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The Rook's Pawn

Chess endings of King, Rook and Rook's pawn vs. King and Rook

Learning the truth about any Rook's pawn ending can sometimes require a computer. However, finding the correct move is much simplified when you know the correct plan. Rook and Pawn endings are by far the most difficult endings to master, because the defensive manuevers and techniques change slightly depending on which pawn is on the board. Here we will explore the plans available when the pawn is a Rook's pawn.

When Rook and Rook's pawn endings arise, one of two main situations may exist. The first is when the stronger King has escorted the pawn to the seventh rank, but finds himself trapped in front of the pawn on one of the corner squares. There is a fine line between whether the position is drawn or won, and that line is along the c-file (for the a-pawn) or f-file (for the h-pawn). If the defending King manages to keep his opposite number sealed in, by using this file, the game is drawn; if he is one file further away then he loses the game. The second possiblity arises when the Rook finds itself trapped in front of the pawn, while defending its march up the file. Unlike the first case, here the defending King needs to stay away from the pawn in order to hold the draw.

In the first position below, White does not have time to complete the maneuver of Rook to h2-h8-b8 before the Black King gets to c7, keeping the White King boxed in on the a8 square.

Rook and Rook's pawn vs. Rook

In next position, however, the Black King is one file further away, and so White has enough time to complete the Rook's journey to b8. The only possible winning plan available to White, when his King is trapped in front of a Rook's pawn, is this manuever by the Rook to free the King. Let us see how this idea works out in practice:

Rook and Rook's pawn vs. Rook

The only difference between winning and losing is a single square - if the defending King is three squares away away from the pawn he secures the draw with no trouble. Yet winning the won position requires White to know how to use the escape routes demonstrated in the second position above. One method is simple, e.g. the King marches towards the checking Rook to end the continous checks. The second technique, in which the King proceeds along the back of the board to safety, requires a little more finesse.

Now if the Rook is trapped in front of the pawn as in the third position above, the game is drawn unless Black tries to follow the same plan as discussed with the King trapped - moving towards the pawn! One of the key reasons that Rook endings are so difficult is that subtle changes in the position means that the correct plan changes. With a trapped White Rook, Black's denfensive plan is continuous checks and maintaining his own King on the opposite side of the board. The important "theory" to understand in this situation is that the checking defense can be used in two directions.

Rook and Rook's pawn vs. Rook

Moving the pawn back a square (see next position) gives the King shelter from the checks, the a7 square. However, a secondary strategy exists, based on the same theme as already examined. The concept is that the a7 square only shelters the King from checks from the rear. However, it does not provide protection against checks from the side, a factor which allows Black to maintain the draw.

Rook and Rook's pawn vs. Rook

If this concept is understood, the next example should be easy to understand. Adding the other Rook pawn to the board does not change the result. Remember the the correct plan with the Rook trapped behind pawn is to maintain the defending King on the opposite side of the board. Here the defending King will not cross the board, and thus it is in a natural position to stop the other Rook pawn.

Rook and Rook's pawn vs. Rook

Now let's take a look at what we have learned, and see how these principles are applied when Grandmasters play.

Rook and Rook's pawn vs. Rook

Grandmaster Henley defended with style to convert the position into a basic Rook and Rook pawn ending. Our next example once again shows how important are the basic Rook and pawn endings, when transitioning from more complex endings of the same type.

Rook and Rook's pawn vs. Rook

We have only scratched the surface of this difficult endgame, but you can approach the task with confidence if only a few "typical" positions are kept in mind. Rook endgames are fundamental to this final phase of any chess game. Good luck with your next Rook and Rook pawn ending!