Pawn endgames often seem deceptively simple. There are only two kings on the board and a handful of pawns. If you also know something about opposition, you might think you know everything you need. Or do you? Question: what’s the best move for Black?
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A key aspect of solving puzzles is broadening our perspective. In a position there are usually several possibilities – that is, candidate moves. The question is: do we always examine them or are we automatically looking for solutions without taking other important factors into consideration?
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White just played 24. Rhg1?? in a game between Oleksiyenko en Shmeliov (Lviv 2003). Why is this such a big mistake? Scroll down for the answer.
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Black just played 29. … b5? in a game between De Firmian and Thorhallson (2003). This was clearly a mistake in already difficult position. How can white finish the game in style? Please scroll down for the answer.
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Another classic! This time by the first World Champion: Wilhelm Steinitz with black against Reiner. It was played as part off a match in Vienna (1860). Steinitz won this match with 3-0. ChessGames.com says they were ‘casual games’. Question: how did Steinitz win this game?
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This game is from a long gone era. Chess was sort of in its infancy. The combatants were Adolf Schwarz (white) and Louis Paulsen (DSB Kongress / Meiserturnier Leipzig, 1879). Shall we have a look? Who is better in this position? I guess white thought ‘that’s me!’ and went for it with 42. a4. Is this the right approach?
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Before you answer the first question, I have another question. Was white’s last move: 19. Qd1 right or wrong? What was the alternative?
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Black to move. What is the best continuation? More than one move needed! See solution…
White played 35. Kh3?? This was a bad mistake. The game would have been more or less equal after 35. Kf1 or Kh1. Do you see why 35. Kh3 was the losing move?
In other words: how does black finish the game? Solution…
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