Lesson 2: The key squares

Every pawn has a few squares where the king decides everything. If your king reaches one of them, you win, whoever is to move. Here you learn to find those squares, to get there, and to keep your opponent's king away from them.

What you'll learn

Where the key squares are, before and after the middle of the board
How the king reaches a key square when the way is blocked
How the defender keeps the king out with the opposition
The rook pawn's own rule
How to win against the computer with the key squares

Lesson 2 of 12 in Endgames with Lavi · about 10 minutes · 7 steps · comes with Plus. Your progress is kept in this browser, and with your profile if you have one.

King and pawn against king
The opposition
Opposition in the glossary

Updated November 6, 2026

What you'll learn

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