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Endgame

Opposition

Kings facing each other with one square between them; the side NOT to move usually holds the advantage.

In king-and-pawn endings, having the opposition means your opponent must move their king first and give ground. It is the key idea behind winning (or drawing) many pawn endgames.

There are refinements — distant opposition, diagonal opposition — but the core idea is a battle over who is forced to step aside.

Why it matters

Whether a king-and-pawn endgame is won or drawn frequently comes down to who has the opposition.

The mistake everyone makes

Rushing the pawn forward before your king has taken the opposition, turning a win into a draw.

Related terms

King activity
In the endgame the king becomes a strong piece and should march toward the action.
Zugzwang
A position where every legal move worsens your position — but passing is not allowed, so you must move.
Promotion
A pawn reaching the last rank becomes any piece you choose — almost always a queen.

See Opposition in your own games

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