Anyway, this type of endgame is very important to learn and get right, though, in this particular game I was on the move instead of black in the classic position. I have seen the book position occur in two of the Joplin Chess Club tournaments, though it may have occurred in more, and once it was played correctly and once played incorrectly.  One of the books I have suggests taking this endgame, with a different starting position, and playing it over and over with only 1 minute on your clock against any opponent, with as much time as they want, until it is second nature. Very important and fundamental endgame to know.

Black’s last move was 72. … Kb4

White to move and draw. FEN:  8/8/8/8/1kp5/8/1K6/8 w KQkq – 0 1

For the full game and the suggested starting position, for full study, read more after the break.

The classic position, from the book I mentioned is:

White to move, Black to draw. FEN: 8/8/8/8/4k3/4P3/4K3/8 w – - 0 1

The basic premise is that if the stronger side (the one with the pawn) has their king behind or beside the pawn and the opposing player is close enough to prevent the other king from getting in front of the pawn, then the position should be drawn with best play.

Here is the game that the first position resulted from. I have to give thanks to Michael for letting me copy down his notation from this game, since mine had some errors in it. I had most of it but a few moves in the last third or so were off a little.