Thanks to GM David Howell (SJC President) who spent the day with us, joining each training group, and giving an interactive masterclass on under-promotion.
Sussex Junior Chess were thrilled that their president, one of the world’s best players, came along to the Aldrington training day to present the children with a masterclass.
David began with a little background – he always does some puzzles the night before a match as this reminds him of patterns, themes and ideas. On this occasion he was rewarded the very next day.
![](https://sussexjuniorchess.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/David-Howell-1.jpg)
The problem for White here is stalemate. Letting the Black King out of the corner risks losing.
How does White win this?
Incredibly it is mate in 6!
- a7 f3
- a8(Knight)!! f2
- Nb6!! Giving Black a move cb
- c7 b5
- c8(Queen or Bishop!) b4
- Qc6 mate (or Qa8, Qb7, Bb7)
So … promotion to a Knight on a8 … fine for a study but never likely to happen in a real game
Fast forward 24 hours and David, White to play, is in trouble in the position below. A pawn down and Ne3 forking is a big threat….
![](https://sussexjuniorchess.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/David-Howell-2.jpg)
Well, first we need a plan to get a draw.
If we can get rid of both Black pawns we have the draw.
So … the Bishop will have to give itself up for the g pawn and then we use the a-pawn to divert the Black King away from the defence of the c-pawn.
Easy!? Let’s see…..
- Bh1 Tip from David: keep the pieces far apart to avoid a Knight fork
1….g3 - a5 Passed pawns must be pushed!
2…g2 - Bg2 Ne3+
- Kb5 Staying in touch with c5
4…Ng2 - a6 Nf4
- a7 Ne6
![](https://sussexjuniorchess.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/David-Howell-3.jpg)
Whoops!
What now …
If 7. a8(Queen) then White loses to Nc7+
Hopefully you’ve guessed it by now, David found
7. a8(Knight)!!
Under promoting just like in the puzzle the day before and securing the draw