A king walk, which is also referred to as a king march, steel king, or wandering king, involves an intriguing maneuver wherein the king embarks on a significant journey to a distant part of the board during the middlegame or opening phases of the game. The most awe-inspiring king walks occur when the attacking king becomes an indispensable element in creating a mating net, ultimately leading to a decisive victory.
Perhaps you recall those remarkable games where a player compelled their opponent’s king to traverse the board, only to be checkmated on the opposite side. For instance, the victory of Edward Lasker in the article Cloak and Dagger is a remarkable example. In this instance, however, the roles are reversed as the king deliberately embarks on a journey, actively participating in the checkmate maneuver to secure victory.
Now, let’s delve into two extraordinary illustrations: