Page:Chess fundamentals (IA chessfundamental00capa).pdf/63

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THE OPPOSITION
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defence more difficult to overcome. Let us begin anew.

1. K — K 2K — Q 1

Now if 2 K — Q 3, K — Q 2, or if 2 K— K 3, K— K 2, and Black obtains the opposition in both cases. (When the Kings are directly in front of one another, and the number of intervening squares between the Kings is odd, the player who has moved last has the opposition.)

Now in order to win, the White King must advance. There is only one other square where he can go, B 3, and that is the right place. Therefore it is seen that in such cases when the opponent makes a so-called waiting move, you must advance, leaving a rank or file free between the Kings. Therefore we have—

2. K — B 3K — K 2

Now, it would be bad to advance, because then Black, by bringing up his King in front of your King, would obtain the opposition. It is White’s turn to play a similar move to Black's first move, viz.:

3. K — K 3

which brings the position back to the first variation shown. The student would do well to familiarise himself with the handling of the King in all examples of opposition. It often means the winning or losing of a game.