Rook Endgames (Phase 6)
Master the Lucena bridge technique, Philidor defense, Vancura position, and essential rook endgame patterns used in tournament play.
Bridge Technique
First let's see how to setup the Lucena position
This is called the Lucena position, to win this we "build a bridge" as it's usualy called
The same bridge technique works in this position
For c, d, e, or f pawns, there is an alternative winning method. I will put this as intro only, meaning you don't need to review this, it's just a bonus extra knowledge
Ok your turn! You can use either technique we showed, the bridge or the other one don't know what the name is. Good luck against the engine!
Here black has the correct defense and we cannot win because the b file is blocked
This is a pretty advanced case, here blacks king is just barely not fast enough to reach the blocking of our king, we have an insane trick to get a queen
Philidor Defense
This is called the Philidor Defense I've also heard sixth row defense. It's very simple, move the rook forth and back on the sixth row until white pushes his pawn forward to the sixth rank then go check from behind
Ok use the sixth rank defence to survive against the engine, good luck!
Key Positions
Black needs to prevent Kb4 then they can hold the draw, if they don't white can win
White has two connected passed pawns with the rook behind them. Black's rook is behind the pawns but helpless. The technique is called the "Slinky": push the lead pawn, support with the base pawn, then advance the rook. Push the lead pawn first.
This is a must know pattern, happens in real games all the time, even strong grandmasters have failed this under time trouble (usualy both sides have some pawns that makes it a bit more confusing)
The pawn being on a6 makes this position winning for white, it's a important concept to keep an a7 square free for the king.
The correct way to defend this endgame is to attack the pawn from the side
This is an easy draw, black only needs to shuffle king between h7 and g7 and white has no way to make progress
The g-pawn was not enough to win. What about the f-pawn? f pawn is winning!
Drill these positions in spaced repetition
FSRS-6 spaced repetition surfaces only the positions you need to refresh. Free to use.
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