Opposition is one of the most important political skills to develop for any serious chess player. Whether playing against strong or weak opponents, a clear understanding of the process and the technique (s) of Opposition is generally required for success. In King and Pawn endings a particularly clear comprehension of the concept is vital, since these scenarios often involve attempts by one or more of a player’s Kings to escort a pawn to its promotion square whilst the opponent’s King strives to prevent this from happening.
The concept of a formal opposition as part of parliamentary democracy developed with the advent of modern political parties in the 19th century. This idea was further anchored in Canada with the British North America Act of 1867, which established responsible cabinet government and the doctrine of the supremacy of parliament.
In general terms, the opposition is comprised of parliamentary Members of parties that are not in power and whose role is to question government actions, suggest alternatives, and hold ministers to account. In a typical parliamentary system, the Leader of the Opposition leads a group of Members who are designated as’shadow ministers’ and who meet regularly to develop opposition policies.
The main tool the opposition uses to scrutinise government policy is at Prime Minister’s Questions – held in the House of Commons every Wednesday that parliament is sitting. At these events, the leader of the opposition is called upon to ask the prime minister up to six questions.
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