Why should I learn it?
This is basically the other side of the coin to long-distance opposition. The way to converting a long- to a short-distance opposition involves many outflankings along the way. Sometimes, depending on the position, it may even be unnecessary to actually reach the short-distance one, if the outflanking does its job.
When do I use it?
After identifying critical squares that you need to reach, you also need to make sure your opponent’s King won’t reach them before you. That is what the outflanking is for.
Link to Practice Problems
Long-distance outflanking problem #1
Step-by-Step Guide on Long-distance outflanking
White to move. The b6 pawn’s critical squares are c6, d6, and e6. In order to win it, White must figure out a way of getting into any of those squares.
- Kg3
Getting close to the pawns.
- …Kb7
Looking to beat the king to it.
- Kf4
Getting closer.
- …Kc7
Thanks to White’s pawn, the Black king does not have access to c6.
- Ke5
After Ke5, the Black king is now unable to step on the 6th rank.
- …Kd7
Trying to block the White king.
- Kd5
Gaining tempo. White would be able to jump into either of the critical squares c6, d6 and e6 on the next move.
- …Kc7
Preventing the White king from jumping to c6. But by doing so, White now has access to e6.
- Ke6
Since White controls the squares c6, d6, and d7, Black would be forced to withdraw further, letting the White king to come closer to the pawns.
- …Kb7
Still sticking close to its pawn.
(5. …Kd8 6. Kd6 Kc8 7. Kc6 Kb8 8. Kxb6)
(5. …Kc8 or …Kb8 is met by 6. Kd6 as well)
- Kd6
Forcing Black to retreat further into the edge.
- …Kb8
Now the White king is able to charge the enemy pawn.
- Kc6
Threatening to take the pawn.
- …Ka7
Making effort to protect its last remaining pawn. But White would still be able to snatch it with its next move.
- Kc7
Now, the Black king has nowhere to go but a8.
- Ka8
This move is forced. Now, the pawn is free for the taking.
- Kxb6
Eliminating the opposition’s blockade.
- …Kb8
Again, forced.
- Ka6
Freeing up the pawn’s path.
(10. Kc6 is also winning)
- …Kc8
No matter what Black does here, the White pawn should still be able to promote.
- b6
Onwards!
(11. Ka7 is also winning since it would secure the pawn’s path)
- …Kb8
Trying to block the pawn.
- b7
The only winning move. After b7, the Black king now only has the c7 square to retreat to.
Any king move would be met by 12. …Kb7 and it becomes a draw.
- …Kc7
The only move.
- Ka7
Securing the b8 square for the pawn.
- …Kc6
Now that Black has failed to stop the pawn, it starts to flee.
- b8=Q
The pawn transforms into a queen and a single king shouldn’t be able to escape it.