6
266
EVALUATION
Of course my win is in sight and cannot be troubly, but still a bit of accuracy is in need; many ‘bad’
things have happened when relaxing too quickly!
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I want to feel entirely safe, so I will exchange the last pair of pawns by returning one of my extra pawns
in the same time, getting an easy ‘Lucena Position’. So, I will opt for 54...h5 55.Re6+ Kd2 56.gxh5
Rxh5 57.Rxf6 Re5, with an easy win.
PLAN B
No need to wait here. The direct 54...d3 55.Rxf6 d2 56.Re6+ (56.Rd6 Ra4–+) 56...Kd4 57.Rd6+ Rd5,
when I have build the ‘bridge’, is cashing the point.
PLAN C
Going directly for the ‘Lucena Position’ is fair and good. So, I should go for 54...Ke2 55.Kf4 d3
56.Re6+ Kf2 57.Rxf6 Ra4+ 58.Kf5 d2 59.Rd6 Ke2, winning.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
267
SOLUTION 69
Plan A is the most practical and of course wins — see the game.
Plan B is an alternative win.
Plan C is also a win.
All three plans are winning but my preference in a practical game would be the A one.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 50
54...h5 55.Re6+ Kd2 56.gxh5 Rxh5 57.Rxf6
57...Re5!
Cutting-off the white king, while preparing a king escape on the e-file. Note that this isn’t the only win
here, but it is the most practical.
58.Kf2 d3 59.Kf1 Kd1 60.Kf2 d2
Black reached the ‘Lucena Position’ and White resigned due to 61.Rc6 Rf5+ 62.Kg3 (62.Ke3 Ke1–+)
62...Ke2 63.Re6+ Kd3 64.Rd6+ Ke3 65.Re6+ Kd4 66.Rd6+ Rd5 — the ‘Bridge’.
0–1
268
EXERCISE 70
Grivas Efstratios
Gelashvili Tamaz
E16 Panormo 1998
94...Ra4
EVALUATION
I have the feeling (based on my knowledge) that I can win here but I should proceed carefully, in order
to avoid the ‘Philidor Position’. Well, this might be harder than it looks...
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
In such endings the difference is made by the fact of who controls the queening square. It looks logical
to advance my king before anything else, by 95.Kg6 Ra1 96.Kg7, when my rook can protect him from
g6, winning.
PLAN B
Creating some space for my king on the f-file looks logical. I can do this by 95.Rb6 Kf7 96.Kg5 Ra7
97.f5, when I should be in the right track.
PLAN C
Preparing to advance my king by the assistance of my rook is fair and good. So, I will opt for 95.Kg5
Ra1 96.Rf5 and so on.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
269
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 70
Plan A is the best and wins — the analysis is correct.

Plan B reaches the ‘Philidor Position’.
Plan C is just a draw after 96...Ra6.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 0
95.Rb6?
Now the black king will be excellently placed. White should opt for 95.Kg6! Ra1 96.Kg7!+–.
95.Rb6? Kf7! 96.Kg5 Ra7
96...Ra5+ 97.f5 Ra1, is also fine.
97.f5 Kg7 98.Rg6+ Kf7 99.Rh6 Ra1 100.Rh7+ Kg8 101.Re7
270
101...Ra6!
The ‘Philidor Position’! It’s a draw now...
102.Re6 Ra7 103.Kf6 Rf7+ 104.Ke5 Ra7 105.Kf6 Rf7+ 106.Kg5 Rg7+ 107.Rg6
107...Kh7!
107...Rxg6+? 108.Kxg6+–.
108.Kf6 Rxg6+ 109.fxg6+ Kh8 110.g7+ Kg8 111.Kg6
½-½
EXERCISE 71
Grivas Efstratios
Naumann Alexander
A16 Corfu 1999
88.Ra7
271
EVALUATION
I am facing a very difficult case, as time is not really enough in such a late stage and the defence seems
to be well hidden. Nevertheless, I believe that the position should be draw; I just have to find how...
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
The rook should be ready for side checks, so I should opt for 88...Rh1 89.Ra5+ Ke6 90.Ra6+ Kf5
(90...Kd7 91.Kxf7 Rf1 92.Kf8, wins for White) 91.Kxf7 Rh7+, which should be drawn.
PLAN B
Protecting my king from side checks is a good policy in such positions, so I will go for 88...Rc5
89.Kxf7 Rb5, when White cannot improve.
PLAN C
I should limit White’s king space and movement and I think that this can be done only by 88...Rc6.
After 89.Rxf7 Kg5, my idea is revealed; White cannot improve: 90.Rf8 Ra6 91.f7 Rg6+ 92.Kh7 Rh6+.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 71
272
Plan A is a lost case.
Plan B is losing after 90.Kg7.
Plan C is the only good one and draws.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
88...Rh1?
Black had to find 88...Rc6! 89.Rxf7 Kg5!, which draws: 90.Rf8 Ra6 91.f7 Rg6+ 92.Kh7 Rh6+.
88...Rh1? 89.Ra5+ Ke6 90.Ra6+ Kf5
90...Kd7 91.Kxf7 Rf1 92.Kf8, wins as well.
91.Kxf7
And now White wins, as the ‘Lucena Position’ is on the cards.
91...Rh7+ 92.Kg8 Rh6 93.Kg7 Rg6+ 94.Kf7 Kg5
95.Ke7 Kh6 96.Re6

1–0
273
EXERCISE 72
Andersson Ulf
Akesson Ralf
E19 Skelleftea 1999
69...Rb3
EVALUATION
I am a healthy pawn-up and I think that by precise play I should be able to prevail. With the right
exchanges, I should opt for the ‘Lucena Position’, which is the heaven for an advantageous rook
ending.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I should be prepared for the ‘Lucena Position’ and I should go for 70.f4 Rb1 (70...Rxe3? 71.Re8+)
71.b6 Rg1+ 72.Kh4 Rh1+ 73.Kg3 Rg1+ 74.Kf2 Rb1 75.b7, when I will exchange my b-pawn for
Black’s f-pawn.
PLAN B
There is no need to wait and I should directly go for the natural 70.b6 Kd7 71.b7 Kc7 72.Re8 Kxb7
73.Kxf5, when I am in the right track.
PLAN C
My primary thought should be to protect my pawns and then try to get the ‘Lucena Position’. I can do
this by 70.Kf4 Rb4+ 71.e4 fxe4 72.fxe4, when I should be ready.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
274
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 72
Plan A is not optimal, as Black is holding after 75...Kd5.

Plan C is just a draw after 72...d5.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 50 0
70.b6! Kd7 71.b7 Kc7 72.Re8 Kxb7 73.Kxf5 Kc6 74.f4

74.Kf6 Kd7 75.Re7+, was more accurate.
74...Kd7 75.Re4 Rb1 76.Kf6 d5 77.Re5 Kd6 78.f5 Rf1
79.e4!
Going for the known position!
275
79...dxe4 80.Rxe4 Kd7 81.Kg6
Black resigned: 81...Rg1+ 82.Kf7 Rf1 83.f6 Rf2 84.Kg7 Rg2+ 85.Kf8 Rf2 86.f7 (‘Lucena Position’)
86...Rg2 87.Rd4+ Kc7 (87...Ke6 88.Ke8+–) 88.Ke7 Re2+ 89.Kf6 Rf2+ 90.Ke6 Re2+ 91.Kf5 Rf2+
92.Rf4 (Bridge).
1–0
276
Show in Text Mode
THE PHILIDOR POSITION

The ‘Philidor Position’ (or Philidor’s position) usually refers to an important endgame which illustrates
a drawing technique when the defender has a king and rook versus a king, rook, and a pawn.
It is also known as the 3rd rank defence, because of the importance of the rook on the 3rd rank cutting-
off the opposing king.
It was analysed by François-André Danican Philidor in 1777. Many rook and pawn versus rook
endgames reach either the ‘Philidor Position’ or the ‘Lucena Position’.
If played accurately the defending side tries to reach the ‘Philidor Position’; the other side tries to reach
the winning ‘Lucena Position’.
The important characteristics of the position are (from the point of view of the defender):
SOS Tip 1 — Characteristics
1. The defending king is on the queening square of the pawn (or adjacent to it). The pawn can be on
any file.
2. The opposing pawn has not yet reached the defender’s 3rd rank (its 6th rank).
3. The opposing king is beyond the defender’s 3rd rank.
4. The defender’s rook is on the 3rd rank, keeping the opposing king off that rank.
The general ideas are easy to understand and practice. With some good examples, the ‘Philidor
Position’ can be nicely ‘absorbed’. But of course things are usually more complicated over the real
battle and study is required.
Breaking down the ‘Philidor Position’ is an obligation for the stronger side. But of course this is easier
said than done, as usual happens in this blunderful life!
THE UMBRELLA METHOD
This is a method used to shelter the stronger side’s king from the opponent’s rook checks.
It can be applied when the stronger side can sacrifice a pawn; mostly in 2:1 pawns, rook endings.
The ‘Philidor Position’ is a basic cornerstone of any rook ending, as it might arose anytime.
It has been extensively analysed since long time ago and nowadays, with so many modern tools
available, quite easy to learn and practice.
EXERCISE 73
Larsen Bent
Tal Mihail
A39 Bled 1965
277
52.Kxe5
EVALUATION
The queenside pawns will inevitably be traded sooner or later, and the ‘Philidor Position’ or the
‘Lucena Position’ will probably occur thereafter. I need to make the correct decision.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
The short side is heaven for my king, so I should start moving immediately by 52...Kd8, when after
53.Ke6 b3 54.axb3 Rxb3, I should get the ‘Philidor Position’.
PLAN B
It is time for my rook to become active and start the side checks. For this good looks 52...Rh2 53.Ke6
Rh6+ 54.Kd5 Kd8 55.e5 (55.Kc5 Rh2 56.e5 Re2 57.Kd6 Ke8 58.Ke6 Kf8=) 55...Ke8 56.e6 Rh2,
when I have got a drawn position.
PLAN C
This is the right time to exchange the pawns, going for the ‘Philidor Position’. After 52...b3 53.axb3
Rxb3 54.Kd6 Rd3+ 55.Ke6 Rh3, I have got an optimal, drawn position.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
278
SOLUTION 73
Plan A is fine — see the analysis.

Plan B is the best — see the analysis.
Plan C is losing — see the game.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 50 0
52...b3?
As K.Mueller indicates, after 52...Rh2!, the position is still drawn: 53.Ke6 Rh6+ 54.Kd5 Kd8 55.e5
(55.Kc5 Rh2 56.e5 Re2 57.Kd6 Ke8 58.Ke6 Kf8=) 55...Ke8 56.e6 Rh2=.
Note that here 52...Kd8, also draws: 53.Ke6 Rh2!, but not by 53...b3? 54.Rd7+! (54.axb3 Rxb3
55.Ra8++–) 54...Kc8 (54...Ke8 55.Rb7+–) 55.axb3 Rxb3 56.e5+–.
52...b3? 53.axb3 Rxb3 54.Kd6! Rd3+
55.Ke6?
B.Larsen misses his chance to punish his opponent for the grave error and allows him to employ the
second defensive method in the ‘Philidor Position’. The winning continuation was 55.Ke7! Rh3 56.Ra4
Rh7+ 57.Ke8 (57.Kf6 Rh6+ 58.Kg7 Rh4 59.Rd4!+–) 57...Rh8+ 58.Kf7+–.
279
55...Rh3 56.Ra8+
56.Ra4 Kd8!=.
56...Kc7 57.Rf8 Re3 58.e5 Re1 59.Re8
59.Kf6 Kd7!=.
59...Rh1! 60.Ra8
60...Re1!
The position is drawn but White played 18 more moves before he agreed to the peaceful outcome of the
game; its result was vitally important for both rivals.
61.Ra7+ Kd8 62.Ra2 Re3 63.Ra8+ Kc7 64.Ra6 Kd8! 65.Ra8+ Kc7 66.Re8 Rh3! 67.Rf8 Re3! 68.Rg8
Re1 69.Rg2 Kd8! 70.Ra2 Re3 71.Ra5 Re1 72.Rb5 Re2 73.Kf7 Rf2+! 74.Ke6 Re2 75.Rb8+ Kc7
76.Re8 Rh2! 77.Kf7 Rh7+ 78.Kg6 Kd7
½-½
EXERCISE 74
Vukic Milan
Mueller Klaus Uwe
D34 Varna 1975
65.Rb7
280
EVALUATION
The perfect position of my opponent’s king allows him to win sooner or later my last pawn. Therefore I
should be ready to get the ‘Philidor Position’, cashing the half-point.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
There is no time to wait for, so I should directly move to the way of the short side by 65...Kf8 66.Rb6
(66.Kxf6 Ra6+=, or 66.Rb8+ Ke7=) 66...Rf4 67.Kxf6 Kg8, when my mission has been accomplished.
PLAN B
I feel that there is no need to make things easy for my opponent, but harder, so I will protect for the
time being my last pawn by 65...Ra6, followed by the transfer of my king too the short side. Also my
rook will be already on the 3rd rank.
PLAN C
As my last pawn is lost, I have to get my rook ready for checks by 65...Ra1. After 66.Kxf6 Rf1
67.Rb8+ Kd7 68.Kg6 Ke7, the draw is in hand.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
281
SOLUTION 74
Plan A is the best — see the analysis.

Plan B is losing — see the game.
Plan C is losing after 68.Rf8!.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
50 0 0
65...Ra6?
A losing decision. The black f-pawn is lost anyway but now the black king will forever remain on the
long side where it only obstructs his own rook. Black could hold by means of transferring his king to
the short side: 65...Kf8! 66.Rb6 (66.Kxf6 Ra6+=, or 66.Rb8+ Ke7=) 66...Rf4! (66...Rg4+ 67.Kxf6 Kg8
68.Rb8+ Kh7, is less accurate but still playable. But, if we shift this position by one file to the left,
White should have won (see diagram below). Here, however, Black holds due to the fact that he has
two files (a- and b-) for his rook to stay far away from the white king. The white rook occupies one of
them but Black can use the remaining one: 69.Ke6 Re4+ 70.Kf7 Ra4=) 67.Kxf6 (67.Rxf6+ Kg8
68.Ra6 Rg4+=) 67...Kg8! 68.Rb8+ Kh7 69.Ke6 (69.Rf8 Ra4=) 69...Kg7=.
67.Kxe6 Kf8 68.Ra8+ Kg7 69.Ke7.

65...Ra6? 66.Kg7! Rc6 67.Rb8+ Ke7 68.Rb1 Ra6 69.Re1+ Kd8 70.Kf7 Kd7 71.Rd1+
282
Or 71.Re6+–.
71...Kc7 72.Ke7
Black resigned due to 72...Rb6 73.Rd7+ Kc8 74.Rd6.

1–0
EXERCISE 75
Rohde Michael
Cramling Dan
B33 Innsbruck 1977
69...Ke8
283
EVALUATION
As I am on the move, I think that I can break down the ‘Philidor Position’ and get the point. But the
position seems to be tricky, so I should be precise.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
I should opt for the usual method by 70.Kf6 Re1 71.Ke6 Kf8 72.Rh8+ Kg7 73.Ra8 Re2 74.Kd6, when
my efforts will be crown soon.
PLAN B
My rook is not optimally placed, so I should improve it before anything else. Good is 70.Ra7 and then
continue as usual.
PLAN C
Accuracy is important here, so I should opt for 70.Ke6 Kf8 (70...Kd8 71.Rh8+ Kc7 72.Ke7+–)
71.Rf7+ (an important check to impair Black’s king position. Both 71.Ra7 Re1= and 71.Rh8+ Kg7
72.Ra8 Re1=, would only help Black) 71...Kg8 72.Rd7, when I should win.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
284
SOLUTION 75
Plan A is just drawing — see the analysis.

Plan B is bad and only draws.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
70.Ke6!
Of course not 70.Kf6? Re1! 71.Ke6 Kf8! 72.Rh8+ Kg7 73.Ra8 Re2 74.Kd6 (74.Re8 Ra2=) 74...Kf7!=.
70.Ke6! Kf8
70...Kd8 71.Rh8+ Kc7 72.Ke7+–.
71.Rf7+!
An important check to impair Black’s king position. Both 71.Ra7? Re1!= and 71.Rh8+? Kg7 72.Ra8
Re1=, would only help Black.
71...Kg8
71...Ke8 72.Ra7 Kf8 (72...Kd8 73.Ra8+ Kc7 74.Ke7+–) 73.Ra8+ Kg7 74.Ke7 Rb1
75.e6, is hopeless as well for Black. The white rook is ideally placed on a8; this is the position White
285
wants in this ending, and he can achieve it — provided that he plays correctly.
72.Rd7!
Wrong would be 72.Ra7? Re1! (72...Kf8? 73.Ra8+ Kg7 74.Ke7+–) 73.Kf6 (73.Kd6 Kf8!=) 73...Rf1+
74.Ke6 (unfortunately there is no 74.Ke7? Rf7+–+ — this is why the white rook should be placed near
the king) 74...Re1=. The move 72.Rc7, is less precise, however it does not miss the win after 72...Re1
73.Kf6 Rf1+ 74.Ke7 Ra1 75.Rd7 Ra2 76.Rd4 (or 76.Rd1) 76...Ra7+ 77.Kf6+–.
72...Re1 73.Kf6 Rf1+ 74.Ke7 Ra1
75.e6?
A bad mistake, leading to draw. White could have crowned his efforts with 75.Rd2! (or 75.Rd4)
286
75...Ra7+ 76.Kf6 Rf7+ 77.Ke6 Rf1 (unfortunately for Black, his rook must leave the long side because
77...Ra7 78.Rd8+ Kg7 79.Rd7+ is bad. Now White immediately occupies the a-file:) 78.Ra2!
(78.Ke7?! Rf7+ 79.Kd8 Ra7 80.e6? [80.Ke8+–] 80...Kf8! 81.Rf2+ Kg7=) 78...Kg7 (78...Re1 79.Kf6!
Rf1+ 80.Ke7 Rf7+ 81.Kd6+–; 78...Kf8 79.Ra8+ Kg7 80.Kd6+–) 79.Ra7+! (79.Ke7? Rf7+ 80.Kd6
Rb7! 81.e6 (81.Ra6 Kf7=) 81...Rb6+ 82.Kd7 Rb7+ 83.Kc6 Rb1 84.Rf2 Ra1=) 79...Kg6 (79...Kf8
80.Ra8+ Kg7 81.Kd6+–) 80.Ra8 Kg7 81.Ke7 Rf7+ (81...Rb1 82.e6 Rb7+ 83.Kd6+–) 82.Kd6 Rb7
83.e6 Rb6+ 84.Kd7 Rb7+ 85.Kc6 Re7 86.Kd6+–.
75...Kg7! 76.Rd6 Ra8! 77.Rd1 ½-½
EXERCISE 76
Sokolov Ivan
Banikas Hristos
E12 Khanty-Mansiysk 2010
87.e6
EVALUATION
Of course this is a theoretical draw — the enemy pawn is not too advanced, while my king is close
enough and my rook has a long side to operate on.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
As usual, my rook should be ready to deliver checks from the side and from behind. For this its best
position is on a1: 87...Ra1 88.Ke8 Ra8+ 89.Rd8 Ra6 90.e7 Ra7 and I am holding.
PLAN B
287
Waiting with my rook on my 1st rank is the right policy. I do not see how my opponent will improve
after 87...Rb8 88.Rd8 Rb7+ 89.Kd6 Rb6+ 90.Kd7 Rb7+ 91.Kc6.
PLAN C
As my rook is optimally placed on a8, I should move just my king to achieve the draw. So, I should opt
for 87...Kg6 88.Rd8 Ra7+ 89.Rd7 Ra8 90.Rb7 Kg7, when I should feel safe.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 76
Plan A is losing — see the analysis.

Plan B is also losing — see the analysis.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 0 50
87...Kg6!
This is one of key positions in this kind of endgames. Black must be careful — he must not move his
rook from the 8th rank and the a-file: 87...Ra1? 88.Ke8! Ra8+ 89.Rd8 Ra6 90.e7 Ra7 91.Rc8 Ra1
92.Rc2,
or 87...Rb8 88.Rd8 Rb7+ 89.Kd6 Rb6+ 90.Kd7 Rb7+ 91.Kc6. Therefore, as Black rook’s best square is
on a8, he has only one move left.
87...Kg6!
288
88.Rd8 Ra7+ 89.Rd7 Ra8 90.Rb7 Kg7 91.Rc7 Kg6 92.Rc1 Ra7+ 93.Kd6 Ra6+ 94.Kd7 Ra7+ 95.Rc7
Ra8 96.Ke7 Kg7 97.Kd7 Kf8
97...Kf6, was also good enough.
98.Rb7
White can’t make progress, as Black defended accurately.

98...Re8?
But here comes the blunder. 98...Kg7, was natural, securing the half-point.
99.Rb1!
289
And Black resigned as he realised what he had done. His king will be kicked away from the important
promotion square: 99...Ra8 100.e7+ Kf7 101.Rf1+.
1–0
EXERCISE 77
Zaitsev Alexander
Huebner Robert
E05 Buesum 1969
57.hxg4
EVALUATION
I shouldn’t be in grave danger, as my king is well placed and my rook can be active. Still, I have to
avoid some nasty tricks.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Activation of the rook is of primary importance. After 57...Rb1 58.Kh5 Rg1, there is nothing for White
to hope for.
PLAN B
A draw can be achieved by 57...Rb4. After 58.f5 Rb1 59.Kh5 (59.g5 Rh1+=) 59...Rg1, I am very near
to my target.
PLAN C
I shouldn’t allow the enemy king to enter my position, so I should preserve my rook on the 5th rank by
290
57...Ra5. After 58.g5 (58.f5 Ra1=) 58...fxg5+ 59.fxg5, I can defend the position either in the Philidor
method 59...Ra6, or passively with 59...Ra8.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
SOLUTION 77
Plan A is losing — see the game.

Plan B is fine — see the analysis.
Plan C is the best — see the analysis.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 50 50
57...Rb1?
The waiting approach with 57...Ra5, was good. After 58.g5 (58.f5 Ra1!=) 58...fxg5+ 59.fxg5, Black
could defend the position either in the Philidor method 59...Ra6, or passively with 59...Ra8.
A draw could have been achieved as well by 57...Rb4 58.f5 Rb1! 59.Kh5 (59.g5 Rh1+=) 59...Rg1!.
Now White can implement the umbrella method:
57...Rb1? 58.Kh5 Rg1
291
Otherwise 59.Kg6.
59.g5! fxg5 60.f5! Kf8 61.f6
Black resigned: 61...Rf1 62.Kg6 Ke8 63.Ra7 g4 64.f7+ Kf8 65.Ra8+ Ke7 66.Re8+ Kd6 67.f8=Q+
Rxf8 68.Rxf8 g3 69.Rf3+–.
1–0
EXERCISE 78
Harandi Khosro
Vaganian Rafael
C16 Rio de Janeiro 1979
55.Kh2
292
EVALUATION
The pawns are equal but their ‘force’ is not! Mine are more advanced and this should make the
difference here — I just have to find the proper way.
PLAN — EXECUTION
PLAN A
Time is important, so I should immediately advance my e-pawn to its queening square by 55...f3
56.gxf3 Kxf3 57.Rf8+ Ke2. I will win the white rook and I will stop the white h-pawn.
PLAN B
Advancing my pawns is of course the primary thought here, but I feel that I should do it differently than
the previous plan. I can opt for 55...Ra2 56.Kg1 Ke2 57.Rf8 e3 58.Rxf4 Kd3 59.Rf3 Kd2 60.Rf8 Ra1+
61.Kh2 e2 and I win.
PLAN C
My king should be hidden from the enemy’s rook checks. A good way to achieve this is by 55...Kf2
56.Rf8 (what else? If 56.Re8, then 56...f3! — umbrella — 57.Rxe4 (57.gxf3 e3–+) 57...Rh1+!–+)
56...f3, when one of my pawns will queen.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

A B C
Show/Hide Solution
293
SOLUTION 78
Plan A is nothing to hope for, as the position is drawn.

Plan B is fine — see the analysis.
Plan C is the best — see the analysis.
MARKS FOR PLANS

A B C
0 50 50
55...Kf2! 56.Rf8
What else? If 56.Re8, then 56...f3! (umbrella) 57.Rxe4 (57.gxf3 e3–+) 57...Rh1+!–+.
56...f3! 57.h4
Or 57.gxf3 e3!.
57...Rg1! 58.gxf3 Rg2+ 59.Kh1 e3! 60.Re8 Rg3 61.Kh2 Rxf3

And White had to resign, as there is no hope anymore.
0–1
294
INDEX OF GAMES
Where a player’s name appears in bold, that player had White. Otherwise the first-named player had
White. A total of 78 games/tests are analysed and presented in this book.
Adams Michael
- Esen Baris
- Van Wely Loek
Ahmed Abuzied
- Vovk Ilja
Akesson Ralf
- Andersson Ulf
Alburt Lev
- De Firmian Nick
Almasi Zoltan
- Slipak Sergio
Anand Viswanathan
- Kramnik Vladimir
- Ragger Markus
- Topalov Veselin
- Topalov Veselin
Andersson Ulf
- Akesson Ralf
Andriasian Zaven
- Dobrov Vladimir
Aronian Levon
- Carlsen Magnus
- Shirov Alexei
Banikas Hristos
- Ilandzis Spyridon
- Sokolov Ivan
Bauer Christian
- Mastrovasilis Athanasios
295
Beliavsky Alexander
- Miles Anthony
Benjamin Joel
- Timman Jan
Blackstock Lesly
- Smyslov Vassily
Botvinnik Mikhail
- Kotov Alexander
Bousios Hristos
- Grivas Efstratios
Carlsen Magnus
- Aronian Levon
- Karjakin Sergey
- Nakamura Hikaru
Caruana Fabiano
- Morozevich Alexander
- Nakamura Hikaru
Chernin Alexander
- Efimov Igor
Chiburdanidze Maia
- Donaldson Elena
- Suba Mihai
Chraibi Mohcine
- Winnicki Alice
Corbet Laurent
- Lupu Mircea Sergiu
Cramling Dan
- Rohde Michael
Danielian Elina
- Dzagnidze Nana
De Firmian Nick
- Alburt Lev
296
Ding Liren
- Ganguly Surya Shekhar
- Kramnik Vladimir
Dobrov Vladimir
- Andriasian Zaven
Donaldson Elena
- Chiburdanidze Maia
Du Toit Stefan
- Kunte Abhijit
Dzagnidze Nana
- Danielian Elina
Efimov Igor
- Chernin Alexander
Eidelson Rakhil
- Kochetkova Julia
Eljanov Pavel
- Nakamura Hikaru
Esen Baris
- Adams Michael
Fischer Robert James
- Walther Edgar
Ganguly Surya Shekhar
- Ding Liren
Gelashvili Tamaz
- Grivas Efstratios
Geller Efim
- Polugaevsky Lev
Georgiev Krum
- Karlovich Anastazia
Gretarsson Steinn
- Tan Justin
Grivas Efstratios
297
- Bousios Hristos
- Gelashvili Tamaz
- Kofidis Andreas
- Krush Irina
- Marinkovic Ivan
- Miralles Gilles
- Naumann Alexander
- Petrovic Dusan
- Wagner Claude
Gurevich Dmitry
- Seirawan Yasser
Harikrishna Pentala
- Ivanisevic Ivan
- Short Nigel
Hou Yifan
- Sasikiran Krishnan
Huebner Robert
- Zaitsev Alexander
Ilandzis Spyridon
- Banikas Hristos
Ivanisevic Ivan
- Harikrishna Pentala
Karjakin Sergey
- Carlsen Magnus
Karlovich Anastazia
- Georgiev Krum
Karpov Anatoly
- Lautier Joel
- Timman Jan
Kasparov Garry
- Seirawan Yasser
- Speelman Jonathan
298
Keres Paul
- Szabo Laszlo
Khairullin Ildar
- Vallejo Pons Francisco
Kharandi Khosro
- Vaganian Rafael
Kochetkova Julia
- Eidelson Rakhil
Kofidis Andreas
- Grivas Efstratios
Kotov Alexander
- Botvinnik Mikhail
Kramnik Vladimir
- Anand Viswanathan
- Ding Liren
- Ponomariov Ruslan
- Shirov Alexei
Krush Irina
- Grivas Efstratios
Kunte Abhijit
- Du Toit Stefan
Larsen Bent
- Tal Mihail
Lautier Joel
- Karpov Anatoly
- Topalov Veselin
Ljubojevic Ljubomir
- Miles Anthony
Lputian Smbat
- Sulskis Sarunas
Lupu Mircea Sergiu
- Corbet Laurent
299
Malakhov Vladimir
- Morozevich Alexander
Marin Mihai
- Slovineanu Viacheslav
Marinkovic Ivan
- Grivas Efstratios
Mastrovasilis Athanasios
- Bauer Christian
Miles Anthony
- Beliavsky Alexander
- Ljubojevic Ljubomir
Miralles Gilles
- Grivas Efstratios
- Caruana Fabiano
- Malakhov Vladimir
Movsesian Sergei
- Vallejo Pons Francisco
Mueller Klaus Uwe
- Vukic Milan
Nakamura Hikaru
- Carlsen Magnus
- Caruana Fabiano
- Eljanov Pavel
Naumann Alexander
- Grivas Efstratios
Petrovic Dusan
- Grivas Efstratios
Polugaevsky Lev
- Geller Efim
Ponomariov Ruslan
- Kramnik Vladimir
300
- Svidler Peter
Portisch Lajos
- Seirawan Yasser
Ragger Markus
- Anand Viswanathan
Rohde Michael
- Cramling Dan
Sammour Hasbun Jorge
- Waitzkin Joshua
Sasikiran Krishnan
- Hou Yifan
Sax Gyula
- Tseshkovsky Vitaly
Seirawan Yasser
- Gurevich Dmitry
- Kasparov Garry
- Portisch Lajos
Shirov Alexei
- Aronian Levon
- Kramnik Vladimir
- Topalov Veselin
Short Nigel
- Harikrishna Pentala
Slipak Sergio
- Almasi Zoltan
Slovineanu Viacheslav
- Marin Mihai
Smyslov Vassily
- Blackstock Lesly
Sokolov Ivan
- Banikas Hristos
Sosa Tomas
301
- Valerga Diego
Speelman Jonathan
- Kasparov Garry
Suba Mihai
- Chiburdanidze Maia
Sulskis Sarunas
- Lputian Smbat
Svidler Peter
- Ponomariov Ruslan
Szabo Laszlo
- Keres Paul
Tal Mihail
- Larsen Bent
Tan Justin
- Gretarsson Steinn
Tilicheev Viacheslav
- Vorobiov Evgeny
Timman Jan
- Benjamin Joel
- Karpov Anatoly
Topalov Veselin
- Anand Viswanathan
- Anand Viswanathan
- Lautier Joel
- Shirov Alexei
Tseshkovsky Vitaly
- Sax Gyula
Vaganian Rafael
- Kharandi Khosro
Valerga Diego
- Sosa Tomas
302
- Khairullin Ildar
- Movsesian Sergei
Van Wely Loek
- Adams Michael
Vorobiov Evgeny
- Tilicheev Viacheslav
Vovk Ilja
- Ahmed Abuzied
Vukic Milan
- Mueller Klaus Uwe
Wagner Claude
- Grivas Efstratios
Waitzkin Joshua
- Sammour Hasbun Jorge
Walther Edgar
- Fischer Robert James
Winnicki Alice
- Chraibi Mohcine
Zaitsev Alexander
- Huebner Robert
303
INDEX OF OPENINGS (ECO CLASSIFICATION)
A07 Moscow 1977

A07 Sovata 1999
A11 Zuerich 2016
A14 Tromso 2014
A16 Corfu 1999
A26 Berlin 2018
A30 Graz 1981
A30 Las Palmas 1996
A39 Bled 1965
A52 London 1988
A57 Leningrad 1989
A58 Cap d’Agde 1983
A58 Ekurhuleni 2011
A61 Saint Louis 2016
A83 Wijk aan Zee 2008
B05 Greenville 1983
B09 Bourbon Lancy 1998
B15 Zagreb 1975
B30 Tilburg 1985
B31 New York 1992
B33 Innsbruck 1977
B50 Moscow 2006
B54 Hamburg 2005
B80 Hoogeveen 2013
B88 Thessaloniki 2009
B90 Konya 2010
304
B92 Zuerich 1953
B99 Zuerich 1959
C02 Athens 1987
C16 Rio de Janeiro 1979
C43 Moscow 2001
C54 Baku 2016
C54 New York 2016
C67 Moscow 2012
C74 Linares 1995
C80 Dos Hermanas 1996
C90 Amsterdam 1994
C92 Bugojno 1980
D04 Tallinn 1977
D20 Monte Carlo 1996
D21 Thessaloniki 1988
D28 Dubai 1986
D34 Varna 1975
D36 Voronezh 2004
D37 Saint Louis 2015
D38 Moscow 2009
D40 Kalavrita 1998
D45 Moscow 1955
D45 Moscow 2013
D56 Sofia 2010
D71 Doha 2014
D85 Linares 1998
D85 Wijk aan Zee 1999
E01 Seattle 2000
E04 Moscow 2011
E05 Baku 2015
E05 Buesum 1969
E05 Caleta 2012
305
E05 Hyderabad 2002
E11 Benasque 2015
E11 New York 1998
E12 Khanty-Mansiysk 2010
E13 Bucharest 1984
E16 Panormo 1998
E17 Vrsac 1983
E19 Skelleftea 1999
E42 Ikaria 1998
E49 Rogaska Slatina 2011
E61 Solingen 2014
E71 Dortmund 1983
E74 Skopje 1968
E90 Kallithea 2008
306
Table of Contents
Title page 3
Key to symbols 5
Foreword 6
The Endgame 9
The Golden Rules of the Endgame 12
Evaluation — Plan — Execution 14
Queen vs Bishop Pair 16
Queen vs Knight Pair 39
Queen vs Rook & Bishop 61
Queen vs Rook & Knight 85
Queen vs Rook(s) 105
Rook vs Bishop 127
Rook vs Knight 149
Rook vs Two Pieces (Bishop & Knight) 169
Rook vs Two Pieces (Bishop Pair) 188
Rook vs Two Pieces (Knight Pair) 211
Opposite-coloured Bishops 235
The Lucena Position 260
The Philidor Position 277
Index of Games 295
Index of Openings (ECO Classification) 304
307

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. UNBALANCED MATERIAL ENDINGS — QUEEN

MONSTER YOUR ENDGAME PLANNING

First edition 2019 by Chess Evolution

Monster your endgame planning. Volume 2

= Equality or equal chances

1. Tactical — Tactical complex endgames must be treated as a middlegame.

1. Evaluation (strategical & tactical)

QUEEN VS BISHOP PAIR

1.Qe7+ Kc8 2.Qe6+

1. A passed pawn always helps the strongest side.

CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

Plan A is probably Black’s best chance.

MARKS FOR PLANS

CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

Plan A is the best chance — see the game.

MARKS FOR PLANS

32.h3! Kg7 33.g4 hxg4 34.hxg4 Bf6 35.Qe4 g5

CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

MARKS FOR PLANS

42.h3 h5 43.Qe5 g6 44.Kf1 Bf8

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MARKS FOR PLANS

CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

Plan A is good — see the game.

MARKS FOR PLANS

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MARKS FOR PLANS

32.Kd4 Qa8 33.Ke5 Qe8+

QUEEN VS KNIGHT PAIR

This is a basic drawn position.

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Plan A is fine and logical.

MARKS FOR PLANS

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MARKS FOR PLANS

49.Qf1+ Ke4 50.Qf2 Nxc4 51.Qf3+ Ke5

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Plan A is fine and should win.

MARKS FOR PLANS

45...Ke6 46.h4 Ke5 47.Ng2 Qa1 48.Nf4 g5 49.hxg5 hxg5

There is no way for Black to improve...

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Plan A is fine and wins.

MARKS FOR PLANS

50.Qa1 Nf8 51.Qa7+ Nd7 52.Kh3 Nd6 53.Kh4 Nf7 54.Qc7

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Plan A is fine and wins.

MARKS FOR PLANS

52...a5 53.a4 Qd4 54.Kh4?!

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Plan A is not a good idea, as White can exchange pawns by 52.h5!.

MARKS FOR PLANS

51...Qh8 52.Kf4 Ke7 53.g4 Qf6+!

QUEEN VS ROOK & BISHOP

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Plan A is not a good idea, as Black is passive.

MARKS FOR PLANS

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