Pawn endings · foundation
Catch the passed pawn
Take the shortest king route to the pawn’s promotion square.
The rule
A king inside the pawn’s square can catch it by moving toward the promotion square.
How to play it
- 1
Enter the square
Compare the king’s diagonal distance with the pawn’s remaining pushes.
- 2
Use the diagonal
Move toward the promotion square instead of chasing the pawn from behind.
- 3
Take the pawn
Arrive beside the promotion square and take the new piece if the pawn promotes.
Study the line, then play it
Step through the example. Then play your moves from the same position.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8h
g
f
e
d
c
b
a
Move 0 of 8
Starting position
Play through the line one move at a time.
Before you play
Moves to queue
- 1.Ke6-d5
- 2.Kd5-c6
- 3.Kc6-b7
- 4.Kb7xa8
Safe when
The pawn has no king support, capture, or promotion with check.
Stop when
The supporting king enters the square or the pawn gains a checking promotion.
Common mistake
Chasing the pawn instead of its promotion square loses a move.
Catch the pawn before it can escape.
Start with a comfortable clock. Reduce it when the position feels familiar. Your record is 0/0.