Passed-pawn races

Compare promotion tempos and king routes before starting a race.

By CoachMate. Published: .

Two starting positions. One teaching goal.

Position 1

White to move
Both sides can run

Ask: How many moves does each pawn need to promote?

Show FEN6k1/8/8/P7/7p/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1

Position 2

Black to move
A different head start

Ask: Can a king enter the pawn's path before promotion?

Show FEN6k1/8/7p/P7/8/8/8/6K1 b - - 0 1
On this page

A 35-minute teaching session

  • 5 minutes: show the first board and ask every student to describe a plan before moving.
  • 10 minutes: play the first position with a short time control. Ask players to record one decision they were unsure about.
  • 10 minutes: play the second position and exchange roles. Compare how the changed position or side to move affects the plan.
  • 10 minutes: review two contrasting decisions. Let the students explain first, then demonstrate alternatives on the board.

Ask before giving the answer

  • How many moves does each pawn need to promote?
  • Can a king enter the pawn's path before promotion?

Coach's planning notes

Have each player write a move count before playing.

Discuss checks after promotion: reaching the last rank first is not the whole calculation.

Put it into practice

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Passed-pawn races: teaching pack | CoachMate