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Rook Endgames Compilation – Secrets & Techniques

Lesson 7: Beating Back-Rank Defense

Some interesting stats:
Only 51% wins from this position (60% with players above 2400 FIDE);
When it was White to play, only 1 time they played the winning move (9% of the times). Still they were not able to win it;
Lots of situations where one side plays a wrong move and the opponent returns the favor later;
At that time, GM Kirill Shevchenko (2592 FIDE), was not able to win it. Played a wrong move ;
GM Janssen Ruud (2528) was unable to win it;
IM Roberto Molina (2467) was unable to defeat GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (2541);
A 2340 FIDE player proposed a draw (accepted), in a winning position without even moving ;
A player with over 2250 resigned without forcing the opponent to prove it.
(Source: Chessbase Mega Database 2023)

Playlist:
   • Rook Endgames Compilation – Secrets & Tech...  

Positions from this video:
FEN Black to play: 1r6/R3K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 3
FEN White to play: 1r6/R3K1k1/4P3/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1

0:00 Introduction
0:12 Some interesting stats
2:22 How to win a drawn endgame, how to draw a losing endgame
3:18 Starting position, Black to play
8:35 Starting position, White to play
12:54 Conclusion

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Rook endgames are among the most important and challenging areas of chess. They occur more frequently than any other type of endgame, often making up nearly half of practical endings, which makes their study essential. Their difficulty lies in the vast amount of knowledge required: unlike other endgames, where positions with few pawns are either elementary or rarely relevant, rook endings demand a deeper understanding of numerous theoretical positions and subtle nuances.

The rook itself is a powerful, long-range piece that thrives on activity. It is far less effective in passive defense or in blockading passed pawns, which means that even positions where one side sacrifices the rook can remain unclear. Because of this complexity, knowing precise positions and applying typical methods of play are indispensable.

Mastering rook endings not only equips a player with the tools to handle practical situations confidently but also reflects a deeper positional understanding—an essential mark of true chess strength.

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