Who wins the endgame
Some endings are won, some are dead draws, and the test expects you to know which.
These questions ask: "With the best moves, what is the outcome of the game?" The answer is win, lose or draw — and there are a few rules that decide almost all of them.
The rule of the square
To see whether a lone king can catch a passed pawn, draw an imaginary square with the pawn at one corner and the promotion square at the other. If the defending king can step inside that square on its move, it catches the pawn. If not, the pawn promotes. When it is the pawn's turn to move, count from one square ahead.
Endings that can never be won
- King and bishop vs king — always a draw
- King and knight vs king — always a draw
- King and two knights vs king — cannot be forced
These are draws by insufficient material no matter how well you play.
Endings that are always won
- King and rook vs king
- King and queen vs king
King and pawn vs king
If the defending king sits directly in front of the pawn, it is usually a draw. If the attacking king is two squares ahead of its own pawn, it usually wins.
Worked examples
With the best moves, what is the outcome of the game?
- a) White wins.
- b) Black wins. ← correct
- c) Draw.
- d) It is not possible to tell.
Two connected or separated pawns usually beat a lone king: the defender cannot stop both. Black promotes and wins.
With the best moves, what is the outcome of the game?
- a) White wins. ← correct
- b) Black wins.
- c) Draw.
- d) It is not possible to tell.
Two connected or separated pawns usually beat a lone king: the defender cannot stop both. White promotes and wins.
With the best moves, what is the outcome of the game?
- a) White wins. ← correct
- b) Black wins.
- c) Draw.
- d) It is not possible to tell.
King + Rook vs King is always a forced win for the side with the Rook (the Rook cuts the king off and the kings work together to mate on the edge).
Common questions
What is the rule of the square in chess?
Draw a square from the pawn to its promotion square. If the defending king can step inside that square on its move, it catches the pawn; otherwise the pawn promotes.
Can you checkmate with just a king and a bishop?
No. King and bishop versus king, and king and knight versus king, are draws by insufficient material — checkmate cannot be forced.
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