Queen Endgame Lessons

The queen is more useful than any other piece in the endgame because it has great range and mobility. A queen can often stop many enemy pawns as they dash for promotion. Queen and pawn endgames are a common type of endgame played. The secrets of endgame queen play are important knowledge for tournament chess players.

Unlike a lone knight or bishop, a king and queen can checkmate an enemy king by themselves. Therefore, the queen is a valuable pieces to maintain into the endgame.

Scholars of the game have written much on the subject of queen and pawn endgames. However, few if any have presented all the important lessons below.

You must be familiar with algebraic notation to benefit from these lessons.

Select a Lesson

• The King and Queen Checkmate

  Key Learning Objective(s)

  • The King and Queen Must Work Together
    A lone queen cannot checkmate. The queen's king must get fully involved in a king and queen versus lone king checkmate.
  • The King and Queen Checkmate Process
    This process is similar to a king and rook checkmate, but unlike the rook, the enemy king cannot approach the queen and threaten capture. However, the queen must avoid tempting positions of stalemate. First, force the lone king to the side of the board. Second, achieve opposition with the kings. Third, checkmate the lone king by moving the queen to the side of the board or by direct confrontation with the enemy king. In all steps, avoid positions of stalemate.

• A Queen Can Stop an Advanced Pawn

  Key Learning Objective(s)

  • Queen Can Drive a King
    A queen can force a king to block his advanced pawn. Then the queen's king can approach to pick it off.

• Constant Checks

  Key Learning Objective(s)

  • Constant Queen Checks Often Win or Draw Lost Games
    This dirty secret is not mentioned in endgame instruction elsewhere (at least I have not found it anywhere on the Internet). Why? Because it is dirty. Constant checks can drive an opponent to insanity, and possibly cause your opponent to lose on time.
  • Draw by Seemingly Endless Checks
    If you find yourself down in material in a queen and pawn endgame, then you best chance is to check your opponent as much as possible. Your opponent is forced to consume time trying to figure out how to get out of the checks. Your opponent may run out of time and lose.