Why should I learn long-distance opposition?
Short-distance opposition, or classical opposition, is often the logical consequence of the long-distance one. As such, it is never enough to understand only the simpler one, but you should have a firm grasp of the other kinds of opposition as well.
When do I use long-distance opposition?
In a King and pawn endgame, when the two Kings are vying for space, long-distance opposition is the way to begin the maneuver called outflanking, thanks to which one is able to conquer key squares with one’s King and keep the opponent’s King from reaching them.
Link to Practice Problems
Long-distance opposition problem #1
Step-by-Step Guide On Long-distance Opposition
It is White to move. Despite the Black king being closer, White’s pawn controls the f6 square thus giving its king more time to get closer.
- Kb7
Looking to take the Black pawn.
- …Kg7
This move seems funny at first glance but it’s a move that sets up a trap for White.
- Kc6
Getting closer to take Black’s pawn.
- …Kg6
Looking to protect the Black pawn.
- Kd7!
The only winning move.
(3. Kd6?? loses to 3. …Kf5, with the Black king taking White’s pawn on the next move.)
- …Kf5
By trying to protect the pawn, the Black king has stepped onto a mined square. Otherwise, the pawn would have been snatched without resistance.
(3. …Kf7 is also stepping onto a mined square and thus answered by 4. Kd6)
- Kd6
This move protects the White pawn while getting a chance to take the Black pawn on the next move.
- …Kg6
Since the f6 square is controlled by White, the Black king is forced to move away.
- Kxe6
Eliminating the blockade.
- …Kg7
Black is still looking to try and stop the pawn from advancing. But White has control of the situation.
- Kd7
By moving to d7, White has opened the e-file for the pawn.
- …Kf7
Even if Black is looking to stop the pawn, after 6. Kd7, the White king has now control over the e6, e7, and e8 squares. Thus the pawn is no longer threatened by the Black king.
- e6+
The pawn starts its march.
- …Kf8
Any other move would be just as good (or bad).
- e7+
Moving forward is easy when you have the support that you need.
- …Kf7
Black hangs onto hope that White would blunder and move its king away from e8, letting it achieve a draw.
- e8=Q+
Unfortunately for Black, the pawn got excited and promotes itself into a queen. Remember, promoting the pawn into a knight or bishop would lead to a draw since those pieces can’t checkmate the enemy king alone.