Rook vs Connected Pawns: Behind the Leading Pawn
White to play and win
PlayThe rule of the chapter, in one move. Against two connected passed pawns, the rook belongs behind the more advanced pawn: here, Rg6.
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The Rook Belongs Behind the Leading Pawn
White to play and win · Win against perfect defense
Waking the engine…
The theory
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When a rook faces two connected passed pawns, one rule decides the game: the rook belongs behind the more advanced pawn.
Only one move. Rg6 wins. The g-pawn is the leader, and the rook slots in behind it, freezing it and keeping the f-pawn in range.
Behind the wrong pawn loses. Rf6, behind the f-pawn, does not hold, and neither does anything on the a-file. The rule is not a preference, it is the difference between a win and a loss.
Then collect. With the leader nailed down, the rook picks the pawns off one at a time and the rest is elementary technique.
Keep going
Rook Against Separated Pawns
White to play and draw
Three Files Apart: The Rook Is Overloaded
Black to play and win
Separated Passers Overrun the Rook
Black to play and win
All 96 rook endgames positionsFollow the full curriculum (free)