VII

Already it has been pointed out that the weaker side, though a man down, can often force a draw by correct play. Here is a position from Sturge:—

Black man on 7. King on 6. (Fig. 8.)

Fig. 8.

White men on 14 and 20. King on 3.

Black to play and draw.

The draw is brought about thus:—

7-10 6- 2 2-2020-16
14- 720-16 3- 7Drawn.

Here is another example of a draw, this time by Payne:—

Black Kings on 7 and 11. (Fig. 9.)

Fig. 9.

White man on 20. Kings on 18 and 19.

Black to move and draw.

This position is more complicated than the former, and White can vary his moves to a considerable extent, but Black, by careful play, can always force the draw. The point is that Black must hold the White man on 20. Here is a leading line of play:—

7-1018-2315-11(a) 12-16
19-1611-1523-19 3- 7
10- 716-12 7- 3Drawn.

(a) If 19-16 then 11-15 draws.

This is a useful position as similar endings often occur in actual play, and all younger students should study it carefully.