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Endgame

King activity

In the endgame the king becomes a strong piece and should march toward the action.

With few pieces left, the king is no longer a liability to be hidden — it is a fighting unit roughly as strong as a minor piece, and it belongs in the centre or escorting a passed pawn.

Activating the king a move earlier than the opponent is one of the most reliable ways to win balanced endgames.

Why it matters

Endgames are frequently decided by which king gets to the important squares first.

The mistake everyone makes

Keeping the king tucked away 'for safety' in an endgame where it should be striding into the centre.

Related terms

Opposition
Kings facing each other with one square between them; the side NOT to move usually holds the advantage.
Passed pawn
A pawn with no enemy pawns able to block or capture it on its way to promotion.
Promotion
A pawn reaching the last rank becomes any piece you choose — almost always a queen.

See King activity in your own games

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