ChessschoolOpposition and zugzwang
In king and pawn endings, the side to move can decide who must give way.
Recognise direct opposition
Kings facing each other on the same rank or file with one square between them are in direct opposition. Neither may move next to the other. The player who must move may have to yield an important square.
Use it for a purpose
The aim is to gain entry squares or support a pawn, not simply to place the kings opposite each other. Pawn moves can change whose turn it is; check whether you have a useful waiting move.
Understand zugzwang
Zugzwang means the obligation to move makes your position worse. Not every opposition diagram is a win or a zugzwang: the pawns, legal moves and side to move matter.
Try it yourself
Two bare kings have direct opposition. Is the game won?
Check the answer
No. King against king is drawn. Opposition becomes useful when it helps achieve another goal, usually involving pawns.
Put it into practice
Open the related lesson Practise with puzzles
Sources and corrections
For the official rules, see the FIDE Laws of Chess. Found an error? Send the position and page address.