Breakthrough Intro

BT Intro - 1

In previous lesson we have seen the strength of passed pawns. The breakthrough is an excellent tool creating such an asset, removing the final defender of the potential passed pawn. Here White plays

1.f6!

when Black is forced to take the pawn with

1... gxf6

but then the path for the h-pawn has been cleared and hence White wins after

2.h6 +-

BT Intro - 2

This is a classic example everybody should know! At first sight White seems to be unable creating a passed pawn in view of the symmetrical pawnstructure, but appearances are deceptive. White wins by means of

1.g6!

1... fxg6 (1... hxg6 2.f6! 2... gxf6 3.h6 and the h-pawn decides.)

2.h6 gxh6 3.f6 h5 4.f7 h4 5.f8=Q+

and White wins.

BT Intro - 3

Quite similar to the previous example, but the main difference is that Black has already advanced his h-pawn. Hence White takes advantage in a different manner:

1.f6!

1... gxf6 (1... hxg5 is met by 2.fxg7 gxh4 3.g8=Q and White wins.)

2.gxh6 f5 3.h7 f4 4.h8=Q

and White wins.

BT Intro - 4

So far we have been looking at examples where the attacker succeeds in creating a passed pawn. In this case White is threatening to create a passed pawn with the move 1.f6, quite a similar motif as in the last example. However, Black to move plays

1...f6!

after which there is no longer a chance for White obtaining a passed pawn.

BT Intro - 5

White has just played 1.g6 and intends creating a passed pawn like in the second example. Often the king is able offering his defensive services if it's standing within the square.

1...fxg6!

(1...hxg6?

2.f6 gxf6 3.h6 and the pawn is out of reach:3... Kd6 4.h7 Ke7 5.h8=Q +- )

2.h6 gxh6 3.f6 Kd6!

4.f7 Ke7 5.f8=Q+ Kxf8

and since the black king is standing within the square he is able eliminating the newly created passed pawn!