Chess Patterns ❯ King Techniques ❯ Outflanking
Outflanking
Outflanking
In chess, Outflanking is an endgame technique where one King moves laterally relative to the opponent's King, creating a file of separation between itself and the other King. This maneuver enables the outflanking King to advance towards its objective without the opposing King being able to block its path.
In the diagram above, White's objective is to escort the pawn to promotion. Black has just lost the opposition and moved the King from c7 to b7, so White advances their King with a first outflanking maneuver: 1.Kd6. Black retreats with 1...Kc8 and White regains the opposition with 2.Kc6 . Then, after Black's 2...Kb8, White performs the final outflanking maneuver with 3.Kd7. Now the pawn can proceed safely to promotion.
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Master the Outflanking Technique
When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on the Outflanking technique. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this important endgame technique.
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Chess Endgames Beginners Guide - Outflanking
Watch this excellent lesson by Jozarov’s chess channel to get a primer on the concept of Outflanking. Many great examples are included and each is extensively explained.
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Beautiful Pawn Endgame Puzzle | Outflanking | Opposition
In this short video by the excellent Coach Kestony YouTube channel you are presented with a single, very instructive position. The concept of Outflanking is key. Have a try at it.
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This chess.com video is the first of a series aimed at very beginners. In this lesson, FM Steven Zierk introduces several endgame concepts, including the Outflanking one.
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Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner to Master*
This is another fantastic book by Jeremy Silman. Endgame techniques are presented in a really fun and useful way. Outflanking too. A must-read for beginners and intermediates.
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This book by the legendary Mark Dvoretsky is *THE* definitive guide to endgames. You could spend years studying it. The technique of outflanking is included. It’s an absolute must-have for your library!