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It is important to note that the weaker side may hold the position if it manages to set up the “right” defence before one of the doubled g-file pawns reaches the fourth rank! In this regard very instructive is the following position from the previously mentioned game Matulovic – Ujtumen, Palma de Mallorca, 1970. […]
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In a similar position with the doubled g-file pawns, a straightforward forced win is possible since due to the proximity of the rim the knight’s defensive capability is reduced – i.e. there are no right-flank checks any more. The following position is from the game Matulovic – Ujtumen, Interzonal, Palma de Mallorca, 1970.
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Being conversant with all the subtleties in this position is indispensable in order to organize an efficient defence. The most important thing to bear in mind is that the transfer of the black king to the centre must not be allowed since then the white knight would be pushed away from the ideal defensive […]
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3.5.3. Doubled Pawns Doubled pawns are, as a rule, weak, allowing the weaker side to defend successfully in most cases. Above all, when king is sufficiently near! However, the way to salvation is by no means easy due to the many “reefs” lurking underneath the surface. Therefore, a top-level defence must be demonstrated. The […]
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The more separated are pawns, the more easily the superior side converts advantage into victory. The enemy pieces are then stretched over both flanks and lack good coordination. The following study by A. Pongrach, before 1887, is a case in point. Black was forced to distribute his forces in such a way that the […]
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In all such endings knight activity is the decisive factor. A beautiful strategically motif on the theme of rendering the enemy knight passive was elaborated by L. Prokesh, in a study published in 1941.
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When pawns are separated by two files, the way to victory is simpler due to more manoeuvring room. The easiest win is in positions where one of the pawns has reached the seventh rank. The materially stronger side will then sacrifice the other pawn in order to penetrate with the king thus obtaining the […]
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3.5.2. Isolated Pawns On account of knight being “short-legged”, the superior side wins the more easily the more separated are isolated pawns. When the pawns are separated by only one file, the weaker side may put up strong resistance which can be overpowered only by technically superb play. The problems facing the superior side […]
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When pawns are nearer to the promotion square, the task of the weaker side is much more difficult. If the pawns cannot win without the aid of the king, then the winning motif generally involves the sacrifice of the backward pawn in order to achieve transition to a winning knight and isolated pawn against […]
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The weaker side’s prospects of drawing are also good when the enemy king is far away from own pawns. As a sole knight cannot prevent infiltration of the enemy king amidst his pawns, the weaker side succeeds in drawing by sacrificing the knight for the pawns unless they are too far advanced. A typical […]
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