Key squares is lesson 2 of 6 in Endgame 2: King and pawn, an endgame course suited to players rated around 800 (beginners). Every pawn has key squares in front of it: if your king reaches one, the pawn queens. Lead with the king. It has 7 interactive exercises: 7 calculated lines from real positions. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What you practise
White to move and win. (4 positions)
Black to move and win. (3 positions)
Worked examples
White to move and win. 1.Ka3 Kc5 2.Ka4 Kb6 3.Kb4. Your king headed for the key squares in front of the pawn; the pawn will queen. This is a won endgame (checked with endgame tables). After Kc3 the win would be gone.
Black to move and win. 1...Kg4 2.Kf2 Kf4 3.Ke2 Kg3. Your king headed for the key squares in front of the pawn; the pawn will queen. This is a won endgame (checked with endgame tables). After Kg6 the win would be gone.
chessGM