However, if we shift the pawns of the stronger side one rank further up the board, given a similar pawn structure, the passivity of the enemy king can be exploited winning by force. There we can see the enormous importance of the surplus of gained space since at the critical moment the stronger side will be able to allow a reduction of material in exchange for creating a strong passed pawn which will eventually reach the promotion square. This position is of the exceptional importance for the theory of knight endings – especially those with four against three pawns on the same wing.
