Pawn races
Count the moves before you run
Try this lesson in Chess40Step 1
When both sides have a free pawn, count the moves each needs to promote. The faster one usually wins, especially if its new queen arrives with check.
Step 2
White queens first, with check, and the new queen stops the black pawn on h1.
The moves: 1. a7 h2 2. a8=Q+ Kg7 3. Qh1
Step 3
Both pawns need two moves, and it is White's turn. Who promotes first?
- White, with check
- Black
- Both at the same time
Show the answer
Answer: White, with check
Step 4
Before racing, check the kings too: can the enemy king catch your pawn? The rule of the square tells you.