Lessons Library
Mastering Rook Endgames
Study the most common and practical rook endgame ideas.
Core Ideas
Rook endgames are very common, and activity is often more important than passive defense.
- Active rooks belong behind passed pawns when possible.
- The king becomes an attacking piece in the endgame.
- Passed pawns and checking distance matter.
Lucena and Philidor
The Lucena position is a key winning method with rook and pawn. The Philidor position is a key defensive drawing method when the defender is set up correctly.