---
title: "King and pawn basics: opposition and the square · Chess Goat"
description: "Two tools that decide most king and pawn endings: the square of the pawn and the opposition. 11-minute lesson with puzzles at your level."
canonical: "https://trychessgoat.com/learn/lesson/king-pawn/"
last_updated: 2026-10-09
---

Level 2 · Win material on purpose · 800–1100 · 11 min

# King and pawn basics: opposition and the square

Two tools that decide most king and pawn endings: the square of the pawn and the opposition.

## The rule to take into your games

**Count the square before racing; in pawn endings, take the opposition.**

Part of Goat Pass: 4 steps on the board, 3 guided examples, then puzzles at your level, and the ones you miss come back until they stick. The first 3 lessons are free.

[Open this lesson →](https://trychessgoat.com/learn/#/lesson/king-pawn)

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