Chess Endgames Quiz

What is the term for when two kings are facing each other in chess?

• Promotion

• Opposition

• Checkmate

• Stalemate

Answer explanation

A position where the 2 kings are facing each other, blocking the other one's way is called Opposition.

In pawn endgames, what are key squares?

• Squares that must be attacked

• Squares that are always safe

• Squares that are irrelevant

• Squares that must be protected or landed on

Answer explanation

For example here, you must control or land on d6, d7 and d8 in order to win the game. These are your key squares.

It is a method used to prepare opposition where a king forces itself an odd number of squares in front of the other.

• Pawn Breakthrough

• Distant Opposition

• Stalemate

• Triangulation

Answer explanation

Distant opposition can be used to force opposition earlier on and secure a draw or a win depending on the position.

What is triangulation in chess?

• A defensive maneuver

• A method to lose a tempo

• A strategy to promote a pawn

• A way to win by checkmate

Answer explanation

Triangulation is when you return to the same position you were but making it so that it will be your opponent's turn to move.

What does the Triangle Law in chess help determine?

• If a king can checkmate

• If a king can stop a pawn promotion

• If a king can promote a pawn

• If a king can capture a piece

Answer explanation

The Triangle Law or Principle of the Square is used by making a triangle or square from the pawn to the promotion square. If the king can enter the triangle on their turn, they are fast enough to stop the pawn.

What are pawn breakthroughs?

• When a pawn destroys the defense of the enemy king by opening up their pawn structure.

• When a pawn is captured to allow other pieces to start an attack

• When pawns sacrifice each other to establish an unstoppable passed pawn

• When pawns take each other to relieve tension on the chess board.

Answer explanation

In this position, white plays f5 with the intention that if exf5, gxf5 and black cannot stop white from getting a queen with e6.

In the example given, what is White's winning move despite being stuck in the corner?

• Ka3

• f6

• h6

• g6

Answer explanation

White plays g6, forcing black to take. If hxg6 then f6, gxf6 and h6 and the pawn is unstoppable. If fxg6, h6 and it's the same problem for black.

What are the 3 key squares of this pawn endgame?

• c6, c7 and c8

• b5, c5 and d5

• c5, c6 and c7

• c5, b6 and d7

Answer explanation

Controlling these squares guarantee promotion because black cannot block the pawn or take it because it will be protected.

What does the term 'shouldering' refer to in distant pawn endgames?

• Blocking the opponent's king with a king

• Moving pawns forward

• Controlling key squares

• Promoting a pawn

Answer explanation

Shouldering is a drawing technique used to block the advancement of the enemy king by repeatedly winning the opposition.

What happens if you lose a tempo in chess?

• You skip a turn/lose a move

• You repeat moves

• You lose the game

• You win the game

Answer explanation

A tempo in chess is a basically means "moves", it is how fast you can advance your pieces to desired squares and dictates the flow of your plan.