What's 'Opposition' in chess? And why does it matter?

About this video:
Opposition in chess is when the king's are directly opposed to each other. It is an extremely important concept in king and pawn endgames, particular when one player has only one pawn left and is trying to promote to a queen. In these situations, a proper understanding of opposition can lead to wins, or draws, depending on the situation. Opposition doesn't always show up in chess games, but when you find yourself in a position where it matters you'll be glad you know what opposition is, and why opposition matters.

[karenp]

I've watched and read many explanations of opposition but this is by far the clearest and most comprehensible. Thank you!

[hitandrun]

Great video, thanks for helping me learn!

[Fashingblade]

Most people learn this painfully through many endgames; either getting stalemated when you know you should win or letting them queen when you know you didn't play the best moves to try to prevent it. I didn't even know it had the name "opposition". Good Video.

[einsteindonascimentojunior]

I saw other explanations. But really this one is the simplest and understandable. Thanks!

[stoundingresults]

This is one of the damn reasons I lost so many endgames

[Pradeep-by]

This is by far the best video that explained clearly. I have watched multiple videos and this is very clear. thank you

[viktorvondoom]

Great explanation! So much clearer with visuals than reading it from a book. I also did the practices on Lichess, turns out you only get the opposition as long as there is an odd number of squares between you and the opposing king. So 3 squared between both kings also means you get the opposition (called 'distant opposition'). Thanks!

[yourhost]

I'm 1725 rapid and I'm finally just now learning this endgame. Thank you!

[brianbennett]

Nelson, I find your videos extremely helpful; Thank you!

[m.rubland]

Thank you for the great explanation. Previously I thougt oppostion would be a situation which counts for both sides. Now I now, that one player gets the oppostion, this is really different.

[peteandtessTube]

Another Great Lesson that I hope I can use right away.

[ilehe]

At 5:00, doesn’t white has opposition ? Because black has to move and go back and white did the last move

[australiatruelyasia]

Brilliant! thank you for explaining this clearly. I lost a game and I was confused why cant I move lol

[hp]

Its very sad and hard to believe i didn't really understand oposition even being rated in classical as high as 1700.

[dr.sheldoncooper]

What if he moves side ways instead of going back after getting direct opposition?

[Ru]

So oppisition is only useful in this situation?

[shadowofzeus]

I like the way you explain bro...im coming from GM channels and they explain like its alot!!

[bigmoose]

Just drew a game after having a huge advantage because of this… so here I am

[drixcamposano]

thankyou for this because Im an endgame player

[aloknayankashyap]

By this reason I end many winning games into stalemate or draw