The Seventh-Rank Fortress
White to play and draw
PlayAn extra pawn can turn a losing rook into a fortress. With the pawn on the seventh and the rook shielding its king, even a full queen cannot break in.
No signup needed. The opponent never gives up, and every mistake gets explained.
The Seventh-Rank Fortress
Hold the draw against perfect play
Waking the engine…
The theory
Queen versus rook is a win, but add a defensive pawn and the picture changes. In the right setup, rook and pawn build a fortress the queen cannot storm.
Why it holds. The pawn on the seventh and the rook beside the king cover the invasion squares. With no fork, no zugzwang that gains, and no safe approach, the queen simply circles.
The attacker's real task. Recognizing a true fortress is the skill. Once you see there is no break, you stop pushing and settle for the draw instead of walking into stalemate.
In this drill you hold the balance with the stronger side. Keep the queen active, respect the wall, and take the half-point.