The Endgame Tactician: Frontal Defense III

We're going to look at Frontal Defense on the knight file today, and then examine some interesting games between strong players.

A. Knight Files 

The Frontal Defense on a knight file works the same as on a central or bishop file, except a king cut-off by two files has the same drawing chances as a king cut-off by one file. Looking at a couple examples will reveal why this is so.

B. Patience, and a King too Close

In a drawn position where you hold the advantage, often the best idea is to make simple waiting moves and hope your opponent goofs. 

C. Transition to the Frontal Defense

What follows is a practical example. IM James Sherwin had fought fiercly as Black to reach a drawn position against a strong GM when he made a fatal mistake.

Today you learned how the Frontal Defense works on a knight file, and you studied some practical tricks and examples. I hope you enjoyed this article.