Forcing the Philidor Position
White to play and win
PlayWith the defending king already pinned to the edge, this rook and bishop win is close at hand. Reach Philidor's position and the mate follows.
No signup needed. The opponent never gives up, and every mistake gets explained.
Forcing the Philidor Position
Win against perfect defense
Waking the engine…
The theory
When the defending king is already pressed to the edge, rook and bishop win quickly. The finish is the classic Philidor maneuver.
Box the king in. Hold the enemy king against the edge on the bishop's color, with king and bishop covering its escape squares.
Drive the rook off. A forcing sequence removes the defending rook from the king's side, and then the two pieces mate. Move order is everything.
In this drill the opponent defends perfectly. Corner the king, reach Philidor's position, and mate.