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Underpromotion: The Precision Tool
Underpromotion occurs when a pawn is promoted to a piece other than a queen. This page explains why it can be essential.
The Concept: Usually, you want a Queen. But sometimes, a Queen is "too big" (causing stalemate) or moves "wrong" (missing a fork). In those rare moments, you need the precision of a Knight or Rook.
1. The Royal Knight Fork
Popov vs. Buljovcsics
The Goal: Force the King to the fork square.
1. Re8+ Rxe8
2. Qxg7+! Kxg7
3. fxe8=N+!
White sacrifices the Queen to force the Black King to g7. Then, promoting to a Knight delivers a check that forks the King and Queen. A Queen promotion would not have been check!
1. Re8+ Rxe8
2. Qxg7+! Kxg7
3. fxe8=N+!
White sacrifices the Queen to force the Black King to g7. Then, promoting to a Knight delivers a check that forks the King and Queen. A Queen promotion would not have been check!
2. The Checkmating Knight
Yates vs. Alekhine
The Goal: Deliver checkmate without stalemate.
1... Kh5!
2. Qxf6 h1=N#!
Alekhine ignores the threat to his knight and prepares the final blow. Promoting to a Queen would NOT be mate (and might be a draw). Promoting to a Knight delivers the fatal check.
1... Kh5!
2. Qxf6 h1=N#!
Alekhine ignores the threat to his knight and prepares the final blow. Promoting to a Queen would NOT be mate (and might be a draw). Promoting to a Knight delivers the fatal check.