The Pawn Breakthrough: an endgame course

Pawn exchanges can create a passed pawn. Calculate every capture and compare the promotion races.

5 lessons, each followed by its own puzzle drill, then 10 themed puzzle packs.

• Calculate the Pawn Break — Compare the captures in the three-against-three pawn position.
• Sacrifice to Clear the Path — Sacrifice a pawn only when it clears a useful promotion route.
• Which Pawn First — Test each candidate pawn advance before choosing.
• Count the Race — Count both promotion routes and possible checks.
• Convert — Check whether the new queen gains a useful immediate check.