The Réti manoeuvre: how a king chases two pawns at once
Learn the Réti manoeuvre: a king that looks hopelessly far away walks the diagonal, closer to both pawns with every step, and either catches the enemy pawn or helps its own to queen.
Along the diagonal
Your king seems too far from both pawns: the h-pawn runs, and the black king is close to yours. Walk the diagonal.
Play Kg7: towards the h-pawn, and towards your own pawn too. Kg7 Kb6
1… Kb6 Kb6: the black king goes for your pawn.
Play Kf6: one step closer to the h-pawn, and one step closer to your pawn. Kf6 h4
2… h4 h4: the pawn runs.
Play Ke5: now your king is in time for either pawn. Ke5
From e5 your king reaches the h-pawn and your own pawn alike. Whatever Black does now, it is a draw.
Support your pawn
Black ran on with h3. Now the h-pawn is out of reach, so go for your own pawn.
Play Kd6: your king stands next to your pawn. Kd6 h2
1… h2 h2: one step from queening.
Play c7: your pawn runs too. c7 Kb7
2… Kb7 Kb7: the king attacks your pawn.
Play Kd7: your king guards c8. Kd7 h1=Q
3… h1=Q h1=Q: Black queens.
Play c8=Q+: you queen too, with check. c8=Q+
Queen against queen: a draw. Your king got to your pawn just in time.
Catch the h-pawn
Black took your pawn with Kxc6. But that cost the black king a move, and your king is close to the h-pawn now.
Play Kf4: after the h-pawn. Kf4 h3
1… h3 h3: the pawn runs.
Play Kg3: in front of the pawn. Kg3 h2
2… h2 h2.
Play Kxh2: the pawn is gone. Kxh2
King against king: a draw. Taking your pawn cost the black king the time the h-pawn needed.
Key ideas
- A diagonal step gets as far along a file as a straight one, and moves the king across the board on the way.
- So your king can chase the enemy pawn and come closer to your own pawn at the same time.
- If the black king goes for your pawn, your king catches the h-pawn. If the h-pawn runs, your king supports your own pawn, and both pawns queen.
Common mistakes
- Chasing the h-pawn straight down the file: your own pawn is left alone, and the black king takes it.
- Pushing your pawn too early: the black king catches it, and the h-pawn runs on.