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Guided lesson · Intermediate · Endgames

King and bishop: divide the defence

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Do not chase two separated pawns without a plan. The king handles the nearer one while the bishop watches a diagonal of the distant one. These examples preserve a draw as the pawns advance. Before changing diagonals, check which transit or promotion square your bishop will stop controlling. An attack on the bishop may require an adjustment. Not every pair of separated pawns draws: here the distances allow the division of work.

The key idea

Split the defence: king towards one pawn, bishop’s diagonal towards the other.

Example 1 · King approaches, bishop watches promotion

The king heads for b4; the bishop handles the other pawn.

  1. Kc2 The king heads for b4; the bishop handles the other pawn.
  2. g4 Black pushes g4 to distract the defender.
  3. Kb3 The king sticks to its queenside task.
  4. g3 g3 brings the second pawn closer to promotion.
  5. Be3 Be3 controls g1 from afar and watches the later advance.
  6. Kd5 Black activates the king; White must maintain both tasks.

Example 2 · Bishop holds while the king approaches

The king approaches the g4-pawn.

  1. Kf2 The king approaches the g4-pawn.
  2. b4 Black pushes b4 on the other flank.
  3. Bc4 Bc4 controls b3 and holds the distant pawn.
  4. Ke5 Black’s king supports the advances from the centre.
  5. Kg3 White’s king arrives next to the g4-pawn without abandoning the defence.
  6. Kd6 Black changes route; each white piece must retain its task.

Practice

Play White. Split the defence: king towards one pawn, bishop’s diagonal towards the other.

  1. The king heads for b4; the bishop handles the other pawn. Bb2, Kd1, Ke1, Ke2, Kd3 and Ke3 also hold the draw, but need another continuation. To follow this exercise, play Kc2.
  2. The king sticks to its queenside task. Bb2, Bd2, Be3, Bf4, Bg5, Bh6, Kb1, Kd1, Kb2, Kd2 and Kd3 also hold the draw, but need another continuation. To follow this exercise, play Kb3.
  3. You hold the draw in this position. Hold the draw: Be3, Kxb4, Bd2, Bf4, Bg5, Bh6, Ka2, Kb2, Kc2, Kc4 are valid options here.

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