Chess Endgames

Chess Puzzle No. 310: A tricky pawn endgame: which plan would you pick for Black?

Posted on 5 November 2026 by Delphine D.

05
Nov

In June 2017, in a 10+0 rapid game between players rated around 1800, following a French Defence, Exchange Variation, Black must find the right idea on move 40. It's your turn to play.

EndgameHardBlack to play

Black to play and win

Puzzle: Lichess open database (CC0) · Pieces: Cburnett, Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)

See the solution explained

Kb6 sends the black king toward the queenside, leaving the opponent six possible replies.

c4 is White’s answer, pushing the pawn forward on that flank.

d4 advances the central pawn, reducing White to only five legal moves.

In the real game, the player did find Kb6 and then d4, eventually winning when the opponent resigned. This pawn endgame shows how crucial it is to activate your king on the right side before your opponent does.

The French Defence, played here in its Exchange Variation, has been one of the most studied openings for centuries among players of every level. To train on this kind of pawn endgame, browsing the wooden chess pieces can help you picture each square of the plan.

Delphine D.

Delphine D. is the lead writer of the editorial team at Le Palais des Échecs, a shop specialising since 2008 in wooden chess sets, chessboards and backgammon sets. Her guides draw on the shop's hands-on experience: more than 5,000 customers advised and a catalogue built around the woods that make beautiful sets. Pale, very fine-grained boxwood set against ebony or rosewood for the pieces; maple, walnut and mahogany for the boards; palisander, olive wood or burr wood for exceptional models. Choosing a set for a child, a wedding or retirement gift, comparing woods, having a board engraved: she helps every reader find the set that suits them. Find out more about Delphine D. and the editorial team - Facebook - Pinterest - Youtube