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Guided lesson · Intermediate · Endgames

Blockading the promotion square

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Against an advanced rook’s pawn, the bishop can control the promotion square. Here it has the right colour. The opposing king can drive it out of the corner, but cannot block the diagonal: retreat without giving up that control. The bishop’s material value is not enough; you must reach the diagonal before the pawn promotes.

The key idea

Check the colour of the promotion square and establish the blockade in time.

Example 1 · The diagonal to h1

Bf5 retains access to h3 and the h1 diagonal.

  1. Bf5 Bf5 retains access to h3 and the h1 diagonal.
  2. h2 The pawn reaches h2 and threatens to promote.
  3. Be4 Be4 takes the e4-f3-g2-h1 diagonal.
  4. Kg4 Black’s king gains space but cannot promote profitably.
  5. Bh1 Bh1 occupies the promotion square itself.
  6. Kf5 The king moves away; the bishop maintains the blockade.

Example 2 · Reaching a1 in time

Bc5 prepares the diagonal ending on a1.

  1. Bc5 Bc5 prepares the diagonal ending on a1.
  2. a2 The pawn reaches a2: precision is now needed.
  3. Bd4 Bd4 controls a1 via c3 and b2.
  4. Kc4 Black’s king approaches to try to dislodge the bishop.
  5. Ba1 Ba1 sits in front of the pawn, preventing its advance.
  6. Kd3 The king changes route; the blockade survives.

Practice

Play White. Check the colour of the promotion square and establish the blockade in time.

  1. You hold the draw in this position. Bc4, Be4, Bb5, Ba6, Kb1, Ka2 and Kb2 also hold the draw, but need another continuation. To follow this exercise, play Bf5, Bc2 or Bg6.
  2. Be4 takes the e4-f3-g2-h1 diagonal. The pawn threatens promotion: find the diagonal reaching its promotion square.
  3. You hold the draw in this position. Hold the draw: Bh1, Bg2, Bd5, Bc6, Bb7, Ba8, Kb1, Ka2, Kb2 are valid options here.

You have held the draw. If enemy pawns remain, keep watching their advances and the safety of your pieces.