Chapter 09 · Intermediate · 5 min
The square rule
The square rule tells you if a king can catch a pawn. One quick mental picture saves a lot of counting.
Explanation
The square rule allows you to know if a pawn can be caught.
Imagine a square between the pawn and its promotion square. If the opposing king can enter this square, he can often catch the pawn. If it does not enter, the pawn generally goes to queen.
This rule avoids counting all the moves one by one. It is especially useful when the pawn runs alone towards promotion. Small mental drawing, big time saver.
To remember
The square rule says whether the opposing king can catch up with a pawn that is heading towards promotion.
Classic error
Counting move by move while a simple mental square gives the answer.
Player Tip
Trace the square from the pawn to the promotion square. If the king gets in, he can often catch up.