Can you win this endgame position as White?

[@MrBrain4]

At 10:45, watch out for Kh1, Rxg2 stalemate. If Kh1, you must play Kf2 to force black Kh2 or pawn promotion.

[@garytaylor2084]

Thanks for these videos. I started playing chess decades ago, and was never very good. You explain the situations and positioning very well and are giving me a deeper insight into the game. Thanks.

[@YourAverageChessPlayer]

Glad you like them!

[@zanti4132]

These K+R vs K+P endgames can be remarkably subtle. Several years ago, one of these endings decided second place at a senior state championship. The critical position was: White: king on b6, rook on b3 Black: king on h5, pawn on g4 It was Black's move. He needed a draw to finish clear second. If White won, he'd finish clear second. Another player had clinched the championship, but money-wise there was a big difference between finishing second and finishing in a tie for third. Black played the losing move 1...Kh4? After 2. Kc5! g3 3. Kd4 Kh3 4. Ke3 g2 5. Kf2 Kh2 6. Rb1 White stopped the pawn in time, winning the game and the money for second place. The drawing line is 1...Kg5! 2. Kc5 Kf4! 3. Kd4 g3. Shouldering out the White king would have made all the difference.

[@YourAverageChessPlayer]

Thanks for sharing this. The tournament game's final position is the same as the position in the video too which is crazy! Kg5 is so counterintuitive to be played in that position. We have to really understand that opposition against the white king is super important than just advancing our pawn. Amazing.

[@zanti4132]

Agreed, it seems like Black's best plan has to be Kh4 - he needs to promote the pawn, so shouldn't he be moving the king forward as fast as possible? But nope, that loses. Instead, moving the king sideways to keep the White king at a distance turns out to be the drawing idea. By the way, one idea at 10:45 that I think is worth pointing out: as a last ditch drawing attempt, Black can try Kh1, hoping White carelessly plays Rxg2, stalemating. Of course, if White is paying attention, he plays Kf2! and wins the pawn next turn. 😊

[@gspcme99]

Wrong Analysis .. at the end the black King will move to h1, you cannot take the pawn in g2 with the rook, because it will be stalemate !!

[@SudhirKishor6603]

So instead we'll play Kf2 and black will himself come out of stalemate by moving the pawn or the king anywhere

[@adnanghaleb2196]

Good

[@petersiegfriedkrug]

Yes, for beginner.

[@adnanghaleb2196]

@@petersiegfriedkrug for club

[@petersiegfriedkrug]

Too easy for me! Much too easy the first check on the f8 - square. Beside, also if the white king is on b4 instead of c4 it would be easy won. I think this puzzle is for people who are learning the rules of chess. For example how can the white rook on a8 move, or so. Sorry, but I am a study composer and therefore I see the solution of such easy position without thinking.

[@reincroonen5857]

Please, look at the name of the channel you are viewing: Your AVERAGE Chess player Then, you won't be so disappointed

[@rogerkearns8094]

Cringe.

[@reincroonen5857]

@@rogerkearns8094 Right! Your answer is even better than mine!

[@rogerkearns8094]

@@reincroonen5857 Too kind, but thanks. )

[@thekurdishtapes8317]

we honestly don't care