opposition
Sort:
maik1988
Dec 26, 2017
0
#1
I'm just getting into endgame study and working my way through some books. I've come across the opposition a bunch of times now, (normal, diagonal and distant) however it's not entirely clear to me what its use is besides determining winning or losing in a lone king vs king and pawn ending. I.e. the king two squares in front of the pawn wins because you can waste a move if needed to get the opposition, a pawn on the fourth and king in front of it wins with the opposition. I know that that's important but there must be more to it right? Is it useful beyond that context? Many thanks and merry Christmas!
Here is a good example.
White to move, will play 1.Kc6, and eventually gobble up all of blacks pawns, and win the game.
However, if it is black to move, he will play 1....Kd7!!, grabbing the opposition, keeping white out of his camp, and securing the draw.
Might be of interest to look at the example here:
https://www.chess.com/forum/view/endgames/trouble-understanding-the-solution-to-this-problem
kindaspongey wrote:
Might be of interest to look at the example here:
https://www.chess.com/forum/view/endgames/trouble-understanding-the-solution-to-this-problem
That was very helpful. I think Trexlers example is pretty easy, but the one you point out isn't. For me at least. If it's a problem, like in tactics trainer, it's pretty easy to figure out. But in a game I could easily mess it up because of either time or because I just dont practice it enough to see it in a real game. For me things like combinations are easier to see. things like opposition are more difficult for me to grasp because there is no immediate benefit.
Feb 3, 2019
0
#7
In #1, the key squares are c6, d6, e6 (standard with a pair of blocked pawns). The only way to defend these 3 squares simultaneously is the opposition.
The opposition never wins because of itself but of the bypass which follows. Having the opposition means your opponent has to concede critical squares next moves.
There are hundreds of splendid explanations in any endgame books.
"... I'm convinced that Silman's [Complete Endgame Course] will take its place in history as one of the most popular endgame books ever. It has already caught on with the average player in a big way, confirming Silman's status as the king of instructional writers. He writes in a clear and casual style, and time and again has shown the ability to reach those who feel intimidated by the lofty approach that a grandmaster will often take. ... Silman ... defines what he thinks is necessary to know at specific rating levels. For example, the beginner or unrated player needs to know ... Silman's idea is to wait until you climb in strength before you worry about more advanced material. Then, as a Class 'E' player (that's 1000-1199), one must learn ... Silman's book emphasizes to the student that the important thing is to master the strictly limited material at hand, rather than get confused by endings that won't help your results at that level. Perhaps even more importantly, Silman is able to use his teaching experience and talk to his readers in a way that they can handle, in a friendly manner and without condescension. ... I'll also repeat the point that David Ellinger in ChessCafe makes: '[This ...] demonstrates who this book will truly serve best: anybody who coaches chess. For me, as a perpetually near-2000 player who does part-time coaching, I’ve got in my hands a great resource that will have something for every student, no matter the rating.' ..." - IM John Watson (2007)
http://theweekinchess.com/john-watson-reviews/theres-an-end-to-it-all
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708103149/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/review594.pdf
https://www.silmanjamespress.com/shop/chess/silmans-complete-endgame-course/
Please Sign Up to comment.
If you need help, please contact our Help and Support team.