King and Rook Pawn vs King

Rook Pawns

Rook pawns give good drawing chances. If the defending King is able to get in front of the pawn or reach the promotion square. The stronger side can't kick the defending side's King out of the corner and the game is drawn.

Why This Endgame Matters

• King and rook pawn versus king is a major exception to many normal pawn-ending rules.
• It shows why not every extra pawn is enough to win.

Key Concepts

• A pawn on the a-file or h-file is called a rook pawn.
• The corner square directly in front of the rook pawn is the promotion corner.
• The defending king can remain in the corner with no legal moves, obtaining a draw by stalemate.
• The best winning chance is often to stop the defending king from reaching the corner.

Interactive Chess Board

Rook Pawn

8/8/4k3/8/5K2/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1

1. Kg5 { The white King tries to cut off the black King from reaching the promotion corner. } 1... Kf7 { Black heads towards to promotion corner. } 2. Kh6 Kg8 { Black successfully reached the corner. The game will be drawn. } 3. h4 Kh8 4. h5 Kg8 5. Kg6 Kh8 6. h6 Kg8 { White has no way or forcing the black King out of the corner. } 7. h7+ Kh8 { White can only defend his pawn from h6, moving to any other square he would look the pawn. } 8. Kh6 { 1/2-1/2 Draw by stalemate. } { Stalemate } *

Practice Positions

Stalemate

Find a way to draw with the black pieces.

8/8/8/4k3/2K5/8/P7/8 b - - 0 1

Practice Positions

Block the King

Find the winning technique with white.

8/4k3/8/2K5/P7/8/8/8 w - - 0 1

Common Mistakes

• Assuming a pawn on the sixth or seventh rank must be winning.
• Pushing the pawn before the king controls the promotion corner.
• Failing to recognise that the position is already theoretically drawn.
• Applying standard opposition rules without considering the edge of the board.

Quiz

FAQ