Minor-piece endings · intermediate
Knight + pawn vs king
Use the knight and king to force the defending king away from the pawn.
The rule
The knight controls the blockade square while your king removes the defender’s spare moves.
How to play it
- 1
Put the knight ahead
Use the knight to remove squares around the blockade.
- 2
Bring the king beside it
The king protects the knight and shoulders the defender.
- 3
Make the king move
Hold the pawn until the defending king must leave the blockade.
Study the line, then play it
Step through the example. Then play your moves from the same position.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Move 0 of 5
Starting position
Play through the line one move at a time.
Before you play
Moves to queue
- 1.Knight check on the route
- 2.King approaches
- 3.Pawn advances
Safe when
The knight cannot be attacked and the king route preserves at least one legal move for the defender.
Stop when
A stalemate pattern appears or the king attacks the knight.
Common mistake
Pushing before the knight controls the blockade lets the king sit in front forever.
Force promotion without allowing a knight stalemate trick.
Start with a comfortable clock. Reduce it when the position feels familiar. Your record is 0/0.