Triangulation — the king move that wins king-and-pawn endgames
Learn how to waste a tempo with your king's triangular path and put your opponent in zugzwang.
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How It Works — Step by Step
The Deadlock
White's king is on e4, pawn on d5, Black's king on e6. White to move — but 1.Ke5 is illegal (e5 is attacked by Black's king). Direct advance fails; White must reach this same position with Black to move.
Step One: Sidestep to d3
White plays 1.Kd3 — a deliberate detour. Black must respond 1...Kd6 to maintain the opposition. White's triangle path is e4 → d3 → e3 → e4.
Step Two: Across to e3
After 1...Kd6, White plays 2.Ke3 — the second side of the triangle. Black mirrors: 2...Ke6. One more step completes the triangle.
Triangle Complete — Zugzwang!
3.Ke4 returns to the starting square — but now it is Black to move. Black is in zugzwang: 3...Kd6 allows 4.Ke5! breaking through; 3...Ke7 allows 4.Ke5 with an easy pawn march. White wins.
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