Why should I learn it?
Queen and pawn vs Queen endgames have a big potentiality for a victory of the side with the pawn. However, they are not easy to play if you have no prior knowledge of it. That is why you should ensure a good understanding of the few main principles at play in such cases.
When do I use it?
The principles learned here also spill out to most Queen vs Queen endings in which there are any number of pawns present, so you can see how useful this blueprint can be. Moreover, it is often the case that a simple pawns vs pawns ending will be converted into a Queen and pawns vs Queen and pawns one after both sides attain a promotion. For all these instances, you’ll be thankful to have learned the basics of the special Queen and pawn dynamic.
Link to Practice Problems
Queen and pawn vs Queen problem #1
Step-by-Step Guide on Queen and pawn vs Queen
It is White to move. Go to d8 with gain of tempo.
- Qd4+
This move lets us go to d8 with the least number of moves. Thanks to the check, the Black king is forced to move while the Black queen stays in place.
- …Kb1
Moving away from check. However, we are now free to drop our queen on d8.
- Qd8
Whether the Black queen takes the White queen or moves away, White would still be a queen up by promoting the pawn and winning should be easy.