Rook mate technique is lesson 5 of 6 in Endgame 3: Pawn races and breakthroughs, an endgame course suited to players rated around 1000 (improving players). Longer rook mates: cut the king off, bring your king, and use a waiting move with the rook when needed. It has 6 interactive exercises: 6 calculated lines from real positions. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What you practise
White to move: mate in 4. (2 positions)
Black to move: mate in 5. (2 positions)
White to move: mate in 3.
Black to move: mate in 4.
Worked examples
White to move: mate in 4. 1.Rd7 Ka8 2.Kc7 Ka7 3.Rd6 Ka8 4.Ra6#. The rook cut the king off, your king took the opposition, and the rook mated on the edge. Mate in 4.
Black to move: mate in 5. 1...Ke7 2.Kg7 Ra6 3.Kg8 Kf6 4.Kh8 Kg6 5.Kg8 Ra8#. The rook cut the king off, your king took the opposition, and the rook mated on the edge. Mate in 5.
chessGM