Rook vs Three Connected Pawns

White to play and win

Play

A rook beats three connected pawns as long as they have not reached the sixth rank with their king behind. Stop them from the front, then round them up with the king.

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

Rook vs Three Connected Pawns

Win against perfect defense

Waking the engine…

The theory

Three connected passed pawns are a match for a rook: on the sixth rank, supported by their king, they win, because the rook cannot stop three promotion threats at once. Short of that, the rook wins.

The method. Block the pawns from in front with the rook, so no pawn can advance without being taken or leaving its neighbours weak. Then walk your king over to attack the front pawn and collect them.

The tipping point. The danger line is the sixth rank: three connected pawns there, with the king behind, queen one by force. Assess how far they have come before you commit to winning them.

In this drill the pawns are still on the fourth. Stop them, bring the king, and mop up. The tablebase defender will push a runner the instant your rook drifts.

Keep going

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