Rook vs Pawn on the Seventh
EndgameCheckmate TechniqueGoal: checkmate
The position
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| ♟ | |||||||
| ♖ | ♔ |
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
A rook usually beats a pawn on the seventh rank, as long as your rook can stop the pawn and your king comes up to help. The danger is a pawn protected by its own king.
How to do it
- Put your rook on the file or rank in front of the pawn, so it cannot promote.
- Bring your king towards the pawn.
- If the enemy king protects the pawn, force it away with checks.
- Win the pawn, or give checkmate.
Common mistakes
- Putting the rook where it can be taken or forked.
- Letting the pawn's king get beside it.
- Giving up the rook for the pawn when you can win it.
Remember
Rook in front of the pawn, king coming up, and drive the pawn's king away.