The most important rule in king-and-pawn endgames.
Step 1 of 3
Opposition
Concept
Opposition
Kings face off with one square between. The side NOT to move has the opposition: the other has to step aside. In K+P endings, opposition usually decides win versus draw.
Remember
• Kings face off, one square between: that's opposition. The side NOT moving has it.
• Having opposition forces the opponent to step aside: you gain ground.
• In K+P vs K, opposition decides win versus draw.
• Triangulation (Phase 3) is how you pass opposition to the opponent.