Endgame 7: The Philidor defence and rook endings

Save rook endings with checks from behind, win the close races between rook and pawn, and play rook endings from real games. This is an endgame course with 6 lessons and 40 interactive exercises, suited to players rated around 1800 (strong club players). Every exercise is played on a real board with feedback after each move, there is nothing to install, and it is free.

Lessons in Endgame 7: The Philidor defence and rook endings

1. The Philidor defence – When the attacking pawn reaches the 6th rank, the defending rook goes to the first rank and checks from behind.
2. Rook against pawn: precise play – Close races between rook and pawn, where only one move wins.
3. Rook endings in practice – Rook endings from games: active rooks, passed pawns and well-timed checks.
4. Endgame defence – Find the only moves that hold the draw.
5. Pawn endings in practice – Pawn endings from games: count tempi, use the opposition, make a passed pawn.
6. Passed pawns and promotion – Endgames from games where a passed pawn decides: push it, clear its path and make a new queen.

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