Rook against pawn is lesson 1 of 3 in Rook endgames essentials, an endgame course suited to players rated around 1000 (improving players). A rook is worth much more than a pawn, but a far advanced pawn with its king beside it can still save the game. Who wins depends on the kings. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
Three ideas decide most rook endings. Bring your king to the fight. Use rook checks to push the enemy king away from where it is needed. And put your rook behind passed pawns, where it attacks or supports them from far away.
What you practise
The black pawn has its king right next to it. Your rook alone cannot win it: the king will always protect it. What wins?
Here your king is close enough to help, and a rook check works too. Push the black king off the pawn's file, so your rook can stand behind the pawn.
Now you defend, with the black pawn. A pawn this far up, with its king beside it, can hold a rook. Keep them together and move forward.
Worked examples
The black pawn has its king right next to it. Your rook alone cannot win it: the king will always protect it. What wins? Right. Only the king walk wins. With your king near, the rook and king win the pawn together.
Here your king is close enough to help, and a rook check works too. Push the black king off the pawn's file, so your rook can stand behind the pawn. Good. After the king steps aside, your rook watches the pawn from behind, and your king comes to win it. Walking the king over at once also wins here.
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