user16403: Why is it important to leave the opponent's pawn in this situation?
From over 7kk games only 426 ends with KNN against KP, of which 286 games (67.1%) is draw. 


In the two knights endgame, how should we block the pawn to force checkmate? In @SmallChess's answer, GM Samuel seem have made many mistakes... 
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1937249

user825: Endgame where two knights against a lone king is a draw, you can't force a checkmate. However, with a pawn the side with the two knights can setup a mating net without running into stalemate. That's why it's always important to leave a pawn.
Just a few days ago, Karjakin demonstrated the technique against a very strong US grandmaster. Please note in the final position, it's a stalemate without the black pawn. Please go through the game, note how Karjakin never attempted to win the final pawn.
White is threatening Nh6, Nf7#. Again, this setup is impossible without the black pawn.

http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1937249



16403: <p>Why is it important to leave the opponent's pawn in this situation?</p>

<p>From over 7kk games only 426 ends with KNN against KP, of which 286 games (67.1%) is draw. </p>

<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/GPovb.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/GPovb.png" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

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<p>In the two knights endgame, how should we block the pawn to force checkmate? In @SmallChess's answer, GM Samuel seem have made many mistakes... </p>

<p><a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1937249" rel="nofollow noreferrer">http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1937249</a></p>
 825: <p>Endgame where two knights against a lone king is a draw, you can't force a checkmate. However, with a pawn the side with the two knights can setup a mating net without running into stalemate. That's why it's always important to leave a pawn.</p>

<p>Just a few days ago, Karjakin demonstrated the technique against a very strong US grandmaster. Please note in the final position, it's a stalemate without the black pawn. Please go through the game, note how Karjakin never attempted to win the final pawn.</p>

<p>White is threatening Nh6, Nf7#. Again, this setup is impossible without the black pawn.</p>

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  <p><a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1937249" rel="noreferrer">http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1937249</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/dQtRT.png" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/dQtRT.png" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>
