ChessWhen two kings stand on the same line facing each other with just one square between them, that's called the opposition. Neither king can step forward, so the side to move has to give way, and the other side "has the opposition". In pawn endgames a single tempo is often the difference between a win and a draw, and this is why. To get a feel for it, play chess against the computer and trade down to just kings and pawns.
Key position
Same pieces, same squares, and the result flips from draw to win depending only on whose move it is.
How to play it
Direct opposition: if they have to move, they have to give way
If Black is to move in the position above, the black king can't go forward and has to step aside. The white king then goes around the other side and takes the squares in front of the pawn.
The defender: when pushed back, get the opposition again
With White to move, every time the white king tries to go around, the black king moves straight across from it and keeps the opposition.
Distant opposition
Two kings on the same line with three or five squares between them (an odd number) are also in opposition. This is the distant opposition. Grab it while the kings are still far apart, and as they come closer it turns into the direct opposition.
Common mistakes
The distant opposition is the one people miss. With the kings far apart, it looks like any move will do, but the game has already been decided.
Practice puzzles
Show answer
1... Kd6 Only Kd6: it faces the white king, and it's White to move again. Any other move lets the white king reach a key square in front of the pawn, and Black loses.
Show answer
1. Kd4 For example Kd4: it faces the black king on d6 and Black has to give way (Kf5 and Kf4 also win). Retreating with Kd3 or Kf3 gives Black the chance to take the opposition back, and it's a draw.
FAQ
Who benefits from the opposition?
When the kings face each other on the same line with one square between them, the side not to move has the advantage, because the other side has to give way. "Taking the opposition" means making a move that creates this face-off and leaves the opponent to move.
How do I count the distant opposition?
The two kings are on the same line with an odd number of squares between them (three or five). If it's your opponent's move, you have the distant opposition, and it becomes the direct opposition as the kings approach.
Is the opposition useful outside pawn endgames?
Yes. In the rook mate, you wait until the kings face each other before giving check with the rook. Many other endgames where the kings fight for squares rely on the same idea.
Try it yourself
After the opposition, the next steps are triangulation and zugzwang, which are also about winning that one tempo. More endgames are in Chess endgames. To practice, play pawn endgames against the computer at online chess, and before every move, work out who has the opposition.