Openings and endgames
Opposition and king maneuvers
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Opposition
Level: BasicA relationship between the kings that uses their spacing and the move order to make one king yield an important square.
Direct opposition
Level: BasicA position in which the kings share a horizontal row or vertical column with exactly one empty square between them.
Distant opposition
Level: BasicA relationship in which aligned kings are separated by an odd number of empty squares greater than one.
Diagonal opposition
Level: BasicA relationship in which the kings stand on the same diagonal with one empty square between them.
Key square
Level: BasicA square that lets the attacking king force promotion in a king-and-pawn versus king ending when it is occupied.
Critical square
Level: BasicA square whose occupation forces a concrete goal, such as promoting a pawn or winning material.
Corresponding squares
Level: IntermediatePaired squares where occupying one requires a precise king response on the other to preserve the position.
Outflanking
Level: IntermediateA king maneuver that goes around the opposing king to penetrate from the side or reach a decisive square.
Shouldering
Level: IntermediateA king technique that controls the opposing king's route and forces it to take a longer path.