[Event "K+R+P vs K+R+2P (Splitted)"] [Site "www.masterchessopen.com"] [Date "1973.01.01"] [Round "0"] [White "Tzouros"] [Black "Minev"] [Result "0-1"] [EventType "game"] [FEN "8/R7/1p4p1/1r3k2/8/6P1/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] { Quite common are positions in which two opposing pawns stand on the same file on one flank, while an unconnected passed pawn stands in the center or on the other flank, as shown here. The typical winning plan for such a position is: 1) arrange the pawns on the same rank, 2) defend the flanks with the rook, 3) cut the opponent's king off from the passed pawn, and 4) advance the king towards the passed pawn. This was the plan followed by Black in this game. } 1...g5! { Insufficient is 1...Rb2+ 2.Kh3 b5 3.Rb7 b4 4.Rb5+ Kf6 5.Kg4 when White has activated all of his pieces, and counterplay against the opponent's king and g-pawn ensures a draw. } (1...Rb2+ 2.Kh3 b5 3.Rb7 b4 4.Rb5+ Kf6 5.Kg4 $11) 2.Kh3 { No help is 2.Rf7+ Kg4-+. If 2.Rb7 Rb2+, when White's king has to retreat to the first rank. Or 2.Ra6 Rb2+ 3.Kf1 (3.Kh3? g4+ and 4...Rh2 mate). 3...Kg4 4.Ra3 b5-+. } (2.Rf7+ Kg4 $19) (2.Rb7 Rb2+) (2.Ra6 Rb2+ 3.Kf1 (3.Kh3? g4+ 4.Kh4 Rh2#) 3...Kg4 4.Ra3 b5 $19) 2...Rd5! { Again, not a good idea is 2...Rb2 3.Rf7 Kg6 4.Rf8! Rb4 (4...b5 5.g4 b4 6.Rf5=) 5.Rg8+ Kf6 6.Rf8+ Kg7 (6...Ke5 7.Rg8 g4? 8.Rxg4=) 7.Rf5 Kg6 8.g4 Rf4 9.Rb5 Rf6 10. Kg3 Kh6 11. Kg2 Rg6 12.Kf3 Kg7 13.Ke4=. } (2...Rb2 3.Rf7+ Kg6 4.Rf8! Rb4 (4...b5 5.g4 b4 6.Rf5 $11) 5.Rg8+ Kf6 6.Rf8+ Kg7 (6...Ke5 7.Rg8 g4+? 8.Rxg4 $11) 7.Rf5 Kg6 8.g4 Rf4 9.Rb5 Rf6 10.Kg3 Kh6 11.Kg2 Rg6 12.Kf3 Kg7 13.Ke4 $11) 3.Rf7+ (3.Re7 b5 4.Re8 Re5 $19) 3...Ke4 4.Rb7 b5 5.Kg4 Kd4 6.Kf3 Kc4 7.Ke4 Rc5 8.Rd7 b4 9.Rd1 b3 10.Rb1 Kc3 11.Rc1+ Kb4 12.Rb1 Rc4+ 13.Kf5 g4 14.Kg5 Kc3 { In such endgames, the defender has a better chance to draw if he blocks the passed pawn with the king. Or failing that, he should try prevent Black from setting his pawns the pattern seen in this game, and aim for active counterplay against the opponent's king and the flank with material equality. } 0-1