Endgame Bootcamp 8: Exploring a Draw

Endgame Bootcamp 1: Camp Addendum

Endgame Bootcamp 2: Part 1Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Endgame Bootcamp: 3 4 5 67 8 9

This is a Drawn Tabiya for those who want to practice either side moving first. Pick a friend to play with, analyze the position OTB, plug in the FEN, duke it out with the Silicone Beast on varying levels with Lichess!

Fen For Black to move: 2b1r3/8/7R/8/4p3/1k6/5PPP/6K1 b - - 0 33
Fen for White to move: 2b1r3/8/7R/8/4p3/1k6/5PPP/6K1 w - - 0 33

Some interesting things to note about the position: White seems to have more flexibility with their candidate move, if they play first, whereas Black can hold sharper positions with two of their candidate moves if they play first.

Rd8 is an obvious start for Black, since the open file is ready for the taking, but that only limits White to a handful, or so, of moves to maintain the draw.

If Black plays e3, this limits white to two candidates for the draw. If White is the first to play in the Tabiya, e3 can still pack a punch in terms of limiting White’s options for the draw.

You want to restrict your opponent, tie them up, and force them to walk through rough terrain.

The first Study goes into some of the interesting positions that could occur shortly after the initial position. The second Study is a trio of games to review. Comment if you’d like me to further into aspects of this Tabiya, as the sky is the limit, otherwise enjoy!