Defending Rook Against Rook and Bishop

Black to play and draw

Play

A lone rook against rook and bishop can hold, but only with active defense. Keep your rook working and steer for the drawing corner.

No signup needed. The opponent never gives up, and every mistake gets explained.

Defending Rook Against Rook and Bishop

Hold the draw against perfect play

Waking the engine…

The theory

Rook and bishop against rook is a draw with correct defense, but the margin is thin. Active piece play and the right corner keep the half point.

Choose the safe corner. Aim your king at the corner opposite the bishop's color, out of reach of the Philidor mate.

Stay active. Check the king, harass the bishop, and keep the rook off passive squares. A cornered, passive rook is exactly what loses.

In this drill the attacker presses for Philidor's position. Defend actively and hold the draw.

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