Rook vs Bishop: Hold the Draw
EndgameRook EndgamesGoal: draw
The position
| ♔ | ♖ | ||||||
| ♝ | |||||||
| ♚ | |||||||
Black to move and hold the draw. A draw is a good result here, and knowing the defensive method saves half points.
The idea
A rook against a bishop is usually a draw, if the defender plays carefully. The side with the bishop must keep the king and the bishop close together, so the rook can never win the bishop with a fork.
How to do it
- Keep your king and your bishop next to each other, so the bishop is always protected.
- Stay away from the edge and the corners, where the rook can trap the king.
- When the rook checks, move the king so the bishop stays protected.
- If the rook side cannot win material, the game is drawn.
Common mistakes
- Letting the bishop go far from the king, where the rook can win it.
- Taking the king to a corner of the wrong colour.
- Allowing a fork of the king and bishop.
Remember
Keep the king and bishop together and stay near the centre.