Lesson 5: The breakthrough

Three pawns against three, and everything looks locked. But with two pawn sacrifices White breaks through the wall, and the third pawn goes all the way. Here you learn how it's done, and when it works.

What you'll learn

The breakthrough with three pawns against three
Which pawn goes first
How to go on, however your opponent captures
When the breakthrough doesn't work: the king is too close
How to play a breakthrough against the computer

Lesson 5 of 12 in Endgames with Lavi · about 9 minutes · 6 steps · comes with Plus. Your progress is kept in this browser, and with your profile if you have one.

Passed pawns and breakthroughs in the glossary
The rule of the square

Updated November 6, 2026

What you'll learn

Read more