Endgame · intermediate
Rook Checkmate: The Box
Shrink the enemy king's box with the rook, then use opposition to mate on the edge.
touch_appPlay it out against Stockfish. You have 35 moves; a move that throws the win away is caught and explained.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The task
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
Technique
- 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.