King in front of the pawn

King in front of the pawn is lesson 2 of 3 in Quick practice: king and pawn, an endgame course suited to players rated around 1050 (improving players). When the enemy king is close, the pawn needs its own king to escort it. It has 1 interactive exercise: 1 exercise playing out a mate. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.

What this lesson explains

• Lead with the king, not with the pawn. A king on the 6th rank in front of its pawn wins, whoever is to move (except with a rook's pawn on the a- or h-file).

What you practise

• Win this position: promote the pawn.

More in Quick practice: king and pawn

• Previous lesson: The rule of the square
• Next lesson: Key squares and the opposition
• Course overview: Quick practice: king and pawn (3 lessons)