The opposition is a position where the two kings stand on the same file, rank or diagonal with one square between them. The player who does not have to move holds it.
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The king that has to move must step aside, and the other king walks past it. Most king and pawn endgames are won or drawn by who holds the opposition when the kings meet.
How to do it
- 1Bring your king face to face with the enemy king, one square between them.
- 2Arrive there with your opponent to move.
- 3When their king steps aside, walk past it on the other side.
For your level
Kings facing each other with one square between them are in opposition. Whoever must move has to step aside. Make sure it is the other player.
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 before the king has reached the squares in front of it.
- Taking the opposition one move too late, so the opponent holds it instead.
Questions
- Who has the opposition in chess?
- The player who is not to move. If the kings stand one square apart on a file, rank or diagonal and it is your opponent's turn, you have the opposition.
- What is distant opposition?
- The kings stand on the same line with three or five squares between them. The side not to move holds it, and keeps it as the kings come closer.