Is it possible to checkmate an opponent with a king and a pawn without the pawn promoting to a queen or rook? I've heard that it is possible, but I don't know what the strategy is.
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$\begingroup$ Are there any other pieces on the board? The answer depends on whether you mean just a king and pawn vs king $\endgroup$– HerbMar 12, 2016 at 2:31
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$\begingroup$ So king and pawn vs king ends in stalemate if you can't promote? $\endgroup$– AnonymousMar 12, 2016 at 2:35
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$\begingroup$ If there's no other pieces involved - yes. $\endgroup$– Khale_KithaMar 12, 2016 at 2:40
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$\begingroup$ Stalemate, yes, unless the pawn is captured, then it's a draw due to insufficient material. $\endgroup$– HerbMar 12, 2016 at 2:41
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$\begingroup$ but you can still win on time... $\endgroup$– AnonymousMar 12, 2016 at 2:43
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1 Answer
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The checkmated king is in one of his corners with one of his bishops on the same rank right beside him (blocking him). The checkmating pawn is in front of the bishop (checkmating the king) with the winning king two squares in front of the checkmated king on the same file protecting his pawn and blocking the checkmated king's move forward. Of course there can be no piece available to capture the checkmating pawn. 
answered Mar 12, 2016 at 2:14
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$\begingroup$ What's to block the bishop, adjacent to the king, from simply taking the pawn? $\endgroup$ Mar 12, 2016 at 2:31
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1$\begingroup$ @Khale_Kitha Because the pawn is in front of the bishop. Bishops move/attack diagonally. $\endgroup$ Mar 12, 2016 at 2:38
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$\begingroup$ Ah, I misread the pawn being in front of the king, okay. (I re-read it 5 times, too ><) $\endgroup$ Mar 12, 2016 at 2:38
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$\begingroup$ Sorry I was new and I do not have enough rep. $\endgroup$ Mar 12, 2016 at 3:00