Direct opposition
Kings can never stand next to each other, so two kings facing each other with one square between them, such as on e4 and e6, block each other's way forward. Whoever has to move must step aside, and the other king can then advance or slip past. The player who is not on the move is said to have the opposition.
The same applies on a rank, with kings on c5 and e5, and on a diagonal, with kings on d4 and f6. The file version is the one that matters most often, because it decides whether the stronger king can get in front of its pawn.
Why it matters with a pawn
In a king and pawn against king ending, the attacker usually wins if their king reaches a key square. For a pawn on the second, third or fourth rank that is not a rook's pawn, the key squares are the three squares two ranks in front of it: for a pawn on e3 they are d5, e5 and f5. The opposition is how the attacker reaches them.
In the example, White's king is on d4 with a pawn on e3 and Black's king is on e6. Ke4 takes the opposition. Black must now move and give way, and the white king reaches d5, e5 or f5. Every other white move only draws, including pushing the pawn.
The defender uses the same idea in reverse: keep the king in front of the pawn and take the opposition whenever the attacking king comes forward. If the attacker never gets the opposition with the defender to move, the key squares stay out of reach.
Distant and diagonal opposition
When the kings are further apart on the same line, the rule extends: if the number of squares between them is odd, the side not to move has the distant opposition. Kings on e2 and e6, with three squares between, are an example. As the kings approach, the side with the distant opposition can turn it into the direct opposition.
Opposition is a tool, not an end in itself. Sometimes the right move is to outflank, stepping sideways so that the other king must choose which way to go, and a spare pawn move can hand the opposition back at the critical moment.
Common mistakes
- Pushing the pawn too early. A pawn move cannot be taken back and often gives the defender the opposition; gain ground with the king first.
- Assuming the opposition always wins. The result depends on the key squares and the pawn's position, and with a rook's pawn the defender draws once their king reaches the corner.
- Taking the opposition automatically when outflanking or a waiting pawn move is stronger.
Questions about opposition
Who has the opposition?
With the kings on the same line and one square between them, the player who is not to move has the opposition. The other king must step aside.
What is distant opposition?
Opposition with the kings further apart. If an odd number of squares lies between them on a file, rank or diagonal, the side not to move has the distant opposition.
Does the opposition matter with a rook's pawn?
Much less. With an a- or h-pawn the defending king draws by reaching the corner in front of the pawn, whoever has the opposition.
Practise it
- Endgame puzzles from real games, with solutions
- The related lesson