The opposition
Facing kings with one square between them - the key to winning pawn endgames.
Opposition means the two kings are facing each other with exactly one square between them, and it is the other player's turn to move. The player who does NOT have to move 'has the opposition.'
Having the opposition is powerful because any move the defending king makes gives up ground. The attacking king can then step into the squares the defender just vacated, advancing toward the pawn's promotion square.
Opposition comes in direct (on the same rank or file) and diagonal forms. In pawn endgames, taking the opposition is usually the key to converting a won position, and failing to take it turns a win into a draw.
Examples
White has the opposition - Black must give way
White's king on d5 faces Black's king on d7 with exactly one square between them (d6) - this is the direct opposition. It is Black's turn, so White 'has the opposition.' Black has no good move: Ke7 lets Ke5, Kd6 is met by Kxd6 losing the pawn, Kc7 lets Kc5 and Kc6. White's king gains ground and escorts the d-pawn to promotion.
Pawn advances - opposition in action
With White's king on e5 and Black's king on e7 (direct opposition with e6 between them), Black must step aside. White pushes d6, and now the pawn is two squares from promotion with the king in support. This is what winning with opposition looks like in practice.
Key terms
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