Chess/Opposition and critical squares scenario - can white win?
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Question
Black has Kd5
White has Pd2, Kd1
It is white's turn.
Black has control of the critical squares. Given that black does not make a blunder, can white win in this situation?
I have not been able to find a solution.
Dear Douglas,
In order for White to try and gain the opposition, the King must get in front of his pawn before Black's King gets closer. In this position, therefore, White cannot win unless Black makes a serious mistake.
White's King is so passively placed that Black even has a wide variety of choices and can in some situations let White get his opposition. For example:
1. Kc2 Kc4 2.d3+ Kc5 (Handing the opposition to White) 3.Kc3 Kd5! (White cannot maintain the opposition because he is not in front of his pawn).
I hope this helps. I assume that you have an understanding of the concept of the opposition since you wrote that as the subject of your question. If not, I would be glad to explain it to you.
Happy chess!
Louis Lima
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | That was my conclusion as well, but being a novice chess player, I wanted confirmation from an expert. Thank you! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Louis Lima
Expertise
I can answer questions on proper self-training and chess tactics, but feel free to ask me anything related to chess and if I cannot answer it I will tell you.
Experience
I am a category A player with a FIDE rating of 1963, and a USCF rating of 1965. I have several instructional chess videos at http://www.youtube.com/chesslearning and author a review column for http://www.chesscafe.com and teach a Sunday chess class to kids at Tzu-Chi Foundation's Chinese School.
Organizations
Nassau Chess Club, Queens Chess Club, Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research (SIETAR)
Publications
Mobility Magazine, Moving Forward Monthly, www.schemingmind.com, http://www.chesscafe.com
Education/Credentials
Masters degree in Organizational Psychology with a specialization in Training and Development.
Awards and Honors
51st Nassau FIDE Futurity 2009 (3rd Place)
Queens July Open 2007 (1st Place)
North American Open 2005 (3rd Place in the U1600 Section)
2nd FCC Winter Swiss 2009 (3rd Place)
32nd Freeport Spring Swiss 2006 (3rd Place)
9th Queens Teams Champtionship 2009 (3rd Place)
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