Originally posted by Mephisto2Interesting problem. Where did you get it?
The idea behind this rule is that the unopposed pawn push is more likely to create a freepawn. Which is a good thing, assuming that the freepawn can run or be supported.
Don't take these rules too literally, you might become disappointed.
[fen]8/8/8/1p1k4/8/1PPK4/8/8 w - - 0 1[/fen]
White to move can win by playing b4, but playing c4 (the unopposed pawn) leads to draw.
Originally posted by WulebgrYou should find this or a very similar position in basic endgame books. I used Euwe's series of books years ago, but any reasonable work will give you this. The advantage of endgame books is that they do not 'age' much (as far as content is concerned).
Interesting problem. Where did you get it?
Originally posted by Mephisto2I have several good endgame books, but have not found this exact position in any of them. I looked after I had seen this position in a game at the local club (misplayed by white). When I saw the game OTB, I thought the posiition resembled a textbook position, so I went looking. Even Polgar's Chess Endgames--4560 positions--does not have it.
You should find this or a very similar position in basic endgame books. I used Euwe's series of books years ago, but any reasonable work will give you this. The advantage of endgame books is that they do not 'age' much (as far as content is concerned).
Originally posted by WulebgrThe example is equally valid if you shift all the pieces up/down or to the right (not to the left because that would be draw).
I have several good endgame books, but have not found this exact position in any of them. I looked after I had seen this position in a game at the local club (misplayed by white). When I saw the game OTB, I thought the posiition resembled a textbook position, so I went looking. Even Polgar's Chess Endgames--4560 positions--does not have it.
Originally posted by BigDoggProblemYou're missing the point. I simply want to know if the position presented was composed by Mephisto, came from a book, or from a game.
Study opposition and outflanking and you won't need to know nearly as many specific positions.
I teach opposition and outflanking to youth players nearly every week.
One exercise I use is from Silman's Reassess Your Chess:
White to move with the goal of reaching f8 or h8.
Originally posted by WulebgrThats a good one to prove the point. (I'm presuming you play Ka2 to get the very distant opposition?!)
You're missing the point. I simply want to know if the position presented was composed by Mephisto, came from a book, or from a game.
I teach opposition and outflanking to youth players nearly every week.
One exercise I use is from Silman's Reassess Your Chess:
White to move with the goal of reaching f8 or h8.
[fen]k7/8/8/8/8/8/8/K7 w - - 0 1[/fen]
Very often endgames between weaker players are lost due to lack of understanding of the opposition.
2 edits
Originally posted by WulebgrI certainly didn't 'compose' anything, simply took it from (distant) memory, and I am sure that it (or one of the shifted versions) appears in one of Euwe's books on endgames. This position was then followed by one where the unopposed pawn is on the other side (away from the kings), to show the contrast, i.e. this draws if white has to start:
You're missing the point. I simply want to know if the position presented was composed by Mephisto, came from a book, or from a game.
Originally posted by Mephisto2If I am not wrong, Black can still draw after 1. b4. (by controlling a7, b7, c7) can some one try win for white and draw for black after 1. b4
The idea behind this rule is that the unopposed pawn push is more likely to create a freepawn. Which is a good thing, assuming that the freepawn can run or be supported.
Don't take these rules too literally, you might become disappointed.
[fen]8/8/8/1p1k4/8/1PPK4/8/8 w - - 0 1[/fen]
White to move can win by playing b4, but playing c4 (the unopposed pawn) leads to draw.