King & Rook vs King
EndgameCheckmate TechniqueGoal: checkmate
The position
| ♚ | |||||||
| ♖ | |||||||
| ♔ |
White to move and win by checkmate. This is a technique you need to know cold: once you have the method, it works every time.
The idea
King and rook against king is a little harder than with the queen, because the rook cannot control as many squares. The method is to push the enemy king back one rank at a time, using the opposition.
How to do it
- Cut the enemy king off along a rank or file with your rook, at a distance so he cannot attack it.
- Bring your king up until it faces the enemy king, with one square between you (the opposition).
- Make a waiting move with the rook along the cut-off line so that the enemy king has to move back or sideways, or give check to push him back one rank.
- Repeat until the king is on the edge. Then, with your king in opposition, check with the rook along the edge for mate.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the rook on a square next to the enemy king where it can be captured for free.
- Giving checks too early. They only drive the king away from the edge.
- Stalemating the king in the corner.
Remember
The rook cuts the king off; your king does the pushing. The two work as a pair.