Please tell me what you'd like me to call you in these games.
You and I are going to be playing CAPTURE THE FLAG.

There are three ways of winning:

1. Reach the end of the board.
2. Capture your opponent.
3. Stop your opponent from moving.
If you want to play White and start, just make your first move.

If you want me to start instead, press the button marked YOU START. Then you get Black and I make the first move.

Come back here when you're ready and tell me who you think should win, White or Black.

I'm much smarter than you so I'll win. Let's start now!

Go ahead! I'm not scared of losing.

Well, kiddo, who do you think should win this game?




I think WHITE should win.

I think BLACK should win.

I'm not sure: can I play again?
You're right. White should win this game. It's just a race. But how should he play?

Move the e-pawn as fast as possible.

Move the f-pawn as fast as possible.

Move each pawn in turn.

I'm not sure: can I play again?
atergun
Yes, the f-pawn is a PASSED PAWN so White should push it as quickly as possible, starting by moving it two squares.

If he does anything else Black will be able to win by pushing his c-pawn as quickly as possible.

Play this out again at home to make sure you understand.

This time it's a bit different. The two pawns on each side are facing each other.

Come back here when you're ready and tell me who you think should win, White or Black.

OK fine - I'm ready to go.

Can I come back and do it later?

I can't do this: it's too hard for me.
Who would you rather be in that game, kiddo?




I'd rather be WHITE.

I'd rather be BLACK.

I'm not sure: can I play again?
You're right. Black should win this game. What should he do on his first move?

Black should move the same number of squares on the same file.

Black should move the same number of squares on the other file.

Black should move a different number of squares on the same file.

Black should move a different number of squares on the other file.

I'm not sure: can I play again?
It's a lot harder to work out what's happening with two pawns each, isn't it?

Yes - if Black copies White's move exactly, on the same file on his first move he will win with best play.

But you have to think on your next move. Suppose I move to e4 and you move to e5. Now if I move to d3, you copy me by moving to d6. But if I move to d4 instead you have to take me. If you copy me here you'll lose.

Again, test this out at home or with your friends.
Our third two pawns against two pawns game is harder still. Can you work out what's happening here?

Come back here when you're ready and tell me who you think should win, White or Black.

This is good fun: bring it on!.

I'm sorry but I have to stop now.

No: I can't be bothered.
Hey kiddo, do you prefer White or Black this time?




WHITE will win if he plays the right moves.

BLACK will win if he plays the right moves.

I'm not sure: can I play again?
Yes, this game is also a win for Black. What should his plan be this time? (By the mirrored file I mean the c file if White moves on the e file, or the d file if White also moves on the d file.)

Black should move the same number of squares on the mirrored file.

Black should move the same number of squares on the other file.

Black should move a different number of squares on the mirrored file.

Black should move a different number of squares on the other file.

I'm not sure: can I play again?
You have now played all three TWO PAWNS AGAINST TWO PAWNS games. If you don't understand anything come back and try again in a few days time.

I didn't understand everything: can I start again?

That was too easy! Can I go on to the next lesson?

I've had enough for now. Can I do something else?