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Theory/Rook and Bishop: The Philidor Win

Rook and Bishop: The Philidor Win

Rook and bishop against rook is usually a draw, but this position, known since 1749, is a win: the black king is pressed to the edge and your king faces it. The rule: the defending rook is at its best on the 2nd rank, far behind your king. Once it is there, a waiting move forces it off, and then the bishop covers the square it wants to check from.

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