Pawn endings · intermediate
Pawn breakthrough
Sacrifice two pawns to create a passed pawn on the other wing.
The rule
Push the middle pawn first. Each capture tells you which outside pawn to sacrifice next.
How to play it
- 1
Play the center break
Advance the middle pawn so either capture opens the opposite wing.
- 2
Read the capture
If the a-pawn captured on b6, play c6. If the c-pawn captured on b6, play a6.
- 3
Push the survivor
After the second capture, push the outside pawn that remains.
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 9
Starting position
Play through the line one move at a time.
Before you play
Moves to calculate
- 1.b5-b6
- 2.Read ...axb6 or ...cxb6
- 3.Sacrifice beside the capturing pawn
- 4.Queue the opposite passer
Check each reply because
Both captures are complete and the remaining pawn has a clear route to promotion.
Stop when
Wait until both captures show which pawn survives.
Common mistake
Choosing the passed pawn too early can send the wrong pawn.
Create the outside passer and promote it.
Start with a comfortable clock. Reduce it when the position feels familiar. Your record is 0/0.