Why should I learn it?
Breakthroughs are one of the three common ways to create a passed pawn. In this model, the side to move creates a passed pawn through the sacrifice of the other pawns. Although you are unlikely to ever reach this specific diagram, knowing the blueprint is incredibly useful for all kinds of endgames in which pawn chains face one another.
When do I use it?
Whenever you are trying to create a passed pawn, but are unable to do so through a majority conversion, breakthroughs should be taken into account. If you can plan a successful one, it’s a sure-fire way to quickly and effectively finish off the game.
Link to Practice Problems
Step-by-Step Guide on 3 x 3 breakthrough
White to move. At first glance, it seems to be a draw but White has a trick up its sleeve. White would force a breakthrough by sacrificing two pawns in order to get a third to queen!
- b6!
The only winning move. This would force Black to take the b-pawn and open up a file for either pawns. If Black doesn’t take, then White will.
- …axb6
After taking White’s pawn, the a-file has now opened up! However, Black’s b7 pawn is stopping the a-pawn from moving forward. Then…
- c6!
Black is now in a dilemma.
(If 2. …bxa5 then White breaks through with 3. cxb7 and White’s remaining pawn will be promoted on the next move)
(If 2. …bxc6 then White’s a-pawn, the last survivor, is now free to advance on the next move and be promoted)
- …bxc6
Black has to pick the pawn closest to promotion, in this case, the c-pawn.
- a6
This is the reason why we’ve sacrificed two of our comrades, there is nothing left to do but to charge forward!
- …b5
Black is now trying to promote one of its pawns and hope for the best. Unfortunately for Black, White’s pawn would promote first.
- a7
One more push…
- …b5
Welp.
- a8=Q+
White shouldn’t find it hard to annihilate Black from hereon.