The ‘Monster’ King
'King and pawn endings, minor piece endings, rook endings, queen endings; what do they all have in common?' I once recall asking a class of juniors. I was prepared for the sarcastic answer 'They're all endings!' but not by the particularly witty response 'They're all boring!' Regarding the latter, some may think that way, but they are usually the individuals who throw away a lot of their hard opening and middlegame work by not making the most of the pieces that remain in the endgame.
The point I was really hoping to make is that all endgames involve kings. Although we spend the early part of the game tucking away our own king into safety and planning devious ways to attack the enemy monarch, there comes a stage in every game where one decides that checkmate is no longer a reality and it could be time for the king to start pulling its weight like every other piece.
'King and pawn endings, minor piece endings, rook endings, queen endings; what do they all have in common?' I once recall asking a class of juniors. I was prepared for the sarcastic answer 'They're all endings!' but not by the particularly witty response 'They're all boring!' Regarding the latter, some may think that way, but they are usually the individuals who throw away a lot of their hard opening and middlegame work by not making the most of the pieces that remain in the endgame. The point I was really hoping to make is that all endgames involve kings. Although we spend the early part of the game tucking away our own king into safety and planning devious ways to attack the enemy monarch, there comes a stage in every game where one decides that checkmate is no longer a reality and it could be time for the king to start pulling its weight like every other piece. Of course an art in itself is knowing exactly when that time is, but in the subsequent lessons on rook and pawn endgames I can safely say that it's all the time!
See here how both kings are ready to have a field day with the enemy pawns.
Rook_Endgame/the monster king 1.pgn
NOTE: Generally in endgames it is usually deemed a good idea to try and create a passed pawn as soon as possible. The outcome of this particular position depended on the tempi situation and, specifically, whom it was to move. White started and was always favourite in the race to promote a pawn. Note that in accordance with the previous note, Black would have had a better (but still not good!) practical chance with 3...b4 4 axb4 a4. All that is 'king and pawn' endgame territory, where tempi are absolutely vital. Devoid of a rook or two this position is not of so much interest to the following lessons of this series but I just wanted to make the point that when a king is on the case there are few pieces that are as effective.
TIP: The king is a tremendous piece. Use it!
In all endgames it is advisable to get your king into the thick of the action rather than watching from the sidelines. However every king should know its limitations. And what that means will be dealt in the next lesson. I urge followers to leave their views on the limitations of a king.
Hope you enjoyed. Stay tuned for more...
Hope you enjoyed. Stay tuned for more...
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