Rook and Bishop vs Rook: Facing the Second-Rank Defense
White to play and draw
PlayRook and bishop against a lone rook is a book draw. You have the extra piece, but the defender across the board knows the method. Press safely, learn the barrier that stops you, and take the draw.
Updated
New to this ending? Learn the method first: Domination
No signup needed. The opponent never gives up, and every mistake gets explained.
The Second-Rank Defense
White to play and draw · Hold the draw against perfect play
Waking the engine…
The theory
Rook and bishop against a lone rook is a book draw, and the second-rank defense is one of the two proven methods that hold it.
The barrier. The defending rook stays near its king, covering the squares in front of it and breaking the coordination any mating net needs.
Press safely. Probe with checks and threats, but never at the price of a piece: against precise defense there is no forced win.
In this drill you press with the extra piece against a defence that never cracks. Learn the barrier that stops you and bank the draw.
Keep going
Holding the Rook and Bishop Ending
White to play and draw
Rook Against Rook and Bishop: Holding the Draw
Black to play and draw
Driving the King to the Dangerous Corner
White to play and win
All 30 rook vs minor positionsFollow the full curriculum (free)