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Endgames

King and Pawn: The Square Rule

Using the square rule to know when the king can catch a running pawn.

15 February 2025 · Endgames · 1 min read

The square rule

Imagine a square from the pawn's current square to the promotion square. If the defending king can step into that square (on its move), it can catch the pawn. If not, the pawn promotes.

Why it matters

You don't need to count moves every time. Visualise the square: if your king is inside it (or can enter it), you draw. Simple and fast.

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