Key squares are the squares that win as soon as the attacking king stands on one, whoever is to move. For a pawn on its second to fourth rank, they are the three squares two ranks ahead.
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Start0/1
Key squares turn the vague plan of getting the king forward into a target you can count moves to. Reach one and the pawn queens; miss them all and the defender can draw.
How to do it
- 1For a pawn on its fourth rank or lower, find the three squares two ranks ahead.
- 2Walk your king to one of them, using the opposition if the enemy king blocks the way.
- 3Push the pawn only once your king stands on a key square.
For your level
Some squares in front of your pawn win the game. Get your king there first. Push the pawn afterwards.
Check you have it
Question 1 of 1
Which white pawn has no friendly pawn on either neighbouring file?
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Common mistakes
- Pushing the pawn onto the key square instead of putting the king there.
- Counting key squares for a rook's pawn as if it were any other pawn.
Questions
- Do key squares work for a rook's pawn?
- Yes, but they are different. For an a-pawn the key squares are b7 and b8, and for an h-pawn g7 and g8. If the defending king reaches the corner first, it is a draw.
- How are key squares different from the opposition?
- Key squares are the target. The opposition is how your king gets past the defending king to reach one.