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Guided lesson · Intermediate · Endgames

The knight as a blockader

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White’s king is far from the e3-pawn, so the knight is needed to stop it. Ne2 blocks its advance; Kb1 also holds because it keeps Ne2 available. All other moves lose. In the second example White has a pawn on a2: the same blockade keeps a winning position. Without the knight, both positions are lost. Blocking buys time to activate the king, but the remaining material decides whether you can draw or win.

The key idea

Block the pawn and activate the king; assess the remaining material before claiming a win.

Example 1 · Stop e3 with the king far away

Ne2 blocks e3; without the knight, the king is too late.

  1. Ne2 Ne2 occupies the pawn’s next square. Kb1 also draws; every other move loses.
  2. Kb4 Black’s king heads towards the centre; the pawn cannot advance.
  3. Kb2 Kb2 activates the king while the knight keeps the blockade.
  4. Kc4 Black’s king approaches: keep watching e2.
  5. Kc2 Kc2 brings the king towards the centre without freeing the pawn.
  6. Kd5 The position remains drawn; you must still preserve the knight and control the pawn.

Example 2 · An extra pawn changes the result

With a white pawn on a2, Ne2 keeps the win.

  1. Ne2 Ne2 blocks the pawn. Here Ne2 and Kb1 are the only winning moves.
  2. Ka4 Black’s king steps to a4; e3 stays blocked.
  3. Kb1 Kb1 keeps a2 protected as the king starts to become active.
  4. Kb4 The opponent returns towards the centre.
  5. Kb2 Kb2 keeps the a2-pawn safe and brings the king closer to the blockade.
  6. Kc4 White is still winning, but must convert the advantage: this line only shows how to preserve it.

Practice

Play as White. Block the pawn and activate the king; assess the remaining material before claiming a win.

  1. Ne2 occupies the pawn’s next square. Kb1 also draws; every other move loses. Kb1 also holds the draw, but needs another continuation. To follow this exercise, play Ne2.
  2. Kb2 activates the king while the knight keeps the blockade. Nc1, Ng1, Ng3, Nd4, Nf4, Kb1 and Ka2 also hold the draw, but need another continuation. To follow this exercise, play Kb2.
  3. You hold the draw in this position. Hold the draw: Kc2, Nc1, Ng1, Nc3, Ng3, Nf4, Ka1, Kb1, Kc1, Ka2, Ka3 are valid options here.

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