Endgames · Lesson 74 of 92

Rule of the Square

A passed pawn races to promote; the defending king chases. How do you know if the king catches it?

Choose the right answer

Count every move carefully each time
Draw a square from the pawn to the promotion rank — if the king can step inside, he catches it
Kings never catch pawns
Only queens can stop pawns

Show the answer

Draw a square from the pawn to the promotion rank — if the king can step inside, he catches it

The "rule of the square": if the defending king can enter the pawn's square, the pawn is stopped. One glance instead of ten calculations.

This lesson is one of 92 in the Grandmaster Academy — every one playable, with the pieces moving under your hand.