The two knights endgame is a chess endgame with a king and two knights versus a king. In contrast to a king and two bishops (on opposite-colored squares), or a bishop and a knight, a king and two knights cannot force checkmate against a lone king (however, the superior side can force stalemate[1][2]). Although there are checkmate positions, a king and two knights cannot force them against proper, relatively easy defense.[3]
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
Checkmate position, but it cannot be forced from the position with the c2 knight relocated to e2.[4] The knight on d2 could be on c3 or a3 instead, and the white king could be on a3 instead.
Paradoxically, although the king and two knights cannot force checkmate of the lone king, there are positions in which the king and two knights can force checkmate against a king and some additional material.[5] The extra material of the defending side provides moves that prevent the defending king from being stalemated[6]or, less commonly, the extra material obstructs the defending king from escaping check. The winning chances with two knights are insignificant except against a few pawns.[7] These positions were studied extensively by A. A. Troitsky, who discovered the Troitsky line, a line on or behind which the defending side's pawn must be securely blockaded for the attacking side to win.
If the side with the knights carelessly captures the other side's extra material, the game devolves to the basic two knights endgame, and the opportunity to force checkmate may be lost. When the defender has a single pawn, the technique (when it is possible) is to block the pawn with one knight, and use the king and the other knight to force the opposing king into a corner or nearby the blocking knight. Then, when the block on the pawn is removed, the knight that was used to block the pawn can be used to checkmate.[8]
This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.
^(Mednis 1996:41)
^(Averbakh 1993:14)
^(Speelman, Tisdall & Wade 1993:11)
^(Seirawan 2003:17)
^(Troitsky 2006:197–257)
^(Averbakh 1993:14)
^Haworth, Guy McC (2009). "Western Chess:Endgame Data". CentAUR.
^(Dvoretsky 2006:280)
and 21 Related for: Two knights endgame information
The twoknightsendgame is a chess endgame with a king and twoknights versus a king. In contrast to a king and two bishops (on opposite-colored squares)...
The TwoKnights Defense (also called the Prussian Defense) is a chess opening that begins with the moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 First recorded...
Twoknights may refer to: TwoKnights Defense - chess opening Twoknightsendgame - chess endgameTwoKnights from Brooklyn - 1949 film Two Arabian Knights...
chess endgame is a chess endgame in which only a few pieces remain, and no pawns. The basic checkmates are types of pawnless endgames. Endgames without...
knights, maneuver the enemy king into a stalemated position, then bring the other knight over to checkmate. (See Twoknightsendgame.) Three knights Three...
involves analyzing the endgame with twoknights versus a pawn, see Troitsky line. John Nunn analyzed this endgame with an endgame tablebase and stated that...
chess opening. This opening is a variation of the TwoKnights Defense in which White sacrifices a knight for an attack on Black's king. The opening begins...
exd6 0-0 is considered to offer good play for Black. The Classical (TwoKnights) System begins 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 0-0 6.0-0. White...
saying "A knight on the rim is dim!" A king and one knight are not sufficient material to checkmate an opposing lone king (see Twoknightsendgame). A king...
perfect play in a number of endgames, including all non-trivial endgames with no more than seven pieces or pawns (including the two kings). One consequence...
and endgame. There is a large body of theory regarding how the game should be played in each of these phases, especially the opening and endgame. Those...
In the game of chess, an endgame study, or just study, is a composed position—that is, one that has been made up rather than played in an actual game—presented...
and c3. The other bishop is developed to d3 (or occasionally e2) and the knights typically to f3 and d2. This set-up often results in a closed game. The...
and b-pawns can become vulnerable. These benefits can last well into the endgame and so, unusually for a gambit, Black does not generally mind if queens...
defend each other. Troitsky line Also Troitzky line. Endgame analysis by Alexey Troitsky of twoknights versus a pawn found certain pawn positions that result...
C55–C59 for the TwoKnights Defense. Side lines are covered under C50. This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves. Black's two main options...
rapid phase with 13 points, while Carlsen and Nakamura shared first in the two-day blitz phase with 12 points each. In August 2023, an article was published...
Italian (Giuoco Piano, Evans Gambit, Hungarian Defence, and TwoKnights) Scotch Game Four Knights Game, etc. King's Pawn Opening, etc. (covers unusual/rare...
lines for pieces, and actually hinders the development of White's king knight by denying it its most natural square, f3. It also weakens White's kingside...