Endgame · intermediate
Rook Checkmate
Shrink the enemy king's box with the rook, then use opposition to mate on the edge.
Last updated
touch_appPlay it out against Stockfish. You have 35 moves; a move that throws the win away is caught and explained.
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Quick answer
King and rook beat a lone king. Use the rook to cut the king off along a rank or file, walk your king up to support, and shrink the box one line at a time. When the two kings face each other, a rook check along the edge is mate. Keep the rook far from the enemy king.
The technique, step by step
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1a
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4
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1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Your task on the board
Shrink the enemy king's box with the rook, then use opposition to mate on the edge.
- Checkmate
- Goal
- White
- You play
- 35 moves
- Move limit
Tips from the lesson
- 1Use the rook to cut the king off along a rank or file.
- 2Walk your king toward the enemy king. The rook can't mate alone.
- 3When the kings face each other (opposition), check from the side.
- 4If the rook is attacked, move it far away along the same line.
If you get stuck
Cut the king off along a rank or file, then march your king up.