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THE OPPOSITION
Example 28. — The following position is an excellent proof of the value of the opposition as a means of defence.
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
| 8 |      | 8 | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | ||||||||
| 6 | 6 | ||||||||
| 5 | 5 | ||||||||
| 4 | 4 | ||||||||
| 3 | 3 | ||||||||
| 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
White is a Pawn behind and apparently lost, yet he can manage to draw as follows:
1. K—R1!
The position of the Pawns does not permit White to draw by means of the actual or close opposition, hence he takes the distant opposition: in effect if 1 K—B 1 (actual or close opposition), K—Q 7; 2 K—B 2, K—Q 6 and White cannot continue to keep the lateral opposition essential to his safety, because of his own Pawn at B 3. On the other hand, after the text move, if
1. ........... K—Q7
2. K—R2 K—Q6
3. K—R3! K—K7
