Expert: Chuck Kinzie - 1/1/2008

Question
Hello, if I only have a Pawn and a King remaining, and my opponent only has a King remaining, can I use my King to place him in Checkmate if my pawn is protecting my King?

If not, is the game automatically a draw or do we play it out?

Thanks for your help.  

Answer
Happy New Year, Tom, and thanks for your question!

It is illegal to put your king right next to your opponent's king.  As such, it is impossible to checkmate a lone king if all you have is a king and a pawn.  But if you advance your pawn to the last rank, you can turn the lowly pawn into a queen (or a rook, bishop or a knight)!  If your opponent can stop you from promoting your pawn, then the game is a draw.
Hope that helps!