t Sign

Sign Up
Up Log
Log In
In

Blogs

Opposition - The Most Important Endgame

Concept
RussBell
Updated: Apr 23, 2023, 5:26 PM | c 0

What is meant by "Opposition" in endgame play? The answer to that question is what this article
is all about.

"The Opposition", or simply Opposition, is one of, if not the most important endgame concepts to
understand. It involves a process, typically in the endgame, whereby the Kings of each side
maneuver against each other in order to achieve some positional and/or tactical advantage, either
offensive or defensive.

The most basic, elementary scenario involving Opposition is when the minor and major pieces of
both sides have been removed from play, with only King and pawn(s) remaining (i.e., a King &
Pawn ending) when one or perhaps even both sides are attempting to escort a pawn to the
promotion square, while the opposing King attempts to prevent it. Other, more complex scenarios
involve attempts by a King to intrude or encroach into an opponent's position, while the
opponent's King strives to prevent it.
Technically, the term Opposition refers to a specific geometric placement of the kings relative to
each other, where the kings are said to be in a condition, or state, called Opposition. The term is
also loosely used to refer to the process, procedure or technique of the kings maneuvering
against each other, when they are moving into and/or out of a state of Opposition. The context of
the discussion describing the situation will make it clear which of the two is intended.

Regardless of the specific scenario, in King and Pawn endings a clear understanding of the
process and the technique(s) of Opposition is generally crucial for the success of either player.
And without a precise understanding of the definition of Opposition one is unlikely to be able to
successfully employ the technique.

The motivation for this article is that most of the internet resources on the topic that I have
encountered do a poor job of defining and clarifying how to determine if Kings are in a state of
Opposition. And only a fair job, at best, of explaining how to employ it in practice. This article is
an attempt to improve upon the former shortcoming. (For the latter, refer to the section towards
the end of this article - "Learning To Use Opposition - The Best Books".)

In order to effectively employ Opposition, it is essential to first have a firm grasp of the
definitions and criteria for a state of Opposition to exist.

Therefore, the singular purpose of this article is to define, explain what it means for two Kings to
be in a state of Opposition (or not) and to describe how a player can look at a position and
quickly determine whether the Kings are in Opposition.

However, I will not be explaining or describing the mechanics, i.e., the procedures of play
involving Opposition in this article. For that purpose, at the end of the article I have provided
recommendations for several endgame books which provide comprehensive instruction in
Opposition. In addition, I have included links to several YouTube videos which illustrate the basics
of the procedure for some typical scenarios. With the aid of theses resources and a little practice,
I believe you should be able to learn how to use Opposition effectively and reasonably quickly.
Fortunately, it is something that is easier to do than to write about!

So let's now get to the business of defining, describing exactly what Opposition means.

There are two distinct Opposition scenarios or geometries to understand. Each of these has two
conditions which must be satisfied for a state of Opposition to exist. The Opposition
scenarios/geometries are: 1) Opposition when both Kings are on the same rank, file or diagonal
(which can be thought of, viewed, as instances of "linear" Opposition , i.e., where the kings can be
connected by an imaginary straight line) and 2) Opposition where the Kings do not stand on the
same rank or file, when it is referred to as "rectangular" Opposition. Note that diagonal-
linear Opposition is an instance of both "linear" and "rectangular" opposition. All of this will be
clarified below.

We now state the first and most general requirement (i.e., condition) of Opposition, which
applies to every state of Opposition:

In addition to any other condition or requirement, for Kings to be in a state of Opposition both
Kings must stand on squares of the same color. This condition is necessary but by itself not
sufficient. That is, additional conditions are required - one each for linear and rectangular
Opposition.

Note: In the following the term 'criteria' refers to a set of conditions which collectively are not only
necessary (i.e., required) but also sufficient for a state of Opposition to exist. With respect to this
definition a 'condition' is necessary, but by itself not sufficient, for a state of Opposition to exist.

Criteria for linear Opposition: If the Kings stand along the same rank, file or diagonal with an odd
number of squares separating them then the Kings are said to be in a state of either horizontal,
vertical or diagonal Opposition respectively. Each of these states can be further categorized as
being either "direct" (one square separating the Kings) or "distant" (more than one square
separating) Opposition. Note that the criteria above is sufficient for a state of linear Opposition
to exist, since in satisfying it the Kings will stand on squares of the same color (which, as stated
previously, is a necessary condition for all types of Opposition).

Direct, linear (horizontal) Opposition along 5th rank, with one (an odd number) square separating the Kings

which are on squares of the same color.

Distant, linear (vertical) Opposition along b-file - three (odd no.) squares separation. Kings on squares of same

color.

Direct, linear (diagonal) Opposition - one square (odd no.) separation along a diagonal. Kings on squares of

same color.
The Kings are not in Opposition - due to an even number (4) of squares separating them along b-file. Note that

the Kings are not on squares of same color.

Consider now the scenario Ka8 vs Kh1. Here the Kings stand on the same color squares (white)
and are separated along a diagonal. However in this scenario there is not an odd number of
squares separating them along the diagonal (there are six, an even number). So, even though the
Kings stand on squares of the same color they are not in a state of Opposition! Recall that Kings
standing on the same color squares, while a necessary condition of Opposition, is not by itself a
sufficient condition for a state of Opposition to exist.

Kings not in Opposition. Although Kings are on squares of same color, and on the same diagonal
(a8-h1), they are separated by an even number (6) of squares along the diagonal, thus violating a
necessary condition of Opposition (i.e., Kings must be separated by an odd number of squares)
However if we were to move both Kings one square each such that we now have the position Ka7
vs Kg1 (see following diagram), where the Kings are now on squares of same color and separated
along a diagonal. As a consequence there are an odd number (5) of squares separating them.
So, unlike the previous case (where there was an even number of squares separating the Kings),
here they are in a state of Opposition! Note that, as well as being in a state of distant, diagonal
Opposition, as a consequence of lying along a diagonal, they are also in what is referred to as
“rectangular” Opposition. This is so because the Kings also stand on diagonally opposing
corners of a rectangle (specifically, here, a square) formed here by straight lines drawn (along
ranks and files) connecting the squares a7-a1-g1-g7, where each corner square of the rectangle is
of the same color. So this is a case of linear-diagonal Opposition and also of rectangular
Opposition, because both criteria are satisfied.

Kings are in distant linear (diagonal) and rectangular Opposition. Kings are separated by odd
number (5) of squares along a7-g1 diagonal. Kings stand on same color squares. Kings also
stand on diagonally opposite corners of a rectangle formed by the squares a7-a1-g1-g7 each of
which are the same color.

Criteria for rectangular Opposition: A state of rectangular Opposition is said to exist when the
Kings occupy diagonally opposing corner squares of a rectangle where all four corner squares of
the rectangle are of the same color. This statement constitutes a sufficient criteria for a state of
rectangular Opposition to exist (note that the same color squares condition of the Kings is also
satisfied). Note also, if the rectangle is a square (a specific instance of a rectangle), then the
criteria for linear-diagonal Opposition (described earlier) is also satisfied.

For example, consider the scenario Ke6 vs Kg2. Here the Kings do not stand along the same rank,
file or diagonal, so the Kings cannot be in linear Opposition. However the Kings do stand on
squares which are at the diagonally opposing corners of a rectangle, the corners of which are the
squares e6-e2-g2-g6, and all four of these corner squares are of the same color. So the Kings
satisfy the criteria for being in a state of rectangular Opposition. Note in the earlier example with
Ka8 vs Kh1, the four corner squares of the rectangle containing them were not all of the same
color, so in that scenario the placement of the Kings did not satisfy the requisite criteria for being
in a state of rectangular Opposition.

Kings are in rectangular Opposition. Kings stand on diagonally opposite corners of a rectangle
(formed here by squares e6-e2-g2-g6), where each of the four corner squares is the same color.
Note also that each of the four sides of the rectangle comprise an odd number ( here, 3 & 5) of
squares - which is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition of rectangular opposition.

That's it! The definitions and associated criteria above are all you need to know to determine if
two Kings are in a state of opposition. This is true irrespective of the existence of any other
pieces which might also be on the board.

Summary - The Two Types of Opposition

For a state of Opposition to exist the Kings must both stand on squares of the same color.
However, while this is a necessary condition, it is not a sufficient condition. The following
constitute sufficient criteria for a state of Opposition to exist (all required conditions are
satisfied).

Linear Opposition - If the Kings stand on the same rank, file or diagonal with an odd number of
squares separating them the Kings are said to be in a state of Opposition. This is a sufficient
condition for Linear Opposition. Note that when this criteria is satisfied the Kings will also stand
on squares of the same color - which is a necessary but not sufficient condition for Linear
Opposition.

Rectangular Opposition - If the Kings stand on diagonally opposing corners of a rectangle/square,

where all four corners of the rectangle/square are of the same color, the Kings are said to be in a
state of Opposition; this is a sufficient condition for rectangular opposition. When this criteria is
satisfied each of the four sides of the rectangle will also have an odd number of squares, which is
a necessary but not sufficient condition for Rectangular Opposition.

It should be noted that if the Kings are in a state of Opposition and one of the Kings then moves,
the Kings will no longer be in a state of Opposition, and the King that had moved is said to have
given up, relinquished, lost or moved out of the Opposition. Likewise, if a state of Opposition
exists and one of the kings moves (whether or not it was forced to), thus relinquishing the
Opposition, then the other king is said to have had (or, simply, "have") the Opposition. For
example, from a state of Opposition, if the Black king moves out of a state of Opposition, then the
White King is said to have the Opposition. Conversely if a state of Opposition does not currently
exist, then the player to move is said to have the opposition if they are able to take the Opposition
upon completion of their move.

We have seen that, depending on the specific geometric placement of the Kings relative to each
other one can quickly, visually identify whether the Kings are either in, or not in, a condition or
state of Opposition. One may also deduce that, depending on the specifics of the position (i.e.,
the placements of not only the Kings, but also any pieces and pawns that exist), and who has the
move, it may or may not be to the advantage of one or the other player for a state of Opposition to
exist, or to take or even to relinquish the Opposition. The issue of advantage vs disadvantage can
only be resolved by evaluation of the specifics of the position in question. (See the sections
"Practical Instruction In The Use of Opposition" and "Practicing Opposition", as well as the book
recommendations, below.)

Practical Instruction In The Use of Opposition

Now that you gained a firm foundation in what it means for kings to be in Opposition (i.e., the
definitions) and are able to quickly recognize when Kings are in Opposition (or not), the next step
is to learn the mechanics (i.e., the process) of play involving the Opposition. For that purpose I
refer you to the following resources...

While the following tutorial videos are useful (to varying degrees) for gaining a sense and deeper
appreciation of the mechanics of Opposition, I must make the point that any of the several
endgame books I recommend further below will provide a comprehensive treatment of the
mechanics, i.e., the procedures for using Opposition in a wide variety of endgame scenarios...

Chess Strategy: Opposition and Outflanking - thechesswebsite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X1Zs9HraLM&ab_channel=thechesswebsite

Pawn Promotion Using Opposition: K+P vs K Endgame...

https://www.chess.com/lessons/advanced-endgames/king-opposition

Introduction to Opposition - Chess Antics...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tECRgiGKC1o

Distant and Rectangular Opposition (Chess Opposition Part 2) - Chess Antics...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsOQBe5yBqk

What's "Opposition" in chess? And why does it matter? - Chess Vibes.....illustrates the most
fundamental, basic application of Opposition. How it is employed in the most basic endgame
scenario - pawn promotion in a K + P vs K endgame.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52y-iy48UoY

John Bartholomew demonstrates the most basic Opposition scenario and technique - K+P vs K
endgame.....how Opposition is used to escort a passed pawn to the promotion square.....(the
procedure starts at minute 4:00)...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLyRWZPXUzI

Using Opposition in a R+K vs K endgame - by John Bartholomew...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd0meolN7w

Introduction to Opposition - by 'Hanging Pawns'...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoZPZdnYYk8

Key Squares, aka Critical Squares.....(technically the Key/Critical square concept is not essential
to know, but in practice it is highly recommended and useful to understand it)...

Key Squares - Chess Antics...(only 3 parts of the video seem to be available)...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGueJO83Eww
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=356ZghH-qv8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51ZEUzwnatQ

Key Squares in King and Pawn Endgames - IM Alex Astaneh.....(2-part video)...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkFXB2V3SY8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBdlgd0utis

Learning To Use Opposition - The Best Books

The following four ENDGAME BOOKS provide extensive instruction in how Opposition is
employed practice; in particular, how to use Opposition to your advantage. These books provide
more comprehensive instruction than typical internet videos on the subject, and also for a
greater variety of endgame scenarios...

Note: pdf copies of all of these books are available for download from Scribd.com and/or
Pdfdrive.com...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/scribd-com-for-online-chess-book-reading

Essential Chess Endings Explained Move By Move Volume One Novice Thru Intermediate by
Jeremy Silman. In my opinion, of the four books recommended here this provides the most
comprehensive, well-organized and clearly communicated presentation of Opposition (see Parts 1
and 3). I highly recommend it for learning the basics of Opposition...

https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Chess-Endings-Explained-Move/dp/0875681727/ref=sr_1_1?
dchild=1&keywords=isbn+number+search+0875681727&qid=1625727276&s=books&sr=1-1

a pdf downloadable copy of the book -

https://www.scribd.com/document/450464367/Silman-Essential-Chess-Endings-Explained-Move-
By-Move-Vol-1-1992-226s-OCR-Chessbook

Silman's Complete Endgame Course by Jeremy Silman - though not quite as comprehensive in its
coverage of Opposition as Silman's previous endgame book (above) this book nevertheless does
a better than average job of treating the topic (see Parts 2, 3, 4 & 5)...

https://www.amazon.com/Silmans-Complete-Endgame-Course-
Beginner/dp/1890085103/ref=sr_1_1?
crid=2X3TDCSC78CJI&dchild=1&keywords=silmans+complete+endgame+course&qid=16253055
35&s=books&sprefix=silman%2Cstripbooks%2C218&sr=1-1

a pdf downloadable copy of the book -

https://www.scribd.com/document/286557546/Jeremy-Silman-Silmans-Complete-Endgame-
Course

Starting Out: Pawn Endgames by Glenn Flear - of the four books recommended here, this
provides detailed and comprehensive instruction in the use of Opposition for probably the widest
variety of pawn endgame scenarios (in Chapters 1-3 & 7)...

https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Out-Endgames-Everyman-Chess/dp/1857443624/ref=sr_1_1?
crid=K991LZU1RBHH&dchild=1&keywords=starting+out+pawn+endgames&qid=1628044507&spr
efix=starting+out+pawn+en%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1

a pdf downloadable copy of the book -

https://www.pdfdrive.com/starting-out-pawn-endgames-e175995247.html

Endgame Workshop by Bruce Pandolfini - Overall this is a very good introductory endgame book.
In particular, it contains extensive treatment of Opposition with many examples in a variety of
scenarios (see Chapters 1, 13-16). However, relating specifically to his explanations of
Opposition, I found Pandolfini's writing style to be often excessively wordy and confusing. That is,
his treatment of Opposition, while instructive, tends to be a chore to read (IMO). For this reason
alone, in terms of learning the Opposition I tend to prefer the endgame books cited earlier over
this one...

https://www.amazon.com/Endgame-Workshop-Principles-Practical-Pandolfini-
ebook/dp/B0033AGA6C/ref=sr_1_1?
crid=UVN7KHWBLG8O&dchild=1&keywords=endgame+workshop&qid=1620792833&s=books&sp
refix=endgame+workshop%2Caps%2C208&sr=1-1

a pdf downloadable copy of the book -

https://www.scribd.com/document/436133166/Endgame-Workshop-Principles-for-the-Practical-
Player-Bruce-Pandolfini

Practicing Opposition
Once you've gained exposure to the basic procedures and techniques of play involving Opposition
provided by the videos and books cited above, I strongly recommend to check out the following
instructional studies/puzzles for the purpose of gauging your understanding and skill at using
Opposition. These videos are essentially interactive puzzles intended to clarify several basic
Opposition scenarios and their associated techniques which are useful in K+P endgames. If you
cannot follow or solve the procedures, it is time to review the instructional resources - videos and
books - cited above until you can.

https://lichess.org/practice/pawn-endgames/key-squares/xebrDvFe/o3Hq4RZ0

https://lichess.org/practice/pawn-endgames/opposition/A4ujYOer/QP6WT68l

With study and practice Opposition will become easy. You can do it!

****************************************************************************************************
******

For more articles on other chess topics, including helpful chess resources and book
recommendations, be sure to check out my Chess.com blog.

****************************************************************************************************
******

Comments

Login or Join