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Black plays 1...Kf4 and saves the game as his King gets into the “square” (a3-a8-f8-f3-a3). In this case, when considering the true size of a square, you must take into account whether or not a pawn can make an initial move of two spaces.

The following classic composition belongs to the famous Czech Grandmaster Richard Reti.

At first sight, the position looks completely lost for White (even though he has the move). What’s going on here?

Black's King easily controls the c6-pawn, unlike his White colleague, which seems to have no chance of stopping Black's h5-pawn. However, White is able to miraculously save the game!

1.Kg7

The race begins. White's King is moving closer to his own pawn, while attempting to approach opponent’s h-pawn as well. Still, his mission looks hopeless.

1...h4 2.Kf6

Now Black has to make one of two choices. He may try to destroy the c-pawn at once with I) 2...Kb6, or continue to push the h-pawn with II) 2...h3.

Let's take a look at both lines respectively:

I) 2...Kb6

What now? Is White lost? His pawn is about to get captured and White's King is still far away from opponent’s pawn, but...

3.Ke5!!

The turning point. Now White threatens to play 4.Kf4, catching up with Black's h-pawn, and he has Ke5-d6 in mind as well!

3...h3

In case of 3...Kxc6 4.Kf4 (getting into the “square”!), White has a draw.

4.Kd6

Now both pawns become Queens!

4...h2 5.c7 h1=Q 6.c8=Q, Draw!!

A remarkable end!

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