Rook against pawn: precise play is lesson 2 of 6 in Endgame 7: The Philidor defence and rook endings, an endgame course suited to players rated around 1800 (strong club players). Close races between rook and pawn, where only one move wins. 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 and win. (3 positions)
Black to move and win. (3 positions)
Worked examples
White to move and win. 1.Kb5 Kf2 2.Kc4 e3 3.Kd3 Kf3 4.Kd4. The rook and king stopped the pawn in time. This is a won endgame (checked with endgame tables). After Kb6 the win would be gone.
Black to move and win. 1...Rb4+ 2.Kc6 Kg7 3.Kd6 Kf7 4.c6 Ke8. The rook and king stopped the pawn in time. This is a won endgame (checked with endgame tables). After Kg7 the win would be gone.
More in Endgame 7: The Philidor defence and rook endings
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